The Librarians and the broken Seal - Chapter 2 MA

2.

« Let's take a walk somewhere ! »

They had been chatting for almost an hour. Jacob couldn't believe his luck : Sasha was fun, she loved art, and could talk about anything. Her invitation came just at the right moment.

« Where do you want to go ? »

« Somewhere wild, a forest, or desert. Do you know where we could go ? »

« I grew up five miles from here, I know this area like the back of my hand. But it's the middle of the night. »

« The moon is almost full, and I have excellent night vision. »

« All right. I think I know the perfect place. »

Jacob led Sasha out and took her hand.

« Where is your car parked ? »

« Don't worry about that. Let's take yours. »

« Okay. »

Something was a little off about this girl, but he couldn't put his finger on what made him tick. So he decided to follow his guts and enjoy the night while it lasted.

After a short drive, he stopped on the side of a dirt road, in front of a  patch of trees. She had been right. The moon was full and bright, and he could see almost as well as in daylight.

« It's peaceful. »

« It's one of my favorite places in the world. »

« I can see why. »

Taking her hand again, he led her into the wood. She had sure footing despite her city shoes and wasn't afraid of the noises and rustlings of a forest at night.

They were walking down a trail that was showing faintly through the trees under the moonlight when Sasha stopped suddenly, looking determined. 

« We can't go this way. »

« Why? The path is clear, and it’s a way to the beautiful clearing I wanted to show you. »

« I... I can’t go this way. Why don't we go that way? I smell water, is there a pond, or a stream? » she asked, pointing right at the deepest part of the woods.

« There is a little pool that way, yes, but there's no way to find it at night, it's much too dark out there. »

 Her eyes got bright with excitement and her smile grew wicked.

« Follow me. »

This time she led him through the woods. Jacob was stunned she could find her way so well, when she had never been here before. Before long, they reached the pond. It glinted in the moonlight and the toads were singing softly. Sasha let out a small laugh.

« Told you I'd find it! »

She let go of his hand and started to unbutton her shirt. He looked puzzled.

« What are you doing ? »

« Isn't that obvious? You've never been skinny dipping here before? »

Her clothes dropped softly on the ground and she got in the water. Jacob couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her skin was almost luminescent, it was like watching Venus being born again. Except this Venus had a tattoo of a dragon down her back, all over her left shoulder, its head teasing her breast. She dived, disappearing from his sight for a second, and surfaced again with a sigh.

« It's perfect. You should join me! »

He hadn't been there for years. The last time, he'd been a teenager, hoping to score with Hannah Waverly, but she'd been afraid all the time, and he hadn't gone more than first base. He thought he was too grown-up for such a kid's play but then, she was so enticing... He watched her swim for one more minute, and then surrendered to temptation. 

The water was fresh, but not chilly, and it was so nice after the hot days they've had lately. She was enjoying herself, and he followed her lead, diving and swimming. Being naked gave him a freedom he never thought he craved. The “must” and the “have to” disappeared, along with the obligations and responsibilities. And so he just floated in the water, watching the trees and listening to the toads while Sasha was floating beside him. He got back on his feet and wiped his hair out of his face.

*****

And then she was in front of him, putting her arms around his neck and kissing him. Her lips were hot, her mouth ravenous. Frozen by surprise for a second, Jacob let himself fall into the kiss. He opened his lips and let the kiss deepen. Tongues intertwined hungrily, noses bumped, teeth scraped. She was wild and he matched her pace.

She put her legs around his waist, and he prayed not to lose his balance as he embraced her. He felt her smile in the kiss when she brushed against his hard dick. And heard her moan when she did it again. Okay, time to get out of here. She was attacking his neck when they reached the bank. He laid her down on the mossy grass and pushed away a little. They were both breathing heavily.

« We can't do that here ! »

« Why not ? »

« Well, for one I don't have a condom. »

« Don't worry about that. I can't get pregnant and I carry no disease. »

« That's not the point. »

« Make love to me here, Jacob. »

With that plea, she put her hands back around his neck and pulled him into a kiss once more. Jacob surrendered and plunged into the kiss. He trailed her collarbone with his lips, then went down to her breasts. They fit perfectly into his hands and her nipples hardened under his hungry mouth. She wasn't silent, or immobile. On the contrary. Every time his lips touched her, she would cry, or sigh, or moan. And every time he moved to reach another part of her delicious body, she would move too to fit her curves to his muscles. He reached her belly, and that made her squirm. Her hands clenched in his hair. 

