The invitation lay open on her dresser, innocent enough, but she knew those innocent words had deeper, more decadent meaning. She had warred with herself, nearly throwing the invite away on countless occasions, coming up with excuses of why she just couldn’t let it go and now the event in question begins in just hours and she still harbored reservations. She picked it up and re-read it for the millionth time and, again, found no nefarious plot within the words. Her phone jangled, signaling a text message as she threw down the invitation and picked up her phone.
“Stop dithering and get dressed. You are going. You promised.”
Her friend, knew her all too well, knowing she would hesitate to go. She had confided in her friend her loneliness at being 39 and not finding “Mr. right”. She was beginning to become jaded thinking that there was no such creature on the earth. She remembered her friends ringing laugh as she chastised her for “holding out” for the perfect man.
“No man is perfect as no woman is either. You have to stop pre-judging men before they even get a chance to say hello. You have to let go once in awhile Cassie. You so need to get laid! You are too rigid…too uptight.”
“I am not uptight! I just have standards….” She paused and grinned ruefully at her friend and blushed.
“When is the last time you had sex? I do not mean with your pink rabbit because heaven knows you have to be making a mint off the stock you have purchased from Duracell!”
Cassie blushed furiously. “It’s been 2 years.” She mumbled.
“Sweet baby Dionysus! No wonder you’re so uptight! Look, there is a bonfire coming up in May. It’s a real blast and it will give you an opportunity to meet new people. Who knows…maybe you could indulge in a little gratuitous sex with an animate object!”
“I don’t know Bri…” She hesitated but felt a desire burn low in her belly.
“Look, Cassie. I can promise you a good time there and I can also promise that no one will do anything to you that you don’t want done. I’m offering you an opportunity to live your fantasy! You’ve worked so hard and come so far in your career that it’s time for you to start working as hard on your personal life as you have in your professional.”
She chewed on her lower lip as she remembered how those words had followed her for weeks giving her vivid dreams at night. Her thighs clenched at the thought. Her desire to have a man dominate her is her secret pleasure and her secret shame. She thought about what was holding her back and realized that it was fear and fear alone. “Well, that will be enough of that.” She stood and yanked open dressers looking for the perfect outfit. As the invitation indicated and informal affair and the likelihood of a chilly night, she settled for a nice pair of jeans and a light pink sleeveless top that bared just enough cleavage to tempt. She brushed out her long, dark hair and applied a little makeup; enough to make her green eyes sparkle. She texted her friend back as her doorbell rang.
Bri breezed through the door with a flourish. “Cassie! I knew you would come with me!” She hugged her friend and held her at arms length to scrutinize her choice of attire. “Hmmm…practical yet flirty.” Bri grinned evilly. “Not sure about wearing light colors but it will just make it harder…for you.” Bri laughed and shook her head. Cassie grinned but said nothing learning from experience that’s Bri’s sense of humor was unique only to Bri. She grabbed a black hoodie and followed her friend out of the door. She could never have guessed that her life would never be the same.
Lasher’s awareness prickled as his bourbon colored eyes scanned the growing crowd. He caught a flash of pink among the revelers crowding around the heat of the bonfire. He moved, keeping the elusive woman in sight, wending his way among the revelers at this years mid-summers night event. His best friend and business partner finally broke down his reservation which is how he ended up here wearing a half mask of a forest deity. Once his friend explained the concept behind this celebration, he had to admit a certain excited curiosity. He spotted her standing next to svelte blonde looking slightly uncomfortable and nervous in the unknown crowd. Her dark hair hung loose around her shoulders framing an oval face with lush lips painted a demure rose. His eyes followed the line of her lush curves stirring a response of interest in his cock. He watched her mouth as her pink tongue darted out catching an errant drop of wine from her lower lip. His drink froze as his eyes burned with a smoldering desire.
“Have we located our prey?” Justin appeared beside him wearing his own half mask. Lasher gave a non-committal grunt. Justin glanced at his friend and back to the women in question. “Ahhh… lovely. The blonde, of course, is mine. The lovely Brianna and that must be her friend Cassandra.”
Again Lashers response was no more than a distracted sound. His eyes still caressed her body from a distance. “Cassandra…” His mouth turned up in a wry grin as his voice seemed to carry over to her causing her eyes to rise and meet his.
