by Rosalie Redd
Tanen’s marking for honesty pulsed on his chest, darkening. He swallowed and glanced at his king.
Noeh let out a long exhale. He tapped his red sunstone ring against the ornate chair’s wooden armrest. The slight tick only increased Tanen’s anxiety, and a bead of sweat rolled down his back.
“Noeh, please, don’t make this warrior wait any longer than necessary.” Melissa’s soft words filtered through Tanen’s ears.
Warrior? I guess I am… His father would’ve been proud.
Noeh ran his hand through his hair. “Your admittance of guilt is but a drop in the bucket.”
Tanen’s ears burned as heat raced up his neck. Sheri gripped his hand and gave him a gentle squeeze.
Tanen raised himself to his full height and trailed his finger across his forehead then over his nose to signify the symbol for Lemuria and life ever after. “As required under the scriptures for my crime, I submit my resignation as council leader. Whatever sentence you impose, I accept as my due.”
“You shall serve a fair punishment,” Noeh nodded, “but I do not accept your resignation as council leader.”
The skin on Tanen’s arms prickled. “What?”
Noeh scooted to the edge of his seat, his gaze focused on Tanen. “Without your warning of the danger at Roan’s Rock, many civilians would’ve died tonight. For that, I am forever thankful.” His words were gruff, full of emotion.
Tanen’s chest expanded even as he tried to comprehend Noeh’s words. “You’re not sentencing me? I should be sentenced to one hundred years in the stronghold.”
“What you did was wrong, yes, but if you hadn’t stolen the stone and chased after Mauree, we would’ve been blindsided by the Ursus and the Gossum. We anticipated Mauree would show, alone.” He ran his hand through his hair. “We lost a few warriors in the battle, but it could’ve been worse…far worse.”
Tanen bowed low before his king. “Your Majesty…I don’t have words to express—”
“Rise, Tanen.” Noeh held Tanen’s gaze. “I’ve made my share of mistakes as well. The Hall of Scriptures should remain open, always. Knowledge is power, you proved that to us all. I need my council leader.”
Tanen swallowed, the king’s words touched him deeply, and his marking for prudence burned on his skin. He didn’t need to look to know it darkened.
Noeh smiled. “Now, for your punishment. Seems to me many of our warriors don’t have a good grasp on the scriptures. Perhaps they’ve forgotten.” He tapped his ring against his chair and his eyes twinkled. “As king, I sentence you to serve as Preceptor—teacher of the ancient texts. Remind these warriors, and me as well, of what’s in those old books.”
“Y…yes, Your Majesty.” Tanen forced the words over his thick tongue.
“Enough…” Melissa stood and approached Sheri. “I want to meet your female.”
Sheri stiffened and gave a short curtsy. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to—”
Melissa wrapped her free hand around Sheri’s waist and pulled her in for a quick hug. On Melissa’s hip, Anlon giggled and held out the sphere. The toy hit the stone floor and rolled under Noeh’s chair. It pinged against the wall.
Noeh pursed his lips. “I’m going to have to get that later.”
Sheri stifled a giggle.
Melissa’s smile was as welcoming as they came. She gripped Sheri’s hand. “Welcome, Sheri. I’m afraid all I know is your name. I’m Melissa. It’s so nice to meet another recent Dren. We have so much to discuss.”
Sheri glanced from Melissa to Noeh, then focused on Tanen. “I…don’t know what to say, other than, thank you for accepting me here. Tanen is my lifeline. Without him, I wouldn’t have faced my fears and fallen in love with such a wonderful male.”
Tanen’s heart swelled. She loved him, and he loved her in return.
“Ow.” Sheri grimaced. She opened her hand, and the faint pink lines were a bit darker than before.
Tanen gripped her hand and ran his fingers gently over her palm. “Does your skin burn?”
Sheri nodded. “The warm sensation comes and goes, sometimes more painful than others.”
Melissa handed Anlon to Noeh and the babe squealed in delight. He stood on Noeh’s thighs, his hands slapping Noeh on the arms.
The queen held out her hand. “May I see?”
Sheri nodded and placed her hand in Melissa’s palm.
