Disclaimer: Still don't own it. Still make no profit from it. Still doesn't keep me from wishing I did.
A/N: I'm not saying anything about this chapter except, remember that this fic has an M rating ;) The review function is still not working as of the writing of this. I am getting all of your reviews in my notifications though, thank you all, I am so glad you are enjoying this. I write for you as much as myself.
Enchanted Peach Dreams: Thank you so much! I love to tell stories, I have made up tales of fairy princes and princesses for my kids, nothing as dark as this for them though.
HachimansKitsune: I wondered if my tale would reach your eyes, I am a fan of yours and am currently enjoying several of your offerings. I had thought of holding the next chapter hostage until you updated 50 Shades of Fae, but alas, I do not have the heart to do it. And blackmail is wrong, maybe, yes, definitely wrong
Jareth dragged a shell shocked Sarah back down the hall to her office, opening the door he shoved her inside. Looking around, he waved his hand and had Sarah blinking at the sudden neatness.
"Nice trick." She said.
"If I am going to be working from here, I must be comfortable. For comfort, I must have order." He stated.
"Wow, you must never get any work done at home. I've seen your throne room. I don't think chickens and kegs really lend themselves to order and cleanliness." She smirked.
He gave her an exasperated look and said, "I hardly think you are one to judge, precious. However, what you saw was most definitely not my official throne room." He said coldly. "Sit, I must make some calls."
"I will not be ordered about!" She said hotly. "It was my impression that we were partners here. I need to call the police before security finds Barry's body."
"Partners yes, we will notify the police, I would rather have you firmly placed as my official partner by Interpol before we involve the local authorities." He said, picking up the recently unearthed phone from her desk and dialing.
Sarah moved restlessly around her office as Jareth spoke to someone on the phone. Hearing the conversation one sided made it seem surreal.
"Yes, of course, ID number K546827, very good, I shall expect backup momentarily." With that he hung up the phone and looked at Sarah. "My people will be here within 5 minutes. You have an official capacity with Interpol as my liaison. Retroactive to three days ago. That should solve any stickiness from the current situation."
Sarah looked nervously at the door, listening for sounds of security, she was beginning to wonder where they were. Looking at the clock on the wall, she realized that they should have been through by now.
"I think we need to consider the possibility that Barry may not be the only body here." She said.
Jareth looked at her sharply, then sighing, he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You may be right. The place seems rather deserted. I would have expected your security guard to have been making rounds by this time." He moved forward and took her hands. "Right then. Sarah, you are about to get your first magic lesson." Maneuvering her to the sofa, he gently pushed her to sit and knelt next to her. "I need you to clear your mind." When she began to protest, he squeezed her hands gently. "Trust me, Sarah. Close your eyes and clear your mind. We are going to mingle our magic to amplify it and search the whole building. Hopefully we will be able to sense anyone, living or dead, that is still here. Are you ready?" At her nod, Jareth closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. He was close enough to smell her, she smelled of coconuts and spice, Jareth found it difficult to clear his mind.
Sarah wasn't fairing much better. With her eyes closed, her other senses were heightened. His intoxicating smell, Gods! It just wasn't fair how good he smelled, she thought. She could hear his deep even breathing and unconsciously hers matched it. The sensation of his soft as butter leather gloves against her hands sent a tingle down her spine. The longer she sat, the more she felt. Her feeling started to shift, not just focused on him, but beginning to spread outward. Down the hall, she could almost see the threads of magic winding through the building. Then suddenly, they were tangible, bold, brilliant purple intertwined with smoky silver. They touched on everything human and animal. The rat, scurrying through the elevator shaft, the young attorney and his paralegal, intertwined in a passionate embrace on his desk. Sarah blushed a little at that and quickly cast the treads elsewhere. A maintenance worker, repairing the ancient boiler system in the cavernous basement, either unaware or uncaring of the rodents that shared his space. Then, in a broom closet, they found what they were seeking. Three security guards, bound and gagged, beaten severely. Sarah gave a small gasp and tried to draw the threads back, not anxious to discover someone else had been murdered. Jareth tightened his hands on hers and spoke in a low soothing voice. "They live, my dear. We must get them medical attention, or they will not for long."
Jareth slowly began withdrawing his mind from hers, lingering here and there, getting a sense of the woman she had become. He touched on sadness and grief, both the old and the new, gently caressing with his mind to sooth the hurt. He bumped up against passion, bright and new, he would have liked to linger there but would not take advantage her of naivety. When he had extracted himself from the bond, he opened his eyes and looked at her. Her face was lightly flushed, her head upturned, practically inviting a kiss. He leaned in and when his lips had just barely begun to brush against hers, the office door opened and several men came in.
"Sir, we have been sent by headquarters to offer assistance." A short thin man said quickly.
