recognized it. A wave of
happiness washed through her, and she leaned against Matt and breathed out a
contended sigh.
With a blur, he released his
bear-self and stood before her, tall and naked and gorgeous. Jackie threw her
arms around the former SEAL, or at least as far around him as she could get. He
was huge. She was all too aware of his manhood pressing against her, thick and
heavy.
Swallowing, she stepped back and
stared up into his eyes. “You were so brave,” she said, hearing the choked
quality of her voice. “The way you charged Walsh like that, without a care for
anything else. The way you took on those golems single-handed.”
Matt grinned tiredly. One of his
arms slipped around her waist, pulling her back against him. Just like before,
action was turning him on, despite everything. She could feel his shaft
hardening against her.
“I had a little help,” he said.
Tannenbaum cleared his throat. “About
that payment …”
Ignoring him, Jackie ran her palms
along Matt’s taut abs, and she kissed the flesh around one of his abrasions.
The golems had really done a number on him.
“Does it hurt?” she said.
“I’ll be fine,” Matt said. “Just
need something to eat.” He grunted. “A beer wouldn’t hurt, either.”
“For a small additional fee, I have
some healing spells available,” said Tannenbaum, ever the businessman. He
seemed to study them pressing up against each other. “And, er, well …”
“Yes?” Jackie said.
Tannenbaum cleared his throat. “Normally
I would tell you to get a room, but for one time only I’m prepared to offer a
special bonus. A free bonus, for saving my life.”
“Yeah?” said Matt.
Tannenbaum snapped his fingers, and
a covered silver dish appeared in mid-air.
Matt inhaled deeply, then ripped
the silver dome off to reveal a succulent roast chicken surrounded by delicious-looking
Spanish rice, complete with utensils and after-dinner mints. Ignoring the
utensils, Matt tore off a leg and began munching enthusiastically. As he did,
Jackie could practically see his wounds beginning to heal.
“I put a touch of healing juice in
the dish,” Tannenbaum said. “Gluten-free and entirely organic.” To Jackie, he
said, “When you two have, ah, finished enjoying the sights here, just walk
through the gateway and you will arrive before the courthouse in Pine Ridge. I
suggest clothing Matt before you cross over, so as not to be arrested.” He
snapped his fingers again, and a blue sweat suit appeared from thin air. Matt
grabbed it with the hand not holding the remains of the chicken leg—there
wasn’t much left—and tossed the clothes over his shoulder. Tannenbaum slipped
Jackie a piece of paper with a number on it and said, “Just mail me a check for
that amount within a week and I will call our business concluded.”
Jackie winced at the number. It was
all she had left. But damn if it hadn’t been worth it. Oh hell yeah.
“Thank you,” she told Tannenbaum
again.
“Especially for the chicken,” Matt
said, reaching for the other leg. “I need the name of your cook.”
Tannenbaum laughed. “Next time, my
friends. Now, if you would, I have seen enough naked men today, and I am very
tired.”
Matt chuckled. His eyes sparkled,
and he looked quite restored now: awake, alive and very horny. The silver dish containing what was left of the chicken
and rice hovered in the air nearby, and Matt found a spoon and began devouring
the rice.
Tannenbaum moved to the gateway made
of stone slabs, stepped through and into his mansion. Turning, he gave them a
wave and said, “Have fun.”
She and Matt waved back, and then Tannenbaum
closed the door. As soon as he did, the door seemed to vanish, leaving only the
stone gateway, through which could be seen more trees and grassy hills. Jackie
and Matt were all alone.
Chapter 12
Matt whistled. “I wasn’t sure about the whole magic thing at
first, but I’m sold now. Magic is awesome.”
Jackie
Lane Diamond
Thomas Greanias
Rice Broocks
Andrew Norriss
Michael Laimo
Toni Anderson
Martha Steinway
Nick Earls
Kenneth J. Harvey
Elizabeth Singer Hunt