Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)

by Stephanie West

  “I’m trying,” Riley replied with a strained groan.

  Cyprian de Praefectus

  Cyprian hated the look contorting Riley’s face. He buried his face in the long hair at her neck. So he didn’t have to see the host of emotions that cut too deep.

  How, in the name of Kali, do the other warriors mount their human females?

  Riley’s channel was so incredibly tight, wrapped around the head of his shaft, that he didn’t know how he was going to complete enough of the act to satisfy the vile Overseer. Cyprian repressed a growl, as he thought about the surveillance capturing the most dishonorable deed he’d ever committed.

  Cyprian knew he didn’t have long before the next warrior stormed through that door, but he needed to slow down just a little, to coax Riley’s body into responding. The last thing he wanted was to hurt the little manx.

  Riley smelled wonderful, even though he caught a whiff of distress mixed with her natural sweet perfume. His gums itched as he ran his lips along her warm flesh. He opened his mouth letting his tongue tease Riley’s ear. She gripped him tighter with her arms and legs. Her sheath did the same, eliciting a groan.

  Something buried deep inside Cyprian surged to the forefront, as he felt Riley’s hot little body against his. He knew a way he could ease her. His mouth salivated at the thought. Cyprian opened his mouth wider and laved her skin again. Riley tasted as good as she smelled. It was his duty to take away her distress and pain. She should never fear him.

  Before Cyprian weighed out the implications of what he was doing, he bit down on the crook of Riley’s neck. The conjugo serum from his canines, pumped into her little body.

  “Ow,” Riley yelped. “Oh.” The sharp sound was replaced by a languid moan.

  Cyprian was starting to realize what he had done by biting Riley, when a sudden flood of moisture bathed his stiff shaft. He heard humans were different from Cadi females, but it was still shocking how wet Riley became. What was more surprising, was how glorious she felt. The way her slit quivered around his crown nearly snapped Cyprian’s tenuous control.

  Cyprian curled his hips, pushing deeper. Riley’s resistant body gave way, as he pressed incrementally into her grasping heat.

  “Jesus, how big is that thing?” Riley moaned.

  Her demeanor had changed. Cyprian couldn’t believe the way Riley responded to the pheromone in his bite, almost as if his body had tailored the conjugo serum just for her. Riley wantonly rubbed her lace covered breasts against his chest as she writhed against him.

  Her scent had shifted, like her mood. Cyprian’s nostrils flared as he drew in the floral musk. He couldn’t help the smile that cracked his face, when Riley reached down and clasped his ass with her small hands.

  “Bite my shoulder,” he demanded.

  Cyprian never imagined he’d enjoy a female doing such an aggressive thing. But for some inane reason, Riley’s blunt teeth buried in his flesh, turned him on. A subconscious part of him interpreted it as a claim. He also liked the way her nails bit into the flexing muscles of his ass.

  When Riley did as he commanded and bit down on his good shoulder, Cyprian thrust his shaft deeper into her body. Her teeth broke his skin, as he buried himself to the hilt. The sharp stinging sensation felt almost as good as her snug wet channel shuddering around his erection. Cyprian pulled back and thrust again.

  “Fuck,” Riley husked as she threw her head back against the wall.

  The sight of her parted ruby lips, as she panted, was a bewitching vision. When Riley rocked her hips, while flexing her inner muscles rhythmically, Cyprian nearly burst.

  “Blessed Kali,” he growled as he gripped her lush rear tighter.

  Holding back was becoming increasingly difficult. Little by little, the dormant beast within was slipping his control. Cyprian attempted to tighten the reigns, but his next thrust lacked restraint.

  “What are you doing to me?” Riley gasped.

  I could ask you the same.

  Each time Cyprian stroked into Riley’s welcoming body, she met him with equal enthusiasm. He was certain she was intentionally, rhythmically squeezing his shaft, goading him on. When her deliberate motions turned erratic, Cyprian thrust harder. The fitful spasms racking her channel, made his shaft swell. His vision blurred. A searing heat shot up his spine. Cyprian repressed the roar forcing its way from his chest.

