TO BE UNBROKEN

The Stone Warrior Series Book 1

by

Stein Willard

To Be Unbroken

Book 1- Stone Warrior Series

By Stein Willard

© 2015 Stein Willard

Kindle Edition

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editor: BMac

Editor: R. Lee Fitzsimmons

Editor: Peetsden

Cover Design: DEPE

Cover image: Jo Schi

Back of the Book

Once, the most celebrated warrior of her time, Maxima was a true legend. But wealth and esteem came second only to the passionate, albeit illicit, love she felt for Princess Anima. Their secret liaison came to an abrupt end when Anima’s duty to her father and the Kingdom tore them apart; triggering an ancient curse. Heartbroken and cast in stone, Maxima was left yearning for her paramour. Finding Anima’s soul was the only way to break the curse and reclaim her lover.

Rich and beautiful, Sara Laramie grew up as one of the most sought after socialites in Boston’s elite circles. A failed relationship caused her to retreat from the social scene and instead focus all her attention on starting a private gallery. Finally, with a purpose in life, she thought she had enough to keep her busy. That was until she received an unexpected request to showcase the statue of a formidable ancient Greek female warrior in her gallery. The arrival of the statue coincided with the appearance of a gorgeous flint-eye stranger who with a single kiss spun Sara’s life out of control.

Acknowledgements

My gratitude goes out to my editors and betas for the work and dedication that went into this book.

I would like to thank my fans for their loyalty and support over all these years.

Dedication

To Sara.

My superhero

PROLOGUE

Greece, 700 BC

A small hand reached out to her, but Maxima stepped out of touching range. She saw the hurt her action caused, but shaking her head continued to walk away.

“Please do not leave like this, Maxima. I cannot let you go. Not like this.”

The tall woman turned to face the younger woman, her pale blue eyes cold even as tears ran down her face.

“How else do you want this to end, Anima?”

“Not…not like this. Please, no.” The shorter blonde woman slowly walked over to where the tall, powerfully built warlord stood. She looked up into the cold blue eyes.

Maxima’s face hardened. “No matter what you and the rest of the kingdom thinks, I am still human and I do, indeed hurt like everyone else.”

“Please try to understand.  I have to do this. I have no choice”, Anima pleaded.

The dark warrior pushed a large hand through closely cropped black hair. She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. Shaking her head she walked through the door without a second glance. Behind her, the blonde dropped her head in her hands. If only Maxima would try to understand why she had to do this. Her head suddenly jerked up. Oh, no…no…the curse! She ran to the door and threw it open, but it was already too late. She could see a dust cloud a long ways down the dusty road. Maxima was already gone. How could I have forgotten about the curse?

She rushed in the direction of the stables. “Gyro, saddle my horse. I need to catch Commander Maxima before it is too late.” The stable boy hurried to obey.

***

The wine tasted the same, but the effect was different. It was numbing her body at an alarming pace. Maxima stared into the ruby red liquid. It was the same wine she drank every night upon returning from the training ground. She took another sip and coughed softly. What is happening? Impatiently, she pulled at the fastenings on the leather breastplate. She…she couldn’t breathe. Air, I need air. The door crashed open behind her and she turned slowly to find a wide-eyed Anima in the open doorway. Frowning at her lover…no…ex-lover, she opened her mouth to send the blonde woman away, but her jaws refused to move. Her pale blue eyes widened in panic and she reached her hand to her mouth. What she found there made her close her eyes. The curse. How could I have forgotten about the curse?

“Noooooo,” she heard Anima’s anguished wail as she rushed over to her. The princess’ green eyes filled with tears. “I am too late. Forgive me, my love. I beg you; please forgive me for what I have done to you…to us.”

Maxima took a deep breath. She knew what was happening, but she couldn’t say anything anymore. Her vocal cords were the first to go. Her face was already beginning to harden. She slowly turned away from Anima and jerkily walked over to the large balcony overlooking the city of Amos. She would miss this particular view. As a child she grew up in the countryside, working her parents’ farm to keep food on the table. As she’d grown older, her father, impressed by her size and prowess with a bow and arrow, enlisted her into the trust of Jaqul. The Great Jaqul had taken one look at her and had smiled broadly.

“You brought me a great challenge, Sunam. Just looking at her, I can tell that she has the makings of a great warrior.”

And she did. She excelled even beyond what Jaqul expected. By the age of 23 summers she had caught the attention of King Noram and became his personal guard. That was how she came to the great city of Amos. They awarded her with a great mansion, gold, and later the title of Commander of the Amos army. She had been so well-respected that they granted her unlimited access to the Royal Palace. That was how she met Anima. Immediately taken with the charming blonde, it wasn’t long before the statuesque, dark, flint eyed warrior and petite green-eyed princess became lovers. Anima came to her mansion one night, while the moon was lazing on its back, casting the night in half shadows. They had kissed cautiously at first. Both not sure what to make of this new experience, but lust can be a great teacher and before long they were both crying out their pleasure in each other’s arms. But Maxima had made a grave mistake. Her preoccupation with the beautiful princess had made her forget about the curse Jaqul had warned her about early in her servitude. Now, here she was, feeling the life draining from her virile body. She felt soft arms wrapping themselves around her waist.

She could hear Anima crying softly, “I am so sorry for having done this to you, my love. I wish I could take it all back, but it is too late already. I never meant for this to happen. I swear it.” Anima held onto her as if her life depended on it. “I will always love you, no matter who I have to wed. You will be the only one I will ever hold in the most sacred chamber of my heart. This I vow, forever.”

Maxima lowered her chin on her chest and allowed the numbing feeling to take over. Anima loved her, but she would never be hers. She was to wed another. Soon some rich prince of a neighboring kingdom would touch and caress the body she had come to know even better than her own. At this very moment four years of blissful happiness were slowly beginning to end with a feeling of…nothingness. Her sight dimmed even as her eyes were still open. Her heartbeat slowed and with one last weak thud, it stuttered to a halt.

The Great Commander Maxima was no more.

CHAPTER 1

“Will that be all, miss?” The waiter’s eyes lingered longer than necessary on the shapely legs of the blonde as he stepped around the table.

Noticing the appreciative look, but ignoring it completely, she nodded at her waiter. She hated waiting for people. She looked at her watch and sighed. She had so many things to do before the museum opening tonight, but when her lawyer, Harold Kush, called and said that a certain Andra Bells wanted to meet with her, she was intrigued. Why would the reclusive heiress need to meet with me so urgently? She had heard of the Bells heiress, but had never met her officially although they actually moved in many of the same circles. All she really knew about the woman was that she had more money than she could ever spend and she shunned the limelight fervently. Sara looked at her watch again and jumped slightly when a voice spoke out of the blue.

“Ms. Laramie?”

Sara looked up and was shocked to meet piercing pale blue eyes staring down at her from a great height. She nodded slowly. The tall woman took a seat and looked around the restaurant before setting her enigmatic eyes on her again.

“I apologize for being late. I don’t venture out much and had not expected the traffic to be so busy this time of day.”

“Please, think nothing of it.” Sara’s green eyes narrowed as she looked at the older woman. “I apologize if I come across as being too forward, but Harold made it sound very urgent. I must say I’m very curious as to why you would want to see me, Ms. Bells.”

The pale eyes studied her for a while longer, before the woman shrugged. “It has to do with the opening of your museum later tonight.”

Sara stiffened slightly. What could the woman possibly want with my gallery? All the pieces on display came from within her family’s collections which date back centuries. She studied the woman closely. She was incredibly attractive with fascinating eyes, and wisps of grey tinting the dark hair at her temples. She noticed the woman’s height and the way the pinstriped Armani pantsuit had hugged her well-shaped body. For a lesbian like herself, the woman was truly a delight to the senses. And if her gaydar was still as sharp as she believed it to be, then Ms. Bell herself, seemed to find the fairer sex more appealing too. Having yet another thing in common with the imposing Ms. Bell, besides money, Sara relaxed into her chair. It was time to get to the bottom of this. Perhaps, once they had settled their business, they could see if the awareness of each other was mutual and take things from there.

Looking closely at the woman, she could swear that there was a slight flash of amusement in the pale blue eyes. She took a sip from her ice tea. “What is it about the opening that I can help you with, Ms. Bells?”

“Andra, please,” the heiress said softly. “And about the opening tonight, there is a piece I would like to loan your museum for an undetermined period.”

Sara frowned slightly. “Well…this is rather unexpected, Ms.…Andra.”

“Yes, I know. You see, I was abroad when I read about the imminent opening of your family’s private museum. I rushed back as fast as I could and have only arrived this morning from Greece.” She signaled the waiter over with a well-manicured finger and ordered a pot of tea. “I thought your museum would be the perfect venue to showcase my piece.  I feel I can be doubly assured that it will be well-taken care of since all the pieces on display are family heirlooms. I didn’t want it displayed in a large museum overrun by bored school kids and the likes. It is rather special to me.”

Sara nodded. “That makes sense, Andra. But the opening is only a few hours away and to add the piece to the current collection, I would have to know what makes it so special for you to want me to add it at the last moment.”

The waiter came over with Andra’s tea and she smiled her thanks at the young man.

“Oh yes, of course.” The pale eyes lit up suddenly. “It’s a statue dating back to 1st century Greece.”

Sara sat up straight. What the…? Pieces dating back to that time are impossible to find anymore. They are declared national heritage pieces thus commissioned to large public museums or in some cases, as is the case with Andra’s, are locked away in private collections.

“It is near impossible to find such pieces nowadays…even in private collections. May I ask how you came to own such a piece?”

Andra took a sip of her tea. “It was passed down to me.”

“It has been in your family since the first century?” Sara asked incredulously, her green eyes wide in surprise. “Tell me more, please.”

“Of course. I can give you a brief background. If you would like to know more, I have several tomes in my private library which could be helpful. Almost thirty centuries ago, a powerful sorcerer placed a curse on anyone who joined the Amosi army after an Amosi warrior broke the heart of his daughter. The girl committed suicide and the father was so stricken with grief that he cursed the whole Amosi army. The purpose of the curse was so that no warrior would ever know or experience true love and for those who found it and lost it, to be punished severely if and when their hearts were broken. Maxima, that is the name of the statue, was the best warrior to ever come out of Greece. She was also the most revered Commander of the Amosi army. Born into poverty, she trained under a legendary warrior who helped her refine her combat skills. King Noram of Amos noticed her skill and recruited her as his personal guard. It was while she was working for the King that she met and fell in love with his daughter, Princess Anima.”

Andra took another sip from her tea cup and Sara, so engrossed in the story, had to mentally keep herself from rushing the woman to continue. When the dark head rose, she blushed at the open amusement she saw in the woman’s eyes.

“They became lovers after a while and continued with their love affair for four years. Tragedy struck when King Noram found a suitor for his only daughter and she had to break off her relationship with Maxima.”

“Oh my…” Sara heard herself say. To hide her blush at her unexpected expression she reached for her ice tea and took a long sip as she studied Andra over the rim of her glass. The pale blue eyes were sharp as they watched her and Sara couldn’t help feeling like a bug under a looking glass. “What happened?” she heard herself ask. This time Andra chuckled softly.

“The curse turned Maxima into stone.”

“What?!” Sara exclaimed. “She was…turned into stone. How barbaric.”

Andra shrugged. “My thoughts exactly, but times were different back then.”

“Poor woman…What happened to the Princess?”

The blue eyes darkened. “She committed suicide soon afterwards.”

“What a sad end for both of them.” Sara cocked her head to the side. “Is this based on a true story or is it just folklore?”

Andra finished her tea.

“Can’t say for sure. Some believe it to be a true story. Others believe it’s just the over active imagination of storytellers. There’s only one way to know for sure.”

Sara’s blonde eyebrows rose. “Yes?”

“The curse could only be broken by love.”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“Maxima can only be unlocked from her stone tomb if she finds true love again.” Seeing the skeptical look in Sara’s green eyes, Andra shrugged. “I don’t know how it works. As I said earlier, you will have to visit my library if you want to know more. Another interesting thing is that the Bells fortune began with Maxima. Apparently she was extremely wealthy and once she was turned to stone, her remaining family was allowed to keep her fortune.”

“This is so interesting. Maybe I will take you up on your offer and stop by soon to read up on Maxima’s fate.”

“You are more than welcome. But first things first, would you like for me to ship the statue over to the museum?”

“I would be honored to display Maxima to the world.”

“Thank you.” Andra drained her cup and rose to her feet. “I would however beg you to be discreet with the information I’ve just given you. I don’t want some infatuated nut deciding to crack the statue to see if Maxima was indeed entombed in there.”

Sara’s eyes widened. “Who would do a thing like that?”

This time it was the tall woman who blushed prettily. “I tried it once before and got such a spanking from my grandmother.”

Sara smiled at the woman. She was unbelievably beautiful. But it was evident that the woman was in no way flirting with her. It seemed that business was the only liaison they were going to have together. It was a shame, but if friendship was all the mysterious woman wanted, then friendship was what she was going to give her.

“Then I believe that it would be much safer in our gallery.”

Andra nodded and rose. “I will have them ship Maxima to you in the next hour.” She stuck out a hand. “I believe we will hear and see a lot of each other in the next few months, Ms. Laramie.”

“Sara, please. And yes, I believe we will. I will let my staff know about Maxima’s arrival,” Sara said as she came to her feet and held out her hand. “I appreciate you trusting us with such a unique and special heirloom, Andra. I will make sure it is returned to you undamaged.”

Sara noticed the strange look in Andra’s eyes as she spoke again. “I’m convinced that you will take really good care of Maxima.”

The tall woman left the restaurant, leaving Sara behind with an odd feeling in her chest. A glance at her watch made her grab her purse. She was running late. As she rushed out of the restaurant, the conversation with Andra Bells instantly retreated to the back of her mind.

***

“Where the hell are the caterers?”

“Just relax, Sara. You are winding yourself up over nothing,” Sandra Laramie said calmly, her eyes studying her daughter critically. “You should take better care of yourself. You look haggard. I understand that the opening has kept you busy, but looking like you do now…I doubt you will ever find a partner.”

Cool green eyes met Sandra’s blue ones. “I’m not really looking for one.”

“But all your friends have girlfriends or partners. Whatever you girls call it.”

Sara pushed to her feet. “I will go and see if everything is in order before the guests arrive.” With a last look at her mother, she left the office. She should be happy that her mother was not averse to her sexual orientation, but the fact that now she was pressuring her into finding a partner was irritating to say the least. It wasn’t that she lacked lovers. She had more than enough to keep her entertained and interested. She just wasn’t convinced that they were the type to take home and introduce to her mother. They were more the briefly meeting in a hotel room and leaving them there as soon as her itch was scratched type. Her search for her soul mate wasn’t a priority for her right now. The Laramie Gallery was very important to her and she wanted to make a success of it. She doubted she would get the desired results if she were to begin chasing after a woman at the same time. She was still young, thirty-one was not so old anymore and there would be ample time for her to go in pursuit of her soul mate later.

“Sara, do you have a minute, please?” one of her staff members called her over.

“Yes, Greg. What’s up?”

“It’s that new statue…We have tried various locations for it, but no matter where it’s  put, it just doesn’t seem to fit. It seems to be so out of place everywhere.”

Sara frowned. “Uh…what statue are you talking about?”

Greg shrugged. “The Bells statue. It arrived a few hours ago. I thought you knew about it.”

Sara raked her mind to retrieve any memories she had of the statue. Maxima. “Oh yes, I remember now. Take me there and let’s see what we can do about finding it a perfect spot.”

Greg sighed in relief and briskly led her towards the third and the largest exhibition area of the museum. She quietly followed Greg as they wove their way through other sculptures and busts. Even before Greg could point out Maxima, Sara knew which one she was. The statue was life-sized, over six feet tall and very imposing. Even with its head slightly averted, and the chiseled features slightly hidden, it was quite recognizable. Maxima was gorgeous.

“It’s a really nice piece as you can see, but it just doesn’t seem to fit in here. It’s almost as if it doesn’t really belong here,” Greg said softly and Sara could pick up on the slight awe in the man’s voice. “To be honest, it unsettles me a bit.”

Sara pulled her gaze away from the statue and back to Greg. “Why’s that, Greg?”

“I don’t know, Sara. I can’t pinpoint it, but there is just something about it.”

Sara slowly walked over to the statue. It topped her by at least four inches, but as she stepped closer, eager to see the face better, she was stunned to see faint streaks on the sculpture’s face. Could it be tears?

“It’s as if it’s…” Greg said suddenly, making her stiffen in surprise. “I don’t know…”

“Come on, Greg. What are you trying to say?”

“It’s just that I get the feeling that it’s not really a sculpture. You know what I mean? It is just so lifelike.”

Sara quickly turned to him. “You feel it’s alive?”

Greg shrugged. “Don’t you feel it, Sara? It’s as if there’s another presence in the room with us.”

Sara stared at the man for a while, before she shook her head. “Are you still reading those X-Men comics, Greg?”

With a roll of his eyes, Greg turned and left her with the statue. Alone, she slowly circled the statue. If the story about Maxima was true, then she must’ve been a sight to behold. Her towering body was heavily muscled and the armor she wore made her look even more imposing. Sara came to a stop, facing the front of the statue.

“Greg’s right, you know. There really is something about you.” Her green eyes were fixed on the chiseled face. “What are you hiding from us, Maxima?”

“Nothing, because I’m a statue.”

Sara jumped at the unexpected voice behind her. “Mother!”

Sandra rolled her eyes at her daughter. ‘What? I mean you were the one talking to a stupid sculpture.” Sandra tossed her long blonde mane over her shoulder. “Your guests are beginning to arrive.”

Sara’s eyes widened. “Oh my, what time is it?”

“Definitely not the time for you to be chatting up a piece of cold marble,” Sandra snapped, and Sara gave her mother a withering look. “It’s true, honey. We wouldn’t want the staff to begin spreading rumors about you now, would we?”

Without a word, Sara turned and left the showroom, her mother following closely on her heels.

CHAPTER 2

After all the formalities had been taken care of, the fifty odd guests made their way over to the bar, some waiting for the staff to pass by them so they could snatch a glass of champagne off the trays. Sara was beaming. Every invited guest showed up and those who had a chance to tour the gallery earlier were totally enthralled with the collection of pieces on display. She noticed her mother making her way over to her with a lanky blonde in tow.

She groaned softly trying to find an escape from what she knew was coming. She’d come out to her mother a few years ago. Sandra Laramie had at first been horrified at the potential scandal, but after she found out that Merle Garibaldi, the famous fashion designer, was her daughter’s love interest, the shame was quickly forgotten. As one of the hottest designers in New York and one of Sandra’s favorites, she was quick to introduce the designer to her friends as her daughter’s ‘special’ friend—complete with a wink. But the honeymoon didn’t last long. Sara found Merle in bed with one of her models and left her. Her mother was heartbroken.

Since then Sandra had made it her goal in life to pair her up with other A-listers. The blonde who was following her mother, had supermodel written all over her. From the pleased look on her mother’s face, Sara could tell that unless she found an out very soon, Sandra was going to push the tall woman down her throat, so to speak. She scanned the area around her quickly and to her relief caught the eye of Andra Bells. Somehow her face must’ve reflected her panic, because the tall brunette quickly made her way over to her.

“Hello again. Would you mind showing me where you’ve placed Maxima?” The pale blue eyes twinkled as she stared at her. “Unless, of course, you’d prefer your mother’s company?”

Downing her glass quickly, Sara shook her head. “Please follow me.” She heard a soft chuckle come from her savior and gave her a slow grin.

A few short minutes later they were standing before the intriguing statue. Sara watched in rapt fascination as Andra slowly circled the statue, her pale eyes hooded, as she studied the statue with an odd look in her eyes. After a while the tall woman stood back and turned to face her.

“She’s simply magnificent, don’t you think?” Andra’s eyes were intense as they stared at her and Sara couldn’t help the slight feeling of unease settling over her. She couldn’t help but feel that there was more to the statue and that Andra was hiding something behind those mesmerizing eyes of hers.

She cleared her voice softly and nodded. “Yes, it’s really a wonderful piece of art.”

“Art?” Andra turned to look at sculpture again. “I’ve never looked at her that way, but you’re right. Maxima is art personified.”

Sara’s eyebrow lifted at the strange remark, but she kept her silence.

“She is in great shape for a woman who’s over 2500 years old, my grandmother used to say. As a child I found her size to be very intimidating and never came close to it unless I was in the company of either my grandmother or my mother.” The blue eyes moved to lock with hers again and Sara smiled weakly. “They made it a ritual to dust and polish the statue on the weekends and throughout the entire time it took to dust her, they would talk to her.”

Sara felt a little uncomfortable under Andra’s close scrutiny and broke eye contact. From what she’d heard up to now, the Bells all seemed to be a little bit unusual. It must have something to do with their huge fortune. Andra must’ve noticed her discomfort and chuckled softly.

“I tend to get a little carried away when it comes to Maxima,” she said softly and stepped closer to the statue again, at last releasing Sara from her unblinking stare. “My wife is even worse than I am. She would spend hours on end just staring at Maxima.”

Wife?

“You’re married to…” she stopped and blushed, realizing that it was rude to pry into other people’s business.

“Yes, I’m married to my soul mate. She’s here with me. If you like, I can introduce her to you. She’s an archeologist and has written numerous papers on Maxima. Maybe you could come over for dinner one night. I know that Claire would be happy to show you our galleria, where we house Maxima when she’d not on loan, as is the case now.” Andra grinned. “Claire is the leading expert on anything pertaining to Maxima.”

Sara threw a quick glance at the statue. As absurd as the tale of Maxima sounded, she must admit that she was more than interested to hear about the warrior. Afterwards she could decide if it was believable or not.

“I would like that. Thank you.”

Andra’s eyes gleamed with delight. “Thank you for showing an interest and for your willingness to accommodate Maxima on such short notice.”

Why did it always feel as if Andra was saying more than she actually did say? Before she could ponder on the dark woman’s words, a group of guests entered the room and immediately came over to where they stood.

“Oh my gosh, what a beauty,” one of the female guests gushed, her eyes raking over the statue. “The detail is unbelievable, almost as if the statue could come alive at any moment.”

Sara looked over at Andra to see her reaction and was shocked to find her looking at her. This time there was an enigmatic smile on the woman’s beautiful face. Looking away quickly, Sara was almost relieved to see her mother and the supermodel coming towards them again. Seeing the determined look on her mother’s face, she knew that unless she wanted to cause a scene tonight, she would be going on a date with the tall, blonde woman who was sizing her up with an ill-disguised predatory look in her eyes.

***

Looking at her watch, Sara gasped. She wasn’t aware that it was this late already. She closed the file and shutdown her laptop. After the last guests had left and not feeling tired, she’d decided to work on some of the paperwork which had accumulated over the past few days before the launch of the museum. There were still lots of bills to settle and she’d wanted to see how many invoices she could process before she started writing out the checks tomorrow. The Laramie was still relatively small, but tonight’s turnout was a good indication of how popular the gallery could become. The sooner she paid off their debtors, the sooner they could look into sourcing new items. Since most of the works on display were Laramie heirlooms, the idea was to source income by lending out art works at a fee and/or to auction off pieces for future clients.

She reached for her purse and car keys and pulled her office door closed behind her. Her office was located down a short corridor next to the third exhibition hall. She shut off the lights in the bathrooms, conference/lunchroom, and the kitchen as she made her way into the exhibition room. Her eyes immediately fell on Maxima and with a slow smile she made her way over to the statue.

“Hello again, superstar,” she murmured as she looked up at the beautiful, marble warrior. “You stole the show tonight kicking dust in the eyes of Monet and Rembrandt. I doubt those guys have ever felt so upstaged.”

News about the stunning marble statue spread like wildfire amongst the guests and throughout the evening there was a steady stream of art lovers flocking to the Exhibition Hall Three to fawn over Maxima. The warrior had seemed even more aloof than usual under the admiration. Sara smiled at that. She was becoming just like Claire, Andra’s wife whom she’d met earlier tonight and who, to her surprise resembled herself in coloring complete with the blonde hair and green eyes.

Claire couldn’t stop talking about Maxima and the many conquests the warrior orchestrated before her illustrious career came to an abrupt stop. What was most interesting was how Claire would speak about Maxima as if she’d met her before. It was from her that she’d heard about Maxima’s aloof personality.

Looking at the statue of the tall, powerful warrior she couldn’t help but agree with Claire’s perception of the warrior. Maxima looked like she could be a little on the cold side. But perhaps that was her appeal. Sara’s eyes moved over the chiseled faced, caressing the beautifully shaped lips and nose, down to the powerful shoulders and the broad chest, the narrow waist and the thick muscled thighs encased in what she assumed could be leather pants. Yep, no doubt about it, Maxima was indeed a fine specimen.

She stiffened when a shrill ringing sound broke her silent perusal of the statue. There was only one person who would call her this late at night. She glanced at her watch. It was one thirty a.m. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse. She answered without even bothering to look at the caller ID.

