by Rosalie Redd
There it was, that fire he was getting used to. He laughed, a big hearty chuckle. She stomped her foot in defiance, making him laugh even harder.
“My dear little kitten, as king, I have every right.”
She ran at him, her fists flying, pummeling his broad chest. He let her get in a couple of good whacks before he set his crown on a nearby table, grabbed her wrists, and placed them behind her back. With a quick tug he wrapped his other hand around her waist, pulling her against his aching body,
The swell of her breasts against his abdomen ramped up his need. Her anger made her breathing ragged and pressed her bosom further into him with each breath. She was so soft, and craya, he wanted to pet her, caress her, and spoil her rotten.
“Let me go.” She squirmed, pressing herself against his hard shaft.
He liked this side of her, the spunky side, and he admired her fight as she continued to push into him.
“Are you done?” he asked, goading her.
She stilled for a moment and looked into his eyes. “Not on your life.”
“Good.”
He wrapped his hand in her hair, capturing her in his grasp. His mouth covered hers, devouring her in an instant. Still stiff from her fight, she didn’t relent but remained taut in his arms. Slowly, she relaxed, opening her mouth to him. He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue between her lips. He savored her flavor, her intoxicating scent shutting off all thoughts except his need to have her.
She placed her hands around his neck, pulling herself closer into his embrace. Inside, his beast screamed in triumph. He was deep into their kiss when his conscience reared its ugly head. Stop! Don’t do this to her. But his beast pressed on, ravaging her mouth, forcing her to keep up with him. I want her. Gods, I want her so much.
Deep inside, he knew he had to stop. Pulling back, he held her head in his palm and stared into her eyes, their foreheads touching. “What you do to me, I do not know.” He ran his finger down the side of her face, a sad smile crossing his lips. “I shouldn’t be around you like this. It’s not safe.”
“What do you mean—not safe?” Her eyes were a sweet mixture of confusion and desire. Her lips parted, and her gaze shifted back and forth, reading him.
“I won’t deny that I want you. If we were to continue, my beast would force me to take you. I…I might hurt you.” His heart ached at the admission, but she needed to know the truth.
“I’m not afraid.”
Her words intensified his desire, and he shook from the effort needed to control his beast. “You should be. It’s my responsibility to protect you, even from myself.”
He wrapped her fingers in his hand and kissed the tender tips. Enjoying the feel of her body next to his, he lingered there. He already regretted what he was about to do.
“Come with me.” His voice was rougher than he intended, but he couldn’t hold back the beast much longer. He released her, took her hand in his and headed for the exit.
A small squeal escaped her lips. “Where are we going?”
He stopped to scoop up his crown and peered at her. “I’m taking you back to my room until I figure out what to do with you.”
*****
Alora glanced out the window. Bright purple and green beams reflected on the silver clouds—the first rays of dawn in the early Lemurian sky. She placed her hand against a strong branch and whispered a melancholy song. A vine with bright yellow leaves coiled around her wrist, the fronds swaying to her tune.
A vibration hummed through her body. Her heart lightened, and she clapped her hands together in excitement. The plant retreated, returning to the branch.
A slight, translucent form solidified and Veromé’s tall figure blocked out the faint sunrise from her view, his features dark against the brightening sky. He brought the smell of the ocean with him, salty and fresh.
She couldn’t wait any longer and ran into his embrace. He lifted her off her feet, twirling her around like a top. Her laughter filled the small room, bouncing off the carved walls and out into the morning air. He placed her on the floor with utmost care.
“I’ve missed you. Our time together is always so fleeting.” He wrinkled his nose, and glanced behind her to the table near the room’s entrance. “What is that smell?”
“Oh, just a little ‘love in a bottle.’ ”
Alora moved to the carved wooden table, an intricate part of the living tree trunk. She picked up a handful of small twigs from the Timoten bush and rubbed the shoots between her fingers. The dried outer coating split apart, dropping the bark into the cool pitcher of water. Liquid swirled in the crystal goblet and turned from an opaque white to a deep green.
“I hope that’s not for us.” A sly smile crossed Veromé’s face. “I don’t think we need it.”
Alora gave him a playful punch in the arm. “No, my love, this isn’t for us. The potion is for Noeh.”
Veromé slapped his hand against his forehead. “Not that, again.”
“What? Noeh needs a push.” Alora clasped a small vial and filled it with a bit of the concoction. The smooth black finish reflected deep blue in the light. She twisted the top and placed the small tube on the edge of the visus bacin.
Veromé huffed. “Do you wish to bring the tribunal council down on us again?”
“Bah. Have you no faith? What makes you think I’ll get caught?” She raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t give me that look.” Veromé shook his head, his mouth firm. “Zedron is waiting for you to do something like this. He would like nothing better than to get you under his thumb—and his body.”
“I can handle Zedron.” Her fingers squeezed the back of her scrying chair. The wood strained and creaked beneath her grip.
Veromé’s face paled. “There will be serious consequences if you do this. We’ll both pay the price.”
“No one but us needs to know. Besides, we’re running out of time. Our year is almost over.”
