The Cytokine Storm Chapter 29
Chapter 29
"Let's wait a minute before we attack the pants," Wheezed Anna. Betsy nodded in agreement.
"Don't even think about it," Artemis threatened. If Anna and Betsy thought he would let them take his pants off they were crazy.
"Your fever is too high. We have to get it down," Anna tried to reason with him but Artemis was not in the mood to be reasonable. Leaning close to Betsy's ear Anna whispered, "We need to get those weapons away from him but he isn't going to give them up willingly."
Artemis glared at them. Besty was staring at his hips as Anna whispered something to her. He felt so disoriented. He was shivering. Artemis frowned. What was wrong with him? Then he started to cough. It was so severe he curled onto his side clutching his ribs as his entire body convulsed. He felt his boots being pulled from his feet, but he was coughing so hard he didn't have the strength to resist. Unbelievably the cough got worse. He grimaced in pain. He was coughing so hard it felt like his ribs were cracking.
As soon as Artemis started to cough Anna and Betsy grabbed his boots and yanked them off. He was coughing so hard that he couldn't resist. Anna exchanged a look with Betsy. They needed to get the weapons and pants off him. Anna glanced at his face. Artemis' face was contorted with pain unaware of his surroundings. As he continued to cough Anna reached for his belt. Artemis caught her hand and bent it backwards. Anna yelped and twisted free.
Wasting no time, Betsy unbuckled Artemis belt, loosened his pants and yanked everything down his legs. They were fortunate that the cough took hold at that moment. Both women backed up at the rage in his eyes when Betsy pulled his pants free. If looks could kill they would have been dead. Betsy dropped the pants and weapons belt on the nearest chair and moved to stand beside Anna.
Grabbing the towels that Betsy had brought in earlier Anna soaked them in the bowl of water and wrung them out. Covering Artemis with the towels, Anna sat down beside him. He mumbled something and opened his eyes. He was shaking uncontrollably as chills wracked his body. He was becoming delirious and Anna was afraid he that might go into shock.
Artemis closed his eyes in exhaustion. He couldn't remember ever feeling as tired as he did at this moment. It felt like he didn't have enough energy to lift his head.
Anna felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she saw Betsy standing beside her.
"Betsy would you hand me a blanket?" she asked. Taking the blanket Anna tucked it around him. Feeling his head Anna thought he felt slightly cooler but couldn't be sure. He was still burning up.
"Kitten, you look dead on your feet. I'll watch over him. If he gets worse I'll let you know right away," Betsy said. Anna looked uncertain. "It's okay, even I can change a cold compress," Betsy laughed. Anna gave her a grateful smile and stood up.
Walking over to the dresser Betsy pulled out some clothing and handed them to Anna, "The shower is down the hall," she said.
A smile tugged at Anna's lips, "Are you trying to tell me I smell?" she asked.
Betsy wrinkled her nose, "Kitten it looks like half of the war is still on your uniform."
Anna laughed and motioned for Betsy to follow her as she walked out of the room. She wanted to introduce Jarlaxle before the drow decided to drop his disguise.
For one of the few times in her life Betsy was speechless. Sitting on her couch was most frightening individual she had ever seen. Black as night with sharply pointed ears the stranger had eyes that actually glowed red. Golden earrings ran the entire length of both ears and he wore rings on every finger. On his clean shaven head was wide brimmed purple hat adorned with a huge feather. From under the brim of the hat Betsy could see an eye patch covering his right eye. He crossed one thigh high boot over the other and flipped his cloak over this shoulder revealing the finely embroidered shirt beneath. Seeing the shock in her eyes, the stranger grinned at her. Betsy screamed and grabbed Anna.
As they walked into the living room, Jarlaxle looked up and burst out laughing. They looked like they had been through a war. The feathers on Betsy's headband were mangled and her hair was sticking out in all directions. Anna uniform was torn in several places and she was missing a shoe.
"You couldn't have waited until after I warned her?" Anna grumbled and rubbed her offended ear.
"Wait…what…you know him?" Betsy gasped unable to take her eyes off the strange person. At least she thought he was person but she wasn't sure.
