Balm of the Gods Ch. 10

Author's Note:

Thanks to all readers for an amazing reception to the last chapter! Glad that such a pivotal piece of the story really seemed to resonate -- I fussed over that one a lot. In a lot of ways, this one was much the same. You probably know what's on the docket here if you follow the storyline.

In addition to that, there's an F/F scene toward the end with some dom/sub roleplay. No idea if I want to keep exploring that aspect in this story -- the usual relationships and power dynamics haven't quite leaned that way so overtly thus far -- but even if it's a one-off, I hope it hits the mark and adds some fun flavor to this installment!

As always, thanks for reading, and hope you're looking forward to the final few chapters of this saga, coming soon!

10. Double Agents

Cal still tingled all over, even after his shower with Kjelle. It wasn't just for the fresh coat of magic balm that his new High Priestess had devotedly applied to his body. There were hotter memories than that, just as fresh.

Like how he'd had Kjelle pressed up against the shower wall, her toned legs wrapped around his waist, her arms around his neck, her lips on his. His cock in her ass.

They'd fucked slow and sensually, enjoying the intimacy and the taboo thrill of this new way of bonding. Never before, for all his undeniable influence, had he asked any partner for anal. He'd long thought the act something that just looked good in porn -- not something you could really just jump into without a lot of careful, deliberate preparation.

With Kjelle, and the magic between them, it had come as easily as anything. The hot, relaxing water and steam might have helped, of course, but the real key was his magic soap -- taking away all resistant friction, adding good slickness where needed. Maybe Kjelle's High Cosmos physiology had something to do with it, too. Despite all exterior similarity, she wasn't quite human -- and literally built for sex at that. And his High Priestess had hinted that acts like this were much more common where she was from.

Regardless, Cal had sunk his cock into Kjelle's rear entrance with ease, and the two of them had enjoyed every second of the experience.

Her ass had felt incredible. Her reactions had made it even better. Cal had never seen a girl come apart quite like Kjelle did as he held her effortlessly aloft and fucked her. The soap's magic made her sensitive, receptive, and hungry for him. Her cries of pleasure had echoed through the bathroom. Her tight rear hole had milked his cock, clenching around him in orgasm after orgasm. Her nails had dug into his back, her teeth had bitten his shoulder, and her angelic voice had moaned his name over and over. Until he'd cum, too. And flooded her tight ass with his potent seed.

Now here they were, toweling each other off in the afterglow. They were both still naked, and Kjelle's body was as beautiful as ever. Cal couldn't stop looking -- and neither could she, it seemed. Her eyes roamed his frame, too. Even now, their fucking long concluded, there was still hunger in her gaze. A hunger that Cal knew he shared, and that the magic soap would feed and satisfy but never quite extinguish.

"So you worked for... a company that... captured moving pictures? Like holo-vids?" They'd been sharing more details about each other's lives since their rutting had concluded, and Cal had just described his old job to Kjelle. He was still trying to figure out the exact terminology to use, and how to explain concepts that were so normal to him but completely alien to her. But it seemed they were managing.

"Before the elixir, yeah. Before any of this." His sweeping gesture implied not just the bathroom, sumptuous as it was, but the greater luxury of Mina's condo beyond. "I was an audio-visual tech... if that term means anything to you. I'm guessing not."

Kjelle's brow furrowed. "Was this a position of some importance?"

Cal laughed. "Oh, anything but. I was a grunt. Up first thing in the morning in a polo shirt, lugging equipment, running long cables, setting up cameras on tripods and stressing about whether the whole operation would go off without a glitch. I don't miss it."

"I guess my job wasn't any more glorious than yours," Kjelle replied, her voice a little wistful. "Being a courier was... important enough, I suppose. But in the grand scheme of things? I guess I was a grunt, too." She sighed. "Not that it matters. Not anymore. I'm here now. I think we're both better off."

Cal nodded. "Yeah. Not going back. Not after all this. Especially with us together now."

Running the towel in his hands over Kjelle's smooth thigh, he let his mind roam. What was next for them? Sure; all concerns about agents, alchemists, and vengeful goddesses aside, they had all day to explore this bond and share the magic soap's power between them. But what was that leading towards? Something big, a tingle of magic reminded him.

"We talked about me being a god," he started. "That's one thing. I don't even think I'm close to done unpacking that. But I'm wondering, too. In your world, there are lots of gods, aren't there?"

Kjelle's expression became pensive. Her hand traced up his arm and onto his shoulder. "Yes. There are thousands of gods and goddesses across the High Cosmos. How many exactly, I'm not sure. I'm not a scholar or a theologian, but the number is staggeringly high."

"And what do gods, uh, do?"

"You mean their duties?" Kjelle asked. "Their responsibilities? Well, that depends on the god. Most have their own interests, purviews, or realms of expertise. Some of them personify aspects of existence or emotional states. They're powerful, but not all equally so. Some have worshippers by the billions. Others just keep to themselves and enjoy the power and freedom that being a deity gives. Some are high and mighty. Some are pure hedonists. Some are wise... and some, honestly, have no idea what they're doing. It's all over the place, really.

"Being a god isn't like holding office in a senate or parliament," she continued. "It's a lot less stressful than that would be, I'd think. They're not essential in the universe, either, like laws of physics or fundamental forces. Just very powerful denizens of the same cosmos we all inhabit. If a god decided to retire or went lax in their duty, the cosmos would continue to turn. It wouldn't be as if some critical aspect of reality was lost forever. Like-minded gods sometimes join pantheons. Maybe you could think of those like... fraternities, or clubs."

Cal almost snorted at the thought of that. "That's how it is? Clubs? What, do they get drunk together on weekends?"

"The more hedonistic ones probably do," Kjelle agreed, smiling. "Pantheons aren't all about that, though. They usually form to work together on some higher cause, or manage a large swath of reality. But it's all voluntary. Gods can fraternize, but in most cases, they don't cohabitate. Usually, each one has their own realm. There are other universes where the gods prefer to rule together. Asgard and Olympus feature in your world's own mythologies, correct?"

Cal felt stunned to hear those names. He'd always had a casual interest in mythology, though never a deep one. He knew the basics of the Greek and Norse pantheons. A bit of Egyptian stuff, too, from one obsessed ex who'd watched The Mummy too many times. But he'd never thought of it all in these terms. He'd certainly never considered it all being real. "You know about that?"

"I remember a little from some Academy courses on realms outside my own. Those pantheons exist, but in other spheres. They're not part of the High Cosmos; a little lower on the hierarchy. They interact with the Lower Realms a lot more than the High Cosmos does."

"Explains why regular folks like me have heard of them, but never anyone like Nymphadottir," Cal mused.

"Exactly. Most of those gods' worshippers live on Lower Realms planets like Earth. But the High Cosmos is a loftier place. Its gods get their worshippers exclusively from within itself. Now that I think about it, that might make you more like an Olympian than a god of the High Cosmos, since you're starting your ascent here, in a Lower Realm, and all your worshippers so far -- me excluded -- are from Earth."

"But my magic is still High Cosmos?" Cal asked, a little uncertainly.

"Of course. Since you're ascending with High Cosmos magic, you'll be far beyond anything the people of this planet have known before. Coming into your full power is probably going to take some time, but in the grand scheme, the only thing that'll limit you is how far you decide to go."

Cal's eyes were wide. "Wow," was all he managed.

"Still never going back?" Kjelle teased him, her fingers tracing down his chest.

His hand slipped across his High Priestess's hip, drawing her a little closer. "I'm just glad you're here to help me figure this all out."

Kjelle sighed, a bit wistful. "I just wish I knew more. A seasoned mage or scholar would be able to help you so much better. Someone like Sariel. A prodigy. She knew the ins and outs of magic and realms and gods better than anyone I've ever met. If she'd just been the one to fall down to you instead of me..."

"Easy," Cal assured her. "You're doing fine. You know enough to teach me plenty. More than I ever would've found out on my own. And what we don't know, we can learn together. Maybe I have no idea what I'm doing, but that's kind of the appeal of the adventure. You don't need to be a scholar or a mage to be my High Priestess. I'm glad you're you, Kjelle."

"And I'm glad you're you." Another long look. Another rush of warmth through Cal's body. "You felt amazing in my ass. I hope you know that."

"Trust me. I do." He grinned. "Thanks for showing me that, too. It was fun."

"Fun." Kjelle's laugh was musical. "That's one way to put it. Mm. When was the last time I had any fun?" Way too long ago, certainly. She thought back. All those Academy years of study and stress. The straining relationship and ugly breakup with Sariel. Then the drudgery of her job; hundreds of courier runs across the Cosmos. The same thing day after day. Always rushed, rarely thanked. Never time for fun.

Until now.

"That settles it. I'm not going back, either." Her lips brushed his. "Not when I can be your High Priestess and be your slut and have all this instead."

"Good," Cal murmured, and he kissed her. They held each other. For a moment, he thought things might escalate past the brink all over again, and they'd end up rutting once more. Neither might have complained about that. But in the end, they both held back, knowing that they had to get moving. They had a day ahead of them, after all. And Mina surely had breakfast ready by now. For how long Cal and Kjelle had spent in the shower, that French toast was probably getting cold.

Cal pulled back, giving Kjelle a little wink. "We should go. Mina's probably waiting on us."

Kjelle just nodded. "French toast. Right. I get to find out what that tastes like." A pause. "It's not spicy, is it? Sorry. Incident with ramen in Chiang Mai."

Cal laughed as the two of them headed out together. "Oh, no. It's sweet. I promise."

Kjelle just grinned. "Mm. Good. Sweet is perfect. I could use more sweet in my life. Glad I've got you and Mina to get it from."

They dressed -- not out of any necessity in their de-facto nudist home. Mina had slipped into the bedroom while they showered and left clothes out for them on the mattress, so it seemed a shame to ignore them. Kjelle found the casual, comfortable top and leggings a refreshing change of pace. They weren't a perfect fit on her body, shorter and more slender than Mina's, but they beat the plain jeans and hoodie she'd swiped from Pim and worn halfway across the world to get here. Cal told her she looked beautiful. A pang of regret welled up for a second that she'd left her golden High Cosmos garb in Chiang Mai: a practical decision then, when travel was ahead of her and she'd have to blend in. But now? She wanted to present to Cal in full, golden splendor.