She felt the crackle of the electricity emanating from the eyes of the man staring at her as she rubbed her arms easing the chill that came upon her. She stood near Bri and had been introduced to more people than she could ever remember but continued to grin and nod appropriately. She had asked why some of the men wore masks and was informed that they were the “stag horned gods” for the Beltane celebration. She knew that Bri had different thoughts and beliefs and she herself remained indecisive about what she actually believed in. Bri glossed over the main idea of the celebration during the trip over. She had asked questions for clarification so she had a general idea of what to expect. They had arrived and placed their edible contributions to the already over laden table, ate, and now mingled and sipped the best wine she had ever tasted. She was starting to feel much lighter and tended to smile wider so when she caught his eyes on her, she was grinning widely with a bright look in her eyes. Her face flushed and a yearning lit low in her belly. She licked her lips again and saw his eyes widen and flash in the firelight.
“Well now, here comes trouble.” Bri giggled and nudged Cassandra with her elbow. Cassandra watched as the men made their way toward them. They were darkness and light; one blonde and animated with a smile on his face and the other, dark and broody, his lips pressed into a tight line. The blonde enveloped her friend in a bear hug with a chaste kiss to her cheek. “Justin!” Bri nearly squealed causing Cassandra to roll her eyes. The dark one caught the movement and grinned. Bri grabbed her arm thrusting her forward. “Cassie this is Justin. Justin, my very best friend Cassandra.” She offered her hand but was quickly enveloped, much like her friend, in an exuberant bear hug. When he let go, she sucked in a deep breath and gave him a wobbly smile. “Nice to meet you.” Justin turned to his friend and made introductions.
“My most trusted friend and business partner…”
“Lasher. Just Lasher.” he cut off his friend in mid introduction and brought her hand to his lips when she extended it. He turned her hand over and brushed his lips on her wrist, the heat of his lips making her pulse leap. He turned his astonishing blue eyes up to her and her breath caught. “Nice to make your acquaintance.”
She felt paralyzed by the intensity of his gaze. His accent was thick and French like a fine wine washing over her naked skin. “Likewise, I’m sure.” she mumbled.
Justin interrupted the pregnant pause between the two with his excitement. “So, has Bri explained the nature of this gathering?”
Cass blushed slightly remembering the conversation that occurred upon receipt of the invitation. She was more than aware of the conclusion of this night. “Yes, she was quite thorough in her explanation.” Cass still didn’t believe the primitive ritual still existed and she calmed herself with the comfort of escaping and not being caught.
“Then you understand the rules of the hunt?” Lasher rumbled.
Cass felt her ire rise as she felt this dark man was trying to intimidate her. “As I understood it, there are no rules.” Her chin tilted haughtily.
His grin was feral as his gaze bore into her. “As long as we understand each other.”
She wasn’t sure what possessed her as her mouth took on a life of it’s own. “That’s only if you can catch me first.” She regretted it as soon as the words left her lips.
He reached out and brushed a stray curl from her face, caressed her jaw line and let his eyes follow the path his hand was taking. His clever fingers dropped gently to her shoulder, fingering the material of the pin k top she wore. Grinning, his eyes lit up and his teeth flashed white in a true smile when he answered. “I don’t think that will be a problem.”
The heat pooled low in her belly at the thinly veiled threat. She secretly thrilled in the responses he was eliciting from her. She knew her decision was made when she stepped into her friends car this evening. She lifted her eyes knowing they accepted his challenge and her grin confirmed it. She sipped more of her wine feeling that she is now past the point of no return looking for liquid courage.
A bell tolled near the crowd as the conversations died. The men moved to stand behind them to give them an unobstructed view of the procession.
The drums began a slow cadence as the crowd parted for the chosen leaders of the ceremony. The priestess was bedecked in a crown of flowers, clad in a gossamer gown of pale pink the glittered in the fading sun. The priest, held her arm delicately, his chest bare save for the quiver secured to his back. She was light and he the dark as they made their way regally to the alter in the middle of the clearing. The drums became louder and more insistent as people grew quiet at the beginning of the ritual. The priest and priestess reached the alter and faced each other, smiling as the drums ceased abruptly. Silence invaded the space as the priest turned to address the crowd.
“Greetings family and friends, brothers and sisters!” His voice boomed out clear and strong. “Welcome to our humble home and to the night ahead of us as we celebrate the birth of spring in all her glory!” Murmurs of ‘blessed be’ moved through the crowd. The priestess stepped up, her voice just as clear and loud. “ The Goddess blesses us with this beautiful night and shines her love upon us all. We thank her for these gifts and offer up this fine feast of food and drink for her pleasure.”