Anna sighed and pried Betsy's fingers off her arm, "This is Jalaxle. He is the blond man you met earlier." Betsy tore her eyes away from Jarlaxle to stare at Anna. Shaking her head Betsy started backing towards the door. Whatever Jarlaxle was, he scared her. There was something about him that was so inhuman it made her blood run cold.
Rising from the couch Jarlaxle swept her a bow. That was all it took to send Betsy screaming for the door. "Oh dear, this won't do," Jarlaxle murmured and then reached out and grabbed her. Betsy panicked struggling to break free of his grip.
Anna had expected Betsy to be shocked but not like this. Pulling Betsy away from Jarlaxle, Anna shook her, "Betsy! Calm down, Jarlaxle is my friend. He's not going to hurt you," she said. Betsy whimpered as eyes slid sideways to look at the drow.
"What is he?" Betsy whispered.
"He's an elf," Anna said.
Breaking free of Anna's grip Betsy darted behind the couch like a frightened rabbit. Jarlaxle was tempted to catch her again but thought better of it when he saw the stern glare Anna was giving him.
"I would advise against trying to escape," the drow warned her, "I assure you, I am faster than you." Betsy stared at him like he was monster.
Anna gave up trying to calm Betsy and told her go help Artemis. Betsy nodded and moved towards the bedroom never taking her eyes off of the drow.
Once she was out of the room Anna turned to look at Jarlaxle with a perplexed look, "I wonder why she was so afraid," she said. Jarlaxle shrugged thinking that Betsy was more perceptive than Anna. Betsy had immediately known he was threat. He mentally tipped his hat to her.
Closing the bedroom door Betsy leaned against it. She was shaking uncontrollably. Anna had said that Jarlaxle was an elf. An elf? He looks more like a demon. A sound from the bed made her look up. Artemis was watching her out of feverish eyes. She made her way to the bed unsteadily and immediately knew that the cold compress needed changed.
Even though he was ill a feeling of danger surrounded Artemis. Not the kind of danger she felt from Jarlaxle. There was something sinister about the elf, something evil.
Artemis was a dangerous man, the kind of danger that made her blood race. Betsy loved danger and danger practically emanated from Artemis. The fact that he was an extremely attractive man only added to his appeal. She didn't know why she was so sure that he was dangerous, but she knew she wasn't wrong. Betsy had learned long ago to trust her feelings and she had a good feeling about Artemis, though at the moment he looked like he wanted to kill her.
"Don't look at me like that baby," Betsy said smiling at his angry scowl. Her eyes skimmed over the blanket. She had gotten a good look at him when they had pulled his clothes off and had liked what she saw. Artemis was all hard lean muscle.
"The name's Betsy," she told reaching over him to tuck the blanket around him.
"And why would I want to know that?" Artemis snarled. He wanted to snap her pretty neck but didn't have the energy. The thought was lost in another bout of coughing. Betsy watched him out of worried eyes. It only made him angrier. He hated pity. When he felt her hand smooth his hair away from his forehead he growled and shoved the hand away.
"Feathers!" Betsy exclaimed jumping up. Artemis glared up at her. "I left the tea in the kitchen," she told him. Artemis just looked at her. Betsy looked uneasily at the door. She didn't want to be anywhere near Jarlaxle.
In the living room Anna was trying to figure out how to get Betsy over her fear of Jarlaxle. The dark elf had plopped back down on the couch and was now watching her pace the room.
"Come, sit before you wear a hole in the carpet," the drow laughed patting the seat beside him. Anna glanced at him and then sat down beside him.
"I don't understand why she was so afraid of you. Betsy isn't afraid of anything," Anna said.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" Jarlaxle asked. Anna just gave him a confused look.
"Why would I be afraid of you?" she asked.
"My question is, why aren't you afraid of me?" the drow asked.
Anna looked at him for a long moment as she considered his question. Why wasn't she afraid of him? She should be, especially considering what Artemis had told her. He made her nervous when he got too close but she wasn't actually afraid of him.
Anna took her time in answering, "Really, I can't give you a reason."
Jarlaxle silently laughed at Anna's innocence. She wasn't afraid because he hadn't given her a reason. She hadn't seen through his carefully crafted image which hid his true self. He played the fool but Jarlaxle was a master of deception. Raised in a city renown for it cruelty and deception Jarlaxle's power and influence was even greater than that of the Matron Mothers who ruled the city. He was far more frightening than she would believe possible. She couldn't begin to comprehend the degree of cruelty of which he was capable.
