#part 22

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Robotnik could feel his skin crawling with the sound of several notifications going off. He had given Carol permission to bring in as many people she trusted to help execute their plan.

Her contact in the Hybrid Division had been fruitful; Stone and Rockwell were being held in a breeding facility a few hours away.

Unfortunately, he had discovered why neither of his Hybrids' collars were working.

Pulling up the security feed, he watched with clenched fists as White's poodles had approached Stone and Rockwell. Immediately, he could tell the way Rockwell's ears perked up that she found them attractive. However, as one of the poodles caught Rockwell's attention and then drew Stone into the conversation, the other poodle had made their move.

While Stone was glancing over at Rockwell and her flirting, the other poodle had shoved a tazer into Stone's neck.

Right onto the collar.

Even from the video, Robotnik could tell that the tazer was not in regulation. No doubt it was much stronger than anything Stone or Rockwell had seen before.

As soon as Stone hit the floor, Rockwell's head whipped around, only for the poodle she had been flirting with do the very same thing to her.

He had never thought the collars would face bolts of electricity. Their components had been fried instantly, leaving his Hybrids helpless.

Seemed that White's little spy had smuggled out that little piece of info.

Jaw grinding painfully, Robotnik stormed through his lab. Stepping into a large room, the lights flicked on. One by one, long rows of badniks came into view.

Raising his hands, he smirked as a wave of red 'eyes' turned on. With one sweep of his hand, one side of the badniks rose out of their roosts. He did the same with the other side and watched as his army assembled.

A hundred badniks stared back at him, waiting for his orders.

"Some moron thought it was a good idea to test me," he ground out. "Let's show him what happens when you underestimate a Robotnik."

Sending them to the mobile lab for transport, Robotnik made his way up to the floor Stone used to inhabit. As the elevator doors opened, he stopped short.

A different kind of army turned to stare at him, their eyes much more expressive than the badniks'.

There had to be at least a dozen Hybrid agents assembled in the living space. Of course, all of them were dog Hybrids, but he couldn't pinpoint all of their breeds. A handful of German Shepards, a couple dobermans, and the rest might as well have been mutts for all he knew. From the looks of them, he could tell that they weren't all field agents. While some were muscular and threatening, others were dressed similarly to Carol.

"Doctor."

Finally stepping out of the elevator, he cast his gaze to the side to see Carol coming towards him. She met his eyes steadily, her expression steely.

"We're ready when you are," she nodded.

Robotnik narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue.

Immediately, every single Hybrid stood at attention, taking him aback. He hid his surprise as the Hybrids stood next to each other in a line, their ears and tails perked. Walking in front of them, he looked them all over--almost as if he was a general assessing his troops.

In a way, he was.

White had come into his territory and took what was his.

He had declared war.

As he reached the end of the line, he was surprised he actually recognized most of the Hybrids standing in front of him.

There were a pair of German Shepards that had always stood guard outside of any presentation he gave on the base. Stone had growled and snapped at them when they got too close, but once they learned to keep their distance, Stone relaxed around them. He had trusted them to be a second defense.

Another female Hybrid he knew as well. During meetings, she would be a snack runner. Stone had nearly had her in tears when she offered him a cup of coffee one day. After that incident, she would only offer him snacks during the meetings. In fact, she had learned what he had preferred.

Taking a second look, he saw that he did know them all. Perhaps not their names, but they had all been friendly or helpful towards him. Unlike others on the base, they had never shied away from him or sent him distrustful looks.

Had he truly gained the loyalty of all these Hybrids without knowing it?

Shaking off the odd, warm feeling in his chest, he stood in front of them all. In total, he had a baker's dozen and a hundred badniks to get Stone and Rockwell out of White's clutches.

"I doubt this will be a suicide mission," Robotnik began and stopped himself from grimacing. It was one thing to talk about his inventions, but another to give a rallying speech to a bunch of Hybrids he barely knew. "But, I still require you to treat this rescue mission like you're saving your own mother. Now, here's the plan..."

The plan was quite simple, even if his holographic replica of the breeding facility made everything feel like it was out of a sci-fi movie. In essence, the Hybrids would sneak him inside so he could find Stone and Rockwell. As soon as he found them, they'd sneak them back out.

If things didn't go according to plan, then Robotnik had 100 badniks to summon.

One thing he didn't include in his plan was the excruciating death he planned for White.

However, by the glint in Carol's eyes, he didn't doubt she would help him.

