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

by Ciara Lake

  “Yes.” He nodded. “To make a shelter. It’s warmer inside the woods. Plus, it’s more hidden from our enemies.”

  “Our enemies?”

  “Yes, Realmist ground troops. Remember them?”

  “Oh.” She felt dazed. I’m such an idiot I’d never make it without him.

  “The winds are picking up. It’s going to rain.” He looked up into the sky. “Smells like rain.”

  “Smells? How can you smell anything but the stink of this swamp?”

  “Yes, it smells like rain.” He nodded. “I’ll build a fire then make us a tent. As soon as we have a fire, you can get out of your wet clothes. Our survivor bags have all we need for our basic comforts. I have fire pits, which will withstand rain. They’ll warm us nicely.”

  She reluctantly followed him into the forest. “You can smell rain?” The trees were tall with huge trunks. Beneath the trees was very little undergrowth. The wind still whipped through the trees, pushing against her. Any harder, it would move her or push her down. It took all she had to keep up with Val.

  “Yes. I have excellent senses, like an animal.” He looked back at her. “Do my abilities bother you?” He raised his brow as he watched for her reaction. “I told you I was a predator. I meant it.”

  “No, I’m not bothered.” What am I supposed to say? She jogged a bit to close up the gap. “You walk fast, too.” Val gave her a quizzical look. “How far are we going? It’s getting much dimmer as we travel deeper into the forest. I guess you do see in the dark, too,” she mumbled to herself.

  “Just a bit further. I want to get us away from the forest edge so our fire won’t be easily seen from a distance.” She followed him in silence. “Here” He suddenly stopped. “We’ll set up here.” He threw his survivor bag down then reached for hers. Taking it off her back, she handed it to him. He emptied one of the bags. “Sit on this.” He laid an empty bag on the ground. “I’m going to build our tent and fire. You need to get dried off. I don’t want you to become ill. Your lips are blue.” He looked concerned. Dazed, she sat down. She was nearly numb all over, her mind, too. He draped a blanket over her shoulders. “This is a part of the other tent. It holds in heat.” He pulled the material close around her then he kissed her. Their relationship had definitely altered from when they first met. “I need to get busy setting up things.” He turned to start putting up a fire pit. Within minutes, a full flame burned, and its warmth stimulated her. It began to thaw her out, waking her out of her stupor she’d been sinking further into. Her mind was jumbled with thoughts of all of what was happening. It all seemed as a dream. “Are you better?” He interrupted her dazed inattention.

  “Yes.” She mechanically nodded as she opened her coat to allow more heat to penetrate to her bones. Her stomach clenched with hunger, making a loud noise.

  “You hungry?”

  “Yes.”

  “Take your clothes off and put the tent over you while close to the fire.” He touched her arm. “I’m busy making a tent. Then I’ll find us some food.” He nodded in the direction of the partially built tent. “You’ll have privacy. You have to get dried off and warm.” His tone was insistent.

  “Okay.” Zalora watched him move away. Quickly she removed her coat, boots, and pants. She kept her damp panties as well as her shirt on. Val was busy making their tent. It seemed to be a challenge to him. “This fire’s really warm.” He turned to look at her. His eyes scanned her. Blood rushed to her face, and she realized he was really looking hard. His face had fully healed, stunning her.

  “You’re a beautiful woman.” He looked away as he continued to struggle with their tent. “Are you comfortable now?”

  “Yes, I’m comfortable. Thanks.” After putting another side of the tent up, he walked over to the fire pit. Val stooped down next to her. “The fire does feel good.” He held his hands up to warm them. “I’m cold, too.” His eyes were brighter. They had a light of their own in the dim woods. She watched his pupils transform from circles to vertical slits. It fascinated her. All she could do was stare at him. Thoughts of wrapping herself around him bombarded her mind again. She licked her lips as she recalled the way he tasted. Val stared back. He really was studying her. For several minutes, they did not speak. They just looked at each other. She felt warmer as he watched her.

