Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Ciara Lake

  Val astonished her with his intense response. He growled in her mouth. She felt dizzy. She’d intended her kiss to be brief and sweet, a nice thank-you of sorts. It had not come off sweet. Val had not reacted to it as a sweet thank-you either. Instantly, his business-like demeanor evaporated. It seemed to fall off him, kissing her harder, passionately. His large hands cupped her soft bottom, squeezing it. He pressed her into his hardness. She offered no resistance. Sharp teeth accidently nicked her bottom lip. He hesitated for a second. Until Zalora ran her hand through the back of his hair, feeling its silky texture.

  Strangely, his nipping her thrilled her, encouraging her to want to bite him back. His tongue pushed into her mouth, inviting her into his mouth. The taste of him made her head feel like it was swirling with emotions. She sighed against him, and a different kind of shiver passed through her. She felt his reaction to her shivering. He gripped her closer. Again, she wondered at his alluring taste as she kissed him deeper. He pulled back to stare at her. His eyes were extremely bright, wild. His pupils were slits. He was stunning and feral-looking. Feeling wild, she pressed against him to initiate another kiss. This time her kiss was more subdued. It took all her effort to regain her composure. His mouth disconnected from hers.

  “We have to go.” His voice was gravelly. It did not sound normal at all. Gently he touched her hair as if examining her curls. He brought a strand to his nose and rubbed it on his face. Then he inhaled deeply. The look he gave her made her core throb with need. Her panties felt damp between her legs. Truly, their kiss had been short-lived for the wake of emotions it left. Its pleasure had been immeasurable. Her head buzzed. She ached for more. In all her twenty-four annums, she’d never been kissed like he kissed her. At least she’d never felt any thrill. This thrill circulated like her blood in her body, nearly causing her to beg for more. She’d forgotten all else.

  Val released her, helped her into her seat. Then he jumped into his pilot seat with exceptional grace. He hit a button to close the hatch over their heads. His ship came alive around her, humming, buzzing with lights flashing. Zalora buckled herself in and closed her eyes, saying a soft prayer.

  Dear Creator, I hate to fly. I hate heights, too. She gripped her armrest with all of her might. Help him do a good job. He is a captain. It must mean he’s good. When she finished her silent prayer, she touched her lips. Slowly she ran her finger over her bottom lip. Her lips tingled, triggering shivers of sensual anticipation spiraling down her body. She could smell the dampness of her desire. Emotions warred. Desire, fear, anger, anxiety raced through her, resting in her gut. Val, whatever your last name is, we’re not done kissing. I think it helps me forget the horror. The ship rose straight up, turning in midair. They were airborne.

  “Black Beast, this is SD721.”

  “We have you SD721.” The communication could be heard throughout the cockpit. Zalora could hear him talking to his battleship as if they were talking right into her ear.

  “I’m headed in.”

  “Caution enemies on ground with AA weaponry.”

  “Copy that. Will cruise low in atmosphere with caution until over west hem and rendezvous at WHK290.”

  “Will be waiting.”

  “Out.”

  “What’s AA weaponry?”

  “Antiair.”

  “Like shoot-us-down type?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh sweet Creator, I hate heights. Worse, I hate falling from them.”

  “Well I’m hoping to avoid any AA.” They continued to fly in silence for some time. She dozed off. A buzz woke her as it passed through their ship. The vibration moved through her body, too, stunning her, making her tingle all over.

  “Fuck, fuck! A fucking pulse.” He growled wildly. His angry words further roused her. Blood rushed to her head. Their ship dramatically slowed, almost as if it were stopping in midair. Zalora anxiously looked around, desperate to find what to do. The ship’s lighting was dimming. The lights were going out on the gauges. “Black Beast, come in, I’ve been hit by low pulse, electronics failing.”

  “We have you SD721. Acknowledge hit by electronic pulse.”

  “Ship on minimal power. Power’s failing.”

  “Copy that.”

  “We’re going down.”

  “Copy that SD…lose…com…” Their transmission terminated.

