OBSIDIAN: Birth to Venus
Chapter 18

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“Jai!” Joy yelled. “Again!” The full force of Joy’s despair was railing at Jai’s ribs. Jai bent over, amazed that Joy wouldn’t take even one day off, not even after her birthday. Five a.m. was their designated mental training time and nothing could sway her from it. “Focus!” she yelled.

Jai grimaced in pain, trying to block her mother’s kicks. A migraine pulsed violently in her brain. Images of Darin’s death flooded her mind. A tinny flavor filled her mouth. A high pitched whistle rang in her ears, slowly amplifying. Jai doubled over, as Joy knocked her punches easily out of the way. “No, not like that, Jai. Focus! Not on what’s going on in your mind. Focus on what’s real, real in your body!”

Jai did as she was told. She tried to remember the present moment, the reality of her breaths moving in and out, the air rushing past her nostrils, oxygen flooding her veins, filling her organs. The more she did so, the more she focused, the more she breathed life into her punches and kicks. Soon, the ringing in her ears began to dull until, eventually, the migraine began to subside. She took a deep breath to feel the silence in her mind before launching a full assault. A rush of roundhouse kicks, punches, and knees, and Jai had Joy subdued.

“Good, better.” Joy looked at her, satisfied. Their training was paying off. Joy had made sure of that. It wasn’t easy, but Jai was getting the hang of it. The hardest part was not getting lost in the psychedelic visions Joy had crafted especially for her. Joy went straight for the jugular, always reaching for the most painful thoughts, memories of losing Darin and Dad, the two loves of both their lives.

Meditation over, Jai opened her eyes to find her mother sitting up, readjusting the pillow she now used to sit lotus style. Not a hair was out of place on her beautiful face, while sweat was running down Jai’s cheek. Joy tossed Jai a hand towel, and pulled over a tray of tea. “So, what time’s Sean picking you up tonight?” she asked, smiling broadly.

Jai pat the perspiration off her forehead and neck. “He’s swinging by this morning, actually. Around ten. He wants to take me on a trip.”

“Ooo!” Joy teased.

Jai laughed. “I’m looking forward to it. He’s always complaining, saying he’s tired of being a passenger. He insists on flying this time. Destination is captain’s choice.”

“I wonder where he’ll take you.” Joy looked away, dreamily. “That boy’s got style.” Joy beamed.

“Can’t deny that!” Jai laughed, and shook her head.

When Sean landed the jet lightly on the ground, he screamed, “Yes!” with a fist pump to the torso. “I love it!”

“So glad you like it,” Jai said, laughing.

“This jet’s not even on the market…yet, here it is, in my hands.” Sean caressed the leather interior, and admired the craftsmanship and design. It was beautiful, and Sean was amazed that Jai’s company had developed it. It was the first time he’d flown it. She was happy he shared the same passion for flying as she did. “But, I digress,” he said. “Your castle awaits, my lady.”

Sean motioned for Jai to take his hand as they disembarked. A Manager greeted them. “Welcome to the castle, Dr. Dean, Mr. McCarthy. I trust your stay will be a most relaxing one.”

“I look forward to it,” Jai said. How could I not enjoy myself? It was the epitome of a fairytale castle. Dating back to 1104, it was famous in Ireland, once owned by one of the wealthiest families. Ever since 1900, it was a five-star luxury destination. Jai took full advantage of the co-captain’s chair on the flight in. Viewed from the sky, the medieval architecture and perfectly manicured estate were breathtaking, as was the surrounding water. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

As they entered the grand hall, Jai sighed. Oak adorned the ceiling and paneled walls, a perfect complement to the original balustrade. And, an incredible crystal chandelier topped the amber walled room like a jewel.

They arrived at their room, the Presidential Suite, resplendent with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the nearby lake. Decadent ivory, gold, and green silks adorned the room, a mix of textures bringing even greater depth to the large, four poster bed. French mahogany antiques peppered the room, and exquisite floral paintings adorned the walls. The original fireplace was as stylish as ever, in this, the oldest wing of the castle. It was a step back in time.

“Do you like it?” Sean wrapped his arms around Jai’s waist and nestled into her neck.

“I love it,” she whispered.

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “We’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the fire later. Let’s go. I’ve got another surprise for you.”

Jai laughed. “Surprises are becoming your thing, Sean.” She used to hate surprises. Perhaps because he’d planned them, she’d learned to enjoy the experience. His joie de vivre was infectious. Sean took her hand and, after indulging in afternoon tea, they walked out through the grounds, the lush green grass a vision to see. Upon a clearing, Jai saw an expansive woodland with groves of trees. Sean reached into his pocket, and produced a thick leather glove. Positioning her arm outward, he fit the glove to her hand and smiled, watching intently as he took a few steps back. “Now, stand still,” he whispered.

Jai heard the wind rustling before anything else. Suddenly, the flutter of wings, and an imposing, magnificent hawk flung her formidable talons forward. She landed a mighty grip on Jai’s hand.

Jai’s entire face burst into a smile. “Amazing!” Jai said. She marveled at the hawk’s glowing yellow eyes, the severe point in her hooked beak, and the white and black design that fanned out from underneath her brown and black feathered wings.

“It’s a Harris hawk, one of many at the castle. They have one of the best falconry schools here in Ireland. I’ve been coming here for years.” Sean sighed, appreciating the beautiful creature before him. Jai’s smile remained frozen. She was astonished; he’d succeeded in surprising her. She laughed, realizing that, when it came to Sean, she no longer expected anything less.

“I can see why’d you return to this place. She’s incredible.” Jai relished the weight of the bird, resting majestically on her hand. An awesome force of nature, she was so frighteningly powerful, yet beautiful and full of grace. Sean gloved his own hand and they walked, each with their own hawk. As they ambled through the woodland, the hawks flew free before swooping down to land on their gloved fists. Sean described their exceptional eyesight, likely the closest to a sentient’s, and Jai witnessed the speed and agility with which they flew, high above the trees.

