On Moonlit Wings: A Mythlone Novel

By Jessica Marks

For the last 300 years Fris Dekas, a 600 year old Centaur, has lived with the shame of failing the most important mission of his life, bringing the Tablet to safety. This Tablet signified the end of the endless battles, the end of the war, the beginning of peace, if only hed been able to finish this mission. Instead, hed dropped it in the middle of the Amazonhed failed.
25 year old Domica Gordon has worked for the Smithsonian as an Archeologist for two years, and never once was she allowed to go excavating on her own. However, after telling her boss to shove it, shes now in the Amazon. Her mission is to find a Tablet that can predict catastrophic events. Though shes up for an adventure, nothing could have prepared her for whats to come.
Intercepting Domica on her mission to get the Tablet is Fris first issue, his secondkeeping his feelings for a human at bay. With the long trip up river, the two unsuspecting soul mates face Wandigas, Windegos and Tara Devils at every corner, and a growing attraction that could kill them both.
With secrets revealed, death imminent, and a love so strong that the choices made to protect it are unforgivable. Will Fris be able to make the choice between saving his love and condemning the world or will he sacrifice his only mate, the only one to bare his children, in order to save the human race?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483633602

Jessica Marks

AUTHOR BIO COMING SOON

Book preview

PROLOGUE

A scream ripped through the night air, though only the lone owl in a near-by pine tree heard the woman’s pain. The night was foggy, the confining mist so dense one couldn’t see more than a foot or so ahead of them. This suited the woman well, if only she could keep the screams at bay, then her pursuers wouldn’t know where to find her, or the child soon to be brought into a world of such violence.

Sweat gleaned off her brow from exertion, her skeletal body shook with gut wrenching contractions. Though she lay there dying, the once beautiful, healthy woman felt the strength of the child she struggled to bring forth, her child would survive.

A twig cracked startling the soon to be mother into holding her breath.

Do not! Her companion snapped. No Taradevil would be stupid enough to make noise. Now push!

She tried to keep the horrifying image of the Taradevil at bay, but as usual since they’ve been on the run, she couldn’t help thinking of her pursuer… tall, muscular, nearly grotesquely so, with horns like a bull, and a tail with the end much like a blade. The males had wings, though they weren’t fond of flying, they could. Many Taradevil’s had skin as red as blood, with lightning like strips running throughout their bodies. Different coloring held different meanings, but only a Taradevil would know. She raised herself up on her elbows, and moaned terribly as her child’s head began to crown.

Good… again! Her companion encouraged.

Minutes passed as slowly as hours for the dying laboring woman. She knew the outcome, knew that she lived only to birth her unborn child, and knew… also… that she’d never lay eyes on the life she now labored from her tortured body.

Still, knowing ones fate didn’t make facing it any easier. However, knowing she’d be with her lover, the father of her child, her mate, in the end, made all the pain worthwhile.

Another contraction, another push, there was no holding back the scream as her child fell from her body into her companions hands.

The child screamed, angered by the chill that now surrounded it, instead of its mother’s womb.

Smiling, the laboring mother’s companion held the child up for the mother to see, it’s a girl. She announced breathlessly.

Soulless eyes looked upon the infant girl, the mother, who’d survived years of torture was finally at peace.

The tiny child howled until she was wrapped in what was left of her mother’s shirt.

Cradled close to the companions heart, they left the dead woman to find shelter for the night.

As the companion walked, she kept all her senses on alert for any danger. Taradevil’s, especially the males, were huge, but they could move as silently as mice.

There was no sign of the Taradevil’s as the night passed, and the companion’s mind began to wonder back to her friend, her only friend, dead somewhere deep in the woods. She thought of the child in her arms, when a small breeze wafted through the trees. The fall air was chilly, damp from the lingering patches of fog, and yet still crisp and clean. Accept for a familiar scent, faint, but still present. Death.

On pure instinct, the companion took off at a dead run, praying to whatever God that might be listening, that she and her friends child would make it to a safe haven.

A mile or so away, a young couple, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon sat in front of the fire place, sparkling wine bubble beside them, but went untouched as the young lovers kissed each other deeply. Mr. Gordon loved his young wife, and for the first time in months they finally had a moment alone together. He slowly started to move his hands up her thighs. Inching slowly over her flat stomach, and began moving her shirt up.

He could feel her heartbeat through her skin when a horrible roar shook the cabins windows.

What was that? His beautiful wife asked startled.

I don’t know, wait here. He said grabbing the shot gun.

Wait just a minute! His wife snapped, but he didn’t wait, and he was out the door before she could protest further.

The companion ran as fast as she could, but there was no way she could out run the Taradevil’s descending on her and the child. She could hear them now, closing in, surrounding them.

Desperate to find a place to hide, she stopped, smelling the air, listening for anything that could help, when she caught the scent of a human male.

