Together, she and Kaden pulled up the next woman, with AJ helping from below. As each woman reached the top, the task became easier, one more set of hands bearing the load. Finally only AJ and Sophia were left. Sophia looked down at her girth, and back up at the skylight.
“I’ll get stuck, like a cork in a bottle,” she wailed.
“You’ll be just fine.” AJ gave the rope a few extra turns around Sophia, including one just below the cheeks of her ample bottom, trussing her like a tasty sausage. Then she knelt on top of the chest, telling Sophia to climb onto her back.
Every muscle in AJ’s body screamed as she rose to her haunches, then higher, allowing Sophia to clamber onto her shoulders, then taking the woman’s feet onto the palms of her hands and raising her overhead as everyone pulled from above. Inch by inch, Sophia ascended the narrow shaft, blocking out the light. AJ heard Sophia’s cry of triumph as she vanished through the skylight. Then silence.
Kaden’s head appeared at the top of the shaft. “Tajina.” His voice was calm, but she’d known him long enough to hear the worry he tried hard to conceal. “The rope is frayed. I don’t trust it. We’ll do our best to get you up quickly but you need to brace yourself all along the way.”
Hands shaking, AJ took off her sandals, hanging them around her neck. Then she fastened the rope around her waist. She gave it a tug to let them know she was ready. With a jerk, she flew upward.
Bracing her back against the rock wall as she’d seen Kaden do, she scrambled up the shaft using her palms and the soles of her feet, her weight borne by the many hands on the other end of the rope. She was halfway up when the rope snapped, sending her down a few stomach-churning feet before she managed to tense all her muscles enough stop her descent.
Kaden’s shout echoed down the shaft. “Tajina! Are you all right?”
“I…I’m okay,” she managed to gasp.
“Look up at me. Keep looking up.” Half his body hung down into the shaft, hands outstretched. “All you have to do is climb a few feet and then I’m going to grab your hands. You can do this, Tajina. Slow and steady.”
Urged on by the calm, encouraging tone of Kaden’s voice, AJ managed to move one hand up, then the other. She pushed back hard with her thighs and slid her back along the smooth wall. Inching her toes forward, she brought her feet up, then braced herself. Her head sagged as she let go of the breath she’d been holding.
“That’s right, my love. You’re doing great. Just a little farther.”
AJ forced herself to keep moving. Slowly, inch by painful inch, she made her way up the shaft. But the effort finally exhausted the supply of adrenaline that had kept her going. Muscles trembling with fatigue, she stopped.
“Please. I need to rest.”
Kaden leaned over farther, hanging down into the shaft with only his legs and thighs on the ground above. “You’re almost here. All you have to do is get close enough to grab my fingers.” His hands dangled just out of reach. “I’ll pull you the rest of the way up.”
She shook her head, shoulders slumping.
Kaden’s voice rang out. Harsh. “I am your Master! You will obey my order. Climb. Now!”
She gathered the last of her strength and managed another few inches before her legs cramped. “I…I can’t.” She fought to keep the tears out of her voice. “If I try to move again, I’ll fall.”
“You can do it. Just use your tail, Tajina.” He crooned softly. “You’re my fiery wildcat. Use your tail.”
Through her tears, AJ saw a shadow moving on the wall above her head. She looked up. Kaden had her red tail grasped firmly in his fist. It dangled just above her head.
“Do you trust me?” She nodded. “Then let go with one hand. Reach up high as you can and grab your tail. I’ll pull you up. You’ll be safe in my arms in just a few seconds.”
She knew his strength must be almost gone as well. She hesitated, shaking with fatigue. But his eyes bore into hers, steady as a rock.
“I love you, Tajina. Trust me.”
AJ took a deep breath, tightened every muscle in her body, and lunged upward. The fingers of her right hand closed around the tail. “I do trust you. And I love you,” she cried out, taking her other hand from the wall and wrapping it around the thick tail. For an instant, she dangled there in the shaft, helpless, her entire weight hanging on his outstretched arms.