"Then I shall have to endeavor to be on my best behavior. Having your friend in a panic will not help our cause," he laughed.
"Kitten," Betsy called from the bedroom drawing Anna's attention. Betsy poked her head out the door and asked Anna to bring her a cup of tea with honey.
"Sure," Anna called back. As she walked to the kitchen Jarlaxle followed her. Glancing back at Betsy she said, "You don't need to be afraid."
"Says you!" Betsy exclaimed not budging from the bedroom.
Jarlaxle watched in fascination as Anna heated water on the stove. In normal Jarlaxle fashion the dark elf peppered her with questions as she made the cup of tea.
"Stay here and don't move," Anna instructed him. Deciding to humor her Jarlaxle sat down. A wide grin stretched across his face but he stayed put until Anna had delivered the tea.
"Thanks kitten," Besty said taking the tea, "I will take care of Artemis. You need to rest. There's a spare bedroom down the hall. You can rest up after your shower." Betsy said as she glanced uneasily towards the kitchen.
Anna sighed. What was she going to do about Betsy?
Artemis had barely stopped coughing when she sat down beside him, "I would add some hooch to this but if you got bent I would never hear the end of it," she said holding the cup out towards him. Artemis glared at her making no move to take the cup.
Betsy rolled her eyes, "I know you're hard boiled, but a little tea will do wonders for your throat."
"Why can't you speak your own language?" Artemis grumbled ignoring the cup.
Betsy laughed, "Pipe down and drink this." When he continued to glare at her Betsy took a sip of the tea.
Artemis' eyebrows shot up. Who did she think she was talking to? He didn't take orders from anyone.
Betsy burst out laughing at Artemis expression. "It's just tea with honey," she said once she was able to stop laughing.
Artemis shook his head and finally reached for the cup. His throat was on fire prompting him to try the tea. He sniffed it and then took a tentative sip. Satisfied that it was indeed tea he drained the cup. "My thanks," he said handing the cup back to her. The honey was soothing but it didn't stop the cough which soon took hold of him again.
Betsy stayed by his side, periodically changing the cold compress. After some time Artemis fell into an exhausted sleep. Resting a hand on his shoulder she whispered, "You are one tough egg."
In the other room Anna decided it would be safe for her to take a shower.
"Stay there!" Anna told the dark elf sternly pointing to the spare bedroom.
Jarlaxle looked at the spare bedroom, "But I shall be lonely," he teased as he walked into the room and made himself at home. Anna looked like she wanted to choke him. The drow smothered a laugh as she took a deep breath and marched towards the bathroom.
Taking a deep breath she entered the bathroom, "And leave Betsy alone," Anna warned before closing and locking the bathroom door behind her. "When I am finished I will show you how to work the shower," she called through the door.
"Would it not be easier to show me now?" Jarlaxle asked. Still laughing the drow decided to explore the bedroom. He immediately saw the large mirror above the dresser. Flipping the cloak over his shoulder the dark elf sat down to enjoy his reflection.
Sitting on the bed beside the assassin, Betsy leaned over the bed to change the compress. As she reached over him her hand bumped the tea cup knocking it off the nightstand.
Artemis jerked awake at the sound. Feeling there was someone leaning over him, Artemis grabbed his would be attacker and threw them on the bed.
Betsy shrieked in surprise as Artemis grabbed her and rolled over bringing her with him. There was no recognition in his eyes as he hovered above her. He said a word that might have been a name and ground his mouth against hers.
Besty froze. Of all things she had thought Artemis might do, kissing her hadn't been one of them. Not that she was complaining. She had wanted him to kiss her from the first time she clapped eyes on him. The problem was that he thought he was kissing someone else.
There was nothing gentle in Artemis' kiss as he ground his mouth against hers. Under his insistent pressure Betsy opened her mouth. He immediately plunged his tongue into her mouth. Betsy was frightened and excited at the same time. She had never experienced anything like the assassin's passionate kiss. He ground his naked hips against her. Betsy gasped and started to struggle against his hold. He was scaring her.