She made the decision before she realized it, and placed the baby beside a tree, her heart lurched, and she kissed the child’s forehead. A single tear fell from her eye, wiping it away; she covered the child with leaves to hide her scent. She turned from the child and ran, leading the Taradevil’s away from the infant. In her heart she begged forgiveness from her friend, vowing to return for the child, and raise her as her own as best she could. It was the least she could do for not only her friend, but her rescuer.

The man, Mr. Gordon, walked several meters into the woods, when he heard what sounded like a pig squealing.

Nothing unusual about that, but something told him to have a look, just in case.

As he neared, the sound became less ‘piggish’, and more human. By the time he realized that, he was running.

What the fuck? He exclaimed when he saw a tiny child wrapped up and buried in leaves.

Did the mother abandon it? Or was her plan to return for the child later? Was there a woman dead or dying somewhere in these woods? Was she running from the animal that roared?

Helllloooo? He yelled, which had the baby howling all the more.

He couldn’t leave the child alone to die. But what right did he have to take it?

Shhh, little one. Mr. Gordon cooed as he scooped the child in his arms.

Not a very hard choice for him. One look into those baby blue eyes and he smiled.

Why, hello there little one, I’m your new daddy.

CHAPTER 1

Domica Gordon didn’t pay attention to the mens lecherous looks as she passed, nor did she see the envious looks of the women watching her. Domica wasn’t a vain woman, though she did try to look good for her job. She’d never had a serious boyfriend, so she didn’t think she was pretty enough to stop men in their tracks or stare as she walked by. No, if anything Domica Gordon did everything she could to prevent men from coveting her. Though this act wasn’t conscious on her part, she just had more respect for her body than to flaunt her feminine wares for any and all to see. She didn’t realize that doing just that made her a mystery, a woman of secrets, and extremely desirable to every man who noticed her.

Her goal for the moment was Dick Roads, her boss. For a year she’d been working at the Smithsonian, waiting for a chance to go on her own digs, search for the artifacts she wanted to find. Domica had never organized an expedition to find the secrets hidden beneath the earth, though she’d been an intern for about three years.

She stopped at her bosses’ office door; having ignored Susan, Dicks pushy secretary, state that he was too busy to see her at the moment. Domica was livid, not just angry, and her temper wouldn’t be calmed until she let loose on her chauvinistic boss.

Domica didn’t knock, that would give him warning that she’d be barging into his office… oh no, she wanted a reaction from him, to startle him, or catch him off guard. Grasping the handles she blasted through the doors, unfortunately he didn’t look startled, he looked prepared. God damn it Susan! Domica thought as she narrowed her eyes on her target and marched to his desk. This is pathetic! Domica cried in outrage. I have information that could predict future catastrophes and your answer is no?

Dick Roads linked his fingers and leaned back on his computer chair. He’d been in the process of securing the latest Egyptian artifacts from his top archeologist Daniel, when he’d gotten a warning call from his secretary that Domica Gordon was on a mission.

She was a remarkable sight in all her womanly fury. Though to glance at her, you couldn’t tell just how beautiful she truly was. Her hair was an unusual color, so light a-blond it looked nearly white. If he didn’t know better, he’d think that she bleached it to get to that color. She had an amazing face that really made up for her lack in hair color, with the lightest brown eyes he’d ever seen, they seemed more tan then light brown, with flecks of gold that really shone bright with her anger. Black arching eyebrows and full lips with high cheekbones only completed the package. Her skin looked soft, and was lightly tanned that showed off just how much time she’d spent under the sun digging in the dirt, giving her an exotic look that no amount of fake baking could achieve. Even with all her dirt digging, her nails were long, and currently painted with a French Manicure. Her breasts were full, a little too full for his liking, but he wasn’t too meticulous when it came to his women. He’d always wondered what it would be like to have her underneath him, with all her fiery temper, he was sure she’d be a wild cat in bed.

She turned away from him in a huff, giving him a full view of her perky ass and, though he assumed this, long shapely legs meant to hold a man in place while he fucked her hard. He’d never seen her legs, only a bit of ankle when she wore her shorter dresses, which, in this day and age, wasn’t short at all. He liked to fantasize her wearing those dresses with sexy panties, just waiting for him to push her up against the wall to have his wicked way with her.

He also didn’t know how long her hair was, because she always kept it in a tight bun while at work, and he’d only ever seen her at work, though her fellow diggers told him once, her hair fell down to just past her elbows. At twenty-four, she was young, lively, and at the moment, under his complete control, since she was still an intern at the Smithsonian. He didn’t need more know-it-all archeologists, but Domica was too beautiful to let go. In all honesty, he couldn’t find enough work for her to do, and had her jumping from one small job to another, but always within reach.

Dick wanted Domica for himself, even though he had two children, and a beautiful but ignorant wife. Domica was going to be his new conquest, he could keep it under his wife’s radar like all the other interns he’d had over the years.

