To end the conflict, each clan swore allegiance to the holder of the amulet. When he was sure of the survival of the cougar tribe, he moved on to the other changelings—the bears and the wolves.
He was the father of all changeling leaders and, after many months of searching, he'd managed to put each of the talismans where the other changeling tribes could find them. The amulets showed him who was to become their holder, warming the palm of the right man when held, doing nothing if the wrong one took it up. Only those the amulet deemed worthy could keep the charm, and only those who were mated for life could keep it for long.
There had been peace for many generations, the talismans going to new owners when the old passed on.
But Kai had lost his. Without it, and if it had fallen into the wrong hands, his tribe was in jeopardy greater than any they'd ever known.
Like a lightning bolt, he knew the thief must not realise he couldn't keep the charm for long, it wouldn't aid him as it was meant to. It wouldn't help him coordinate the tribes or show him danger when it came near.
He turned in his sleep, remembering how he'd ignored it when it warned him. Not only once, but repeatedly. I'm no better than the thief, he mused, but I will bring the talisman back. He vowed this to himself, to his clan, to his tribe in a silent cry of determination.
With the talisman, he had the power to do so much good for them all. He saw danger before it arrived, and again he chastised himself for his stupidity and the lust he hadn't been able to deny. His normal senses were good, but with the amulet, they magnified five-fold.
He had to get it back.
Troubled by the thought of what might happen, he shifted in his sleep. He awakened just enough to feel Aric's arse pressed firmly against his groin. He pushed his hips forward. His cock stiffened, worming its way between Aric's sleek, warm thighs.
"Ah,” he moaned, his heartbeat suddenly increasing. His cock pulsed. One arm lay curled beneath his head, but the other he slid around Aric's hip. Grasping Aric's semi-slumbering staff, he gently massaged it to full erection.
"I wondered if you'd get any rest,” came Aric's sleepy voice.
"I dreamed.” He sighed, and the visions flashed through his mind. “Cato would be angered if he knew how I'd lost one of the amulets he worked so hard to ensure went to the right owners.” He leaned forward and nuzzled his face into Aric's warm neck.
"I'm sure Cato knows you'll retrieve it."
"I hope so. To lose such a treasure is enormous. If the clans find out—"
"Hush, my love. We'll find it long before we need to worry about the clans."
"I pray it is so.” Kai rocked his hips back and forth, his cock shaft easing in and out between the warm thighs gripping it. Aric's words soothed him, and again, the love they shared seemed like the most incredible feeling he could ever experience. He was the luckiest male in the world. He truly believed that.
"We have a place to start. The ruins of the town. We have the scent of the woman and we know they were cats,” Aric assured him.
"Yes, they had to be cougars. The talisman wouldn't do any good for anyone who isn't a changeling. Men from the town to the south would have no concept of what capabilities the charm possesses, and the bear and wolf tribes have their own amulets."
Aric's hips moved, gently seesawing back and forth. “True, but the amulet won't work for just anyone. The bearer must have the good of all the cougar clans in his heart, and I question that about our attackers."
"There is that.” Kai tightened his grip on Aric's hard cock, slowly easing the skin up and down the shaft. “Cato knew what he was doing when he handed down the rules given to him by the amulets."
Aric shivered against him. “I wonder what Cato would think of us?"
Running his thumb over the knob of Aric's cock and feeling him shudder, Kai took his time replying. He wanted to slip inside the hot warmth of the man's anus but was enjoying the play too much, and knew Aric felt the same by the way he nestled in his arms.
"He'd most likely be thrilled for us. Mated males aren't common.” He slipped his hand from around Aric's cock and eased further down to where his balls lay. Cupping them, he gave his hips a hard shove forward, forcing the full length of his cock again between Aric's thighs, striving to tease them both even more.
"Fuck!” Aric groaned, his hips twitching. “Are you going to mount me or simply drive me mad wanting you to?"
Chuckling, Kai kissed the tawny hair brushing his face. “I thought about it, but I don't want to move.” He gave the warm sac in his hand an extra firm squeeze.
"Don't want to move. Damn you, Kai."