  Cyprian pulled free of Riley’s glorious body, right as he was about to spill his seed. The beast within snarled at the injustice, but he shoved it down. She had him doing things that had far reaching implications. Riley made him forget where they were, and the dangerous game in progress.

  Riley

  Riley knew the instant Spawn bit her neck, that his kiss was drugged. Her blood heated, and every inch of her felt alive. The most delicious, erotic sensation coiled around her. It was insidious. Her nipples tingled and her clit pulsed. Riley was unable to hold onto her wariness as Spawn slid his incredibly thick cock into her now drenched pussy. He put every lewd sex toy she’d ever encountered to shame. Spawn stretched her to capacity with each powerful thrust, and Riley silently begged for more.

  If this is his idea of enslavement, I don’t know if I want to be free, Riley thought as she tossed her head back and forth.

  Riley wasn’t a novice in the bedroom. She had little reservation when seeking out her own pleasure, yet few of her partners had ever matched her ardent fervor. So, it came as a surprise how quickly Spawn unraveled her with his savage possession. The lucid part of her knew it was dangerous to give in to the man who now owned her. Riley had to give as good as she could take, if she was going to gain an advantage in this twisted situation.

  It was difficult to think, but her body knew what to do. Riley flexed her inner muscles, and gasped as she worked Spawn’s cock. Riley quickly found herself spiraling toward orgasm, despite her attempt to hold it at bay.

  Spawn was a beast as he thrust faster between her splayed thighs. The way he grunted into her shoulder, Riley knew he wasn’t unaffected by her efforts. The deep growling sounds were incredibly sexy, pushing her over the edge.

  Just as the first wave of euphoria barreled into Riley, Spawn pulled free of her body with a low snarl. He swiftly lowered her to the ground and spun in front of her.

  What the hell happened? Riley frowned in frustration.

  “You are too late. She is mine,” Spawn snarled at the newcomer.

  Riley tried to peek around him to see who it was

  “Stay behind me,” he growled as he pushed Riley back.

  Spawn pulled a blade, and brandished it at the advancing warrior.

  “She won’t be yours for long,” the male said.

  Riley recognized that voice.

  “Aculus?”

  Somehow, she wasn’t surprised to see him here. Anger replaced her sex induced delirium, as Riley recalled where she was, and the psychotic competition. Much to her chagrin, Riley found herself the most pissed about being interrupted.

  I was about to have the most intense, albeit fucked-up, orgasm. And it was snatched away.

  Riley was sick of all of it. She forced her way out from behind Spawn.

  “Enough! He won. Don’t be a poor fucking looser, Aculus.”

  Before Spawn could get a grip on her, Riley rushed toward one of the halls leading to the outer ring of chambers.

  “Riley,” Spawn growled sounding incredibly pissed.

  Okay, so apparently, I am making them chase me in a circle.

  Riley wasn’t sure what she hoped to accomplish with this game of cat and mouse. It wasn’t well thought out.

  Riley was expecting the bend in the hall and jogged around it. It wasn’t much of an obstacle, but it was enough to slow her pursuers.

  “Dammit these boots weren’t made for running,” she huffed.

  Once Riley reached the room at the end of the hall, she knew exactly where she was, and headed left. Riley skidded to a halt when she arrived at the room with the four entries. The metal door at th
e end of the corridor was open. She could see Hoda’s rotund silhouette standing in the opening.

  Riley heard a scuffle behind her and glanced over her shoulder. Aculus and Spawn were grappling in the neighboring room.

  “You boys want to keep playing grab ass, or do you wanna get out of here?” she hollered.

  When they both looked up, Riley took off for the open door. She didn’t expect to find her freedom on the other side, but it would hopefully bring an end to this harrowing chapter.

  Chapter 7. Master Mine

  Cyprian de Praefectus

  Cyprian elbowed Aculus in the eye. It was one of the few weak spots on the armored male. It didn’t put the warrior down, but it was enough for Cyprian to wrench free. He ran toward the hall Riley disappeared down. Cyprian had to reach Riley. He didn’t trust the auction house to honor the rules of the competition if she made it out alone.

