Serving Absynthe, page 4
* * *
As soon as I exit the cave, I begin shifting. My beast has one singular thought. His hoard was stolen. He will not be stopped until he gets it back. I try to fight the shift to no avail. My body twists in agony as my skin boils off from his acid. My muscles, tendons, and organs go next, forming puddles of slime and goo. My bones break and reform, growing larger. My arms agonizingly become his wings. His tail bones extend out from behind him, and his neck bones elongate. When my skull reforms, my teeth fall out and dragon teeth sprout anew. The pain is indescribable, and my Wyvern roars as his insides become new. The last thing to form is the scaled hide. It covers his body inch by inch. When the shift finishes, my Wyvern leaps out of the puddle of goo and takes flight. He seeks out his prey, and all I can do is watch from inside his mind. We are no longer of one mind, and I am horrified that I have no say in what happens.
* * *
The screams he is emitting, call many of Absynthe’s zombies out on the grounds. It brings out the guys as well, and they look pissed. I really hope the Wyvern doesn’t kill them. He swoops down closer and covers her beloved zombies with acid. They melt into disgusting goop and Absynthe screams out in agony. The sound of her pain does something to the Wyvern. He stops flying and begins to spiral toward the ground. I scream at him from the confines of his mind, ‘FLY, DAMN YOU! DON’T KILL US YOU FUCKING IDIOT!’ I keep screaming at him as I watch the ground get closer. At the very last second, he corrects himself and lands gracefully. ‘I hate you, you bastard.’ I watch Absynthe drop our belongings on the ground and run inside. ‘Our hoard is safe. Now give me back my body.’ You’d think he would listen, but no. He stalks over to our hoard and wraps his body around it. A few of the zombies amble closer, and he spits at them too. Absynthe is going to be so pissed at me. Fuck. My. Life. The guys leave my Wyvern alone and go inside too. I sigh, ‘Guess I’m stuck here until he falls asleep. Might as well take a nap.’
* * *
I wake a few hours later and smile. The Wyvern is finally asleep. I coax the shift out of him and it goes much more smoothly this time. My body melts and reforms back to my human one with minimal pain. He can handle the acid better than I can. I pick up my Wyvern’s hoard and walk inside, naked as the day I was born. I need to wash these before I can wear them again.
* * *
I don’t know how I am going to make it up to Absynthe, but I hope she will forgive me when I explain why my Wyvern did what he did. The first person I run into just has to be Kaius, and he looks pissed. Fuck, I didn’t even consider that they would be mad at me. My Wyvern is such an asshole, and I wish I could push him away again. Kai doesn’t say a word. He walks up to me and punches me in the jaw. I don’t fight back, because I deserve this. He yells, “You might be the biggest of us, but you sure as hell aren’t the smartest! What were you thinking? We need this place, and now Absynthe is considering kicking us out! Over your fucking clothes! Your Wyvern is seriously broken! Fix this, or I will end you!” After his tirade, Kai walks past me, checking me with his shoulder as he does. Fuck! I head upstairs to our rooms and find a small washer and dryer in one of the many closets. I empty my pockets of my real treasures, put the clothes in, and start it. I go to my chosen room next and sit on the bed looking through the things that my Wyvern has latched onto. They aren’t valuable really, but they are my most prized possessions. My father’s watch, the locket my mother wore until the day she died, the only photo of my family that was ever taken, and my sister's favorite barrette. A single tear falls from my eye as I remember the day they died.
* * *
I was returning from school when I heard a screech above me and the sun was blocked out. My Wyvern went into protect mode and shifted. I gave him my body easily in those days. We took to the sky and met our attacker with equal force. It was Dirk, a rogue Wyvern, exiled from our nest when he forced himself on my sister, Thrella. She was only 13 and he took her innocence. We should have killed him then, but our leader, Geet, was his father and decided to send him away in exile instead. The next day, my father challenged Geet and killed him, taking over leadership of the Nest. Things were quiet for a few years, but we were always watching and waiting for Dirk’s return. It seemed that day had finally come. I fought him with all I had, but he was older and faster. He’d gotten in a few good hits, but I learned his fighting style quickly. When he lunged for my neck I rolled out of his reach and ran my claws down his left wing. His wing drooped and he spiraled to the ground, hitting it hard. I landed next to him and roared in his face, making him shift back. He pleaded for his life, and I shifted back too. I had no weapons and he was hurt pretty bad, so I believed he wouldn’t attack. I approached slowly, and he laughed, causing him to cough up blood. I circled him watching his every move, and what he said next froze my blood. “You’re the last one, Amaranthis. The last of your Nest. I killed them all. They didn’t even see it coming.” He coughed up more blood and gasped for breath. My Wyvern was fighting to shift again, but I needed my wits about me. I kept circling him trying not to let my anger take over. I needed him to keep talking. His wounds were slowly starting to heal, but I thought I had more time. He grinned at me, blood covering his teeth, “I saved your sister for last. Her body was so soft and supple. I loved it when she screamed over and over. When I wrapped my hands around her pretty neck, she quieted, turning red and then blue with the loss of oxygen. When her heart stopped beating I came so hard. It was the sweetest release I’ve ever had.” I got so angry I stood over him and with blind rage my Wyvern spit acid all over him while I was still in my human form. I tried to scream, but my throat and tongue were severely damaged. As I watched his body melt, the pain finally reared its head, and I passed out. I woke hours later healed, but without the ability to speak ever again.