He went further down to her sex. The tangle here was a darker shade of red. She opened her legs and he found her center. He put his mouth on her. She let out a cry that was both shock and desire. She was delirious with passion as he licked, stroked, bit. She pulled his hair, bringing his face close to hers and hushed.

 « Come into me. Now. »

He was more than happy to oblige. He positioned himself at her entrance and pushed lightly, watching her intensely. She put a leg over his thigh, and he slid inside her until he was completely buried. He paused, lost in her eyes that were as black as the night. One heartbeat, a second... 

And then passion took over and he started moving faster and faster. She was matching his rhythm with her body and soon she peaked with another cry. He watched her come, making sure not to break the pace. Then, when her breathing started to calm down, he let go and thrusted once more inside her. His climax was violent, shattering. He flopped on her side, too weak to move further away, and she embraced him with a satisfied sigh. They laid for a while, hearing the world come back to life. 

*****

Her shiver made him realize they were still naked, still damp, and still in the woods. Time to get back.

« Where are you staying at? »

« I haven't checked in anywhere. »

« In that case, my house is not very far. But we need to go back to your car to pick up your things. »

« Don't worry about that, tomorrow is soon enough. »

She kissed him before he could say another word. They finished dressing in silence and went back to the car, his arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist. 

The sky was getting pink on the east when they arrived. 

The tiny ranch had cost Jacob a year's worth of savings, plus a hefty loan, but he just loved it. To the art lover in him, it was perfect: built over a century ago, with a wraparound porch, and the mandatory swing, a lovely wood siding painted a dark blue with white trims and lots of windows to get the natural light. He enjoyed every square inch of it. 

He had also put a lot of effort into the restorations. He had researched the style and the materials, worked with skilled craftsmen and the result was a classic feel, with all the modern comfort.

He led her to his bedroom on the second floor.

« Do you want to take a shower? »

« Oh yes! I'd love it! »

He showed her the main bath and offered to get a t-shirt for the night. When he came back she was already in the shower, turned away from him. The tail of her dragon tattoo was a splash of red and green on her fair skin.

*****

 He felt himself going hard at the sight. He wondered for a second if he should act on it, when she turned her head and smiled at him. So he undressed and stepped in behind her.

« Ready for round two? »

« Ready as you are! »

She made a move to turn around, but he didn't let her. He put her hands on the tiles in front of her and whispered.

« This time I'm in charge, baby. »

« With pleasure. And try biting the dragon, she likes it. »

It was curious to talk about a tattoo like a different being, but then, it wasn't the first curious thing about her, so he scraped his teeth lightly on her shoulder to see her reaction. She clenched her fists and moaned softly. He didn't know about the dragon, but Sasha liked it all right.

He started by pouring shampoo into his hands to wash her hair. He massaged gently her scalp, and she sighed with delight. He washed his own, then rinsed them thoroughly. He followed by the liquid soap, which he lathered generously over her body. He rubbed himself against her, leaving no part of her body untouched. Her breath got deeper, her moans more noticeable. 

Nibbling on her dragon, he slid his hands over her breasts, enjoying her sounds of pleasure. He pressed the nipples that were already hard, felt her buckle under his touch. He caressed her belly, then went further down. Her sex was damp, both from the shower and her own desire. He plunged his fingers inside her and she let out a cry. Her head dropped back on his shoulder and she put her hips forward so he could have better access. He stroked gently both her clit and her vagina, and she came. 

This time he did not wait. He bent her forward and pushed into her with one move. He felt the tremors of her pleasure and it drove him over the edge. With one hand braced with hers on the wall, and the other one on her sex, he began moving hard and fast. And he bit the dragon. She exploded in another orgasm, more violent than the last. He heard her cry echo in his head and felt her inner muscles press his cock. He peaked with a roar he didn't know he had in him.

