by Marilyn Lee
Nothing could be right as long as Slayer was back in Volter. Until he returned to Tern Terra, she would have no peace. She forced a smile and went back to her plantings. Seeing Slayer earlier that day had both shocked and angered her as she had made a sort of peace with the past and had not expected to see him again.
She put the rest of the plantings in, washed her hands at the small lean-to outside the hut, and with a heavy heart went inside to talk to Wynter.
She paused in the doorway, frowning. Wynter had laid out the eating utensils on the table along with the fresh bread Ayanni’s mother had brought them just that morning. Wynter now stood over the fire, stirring the slowly cooking stew of herbs and plantings.
She rushed inside, closing the door behind her. “What are you doing?”
Wynter resisted her efforts to take the ladle and continued stirring the stew. “Please sit down, Mother. It is not right that I should continue to do nothing while you toil all day. I am perfectly capable of helping. So please sit down and I will serve you for once.”
Although weary and tired, Ayanni shook her head. “If I must toil, it is my own doing. You did nothing to deserve such a low station. It is not right that one such as you should toil.”
“Please, Mother. Just this once allow me the honor of serving she who not only bore me, but has struggled so fiercely to provide for me.”
“Wynter, you…I have not told you this, but you have royal blood. It is unseemly that you should wait on anyone.”
Wynter clutched her hand against her breasts. “You are not anyone. You are she who bore me. You are she whom I shall always value above all others. Please, Mother. Be seated.”
With tears filling her eyes Ayanni sat at the table. Despite her lowly station, she felt blessed by the Gods of the Mountains. She had done nothing worthy of such devotion.
She blinked back her tears. “Wynter, you have not questioned me about your sire.”
Wynter turned to look at her. “I have always known you would tell me when the time was right.”
With the fear of losing her to Slayer weighing heavy on her shoulders, Ayanni knew she must tell Wynter that Slayer would probably come to take her away to Tern Terra very soon.
“He is Slayer, elder offspring to Hunter, future ruler of Tern Terra. He…he has returned to Volter.”
Wynter placed a bowl of stew on the table before her, then placed a hand on her mother’s shoulder. “I know, Mother. I have met him.”
The breath caught in Ayanni’s throat. “You have?”
“I encountered him as I returned home. Oh, Mother. Is he not the finest Carnivore ever born?”
The excitement, pride, and admiration in Wynter’s voice struck like a knife. When Slayer took Wynter he would take her only reason for living. She tried to tell herself Wynter deserved to live in luxury in Tern Terra, but the thought of a life without Wynter brought a fresh flood of tears to her eyes and anguish to her heart she could not bear.
“When is he returning?”
“I do not know.”
She bit her lip. “I will miss you so much.”
Wynter’s hand tightened on her shoulder. “What do you mean?”
“When you go…” She sucked in a breath and fought back the tears.
“Go where?”
“To Tern Terra with your sire.”
“What?!” Wynter sank down to her knees and stared up at her, her dark eyes quickly filling with tears. “What are you talking about? Have you grown weary of me, Mother? I know I have not been as obedient as I should have been, but I will change, Mother! I promise! Don’t send me away! Please!”
“Send you away? Never!”
“Then…I do not understand. What were you speaking of when you said you would miss me?”
“Wynter, you are the elder offspring of the future ruler of Tern Terra. Now that Slayer knows about you, he will take you back with him when he goes.”
“Never!” Wynter’s dark eyes shone with determination. “No one…not even Seeker himself could induce me to leave you, Mother!” She wrapped her arms around Ayanni’s legs and pressed against her. “I would rather be here with you with barely enough to eat than to live in splendor in Tern Terra without you.”
“I fear you will have little choice but to leave me, Wynter.”
Wynter rose and stared down at her. “I am Wynter, elder offspring of Slayer, future ruler of Tern Terra. No one will take me from you, Mother.” She extended her right hand. “Anyone who tries will regret it.”
Ayanni looked at Wynter with a sort of awe. Her daughter was as tall as she with a slender yet pleasing build. Wynter’s hair, dark and straight hung past her shoulders and fell along ample breasts. Her child had become an adult while she toiled with the plantings. And though Wynter spoke with respect, there was an undeniable authority about her. She was indeed a regal and royal daughter of Tern Terra. It would be a crime against the Gods of the Mountains to keep her in Volter.
“You belong in Tern Terra.”
“Have no fear. I will never go without you, Mother.” Wynter smiled. “Now, eat. After you have, you must rest and I will see to the finishings. Then I will have a final walk before sleeping.”
About to protest, Ayanni bit her lip and remained silent. It was time she accepted the fact that Wynter could take care of herself. Although she knew Wynter would never rule Tern Terra, she felt sure Wynter would be accepted there as Slayer’s elder offspring. Not only was she regal and of royal blood, but she had the gift of the right hand. None on the Plaines would be able to harm her. Nevertheless, it was difficult to watch Wynter walk out into the darkened forest without her. Unable to stop herself, Ayanni grabbed her stout stick and crept out after her.