“I can’t let you do this. The risk is too great.” He grabbed the pitcher and held it out of her reach. The green liquid swished from side to side and came close to spilling onto the wood floor.
Alora gasped. “Give that to me!” She clawed at Veromé’s arm, trying to reach her potion.
With his free arm, he stretched for the small vial. She knocked his hand out of the way, but in the process the small tube landed in the water in her visus bacin—and disappeared. The last time she’d used the magical bowl was to watch her warriors on Earth. The vial could land anywhere. Her stomach knotted at the thought.
The sun broke over the mountain, and she couldn’t ignore the tug on her body. She faded into her dark place, the one she went to every time the sun crested into the sky. Her last image—Veromé’s determined blue eyes as he poured the remaining solution out the window.
Chapter Thirty-Three
At the rise of a tall hill, Ram peered over the tips of the fir trees, their pointed tops like thousands of sharpened pencils. The smell of wet foliage was pungent in the dampness of the forest. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.
The moon was directly overhead, unobscured by the clouds. Just a sliver, the orb would be gone in a few days, but the lack of light wouldn’t affect his soldiers’ ability to hunt and would help disguise them in the darkened forest.
“We’ve been looking for hours.” His words came out brusque, evidence of his shortened temper. “Where are they? We should smell their hairy hides, but no, nothing for over a week.”
“Preparing,” Jakar said. “After we defeated them in the last battle, they prepare for retribution.”
Ram sensed his males around him. Low grunts rang out, the timbre and frequency increasing the tension in the air. “Jakar, take the brood to the meadow. Let them run off some steam before they brawl each other.”
“As you wish, my lord. Shall we try again tomorrow night?”
“Every night until we find them. They have to crawl out of their hole sooner or later.”
Jakar and his brood disappeared thro
ugh the trees, leaving Ram alone with his thoughts. He fondled the dart gun in his pocket, caressing the smooth glass that housed the precious liquid.
A chill ran across his arms.
The gift from Zedron didn’t come without a price. If he didn’t kill Noeh soon, Zedron would take his hide. That couldn’t happen or he’d never get a chance to make up with Sheri. A knot formed in his stomach, and a new determination built within. Between the magic water and Ram’s shield, Noeh didn’t stand a chance.
*****
Stretched out on the gargantuan bed made for a Stiyaha, Demir wiped his fingers along the edge of the bed, remarking his territory, such as it was here in the Keep. Aramie sat at the wooden table near the entrance to his room, her face buried in an old leather-bound book. Her leg bobbed up and down as her boot heel tapped against the rough stone floor. Spikes of pain in his head kept beat, adding to his budding headache.
“Would you calm down? You’re driving me crazy.” When she didn’t respond, he spoke louder. “Hey, what are you staring at?”
“This book is amazing. There’s so much history.” Aramie appeared caught up in whatever she’d discovered among the well-worn pages. “Did you know there’s a vast library here? She peeked at him, and her round eyes sparkled with interest. “Sidea and I sneaked in and walked around. The place looks like it hasn’t been used in centuries. Dust was everywhere.”
“You and your sister broke into the library? Nice.” He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at the side of his mouth.
“There’s soooooo many books. You want to come with us next time?”
“Uh, not on my to-do list.” He crossed his feet, trying to get comfortable on the bed. “You could find the info so much easier on Google, but alas, no-can-do down here. The lack of electricity burns me. Might as well use my phone as a paperweight.”
She pulled her attention away from the book and huffed. “I doubt you’d find what was in here on Google.”
“Can you even read the language?”
“It’s written in a cuneiform style, but with more curves and shapes. I’ve read many scriptures over my lifetime, but nothing like this.” Her confident smile made him laugh, and his headache started to diminish.
“So, why are you looking at that book?”
Aramie stood and paced the room. Her body’s rhythm was quick and predatory, even in her human form. She stopped, her back to him, and placed her hands on her hips. “I want revenge. The Gossum killed two of our friends. Maybe I can find something in here that will help.”
Demir hid his smile. “I have no doubt you will get your revenge.”
Her gaze darted to him, and she raised an eyebrow. “Do you still intend to take over the Keep?”
He sat up on his elbows. “I haven’t changed my mind. We will run this Keep one day soon.”
Her voice became quiet. “Noeh saved your life, or did you forget about that?”
“Of course I remember. That changes nothing.” He let out a slow breath. “You have shown your loyalty to me, and for that I am grateful.”
She blushed and stroked her neck, her long fingers tracing a line from her chin to her collarbone. The sight created an unexpected rise in Demir’s pulse.
“We watch and wait. When the opportunity comes, we will take control of the Keep. Then, the Stiyaha and their minion Jixies will serve us.” Warmth spread throughout his body.
Aramie wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I will do as you command.”
“Be ready. The opportunity could come at any moment.”
He’d taken advantage of situations before. His mind wandered back to the moment when he’d changed Melissa’s life—the day he let William die. Demir had run into the cabin during the midst of the battle. Melissa and William were in the back bedroom, fighting a couple of Gossum. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been fast enough to stop Melissa from following her child through the broken window. He’d had to kill the creature first. Once done, the other Gossum had still battled her mate, William. Instead of saving him Demir had watched as the creature sunk his teeth into William’s neck, administering a lethal dose of venom.