  “You need to get warm, Val.” Boldly, she reached out, touching his arm. He was as a furnace, almost hot to her touch. It surprised her. “I don’t want you to get sick. I can’t make it without you. I need you.” She smiled. “Regardless, I don’t want you to be sick. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  “Thanks for what?” He cocked his head to its side, and his eyes gleamed. “It’s nice to be needed by a beautiful woman.” He looked so foreign, alien to her, yet he was gorgeous. Her reaction to him was nearly uncontrollable.

  “Well, for everything.” She shrugged. “And for telling me I’m beautiful, too. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” She smiled, looking away from him. Shyness besieged her she fiddled with her hands.

  * * * *

  “I feel the same about you.” He watched her play with her fingers. She seemed much younger than when he first met her. “Not only are you beautiful, you’re brave. I’m not one to give out compliments if not deserved.”

  “I’m not brave at all.” Her curly hair bounced around her head as she looked back up at him. He wanted to run his hands through it, to bury his nose in it.

  “You are. You saved so many children. They needed you. Those other adults and children looked to you for leadership. You’re an alpha.” Her purple eyes shone with unshed tears. “You affect me like no other.” Rosiness colored her cheeks from the fire, and then it increased by her blush. “You’re sweet, too, with feistiness. I like feistiness.” He grinned as he stood up. “Let me get our shelter done so I can get warm, too, and then we can both get comfortable for the night. We need to rest and eat.”

  “Yes, you do need to rest. I should be helping you with the tent.” She gazed over to where he’d been working. “I’m useless.” She shook her head.

  “No, I’m almost done. You’re not useless.” He winked, causing her to blush pink again. “I have one more side to anchor then another fire to make. I’ll put this one out when I start the one by the tent’s entrance. We should use one fire pit at a time to save fuel. After I get warmed, I’m going to gather twigs and leaves to put on the flame to make it last.”

  “I can help you gather leaves and twigs. The Tallaria leaves smell nice when burned.”

  “I’ll keep your offer in mind.” He grinned. “We can eat some rations, too, before we go to sleep.” He started to move back to his tent making then paused. “How old are you?”

  “Twenty-four annums.”

  “Good.” He continued building their tent.

  “Why is being twenty-four annums good?” He turned back to look at her.

  “It just is.” He shrugged. “I’m thirty-two.”

  “Xihirians age slower than we do. At least I’ve heard you do. My father’s very interested in Xihirah.”

  “Yes, we do age slower. Unless a Tallusian mates with one of us, and then they’re aging would slow to match their Xihirian mate’s.” He resumed his tent building. She watched him, seeming more alert now. For a moment she’d seemed too inattentive, almost dazed. “The tent’s done.” He walked over to her fire then put it out. “Come on.” He reached down for her and helped her up. Her hand was small, delicate in his. He caressed the back of her hand’s soft skin with his thumb.

  “You’re soft.” She looked up at him, smiling. Her lips were pinker now. His cock stirred. He’d had an erection since he got out of the cold swamp. His remarkable self-imposed discipline was all but gone. He always worked hard at controlling his emotions. They could be volatile at times. It was characteristic of an Alpha Prime. He needed every ounce of his self-control to stop from throwing her to the damp ground to fuck her. Damn I want you. You smell wonderful. He inhaled when she stood
up. The need to mate weighed on him like nothing he’d ever experienced. His glands in his mouth increased their hormone production, escalating his yearning. The spicy taste filled his mouth. “Get inside the tent and lay down.” His tone came out a bit gruffer than intended.

  He had a longing to yell or growl out to the entire forest she was his. This strong temptation was seriously affecting him. Flexing his muscles to refocus his control, he rolled his head to the side. His neck cracked, relieving some pressure. His Wolfton’s animal tendencies were in full force, pushing to the surface of his human facade. I have to shift to run soon. Running his hand through his hair in agitation, he looked off into the woods around them. Groups of little beady eyes watched them from behind trees. He could hear them scurrying about. No doubt, they sensed his lurking beast. He captivated, even scared, the little furry creatures who watched him. “I’ll take care of you.” He looked back into her eyes. “You’re mine.” His voice was so low he wondered if she heard him.