Giving a bow to end his battle plan, Robotnik straightened to see the Hybrids looking excited. A few were wagging their tails.

"Doctor?"

Robotnik raised an eyebrow as he turned towards Carol. She wasn't quite meeting his eyes. He could see that she was holding something behind her back.

"What is it?" He asked suspiciously. He already didn't like where this was going.

"For us to sneak you in properly, we all thought you should wear these. So you don't get detected..."

Her confidence waned as her voice trailed off.

"Wear what?" He snapped. Carol gulped before pulling out what she had been hiding. As soon as she did, his eyes went wide. "You're joking."

"No, sir."

In her hands were a headband with dog ears and a clip on tail. They both looked extremely realistic.

"We debated a long time over what breed you would be. We decided on a husky."

He didn’t know what to say to that.

"Why?" He finally asked as he gingerly took the items from her hands.

"'Cause they're loud!" One of the Hybrids behind them called out.

"And stubborn!" A different one chirped. Casting a withering look towards the group did nothing as they all watched in excitement for him to put the accessories on.

"If it's any consolation, doctor," Carol gave him a weak smile. "I don't think you would be a dog Hybrid."

"Really."

"I think a cat would fit you better."

He wasn't sure if he should feel comforted by that idea or not.

"Also, you will need to wear something to hide your scent."

"My scent?"

"You smell human," Carol nodded. "If you wear something of Stone's, that should help disguise your scent enough for you to sneak in."

Rolling his eyes, he left the far too excited pack of Hybrids to change.

When he returned to them, he was still wearing his classic jacket, however, he was now wearing one of Stone's sleep shirts underneath it. Along with that, the fake tail now poked out from under his long jacket. It was stiff and didn't move as he walked. And finally, the ears sat on top of his own head.

In short, he felt ridiculous.

"One more thing," Carol smiled at him. He glared as she approached. She didn't even have to get on her toes as she lifted a piece of cloth over his head. It wrapped around his head, covering his own ears and forehead.

"Hybrids don't have human ears," Carol winked at him. Great, just keep piling on the humiliation. She stepped, her face turning serious once more.

Meeting all of the Hybrids' eyes one more time, he nodded.

Feeling more at home, you decided it was you time you finally explored more of Eden Lake. Some of those boutiques had caught your eye, now you’d go to them. Maybe you’d find something cute.

******

Happily, you skipped down the stairs, managing to skip the especially loud one.

“Jellybean? Where are you off to?”

Your mom came into the living room with a box under her arm. You rocked on your heels.

“Figured, I’d go and check out some of the shops.” Raising an eyebrow, you pointed to the box she rested on her hip. “What else needs unpacking?” You thought she had finally finished.

She shrugged. “It’s so lovely here. I thought, I do some watercolors.”

You smiled broadly. “Oh! You will have plenty to inspire you.”

“I think so. The sunsets have been amazing.”

******

With a squeeze and a promise of not getting home terribly late, you were on your way. Walking by Brett’s you noticed his father’s van was missing from the driveway. He had mentioned once or twice being dragged on repair jobs, he did around town in between the poker nights and the days in the mine. It’s what his father did, it kept the man out of Brett’s and his mother’s hair. This must have been one of those times, you only hoped he wasn’t being too much of a jerk to Brett.

Continuing on your way you enjoyed the peace of it all. The sun was warm, birds were chirping. You could have sworn, you had seen a woodchuck waddle back into the forest, you mused with a smile. There was barely any of this quiet, where you grew up. It had was nice enough. You missed the closeness to the city but you were really beginning to enjoy it here.

*****

A sharp whistle sliced through the air and gravel crunched. You looked around startled, your heart slamming against your chest. A shabby, rusty pick up truck pulled up very close to where you stood. Heat came off it in waves, the smell of oil assaulted your nose. Despite your discomfort you felt; you pushed it aside and would act like nothing happened. So you rolled your eyes and kept on walking.

A wet laugh came from the truck you assumed. The creaked and groaned; rolling closer to you.

“Not gonna say hello, pretty girl?”

You walked faster. Looking ahead you saw the edge of town. You were almost there.

The engine revved and groaned; dirt small rocks getting kicked up as it cut across your path. A dust cloud came over you. Squinting, you realized he had managed to pull right in front of you. You leapt backwards, when you realized he had not only blocked your path but alot close than you realized. Annoyance and anger boiled in you.