Justin moved beside Brianna and whispered something in her ear. Cassie only heard part of her response to him. ‘They honor us well…’ She turned to keep from being caught eavesdropping and met Lashers gaze. He stood close to her, and she noticed the heat from his hand barely resting on her lower back. He only grinned and returned his attention to the front. She watched the ritual in silence; the blending of the elements and the growing excitement of the crowd. The sun faded and the light from the bonfire illuminated everyone in a warm, excited glow on the faces of those around her. Her body grew warm despite the fading sun and the wine began to make her giddy. The excitement from the ritual and the people around her rose and she had to stifle a giggle. She felt Lasher move behind her and place his hands lightly on her hips. His lips brushed her earlobe as he whispered, “how far will you run little one?” She felt excited and edgy and anxious and elated all wrapped up in one. She threw back a haughty, “how much time have you got big boy?” She knew instinctively that she was playing with fire but she didn’t care. Tonight was about freedom. Tonight was about her. He laughed softly in her ear. “I have plenty of time little one. Plenty of time.”
The ritual came to a close as the priest and priestess embraced. They turned to the gathering as one. “My friends! The night awaits! The stag horned God grows impatient! Be off with all of you and may the God and Goddess bless you this night!” The crowd erupted in applause and raucous laughter. Bri grabbed Cassie’s arm. “Ready?”
Cassie drained her glass in one long swallow. “As ready as I’m ever going to be.” She stifled a hiccup.
“Perfect!” Bri clapped her hands together and the sound felt louder than it should have been, but Cassie shrugged it off and followed the mass of women heading for the tree line. As they approached, Bri gave last minute instructions making sure her friend was prepared. “I’ll be fine. Besides, he has to find me first!” Cassie struck off on her own heading deep into the growth calculating how far she could get in the ten minutes allotted to them as a head start. She set out at a lope until she was far enough away from any prying eyes, then took off her dark hoodie and covered her pink top to hide her better in the shadows. Women giggled and ran by, some barely even bothering to hide. Cassie took off again, zig zagging with no destination in mind, just distance. She broke left hearing the sound of water and headed toward the stream the was supposed to separate the property. She heard a horn sounding in the distance and knew her head start was over. Lasher was coming for her. She ran, heart pumping in her throat, jumping over fallen logs and being pulled by fingers of thorns trying to slow her down. The sound of water was coming nearer as she pushed on in the dark. She paused to catch her breath and the night seemed to creep in around her. The darkness was heavy and the sounds of the forest foreign to her ears. She heard a limb snap in the distance as a sense of urgency came over her. She turned again and darted into the brush going farther and deeper into the forest than the rules had allowed. She smiled to herself at how ludicrous it was to place rules on a game such as this. She chose to throw caution to the wind by coming so she felt no remorse about shredding the rules. Besides, she thought, he is so sure of himself! It would be amusing to see him flounder around in the dark looking for her. She came to the edge of the river and hesitated only briefly before carefully making her way across the wet stones to the other side. She felt eyes watching her and she paused to look behind her. The darkness was pervasive, even with the moon’s bright light, and she could see nothing but the trees standing watch over her. Overhead, the clouds began to obscure the light and flashes of heat lightning rumbled in the distance.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” She grumbled to herself and climbed the bank slipping on the loose dirt. She had just reached the top of the bank and blended into the trees when she heard a noise again. She looked behind and caught a glimpse of movement that caused her to hold her breath and freeze in her tracks. A beautiful doe stepped out and dipped her head to the water to drink from the cool river. It’s head rose and she could swear that the doe stared straight at her. Its ears pricked back as she whipped her head around to see a massive buck erupt from the underbrush. The doe’s head snapped around and she leapt away leaving the buck at the bank. Cassie smiled to herself thinking that the humans weren’t the only ones being chased when the buck stopped in the same spot the doe had just vacated. His massive head with it’s rack of antlers turned and stared at her much like the doe had done. Her breath caught in her throat in awe as it seemed that the animal wanted her to know that he knew of her presence. Her skin broke out in gooseflesh and the urge to run overwhelmed her. She turned and scrambled through the brambles and deeper into the trees. She felt a moment of conscious when she realized that the river marked the western boundary and that she had just crossed it but the memory of his eyes boring into hers before the race began eradicated any remorse that may plague her. Besides, how worthy would he be if he could only track her in a small, well marked space? She grinned as she realized that she had just raised the bar…and the stakes.