  Riley was almost to the door when Cyprian overtook her, and scooped her up in his arms. He didn’t slow his stride till he crossed the threshold. They were met by Riley’s amphibian handler, a dozen Verrater guards, and the tentacled Overseer himself.

  “Very impressive. I have never seen someone evade the golo the way you did. The beasts are rather nasty unless you learn their weakness. You certainly earned your prize,” the Overseer beamed as he scuttled toward Cyprian.

  Cyprian heard Aculus come to a halt behind him. He cradled Riley tight against his chest as he turned to face his opponent. Even with the guards present, he didn’t want that bony male at his back.

  “Someone, please show the Osivoire to a complimentary suite, so he may clean up.”

  “I am fine,” Aculus growled.

  Cyprian wasn’t concerned by Aculus’ menacing glare. It was the male’s parting glance at Riley, that set his teeth on edge.

  “Very well. And you, Sir, would you like upgraded accommodations? You have more than earned them,” the Overseer inquired.

  “No. Thank you,” Cyprian replied.

  He wasn’t interested in anymore of the Overseer’s hospitality.

  “Very well. It has been a pleasure. I hope that we have the opportunity to do business with Cadi in the future.”

  Cyprian wondered if the only reason the Overseer willingly turned Riley over to him, was because he was betting on future profit.

  “My people have already expressed an interest in Distraho,” Cyprian replied, while attempting to smile.

  He told the tentacled male what he wanted to hear. It wasn’t a total fabrication. Daimio Kagan was very interested in learning more about Distraho. Specifically, he wanted to identify all the disreputable characters that frequented the auction house, so they never set foot on Cadi.

  The tentacled Overseer departed, while happily chatting with his guard about how many credits the spectacle earned him. Cyprian felt disgusted for the part he played in the fiasco.

  “Place your mark here, so we can register your claim. Then we will leave you with your prize,” the amphibian handler insisted, as she passed a tablet to Cyprian.

  Cyprian set Riley on her feet, took the stylo, and placed his swirling mark on the tablet. He was ready to be done with this nonsense. Before he realized what was happening, the amphibian pointed the tablet at Riley, and a beam shot out, striking her above the right breast.

  “Son of a bitch,” Riley cursed as she clutched her chest.

  “What did you do?” Cyprian growled as he swung Riley into his arms. “Let me see.”

  Cyprian pried her hand away, and was shocked to see his name singed into her delicate skin.

  “This guarantees that no one will question your claim. It is a service we provide for all the patrons of our exotic auction. Let me escort you to the main esplanade.”

  “Thanks, Hoda. You’re a real peach,” Riley bit out sarcastically.

  “You didn’t disappoint, Riley. I doubled my credits when you fended off the Ubi,” Hoda said, as she led them out of the maze of back halls. “Here you are. Enjoy the rest of your stay on Distraho.”

  Cyprian stepped through the door, and was instantly inundated by a crowd of patrons. He clutched Riley close, while the eager guests congratulated him. Cyprian nodded, as he pushed through the throng, heading to his suite. The sooner he got Riley to his room the better. As far as the auction house was concerned, Riley’s safety was now his problem. She might bear his name on her chest, but he doubted that would stop anyone from taking off with her.

  Cyprian stared in shock at the scrolling black mark on Riley’s chest. It blended with the warrior’s ink she already wore, looking like the vines of the exotic flower that trailed down from her shoulder. Among the Cadi, only the males bore warrior’s ink. Strangely enough, the placement of his name on her chest, implied a claim that had nothing to do with slavery.

  His eyes travelled to the crook of Riley’s neck. Her long, black and violet locks covered the conjugo mark he’d given her, but he knew it was there.

  What have you done? Cyprian asked himself as reality set in.

  Cyprian couldn’t believe he mated the tiny human. The general was content with his life. Cadi was going through a lot of changes. It needed capable warriors, who were willing to do what was necessary to keep Cadi moving forward on the right path. With all his obligations, Cyprian wasn’t looking for a mate. And he certainly hadn’t planned on mating a human.

  Biting Riley was a gamble. There was no guarantee she would even respond to the serum in your bite. You had to try. You didn’t have any options. You couldn’t just brutalize her.