“Aw, comon baby after all I saw you do on the beach…”

Your eyes settled on the man. Your stomach turned sharply. His scratchy, voice faded and was replaced with a wide, wet grin that spread across his greasy face.

“I thought you’d at least say hello; forget that young prick. I can show you a much better time if you climb up in here and straddle my lap; you sweet little thing.” He sneered, sucking on his teeth.

“Fuck off, creep!” You yelled.

You managed, before taking large, fast strides around the truck. Breathless, you did so before getting into town proper. Sweat pearled at your hairline. You dashed into the first store, you spotted. A bell announced you, not caring; you lingered by the entrance to watch as the truck rambled on by.

*******

“It’s on the house sweetheart. The men around here are brutes, all of them.”

The old woman’s warm, withered hand gently patted yours. She passed the brown paper bag with the dress neatly folded inside.

“Oh? Ma’am, I mean Clara, I don’t know what to say.” You smiled with furrowed brows at her kindness.

“Yes, that is Clara girl.” She gave a false stern look. “After dealing with that jerk you deserve a little something. Now, you just go and be safe.”

You had looked over the wide assortment of dresses, lifting and inspecting many different styles and colors. Some accessories clanked and clicked as you tried on some fun bangle bracelets. So many items. It was a polka dotted dress that had caught your eye. You would bring your mom back for her. You were certain she would adore Clara.

With a spring in your step, the bag swishing by your side you decided you would go down to the lake. Enjoy the beauty of it and then maybe check on Brett. You wondered if he knew about his and Rickey’s escapades with the cars got into the papers.

Once there you smiled. It would be nice leaving near such a great spot. Going down, closer to the lake you slipped out of your shoes and placed the huge brown paper bag down on the soft sand.

Hearing a branch snap, you stopped and looked behind you. No one was there. Your heart kept a steady pace. That jerk had been enough for one day.

After, you didn’t see anything for a good moment, you finally waded out to the cool water of the lake. The water made you squeal at first but then you giggled as the water lapped gently at your knees.

Once back at your bag, you drew your knees up and sat there looking out. You refused to think of that jerk. Hopefully, you’d never see him ever again.

You also refused to not think too hard on what happened this weekend. Drinking and pills, were not your thing. Well, to be fair drinking was fun when it tickled your nose. You did wonder if pills were this thing. You would not let your imagination run wild with what did for that old man and his cohorts in the city.

A chill came over you, making you hug yourself a little tighter. Looking, in front of you it dawned on you that it wasn’t a chill. A shadow had fallen over you. You glanced up, expecting a large cloud passing in front of the sun. It wasn’t.

But a scream erupted from you as you immediately turned and twisted, scrambling in the sand to get away from the man hanging over you.

“Hi baby.” He licked his lips. “I Knew you’d come here.” He winked.

“Stay the fuck away from me.” You backed up. You desperately reached onto pockets of shorts. Nothing was there. You saw the surface of your phone glimmer in the sand beside the brown bag.

The man cackled. “Nah, no calling that punk. I’m going to show you what a real man is made of.”

He reached for you. You managed to escape his filthy hands, tumbling back but not falling into the sun.

Turning your feet sunk into the sand as you turned to run. You heard a loud wet, sound followed by a tumble, reminded you on the time a sack of potatoes you had carried for your mom fell to the kitchen floor.

Looking back, you saw as Brett straightened himself after having swung a branch of some kind and the jerk in a heap lying on the ground.

“Brett?”

His eyes were dark, as he looked over at you a sneer curled his lips.

“Hi baby.”

*******

The man wiggled against the tree, but he barely budged, Brett had tied him tightly to it

"She's a young girl." Brett walked up to the man.

Your heart skipped a beat, as you watched him reach into his pocket. you knew what it was. His knife gave sharp metallic click as it was released.

“Yeee are fuckin pervert.” Brett’s squeezed from his mouth. “Spying on her from the bushes.”

A tremble came over the man.

"Cat got your tongue? Or do I?”

As blood trickled from his temple as he looked at Brett spoke to him

“Huh?” The man managed.

“I guess I do.”

Moving quickly, far too fast for you to realize what he was about to do, till you watched as a portion of the man’s tongue fell onto his lap. Blood, poured from the man’s mouth, muffling any scream. He wiggled more violently against the ropes.

Your stomach turned, you swallowed the bile that reached your mouth. The a t itself was sickening but the man had been so awful. Also realizing he had been watching you for quite awhile also made you ill. You were not entirely disturbed by what Brett was doing.

