“Agreed.” Sasha shrugged when Eva looked at her. “I’m Argoran. It’s in my nature.”
Eva had learned that Argorans were cat shifters. Large, snow white, vicious cats who could tear into another.
Three children ran into the room shrieking. Arak, Sylvie’s Chosen chased behind them, making growling sounds. Or real. Eva wasn’t sure since he was a cat shifter too.
“Torkel said Vee should only be gone a day. Two at the most.” Faye spoke over the laughter as the children tumbled into a big pile on top of the dark-haired Jutak.
Anger burned low in her gut. Vee was back on Serpine with his nestmate. Why Eva didn’t know. She hadn’t given him a chance to explain. What more was there? He basically had another wife while promising Eva he wanted her as his wife.
“I don’t care.”
Four sets of eyes swung in her direction.
“I don’t care,” Eva repeated. “Vee can do whatever he wants.”
Joni slid her chair closer to Eva and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. “I know you’re angry right now, but wait to hear him out when he comes back.”
Sasha nodded. “Don’t be like me and storm off for four years in a fit. That was four years I lost with Jaron.”
The others were all nodding in agreement.
“Plus I feel partially responsible. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Sasha’s mouth dipped in the corner with remorse.
Eva inhaled sharply. They were right. She was feeling emotional and nothing good could come of letting her reactions based on hurt guide her. “Okay. When he returns, I’ll listen.”
She wished she’d done it last night then at least she wouldn’t have this awful feeling in the pit of her stomach eating away at her nerves.
Hurry back to me, Vee.
Chapter 24
“The shame of it! You’ve done this with your extended absences!”
Vee stood with his hands clasped behind his back as his Matire screamed and raged. With her blonde hair pulled back in a severe tail and her eyes glowing with the fierce fires of her anger, no one could doubt where her feelings were regarding the matter. She’d gone so far as to throw things earlier when she received the notice from Niya requesting separation and an end to the nesting.
“You did this on purpose,” his Matire accused.
Holding in his anger, Vee maintained a neutral expression. “I did not intentionally seek to harm you with my actions.”
Peshla inhaled deeply and let out the breath slowly. She straightened her back and walked close. Vee tensed though the guards present shifted about, unsure how to interpret her behavior. If C’Ri had not been away, Vee would have requested his presence for this conversation.
“You are my only son.” A flicker of distaste flickered across her face. “You are the only one capable of hooding in our line. Any child of yours could potentially inherit the ability.”
As he thought, his Matire was only concerned with herself. Again, Vee gritted his teeth on the words he wanted to say, sticking to the simple facts. “I am not concerned with the venomous state of my future children or lack there of.”
Peshla screeched and swung a clawed hand in his direction. Instinct had Vee ducking and coming up on the other side of his Matire. He never reached for her, never thought to lay hands anywhere near her because she was his Matire, but he had no intentions of letting her abuse him in a fit of passion.
Unfortunately, one of her zealous guards must have thought otherwise and charged forward. Vee balanced his weight, prepared to strike him down when Peshla hissed and lashed out. “Touch him and die!”
The guard stepped back quickly, gaze lowered to the floor for his error. It wasn’t enough and Peshla snapped her fingers at all three. “Leave!”
They watched as the guards responded promptly to the command. It was moments like this that left Vee confused and questioning his every interaction with his Matire. Firm in discipline and lacking in affection, her behavior toward him veered between oddly protective and complete and utter disinterest.
She remained silent until the door closed, leaving them alone for the intense conversation. “You should have resolved the problem with Niya instead of letting it come to this.”
“Matire, Niya was not a good match.” She was too young and Peshla knew it. Why she’d proposed to put Vee in such a relationship made no sense other than her desire to seek ways to control him.
She hadn’t counted on Niya’s strength of will though. Despite Peshla’s demands, Niya had held firm and refused to push the Jutaks to remove Vee from service.