“Mother,” she murmured as her eyes once again strayed to Maxima. The warrior’s hair was loose and resting on her broad shoulders. She absently wondered what the color of her hair and her eyes were. She was sure it must be something quite spectacular and intense.

“I called you at home but only got your answering machine. Where are you?”

“I’m about to leave the gallery now. Why do you ask, mother?”

There was a slight pause. “Caroline tried to call you to confirm your dinner date for tomorrow.”

She rolled her eyes at that and sighed deeply. Caroline was the supermodel her mother pawned off on her earlier. She only agreed on the date to avoid any confrontation with her mother since there were so many people around. However, she was sure that her date with Caroline would be the first and last time she hoped to see the woman. The way the woman had looked at her had really freaked her out a little. Caroline’s eyes kept on straying to her breasts all the time they’d been chatting. Not knowing how to excuse herself from the woman while her mother was watching them like a hawk, she had tried to catch the eye of someone, anyone to come over and save her from Psycho Barbie. She’d almost cried in relief when she’d met knowing green eyes. Claire had subtly made her way over to where she and Caroline stood with the excuse of discussing ‘business.’

“I lost track of time, mother,” she said with a calm she didn’t really feel. She was tired and hungry and her mother was the last person she wanted to talk to now.

“In that case, I suggest you call Caroline back and confirm your date for tomorrow. She’s very famous and you should feel honored that she changed her plans to come and meet you.”

“I told you before what I think of your matchmaking, mother. This will be the last time you set me up with anyone. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m tired and hungry and need to get home.”

There was an icy silence on the line. “Goodnight.”

The line went dead and Sara sighed. With one final look at Maxima she turned and left the exhibition hall.

***

Claire sighed deeply and rolled over, her hand reaching out for the familiar warmth of her wife. When she encountered an empty space, she slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She glanced at the alarm clockthree a.m. She swung her feet off the bed and reached for her gown to cover her nakedness. She smiled as she fastened her gown. Upon their return from the museum launch, Andra went to look in on their sleeping children. After assuring herself that the children were fine, she had proceeded to make wild passionate love to her wife. They were so lucky to still be deeply in love after ten years together. Claire stepped into the kitchen and smiled when two sets of pale blue eyes turned to look at her. She quickly walked over to her wife and kissed her cheek before moving over to the other woman.

“When did you get here?”

The woman came to her feet, her blue eyes intense as she towered over Claire, her presence filling the room. Claire blushed every time the woman looked at her. She knew why she was looked at like that, but she couldn’t help feeling a tingling sensation down her spine every time.

“A short while ago.” The woman’s pale eyes never left hers. “You are more beautiful every time I see you.”

“Easy with the compliments,” Andra said dryly. “She’s married after all.”

Claire almost burst out laughing when she saw the sour look on her wife’s face. She walked over to Andra and made herself comfortable on her wife’s lap. Almost immediately she felt Andra’s arm curl around her waist and hold onto her possessively. She tenderly patted Andra’s hand and felt the grip around her waist loosen a little.

She turned to the other woman, once again surprised by how much she resembled Andra in looks. They were both tall, well-built with raven hair and those gorgeous ice blue eyes. The only physical difference between the two was that their guest was a few inches taller than Andra and her blue eyes had a hard edge to them. The woman also exuded a danger, which was enhanced by the hard, almost lifeless quality of her eyes. Claire blushed when she realized that their guest was well-aware of her scrutiny and was staring back at her.

“So, what do you think about Sara?” she asked carefully. The woman rarely showed any emotion, but Claire knew in the ten years that she’d known her, that the woman was not always as composed as she appeared right now. She had witnessed tantrums of massive proportions coming from her before.

The pale eyes narrowed to slits. “She is weak.”

Both Claire and Andra frowned at that. “Weak? Why do you say that?” Claire asked carefully.

“She allows her mother to decide for her. That shows what a weakling she really is.” The woman inhaled deeply, her wide chest expanding with the big breath. “I believe it is time to move on.”

“NO!” Claire was surprised to find Andra echoing the same negation.

Cold ice blue eyes glared at them both. “Why not?”

“You need to get to know her first before you give up on her, Maxima.”

***

Andra rinsed the used coffee mugs and placed them in the dishwasher, before turning to face her wife. Claire looked deep in thought. She rested her hips against the marble covered island, studying the blonde.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

Claire shook her head slowly. “I don’t know, love. I was so convinced that Sara was the One.” She turned troubled green eyes on Andra and the brunette stepped closer to wrap her petite wife in her arms. “I believe that Maxima is giving up prematurely and that she’s making a big mistake.”

“In the end, it’s her decision.”

“Yes, and it sucks big time. She’s angry, bitter, and impatient.”

Andrea pulled back slightly and looked into her wife’s eyes. “Wouldn’t you be too, baby? It’s been over 2700 years now and her soul mate still eludes her.” The pale eyes twinkled. “Can you imagine not having sex for more than 2,000 years?”

Claire grinned. “Yeah, if she’s anything like you then I can understand why she’s so cranky.”

Wiggling her eyebrows at Claire, Andra smiled when Claire began to giggle. “She might be even worse. I am simply a reincarnated copy of the true Maxima. I believe whatever I have; she must have so much more and in a higher, much more intense degree. So yes, the possibility exists that Maxima might be a full-blown nymphomaniac.”

“Yes, she looks like she knows her way around a bedroom or should I say a ‘bedchamber’.”

A soft sigh sounded and they both spun around, to find Maxima standing in the entry way of the kitchen. They both turned beet red, knowing from the faintly amused look in Maxima’s eyes that she must’ve heard everything.

“I came back to tell you that I have decided to give that woman another chance,” she said calmly as she studied them with unblinking eyes.

“Her name is Sara.”

“I know.” She turned to leave, but stopped and turned back to face them again. This time a small smile played on the warrior’s beautiful face. “And you are right, Andra. You are an extremely good looking replica of me, but there is still a lot I can teach you.” With one last scorching look at Claire, she turned and left the stunned couple staring after her.

After a while Claire chuckled softly as she watched the play of emotions on her wife’s face. “That’s what we get for gossiping.”

“Let’s go to bed before she comes back and tries to kidnap you. I’ve lived in fear for the past ten years that she was going to try and steal you from me.” Andra said in teasing voice, but inside she couldn’t help but shudder at the thought. If Maxima should, by some strange reason, decide to seduce Claire, she doubted she would stand a chance. She wondered if there was a woman alive who could resist the woman. With her dark good looks, intense eyes and brooding personality she exuded a mixture of danger and raw sexual energy. What woman would not want to jump Maxima’s bones? Andra felt a soft hand on her cheek and her eyes met Claire’s. She could never fool her wife. Claire knew her inside out.

“I love you and only you. No one will ever make me want to leave you, least of all Maxima.”

Andra gave her a weak smile. “You sure?” She headed a multi-billion dollar corporation and hated sounding insecure, as she did right now. But with Claire she couldn’t help but be herself. Those green eyes could see right through her and turn her to mush all at the same time.

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life before. You’re stuck with me, my love.”

“Good, because I refuse to let you go.”

They shared a tender kiss. The kiss suddenly changed, as it became deeper and hungrier. Andra pressed closer to Claire as she plundered her mouth with her tongue. Her hand crept under the oversized t-shirt Claire wore and upwards to cradle a soft breast. They both moaned simultaneously and Andra opened her eyes, glancing at the dining room table which was a few steps away from where they stood. The bedroom was too far now and she doubted she would make it so far, even if she tried. She purposefully steered Claire in the direction of the dining room table without breaking the kiss. A slight movement to her right, in the direction of the stairs, made her turn her head to investigate and she quickly jerked her hand out from under Claire’s t-shirt. She abruptly ended the kiss ignoring Claire’s protestations.

“Uh…may I have something to drink, please?”

At the sound of their seven-year-old son’s voice, Claire’s eyes jerked open and she quickly walked over to her son. Looking down into his blushing face, she grinned and lovingly combed her fingers through his dark hair. Big green eyes looked up at her and she gave him a tender kiss on the forehead. Andra simply loved to watch her wife interact with their children.

“Of course, honey.” Taking her son’s hand in hers, she guided him to the table to take a seat while she got him a glass of water. “By the way, why are you still awake at this hour, young man?”

“Aunt Max was in my room and sensing her, I woke up.”

That explains where Maxima disappeared to earlier. One thing she was thankful for was the fact that Maxima adored their children. Bruce and Nadia adored their Aunt Max and the mothers were more than happy to leave her in charge of babysitting the kids on their date nights.

“Well, tomorrow’s not school, but you know that you are off to see your grandmother tomorrow and for that you have be well rested,” Claire said softly as she cupped the boy’s cheek.

The boy smiled at the mention of his grandmother and looked at Andra, who was still struggling to get her breathing under control.

“Will Aunt Max also be there?”

Andra raised a dark brow. “Why didn’t you ask her when she was in your room with you?”

The boy walked over to her and pressed his face into her flat belly. “She said that she had to help you with a very special project, but that she’ll try and see if she could stop by, when you are done with the project.”

Andra cast a surprised look at her wife. Special project, indeed. That means that Maxima is really committed to try and give Sara a chance. A big smile formed on her face. What if they really matched and things worked out for them. Maxima would be free to join the living and most importantly, love again.

“In that case, I promise not to keep her too long. As soon as we’re done I will remind her that you will be expecting her.” She tilted his head upwards. “But you should know that with business dealings sometimes we have no control over time. It might happen that she could get busy and only be able to see you the day after tomorrow, son.”

Bruce smiled. “I understand, mom.”

Andra smiled warmly and cradled the boy’s face in her large palms. “That’s my boy. Now get your drink and then it’s off to bed with you.”

The boy gave his mother a final squeeze before Claire helped him onto the high kitchen chair.

CHAPTER 3

The unexpected buzzing of her cellphone, made Sara’s head jerk up from where she was working on her laptop. She reached for the phone, but before answering it, she took a deep breath. She knew who it would be and was in no mood to talk to this person right now. But she didn’t really have a choice.

“Mother.”

There was a moment of indignant silence on the other side of the line. “It’s extremely rude to answer your phone that way, Sara. I thought I raised you better than that.”

Sara bit down on her lip, but wisely decided to let the reprimand go. “How can I help you, Mother?” she said with forced politeness. She loved her mother, but the woman made it very difficult for her to remember that at times.

“Caroline’s been calling you for the past few hours and only got your answering machine.”

Rolling her eyes, Sara sighed softly. “That’s because I’m at the office.”

“In that case, I suggest you call her back. She got worried after the fourth attempt to reach you.”

“Four times?!” Sara exclaimed. Who the hell calls someone four times after only having met a few hours before? The word ‘psycho’ echoed through her mind. “Why would she call me four times? That makes me feel really uncomfortable.” And she wasn’t kidding.

Her mother exhaled loudly and her tone was clipped when she spoke again. “Someone who is serious about you and who wanted to confirm your date for tonight.”

“But four times?”

“I can see now why you’re alone. If you approach every potential date with the same blasé attitude you will end up alone.”

Sara had to physically force her thumb away from the ‘end call’ button. Her mother really knew which buttons to push. Instead she ignored the remark and stubbornly refused to allow her mother to bait her any further.

“I still have a few invoices to process, mother. Was that all you wanted?”

“Are you going to call her back?”

“We’re meeting at seven at Kilimanjaro. I haven’t called her to cancel. I believe she should know that the date is still on,” Sara said firmly.

“Well, suit yourself. I only wanted to help, but it seems you like being headed for spinsterhood. Caroline is a catch. I really doubt you could do better than that,” Sandra said coolly. “Goodbye.”

Relieved, Sara returned the goodbye and quickly hung up. She threw her phone on the desk. She still had a bunch of invoices to post into the computer, but after the call from her mother, she doubted if she would be able to concentrate. She raked the paper on her desk together and put them in a neat pile next to the computer.

Grabbing her purse and phone she left her office. As she crossed the wide expanse of the second exhibit hall, her eyes darted over to Maxima’s statue. She stopped and looked at it, once again amazed by how real it looked. For the umpteenth time she wondered what it was about the statue that drew her to it? Every time she walked past it, it was almost as if her feet had a will of their own. She glanced at her watch and grimaced. She had about four hours to get ready for her date and if she didn’t leave now, she could anticipate another call from her mother. With a final glance at Maxima, she left the exhibition hall.

***

The sea bass tasted like sawdust and the wine like horse sweat. Any other day the same dish and the same wine would’ve been a delight to the palate, but not tonight. She reached for her glass and took a sip.

“Your mother told me that you’ve been single for quite some time now. If you ask me it baffles me that such a gorgeous woman like you could be unattached.”

Sara smiled weakly as she looked at Caroline. From the moment she’d arrived at the restaurant, Caroline had been staring at her like she was today’s special on the menu. The supermodel’s eyes roved over her like a laser, making her wonder why she even bothered to get dressed for the date. Another thing that bothered her was that Caroline had decided to go on a liquid diet. The woman nibbled on a small cube of feta cheese and washed it down with three glasses of wine. She wondered if Caroline was hoping to preserve the piece of cheese in alcohol so it would take longer to digest thus keeping her full for the next two days. She almost giggled at the absurd thought and hid her mirth by taking another sip from her wine.

“Getting the gallery off the ground has taken up most of my time. I don’t think it would’ve been fair to a partner to have to compete with that,” she said. Sara shuddered when Caroline’s eyes lowered to her chest area.

“It must’ve been a lonely time for you.” This time Caroline’s voice sounded husky. When Sara met her eyes again, they were ablaze with lust.

“Come to think of it, not at all.” She quickly took another bite from her fish. She watched as Caroline’s eyes narrowed.

“I’ve…uhm…read a lot about you over the years.” Caroline brought her glass to her lips. “You seemed to have had a lot of fun before the gallery thing. Don’t you miss going out, meeting friends…having a good time?” Caroline drank from her wine glass, but her grey eyes studied Sara carefully over the rim.

She smiled, a real one this time. She admitted she was a hell raiser in her earlier days. All through her college days up until five years ago, she was very active. Her face was plastered on almost every gossip magazine in circulation. She wasn’t known as ‘Goldilocks’ for nothing. Rich, blonde, and gorgeous, she was always surrounded by equally gorgeous women. ‘The pack’ they were called back then. Not one of those rags figured out that ‘the pack’ was actually her harem. Life was less complicated then, morals were nonexistent and money was not an issue.

As much as she enjoyed her life back then, she liked the person she was now so much more. It didn’t work out with Merle in the end, but the fashion designer played a big role in tempering her wild lifestyle. Even after their break up two years ago, she decided to not revert to her old lifestyle. At her age she doubted she would have anything in common with the young bratty socialites. Her ‘harem’ was the first thing Merle wanted dissolved.  Her friends, the real ones at least, were all her age and settled. They still went out together now and then, but at least they all acted their age now.

Caroline was looking at her quizzically and she shrugged. “That was a long time ago. My priorities have changed since.”

Caroline chuckled softly. “You lived life passionately. I doubt if you’ve lost that passion completely.” Caroline leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “If you like I would love to help you find that girl again.” The way she leered at her, made it clear to Sara what Caroline was offering.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. It was fun while it lasted, but I have a gallery to run now. I doubt my investors would like to see their Chairperson exhibiting behavior they might interpret as juvenile.”

Caroline’s eyes were determined as she looked at her and Sara knew that the supermodel was tired of dancing around the real reasons she had asked her out.

“What do you say we go somewhere else for dessert?”

Glancing at her plate Sara bit back a curse. She hadn’t even caused a dent in her dinner. There goes the excuse that she had no space for dessert.

“I have to be up early tomorrow to finish up at the gallery. Maybe we can do a coffee instead.” She saw a flash of annoyance in Caroline’s eyes before the supermodel smiled.

“Good. Let me take care of the check and then we’re out of here.” She signaled for the check and Sara knew she was in trouble. She reached out and touched the sleeve of Caroline’s shirt.

“How about having the coffee here instead? I have to be at the office really early and was hoping for an early night,” she injected as much sincerity as she could muster into her voice.

Caroline’s eyes narrowed. This time she didn’t hide her annoyance. The waiter arrived at the table and Caroline accepted the check, her face unreadable. They waited for the waiter to leave, before Caroline turned flashing eyes on her.

“Why are you really here, Sara?”

Sara felt her own anger igniting. She had been nothing but courteous throughout the whole evening, but Caroline was really pushing her now. “Why do you ask?” At the last moment she decided to still try and keep this civil. They were both public figures and starting a row in a popular restaurant could be detrimental to both their careers.

Caroline reached for the wine bottle and topped up her glass. She drank it halfway, before she spoke again. “I don’t like being strung along. You’re an adult and you know what this is about.”

“Funny that you should mention that, Caroline,” Sara said quietly. “Yes, I’m an adult and I have the right to decide what I want to do and with whom. If you want me to jump into bed with you tonight, then I can tell you right now it’s not going to happen.”

Caroline finished off the remainder of her wine. “You knew why I asked you out and you were well aware of what my expectations were.”

“Did you really expect me to jump into bed with you?” Sara asked incredulously. She knew that was what Caroline had planned for the night, but hearing the other woman actually say so was too much. “What do you think of me?”

Caroline came to her feet. “You know what? I don’t need this.” She looked at the check and back at Sara. “Thanks for dinner.”

Sara watched in mute shock as the Caroline walked away, leaving her to pay for dinner. She took a long sip from her wine, draining the glass and signaled for the waiter. If she knew she wouldn’t get caught, she would’ve abducted her mother and marooned her on a small island along with Caroline—Survivor style. If she was lucky they would kill each other or eat a poisonous fish and no one would know she was even involved.

She handed her credit card over to the waiter and while waiting for him to settle her bill, she poured out the last bit of wine in the bottle and sipped on it. This was by far the worse date she’d ever been on.

***

Mara Bells smiled warmly at the dark woman towering over her. She utterly adored this woman. Maxima’s eyes were a brilliant blue as they looked at her. “Thank you for stopping by. I can’t wait for you to come home so we can visit again. How long will you stay at that gallery?”

Maxima shrugged her massive shoulders and pulled Mara close. Mara smiled at the gentle touch. She loved it when Maxima pampered her. It reminded her of when she was a child and Maxima would crawl into bed with her, reading her a bedtime story. Even now, at the age of sixty–five, she still purred like a kitten when her ancestor held her.

“You have to ask your stubborn daughter. It was her plan after all,” Maxima murmured.

Mara leaned back in Maxima’s arms so she could see the woman’s face. “Andra is convinced that this girl is the One.” She searched Maxima’s face to gauge her reaction. “What do you think?”

“I do not know. She is a little too soft to be any descendant of Anima. Indeed she looks like Anima, but it takes more than appearance for me to fall for a woman.”

Mara smiled at hearing that familiar remark. Throughout the centuries Maxima had protected and raised her descendants. One thing that stayed constant was Maxima’s sense of honor. Mara read about it in the diaries of her ancestors and as a teenager sat through one of Maxima’s life skills sessions. Maxima believed in true love and self-dignity. She made them promise never to settle for second best. As a result a great number of the Bells female ancestors died as spinsters.

Maxima, too, would never settle for second best. If this young woman was indeed the closest reincarnation of Maxima’s soul mate, the world would be witness to a love such as never been seen before. All through the ages, many of Anima’s descendants had been considered and tested by Maxima. There were a few whose physical resemblance to Anima was uncanny, but still Maxima had turned them away in her search for the soul of the woman who stole her heart all those centuries ago.

“I pray I’m still alive the day when you meet your true mate, Maxima. Thanks to you I waited for Josh to sweep me off my feet. I found love with him and have a wonderful daughter to show for it.” Mara stroked Maxima’s cheek. “It’s time for you to find happiness once again.”

The blue eyes so like her own and Andra’s darkened. “I will not stop looking for her. She promised to love me forever and for her to do so she has to come back to me.”

Mara gave Maxima a tight squeeze and let her go. “That is so romantic. Now go find Andra so you can go stalk this girl.”

Maxima grinned at her before leaving the room. Mara watched her leave and crossed her fingers. Please, Lord, let Maxima’s search never be in vain.

***

Sara was drunk and it felt great. She experienced true freedom for the first time in a very long time. The last time she’d been plastered like this was two years ago, when she caught Merle cheating on her. She had forgotten how liberating it was to just not care. Dressed in only her panties and a t-shirt, she sat on her couch, a bottle of wine in her hand, and the TV tuned to a wrestling program. Every now and then she would jump off the couch and cheer for the underdogs. She loved underdogs, because they reminded her of herself, especially tonight.

When she arrived home from the restaurant, she’d felt so angry and depressed. Angry, because she’d allowed her mother to push her into this date, as well as angry at the blonde bimbo. Her depression only started when she opened the door to her luxurious penthouse loft. There was no one to call out to, no one to come toward her offering a welcoming kiss. She would spend the night alone with her anger.

She heard a loud cheer coming from the TV and jumped up cheering along. She brought the bottle to her lips and took a long drink. As she pulled the bottle away from her lips, there was a knock on the door. She froze and looked down at her attire and back at the door. In the end she decided to answer the door. She peeped through the peephole. Her eyes widened when she saw who stood in the hallway. Once again she debated whether or not to get dressed. She shrugged and opened the door.

***

Andra blinked in shock as she looked at Sara. She wondered if maybe she should make a quick excuse and leave. But Sara gave her a bright smile and stepped aside.

“Hi,” the younger woman greeted her brightly, obviously not concerned about the fact that she had just opened the door in her underwear, clutching a bottle of wine in her hand.

“Uh…hi, Sara. Did I come at a bad time?” She was trying hard not to let her eyes travel down the woman’s body. She was married and madly in love with her wife, but a half-naked woman was bound to draw her attention, especially one that favored her wife in looks.

“No, please, come in. Here,” Sara said as she pushed the bottle into her hands. “I’ll go get dressed. Make yourself at home.”

As Sara walked away, leaving her standing in the doorway, Andra couldn’t help but look at the woman’s firm body. She turned to see where Maxima was and blushed when the warrior stood right behind her, looking from Sara’s retreating body back to her. The dark brows were arched.

“I wonder what Claire would have to say about this?” she noted dryly, making Andra’s eyes widen in alarm.

“You wouldn’t dare. I did nothing wrong.” She saw the blue eyes twinkle. “Anyway Claire trusts me completely and she knows I would never do anything so stupid to jeopardize our marriage.”

Maxima shrugged and pushed her into the house. “Calm down, Andra. The woman has a nice body. She caught my eye too.”

Maxima closed the door behind her as Andra shook the bottle to gauge the amount that was left. She scowled. The bottle was almost empty. No wonder Sara was answering her door in her underwear. She glanced around the place and nodded her head appreciatively. The woman had great taste. Had Claire been here she would’ve already been looking around, touching stuff. Her wife’s favorite hobby was interior designing. She lost count of how many times she’d redone their bathroom.

Footsteps came down the hallway and Sara appeared. This time she was dressed in white drawstring pants, but her feet were still bare. Andra saw the confusion in her eyes as she saw Maxima.

“Sara, I would like you to meet my cousin…Mackenzie.” She heard Maxima growl softly behind her. “She’s here for a short stopover and is flying back to Greece tomorrow.” She turned to Maxima and found her staring intently at Sara. “Mac is an archeologist and specializes in Ancient Greek history.”

Andra saw that Sara was still a little wobbly on her legs from the alcohol, but she stepped forward to shake Maxima’s hand. Andra watched them carefully, making sure that she wouldn’t miss any telltale sign of recognition between them. She remembered twelve years ago when she first met Claire. It was love at first sight and Andra had never felt so scared when she had to introduce Maxima to the beautiful blonde.

Claire was one of Anima’s descendants and Andra knew that if Claire were indeed carrying Anima’s reincarnated soul, the blonde would be off limits to her. When Claire and Maxima shook hands for the first time, Andra was so nervous that she’d closed her eyes, scared of what she might see happening between the two. When she opened her eyes after a few tense seconds, it was to find both Maxima and Claire staring at her with puzzled expressions. When Maxima shrugged, a sign that Claire wasn’t the one, Andra’s relief was so great, that she immediately gathered Claire in a hug, shocking the shy archeology professor. As they stood there, Andra holding Claire close to her and Claire standing ramrod stiff in her arms, something significant happened. A bolt of electricity shot through them both, causing them both to jump apart. That was a defining moment in Andra’s life, to have found her soul mate at the tender age of twenty-three. Luckily it hadn’t taken too long to persuade the slightly older Claire to date her. Seven months later they stood before friends and family binding themselves to each other. Nineteen blissful years later, they still felt like they were newlyweds.

This time as she watched Maxima and Sara’s hands touch all she felt was curiosity. Claire was at home, probably pouring over essays. Maxima shrugged and stepped away from Sara. The blonde looked from Andra to Maxima and smiled.

“You look amazingly alike. I must say that the Bells have great genes,” Sara said with an impish smile, her gaze resting on Maxima. “Would you like anything to drink? I can do with a cup of coffee, obviously.”

