Summer Shifter Nights

by Harmony Raines

  Ava resisted looking at her watch until two other women had walked through the archway. Ten more minutes. Tears stung at her eyelids. She’d come such a long way only to be too late for admission.

  “Let us through,” the rude female from before shoved her way to the front of the line, mowing down yet another woman. “I’m Eleanor Peaman, and this is my daughter, Millicent. I demand admittance before these people.” Disdain dripped from every word, proving how little she thought of them all.

  Ava went to the woman sprawled on the ground and helped her up. “I beg your pardon, but you just knocked this lady right off her feet,” she said, her voice loud enough to garner the attention of everyone, including the Citadel Priestess who had been speaking to the rightful next person in line.

  “Whatever. It doesn’t matter,” the rude woman said, her face pinched in a disgusted look as she let her gaze travel over Ava.

  “It most certainly does matter. That was uncalled for, and not to mention rude. You owe this woman an apology. I’m certain if you had pressing matters to speak to the Priestess about, a simple excuse me would have sufficed to get you there.” Ava wouldn’t tolerate bullying for her siblings, and she wouldn’t tolerate it for the woman next to her who now had blood dripping from her elbow and knee.

  Rather than engage her further, the woman turned her back. Next to her, red-faced, the nasty woman’s daughter just sneered at them before doing the same.

  Ava huffed and pulled a kerchief from her handbag. “Sorry you had to go through that. She knocked me over a few minutes ago, too. I’m Ava,” she said as she dabbed at the woman’s elbow.

  “Bonnie. Bonnie Leland. Thanks for standing up for me.” The girl who had to be right around the same age as her gave her a watery smile.

  “No need to thank me. It’s just right.”

  A man no taller than her five-foot-five came rushing across the lawn, his chest heaving. “You, and you,” he indicated, pointing first to Ava, then to Bonnie. He looked over the remaining two women, one of which was the daughter of the one still arguing with the Priestess. He pointed to the other single woman, leaving Millicent and her mother out. “And you. I’m Edmond. Come with me. We must hurry.”

  Another man, equally slight, rushed to the table and whispered into the Priestess’s ear.

  Edmond turned and walked toward the archway to the left, this one more ornate than the one the other girls had gone through. Ava looked at Bonnie, then to the other woman and shrugged before following. The way led deeper into the castle. At least they wouldn’t sleep in the forest or next to the moat.

  Behind them, Eleanor’s grating voice screeched. “What’s the meaning of this? My daughter should be the one going into the Citadel. I demand they be brought back at once.”

  After a short pause, a shrill cry filled the air. “What do you mean we have to come back tomorrow? Those women were after us. I demand entry!”

  Ava hurried to keep up with the small man’s quick steps. After passing through the archway, they rounded a corner, then entered a long hallway. The woman’s enraged screams faded, then disappeared altogether, and Ava had to fight back a smile. Served her right for being so rude.

  2

  Damon spread his wings and flew high into the mid-day sky. He’d arrived at the Citadel of the Chosen early that morning and dutifully filled out all the required paperwork. If he were lucky, he’d have a willing female to mate by the end of the day. His dragon harrumphed in his mind. It wasn’t satisfied with finding a willing body. It wanted the one. The promised mate that fate should have brought them but Damon didn’t have the time to find.

  His kingdom’s numbers were dwindling, and for some stupid reason, the elder was refusing to allow mated couples to have offspring until Damon had one of his own. Without the old fool’s blessing—and magic—no new dragons were being born. None had come in almost a decade. Damon had gone to him and all but begged for him to reconsider, but the old geezer had laughed at him. Him. The king of their people. If it weren’t for the fact that his people needed the elder and his magic, he would have fried him to a crisp right then and there.

  Far below, a line of women awaited entry. Perhaps one of them would come home with him. He dipped lower, eyeing the females one by one. Some were pretty, others were rather homely, but one, right near the end, drew all his attention.