At the sound of the voice, Sarah's eyes flew open, the blush one her face spread at the realization of the position they had caught her and Jareth in.
"Impeccable timing, Seamus." Jareth said dryly. With a regretful sigh, he stood and offered Sarah his hand to help her up.
"There are three security guards requiring assistance." Jareth said briskly. "Third floor janitorial closet, south side."
Sarah looked around bemused. Now the business side of death would take over. Measurements, statements, the ghastly and eerie dance that would close a life. She watched as more men and women crowded into her office, some of them in sharp business dress, some in black tactical gear. She looked on mutely as the DA showed up with the police commissioner and mayor. NYPD had officers stationed at every exit and were pissed at being denied access at this point. The FBI had arrived on scene and were working with Interpol on jurisdiction. The mayor and police commissioner were making a scene. They wanted control of the investigation and it didn't look like they were going to back down or give up.
"Enough!" Jareth roared. "Gentlemen, you have your orders, from your Governor no less, the FBI and Interpol will work this jointly, if we need your assistance we will ask for it. Interpol has been tracking this ring for quite some time. We have resources at our disposal that you could only dream of." He continued, giving Sarah a glare when she snorted at that last bit.
"Ms. Williams should be taken into custody. She kidnapped children and a member of the Public Defender's office. She must be held accountable." The commissioner railed.
"Commissioner Stone, "Jareth began with exaggerated patience, "I have explained to your Governor that Ms. Williams was working a covert operation for my office. Barry knew of her involvement, which I am very much afraid, is what got him killed so viciously." He hated the lie on a dead man, however, sometimes the ends justify the means and dead men tell no tales.
"Detective Cooper insists that Ms. Williams was trying to undermine his investigation." The mayor put in. "She took his suspects without even filing the proper paperwork, took them off to parts unknown and assaulted Detective Cooper and numerous police officers in the process."
Sarah gasped, "I did no such thing. My mission was to secure the safety of the children and their parents. They are vital to the operation that Inspector King and I are working on."
Jareth held up a hand to stop her. "I will not discuss Detective Cooper with you. I have told you, we don't know what involvement anyone on your force has in the greater operation. This is the end of it gentlemen. Any further attempt to malign Ms. Williams character shall be seen in a dim light by myself and my organization." He said to the two men, thinly controlled rage vibrating in his voice.
"Well Mike, John," DA Anderson said to the two men. "You gave it a heck of a try, but I'd say, he's got you by the short hairs." When the two me continued to protest, the DA raised his hand and waved them aside. "I hear what you're saying, I just don't care who handles this, just so long as it gets handled. Reaching out to shake Jareth's hand he said, "I'll leave you to it then, Inspector King. I have no doubt Sarah will be a valuable asset to you. She has been to my office." With that, he ushered the other two men out the door and let everyone get back to work.
"Indeed" Jareth murmured as he watched them leave.
"It's getting claustrophobic in here." Sarah said. All of the various agents had set her office up as central command. She didn't know so many people could fit in there.
"Sarah, it's very late. I've had one of my men secure your apartment. Perhaps we could check on Kevin and the twins and retire there for a few hours." Jareth suggested. Seeing the dark circles under her eyes and the tired sag of her shoulders.
"Has anyone spoken to Kathy?" She asked. "Barry's wife, has she been notified?"
"Everything is being taken care of, love. Do not trouble yourself right now. You have had a trying day. You need rest and food." He replied, drawing her into his arms.
"Jareth!" She hissed, trying to pull away. "People will see."
"Do not worry, no one that would think twice will see us. Now, imagine your apartment and I will have us there in a blink."
Giving in on a sigh, Sarah formed a mental picture of her apartment and wrapped her arms around them. She felt the familiar tug at her abdomen and the rush of the transport. When it stopped she opened her eyes and gave a squeak of shock. During the transport, Jareth's human glamor had fallen away and The Goblin King stood before her in all of his glory. Sarah drank in the sight of him. Not realizing how much she had missed his true form during the stress of the day.
He cocked his head at an arrogant angle and gave her a self-satisfied smirk. "I thought we could at least be comfortable in your home, hmmm." He said silkily.
Sarah eyed his white poet's shirt and scandalously tight pants tucked into high riding boots and wondered how he could consider that comfortable.
She gave a non-committal murmur and pulled herself from his arms. "Why don't you check on the rest of our merry band and I'll go freshen up." She said, starting down the hallway to the bathroom.
"I can easily check on them with a crystal. I do not have to leave you." He said.
"Whatever you think is best." She shrugged, continuing down the hall.
Jareth frowned in concern. She seemed somehow defeated already, he would have to find a way to ignite her fire again. The road would be long and treacherous, now was not the time for her to be having doubts. He had officially attached her to himself, she would need protection just like the rest of them.
