Authors Note: Chapter 18 was too dark for the site admin's, and I understand their decision. I looked over the chapter and it is what it is, trying to tone it down just didn't work so I am skipping it all together. If you would like a text copy just drop me a line and I will email you the chapter. Thanks for reading me.
Chapter 19
Michael was pleased with the way his first two classes had gone as he walked from campus towards his flat.
The afternoon was clear, the sun hung just beyond its zenith, the light haze of the morning having given way to a crystal afternoon with a light breeze. Fall was in the air and Michael was happy to be walking through it, he was also happy that he would have some time alone with his women.
Valerie and Tera's actions over the past few days had struck Michael as odd.
He had been with both of them off and on through out the last few days, either together or individually. Their conversations always flowed easily and there was never a sense of anything negative. However, there had been no mention of his stated desire that the three of them live together or his pronouncement of loving them both.
As the days crept by he was becoming more and more unsure about what the eventual outcome would be.
Turning the corner onto Nelson St. Michael was once again struck by this place that was quickly becoming a home.
He moved through the streets of Oxford like a local, being greeted every so often by a student or shopkeeper that he had met.
Michael had fallen in love with the tight streets, unique architectural styles and the ancient feel of the place.
Being so close to the water reminded him of home, crossing back and forth over the intracoastal, feeling the shift in the breeze and the scent of water that came with it.
Oxford felt comfortable, almost as if he belonged here or had been here before.
Having Tera and Valerie in his life only solidified that feeling of home.
Opening the door and walking inside he was excited about the weekend. The festival and exploring Nogardshire were interesting things that he looked forward to, but Michael was more interested in having some uninterrupted time with Valerie and Tera.
Walking up to the loft Michael looked around for anything he may have missed.
The bed was unmade; it was one of his quirks, seeing no need to make a bed he was simply going to mess up again in a few hours.
Not finding anything else he needed, Michael grabbed his overnight bag and made for the garage, eager to pick up the women, eager for the drive to Nogardshire.
Michael had not had the opportunity, aside from the trip back from London, to have much time behind the wheel of the Aston and his heartbeat increased a bit as the garage door opened revealing his new beauty.
Dropping the top and stowing his bag in the boot he turned the key, savoring the throaty growl that issued forth as she awakened before settling down to a soft resonate burble, awaiting his pleasure.
Michael smiled as he pulled out of the garage. Heading to Valerie's his last few nights alone played through his head.
During those evenings sitting in the quiet loft, looking out over the canal, Michael had tried to contact Aoife with no success. He was still shaken by his last visit to the cavern, still questioned why the mention of a name would have such a startling impact on her.
His perception of Aoife had always been one of imminent control.
She did not seem to be a changeable creature; the overwhelming sense from her was that of affection and strength. She seemed immutable; to have that vision shaken in such an energetic fashion left Michael in a place of turmoil.
Through the days and nights since, his emotions had ranged from feelings of sorrow and emptiness to concern and wonder. There was such power in the visions, and such comfort in having her come unbidden into his mind.
The lack of her being there was noticed, as was the lack of Valerie and Tera.
Michael shook off his ruminations as he pulled up to Valerie's flat, laughing at the scene before him.
Tera was sitting on the steps that lead up to the flat, one small bag in front of her, she was looking over her shoulder, rolling her eyes at Valerie as the third piece of her luggage slipped from her grip and bounced down the stairs beside her.
It was an interesting snapshot of the difference between the two women.
"How long are we going for," Michael asked Tera as he got out of the car.
Laughing, Tera responded, "I suppose three bags worth of time."
Valerie scowled at both of them.
"I don't think everything will fit in that," Valerie said pointing towards Michael's car.
"We will manage," he answered popping the boot, placing Tera's bag next to his.
It was a tight fit but with two of Valerie's smaller bags in the boot, and the larger one on the seat next to Valerie in the back, the fifth army was ready to move out for Nogardshire.
Both women loved the convertible and the three of them were quickly lost to the simple joy of the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces as they drove out of Oxford. Each was enfolded and comforted by the beautiful day and being in the company of those that they loved.
Michael felt the proximity of Valerie's hand just before it slid lightly to rest upon his shoulder. The sparks flew, as they always did whenever either of the women touched him.
The energetic feel of them was one of the things that so surprised Michael.
Alone he felt as if he was operating at a normal level, about 50% of capacity. Having Valerie or Tera around him, that notched the energy up, each of them providing another 25% to the energy of his life.
When either of them touched him...well, there is no good way to explain the vast amounts of energy, emotion, passion and love that were tapped when this occurred.
Michael thought of it in terms of the water.
Alone he was paddling down a serene creek.
Having them close, the creek became a deep fast moving river.
With a touch the river became swollen, and he rode the crest of a flood so powerful that it sometimes took everything in him not to be simply overcome by it.
It always left him wondering what would happen when he gave up trying and let the flood simply...take him.