* * * * *
My lord?
From his reclining position next to Meka, Slayer looked up at Totter, standing over him in the darkened forest. Yes?
You are sufficient?
I am.
Forgive my impertinence, my lord, but should I not make a journey to the hut of my lady Wynter to ensure that all is sufficient before settling down?
Slayer suppressed a sigh. Totter was clearly taken with Wynter. He could imagine Seeker’s reaction to such a circumstance. It was not a situation Slayer should encourage, but he remembered his own feelings the first time he saw Ayanni and found it impossible to be too harsh with Totter. Should Wynter find him a nuisance, then he would act.
Yes, but take care that you do not disturb her or Ayanni, Totter. Make sure all is secure…stay for a time if you feel the need, but do not frighten Ayanni. And do not impose yourself on either of them.
Totter inclined his head. I will take care to follow your instructions very carefully, my lord. Totter paused and Slayer followed his gaze several yards away to where Macak rested. You will be sufficient while I am gone, my lord?
There is no one on the Plaines that I fear. Go, Totter, and take care of any of your needs while you are gone. I am and will be sufficient with the prides I was reared amongst. I will see you after the rising of the sun when you have hunted and fed.
Should you need me, my lord, you have but to call.
Of that I have no doubt. Go with no fears, Totter.
* * * * *
Wynter lay in the forest on her back upon the bow of a tree with low hanging branches, staring up at the moon overhead, enjoying the nocturnal sounds of the forest. This was her favorite time with the stars out and the forest creatures moving quietly through the jungle and through the branches above her head.
She had learned much since the rising of the sun, who her sire was, why Ayanni had never allowed her to help in anyway, and had met Slayer. Slayer. She had felt Ayanni’s fear, but she knew her sire would do nothing to hurt Ayanni. She frowned. Why could Ayanni not see that as well?
She felt a gentle brush against her mind and slowly sat up, with her back against the trunk of the tree. As she watched the path, a big, Carnivore with a tanned coat and a beautiful, dark mane emerged from the foliage.
My lady, Wynter. You are sufficient? Do you require assistance?
She looked down at him. His mane was magnificent and his coat a rich luxuriant color. His voice was deep and warm and the sound of it made her feel very strange indeed. Her hands itching to stroke his coat, she dropped out of the tree and stood near him.
“Totter.” Her voice came out low and raspy. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Why are you here? Is my sire sufficient?”
He is, my lady. I have come to…ensure that all is well with you. Is it, my lady?
“Yes.”
And with she who bore you? She is sufficient as well?
She nodded. “She is.”
Why is my lady out alone?
“Totter, would you render me a service?”
You have but to name it and I will perish trying to render it, my lady.
She smiled, feeling warm and needy. “I do not think I would wish you to perish, Totter.”
He lifted his head and Ayanni had a sensation of falling endlessly as she gazed into his warm, dark eyes. It was a fall, she found she not only didn’t mind, but delighted in making. Her throat tightened and moisture filled her mating tunnel. She wet her lips and forced herself to look away.
How can I be of service to you, my lady?
She swallowed slowly and turned to look at him, although she was careful not to gaze directly into his eyes. “Do not call me your lady. I am Wynter, born of Ayanni of Volter.”
You are also Wynter, elder offspring of Slayer, future ruler of Tern Terra. It is not proper for me to address you as anything but my lady.
Unable to stop herself, she looked directly into his dark eyes and felt a consuming need to see him…all of him. Although she herself had never mated, she had seen Keta mate and had enjoyed watching the cock of Keta’s lover sliding in and out of her mating channel. Now she knew she wanted to share that experience with the Carnivore in front of her.
“And are you always proper, Totter? Do you never do something just because you want to?”
I do not have that luxury, my lady. I am Totter, elder offspring of Toren, born to serve the royal house of Seeker with my lifeblood if necessary. I can not afford to indulge myself in anything improper.
“Oh, but Totter, sometimes one must be a little improper.” She smiled at him, stroking her palm along his flank. “When we are alone like this, I forbid you to call me anything other than Wynter. I will hear no more my ladies from you when we are alone. Agreed?”
He hesitated before inclining his big, handsome head.
“And I will have none of that bowing of heads either when we are alone. When we are…can we not just be Totter and Wynter…equals?”
His head shot up at that. No, my lady! There can be no talk of our being equals. I am your servant, sworn to give my life in your defense, if necessary.
“I would never allow you to die for me, Totter!”
It is a service I would gladly render with my only regret being that I could do it but once, my lady.
Wynter’s eyes misted with tears at his heartfelt sincerity. “You were going to call me Wynter when we are alone,” she reminded him.
I fear my lord Slayer would not approve.
She smiled. “Then we will not tell him. Now, will you walk with me through the forest, Totter?”
It would be my honor to accompany you, my la—
“Wynter.”
Wynter.
The sound of her name in his voice sent welcome warmth through her. Save for Slayer and possibly Hunter, she doubted a more magnificent Carnivore had ever walked the Volterian Plaines. She felt honored, excited, and breathless to walk through the forest with his big, reassuring bulk at her side.