All that for a man from the Lower Realms.

Kjelle knew her old self would have balked, considering that. This was the last thing a good High Cosmos girl like her should ever have wanted. Her parents, her professors at the Academy, most of her peers -- all saw the Low Ones as inferior. Less developed. Less civilized. Less worthy. Their realm was less, too: darker, dirtier, uglier. The High Cosmos looked down on the Lower Realms because the latter was literally below the former. Crude and crass and primitive -- and without an ounce of worthwhile magic to their name.

Cal broke all those molds. He was handsome and brave and considerate. He was funny and smart and thoughtful. He was an amazing lover and an amazing friend. He had taken her in, given her a place to stay, treated her like a person rather than a servant or a tool -- even as the elixir he'd bonded with was taking him fast along the path to godhood.

All her shame and prejudice felt long gone. She couldn't stop fucking him. She couldn't stop looking at him. It felt like the most natural connection she'd ever made. When people described soulmates -- true, soul-binding love -- was this what they meant? Kjelle supposed most of those 'twin flame' believers didn't have magically-aided and ever-expanding polyamorous situations in mind, but did that really matter? Not to Kjelle.

This was fate. It had to be. A divine path. Like a worthy High Priestess, Kjelle was committed to walking it.

Mina's breakfast was delightful. Kjelle's taste buds rejoiced at the maple syrup, powdered sugar, savory butter, and soft bread -- all amazing. So the Lower Realms could do food right. Another opinion Kjelle would have to reevaluate. But then, since last night, she'd been doing a lot of that. It felt like the perfect cap on the perfect morning.

Only something interrupted it.

Cal's phone rang on the counter where he'd left it. A glance at the screen revealed a name that made him blink, surprised but not unpleasantly so. He'd expected Jody to stay in touch. Just not this soon.

"Who's on your, erm, communication device?" Kjelle sheepishly asked. She was still getting used to the technology of this realm. Cal appreciated her effort without correcting or berating. He held up a finger to indicate that he'd explain in a moment. "Friend of mine," he told her, then answered the call. "Jody? What's up?"

"Hey." Jody's voice was a little shaky on the other end. "Cal. Sorry to drop this on you with, like, no context, but... I, uh, had an interesting visitor a little while ago. Thought you should know. It... might concern you."

Cal blinked. That wasn't what he'd expected the teal-haired punkette he'd fucked last evening to lead off with. Kjelle's warnings about other forces out there -- forces that could be after him -- reared back up in his head. On instinct, he put the phone on speaker and maxed the volume, wanting the others to hear.

"Oh?" he asked, trying to keep his voice level. "Who was it?"

"I'm not really sure. She didn't explain much about her... organization. Just that she's some sort of agent. Like, the full-on X-Files type. No joke. She was definitely looking for you. Kept talking about magic, too." Jody paused, and Cal heard her swallow. "Last night? Us? That was... that was magic, wasn't it? You didn't tell me. Now these agents show up at my door. I'm not pissed. Still no regrets. But... maybe an explanation now would be nice."

"Shit." Cal's stomach churned. "I... okay. I'm sorry, Jody. I should have said something. I just... didn't know how. Or if I should."

He glanced between Mina and Kjelle, both of whom leaned in to listen. After all their discussion of threats, Cal knew they were on the same page. It was only because of that discussion that Cal wasn't panicking right now, though his heart rate still ticked up a little. He wasn't used to this feeling -- of being in danger, or his friends being in danger. Somehow the latter worried him even more. Kjelle's hand came to his shoulder. That eased a little of his tension. He offered her a thankful half-smile.

"But you're right," he continued to Jody. "It was magic. Something... special I have now, that I didn't used to have. Something I got by accident. If you'd rather not keep up this thing we've got going on now --"

"Oh, no way we're not keeping that up. I'm not saying I feel coerced or anything. Fuck, Cal. That was the best sex of my life. I'm not giving that up. I just... wanted us to get on the same page about this. This agent lady pressed, and I told her a little bit about what happened. She said she's not gonna do anything to hurt you, if that's any reassurance. But she's definitely on the trail. I wanted you to be ready in case she comes for you next. I don't want you to be blindsided like I was."

"Thanks for looking out for me, Jody." Cal took a deep breath. "How much did you tell her about me?"

"Just your name. Didn't tell her where to find you. I guess I don't know that, anyway. But something tells me her, or her people, have gotta have ways of finding that out. All this is definitely about magic. And if you're magic, then... yeah, she's coming for you. She was pretty clear on that. God, I just hope I didn't fuck you. In the bad way, that is."

"I'm not mad. You did the right thing. I'm glad you called."

Cal paused, then glanced to Kjelle. The High Priestess nodded, a silent confirmation of what both were thinking. A shady, female agent. Exactly what Kjelle had reported seeing on her dreamwalks. Exactly what one of the threats she'd mentioned amounted to. An agency against magic. Now, it seemed, they were closing in on him.

He also knew the other thing Kjelle would be wondering about.

"This agent," he spoke back into the phone. "Did she have someone with her? A Thai woman, maybe?"

"Oh, shit. She did." Jody sounded genuinely surprised. "Asian girl. Straight black hair. Cute... ah, not relevant, I know. She followed Ms. X-Files in, but didn't say much. Didn't seem much like an agent, either. How did you know?"

"I've got a friend here who knows this woman," Cal replied, looking back to Kjelle. "A friend who cares about her a lot. She actually warned me about agents, but I didn't think we'd see one so soon. Let alone that they'd go to you. We're gonna have to figure out what to do about this."

"Okay. I guess that's your business. Uh, Cal? One more thing. I'm not gonna ask what's going on in your personal life. If you're in some kind of... trouble? I'm not gonna pry. Been there. Believe me. But... if you need help, or backup, or anything, just know that I'm here."

"Thanks, Jody. I really mean that. We might have to talk again soon, but for now, I think we've got it. And... I'm glad you don't have any regrets." He smiled. "I don't, either."

"Fuck, yeah. I'll be thinking about last night for a long time, magic or no. When this blows over? If you're not in, erm, magic jail? We oughtta meet up again and... see where things go."

"That sounds perfect. Talk to you later, Jody. Stay safe."

"You, too."

When Cal hung up, the room fell silent. He looked to Mina first. His girlfriend's expression was one of worry -- not for herself, but for him. He could tell from her eyes. "This is serious," she murmured. "Isn't it? I suppose we talked all this through already, but... wow. I didn't think any of it would come at us this fast."

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you. To either of you." Cal's confidence and protective attitude surprised him, even as he spoke. He should have been freaking out. A week ago, he would have. But a week ago, he didn't have god-magic, let alone anything worth protecting with it. Cal the mere human would have run and hid. Cal the rising god had a responsibility to stand and fight. That this agency had already messed with Jody just sealed the deal.

Feeling Kjelle's hand shaking on his shoulder, he turned and took it in his own. He knew just how to assure her. "Sounds like we just got a little confirmation about Pim."

"She's still with that agent, yeah," the High Priestess softly agreed. "I guess that's good news. If they're working together, I don't think it's likely that Pim's been hurt or wrongly used. But..."

"But it's still a concern. I get that." Cal nodded. "Look. We're not going to just sit here and wait for this agent to show up at our door. We're going to have to make a game plan. I'm glad we connected when we did, Kjelle. If I didn't have you here, I'd feel a lot less prepared."

Kjelle's smile was wan, but genuine. "I'm glad, too. And... I'm glad I can help. This is my fault, after all. If I hadn't lost the elixir, if I hadn't dropped it into this realm, then..."

"Then I wouldn't have met you." Cal squeezed her hand. "And you're amazing."

In a sudden movement, Kjelle pulled away, straightening in her chair. "Listen. This agent? It's me she wants. It's been that way from the start. Maybe her people don't like any magic at all, but I'm an extradimensional intruder. That's got to make me worse in their books. Maybe if I go to her and give myself up, she'll back off of you and Mina and Jody and everyone else who matters to you. Maybe we can come to a deal that way."

Mina's eyes widened. "Oh, we're not letting you do that. You'd end up locked away and prodded and studied. No shady agent is getting her hands on our High Priestess."

"I don't think any kind of deal is happening, either," Cal put in, soberly. "This woman knows about me now, too. If you're right, and Earth has some policy against magic, and these are the enforcers? Well, I'm in the line of fire, too. We're in this together. I'm with you, Kjelle."

It took Kjelle a moment, but she finally nodded. "Okay," she whispered. "I just... wanted to put that out there. I'm glad you're not letting me go. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to leave you. I'm just... scared, is all. Of what this means. For all of us."

Cal understood. "I get it. But we'll figure it out together. We'll do what we said we would. Make a stand. Nowhere we can run, after all. Nowhere they can't find us. We'll have to prepare. Make sure we're ready for anything. We can do that. Right?"

Kjelle nodded, and some of her confidence returned. "Right. If anyone can, it's us." Then, just as quickly, her face dropped. "But I don't even have most of my magic. Something on Earth is blocking me from using the spells I could back home. The only thing I can really reliably do is dreamwalk. That's how I found my way to you. But that won't be much use here."

Cal considered that. Magic tingled along his skin, reminding him of his fresh coating of potent balm. That seemed an unwelcome distraction at first... until the beginning of an idea began to take form with it. It was a simple one, hinging on one known fact. Something his magic encouraged with more tingles. And something that Kjelle's concerns wouldn't compromise.

"Kjelle, you saw the agent in a dream, right? She's a woman. Was she an attractive one?"

"Um, yes. Certainly. But I don't see how that's --" She tensed, then relaxed. Then blushed. "Oh. Yes. That would work." Now she was smiling, despite everything. "Seducing her. With your scent and your magic. Like you did with me."

Her voicing it turned it from a tempting idea into a solid plan. Even if necessity mandated this seduction, it was just like any past 'commission' his partners had sprung upon him. Him, an attractive woman he didn't yet know, and a simple job to do. The 'blind date' factor didn't intimidate him. He'd been through that before and never once come away regretting the outcome. What was different here was obvious. Higher stakes. A target more dangerous than any before.

But was that going to matter when the magic hit her?

"Oh my god," Mina breathed, but she was grinning, not objecting. "You're gonna solve this problem with your dick."