He watched the flurry of movement, following the flash of pink that announced her direction. His eyes focused and calm; body loose and relaxed but inside raged the beast that only wanted to chase the prey before him. He controlled the beating of his heart and his breathing, waiting, watching, planning. The horn sounded and still he stood still, letting the men mount their own chase. He felt Justin’s presence beside him as well, waiting, watching, assessing. When the moment descended, Lasher caught Justin’s eye and small grin as he bent to pick up the rucksack he had packed. Both men were formidable and in the light of the fire their eyes shone with barely banked anticipation. They both walked to the edge of the forest, Justin toting his own sack when he turned to Lasher and grinned. “Happy hunting.” He tipped his head and melted into the canopy of the forest. His teeth flashed as he moved deeper into the night, his instincts kicking in as he set off in the direction he last saw her take. He knew she would have immediately covered up with the dark coat he noticed tied to her waist so he didn’t bother looking for the flash of pink. His brain processed her scent, lavender and pomegranate, and tried to find traces of her intoxicating scent among the pines. He moved past all the trampled looking underbrush, searching for the on trail he knew would be hers; the one leading the farthest away from him. He passed many couples intimately entwined and circled around them to not disturb their fun. It took him a little longer than he had anticipated, but he found the trail that speared away from all the rest. He knelt to the forest floor and found what he was looking for. Her print, still fresh, giving her away. He listened to the sounds of the night and heard the water flowing in the distance. He took off immediately, knowing instinctively that this is the way his quarry was headed. He neared the waters edge when the clearing erupted to his left, a doe in full flight, her tail still held high. He hid behind the thick oak, holding still as he watched her run. She paused and seemed to look behind her before whipping back around and disappearing into the night. Seconds later, and buck exploded into the clearing the doe just vacated. Lasher couldn’t believe the size of the beast whose rack was wider than even his shoulder breadth. The buck turned his head toward the tree he hid behind and snorted, throwing his mighty head back then turned to chase his errant mate. He continued on, making his way to the rivers edge, more a creek than a river, he mused. His eyes scanned the bank, looking to see signs of crossing. He saw a pair of her prints that seemed to hesitate and disappear. He found himself feeling proud of his clever prey and scanned the far bank finding signs of her ascent into the underbrush on the far side. He listened carefully, stilling everything around and within him, straining to hear and was rewarded with the distance sound of twigs breaking. His grin was feral as he bounded silently across the same stones she used to the other side. He grinned as he veered quietly to the left planning to toy with her. She had raised the stakes by breaking the rules and he was more than willing to rise to the occasion.
She finally broke through a dense patch of thickets and found herself in a large clearing that had a moss covered hut nearly claimed by the forest. She thought briefly of hiding inside for a time until morning but knew that doing that would be making it way to easy for him. Her head whipped around as she heard a rock bounce off the trunk of a tree behind her. Her heart raced as she took off across the expanse of the clearing.
“Leaving so soon?” She heard his voice in the darkness but could not discern its origin. She froze then spun around peering hard into the darkness. She heard his laugh which seemed to come from all around her. She headed to her right and came up short when a rock came to a roll in front of her feet. Going back the way she came defied logic so she spun around and collided into the steel wall of his chest. She shrieked and fled only to feel the steel band of his arm catch her waist and lifting her off of her feet. She kicked her feet and pounded her fists at his back, twisting and turning, trying to get free. His large hand palmed her ass then came down hard in a sharp, quick smack. He then rubbed the sting our of the contact that had been such a surprise she froze instantly. Her ass was warm, and though it stung initially the pain was so quick and fleeting she hardly registered it. What she did notice was her traitorous body responding to being treated in such a fashion. Her core tightened, heating up despite the bite in the air and her nipples budded tightly. Her chest rubbed against his back torturing her further, his tight, round ass just within her reach. Just as she thought of smacking him back, she was hoisted off of his shoulder and pinned with his body against a tree. His dark eyes bored into her with a fierce intensity. She almost swore she saw a flame spark within its depths. He growled low in his throat and took her lips in a scorching kiss. His tongue thrust into her mouth demanding and taking; tasting her. She fought halfheartedly and considered biting his tongue, but to be honest, she wanted him. She was hot and becoming wetter with each thrust of his tongue. She wanted to be conquered yet comforted by his strength. He pressed his length against her, his cock hard and insistent against her belly. His hands were rough as he tore her clothes off, baring her burning flesh to the cool air. He growled and leaned down sucking one hard nipple in his mouth as his other hand divested her of her panties. She stood naked looking down at his dark hair as he worked her nipple; first one and then the other. She fisted her hands in his hair and pressed her chest toward his hungry mouth for more. He rose and plundered her mouth again raising her arms above her head. In a swift motion, he had turned her from the tree but secured her, near dangling on the lower hanging tree branch.