I have information from an informant about the location of a Tablet that predicts the end of the world, we can’t let this pass, and you hired me to find artifacts, let me do my job! Domica said in frustration. She didn’t tell him that this Tablet could also prove the existences of Vampires, he’d definitely say no then.

There are many artifacts out there that have predicted the end of the world, what makes you think that this one is any different? He asked with a sigh, and not because he was tired, she truly was a beautiful woman.

This Tablet has apparently predicted the catastrophes that have happened already, down to a week in accuracy.

So why hasn’t this informant come forth with this Tablet sooner? He asked getting comfortable in his chair.

They are unable to acquire it. It’s in a temple and it needs to be carefully excavated. Domica said excitedly, believing that he was truly taking her seriously. I know where it is, and I have what I need to pry it out. All I need is to get there. She sat down in front of his desk, hoping that he’d finally listen to her.

Dick smiled seductively and stood, which put Domica on guard. Domica wasn’t a stupid woman, she knew he wanted her, knew he wasn’t letting her go anywhere so he could keep her here, to try to seduce her. Bringing this to his attention was probably a big mistake.

Dick Roads was a handsome man, even though he was around twenty years her senior. His hair was brown, with some gray on his temples, which only made him look more sophisticated. He was also tall, just over six feet, and had a build that showed just how athletic he was.

Deep down Domica knew this day was coming; she foolishly believed he’d lose his interest in her so long as she didn’t encourage him, but as he approached her, she knew he would never give up. She suddenly didn’t feel safe being locked up in his office, it was too private, and he had a look on his face that she’d never seen on him before. A chill ran up her spine, and now the urge to flee overwhelmed her. She was about to do just that, when Dick grabbed her arm, holding her fast.

Domica, you are too beautiful to dig around in the dirt for the rest of your life, you need…

Get… your… hands… off me. Domica said slowly, her eyes narrowing at this hand on her arm. He didn’t, at least not right away. If you ever touch me again, I will call the police.

Dick’s eyes narrowed, he didn’t take too kindly to being threatened, but then he smiled, a plan forming. He let go of her arm and said smugly. You’ve been here for what, three years? He didn’t wait for her confirmation. You have never missed a day of work, and graduated with honors from Princeton. If you really want to go on an excavation, fine. But you won’t be sponsored by the Smithsonian. He waited until what he said sunk in then continued as if he were addressing a child. You need to wait until you are no longer an intern, until then, Daniel will…

What! Domica yelled jumping to her feet. You want to give Daniel my find?

Dick turned and sat back down in his chair. It’s too much of a liability to send an intern on one of these trips, so if you’re really that intent on going, you will have to go without the Smithsonian’s sponsor.

Domica was so livid she saw red, but after a few seconds, she exhaled. Fine. She left Dicks office and quietly shut the door, though what she truly wanted to do was slam it shut.

Now what? She thought to herself as she made her way down the hall. She wasn’t about to let Daniel have her dig, this was her find! If she allowed the men in her field to walk all over her, she’d get nowhere fast.

So? What’d he say? Tiara asked walking with Domica.

Do I look happy? Domica snapped marching past her. Tiara had been her friend since she’d started working at the Smithsonian over two years ago. She felt bad for snapping at her like that, but Domica wasn’t really in the mood to partake in her form of idle conversation… which actually felt like an all out debate most of the time. Tiara was a nice girl, same age as Domica, with plain brown eyes and shoulder length brown hair that she kept firmly in the eighties fashion of ‘big’.

Oh, well, call me? She said as Domica stormed out of view.

Domica didn’t stop marching until she reached her small closet like office. The room was cluttered, full of papers, files, and artifacts she’d been cataloging. She slumped herself down on her desk chair, and scowled at the picture of her mother. What now, ma? She sighed, and picked her mother’s picture up.

It took her about one minute to decide. It was going to cost Domica her job, and take up the rest of her inheritance money she got from her parents deaths, but this was the reason she went to school, to dig shit up, not doing bitch work for a perverted adulterer who wanted to keep her under his thumb for the rest of her life. Like her mother told her, she had to work to get somewhere in life.

Thanks ma. Domica said kissing the photo. Oh how she missed her, sure she’d been close to both of her adoptive parents. Her mother wasn’t just a mom, but her best friend. The day she died was one Domica would never forget. She’d lost so much more than anyone could contemplate. She shook her head, a single tear fell from her eye to land on the photo. Her dad’s picture was beside her moms, but Domica couldn’t bare to look at it. She may be twenty four years old, but up until the day he died last year, she’d forever and always call him daddy.

She could just imagine what he’d be saying to her right now if she’d asked him his advice. Follow your heart, that ol’ ticker will never lead you wrong. Determined, Domica started making plans to change her life.