“Brett?” Rickey spoke up, bringing you from your thoughts “I thought we were just going to beat him up.”

Sharply, Brett turned to his friend.

“Just beat him up?”

He drew close to Rickey. Rickey’s shoulders slumped.

Brett’s fingers smudged red, his knife glistening. “He spied on her.” Knife in hand he pointed at you. “On us, and nearly ran her off the road with that piece of shit truck”

The man sputtered behind him.

Brett, immediately returned to him. Not waiting for what Rickey was going to say.

He cackled. Reaching down he picked up the fallen bit of the man’s tongue.

He held it up, smirking. “Were you going to say something?” He tilted his head to one side, the sneer still curling his lips.

“Fuckth you.” The words barely there. But anyone listening, knew what he said.

Brett, threw the bit at him. Kneeling down, he just began stabbing him. The man, eventually still and wilted against the rope restraints.

He stood back and looked at the man. You came up behind Brett, he flinched as you wrapped your arms around his middle. But his body soon relaxed.

“Well, he won’t be bothering me again.” And you pressed a kiss to his lips.

“No one will ever bother you.”

He gave his brother and the senator a passing glance.

"Where is she?"

"In your chambers sire."

The torches flickered in the less illuminated areas, the rustle of his clothes filled the small spaces and the few that he encountered immediately stepped from his path. He barely gave them a glance as he made his to you.

He opened the doors and stepping inside, he looked for you.

“Wife, my blossom Aelia spoke urgently of you needing me.”

The doors clanked and banged shut as he made his way over to you.

You turned where you sat, smiling. “I do.”

He grabbed your hands, as he searched your eyes. “Are you ill? Are you feeling poorly?”

You had a flush of what he had thought good health, your appetite had good as well. All from what he had been able to observe, he had never kept a close eye to his mother’s habits so he couldn’t be assured all of this was good. So a kernel of worry grew in him.

“I am good, love.”

“Praise, Juno for keeping you close.” He pressed a few kisses to your knuckles.

You nodded. “She has been kind. I am certain, she sees how good of a husband you are to me.”

He noticed you glanced to the table beside the two of you. The candle light flickered and danced on some of the treasures he had bestowed upon you. He relished showering them upon you. For you were his greatest treasure; one he took and will always give to him.

“You believe that?”

“I do. I believe, I feel it Geta.” A slow smile spread across your face.

As your eyes met his once more, he warmed. Despite the anxiousness that nipped at his heels. The softness of your expression pleased him.

“The distractions that come from becoming your empress. Learning the ways, the celebrations and the like took me away from of the signs the body tells one.”

“My love?” He looked up and down the gentle curves and the form of you. That he had already banished two sculptors for displaying incorrectly to his eyes and liking.

Your hands as delicate and gentle as the manner in which you spoke brought his down to the tender swell of where your belly was.

“I do believe Juno had spoken with the great Ceres and together they blessed us with a child.”

Moving just so, he moved his hands so that he could with great care hold you. He closed his eyes, sighing. He smiled broadly when he felt your hands come over his own.

“A most blessed gift.”

*******

The carriage bumped and careened along the road. This ride was far different than when you had first traveled to the countryside with Geta and Aelia.

This time, you and Geta would visit a temple, show your gratitude for the gift of a child, a future. Sitting beside him, you were able to sit beside him and enjoy the more comfortable side of the carriage. The bumps didn’t rattle you as much as it had the last time. With a hand on your belly, the rhythm of the wheels and horses, you gave yourself up to sleep. Before drifting off to sleep you noticed that Caracalla had given up the fight of staying awake. Dondas held onto the fabrics of his clothes while being. curled up in his lap.

******

“Emperor, empress.”

The older lady bowed low as she greeted the two of you at the entrance. You both nodded.

Slowly, she stood. “I shall escort you to the flame. There you may say your prayers and place your tributes.”

“Thank you, my divinity.” You whispered softly.

*******

The flames flickered and danced in the cool, shadow filled room. Both of you kneeled before it. Your eyes me, your fingers interlaced as you placed an urn of milk. You knew from your mother that would be a good offering while Geta placed a loaf of bread sprinkled with special herbs wrapped with a delicate cloth for the offering.

With a head bowed, you began to murmur your prayers and you heard Geta’s hushed voice e as well. A warmth came over you. It almost reminded you of the reassuring touch of your mother. The thought made your eyes water with the beauty of it. You knew in your heart she would be so pleased for you.

