by Lena Austin
“It is enough for me as well.” He rolled, taking her with him, and pressed her into the mattress.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. The desperation returned full force and made her tremble. “It is whispered among us Elves that Unicorn stallions are very aggressive lovers. Will you show me?”
Shadow’s slow smile answered her plea. “I thought to be gentle with my little Elf, but she surprises me yet again. Are you sure?”
Even as he asked, she felt him harden against her thighs. Chantrea nodded, knowing an inner fire lighted her eyes. “I don’t want gentle tonight. I want you to take me, hot, hard, and fast. Show me no mercy.”
Her stallion’s eyes turned to storm clouds. “As you wish, so shall it be.” One strong hand clamped on her jaw and turned her head, exposing her pointed ear. “I have longed to taste these since you grasped my horn and caressed it.”
His tongue flicked out and traced the sensitive point, making her gasp and squirm. She spread willingly to bring his hard cock between her aching thighs, instantly as wet as any filly in heat.
“Not yet,” came the soft murmur in her ear. “We have a long night of loving ahead of us, and dreams to fulfill.”
Chantrea managed to pant out her own wish. “I have a dream as well, Shadow. Let me taste you. Please?”
“Only if you do not take me to completion. I want to fill your sweet pussy with my seed, not your mouth. Agreed?”
Her green eyes widened. Never had a male asked for that. She nodded her agreement.
Shadow got up off the bed, and offered her a hand. Chantrea wickedly gave him a small shove that pushed him off balance. He stepped back into the center of her bedroom.
Before he could recover, she manifested her wings and knelt on the rug before him.
Shadow groaned as he looked down. “You know what that does to me, don’t you?” She fluttered her wings and grinned. “I guess you do. Wasn’t I supposed to be the aggressor?”
Chantrea took his heated cock in her hand and marveled at the size. “Yes, but I intend to drive you over the edge to madness.” She took all she could fit of him inside her mouth and listened to him moan.
Her other hand reached up to play with his balls while she sucked with all her might up and down the shaft. She knew what he saw was many a male’s fantasy: a little pink and white fairy intent on driving him mad with lips, tongue, and hands. It was all she could do to swallow his size, but apparently determination made up for her lack of experience in such matters.
Shadow soon trembled above her, and his thighs quivered with the strain. She needed him to want desperately to buck and thrust, until his need overrode his wish not to hurt her. His moans intensified, and the scent of aroused male filled her every breath. When his balls lifted away from her hand, she stopped.
“I begin to develop a taste for meat,” she teased.
By way of answer, he picked her up in two strong hands and threw her face first over the back of the large fluffy armchair she kept near her fireplace.
He answered her squeak of surprise with a low chuckle. “I don’t want to harm your wings by tossing you on the bed. This will do.”
His hand separated her legs and touched her heat, causing her to cry out. Before her cry ended, his cock replaced his hand, and he thrust home with no mercy, just as she’d asked.
It was indeed a hot, hard, and fast coupling. Shadow drove into her like he was in a race, and Chantrea was the ridden one. She loved it. She dug her nails into the arms of her favorite chair, begging him in any language for more and harder strokes until she felt the tremors.
She didn’t care who heard her cries as his balls bounced against her clit and caressed it once more before they moved up toward his own ecstasy. She screeched, unable to form words, as her world coalesced into pleasure.
Shadow’s breathing became shallow and fast and it felt as if he were going to push her right off the back of the armchair and into the seat cushions. With one final thrust, he let go of his own pleasure.
Tiny, short thrusts told her he shot deep within her, and she smiled in satisfaction.
When both had rested, and breathing had returned to normal, he carried her to her bed. She made her wings disappear and snuggled into his arms. “I could get to like being a filly.”
“But will you be mine?”
She had no answer for that. It was a wish they both shared that could never be.
Chapter Eight
The Council listened quietly when Shadow made his report. He read the translation aloud, and Chantrea stepped forward to verify its accuracy.
