CHAPTER 6

 THE SWEAT TICKLED as it slid slowly between her breasts before continuing its path down her stomach to her navel. Wiping the moisture away, she realized she was naked. Confusion and a sense of loss brought tears to her eyes. She closed them momentarily in an effort to regain some sense of being. Once again, she opened them and stared at the flames holding her captive. She had failed. Orange, red, and blue fiery tentacles swayed back and forth, moving in and out, beckoning her closer.

Occasionally, one long arm would snake out to caress her body. The coldness scorched her skin, causing her to withdraw into her corner, hoping to escape its searing touch. Each time the flames moved toward her, she felt an indescribable fear. Her heart beat furiously, which only intensified the terror that was already consuming her. If only she could scream, but the pain in her throat made it impossible. Exhausted, she sank to her knees, unable to fight any longer. Whatever her fate, it was better than this, she thought. Accepting defeat, she bowed her head, spread her arms, and surrendered herself to the inevitable.

The first touch was gentle, tentative, not icy hot like the crimson flames. It felt different from the flames that taunted her, which seemed extremely angry. They flared furiously but didn’t advance. Another warm caress brought her to her feet. Spinning around, she saw behind her another fire burning brightly. Silvery blue in color, it moved gently back and forth.

Feeling hope, she stretched out her hand. The flame flickered momentarily then touched her fingertip hesitantly before running up and down her palm. Curiosity overcame her fear. She stepped closer. When it moved forward, she stopped. Mimicking her, it stopped. Gaining confidence, she approached the strange fire and felt its comforting warmth. Silver blue arms wrapped tenderly around her, enveloping her body in a soothing heat. A warm breath brushed her cheek as the sensation of lips pressed against her neck, then slid seductively downward. Breathless, she inhaled slowly, trying to cool the heat rushing through her body as invisible hips pressed sensually against her buttocks and arms pulled her firmly into fiery breasts.

Try as she would, she was unable to escape her captor, although in truth, her efforts lacked the will. Feelings and emotions she had only dreamed of coursed through her body as the flames slipped ever so tantalizingly over each breast, down her stomach, before resting warmly against the sensitive area at the apex of her thighs. Groaning, eyes shut, she leaned backward, giving herself entirely to the unknown entity wreaking havoc with her senses. Just as she was about to orgasm, the entity suddenly vanished. Crying out in frustration, she opened her eyes, only to discover she was alone with the fiery orange-red flames that had previously tortured her. Confusion and a sense of loss brought tears to her eyes. The cycle began again.

 

*  *  *

Yemaya released Lia’s hand and withdrew from the strange images that inhabited the young woman’s mind. The combination of terror and seduction— along with her inability to prevent or intervene on the victim’s behalf— left Yemaya feeling disoriented and impotent; her inability to determine the meaning or source of the dream was frustrating.

The only clues to the woman’s ailment were the flames. Yemaya felt there was a connection between the ones torturing Lia and the sensual one that protected her. She wondered if the doctor had learned anything more from the lab tests that would shed some light on the situation.

“I haven’t gotten the actual paperwork yet, Ms. Lysanne, but the lab called,” Dr. Lichy said, motioning for Yemaya to sit. “So far, everything seems to be within normal parameters, although they all are suffering from mild anemia. That’s not unusual for women.”

“Did you learn anything from your examination of Lia?”

“For the most part, she seems fine. She has some superficial scratches around her neck and two slightly deeper wounds. Nothing serious, though. Normally, I wouldn’t think too much of them since the girl could have injured herself if she was having trouble breathing. It’s not uncommon to clutch at your throat if you’re in respiratory distress.”

“So why do you think differently now?”

“She’s the fifth case with that type of wound.”

“You mean similar?”

“No. I mean the same. Depth, width, size. All match.”

“Any theories as to the cause?”

Dr. Lichy stood and walked to the large window overlooking the main street, one of the busiest in Teraclia. Yemaya sat quietly, giving the other woman the chance to gather her thoughts. She could sense her uneasiness. Turning, the doctor half-reclined against the windowsill. Her buttocks rested on the ledge while her hands clasped the wood on each side of her hips. Yemaya watched her face closely.

Sylvia Lichy was a deceptively ordinary-looking woman. Mousy brown hair and brown eyes hidden behind bifocals reminded Yemaya of a librarian she had met at the university. Her smile was perhaps her best feature, something she rarely displayed.