He had the reflex to turn off the shower as they got out, holding on to each other like they were drunk. They dropped on the bed, and he had just the time to pull the covers before they fell asleep, still naked and wet.

When they woke up a few hours later, they made love once more, this time with all the tenderness and care they had missed before.

The Librarians and the Broken Seal - Chapter 1

They met in secret, in a place known only to them, the instinctive distrust they had for each other forgotten in the light of a much greater danger, a danger they hadn't face in several millenia.

1.

When she entered the bar, Jacob Stone barely noticed her. He was spending the evening with his friends Mitch and Tyler, and was having a fun time hearing them discuss the pros and cons of the latest models of Ford trucks. It was good to know some things stayed the same, when he was saving the world every week, twice before friday.

He was in good company, with a cold beer, and listening to good music, what more could he ask for ? Of course a woman came to his mind, but celibacy came with being a Librarian, so he pushed the idea to the back of his mind.

« My round ! »

Jacob finished his beer and got up. He waked to the counter and waved three fingers at the barman who was occupied at the other end. Then he turned his head to check the girl that had walked in earlier. She wasn't stunnigly beautiful. She was pretty, the girl-next-door type, with grey eyes and dark red hair curling almost to her shoulders, and a fair skin that was probably burning in the sun.

She turned her head and smiled. Jacob smiled in response, pushing his hat back. She had a lovely smile, and he thought there was a lucky guy somewhere waiting for her.

The barman put three beers on the bar, money exchanged hands, and taking the three glasses, Jacob turned to leave. The girl moved at the same time, and what was to happen, happened. Beer everywhere, broken glasses.

« I'm so sorry ! »

« No, it was my fault ! »

They both spoke at the same time while the barman sighed heavily.

« Three beers for the gentleman and another one for me too, please. »

The girl had a soft voice but Jacob had the faintest idea it could ring like a horn if she wanted. A waitress came quickly to mop up the mess while the barman aligned four beers on the counter.

« Thanks a lot. I'm Jacob. »

« I'm Sasha. Nice to meet you, despite the circumstances. »

« Would you like to come join us ? »

« Why not ! »

Sasha followed Jacob through the crowd, holding two beers. He explained what had happened and they sat down. After a few minutes, he noticed how his buddies talked with her, like she had been part of their circle for years. Easy conversation, laughs, there was a wierd familiarity that made his Librarian sense tingle.

« I have to go to the bathroom, if you'll excuse me. »

Jacob got up and left the table. When he came back, Mitch and Tyler had left. Sasha was sitting alone, in front of three half-empty glasses. She was sipping her beer with a slight smile.

« Where did they go ? »

« They told me you saw me first and they didn't want to step on your toes. »

The smile got larger, and sexier. She had a way of flirting with him that was both subtle and definite. Jacob shook his head, thinking his friends had sent the message loud and and clear : to get laid as soon as possible. And this girl had obviously nothing against it.

He sat back on his chair and wondered where this night would end.

WildFire - Chapter 5

5.

Nola dreamt of rain in the jungle. She could smell the wild green, and hear the water running. But she wondered why she was still in her bed. She woke up and realized that she was hearing the shower and that Oliver was still here. She smiled to herself and stretched lazily. After a few minutes, Oliver emerged from the bathroom with just a towel around his hips and a big grin. She sat down on the edge of the bed.

And she saw the scars.

She had felt them under her fingertips the night before but she hadn’t imagined the number or the extent of them. His arms, his torso, there were marks everywhere. Her eyes filled when she imagined the pain he had been in. She put a hand on her mouth to muffle the sound of her distress.

Oliver realised why Nola was suddenly so pale. He kneeled in front of her and took her hand.

« I'm okay, Nola. »

She lifted her fingers and brushed his skin.

« My God, what happened to you on that island ? »

Oliver didn't answer. He took her wounded foot and stroked her scars. They looked in each other's eyes, both of them knowing what pain means, both of them feeling the other's aches.