"Ace in the hole, right?" Cal grinned. "If it works, we could turn her to our side. Or at least put ourselves firmly enough in her good book that she stops coming after us. Maybe she'll even open up and explain more about what's going on. Who she is. Who she works for. Why they're so against magic. How we can stand up to more of them if they come. Kjelle, I think we can get Pim back the same way, too."

"We could." His High Priestess's smile grew. "I like this plan."

Mina brought up the only caveat. "But it couldn't be so easy. An agent who goes up against magic on the regular would have to come prepared. With some kind of protection. We don't even know if we're the first... kind of thing like us she's dealt with. Maybe this agency issues magic nose plugs. Or gives its operatives Jedi mind training."

Cal had to admit it was a possibility. "You're right. There's a lot we don't know. But I doubt we've got the time or resources to find that out for sure." Heady magic amped up his conviction. "If it's me, and I really had to guess? I think there's no chance she's ever faced anything quite like us. Kjelle, you said it earlier -- no High Cosmos god has ever interacted with Earth. At least, not in any way worth chronicling in your realm. I'm willing to bet on that."

The others held their tongues in trepidation for just a moment more. Then they let it go and went with him. "Then so am I," Kjelle said.

"Besides," Mina offered. "Even if she's got some sensory shield or knows mental kung-fu, she'll be on the back foot if we make this contest three-on-one."

Cal took her meaning in an instant. Kjelle understood, too. She was already well-coated with traces of the magic balm. One shower was all it would take for Mina to gain the same advantage. "Right," he concurred. "We can spread it around."

"We might not get the full effect," said Mina, already licking her lips -- perhaps recalling how a bit of golden elixir had charged up her lunch date with Ashleigh just a day prior. "But if we lather with a little of that good stuff, we can all play a role. We'd be like extenders -- amplifiers for your allure, Cal. You know what they say about straws on camels' backs... or on X-Files agents' mental defenses."

Cal looked between both of his amazing lovers and grinned. "You two would make for a couple of hefty straws. Erm, that's a compliment. Promise."

"For an improvised plan on a short clock, against something really scary, I'm feeling good about it," Kjelle said, leaning back a little. "If there's nothing to overcome, and we needn't have worried? No loss."

"And if there is?" Mina finished. "We'll triple our chances against it. I'm in."

"So am I," Kjelle added. "Now all we need is to block it all out. I'm willing to play any position here, so just let me know where I'm best applied."

"How does 'honeypot' sound?" Mina smirked wide. "Hear me out. This agent's been tracking you for a while, right? That would make you the perfect bait."

"Mina's right," Cal echoed. "You'd have to go out alone. Catch her attention. Lure her back to us. You could even tell her you want to turn me in. Make her think you're helping her get the jump on me."

"Oh, that's brilliant," said Mina, wringing her hands together. "She'd come right to our doorstep. Or to wherever else we want to plan for. Somewhere out of the way, without any bystanders to interrupt our three-prong pincer move. Mm, does god-magic make you a master tactician, too?"

Cal shrugged. "Just watched a few stupid cop shows and spy movies. Honey-trap schemes work -- at least on low-budget network TV. We've got magic to make up for any difference the real world makes, anyway. But Kjelle, if you're not comfortable doing that, we can --"

"Oh, not a worry." Kjelle's smile turned sly. "Playing the seductress sounds like a blast. As for the magic angle, I soaped up with you in the shower, so I'm already covered -- literally, figuratively, whatever. Count on me to get her where you need her to go. Then we'll all be there. And we'll..."

"Show her a really good time," Cal finished. "Here's hoping."

Mina giggled. "If that settles it, then I'll lather up, too. Not that it's necessary, but if anyone wants to join me..."

Cal was already standing. "Like I'd miss out on that."

***

"You're sure you don't want backup out there?" Mina asked. The shady, open-air parking deck was as good a spot as any for a final meeting. Mina's electric sedan and Cal's less-than-glamorous Honda formed the boundaries of their huddle. "I know we made a plan, but maybe you don't have to go scouting alone. I could hang close. Watch your back."

But the High Priestess shook her head. "Mina, you're sweet, but you're our secret factor here. The agent definitely knows about me and Cal. You? I doubt you've come up on her radar. Stay behind the scenes. When I bring her in closer... that'll be your cue." She gave Mina a quick, soft kiss on the lips -- and didn't miss the scent of Cal's magic on her skin. "Mm. You smell amazing, Mina. You're gonna knock her flat."

Mina's cheeks flushed. "Not before you start the show. I'm just the encore."

When Cal pulled Kjelle into a tight, tender hug, the High Priestess melted into his embrace. "You're sure you can track the agent?" he asked as they held each other.

"I'll be able to feel her aura out there," Kjelle replied, her voice soft. "It's not a spell, exactly. More like... an instinct, so it's fair game. And if we're honest, it's Pim I'm really going to be able to sense. I know her... pretty intimately. I've dreamwalked to her before, from a lot further away than she probably is right now. That's how I learned about this agent in the first place. Provided they don't split up, tracking them both should be as simple as a quick zone-out on a bench or against a wall to open up my dreamwalking senses. Not that I'm planning on actually sleeping on the job. That would be..."

"Ill-advised." Cal's hands stroked her back, and Kjelle felt a little of the tension in her body ease as they chuckled together. "Even if a little cute."

"Hey. I can snap right back to awareness at the slightest sign of danger." Her fingers traced down his chest, savoring his warmth. "But I'll be careful. Promise. Either I'll find the agent, or she'll find me. And when I've got her attention..."

"You know what to do," Mina finished, slipping over to join them. "And where to bring her. Then it's party time."

"You're sure you're alright if Pim gets involved in... whatever happens?" Cal asked Kjelle. "I think I'll be focused entirely on the agent. But I'm not sure I can exclude Pim from the effects of all this magic we'll be throwing around. If you don't think we should --"

"No. It's alright." The High Cosmos blonde sounded firm. "Better than alright. I care about whether Pim's happy or comfortable, and I want her to have her choice. But if it were up to me? I think what I'd love the most is for her to be a part of all the good that's happening between us. That doesn't just mean the two of us hooking up again like we did before. That means you fucking her, too, Cal. And Mina. And anyone else who comes to join this circle of worship. Don't hold back, Cal. I'll be a good High Priestess and ease her through the welcome process while you're busy with our main target. But once that's done? Show Pim how amazing it is to be yours. I know she'll adore it."

Cal smiled and kissed her forehead. "I'll do my best."

"Okay." Kjelle took a deep breath, then stepped back. "I guess this is it, then. The trap's set. The bait's ready... and the clock's ticking. I'm off to scout. You two stay safe. And if I don't see you again before all this is over? I'll see you when it's done."

"Be safe," was Mina's last warning before Kjelle, fleet and agile as a deer, took off down the parking deck's ramp and vanished out into the city.

***

Kjelle wasn't so sure she liked being out on her own again.

Alone and vulnerable out on the Midtown streets, she was all too reminded of the night before she'd met Cal. Of other bad times in the Lower Realms, too. The mountainside in Thailand. The alley in that unfriendly city. But a lot was different now. Maybe this was still a strange world she hardly understood. But she didn't feel lost or helpless anymore. She'd found where she belonged, and with whom.

Now came the time to fight to keep it.

Get through this, she told herself, walking the sidewalk, trying to focus her senses. You're doing this so you can stay. Do it right, and the threat's gone. Do it right, and you can enjoy it. With Pim. With everyone. All together.

She just had to trust in the plan -- and in Cal's magic. The balm on her skin might not have been bound to her, but she felt its heady tingles and the assurance they brought -- assurance of power, allure, and protection far beyond her own past capabilities. She had a god's favor.

And she had all the dreamwalking talent of a High Cosmos messenger.

Kjelle found a bench unoccupied. Taking a seat, she fell steadily into the lightest trance she could manage. The world around her became hazy and distant while a part of her mind went elsewhere. She scanned the city. Focused for that specific aura she'd felt once before and could never forget. Pim. Beautiful Pimchan Nilbanthi.

Surprise almost shocked her back to full awareness as she felt how close Pim was. Oh, Cosmos. Less than a mile away from Mina's building, and closing in fast. Had Kjelle come out just in time? What would have happened if she, Cal, and Mina had decided to spend another hour planning?

Best not to think on that now. Best to act in the moment. A little thrill went through her. A little fear, too. This was it.

***

"We're close, Pimchan." Mayim wouldn't have spoken with such conviction if her sixth sense wasn't reeling. "Really, really close."

"I feel it, too," said Pim. The Thai girl held a tablet Mayim had given her, a map of the local area on its screen. Since they'd left Jody Corman's apartment, they'd run the name they'd learned from their teal-haired witness through Mayim's Department contacts. The result came back fast, but not with much detail. Calvin Robbins. Male, age 25, resident of the city. He would have been a hard man to find without any current residence or employment on the books. But they had magical advantages to work with.

And that scent they'd picked up from Jody seemed to lead them ineffably this way.

They were in the heart of Midtown now, amidst a forest of buildings. The people they were looking for -- Robbins, Kjelle, anyone connected -- could have been behind any one of those countless doors. But Mayim and Pim were in range now. Close enough that the little sensory trace they'd picked up was becoming an overwhelming rush of presence. Mayim's mouth practically watered at the thought, despite the rational half of her practically shouting its protests. She knew Pim was on the same wavelength, too.

"Fuck," Pim breathed. "He's gotta be close. Like, really close."

"I know. I'm feeling it, too." Mayim glanced over, her eyes sharp. "Don't get too distracted. We could be in for a standoff."

"Do you think it'll come to that?"

"I'm not sure. To be honest, I hope not. But I've been in a lot of situations like this. Tracking a rogue mage to the source of their magic. Most of the time, it gets ugly."

Pim remembered the story Mayim had shared in the Yukon. Something about a giant, flesh-eating spider stood out in her memory. Not that anything like that was likely to happen here, but... "When you say 'ugly,' do you mean, like, collateral damage? Death?"

"Neither are uncommon in situations like this," Mayim warned, but her grim expression softened. "I know. Tough subject. But it's the truth. Most rogue mages don't go quietly. Especially the ones who think they've got some unbeatable power. A lot of these guys think they can take on the whole Department, or at least drag as many of us to hell with them as they can if they know they're going down. I've had to kill people, Pimchan."

