"Yield!" he roared, but the harshness had all but diminished, its remaining edges lost amongst the voices of the masses.
Taylor shook her head and bit her lip, but her hips rocked back to meet his thrusts.
Hades' teeth sharpened as his urge to dominate her grew. He waited until his incisors resembled fangs, then latched onto the skin of her fragile neck where it met her delicate shoulder. "I said yield." The words were garbled, but still intelligible.
Taylor shuddered beneath him and her feminine musk filled the air.
His sudden aggression caused the crowd to grab the sides of the cage surrounding the Pit. They shook the metal with all their might and chanted, "Claim her!" at the top of their lungs.
Hades' gaze moved to Linx. The arrogant cat smirked, then gave him an 'I knew it' look and laughed. As much as he'd like to strangle the feline, he wasn't about to let his 'prey' go in order to do so.
The Dark King was so intent on holding Taylor in place that it took him a moment to notice that she'd gone limp beneath him. She'd finally submitted. Tension he didn't know he was holding left his body in a rush.
"You are mine now." Hades kissed her neck tenderly, then bit down hard, breaking the skin. He thrust forward at the same time, burying his cock deep inside her willing body. The second he tasted Taylor's sweet blood in his mouth, something inside of him snapped.
Hades' beast took over and went into a frenzy. He pounded into Taylor, his thick shaft stretching her, working her soft folds, making sure she knew exactly who she belonged to. The ramifications of what he’d done entered his mind, but were quickly dispersed. This felt right. She felt right.
He purred and lapped up her blood, while his body continued to claim hers.
Taylor tightened beneath him, her wet channel fluttering sporadically as she neared completion. Hades slipped his hand between her legs and slowly circled her clit, then flicked it with his thumb. Taylor jerked, then cried out as her release broke. But Hades refused to stop. He was just getting started.
***
Taylor felt overwhelmed as Hades fucked her in front of the Phantom people. Blood dripped from her neck, but she barely noticed the sting. All she could feel was the Dark King surrounding her, cradling her, shielding her as he laid claim to her body, her heart, and her soul.
An orgasm struck, but Hades didn't give her time to catch her breath. He immediately rebuilt the tension. Taylor's nipples were so hard and sensitive that they actually ached. Hades pinched them mercilessly. The pain only added to her pleasure.
Taylor clawed at the dirt, trying to get away from their intense connection before she shattered into a million pieces. Hades released her neck and licked the blood off, but his grip didn't ease. He seemed harder than ever.
"You shouldn't have challenged me. This is what happens when you challenge the Dark King." He grabbed her hips and shoved his thick, hot length as deep as it could go.
Taylor cried out and her body quivered. One second Hades was behind her, the next he was beneath her, kissing her breasts and biting her nipples. Everything inside of her tingled. Taylor closed her eyes and shook her head. How had he done that?
In a blink he was behind her again.
"What's happening?" The tingles increased until her whole body felt electrified.
Hades didn't answer. He simply faded into nothingness.
Taylor's skin felt as if it were wired to her funny bone. She had no idea what was happening, but whatever it was sent the crowd into hysteria. The Dark King reappeared beneath her long enough to kiss her soundly, then disappeared.
When he reappeared, he was behind her once more. Hades rocked his hips against her bottom, his massive cock branding her flesh.
Taylor felt...weird. Off. Not sick, but different. "What did you do to me?" she asked.
"I claimed you as a Phantom Warrior does. Now we will join in the Atlantean way," he said, brushing a hand over her temple.
Heat flashed through her head before she could utter a sound and a loud pop detonated in her ears. Taylor would've collapsed had it not been for Hades holding her up.
It is done, he said.
The words whispered in her head.
What have you done? Taylor wasn’t even aware that she hadn't asked the question out loud, until Hades answered.
I have bound us in the ways of my mother and my father. It is done. He pulled Taylor to her feet, then lifted her from the ground, while somehow managing to keep their connection. Hades walked them over to the fence. Each step sent his shaft deeper into her weeping channel.