“I’m not a superstitious person. I believe everything has a reasonable explanation. It’s only a matter finding it.”

“But?” Yemaya prompted, leaning forward in her chair.

“Now I have data that say I’m wrong. Tell me, what are the odds of five women having identical wounds in precisely the same spot and suffering from the same symptoms? Or of it happening in a town the size of Teraclia within a three-week period? That is not coincidence.”

“I agree. You mentioned superstition. Why?”

“Because if I were superstitious, I’d say this is the work of a vampire,” the doctor said. “And we both know that’s absurd.”

“I would agree if we were talking about real vampires. Is there a chance someone out there believes they might be one? Perhaps some type of cult thing or mental illness?”

“Maybe. I hope that’s what we’re dealing with. I’m too old to start believing in the supernatural.” Dr. Lichy chuckled.

“We are never too old to change our beliefs.”

The doctor walked back to her desk and sat down, folded her arms across her chest, and leaned back in her chair. “Is that an opinion or an observation?” She smiled slightly.

“Both. The world is filled with things we know nothing about. Things I would never have believed if I had not seen them myself. I no longer discount possibilities, even vampires. At least it would explain some of this and give us a place to start, which is more than we have at the moment.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it. Personally, I’d feel better if the lab found something more substantial.”

“I couldn’t agree more. What about the two dead women? Is there any more information on them?”

“Not really. The police say it looks like a wild animal attack. They were badly mutilated—  torn throats, lots of blood loss. They’ve put out a press release for the people to be alert for any suspicious acting dogs or wolf sightings.”

“You can rule out wolves,” Yemaya said, her tone edgy.

“Look, I know you have a special affinity to these animals, but it doesn’t mean one of them hasn’t gone rogue, maybe caught rabies or something. We have to consider all possibilities,” the doctor stated reasonably, opening a folder on her desk. “These pictures show the extent of the damage done to victims.”

Picking out two photos, she handed them to Yemaya then stepped next to her pointing to the victim’s neck.

“These wounds are definitely caused by fangs. Notice the torn skin and muscles around the carotid artery and the esophagus. It’s obvious that whatever attacked her bit here, then just ripped open her throat.”

Yemaya frowned unaware of her teeth working her lower lip. “Were there any other injuries?”

“A few bruises on her upper arms. Other than that, nothing unusual.”

“What kind of bruises?”

Handing her two more pictures, Dr. Lichy pointed to the dark smudges. Before she could say anything, Yemaya’s cell phone rang.

“Excuse me... Lysanne... Yes, Maria... Did she say where she was going to be staying...? I see... Thanks. Goodbye.”

Flipping the phone shut, she stared at it for a few moments, deep in thought.

“Is something wrong?”

“What? Oh, sorry. No. Where were we?”

The doctor pointed at another picture. “Look at these.”

“Bruises? Someone was holding her tight to make these.”

“Yes, and they’re fresh. From their size and the way the thumb and fingers almost touch, I’d say they were probably made by a large man. She may have escaped from someone and was then attacked by an animal.”

“Do you think we have a stalker out there using a dog to kill women?”

“It would explain the injuries.”

“Perhaps,” Yemaya said thoughtfully. “Could there be a connection between the five women and the two dead ones?”

“I doubt it. There aren’t any similarities. The dead women had similar bruising and obviously struggled with someone before they were killed. The others showed no signs of a struggle.”

Dr. Lichy decided to drop the issue of wolves for the moment.

Yemaya Lysanne was a well-known advocate for their protection. It was a long family tradition. Even their coat of arms bore the image of a wolf and a woman’s head. Between the two stood a sword and behind them a sun was either rising or setting. No one knew for sure. Perhaps the oddest thing was the shadowy image of a woman’s eyes in the upper right quadrant of the sun. The ice blue stare was unforgettable.

“I hope everyone is right. A wild animal is easier to deal with.” Yemaya looked at her watch. “Thank you for your time, Doctor. Now I need to see someone. Please keep me informed of any changes. The council will be notified of your findings.”

“Certainly. Thanks for coming.”

Rising, Yemaya shook the doctor’s hand and left. Outside, she signaled to Andrei to get the Hummer and gave him instructions.