  She looked up at him, her eyes wide, awe shining from them. Her mouth gaped open as he flew past. Had he been able to in dragon form, Damon would have grinned. The beast took notice, stretching its wings wide, preening in the sunlight, then released its fire into the sky.

  Perhaps the trip would not be wasted after all. Damon flew in for a closer look, though with his dragon’s superior vision, he had seen her clearly already. He was almost upon the courtyard when a portly woman shoved the one who had captured his interest onto the ground.

  Fury rose in him fast and hard. A roar tore from his throat. She wouldn’t get away with such horrid behavior. He circled back to the castle grounds to ask to have her removed. The Citadel was a reputable place. Certainly, they wouldn’t allow such injustices on an innocent woman. Especially not that one.

  Damon shifted as he landed in the private yard off the tower designated for his use, heading straight for his second, Axton, not caring that he was as naked as the day he was born.

  “What was all that about?” his friend asked as he tossed a pair of jeans and a T-shirt his way.

  “There’s a woman in the courtyard. She was shoved to the ground a moment ago. She is to be brought in immediately. The one who assaulted her had graying hair and wasn’t friendly in the least. I want her removed,” Damon demanded.

  “We’re not home, Damon. I can’t order these people about.”

  Damon growled. “Brown hair, long. Dark eyes. Plump lips. I want her on display. Today.” Axton might grumble and moan, but he knew how to get things done.

  “Shit. Okay. Let me see what I can do. I make no promises.” The man jogged away, disappearing into the castle even before Damon had his shirt over his head.

  Suddenly, touring the mating arena later that afternoon didn’t seem like such a chore. Damon chuckled to himself. If his dragon’s reaction was anything to go by, he might even enjoy it.

  Ava had to all but run to keep up with Edmond who was leading them deeper into the bowels of the Citadel.

  “We must hurry, ladies. We’ve allowed for three more openings for today’s viewing, and you’re going to fill them,” he said as he all but jogged down the carved stone corridor.

  “But we haven’t been processed yet,” Ava piped up when the other two women didn’t utter a sound of protest. The Citadel was known for its strict adherence to the rules, kicking anyone who didn’t abide by them out, never to be allowed re-admittance. Ava didn’t want to be sent away on a technicality.

  “Yes, well, a special request has been made, and since we’re short on time, we will process you as you prepare.”

  Ava’s breath caught in her throat. It was happening. No man had ever seen her naked. Her heart raced and her palms grew damp. Though she’d never admit it, the very idea thrilled her a little, even if it did scare her senseless. The one saving grace was that she wouldn’t be able to see them as those seeking mates looked upon the Chosen—upon her—to make their selections. She could do this. Just because she had one of the coveted spots in the arena didn’t mean she’d be one of the chosen, but it gave her a chance.

  “Enter here. Do as your told. No arguing. You will be bathed and coached on what to expect. We will meet in thirty minutes to sign the documents,” Edmond said before dashing away.

  Ava peered into the room. “I guess this is it,” she said, giving Bonnie a small smile, hoping it conveyed more courage than she felt.

  “I guess so. Good luck.”

  “You, too.” When neither of the other women stepped forward, Ava crossed the threshold.

  “Come, quickly,” a tall woman with black hair wrapped in a tight bun at the top o
f her head said, ushering her in deeper. Two others waited.

  Ava took half a second to look around. Steam rose from a large pool in the center of the room. Candlelight from the tapers on the wall sconces was the only source of light, creating a dark, yet soothing atmosphere. Otherwise, the room was bare.

  The woman who had spoken to her heaved a loud sigh. “There is no time to waste. Once shut, the admittance gate cannot be reopened until the last potential mate has come and gone. Do you wish to lose an entire day?”

  Ava swallowed as the reality of the situation came crashing down on her. Part of her wanted to say yes, she’d be fine with waiting until tomorrow, but she’d been given an opportunity few—if any—ever received. She would make it to the arena today. After all, fate had intervened for a reason. She wasn’t about to blow it.