Andra smiled at Sara. “I would like some too. How about you?” When Maxima didn’t answer, Andra looked at Maxima. The warrior’s eyes were riveted on Sara. “Maxima? Coffee?”

“Yes, I would like some coffee. Would you like me to help you with that, Sara?”

CHAPTER 4

Since returning to the room and seeing the taller brunette standing there with Andra, Sara couldn’t keep her eyes off her. The woman was taller than Andra, but they looked so alike that it would be easy to mistake them for twins. At the touch of the woman’s hand, she’d felt a rush of liquid towards her nether region. Waving the woman’s offer away, she walked into the kitchen on shaky legs. After measuring the coffee and water, she switched on the coffee machine. Turning around she gasped, shocked, to find Mac standing behind her. She was so close that Sara could feel the heat of her body. The woman was tall, really tall up close. Clearing her throat slowly, Sara tried to step around Mac, but she was held captive by the intense pale gaze.

“Are you all right?” Mac asked in her low voice.

“Yes, I just need a cup of coffee and then I should be fine.”

Mac slowly stepped back allowing Sara to walk around her to the cupboard where she took out three mugs. She kept herself busy placing the mugs on a tray, hoping for the intoxicating woman to leave the kitchen. When she didn’t hear any movement behind her, she threw a nervous glance over her shoulder. The blue eyes moved up from where they had been studying her ass. Sara swallowed hard.

“How…how do you like your coffee?”

“Sweet,” came the husky reply and Sara wondered if they were still talking about the coffee.

She quickly turned back and pulled out the sugar and milk. Acutely aware of the other woman’s eyes on her, she accidently pushed the sugar container over. A large, tanned hand reached out and took her hand in hers.

“Sit down and let me clean it up for you.”

Sara shuddered at the touch and without a word stepped away. She watched in mute fascination as Mac cleaned up the spilled sugar. She had been in the presence of very attractive women before. Hell, she even managed to keep herself from falling apart in Andra’s presence. What is it about this woman that makes me feel like a blushing teenager? Her eyes raked over the broad shoulders encased in black leather and she bit her lower lip. Mac looked so comfortable in leather or was it that leather looked so comfortable on her? She was so busy studying the woman that she wasn’t even aware that Mac had turned to look at her. When she sensed the woman’s quiet regard, she blushed and pointed at the coffee machine.

“It will still take a few minutes.” Her voice sounded breathy even to her own ears and she cleared her voice again. “Andra is probably wondering what happened to us.”

Mac nodded, but didn’t move an inch. Sara felt her stomach churn as the powerfully-built brunette kept staring at her. She slowly averted her eyes, scared of falling into those mesmerizing eyes.

“I want to ask you something.”

Sara’s head jerked up at the question. “Yes?”

Mac cocked her head to the side. “Andra tells me you are fascinated by Maxima. Why?”

Sara sighed softly, relieved that the question wasn’t one she wouldn’t have known how to answer. “The myth surrounding Maxima is fascinating and in a way it gives her a lifelike quality.” She felt herself blush. “Since I’ve seen the statue, I personally have a difficult time thinking of her as such.”

Mac smiled at that and Sara stiffened when Mac came closer. It was difficult for her to think straight with the woman in the room, but it was impossible to think at all with her so close.

“What makes you think Maxima is simply a myth?” The question was asked with so much doubt that Sara scowled. She had no concrete answer to the question.

“As a descendant of Maxima, you might have more in-depth knowledge of Maxima’s fate which makes you feel or even know otherwise.” She watched the blue eyes darken slightly. “Maybe it’s because I never really had any reason to believe that there was more to this world I live in than what I can see, hear, smell, and touch.” Sara studied Mac closely. There was something rather familiar about her, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. “Tell me why you think it’s not a myth.”

“Because I know that it is not a myth. I have read about Maxima since I was a small child. We have diaries of our ancestors who stated that Maxima indeed was human once and that she is being held captive by a sorcerer’s curse.” Mac reached out a hand and Sara’s breath caught as a rough fingertip brushed over her cheek. “Believe me, Green Eyes, there is more to this world than what the human eye can see.”

Sara felt her skin burn where Mac had touched her. Mac had called her ‘Green Eyes’ and the way her voice had dropped a register made Sara shiver gently.

“Most people I ask always mention her physical attributes. Why not you?”

Sara smiled weakly. She wondered what Mackenzie would say if she knew how turned on she was simply by the sight of Maxima. Strange, but Mac had the same reaction on her. The butterflies in her stomach and the weakness in her legs are exactly the same feelings she experienced when she stood before Maxima’s statue. “Andra filled me in on the myth…uh…I mean Maxima’s story before I’d seen her. I must admit that I was captivated by their ill-fated love and the rumor that only true love can break the spell.” The coffee machine stopped and Sara walked over to the counter to fill the mugs. “We both know how difficult it is to find our true soul mates in life. I can’t help but feel sorry for Maxima.”

“Why?”

Sara turned to look at Mac. The dark woman had a small frown between her eyes. “Can you imagine being cast in stone, immobile for all eternity, and still expected to find your true mate to break the curse. It doesn’t make sense to me.” She turned back to arrange the mugs on the tray. “How can a statue go around searching for love?”

“It is possible.”

At hearing that, Sara chuckled softly. “I must reiterate that as descendants you must be in possession of powerful knowledge regarding Maxima. For the life of me, I can’t imagine that being possible.” She threw a glance over her shoulder and shrieked when she found Mac standing very close to her. Two large hands fell on her shoulders and turned her to face the tall brunette.

“I promise you that it is very possible.” The dark head lowered and Sara whimpered softly as the blue eyes came closer and closer until they filled her whole view. Holy cow, she is going to kiss me, Sara thought frantically, before Mac’s lips slanted over hers.

***

Andra was dying of curiosity where she sat on the sofa. More than ten minutes had elapsed since Maxima had followed Sara into the kitchen. She wanted to follow her initially, but something had told her to let the two alone for a while. There was no outward sign of any familiarity when Maxima and Sara touched earlier, but she was puzzled by the look in Maxima’s eyes when she’d looked at Sara. She looked at her watch. Fifteen minutes. What are they doing in there? She slowly came to her feet. She could hear them talking in the kitchen earlier, but now there was just silence. She made her way over to the kitchen.

She blinked at the sight before her. “Oh my!”

Maxima had Sara pressed up against the fridge, her large hand caught in the blonde locks as she devoured the smaller woman’s mouth. For a moment she was filled with alarm. Is Maxima forcing herself on Sara? From where she stood it did look that way to her. Maxima’s large body almost swallowed that of the slender blonde. She took a quick step closer and was just about to touch Maxima’s shoulder when a soft groan made her hand stop mid-air. Was that Sara? She didn’t have to wonder for long, because a small hand slipped down Maxima’s side and came to rest on the warrior’s ass, kneading it urgently.

Andra took a quick step back, but remembered that Sara was drunk and probably not aware of what was happening. She reached out and grabbed Maxima’s elbow. With all the strength she could master, she pulled the warrior from the now whimpering blonde. She blushed when their lips parted with an audible smack, but still Maxima didn’t budge.

“Max…” She caught herself just in time. “Mac, you have to let her go.”

The dark head was still bent towards the blonde’s lips. “Why?”

Andra’s eyes widened at the shakiness of Maxima’s voice. Usually the warrior sounded so confident that it almost bordered on arrogant. To hear Maxima so affected by a kiss, baffled Andra.

“She’s been drinking and you’re taking advantage of her.”

If there was something Maxima prided herself on, it was her sense of honor. Andra saw Maxima’s shoulders slump as she reluctantly lowered Sara to her feet. She quickly stepped between the two heaving women. What the hell happened in here? Sara’s cheeks were flushed as she stood there looking at Maxima, her bosom heaving and with pure lust in her eyes. Maxima’s eyes were almost white with emotion as she looked at the blonde like a hungry wolf eying a rabbit. Shaking her head slowly, Andra took Sara’s hand and pulled her away from the lusty warrior. She reached for a mug and pushed it into the blonde’s hands.

“Here,” she said as she let her eyes move over the blonde. What did Sara do to cause Maxima to act so out of character? She handed a mug to Maxima and blinked again when the warrior reached out a shaky hand to accept the mug. She took a sip from her own mug as she studied the silent duo.

“OK, what happened?” she asked and slammed her mug on the table. “You came in here to make coffee and I find you two…” She threw her hands up. “I think we need to go, Mac.”

The dark head turned her way. “Why?”

“Because it’s getting late.” She needed to get Maxima away from here where she could talk to the woman without the sexual tension crackling around the two.

Sara lowered her mug from where she had it pressed to her lips as she stared at Maxima. “I don’t want Mac to go.”

Andra’s eyebrows shot up as she scowled at Sara. Maxima, on the other hand, smiled broadly. Andra swore she had never seen the warrior’s face lit up like that. She thought about the conversation she had yesterday with Claire. Maybe Maxima was in great need of getting laid. Hell, the warrior looked more than eager.

“Look, I know you are both adults, but I don’t think this is a good idea.” She saw Maxima open her mouth and quickly interrupted. “So help me if you ask me why again, Mac. . .”

Maxima frowned and looked away. Andra shook her head again, this time in disbelief. How could a level-headed, honor-bound, two-thousand seven-hundred-year-old warrior be reduced to…to a one-worded, hormonal teenager by a simple kiss? She looked hard at Maxima who tried her best to avoid making eye contact. Could Maxima be hiding something?

“Could I talk to you for a second in private, Mac?”

She rolled her eyes when Maxima first looked at Sara and then back at her. “Can’t we talk here?”

Andra pressed her lips together. “Well, this is not really private, you know.”

***

Sara watched anxiously as Andra pushed Mac out of the kitchen to the lounge. She licked her lips and moaned softly as she recalled the kiss. She wasn’t really sure what happened. One moment they were talking and the next she was clawing at Mac’s clothing trying to literally climb inside the sexy brunette. She placed the mug on the island and closing her eyes, dreamily relived the kiss. Mac was an exceptional kisser. As her large body had held her up against the fridge, her mouth and tongue evoked the most delicious sensations from her. Her eyes suddenly jerked wide open.

She wasn’t sure if she was still fuzzy from the alcohol she’d imbibed earlier but as pleasant as the kiss was, she had also had a very unusual experience. As Mac was exploring her mouth and body with her mouth and hands, it had felt as if she was having an out of body experience. She remembered standing a few feet away staring at the brunette trying to literally consume her with her passion. As she looked at Mac, a bright light had shone from the warrior, almost blinding her. The light sharpened until it completely swallowed her, causing her to close her eyes. When she opened her eyes again, it was to find she was standing in a lush green garden. There were flowers and bushes as far as the eye could see and, drawn to the wonderful scent, she had leaned over the closest blossom and sniffed. She couldn’t explain the intense feeling of happiness she’d experienced as she stood there in that Eden. All she knew was that she belonged there. Gentle arms had embraced her from behind as she had felt someone nuzzling her hair.

Without turning around to see who it was, she had stood there, her body resting against the larger one behind her. She felt safe and loved in those arms. Together they had listened to the soft sound of water trickling from a nearby fountain. She recalled the feeling of loss when the arms fell away, the water stopped, the flowers wilted, and she was back in her kitchen.

Her first thought was that she wanted to return to that place. She wanted to gaze upon the face of her lover. But reality came hard and harsh in the form of an anxious-looking Andra. She’d never wished someone away as she did Andra at that moment. All she wanted was for Mac to kiss her again. She wanted to go back to their Eden.

Sara rubbed her face. For someone who’d been stinking drunk less than half an hour ago, she felt surprisingly alert. She grinned as she reached out to top off her mug with more coffee. She would’ve never thought when she woke up this morning that her day would end this way. She took a sip from her mug, wondering if she should go and see where Mac and Andra were. Just then the doorbell sounded.

***

Andra tried to shake Maxima, but the warrior stood firm like a brick wall. Making a disgusted sound, she pushed her fingers through her hair. Since they left the kitchen, Maxima’s eyes kept straying in the direction of the kitchen, a peculiar look on her face. That was what had prompted Andra to shake some sense into the warrior.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Maxima shrugged. “We were kissing.”

“Yes, I could see that.” Andra’s eyes narrowed. “Are you keeping something from me?”

“Why would you think that?”

Andra threw her hands in the air. “Don’t patronize me. Out with it.”

“I think…” The doorbell sounded and Sara walked past them to the door.

Andra heard the indignation in Sara’s voice as she asked the newcomer what they were doing here. She turned her head to see who was at the door, but before she could make out the identity of the visitor, Maxima was already in motion.

***

Sara groaned when she saw who was standing on her doorstep. “What are you doing here, Caroline?”

Instead of answering, Caroline swept her up in her arms and kissed her. Too stunned to react to Caroline’s amorous assault, Sara froze in the woman’s arms. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a movement and wrenched her lips from Caroline’s. She pushed the blonde from her and turned to find a dark, intimidating Mac hovering over her. She blinked as she took in the obviously incensed woman. Mac appeared even bigger in her rage than Sara remembered. She didn’t know why, but she needed to make things right with the archaeologist. She needed to explain. Sara reached out a hand, but Mac stepped out of reach, the pale eyes hard as they glared at her.

“Mac…” she implored weakly.

Mac’s eyes moved from her to Caroline and Sara didn’t know if it was possible, but Mac looked even more threatening. Sudden fear for Caroline’s well-being, made her move in front of the model in a protective stance. Those laser eyes moved to her, raking over her. Sara flinched as Mac lifted her hand. She saw the shock and hurt in Mac’s eyes, but it was gone just as quickly. Mac’s lips pulled into a sneer and she walked out the door. Sara wanted to rush after her, but Caroline’s arm curled around her waist holding her against her. She tore at the model’s arm.

“Let…me…go!”

“Why? She was going to hit you,” Caroline hissed in her ear. Sara swung around to face Caroline.

“What the hell are you doing here anyway?” An unfamiliar ache in her heart, made her lash out at the tall blonde. Because of her she felt as if she’d lost out on something, something so precious that even she couldn’t comprehend.

“I needed to see you and apologize.”

Sara shook her head and disgust. “For what exactly? Because I refused to jump into bed with you on the first date and you flipped?” Sara felt her anger bubble to the surface. “What do you take me for?”

Caroline held up her hands, but before she could speak again, Andra came into view.

“Are you going to be okay?” Andra’s eyes, so like Mac’s, rested on Caroline with dark intensity. They were the same height, but Andra was heavier and angry. In fact Andra looked more than eager to tear into Caroline.

Sara inhaled deeply and nodded. “She was just leaving.”

Andra’s dark brows slid up as she waited for Caroline’s reaction. The blonde slowly looked Andra up and down, a smirk on her face.

“So much for playing the virgin, Sara dear,” she said tauntingly. “Did I interrupt your little party? You surely know how to pick them.” Caroline smirked slid into a leer. “But to have two of the same…” The blonde tsked. “Aren’t you just a little too greedy, my dear?”

Sara blushed when she looked at Andra. The brunette was smirking at Caroline. “I could swear I heard a slight undertone of jealousy there.”

Caroline grinned. “Maybe I have reason too.” She looked at a blushing Sara. “Do you order them in pairs or…?”

Sara swallowed and stepped aside, not planning on justifying the remark with answer. “Please leave, Caroline, and don’t ever come back.”

Caroline gave Sara a long look, before she shrugged. “You have my number.”

The moment Caroline crossed over the threshold; Sara slammed the door shut and turned to Andra.

“I’m so sorry about that.” She struggled to meet Andra’s eyes. “I’m also sorry about Mac.”

Andra moved closer and pulled Sara into a warm hug. “No need to apologize. Mac’s an ornery one. Most times I even doubt if we are related.”

Sara giggled at that. “You can pass for twins. I think you can’t dispute the familial bond.”

Andra held Sara at arm’s length and smiled into her eyes. “I forgot about that for a moment.” She gently pushed a few stray locks behind Sara’s ear. “Mac likes you.”

Sara basked in the gentle touch of the woman and sighed deeply as she rested her head against the broad chest. “I think I. . .rather Caroline messed up any chances there.”

Andra shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“But she’s leaving for Greece tomorrow.”

“If you would really like me too, I can get her to delay her flight indefinitely.”

Sara lifted her head from Andra’s chest. She searched the beautiful pale eyes. “You can do that?”

“I can and I will if you want me to.”

Sara smiled shyly. “I want you to.”

Andra gently brushed over Sara’s cheek and stepped out of the embrace. “Then I’ll have to leave now to catch her.” Andra reached for the door. “Try to get some sleep, okay. Lock the door behind me and call me if you need anything.”

Sara nodded and locked the door when Andra was gone. She rested her head against the door. If only she possessed strength like Andra or Mac. She would’ve liked to kick Caroline’s bony ass all over the apartment. Not only had the psycho blonde almost spoiled her chances with Mac, she had kissed her and contaminated the sweet taste of Mac’s lips on hers. She pushed away from the door, switching off the lights as she went. At least she had a pleasant memory to replay in her mind until she fell asleep.

CHAPTER 5

“What?”

Claire almost dropped the book she was attempting to read while at the same time keeping close scrutiny on a brooding Maxima. It’d been two weeks and still the warrior’s mood was varying from thunderous to melancholy. The kids were the only ones lucky enough to still get a smile from Maxima. Andra had told her what had happened at Sara’s place and her heart ached for the stoic woman. She couldn’t begin to imagine how lonely Maxima must feel. To not have felt the touch of a woman in such a long time must be crippling. She lowered the book and fixed her eyes on Maxima. Bleak pale eyes met hers. Claire smiled gently at her and saw an unreadable look cross the handsome features.

“I’m worried about you, warrior.”

Maxima looked away toying with the book that lay open in her lap. “You need not worry about me, Claire. I am fine.”

“You’re not fine, Maxima.” Claire saw the dark head jerk as stormy blue eyes skewered her. “You haven’t flirted with me in a very long time. That’s unlike you.”

A weak smile pulled at Maxima’s lips. “I was under the impression it made you uncomfortable.”

“It makes Andra nervous, but it keeps her on her toes. You make her realize what she has in me.” Her eyes twinkled as she studied the large warrior. “It is good for my self-esteem too.”

Maxima sighed softly and sat back, her eyes lazily moving over Claire. Claire felt her heart begin to race at the look in the blue eyes. That was the same look Andra got in her eyes when she wanted to strip her of her last shred of self-control. Maxima had been a big influence on Andra when she was growing up and Claire was sure that some of the warrior’s deadly charm as well as looks rubbed off on her. She wasn’t worried though that anything would ever happen between her and Maxima. As intoxicating as Maxima was, she wasn’t Andra.

“Is Andra neglecting you, darling?” Maxima asked, a knowing look in her disturbingly gorgeous eyes. “You want me to have a talk with her?”

Claire blushed. Andra was as loving as always, but in the past weeks she had not tried to initiate anything beyond a few caresses and deep kisses. Somehow Maxima’s pain must’ve affected Andra on some level that Claire didn’t realize. She looked straight into Maxima’s eyes.

“She’s hurting for you and I don’t want to add to that with my petty needs and wants.”

A flash of guilt crossed over Maxima’s face before she quickly looked away. “I am sorry.”

Claire rose from her seat on the sofa to kneel at Maxima’s side. Maxima watched her with a suspicious look in her eyes. Claire smiled. “Relax. I’m not trying to seduce you.” She reached for the large hand. “Nor do I want to make you feel guilty about anything.” She placed a soft kiss on the calloused palm. “We just want you to be happy.”

“I will be fine, Claire,” Maxima said softly. “I derive a lot of happiness from seeing my descendants being happy and loved.”

Claire smiled. For all her size and prowess, Maxima was a very gentle woman. She was sure that Anima, wherever she was, was missing her warrior just as much as Maxima missed her.

“Do you want to tell me about Sara?”

Maxima gently withdrew her hand from Claire’s grasp. Claire could see the powerful shoulders droop. “I do not know what to say.”

“Tell me anything that comes to mind,” Claire coaxed gently.

Maxima’s eyes were bleak again. “The search is off.”

Claire shook her head. “No, Maxima. Please, don’t give up now. You owe it to yourself to try and see this through.” She pressed a soft kiss on Maxima’s palm. “Why are you calling off the search?”

She felt Maxima’s hand come to rest on her bowed head. “Because Sara is Anima.”

Claire sat up, her eyes wide as she stared at Maxima.

***

Andra rolled the glass in her hand as she listened to the man before her. She had always been interested in the product development aspect of the shipbuilding business. Paying close attention during face-to-face updates usually saved her a trip to the shipyard. Under the tutelage of her grandfather she had learned that as the owner of Bells Marine Industries, she had to be able to understand and visualize what a client wants, before slapping a yacht together. Since taking over fifteen years ago, she made numerous trips to the shipyard to inspect and evaluate the building process. She still did so even after getting a monthly face-to-face update from her CEO, Greg Henry. Today, however, she found it extremely difficult to concentrate.

The past week had been especially draining for her, with numerous meetings to cover all the different branches of the Bells Empire. Even then Maxima was never far from her thoughts. She loved the woman with all her heart. Seeing her so sad was painful to her. Luckily, Claire understood the bond she had with Maxima and was very supportive.

The door to the conference room opened softly and the bright red curly head of Marisa, her assistant, peered in. She had an apologetic smile on her face.

“My apologies for interrupting. Andra, you have an urgent call on line one. Would you like me to put it through to your office?”

Andra nodded and turned to look at the men sitting around the table. “Please excuse me gentlemen. You can carry on with the presentation in the meantime.”

Andra closed the connecting door between her office and the boardroom. She took a long gulp from the glass before reaching for the phone.

“Bells.”

“I hope I didn’t interrupt something too important, honey,” Claire said on the other side of the line.

Andra smiled at hearing her wife’s voice. After all the droning male voices, Claire’s was like a breath of fresh air. “Had I been a heart surgeon, I would have stopped a heart operation to be able to talk to you, love. Is everything okay?” Claire called her regularly at the office, but never applied the urgency tag to her calls.

“I have good news for you. Are you sitting down?”

“Don’t tell me I managed to get you pregnant again,” Andra quipped as she lowered herself in the plush chair. “I’m sitting.”

“I spoke to Maxima.”

Andra’s brows lifted. “Was it one-sided or did the stubborn woman actually participate in the conversation?”

Claire’s answering giggle was infectious and Andra chuckled warmly. “She said a few things,” Claire continued after a while. “But what she said was more important than how much she said.”

Andra rolled her eyes at that. Claire could be so dramatic sometimes. “I’m all ears, dear.”

“Well, I asked her about what happened at Sara’s place and she—ˮ

“Let me guess. She clammed up,” Andra interrupted Claire.

There was a short silence on the other side of the line. “Do you want to hear the story or not?”

Andra smiled and reached for her glass of water. “Sorry, honey. Please continue.” She took a sip from the glass.

“She told me she was calling off the search.”

Andra groaned but didn’t say anything. Besides making a success of the Bells Empire and handing it over to her children, finding Maxima’s soul mate was another of her life long goals. She had expected Maxima to call off the search after what happened. For the past week she had tried to get Maxima to meet with Sara, but every time she brought it up, Maxima got this strange look in her eyes, shrugged and walked away.

“I pleaded with her not to call off the search and told her how she owes it to herself to complete the quest.”

There was another short silence on the other side of the phone again and Andra decided to take a gamble and interrupt Claire.

“What did she say?”

When Claire spoke again, Andra could hear the excitement in her wife’s voice. She closed her eyes, bringing the glass to her forehead in relief. Claire had managed to convince the obstinate woman not to give up. Great job, honey!

“She said the search was off because…get this…Sara is ANIMA!”

Two things happened at that moment. Andra dropped the phone at Claire’s unexpected increase in volume and the glass slipped from her hand and landed with a wet splash in her lap as what Claire said sunk in. She reached for the glass, trying to catch it before it rolled to the floor. With the glass in her hand she stood up, unsure of what she’d wanted to do. A second wave of realization crashed over her.

We’ve found Anima! We finally did it!

“Andra? Honey? You okay?”

For a moment the voice didn’t register and Andra looked around her office trying to find the location of the voice. The she remembered the call. Oops! She reached for the dangling phone.

“Claire?” she began hesitantly.

“There you are. What happened? Are you OK? Did you hear what I just said?”

“I’m okay and I heard what you said.” For a moment she just stared at the gleaming surface of her desk. “We actually did it, honey. We found Anima!”

Claire giggled again. “You will have to come home, honey. Maxima’s down in the game room with the kids.”

Andra looked at her watch. It was past eight. She wondered what made Maxima leave the gallery so early. Sara worked late a lot and Maxima’s absence would raise unwanted questions.

“I will make a quick stop at the gallery first to see if Sara’s there. With Maxima gone she might be in a state.”

“No need. When Maxima came over earlier I asked her about it. Apparently Sara hasn’t been in for the past few days.”

Andra frowned. “Did she say where Sara went?”

“No. Maybe you should ask her. She wasn’t very talkative when she arrived.”

Andra grabbed her purse. “I’m on my way.”