When they returned to the suite, Jai was still talking about the hawks they’d seen. “You know,” Sean said. “I’m beginning to get jealous.”

“Jealous…of a bird?” Jai looked at him incredulously.

“Yes,” Sean emphasized. “I think it’s the most I’ve seen you talk about…well, anything.”

Jai laughed. He was right. She enjoyed a rich internal life, and often kept those musings to herself. Animals were different, though. They’d always had an impact on her. Somehow, being close to them breathed a renewed sense of excitement in her, and she couldn’t contain herself. “It was an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Sean.”

“My pleasure.” With a pleased look on his face, he promised, “There’s much more to come.”

After a quick shower, Jai unpacked her evening wear: a lace thong and a golden slip dress. She pulled them up by their thin, iridescent straps. The satin fabric shimmered against her collarbone, a perfect complement to her light tan skin and bare breasts. A quick look in the mirror, and she met Sean on the balcony. As he turned to face her, the sun setting behind him, she admired how impressively handsome he looked in a simple white dress shirt and navy slacks. They walked hand in hand to the dining room. Jai gazed at the Waterford chandeliers, as the soft sound of a piano tickled her ears. Sean grinned as he enjoyed their perfectly seasoned, slow roasted rib. Jai dipped hers into an assortment of sauces: béarnaise, red wine, au jus. They couldn’t decide on dark or milk chocolate, so they finished with a bittersweet mousse of chocolate and pear.

As they reentered their suite, Jai was drunk with happiness. A day filled with flying, food, and friendship. It was a closeness Jai hadn’t felt in a long time. “What a crazy day! I can’t believe it’s only our first day here.” Her mind raced. She walked toward a marble table and looked out the window, at the lake. “I can’t wait to see the rest of the castle, see what other discoveries we can make. Is there anything you haven’t explored, still want to do?” She turned to face him, surprised to find him standing so close to her.

“Just one,” he whispered, his eyes burning into hers.

Jai leaned away, the back of her gown pressed against the marble table. Sean kept his eyes trained on her. With a finger, he traced the nape of her neck, across the delicate curve of her collarbone. His energy flushed against her skin and, as he moved closer, a strong scent rushed in. Fresh, yet woodsy, with a musk undertone. Her memory fluttered, unable to place this smell, a smell only he seemed to have. It was unlike any cologne she’d come across before. She searched his eyes, as if the answer were there, but he drew his eyes downward, longing for her lips. He pressed his lips gently, slowly against hers, then with greater force. Kissing her deeply, he ran his hands through her long brown hair. Jai’s head tilted back, then forward as she pressed her tongue fervently against his. His hands reached for the gold straps of her dress. He pulled them, one after the other, off her shoulders. Her dress fell loosely to her waist, revealing her soft glowing skin, just waiting to be touched. He kissed her passionately.

Quickly, he lifted her up, hoisting her onto the table. He pulled the rest of her dress to the floor, before sitting her gently down. The white marble was cold against her skin. But, the more he kissed, the more she could only feel the heat building between her legs.

Straightening herself, she stood up from the table. She was standing above him. With a finger and flick of her wrist, she beckoned him to stand. He smiled at her mischievously, as she began walking ahead of him, strutting her naked frame all the way to the four poster bed. He watched, as the dim lights highlighted every curve of her strong, yet supple, body. Shadows formed along her hips as she sauntered and circled around him at the foot of the bed. Her eyes focused on his as she took her time, undoing each button of his shirt, exposing his chiseled chest and muscular arms. She looked, amazed; somehow his body was even more impressive in low lighting. The shadows brought out every muscle, every movement in his powerful body. She gazed at him, a captive audience. She enjoyed seeing as much as being seen.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. She kissed him, her tongue entwined with his. She felt his breath quicken, as she pushed him back onto the bed. She kissed him, taking him higher and higher until he wrangled free, lifting her, laying her gently on the bed. Jai’s gaze turned to his, her eyes a fierce jade. The green darkened as they made love, an overwhelming sense of fullness enveloping her. And, the more they kissed, the more they moved in tandem, the more his mind seemed to meld with hers.

Visions flooded her mind’s eye: the sun falling against her cheek, a tendril of hair hanging delicately by her ear. The grappling of their bodies, sparring in the afternoon sun. The wind rushing past them, as they fought cliff-side, beside the water. The thickness of her eyelashes, flush against her face, as she lay sleeping in bed beside him. Her excited expression, watching as the falcon leapt gracefully off her arm and took to flight. So many visions of herself, seen from his eyes. An overwhelming sense of longing flooded her veins, as if his feelings were her own. Jai had never felt anything like it, had never experienced any similar circumstance. It was entirely out-of-body, yet present in every cell of her being, all at once.

As Sean quickened the pace, she hastened to meet it, their bodies and his mind enmeshing ever deeper with hers. Electricity shot through him, fiery jolts of energy forcing their way inside of her, through his fingertips and hands. He gripped her arms and legs as she wrapped tightly around him. They moved in concert, his thoughts riding like waves along with hers. She heard his voice echo in her ears. Jai, Jai, he repeated, as their breaths quickened, mirroring each other to a fever pitch, her body pounding fiercely along with his, until they became one. Energy ripped through her body. It resonated beyond her sex, deep within her gut. It traveled up through her temples, as if her body had become a conductor, a conduit, a siphon transformed to fully serve her needs.

She blinked. She turned away. He reached around her waist and spooned her. “I love you, Jai,” he whispered. He didn’t have to tell her. She’d heard it long ago, loud and clear.

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