Unleashed

by Tiffany Roberts

  “I built a tribe of my own. With Quinn, and Nina.” Orishok swept his arm out, indicating the crowd. “But now you have come, and I know that our people are not gone. My tribe has grown again. You have given me more than I can thank you for. You have restored our people, and you brought my child back.”

  Turning, Orishok drew Aduun into an unexpected embrace. Aduun swallowed his instinctual panic; Orishok was in control of his powers, and he was kin.

  Aduun threw his arms around his cousin. “I am sorry for all you have lost, Orishok.”

  “And I am thankful for all I have gained.” Orishok withdrew. “Quinn brought life to Bahmet. You and Nina have brought hope.” He turned toward the crowd and raised his voice to carry across the square. “Bahmet is open to all of you who wish to remain here. Let this city be our home, our place, no matter what its maker intended.”

  The crowd’s cheer was energetic, enthusiastic, and hopeful. Their people had been battered, abused, and downtrodden, but they remained unbroken.

  Balir joined Aduun, and they ate together. Orishok didn’t eat a single bite. It was as Nina had said; he didn’t eat, drink, or sleep. He was neither alive nor dead. But he was here, and he was living despite Kelsharn.

  The gentle hum of conversation filled the night air. Balir and Aduun told Orishok everything that had happened, and Orishok, in turn, shared his own experiences, telling them about the other Creators, about the other valos — beings wrought of air, fire, shadow, and stone, of water and lightning, of ice, light, and plants. He told them of wars, of betrayals, and of the crash that brought the humans to Sonhadra. Aduun mentioned the remains of the stone valos left below.

  “I will inform Quinn,” Orishok said, “so she may pass the word to Zoya. She is mated to a pair of stone valos, and they may have some means of restoring those below. At the very least, they can move them to rest alongside their kin, now that their vigil has ended.”

  As the night wore on, Orishok directed the others to the many buildings around them, pointing out which would be suitable for shelter. The valos slowly dispersed, some in a daze. Aduun didn’t know if their bewilderment was due to all they’d been through or the suddenness of having a home, of having fire and food and company, but he suspected that it was a little of everything. Though a few entered the buildings, many more found places outside — often amidst the lush greenery that grew all over the city — and lay down to sleep beneath the open sky. Aduun could not blame them for fulfilling that desire; they’d been caged for so, so long.

  The fires slowly died. When the sky lightened with the first signs of dawn, only Balir, Aduun, and Orishok remained, still talking quietly. The stories they shared had turned more and more toward Nina as time passed. There was no doubt that she was well-loved by the people in her life.

  “She has spent so long avoiding people,” Orishok told them. “Quinn and I have learned to shield our minds from her over the years, to allow her some peace, but around even small groups she has always been uncomfortable. She suffered terrible nightmares through her childhood, and I suspect many were pulled from other people’s minds. To see her with three mates, and so connected…”

  “Kelsharn’s ordeals have forced her to change,” Balir said, “but those changes have allowed her to grow.”

  Orishok shook his head as though in disbelief. “She stood against Kelsharn.”

  “Of all of us, she alone could stand,” Aduun said. “She alone was strong enough. And she was willing to sacrifice herself to save all of us, to save our people.”

  The sound of hooves on the street stones called their attention to Vortok, who approached from the direction of Quinn and Orishok’s home.

  “She is awake,” he said, wearing a wide, relieved grin, “and she’s asking for you three to join us.”

  Aduun smiled. The worry that had constricted his chest for what felt like an eternity finally eased. The four of them returned to the building together, their pace hurried by their excitement. Nina was alive, awake, awaiting.

  It took a great deal of restraint not to push in front of his companions and bound up the steps; everyone here cared for Nina deeply. His feelings for her didn’t give him any right over the others.

  Nina’s room was bathed in the golden glow of sunrise when they entered. She looked up at them immediately and smiled. The light brightened her face, brought out the copper highlights in her hair, and made her blue eyes sparkle. She leapt from the bed and ran toward Aduun — wholly unclothed.

  “Nina!” Quinn cried out, eyes wide.