She saw his powerful biceps contract as he strained to lift her. One painful millimeter at a time, he pulled her up until his iron grip locked around her wrist.
“Now!” His shout rang out. Two dozen hands yanked his legs backward. Seconds later, AJ found herself on the ground above, crushed in his arms.
“You said you love me.” She felt the hot blood pouring over her from his wound, torn open again when he was dragged across the jagged stone surrounding the opening to the skylight. “Then show me, Tajina. Kiss me again. Now.”
His lips claimed hers, hotter than his blood. She lost herself in the kiss, surrendering her soul as she’d surrendered her body.
Chapter Eleven
AJ’s heart pounded in her chest. Her mouth was dry. It seemed like a lifetime had passed since she first set foot in the kingdom of Petra, yet in truth it had been less than a year. Now here she stood, in front of the Citadel once again, watching preparations unfold for the ceremony that would take place in the square tonight.
A shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the last ceremony she’d attended there. She’d been the guest of honor—if that term could be used to describe the humiliating punishment she endured at the hands of Thelo, the High Priest charged with keeping the Harlots in line.
There were no Harlots in Petra now. Only female citizens, women free to choose their mates. Many of them had been prisoners in the Lyceum along with her. Now some of them tended flocks of animals or sold goods in the market. Others worked in the bakery or the winery, sometimes performing the same tasks they’d done as Harlots during the day. But after their work was done, they were free to do as they pleased, enjoying the company of whatever suitor caught their fancy.
Some of the women chose to marry men they met and fell in love with while at the Lyceum, settling in Petra. Most of the Seraphs remained with the men they’d been given to by Tok. Even if they hadn’t chosen their mates, raising children together often forged a deep bond, one that grew into love and respect. Although AJ could never have accepted such an arrangement, she knew that for thousands of years, civilizations had flourished under the concept.
Thelo disappeared on the Night of Liberation, the name the free citizens of Petra gave to the revolt. Some said he’d fled deep into the mountains with a few loyal followers. Others swore they watched him drown when he tried to cross the raging waters loaded down with treasures stolen from the Citadel. In either case he was gone and with him went the public spectacle of Harlots stripped naked and paddled for the amusement of the men.
AJ had spoken with some of the women privately since her return. She knew that now many of them willingly draped themselves across the laps of their husbands to be spanked. Once she’d have been horrified. Now she understood. All those months away from Kaden, she’d fantasized about lying across his iron hard thighs again, feeling his hand ignite that burn on her ass that led to a smoldering heat deep inside her—a heat he quenched with his fingers and his tongue and his thick, hard cock.
She felt starved for the touch and taste of him. Once he knew she was safe, he left that night, determined to escort Dianna safely home to New Atlantis. They shared a few stolen moments on the mountaintop above the Citadel, made all the sweeter by the knowledge that neither of them knew when they’d be together again. She had her own journey to undertake—the long trip by caravan back to Alexandria, then home to Earth through the Portal. Still the soldier, AJ was determined to deliver her report in person before resigning her commission.
Being here tonight was her surprise for Kaden, just one of the surprises she had in store for him. She moved to the back of the square, hidd
en by the crowd as she heard the distant thrumming of the drummers drawing near.
Instead of leading a shrouded female prisoner, tonight the drums heralded the arrival of the newly elected Governor of Petra. AJ’s heart swelled with pride as she watched Kaden stride toward the platform. He looked even more handsome than she remembered. Tall, bronzed, long hair held back this time by a woven golden band across his forehead like the one she’d worn as a Harlot. It was the talk of the marketplace. Everyone in Petra knew he wore it as a symbol that the governor served at the pleasure of his Masters—the free citizens of Petra. Already he’d chosen his Council, made up of both male and female members. She knew he’d be a fair and just governor, a great leader for this newly formed republic.