Calling a crystal to his fingertips, he looked in on Kevin, Liam and Siobhan. Satisfied that they were all resting comfortably, he tossed the crystal into the air, it disappeared with a small pop, like a bubble.
Giving Sarah some much needed time to herself, Jareth studied her apartment. It wasn't large but made very good use of space and light. Or would, if she wasn't such an atrocious slob, he thought. Like her office, her apartment was littered with leftover take out containers and papers everywhere. She seemed to live and breathe her work. There was hardly an available surface that wasn't covered in a file or report. Walking into the kitchen, he found law books piled in the sink, more takeout containers containing food in various states of decay and a nearly dead philodendron. Running his hand over the innocent plant, he brought it back from the brink of death. Casting a small charm, he ensured the plant would always have adequate food and water. Really, he thought, the woman can't be trusted with the hardiest of house plants, but she defends total strangers to the death. He shook his head and sighed. Considering the fact that he was the biggest neat freak he knew, he found her ineptness at housekeeping endearing.
Deciding she had had enough time to compose herself, Jareth left the kitchen and started down the hallway in her direction. Pausing through each room to wave a hand and leave the apartment in order. I should really teach her that, he thought. Walking down the hallway, he paused for a moment in amusement as he saw what could only be the mate to the beige stocking from her office. Draped casually over a hall table. Chuckling to himself, he left it be. Hoping that someday they would be together again to grace their owner's legs. He passed two doorways, upon looking in he realized one must be a guest bedroom while the other was an office. The guest bedroom held little interest to him, it was certainly dusty but neat as a pin. Her office on the other hand, was in desperate need of help, shaking his head, he waved a hand and righted the room. Continuing down the hall, the next door he came to was closed. He heard the sound of muted sobbing coming from the other side. He considered giving her more time to compose herself, instead he knocked softly and called to her. "Sarah, love, come out."
He heard a shuffle on the other side of the door and then, "Jareth, give me a few minutes, I'll be right out." He heard the shakiness in her voice and decided to simply open the door, not giving her an opportunity to argue.
Sarah was curled up on the floor in the corner of the small bathroom, a towel pressed to her face. As Jareth stood there looking at her, he felt an unfamiliar feeling of helplessness. There is nothing, he thought, like the sight of a strong woman's tears to bring a man to his knees.
Kneeling on the floor next to her, he gently gathered her into his arms and stroked her long dark hair.
"I know, love," he said softly, placing light kisses along her tearstained cheeks. "You've had a rather trying day. Let it go." At his words, Sarah's sobs came heavy and heart wrenching.
She cried for Barry, a good man who hadn't deserved to die in such a miserable way. She cried for Liam and Siobhan, who had lost their parents at such a young age. She cried for Conall, Fiona, Devin, Shea, Rhiannon and Alaric. So many lives lost and forever changed and for what? To rule a kingdom?
Finally, her tears subsided. She had exhausted her grief and began to realize the position she was in. Wrapped in Jareth's arms, she didn't feel shy or awkward. It felt very right. Tipping her head back, she looked at him, taking in the concerned frown and the gentleness in his eyes. After everything that happened nearly ten years ago, his gentleness surprised her.
"Why?" She asked.
"Hmm?" He murmured.
"Why do you take such care with me?" She pulled back to look him in the eye. "I defeated you, I destroyed your castle. Shouldn't you hate me?"
"I could never hate you, Sarah. You didn't do all the damage you think. Yes, you defeated me, the Escher room took some time to repair, but hate you, no, never." He said stroking a gloved hand down her cheek.
"Why?" She asked again.
"Because of what no one knew." He replied softly.
Understanding dawned in Sarah's eyes. As the realization hit her, she buried her fingers in his long, feathery soft hair and pulled him to her. Her lips met his and her world tilted, he tasted of something spicy and foreign. She nibbled at his lower lip and sighed in satisfaction when he deepened the kiss, his tongue moving to dance and twist with hers. Her hands moved through his hair restlessly, she moaned softly when his arms tightened to pull her closer. Shivers of excitement racing along her spine as his hands smoothed and caressed over her back and hips. He hitched her up to straddle his thighs and she groaned, trying to get closer, their clothes creating a frustrating barrier. She felt a tightness low in her belly, she didn't know what caused it but she knew, instinctively that only Jareth could soothe it. She tore her mouth away from his and gasped for breath, while she did, Jareth moved his attentions to her smooth throat, kissing and nipping his way along her collarbone, sinking teeth into flesh and rejoicing at the sounds of pleasure coming from her throat.
"Too many clothes." Sarah gasped. "Why do you wear so many damned clothes." Jareth bit into her shoulder in response, making her gasp and shudder in pleasure.
In one unbelievably smooth and powerful motion, Jareth stood, taking Sarah with him, "Bed." He demanded. "Down the hall to the right." She responded breathlessly.