Shifting his hand back to Aric's cock, he commenced slowly masturbating him. Easing his fist from the base, right up over the head of the pulsing cock, dragged another groan from deep inside his lover's chest. In a matter of moments, Aric's cock leaked a steady flow of pre-cum over the back of Kai's hand.
"You want me to get up and fuck you?” Aric murmured.
"In a moment."
With more agility than Kai thought Aric would have with his injured shoulder, Aric twisted away from him then turned his body so they lay head to toe. Or more accurately, cock to lips.
"Now you don't have to move.” Aric took Kai's cock into his mouth.
There was nothing subtle or slow about the act, he simply swallowed Kai's cock to the balls, all in one deft move. Sensations of wet and smooth, along with the suction of Aric's eager mouth, had Kai near to shooting in a matter of seconds. His heart raced, and his mouth went suddenly dry as his lover toyed with him. Backing off, Aric tongued the head and then teased the slit with just the tip of his tongue. Kai's inner thighs trembled, the muscles unsure of whether to tense or not.
An insistent nudge on his cheek reminded him he had his own cock to play with, and he leaned in, taking it into his mouth with a vengeance. He laved the crown, wetting it languidly before sucking the shaft deep. When the tip touched the back of his mouth, he swallowed it, knowing his throat would squeeze the rubbery knob. He held it there while caressing the soft, round balls below.
The rhythm of their coupling waxed and waned as their bodies moved against each other. The only sounds were the guttural grunts and groans of two men lost in a sea of lust. Striving to give his lover the maximum amount of pleasure, Kai attuned himself to the man's movements and the noises he made. He got no greater joy than supplying his mate with as much delight as he could.
Kai raised his upper leg, allowing Aric more room to play, and an instant later he had the same offering. Mouths and hands, teeth and tongues became the instruments of pleasure.
The tickling in his balls sent a shudder up Kai's spine, and he tensed, knowing the inevitable was about to happen. He fought for control but knew the battle was lost when a flash of fireworks exploded in his mind and his hips jerked forward. A groan of gut-wrenching bliss accompanied his first stream of cum. He tightened his lips around the delicious monster, and his mouth was instantly filled with the salty essence of Aric's cum. He stroked and swallowed, savouring the taste of each rushing droplet fed him. When Aric's cock went limp, Kai released him and rested his head on the man's inner thigh. Satisfied, exhausted, yet happy beyond belief, he was glad he didn't have to move.
"Thank you,” he murmured. Turning, he kissed the warm thigh his head rested on.
"I love you,” Aric replied. Twisting around, he lay on his side, his back to Kai's belly.
"I love you too, my golden stud."
That was the last thing Kai remembered until the morning sunlight filtering in from the mouth of the cave woke him. He turned onto his back and thought about the day ahead. If Aric was well enough, they'd go as a team. If not, he'd go alone. He had to find the talisman.
Aric stirred and groaned. “Good morning."
"Good morning, Aric. How is your wound?” He turned and looked into the blue eyes of his lover. He prayed he was well, he couldn't bear the thought that his lover would be handicapped because of him.
Twisti
ng his shoulders, Aric tested his arm, swinging it around. “It's good. The powder worked."
"Turn over, let me see."
Aric turned away from Kai, offering his shoulder and back for inspection.
"I can hardly see a thing,” Kai proclaimed. The powder had indeed done its job. “There's just the faintest pink lines."
"I told you I was fine.” He twisted around again to face Kai. “Let's grab a bite to eat and be on our way."
Kai hesitated. “The going could be dangerous, my love."
"You'll go nowhere without me. I'm your protector, and you're mine."
"Your loyalty gratifies me. But I still worry."
"Perhaps I could carry some of the healing powders in a neck pouch. If we get blindsided again, we'll be better prepared."
Kai nodded. “Excellent idea. But we won't be ambushed again. I guarantee it.” He made eye contact with Aric, and they nodded. Bounding out of bed, Kai headed for the showers at the end of the hall.
* * * *
Sitting at the table, a bowl of fruit and dried meat between them, Kai and Aric discussed their plans.