Kaden ascended the steps and stood before the cheering throng. His exploits on the Night of Liberation had already risen to the stuff of legend. He held out his arms and the noise died away. His remarks were brief but heartfelt. Praise for his fellow citizens, promises of assistance in rebuilding the homes and shops destroyed by the flood, and a vision of a future of peace and prosperity for all. Touches of humor endeared him to the crowd. He made his way slowly back to the Citadel, stopping every few feet to shake a hand or clasp someone in a warm embrace. She drank in the sight of him a few moments longer, then stole away.
* * *
Kaden’s eyes searched the crowd as he made his way back to the Citadel. His heart sank. There was no female head standing above the others. No warm golden eyes met his.
He hadn’t heard a word from AJ in months. They’d reluctantly gone their separate ways on the Night of Liberation, both knowing they had duties to perform before they could be together again.
His took nearly two months, escorting Dianna back to the loving arms of their family in New Atlantis, then staying for a long visit with his parents and sisters. In his absence, Althea had assumed his duties as second in command to their father Kristos. Already she exhibited the traits of a born leader. Kaden felt certain she’d be governor one day. He was happy to leave his beloved island in her capable hands.
His mother bade him a tearful farewell when he told her he was returning to Petra.
“Come back soon, my love—and bring her with you. I want grandchildren to play with before I’m too old to enjoy them.”
“Her? What are you talking about?”
She put a soft hand on his cheek. Shrewd eyes met his. “I’ve known you for thirty-five years, boy. I can tell when my son is in love. You get a faraway look in your eyes when Dianna talks about her dear friend AJ, the beautiful brave one who helped everyone escape. And you’ve scarcely noticed all the Atlantean beauties who’ve been vying for your attention since you returned. In the past, you’d have been out enjoying the company of one or another of them every night. She must be very special.”
He smiled. “She is. Dianna is right. She’s beautiful and brave—and smart. But very different from us, mother. She’s from Earth. She’s never known the joy of a close, loving family. I don’t know if she would be happy leaving her planet to make a home here.” He looked around. “And I could never leave Neodyma to live in her world. It’s cold and sterile. A place without the kind of love we know and cherish.”
“Long ago,” his mother said, “I left my country and my family to make a home here with your father. I have never regretted it—because he showed me every day in a thousand different ways that I made the right choice. If you truly love her, that will be your primary duty, my son—and the source of your greatest joy. Give to her without reservation, without keeping score… and if she is the woman for you, you’ll get back much more than you can ever give.” She gave him a fierce hug. “Go now. Find your woman and claim her. If she never knew love before, her heart must be aching for you now.”
Kaden kissed her soft cheek. “I can only hope that we are as happy together as you and Father have been all these years.”
Striding through the halls to the suite of rooms at one end of the Citadel that he’d commandeered for his use, Kaden brought his thoughts back to the present. His quarters were modest, with none of the grandeur of the huge room Tok used as an office. But he had windows that overlooked the city both in his office and in the bedroom beyond.
Darkness had fallen and torches lit his way down the long hall. He opened the door to his office. Someone had been in here as well, lighting candles on the desk and opening the window to let in a cool breeze scented with night-blooming moon lilies. He went to the window and looked up at the sky filled with stars. Somewhere out there, AJ’s star shone down on Earth. He wondered if she was thinking of him and looking up at the heavens tonight.
“Your speech was wonderful.”
He whirled around. AJ stood in the shadows, her body shrouded in darkness.
“You were there?”
“At the back of the crowd.” Her voice held a note of amusement. “I couldn’t get any closer. All the women of Petra were crammed as close to the platform as possible. I’d bet you’ll appear as Master, pleasuring many women in their dreams tonight.”
He moved closer. “And what of your dreams?”
“I have no need of nighttime fantasies. My pleasure comes from real life. I do whatever my Master commands, to please him—and he sees to it that I am pleasured in return, beyond any dreams I could conjure.”