"I figured," Pim replied softly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's not like I ever want to. Hell knows I'm not looking to do that today. None of this feels... really threatening. Otherwise, I wouldn't be taking you along. I promised, Pimchan. No danger. It's just... this might get unpredictable. Keep your head on your shoulders, don't freeze, and I promise we'll get through this together." She looked at her Thai companion intently. "And if my hunch is right, when we're through with this, you might get to see a certain extradimensional --"

Pim felt a sudden jolt in her subconscious, like a familiar presence tugging on her heart. "Wait. Mayim." A look out the window revealed someone she recognized, sitting on a bench with her back straight. Pim saw a slender build. Lustrous curls. Alabaster skin. And, as the woman turned, the quickest flash of golden color in her eyes.

"Kjelle."

Mayim snapped her head to the side. The seated, golden-haired woman stood out from the crowd walking past like a gem amid sand. Even through the car windows, even from a distance, her aura hit Mayim like a freight train -- and despite herself, despite everything, the agent felt her heart hammering and her skin tingling in response.

Kjelle was beautiful. Kjelle felt powerful -- somehow, more so than Mayim had anticipated. And Kjelle was looking straight at them like she knew they'd been coming. Mayim saw no panic or stress on her target's angelic face. Just a slow-spreading smile that a deeply private part of Mayim felt a sudden longing to kiss.

Mayim's next breath drew in a more potent dose of the scent than ever.

"Shit," the agent whispered. For a second, dumbly, embarrassingly, she just stared. Then, finally, her training and discipline kicked in. "Go time, Pimchan. We have to get her before she gets away."

Mayim swung the car into a loading zone, dodging a bike as she did. Then, in a fluid movement, the agent kicked open her door and leapt out of the driver's seat. There was a pistol stashed in the car, but Mayim didn't take it on her way out. Perhaps she forgot it in the rush of the moment... but then, an agent like her rarely forgot to arm up before charging into trouble. Likelier, something had nudged the thought out of her brain. The sight of the golden-haired girl? Or that ever-present perfume?

Pim scrambled to follow, but her legs were shorter and she was slower off the line. Kjelle got up off the bench, but not to run. Just to casually slip away past the sidewalk crowds and down a nearby alley. Not an escape, but an invitation into a space less crowded with eyes and ears.

Was this a trap? The thought crossed Pim's mind. Maybe it crossed Mayim's, too, but the agent showed no sign of stopping. Maybe Pim didn't care, either. Because as they turned into the narrow passage and saw Kjelle standing at its end, waiting for them -- as Pim got lost in those golden eyes -- that aroma that had brought them this far flooded her senses.

Scent-based magic. Aphrodisiacal. And contagious.

Pim remembered Mayim's analysis, but beyond that, she could barely think. Just feel. Memories from that night in Chiang Mai were coming back like a tide. It didn't even hit her that no scent like this had been present the first time she'd encountered her golden-haired lover from another world. There'd been an allure, yes, but this was ten times stronger.

"Hold it there!" Pim heard Mayim shout, but Kjelle didn't flinch. Instead, she held out her hands in a show of submission. That made Mayim stop. A few feet of distance between them remained, and felt like a chasm when Pim just wanted to close it and embrace the woman who'd stolen her heart on that mountainside in Thailand.

"Kjelle," Pim gasped. Her whole body trembled. "You're here."

And she trailed off after that. What else was there to say? One magic night with Kjelle, then Mayim at her door, and Pim had ratted her lover out to a stranger. That wasn't how you were supposed to treat the person you'd had the best sex of your life with. Would Kjelle be angry? Hurt? Would she want answers, explanations? She couldn't be this calm, this composed, this forgiving -- could she?

"You were following me. I knew you'd come." Kjelle's voice was gentle, but there was a note of tension there, too. "Both of you."

Mayim's eyes narrowed. Though the agent's body remained as tense as a coiled spring, ready to lash out at a moment's notice, she still didn't make any aggressive moves. Under that aura, Pim wasn't sure Mayim could have. That scent was... intoxicating. Almost scarily so.

"That's your name?" Mayim asked. "Kjelle?"

"That's right."

Mayim licked her lips. "I'm Agent Mayim Karabakov. Field operative, Incursions Department. You've been on our radar for a while, Kjelle. I'd say it's good to finally meet you in person, but I'll be real. The feelings are mixed."

Kjelle shrugged. "Been quite the chase, hasn't it, Agent?"

"And a lot of trouble." Mayim's gaze was piercing. "Your home dimension? You, and everyone and everything that's leaked out of it lately? Talk about making my life hard, Kjelle."

"I didn't mean for all that." Kjelle sounded sincere. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to bring any trouble to this realm. It all started with an accident. My fault. I thought I could fix it. But maybe I can't. I'm... ready to face the consequences now." Slowly, the golden-haired girl lifted both hands high, palms out: a gesture of abject surrender. "I'm not going to resist or run. Not anymore. I'm just asking... please don't hurt her." Her eyes flicked to Pim. "I got her wrapped up in this. That's my fault, too."

Mayim nodded. "Pimchan's safe with me. That's a promise. You, on the other hand? You recognize we're going to have to bring you in, don't you? We've got a lot of clean-up to do. If you want to pay your penance, I imagine that starts with helping us get things back to normal. Whatever you know about this place you're from and what it wants with Earth, you'll share with us, too. A lot of people back at HQ are going to be pretty eager to pick your brain."

"I'll cooperate." Kjelle's smile was small. "I'm not sure I know the others' motivations -- the ones, erm, connected to me. But I can help your world understand mine. I'll come along quietly. Just don't --"

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Mayim stepped a little closer -- and tried to ignore how that scent just got stronger and more delicious. "Before that, we may need your help searching for another target we've just learned about. Someone in this city, with magic tied directly to your realm. Someone... you're reminding us of, in a certain way." Mayim took a long, deep breath through her nose. "Calvin Robbins. Is that a familiar name for you?"

Something seemed to change in Kjelle's eyes. "Calvin Robbins? I know him. He's close, too. I was here to..."

"To what?" Mayim pressed.

"Never mind that." Kjelle's dodge made the agent scowl, but her next words changed everything. "I can take you to him, if you want. I've already gotten him to trust me. Guess how? Point is, he won't see it coming."

Mayim's heart thumped. Was Kjelle really offering that up? Just like that? This was unexpected. But Mayim wasn't about to turn down the help. For all the consternation this extradimensional hussy had caused, she seemed eager enough to pay her dues.

"We'll take you up on that offer," Mayim replied. "But I can't say that things will be any easier on him. Understand that we'll have to bring him in, too. We'll have lots of work ahead of us to figure out all the connections. How magic from your dimension slipped into Earth. What this man, Robbins, is planning to do with the piece of it he's using. Not to mention a third target using alchemy. We've got a lot to deal with."

Kjelle's golden eyes twinkled. "Then we shouldn't hesitate, should we?"

Something about this felt wrong to Mayim. She'd brought in extradimensional intruders before. Few had ever given themselves over this readily. There was a tingle in the back of her brain, the beginnings of suspicion... but it was hard to focus on that. Not with the intoxicating aroma that hung all around them. All other smells of the city seemed to fade into the background when Kjelle, like Jody, just smelled so good. Like an invitation. Maybe not even just an invitation to Kjelle herself, but to something else, too. Something greater that she might lead Mayim to, if Mayim followed. Something...

Kjelle turned and ran down the alley.

"Shit. Pimchan, after her!"

Mayim took off, with Pim right behind, both running on pure instinct. The narrow passage led them to a second, parallel street, where the agent and the Thai girl saw Kjelle dart across a busy two-lane road and start weaving in and out of foot traffic. Mayim's feet moved on autopilot, chasing her target without a second's hesitation. Crowds parted to make room for the chase; cars honked, pedestrians shouted and cursed at the trio as they raced past, but neither the pursuers or the pursued had time to care.

Mayim's eyes focused like laser scopes onto Kjelle's bouncing, golden curls as the little fugitive ran toward a large parking garage looming up ahead, attached to a residential high-rise. "Gonna try to get lost in there?" Mayim muttered under her breath. "Not a chance, blondie."

Pim knew how far behind she'd fallen. She'd never been athletic. But she couldn't bear to lose Kjelle again. Not so soon after their reunion. Pim pushed herself forward, panting, and followed Mayim into the shadow of the parking deck. Hints of that scent, fainter now as they ran but still unmistakable, drew her onward. She didn't want to lose that, either.

Multiple levels of the parking deck and their steep slopes, not to mention cars and other obstacles, only made the chase more difficult. Mayim's long legs and conditioning helped her to keep pace, but Kjelle seemed to be like a gazelle: more agile and graceful than Mayim had anticipated, and hard to keep in view. Whatever Kjelle did in her home dimension clearly required fitness and speed. Only when they'd made it two floors up, and something redirected Kjelle's attention, did Mayim close the gap, with poor Pim trailing behind and panting.

A bystander. Shit. The tall, raven-haired woman emerged from between parked cars. Kjelle ran up to her as though for safety, grabbing her hand. Did this stranger know what was happening? Did she understand the danger?

"Ma'am, stay out of this," Mayim called out in her sternest voice before Kjelle could start up any kind of plea for help. "I'm an agent. That woman is a fugitive and potentially dangerous. Step away from her now."

But the raven-haired woman didn't comply. She looked more fierce than afraid, too. Maybe even amused. A smirk played at the corner of her full lips, and her eyes locked on Mayim's as if in challenge. Fuck. Was she an accomplice?

"I said step away." The Department operative all but snarled it this time. "I won't fucking ask again."

Moments of tension like this always made Mayim Karabakov notice the little things. The way Kjelle's curls swayed in the faintest breeze. The way the raven-haired beauty's eyes glimmered in the artificial lights of the parking deck. The way the shadows fell on the cars around them.

The way something shifted behind her.

Mayim smelled the newcomer before she saw anything. Familiar and unfamiliar, sweet and musky and woodsy and tangy, a scent so delicious and enticing that Mayim's heart skipped a beat. A scent she'd already picked up twice today -- on Jody Corman, on Kjelle. But this time, it felt worlds more potent. Because this time, it was coming from the source.

The seasoned operative felt her legs weaken and her muscles quiver in a moment of terrible, untimely weakness. That was enough of a distraction. But then came the sound of a voice behind her. A male voice that seemed to echo with power.