  “You mind telling me your name, since I have it burned over my breast.” Riley demanded when she saw him staring at her.

  “Cyprian de Praefectus.”

  “Cyprian. In English that means lewd or lascivious,” Riley commented.

  Cyprian scowled down at her, and Riley scowled back. Where his brow furrowed in consternation, Riley wore a false smile, her eyes narrowed.

  “It doesn’t in my language. Don’t insult me, Little Manx,” Cyprian growled low as he set Riley down on the floor, keeping a firm grip on her arm.

  Riley had hit a nerve. Cyprian’s name was the only thing he had to remember his mother by. Besides his life, it was the only thing she’d given him before joining the Goddess.

  Humans are trouble, and rude.

  “I appreciate being saved from the worm back there,” Riley said as she jogged to keep up with his agitated stride. “You are preferable to that thing. Unless you planted a swarm of parasites in me with that cock of yours. Or gave me rabies with that freaky bite.”

  Cyprian stopped and turned toward the maddening female. She thanked him, then insulted him in the same breath. He gritted his jaw as he stared down at her. She wore that snotty half smile. But the look in her eyes expressed something entirely different. She was nervous and unsure.

  Can you blame her. Don’t be too angry.

  As much as Cyprian wanted to apologize for his callous treatment, he couldn’t. He still had a cover to maintain. That meant Riley had to believe she was his slave.

  “You will be fine.” Cyprian didn’t tell Riley he very well could’ve impregnated her with the scant bit of seed he introduced to her body. He doubted that would please her. It sure as torment didn’t thrill him. “You are certain that Ubi worm didn’t touch you?”

  Cyprian looked Riley up and down. The thought of that slug jabbing her with its proboscis sent white hot rage through him.

  “I held my own,” Riley replied with an imperious flick of her hair, then started walking.

  Cyprian grunted and took the lead back to his suite. He should’ve been pleased that he successfully retrieved Riley, when everything other aspect of his mission remained elusive. Except he found himself frustrated instead. All he wanted was a shower and a bed for a few hours. Riley had to be exhausted too. Hopefully sleep would help both their attitudes.

  There was no one in the suite when they arrived. The crew hadn’t made it back from the arena yet. It was a relief. Cyprian
wasn’t in the mood to deal with the smugglers.

  “Do you want to use the washroom first?” Cyprian asked when they reached his room.

  “Nope. You’re a wreck. You need it more.”

  Cyprian glanced down at himself and shrugged.

  “I’ve been worse. Stay there,” he insisted while pointing to the end of the bed.

  Riley sat with a huff. Cyprian walked into the washroom, turned on the hot water in the bathing stall, shucked his vestments, and stepped in. He rested his forehead on the stone wall as the water washed over him. The mission had taken turns he never saw coming. He needed to bring it to a close, before anything happened that couldn’t be undone.

  Too late for that, Cyprian barked out a bitter laugh.

  There was no reversing what he’d done to Riley. Cyprian growled and punched the wall in frustration.

  “You need to get out there,” Vintor said as he burst into the washroom.

  “What now?” Cyprian growled.

  He grabbed a towel and followed Vintor out of the washroom.

  Riley

  “Stay there,” Riley mocked Cyprian’s brusque command.

  Riley wasn’t sure if she was more pissed by him telling her what to do, or the location he insisted she wait. Riley instantly got off the bed and started pacing the room, as she thought about her new captor.

  Cyprian is a snarly bastard, but he did kill the Ubi, Riley reasoned, attempting to make the best of her new predicament. That’s because he wants some foreign sex slave. God only knows what perverse plans he has for you.

  Riley groaned when her sore pussy gushed at the thought of being the giant man’s consort. She should’ve been frightened at all the deviant things Cyprian could subject her to, but she wasn’t. Their encounter in the coliseum had been unbelievable.

  You, are unbelievable. That slaving asshole turns you on. You spent too much time in that fucked up sex shop.

  Riley had learned more about sex than one person should ever know. It had twisted her sensibilities, pushing the boundary of what was normal and right.