Her feelings for him confused her. She had never felt anything like this with any other male. None of the males in either Meka or Berka’s pride had this effect on her. Many of those males had wanted to mate with her and although she had always known she would take a carnivore lover rather than a human one, no one had stirred her—until now. She paused and looked at him as an unpleasant thought struck her. “Totter, what is your mate called?”
I am not yet mated…Wynter.
The Gods of the Mountains be praised. Smiling, she walked along the trail with the moonlight shining on her and Totter’s company to keep her content. “But there is someone you look forward to mating with?”
His hesitation was brief. There is no one, my lady.
She sensed that he was not being particularly forthcoming with her. She stopped and turned to look into his eyes, running her hands through his mane. No one?
He looked away from her and her heart thumped as she felt a wave of longing from him…directed at her. Breathing deeply, she slid a hand down from his mane and over his flank. No one? she asked again.
He moved away from her, still avoiding her gaze. I will see you safely back, my lady, then I must return to my lord Slayer.
Wynter. Please.
Wynter.
She sighed. She had been too bold and now he had retreated. She would act more prudently next time—maybe. They covered the distance to the hut in silence. At the door, he bowed his head. I will take my leave of you, my lady.
“Will you come walk with me in the forest after sun rising? I would like to show you where I live.”
Although she felt his pleasure at her suggestion, he answered in a calm voice. I can make no promises, Wynter. I am at my lord Slayer’s disposal.
She felt certain that her sire would deny her very little, including the company of Totter. “If I ask my sire and he agrees, would you find accompanying me an unpleasant task?”
If it be my lord Slayer’s wish, I will accompany you.
“That is not what I asked.”
That is all I am prepared to say, my lady.
She sighed. Why would he not say what she wanted him to? She knew that even if she ordered him to speak, he would say no more than he wanted to. She liked that about him. “Then I must be content with that. I will see you again, Totter.”
I will look forward to that, my…Wynter.
She curled her hand into a fist to keep from stroking it along his flank. As will I, Totter, elder offspring of Toren.
Chapter Seven
Wynter stood at the door of the hut watching Totter move away. She turned to go inside, but the ache in her was unbearable. Taking a deep breath, she raced through the forest in the direction Totter had taken, calling softly to him. Totter.
He turned to face her. My lady? What is it?
She hesitated, then approached, and slipped her arms around his neck. I do not wish to be parted from you.
My lady…I must go before I do something I must not.
She trembled with anticipation. That’s what she hoped for—that he would do something he should not. She leaned forward and brushed her mouth against his. She had expected it to feel strange. It did not. It felt right and proper that her lips would touch his in such an intimate way. Closing her eyes, she kissed him slowly, but with a growing hunger.
She felt his passion and his resistance. My lady, you mustn’t.
She allowed the tip of her tongue to touch his lips. I must. Do not deny me, Totter. Please.
My lady…we must not.
We must, she countered and kissed him again.
She felt a shudder go through his entire body. Then his tail whipped out and wrapped around her, pulling her closer. She sighed and surrendered to the passion and po
wer in the kiss he took command of.
Couple with me, Totter, she whispered.
He growled deep in his chest cavity and released her. It is not permitted.
She lifted her chin. She was Wynter, elder offspring of Slayer, who would one day rule Tern Terra. There was nothing she wanted that she would not have. She lay on the ground on her back, her hand extended. Couple with me, she urged softly.
She felt his struggle. I am to guard and protect the royal family. I am not permitted to—
Heart thumping, she bent her knees and parted her legs, exposing her mating channel to his gaze. Totter, elder offspring of Toren, I have a need. Do not deny me. Couple with me.
He advanced slowly and her tunnel filled with moisture. He surprised her by urging her gently onto her stomach. The touch of his tongue against her puckered bottom felt strange. Still, an undercurrent of excitement danced through her. He must have shifted because she felt human hands on her waist, urging her hips upward. Keeping her eyes closed and surrendering to him with complete trust, she felt the tip of his cock, hard, thick, and heavy pressing at her bottom. She tensed. She wanted him, but she knew the coming coupling would not be without discomfort. He gently parted her and ejaculated into her.
Feeling his seed enter her gave her a pleasure she had never imagined and made her eager to feel his cock inside her. “Bottom mate with me,” she pleaded.
“It is not permitted, but I fear I cannot do what I should in this instance.”
She rolled over onto her back so that she could see him. She lifted her legs and pressed her bottom against his hardened cock. “Mate with me.”
He pressed forward. She bit her lip and pressed her hips downward. He eased into her bottom and she gasped. She had never had anything inside her bottom and feeling his hardened flesh easing into her took her breath away.
A wall of pain crashed down on her. She sucked in a breath and froze. His forward motion stopped and he leaned over her, kissing her breasts and brushing his tail against her pussy, sending a wave of pleasure to cover the pain. It was strange that in his humanoid form, he had retained his lovely tail.
“Don’t stop,” she begged. “I want this…I want you. Take me.”