Marisa jumped in her chair when Andra rushed up to her desk. “Marisa, please make my excuses to the guys. Something has come up and I need to go home. Tell Greg to e-mail the presentations to me. I will go through them and get back to him if I need clarification.”

Marisa came to her feet. “Is everything okay at home?”

“Everything is fine, Marisa.” Andra smiled at her. “Thank you for asking.”

***

Sara took deep draughts from her beer, reveling in the feeling of the cool brew washing down her parched throat. When she placed the glass back on the table, she caught the eye of the waiter who was grinning at her. She smiled back briefly and nodded. He quickly approached her table and Sara ordered a chicken souvlaki salad and a glass of wine. She finished her beer and indulged in people watching while she waited for her food. The evening was hot, but a little bit cooler than during the day. She remembered getting off the plane a week ago and being hit by a heat wave that almost took her breath away. The moment she reached her hotel, she made sure it had air conditioning.

The waiter appeared at her table with a glass of white wine and Sara thanked him as she took the glass. Her eyes travelled over the patrons of the bistro. All the tables were filled as groups of Greeks settled in for a night of gaiety to welcome the weekend.

Since she arrived in Greece, she’d trekked from one museum to the other. Every day she returned to her hotel room, deflated. No one, anywhere in Athens, had ever heard about Mackenzie Bells. Seeing her mood deflate at the news, they were quick to encourage her to not give up hope and instead to widen her search to the digs beyond Athens. She had spent the afternoon acquiring a map of all the dig sites in the country. She wasn’t going to return home without Mac.

She picked up the wine glass and took a sip. Mac had been constantly on her mind after they had kissed, On top of that, not a day had gone by that the hallucination, vision or whatever it was, replayed in her mind. She had hoped that Mac would make contact again to help her make sense of what had happened after the kiss. She also wanted to apologize and set things straight about Caroline. When after a week there was no word from Mac, she remembered Andra mentioning that Mac was to return Athens. Her cellphone rang suddenly, startling her. She reached for it and looking at the caller ID, and saw it registered as an unknown number. She wondered who it could be.

“Hello.”

There was a short silence on the other side of the line. “Sara?”

“Yes. Who’s speaking?”

There was another moment of silence. “Mac.”

Sara sat up straight as her eyes widened. “Mac? How? Where did you get my number?” She almost slapped her forehead at the stupid question. Where else would she get my number? Andra must’ve given it to her.

“I got it from the gallery.”

Sara smiled softly. She called. It could mean only one thing. Mac felt it too. But she wanted the woman to say it out loud. “Why?”

The silence stretched longer this time. “I need to see you.”

“I’ve been looking for you,” Sara blushed, horrified that she had let that slip. Now I sound like some desperate, horny schoolgirl.  .

“I have been looking for you too.”

Sara grinned as she felt the tension seep out of her body. “I would say you’ve found me then.”

Mac’s deep chuckle caused Sara’s stomach to do a flip flop. “Where are you, Sara? No one knows where you are.”

Sara blushed again. Coming to Greece had been an impulsive decision on her part. Maybe she should’ve contacted Andra first before storming off and maybe she shouldn’t have. All she knew was that she couldn’t for the life of her regret her decision. Somehow it was as if something inside was urging her to go in search of Mac. It seemed important for some reason. She took a quick sip of her wine. “I’m in Greece. I came here looking for you.”

There was a stunned silence on the other side of the line.

“Mac? Are you still there?”

“Yes, I am still here.” There was a short silence. “I cannot believe that you went over there looking for me. Why?”

This time Sara drained the glass. “I needed to see you again. Where are you?” She bit her lower lip waiting to hear Mac’s reply. Even though she didn’t regret her decision to come here, it would be nice to know her trip wasn’t completely in vain.

“I am still in Boston. When will you be back?”

Not exactly what she wanted to hear, but it wasn’t bad either. Since she had a slight upper hand, maybe she could pump Mac for a more intimate confession.

“Mac, I need to know why you really called me. Why are you looking for me?”

A soft sigh carried over the line. “I have been looking for you for so long, Sara. Now that I have found you I cannot let you go.”

Giddy with happiness, Sara giggled. “That’s really nice to hear, Mac. Thank you.”

“You are welcome. When will you be back in the States?”

Sara glanced at her watch. “As soon as we hang up, I will call the airline to see if there are any flights out tonight or early tomorrow morning.” Feeling suddenly very flirty, which she blamed on the wine, she asked. “Will that be soon enough for you?”

That deep chuckle sounded again and Sara let out a soundless moan. “Yes. Say goodbye and call the airline. I will be waiting for you.”

“Will you call me again…later? I mean will you call me if I don’t get a flight out tonight?”

“I will call you. Please hurry and call the airline.”

Sara smiled broadly as she hung up. She signaled for the bill.

CHAPTER 6

Maxima looked at the phone in her hand. She took a moment to get her emotions under control before a slow smile formed on her lips. She went looking for me!

“And?”

She stiffened at the sound of Claire’s voice. She had completely forgotten about the other woman. She cleared her throat and turned to look at the blonde. She was once again struck by how much Claire resembled Sara. But Sara was thousands of miles away and Maxima ached for her desperately. She tapped the phone in her palm as she looked at Claire.

“She went looking for me in Greece.”

Claire blinked and Maxima grinned.

“I don’t believe it.” The next moment Claire was in her arms, her slender arms wrapped around Maxima’s neck. “That is so romantic.”

Maxima brushed her lips over Claire’s hair. “I thought so too.”

“You two need a room?” Andra’s voice floated from the doorway. Claire quickly loosened herself from Maxima and rushed over to her wife. Maxima smiled indulgently as the two shared a deep kiss. “I guess the two of us should probably get a room,” Andra murmured against Claire’s lips.

“Not yet, honey. We managed to track down Sara.” Maxima grinned when the blonde began to do a funny little dance around her wife, who was blinking at her in wonder. “She went to Greece to look for Maxima. Isn’t that romantic?”

Maxima chuckled when Claire’s dance continued all the way out the door. “She is strange.”

“You only just now notice?” Andra teased as she walked over to the decanter to pour herself a drink. The pale eyes were warm as Andra walked over to her. “So, Sara is really Anima?”

Maxima nodded and watched as Andra took a sip. She abhorred the taste of whiskey. It was too strong for her and the smell made her eyes water. How could anyone drink that stuff?

“I’m happy for you.” Andra stepped closer and placed a soft kiss on Maxima’s cheek. “How did you find her?”

“Claire called the gallery. They did not know where she was, but they gave us her number.”

Andra smiled. “You could have gotten the number from me, you know.”

“I know. Claire thought you were taking too long getting home.”

Andra shook her head. “Impatient woman, that one. So, tell me something.”

Maxima stroked the phone. “What do you want to know?”

Andra drained her glass and went for a refill. “Shall we sit?”

They were in the study and Maxima quickly walked over and took the leather seat behind the gleaming desk. She loved sitting in this chair. Andra always looked so powerful seated behind the big desk. In her time only women of noble birth or those carrying weapons could exude the same confident power as Andra when she was seated behind this desk. She rubbed over the gleaming oak desk and looked up to find Andra looking at her with an amused smile.

“You look quite intimidating behind that desk, Commander.” She took a sip of her drink, a thoughtful look on her face. “Maybe I understand now why Claire has the tendency to seduce me whenever she walks into my study.”

Maxima laughed at that. She had come across the couple making love in the study on numerous occasions. “You wanted to ask me something?”

Andra nodded as she took a seat at one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. “How did you know that Sara was the One?”

Maxima leaned back in the chair. “The kiss.”

“The kiss?”

“When I kissed her I had a flashback.” Maxima closed her eyes as she remembered the kiss. Sara’s taste was intoxicating and she was eager to taste those lips again. She became aware of Andra’s eyes on her and opened her eyes. Andra was looking at her with anticipation. “We were in the garden at my villa. We always liked to sit outside when the weather was nice and cool. No one else but Anima knew of our secret spot.”

Andra shook her head, wonder on her face. “What will happen now? Will you still turn into a statue during the day?”

“Until I get her to fall in love with me, yes,” Maxima murmured. She had been worried about Sara’s feelings for her not knowing if it was lust or love. But when Sara told her that she had gone to Greece looking for her, Maxima was overwhelmed. For the first time in a very long time she had felt like laughing out loud in pure joy. What were the odds of finding Anima’s soul and have the woman like her already?

“I don’t think that will be a problem. Flying halfway around the world to find someone you haven’t known for longer than a few hours should say something.”

Maxima smiled broadly. “I would like to think so too.”

Andra lifted the glass in salute. “Good for you. Now all we need to do is find a way to break the news about you being Maxima. We don’t want to scare her off.”

A frisson of fear trickled down Maxima’s spine. She prayed that whatever it was that has urged Sara to go look for her in Greece, was strong enough to survive the lies.

***

Andra sighed softly as stubby arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her downwards.

“Lie down,” came the short command and Andra obediently stretched herself out next to her four-year-old daughter. “Sleep now, mama.”

Andra brushed a kiss over the soft cheek. She was tired and any other night she would’ve taken her little angel up on the offer, but tonight she had plans. Plans, which involved her wife and very little, if any, clothing. She kissed her daughter’s cheek.

“Next time, honey. I promise we can have a sleepover, you, Mommy, and me. Would you like that?”

The brilliant blue eyes flashed with pleasure. Chuckling softly, Andra brushed a kiss over the dark head. “Now which story would you like for me to read to you tonight?”

Half an hour later, Andra carefully crawled out of the small bed and stretched. She was tired as hell, but she craved Claire’s touch. Even if she could just lie in her arms. She covered up her daughter and quietly left the room to check on her son. She pushed Bruce’s door open and smiled. Maxima was curled around the slumbering boy, her eyes wide awake.

She winked at the warrior and pulled the door closed. Bruce was in good hands tonight. Andra rolled her shoulders as she made her way to the main bedroom. The shower was running and she grinned slyly as a sudden surge of energy coursed through her body. She might just be able to keep her promise to Claire. She undressed quickly and started for the bathroom. On silent feet, she slipped into the steamy interior and took a moment to study her wife’s silhouette through the steamed up shower doors. Her fatigue dissipated as a familiar tingle began in the pit of her stomach.

Claire yelped in surprise as the doors opened. The green eyes were wide as they stared at her.

“You almost gave me a heart attack,” Claire gasped, clutching her heart.

“Sorry.” Andra watched as Claire’s eyes travelled from her face down her body and up again. When their eyes met again, the green ones were blazing with desire.

“You look so tired, honey. Sure you’re up for this?”

Andra grinned as she took the slippery, wet body in her arms. Her head lowered and she captured the soft lips in a hungry kiss. There was no better way of voicing her intention. Lucky for her, Claire was quite fluent in non-verbal conversations.

Their coupling was urgent and hot, leaving Andra in a boneless heap on the floor of the shower. Claire slowly slid down the tiles until she sat with her back against the cool tiles and Andra crept closer to rest her head on her wife’s lap.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to move again,” she mumbled. Claire gave a breathy giggle before she caressed Andra’s cheek.

“You just have to make it to the bed. I doubt I’ll be able to lift you by myself.”

Andra grinned. “Just give me a few more minutes to regain my strength. You really drained me this time.” Andra moved her head so she could look into Claire’s eyes. “You’re amazing, darling.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Andra drawled.

***

With a tired sigh, Sara dropped her bag and leaned against the door of her apartment. She had managed the almost impossible. Using her family’s endless connections, she’d been able to get some rich Greek tycoon to loan her his private jet. She glanced at her watch. It was three in the morning, but she was back home and on the same continent as Mac.

She pushed away from the door and searched her jacket pocket for her cell phone. Throughout the long flight, she’d been debating whether she should call Mac and tell her she was on her way. She bit her lower lip. Maybe she would sound too desperate if she called her now. Mac was showing a definite interest in her, but the last thing she wanted was for the woman to think she was easy.  She blew out a long breath and pursing her lips, threw the phone on the hallway table. She made her way to the bedroom, stripping as she went. She’d rather be in Mac’s arms, but a warm shower and a bed would be a great second option.

She sat on the bed and lifted her foot to unclasp her pump. Her hands stilled when the doorbell chimed. Frowning, she lifted her head. Who would come calling this time of the morning? Her face pulled in a sneer as she thought who it could be. She would really kick Caroline’s ass this time if she tried to pull a stunt like the last time.

She shrugged back into her shirt before she tiredly climbed to her feet, buttoning up the shirt as she went to answer the door. Reaching the door, she peered through the peephole. With a soft gasp, she pulled away again, her eyes wide. She gave herself a quick once over, took a deep breath and opened the door. Mac looked absolutely gorgeous.

Dressed in tight black jeans, a black turtle neck and a tan leather jacket, the woman was a feast for the eyes. Her short dark hair was slightly unkempt and those amazing pale blue eyes were gentle as they studied her.

“You made it.”

At the sound of the low, husky voice, Sara smiled brightly. It would be absolutely divine if she could wake up to that voice every morning for the rest of her life.

“I borrowed a ride from a Greek shipping tycoon.” She gave Mac another once over, not believing that her dream woman was actually standing before her. “You want to come in?”

Her mood fled at the uncertainty she saw the pale blue eyes. “I would love to, but…”

Sara swallowed her disappointment. “I understand it’s rather late. Maybe some other time then?”

Mac took a step closer. “What I wanted to say is that I want to but I cannot stay very long. I just wanted to see if you were alright.”

Sara’s heart soared at hearing that. Mac came over to her place at three in the morning to check up on her. Wow! That definitely means something. Sara stepped aside.

“Come in. You want some coffee?”

“No, thank you. I would like something else though.”

Sara closed the door after Mac had entered and turned slowly to face the woman. Her eyes softened as she watched the large woman wringing her hands. “You seem nervous. What can I get you?”

Mac stepped closer, a sheepish look on her face “I was hoping to hold you for a while…I mean…maybe just until you fall asleep.”

Green eyes shone bright with pleasure as Sara took Mac’s large hand in hers. “I would really like that.” To hell with trying to play hard to get. She pulled Mac down the hallway and into her bedroom. “Give me a few minutes to get ready, okay?”

At Mac’s nod, she walked over to the dresser. With a pair of pajamas in her hand she disappeared into the bathroom.

CHAPTER 7

Maxima looked at her hands. They were trembling slightly. She was nervous, excited, and aroused—all at the same time. She listened for sounds from the bathroom and heard the tap running. She couldn’t believe that she was but a few feet away from Anima. After all this time of searching for her mate, she was finally going to hold her in her arms again and if she was really lucky, get to kiss her again.

When Sara didn’t call her back after their last conversation she took it to mean Sara had managed to find a flight. After leaving Andra’s she came straight to Sara’s building and waited outside for her to arrive. Like a lovesick teenager she had sat at the café across from the building for close to four hours, waiting. When the café closed for the night, she decided to simply wait at the corner until Sara arrived. When a cab pulled up in front of the building and Sara got out, her heart had begun to race at the sight of the blonde. Even from where she stood she could see that Sara was tired, but her mind, heart, and body wanted to be closer to the woman. Now here she was, taking off her boots and waiting for Sara to finish up in the bathroom. What was keeping her so long anyway? As if her mind willed the woman to come to her, Sara exited the bathroom, looking so cute in her pink pajamas. Maxima slowly came to her feet, causing Sara to stop.

“Are you leaving already? Did I take too long?” Maxima could hear the anxiety in Sara’s voice and she quickly pulled the woman to her.

“No, not at all. I just wanted to have a better look at you. You look so youthful in your pajamas.” It was true too. Without her make-up and high heels, Sara looked so much younger. She found that she liked seeing Sara like this.

Sara grinned. “Youthful, you say? Come summer, I will wear my other pajamas and I wonder what you will say then.” She took Maxima’s hands and led her around the bed. “Which side do you want?”

Maxima shrugged. “Preferably the side you will be on.” She didn’t know what it was she’d said, but Sara gave her a brilliant smile.

“Then you will have to get in first. But first let me help you with this. ” Sara began to push the jacket off her shoulders and Maxima could feel the small hands lingering on her shoulders. “You are so big and powerful. I like that about you.”

Immediately Maxima was taken back thousands of years ago when Anima first saw her naked. The Princess couldn’t stop touching her body, caressing her muscled frame eagerly as she commented on her attributes. She blinked and once again focused on Sara.

“Occupational hazard. I do a lot of heavy lifting.” Her eyes travelled over Sara’s upturned face and came to rest on her soft lips. She still remembered what they tasted like after two weeks. She quickly stopped her trail of thought before it took her down a path of no return. She didn’t come here for that, after all. She still felt guilty about keeping her true identity from Sara. Until they cleared that up, Maxima wouldn’t be comfortable bedding the blonde.

“Never stop doing that. You are in excellent form.” Sara pulled the covers back. “In you go.”

Maxima suppressed a sigh when she stretched out on the soft bed. It was so comfortable. I could get used to this. Sara got in next to her and almost immediately rolled on top of her, burying her nose in Maxima’s neck. This time Maxima had to suppress a moan. If she had any doubt, even a tiny bit, that Sara wasn’t Anima, she was completely convinced now. This was Anima’s favorite sleeping position. The Princess rarely lay on the soft bedding; instead she used Maxima as a mattress. Weighing less than her chainmail, Anima’s mass was easy for her to bear.

Sara wiggled her body, as she settled herself comfortably on top of her, causing Maxima to swallow hard. The truth will have to come out soon for she would not be able to resist this woman much longer.

“This is soooooo nice,” Sara moaned. “I think I will have to invite you into my bed more often.”

The warrior was too busy trying to keep her body from responding to the low delicious sounding moan that Sara had made, to find any words to reply. Her silence caused Sara to lift her head so she could look into her face.

“Are you okay?”

Maxima nodded quickly. “I am very comfortable.”

“I’m not too heavy, am I?”

“You always…” Maxima caught herself just in time. “Not at all.”

There was a tiny frown between the green eyes as they looked at her and Maxima return the gaze with an open, honest stare of her own. A small smile formed around Sara’s lips.

“Good, because I don’t think I would’ve moved anyway.” She leaned closer and brushed her lips over Maxima’s. “I’m so comfortable that I think I’ll be asleep in no time. Thank you for being here”

The green eyes were sleepy as they looked at her, but Maxima could read the slight panic in them. Sara was worried that her kiss might have been unwelcome. We cannot have that, now can we, Maxima thought. She lifted her head and took Sara’s lips in a gentle kiss. When their lips parted, Maxima smiled up at Sara.

“I would not want to be anywhere else now. I will let myself out and come see you again later.”

Maxima inhaled deeply when Sara aimed another brilliant smile at her. This woman was so easily pleased. As much as she adored Anima, the Princess made her work hard to keep her happy. But then the world was different back then, if she remembered correctly, people smiled less than they do now. Anima’s soul found a great host and she knew her reincarnated lover would rejoice at the choice once they remembered each other again.

Sara settled her head on her chest, the beautiful smile still lingering as she curled her arms around Maxima’s neck, anchoring herself to the large woman. The trust the woman showed in her, even in her sleep, warmed Maxima to her toes and caused her heart to race again.

Hold on my heart, no need to wake her now. I promise we will see her again later.

***

Andra turned at the sound of clicking heels to face the woman coming towards her. She blinked in surprise when Sara offered her a blinding smile even as her eyes ran over her with mysterious intimacy. Andra also afforded herself the opportunity to study the woman. Sara looked rested and very happy. She was dressed in a black pinstripe pantsuit which made her look like the ultimate businesswoman.

“Greece certainly did you good, Sara.” She murmured as she greeted her friend with a kiss to the cheek.

Sara chuckled softly. “I think one day in the near future I would like to visit there again.” Her green eyes were bright with pleasure. “I’m sorry I just up and left. It was a spur of the moment decision.”

Andra waved the apology away. “No need. Seeing how relaxed you look, I think it was worth it.”

“Shall we go through to my office?”

Andra smiled and turned to point at the statue of Maxima. “I’m here about her.” She saw concern flash in the green eyes and quickly reassured the woman. “No, nothing bad. Every year for Thanksgiving, the family comes together and every year we have Maxima with us. Since she was the one to start the Bells dynasty, so to speak, we always have her with us.”

Sara’s face relaxed into a smile. “So you are pulling my best piece from the exhibit. People still flock in here to look at Maxima the Magnificent.” Sara walked closer to the statue. “I will miss her terribly.” Andra studied the blonde closely. “She reminds me a little of Mac.”

Andra’s eyebrows shot up when a soft blush covered the blonde’s face at the mention of Mac’s name. Something was up and she wanted to know what. Claire would offer great sex for any news about the two.

“Talking about which, I have been trying to get a hold of her, but the woman is so slippery to say the least.” Andra managed to look contrite. “I am sorry that she hasn’t been by to see you.” Come on, Sara. Give me something, will you?

An enigmatic smile formed on the blonde’s lips. “Don’t be so hard on her. As a matter fact, she called me and came by to see me last night.”

Andra could already imagine the exquisite orgasms this tidbit of news would get her. She faked a look of relief. “Good to know she still has some active brain cells left. She had me worried there for a moment.” Andra smiled. “I take it everything is fine between the two of you then? Not that it’s any of my business.”

Sara blushed. “Yes. We are seeing each other later.” She cleared her throat and looked at the statue. “When do you plan to move her?”

Andra didn’t bat an eyelid at the sudden change in topic. “Early tomorrow morning. My grandparents will be flying in from London tomorrow during the day. All my grandmother talks about is Maxima and how much she misses her.” Andra walked over to run a hand over the marble statue. “Grams will be happy to see that she is still in such great form.” She looked at the gallery owner, perplexed by the flustered state of the woman.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, yes…How about a cup of coffee in my office? We can finish up the paper work. Or are you in a hurry?”

Andra hooked her arm through Sara’s. “Not at all. Coffee sounds good.” There was definitely more to Maxima and Sara’s little escapade last night and she wanted to know everything.

***

An hour later, Sara found herself standing in front of Maxima’s statue. She shook her head at the uncanny resemblance the statue had to Mac. Whereas Andra too favored Maxima in looks, Mac could pass for Maxima’s identical twin. An unconscious smile came to her face. She woke up from a delicious dream today. Unlike the scenes of her and a Mac look-a-like woman kissing and cuddling, this dream went all out. Her breath caught at the memory.

Those large, callous hands on her body, a dark head buried between her trembling thighs, the screams drawn from deep inside her being as she was flung over the edge time and time again only to be roused again, the sweat pooling in her navel as that large body glided over hers, their perspiration mixing. She woke to the memory of Mac in her bed. Her smell was all over the pillow and bedding and even on her pajamas. It was too much for her to bear and she had made a mad dash for the shower, leaving the hot water tap untouched.

Sara brought her hands to her face and felt the heat seeping through her palms. By all that’s holy, I’ll have to stop these thoughts or I’ll have to dash home for another cold shower. She took a shaky breath and peeled her hands from her face. She looked at Maxima and shook her head.

“Since you came into my life the strangest things are happening to me. But I will miss you when you leave. Having you here is so calming and…and…” Sara cocked her head as she studied the statue. “You make me feel so safe and protected. You must think I’m pretty desperate to want to cling on to a statue, don’t you?”

“I, for one, think so.”

Sara twirled around and glared at her mother. “You really need to stop doing that, Mother. It’s becoming rather stale.”

Sandra shrugged. “Says the one who talks to statues. So, when were you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what, Mother?” She didn’t want to sound surly, but she still hadn’t forgiven her mother for setting her up with Caroline.

“I had to hear from Kyrios Papastavros that you borrowed his jet. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I called and you didn’t answer your phone? Only to hear you have been in Greece all this time.”

This time it was Sara who shrugged. “I had to go inspect a few new finds.” While her mother was still trying to set her up with psychopaths and possible axe-murderers, she wasn’t going to trust her with the truthyet. “I’ve decided to bring in more statues. Maxima’s been drawing a steady flow of visitors.”

Sandra threw her hands in the air, her blue eyes staring at her daughter incredulously. “Heaven forbid. If you are not careful you will soon be known as the ‘statue whisperer’. See now, if you had given Caroline a fair chance you wouldn’t have a need to drool over marble statues.”

Sara felt her anger rise, but before she could respond to her mother, Greg entered the exhibition hall.

“Do you have a minute, boss?”

Sara nodded at him before giving her mother a cold look. “If you’re going to bring up Caroline every time you come for a visit, then I would suggest you spare yourself the trouble and stay away, Mother.”

The older blonde’s mouth fell open then shut and then opened again. “Your father will hear about this.”

Sara felt slightly guilty for having taken that tone with her mother, but the woman knew just which buttons to press. Sara nodded at her mother and walked over to where Greg waited for her.

“What can I do for you, Greg?” Out of the corner of her eye she saw her mother huffing as she walked passed them.

“You have a delivery.”

Sara sighed. “And why can’t anyone else sign off on it? I have a lot of work to do.” Sandra must’ve eavesdropped on their conversation, because she slowed to a stop. At that moment the gallery door swung open and a train of four delivery men entered, each carrying two crystal vases filled with blood red roses.