  “Down.” She sat straight up in her seat. Her heart raced, pounding hard in her chest. So hard it hurt her. “Going down?” Zalora grabbed hold of her armrest so hard it hurt her hands. “Oh my benevolent Creator, we’re going down. Save us great Creator.” Zalora screamed at the top of her lungs. Panic took hold of her, making her feel irrational. Horror of their inevitable fate took away every ounce of her rational thought.

  “Zalora, do not scream in my ear. It hurts. I have to concentrate.” Val’s response was extremely curt. His irritation gave her pause.

  “Help, we’re going to crash,” Zalora repeated more softly, unable to stop herself.

  “Zalora…Zalora.”

  “Yes.”

  “Listen, I need quiet. Understand me?” He was firm. “I’m going to land this ship. I need you to be calm. Do not scream again.”

  “Oh sweet Creator.” His warnings of being quiet did not truly register in her mind. Her stomach was in her mouth. “Okay, we’re going to die, too. I’m ready.”

  “Zalora, trust me, be calm.” His voice was cool, but his tone more compassionate. “We’re going to survive.”

  “I trust you. But you’re not the ship or the ones shooting us.” Their ship dropped lower. Now they were gliding fast at a descent. Gravity was pushing her back in her seat.

  “Zalora, when I tell you, tuck your head between your knees. Do it. I’m aiming for a clearing I’ve identified. These ships are the envy of other worlds, and they can stand heavy impact. We’re going to make it.”

  “Okay.” There are so many things I want to do. Hot tears rolled down her face. I wanted to be a mother some day. This nightmare, her existence was about to end in an even more horrific way.

  Val maneuvered his ship with incredible expertise. Gravity let up on her, allowing her to breathe again. She could tell he had control over their descent. Working up the nerve, she looked out her cockpit window. Land was fast approaching. In front of them was a clearing he had obviously identified. “Head down,” he ordered. Their ship slowed again, causing her to strain against her belt. They hit the ground. It bounced, bounced again, hitting hard. Then they went into an endless slide. A loud noise caused by their ship straining under the impact was deafening, making her cringe. The ship screamed louder than she had. Unable to keep her head down anymore, she sat up. They continued to slide now at an angle. Brownish water washed up over their cockpit. Now we’re going to drown. I hate drowning. Falling and drowning are two of my least favorite ways to go. She sighed as dread made her chest heavy. The heaviness silenced her as she anticipated her death. Finally, they stopped abruptly. She was hurled her against her restraints, hurting her breasts and shoulders. Her belt hurt her waist, too, as it held her. She cried out in pain.

  “Zalora.” Their amplified communication was gone. Val yelled her name. “Zalora, you okay?”

  “Yes, my belt hurt me. But I’m in one piece.” Her body ached, and her head spun. She wanted to throw up.

  “We’re in a swamp. But we’re above water. The ship’s resting on the bottom. We may need to swim to shore. Are you able to unbuckle your belt, to move?”

  “Yes.” She unsnapped it then moved slowly to the edge of her seat. She was going to jump out of her skin. Her hands shook, and she was sweating profusely.

  “Grab your bag as well as the other bag under your seat. We have two survival bags onboard.” Manually he unsnapped the cockpit, opening it. Mustiness of the swamp floated into the cockpit. Val turned, looking back at her. His face was bloody. He had a huge cut over his right eye. It was badly swollen. His bottom lip was busted open. Bright red blood dripped down his jaw onto his u
niform. He’d been beaten up quite badly by the dash of his ship.

  “Val, you’re hurt.” She stood up.

  “I’m fine. It seems the dashboard hits hard.”

  I’m surprised he’s conscious. His right cheek looked bruised. He wiped his mouth with his hand then grinned.

  “It’ll heal.”

  Despite your injuries, you still look great. The air was humid but chilly. It was truly uncomfortably cool. Forgive me Creator for thinking about how good this man looks. I must be irrational with fear. Zalora put her hands on both sides of her head as if to regain her sanity. She could see her breath on the frigid air. It smelled musty, wild. I am not a wilderness girl. I hate this. But I’m grateful to be alive. Zalora gazed up as if to heaven, then looked out, taking in her unpleasant surroundings. It looked like they weren’t too far from shore. Vegetation stood out of the water, making it look less deep. This swampy area was surrounded by a large foreboding forest.