Each councilor reacted according to their nature. Lord Arion nodded and smiled proudly that the Elves had indeed provided the information. Councilor Le-An repeated the wording to make sure she completely understood. Councilor Aahz, the Werewolf, and the Vampire High Priestess Jeanette questioned the circumstances where fighting would not be necessary. When all questions had been answered, Le-An stood and opened her mouth, probably to propose formal acceptance of this change in policy.
Just as Shadow expected, Durham stepped forward and demanded to be heard. “I have evidence this so-called proof is false!” As usual, his dramatic, mind-spoken shout engendered sighs from the Council.
Shadow did his best to project confidence. “Present your evidence, then.” From his position as the Unicorn representative, he still led the Council. “However, I ask that you not shout your mind speech. We can hear you well enough.”
Durham arrogantly ignored the rebuke and made no apology. He did, however, modify his tone. “I believe this report should be declared a falsehood based upon the fact that Shadow has entered into a sexual relationship with the Elf historian. I question her objectivity, and believe they created this document out of nothing but thin air!”
Shadow watched Chantrea vibrate with anger, but she bit her lip and did not speak. They had agreed to wait and see what the Council had to say.
Lord Arion snickered. “What has sex got to do with anything? I do not question my niece’s integrity or her professionalism.” That got him a grateful look from Chantrea.
Le-An rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “Unfortunately, there are those who may treat this differently. It is entirely possible for a female’s emotions to influence her work.” She held up her hands to ward off the gasps of outrage that came from the other female councilors. “I am female myself, if you have not noticed. I have let my emotions influence my judgment a time or two. If you will be honest with yourselves, you will agree this is possible.”
There were a few chagrined nods. Councilor Asa hopped forward and was recognized. “With great apologies to the Elven historian,” she bowed in Chantrea’s direction, “I must ask if she has further proof of the authenticity of the document in question.”
Chantrea stepped forward until she stood in the center. “I understand your request, Councilor. I have asked for further clarification, and expect word within the next day or two. My source of the document is difficult to contact.”
Le-An nodded. “Then we must wait. That’s reasonable.”
She might have said more, had it not been for the appearance of a Werewolf, barely out of cubhood, who ran directly into the center. He did not even acknowledge Councilor Aahz, but went directly to Shadow. All heard his public mind shout. “Shadow! Come quick! Mama’s dying!”
Shadow did not wait to dismiss the Council. He scooped up the Werewolf with one arm, yanked Chantrea to his side with the other, and teleported.
* * *
The silence of the main cavern was broken only by the occasional sob from one of the many who’d gathered. Many were in humanoid or Vampire form, though a few kept to their natural shapes.
Chantrea staggered as Shadow put her and the wolf cub down simultaneously. He ran down a dark corridor as if chased by dragons.
In fact, she saw the venerable old Dragon who was called simply “Red” standing near the great fireplace. He stared forlornly at a large chess game set to one side of a blue
chair.
“Uncle Red knows that when Mama dies, Father will follow,” said a voice at her elbow. Chantrea surmised the Werewolf cub had changed to a more convenient form. The adolescent boy who stood next to her had the luminescent eyes of a Werewolf, confirming her guess.
“I take it Red plays chess with the Herd Stallion?” She scanned the room, looking for familiar faces.
A dry sob wracked the boy. Chantrea took him in her arms. “Yes, ma’am. Father taught me how to play, too.”
“Then why don’t you propose to Red that perhaps he might continue your education? I’m sure he’ll wish to do it in memorial.”
The boy shot her a grateful look, wiped his eyes, and marched over to Red.
“That was a kind thing you just did.”
The voice behind her was easily recognizable. Chantrea turned and gave a short bow to Councilor Le-An. The mysterious and ageless brunette patted Chantrea on the shoulder. “Forgive me for saying what I did in Council, Historian. I had to. I want this new policy to stick with no question. Do you understand that?”
“Of course I do. What I said was the truth, Councilor. I am seeking verification from the source.” Chantrea sighed and returned to scanning the room. “Who are all these beings?”