  Without another word, she followed the woman to the shallow end of the pool.

  “I am Mia, I will be your maid for today. If you are not successful at the upcoming viewing, you will be assigned a permanent maid who will follow you until you leave the Citadel. Now, remove that dress and get in the water. I will bathe you.”

  What the hell? Why couldn’t she do it herself? She was about to open her mouth to protest when Edmond’s words came back to her. Do as she’s told, and don’t argue. It was what she’d signed up for—or rather, what she would be agreeing to in half an hour. She knew going in that some things would be uncomfortable. She’d get through it. They were all women in the bathing room, after all.

  She pulled her dress over her head and dropped it to the floor at her feet, resisting the urge to cover herself. She’d have to reveal a whole lot more—to strangers, no less—before the day was through. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Bonnie already lowering herself into the water at the other end.

  “Dip under the water and wet your hair. I’d normally do it for you, but we have no time for the relaxation part of the bath,” the woman spoke softly, but her stern voice made it clear that she expected obedience.

  Ava dunked her head into the hot water, relishing the heat as it seeped into her bones. The day was warm, but she hadn’t had a bath in a week, and she looked forward to being clean again.

  As soon as she bobbed up, Mia was there, combing her fingers through her long tresses, lathering the strands with an aromatic floral shampoo. When the maid tugged a little hard, Ava didn’t say anything. Being brought in at the last moment had to have put the woman under more stress than she ought to have been.

  “Now, rinse,” she ordered.

  Ava did as she was told, making sure to get all the shampoo out in one shot, using as little time as she could to get it done.

  “Hold on to the side of the pool and let yourself float. I will bathe your body.”

  Heat that had nothing to do with the temperature of the water rose from her chest into her cheeks, but once again, she complied without so much as a peep. The woman immediately went to work, stroking every inch of her body with a soft cloth and fresh smelling soap. As soon as she swiped the cloth over a patch of skin, it tingled. The maid’s movements were quick and efficient, clinical even, but when her hands swept over Ava’s breasts, the tingling concentrated over her nipples, making them pebble almost immediately.

  Her heart raced as the woman’s hands drifted lower on her body. She washed first one leg, then the other, before pausing at the juncture between.

  “Relax and let me finish.”

  “But—”

  The woman sighed again. “It’s meant to stimulate your body. Just let it happen. You’ll likely have several orgasms before the viewing, which is what you want. The stronger your scent, the more likely you will be selected. Had you been here earlier, I would have had time to explain all of this to you. As it is, we must hurry.”

  Ava gripped the edge of the pool tighter and spread her legs. Again, the maid’s strokes were nothing but professional, but the tingling between her legs left Ava gasping.

  Ava didn’t open her eyes as the throb intensified. A soft moan came from somewhere to her right, and she knew either Bonnie or the other woman had just received the same treatment. She blocked it out, focusing solely on keeping her body under control. Surely, they’d allow her some privacy before the showing. She’d let herself come then.

  When she was certain she could do so without embarrassing herself, Ava opened her eyes. Mia, who’d spent the last several minutes silently cleaning her hands and nails, smiled at her. “I think we’ll make it in time. Let’s get you dried.”

  Now that the pressure was off, the woman looked almost friendly. “Thank you. I’ve never had anyone bathe me before. At least, not since I was a child,” she finally said, remembering her manners.

  “I wish you luck today and in the days to come. There are some very important people at the Citadel. You’d be lucky to be picked by one of them. Now, for the rules. Be sure to keep still. Only if a potential mate chooses to move any part of you can you do so, and only in the manner they direct. Do nothing yourself. Do not speak. At all. Do not attempt to remove your blindfold. Many males will be present in the arena, along with a few women. Any one of them is permitted to touch you in however they see fit. Of course, they will not be allowed to harm you. You cannot impede them in their assessment of you. Remember that. The herbs in the soap will continue to work on your body for hours, so my best advice is to relax and let it do what it does naturally.”