Taylor's eyes closed and her head fell back onto his shoulder as another orgasm swept through her. Hades carefully set her feet down on the ground, then gently bent her over.
"Grab the fence." His harsh words were at odds with his tender touch.
Taylor reached out blindly, until her fingers grasped the metal.
"Now don't move!"
***
Hades thrust deep, his body trembling with the need for release. Not yet. Not until he'd followed the rules of challenge. He grasped Taylor's neck and carefully adjusted it, until his mark was clearly visible to the bulk of the crowd.
Their voices quieted instantly.
"I claim this human female as my mate," Hades bellowed.
"What does that mean? I'm not going to sprout a tail and fur, am I?" she asked, only half kidding.
"Eventually, but not now."
Taylor's expression told him that she didn't believe him. But she would soon. Soon there would be no hiding the changes taking place in her body.
Roars and howls filled the air once more. He waited for them to cease, then continued.
"Are there any objections to my claim? Speak now! But know that if you do, that you'd better be prepared to enter the Pit. For I shall kill any male who tries to take her away from me or attempts to stand between us." Hades scanned the arena, then locked gazes with Linx.
The feline's brow rose, but he remained silent.
"Then as the Dark King, I declare this union accepted!" He grasped Taylor's lush hips and released his beast once more. His shaft grew and guttural noises came from his throat as Hades claimed his new mate.
His hearts swelled as the word 'mate' wafted through his mind. Taylor was his. Would always be his. Now no one would ever be able to take her away.
Blood roared in Hades' ears. His sac tightened and he increased his speed. He nuzzled Taylor's neck, nibbling the spot he'd marked. He released one of her hips and slid his hand between her parted thighs. She wiggled when he neared the bundle of nerves at her core, drenching his fingers. Hades pressed down hard.
Taylor screamed. Her channel tightened, then convulsed in endless ripples, taking Hades with her. His big body jerked once, arching his spine, then his essence shot out. His legs trembled as he filled her with his life-force. Already Hades could sense the changes taking place in Taylor's body. Soon she would be more Phantom than Earthling.
Hades brushed the soft curls that covered her sex and rested his large hand over her flat abdomen. It wouldn't be flat for long, he mused as a new life blossomed within her. He reluctantly withdrew from her body. His shaft was still half erect. He'd need to take her again. Soon.
He glanced around at the smiling faces of his people. Hades acknowledged their happiness and encouragement, but he wouldn't be claiming Taylor in front of an audience again.
No, the next time he had Taylor it would be in a bed. His bed. Their bed.
He kissed her shoulder and carefully unwound her fingers from the fence. Taylor's knees gave out, but Hades caught her, lifting her into his arms. He pressed another kiss upon her moist brow.
"I love you," she murmured, but he heard her all the same.
"I know." Hades grasped her hand and brought it to his hearts. You reside here. Now and always.
She cracked one eye open. "You were kidding about the tail and ears, right?"
Hades didn't answer. Some things she'd have to learn firsthand. He carried Taylor o
ut of the Pit with every intention of going straight to his room. Linx stepped in front of him, blocking his retreat.
"King Eros would still like to meet with her," he said. “It is an official summons.”
Hades set Taylor down, making sure that she was steady before he released her. He then stepped in front of her and growled menacingly at Linx.
"I see," Linx said. "In that case..." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a document, and handed it to Hades.
"What's this?" Hades clutched the missive, crumpling it in his fist.
"It's an invitation to the Christmas party tomorrow night."
"Leave!" he snapped.
Linx chuckled.
Hades roared, but the sound was cut short when he received a squirt of water to the face.
"Tone it down, Monster Kitty," Taylor said.
He turned to find her holding one of the bottles she'd positioned around the Pit.
Hades brushed his hand over his wet face and flicked the water off. "What was that for?" he asked.
Taylor didn't answer. Instead, she looked to Linx. "Tell the King and Tabby that we'll be there."