* * *
I come out of my memory when someone knocks on my door. I wipe my eyes and go to the door, opening it a crack. It’s Absynthe. She pushes her way in and closes the door.
8
ABSYNTHE
I don’t know why, but I can feel Amar’s pain and I need to make him feel better. I wanted to be mad at him for destroying my zombies, but I was so amazed by his beast. So, I got very turned on instead. One moment I am hiding from everyone, and the next I am outside his bedroom door knocking. He opens the door a crack and I push past him. He seems surprised to see me. Good! I push him again, and this time he falls back onto the bed. He doesn’t move to stop me, so I crawl across his bed and straddle him. He is still nude from his shift, but I am still clothed. I slap him across the face and my nails scratch his cheek. Yet, he still doesn’t stop me. I lick his cheek, lapping up the blood, and watch his eyes dilate. His cock is pressing against me now and I suck in a breath. I unabashedly rub myself against him like a cat in heat, and he grips my hips, grinding harder. I haven’t been touched in so long, and he’s allowing me to take control. I lean down and take his bottom lip into my mouth and suck on it a moment before biting it. I know he likes it cause he lets go of my hip and presses the back of my head. He nips and bites my lips in a furious lust-filled kiss.
* * *
I never kiss my lovers full on the mouth, but damn it, I can’t help myself. I am drawn to him like a moth to a flame. My nails dig into his chest, clawing and gripping him. Suddenly, he takes control back and flips us over. He looks down at me, smirking. He looks me in the eyes and grabs the sides of my panties. I can see the question in his eyes and I nod. He rips them off of me with a flick of his wrists. Hot damn! That was fucking hot. He keeps eye contact as he strokes his monster cock in front of me. It has bumpy protrusions on it and I wonder if that is part of being a Wyvern shifter. I want to feel them inside me.
* * *
I lift up and pull off my dress and bra and throw them to the side. As soon as my breasts are free his mouth is on them. He rubs his bumpy shaft against me and my body arches, begging for more. He angles his head so that it is at my opening and asks me with his eyes again. I smile and nod, grabbing his member and pressing it inside me. Oh, holy shit! I am so wet that he slides home with very little work. He hits the end of me and stops, watching for my reaction. I finally speak, "Fucking Move, Dragon Man!” He smirks, readjusts my legs over his shoulder, and pounds into me with flawless abandon. It feels so good, I find myself cumming after only a few seconds. The bumps hit all the happy places. After I come, he flips me over into doggy style and rams it home again. He grips my tits, flicks his thumbs over my hardened nipples, and moves in and out more slowly. My second orgasm builds to new heights, and when I get close he moves his hand to my clit and strokes it gently. I cry out his name when I come for the second time, and after a few more strokes, he pulls out and releases onto my ass and back. I am drenched in it. He steps away from my quivering body, but he isn’t gone long. He brings a towel and wipes me down, cleaning me off enough to feel more comfortable. After he cleans me off, he stands there looking confused. I am unsure what my next steps should be, so I grab my dress and bra and run out of his room. He makes me feel too much. Things I can’t afford to feel. Feelings make you vulnerable. Feelings make you weak.
* * *
I slip on my dress and right the skirt as I head down the stairs. Vi eyes me with suspicion and I tell her, “I’m showering and visiting my pets. Don’t bother me unless we’re under attack.”
* * *
After I leave her to run the house, I head up to my bathroom and turn on the shower. I get in and wash his cum off of me. I think about our time together today and smile. Fuck me running, I should send him away. He is perfect for me, and I am a mess. I’ve seen many mate pairings over the years and even convinced a man that he was my mate once. He wasn’t, and when he broke my compulsion, he told me he didn’t love me. He was mad that I held him captive for so many years. Then, he changed into his Hyena form and attacked me. So, I defended myself and killed him. He now resides in my Menagerie of Zombie Animals. I sigh, “I really am a mess.” I rinse my body and turn off the water. I don’t bother to do my makeup or even style my hair. I decide to put on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. I don’t need to look pretty for the zombimals. I use the secret door in my room to get to my menagerie. It’s outside, behind my fortress, one-hundred acres of land for them to roam. I always feel my happiest around my pets.