“Ms. Laramie?” the first delivery man asked as he looked from Sandra to her. Clearly surprised and not a little intrigued, Sandra pointed at Sara, who blinked as the man came over to her. “Where would you like these?”

Sara just stared at the man for a full ten seconds before she turned to Greg. “Please show them to my office, will you?”

A fifth delivery guy entered the gallery and held the clipboard out to her. Scribbling her signature, she was surprised to see the men leave the gallery, only to return with more roses. This time she could feel every eye in the gallery on her. She willed herself not to blush as she addressed the men.

“How many are there?”

“The whole van,” the man said with a grin and Sara blanched at his answer. “I doubt there will be enough space in your office.”

Sandra came to stand next to her. “Who did you meet in Greece?”

“No one,” Sara answered without looking at her mother. When the first delivery guy returned from a trip to her office, she stopped him. “Who…who ordered these?”

For a moment he looked puzzled, before he grimaced. “Hold on and I will check for you, Ms. Laramie. I think the card should still be in the car.”

The man was back quickly, an apologetic smile on his face. “Roger’s new. He was supposed to hand it to you when you signed off on the delivery. My sincere apologies, ma’am.”

Sara reached for the card. “No harm done. Thank you.” She opened the envelope and slid the card out.

2710  roses for the most beautiful woman in the world. I cannot wait to see you again. M

Her demeanor changed immediately and she held out her hand for one of the vases as the men made their third trip to her office. She smelled the fragrant bloom and sighed. Mac was simply adorable.

“Who are they from?”

She was so lost in thought that she had completely forgotten about her mother. It almost caused her to drop the vase when the older woman spoke.

“They are from a friend.” She could see that her mother didn’t believe her, but she didn’t volunteer any more information. She unconsciously cradled the vase in her arms.

“Friend my foot!  Have it your way. I will find out eventually,” Sandra said as she stomped from the gallery.

Sara didn’t even notice, as thoughts of the enticing archaeologist blocked out her mother’s tirade. She will have to remember to thank the woman thoroughly for the gorgeous surprise. But first she needed to get the delivery guys to take the bulk of the roses and deliver them to the senior centers within the city.

CHAPTER 8

Maxima shook the kinks loose as she stepped off the small podium. She swept the room quickly and a huge grin split over her face when she noticed that she was not alone. She stretched her strides to bring her over to the woman and with loving gentleness, engulfed the woman in her arms. Her eyes shot full of tears as she cradled the woman in her arms, inhaling the soft, familiar scent.

“I have missed you so much,” she murmured into the steel grey hair of the petite woman. Aged, pale blue eyes met hers and Maxima planted a tender kiss on the soft cheek. “How have you been?”

Gemma Bells-Hutton was eighty-three years old, but still Maxima was warmed by the way the woman snuggled into her. She pressed another tender kiss on the soft grey hair. She had raised this magnificent woman like her own daughter after her parents were killed during the Second Word War. The foreign military occupation left more than 300,000 civilians dead from starvation in Greece.

Maxima, using her superior combat skills had fought hard to keep her descendants safe and well-fed. Money, ancient contacts and her ability to be ‘invisible’ to the people who didn’t know about her existence, helped her to operate completely undetected behind the scenes. Her family didn’t starve, but they had to make do with less than they normally would.  But she couldn’t help but feel that she had failed the young girl by not being persuasive enough to keep her parents from joining the Resistance Movement. With their great wealth Georgios and Ana funded the Greek Resistance’s guerrilla attacks and espionage networks only for the resistance members to turn against each other later. They both died in 1943 when former comrades attacked their home during a daylight raid, killing them and leaving their fifteen-year-old daughter an orphan. Locked in her marble tomb, Maxima could sense the doom, heard the screams, but was unable to do anything about it. That night, she had awakened to the devastating sight of the blue-eyed child cowering at her feet, her clothes drenched in her parents’ blood. Maxima buried her family members, hid the girl where no one would find her, and went in search of the murderers. History never knew what happened to the murderers, but she and Gemma knew exactly how those men came to their ends.

Posing as Ana’s American cousin, she had transferred the Bells fortune to an American bank and parting with a great sum of money, had Gemma and the family statue shipped to America. With their wealth it was easy to adapt to their adoptive country. As soon as Gemma graduated from college she took up the great task of reclaiming the family businesses in Greece, relocating most of them to America.

The frail woman chuckled softly, bringing Maxima back to the present.

“Now that I’ve seen you again my heart rejoices, Maxi.” Gemma smiled softly. “I heard some good news though.”

Maxima held Gemma at arm’s length as she looked into the gentle eyes. “I cannot believe that you still believe in gossip at your age,” she teased. She was surprised how she could still see the little girl inside the woman. “You have no idea how much I missed you, my butterfly.”

Gemma giggled at the pet name. “I feel more like a dragonfly lately.”

Maxima brushed over the soft hair. “You will always be my butterfly. Come, let us join the others so I can hear what they have been gossiping about me.” She hooked her arm into Gemma’s as they left the galleria. “How is Fritz?”

Gemma’s husband Fritz was a retiree, who still at the ripe age of eighty-seven participated actively in the Bells’ global multi-billion dollar company that Andra headed.

They entered the large sunroom and the family quickly vied for Maxima’s attention. Bruce and Nadia clung to her legs and after promising to take them out to play later; she made her way over to where Fritz sat. The man slowly came to his feet and reached out to kiss Maxima’s cheek.

“You still look as gorgeous as the first time I had to beg you to take Gemma out for a movie and an ice-cream.” His dark eyes twinkled as he playfully leered at her. “Gemma’s been threatening to leave me if I don’t stop puffing on my cigars. I just wonder if you might be interested in becoming my…what do they call it nowadays…ah…my sugar mommy?”

Andra giggled as she came to join them, throwing a hand over her grandfather’s shoulder. “Now I understand why Claire believes that I got my charm from you, old man.”

Fritz grinned. “What’s wrong with a younger man making a move on an older woman? I mean she’s over two thousand years old.”

“Take this,” Gemma growled playfully at Fritz and handed him a cup of tea, “and keep your mouth busy otherwise you might just end up on the couch tonight.”

Maxima felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find a tall, blond man grinning at her. She engulfed him in a bear hug. “Good to see you again, Josh.” She stood back when she saw Mara approaching them. She smiled at the warm glow in the woman’s eyes as her pale blue eyes moved from Maxima to her husband. Like all her female descendants she was amazed by how lucky in love all of them had been. Maxima wondered why Josh and Mara, with so much love between them, decided to only have one child especially with Andra turning out so well.

Mara kissed Maxima on the cheek before turning to her husband. “Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Could you get everyone some drinks in the meantime, dear?”

Josh gave Maxima a slap on the shoulder before going around the room taking drink orders. Maxima’s eyes swept over the room. Tears burned her eyes as they fell on each of them. They were all here, four generations under one roof. They usually had a few people from their extended family over for dinner on Thanksgiving, but the night before Thanksgiving was strictly a family affair. Gemma came over to her and led her to an unoccupied sofa.

“I heard that you found Anima?” The pale eyes were serious as they looked at her. “Is it true?”

“Yes. I have encountered Anima’s soul.”

Gemma clapped her hands together, as she grinned. “To think I actually lived to see this happening! Is she beautiful? Do you like her?”

Maxima gently cupped Gemma’s cheek. “Slow down with the questions, butterfly.” She smiled when Gemma blushed. “You are still strong enough to live to see me claiming her, maybe even have children.”

Gemma’s eyes widened. “You like her that much, huh?”

Sighing deeply, Maxima nodded.

“What’s troubling you then?”

Josh came over and handed Maxima a glass of wine and a cup of tea for his mother-in-law. They thanked him and as soon he turned away, Gemma pierced Maxima with a sharp stare. Maxima took a sip from her glass.

“She knows me as someone else.”

Gemma frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“We had been following up on a possible lead. She owns a gallery and the only way to approach her was to loan me to the gallery. Two weeks later we found out that she was Anima, but by then she knew me as Mac.”

Gemma pursed her lips, her eyes roving over Maxima’s face. “I can see how that could complicate things. Do you have a plan?”

Maxima shook her head. “I do not think so, at least not yet.”

Gemma looked down into her cup of tea. The expression on her face was pensive. When she looked up, Maxima saw the shrewd business woman Gemma once was.  “Leave it to me. I will come up with something.”

“What are you going to do?” Maxima didn’t know if she should be worried or relieved. Gemma was not someone who beat around the bush. Her forthrightness was legendary.

The elder woman smiled as she watched Maxima over the rim of her cup. Maxima hid a shudder at the mischievousness of the smile. “I will make sure that you get the girl, my dear. Is that not the desired outcome?”

Maxima nodded and quickly drained her glass. She signaled Josh for a refill. Things would definitely be shaken up with Gemma onboard. She just wasn’t sure how it would affect her in the end.

***

For the umpteenth time Andra took a peek through the window. Where is she? She rubbed the back of her neck, a sign of nervousness. She said she would be here.

“You’ll have to relax, honey. If she said she would be here then she will.” Claire circled Andra’s waist from behind and rested her cheek against the strong back. “You worry too much.”

“What if she doesn’t come? What do we do then?”

Claire ducked under Andra’s left arm and moved to stand before her. “There will be many other opportunities to get them together.”

Andra shook her head. “I will not see Maxima endure one more Thanksgiving alone…not with Anima so close.” She kissed Claire’s upturned face. “I want this to be the most memorable Thanksgiving ever for her. She deserves it.”

“I know. Okay, what do you want me to do? Shall I call her again to confirm?”

Andra rubbed the back of her neck again. “I don’t know. Would she not suspect something?”

“I don’t think so,” Claire murmured as she pressed a kiss on Andra’s cheek. “But we have to do something before you cave in from stress, hon.” Claire reached in her jeans pocket for her phone. “Here goes…”

Just as Claire pressed the dial button, Andra saw a black Porsche come up the driveway. “She’s here…I think.”

Claire quickly hung up and came to peer through the widow too. They both sighed in relief when Sara got out, taking her time to look around the estate.

“I’ll go and get her.”

Andra took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and went in search of Maxima. She found the warrior and her grandmother sitting together talking softy. She hesitated to interrupt. Maxima shared a deeper link with her grandmother than with anyone else. It was evident in the adoring way the two looked at each other. Two pairs of identical pale blue eyes suddenly shifted to her.

She blushed slightly at having been caught staring at them. “Our guest has arrived.”

Gemma frowned. “I thought this was just going to be a family gathering tonight?”

“It is,” Andra said softly, her eyes shifting to Maxima. “We’ve invited Sara for dinner.”

The reaction was miniscule, but Andra could immediately see Maxima tense up. The warrior slowly came to her feet.

“Where is she?”

“Claire went to meet her.”

Without another word, Maxima left the room.

“Is that your plan?”

Andra looked at her grandmother with wide eyes. “Plan?”

“To get them together?”

Andra shrugged. “I guess.”

Gemma took a sip of her tea. “I want in on it.”

Andra took a seat next to her grandmother, a small frown between her eyes. “Now, Grandma, I know you mean well, but I think I’ll be able to handle this.”

Gemma placed her cup and saucer on the small table next to the sofa before she turned narrowed eyes on Andra. “At the rate you’re going, I doubt poor Maxi is going to get laid anytime soon.”

“Grandma!” Andra was horrified. This was exactly why she didn’t want her grandmother involved. Gemma forthrightness could scare Sara off. The pale eyes twinkled as they looked at Andra.

“Don’t tell me you’ve turned into a prude now that you’re married, honey. As a youngster you were eager to find Anima so that Maxima could get…what did you call it again…a piece of tail.”

Andra blushed furiously. She remembered making that statement to a very shocked Gemma. By then she had just discovered her own sexuality and was sleeping her way through Boston’s debutantes. A sudden hush fell over the room and Andra turned to the entrance to find Claire and Sara standing there. Sara looked a little uncomfortable at the stares and Andra quickly made her way over to their guest.

“You made it,” she said after greeting Sara with a kiss on the cheek. “Let me introduce you to the rest of the Bells clan.”

***

Sara was nervous. Not only was she in the presence of Boston royalty so to speak, but all the Bells women had one thing in common—they all resembled Mac. It took great effort to chat with them and not drown into those gorgeous pale eyes. She wondered where Mac was. She wanted—no—needed to thank the archaeologist for the flowers. Her gaze fell on a painting on the wall and drawn to it, she discreetly made her way over. This wasn’t here the last time she came to visit the Bells mansion. With a practiced eye she studied the painting. It was an original—a very old original. Her eyes travelled over the subject of the painting, her heart thumping in her chest.

“My great-great-grandmother commissioned that painting,” a voice said behind her and with a shocked gasp, Sara turned to find Gemma standing behind her. The Bells matriarch’s sharp eyes studied her closely before moving to the painting behind her. “She approached Kallyvokas to do it.”

Sara was well acquainted with the work of the 19th century Greek painter. She even had a few of his lesser known pieces in her gallery. The Bells ancestor made a great choice in Kallyvokas. His style and skill was such that it gave an almost lifelike quality to his work. It was more evident in this piece of… Who was this? Probably another Bells ancestor from the trademark raven hair and ice blue eyes. But were women wearing pants back then? She looked at Gemma and was startled to find the woman studying her closely. She remembered how Andra used to do the same to her in the beginning. It must be hereditary. She cleared her throat softly.

“Who is this?”

Gemma’s eyes softened perceptibly as they looked from her to the painting. “That, my dear, is Commander Maxima Kodon. Kodon means ‘bell’ in Greek. We’ve been using the translated version of her surname for over six hundred years now.”

“Oh my…” Sara gasped as she stepped closer to study the painting. It was like looking at a picture of Mac. She was dressed in black leather with a sword on her hip. “This is Maxima the Magnificent? She’s…” Sara shook her head. “She’s gorgeous.” When her brain registered what she’d said, she blushed deeply. When she braved a look at Gemma, it was to find the older woman smiling broadly. “You all look like her.”

“The oldest daughter always gets the looks. I didn’t have any other siblings, but my grandmother did and they were all dark-haired and dark eyed. Grandmother was the only one who had blue eyes.” She chuckled softly. “Maxima would’ve liked you too, you know. She loved the fairer sex just like my Andra.”

Sara was convinced that she had never blushed so much in her life before. Gemma placed a hand on her arm.

“I want you to do me a favor, dear.”

Intrigued, Sara leaned closer. “Surely, if I can.”

Those pale eyes stared deeply into hers. “I want you to meet me in the galleria after dinner. I want to introduce you to Maxima.”

Sara smiled. “I’ve met her already. Andra loaned her to my gallery for six weeks.” Sara frowned when Gemma shook her head.

“I don’t think you’ve been properly introduced. Another favor though.”

“Yes?” This whole secrecy stuff was a little unnerving.

“Let’s keep this between us,” Gemma said somberly, her eyes almost hypnotic as she stared at her. Sara couldn’t help but wonder if the woman was trying to hypnotize her into agreeing.

Before she could answer the woman, Sara felt a slight frisson running down her spine. She knew instantly that Mac had entered the room. She turned away from Gemma and swallowed as her eyes fell on the woman. Mac was dressed in a black pantsuit with an electric blue shirt, which accentuated the color of her eyes. The short dark hair was still damp from a shower and styled so that a lock fell over her forehead. She looked absolutely magnificent. She didn’t know how it happened but she suddenly seemed to find herself halfway to Mac. The dark women towered over her as they smiled at each other.

“Hello,” Sara said, unexpectedly shy and more than ever aware of the other pairs of eyes on them. She reached out and placed a hand on Mac’s arm. She just couldn’t resist touching the woman. “Thank you for the flowers. They were beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you though,” the deep contralto murmured and Sara’s stomach did a flip flop. Mesmerized by Mac’s eyes she couldn’t look away. The soft clearing of a throat, made them look up to find Andra standing there.

“Dinner is ready.”

Sara noticed several pairs of eyes hastily look away as her eyes swept the room. She looked at Mac and found her staring down at her. What’s with these people and the way they looked at her? Mac held her arm out.

“Shall we?”

Charmed, she hooked onto the offered arm.

CHAPTER 9

Dinner was a very pleasant affair, enlivened with quirky tales and lots of laughter. Sara sat next to Mac and was surprised to find that almost everyone around the table made eye contact with the quiet woman on more than one occasion. It was almost as if they were reassuring themselves of her presence.

Mac obviously means a lot to the family, but how does the archaeologist fit in? Andra introduced her as a cousin, but from what Gemma had said earlier, she was an only child. Gemma’s daughter, Mara was an only child and so was Andra. She looked up from her plate and found all eyes on her. She swallowed her mouthful quickly and washed it down with a sip of water.

“I’m sorry, did I miss anything?”

She turned to look at Mac, who was looking at her with a peculiar expression in her eyes.

“Mara asked how much you know about Maxima.”

“Oh,” Sara exclaimed and smiled. “Not much. Andra filled me in a bit and Claire had some really interesting documents about Maxima.”

Mara smiled as she cut into her meat. “Then you know about the curse?”

“Yes, I know about the curse. It states that Maxima will only become human again if someone could fall in love with her again or make her fall in love with them…a soul mate of some sort.”

Seated as the head of the table, Gemma held up her hand. “Ah, not just anybody, my dear.”

“What do you mean?”

Gemma took a sip from her water glass and dapped at her lips with her napkin. “Over the years our ancestors have looked everywhere for ways to reverse the curse. In the 12th century a blind sorceress gave the only clue as to how to reverse the spell. In the case of Maxima she can only be human again when she meets Anima, her soul mate, and the woman who broke her heart in the first place. Their love would complete the circle and reverse the curse.”

“But if I remember correctly, Anima killed herself shortly after what happened to Maxima. How could she be found again?” Sara looked around the table and was surprised to find that no one seemed to think that the blind sorcerer might’ve been spinning them a fine tale. She was no expert, but with Anima dead, there’s no way Maxima or anybody else for that matter would find Anima.

“A great love like that settles in the soul, the very core of a human being. Even after the body departs this world, it remains, waiting to reconnect with its other half. Such a soul will wander the earth searching for eternity until it has found what it is looking for.”

Sara looked at Mac. The woman had spoken without lifting her eyes from her dinner plate. Without thinking about it, she reached out and pushed a wayward strand of hair behind Mac’s ear. A dead silence fell over the table and she quickly dropped her hand and reached for her wine glass. After taking a sip she raised her eyes again to find everyone still looking at her.

“I personally believe in the concept of soul mates,” she began, trying hard not to look at Mac. She couldn’t think straight when she looked into those beautiful eyes. “But with Maxima cast in stone and Anima’s soul wandering the globe, how will they ever meet?”

“Each and every descendant inherited the responsibility to help with the search for Anima.” Claire said as she scooped a spoonful of peas into her daughter’s mouth. With the short genetic background Gemma had given her earlier, Sara noticed for the first time that Nadia had in fact inherited the classic Bells features. She was going to be a stunner one day if her mother’s looks were anything to go by. Claire dabbed at her daughter’s mouth with a napkin. “And before you question whether Anima really exists, she does.”

“You sound very sure of it,” Sara said. She was curious, very curious.

“Yes, because—ˮ

There was a commotion at the head of the table and looking over; Sara was surprised to find that Mac’s chair was empty and the tall woman bending over Gemma. She also surged to her feet.

“Gemma?”

Now cradled in a somber-looking Mac’s arms, the older woman smiled weakly. “I’m fine. It’s been a rather long day for me. I think I’ll just go lie down for a few minutes.” Mac briskly carried the frail-looking matriarch out of the room.

No one seemed worried by what had just transpired, making Sara wonder at the indifference the family showed regarding Gemma’s health. She turned to Andra and almost rolled her eyes when she found the woman looking at her. Dinner resumed, although more sedately and soon afterwards everyone deserted the dinner table, except for Claire who valiantly tried to coax more vegetables into her daughter. Bruce, on the other hand, joined his grandfather and great-grandfather in the den to watch a sports program. Still worried about Gemma, Sara sought out Andra.

“Is she really going to be okay?”

Andra nodded. “Grams is as healthy as a horse. Believe me when she says she’ll be fine, she will be. She comes from very strong stock.”

Sara nodded, albeit a little reluctantly. She was looking forward to meeting with Gemma later. Andra took over from Claire, allowing the blonde to sit back with a glass of wine. Mara came to stand next to her and Sara smiled as she looked at the older woman. She was the same height as Andra and with her salt-and pepper hair; it was a clear indication that Andra was going to be very beautiful woman long into her sixties.

“Do you have any idea how beautiful you people are?”

Mara blushed slightly even as she chuckled. “Why thank you, dear. I guess I’m so used to seeing my own features reflected back at me when we have family gatherings that it doesn’t even register anymore.” She took a sip from the wine glass in her hand. “Josh still says it all the time.”

Sara grinned. “Believe me there’s absolutely nothing wrong with his eyesight. In a few years’ time, little Nadia over there will cause stampedes leading to this estate.”

The proud grandmother graced her pouting granddaughter with a loving look. “Lucky enough, her mother already put me through my paces. Andra surely will have her hands full.”

“I doubt my darling wife was such a wild one,” Claire said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“You have no idea,” Mara said with a snort.

“If you still want me to pay for that Caribbean cruise you and Grams have been talking about, I’d suggest you just stop right there and not divulge anymore.” Andra pushed the empty plate away and tenderly wiped her daughter’s face. “You finished it all, honey. Mommy’s so proud of you.”

Nadia gave her mother a blinding smile, which made Sara grin. “Now that’s what I think will be the cause all those stampedes.”

Claire leaned over and brushed her daughter’s cheek. “She’s an exact replica of my other baby.”

Sara suddenly felt as if she was intruding on a private moment as Claire and Andra’s eyes met over their daughter’s head. She quickly looked away and smiled when she caught sight of Mac standing in the door way. Her eyes were fixed on her and Sara was puzzled by the yearning look she saw in Mac’s eyes. She excused herself from Mara.

***

Maxima arrived just in time to see the look that passed between the married couple. She had witnessed so many love affairs and marriages over the years, but they had always eluded her. Now that she was on the brink of finally achieving just that, she stood a great chance of losing it before it had even begun. Everything was coming to a head tonight. She had grilled Gemma earlier until the woman had divulged her plan.

As soon as she’d deposited Gemma on her bed, the older woman had swung her feet off her bed, her eyes twinkling.

“Another fake episode? I thought you stopped doing that. Do you have any idea how you jangle my nerves when you do that?” Maxima had exploded. It was enough that Gemma was old now, but to be faced with the issue of considering her health, rattled Maxima beyond measure. She was scared of losing Gemma—terrified.

Gemma had actually managed to look sheepish at being scolded. After a heartfelt apology, Gemma had told her why she had faked fatigue. Looking into Sara’s eyes, which reflected concern, Maxima was scared. If tonight didn’t work, it would kill her. She reached out and touched Sara’s cheek. This would probably be the last time Sara would allow her to be this close. Sara leaned into the caress, her eyes fluttering closed.

“What’s wrong, Mac?” Sara asked gently.

Maxima swallowed deeply. “I am scared.”

The green eyes fluttered open, just as her hand reached for the hand cradling Sara’s cheek. Maxima watched as Sara brought her hand to her lips. At the sweet touch of Sara’s lips on her knuckles, Maxima sighed.

“You don’t have to be.” The green eyes looked deep into hers.

Maxima swallowed to dislodge the knob in her throat. In a very subtle way, the blonde had just expressed her feelings for her. But is it enough for her to not hate me once she finds out the truth? She shifted her eyes from Sara’s and noticed as the others discreetly left the dining room through the kitchen. She returned her attention to Sara.

“Gemma wants you to meet her in the galleria in fifteen minutes.”

“Is she well enough to do that? Otherwise we can wait until she feels up to it.”

Maxima leaned in and took Sara’s startled lips in a deep kiss. Her ears were buzzing from lack of oxygen when she finally pulled away. The blonde’s chest was heaving as she dragged in long draughts of air. Maxima pulled her back in her arms and held her trembling body gently. She tenderly held Sara in her arms, not at all surprised by the woman’s reaction since she had poured everything she felt for the woman into the kiss. The only thing preventing her from crumbling to the floor herself was Sara’s desperate embrace.

“Gemma insists,” she said after a while and placed a soft kiss on her hair. “I will see you later.” Maxima stepped away and gave Sara a long look. “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.” She turned and left the dining room quickly. Andra and Claire would take care of Sara until they met again.

She made her way to the galleria and began shedding her clothes. Over the centuries she’d become so used to this ritual. She donned her leather outfit and walked over to the podium. Since it was already dark outside she could, with sheer concentration and self-hypnosis induce the change. This was another hypnotic trick she had learned almost 900 years ago from a very resourceful Gypsy woman.

***

Andra poured three cups of coffee. She gave Claire and Mara each a cup before joining them at the table. The two women looked lost in thought. She knew exactly what they were thinking about. Gemma had outmaneuvered them. It was not the first time nor would it be the last time. Claire must surely think them to be the most unfeeling family considering their reaction to Gemma’s little staged ‘situation’. Damn, but Grams was sneaky. Andra exhaled loudly and smiled apologetically when she realized she’d startled the other women.