“What the hell?” She sputtered.
He walked in slow circles around her, running his hand over her naked flesh. He gave her ass a smack then rubbed the sting from her cheek. He slid his hand on the nape of her neck, palming the back of her head then making a fist of her hair and pulling her head back. “You will answer only when I ask you to. You will answer ‘yes sir’ and communicate your pleasure without saying a word.” His hand reached around and rolled a nipple between his fingers. “Do we understand each other?”
“Yes sir.” Her body was hot now and his dominance of her was more than tantalizing. Her mind was screaming out, wanting to tell him to fuck off but her body wanted more. She hung there, noticing that her skin was becoming more sensitized with the anticipation of his touch. She moaned when she finally felt his finger trace the line of her spine. She arched her back, thrusting her breasts in supplication. He smacked her ass again and rubbed the sting before moving to stand before her.
“Spread your legs for me. Show me your deepest secret.” his voice rumbled in the night. The voices of the night hushed around them, the light of the moon luminescent on her skin. “So beautiful.” She barely heard him respond as she closed her eyes and spread her legs wide as he instructed. He knelt before her and spread her lips wide, exposing her and the evidence of her desire. He ran his finger up the cleft to her hidden nub and she rocked back, catching her lip in her teeth. He looked up and grinned at her then lowered his head slowly running his tongue up and down the same route his finger took. She moaned and thrust her hips to his hot mouth wanting more than what he was holding back. He lifted one of her legs over his shoulder spreading her wider as he took her fully in his mouth. He head fell back as she moaned louder; rocking her hips on his mouth. He took her clit and worried it between his lips before sucking on it hard and fast. She felt her orgasm waiting to explode from her but he abruptly pulled away from her and rose to his feet.
She felt the word ’please’ coming fast to her lips but she refused to submit so soon. She watched him move around her again; running his fingers on her skin and tweaking her nipples keeping them hard and tight. She began to feel her wetness on her thighs and her clit swollen with desire. He was behind her again and she heard the rill of his zipper descending and the shifting of his clothes as he divesting himself of them. His body came closer to her; the heat radiating off of him scorching her. His cock, so thick and hard, rubbed up and down the crevice of her ass; teasing her as he reached both hands in front of her to roll and pinch her nipples. “Do you like this?” he rumbled in her ear.
“Yes sir.” she panted. Pushing her ass back and tilting her hips up trying to get his cock deeper.
“I am going to take you to many different places and you will submit, won’t you?”
` She sucked in air as the very thought of what he had in mind for her speared her core and increased the pressure of her swollen clit. “Yes sir.” She meekly responded.
“You may ask for what you want by saying please and I will consider it. If you are a good girl I will give you a treat. If you are bad…” He smacked her ass first one side and then the other; rubbing the sting out of them but making his point.
Her ass was hot and felt so good as she moaned and hung there completely under his control. “Yes sir.” Was all she could manage.
He reached up and released her arms and steadied her as her legs were weak. He eased her to her knees and arranged her arms to be secured behind her back before moving in front of her. She knew what he wanted and found that she wanted to please him. Her tongue tentatively traced his length, growing bolder with every hiss that escaped his lips. She began at his balls, licking tentatively and running her tongue between the two feeling them tighten. She moaned softly when he tangled his hands in her hair gripping her tight, guiding her face into his groin to serve him. She suckled him one then the other and leaning further in licked him from the edge of his ass forward to suckle on his balls again. She heard him whisper in the night, “Good girl, that’s it..” as she continued her oral ministrations to the cock she was worshipping. She ran her tongue up his length, circling around the head of his cock, teasing his circumcised ridge and blowing gently before plunging her tongue in his slit and wiggling it slightly. His hands gripped her head tighter; the pain accentuating the pleasure and nearly pushing her swollen clit over the edge. He must have known as he instructed her harshly, “Do not, little one. Do not cum until I tell you.” She glanced up at him then lowered her eyes.