Linx grinned. "I'll do that," he said, then left. "You're welcome," he added as a parting shot to Hades, before he slipped through the door.
"I hate that cat," Hades said.
Taylor laughed. "No, you don’t. If you did, he'd be dead already. Admit it, you like him."
Hades scowled at her. "No, I don't."
"Come on." Taylor grabbed his hand.
"Where are we going?" Hades allowed her to drag him along.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. "To your room."
He pulled her to a stop. "Don't you mean our room?"
Taylor grinned, then bit her lower lip, drawing his gaze to her mouth. "I guess I do."
Heat burst inside of him and his cock lifted his loincloth. "I should warn you that the Dark King can be very demanding."
She released his hand long enough to run her fingertips over his shaft. "So can I," Taylor said. "It's why we're perfect for each other."
"Prove it.” Hades hurried them down the hall toward their chambers.
"I already have." Taylor touched the mark on her neck and winked.
***
EPILOGUE
New Atlantis's roads were lined with blue crystals that sparkled in the sunlight and glowed beneath the moonlight. If the Emerald City were based upon fact, then this would be its inspiration. Taylor had never seen anything so beautiful or so intimidating in her life.
The transport slowed and eventually came to a stop in front of a crystal palace. Like a jewel in a crown, the massive building took center stage. She had only seen the city in the distance when she'd first arrived. Up close it didn't look real.
This was where Tabby lived.
Taylor ran a hand over the new dress that Hades had purchased for her. The dark red should've clashed with her hair, but somehow it didn't. The dress dipped in the front, exposing the swell of her ample bosom. Taylor tugged, feeling underdressed and outclassed. It was a feeling that she was used to on Earth, but somehow seemed wrong here on Zaron.
The Dark King stood beside her in a matching tunic, but his legs remained encased in his usual black 'leather'. His aqua blue eyes glowed as they climbed the steps and entered the Atlantean Palace. If Hades was nervous, Taylor couldn't tell. He exuded strength and quiet confidence.
Hopefully he had enough confidence for them both.
Taylor tried to straighten her clothes again, but Hades stilled her hand. "You look beautiful. In fact you are the most beautiful woman in this place."
"I don't think you've looked around," Taylor said.
His brow arched, but he didn't respond.
Whispers of the Dark King's arrival spread through the crowd. The people's expressions ranged from shock to thinly veiled disgust. Several men jockeyed for position to get a better look. But it was the women that caught Taylor's attention. A few of them sauntered forward, not bothering to disguise their interest in Hades. They ignored her as if she didn't exist.
Taylor glared at the brazen women and an unexpected growl came out. The women's eyes widened and they looked away immediately. She cleared her throat.
"Sorry, I don't know why I did that," she said to Hades. "I've obviously been hanging around you too long. I'm starting to sound like you."
His approving gaze slid her way. "Like a lioness, you were protecting what is yours." He gave her a mysterious smile that caused her stomach to flutter.
"Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head," she murmured under her breath.
Hades laughed. "You would never allow such a thing, my Queen." He kissed her hand.
A muffled scream rang out.
Taylor and Hades turned as one to see a flash of movement. Taylor would recognize that red hair anywhere. She left Hades' side to meet her sister halfway. She pulled Tabitha into her arms and hugged her until she gasped. "I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too," Tabby said.
"I thought I wasn't going to get to see you again." Tears pricked Taylor's eyes.
"Me, too," Tabby said. "Linx carried you off so fast that I didn't even get to say goodbye. I gave him an ear-load for that one."
Taylor laughed. "I bet you did. Goodness knows he deserved it." A large shadow fell upon them.
Tabby's gaze moved past her. "Is it true?"
Taylor looked at Hades, then motioned for him to come closer. "Yes," she said.
"It's awful fast. Don't you think?" Tabby asked, not bothering to disguise the worry in her voice.
"This from the woman who picked up an alien on Earth?" Taylor asked. “Pot meet kettle.”
Her sister pulled a face, but Taylor ignored her.