Artemis lifted his head and stared down at her. His eyes filled with confusion. What just happened? The assassin looked hard at the woman lying beneath him. She was breathing hard her eyes wide with fear. He frowned, "Betsy?" he asked. What was she doing here? Was he hallucinating?
"Bank's closed mac, I'm all balled up," Betsy whispered. The kiss had distressed her enough that she didn't want him to kiss her again. She stared into his hard dark eyes, though she wouldn't fight if he wanted to take advantage of her.
Artemis scowled at her at odd statement. Well, he guessed he wasn't hallucinating. He doubted his hallucination would talk in such a way. Not to mention why would he hallucinate about this outrageous female.
"You gonna let me go baby?" Betsy asked.
He didn't move as he studied her frightened expression. What had he done to frighten her? Although he had been trying to frighten her earlier Artemis had no memory of what just happened. "What just happened? Why are you here?" he asked still holding her down.
"You kissed me," Betsy told him. Drat, she already wanted him to kiss her again.
Artemis stared at her in disbelief, "Why would I kiss you," he demanded.
Betsy shook her head, "I don't know baby. I was changing the cold compress when you grabbed me. I thought you were gonna hurt me but instead you kissed me," she said. Betsy was distracted by the heat she could feel coming off of his hard naked body. Too bad he didn't seem aware of her at all.
Not moving, Artemis looked down at Betsy. The thin clothing she wore didn't provide much of a barrier and he could feel the outline of her body. "I don't remember kissing you," he said.
Betsy licked her lips, "Cash or check?" she asked. Artemis gave her a blank stare. Betsy rolled her eyes and said, "Kiss me."
Artemis raised his eyebrows in surprise and then lowered his head. Betsy moaned into his mouth as he crushed her lips under his. Grabbing her wrists Artemis forced her arms above her head as he pressed the length of his body along hers. Betsy's enthusiastic response brought a small smile to his lips. The assassin had never cared about physical release. The only thing that had ever mattered to him was honing his fighting skills. So he was surprised to find that he was enjoying himself. He didn't have to wonder if Betsy felt the same. The way she writhed and moaned beneath him didn't leave any doubt in his mind that she wanted him, he thought in amusement.
What was he doing? Artemis abruptly came to senses. Rolling away, he shoved her off the bed. Betsy landed on the floor with a loud thump. "Leave," Artemis growled.
Betsy sat on the floor staring up at him, "Can't do that baby," she told him.
Artemis looked like he wanted to kill her. Snarling he started to get off the bed but a bout of coughing prevented him from getting close enough to snap her neck. To his annoyance she didn't waste any time sitting down beside him again. As the coughing increased in severity the pain took away all conscious thought.
Betsy laid a hand on Artemis shoulder which he immediately pushed away. Why didn't he like to be touched? It was like he didn't trust anyone. Although Betsy could understand being cautious about trusting someone, Artemis' reaction was strange. He had enjoyed kissing her. His body had made that obvious. So why had he pushed her away? Betsy was reminded of the wild animals she had seen at the circus. They snarled and struck out at you whenever someone approached their cage. It was like they had never known kindness. What had Artemis gone through that would make him react in such a way?
"Poor bunny, what did they do to you?" Betsy whispered. Fortunately Artemis was coughing too hard to hear her.
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Finished with her shower Anna shook out the clothes that Betsy had given her. "You have got to kidding me," she muttered looking at the silk nightgown and matching robe. How was she going to walk around in this?
She slipped on the silks. It felt like she wasn't wearing anything but she couldn't stay in here forever. She glanced at the door. Taking a deep breath she opened the door and left the bathroom.
Peeking into the spare bedroom she almost burst out laughing. Jarlaxle had found the mirror. Seeing her reflection in the mirror he turned towards her.
Jarlaxle noticed that Anna wasn't moving out from behind the door frame. What was she hiding? Suddenly a wide smile spread across his face as understanding dawned on him. Betsy had provided Anna with a change of clothing. Curiosity thoroughly aroused he stood up and walked towards her.
"Stay there!" Anna exclaimed holding out a hand to stop his approach. That of course only made him more curious.
"How am I to learn how to work the shower if I do not leave the room?" the drow asked.