“Yes sir.” She meekly replied. His hand tightened again in her hair. The pleasure/pain so intense she felt the night air brush her wet pussy. She sucking the head of his cock in her mouth then sucked the length of him, trying to swallow him whole. She moved up and down his length then released him from the grip of her mouth and tongue to rub his cock all over her face. She blew again on his cock and watched it jerk, smacking her lightly on her lips.
“Open your mouth for me.” He commanded. She complied immediately and he began to fuck her face slowly then more vigorously but with great control causing her great pleasure. She moaned around his cock, desperately sucking on him as he pumped his cock into her mouth. His balls smacking her chin, her arms cuffed behind her, the sensations were overwhelming; her pussy demanded release! He was a harsh taskmaster making her take him deeper until she gagged and pulling out enough for her to catch her breath. Tears rolled slowly down her face and he caught it with his finger and brought it to his lips tasting her salty sweetness. “Enough!” He grasped her by her elbow and a fistful of hair pulling her to her feet crushing his mouth against hers then scoring his teeth on her lower lip. “Do not move.” His voice deep and commanding as she stood while he rummaged through his bag again bringing out a black leather collar and chain. Quickly, he secured her by the throat then grabbed his bag and lead her by the leash to the foliage covered hut. “Kneel here.” He pointed to a spot on the floor near a small table. The inside was dark; as her eyes adjusted, she could see him building a fire in the small fireplace. His hands worked rapidly and efficiently, lighting the room casting the shadows to the corners and pushing her demons farther back into her mind.
She was on fire, body and soul, burning with a passion that has ignited the spark that was nearly extinguished and forgotten. She watched him, with eyes that devoured every movement, her core tightened in anticipation for his return. She was the prey but he was the hunted. He was what was missing from her life. He was her beginning. Confidence bloomed inside her chest, joy infused her very skin. She suppressed a smile so as not to give away this joyous epiphany. She wanted to be taken. She wanted to belong to him…body and soul. A feral need rose up in her as she fisted her hands by her side. She was submissive, and oh what power! Worlds of pleasure exploded in her minds eye as she stifled a grin, maintaining her cowed pose. ‘See me’…he mind whispered to him. ‘Touch me’…it implored. ‘TAKE ME’…it screamed.
He turned and looked back at her. The fire illuminating his silhouette hiding his crinkled brow. He could have sworn he heard her whisper and yet she remained kneeled and cowed as directed. He blinked, unsure if dimness of the room was playing tricks on him as she seemed different somehow…more even. Desire stabbed him low and his cock jutted painfully against his jeans. He stood staring down at her and willed her eyes to meet his. Slowly, he watched her head rise and their eyes met. He was at her side in two strides pulling her off of the floor and ripping the restraints from her hands. He bent her roughly over the table and freed his angry cock from his jeans. He rubbed the tip of his cock up and down her wet lips. “This pussy is mine. Do you understand.” When she made no response, he thrust in viciously. “This is my pussy! Do you understand!?!” She whimpered as he pounded into her pussy. She was wet and ready and every thrust bringing her closer to nirvana. “THIS IS MY PUSSY! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?!” He shouted as her pussy clenched around his cock as she screamed in a mind shattering orgasm!
“YES YES YES!!” She screamed as the pleasure rolled over her.
“SAY IT!” He pounded her pussy harder.
“This is your pussy SIR!” she panted between breaths.
He groaned as he released his pent up passion and coated his new found property.
Outside the moon shone full and bright. The sounds of the wood fell silent in slumber. The predators hunt completed as they now lay sated and sleepy. Outside of the cottage, a doe and a magnificent buck stood side by side. In the blink of an eye, the light shimmered and revealed the figures of a man and a woman. Both golden and glowing. Both belonging not of this time or place. Both smiling and happy clasping their hands between them.
“I told you I would win.” he said to her.
“You only won because I helped her see inside.” she chided. “It shouldn’t count.”
“Ah, but it does my sweet Bri…” He paused… “One does get used to the human names, yes?” He kissed her gently. “My sweet Aphrodite.”
“ Justin never suited you, my darling Dionysus.”
Their laughter tinkled in the moonlight as they faded away.