  “This is our Tallaria Forest.” Zalora moaned.

  “Is there something wrong with the Tallaria forest? Besides our ship crashing into it.” He carefully looked her over. “How do you know what forest this is?”

  “There are trees here with amber leaves. See.” She pointed toward the forest’s edge. “They’re called Tallaria trees.”

  “So the amber leaves tell you it is your Tallaria forest?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “These trees only grow here. Good news, their leaves are edible. I’m told they’re very good for you. They can be delicious.”

  “So we have a food source.” He looked out toward the forest.

  “Yes, they’re a great food source. But this forest has so many predators like saraguys.”

  “Are they in the water?” He frowned.

  “No, we don’t have aquatic predators.”

  “Good news to me.” He looked over the side into the murky water. “What are saraguys?” The wind picked up, blowing her hair about her head. She brushed it back, wishing for her hair band. “Put your hood up.” He pointed to her coat. “Can we eat the saraguys?”

  “They’re four-legged medium-sized animals. They run in packs.” She closed her hood. “They eat meat. They may eat us. They’re known to be vicious. They’ll probably find us delicious.”

  “Well, I’m a bigger predator. Plus, I have weapons. I’m vicious, too.” Val smiled revealing sharp canines, which magically seemed to appear. “At least when I have to be.” He put his gun on his back. “Stay here.” He climbed up onto the side of the ship then jumped down. He landed loudly in the water. It splashed all around him, stirring up an unpleasant musty scent.

  “Val.” Zalora looked further over the side. He looked up at her. He was standing waist-deep in the stinky water.

  “Zalora, throw me down the two red bags. They’re our survival bags.”

  “Okay.” She tossed one over. He caught it. Then she tossed the second one.

  “Now, climb up onto the side of the ship to slide down. I’ll catch you.”

  “No.” She shook her head. Defiance filled her with resolution. “No. I’m not going to slide down.” She shook her head again. “I’m not coming down from this height into swamp water.”

  “No?” He stared up at her. “You have to. I can’t leave you here. I won’t.”

  “I can’t come down.”

  “Why the f—” He paused. “Why not, Zalora?”

  “I’m scared.” She leaned over the side, trying to estimate her situation. “I’ll just stay here. I’ll be okay.”

  “Hmm, I understand.” He shook his head as he put his hands on his hips. He looked up at her. She could see his irritation. “Unfortunately I can’t let you stay here. There isn’t much choice for you. You have to overcome your fear. Quickly! I don’t like water. I can’t see what’s in it with me. Plus it smells like shit. Now listen up. All will be well. Slide down. I’m here.” He motioned to her to come down. Zalora hesitated. “It’s safe. I’m here.” Zalora stared down at him for several moments.

  “I guess so.” After fighting with her inner fears, she eased her way onto the outside of the ship.

  “You can slide down the ship. It’s smooth. I’ll be at the bottom to catch you. I promise.” He hung his weapon on his back. He held his arms up.

  “You better keep all your promises to me.”

  “I’ll always keep my promises to you.” He smiled up at her. “Now come on down. The water’s freezing me.” His complaint of being cold seemed to push her to move faster.

  “You’re making a big promise to me.” She made sure she had all she needed as she mustered up her nerve. “I’m going to keep you at your word, Val…what’s your full name? I don’t even know.”

  “Steval Kael Braeden.” He gazed up at her. “Pleasure to know you, Zalora Aria Zimbali. Despite all of this.” He motioned around them. “I’m enjoying knowing you.”

  “Yep, we’ve had a great time from the first moment we met.” Zalora laughed. His teasing eased her panic.

  “Never had a better time, lovely Zalora,” He held his hand up toward her. “I’m not kidding, so let’s go.”

  “Okay, Steval Kael Braeden, here I come. You’d better catch me.” Zalora shook her finger at him then did as he suggested and slid down the smooth side. When she opened her eyes, she was in his arms. The water was cold, making her shudder against him. Warmth enclosed her as he wrapped his arms about her. For sure, he was a furnace.