Anna's face tightened. How was she going to avoid having him see her?
As if reading her thoughts the drow said, "I am going to see what you're wearing sooner or later."
Anna groaned and buried her face in her hands. Jalaxle laughed and crossed the room. As he pulled her hands down Anna's eyes jerked to his face. How had he crossed the room so quickly? She hadn't even heard him move. Taking her by the shoulders, Jarlaxle held her at arm's length as his eyes slowly traveled down her body. The thin silk clung to her in the most delightful way. Anna shifted uneasily under his examination. As his eyes traveled back to her face he asked, "Why are you embarrassed?"
"This is indecent," Anna told him averting her face to hide her blush.
"You are covered from the neck down," Jarlaxle laughed. If she knew how the silk accentuated the shape of her body she would no doubt start avoiding him again.
Anna cleared her throat and pulled away. "Come on, I'll show you how to work the shower," she said motioning for him to follow her. Jarlaxle trailed behind her considering how to get her to overcome her unease around him. His train of thought was interrupted as Anna explained how the shower worked. Jarlaxle was fascinated. Seeing that the dark elf was temporarily distracted Anna said goodnight and closed the bathroom door behind her.
Returning to the spare bedroom Anna sat on the edge of the bed. She hadn't realized how tired she was until she sat down. Rubbing her eyes, Anna stretched and yawned. Taking off the rob she pulled up the covers. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.
Jarlaxle decided he loved this thing Anna called a shower. He took his time enjoying the feel of the warm water cascading down his body. Reluctantly leaving the shower he dried off he pulled on a pair of breeches and then went in search of Anna.
Walking into the bedroom he found Anna curled up on the bed fast asleep. Laying down the rest of the clothes he stopped at the bed and looked down at her. No doubt she expected him to sleep in the other room. That would be what a gentleman would do. Jarlaxle lay down and stretched out beside her. Lightly touching a dark curl he studied her sleeping face. She looked so unguarded. Curious to see what she had been wearing under the robe he gently slid the blanket from her shoulder. The night clothes that Betsy had given her were barely more than a slip of pale silk. He could now see why she had tied the robe around herself. Anna was more slender than Betsy and the silk nightgown was far too big for her. Careful not to wake her he pushed the blanket further down to expose the curve of her hip. As he rested a hand on her hip he realized she had lost weight. He could feel the bone. She hadn't been eating enough.
At his light touch Anna mumbled something in her sleep and inched closer to him. Jarlaxle remained still waiting to see what she would do. After a few minutes she shivered and moved closer. She smiled as he wrapped his arm around her and snuggled against him. He considered waking her but decided against it. If she woke up she would move away. The dark elf wanted to enjoy this moment a little longer. Though he could easily take her by force, Jarlaxle preferred seduction. Reaching down he pulled the blanket back over him and curled his arm back around her. He could see the exhaustion in her face and contented himself with watching her as she slept.
Anna sighed and snuggled into the warmth surrounding her. She was so comfortable. Still half asleep she opened her eyes and found herself staring at something dark. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before burying her nose in the warm the dark pillow. A soft laugh drifted above her. Why was the pillow laughing? Cautiously opening her eyes again she frowned at the pillow. Wait a minute, the pillow shouldn't be black. Confused she moved back to get a better look and then went perfectly still. The elf was watching her out of gleaming red eyes. Anna tried to jump out of bed but Jarlaxle's arm held her in place.
"What are you doing here?" Anna hissed.
Jarlaxle gave her a confused look, "Why you brought me here," he reminded her.
Anna glared at him, "I mean here…in bed...with me," she quietly growled.
"I was resting of course," Jarlaxle answered trying not to laugh at her outraged expression. Would he ever get tired of teasing her?
"Oh!" Anna wriggled trying to free herself which only made things worse. With only the thin silk between them she could feel his tightly corded muscles pressed against her chest. He didn't look like he planned on letting her go either. She stiffened when she felt his hand slide down to cup her rear cheek. "What are you doing?" she gasped.
"Nothing yet," Jarlaxle breathed as his hand slid back to her shoulder rolling her onto her back. He laughed at the horrified look in her eyes and lowered his head to kiss her. "Relax," he said softly against her lips. Anna had gone stiff as a board. The drow laughed softly and slid his hand down her arm until he reached her leg.
