by Sara Page
“Wow, you look really, really good, and it is a pleasure to meet you.”
She smiles. “Why thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, dear. I’ve been looking forward to this for some time.”
I smile at her and with the pleasantries out of the way, we examine each other more closely. We have the same nose, it seems, and the same color of eyes but I think there the resemblance ends.
“I’m sure you have many questions; I’ll answer what I can.”
I nod my head. I’m overflowing with questions but I can’t stop thinking about living longer. How does that work?
“Does accepting two Ravagers double our life spans?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Unfortunately, no.”
I guess that would be a little much. “How many Ravagers have you accepted?”
“I’ve accepted three. First, Keede, the ambassador to the King. Then his best friend, General Lorick. And most recently I’ve accepted Rafe, a former pilot. I’ve heard you’ve accepted two, yes?” I nod my head. “I’m already well acquainted with Prince Drek.”
“You are?” My eyes flick across the room to Beast but he’s busy staring at something on the floor, pretending he’s ignoring us. I wonder why he never mentioned it.
“Yes, I live in the palace and had the pleasure of watching him grow up. He’s always been an honorable and kind young man. It filled me with great joy to learn that you accepted him.”
My royal smile returns because I feel just a little weird hearing her sing his praises. The more I think on it, the more I realize how very little I know about Beast. In fact, I probably know more about Striker.
“He is wonderful,” I tell my aunt, and I mean it. My eyes flick back to Beast and I watch him closely for a reaction as I tell her, “He is very caring, and very protective. He’s going to be an amazing father.” Sure enough I see a smile twitching at the corners of his lips.
“But he can be overbearing, and doesn’t always take my thoughts and feelings into consideration,” I sigh and watch Beast’s lips pull into a frown.
“They do mean well,” Lorune speaks up in his defense. “They only want what’s best for us. If something were to happen to us, it would kill them.”
Ugh, I’m not going to get any sympathy from her, and I don’t want to sound like a whiner so I politely change the subject. “What is Blackspire like? Is it like Terrea?”
Lorune shakes her head. “Blackspire is an absolute monarchy, the King wields all the power though he does have his trusted advisors to help him make decisions. Did either of your mates explain the current crisis?”
I nod my head. “I was told Blackspire is currently embroiled in a civil war.”
Lorune nods and suddenly looks very grave as she says, “Then you are aware of who Striker is?”
“Yes,” I answer and my teeth clench as I try to maintain my smile. I’m feeling a little perturbed by the look on her face. I almost want to call her on it and explain that he’s nothing like his father. That Striker is just as amazing, just as protective as Beast but I don’t want to push her away—yet. She’s the only family I’ll have in Blackspire, and she’s being very accommodating with me by meeting with me and answering my questions.
She expels a relieved breath. “Oh, good. I was afraid I was going to have to break the news to you.”
“Striker was very upfront about himself.” At least he was when Beast left Terrea and wasn’t there to stop him.
“Good,” she smiles, and as far as I can tell it appears to be a genuine smile full of warmth. “Then let me be the first to tell you that the people of Blackspire are very excited about your union. The fact that you have not only Called your mates but have also accepted the both of them has filled the people with both hope and joy. Hope, that there will soon be peace. That through you the two bloodlines will be united. And joy that universe created such a remarkable union.”
“Thank you.” I frown. “Striker did speak of a prophecy. He called me the Beacon.”
Lorune nods. “It has been foretold, somewhere or the other, that the Beacon in the dark will lead the Ravagers to the path to their true selves.”
“What does that even mean?”
Lorune laughs, her eyes sparkling at me. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
I sigh, and she goes on. “Though there are many who believe that the Beacon is the woman who will birth the first Ravager females.”
“Huh?”
Lorune frowns. “You are aware that all Ravagers are male?”
I shake my head. I have yet to actually lay eyes upon a female Ravager, but I always assumed that was because their mates are overprotective buttheads and keep them safe at home or something. I just never got around to asking Beast and Striker. I mean there is so many differences between us, it feels like it will take years to learn them all.
“If there are no female Ravagers then that means all of their mates are human?”
Lorune nods her head. “Yes, we are human but the children we birth are male Ravagers. The explanation I’ve always been given is that is has something to do with dominant DNA.”
I place my hand on my tummy. I could have sworn…
“Oh,” Lorune glances over her shoulder and then looks quickly back. “I’m afraid I must go.”
I nod, feeling a little sad that our time together has been so short. “It was wonderful meeting you. I do hope we can get together again? I would love to know more about you.” We were so stuck in Ravager-land, I didn’t even ask if she has sons. I could have some Ravager uncles out there.
Lorune smiles and this is just one of those times where you wish the person on the screen was really there so you could actually hug them. “Same time tomorrow?” she asks and I immediately nod my head.
“That would be wonderful.”
“It was wonderful speaking with you, Ameia,” her eyes soften with a fondness I have yet to deserve. “I’m so happy for you and your mates. Congratulations. I eagerly await your arrival on Blackspire. I’ve always wanted to meet you and look forward to meeting you in person.”
