Serendipity

Chapter Ten

Saurellia, Three Months Later

She could get used to this, Sarai thought as she lay back in the grass, cradled in Jax's arms. He had arranged for the children to stay with Calla for the day, insisting that he wanted to show her the sights of his boyhood home alone. It had been an excellent idea, she thought with satisfaction.

Once again they were lying on a picnic blanket, only this time they were naked. Jax was asleep beside her, warmed by the sun and the bottle of wine they'd shared over lunch.

Perhaps the fact that they'd made love twice had something to do with it, too, she though wryly. The man was strong, but even he needed a break at times. Of course, getting him to that point was very pleasant.

She leaned up, studying him. There were new lines on his face, the legacy of their disastrous escape from Hector Prime. He'd tried to find out what had happened there, but Saurellian intelligence hadn't been able to tell him. Apparently they were still trying to figure out what had gone wrong…

She still couldn't quite believe everyone she'd known there was gone. For the second time in her life, she'd lost everything. It didn't get easier with practice, she mused. Then she shook her head, trying to clear her sadness. This wasn't a day for regrets. Instead, she focused her attention back on Jax.

He was so handsome. She could hardly believe this strong, kind man was hers. And he hadn't pressured her to into anything, hadn't even asked her to remove her birth control implant. She would, though. She wanted a child with him, a little boy who would grow up to be strong and true like his father. Or perhaps another daughter. He was wonderful with Mali, wonderful with both the children. She couldn't have found a better father for them.

She trailed her fingers down his bare chest, enjoying the feel of the wiry hairs that covered him. He was waking up, she could tell by the way he tensed under her touch. Then he spoke, his voice a low rumble.

"Just can't quite get enough, can you?" he asked, and she grinned at him.

"Never," she said. She swung her bare leg across his body, rolling on top of him. She wiggled her pelvis experimentally, and his body hardened in response. His hands came down to her hips, pulling her tightly against him.

"That's nice," he said, closing his eyes in pleasure. "Sarai, you feel so good."

She giggled, and squirmed against him.

"So, what should we do now?" she asked, kissing him along his jaw line. His hands tightened in her flesh. He was much harder now, and his hips twitched beneath her.

"I think we should fuck," he said bluntly, and she burst out laughing. He was nothing if not predictable. "Unless you had other plans?" He thrust up at her, and she sighed in satisfaction. She loved the feel of him under her.

Instead of answering, she placed both hands flat on his chest and sat up, still straddling his body with her own. She could feel her nipples tightening in anticipation, and a growing wetness between her legs. His cock was like a pillar of steel between them, and she took pleasure in slipping it back and forth along her vulva and clit. Just the anticipation of that hard length inside her body was enough to drive her crazy.

He reached up to grasp her breasts in his strong hands, massaging them and playing with the nipples. A string of sensation wound its way down through her body from them to that sensitive place between her legs, and she threw her head back and sighed. Then she raised her hips, and reached down with one hand to position his hungry cock. This was going to feel good…

As she sat down on him, taking his length into her body, she could hardly breath. He filled her so tightly. Even after spending months with him she gasped a little as his penis came into her completely. She stilled, allowing herself to get used to his presence. She looked down at him, then slowly leaned over to kiss him. She plunged hungrily into his mouth with her tongue, taking as much as he would give her. For the thousandth time, she marveled at her good fortune. How had she found a man such as this?

She began to move slowly, raising her hips and then sliding them slowly back down over his massive erection. She mimicked each motion with her tongue; enjoying the feeling of power it gave her. She was so free with him; nothing she did threatened his masculinity.

She truly was his equal, and she loved it.

She raised her head, braced her hands against his chest and started moving faster. She shook out her hair and laughed as his hands clenched her hips, trying to pull her down against him more tightly. She stopped moving for a second, just to tease him, and he bucked his hips up at her.

"Sarai, you're going to kill me if you don't start moving again," he gasped. With a grin, she started moving, deliberately keeping each stroke slow and steady, twisting as she came down and grinding her clit against his body. It was fantastic. His fingers dug into her, but she didn't care. She was going to take this at her own pace.

But all too soon that pace wasn't fast enough. She moved more quickly, riding him as sensation built up in her body. She was starting to sweat now, and she could feel her heart racing as she moved faster and faster. The feel of him beneath her was incredible. How had she ever thought she could resist this man's touch? They had been created for each other; being with him made her complete.

He had closed his eyes and his head was thrown back as he strained beneath her. She could tell he was getting close to his orgasm; she was, too. Just a little bit longer now, a little harder and she would hit it. She slid up and down his cock as quickly as she could make her body move, breasts bobbing with every motion. Her breathing was harsh and fast, and the tension in her was so tight it was a challenge to control her movements. Just a little more and she would have it. Down. Again. Harder.

