Issue # 7- A Shattered Clasp

A Shattered Clasp
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Consciousness massages his mind gently with soft fingers of rational thought it brings him from his slumber. Mikel lies in his bed with Ephra beside him. Eyes still closed he feels the silken touch of her long hair spread across his chest, her steady breath warm and still faintly peach scented puffs over his left pectoral. Tenderly opening his silver eyes he peers at their reflections in the family heirloom bolted above his king sized bed.

His hand cradles her bare bottom as he tries to re-align his ideas but his body`s reaction to her shuts down any thoughts of clarity he sought. He tightens his grip on her bottom, enjoys the feel of her large breasts flush to his skin. He shouldn`t think of taking her but as his reflections gaze turns liquid silver he rolls her atop his huge frame, ebony satin sheets sliding from her back.

“Ephra,” he purrs like a prowling panther, “Wake up little witch.”

The onyx curtains surrounding his berth whip aside to show him his oracle shunting him a firm expression.”She won`t awaken Rayvenwing, I slipped her a sleeping drought. Now leave the hussy be and dress. There are more pressing matters than your constant need to rut!”

“You`re a vindictive bitter hag,” he counters easing out from under Ephra with care for his injury then quickly covering the witch.”How long did I sleep?”

“Long enough for the sun to rise and set,” she replies settling into a high backed seat.

He stretches gently, wincing as the tender flesh on his side cries out.”I have a meeting at midnight,” he states crossing his dark chamber to enter the bathroom. Arapos remains quiet until he returns freshly showered.

“Dante has news.”

Mikel turns his head to find the raven regarding him closely.”Dante come,” he summons gently as he works at his long tangled hair with a stiff bristled brush. With a subdued caw he leaves his nook on the mahogany armoire to light on Mikel`s shoulder. “What news do you bring me?”

Arapos closes her eyes as the Guardian communicates mentally with the black bird. Kindred souls the clan Rayvenwing and the clever birds have been for millennia.

Taking in the deepest breath he can Mikel turns his damp head, firelight casting his handsome face into shadows as the hall clock chimes out twelve times.”The human police are still questioning witnesses,” he informs the oracle who nods as the raven swoops out of his master`s bed chamber.

“That was poorly handled Guardian,” she replies hearing the man stepping into leather pants with a grunt of lingering pain.”You drew attention.”

He struggles with his boots and holster well aware of his errors. Pushing his burly arms into his under vest he takes no time to button up or grab a coat from his cavernous closet.

“Proceed with caution Guardian,” Arapos calls to his back.