“What do we do now? They seem to like each other enough. Maybe we should just let them be.”

Mara shook her head. “Not with the lies between them. Sara might like Maxima, but no woman likes being lied too.”

Claire nodded in agreement. She turned to her wife. “We’ll have to come up with another plan. What our current plan proved to us was just that they like each other…a lot.”

“Okay. Let’s brainstorm.” She prayed Gemma’s plan wouldn’t backfire on them. If there was one thing her grandmother lacked in abundance, it was patience.

***

Sara stumbled over to a chair and fell into it, her breathing still ragged after that mind-numbing kiss. They had kissed before, but never like this. She closed her eyes hoping that blocking out everything else would put the feelings the kiss invoked into perspective. Her hands clutched the table tightly as a familiar sense of detachment came over her. She knew immediately what to expect. She’d had this exact same feeling that first time Mac had kissed her and she also remembered the sense of loss when the strange vision disappeared. For a brief moment she was tempted to open her eyes, but curiosity won out. This time they were not in a garden. Instead they were in a very lavishly decorated room. Silk strips hung from the ceiling, blowing lightly in the slight breeze coming through the open windows. A four-poster bed strewn with small colorful pillows took up most of the room. The blonde became aware of the fact that she was not alone in the room when the hairs at the back of her neck suddenly prickled. Turning, she met the warm, desire-filled gaze of her lover.

“You came.”

The warrior, still dressed in her leather breastplate, pulled her into her arms. “I told you I would be here.”

“But Father said that the army would not be back for another fortnight,” she whispered. Her hands were already working on the fastenings on the breastplate.

“Epsilonde fell the moment we reached their city gates. The king requested an audience with your father and I accompanied him.” The warrior’s pale eyes twinkled. “Would you rather I had missed our appointment? Why else all these questions.”

The blonde wrapped her arms around the warrior’s waist. “I feel so empty and lost when you are away.” She lifted her head and caught the warrior’s loving gaze in a verdant gaze. “I love you, warrior.”

“And I you, princess,” the warrior said with a catch in her voice.

Words were unnecessary as they drifted into each other’s arms. The blonde sighed with pleasure as strong hands cupped her derriere and she was carried over to the bed. Wantonly, she spread her legs to make space for the large body that she knew would soon settle between them. Her body knew her lover well, her nipples stiffening in response to the warm glow of desire infusing her body.

“I will never tire of seeing you like this, my heart,” the warrior whispered. The pale eyes raked hungrily over her body. “You are mine, always and forever.”

Lifting her head, the blonde captured the warrior’s lips in a deep kiss. “Always and forever”, she murmured against the soft lips. “The warrior’s lips slipped from hers and moved down to her throat, leaving tiny tingles in their wake. Her mouth fell open and she whispered one word.

One word, which tilted her universe and made Sara surge to her feet. A soft keening escaped her lips as she clutched the chair she had just vacated. Trembling violently, she struggled to bring her breathing under control.

Now was a good time to meet Gemma. After that kiss she had more questions that needed answers. She left the dining room, seeing the housekeeper stepping in to clear the table at the same time. Knowing where the galleria was after having been there twice already with Claire, she hastily made her way down the hallway.

As she stepped into the room, Sara was once again filled with awe at the sight of the beautiful antique pieces in the room. The Bells had by far the most impressive collection she’d ever read about. She was actually lucky to be able see these pieces. The collection was a detailed chronology of the art movement through the ages. Sara shivered at the mere thought of how much the whole collection would be worth. Buying a few of the pieces on display would probably bankrupt her family. She made a mental note never to bring her father here. She made her way through the room, which was subdivided by short walls. It was like visiting any upmarket gallery in the city.

The sound of her heels against the tile sounded extra loud in the quiet room. She entered the part of the galleria which Claire had called Maxima’s domain. It was usually closed off and only accessible with a code. It seemed, however, that Gemma was already there, because the door was open. Sara entered and her eyes immediately lit on the tall, impressive statue. She found she couldn’t look away again. Gemma was completely forgotten, as like a moth drawn to a flame, Sara drifted towards the statue. Am I going mad? How can a simple marble statue elicit such a reaction from me? She stepped closer, her eyes roaming over the marble figure.

“Maxima,” she breathed softly. “What are you doing to me?”

“You feel it too.” Gemma’s voice came from behind her and with a shriek, Sara spun around. Gemma sat in a comfortable chair, her arms resting on the armrests. The older woman looked quite robust for someone, who only a half hour ago appeared very ill. Before Sara could asked after Gemma’s health, the woman pointed to the vacant chair next to hers. “Please, have a seat.”

With one last look at the statue she went to sit next to Gemma. The older woman immediately placed her hand over hers, prompting Sara to look at her.

“I’m eighty-three years old and Maxima has been in my life since I opened my eyes.” Gemma slightly tapped Sara’s hand with her finger. “You young ones don’t understand how valuable time is until you are standing with one foot in the grave.” Sara watched as Gemma turned her head to look at Maxima. “Tonight I’m throwing all caution to the wind. Time dictates that I act fast, because I’m not sure how much longer I have and before I die I want this to be resolved.”

Sara immediately recalled the small incident during dinner. She reached for Gemma’s hand. “Are you okay, Gemma?”

The silver head nodded. “I’m healthier than most people half my age.” The pale eyes met hers. “I want to ask you something.”

“Please do.” Sara shocked herself with how eager she sounded.

“What did you mean when you spoke to Maxima earlier?”

Sara groaned inwardly at the question. She had wanted to be the one asking the difficult questions. She took a deep breath and threw a quick glance at Maxima.

“I must warn you that it may sound crazy.” Sara rubbed the back of her neck.

“Try me, dear. I have witnessed stranger things in my lifetime,” Gemma said with a smirk. Seeing the amused grin, Sara relaxed a little.

“Okay. Where to start…uhm…” Sara cleared her throat. “Since Mac kissed me the first time about three weeks ago, I started having these visions.” She saw Gemma’s eyes widen in surprise. “They…they are of me and who I presume is Mac. We are in a strange garden overlooking an unknown city. I’m not sure but I think I’m transported to some unknown ancient place if the clothing we wear and the smells and sights are anything to go by.” She stopped for a moment, expecting Gemma to laugh at the absurdness of her experience. Instead, the blue eyes were thoughtful as they studied her, giving Sara the courage to continue. “I have had them almost every night since then.”

She paused and looked at Maxima. “Just now…a few minutes ago…Mac kissed me again. This time the…we were in a room and…and I…uhm…” Not able to finish the sentence she looked away. She could feel Gemma’s sharp eyes on her.

“What happened, Sara?” Gemma’s voice sounded calm, but Sara could detect a slight undertone of urgency in the other woman’s voice.

Sara turned to look at Gemma. “I called her Maxima this time.” Sara watched Gemma closely, waiting for her reaction. She expected everything, ridicule, disbelief, but not pleasure. Gemma’s face filled with such delight that Sara had to blink to make sure what she was seeing.

“Do you know what this means, Sara?”

Sara swallowed hard. “That I’m going crazy, perhaps?”

Gemma turned in the chair so she could look directly at Sara. “Let me put it this way. Now that you know the woman in your visions is in fact Maxima, who else besides Maxima would have knowledge of these visions?”

Sara frowned. Who indeed? Then it hit her! With a loud gasp she surged out of the chair. “No!”

Gemma shrugged. “What other explanation do you have?”

“I am NOT…” She closed her eyes. The vision of a blond woman, adorned in gold jewelry and fine silks fleeted through her mind. Anima. Her eyes flew open and searched Gemma’s with desperation. “I cannot be Anima. It…It just doesn’t make sense.”

“Who else is in these visions with you? Any servants?” Gemma asked gently.

Sara didn’t even have to think long. She knew these visions as if they were scenes from a much loved movie. She had replayed them so many times. “There’s no one else.”

“There you have it.”

She fell back into the chair and sat there with her head in her hands. Anima? It is not possible. There must be a reasonable explanation for the visions. She slowly lifted her head as a new thought crossed her mind. “Is that why I’m here tonight?”

Sara quickly thought back over the past six weeks. Andra’s sudden appearance in her life. Andra loaning her a priceless statue. The mysterious looks. “You already suspected that I was Anima, didn’t you?”

Gemma appeared slightly uncomfortable. “Well…yes.”

Sara narrowed her eyes at the older woman. She had expected as much, but hearing the woman admit it, made her shiver. Recalling the dinner conversation, Sara knew that she had probably been the only person around the dinner table who didn’t suspect that she was Anima. This was too bizarre to be real. She opened her mouth to speak, but found her mouth devoid of any liquid. After a hard swallow, she forced out one word. “Why?”

“We’ve been tracking Anima’s lineage throughout the centuries. We especially paid attention to the girls who were born blonde with green eyes.” Gemma slowly pushed to her feet. “I have something to show you.”

Sara followed Gemma on lead-like feet as they stepped the around the statue to a door. She came to a stunned halt. The door led into a luxurious apartment complete with an open-plan kitchen and lounge. Gemma turned to look at her. “Are you coming?”

“Where are we going?” She had never been to this part of the mansion on the few times she had come over for dinner or quick visits.

“To the bedroom,” Gemma threw over her shoulder.

“The bedroom…” Sara croaked as she looked around.

“You are completely safe with me, dear,” Gemma said in an amused voice, causing Sara to blush. Looking around the lovely apartment, she followed Gemma down a short hallway. They entered the bedroom. For the second time in less than five minutes, Sara found herself blinking in shock. The room was just as beautiful as the rest of the apartment. Various shades of earth tones gave the room a warm feeling and drew the eye to the large king-sized bed draped with tan bedding. However it was the large painting above the bed which caused Sara to stare in muted shock. It was of a woman dressed in rich, silk robes. On her head she wore a headdress made out of what seemed to be pure gold off which the sun glinted, making it look as if the woman sported a halo. Except for the clothing and the headdress, it was like looking at a picture of herself.

“That’s Anima.” Gemma said softly, drawing Sara’s attention from the painting. A sudden thought struck Sara as her gaze moved from Gemma, to take in the room and finally settled on the painting again.

“Who lives here?” The Bells were an eccentric bunch, but building a luxurious apartment for a statue, was a bit over the top even for them.

“I do.”

Sara spun around at the unexpected voice. She immediately began to sway dangerously, but strong arms held her up before her knees gave out. Sara looked up into familiar ice blue eyes. She swallowed a few times to ease the dryness in her throat.

“What’s going on, Mac?” she pleaded, praying that someone would clear up this confusion so she could take back control of her life again.

“I did not know how to tell you.” Mac had a pained look on her face.

She pushed against Mac’s arms, trying to put space between them. “Tell me what?”

Mac’s intense gaze faltered for a moment. “I am Maxima.”

Sara shook her head slowly as she took a step back and looked at Mac, really looked at her. Mac had changed out of the pantsuit she’d worn earlier. Instead she was dressed in leather pants with a leather vest over a dark cotton shirt. On her hips she wore a broad leather belt with a large sword hanging from it. Sara’s eyes trailed upwards until they met unreadable pale blue eyes.

Taking in the warrior outfit and the sword, Sara’s mind flitted back to the painting she’d studied in the lounge earlier. Mac looked exactly like the warrior in that painting. Oh my . . .! Maxima Kodon. She stumbled backwards. It’s true! It’s all true. She felt her knees give away and again strong arms scooped her up before she crashed to the floor. She feebly tried to push Maxima away from her, but the strong arms refused to budge.

“Let me go…please just let me go,” she mumbled as her eyes filled with tears.

“Please forgive me, my love,” she heard Maxima’s soft plea. Too shocked and too hurt to give notice to it, she tried again to push out of Maxima’s arms.

“Don’t touch me,” she ordered gruffly as tears began to course down her cheeks. “Just let me go.”

With a dejected sigh Maxima helped her to sit on the bed. “Please, let me explain.”

At the risk of looking juvenile, Sara clasped her hands over her ears and sat there with her head averted. She wanted to be away from here, far away from here. She pushed to her feet and felt her knees buckle. When Maxima reached out to her, she slapped at her hands.

“NO!”

On unsteady legs she pushed past Maxima and left the room. She came to a stop before the podium where only a few minutes ago, the statue of Maxima had stood. It was true. She’d seen it for herself. Sara was sobbing as she briskly walked out of the galleria. As she reached the front door, Andra stepped out of the lounge. At seeing her tears, Andra’s face registered concern and she quickly stepped closer.

“Oh dear! Sara, what happened?”

Sara took a shuddering breath as she looked at Andra. Just looking at the familiar features that were so like Mac’s…Maxima’s made her shake her head. They all had lied to her. Every one of them had lied to her. She pushed past Andra, opened the door, and ran into the night.

CHAPTER 10

Caroline smiled like the cat that got the canary as she held Sara tightly against her as they swayed to the slow song. Sara rudely ignored the lustful looks the model threw at her. She wasn’t that stupid to think that Caroline had asked her out because she had changed overnight from an asshole to a saint. This was still the same woman who had solicited sex from her and left her with a huge dinner check when she refused her. At that moment, Caroline smiled at her and Sara suppressed a shudder at the open lust she saw in the woman’s eyes. She tried to move away, but Caroline only pulled her closer, an amused twinkle in her eyes. Rolling her eyes, and not caring that Caroline saw it, Sara decided to not fight Caroline on this. Instead, she blocked out the woman’s advances as she had done a lot of things lately.

After her disastrous Thanksgiving visit to the Bells estate a week ago, she fell into a routine of going to work and working until she almost dropped from exhaustion. It was only when her mother began to complain about never reaching her at home and showed genuine concern at how worn out she looked, that Sara had slowed down a little. Strange that Sandra hadn’t even asked why she was in the state she was in, but Sara wasn’t naïve enough to believe that her mother wouldn’t get to it soon. Instead she had enjoyed the temporary ceasefire between them and had even been for dinner at the mansion to spend time with her parents.

She had tried hard over the past week not to think of Maxima or any of the Bells in case she began to cry again. She came close though when she went for dinner at the mansion and her father had wrapped her in his arms. Jason Laramie was a shrewd lawyer who headed his own firm, but he was also a wonderful father. A man of very few words, strange for a lawyer, he was a great listener and an even better observer. After dinner he simply led her out to the garden where he handed her a whiskey and one of his overpriced Cuban cigars. There on the patio of her childhood home, with the man she loved the most in the world, a sense of peace had come over her. Her father had kissed her on the crown of her head and in his deep baritone murmured that everything would be okay even though he didn’t know what happened.

That night she stopped fighting the stream of visions which had intensified after her face to face meeting with Maxima. How else was she going to control something she had no control over? One thing she had control over, was that she didn’t have to see or speak to Maxima or any of the Bells unless she wanted to. She had refused Andra’s calls and trashed her unread emails. Two days ago Claire came to the gallery to speak to her, but her staff had been warned not to let any of them near her. Claire had left without when she was refused entrance without causing a scene. . . But she missed them all—a lot—especially Maxima.

When Caroline called her yesterday, Sara was sure it was at her mother’s behest, and asked her to accompany her to the launch of a new nightclub, she had accepted. Sitting at home over a weekend ignoring her ringing phone and praying that Andra or Claire would not show up, was not a pleasant way to spend her time away from the office.

“Would you like something to drink?” Caroline asked close to her ear, her warm breath caressing the sensitive surface. She turned her head away. She hoped Caroline remembered that this was a no strings attached date.

“I’ll have a club soda, please.”

“Are you serious?” Caroline asked. “Our drinks are on the house and you want a club soda?”

Sara had to bite her lip to stop the sharp retort that was on the tip of her tongue. She didn’t trust Caroline enough to get tipsy around her. The woman was sure to pounce on her. It seemed to be part of Caroline’s nature to get what she wanted in whatever way possible. But she knew that already when she accepted Caroline’s invitation. She might just as well accommodate the woman a little. Suppressing her irritation, she shrugged. “I’ll have whatever you’re having…only smaller.”

Caroline gave her a big grin, which made Sara think of a shark, before the model steered her to their table on the way to the bar. Sara knew instinctively that Caroline was going to get her the most potent drink at the bar. Otherwise she would’ve placed her order with one of the waitresses. The model obviously forgot the promise she made about keeping her hands to herself. Pushing Caroline to the back of her mind, she focused her attention on the dance floor where dancers bumped and writhed to the beat of the music. A few years ago she would’ve been found writhing and grinding to the beat, her body and mind a slave to whatever substance she’d imbibed. She wondered where she would have ended up had Merle not crossed her path. The fashion designer was notoriously jealous and hated sharing Sara with her horde of friends and the lure of the Boston’s nightlife. Within three months of dating, Sara found herself staying in more or sitting with Merle, as the older woman worked on yet another new clothing line. After a while it actually became fun to only share her time with Merle. So much so, that they started talking about buying a place together. Marriage was one of the commitment-laced words whispered a couple of times as they lay curled up on the sofa, watching movies. Then everything came tumbling down, when Sara least expected it. For months after their breakup, Sara had cursed herself for thinking that surprising Merle, on a shoot in Barbados, would be romantic. She got the surprise of her life, when she stormed into Merle’s suite with a bottle of champagne and a bouquet of roses. Merle wasn’t stupid and nor did she think the same of Sara. As she had stared at her girlfriend, frozen in shock, Merle had simply got out of bed and locked herself in the bathroom. There were no lame explanations offered. Instead, Merle simply gave her kiss on the cheek and stood looking at Sara with pain-filled eyes. They had gone out together once after that but the guilt and anger and lingering attraction had made it impossible to relax around each other. In the end they had allowed the distance between them to grow until they had stopped keeping in contact.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Caroline suddenly spoke next to her, pulling Sara back from her depressing thoughts.

“I doubt it’s even worth that much,” Sara said quietly. She looked at two glasses filled with a lethal looking purple substance. “What do you have there?”

Caroline held a glass out to her and giving the model a wary look, Sara tasted the drink. Her eyebrows shot up at the taste.

“This tastes really nice. What’s it called?” At the look that came over Caroline’s face, Sara knew she was in for something. She carefully placed the glass on the table, suddenly alarmed.

“It’s called a Leg Spreader.”

Sara looked at the glass and back to Caroline before she rolled her eyes. “You don’t give up, do you?”

The tall blonde gave her a slow, sexy grin. “Do you have any idea how hot you are? Had you been in my shoes, I doubt you would have given up either.”

They looked at each other for a moment before they both burst out laughing. Sara reached for her glass and lifted it in a silent salute. Four hours later and two more Leg Spreaders, Sara was ready to go home. Whatever lurked in the purple depths of those tasty cocktails had gone straight to her head. She touched Caroline’s arm.

“I think I’ll just call a cab and go home now.”

Caroline wanted to protest, but Sara grabbed her purse and gave the sulking model a quick hug. Caroline was actually not too bad when she dragged her mind out of the gutter. Sara had fun tonight. When she stepped out of the club and into the fresh crisp air, she took a few deep breaths to try and clear her head from the effects of the alcohol. Rummaging in her purse she took out her phone. She searched for the number of the cab service she always made use of and was just about to call them when she became aware of being watched.

She slowly moved back to the entrance of the club where a huge doorman stood. She gave him a weak smile before calling the cab service. Ordering a taxi she debated whether to wait inside for the ten minutes it would take for the cab to arrive or to wait outside. With the powerful doorman nearby she doubted if anyone would try to attack her. The inside noise spilled out and Sara turned to see the door open and a head peering out.

“Lamar, we need you inside.”

The doorman grunted and followed the other staff member inside. Sara turned to look around her. Even with the bright lights of the club falling on her, she still felt uncomfortable. Maybe she should’ve stayed inside. The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she swung around. Maxima stood there. Slightly spooked by the woman’s sudden appearance, she took a step back.

“What…what are you doing here?”

Maxima was dressed in black, which combined with her size, made her look rather ominous. The pale eyes glittered in the light of club entrance. With the alcohol swirling around her body and the gorgeous sight before her, Sara felt her libido scream at her in frustration. She might be angry at Maxima, but it didn’t detract from the woman’s appeal.

“I am going crazy knowing you are so close, yet so far,” Maxima said after a while. Sara watched as Maxima nervously licked her lips.

A heat wave struck between her legs at the sight of the pink tongue tip. She hadn’t been with someone in over six months. She had been too busy to find the time to date or even to go to a bar to find companionship with the final planning for the gallery opening. Now here she was, being tempted by this gorgeous hunk of a woman who was convinced that Sara was her reincarnated lover.

Sara had a flashback of them kissing in her kitchen the first time they’d met. Maxima had effortlessly lifted her into her arms, wedging her large body between her legs. She quickly looked away from the intense blue gaze. Maxima struck her as someone who wouldn’t think twice to pounce on her the moment she sensed a weakness. It was the way of a warrior to strike when an opportunity presented itself and Maxima was the ultimate warrior.

“I’m not ready to talk to you yet, Maxima.” That was the truth. She was still hurt at having been befriended under false pretenses. She was made to fall in love with someone who didn’t exist. She was still angry and she didn’t know how long it would take for her to be at peace again.

“I understand and I will give you all the time you need. But,” Maxima bent her knees slightly so she could peer into Sara’s eyes, “I love you and I never meant to deceive you. I only found out who you were after we kissed for the first time.”

Sara felt herself soften a little at the heartfelt words. “Why didn’t you just tell me then? You pretended to be someone else and you made me fall for you.”

Maxima nodded. “It was really stupid of me. There is no excuse, but I just went crazy when I finally found you after all this time only to have this other woman kiss you in front of me. I was so jealous that I stormed out.”

Sara looked up into the smoldering blue eyes. “How would you have acted if you had been in my shoes?” She didn’t know why she asked the question, didn’t even know why it popped into her mind, but she was eager to hear the answer.

A sad look came over Maxima’s face. “I would most likely have acted similarly. Knowing you as Anima, I would not expect anything less.” She inhaled deeply. “But never doubt my love for you, Sara. I will wait patiently until you are ready to talk to me again.”

At that moment a cab pulled up at the curb. Sara looked at Maxima. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

***

Andra drained her glass and reached for the decanter again. The house was quiet with Claire and the kids sleeping already. She had no idea where Maxima had disappeared to. She had gone looking for her earlier, but no one was home. Dejected, she had settled on getting drunk alone.

Since Sara had stormed out a week ago, the inhabitants of the Bells mansion had all fallen into a state of gloom. Claire spent most of her time with the kids and even when she smiled, Andra could detect the sadness in her wife’s eyes. Finding Anima had been such a highlight for the blonde and to fail to get the couple reunited had been a great setback for her. Her grandparents joined her parents on the Caribbean cruise soon after Thanksgiving and would be back in two weeks just in time for Christmas. Gemma had been looking forward to seeing Sara and Maxima united before Christmas and it was with a heavy heart that the Bells matriarch had left.

Andra poured herself another drink. She had tried her best to reach Sara, but the woman refused to have anything to do with them. After Claire’s failed attempt to see her at the gallery, they had all decided that it would probably be for the best if they left the young woman to work through her anger first before they tried to make contact again.

They all missed her tremendously. Sara had become such an integral part of their lives in the past month and a half. It was evident that even if she had turned out to not be Maxima’s soul mate that they would still remain close friends. As things stood now, they seemed to be the ones who had lost in more than one way. Maxima’s moping around the house and both Claire and herself had lost the blonde’s friendship and trust. The door to the study swung open and Andra was surprised to find Maxima standing in the doorframe.

“I saw the light was still on.”

Andra waved her in just as she walked over to the bar to pour Maxima a glass of wine. Maxima smiled her gratitude as she accepted the drink.

“I went looking for you earlier.” Andra said as she took a sip from her drink.

“I met with Sara tonight.”

Andra blinked in surprise. “You spoke to her? Where?”

“She went out with that other blonde woman. I waited for her outside the nightclub and we talked for a short while.” Maxima took a sip from her wine. “She is very angry at us.”

“That’s an understatement.”

For a few minutes they sat in silence, each busy with their own thoughts.

“The visions have intensified. I cannot close my eyes without seeing her. I feel like I am going mad.”

Andra heard a sliver of fear in the deep voice and it made her feel so helpless. “I’m sorry, Maxima. If I had been honest with her from the beginning we might not be in this mess.”

Maxima pushed to her feet and went to get the bottle of wine. She refilled her glass and drained it with one swallow. “We were not sure if she was the one. I doubt it would have worked out any better had you told her upfront that you suspected she was the reincarnated lover of your two-thousand-year-old ancestor.” She smirked. “Knowing Anima’s temperament, Sara is not acting out of character. In fact, I find her to be much more accommodating.”

Andra grinned at that. She had her own sparkplug sleeping upstairs. “Tell me again why you had to fall in love with the daughter of the biggest, baddest ruler of Greece?”

A deep chuckle erupted from Maxima’s chest. “She wanted me and I wanted her. Anima was known for getting what she wanted.”