  “See, I caught you. I’ll not let you go now.” He spoke close to her face. Impulsively, she kissed his uninjured cheek. However, she was amazed his injuries looked much better. Dried blood remained, but he had definitely healed. His eye did not appear as swollen.

  “Don’t you dare let me go.” She playfully smacked his arm. “I’m not swimming in this gook.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll not let you go. Not without a fight.” He pressed her into him. “Okay, let’s get to dry land.” He kissed her mouth briskly. “I want to kiss you more.”

  “Shame on me for being so bold.” She grinned. “It’s really not like me. But I’m always starting something. I tend to get into trouble at times. We have to survive this so I can kiss you some more. ” She ran her hand through his damp hair. “Your lip, even your eye looks so much better.”

  “I heal quickly. I definitely like your kisses. You can be bold with me.” He rubbed his face against hers. “I want to do more.” His actions and his statement made a surge of desire land in her gut. For now, it was overriding her fear of their very bad circumstances. Therefore, she openly welcomed her peculiar feelings.

  Dear me, I want to do more, too. What does he mean more? What does more mean? Is he talking about more kissing? A heat wave passed through her chilled body. I totally lost my last brain cell when we crashed. I’m near death, yet I’m wanting to do more things with him. Things I’ve never done before, but he makes me feel good. I hardly know him, and we could die. Her face heated, embarrassed by her thoughts. Her breasts were tender pressed against him. In fact, she ached all over from both the landing as well as her need to be closer to him.

  “Carry this bag with your backpack”—he handed her one of their survival bags—“then get up on my back.”

  “I can walk, if it’s not too deep.” She shook her head. “I hate riding you all of the time.”

  “Don’t worry.” His eyes twinkled. “You’ll make up for it.” He winked. “Maybe I’ll ride you? Anyway, you can’t walk through this. Just get on my back.”

  “Okay.” She climbed on him, confused as to why he winked. How can I make it up? How can you ride me?

  “Hold this”—he handed her his other bag—“so I can carry my gun to be ready for saraguys or whatever.” She did exactly as instructed. Val started his trudge through the swamp. He made good time pushing through the stinky water.

  “How can I make it up? I can’t carry you.” Val was slowing. They were making it to the shore. He paused. A quiver ran through his body as he was carrying her.

&n
bsp; “We’ll talk about it later.” He turned his head to look at her. Her face was close to his as she rode him piggyback. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll show you what I mean later.”

  “You’re cold? I can feel you shiver.” She rubbed his chest where she gripped him.

  “Yes, I’m cold, but that’s not why I shivered. When we get to shore, I’ll be okay. My uniform dries fast. I know you’re cold, too. Your clothes don’t dry fast. You’ll need to get out of them to get dried off.”

  “Yes, I know.” Her lips were close to his ear. Temptation to kiss his ear washed over her. At the same time, an animal’s howl echoed, bouncing off the trees. “Did you hear that?” Zalora’s legs tightened around him.

  “Yes, someone’s calling to hunt or mate. Be at ease. It’s just the way of animals. I’m not worried about these saraguys. I’m bigger and a more fierce predator. Trust me, Zalora, these saraguys are the least of our worries.” Finally, reaching the shore, he walked out of the water. She slid off his back. “The pulse deadened my personal communicator.” He motioned to his communicator on his uniform. “No communicator is our bigger worry.”

  “Oh.” Suddenly she was more anxious. This new feeling flooded over her again, replacing her more passionate thoughts. The reality of their conditions was dawning on her more and more.

  “We’ll have to wait to be rescued. They have to find us. I don’t know how long it’ll take. We need to worry about water, shelter, food, and Realmist.” He surveyed the area.

  “There’s the Tallaria trees.” She pointed toward the closest tree. “We can eat those.”

  “Yes, there’s Tallaria leaves.” He grinned. “The survivor bags have some supplies. I prefer meat.” He took one of the bags from her. “When we get inside the woods, we’ll be safer.”

  “The woods?” Zalora yelped.