“I, too, look forward to meeting you,” I smile at her.
“Please take care of yourself.”
I nod, “And you.”
We both wave farewell to each other and the transmission ends.
Chapter Four
“Is your mother human?” is the first thing I ask Beast as he escorts me from the communication room and back to his private quarters.
He nods.
“Is she still alive?” I can’t believe I never thought to ask him about this before. I also can’t believe he’s never offered the information. Sometimes it feels like he doesn’t want me to know, that he wants to keep me in the dark.
Or maybe that’s simply paranoia on my part.
There’s just been so much to learn, so much to discover between the three of us. We should definitely find the time to talk more.
He nods again and I make a sound of frustration. “What’s her name? Do you think she’ll like me? Did you tell her you’re going to be a father?”
“My mother’s name is Celeste, and I’ve only recently been in contact with her,” Beast answers as we step into his quarters. “Communication on the Harpy’s Talon was limited. I was planning on asking you this evening if you would accompany me when I contact my mother and my father.”
“You were?” I ask as we step inside.
Beast nods.
He never told me about his mother, yet I didn’t ask. It’s one of those things you’d think would come up. What else is there that I don’t know? It’s not deliberate that they’re keeping all of this information from me…. is it? I must press him for more information but for the time being I let him know, “I would like that.”
I would love to meet the two people who created him. Now that I have two children growing inside of me, origins are suddenly more important.
“My aunt knew we were joined and expecting. Do they know?” I ask.
Beast l
eads me to his bed. Sitting down on the edge, he pulls me down to sit on his lap. “Yes, my princess. All of Blackspire is aware of our union. Many are happy for us, including your family and my parents, but many are worried as well. These are difficult times. I’m afraid that because of our union, and because you are expecting, you have become a target of all of those who do not wish to see peace among our people.”
His arms wrap around me and I let the warmth of him sink into my skin. I can’t help but physically melt against him even though my emotions are anxious and tense. “I’m in danger? There are Ravagers who want to hurt me?”
Beast’s arms tighten around me. “I will protect you, fear not.”
I sigh. “I didn’t mean it like that… I would just like to know.”
“I understand. You have nothing to worry about.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue with him but what would that accomplish? We’re already at odds over him being overprotective. If I start in on him about this too it will only drive us further apart.
“Okay.” I’m just going to let this go for now. I’m not in the mood to argue with him. Once we reach Blackspire we can discuss this more. As it is, I’m stuck to him whether I like it or not, and I’d rather him not be super pissed at me for the two weeks it takes us to get there. “I have a few questions after speaking with my aunt, though.”
“Ask and I will answer what I can.”
He means what he wants to answer.
“Striker mentioned back on Terrea that he’s known my name since his birth. And I recall you hinting at something similar? Have you known my name all of your life?”
“Yes, all Ravagers are born with the knowledge of their mate’s name. Many times we know the name before our mates are even born.”
That’s weird. Like thinking about it gives me chills, and feeling me shiver Beast starts to rub his hands up and down my arms to warm me up. “Are you cold?”
“No, you’re just so warm,” I assure him. “If you’ve known my name, and Striker knew my name, have you always known that you both would share a mate? That you both would be joined to me?”
“No.”
“No?”
“No.”
“How is that possible?” I frown at him. “Is it because you never talked to each other before? I mean, someone would have known and put two and two together?”
“We do not speak the names of our Callings before we are called. It is a knowledge we keep safe in our heart. To share the knowledge would be unwise.”
“How so? I’d think it would make things a lot easier for everyone in the long run.”
“What if my enemies knew your name? What if they found you before you Called me?”
“I see. It would suck if someone offed me before you got to me, huh?”
Beast’s eyes flare at me. “To put it mildly.”
“If you knew my name, did you search for me before I Called you?”
“No. It is known that to do so is to invite rejection. It is not a risk many of us are willing to take.”
“What happens if a Ravager is rejected? Not,” I put my hand on his arm and squeeze him affectionately. “That I would reject you. I love you. I’m just curious.”
“Madness,” Beast says quietly. “To be denied one’s destiny is a nightmare no one should be forced to endure. Once rejected you have no purpose, only the knowledge that you will never achieve or do what you were destined to do. You have no place in the universe. You are failure. You are insignificant. You are a waste of resources. Many choose to end their own existence after rejection.”
“Many—but not all?”
Beast only nods.
“That sounds awful.” And to think I almost rejected Striker. I feel chills again as gooseflesh spreads across my arms. It was close, very close. And if being rejected is anything like what I was feeling when I was drifting away in the darkness—when I felt as if I was nothing—I could see how someone would choose not to live like that. I couldn’t exist like that.
“It is awful,” Beast agrees. “And I would rather not think about it. You have accepted me and we are forever connected. You cannot take it back now.”
“I don’t want to take it back. The thought hasn’t crossed my mind,” I sigh as I lean my head back against his shoulder.
“But you are unhappy with me.”