Le-An glanced around the room. “Most of them are the adopted and fostered children of Tanne and Kella, with their mates, and offspring, too. A few are patients who were cured of their wounds and ills.”
Chantrea watched a Vampire woman lean into the arms of a Unicorn and sob bitterly. What looked to be an entire pack of Werewolves, led by none other than Aahz himself, howled softly in a corner.
“I’m going to go make the biggest cauldron of tea I can find and start serving. You want to help?” Le-An didn’t wait for an answer, but took Chantrea by the arm and propelled her into the kitchen.
A sobbing Vampire woman stirred a kettle, occasionally stopping to blow her nose on a sodden handkerchief. Le-An thanked her and threw her out. “Go comfort Jona, Nina! Out!”
Her brisk, acerbic manner put some spine into Nina. “He’s back with Mama, Papa Le-An.” She snuffled wetly and looked at the wet cloth in her hand. Chantrea produced a clean handkerchief using her Elven magic and gently traded with Nina.
“Papa Le-An?” The words were out of Chantrea’s mouth before she could stop herself.
Le-An looked somewhat embarrassed, but Nina gave a weak chuckle. “Le-An doesn’t make a big deal of it, but she’s got over forty forms, and she can manifest each form in both genders. Le-An fathered me on my biological mother. When my mother abandoned me, Le-An wisely gave me to Mama Kella to raise.” Nina hugged the red-faced Le-An. “I call Le-An ‘Papa’ just to tease her.”
Le-An hugged back. “And I threaten to turn male and spank her, constantly. Does no good. It definitely was better to give you to Kella. She needed you.” The last words were choked out.
Chantrea watched the crusty and acerbic councilor, who never seemed to lose control, tear up. It seemed appropriate, so she joined the hug, gathering them both in and allowing them time to mourn.
Le-An, who was shorter than the other two females, finally ended the hug. Placing her hands on her hips, she fussed at them both. “And why aren’t either of you out there, cuddling with your mates and soothing their aching hearts?”
Nina answered first while Chantrea struggled to find the polite way to deny her place in Shadow’s heart. “Mama’s room is crowded enough with healers fighting to hold on to her. Brolly collapsed and has been put to bed. Jona holds her now, and with Shadow to feed him power, we might yet save her.”
“I… I am not Shadow’s mate,” Chantrea whispered, determined to save him embarrassment. “I’m just his lover for now.”
“Nonsense, Elf-girl. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s about time, too! I was beginning to wonder if he’d ever find a mate who could match his intelligence and love of the written word.” Le-An turned both of them around smartly and smacked each on the ass, causing squeaks of surprise. “Now, get to your mates. I’ve seen enough death to last me many lifetimes. I can make tea alone. Beat it!” Both girls were shoved out the door and it slammed behind them.
Nina glared at the door. “I’ll get you for this, Papa! I know you just want to have a nice cry in peace while pretending to stir the cauldron. You hate kitchen work!”
A muffled curse and “Shut up!” filtered through the door.
Nina turned and half-grinned to Chantrea. “There! I’ve made my point. Let’s go see to our mates, sister.” At Chantrea’s tentative nod, Nina grabbed her elbow. “This way.”
They walked to the entrance of the corridor where Shadow had run. An unholy wail sounded down the corridor. The shouted, “Noooo!” lingered, torn from a raw, masculine throat. Then there was silence.
Nina skidded to a halt and sobbed. “Too late!”
Shadow and a black-haired Vampire male trudged through the door, holding each other up. Shadow glowed visibly with magic. Both males bore the tracks of tears. It shook Chantrea to the core to see Shadow lose his legendary elegance and calm. He seemed to fight for the strength to go on.
“Oh, damn. They’re both gone. Jona!” Nina cried harder and ran to the Vampire’s arms.
Jona gathered his mate to him, even though he looked bowed under by grief himself. He looked at Shadow. “Better you than me, brother.”
Chantrea approached Shadow hesitantly. “Shadow, why are you glowing like that?”
Shadow’s stormy eyes had turned silver. “Until another defeats me, I am Herd Stallion.” He snatched up Chantrea’s hand, and she felt the pulse of power. “Please don’t leave me.” It was a cry from his bereft heart.