* * *
On my way to them, I stop and get a wheelbarrow full of raw meat and veggies. I also put some treats in my pocket. I call one of my zombies over to push the wheelbarrow while I run my hands over each bar on the fence as I walk to the locked gate that opens to the Menagerie. When I get to the gate, I lovingly stroke the magical lock and slip the key into it. The door opens and I look around. The zombimals begin peeking through the trees. They are always so happy to see me. Rajah, my Siberian tiger, comes up to me first. He rubs his huge face against my legs and purrs. I don’t allow my pets to rot, so they look the same as they did before they died. I stroke his fur while my other pets come closer and sit around me. The only one that is wary is Richter. He is still mad at me even though only his animal base instincts should be there. I throw him a few of the treats, and he gobbles them up and does one of his famous laughs. He yips and runs back into the trees. He is always like that, a coward in life and a coward in undeath. I sigh and sit down on the concrete bench in the center of the clearing. As each animal comes up to get their pats, I relax into their love, the only love I have ever accepted. The gate squeaks, and I turn to look at who it is. My Lioness roars and hisses at the intruder. It’s Zaphael.
* * *
I ignore him and love on my pets some more. My Lioness sits in front of me, blocking his way. When he approaches, she bares her fangs and growls at him. He stops and shifts into a huge Gryphon, and my jaw drops. I can’t even help myself. I am off of the bench and in front of him in seconds. I reach up and stroke his feathered neck. His eagle eyes are on me, and he nibbles my hair with his beak. I move my hands down to his coarse lion fur, and he purrs low in his throat. Next, I reach for his wings and stroke them. He beats them and the force of it pushes me backward. I feel giddy and laugh. I ask him, “Could I ride you?” He bows his head and leans down. I carefully climb on his back, and he takes off into the sky. What a rush. His muscles move under me, and I am in awe of his magnificence. This definitely makes up for the craziness earlier. For the first time, in I don’t know how long, I feel happy and free. He flies us all the way to the Pacific Ocean, catches a large Steelhead, and flies back. He flies in circles over my zombimals and lands gracefully. The Gryphon lowers his body so that I can climb down. I stroke his fur again and step back. He drops the fish into my awaiting arms and shifts back. I am amazed that he is still dressed through his shift. I hand the fish back to him, “My Gryphon was adamant that he wanted to feed you. I will prepare it for you. Will you join me for a private dinner tonight?”
* * *
I smile, “That could be fun. We will have it in my private sitting room. Have Vi and Iris help you. I’ll see you in two hours.”
* * *
“That sounds perfect. I better go get this all ready. See you soon.” He leans down centimeters from my lips, and I suck in a small breath. Is he going to kiss me? He moves to my left cheek and kisses me softly there. I sigh. I guess that will do… for now. I watch his ass as he walks away. His tight pants leave little to the imagination, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
9
ZAPHAEL
I spend the next few hours making a feast for the woman my Beast has chosen as his mate. I have no complaints because Absynthe is hot as fuck. A little crazy and murdery, but I find it charming. She’s just the kind of woman I need. I know my team is enamored with her also, so I have to show her that I am worth a shot. Food is usually the way to anyone’s heart they say, so I will make her the best feast she has ever had. Vi comes in to check on me and asks, “How’s it going in here? Would you like for Iris and I to set the table in Absynthe’s sitting room for you?”
* * *
I nod towards the plates and cutlery I set out, “Sure that would be great. If you know her favorite flower would you put some in a vase on the table?”
* * *
Vi smirks, “Sure thing. We will have it done shortly and will help you carry up everything else when you are ready.”
* * *
I nod at Vi, grateful for her help. I say, “Thanks.”
* * *
I'm making steelhead fillets in an old cast iron skillet with some herbs I found and some fried potatoes. Vi showed me earlier where I could get milk and butter from Absynthe's goat farm. It's hidden in the forest away from the zombies. She also breeds various livestock to feed her pets. I hum as I work. It is a rare occasion that I can cook for someone, and I am enjoying myself. I hand-whip some cream and sugar to serve as a sweet dessert. I really hope Absynthe likes what I am making for her. When I scented Amar on her skin, it drove my Gryphon into a wanton frenzy. He tells me she is my mate, and I listen. I am pretty sure we are all her mates. It’s not rare for this to happen. Supernatural beings, especially rare ones like us, commonly share mates. I didn’t know what to expect when I met my mate, but my Gryphon wants to woo her and that is exactly what we will do.
* * *
When the food is finally done cooking, Vi and Iris appear and begin to carry it upstairs. Vi suggests, “Zaph, we’ve got this. Why don’t you go and clean up real quick?” I thank them and head to my room to change and wash up. Ten minutes later I am at the bottom of her stairwell. I take a deep breath and make my way up. “Here we go, Gryph,” I say to my beast, “Our future awaits.” He screeches in my mind and flaps his wings. I knock on her bedroom door and wait for her to answer.
* * *
“Coming,” she says from her room.
* * *
“Already? But I just got here,” I say with a laugh. She opens the door and raises an eyebrow.
* * *
“I can cum whenever I want, and I do. Wow, you clean up nice,” She tells me with a mischievous smirk.
* * *
I check her out. She’s wearing a slinky red dress that leaves little to my imagination, her hair is up, and she’s wearing eyeliner and red lipstick. Hot damn, I am a lucky man. “You, my dear, look stunning.” I reach for her hand, and she places hers in mine. I tuck her hand into my elbow and I walk her down the hall. Vi is waiting at the door.