“This Master of yours sounds like a virile and sensuous lover—and a very smart man.”
“He is all of those—but a bit arrogant, if truth be told.”
“Arrogant? A good Master would punish the naughty woman who spoke of him with such disrespect, probably with a firm spanking.”
“And a brazen wench who spoke to her Master that way would surely deserve it.”
Two strides took Kaden to the corner of the room. He drew AJ into his arms. “Well, wench, let’s get on with it, then.” His hands traveled down her body, cupping her breasts, then lower. Suddenly, he stopped.
“What…”
“I… have a few surprises for you.”
His tone was dry. “Apparently.”
“I’ve resigned my commission as a commander in the Interstellar Federation. I told my superiors I’d be happy to serve in an advisory capacity in the future.”
“Go on.”
“They assigned me to Neodyma. I’m to act as consultant to the Governor of Petra, assisting him in his newly appointed role as Neodyma’s first member of the Interstellar Council.”
“That is a surprise.”
She went on, hesitantly. “I have something else to tell you.” She drew his hand back down to her belly again. “I’m going to have a child. Your child. Our child.” Then AJ spoke faster. “I didn’t think it was possible. But without the injections, my body reverted to its primitive state. We conceived a baby, Kaden. A baby!” Her voice was filled with wonder, touched with a tinge of fear. “I don’t know anything about mothering a baby or raising children.”
“I know a little about babies. And I know someone who will be happy to share her expertise.” His arms went around her. “But by the feel of you, we’ve got time to worry about that. First we have a wedding to plan.”
“Wedding?” She drew back, shocked. “You’ve never asked me to marry you.”
“Nor do I intend to. A Master doesn’t need to ask. I’m ordering you to marry me. Be my wife, bear our child—our children. And you will do as you’re told. After all, you’re already due one spanking for that remark earlier. You wouldn’t want to risk another by disobeying me.”
He took her hand and led her into the bedroom, then stripped off his tunic. “You know my spankings are always delivered with both of us naked. So take off your clothes and come over here. If you drape yourself carefully across my lap, I can still warm that beautiful ass of yours every night.”
AJ smiled. “Yes, Master.”
The End
Stormy Night Publications would like to thank you for your interest in our books.
If you liked this book (or even if you didn’t), we w
ould really appreciate you leaving a review on the site where you purchased it. Reviews provide useful feedback for us and our authors, and this feedback (both positive comments and constructive criticism) allows us to work even harder to make sure we provide the content our customers want to read.
If you would like to check out more books from Stormy Night Publications, if you want to learn more about our company, or if you would like to join our mailing list, please visit our website at:
http://www.stormynightpublications.com
Additional Books in the Alien Masters Series
His to Claim
After a newly rediscovered device for interstellar travel malfunctions drastically, biologist Alexis Sims ends up stranded on Iridia, a planet thought to have been rendered lifeless by terrible warfare centuries ago. To her surprise, Alexis soon discovers Iridia is home to a hardy tribe of warriors—primitive savages, to her eyes—who have found a way to survive on this harsh world. Ayron, a tough, skilled hunter, rescues Alexis and brings her to an underground city.
Once there, it rapidly becomes apparent that her place in this society will be quite different from what she is used to back on Earth. When she resists being stripped and bathed, she is held firmly over Ayron’s strong thighs for the first spanking of her life. Then after a thorough, intimate examination demonstrates her suitability as a mate, Alexis is turned loose in the outlands. The hunter who captures her will win the right to publicly lay claim to her in front of the entire city.
Though Ayron is undoubtedly the mightiest of the hunters, since the tragic loss of his family he has lived in grief. But when he comes upon Alexis naked in a cave, cowering before one of the most brutish men of the tribe, instinct wins out and he fights for her, defeats his foe, and takes her as his mate.
His to Command (Alien Masters Book 1) Page 13