“She was a perfect match. A nestmate to give you pride. One who would keep others—” Peshla broke off what she’d been about to say and trilled under her breath. “How could you ruin everything?”
“I did not ruin things.”
“Who is she?” Peshla snarled in a low voice as she circled around Vee, her red ankle length tunic swaying. “Who is the female that caused this?”
Vee contemplated lying. He didn’t want his Matire near Eva. Then he thought perhaps the truth would ease her rage. If she knew he was with another, she couldn’t attempt to pledge him again. “There is someone on Enotia. My true nestmate. The nesting instinct is strong in her presence.”
“Impure! Your clutch will be half-breeds.”
Vee flinched. His Matire still had the power to hurt him with words. “They will be of your blood, Matire.”
Would she not love them as she loved his sisters’ children?
“Part of my blood,” Peshla jeered, “and part mongrel. It would be best to end her before she spoils our line.”
Vee’s fists clenched behind his back. “You will leave, Eva alone. I’ve grown Matire. In ways you can’t imagine.”
Don’t fuck with me or mine vibrated in his tone. He wouldn’t let Peshla get in spitting distance of Eva if she proved a threat.
For the first time Peshla eyed him with curiosity. She stopped circling and paused behind him. “You care for this other?”
Warm breath blew across the back of his neck. Vee stilled. “She’s not other.”
“She’s not Serpine!” Peshla came in front of him, seething. “Have you sex shared with her?”
Vee’s ears burned. This was a topic he refused to discuss.
“You have.” Vee couldn’t place her tone. It wasn’t the first time he was confused by his Matire’s behavior. “She accepts you and your...flaw?”
Vee nodded. He no longer viewed his body as flawed. Eva loved him as he was. Or did. He only hoped she’d accept his apology and forgive him one more time for lying to her.
“What am I to say to the Uladis?” Peshla asked, pacing away.
Since they loved their youngest, Vee wasn’t sure they’d complain. They wanted Niya with a nestmate who was present and supportive, not gone for stretches of time. With Vee’s commitment to the Jutak warriors, it had become clear he wasn’t going to be the one. “Niya has renounced the nesting. I will return to Enotia today. No one will have to see my face and be reminded of my shame.”
“You think it’s that easy?”
“It is that easy. You are the Supreme Matire. Who would dare question what you and yours do?” He tried one last chance to end this on a positive note by appealing to her vanity.
Peshla narrowed her gaze then marched away. She sat carefully on the end of the lounger. It was strategically placed at the center of the room in order for her to be the focus of attention. Her voice took on a gentle tone as she mused aloud. “I often wonder what kind of male you would have been if I’d given you the praise you clearly desired.”
Cold swept over Vee’s body. His shoulders locked in place as he eyed his Matire and tried to figure out what she planned next. Peshla was clever and when she grew quiet like now, Vee was most wary.
“Don’t you want me to be happy?” He hated the plaintive note in his voice.
Instead of answering the question, she stared until the point of discomfort. Vee swallowed, wondering why he bothered trying to reason w
ith her at this point. She was convinced he was wrong and nothing would change her mind.
“We can fix this.” His Matire balanced her weight forward and pressed a hand down on the cushion. “I can fix it for you and Niya will take you back.”
Vee turned to leave. She truly wasn’t interested in listening to the fact that he’d found his nestmate. She should have been celebrating.
“Don’t do this, V’hor,” Peshla snarled.
There was something in her voice. Some quality that had the hair at his nape curling. Vee paused and faced her. “Or else?”
She didn’t answer which was an answer in itself. Vee bit off a sigh. The door opened and his father C’Ri walked in. His smile as always held welcome and warmth as he approached and embraced Vee.
“I was told of your arrival as soon as I returned. I’m pleased to catch you still here. How have you been?” He held Vee by the shoulders as they parted.
While age had allowed Peshla to retain her beauty, it had given C’Ri an air of distinguish. Silver streaks threaded throughout his dark hair, lines of satisfaction creasing a face known to smile often.