“And so the big bad warrior fell under the gentle touch of the fair princess,” Andra teased.

A sly look came into Maxima’s eyes. “Gentle? Back then, young girls were trained in the art of lovemaking. As the Crown Princess, Anima was expected to remain chaste until she was married off. Thus, she had practiced her skills on women.”

Andra blushed at the dark sensual look that came into Maxima’s eyes. “She was that good?”

“Better than you can imagine.”

“You do know that Sara had quite the reputation when she was younger?” Andra watched Maxima closely to gauge her reaction. “Not that it should mean anything. I think I was probably worse than her.”

Maxima stretched her long, powerful legs out and smirked at Andra. “I doubt I will ever meet anyone who could equal your reputation.”

Andra shook her head. “That was fifteen years ago. I’m sure people have forgotten about my hell raising days.”

“Do not bet on it. Your reputation will follow you everywhere you go. Women will still throw themselves at you, hoping to trigger the hunter that you were.” Maxima’s voice had taken on a dramatic flair as she leered playfully at Andra.

Andra threw her head back and laughed, but her merriment was cut short by a cool voice.

“Good to know you find that funny, dear.

Andra almost fell out of her chair. She quickly came to her feet and grabbed the desk when the room tilted dangerously. She placed a big grin on her face as she made her way to where her wife stood. Dressed in her pajamas and with her hair tousled, Claire looked absolutely adorable. Giving her wife a drunken leer, she curled an arm around the blonde’s waist.

“You look gorgeous, honey,” she whispered in Claire’s ear. A surprisingly strong hand held her upright as she stumbled, followed by a heavy sigh.

“I think it’s time to call it a night,” Claire said quietly. Andra threw a look at Maxima and grinned.

“The lady has spoken, warrior. To bed with you.”

Maxima shook her head as she got to her feet, still steady on her legs. “I think she meant you. But I think I will call it a night too.”

Andra pouted as she looked at her wife. “I feel fine, maybe we could…”

“I doubt you can do anything right now, hon,” Claire took Andra’s hand and gently led her to the door.

“Goodnight, Max,” Andra called over her shoulder as she was led from the study.

***

Maxima took a long drink, straight from the bottle, as she listened to Andra’s fading voice, still propositioning her wife. It was rare to see Andra drunk, but it was refreshing to see her so relaxed. They were all down in the dumps and it was comforting to know that she was not the only one suffering.

She tipped the bottle again, but before it touched her lips, a soft chime filled the quiet room. She reached for her cell phone and almost dropped the bottle when she read the caller ID. She opened the message. It was short and Maxima read it twice, before she came to her feet.

CHAPTER 11

The moment the buzz sounded, Sara was at the door.

“Yes?”

“Sara?”

Her eyes fluttered closed at the softly spoken word. For the first time since sending Maxima the text, Sara doubted her decision. She had acted impulsively and as much as she wanted to blame the alcohol she’d imbibed earlier, she knew it had not been the deciding factor. Seeing Maxima tonight had been like throwing an accelerant over smoldering embers.

The moment she’d fallen into bed, the visions had started. This time she was completely spooked because unlike the other times, it came while she was still awake. It was also different from all the others and it had confirmed what she tried so hard to deny. With tears streaming down her face at what was being revealed to her, she had reached for her phone. Now here she stood with Maxima a few floors down waiting for her to buzz her in. She knew that Maxima would come. Maxima had said it herself that she loved her.

“Sara, are you there?”

She swallowed. The decision was taken from her the moment Maxima’s voice sounded again. She recalled the vision and pressed the release button immediately. For a few moments Sara rested her forehead against the door. Now all she had to do was decide how she was going to handle this. She glanced at the clock against the wall. It was almost midnight. A warm feeling enveloped her heart at the realization that Maxima had responded almost instantly to her text.

There was a knock on the door and Sara jerked away, suddenly nervous. How am I going to justify sending the text? The knock sounded again and taking a deep breath, she opened the door. Maxima’s eyes were almost fierce in their intensity. Like always Sara was taken aback by the magnificence of the woman. Everything faded away and, for a moment, she fell into those pale depths.

Sara took a step back. Maxima hesitated slightly before she took the invitation. Sara let out a shuddering breath when Maxima moved passed her and her nostrils filled with the earthy scent that was so unique of the warrior. She closed the door and turned to face Maxima.

“Why are you here, Maxima?” of Maxima’s powerful physique made the large apartment appear smaller.

“Because you need me.”

Sara shook her head. “I simply asked if you were doing okay in the text I sent you.”

Maxim frowned. “It was as good as a summons.” Maxima stepped closer and Sara felt overwhelmed by the sheer aura of the woman. Strange, I never picked that up when Maxima was posing as Mac. “You wanted me to come to you.”

Sara felt a spark of anger at the last statement. It wasn’t the fact that it sounded so blatantly arrogant, but more because it was the absolute truth. She had wanted to see Maxima again, if only to dispel the disturbing feelings the vision had left her with. Maybe she should heed the vision for the warning that it was. It was time to be honest. Sara pursed her lips, allowing the anger she’d kept inside for the past week to spill into her blood.

“I have no one to talk to…no one to be mad at. And the visions won’t let up. It seems they are trying to drive me crazy.” Sara took a threatening step closer to Maxima. The warrior seemed unfazed as she studied Sara intently.  “I can’t sleep anymore and I’m so tired, really tired.” A lone tear trickled down Sara’s cheek. “I am still angry and I probably will be for a long time, but I need to sleep. I can’t go on like this. I need to sleep.” She took the final step which brought her against Maxima’s body. She rested her head against the broad chest. “I want you to make it right.”

Sara felt the strong arms close around her and a tortured sigh left her body. It felt so good—like coming home. The thought surprised her, but she was too tired and too comfortable to explore its meaning any further. Maxima bent her knees slightly and swung her up in her arms. No words were spoken again until Sara was warmly tucked in bed, stretched out on Maxima’s hard body. Just like that first night she slept in Maxima’s arms, she curled her arm around the strong neck and buried her face in Maxima’s neck. Almost immediately her eyelids began to droop. She lifted her head and blinked sleepily down at Maxima.

“I’m still angry, but thank you for doing this.”

“Thank you for trusting me enough to be here for you.”

Sara dropped her head back on Maxima’s chest. They lay like that in silence with Sara fighting against the sleep that wanted to overpower her. As much as her body craved the rest, her mind wanted to enjoy this moment more. She purred softly when a large hand brushed over her hair and continued down her back. The hand stopped at her lower back and began its journey upwards again.

“I had a vision earlier tonight.” The hand stilled. “It came while I was still awake.”

Maxima cleared her throat softly. “What was it about?”

Sara’s arms unconsciously tightened around Maxima. “It was about Anima’s suicide.”

She felt Maxima gently slide her to the side and onto the mattress so that they lay side by side. Maxima looked stricken. Sara watched in disbelief as the blue eyes shot full of tears and any thought of sleep left her at that moment. This was something that seemed to be very important to Maxima.

“Did she suffer much?” Maxima asked hoarsely.

Realizing her mistake and filled with guilt for having introduced the topic so callously, Sara pressed her forehead against Maxima’s. “I sensed that her greatest pain came from losing you and the guilt she felt for the role she played in your fate.”

A soft sniff sounded and Sara leaned back so she could look at Maxima. A wave of tenderness washed over at the sight of the tears streaming down Maxima’s cheeks. “How did she die?”

The vision surfaced again and Sara recalled the intense feelings of dread she experienced through Anima as a paralysis came over her. The paralysis was followed by the loss of speech and finally suffocation. It was what followed afterwards that had made her reach out to Maxima. She…Anima had opened her eyes to total darkness later and the crippling feeling of utter loneliness. There was no Maxima waiting for her so they could start their new life together.

“Sara?”

Sara licked suddenly dry lips. She grimaced at the unexpected bitterness she tasted in her lips. “She took hemlock.”

Maxima closed her eyes and Sara heard her take a shaky breath. “I never knew the details surrounding her death. No one knew. King Noram apparently found her body and burned it in shame. Why, I could never understand until now.” The blue eyes opened and they were pools of dark anguish. “Only criminals and the condemned were punished by a ‘Cup of Hemlock’. Anima disgraced her royal lineage by taking her life in that way.”

Sara was horrified by the actions of a father in disposing of his only child’s remains like that. She crept even closer to Maxima and held her tightly. The warrior was trembling under her touch. She pressed her lips against the broad forehead.

“I’m so sorry, Maxima,” she whispered softly.

“It is not your fault.”

The silence that followed was so long that Sara thought that maybe Maxima had drifted off to sleep. She pulled back to find Maxima staring unseeingly at the ceiling. “Maxima?”

“I always wondered about it. I could hear her pleas for forgiveness as I was turning. She promised to love me forever.” Maxima let out a shaky breath and fresh tears spilled from her eyes. “It took me close to a hundred and fifty years to focus hard enough to bring what little bit of  humanity that was left in me to the surface. That was when I began to thaw bit by bit until I could at least become mobile at night. By then everyone who knew about Anima was dead. The scrolls were incomplete because the King wanted to completely erase the blemish of shame to their name.”

Sara tightened her hold on Maxima. “You’ve carried so much pain with you throughout the centuries.”

“It was worth it.” Maxima hoisted herself on her elbow. “After what you have told me do you still doubt that you are the bearer of Anima’s soul? No one but Anima herself could recount what had happened on her last day on earth.”

Pushing her fingers through her hair, Sara rolled onto her back so she could stare up at the ceiling. “I know.” She cocked her head and looked at the darkly handsome face. “What do you want me to do?”

“Give me another chance to love you,” Maxima whispered huskily, causing the fine hair on Sara’s arms to spike. “I know you do not love me, but I have enough love for the both of us.”

Sara looked away from the hypnotic gaze. “Will it truly be enough? What about the little detail where you turn to stone during the day?”

“Anima loves me and I hope that you would one day unlock that chamber where she keeps her love for me. As long as I have you in my life, I will be happy.” Maxima’s large body hovered over hers. “I promise to make you happy beyond your wildest dreams.”

Sara’s eyes were fixed on the beautifully sculpted lips, remembering how they’d felt on hers and remembering the feelings they invoked in Anima. The dark head came closer and just as their breath mingled anticipating the first touch of their lips; Sara shook her head and turned away.

“I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Maxima licked her lips. “I understand. I promised to give you all the time you need.” She rolled onto her back and opened her arms. “Let me tell you a little about myself. My life has been rather boring and I am sure it will lull you to sleep in no time.”

Sara didn’t wait to be invited again. In an act that was almost possessive, she crawled over the warrior’s large body and threw a leg over the strong thighs.

“I’m listening.”

Two hours later, Sara was barely awake as Maxima slipped out from under her. The warrior gently tucked her in again, before pressing soft lips to her brow. Swimming between sleep and wakefulness, Sara listened to the warrior moving around.

She sighed deeply when warm lips touched hers. “Sleep well, my heart. I love you.”

The front door closed and Sara rolled onto her back, her fingertips reaching up to touch her lips. She wondered how long she would be able to resist Maxima. Turning on her side, she hugged the pillow close where Maxima’s head had rested and drifted off again, enveloped by Maxima’s scent.

***

Andra blinked in surprise when the door to her office opened and Claire entered. A pigtailed Nadia rushed around the desk as soon as she’d spotted her mother. With a broad smile, Andra picked her daughter up. The short arms curled around her neck as the dark head rested on her shoulder.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit by my two most favorite girls?”

Claire moved closer and kissed her on the cheek. “We thought we’d see what you were up to and invite you to lunch.”

Andra walked to her desk and scanned through her day planner. She was due at the docks in the afternoon to inspect a yacht. “I’m free until three o’clock. Where do you want to go?”

“Pizza,” a soft voice whispered in her ear. Andra hugged her daughter closer.

“Pizza it is then.” She took her purse. “I’ll buy you the best pizza this town has to offer.”

Lunch was fun with Nadia keeping them entertained by recapping the bedtime story Maxima had told her the previous night, complete with her own adaptations. Andra was enjoying it immensely to see her shy little girl so animated. Looking at Claire to see her reaction to this unusual side of Nadia, she found her wife to be lost in thought.

Placing a small slice of pizza on Nadia’s plate to keep the child occupied, Andra reached for Claire’s hand. “Hey, you okay?”

The green eyes were somber. “I miss Sara.”

“I know, baby. I miss her too.”

“I can’t help but feel that we’ve failed Maxima,” Claire whispered. Andra squeezed her hand lightly.

“Maxima understands, sweetheart. I’m sure she’s trying to work it through with Sara.”

“Aunt Sara is pretty,” Nadia mumbled around a piece of pizza, causing the grownups to look at her in surprise.

“Nadia honey, we don’t talk with food in our mouths,” Claire admonished gently. Andra watched as her daughter’s face fell and giving her wife a quick look, placed a kiss on the dark head.

“You’re right, honey. She is pretty.”

Nadia beamed at her. “Aunt Sara said I am prettier than a princess.”

“And she’d be right too,” Andra said quickly and winked at her daughter. Claire gave her an odd look and she raised a questioning brow. Andra watched as Claire leaned closer to their daughter.

“When did Aunt Sara talk to you, honey?”

Andra caught where Claire was going. The last time Nadia had seen Sara was over ten days ago at the family dinner. She can’t recall her daughter and Sara having the time to have a conversation before Sara stormed out.

“Aunt Sara read me a bedtime story yesterday.”

Claire’s head jerked up to meet hers and Andra’s eyebrows shot up. She reached for her glass and took a sip of her water. “Did you like the story, pumpkin?”

Small hands reached for another small piece of pizza as Nadia grinned at Claire as she nodded. “Aunt Max also liked the story.”

Andra took another sip. “Aunt Max was also there?”

“Yes, mama.”

Andra nodded thoughtfully as she lifted her eyes to Claire. “Did she say when she was going to read you a story again, Nadi?”

The girl took a bite of her pizza and nodded. She opened her mouth to speak, but seemed to remember Claire’s earlier admonishment. Clamping her hand over her mouth, she chewed.

Andra looked at Claire who was staring at her daughter with undisguised anticipation. For a four-year-old, Nadia had the memory of an elephant. If Sara had promised to read her a bedtime story, the child was going to hold her to that. She watched as Claire gently wiped Nadia’s mouth and held out her juice for the girl to take a sip.

“Aunt Sara said she would finish the story tonight.” Big blue eyes moved between the two grownups before they came to rest on Claire. “Are you angry, mommy?”

Claire’s face melted into a tender smile. “No honey, I’m not angry. Why should I be?”

“Because Aunt Sara is almost as good as you.”

Andra grinned at the way Claire’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “That can’t be possible. I was the only one given the gift of storytelling by the Storytelling Princess.”

A soft giggle escaped Nadia’s lips and her pale eyes shone bright with glee. “I told Aunt Sara so, but Aunt Max said that Aunt Sara is a real princess and a real princess is born with the gift.”

Andra took a bite of a slice of pizza as she listened to her girls bantering back and forth. Dear Aunt Max had a lot of explaining to do.

CHAPTER 12

Sara smiled as she held up the doll. It was still in a very good condition. Just like the day when her father bought it for her when she’d turned nine. She hoped Nadia would like it. It had been years since she last rummaged through the attic. The last time was when she sorted through her stuff to select toys for the Wilshire Children Home’s anniversary ten years ago.

She was shocked by the amount of toys she’d collected as a child. As an only child, her parents had doted on her. Funny enough her mother was not as aloof back then as she was now. Sandra was a hands-on mother, who took her to the park regularly and even played house with her. As she grew older, Sandra began spending more time on the many charities she chaired. That was when the chasm between them formed. When she hit her teenage years she had neither time nor the sense to bridge the gap between them and they kept on growing farther apart.

“I held that box back intentionally for when you had your own children.”

Sara gasped at the sound of her mother’s voice so close behind her. She slowly turned to look at Sandra where she stood looking down at her. Surprisingly, Sandra was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. It was an outfit, Sara knew, that meant her mother was planning on spending the day indoors.

“Good afternoon, mother.”

“Hi. Miriam told me you were busy up here. Looking for something specific?”

“Just something to wrap up for a friend’s daughter.”

“That doll is a great choice. They are collectors’ items now.”

Sara looked at the doll. “I really liked it when I was child.”

“I remember.” A small smile curled around Sandra’s lips. “You wouldn’t go to sleep without it and your father and I had to sneak it out of your room when you went to school so we could get it cleaned up.”

Sara grinned as she came to her feet. “Now you tell me. I remember sneaking into your room once and putting some makeup on her only to find her cleaned up the next time I returned from school.” She cradled the doll against her chest. “Dad said that she was a princess and that they used magic to keep themselves clean.”

A beautiful smile formed on her mother’s lips at that. “Jason is a great man. I thank my lucky stars I had the sense to snatch him out of Celia Stamford’s claws.”

Sara’s eyes widened. Her mother was well-known for being a very private person. Sandra never, ever spoke about her marriage not even to her. Over the years she had caught her parents in an occasional embrace, but scenes like that were very rare. She was intrigued. Is Mother giving me an ‘in’ into her private life?

“Celia Stamford? Isn’t she married to Senator Giles Stamford?”

Sandra smirked. “The one and only.”

“Oh,” Sara mumbled, trying not to appear too interested lest Sandra clammed up. “She seems like a nice woman.”

“Now, yes. Back then she was a real bitch.”

Sara’s jaw dropped. “Mother!”

Sandra didn’t even look contrite. “What? It’s true.” Sandra looked at the doll. “Is that all you’re taking?”

Confused by the sudden change in subject, Sara nodded.

“Do I know your friend?”

“Andra Bells.”

Sandra blinked, her mouth parting slightly. “Of the Boston Bells?”

“Yes.”

“She has a daughter? But I thought she was a lesbian?” Sandra seemed genuinely confused now.

Sara held out the doll to her mother so she could close the box from where she’d taken the doll.

“She’s married to a woman and they have two children—a boy and a girl.”

When nothing more was forthcoming from her mother, she looked over her shoulder to find Sandra cradling the doll to her chest. The older woman had a look of such longing on her face.

“Mother? Are you okay?”

The green eyes, so like her own, were somber as they looked at her. “That is what I’ve always wished for you.”

“A family?”

“Yes, a family. I want you to be happy.”

For the second time in less than ten minutes, her mother genuinely surprised Sara. It was also the first time in a very long time that they could talk without snapping at each other. Sara moved closer to her mother.

“But I’m happy,” she said softly as she searched her mother’s face. She didn’t want Sandra to think otherwise and try setting her up on a date again. After Caroline, Sara had serious doubts about her mother’s choice of partners for her.

Sandra held up her hand. “Don’t take it the wrong way, but I thought I was happy too once. I had money, looks, friends, lovers. I thought I needed nothing more.” Sandra smiled and Sara was shocked by the love that radiated from it. “That was until I attended Celia Stamford’s twenty-first birthday party. She was dancing with this boy. As they twirled on the dance floor, my eyes met his and it was love at first sight.” Sandra inhaled deeply and averted her eyes. The silence stretched between them and Sara put her hand on her mother’s arm.

Intrigued by the story and her mother’s unusual behavior, Sandra threw caution to the wind. “Please continue, Mother.”

“Celia was known for playing the field and I knew I couldn’t let her hurt this boy.” Sandra continued.  “He wasn’t her type after all. Some would say he wasn’t handsome enough or wealthy enough. But I found myself in that brief look we shared.” Sandra giggled naughtily, shocking Sara further. “I kissed him that night and every night since for the past forty years. He is a wonderful husband and he gave me you. I couldn’t be happier than I am now, Sara. The two of you are my joy.”

Sandra’s heartfelt words moved Sara tremendously, since they came from a woman she had considered cold and aloof for most of her adult life. She only realized she was crying when Sandra gently wiped her tears from her cheek.

“That is all I have ever wanted for you. I was so scared that the older you got that you might never experience it and out of desperation I started to put pressure on you.” Sandra pressed a gentle kiss on Sara’s forehead. “I never even asked you if it was what you’d want.”

Sara took her mother’s hand and pressed it to her cheek. “I want it to. But not with Caroline.”

“But according to that lesbian show on TV…” Sandra stopped talking and cocked her head to the side. “Isn’t she pretty enough?”

“She’s extremely good-looking, but Caroline is not interested in having a family or even a relationship, for that matter.”

“But she said…ˮ Sandra pursued her lips. “I will take this up with her.”

Sara smiled, feeling her heart rejoice at her mother’s intention to take Caroline to task. “No need, mother. I’ve met someone I think might want the same things I do.”

Sandra’s eyes widened. “Oh my, you’re actually seeing someone?”

She giggled at her mother’s surprised look. “Yes and I want you to meet her. But first we need to talk, because it is really very complicated.”

“Love’s not really that complicated, honey. We just make it so sometimes.”

“Believe me, mother, what I’m about to tell you will blow your mind.”

Sandra held the doll out to her. “Am I going to need alcohol?”

“I…I think so,” Sara replied carefully.

Sandra hooked her arm through Sara’s. “Then I suggest we have this talk in your father’s game room. He stocks tequila.”

***

Claire poured two mugs of coffee and held one out to her wife. Holding hands, they made their way over to the sitting room, where Andra picked up the remote and switched on the TV. Claire rolled her eyes when Andra immediately selected a sports channel. Andra rarely watched TV but when she did her first choice was always sports before she rushed through the news channels. An international soccer match was on and Claire granted Andra a few minutes of peace as she quietly sipped her coffee and looked around the apartment. She rarely came down to Maxima’s domain and nothing much had changed since the last time she was here. No wonder really, since the warrior spent most of her time with them anyway. Seeing how quickly her wife had become engrossed in the game, she decided to keep herself busy in the kitchen. Searching through the kitchen cupboards, she was impressed by how well-stocked they were. She had never seen Maxima cook. Hell, she wasn’t even sure if the woman could cook. But she could.

She placed her mug on the island and reached for the apron. Maxima might need a snack when she awakens. She was stirring the pasta sauce when two arms curled around her waist and a hard body pressed against her back.

“Something smells really good in here, love,” Andra purred close to Claire’s ear.

“I decided to make some pasta just in case Maxima is hungry.” She tilted her head back exposing her neck to Andra’s lips. “Is the match finished?” How long have I been busy in here?

“It’s halftime.”

Claire held out the spoon to Andra for a taste. At her wife’s nod she lowered the heat. “Will you help me with the salad? I just need you to cut up the veggies?”

“Sure.”

As she worked on the pasta, Claire kept on stealing glances at Andra. She had missed this. They used to cook together almost every night when they began to date. Andra would come over to her apartment and they would open a bottle of wine and try out new recipes while they talked. It was during one of their cooking sessions that Andra had asked the big question. That night they had skipped dinner and went straight to dessert. Their anniversary was coming up; maybe she could talk Andra into spending the weekend at the cabin in Montana. They had done that for their fifth anniversary and they both had enjoyed themselves and each other tremendously.

“Anything you want to tell me, baby?”

Claire looked up to find those gorgeous blue eyes resting on her. “What makes you think I have something to say?”

“You’ve been throwing glances my way for the past five minutes.”

Claire shrugged. “Am I not allowed to admire my sexy wife?” As soon as the words left her mouth, the atmosphere in the kitchen changed, thickening with desire. Andra gently placed the knife down and turned to face her, her blue eyes dark with desire. They had a very active sex life, but of late and with the stress of dealing with the aftermath of the disastrous Thanksgiving dinner, Claire had missed Andra’s attention. They gravitated towards each other. “I’ve missed your touch.”

“As long as you do not touch each other in my kitchen.”

Claire groaned when Andra pulled away. She turned a frustrated gaze on Maxima, who stood in the doorway regarding them with twinkling blue eyes.

“It sure smells nice in here. What are we having for dinner?”

“Go wash up. Dinner will be ready when you get back.” Claire waited until Maxima was out of the door before she pulled Andra close for a quick kiss. “Later.”

As promised, Claire had the table set when Maxima strode back into the kitchen a few minutes later. She was pouring them each a glass of wine as Andra and Maxima settled themselves around the table.

“Thank you for dinner, Claire,” Maxima said warmly as she dug into her food.

Claire nodded as she took her seat. “I thought you might be hungry.”

“I am. This is really good.” Maxima took another bite. “Did you chop the garlic or crush it?”

Claire smiled as she studied Maxima over the rim of her glass. “I crushed it.”

“The flavor is unbelievable. I heard that crushing is the best way to release the flavor.”

A deep sigh sounded and Claire glanced Andra’s way. Andra’s jaw was set as she kept her eyes on her plate.

“Everything okay, honey?” Claire inquired curiously. What could’ve caused the sudden change in Andra?

“It will be as soon as we get to the reason why we are here,” Andra said coolly.

Out of the corner of her eye Claire saw Maxima lowering her fork.

“You are here about Sara?” Claire blushed as Maxima’s gaze slid from Andra to her. “Did you two pump Nadia for information?”

Claire cleared her throat. “It’s not like that. Nadia happened to mention that Sara read her a bedtime story. We did the math and found out that must have been a very recent occurrence. Are we wrong?”

