mysticism surrounding your ancestors. I’ve often wondered if all the time ancient shaman spent communing with the spirits was really just opened neuro-pathways in their minds. Parapsychology was never my passion in school. I did take one class to fill as an elective. There is a lot about the human brain science doesn’t understand. Maybe you are descended from a shaman—and genetically you have some penchant for telepathy.” Was she trying to convince him it was normal… or herself? “There’s something else I need to share with you.” If she could accept this, was she ready to know her true heritage? A loud whistle echoed through the falls. “Oh, my God, that’s Maggie.” Gwen jumped up and quickly put her bathing suit on while Arka watched mesmerized hardening at the sight of her. She looked at his rising erection and giggled. “Come on, lover. She’s not very patient.” Arka collected Gwen’s bottles bobbing abandoned in the pool and followed her path to shore at a slower pace. A heavier dark skinned girl with a young, almost childlike face and chin-length black hair stood next to Enrique. Gwen hugged her. “You’re all wet.” The girl laughed returning the hug. Arka started out of the water and the girl’s eyes traveled his body. “Oh, mymymymy …” He realized she was older than she first appeared. Gwen looked over her shoulder. “He’s mine.” Arka felt his knees go weak. I’m hers. She didn’t yet know she was a goddess. Or that being claimed by a goddess could bind him to her for all time. He again dropped to one knee and bowed to her. “I am yours, Goddess.” He completed the bond she unwittingly started. “Now, that’s what I’m talking about,” Maggie exclaimed. “I want a guy to bow at my feet and call me goddess. Think we can clone him?” Enrique cleared his throat and Arka looked up into his nephew’s incredulous expression. His gaze shifted to the amused expressions on Gwen and Maggie’s faces. The women had no idea what he’d just done … but Enrique did. “You should dress, uncle.” Arka rose to his unsteady legs. Maggie extended her hand. “You must be Arka.” He shook it. She leaned in and whispered. “And you better keep worshiping the ground she walks on or I will remove that stick of beef you’re sporting personally … got it?” “Maggie!” Gwen’s mouth gapped open. Maggie turned and led Gwen away with her arm over her shoulder. “I can’t believe you just said that.” Gwen’s voice trailed off as the two disappeared into the trees. “Enrique, did she just threaten to …” “Cut your dick off? Yep.” Enrique nodded. “Of course they don’t realize you just did that yourself when you knelt and declared her ownership of you. Are you out of your mind making yourself impotent to any other woman? What if she’s called to the heavens tomorrow?” Arka pulled on his shorts. “It doesn’t matter. I love her. I’ve always loved her and I always will love her. There will never be another whether she’s called to heaven or not. Thought I couldn’t bear it if I lost her now.”
Chapter Seven
“Where are we going?” Gwen dug through her clothes for something clean. Maggie tapped her fingers at the table. “To civilization. I want one night of fun before I spend the rest of the weekend digging in the dirt.” “It’s not like I brought party clothes.” Gwen fished out a pair of denim short-shorts and a light blue t-shirt that read “archaeologists do it in the dirt.” “Will this work?” Maggie snorted a laugh. “Perfect.” She stood up. “How do I look?” The frilled, tie-dye skirt and green lacy-topped tank looked adorable. Gwen would look like a redneck hillbilly next to her. “You know you look great, Mags.” She lifted her shoulders with false demure. “Good. I think Enrique’s hot.” Gwen grinned. If she had never seen Arka, she’d think Enrique were pretty hot too. Enrique and Arka emerged from their