The queen traced her finger over the faint lines. She inhaled and let go. Melissa studied Sheri, her eyes darting back and forth.
Tanen’s gut twisted. “Is something wrong?”
Noeh stood and glanced over Melissa’s shoulder.
With deliberate care, Melissa held up her own hand, palm outstretched. “I never really thought much of it before, but I have something similar. Look.”
Sheri inhaled. “The lines are in the shape of an “M.” What do you think it means?”
“My guess—Mu—short for Lemuria.” Tanen swallowed. “Melissa, how long have you had yours?”
“I received it after my transition from human to Dren. No one else seemed to have one, so I didn’t think anything of it.”
“So, the other Dren don’t have this mark?”
“No, but Sheri and I are the only recent humans to survive the transformation. I wonder what this means.”
Anlon fussed in Noeh’s arms and he handed the small child back to Melissa. “We should discuss this with Gaetan. Something made you special, different from other humans. Perhaps our Haelen can help solve the mystery. You’ve done well, Tanen.”
Sheri gave Tanen a quick smile, her eyes beaming with pride. His chest expanded, and he never felt so needed, so wanted in his life. He was born to fight for his king, but not on the battlefield. Instead, he would teach others as his contribution to winning this war for Alora. With Sheri at his side, he had no doubt they would be a formidable team. Happiness warmed his soul. He couldn’t imagine anything better.
“Oh, the stone…” Tanen dug into his pants pocket and pulled out the sacred sunstone. He handed it to Noeh. “Sheri retrieved this from Mauree.”
Noeh accepted the blue crystal and held it up. Light refracted from its edges, cascading a brilliant blue across the stone walls. “Seems to me you’re more hassle than you’re worth. I’ll give you to Gaetan for safekeeping.”
The king pocketed the stone and placed his palm on Tanen’s shoulder. “Before you leave, I need further information. Saar told me you didn’t free Mauree from her cell. Do you know who did?”
Tanen blinked. Ginnia…
Noeh studied him, his gaze piercing into Tanen.
Tanen blinked, but maintained eye-contact with his king. Ginnia, the Keep’s seer was but a child trapped in an adult female body. He couldn’t bring himself to out her, yet his king had the right to know. He released the breath he’d held. “Yes, Your Majesty, I do, but you won’t like the answer.”
The skin around Noeh’s eyes tightened. “I didn’t expect to. Tell me who freed Mauree, and they will face my wrath.”
Tanen frowned. “Ginnia.”
Noeh audibly inhaled. “No! Not possible.” He ran his hand through his hair.
Melissa touched Noeh’s arm. “Noeh, I’m sure she had a good reason.”
Tanen couldn’t imagine what that could be. He shook his head and prayed for the little seer.
CHAPTER 47
The scent of linen and lime woke Tanen. He inhaled, savoring the sweet aroma. Snuggled in his bed, Sheri pressed her backside into him. His member filled with blood, and he rubbed himself against her bottom. She stirred, stretching her lithe body. The contact drove him mad.
“Good evening.” His voice was rough after their long day together. Memories of taking her in all kinds of positions—in the chair, against the headboard, over the sink—flooded his mind. He couldn’t get enough of her.
She rolled onto her back, and a sexy smile tugged at her lip. Warmth radiated from deep inside. She was here with him, and he couldn’t be happier.
&nbs
p; “Hey, big guy.” She gripped his shaft. “You seem happy to see me.”
He groaned, and gathered her close. His erection strained against the soft skin on her abdomen. “Let me show you how happy I am.”
She giggled. “You don’t say…”
He cupped her cheek and poured all of his love for her into his kiss.
Coop whined. The thump of his tail beat against the floor.
Tanen stiffened. “I thought you left Coop in the main living quarter.”
She sat up in bed, taking her warmth with her. “Nope, he’s right here.”
Tanen flopped onto his pillow. His erection pressed painfully against the sheet.
Coop stood, his nails clicking against the stone floor. He let loose a short bark followed by a small whine.
Sheri patted Tanen on the arm. “Seems like he’s hungry. I’ll be right back.”