  Zalora just looked at him. Some humanoids would be leery of him now, as even Earthen humans could sense his beast beneath his cool exterior. Prey could always sense a predator, even numbed Earthen humans. But Zalora moved closer to him as if to absorb his warmth. She showed no fear. “I’ll bring you rations when I’m done gathering wood and leaves to burn.” He reached out to touch her hair. She leaned toward him, smiling. His heart raced. She wanted him. He could smell her desire. It was alluring, pulling his beast closer to the surface. Her hair was as soft as he remembered.

  “Are you sure I can’t help you?” With the fire out, she looked paler and smaller.

  “Yes, I insist. I’ve everything under control.” He released her lock of hair then moved away from her. “I’ll take care of you.” He handed her a canteen of water. “Take some. You need to hydrate.” She did as he suggested as he walked her to their tent. “Try to rest and stay warm.” She looked weary. It worried him to see her look so tired. Nodding her head, she went inside their tent. She lay with her head near the tent’s entrance. Val started a new fire closer to her. It was bright and warmed the inside of the tent nicely. It was nearly dark now. Gloomy clouds from bomb-induced dust covered the sun. The shade trees shortened the days considerably. “It should be really warm in there soon. Wrap up with the other tent’s material. I’m going to take care of things. But I won’t be far. If you need me or get scared just yell for me. I’ll hear you. Call my name.”

  “Okay. But you won’t go too far?” She rolled to her side, facing the tent’s wall.

  “No, I won’t.” Before he turned to walk away, he heard her soft breathing indicating she’d fallen asleep. Quickly he removed his uniform. Stretching his limbs, he moved to the other side of their tent to shift. Warmth and the healing of his shift shimmied over him. After he left their camp, he took off in a run. He surveyed their area, circling their campsite at various distances many times, leaving his scent. The native animals peered out of hiding, watching his huge black-furred body move about what was once their territory. Now he dominated it, and none challenged. Shifting back, he gathered some twigs and leaves for their fire then made his way back to their camp.

  Stoking the fire, the flames blazed, crackling. Zalora had been right about the aromatic leaves. The smoke they created was a pleasant scent. It further relaxed him. Stooped by the fire, he ate some rations. After he finished, he packed up all the food then moved the bag into their tent, careful not to wake her. The sweet aroma of the leaves filled their tent, it was very pleasing, and he inhaled deeply. Yet the aroma did not replace her engaging scent. She called to him.

  With ease, he moved under the tent material, which covered her. He hadn’t bothered to redress. Evidently, she sensed his presence, moving closer to him. Snuggling into him, she moaned. He closed his eyes, taking some deep breaths. His cock jutted up between them, rigid and ready. Unexpectedly, she pressed herself into him, sandwiching his long stiff cock between them. His hard length was so sensitive, every incidental touch made him want to growl. She’d pressed it against her soft tummy. I want you. He pressed his face near her head. He knew she was mostly asleep, merely seeking comfort and warmth. Val groaned at the pleasure she was inflicting. “If you wake up, we’re going to mate.” He kissed her ear. Restraining himself, he laid still until she settled, her breathing evening out into a full sleep.

  Chapter 4

  Val suddenly woke, alert to his surroundings. Animals were making noises. The wind had picked up. Drops of rain hit their tent’s roof. It was very dark when he looked past their fire. However, he could see the trees as well as the many creatures moving about. They were hunting, frolicking, and running. None bothered their camp, only casting curious looks. The fire burning bright was also a deterrent. Zalora still cuddled close to him, her arm draped over his waist. Incredible urges raced down his spine. Just as he was about to push her back to lie between her thighs, thunder boomed followed by a flash of lightning. It lit everything up, like day. “We’re going to have a strong storm.” The sound of the thunder roused Zalora. She rolled away from him.

  Looking soft and vulnerable, he wanted to fall upon her, burying his cock within her core. His nostrils flared as he inhaled her scent. Zalora was flushed from sleep. Her auburn hair framed her face. She was so lovely. His needy body craved to consummate their mating. So intense his need, he trembled. Thunder boomed again, shaking the ground. Her eyes flashed open looking directly into his. For a moment, she looked frightened. “It’s okay.” He brushed her hair off her cheek, and his hand shook. Lightning flashed again as rain started to fall harder. Zalora’s eyes widened as she looked at him. Her gaze traveled down his face to his chest, truly examining every aspect of him. He could see her appreciation of him. Deep purple, they shimmered in the fire light.