Chantrea heard the plea in his voice and prayed for strength. He needed her there. She clasped his hand in both of hers. “For as long as you need me, I’ll be here.”
The love flowed between them. Shadow’s eyes still shone with that unearthly light, and standing next to him was like bathing in sunlight. Chantrea marveled that one being, regardless of his nature, could hold that much power. Even as she watched, the glow settled as if being absorbed by his skin, until nothing more than the silver of his eyes remained to tell of the transfer of power.
“Excuse me, Shad.” The one named Jona was back, looking apologetic. “Forgive me for interrupting, but you are needed.” He jerked his head toward the main cavern.
Chantrea’s sensitive ears could hear the sounds of heartfelt sorrow, but also more voices rising in fear.
“Rumor has swift wings, my brother.” Jona clamped his hand on Shadow’s arm. “It has not gone unnoticed that you have a challenger for Herd Stallion, and they know who.” Jona’s Vampire nature showed in his snarl and bared fangs. “The son of Talamar must not rule. Now get out there and show them who holds power until the day of challenge.” He turned and strode back to the main cavern.
Chantrea gasped at the snarling hatred in Jona’s voice. She glanced at Shadow, whose jaw was clamped. “But, Shadow! You…”
Shadow quickly put his fingers over Chantrea’s mouth. “This is not the time for revelations, my love.” His urgent whisper made her hold her peace. “Jona is the one who killed Talamar, to save us all. He had more reason than most to hate. Let’s not burden him with the ugly news that I, too, am Talamar’s son.”
“It was never recorded, the name of the stallion who killed Talamar! Only that it was a Vampire in the guise of a mysterious stallion. It was Jona? Truly?”
“Truly.” Shadow sighed. “And now, like it or not, I must be Herd Stallion to prevent a race war, until another defeats me. Stand by me, and look at me without fear, if you can.”
Chantrea knew humor was not appropriate, but she knew also Shadow needed to see she was with him. She impishly bowed. “Then let me be the first to bow before you.”
Her reward was a chuckle, and a whisper. “As if you bow before anyone you don’t choose to!”
Then he squared his shoulders and regally stepped into the cavern as Jona s
houted, “Beings of the Valley! Behold the new Herd Stallion!”
Shadow glowed once more, before changing to his equine form. Chantrea and the whole assembly gasped at Shadow’s new form, that of a silver stallion.
Chapter Nine
“Damn, what an entrance!” Jona’s awed mutter from the other side of the cavern entrance was audible only to Chantrea and Nina. Nina elbowed him in the ribs.
Chantrea slipped over to the side, and melted into the crowd, just in time for all to recover from their shock and make obeisance. She was acutely aware the tunic and pants she wore, while appropriate to appear before the Council, were not appropriate to appear at Shadow’s side when he looked that magnificent. Nerves made her play with her braids.
Shadow looked out among the crowd, and seemed to make eye contact with every being there. His magically enhanced mind voice boomed out, confident and regal. “I hereby call an emergency session of the Valley Council tomorrow morning at dawn. Tonight, we will send Tanne Brae and Kellarashina to their rest.”
Chantrea spent the rest of the day and into the evening in the kitchen making endless cauldrons of tea, for the work of the healers who tended the ill and wounded did not end. The assembled crowd moved outside in deference to those who still needed a healer’s care.
Outside the cavern in the great meadow, two biers held the remains of Tanne Brae and his beloved mate. By now, word had filtered even to the kitchen how Tanne had literally willed himself to die next to his mate when she gasped her last.
One pretty Unicorn girl in healer blue sniffled over a cup of tea in the kitchen with Chantrea. “It was how Father wanted to go. He lived for her, and no other, all his life. Mama had given up everything to be with him, and even fought to protect us all. I only wish Chirion and Vena were here.”
“Please, where is Chirion? I know he’s Shadow’s brother and that is all.” Chantrea was willing to be an ear to the lavender-eyed filly.