She flung the sheet back and, naked, left the bed. He couldn’t help but stare at her round behind and shapely legs as she walked away. How he longed to run his hands over her soft skin. His fingers tingled, but he no longer had the urge to crack his knuckles. His knowledge of the scriptures and what he and Sheri had done at Roan’s Rock had cascaded through the community like wildfire. A feeling of weightlessness lightened his chest. He was thankful Sheri had taken a chance on him, thus saving them all. The new confidence in himself along with Sheri’s love had cured him of his need to steal.
The door into their main living quarters closed behind her with a soft click. He scanned his bedroom. One of her blouses lay on the edge of the chair, her pants were a ball on the floor, and a pair of socks hung over his mirror. In the middle of the dresser was her precious copy of The Hobbit, his lapel pin tacked onto the bent corner. His breath bottled up inside. She’d made herself at home. In the past, he would’ve cleaned up the mess, unable to handle the disorder. Now, though, he liked how she left her mark all over his place. He smiled.
The door creaked, and Sheri crept back into their room. Sunstones lining the walls reflected off his qithan bracelet, pulling his attention to her wrist. His chest expanded, as a happiness he never thought he’d experience snuck into his heart. At his first opportunity, he’d given her the precious jewelry—his promise to bond. He had to admit it looked good on her.
She closed the door and peeked at him. Her eyes gleamed, and a small giggle bubbled from her lips, building until the sound echoed off the stone walls.
Her contagious laughter brought forth a chuckle. “What’s so funny?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yes.” She tapped her shoulder. “You have something here…”
He glanced at himself. Hanging over the headboard were her panties, the lacy end touching his shoulder. A loud laugh burst from his lungs. He picked up the panties and flung them onto the floor. My, how much he’d changed. “Next thing you know, you’ll have me throwing my own clothes around the room.”
She smiled and walked toward him, swaying her hips in an elaborate dance. With a sheepish grin, she slipped under the covers and snuggled next to him, kissing him on the neck. He welcomed her into his embrace.
“Melissa coached me about Dren feedings. Did you know…the bites are very erogenous?”
A rush of blood headed south, and his shaft jerked in anticipation. “Hmmm…no, I didn’t know. Perhaps we should find out?”
“Yes, I think so.” She nuzzled his chin, and he pulled her closer. Her soft breaths tickled his ear, flaring the fire between them. In slow, sensual circles, her tongue moistened the skin on his neck. A slow shiver built until she trembled in his arms. Before he could ask if she was okay, her fangs pricked into his skin. A soft pulling sensation increased his desire, sending a wave of love for his female crashing over him. He cuddled her close as she drank, and he relished in the knowledge he could provide for her in this way.
When she was done, she licked his skin, sealing the wound with her saliva. She hummed, and the vibration travelled from her chest to his, sending a tingling sensation to his groin. With a quickness borne of his species, he flipped her over, caging her in his embrace. He settled over her and one of his hands slipped under the pillow.
His fingers touched soft material, but the texture was different from the sheets and pillows. He stilled.
Sheri ran her fingers over his shoulders, and her brow furrowed. “What’s wrong?”
He gripped the material and yanked. His grey underwear was in his hand. With deliberate intent, he tossed the clothing over his shoulder, not caring where it landed.
Sheri giggled, the sound filling his soul, marking him in all the ways that mattered. He could listen to her soft laugh for eternity and never tire of it. She’d helped him grow, helped him see his own value to the Keep. Her love for him had healed him, and he’d never be the same. Good…
Mauree stood on the balcony overlooking the lawn and the small lake beyond. The moonlight lit up the grass and the deer and her fawn that chose to graze there. Maybe she wasn’t aware of the creatures that inhabited the house, or maybe she didn’t fear them. Ignorance could be deadly.
Mauree fisted her hand. Her plot to kill Noeh had failed, thanks to Tanen. She’d also lost Jakar, her first lieutenant, and would need to find a replacement. Fortunately, she didn’t have to look far. “Theron, come join me on the veranda. The moon is beautiful tonight.”
Theron stepped over the sliding glass door’s track and gripped the railing. His long dark hair blew in the breeze, framing his chiseled jaw and sharp cheekbones. He was the epitome of an alpha male. That she forced him to submit to her was a new thrill, one that burned in her veins. He’d do anything to protect his niece, Kaelyn, and Mauree wasn’t above taking advantage of the situation.