« Does it hurt ? »

« Most of them are old scars. I don't even remember they're here. And you ? »

« I haven't set my foot on the ground yet, so, not really. It's mostly sore. It starts when I put my cast on. But I can't walk without it. »

« How is physical therapy ? »

« Going slowly. There hasn't been much improvement lately. I have an appointment with my surgeon this afternoon, he will tell me more. »

« Do you want me to come with you ? »

« That's nice, but I'm sure you have other engagements. »

« Today my only engagement is you. »

She felt so safe with him. His rainforest scent drowned all fears, all doubts.

« Thank you. »

Nola put her forehead on his and tried to draw strength and courage from him.

« What would you do this morning if I wasn't here ? »

« I'd go to the lab, lose myself in work and scents. But since you're here, I'm going to take the morning off and hang out with you. Could you hand me my phone, please ? »

Oliver came back with her phone, and her canes. Nola looked at them in disgust.

« I can carry you around if you want. »

« I'm not a damsel in distress, and you're not a white knight. More like a green hood. I can manage. »

« Then I'll get breakfast. »

« Deal. »

*****

At 3 o'clock, after a series of x-rays, they were introduced in Doctor Kellerman's office. Like every medical facility, it smelled dull and grey, with the shadows of pain and despair.

« Nola, good to see you. »

« Hello, Dr K. My friend Oliver Queen. »

« So, how are you ? »

« There are good days and bad days. I think I overdid myself a little in the last few days. »

Oliver had a flash of Nola trying to get up the stairs on the fire escape. Overdid was an understatement… The doctor sighed.

« I've studied your latest x-rays, and it's not showing the progress I wanted to see. When you got shot, your foot was placed on a concrete floor, the muzzle directly against your shoe. »

Nola shuddered at the memory. She grabbed Oliver's hand and squeezed it hard.

« The bullet penetrated your foot, breaking bones. But the main damage was done by the expansion gaz that reverberated against the floor and shattered the rest. »

Oliver tried not to show the shock he felt. He had been shot, stabbed and burned, but he had never received a wound that had done as much damage as this.

« As you can see in that picture, we have put wires everywhere in your metatarsus, but we can't replace bones where there are none. As far as surgeries go, another one wouldn't do any good, except make more scar tissue. You'll continue PT, of course, and it could improve your mobility, but you will always need canes. And since you won't take painkillers... »

« No painkillers ? Nola, this is insane! »

« You’re one to talk. They dull my senses. I can't work when I take them, I know, I tried. »

Nola shook her head and closed her eyes. Beside the dull grey and the rainforest, she could smell Dr K's grape scent, fruity and tart, full of concern.

« There is another solution. »

She sighed and looked at her doctor.

« Amputation. »

« Yes. We haven't talked about it yet, because I really wanted to save your whole foot. But it's time we did. You’re an excellent candidate for the procedure. »

He took out a drawing of a foot and explained.

« In your case, with the damage your foot sustained, a Lisfranc amputation would be the best. It would save your ankle and talus, removing only what has been destroyed, metastasis and toes.  You'd be able to walk with a prosthesis, and lose the crutches. I know it’s a big decision to make, so take a little time to think about it. »

He wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Nola.

« Every Monday night there’s a support group for amputees at All Angels Church. This is Pierre Lassalle’s number, he’s one of my patients and he attends the meetings. May I suggest you contact him ? »

Outside the office, Oliver checked his phone, put it back in his pocket and turned towards Nola.

« What do you want to do now ? »

« If you don’t mind, I’d like to remain on my own for a little while. There’s a park a block away. I’ll get a cab to go home. »

« Are you sure ? »

« I have to mull things over, and your scent is distracting. »

Oliver smiled.

« All right. But I’m escorting you to the park. »

« With pleasure. »

At the gate, Nola said goodbye and stepped slowly to a nearby bench. Oliver watched her sit down, and took his phone.

« Felicity, I need you to do some research. Does the Applied Science Division work on prosthesis and artificial limbs ? »

« Hum… yes, they do. »

« Perfect. »

*****

WildFire - Chapter 4 MA

4.

Oliver was a man of his word. five minutes at Verdant to wipe out his mask and change clothes, and he was back in the car with Nola.

« Where do you want to eat ? »

« I’m thinking either high-end five stars where I can eat lobster and soufflé or local diner with burger and fries and no hassle. »

« Whatever you want. »

Nola thought about it for a second.