"Sorry I'm late."

Mayim turned.

The man standing behind her could only have been Calvin Robbins, but he wasn't what she'd pictured at all. Young. Unassuming. Not unattractive. Looking nothing but casual. And smiling. And...

God, he smelled absolutely amazing. That made up for anything else about him that might have underwhelmed. Mayim held her nerve with every ounce of willpower in her -- then wondered, with another breath of that sensory bliss, why she should even bother to. Why, when the man before her wordlessly promised everything she'd been missing, everything her deepest fantasies could conjure? Everything, if she would just submit?

His eyes found hers. Mayim felt suddenly pinned. She'd been caught off guard. On any other mission, she'd have cursed herself for such carelessness. But with this man? This felt like destiny.

"Robbins." She said his name slowly, deliberately, trying to reassert some control. As if she could now. "That's your name, right?"

"You can call me Cal, if you'd rather."

"Forget it. You're coming with me. You, Kjelle, whatever other accomplices you've got... hiding in the shadows here..."

Mayim hoped her words sounded firmer than her body felt. But then, why was she bothering? Any threat or warning now just felt like something meaningless, recited from a script. Her gaze kept shifting, involuntarily, to any exposed skin she could see. Did she catch the faintest hint of a golden sheen there? No; that had to be a trick of the light. Yet now it was hard to look at anything else.

"I don't think so," Cal simply replied. "Maybe that's not necessary. Maybe we can just talk."

"You're a rogue mage. Messing with... power way outside your pay grade. That puts you... far outside the lines of what my Department is willing to tolerate. That means..." Her words were slurring, her brain foggy. "You need to be neutralized. I'm bringing you in. Don't make me..."

Cal's eyes twinkled. "Make you what? I don't see a weapon. You came here unarmed, didn't you? So did I. Like I said -- just want to talk."

Mayim felt her cheeks flush. He was right. Shit. Her pistol was in the car. How had she left it there?

Why didn't she care about that?

"I said don't make me..."

Cal took a step forward, and Mayim's body betrayed her in a slight stumble. Fuck. Something about him made her weak. Or... no. Weak wasn't the word. It wasn't that she couldn't stand her ground. It was that she didn't want to. Not when something this good was right here in front of her.

"You can stop right there," Mayim whispered. But her words were empty and powerless. They had no fire, no force.

"I'm not here to hurt you, Agent... what's your name?"

"Mayim. Mayim Karabakov."

"Mayim." Cal spoke her name with a smile. "Well, Mayim. My name is Cal Robbins. You're right about that. I'm the man you've been looking for. And Kjelle's with me. But neither of us is going anywhere today. I think you'll see things our way. Just give it a minute."

Though taking her eyes off of Cal felt like tearing herself away from a magnet, the agent's gaze flicked to the side. Kjelle and the other woman were standing together, their hands clasped, watching the encounter. Pim looked awestruck, still lightly panting, her own gaze flitting between Kjelle and the newcomer.

"Who's the other woman?" Mayim asked. She felt a sudden, strange surge of envy -- hardly appropriate right now, but, fuck, was anything she was currently feeling?

"Mina. My girlfriend. One of them." Cal shrugged. "I've got a few."

That didn't help with Mayim's newfound jealousy. But it wasn't as though she could blame him. Once on a mission in Manaus, Brazil, Mayim had tracked down and neutralized a wannabe cult leader who'd boasted dozens of 'wives,' all completely subservient to him. He'd wielded a magical artifact that compelled the women to worship him like a deity. When she'd destroyed the artifact and freed the girls, they'd all come to their senses and left the chauvinist behind. But did this work like that?

Another breath of that scent told her no. This was serious. Permanent. Real.

And the invite for her to take part seemed more than open.

"You talked to another today, in fact," Cal told Mayim plainly. "Jody. She told me you visited. That you were looking for me, that you weren't keen on magic, and that you'd probably try to bring me down. Well, here you are. This is me. I'm not hiding anything, and I'm not here to fight. Let's talk, Mayim. Let's find out what's what. What you want from me. What you're worried about. Maybe how I can help. If you still want to drag me off and lock me up after that... well, I guess we'll see." He shrugged. "Your move."

Agent Mayim Karabakov was used to making split-second decisions in the field. She'd learned to go with her instincts. And she'd seen through a lot of ruses. Cornered targets with magic on their hands all too often jumped into the same last resort: some attempt to inveigle her with promises of ultimate power or ruling the world together if she'd turn her back on her Department and join them. She'd heard every version of the story and called bullshit every time.

But this wasn't one of those times.

Cal's sincerity shone. His words were earnest. His intentions didn't seem nefarious. Though he felt every bit as powerful as the dark gods her parents' cult had revered, his alignment felt opposite to those eldritch abominations. Purely positive. Humble, even in his godliness. Seeking connection, not conquest. He wanted to understand her, and for her to understand him. And, more than anything, he was offering a way forward. No fighting. No catastrophe. Temptation, but the good kind. Safety. Trust.

What did it say about Mayim if she turned that down?

"Mayim." Pim's voice at her side was a reminder of her partner. "What are we gonna do?"

"Pimchan." She muttered the Thai girl's name softly. "Just... hold tight." And then what? Was Mayim going to let Pim get caught up in this, too -- wherever it was going? What did Pim think, anyway? Surely all the temptation was hitting the girl from Chiang Mai just as hard. Mayim wouldn't speak for her partner, but after all they'd been through, wouldn't it be amazing if both of them could share in something truly special together?

"We'd like you to come with us, too, Pim," the raven-haired woman, Mina, spoke up. One hand still holding Kjelle's, she took a slow step forward, then another. "Your name's Pim, right? Kjelle here has been waiting for a reunion with you. You've both been through enough. Let us show you what comes next. You'll love it. Promise."

Pim turned to her companion. Mayim met her gaze, then nodded. Then she led the way forward to Cal.

When he extended his hand, the Department operative took it, and felt a little thrill go through her. His touch felt electric. And his scent, up close, made her tingle all over. Was this surrender? Betrayal? Seduction by the enemy? Her higher-ups in Geneva -- what would they think? Director Girard? All her fellow agents, working their asses off to try to combat a rising tide of magical incursions into their reality? Here was Mayim Karabakov, the best among them, rolling over like a kitten for a rogue mage with an inviting smile and god's scent.

Fuck it. If this was the end of her career, it was the start of a very good new one.

Pim went to Kjelle. The recognition and the desire in their eyes was obvious. Neither hesitated for a moment before falling into each other's arms. The standoffish tension of their first brief reunion in the alley was gone. But what would follow now?

Mayim found herself being led. Cal's arm slipped around her, warm and comforting. An entrance into the building awaited nearby. The agent didn't look back as Cal led her in, the others following.

***

Delicious tension rose in time with the elevator.

Through their private ride up, Cal looked around to read faces, gauge reactions. Mayim kept silent beside him, but her body language told a story. While the two didn't physically touch, the agent kept dangerously close. Maybe missing his guiding touch; maybe testing to see if he'd bring it back. Maybe just waiting for him to cut to the damn chase and grab her, kiss her, use her. 'Submissive' wouldn't have been the word, and likely never would for a woman like her. She put the ball in Cal's court all the same.

Pim and Kjelle kept up a similar dynamic. Hovering close. Eyes periodically locking, then darting away. Everything unsaid between them could have filled a tome, Cal surmised. He knew part of their history, and wanted the resolution to go well for both. But he wouldn't pry, and he wouldn't interfere. Not yet. What they'd work out next, they'd need to work out by themselves.

Mina didn't bother either pair. Just kept to the front, posture impeccable -- but when Cal stole a look, he didn't miss the faint, satisfied smirk she wore, like some mastermind who'd just watched a grand scheme go off without a hitch. Wasn't that what had happened, after all? Now the payoff was in reach.

How that would look, where it would lead -- those were questions that could only be answered once they'd settled in.

The elevator opened on Mina's floor. She led the rest of the way to the condo. Mayim appraised and approved of the modern furnishings and luxury tastes. Pim gawked openly. No one felt unwelcome, but the silence still didn't break until Mina offered libations.

"The place was the first clue you had taste," Mayim complimented as she examined the bottle of aged scotch, a rare label and an even rarer vintage. The stray thought that Director Girard would have approved crossed her mind, before she filed it right back away into 'work stuff that doesn't matter right now.' "Now I know for sure. Color me impressed."

Mina's smirk widened. "Wouldn't have invited you in if I didn't figure you shared my appreciation for the finer things. That goes for more than what's in my liquor cabinet, too."

Mayim's eyes flicked to Cal. "I'm sure it does."

It was early for drinks, but hell, it was five o'clock somewhere. Mayim poured, and savored the first sip. Smooth, smoky, peaty, and just strong enough. "Tell me you weren't saving this for a special occasion."

"Maybe. Who's to say this isn't one?" Mina was already pouring her own. "I've got a full bar, too. If you'd rather switch to something else..."

"Not a chance. Cheers."

A few sips of that good stuff, and the Department agent let her guard down a little more -- as if the permeating, intoxicating, sensory spell all around hadn't already laid all her usual defenses low. Taste for liquor aside, Girard would have chewed her out for getting so comfortable in a situation that was still, technically, an unknown. But Girard wasn't here, Mayim felt safe, and she didn't have to be the agent right now.

"So, here we are." Mayim's gaze swept the room. "You've got me. I should say I feel vulnerable, but it doesn't seem like you're going to take advantage." There was almost a hint of disappointment in her voice. "What's the play, Robbins? You want me to talk? Listen?"

"A little of both, I hope," Cal replied. "But I'm happy to go first."

He moved to sit on one of the sofas. The others followed, Mina and Mayim taking the opposite couch, Pim and Kjelle settling on an adjacent loveseat. Mayim sipped. Listened. Accepted a top-off when Mina offered. And as Cal spoke his piece, the agent learned.

"So, you found this... elixir from the High Cosmos in a damn grocery store," Mayim recited after the young man had recapped everything. "And now, all these seductions later, you're living it up as a rising god in a beautiful woman's condo, with other harem lovers on call across the city. I don't know if I should be jealous, impressed, or scared as hell." She downed the last finger of scotch in her glass. "Most of my Department colleagues would land firmly in Column C."

