“What about the millions who will live in safety because of that sacrifice? How many generations will be born and live without fear because of a few deaths? I think it's worth it, Az.”
“You can't know how many will die, Carus, or how many will be unhappy under your rule. Conquerors are feared, not loved. Is that truly what you want? To be a dictator?”
“No.”
Azrael started to relax.
“I want to be the Supreme Goddess,” I went on, and he paled. “The only goddess to be worshiped. Then the Gods will be forced to come to me for their immortality, and I can keep them in check.”
“Now, you sound like Zeus.”
I slapped him automatically and then immediately gasped and laid my hand on his cheek. “I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn't have done that.”
Az pressed his hand over mine and stared at me forlornly. “Fight this, Carus. Please. Come back to me.”
“Come back withme, Az,” I implored. “Be the God to my Goddess. Rule the world with me. I love you. It's always been you and me, ever since you held my soul in your hands. That kind of connection trumps all others. You know me better than anyone else. You know that I want the best for the world; for Gods and humans. We can make it a safe place together.”
“Carus, I...” Azrael took a deep breath and as he let it out, his eyes shimmered back to pale blue. “Okay.”
“Okay?” I beamed at him. “Truly?”
“Truly.” Az pulled me into an embrace and kissed me.
There was no anger or resentment in his kiss. Just sweet, gentle passion. Softly stroking hands and heartbeats pounding together. I had my husband back; one down, six to go. As I sank into relief and pleasure in Azrael's arms, Star spoke into my mind.
He's playing you. He thinks that if he's with you, he has a better chance of turning you back into your old self.
If that's true, then I shall have the chance to convince him that this change is positive. I'll prove to him that I'm not tainted.
Fair enough, her voice slid into a calculatingly pleased tone.
On the contrary; I intend to play very unfairly.
Even better.
Chapter Fourteen
“Nice view,” Azrael noted as he stood at the window of our penthouse suite.
I joined him and considered the city. I've never been a fan of cities, although they were prettier at night; all sparkling lights and shining metal. This city, in particular, stood like a bastion against an almost apocalyptic stretch of dusty sand that somehow seemed even bleaker with the sharp crisscross of roadways, aggressive expanse of bridges, and the deep indigo ocean that scooped into it.
“If you like dirt and steel,” he went on as if he could hear my thoughts.
“I agree; it's not the most breathtaking vista, but I can change that eventually. For now, I need to make use of the tactical advantage this place gives me.”
“An island kingdom.” Az nodded. “Easier to defend but you also have to import supplies; here especially. There's not a lot that grows here.”
“There are quite a few crops that do well here, plus there are livestock and lots of fish. That being said, I can import anything I need in an instant.” I grinned at him.
“You truly have no limits now?” He turned to face me; expression solemn and wings relaxed.
“No limits,” I whispered as clouds filled the room and the floor fell away.
Azrael gaped at the Garden of Eden far below our feet. “Did you take us to Shehaquim?”
“No; it's only an illusion,” I sauntered forward across the puffy clouds and as I did, I shifted into my weredragon form but a minor version of it. Golden scales outlined my suddenly naked body, pale horns curved back at my temples, a sleek tail whipped around my legs, and a pair of leathery wings lifted from my back.
Azrael's eyes went diamond again, this time, full of arousal. He loved my weredragon form, but this was a new one for him; one that combined the best of a woman with the best of a dragon. Most of my flesh remained bare and my hair cascaded down my back, its starlight lock mimicking the shine of Azrael's stare. I banished my husband's clothing with a thought and pressed my body against his, cradling his rising shaft with my thighs.
“Care to make love to your wife on a cloud, Angel?” I purred.
A thick cumulus rose up behind me. I draped myself over it and spread my legs invitingly. Azrael made a savage sound and leapt for me, wings spreading wide to slow his fall. The cloud misted up around us as his mouth found mine; hot tongues twirling together anxiously as his hands roamed my body as if for the first time. I stroked my fingers through his thick, dark, hair, sprinkling a little temptation into his mind as I did; temptation for me and my plans.
I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Star murmured.
It's just a little insurance. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like some time alone with my husband.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Azrael jerked against me as his lust magnified, hiding the subtle slide of my will into his. He knew I held lust magic as well as love, and he wouldn't be the least suspicious of his arousal suddenly compounding. I grinned to myself with smug anticipation as my husband surged into me and started a wild pace. I loved it when Azrael let himself go.
Midnight feathers spread above me, the scent of vanilla orchids riding the air and my husband's cock driving shivering pleasure throughout my body. Heaven; my angel always took me to heaven. Even, and especially, when he was playing the part of the Prince of Hell.
I suppose that I had taken us to Heaven first with this lovely illusion. The thick clouds of Shehaquim's sky carried and caressed us with trailing,