Then it washed over her with the force of a storm. She ground her clit against him, screaming out her orgasm. Every muscle in her body clenched, and she could feel his seed spurting within her as he came, too. He cried out, and she collapsed against his body, panting. They lay in silence for several moments, then he spoke.

"Sarai, that was pretty good," he murmured. She swatted at him playfully.

"That was more than good, and you know it!" she said with a laugh. He laughed back at her, then pulled her close for a kiss.

"Yes, it was," he replied. "But it's still not everything. I have this fantasy about you…"

"Oh really, and what would that be?" she asked archly.

"Let me show you," he replied. He rolled her off him abruptly, and pulled her to her feet. Then he took her hand and started running. She stumbled after him, laughing but confused.

"What are you doing? You're crazy!"

"Just wait and see," he replied.

Within minutes they reached a shallow river, crystal clear water running over rounded stones.

"This way," he said, slowing to a walk. He took her along a little dirt path through the brush along the riverbank, until it opened into a wide sandbar. To one side was the river. A line of stones had been placed across it, creating a swimming hole.

"My brothers and I built this when we were kids," he said, pointing out toward it. "We used to swim here all summer long. My sister's children do the same thing. They've kept it in good shape even after all these years. Come swimming with me, Sarai."

She stilled, looking up into his face.

"Jax, you know I can't swim," she said, her voice serious.

"It isn't deep here, Sarai," he replied in a reassuring voice. "Only about four feet at the deepest spot. The water's slow, and I'll be with you."

"If I drown, I'm coming back to haunt you," she said darkly, but she followed him down to the water. He wouldn't let anything happen to her. They waded into the cool water holding hands, then he let go, falling backward and swimming away from her. Within seconds he had reached the center of the pool, and stood up.

"See, you'll be able to touch out here," he said encouragingly. She nodded, and started toward him. The rocks were slippery and rounded, hard to walk on, and she stumbled. The cold water closed over her head, but before she could panic he was there, pulling her up against his body.

"I've got you," he whispered into her ear. Then he kissed her, running his hands down along her back. She wiggled against him, arms wrapped around his neck. The water gave her a kind of buoyancy that was new and different. For the first time she realized swimming might be fun.

"I like this," she said, pulling her head away from his. She lifted her legs, effortlessly wrapping them around his waist. Despite the cold water, he was hard for her. Her face twisted in amusement. "Does that thing ever get tired?"

"No," Jax said smugly. "Not when you're around."

Pleased with his answer, she wiggled against him, and he groaned.

"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" he gasped.

"Nope, just reminding you who's in charge," she replied pertly.

"We'll see who's in charge."

With that, he started striding through the water, carrying her with him as she squealed in protest. Then he was setting her up on a large, smooth rock that almost, but not quite, reached the surface of the water. He pinned her there with his body, legs firmly thrust between hers.

"Now you're at my mercy," he said. He kissed her again, taking her mouth savagely until she could hardly breathe. At the same time, he reached down between them, fingering her aching clit as sensation wound its way through her. She wanted him again—she could never have enough of him. Finally, they pulled away from the kiss, gasping for breath.

"Now that I'm at your mercy," she whispered, squirming against his fingers, "What are you going to do with me?"

"This," he replied, voice tight with tension. The smooth, round head of his penis replaced his fingers, then he was pushing into her with aching slowness. Both of his hands wrapped around her waist, and she leaned back as his mouth came down on her breasts. He kissed her, then pulled one nipple into his warm mouth, sucking in time with the slow, steady movements of his hips. It was exquisite.

But it wasn't enough.

She twisted against him, trying to make him move faster. She wanted to feel his entire length come into her hard, filling her until she couldn't breathe any longer.

"All good things come to those who wait," he said piously, lifting his head to smirk at her.

"To hell with that," she replied. "I don't want to wait anymore. I want you now, Jax."

He grinned fiercely at her, then pulled back and thrust into her with a force that made her gasp. He moved quickly, slamming her back against the rock with every stroke. A part of her realized she'd probably be left with bruises, but she didn't care. All that mattered was the feeling of him pounding into her body.

Each motion brought her a little closer, and the familiar spiral of sensation started closing around her. She clutched him to her with her arms, and tried to wrap her legs around his waist. But the water made everything slippery and she couldn't keep hold of him. Then the sensations built again, and she no longer cared. She went limp in his arms, allowing him to take her as he chose.

The cold water swirled around them, but she hardly noticed its cool kiss on her skin.

All she could think about was the tension building in her body. It was urgent, compelling.

She had to fix it, to climb over it, to get relief. Otherwise it would crush her.

He angled her hips down slightly, and then his cock was rubbing along her clit in a whole new way. Each stroke pushed her higher, and she could feel her muscles tightening.

His erection scraped against her clit again and again, plunging in to hit bottom with every stroke, and her hips started twitching. The sensation was so intense it was painful, but she couldn't allow him to stop. She needed this; she needed him.