"But not you?" Cal asked.

Mayim shook her head. "I've seen scary. Taken down scary. There's a lot of scary out there in the big, wide cosmos. I feel your magic. It's powerful. But not dark. Not corrupt. You're clearly not trying to hurt people, or use them for some nefarious end. Looks like so far, you've made a lot of them really damn happy." A glance toward Mina. A walking testament, if ever there was one. "I guess what I'm wondering is... what's your endgame, Robbins? Where are you going with all this power? A more enterprising person in a situation like yours would be thinking way outside his neighborhood before long. Are you?"

The question hung there. The air felt heavy with it. Mina, Pim, and Kjelle all watched and waited. Cal's reply finally came with a shrug.

"Honestly? Still figuring it out. Kjelle put a lot of things in perspective. Just learning about the High Cosmos opened my eyes a lot. Now I know there's bigger forces at work out there than I'd realized. Bigger than just Earth. I know, I'm probably preaching to the choir. You and your Department must deal with things like that on a daily basis. But, point is, I don't think I can stay small-time forever. I don't think the elixir will let me." He cocked his head, looking sidelong at Mayim. "Let me guess. Your people aren't going to like that."

Mayim took that in, running a finger along the rim of her empty glass. "No, they won't. You've got the right idea about us. We're a pretty strait-laced bunch. The Department doesn't like seeing magic out and about in the wild. Too unpredictable. Too uncontrollable. Too much risk. When they run into something like you? They want it locked away, or sent home, or covered up -- anything to stop it from bothering the human status quo."

"And you agree with that philosophy?"

"I used to." Admitting that felt surprisingly liberating, like an unburdening of a long-held guilt. "It's been a hell of a day."

Mayim racked her thoughts. She'd brushed up against a lot of alluring beings over many years and many missions. Never once had temptation gotten the best of her, but to say it had never been there was dishonest. A Pleiadian alien in Russia, her inner light shining through her soft skin like a beacon. A selkie in Scotland who'd attempted to seduce back the transforming seal-skin Mayim had impounded. An incubus with a devilish smirk romancing his way through New Orleans; an ifrit with fiery, passionate eyes playing naughty tricks in Marrakech.

How many close calls had there been over the years? How many times had Mayim thought, for less than a second's flight of fancy, that perhaps no one would find out if she indulged, just once -- only then for her usual discipline and rationality to kick in and keep her on the straight-and-narrow? Every one of those past tempters, she'd felt justified in resisting, then arresting or neutralizing or sending home. Below all outward allure, they'd had wicked designs on humanity. She'd been vindicated in her resistance each time, and been glad she hadn't been swept along by the tide of her instincts.

But this man? Calvin Robbins? He was different. The choice before Mayim now felt different, too.

"Listen, Cal," she went on, using his first name for the first time, surprised by how casual and comfortable that felt. "I'm not going to say I know what's right. I've been in the field for years. Seen a lot of powerful magic being used for bad things. Hell, I'd seen my share of that before the Department even recruited me. I was raised in a cult."

"Wait -- seriously?" Cal asked. "Like, the end-of-the-world kind?"

"More or less. Long story short? The Department got me out. They showed me a new life and a new purpose, and I'm always going to owe something to them for that. Not that I'm under some kind of actual obligation. Just a pretty firm believer in what they stand for."

"I can see why," Mina offered. "Protecting the world from dangerous magic. Seems like a noble cause, if cults like that are out there."

"Sure. And they're out there. Worse things than them are out there. I've seen a lot of magic used the wrong way." Mayim shrugged. "The Department's pretty black-and-white. Magic is a threat -- period. Magic needs to be contained -- period. And I'll even admit that they're mostly right. If people weren't out there trying to harness magic for nefarious ends, we wouldn't need to be out there stopping them." She looked at Cal. "But maybe I've always wondered if there could be exceptions to the rule. If magic could be a force for good, too. Strong magic in bad hands is one thing. But strong magic in good hands? I'm sure you follow.

"But the other thing is, we somehow missed you completely, Cal." Mayim shook her head. "We're not usually that sloppy. We got a blip on our radar when your elixir came through to this dimension. But we couldn't track it from there. Like it vanished. We never knew you picked it up, became its host, started using it, until we put our boots on the ground here. That's not supposed to happen. The Department's technology isn't infallible, but it's pretty damn good. Good enough that it should have caught something."

"Maybe my magic is better," Cal put forth -- not boastfully, just matter-of-factly.

"Maybe," Mayim conceded. "Or smarter." She found herself leaning closer to Cal as she spoke. "It's been a hell of a day," she repeated. "And if saying this puts me totally out of line as an agent or a professional... fuck it." She locked eyes with him; felt the pull of the magic -- and of her own desire. "You're really damn tempting, Cal Robbins. Just being near you is a lot. Just being near other people who've been near you... even that was a lot."

"Jody," Cal guessed.

"And Kjelle. And Mina," Mayim replied, looking to the latter who hovered close. "All this has been hitting me fast. But since the moment I picked up that scent... I've been thinking about what I'd do if I met you. And, well, I'm here. I'm meeting you. We're certainly not fighting. We've talked. I'm glad we did. But that's... also been a lot. I guess I'm just saying that I'm not sure what comes next."

Cal looked thoughtful. "You're not going to report any of this to your higher-ups, then?"

Mayim felt a tiny shiver at the thought. "I should. I know that. I'm here on a mission, and I'm not following through on it. I'm not neutralizing the target or bringing him in. I'm not even getting ready to. I've already fraternized with you a lot more than I'm ever supposed to do with a target. But then, Pimchan and I are the only ones who know that. For now." She straightened. "Cal, the Department may still find out. But I'm not going to be the one to tell them. I can't. Not now that I've seen what you're capable of, and how much good you can do. I'm not sure I want to stop you. I'm not sure I could if I wanted to."

The agent bit her lip and watched as Cal got up from his seat, coming around to stand before her. She matched that move by rising off the couch herself. Mayim saw the look in his eyes. She built her career on judgment calls. Rarely had any gut instinct steered her wrong.

What her gut said now was 'go.'

"Maybe that's what makes it so exciting," she all but whispered.

Mina swept around just in time to collect Mayim's empty glass, as dutiful and attentive a hostess as ever. The black-haired woman's smile was knowing. She'd been here before, and knew the journey that lay ahead for Mayim. As the agent's gaze met Mina's, a silent understanding passed between them: 'Enjoy the ride.'

Then Mayim's hand found Cal's. Magic tingled on her skin. The scent that had teased and titillated her since she'd first encountered it now seemed to hit with greater force than ever. She let out a little breath. Said the last coherent words she would for a while.

"I want this."

"Good," Cal simply replied. And he kissed her.

Lips, tongues, bodies: all came together in a rush. Mayim felt her knees weaken, and her mind with them. The kiss was passionate, hungry, intense -- and it only made her want more. All her discipline, all her self-control, all her training to resist and withstand and overcome, and yet she felt like a novice in the face of this man and his power. Maybe that was good. Maybe she'd been waiting years for a chance this good, a chance to surrender and know nothing bad would happen. Just something beautiful.

Pim and Kjelle, hand-in-hand, slipped past them and disappeared down a corridor. Mayim was barely conscious of it, too lost in the moment with Cal. But when Mina's lips joined hers, kissing her as deeply as Cal had, she was immediately aware and didn't resist in the slightest. Why would she? The raven-haired woman's allure was almost as overpowering as Cal's. And why shouldn't they all indulge together?

Cal's hands roved up Mayim's body, caressing and touching through her clothes, taking liberties she'd never have allowed in other circumstances. She wanted him to touch her. Wanted Mina to. Needed both of them, the way a drowning person needed air. It was all so much, and still only beginning. When his hands found her tailored blazer's lapels and pushed them back, she didn't stop him. Only raised her arms slightly and let him slide it off. The agent felt it fall around her ankles. Then felt his touch going low again, working at her slacks, unfastening them, tugging those down too. She gasped at the sensation of cool air on her legs and her exposed white underwear, and felt a fresh wave of arousal surge within.

Cal turned her, and pushed. Mayim let him move her across the living room, her pants and blazer left behind like discarded memories; all the way to the nearest wall, where he pinned her. A faint, animalistic whimper rose from deep in her throat, and the agent went from wanting this to needing this, all thought of consequences forgotten. Cal was hard against her, pressed close, his length straining against his jeans. His scent made Mayim light-headed with lust. She couldn't get enough of it. And it seemed he couldn't get enough of her, either, from how he kept kissing and touching her, his hands roaming her curves and working fast to get rid of the last few layers of fabric concealing them. Her button-up blouse took longer, but he was deft and he was eager, rapidly undoing buttons until the garment hung open and bare skin was exposed.

Cal took a moment to admire her. Mayim didn't mind. Here, she felt more beautiful, valuable, desirable than ever; for once, not just respected for her skills as an operative, but for being an attractive woman. One whose body this man wanted to touch and explore, and whose own desires were clear and open. His eyes raked over her form, taking in subtle curves, tight abdominal muscles, and the softness of breasts constrained by a plain white sports bra. She reached back to unclasp that garment, only for Cal to tug it off the rest of the way. Mayim gasped as he cupped her breasts with both hands. God, that was good. With that scent in her nose, it was like every sense was amplified.

"You're incredible," he softly murmured, one hand now sliding down her bare stomach, caressing her abdomen -- then lower. Mayim's hips bucked slightly into his touch as she felt his palm pressing against her crotch, the one remaining layer of fabric separating his skin from hers growing soaked. "Glad you came?" It was a half-teasing question.

She just nodded and let out another whimper. Where had her words gone? Did she even care?

Cal slid her panties aside. Maybe taking them off would have just taken too long. She heard the fabric moving off his own frame before she saw it, and realized Mina was behind him, dutifully working at his belt, undressing her man. As his pants loosened and sank, his underwear following, Cal only offered Mina a brief turn, a loving smile, and a quick thank-you kiss. Then he was back with his new conquest, his length hard and free.

Mayim's eyes widened. "That's --" Her mind tried to provide a word. Nice? Big? Impressive? Godly?

"All yours," he provided instead.

When Cal's tip pressed against her, the Department operative shuddered. What was coming felt inevitable. Eyes closing, head falling back, she released a low moan as he sank in, filling and stretching her in one slow, delicious stroke.