Aramie’s snapping fingers brought him out of his musing.
“You with me?” She pierced him with a glare. “You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?”
He shrugged, pushing his arms further into the down pillow.
“You aren’t going to answer me?”
“Why? You’re right, big deal.”
Aramie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Why do you do this to yourself?”
“I’m biding my time. Once Noeh selects his queen, she won’t be under his protection. She’ll come around.”
“You’re in denial. Melissa isn’t Eleanor. Your mate is dead.”
Heat flushed through Demir’s body, sending his scent into the small room. He jumped off the bed and bared his teeth, the threat clear in his tense posture. “Get out.”
The color drained from her face. She grabbed the large leather-bound book from the table and raced out the door.
Demir followed her as far as the doorway. Aramie was long gone, only her slight aroma of strawberry lingered in the air. He was about to retreat back into his chamber, when a movement at the end of the corridor caught his attention.
Ginnia poked her head around the corner, then disappeared, only to reappear a second later with her hand on her hips. “Oh, you weren’t supposed to see me.”
“Would you like me to go back in my room?” Demir raised an eyebrow. This Stiyaha female had the potential to get on his nerves.
“No, not now, silly Demir.”
He scrutinized her. Something was off, she shouldn’t be here. The Panthera occupied a vacant portion of the stronghold, long abandoned after so many died during the great scourge. “What are you doing in this part of the Keep?”
“I came to see you.” Her glare bored into him.
A chill ran down his spine. “Why?”
She placed her finger to her lips and peered down the corridor. “I’m worried about Noeh.”
Intrigued, Demir pushed away from the doorframe, his gaze intent on Ginnia. “Well, do tell.”
“He’s going to be in trouble.” Ginnia’s lower lip trembled. “Please, will you help him?”
Demir shuffled back a step. Ginnia’s obvious love for her king touched his heart. When had he become sentimental? Must be left over from his headache. He shook himself and focused on her words. “How do you think I can help him?”
She shrugged. “I just know you are the only one who can.” She grabbed his hand, her touch so light, like a bird’s wing. “Please, help him.”
Blinking, he struggled to find the right words. He released a deep breath and squeezed her hand. “I can’t make you any promises, but I’ll do what I can.”
“Ooh, thank you.” She jumped up and down, a wide smile blooming on her face.
He smiled at her in return. A sense of giddiness overwhelmed him. This might be the opportunity he’d been waiting for.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Noeh opened his chamber door and dragged an angry Melissa behind him. She pulled against his grip on her wrist, and he let her go.
“You make me so angry.” Her voice sounded raspy as she sucked air into her lungs, her chest rising and falling with each gulp.
He swallowed hard as her breasts tightened against the material of her dress. Her thin waist and the round curve of her ample hips made his cock stir to life. The beast woke within him, clouding his mind. He tossed his crown on the desk and ran his hands through his hair.
“Why did you bring me here and not to my room?” She crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes narrowing.
“You keep getting out, and I can’t risk your safety. As we’ve experienced, there can be deadly consequences.” He wanted to rant at her, tell her how much trouble she was, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. Instead, he took a breath, but his words still came out harsh. “You don’t realize what kind of danger you’re
in. I shouldn’t have brought you here to my chamber, but there’s no place else I can take you, unless you prefer the dungeon.”
He sat in his desk chair. The wood creaked from the many years it had endured his weight, as if the chair also shouldered his responsibilities. He placed his elbows on his thighs and leaned over, his head resting in the palms of his hands. His emotions were jumbled from the death of his comrades, the parting ceremony, Demir and his entourage, and his requirement to protect Melissa. He needed time to think, to get his control back.
A soft touch on his shoulder made him jump, causing every nerve to light up.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “What can I do?”
He raised his head and looked into her eyes, more beautiful than most precious gemstones. “Talk to me, distract me.”
She scanned the room and focused on the canvas over the bed. “Tell me about the painting.”
The familiar artwork seemed different to him tonight. He saw the painting through her eyes, a picture of a happy couple playing with their young son. The mother’s smile was so heartwarming, so tender. As the father cradled his female in his arms, his gaze held so much pride.
A lump formed in his throat as he thought about his parents. “That is King Nicholai and Queen Leonna.”
“That’s you. Isn’t it?”
She squeezed his shoulder, and he relaxed under her touch.
“Yes. I was very young when my—when the artist created this picture. My father wanted to capture a happy moment with his family.”
“What happened to them?”
“They died in the great scourge, along with many others. The virus infected us all, killing so many. We lost over thirteen hundred lives. I know, because I mourned every last one.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. I know the Panthera suffered a similar fate.”
Her eyes were moist with unshed tears. She cared so much for others. He wanted to bask in her warmth.
“Tell me more,” she urged.
Fear snaked its way into his gut. It gripped him as the circumstances of his parent’s death roared to life in his mind. He’d never shared this with anyone. Why did he feel an overwhelming urge to tell her? The knot in his stomach tightened. He rushed to his feet, almost knocking Melissa to the ground.