“No, I’m not unhappy with you, in that way. I’m just unhappy that we’re not agreeing. Being at odds with you sucks.”
“It does suck,” Beast agrees and nuzzles against my neck.
“Especially when you’re so damn nice to me when I want to be mad at you. And when you do things like that.”
“Like what?” Beast rumbles and his hands touch my belly then begin to slide up to my breasts.
“You know what you’re doing.” I shift on his lap to make my point.
“I could say the same for you, my princess,” he groans, and I feel him stiffening beneath me.
“I can’t help it,” I sigh and squirm some more. “When I’m with you I just want to rub myself all over you.”
Beast’s chest purrs against my back. “I would like that.”
I can’t help but laugh. “I bet you would.”
He laughs too, and for one brief, blissful moment we are in harmony again. We are aligned. But then the moment passes, our laughter dying and we’re left only touching each other.
“Ameia,” Beast groans and his hands mold around my breasts, cupping them. “I love you. I’ve missed you. It’s been days.”
It has been days since Beast and I were intimate. I’ve been going out of my way to touch him as little as possible. But now I’m sitting on his lap, and stars, I don’t want to get up. I don’t think I could peel myself away from him if my life depended on it. He feels not only warm… he feels like home. There’s an immense amount of pleasure, a deep satisfaction engraved in my very soul when we’re this close, touching each other. It’s as if I was always meant to touch him. Always meant to be so close to him. I may be angry with him, I may be frustrated, but he still owns my body, and my heart, and my soul.
His hands squeeze my breasts rhythmically and his breath pants softly against my neck. “I need to be inside you.”
Just hearing that, and knowing it, has me clenching inside. I want to feel connected with him. I want to close this distance between us, even if it’s just for a little bit. I need him too.
“Don’t stop,” Beast groans as I lean back and rock my hips, rubbing my ass all over the firm bulge in his pants.
It just feels too good to be in his hands, especially as they squeeze and tease my nipples.
“Beast,” I yelp as he tugs a little too hard, and squirm on his lap.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “Let me kiss it better.”
He spins me around and then pushes me down until I’m lying down on his bed flat on my back. He pulls my arms up, over my head and his weight comes down on top of me. Nudging his way between my knees, his hand yanks my top up.
“Ameia,” he groans as his glowing red eyes soak up the sight of my exposed breasts.
I shouldn’t be doing this, I’m still mad at him. I should be punishing him, withholding, but I’m too weak because that would also mean punishing myself. The way he looks at me, as if I’m the most beautiful, most desirable woman in the universe, makes me feel so cherished, so special. Right now I don’t care that he’s pissing me off and we’re not seeing eye to eye. Right now all that matters is that I’m down here and he’s still up there, too far away. The inches feel like miles.
His big purple hand comes down on my chest and he palms my breast.
He groans, his hips rocking forward while I moan, arching my back.
“Tell me now if you want me to stop,” he warns, his rough palm scratching against my nipple.
I bite my lip and shake my head.
His eyes flare as his fingers squeeze. “Now, Ameia. Tell me. I won’t be able to stop myself later.”
“Don’t stop,”
I groan and writhe. “Please don’t stop, Beast. I want you.”
I lift my hips up and my skirt slides down my thighs, exposing more of my body to him. “I need you.”
“Gods, woman,” he groans as if he’s in pain and his hand roughly shoves my skirt all the way up. “It’s been too damn long.”
His weight comes down on top of me and he thrusts forward, grinding into my now soaking wet sex with his rock hard bulge.
“It has been too long,” I hiss between my teeth. It feels like it’s been an eternity since he’s been inside me. There’s this dark, throbbing emptiness that only he can fill, a space inside of me that’s meant for him and only him. “Please don’t tease me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he murmurs and a moment later his hand is tearing my panties right off of me.
I groan as the air hits me like a cold kiss.
“So beautiful,” he rasps and his hand tightens around my wrist as he begins to slide down.
“Beast!” I yelp as his mouth touches my stomach, his teeth scraping against my skin. “You said you wouldn’t tease me.”
“And I’m not teasing you, Ameia. But I must have a taste.”
Oh, gods, this is not at all what I had in mind. My need for him is so strong, so intense, I was hoping we’d have an urgent but fulfilling joining. I was hoping to quickly have this itch scratched. But now he means to use his mouth on me…. and it may very well give him the upper hand. If he places his mouth upon me and asks me to forgive him, in the heat of the moment I’ll probably forgive him, but nothing will be resolved between us and we’ll most likely quickly be at odds again.
“I need you inside me. Please, Beast,” I beg as he kisses a hot wet trail down my tummy.
Beast only chuckles. Gah, well I’m glad I’m amusing him. His warm breath crests the peak of my mons and begins to move down.
“I want your big fucking cock inside me,” I moan throatily and pull my hips into the bed. “I need to feel you thrusting inside me… filling me.”
“Ameia,” he gasps and for the briefest of moments I’m hopeful my dirty words have had the effect I wanted.