Jareth decided walking required too much effort, with a direction, he transported them to the room and stood next to Sarah's bed. Had he been in the frame of mind to appreciate it, he would have been delighted to find her bedroom a sanctuary of order in the otherwise chaotic mess of the rest of her home.
He set her lightly to her feet and pulled her t-shirt over her head, delighting in the delicate piece of frothy, pink lace that covered her breasts. With a wicked grin, he ripped the delicate lace from her and feasted on her, her cries of pleasure driving him to a near frenzy.
Sarah was drowning in his scent, every caress, every kiss, bringing her so much pleasure. The feel of his lips on her skin was heaven. She kissed and bit her way down his neck, the barrier of his shirt made her growl in frustration. She tried to be graceful, to unlace his shirt and have some semblance of control but passion and desire held her in their grip, she grabbed the material and ripped it from him.
"Minx! That was my favorite shirt!" He exclaimed in mock anger.
"Bill me." She sassed, running her hands over his bare chest, reveling in the feel of his silky smooth skin.
He tumbled her to the bed turning so she landed on top of him, smoothing his hands down her hips, he pulled her jeans down, tossing them carelessly to the floor. The scent of her arousal assailed him without the barrier of her clothes, making his head spin and his breath catch.
"You could make this easier on the both of us." She gasped between kisses. "Just wave your hand and take the clothes away."
"Tsk, tsk, Sarah, half the fun is unwrapping the present." He purred, flipping her underneath him.
Jareth slid smoothly between her legs, the only barrier her panties and his thin leather breeches. The evidence of his arousal impossible to his under those thin tight pants. When he pressed against her, Sarah felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her entire body, centered at where his hips pressed against her and turning her blood to molten lava. She gasped at the sensation. Hesitantly, she pressed her hands down his body, she picked at the buttons of his pants, one by one, they came open. Trembling, she pulled them down his hips, keeping her eyes locked with his. A furious blush spread across her whole body. Seeing a naked man in her friends magazine was nothing compared to a living, breathing one in your bed. He was beautiful. Lean muscle under silky skin, she gloried in his strength, cautiously she reached a hand between them and stroked him, her reward was a groan of pleasure and a hard passionate kiss.
Jareth couldn't believe the turn of events. He had dreamed of Sarah this way. Eyes dark with desire, skin flushed with passion, writhing under him moaning his name. He knew she was innocent; knew the gravity of the gift she was giving him. He also knew what it meant that she wore his mark while giving him that gift. Looking down at her face, he stroked his hand over her breast, down her stomach and to the waistband of her lacy and silk panties. His fingers worked the fabric down her hips, nearly exposing her to his hungry eyes when she put a hand on his to stay him.
Jareth went very still, while it would pain him if she asked him to stop now, he would respect her wish and they would go no further. He raised a questioning brow at her and almost groaned in relief when she started pulling his gloves off and whispered, "I want to feel your hands on me. No barriers, we've had enough of those, you and I." Jareth's eyes blazed at her words, helping her to tug off his gloves, he continued to pull her panties off and feasted his eyes on her.
Slipping one finger inside her, he found her hot and wet, ready for him. "I am sorry, love, there will be pain." He said huskily. "I will do everything in my power to minimize it." She nodded in understanding and wrapped her legs around him, inviting him in.
As he entered her, Sarah gasped at the fullness and pressure she felt, the brief white hot pain she felt was almost immediately forgotten as he moved against her. She let out a groan and shifted her hips to meet him. Picking up his rhythm and matching him thrust for thrust. A light sheen of sweat broke out across her body, making him slide deliciously against her. A mounting pressure started between her thighs and spread out across her body, she closed her eyes and savored the tingling tension curling her toes.
Jareth nearly lost control at her tight warmth, he felt like he was coming home as he slid into her, briefly feeling the barrier of her virginity giving way before him. Her cries of passion and pleasure drove him, looking at her, he saw the glow in her eyes spread to the rest of her body, more than the sheen of sweat, he recognized the bonding as it grew brighter, the marks on her arm glowing gold. When she closed her eyes in pleasure he leaned in and kissed her lips, whispering against them, "open your eyes, love." Sarah sighed in pleasure but kept her eyes closed. "Look at me!" He demanded harshly. Sarah's eyes flew open and looked into the glowing blue flame of his. If she could have seen herself, she would have realized hers glowed just as brightly.
"Now, Sarah! Now!" He growled against her throat, sinking his teeth in. Sarah shuddered and screamed out his name. At her release Jareth allowed his own, the force of pleasure wringing her name from his lips. Exhausted, he rolled to his back, drawing her with him and draping her across his chest.
"Just, wow!" She said, sighing in contentment, a deep yawn stretching her mouth wide. They drifted into sleep wrapped in each other's arms. Oblivious to the dark plans being made outside of their own little world.