  There was no more blood marring Nina’s smooth skin, and not so much as a mark on her abdomen despite the deep puncture wounds Kelsharn had inflicted. She threw herself into Aduun’s arms, and he lifted her into a tight embrace.

  “You’re okay,” he rasped.

  “I am,” she said, grasping his shoulders. She met his gaze and brought her lips to his. “We did it. You’re all free.”

  “Because of you,” he replied. “All this, because of you.”

  He reluctantly relinquished his hold on her as Balir stepped into place beside Nina and drew her into another embrace.

  Balir trailed his fingers over her hair and tipped his head down, lightly touching his bony head crest to her forehead. Though neither spoke, Aduun guessed that a great deal passed between them in those moments. She smoothed a hand over Balir’s bone plate and down his back.

  Quinn approached with a blanket and draped it over Nina’s shoulders.

  Nina raised her head and looked at her mother, her smile turning sheepish.

  “Sorry,” she said, taking hold of the blanket’s upper corners and drawing it around herself. “I’ve grown so used to…well…” Her cheeks colored.

  For the first time in hundreds of years, Aduun was aware of his own nakedness. Even Orishok wore a loincloth. Aduun cleared his throat. “We will have to remedy that. We do not wish to disrespect your customs, Quinn.”

  “It’s all right.” Quinn smiled; Aduun noted that she seemed quite intent on maintaining eye contact with him.

  There was movement to Aduun’s left, and Nina lifted her head. Tears filled her eyes as she stepped toward Orishok and slipped her arms around him. “Dad. I’m so sorry.”

  He held her close, head bowed. “It was foolish to leave on your own. You knew that.”

  “I know. I know it was stupid but…I don’t regret it.”

  Orishok took her chin between two fingers and tilted her face up. “Despite all the worry your mother and I suffered, all the fear and uncertainty…I do not regret it, either. You have done what none of my kind were able to do. You were brave and selfless, and you risked everything to protect the people you care for. I never want you putting yourself at risk, but I am so proud of you. The old legends cannot compare to what you have done, my daughter. And now, I will not lose you either.”

  Nina sniffled, tears spilling over her cheeks. “I love you so much.” She squeezed Orishok again, burying her face against his chest.

  Gently stroking her hair, Orishok smiled and closed his eyes. “Child of my heart.”

  Quinn kissed Nina’s cheek and touched a hand to Orishok’s arm. “Let’s give them some time. I’m ready for some sleep.”

  He nodded and released Nina without any attempt to mask his reluctance. Quinn laced her fingers with Orishok’s, and they walked out of the room together, closing the door behind them to leave Nina with Balir, Vortok, and Aduun.

  “You are truly feeling well?” Vortok asked, moving behind her and enfolding her in his arms. He settled a palm over her stomach as though searching for the wounds that had been there only hours before.

  “Other than my head aching, I feel completely fine.” She settled a hand over his and smiled when Balir joined them at her side. “There is no pain. It’s…as though it never happened. But I know it did, because I remember the pain.”

  “As do we,” Aduun said, stepping closer and cupping her cheek. He brushed his thumb over her soft skin and stared into her
eyes. More words built in his chest, words of relief, of thankfulness, of love, but they died on his tongue as he lost himself in the depths of her gaze. She did not need to be told; she already knew. But he still intended to show her.

  He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, pouring everything he felt into that contact, claiming her and surrendering to her at once. What started as a tender kiss soon turned into something consuming. He’d nearly lost her. They’d nearly lost her.

  “I need you,” Aduun rasped against her mouth.

  “We need you,” Balir said, rubbing his nose over Nina’s jaw and into her hair to inhale deeply.

  “And I need all of you,” Nina replied, turning her face to brush her lips across Balir’s cheek. She’d never felt as much fear as she did in the moment when Kelsharn had stepped out of the crystal pyramid. All her focus had been turned toward her mates, toward keeping them safe, keeping them alive, no matter the cost to her. But they were here with her now, and she wanted to be as close to them as she could.