  To his surprise, she touched his chest, running her fingers over his pecs down to his taut belly. He sighed as her hand caressed his abdominal muscles, stopping just before she neared his jutting penis. In response to her stroking him, he touched her breasts. Still covered by her work shirt, her nipples stood at attention. Tenderly he rubbed one nipple then the other. She sucked in air, but did not push him away. He continued to touch her, becoming bolder. Her small hand rested on his abdomen as he fondled her. Leaning toward her, he took her mouth with his.

  “Umm.” She greedily tasted him, answering his kiss with one of her own. Desire ripped up his spine, making him dazed. His cock ached. Lightly he pushed his cock against her stomach, cupping her breasts while he ran his thumbs over her each erect nipple. His hips pumped against her. She moved with him. All the while, they passionately kissed. Zalora trailed her hand along his bicep up to his neck. She caressed the side of his face. While playing with his hair, she continued to kiss him. Her touch made him groan. He pulled away, reaching for the bottom of her shirt. She helped him pull it over her head. Underneath, a lovely sheer-laced undershirt covered her, outlining her stunning breasts. “You’re beautiful.” His hands pushed the plump globes together. He kissed her face and neck. Then he pushed her fully to her back as his mouth made its way to one of her nipples. Val laved kisses all over her breasts. A new urgency overtook him. He felt his canine teeth fully come down.

  He took one of her nipples in his mouth, gently sucking, careful not to hurt her with his sharp teeth. Zalora pressed against him, moaning. Pausing, he took hold of her sheer undergarment, pulling it off, too. Her breasts bounced completely free. “You’re so nice. I want you.” He kissed her valley between her breasts. “So nice.” His large hands pressed her breasts, pushing them together toward his face. He continued to kiss her breasts and neck, making his way to her mouth. Her hips moved against him in a dance he wanted to finish with her.

  “I want you.” Zalora nipped his ear lobe. She’d spoken so softly, even with his extraordinary hearing, he almost missed what she’d said. He moved fully onto her, pushing her legs open to accommodate him. Sweat rolled down his back as he struggled to control his enthusiasm. Noticing her hesitation, he ki
ssed her again.

  “You want me?” He kissed her ear. She wrapped her arms around him, sighing near his ear. He could smell her need. It made him lightheaded. “You smell so nice.” Her pussy was damp. She pressed it against him, making him wet from her juices. Moving his hips, he positioned his cock at her entrance. To his surprise, she pressed her thighs together. He fought back his momentary aggression to plunge into her. He kissed her neck under her hair, rocking against her. “Zalora, open for me.” He nipped her neck. Zalora sighed, stroking his back.

  Again he moved, lightly pushing against her wet pussy, but she tensed beneath him. Then he realized why she hesitated. “Zalora, haven’t you done this before?” He looked down at her. She shook her head. Her eyes were bright. Innocence looked back up at him. “Do you want to mate with me?” He could barely speak, but he knew she was uncertain. “I want you. But I want you to be willing.” His beast wanted to take her hard, push deep, hard, making her his, now. He tensed his buttocks and his legs, mustering his control from the depths of his core. Zalora reached between them, taking his cock in her hand. She pumped her hand up and down his stiffness.

  “You’re so big.” Purple eyes looked up into his. “It’s going to hurt me, it’s so big.” She squeezed him lightly with her hand. “Isn’t it?”

  “Oh…oh, you feel so good.” He shuddered. He kissed her behind her ear. His movements were not as gentle as he had wanted to be. “I’ll make you feel good, I promise.” He moved to lie fully upon her, burying his head in her hair. Her hand became trapped between them.

  “You promise?”

  “Yes.” He moved his hips against her.

  “You make a lot of promises to me.” She pushed up into him. “Your penis is so smooth and hard.” She caressed his cock, rubbing her hand up and down, then she gently stroked the damp tip. Shivering, he turned his head to kiss her. Raising his hips up, he positioned himself again over her entrance. This time with her hand, she guided his cock’s tip into her vaginal opening. Val pressed into to her, determined not to relent. She relaxed, allowing him, inviting him to penetrate her. Then again, she tensed. He stopped, caressing her hair back from her face.