********

Once back at the country villa, you removed the delicate scarf that had covered your hair while at the temple. The villa hummed with an actively that was different then the one in the heart of Rome, you mused. You took a moment to gather yourself.

A warm hand wrapped around your upper arms while the other held you close.

“Did the temple ruffle you, blossom?”

You relaxed against Geta’s solid frame. Only turning your head to glance at him. “No my love. I just felt a visitation from the other side. I felt the reassurance and love of my long since gone mother.”

His forehead came to rest against yours.

“I am certain, she is still pleased with you. She would be filled with great to know you are with child.”

You felt him place a hand on your belly.

“I agree. She would be. She would fret but her joy would be great.”

“Good. My blossom. Good.”

He placed a kiss on forehead then followed by one on your temple.

“Shall, have our meal now. Does your hunger call to you?”

You nodded. “Yes. That would be a delight.”

********

Dondas, jumped down holding a plump strawberry and with soft footfalls came over to where you reclined. Chirping happily with its little hands it held it up to you.

“Why thank you Dondas.”

You happily took the offering. You smiled, as you saw Dondas reach for and take a grab, a juicy grape. Then just as he brought you the strawberry he brought the grape to Caracalla.

A playful chuckle came from him as Dondas placed it in his open hand.

“How did you know I was eyeing that grape?”

His voice light and happy before tossing it gently into the air and catching it in his mouth.

You and Geta shared a look, both of you remained grateful for turn in his feelings toward you.

*******

After eating, some messages had reached the villa. They must have bern dispatched shortly after you left for the country. Giving Geta his space you searched out the pond that had given you a small pleasure when here prior. The fish that swam were more vivid than prior. Questioning, you were pleased to hear that the fish had matted and some children had survived so now new ones swam in the small pond. You share these small pleasures with your child mused you mused as you laid their watching them.

*******

“What is so important that it could not keep to the next morning?” Grumbled Geta as he opened the wax sealed scrolls.

“I do not know sire. They were just of the grave importance and delivered by a rider who exhaustion was heavy on them and their horse.”

“Was their delivery, well received do they rest now?”

“Yes. I am sure of it.”

“Good. Good.”

The wax broke with a sharp snap filling the small space.

He inhaled at the great words that were scrawled in dark. Celebrations would be held far and wide, in six months time Geta mused. And if the god were kindly and the arrival of his child be accompanying the tremendous news.

The door opened.

“Brother, I was about to bath when I heard we have received words of messages being delivered.”

A soft, thick cloth was wound around his smaller frame. Geta, could see a few new growths on his brother’s back. The illness was still in his body despite the better moods that had finally taken ahold.

“Yes, they are here.”

He held up the scroll before holding it out him. Stepping back he watched a smile crossed his brother’s face. He placed the scroll down on the table near them and he clapped.

“This is excellent news.”

He clapped happily.

“I shall have other glass of wine after my bath."

“Very fitting.” He smiled. “I will retire to my chambers, you when the day is upon us.”

“Wonderful.”

*********

As he chose to walk the outside path to the chambers he now shared with you. The airs already began working on the cloud of seeing how the illness spread had caused.

Absently, he twisted and turned a ring one of his fingers when a color caught his eye.

Walking over, he was not surprised to discover you. Seeing the guard that he had made sure would keep close he dismissed before walking closer.

“There is my blossom, still the loviest one in the garden. I dare say the entirety of the countryside we have decided to enjoy.”

“Geta,” Your cheeks a soft pink hue, your petal soft lips were curled into a smile. “Your gentle words, bring a beat to my heart.”

“That brings me joy.” Easily he lowered himself and sat beside you. “Perhaps, I shall bring fish to the fountain in our domus.”

He saw as your eyes moved back to the shimmer of the fish in the clear water.

“Oh? That can be done? But would that be good? They have had families here.”

He fluttered a hand against your back before pressing a kiss to an exposed shoulder. “I will ask. I am sure we can. Especially, if it were to give you pleasure.”

“Geta, you lavish so much upon me. If I were a tree, each of my leaves would be not enough to express how I love all that you give.”

“The beautiful words,” He gently took ahold of your chin so his thumb gently grazed your bottom lip. “that pour from your lovely mouth, are enough to please and bring me happiness.”

“Geta." You breathed. The pink hue deepened in your cheeks.