“No.” Maxima’s eyes swung between the two of them.

“Then why the secrecy?” Andra drained her glass and reached for the bottle again. “Are you scared we’re going to mess it up again?” Andra intended for the remark to sound indifferent, but Claire could hear the hurt in her wife’s tone. She reached out and placed her hand over Andra’s. They had not spoken about it again after lunch, except for deciding to come and see Maxima tonight. Claire was mortified that she hadn’t noticed how all this was hurting her wife.

Maxima obviously also picked up on Andra’s hurt, because she quickly shook her head. “I have no secrets from you, Andra, nor do I want to start now.”

“But you know how this affects us all and yet you still decided to keep it from us.” Andra drained her glass again. “I know it really isn’t any of our business, but—”

“It is your business. In fact, it is a family issue.” Maxima came to her feet and came to kneel next to Andra’s chair. “I am sorry this hurt you, but I promise you I was not keeping it a secret from you. Sara called me to her place three nights ago because she had a vision of Anima’s suicide. She asked me to spend the night there because she could not sleep. Since then she has been coming over to sleep here.”

Andra shrugged. “It still hurts.”

Maxima gently pulled Andra into her arms. “I am sorry I hurt you, Andi-bear.”

Claire blinked. Andi-bear? She noticed a blush creep up Andra’s face as Maxima cuddled her.

“Don’t call me that.” Andra said softly.

Claire noticed that her wife was trying hard to avoid looking at her.

“It never used to bother you.”

Andra pushed out of Maxima’s embrace, so she could look at the warrior. “I was a child then.”

Maxima frowned slightly. “If I remember correctly I still called you that when you were in your late teens. You even said you liked it because it reminded you of when we watched the Berenstain Bears together when you were a child.”

Andra gasped; her eyes horror filled. “Oh my…you didn’t just say that!”

Claire didn’t try to keep her laughter in and it bubbled out. Two sets of pale blue eyes swung her way. Maxima’s face registered confusion while Andra’s was red with embarrassment. Noticing her wife’s discomfort, she stifled her laughter.

“That is so cute, honey. I loved the Berenstain Bears too.”

“You…you did?” Andra asked carefully.

“I always thought Honey was the cutest. My grandmother called me Honey Bear.” Claire saw the color leaving Andra’s face as she smiled. “No need to feel embarrassed.” Claire winked at Andra. “I think it’s hot.”

Maxima threw up her hands and returned to her seat. “Are we okay now, Andra?”

“Yes.” Andra’s eyes were fixed on Claire, the pale eyes once again bright with desire.

CHAPTER 13

Sara was still grinning as she let herself into Maxima’s apartment. She could still see her mother’s mouth hanging open after she’d finished telling her about Maxima. She dropped her bag on the sofa and shrugged out of her jacket as she made her way to the bedroom. She stopped in the doorway to take in the scene before her.

Maxima was stretched out on her back with her hands folded behind her head, watching some wildlife channel. Sara let her eyes travel slowly over the tall body, taking in the bulging biceps, the way the white t-shirt spanned over the strong shoulders. The blue eyes tracked from the TV screen to her and Sara felt a warmth settle in the pit of her stomach as Maxima sat up, causing the muscles in her thighs to pull together. She swallowed as she met the blue eyes.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hi. Have you eaten already?” Maxima swung her feet off the bed and came to stand in front of her. “If not, I can heat up something for you. We still have a few minutes before we have to tuck Nadia in.”

Sara’s senses were on overload. Her eyes feasted on the soft lips, watching how the tip of Maxima’s tongue peeked out as she talked. The warrior was standing so close that she could feel the heat radiating off her body, bringing with it a soft woody smell that Sara knew came from the body wash the warrior used. Her eyes trailed over the broad shoulders, down to the small breasts, ending at the chiseled abs visible through the tight t-shirt. She recalled a remark she’d made to her mother earlier and smiled.

“Are you alright?” Maxima looked both confused and concerned.

Her smile widened. “Yes.”

“You are acting strange. I am confused.”

Sara’s hand reached out and she placed it on Maxima’s chest, marveling at the muscles she felt under her palm.

“I spoke to my mother this afternoon…about you.” She studied the ice blue eyes as dark brows shot up. “I told her you are as potent as the last drink you have in your hand, knowing it will knock you on your ass but you are unable to resist.”

The silence afterwards was heavy as Sara watched Maxima’s face darken and her pupils expand. Yep, the warrior is hot for me. It thrilled her immensely. Not once during the three nights they’d spent together, did Maxima show any signs of arousal around her. In fact, her hands never strayed when they lay in bed together. Nor did Maxima use any sexual innuendos or even give her improper looks. The pale gaze was always open and honest when they talked.

Tonight however, the way Maxima looked at her was causing many little slivers of pleasure to rush down to her nether region. She cleared her throat nervously when the silence stretched. Maxima finally broke the silence and Sara almost sighed in relief.

“How is your mother doing?”

For a long moment Sara just blinked at Maxima. She grinned. No one can say the warrior is predictable. She pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“She was well on her way to getting drunk when I left her.” An image of her mother slamming back a shot of tequila, made her grin broadly.

“Did she believe you?” Those devil eyes held Sara’s, the hungry gaze unwavering.

“She didn’t really say anything, but I think it’ll take a few days before she’ll talk to me about it again.” Sara lowered her gaze. It was really unsettling, talking so calmly about her mother, while Maxima was ravishing her with her eyes. “I think she was a little…stunned by what I had to tell her. I’m sure she’ll call a few mental institutions early tomorrow morning to find a place where I could be treated discretely.”

She looked up to see Maxima’s gorgeous lips curl into a smile. “Since I know how difficult you find it to sleep without me, I think she will have to find a double room for us.”

“I think she got that when I told her I would be sleeping at your place.”

Maxima took a step closer. “I do not think you will be safe in bed with me tonight.” Maxima’s eyes were hot as they raked over her. “I have tried very hard to behave these past nights, but…” She raked her fingers through her short hair. “The way you looked at me when you entered the bedroom tonight…” She lifted a slightly shaky hand to Sara’s face. “You awakened a hunger that has been dormant for centuries, a hunger you put inside me all those centuries ago and a hunger only you can sate.”

Sara’s knees began to feel wobbly as she looked at Maxima. Before she could crash to the floor, she crossed the space between them and wrapped her arms around Maxima’s waist. She pressed her ear over the brunette’s heart, hearing how fast it was pumping. She had told her mother a lot of things about Maxima and herself today. Some of those things she’d only discovered as she was taking her mother through her mind. One such discovery was that she wasn’t angry at Maxima anymore. Instead she craved the intoxicating nearness of the woman and that one day very soon she also wanted to talk to someone about Maxima the way her mother spoke about her father. But she was scared. She had loved deeply once and somehow still carried the scars of that failed liaison.

"I’m terrified of this…of us," Sara opted for honesty.

“You have never to fear that I will hurt you or force you, my heart.” Maxima whispered. “I have waited so long for you and I will wait as long as it takes for you to be ready.”

Sara smiled where she had her face pressed against Maxima’s chest. “I know, Maxima. But that is not what I’m scared of.”

“Then why do you fear our destiny, agapate?” Sara tightened her hold on Maxima. “Do you know what the word means,” Maxima asked tenderly.

“Beloved,” Sara answered without thinking.

A soft chuckle sounded. “You are not supposed to know that, beloved. It is Koine Greek.”

Sara lifted her head and met Maxima’s warm gaze. “It was spoken between 300 BC and 330 AD. I’ve been doing a lot of research on Greek history since Andra brought you to the gallery.”

Maxima nodded. “That explains it.” Sara closed her eyes when Maxima lowered her head to brush a kiss over her forehead. “Tell me why you are afraid.”

The change in subject immediately affected the mood and Sara lowered her head to Maxima’s chest again. She inhaled the clean scent of the warrior as she tried to think of how best to form her scattered thoughts in a coherent answer. She took a deep breath.

“I’m afraid that your family will come to resent me.” Sara felt Maxima stiffen and she quickly continued. “You mean a lot to them and they might expect me to be or act like someone I don’t even know. What if I fail in their eyes?”

Maxima’s hand cupped the back of her head and cradled her. “They will not resent you. I believe that they are just happy and relieved that the search is over. They have all devoted their adult lives to finding Anima and for her to set me free.” Maxima leaned back and sought out her eyes. “But none of them have intimate knowledge of how it was between us. We are the only two people alive who know how great our love for each other was. . .is. Thus they cannot force you to be someone they have never met or known themselves.”

Sara searched Maxima’s eyes for a long moment. “You must’ve loved her a lot to have searched for her for 2,710 years. I’m so sorry that I cannot be more like her…for you. All I feel…I feel like a host body that only channels her memories.”

Maxima cupped her face in her calloused palms. “Let me tell you a secret. I loved Anima, and I loved her with my whole heart. But a lot of time has passed since the last time I held her in my arms. It is now your face that I see when I close my eyes to sleep. It is you, Sara Laramie, that I miss when I feel lonely. It is you I think of when I awaken at night, aching to be touched.” Sara felt a hot blush creep up her neck. “I fell in love with you. You happen to have received Anima’s soul, but I am truly and madly in love with Sara Laramie, gallery owner and the woman who talks to statues.” The last statement was accompanied by a teasing smile. “I love you with all my heart and I promise to love you until my dying breath.”

Tears blurred her vision as Sara tried to focus on the beautiful face looking down at her. “When I spoke to my mother earlier, I found out a lot of truths about her life. She told me about her love for my father and her face glowed with the love she feels for him. I want to be like that about you. I want to glow when I talk about you and I want to…ˮ Her voice broke.

“Hush, my love. If you will allow me, I promise to do everything in my power to make you want to talk about me that way and I will try to make you glow for me until the day I draw my last breath. I love you.” Maxima’s eyes too were swimming in tears now

A soft sniffle sounded and Sara, knowing it didn’t come from her turned her head to the door to find Claire standing there, a hand over her heart and the other trying to stifle her sobs. Her face was wet with tears as she looked at them. Sara simply looked at Claire, not knowing how to react to her unexpected appearance.

“I…I didn’t mean to…Nadia wanted…” A soft sob escaped her lips before she could finish and Sara walked over to her friend to hug her. “Please, I didn’t mean to interrupt, but that was so beautiful.” Sara felt Claire’s arms tighten more around her. “I have missed you so much.”

Sara felt her eyes fill up again. “I have missed you too. Let’s not do that again.”

“I promise we will never keep anything from you again.” She stepped out of the embrace and wiped at her eyes. “Nadia sent me to get you.”

Sara felt Maxima’s presence behind her and without looking stuck out her hand to her. She smiled when the large hand enfolded hers. “I believe we have a fairytale to conclude.”

***

Andra surged to her feet when Claire burst into the study. Her eyes grew wide with concern when the blonde skirted the desk and threw herself in her arms. Andra’s mind was racing with various scenarios as to why her wife was in such a state. She made soft shushing sounds as she rubbed Claire’s shaking shoulders.

“What’s wrong, honey?” Her breath caught. “Is it the kids? Did something happen to them?”

Claire shook her head. Feeling helpless, Andra held the blonde closer. Oh, please let it be something I can fix. She was tense as she patiently waited for Claire to pull herself together. After a few moments, Claire looked up into her eyes and Andra’s eyebrows shot up at the smile on her wife’s tearstained face. She continued to rub Claire’s shoulders.

“Everything is fine…better than fine,” Claire finally said.

“That’s good to hear, love. Why the tears then?” Andra silently applauded herself for sounding so calm even as it felt as if her insides were shifting; making her feel dizzy from the tension she was trying hard to hide. She lowered her head and gently kissed Claire’s tears away. “Come on, talk to me.”

Claire clamped her hands on the sides of Andra's face and pulled her into a deep kiss. The kiss wasn’t intended to arouse, but Andra could feel the wealth of emotion behind it. When it ended, she blinked down into Claire’s eyes.

“I love you so much and I don’t think I say it enough.”

Andra cleared her throat softly. “You are acting weird and it’s scaring me a little.” She smiled when Claire rolled her eyes dramatically.

“I went to get Maxima so she could tell Nadia a bedtime story and I caught them declaring their love to each other.”

“Maxima and Nadia?”

She flinched when Claire gave her a hard stare. “Maxima and Sara.”

Andra threw her hands up. “Finally.”

“Yes, finally. But you should’ve seen them, heard them. They’re truly soul mates.”

“Oh and what about us then?” Andra couldn’t help but tease Claire a little. She jumped when Claire slapped her on her ass.

“You, my gorgeous wife, are more than my soul mate. You own me and everything that is part of me.”

“Including that skewed, weird-looking nail on your little toe?”

“Everything, sweet cheeks.”

Andra pulled her face. “That sounded so corny and…eeewww…cheap.”
Claire’s melodious laughter filled the study and she pulled Andra into her arms. This time Andra was the recipient of Claire attentions, as the blonde gently rubbed her wife’s back. Feeling the tension gradually draining from her body, Andra sighed contently. Everything seemed to be falling into place now and it was a wonderful feeling. She snuggled deeper into her wife’s arms as she closed her eyes. At that moment she was so grateful for everything…her wife, her children, her family and finally for Maxima’s happiness. She felt tears burning behind her eyelids and she quickly blinked them away. She blinked harder, this time in surprise, as a small hand trailed down her back to knead her butt. She slowly pulled out of the embrace.

“You wanna play a little tonight?” The green eyes swirled with desire as Claire fixed her with a meaningful gaze.

Andra’s slowly licked her lips, the urgent budget reports she was reviewing when Claire burst into her study, a distant memory. “It depends on what you have in mind.”

Claire chuckled huskily, the sound racing down Andra’s spine to settle heavy between her legs. It was amazing how Claire could still get her going so easily.

“That French maid costume from last year’s Valentine’s costume party still fits.”

Andra felt a little burst of heat in her nether region, she swallowed hard. “I thought I… uh… accidently tore it the last time you wore it?”

Claire’s hand brushed over Andra’s hip. “I bought a new one knowing how much you liked it.”

She narrowed her eyes, thoroughly enjoying the suggestive banter. “Maybe I’ll have to take a rain check. I have to finish the reports for tomorrow’s meeting.”

The blonde grinned. “Playing hard to get, are you? You know it just makes me want to devour you.”

Andra moaned softly. Claire was insatiable when she was in this mood and Andra simply loved it when her wife was the aggressor in bed. “I think the reports can wait until tomorrow.”

“That’s if you’ll be able to think straight after I’m done with you.” Claire pressed her lips on the silk blouse right over where Andra’s heart was. When she looked up at Andra, her eyes were serious. “I meant what I said earlier. I love you so much and I will make it a priority to tell you just how much every day so you’ll never forget.”

Andra felt a burning behind her eyes at her wife’s declaration. “I know you love me. I never doubt it and I promise to never forget.”

They shared a tender kiss.

***

Sara rolled over onto her side, her hand cupping her convulsing mound, as silent tears ran down her face. Whatever Maxima had done to her, still had her shaking violently. Her eyes fluttered open and immediately encountered smoldering blue eyes. Maxima’s body lay half across hers, drenched in sweat after their marathon lovemaking session. They just looked at each other in silence as her tears wet the pillow.

“What…what did you do to me?” she gasped after a while.

“I loved you.” Maxima rolled onto her back and pulled Sara over her. Stretched out on Maxima’s body, Sara lowered her head on a strong shoulder, still gasping for breath. She licked her dry lips and shuddered when she tasted Maxima on her lips. How could I have ever thought myself thoroughly loved before experiencing this? Maxima had turned her inside out. Sara doubted she would ever be able to not react when this woman was around her. Even now, her body was screaming for her touch. She lifted her head.

“Can you do it again?”

Maxima took her lips in a heady kiss. “I am your humble servant, milady.”

With a sigh Sara felt her body gently pushed to the mattress, held down by Maxima’s weight. With infinite gentleness, so foreign to conceive, Maxima began to strum her body like a fragile guitar string. Her hands were everywhere, her lips burning every part of Sara’s body exposed to her hungry eyes. Sara had never felt so loved as she threw her head back and pushed her hands through the sweaty dark locks as Maxima sucked on her nipples.

Her mind went through an unexpected vortex and Sara gasped when she saw herself/Anima lying spread-eagled on a lavishly decorated bed. The room was strategically lit, with light throwing flickering patterns over the broad sweat-slicked back heaving over her. She knew who it was because her body was humming with pleasure at the familiar touch.

Sara suddenly jerked her eyes open, abruptly cutting the vision short. She wasn’t going to allow Anima in bed with them. Maxima was hers now. She pulled on the dark locks and met the hungry pale orbs.

“I love you.”

Maxima gave her a beautiful smile and her fingers touched the slick opening between Sara's legs.

“I love you too.” Maxima's fingers gently pushed passed Sara's band of muscles and plunged deep, making Sara arch her back in pleasure at the exquisite fullness. Maxima held her gaze as she plundered her depths with deep even strokes, watching her intently as Sara felt her control slipping. Knowing she wouldn’t last long and still craving for more, she pulled her knees up allowing Maxima to go even deeper. Sara’s mouth was dry from all the panting and she licked her lips.

“I can feel you…so deep inside me…almost touching my soul.”

Maxima just smiled and lowered her lips to her breasts. Sara exploded when Maxima skillfully drew a nipple into her mouth, letting the tip chafe against the roughness of her tongue. A guttural scream escaped from deep inside her as she tossed back her head, riding out her orgasm.

***

Maxima stood transfixed, tears coursing down her face.

Her hands fell to her sides, brushing the cool leather of her uniform.

She had slipped out of their rumpled bed, just as the horizon began to lighten, her body, by now, so in tune with the celestial pattern. Rushing to put on her uniform, she had stepped onto the marble podium just as the first rays of the sun had hit the earth. With her eyes fixed on the golden sign on the wall where Anima’s name was scribbled in elaborated calligraphy, she had waited for the smothering paralysis to take over. She never had any control over the change in the mornings. It had to happen.

Now, almost thirty minutes later, she still stood on the podium, crying tears of relief and happiness. She slowly raised her hand and held it before her eyes. She was free—at last. A soft footfall sounded behind her and she turned to find a disheveled Sara, a sheet wrapped around her, looking at her with wide eyes.

“I felt…ˮ She bundled up the sheet around her feet and moved closer. From the height of the podium, Maxima looked down at Sara as the green eyes darkened with concern. “You’re crying. Are you okay?”

Maxima nodded.

“I felt something was wrong and when you weren’t in bed I came looking for you.” She looked Maxima up and down.

Maxima wiped at her eyes and smiled. “The curse is broken.” She saw the confusion in Sara’s eyes. “I turn every morning at sunrise. I know you come here to look at me before you go to work in the mornings. I felt your presence.” She was quiet for a moment. “This morning I did not turn because your love has broken the curse.”

She smiled as she saw Sara’s lower lip began to tremble and stepped off the podium to fold her in her arms.

“Is it over now?” Sara sounded nervous.

Maxima pressed her lips against Sara’s ear. “No, it has just begun. We are starting on the rest of our lives together.”

Sara pulled back to look into her eyes. “Really?”

“Yes, really. We can go back to bed now and pick up where we left off this morning or…” Maxima smiled as she studied Sara’s face. “or we can talk about our future. Marriage. Babies.” She leered at Sara’s breasts. “More sex positions we hope to try out…”

Sara smiled and standing on tiptoe placed a soft kiss on Maxima’s lips. “I think I will like spending the rest of my life with you, warrior.” Her small hand cupped Maxima’s cheek. “My mother would like to hear about the baby stuff. In fact, you will make her very happy.” Sara’s other hand slipped into hers. “Now let me show you how intoxicating morning sex can be.”

Maxima allowed Sara to lead her from the gallery. Throwing a quick glance at the podium, she smiled broadly. She wasn’t even going to miss the routine. It would definitely be the last time she would have to visit the gallery at this hour.

Epilogue

“Believe me when I tell you that you’ll never really get used to it no matter how many times you go through it,” Andra said all-knowingly.

“She’s right,” Gemma added and placed a hand on Maxima’s shoulder.

The warrior nodded, but didn’t lift her eyes from the small bundle in her arms.

“How’s the head, baby,” Sara asked softly as she brushed a lock of dark hair from Maxima’s forehead, exposing a large bump. “I can’t believe no one tried to catch you when you fainted. I will make sure that the management of this hospital knows that they shouldn’t expect our annual contribution this year.”

“Seriously? Have you seen how small that nurse was? Maxima would’ve squashed her if she’d fallen on her. The doctor was even smaller.” Andra yelped. “What? It’s the truth. How can you expect them to catch a 6ft5 muscled Amazon and live to…OWWWWW?”

“I think you should just keep your mouth shut for now, honey, before I’m forced to hurt you any further,” Claire said in a warning tone.

Through all this, Maxima didn’t once lift her gaze from her newly born daughter’s face. She was completely enamored with the tiny miracle she’d help create. For the umpteenth time that day she felt her eyes shoot full of tears. She had wanted so desperately to be able to continue her bloodline through their child, but having lived for over 2,100 years, her body had followed its natural rhythm and she had reached menopause millennia ago, leaving her barren. She raised the issue with the family and was surprised to find that Gemma still had some of her eggs frozen.

Gemma had struggled to get pregnant naturally and she and Fritz had at one time harvested some of her eggs to use as a backup plan to have her artificially inseminated. Lucky for them Gemma fell pregnant after two years of trying. She had left her donation in case they wanted another child. With both Gemma and Fritz running Bells Industries and it taking up more and more of their time, they had settled for only one child. When Gemma offered her eggs to them, Sara’s excitement at the chance to carry and give birth to a true Bells, moved Maxima to tears. After their wedding day a year ago, witnessing Sara’s eagerness to carry their baby was a close second to being one of the most memorable moments in her life.

Today, however, witnessed another miracle which left her humbled and amazed. So many dreams came true today with the birth of her daughter. Not only did she have the most beautiful baby girl, but also now she would always have a part of Gemma with her. She lifted her head and met the aged blue eyes of her ‘other daughter’ and on cue fresh tears trickled down her cheek. Gemma stepped closer to catch them with her thumb, her eyes looking at her knowingly.

“I will be with you forever now.”

Maxima pressed a kiss on Gemma’s cheek. “I know, butterfly, and I will never be able to thank you enough for giving me this double gift.”

A soft hand brushed her shoulder and Maxima turned to meet the eyes of her wife. The green eyes were gentle and slightly concerned. “You are so quiet.”

“I am happy, so happy that I am left speechless,” Maxima croaked.

“I like the sound of that. But I want you to find your tongue so you can tell them the baby’s name,” Sara said as she wiped the tears from Maxima’s face.

Smiling broadly, Maxima turned to her family, standing around the bed “Let me introduce you to our daughter, Sara Laramie-Bells.”

A loud groan sounded and Maxima frowned. Andra had her face in her hands. Gemma sported an indulgent smile while Mara just grinned at her. Gemma stepped closer.

“Maxi, I have no problem with the name, but don’t you think naming your boat, your motorcycle, your car, your—ˮ

“Don’t forget that tattoo over her heart, Grandma,” Andra interrupted.

Gemma smiled. “Yes, that too. But you can’t name everything in your life Sara. We understand why, but…ˮ

“How about Anima?”

The room fell quiet as all eyes turned to the silent woman who sat on the other side of the bed, cradling Sara’s hand. Sandra shrugged as all the attention was now focused on her. She looked at Sara and then at Maxima. “Anima brought you two together and this baby joins the two lines. Since Maxima is here, the only person missing is Anima.”

Sara held out her hand and cupped Maxima’s cheek. “My mother spoke to me about this about a month ago, but I wasn’t sure how you would feel about it. You never speak about her anymore, so I assumed you might not…ˮ

“I think it is a good name. Sandra is right. What better way to honor her?” Sara’s eyes shot full of tears and Maxima leaned closer so she could shush her wife softly. “No tears, agapate. Anima would be honored.” She looked down at the sleeping baby. “Our little princess deserves the name of a true princess.”

She looked up and their eyes held. They slowly moved closer and their lips met in a promise.

Anima lives on.

THE END

About Stein Willard

Stein started writing at the age of thirteen after feeling cheated by the ending of a novel she was reading. She took the novel and rewrote it from the ending back to the front, adding 200 more pages to it. Up until then she's only written in her native language, Afrikaans, a derivation of the Dutch language.

In 2007 she decided to experiment by writing a few short stories in English. By pure accident, she came across platforms on the internet to publish her work and was encouraged by a friend to try and post some of her stories.

Stein resides in Windhoek, Namibia.

Connect with Stein online:

Email: steinwillard80@gmail.com

Facebook:  Stein Willard

Other books from Stein Willard

The Guardian Series by Stein Willard

A Guardian’s Touch – Book 1

A Guardian’s Love – Book 2

A Guardian’s Passion – Book 3

Coming soon

Phantom of the Heart – Stein Willard

Afterglow – Stein Willard

A Guardian’s Salvation – Book 4 by Stein Willard