  Vortok retreated farther into the room without releasing her and sat upon the bed. He lifted her onto his lap and made a deep rumbling sound in his chest. She leaned against him, taking comfort in his solidness, strength, and warmth. His hands slid up from her stomach to cup her breasts, and Nina moaned as his rough thumbs grazed her nipples, arching into his touch. His attention sent a thrill through her, flooding her core with liquid heat. She spread her thighs, hooking a foot behind each of his knees. His cock slid along her back as it emerged from its sheath.

  Nina looked up and found Aduun’s hungry, amber eyes staring at the juncture of her open thighs before rising to meet her gaze. She held her arms out to him. He came to her, his shaft already erect, and caught her mouth in another ferocious kiss. His claws delved into her hair as he pressed close, and Nina slipped her arms around him, the tips of her fingers dipping lower to the base of his tail to pull him even closer.

  “Now,” she breathed; urgency suffused her. She wanted them now. Needed them now.

  Aduun shifted his hips, and as soon as the head of his cock settled against her opening, he plunged into her. She gasped against his mouth as he filled her. Without pause, he pulled back out and thrust into her again, and again, and again. He claimed her with his mouth, stealing her air and breathing new life into her.

  She opened to him, opened to all of them, giving a part of herself she’d never shield from them. Their love consumed her, their lust ravaged her, and their pleasure destroyed her, blazing white hot.

  Her body tensed, and she came with a sharp cry, digging her nails into Aduun’s back. She felt his shaft expand as he tore his lips away and released a harsh, guttural growl. A burst of heat spilled into her core. Ripples of sensation flowed through her as his body stilled. His pulse vibrated against her chest, and Vortok’s echoed it at her back.

  Aduun purred, brushing her cheeks with his own as he and Vortok moved their hands over her flesh in loving caresses. When his cock had finally released her, he slipped free and shifted aside to lay on the bed, groaning in contentment.

  Balir was there next, claiming the space Aduun had vacated, and thrust inside her without hesitation. Nina’s lips parted as the air fled her lungs. She moaned and tilted her hips, taking him deeper. His long-fingered hands cupped her face, the pads of his thumbs brushing over her features as he pumped his hips, coaxing breathy moans from her.

  “My beautiful Nina,” he whispered.

  Nina gave in to the sensations of his touch — his hands on her skin, the rasp of his scales against her thighs, and his thick shaft between her legs, sliding in and out with a relentless pace.

  She placed her hands on his shoulders and kept her eyes open, watching him, wanting to see the changes in his expression. His brow knitted, and he bared his teeth. The pleasure within them built to overwhelming heights. Her moans mixed with his snarls as their mutual passion crashed and swirled in a storm of lust and love, sweeping them over the threshold into earth-shaking, simultaneous climaxes.

  Panting, Balir smiled and caressed her face once more before dropping a gentle kiss on her lips. Nina sighed and returned it. He groaned as he withdrew from her; his body shuddered, and for a moment his hold on her tightened, but he finally broke away and moved to the bed beside Vortok.

  With his hands on her hips, Vortok lifted Nina and maneuvered her to face him, adjusting her legs to straddle him again. His cock was long and hard between them. She met his dark, lust-filled gaze as he lay back.

  “Mount me, Nina,” he coaxed.

  She looked down at his shaft, curled her fingers around it, and squeezed. A tremor wracked Vortok, and he pumped his hips. With a smile, she braced her hands flat on his chest, raised her hips, and positioned herself above him. When the head of his shaft touched her sex, she met his gaze and lowered herself, taking him inch by inch until he was seated as deep as she could take him on her own. She released a throaty moan. He filled her, stretching her to the brink.

  Vortok groaned, and his grip on her tightened. His strong hands picked her up and pulled her back down, moving slowly at first. She used her leverage to push harder, to take him deeper, and he quickened his pace, grunting with each thrust. Soon, she surrendered to his movements, allowing her to use her body as he wished. He grunted with each thrust, baring his teeth and tusks. Nina’s head dropped back, and she cried out as every stroke of his shaft ignited fresh heat within her.