« I think I'm too tired to appreciate lobster and soufflé tonight. I just want to sit down and not move another muscle. »

« Then I have the perfect dinner for you. Take-out at your place ? »

« Sounds amazing ! »

Nola laid back on the headrest and closed her eyes. Oliver figured out she was asleep when she didn’t stir as he stopped to pick up the food he’d ordered at Big Belly’s. He drove back to her place and she opened her eyes as he was parking the car.

« Smells amazing ! »

« Taste is not bad either. Voted best burger in town ! »

« Give me five minutes and I can tell you what's in the special sauce. »

« I don't think I want to know... »

Like every day since she had left the hospital, Nola was happy her condo had an elevator. Thirty-two steps from the front door to her own door. They sat in the dining area, a bar with high chairs between the kitchen and the living room. As advertised, the burgers were amazing and the conversation easy.

An hour later, they settled on the couch with ice-cream.

« You really can tell all that just from scents ? »

« Yes. And more. In high school, I knew who was dating who, who was into drugs. The second floor janitor closet reeked ! »

Oliver had a knowing smile.

« I remember that closet. »

« No kidding ! I could tell when you had your first time with Katie Johnson. »

« Katie... »

« You dated for about a month, and then you cheated on her with Rebecca Wallace. »

He smiled sheepishly.

« Not my finest moment. »

« And then you cheated on Rebecca with Stephanie Sandham. »

« I wasn't the most reliable boyfriend. »

« And still girls waited in line to get in your arms... »

« You included ? »

« I watched from afar. I didn't want a boyfriend who smelled of another girl. »

« Can't blame you for that. Can I ask you what Laurel smells like ? »

« You were always sweet on Laurel... She smells of roses. But her base note has changed. Back then, it was more greenhouse rose. Perfect, prissy, and fragile. Now... it's more like a wild rose. Less perfect, but stronger. »

« Still prissy ? »

« Roses are always a bit prissy. »

They exchanged a laugh.

« I wonder what Tommy smells like ? »

« The sea. Always changing, so many shades of blue. »

« What do you mean ? »

« Most of the time he was like a lagoon, turquoise and crystal clear. But sometimes, he became dark and dangerous, like where the light never shines. That's when he was about to do something stupid. »

Nola’s expression showed worry.

« When I saw him at the party, he smelled like a storm. Grey and wild. I don't know what is happening in his life, but he's not okay. »

Oliver straightened up and put his almost empty carton of ice cream on the table.

« He knows. About... and he can't accept what I've become. »

« I'm sorry. Like a storm, he needs to calm down. He'll be okay in a little while. »

« I hope so. »

He sighed and smiled again at Nola.

« When did you notice you were... different ? »

« When I was a kid. About eight or nine. A friend of mine was having her birthday and she received a kit to make your own perfume. It's for kids, so there's about a dozen different scents, but they explain how to mix them to get something more complex. The girls started playing with it and I just kept thinking they were doing it wrong. And they wouldn't listen to me. But I kept thinking about this kit, and when I turned ten, I asked for it for my birthday. I tried all the combinations, making sure to write everything in a notebook so I wouldn't forget. For our graduation party, I sold custom made scents and that was a hit. Every girl wanted theirs. Even some boys asked me in secret to whip up something. I made a small fortune. Bought another kit, etc. »

« Why don't you have your own company ? »

« If I had, I would be stuck in an office all day, talk finances, sells, productivity. And I wouldn't do the only thing I like, which is smell nice things. »

« Do you wear perfume ? »

« Never when I'm working, usually when I get out. I have my very own unique perfume. »

« Wildflowers ? »

« More sophisticated, like an English garden. There's roses, freesias and lilac, a hint of vanilla and a base of leather. »

They looked at each other and Nola smelled the spice of Oliver’s desire.

« I can't remember you with a guy. Not even for Prom. »

« I didn't like the scent of any of the three guys who asked me out for Prom. »

« Who were they ? »

« The first was Jason Bellamy. »

« Big nerd with big glasses ? »

« Yep. And he smelled like he hadn't showered for a month. I just couldn't bear the thought of feet and sweat for a whole evening. »

Nola shuddered at the memory.