"Tabby, I'd like for you to meet the Dark King," she said.
Hades inclined his head in greeting.
Tabby didn't immediately acknowledge him, nor did she extend her hand. Instead, she studied Hades closely, searching for signs of trouble. Taylor couldn't blame her twin. She didn't exactly have the best track record when it came to men. The scrutiny continued.
"Knock it off, Tab." Taylor nudged her with her elbow.
"Sorry," she said, but she didn't look sorry. "It's just that I've heard a lot about him and most of it wasn't good."
"From Linx no doubt," Hades said.
Tabby nodded.
As if uttering his name would make him appear, Linx materialized next to Tabby.
Hades paid no attention to him. "You shouldn't believe everything you hear," he said, then his expression hardened and he became the Dark King before their eyes. "On second thought, maybe you should."
Taylor looked at her sister, then at her 'mate'. The tension rose between them as they continued their stare down. "Knock it off you guys!" she snapped. "We're family now, so you might as well suck it up and get along."
Hades grinned and his aqua eyes sparkled mischievously. "I thought we were."
"Yeah, me too," Tabby said. "Stop causing trouble, Tay."
***
Taylor's sister did resemble her. In fact, they were nearly identical, but she lacked a certain something to his mind. She didn't have the same vitality or the same fire, but she was loyal. And that was all that was important to him. Hades scanned the crowd and caught sight of the Atlantean King.
Some instinct must of warned him, because Eros’ head rose and their gazes locked. They stood like that for a full minute, then he slowly nodded, acknowledging the Dark King's presence and rank. Hades did the same, then gently touched Taylor on the elbow.
"It is time," he said.
"Now?" she asked, clearly torn between duty and her twin.
"Yes, but we'll be back later." Hades' gaze brushed his mate in reassurance.
"Okay, we'll catch up in a little while." Taylor gave her sister another hug.
"We'd better," Tabby warned, then released her. The withering look she sent Hades told him that she was watching him, watching out for her sister.
They made their way across the room. The place was full of Atlantean and Phantom warriors that Hades recognized. He stopped and said hello to Ares, who wrestled with a blonde woman and a little boy.
"Hades!" Ares shouted. "I cannot believe that Eros got you to come."
"He didn't," Hades deadpanned. "She did." He pulled Taylor forward.
"Ah," Ares said, his grin growing wider. "I should've known. Glad you made it anyway. Have you met my wife, Jac?"
The blonde's mouth snapped shut in mid-tirade and she turned to greet the new arrivals. "It's nice to meet you," she said. "Glad you could make it to the party."
Ares' brother, Orion strolled up with his very pregnant wife, Brigit. The lower half of her body was covered in what appeared to be a giant lizard. Despite the unusual choice of clothing, Hades didn't miss the longing in Taylor's eyes as her gaze rested on the woman's protruding stomach.
"I can't believe it," Orion said. "I would've never in a million galaxies believed that I'd see you at one of these gatherings."
"Hi, I'm Brigit." The small red-headed woman stepped forward with her hand out.
Taylor shook it. "I'm Taylor."
"It's so nice to meet you. We’ve heard so many conflicting stories that we thought you'd been made up. Glad to see that you’re real." Brigit giggled, then grasped her stomach. "Honey, I need to sit down. The baby is kicking my bladder again."
Orion rushed to her side. "Excuse us," he said. "Hades it was nice seeing you." He ushered his wife away.
"If you'll excuse us, we need to speak with Eros," Hades said.
Ares nodded in understanding. "Don't let another five years pass before you come back."
Taylor looked at him after they left the Atlantean couple. "Has it really been that long?"
Hades shrugged. "Time passes quickly, when you're trying to rebuild a kingdom."
They continued on, but didn't make it far before they were stopped once more by a group of Phantoms huddling together. One man stood a head higher than the others. His tiny mate clung to his side.
"Riot," Hades said in acknowledgement.
Atlantean's Quest 5: The Dark King Page 22