"We'll return to the ruins, then?” Aric asked before biting off a piece of jerky.
"I think so.” Kai nodded. “The old cave near there is another possibility. That's assuming they've remained in cat form. If they've morphed into humans and entered the city, the difficulty of our task multiplies immeasurably.” He tossed the fig he'd been eating onto the table disgustedly. His impatience and irritation might draw attention, but at that moment Kai didn't care.
The common room was basically empty, anyway. A female at another table served food quietly to her mate. Both kept their eyes to themselves. If Kai wished to speak with them, they'd be summoned.
He studied the female, Neela. Her colouring had always captured his imagination. Her long, thick hair was pale yellow, sliced with golden brown streaks. In cat form her pelt remained pale, the brown marks bold and striking against yellow fur. She stood out from the others in the clan.
She did in human form as well. Naked breasts bobbed lush and full as she moved about the room. Dark round areolas with tiny, pert nipples beckoned from atop the fleshy mounds. A triangle-shaped thong at the apex of her legs was her only covering. When she turned away from him, Kai could see the thong's black strap disappeared between her smooth, delectable arse cheeks.
Kai inhaled, controlled his breathing. The sight of the female stirred his cock once again. He'd thought at one time that Neela might be a good choice to provide him with offspring. She was a fine specimen of a female, and the adoring looks she sent his way often left him breathless with desire. More than once he'd rushed to find Aric to relieve the tension the female had stirred in him. Kai knew Neela would accept him. Not only was she attracted to him, but bearing the kits of the clan leader would be an enormous honour. Bearing kits for the one holding the amulet would have been even more prestigious.
He'd hesitated out of consideration for her mate, Riordan. The man was a loyal friend, and Kai knew he'd surrender her gladly for the good of the clan as well as the friendship they shared. But Kai hadn't fully decided before he met Sable.
He closed his eyes, recalling her beauty. He'd had no doubts where Sable was concerned. He'd have welcomed her into his family and cherished her, driving her fear and nervousness away once and for all.
Or so I thought. Apparently Sable hadn't been exactly what she seemed. The thought stung him like fire, and he pushed it away.
He gazed at Aric, his heart's true desire, watching him finish his meal. No one was more attractive to him than his golden stud with the flowing hair and piercing blue eyes. If their union could produce offspring, their relationship would be perfect.
Glancing up, Aric smiled. “You must eat to keep your strength."
"I must retrieve the talisman,” Kai muttered under his breath. “We should be on our way. I want you to tell Riordan we're going on a hunt, nothing more. He's to be guardian of the clan while we're gone."
"Yes, Kai.” Aric nodded dutifully and went to speak with the brown haired man.
Watching from the doorway of his chamber, Kai saw Neela step back so Aric and Riordan could speak privately. She was indeed a worthy female. Her ripe teats still caused his erection to throb. He fought the strong desire to go to her, lean down and lick one of those brown nubs to hardness. Right then he had other matters to focus on.
In his sleeping chamber, Kai stroked his cock through his trousers. His sexual urges were obsessive and powerful, sometimes all-consuming. He knew as a clan leader he was chosen, in part, because of his tremendous needs. Frequent mating was essential for the survival of a clan. Cougar clans were often little more than family groups and inbreeding could become an issue. Those who bred had to do so often. Cato hadn't counted on one thing—a talisman holder who had a same-sex mate.
Kai knew in his soul that their pairing had the blessing of the ancestors. He also knew that when he returned victorious from the journey, he'd need to choose a female.
"Riordan accepts the duty humbly,” Aric said when he joined him. “He didn't come right out and say it, but we both thought you were going to mount his female right there on the table. The poor woman is apparently beside herself with lust. He said something about needing to bed her soon or she'll be impossible.” He picked up the pouch with the healing powders and hung it about his neck.
"Time is fleeting, my love.” Kai cupped Aric's cock and balls in one hand, groping them through the thin fabric. “Someone needs to provide me with kits, and I doubt it will be you."
"We could have fun trying, I guess.” Aric grinned, thrusting into Kai's hand.