  Ava’s head spun. None of the information the maid was providing was a secret—it had been freely shared when she’d made her inquiries to the Citadel—but hearing it again so close to when she’d live through it was a bit much. The shock must have shown on her face, because the woman paused and took a breath.

  “You’ll be fine. No one has ever died from having multiple orgasms.”

  Out of nowhere, a giggle burst from her lips. “I’m sorry. I’m nervous,” she said as she twisted her fingers in front of her belly.

  “It’s okay. I think that’s it for the rules. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope I don’t get to see you tomorrow,” the maid said with a smile as she helped her into a soft, silky robe. The pink material clung to her body, making her feel sexier than she’d ever felt before. Mia then knelt and placed sandals on Ava’s freshly washed feet.

  To her right, Bonnie was getting her robe on, but past her, the third woman, the one she hadn’t introduced herself to, was sobbing and shaking her head.

  “Hey, it’s okay. Don’t you want to be mated?” Ava asked as she rushed over to comfort the other woman.

  The woman swallowed and nodded, wiping the tears from her cheeks with trembling hands. “It’s just so embarrassing. I can hardly stand it.”

  Ava gave her what she hoped was an encouraging smile. “We’re all here for the same thing. I’m Ava. It’s a little weird knowing that I’ll be coming in front of strangers, but it will be worth it in the end. At least it’ll feel good,” she said with a shrug.

  “I’m Clarice,” her new friend said, taking a shaky breath. “You’re right. I can do this.”

  “Absolutely. We all can.” Ava wanted to say something more, but Edmond burst into the room, his face flushed.

  “We’re late. You must sign the contracts and get to the arena,” he said as he gave her a quick perusal, then nodded approvingly, oddly, not doing the same for the other two women.

  “Good luck,” Mia called out after her as Edmond whisked Ava out the door.”

  3

  It took everything in Ava’s power to keep from squirming in her seat as Edmond stood next to her. The slow throb between her legs intensified with the squeezing of her thighs. Edmond’s nostrils had flared. Had he scented her arousal? The heat that had bloomed in her cheeks earlier exploded once more.

  The Priestess pointed to the document she had slapped on the ornate table in front of her.

  “By signing, you agree to each stipulation outlined in the contract. I see your application lists that you only wish to be mated to a male. Both male and
female prospective mates will have access to you throughout the viewing, but only the males present in the arena may choose to take you as his mate. Do you understand this?” the Priestess asked, the rush with which she spoke making her almost breathless.

  “Yes,” Ava muttered.

  “If more than one male shows an interest, they will come to a decision between them. Failing an amicable resolution, the one with the highest social standing will win the right to mate you. All decisions are final. Do you understand?”

  “Yes,” she repeated. Nothing the woman was saying was news to her. It was common knowledge outside the Citadel.

  “Once mated, you will spend three days here in your new mate’s assigned suite. If the male finds you lacking in that time, he may request training, at which time you will stay an extra seven days, or he may return you to our care and choose another. Again, this decision is his alone.”

  “Yes.” She didn’t want to think of the humiliation that would bring, but it was a risk she would have to take.

  “If all is satisfactory, at the end of the three days, the male will mark your skin with his insignia, and you will return to his home as his mate.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. Now, sign here. You have to go.” The Priestess pointed to the spot on the contract.

  Ava took up the pen laying next to it, and without too much shaking in her fingers, signed her name. For better or worse, she was now a Chosen of the Citadel.

  As soon as the ink was on the paper, Edmond was on the move, ushering her out the door. Her legs could hardly keep up with the quick pace he set. “I don’t know if the other two will make it, but I’ll be damned if I don’t get you into that arena today.”

  The way he said it had Ava’s pulse quickening, but she pushed it aside. She had enough sending her nerves into a frenzy without wondering what he was going on about. “I appreciate all you’ve done. Thank you,” she said as she struggled to keep up, her sandals clacking against her heels with each hurried step.