"Jax," she gasped, then flew apart in climax, unable to control herself any longer. She broke into a thousand pieces, and sagged against him. He kept moving a moment longer, then joined her. She could feel his hot seed pumping into her body, and for a moment she fantasized about what it would feel like to carry his child.

With any luck, she'd find out before too long.

"I love you," he gasped against her shoulder, and she squeezed him tightly.

"I love you, too," she replied.

They stayed there for several minutes, until the coldness of the water started seeping into her. Startled, she realized she was shivering, and Jax was covered with goose bumps.

"I think we should get out of the water," she said. With a smile, he swung her up in his arms and strode toward the bank.

"All you have to do is sign right here," the beautiful lady told Mali, pointing to a black line on the paper. She looked up at her mother, who smiled encouragingly. Able snorted in disgust. Once again, Mali just couldn't seem to figure out what to do, despite the fact that he'd been practicing with her for days. He looked up at Jax, hoping he wasn't too upset by the delay. The last thing they needed was for him to change his mind now.

Jax just gave him a wink and smiled. Able sighed. If Jax wasn't upset, then things weren't too bad. It would be all right. Mali was now slowly and painfully writing her name, copying the letters that mom had written out for her. Bored, he looked around, trying to remember everyone's names. Jax's whole family was there, along with Aunt Calla. Seth was there too. Able had never liked Seth, but he sure seemed to make Aunt Calla happy. They were even going to have a baby, although Able couldn't understand why. All Mali had ever done as a baby was poop and cry. Boring.

The beautiful lady was clapping her hands to catch everyone's attention. Mali was done signing the paper, finally. The lady spoke.

"As Priestess of this temple, I now solemnly declare before the Goddess and these people assembled here that Jax Falconer has asked for and been given legal and spiritual parenthood over these children, Able and Mali. From this day forward, they will be known publicly as Able and Mali Falconer, of the House of Falconer. They will share equally in the rights, privileges and responsibilities of that House, along with their father. Let the Goddess' will be unquestioned."

Everyone started cheering and clapping. Mom was even crying. Then Jax kneeled down, and held out his hand for a solemn handshake. Able responded, trying to keep his grip firm and manly.

"I am so honored to have you for my son," Jax said quietly. "Thank you, Able, for accepting me."

"I'm just doing it for mom and Mali," Able said gruffly. His eyes felt all weird and watery, and his nose was starting to run. For one horrible minute he thought he might start crying. But before that could happen, Jax nodded knowingly.

"I know that," he replied. "You and I have the same job, taking care of them. Good thing we know how to work together."

"Yup," Able said thankfully. He and Jax were the men of the family now. It was a good thing they could work together. Mali was flinging herself into Jax's arms, and then mom was kneeling beside him, hugging him close. It felt pretty good, Able thought. He liked being a family.

Jax set Mali down, and she tugged on Able's sleeve.

"It wasn't a stupid wish, you know," she said smugly. He looked down at her blankly.

"What are you talking about?" he asked in confusion, looking around to see if anyone had heard her. No one seemed to have noticed.

"To wish that we had a daddy," Mali said, rolling her eyes impatiently. "Remember, I wished that we had a daddy, and now we have one. What do you think I should wish for next?"

"You just got lucky," Able snorted. "Wishes aren't real."

"Really?" Mali said. "Well, then I'm going to make another wish, just to prove that you're wrong. I wish that you'll meet a girl and fall in love and get all silly. Then you won't be able to make fun of me any more. I'll make fun of you!"

"Mali, that's just stupid," he said.

"We'll see," Mali said smugly. She turned away from him as Aunt Calla swept her up in a hug. Silly girl.

"Able, I want you to come and meet your new cousins," Jax said, pulling him through the crowd. After several moments they broke through the mass of people, and came face to face with a group of five children. They eyed him curiously. They all shared similar features, dark black hair, bright green eyes.

"These are my sister's children," Jax said. "Devon, Julian, Marcus, Luke and Anita, the baby of the family. We call her Nini."

Nini stepped forward, and Able's jaw dropped. She was the prettiest little girl he'd ever seen in his life, and he had the sudden urge to reach forward and pull one of her long, black braids. The largest of the boys, Julian, seemed to read his mind. He stepped forward protectively.

"You can play with us if you like," he said. "But you have to be nice to Nini, or we'll get you."

"You have to be nice to my sister, too," Able said, bristling. Nini laughed, breaking the tension. She stepped forward, put both hands on Able's shoulders and stood on her tiptoes, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I like you, Able," she said brightly. "We're going to have a lot of fun together."

He couldn't help himself. He didn't think at all, he just reached up and pulled one of those braids as hard as he could. She screeched in protest, and he took off running, dodging through the crowd. All four of those boys would be on him in seconds, and he was pretty sure he was gonna die.

It had been worth it, though. That Nini was pretty cute…

-The End-