“I am well, father.” For years C’Ri had given Vee unconditional love. If he knew of the lack in their blood connection, he had never revealed it. Vee suspected his Matire had kept that particular secret close.
C’Ri cast a knowing glance in Peshla’s direction. She remained quiet, shooting mental daggers in Vee’s direction. He faced Vee again and lowered his tone though Peshla could still hear. “The end of your nesting is...sad news?”
He raised his voice on the end as if in question.
“No. Niya and I agreed it was not working.” Vee wanted to share about Eva but didn’t want to renew his Matire’s ire and pull his father into an argument between them.
C’Ri dropped his arms to his side after an affectionate last squeeze. “Are you happy, V’hor?”
“Yes.” On that Vee could confirm solidly. “I am very happy, father.”
“Good.”
Apparently they’d exhausted Peshla’s good will. She stood in a sinuous move. “Leave, V’hor. Be with your other. I have tried to do right by you, but you are determined to destroy your life.”
C’Ri parted his lips to complain, but Vee shook his head. It wasn’t worth the effort.
“Goodbye, Matire.” At the door he bowed respectfully and took his leave. Outside in the hall, the guards were frantic. Vee nodded at them as they rushed inside to check on their beloved Supreme Matire.
His visit to his sister, Sollee, was less volatile.
“I take it Matire did not handle the news well?”
Vee huffed and ran a hand through his hair. They were alone in her living area. Her nestmate had studied Vee for the longest time before exchanging a glance with Sollee. “I’ll be right outside the door if you need me, chupaja.”
Admiration had risen for the love his sister managed to find despite their Matire’s attempt to rush her nesting.
“Our Matire responded as she always has with me. Anger, resentment and lastly the familiar rejection.”
Sollee shook her head in dismay then grinned as her daughter toddled toward Vee, arms extended for balance as she reached his bent knees. The tiny hands clapped at the accomplishment and Vee warmed. It wasn’t often he had the time to spend with his favorite sister. They commed frequently, but it wasn’t the same.
He and Sollee were similar in personalities and only she understood the fear he’d grown with regarding his perceived physical flaw. Toma became distracted and wandered off to the pile of colorful blocks placed nearby.
“Betta and Falla have mellowed with age, but very much follow in her steps. I try not to see them more than necessary.” Sollee grimaced after referencing their other sisters. “Tell me of the female from Earth.”
Because it was Sollee and because she knew all of him, Vee told her about Eva, The Pit and his lies. When he was done she leaned back in her chair and tears glinted in her gaze which she didn’t bother wiping away. “You have found your true nestmate.”
He nodded. “I have. I love her and she...loved me.”
Sollee got up and came to him. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders as she buried her face in his neck. Tears wet his skin. “I sent up wishes to the universe that someone would come into your life and love you as you deserve.
Vee blinked back the burn of his own eyes and cradled his sister close. After promising to introduce her to Eva on the comms when things were resolved, Vee left, eager to return to Enotia.
***
Eva played with the holo vids and tried to figure out how to order the clothing she’d viewed. It shouldn’t be hard. Joni had spent time showing her the system, but Eva hadn’t paid as much attention as she should have, mind distracted with her argument with Vee. At least the group of them had made plans to go to the market place and shop tomorrow.
Sighing, she deactivated the program and leaned back in the chair. It was night time and she worried about Vee. Maybe he wouldn’t return today as the others expected.
The latch clicked on the door and the man on her mind walked in. Eva stood but remained by the table and clenched the edges in her fingers to keep from running toward him. Lines creased his forehead and he was dressed head to toe in his formidable black uniform, including weapons.
“I don’t have a nestmate any more.” He started toward her while he made his declaration. “Niya and I ended the nesting. I have never been with Niya the way I’ve been with you.”
He stopped in front of Eva. She thought he’d reach for her, hug her as she wanted. Her lower lip trembled as she waited.