Fuck. How could any woman resist this?

"Mmmmf..." The sound that came out of Mayim as Cal bottomed out within her was pure pleasure. "Oh, god..."

He began to thrust, slow and deep at first. Part of Mayim wanted to urge him to speed up, but another part just wanted to relish every second of this feeling. The man she'd been hunting was with her, inside her. His scent was intoxicating. Every sense tingled, and every touch was bliss.

Sex didn't usually feel this good. Not that Agent Mayim Karabakov had much of a chance at a sex life in the field. But when she did get a rare opportunity, and a rare partner, she made the most of it... or thought she had. This made all those little encounters seem so far away now, and so small, like distant and inconsequential memories. This was something special. More than worth waiting for.

Mayim's body arched as she spread her legs wider for Cal, inviting him to fuck her deeper against that wall. She felt so open, so eager, so vulnerable. So willing to let herself be taken. Cal's cock pushed into her, driving in and out, hitting all the right spots like he'd already mapped them a hundred times over. Was this the magic's effect? Or was Cal really just that good? Did it matter? Mayim figured not.

Her mind quickly resettled onto what did matter: that now, finally, she might have just found that one-in-a-million partner who could be everything to her that no one else could, or would. Who could match all her drive, her intensity, and her fierceness. Who could keep up, and then some. Who could allow her to leave all her Department baggage at the door and just be herself -- without shame or hesitation -- and, when the time came for her to get back on the job, could let her walk out the door again, leaving their blissful world behind but secure in the knowledge that she would always return.

That was how it would be, wouldn't it? A tingle that ran between them seemed to confirm it. Magic. His magic. It let her know just how good of a thing she'd found.

Their eyes met. Both knew it. They were perfect for each other.

Her pleasure surged, as if in answer to her thoughts. A moan came out. Mayim realized she'd been so paralyzed by this incredible fucking that she hadn't yet made much sound aside from soft gasps and low whimpers. But now, it was like a switch had flipped, and her body and voice were free to respond to Cal the way they wanted to. Mayim moaned. Wailed. Cried out. Louder than any time before. She felt herself tightening around Cal's cock, squeezing his length as if holding on for dear life. Cal let out a growling groan and began pounding faster. Oh, fuck yes. Just like that. Faster. Harder. Fuck me. Fuck me.

Was 'love' too strong a word? If not yet, maybe soon. Very soon.

Brief flashes hit Mayim's mind as the feelings just got better. Thoughts of Pim somewhere else in this condo, probably getting reacquainted with Kjelle. Good for her; let her. Mina, standing close, watching Cal take her like a conquered queen. Clearly knowing what it felt like, clearly loving the sight as much as she might have loved being on the receiving end. Was that incongruous? No; it was magic. It made sense when she considered it: the man she was fucking was a god. One who could make anything make sense. One who could make the world itself whatever he wanted.

One who was about to make Mayim Karabakov cum like an animal.

The Department operative cried out as it hit her, burying her face against Cal's shoulder and biting down as waves of ecstasy rolled through her, her walls clenching and pulsing around Cal's cock. He fucked her through it. Kept on thrusting, his hands holding her body fast, until her moans faded to whimpers and the muscles in her legs finally unclenched. Mayim's toes uncurled; her head rolled back against the wall. And slowly, her eyes opened.

Mayim looked up at Cal. Saw him looking back. His expression was soft. Caring. And still hungry.

"Good?"

She just nodded. Like he needed her answer, anyway. The man knew how good he'd made her feel. A god. Mayim still could hardly believe how completely her allegiance had shifted, and how swiftly. But she couldn't deny her surrender, either.

Not when letting go felt this good.

Cal's hands grasped below Mayim's ass. As he lifted her, she kicked her legs out and wrapped them around his hips, crossing them behind his back. His cock never left her pussy; the angle and pressure simply changed as the wall disappeared behind her. The Department agent softly, thankfully moaned as he carried her over to the sofa, their bodies intertwined. He didn't lay her down and get on top, though, like she expected. Instead, Cal sat, then leaned back, pulling Mayim with him. The operative settled in on top, straddling him with legs spread wide, his cock spearing her deeply. And, somewhat to Mayim's surprise, a bit of her more typical pride and confidence returned. She recognized what Cal was giving her now: a chance to take the lead, to set the pace, and to show off.

Fuck yes, she'd show him exactly how good he was going to have it with Agent Mayim Karabakov.

The toned, tanned brunette's hips gyrated back and forth. Cal groaned at the motion. Then, slowly, teasingly, Mayim rose up, feeling him withdraw inch by inch. She let out another moan at the feeling and savored the sight of his blissful expression. Then, when she'd risen almost all the way off of his length, Mayim dropped again, taking him deep in a single stroke. Her confidence soared. Her well-trained body took over, just like on any mission. She was the Department's best. She'd been through hell and back, but never failed, and had an attitude and an approach to show for it. This was just another kind of victory. Maybe the best kind.

Cal had already blown her mind. Now Mayim was going to give him a ride he wouldn't soon forget.

***

The balcony was small. Extending off of Mina's bedroom, it offered little besides a great view of the Midtown skyline. Kjelle leaned over the railing, the light breeze cooling her skin. This city still looked alien to her, but in the short time she'd been here, she'd found its pockets of beauty -- or at least one really good one, right here. Better yet, she'd found people. People who made it feel like home.

Beside the blonde, Pim rested her arms on the rail. The Thai girl beside her was still mostly silent, even now that all the tension had evaporated. The bad tension, anyway. There was still plenty of another kind. Kjelle could tell Pim sensed it, too. It wasn't that neither knew what they wanted to do about it, either. Maybe the last hesitation just came from everything still unspoken, hanging in the air -- as it had been since that night in Chiang Mai.

Kjelle could hardly blame Pim for any way she felt. For one, overwhelmed; Pim had just met two new people and learned a lot about gods, High Priestesses, and magic. For another, conflicted. All of Kjelle's feelings from their last encounter still simmered inside the High Cosmos woman, too, especially now that they were finally reunited.

But when Pim finally spoke, it wasn't to rebuke or admonish Kjelle for leaving, or to demand answers, or even to question Kjelle's choices. The only thing she had to say, soft as a prayer, was, "I missed you."

Kjelle turned. Met Pim's gaze. Saw the sincerity there. And the desire. "I missed you, too, Pim. All that happened... I'm so sorry."

"I'm sorry, too. I didn't mean to get wrapped up with Mayim and help her track you down. Not that Mayim's so bad." She paused, and both listened: back in the condo, they could hear Cal and Mayim getting very well acquainted. Sounds of bodies colliding, and moans, drifted through the balcony door from the rooms and halls beyond. "Still can't quite believe that's her in there. I know. Magic. But, still."

Kjelle laughed softly. "I can't blame her. I've had my share, too. And I guess I can't blame her for doing her job, either. You know. Before." Another pause. Another echoing cry of passion.

"She was after you," Pim solemnly said, her gaze returning to the skyline.

"Yeah. Well, now she's after Cal. Or... under him, I suppose."

"But I had no idea it would end like this," the Thai girl admitted. "When she showed up on my doorstep, all I knew was that she wanted you. I barely understood why. I didn't know what she'd do if she found you. And I didn't know that Cal and Mina were in the picture, either. All I knew was that she needed to find you, and she needed my help. I felt like I had to say yes. But... I also felt like I had to make sure nothing bad happened to you, too. Mostly, I went along because I wanted to make sure you ended up okay. But I sent Mayim straight to you. If it hadn't been for Cal... oh, this could have been a disaster. That's my fault." The Thai girl bowed her head. "I almost messed things up so bad for you, didn't I?"

Kjelle shook her head. "No, Pim. The mess was mine to begin with. What you did... you had to do it. I understand. What I did to you that morning I left was so much worse. I took all the trust you put in me, and I broke it. I should have at least said something before I ran off. Made sure you were alright. Asked for your help, not just taken your clothes and money. I should have..." Her voice trailed off, and she let out a sigh. "There's so many things I should have done, and didn't do. I was too scared. Too selfish. And I'm sorry for all of that."

Pim nodded slowly. "I forgive you, Kjelle," she murmured. "If you'll forgive me."

They leaned closer together, looking out at the city and the sky beyond. Kjelle felt her hand sliding into Pim's. "Of course I forgive you. You have a big heart, Pim. That's never a bad thing. You want to help people. And Mayim... I don't know. She might have worried me at first, but..." Another pause. Another round of lewd noises overheard. "Well, it seems like things turned out okay for all of us. Better than okay. Maybe you and Mayim were meant to find us together. Maybe... maybe we're all better off together like this."

"Maybe so." Pim giggled. "I'm not complaining about any of the results. Cal and Mina are incredible. And this place is definitely nicer than my little apartment back in Chiang Mai." She looked at Kjelle. "So, what now?"

"I don't know," Kjelle admitted. "But I'm excited to find out. I've... sort of got the elixir back. Not in the way I thought, but I know it's secure. And I think we're safe. Safer than we've been. You're right. Cal and his magic are incredible. There... might be more trouble on the horizon. I have to be honest about that -- especially if you're going to stay with us. But all of this kind of makes me think we can handle it. Together."

Pim nodded. Her smile turned wry. "It doesn't sound like the other three are waiting around." She took a step closer. "What about you, Kjelle?"

"What about me?" she replied innocently, but the golden-haired girl knew what Pim wanted. She wanted it, too.

"Are we going to make up, or what?" Pim pouted, but her eyes shone.

"Here's hoping."

Kjelle leaned in. Their lips touched. Subtly, slowly, the High Cosmos woman felt that familiar, long-sought connection return; the same rush she'd felt with Pim on her first night on Earth. A lot came with it. Pim's feelings; her desires; her hopes. Her love. They poured through the connection, and Kjelle could only hope everything she felt could be conveyed in turn.

The kiss opened up and deepened fast. As Kjelle's hands found Pim's body, running over her clothes, she felt the Thai woman returning the favor. Kjelle wasn't unaware of all that was different this time. Traces of Cal's sensory magic now added to Kjelle's baseline of High Cosmos allure. Since Chiang Mai, she'd become a lot more than a displaced, klutzy courier from a higher plane. She was a conduit for a god's power. A High Priestess. It clicked, too, that what was about to happen would be an initiation for Pim. A welcome to a new life and a new family. And, hopefully, the first of many such welcomes Kjelle might make in her new priestly duty to her god.