“We almost had them last night.” His low voice rumbled, sending a shiver over Mauree’s skin.
“But not Noeh…he’s the most important piece in this game. Topple the king and the war is all but over.”
He placed his forearms against the railing, one foot secured between a couple of slats. His biceps bulged, displaying the immense strength the Ursus possessed. “What are your plans?”
“I don’t know…yet. But between us, I’m sure we’ll come up with something.”
She stepped toward him and ran her fingers over his bicep and down his forearm. He visibly tensed, his muscles turning rock hard under her touch. The soft hair tickled the tender pads on her fingers. Warmth spread through her body. He’d proven himself to be more than she’d expected in the bedroom, and her nipples peaked at the memory. Time for another round.
She pulled on his arm, his firm muscle tightening beneath her fingers. His dark eyes hardened and his lip curled, but he followed her into the bedroom.
SNEAK PEEK OF UNDENIABLE LOVER
WARRIORS OF LEMURIA SERIES BOOK #4
CHAPTER 1
Saar curled his fingers around the hilt of his sword and pressed his lips to the cool steel blade. The skin around his mouth puckered, a constant reminder of the age-old, disfiguring scar that tracked from his cheek to his chin. Hot and bitter, bile rose in his throat, and the mixture of sweat and frustration blended into a toxic brew.
Dampness coated his skin. He took a step forward, his boots sliding over the smooth, polished stone floor.
Sunstones lining the underground Keep’s cave walls flared to life. The light reflected in his opponent’s cold stare.
“Come now, I didn’t expect you to beat around the bush. You can do much better.” Saar’s adversary smiled, and his blue eyes swirled with amber flecks. So familiar, so chilling.
The taunt sent a rush of adrenaline through Saar’s veins. He tightened his grip around his favorite weapon and hefted the heavy blade. Focused on his rival, he waited for the slight flinch around the eyes, the tell-tale sign his opponent would attack.
…and there it was, the twitch under Noeh’s left eye. With a quickness bred into his Lemurian blood, Noeh brought his short sword down.
The clash of steel ricochet
ed against the Keep’s stone walls.
Blade pressed to blade, Saar’s muscles strained under Noeh’s pressure. Although they didn’t usually spar with real swords, both Saar and the king were on edge. Sparring with authentic weapons provided the extra rush they desperately needed.
Noeh’s mouth lifted at the corner. “Concede.”
The demand lit a fire of conviction in Saar’s chest. He shoved his sword harder against Noeh’s, forcing the male to step back. “Never.”
Noeh relaxed his grip and swiped his sword under Saar’s blade.
Saar used the momentum to his advantage. He brought his blade around, and the tip scratched Noeh’s ear. Blood pooled along the cut.
“Craya! That’s twice now you’ve nicked me.” Noeh drew his mouth into a thin line, his gaze focused on Saar’s lips.
Saar lowered his sword in deference to his king. “Actually, that’s three. Set and match.”
Noeh sheathed his weapon and wiped his palm over his face. The red sunstone in his ring, the one that marked him as king, glittered in the light. “Not long ago that wouldn’t have happened, at least not so easily. Damn my deafness!”
If Saar could’ve absorbed Noeh’s weakness, taken away his pain, he would’ve done so without hesitation.
Everyone had a weakness that wouldn’t heal. Noeh’s were his ears. Saar—the scar that marred his face. He cleared his throat to dislodge the ache that had formed there. “Your Majesty. You are our king. I, for one, would follow you to the grave.”
Noeh exhaled, and a sad smile tugged at his lips. “You are my most trusted, my most loyal warrior. You’ve proven that to me, time and again.” His attention focused on Saar’s scar before drawing to his eyes. “I couldn’t have chosen a better Commander of Arms.”
Noeh almost died because of you. Father’s words echoed in Saar’s mind, and the familiar guilt weighed heavily on his shoulders.
He glanced around the room, taking in the empty weights against the far wall and the sparring dummies lined up in a row. Pictures graced the walls, many of warriors in battle, some with swords raised above their heads, others in beast form, long hair coating their tall, muscular bodies, claws elongated, tusks protruding from their jaws.