Anna didn't know what to do. The feel of his hands on her skin was intoxicating and she wouldn't be able to think much longer if he continued. She had thought she wanted to take some memories with her but this was not what she had in mind. She gasped as his fingers teasingly played along her leg pushing the nightgown further up her thigh. Her mind told her to run but her body didn't want to listen. Leaving her mouth his lips traveled down her throat stopping her shoulder where he placed a kiss and then looked up at her. His eyes were filled with mischief.
"Do you want me to stop?" Jarlaxle asked teasingly.
"Yes," Anna growled.
"Liar," he laughed. The drow could feel her body responding to him. "There is no reason to be afraid," he assured her as he leaned down to kiss her leg just below the hem of the nightgown. As his lips rested against her thigh his hand slid under the silk and pushed it further up her leg. Anna squeaked and scooted away from him.
She was breathing hard and felt hot all over. "What are you doing to me?" Anna whispered.
"Haven't you ever felt ssinssrin before?" Jarlaxle asked. Moving to kneel beside her he took her face in his hands and brushed her forehead with his lips.
"What is ssinssrin?" Anna asked.
"It is the drow word for desire," he breathed into her ear. Anna swallowed nervously.
"Of course not, ladies don't feel things like that," Anna told him trying to control her ragged breathing.
"Oh, I beg to disagree," Jarlaxle said moving back to look at her.
"There is much I could teach you but I believe that will be a lesson for another day," he told her and then burst out laughing at the look of horror on her face. "Come, let us see how Betsy is fairing with Artemis," Jarlaxle said once he was able to stop laughing.
As he reached for his clothing Anna found herself from staring at smooth muscles of his back. Stop it! Anna commanded herself. She turned her face away determined not to look at him but the temptation proved too great.
As he pulled on his shirt Jarlaxle caught Anna's reflection in the mirror. She looked entranced. He laughed silently to himself. It was only a matter of time before she was so caught in his web that she would never escape. She had reacted exactly as he expected.
He had left her burning with desire on purpose. He knew if he pressed her further right now her desire would have turned to fear. Now instead of fear she was her burning with curiosity. He could see it in the way her eyes followed him. Things were going exactly as he planned.
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Securing the robe Anna followed Jarlaxle into the living room. The sun was streaming through the curtains and Anna wondered how long she had slept. It had been late afternoon when they arrived at Betsy's so she guessed she must have slept through the night. Walking to the window Anna pulled back the curtains and looked outside.
"What's going on?" She wondered out loud. A huge crowd had gathered in the streets. Opening the window Anna leaned out to get a better look. The crowd filled the streets for as far as the eye could see. There was barely standing room. "There must be thousands of people out there," she said.
Jarlaxle came to stand beside her. He stared at the sheer number of humans gathered below. He had never seen so many in one place.
"What are you looking at?" Betsy's sleepy voice came from the kitchen as she poured a cup of coffee for herself. Joining her in the kitchen Anna grabbed a cup and held it out.
"There's a huge crowd outside," Anna told her as Betsy filled her cup. Lifting the cup to her nose Anna inhaled and smiled, "Oh, coffee…" she sighed.
Betsy laughed at the blissful look on Anna's face. Waving towards the window she said, "They are welcoming the soldiers home. The city is holding a celebration. I was on my way there when you showed up here yesterday." Anna nodded, that explained why Betsy had been dressed up.
As the trio looked at the mass of people filling the streets they had no idea they were looking at the birth of the most deadly epidemic in recorded history. A little known illness was sweeping across the world. The loss of life would catastrophic. Even the Great War with its enormous casualties would be eclipsed by the death toll this silent killer would leave in its wake. By the time it was done 50,000,000-100,000,000 people would be dead.
Author's Note: Bwaaa hahahah…Doom and gloom. Doom and gloom. *gleefully rubs hands together* Oh I can't wait. Disaster is just around the corner.
Yulandia: Poor Artemis. No he is never going to be the same after this. I just subjected the poor soul to a flapper. Okay, I couldn't resist the idea was just so funny!
Sonra: heheh…I've been called evil on multiple occasions. I'll take that as a compliment. :D And yeah, it's cool we can communicate!