  Two more sets of hands fell upon her shoulders and back, followed by warm mouths that worshipped her flesh with lips, tongues, and loving words. The entire world fell away in that moment — everything that had happened was forgotten, leaving only Nina and her mates, leaving only their unconditional, unwavering love for one another.

  She reached her peak with a choked cry, her body going rigid as pulses of pleasure blasted through her, paralyzing her. Vortok roared and thrusted once more into her quivering, tight sex before his seed flooded her.

  Nina sagged atop him, breathing heavily against his furred chest, her body damp with perspiration and marked with her mates’ scents. She felt wonderfully sated, blissful, happy, and exhausted. She rose and fell with Vortok’s chest as he breathed deeply; the steady rhythm made her eyelids heavy.

  She opened her eyes for a moment when Vortok moved her, withdrawing from her body to place her at the center of the bed. Her protest died on her lips when her mates surrounded, leaving no part of her body untouched by them in some way. They were here with her to share a bond deeper than most could ever imagine — blood to blood, mind to mind, and heart to heart.

  No matter how many years they’d have to share, their bond would be unbreakable, and their love would be undying.

  Epilogue

  “I still can’t believe you haven’t made your move on Unali after all this time, Kreshok,” Nina said. She shook her head, a small smile playing upon her lips as she wove the stalks of grass around the basket she was making. “I know I haven’t been by to talk for a while, and I apologize, but you must’ve already heard about what’s been going on. It’s amazing, isn’t it?” She looked up into the featureless stone face of the statue beside her. “We have a tribe, Kreshok.”

  She dropped her gaze to the basket; it was one of many she’d woven in the last few weeks. Now that there were so many people living in Bahmet, there was a lot to get done to ensure their lives were comfortable.

  It’d been uneasy in the beginning. As much as the valos had wanted to trust Orishok, their natural instincts instilled them with fear of him; their beasts recognized what he was and recoiled from it. But in time, they’d overcome those fears and accepted him as the man he was — a man of their tribe, as capable a leader as Aduun. It brought tears to Nina’s eyes to see her father filled with so much hope and joy for the future. The memories of what Kelsharn had done would forever remain in the hearts of those he’d affected, but they’d found the strength to move on, to grow stronger from all they’d experienced.

  They refused to allow Kelshar
n to darken their thoughts a moment more.

  Five months had passed since they arrived in Bahmet, and it hadn’t taken them long to begin working as a tribe. They’d never forgotten their ways, even after spending centuries locked in cages as beasts. Hunting parties were formed, the freezers were filled to the brink with fresh meat, and thanks to Quinn, they were quickly learning to grow and tend crops in the gardens. The valos looked healthy and happy, a far cry from their appearances after their release.

  There’d been festivities and laughter, and Nina had joined in with her mates by her side. She no longer shied away from company. She’d gained better control of her abilities, and they strengthened with each passing day. Like her mates, she’d learned not to fear what she was, but to embrace it.

  Zoya visited often with her valos and their daughters. Rather than hide, Nina had welcomed them to Bahmet with a warm smile each time they came.

  It had been Zoya’s eldest, Ginia, who had journeyed into the underground Bahmet and blooded the first pair of heartstones, restoring a pair of the stone valos who’d helped imprison Kelsharn. They’d been shocked by the female, by all that had happened and how many years had passed, but had been instantly taken with her and rarely left her side.

  The newly awoken stone valos had told their story to Zoya’s mates, Rock and Vluun. They’d worked ceaselessly for Kelsharn because Ilena had asked it of them, but they’d learned of Kelsharn’s treachery. The stone valos who’d been laboring for him — twenty-four in total — had done the only thing they could to protect the rest of their people and avenge their beloved Creator by forming a diamond prison around Kelsharn.

  Rock and Vluun hadn’t known the whereabouts of the missing stone valos, just as Orishok hadn’t known the fate of Aduun’s clan. They’d simply vanished one day, hundreds and hundreds of years before.

  Life was slowly returning to stone valos’ city, Corfoha, and Nina believed it would be just as lively as Bahmet in time.