CHAPTER 2

Fris! Clyde yelled coming down the stairs to his brothers’ room. As usual, his youngest brother was asleep, but what he hadn’t counted on and should have been expecting, was the two other occupants in his brothers’ bed… Nymphs. He wasn’t surprised they were there, but he was shocked that Fris had been able to satisfy two of them. Clyde felt a brief surge of envy, Fris was always good with the lady’s, whether they were Queens or sluts it didn’t matter. This time around, he just happened to have two sluts with him, Nymphs who would spread their legs for anything with a dick, humanoid or not.

Fris! Clyde bellowed his annoyance clear in his voice.

The two Nymphs, one a brunette, and the other blond, jumped out of bed with a squeal. They were extremely beautiful, but then, there wasn’t a Nymph alive that wasn’t.

Fris still lay in his bed, but his hands were now behind his head, a corner of the sheet covering his groin, and a smirk on his face. Good morning to you too, big brother.

Lose the sluts, and meet me in my office.

Fris glowered at his eldest brothers retreating back. The last thing he wanted to do was climb out of bed at this hour, especially after his athleticism last night. His internal clock told him he’d slept no more than an hour or so. With that thought his gaze went right back to the two ‘sluts’ he’d been with the night before.

Duty calls. Fris said getting out of bed. He heard a sigh escape one of the Nymphs, but he didn’t react to it. He’d had more than his fill the night before, and though both of them were gorgeous in all there nakedness, he now had a job to do. Even though he didn’t know what it was, it came first.

Won’t you stay a little longer? The brunette asked bouncing her extremely large breasts when he glanced their way.

Fris sighed, pulling on his pants. Sorry, you girls wore me out last night, I doubt…

Oh, yes you can. The blond said reaching out and grabbing his groin. See. She smiled in triumph as his dick grew hard under her experienced touch.

He couldn’t help but smile down at her, but boner or not, he had a job to do. Maybe another time. He said grabbing her wrist and pulling her hand off him. He threw on a shirt and a quick look in the mirror showed him to be sleepy eyed, with messed hair, and just as sexy as ever. It had taken him years to perfect the look he had now. His black hair was messed, falling perfectly over his temples and curling slightly down his neck. Though he didn’t have a mullet, he did have longer hair then what was considered ‘in’ by human fashion. His eyes were a light green, a five o’clock shadow graced his face, perfect straight white teeth stood out when he smiled, a natural tan helped in that regard. He was muscular, linebacker huge would be a better word for it, which was thanks to years of training. The same height as his brothers, Fris was six and a half feet tall, but that wasn’t something he thought about often. Most of the people he knew were tall; the shortest person in his small community was six feet.

Fris didn’t rush down the hall, he did what he normally did when going to Clyde’s study, he took his sweet time. The halls were covered in teak, stained slightly, but not enough to take away from their natural luster. Pictures that lined the hall were paned with Mahogany wood, and held painted pictures of his family members and their vessels, all of them dead now from the many wars that they’d been through, all dating back a few thousand years. All except him and his brothers…

Fris! If you take much longer I’ll drag your lazy ass in here by your mane!

Relax you ‘old-fart’, you afraid you’re going to up and die of old age before I get there? Fris said exasperated with his brothers bellowing.

Of all the brothers, Zeus you curse me with a second-rate comedian! Clyde thought to himself. As if that was possible! Clyde snapped.

You’d never know these two men were brothers by their coloring. Where Fris was dark, and a devil may care kind of guy, Clyde was the exact opposite. He had short blond hair, soft blue eyes, and didn’t have a teasing bone in his body. Clyde was balkier than Fris, but Fris was more toned, which made him look bigger and stronger than Clyde.

Gods damn you Fris… !

Calm yourself oh patient one! Fris said dumping his body in front of Clyde’s desk. As usual, everything was in its place. Perfection was what Clyde strove to achieve, and what chapped Fris’ ass, was that he pretty much achieved it. That was why he tried his hardest to get under his brothers skin, just so he’d know that his life wasn’t as perfect as he’d like to imagine it to be.

We have a serious situation Fris, and all you can do is joke?

Fris laughed. You always believe we have a serious situation Clyde, what is it this time? He said smiling. Gnomes get into the garden again? The Goblins get into the wine cellar? Oh no, I got it, your peckers shriveled up from neglect.

Clyde glowered, he might not have had a woman in a long time, but that was his choice. Just because he wasn’t a man-whore like his little brother… just ignore him. He thought to himself, to his brother, however he snapped. "No, a woman is on her way to get the Tablet, the same Tablet that you were supposed to bring to safety. Instead you lost it, and now it’s been found by an archeologist."

Fris wasn’t smiling anymore, it would make sense that the one mission he’d failed at was now coming back to bite him in the ass. So what do you want me to do about it?

"You will find the Tablet, and bring it to the Werewolves; they will take it to