« Who next ? »

« Derek Price. He thought he could try his luck with me that night, since he had struck out with Megan and Stephanie. But his scent was so strong I figured out what his intentions were. »

« Strike two. And the third ? »

« The third... was actually Tommy. »

« He asked you out for Prom ? »

« Yeah. But he smelled like Charybdis. »

« The whirlpool from the Odyssey ? »

« Oh yeah. So dark, and up to no good. He tried to deny it, but he had something set up for me that would have been a complete humiliation. »

« If I had known I would have told him to drop it. I have to tell you, we were all a bit scared of you. You knew things... Nobody could keep a secret around you. You don't imagine the power you could've had. »

« Oh, I knew. I chose not to use that power, because I wasn't interested in power. I just wanted to be left alone. »

There was a moment of silence. Nola was finishing her own ice cream and she smiled at the sight of Oliver's gaze on her. She licked her spoon while looking at him, as a way of flirting. He grabbed her carton and spoon and took her lips. She sighed and let the green surround her.

*****

His mouth was firm and tasted of desire. He touched her face and she put her hand on his back.

When Nola was a teenager, she had dreamed of him, of his golden scent. But her fantasies couldn't compare to an actual kiss.

Oliver couldn't believe it. Nola had been little more than a blip on his radar in high-school. But on that day at the beach, she had awoken something in him. He had seen the fire he was now tasting on her lips.

And then it wasn't just kissing anymore. He was devouring her. Nola felt like she was in the heart of the jungle. She was so hot, surrounded by the heavy scents of rainforest and lust. She recognized her own musky scent in the mix, and it only added to her excitement.

Oliver couldn't help touching her. She wasn't pliant between his arms, but strong and lively. He put his hand under her skirt, feeling the skin of her thigh and she moaned softly. He moved his head back a little, looking at her, and they were both out of breath.

« Want your bed to smell like rainforest ? »

She smiled widely.

« I want my body to smell like rainforest. »

With a smile, he took a hold of her and sat her on his lap.

« Your foot okay ? »

« I don't even remember I have a foot. »

She put her palms on his cheeks and her mouth on his. They started undressing each other in feverish moves, discarding the unnecessary garments. When he was down to his trousers and she was only wearing her panties, he carried her to her bedroom and laid her down on the bed. In one swift move, he was naked and so was she. 

Carefully, he sprawled on top of her. She locked her arms and legs around him, rubbing her center against his with a sob. He wanted so much not to hurt her, but she was all around him. He lifted her arms above her head and roamed around her body with his lips and tongue. Every time he touched her, her breath hitched, every time he kissed her, she sighed. Her breasts were small and firm and he teased her nipple with his teeth, delighted at her moans of pleasure. When he kissed her belly, she shuddered.

Nola was burning from inside. Oliver was a thoughtful lover, exploring her body like it was the only thing he had to do in a million years. He was kissing her everywhere, turning her in a quivering mass, making her feel cherished. When she felt his teeth scrape her breast, she became frantic. She wanted him inside her, now. But he trailed further down and put his mouth on her sex. She grabbed Oliver’s hair and felt herself come with a cry.

She tasted like fire. Light and heat. And wildflowers too. Oliver felt Nola erupt under his lips and smiled in pure male satisfaction. Her fingers went limp and she just rested bonelessly trying to catch her breath. He trailed back to her neck, savoring the taste of her. He positioned himself above her, so he could look in her eyes.

When she saw Oliver’s smile, Nola knew this orgasm was just the first and the next would be shattering. They kissed, and she tasted herself on his lips. He pushed lightly into her and she wrapped her good leg around his thigh. They looked at each other. He slipped a hand under the small of her back and entered all the way. She cried softly as she enfolded him. He began to move, slowly at first, giving her time to adjust, then faster, and harder. She closed her eyes as she began to come again. He put his head in her neck and bit the soft skin. 

Nola felt herself explode in a million particles as she peaked. The colors she saw under her closed eyelids made the scents disappear, or more intense, she didn’t know anymore. Oliver moved inside her a few more times and groaned when his own orgasm ripped through him.

They rolled on the side, still in each other’s arms and kissed tenderly. They fell asleep without moving.

*****