"Later. It's time to go.” With one last caress, he released his lover.
They maintained eye contact until pain forced Kai to squeeze his dark orbs shut tightly, again accepting the transformation overtaking his body. Pleasure followed an instant later and he again felt the joy of fur sprouting from his flesh. His fingers morphed to paws with razor-sharp claws. Whiskers and a long, luxurious tale sprouted. His cock and balls drew up, the sheath moving to hold its precious cargo, strong thighs and buttocks turned to even stronger, muscular haunches. He laid his head back and let the sensuous pleasure of becoming his animal self wash over him.
Kai stretched and strutted around the chamber. Licking a long black forearm, he watched and thrilled as Aric completed his change and rose. His lover's golden tail swished back and forth. Kai moved close, rubbing the back of his ear down Aric's smooth flank.
Returning the affection, Aric stroked his neck against Kai's, his golden fur ruffling the sleek, dark pelt. A soft growl rumbled in Kai's throat. Aric bit at his neck playfully, pressing one paw onto Kai's shoulder.
Purring loudly, Kai rose on his hind legs, dropping across Aric's back crossways. Pressing his cock into his mate's ribcage, he humped the golden beast.
Aric braced himself for a moment before spinning out from under Kai's larger build. His head dipped between strong, black thighs, pink tongue licking Kai's balls with long, teasing passes.
Kai revelled in the roughness stroking his sensitive sac. For one instant he imagined mounting his lover, slaking his lust and that of his golden mate before starting on their journey. Common sense took hold, and he backed away with regret. There would be time to answer their needs later. They'd make time. He had a tremendous hunger and Aric knew just how to satisfy it. With a nod towards the entrance of the cave, Kai led the way out.
* * * *
The forest air buzzed with electric stillness. Rolling, smoke-coloured clouds passed overhead in a darkening sky. A storm brewed. Animals took refuge, preparing for the onslaught. Past the rock bluff, Kai and Aric padded down the slide overlooking the riverbank. They landed on the boulder halfway down then leapt to the ground below.
Scents from the previous day had dissipated. Kai nosed around the fire pit in the clearing, ears pricked and his dulled senses on the alert. There was nothing. It seemed doubtful anyone had been t
here since he and Aric last passed through. They travelled on.
The ramshackle town stood the same, unchanged from the day before. Again, the memory of encountering the bears near here flashed into his thoughts. A couple, he recalled, one beautiful in his bald dignity, the other with the more natural brown flowing locks of their kind. They'd met when a human hunter had hurt one of their females.
Shaking his head, he returned his attention to the present. Dried blood splatters in the dirt marked the spot of their fight, and Kai bent to take whatever scent remained. The tall grass growing in clumps was trampled where the cougars had rolled in it. Kai sniffed, loping ahead into one of the two buildings left standing, the rickety barn.
Cobwebs clung to him as he moved. A rodent scurried off to the side. Kai glanced back at Aric, close on his heels, and they went on.
It seemed obvious to Kai that no one had entered the building in a long time. No prints, except theirs, disturbed the dust. He climbed over a pile of boards, and a snake slithered past his feet. Hissing, Kai trod lightly until the reptile disappeared.
Leaving the dirt-filled atmosphere of the barn, he inhaled fresh air and looked at Aric again. The golden cat's nose was raised, and Kai nodded understanding. A rainstorm loomed.
Kai trotted to the other building that was, at best, half erect. Great holes spanned the roof and broken glass from what had once been windows littered the floor. Glancing at Aric, he knew he agreed—there didn't seem much sense going in. It appeared as filthy and untouched as the barn.
Large raindrops suddenly pelted them. Kai headed for the underbrush with Aric on his heels. They could be at the old cave in a matter of minutes. He picked up the pace, both cats gliding through the foliage. Rain wasn't a concern, but lightning could be a problem. They headed deep into the woods as the first crack of thunder boomed.
Aric nudged Kai's hindquarters as they ran. Understanding the urgency, Kai raced faster, ignoring the brush swatting them as they passed. The entrance to the cave appeared just ahead.
Feral Heat Page 4