Drawing closer he kissed you. How your lips pressed back made him instantly want more. Easily he deepened it.

He pulled back slowly. “As you captured my heart, you captured my breath.” He swallowed. “Shall not wish any eyes to rest on you except my own, let us go back to chambers.”

“Yes.”

*********

After the door closed, he was behind you in a few short steps. He wrapped his arms around you.

“Being here calms me.”

“I’m glad.” You replied softly, turning in his arms.

Drawing your face up, he kissed you once again. The taste of the fruits he saw you take great pleasure had lingered. You felt good as he felt you press against him.

With great ease he was able to open the clothes that had been draped from your curves. “If you move, you will be revealed before me.” He whispered.

“Then I shall be revealed.”

He watched as you delicately stepped back and your curves were on full display from the flickering light of the candles and the setting sun the shone through the curtains that been drawn on the balcony.

Perhaps it was the visitation to the temple, maybe being in the country but he finally saw the gentle swell of where his baby grew. He knelt down before you, he pressed a kiss one of your belly.

He’d harness all the strength he had inside him to be a better father than his father had been. So far, he was already a much better husband. He had not stuck you. He still was confused as why that was a norm with his father towards his mother. He enjoyed that you had a sharp tongue, it had intrigued him. Got his heart thudding.

“Geta?”

Your gentle voice made his heart grow further.

“You look wondrous carrying my child, our child.” He whispered.

You flushed. “I hope I do. I am excited about entering this new chapter in my life.”

“As am I. May the gods, keep you safe. I will do what I must as well..”

Gently you brushed some strands that had fallen into his eyes as he looked up to you. It did little to calm his heart that thudded hard in his chest.

Standing, he looked down at you. You were so beautiful, you were his. Knowing your body had taken his seed. Arousal for you became a hot knot in his stomach.

“Go and lay on our bed.”

As you lay atop the soft blankets, how your hair framed your face his arousal almost got the best of him. You made any of the musings he ever had for a pale by comparison.

He shed his clothes, that made him feel so held back and restrained. He needed to unleash himself on you. “You will meed to open more for me.”

“Oh yes.”

How you blushed, as he opened your legs so he could settle between them made her terribly hard. He could barely touch himself, as he brought his tip to your entrance.

Your soft center truly bloomed like a flower in the sun for him, and was just as lovely.

“Are you ready for your husband?” Gently he ran his fingers through your folds. You were dewy and soft.

Your answer was a moan that broke your lips. It lade his own curl into a smirk. He loved pulling those sounds from you. He was certain that he surely felt you grow wetter under his touch.

“Look at me love. I want to watch you as I enter you. As I fill you.”

A moan pour from his lips and mingled with the one he pulled from you. It was almost too much. Taking a few breaths he calmed himself. You sheathed him better than the swords were for his praetorian guards.

“You were made me for me.” He breathed.

As he began to move, his pleasure raced up his back. More than ever before you clenched around him. It was exquisite. How you moaned and writhed under him was so alluring, Venus gifted such beauty onto you.

He grasped onto your hip and the bedding. It was all too much, at any moment he felt like he would come undone. You pulled him closer then, deeper he threw his head back and called out in ecstasy. Your sounds matched his.

“My love, my sire.” You practically mewed under him. The words strained from the moans he pulled you.

“Unravel love, I want to feel it.”

Somehow, he managed to slide his hand the soft apex between your legs where the two of you became one. He could feel how he stretched you it made the knot of his tremble. Finding, your special bud he smirked as he felt you shake and call out his name.

“Yes, yes!”

He let go and his pleasure tore through him. Stars and bursts of pleasure went through him. He poured into it, he shook with eruption of his seed in you. Maybe this would give you twins or a health, strong male like himself. It filled him with vigor, he thrust a final time into you his beautifully wilted flower.

******

Your heart still beat like a horse at a full gallop as Geta pulled you too him. He pulled up a blanket next. A happiness fell over you in a soft warmth. You still small trembles after the passions had enveloped the two of you.

You smiled as you felt his lips grazed your shoulder.

“Great news was dispatched to me.” He murmured softly behind you.

“Oh?” Your heart stirred. What possible news, you wondered.

“Yes! It has reached me that General Acacius has taken Numidia. This is a great victory.”

“It is my love.”

Inwardly, you stilled. That meant he was returning to Rome. You did not know how you felt about that. Something about the general still didn’t sit right with you.