But in some ways, this was also just the same as last time.

Pim's fingers slid under Kjelle's top. The High Cosmos woman smiled into their kisses and helped the Thai girl undress her. Clothes slipped away. Cool air brushed against bare skin, but things would quickly get hotter. Pim's own clothing, nothing remarkable, soon joined Kjelle's in a pile on the balcony's tiles.

"If we do this again," the Thai girl whispered, "will it lead to more?"

"I hope so." Kjelle's voice was low, but eager. Her hands roamed Pim's smooth skin, finding and caressing the petite woman's curves. "I've thought a lot about that night. How we... connected. I think it was genuine. I hope it was."

"Me too, Kjelle." A kiss on the neck. "And I know it was. Even after you ran. But this time I'm not letting you leave so fast."

"I won't. Not ever again. That's a promise."

Pim pulled gently away, and for a moment, Kjelle's heart fell. But the Thai girl's smile never faded. She just turned and stepped back inside, motioning for the blonde to follow her.

"You're right, Kjelle." Pim sounded bolder now, sure of herself and what she wanted. "Things are going to be better now."

Mina's bedroom beckoned to them, spacious and elegant. They'd both passed through already, but now it felt like crossing a whole new threshold. Maybe they hadn't asked their hostess if it was alright to use the room and bed this way -- but then again, that privilege seemed implicit. Mina would've been more than happy to see them make good use of it.

Kjelle's heart soared. This was how things should have been last time. This was how they were always supposed to be.

The bed was soft. Pim settled in first. Kjelle joined her. The kisses were hungrier now, their bodies pressing against each other, limbs intertwining. Pim's tongue teased at Kjelle's lips until they parted to accept it. She felt Pim moan at the contact, felt the vibrations of the petite girl's voice tickle against her mouth. Kjelle's fingers slid up Pim's back, tracing her spine, finding the clasp of the bra she still wore and easily undoing it.

"This new life is going to be... a lot of this, isn't it?" Pim whispered as she let the small garment slip away, exposing her bare, perky breasts. "A lot of sex. A lot of pleasure." She grinned. "Didn't think I'd ever be prioritizing that in my life, but I don't think I'm going to mind that now."

"I don't think you will." Kjelle cupped one soft, freed mound and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I won't."

Pim let out a little laugh. "If my family back in Thailand knew, they'd be ashamed." Her smile didn't falter, and her eyes twinkled. "Good thing they're on the literal other side of the world. And I guess I don't have to tell them. Not the part about loving another woman. Or anything about the magic." Another kiss. "Ah, the former would probably freak them out worse than the latter."

"Then, if they ask, just say it's a new, high-brow job overseas. With great benefits. That's not even untrue."

"Benefits." Pim laughed. "That's one word for it." She pushed, and Kjelle let herself be rolled onto her back. Pim was on top of the former courier a moment later, her legs straddling the blonde. She kissed Kjelle's cheek, her jaw, her neck, then her collarbone. Kjelle squirmed under her, letting Pim take the lead, just like that night in the Thai girl's little apartment. And when Pim had worked her way low enough to press her face between Kjelle's legs, Pim kissed and teased there too, right above the fabric of Kjelle's panties.

Kjelle gasped and arched her hips. "Pim. Hah. I should... do it to you first."

But Pim shook her head as she tugged the fabric free. "No. I want this. You smell amazing. That's new, and I like it. I know it's the magic, but..." She giggled. "If you really want to make it up to me, let me worship you."

"I can't say no to that, can I?"

Kjelle closed her eyes. Already soaked, Pim's gentle stroking and teasing just heightened her need. A moan escaped the blonde as Pim's tongue joined her digits, licking up the blonde's honey-sweet juices. That last time, all the appeal had been in how innocently and tentatively Pim had gone down on her; the endearing effort had made up for inexperience. This was something different. God-magic in the air brought Pim confidence; made her hungry. Like a guiding, invisible hand, the permeating scent showed her just how and where Kjelle longed to be touched and teased. This wasn't endearing. This wasn't tentative. This was electric. As Kjelle's hips rolled and bucked, Pim's hands slid to her thighs, holding them open, keeping her in place as if the Thai girl wouldn't allow her to escape.

As if Kjelle had any interest in escaping.

Kjelle whimpered. Her fingers tangled in Pim's black hair, tousling the silky strands, pushing her down. She needed more of this. More of everything. The former courier knew this was just one small step on a path to many more pleasures she and Pim could now share, but it felt like the world right then. That silken, lapping tongue. Those lithe fingers curling up like beckoning bids to orgasm. Maybe it didn't match the otherworldly heights Cal could take her to, but this was a different flavor and a welcome one. No less genuine. No less meaningful. And with golden, sensory magic between them, neither had to say a word.

Great Cosmos, did this ever make up for everything.

Climax came in a rushing burst. Kjelle surrendered, letting out a low cry as Pim expertly tongued her through it, her legs tightening around Pim's head and holding her there. She didn't want this to ever end. Didn't want to let go. Didn't want to ever be apart again, after all the time and distance they'd endured. All the tension between them, all the unknowns, all the fears. Pim didn't slow, either. Even if the world was bigger than she knew, she had a place in it. And that place was right here, with Kjelle -- and with Mayim, with Mina, with Cal. Together.

By the time Kjelle settled down, Pim was already crawling up, cuddling against her. Kjelle just closed her arms around Pim's form and held her. The High Cosmos woman's breathing slowly evened out, and she opened her eyes, looking into her lover's. Her smile communicated that everything was okay. Better than okay. Then, with a gentle push, Kjelle rolled Pim off of her and onto her back.

"Your turn."

The former courier's tone brooked no argument. Pim shuddered as Kjelle's hands roamed over curves and dips and sensitive spots. Moans quickly followed, and only grew as Kjelle's fingers found the Thai girl's soaked pussy, rubbing and stroking. Pim whimpered, then spread her legs wider for Kjelle's touch. Kjelle couldn't argue with that, either.

"That's my girl." Something brought a new tone out of Kjelle. Partly nurturing, but also direct and commanding. It brought a new boldness she hadn't known before, and thrilled the blonde as she spoke.

Pim just nodded, her voice leaving her in an eager whine as Kjelle's fingers began to pump in and out. "K-Kjelle..." Then, playing along, lighting a whole new desire in the High Cosmos woman: "M-mistress..."

Kjelle shuddered, but didn't stop. Maybe she could get used to this. She was a High Priestess now, after all.

"Such a good pet." The roleplay -- if it was even just play -- came more easily now, though it still felt foreign. Intoxicating, but untested and uncertain. Kjelle thought about all the dynamics at play in this condo. With Cal, she was nothing but submissive. With Mina, she'd been dutiful mainly out of thanks to her hostess, and the raven-haired beauty had made it easy to obey. This niche was brand-new, and so far only Pim fit into it.

Yet Pim didn't seem to mind the blonde's explorations into dominance. Had magic tipped Kjelle off toward a kink? Or was this just how a High Priestess was meant to act with a new initiate? Maybe Pim would be the one woman with whom Kjelle could play the dominant. Or maybe this was a role she'd grow into in every relationship with every harem mate. Only time and experience would tell -- but Kjelle felt sure she'd get plenty of both here.

The High Cosmos blonde's fingers curled, finding that sensitive spot within Pim. The Thai girl arched her back and cried out. So close already? Kjelle grinned. Then again, she couldn't judge -- not when she'd been so easy to get off herself.

"Are you going to cum for me?" Kjelle's voice lowered, her tone growing huskier. "Go on, pet. Cum for your High Priestess. Show me what a good little slut you are. Show me how badly you wanted this -- chasing me all around Earth so you could get this again."

"Kjelle!" Pim's voice was a high-pitched, desperate squeak. "P-please!"

"Please, what?"

"Please, Mistress! Please let me cum! I need it! Please!"

Pim's hips thrashed against Kjelle's hand. Her pussy tightened around the blonde's digits, squeezing hard. Kjelle knew what was coming -- so she leaned closer, her lips brushing Pim's ear.

"You're mine now, Pim. And I'm yours. This time, there's no running. No hiding. No fear. I'm here to stay. And you're going to cum for me."

Pim's voice rose in an eager whine that soon became a loud cry as her muscles clenched and her body spasmed. Kjelle kept her hand pumping, her fingers curling, and her thumb rubbing at the Thai girl's clit. She wanted to draw this out, to make it last, to make Pim know how good this could be. How good it would be, from now on. The petite girl's juices dribbled down the former courier's hand. Kjelle smiled as Pim wailed, riding out the bliss -- until, finally, the Thai girl settled back against the bed.

Kjelle watched Pim's eyes open. Both reunited lovers matched each other's grin. When Kjelle slid her fingers from Pim's pussy, it drew a soft gasp. And when Pim's eyes flickered down to those soaked digits, and then back up to Kjelle's face, intuition and magic let Kjelle know what the Thai girl was thinking. As soon as she offered the sticky fingers to Pim's mouth, Pim accepted them in, sucking her own juices off of Kjelle's skin and mewling contentedly.

"Thank you, mistress... K-Kjelle." Pim panted, catching her breath between grateful suckles. Their roleplay dissolved with the end of her climax, but there remained a hint of submission in her words. "I'm... I'm yours. I want to be."

"I know, Pim." Kjelle smiled. "I'm yours, too. I'm not going anywhere. Not again. I promise."

"Good." Pim kissed Kjelle's fingertips. "Because I want more. I want to be a part of whatever this is. Whatever Cal and Mina have. Whatever we can have with them. I want it." She looked at Kjelle. "That was incredible, by the way."

Kjelle smirked. "You liked that... new me?"

"I did. I guess I like both sides of you. Maybe I just like you, period."

"Good." The former courier leaned in, kissing her. "Because I have a lot more of both to give." She smiled as Pim moaned into her lips. "But we don't have to stay here and hog the fun between ourselves." She glanced back at the bedroom door and the condo beyond. "There's a party going on out there. I'm thinking we could join in."

Pim giggled. Her reply was simple, but it made Kjelle beam and shiver all at once.

"Yes, Mistress."