CHAPTER 8


 

YEMAYA FROWNED WHEN she saw Kali and Agra leaving the club. Cammie had followed them outside. Bertha, the bouncer, joined Lilith behind the bar and started taking orders while the club owner mixed the drinks. It was obvious the large woman wasn't comfortable playing barmaid.

"Something is wrong," she told Dakota, nodding toward them. "I think I will see if Lilith needs some help."

Before Dakota could reply, Cammie returned looking slightly perturbed.

"Maybe you should see if you can learn something from Cammie."

"Will do," replied Dakota.

How is she going to manage this when just before she had to run to the bathroom to collect herself, if that’s what she did in there.

Lilith handed Bertha the mixed drinks and started on the next order when she felt the Illusionist’s presence.

"Can I help you with something?" asked Yemaya.

"Unless you know how to mix drinks, I doubt it," she replied, good-naturedly.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I do. It comes in handy when I entertain. Move over and tell me what you need."

Raising both eyebrows in surprise, the demoness stepped aside to let her pass. Smiling, Yemaya listened to the order, picked up a bottle of rum, spun it around and quickly poured two drinks. Adding coke to one and tonic to the other, she passed them to Lilith and then proceeded to prepare the next drink. Seeing the customers were now in good hands, Bertha sighed and headed back to her stool by the door, grateful to be away from the noisy crowd.

"You really are a magician," teased Lilith once the backlog of orders was cleared.

"Illusionist," corrected Yemaya, enjoying the moment.

*  *  *

Dakota watched in amazement as her lover quickly poured liquor into glasses, added the various mixes and spun the bottles like a baton before setting them on the shelves.

Damn! she thought before switching her attention to Cammie.

"Anything I can do?" she asked quietly.

"No. One of Agra’s whores is in trouble. Kali went with her in case she needs help."

"And you don’t like it."

"Not really."

"Do you think something could happen to them?"

"Now-a-days, anything can happen. This is a different world and time from the good old days. Demons aren’t the immortals they once thought they were. We have more vulnerabilities now."

"Surely they know that."

"Oh, they know... but Agra loves her whores. She gets out of control sometimes. Even Kali has a hard time calming her down."

"Well, I get the impression they make a formidable team... but I know how you feel. I’m constantly stressing out over Yemaya when she gets into one of her situations. I bet I’ve grown hundreds of gray hairs by now."

"Nothing noticeable," teased Cammie.

"Do you think we should go and help Lilith?"

Watching the two dark women making and passing out drinks was watching grace in motion. They were so in sync with each other that the line at the bar shrank to just a few women standing around gossiping.

"I’d say they don’t need our help. Besides, it’s a good opportunity for them to get to know each other... and for you and me to talk."

Dakota wasn’t sure she liked the sound of the last part.

"Don’t worry. I just wanted to make sure you’re ok with what Yemaya told you about me. I know you were embarrassed about what happened."

"To say the least... but it’s ok. I was just happy to find out it wasn’t me."

"Good. By the way, do you feel anything now?"

The journalist was surprised that she didn’t.

"No. Actually I don't! What happened?"

"I’m not sure. Kali and I have been spending a lot of time together. It's the first time I've ever been in a real relationship. It seems to have taken the edge off my gift. At least that’s what I think. I still attract a few women but rarely do they get so intense now. It feels strange. I'm not sure if I miss the attention or not!"

"I can imagine." Dakota remembered the first time she and Yemaya had visited the club. Being a Cambion, the child of a succubus and incubus, Cammie had the unique but uncontrollable ability to cause people to fall in love with her. Having fallen under her spell, the journalist had propositioned the woman and had gone so far as to hint at an interest in participating in a 'threesome' and trying some BDSM. Needless to say, Yemaya had been momentarily stunned by her behavior and realizing something was wrong, had calmly suggested they leave. When an argument ensued, Dakota stormed out of the bar. The next day she learned of Cammie's unique nature and was so embarrassed she wasn't sure she wanted to go back to the club. Yemaya had quickly assured her she hadn't done anything wrong but the guilt over her treatment of her lover left Dakota a little depressed. Seeing Cammie again and feeling nothing unusual helped to alleviate the guilt.