“I’m sorry, Eva. You had a right to your anger.” He came close enough their fronts brushed. He lowered his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry.”
Eva wanted to hang on to her anger. He’d lied to her by omission and it was the second time. “Are there more lies?”
Vee shook his head, their temples rubbing. “None. Do you forgive me?”
“Tell me about Niya.” It would hurt, but she needed to understand.
Vee breathed out. “Niya was twelve when my Matire pledged me to her.”
Eva jerked back. “Twelve? That’s a child.”
“My Matire didn’t care. It was her attempt to force me back home. But Niya was a smart twelve and she and I came to an agreement. I never touched her, Eva.”
Eva threw her arms about his shoulders and Vee caught her up at the waist and pulled her up against him. “I love you, Eva. Will you be my nestmate?”
“Yes. Yes. I love you, too.”
Vee lowered her to the floor. “You will never know the joy you have given me with your forgiveness and love.”
Eva laughed through her tears. “I love you the same way.”
“I am glad I found you at The Pit.” Vee cupped the side of her face, lips tipped up on one side in a smile as sexy as the soldier himself. “Nestmate. You are it for me.”
Eva couldn’t speak and cried harder. Vee picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.
Chapter 25
Eva tackled Vee as soon as he climbed into the bed next to her. What she did to him. She owned his soul. He groaned as her hands grasped at his shirt and began tugging it free of the waist band of his pants. “We should slow down, Eva.”
She growled and freed his shirt. Mirth mingled with desire and Vee stood up, escaping her hands to remove his weapons and boots. Before he could take off his pants, Eva grabbed him by the waist and pulled him back. They fell onto the bed in a tangle. She tossed her dress over her head, leaving her black hair in a wild tangle.
Her eyes glowed with passion as Vee rolled to his back and helped her sit astride his hips. Eva dragged her hands up his bare chest and yanked his hair, her rough handling in line with a woman greedy about her desire and not afraid to show it. Vee’s cock hardened to the point of pain. Her grin was knowing.
Next she scraped her nails down his torso, feeding into his particular needs. Vee shivered and closed his e
yes. He wanted to shout his pleasure, but erred on the side of caution. “Eva, easy. Slow down, chupaja.”
She moaned, sucking and biting down the side of his throat, licking across his collarbone to the ball of his shoulder. Vee grasped her waist, intending to hold her steady but her hips swiveled, making enticing circles on his lap. She knew him too well.
“Are you going to give me what I want, Vee?”
She was playing to all his triggers. His nesting instinct clamored to respond. Vee opened his eyes to give her a rueful smirk. “Is this to be my punishment?”
Eva shrugged, her eyes glimmering with traces of laughter. Bright, lovely laughter directed at him. “You don’t think of giving in to my demands as punishment, do you?”
The exact opposite. Having a female willing to work him for her pleasure was a draw to all male Serpines. Vee was no different. He’d never been comfortable asking another sex share worker or any of the other females to satisfy him in the way that appealed to his nature. Eva had discovered it their second time together.
She rose up and down over his groin. Vee locked her in place as he grinded up to meet each downward pump. “You are mine, chupaja.”
“Only me?”
“Only you. My nestmate. My Chosen to be.” He slid his hands up to cup her full breasts, teasing the turgid nipples. Her cheeks were dark pink and strands of hair stuck to her face.
“Yes.” Eva moaned and moved faster on his lap. Her body flushed a bright shade of pink, the heat of her lower half dampening the crotch of his pants.
“Eva, let me—” Vee sat up, cradling her close, their groins still meshed together.
“No!” she slammed both palms to his chest, body braced forward when he tried to get up.
Her breathing was heavy, signaling her rising orgasm and Vee was so grateful to have her here and to be back where he belonged, he couldn’t find room to protest or insist on undressing. If this was how she wanted it, this was how he’d give it to her.
“More, more,” she demanded.
Vee slammed her down on his lap, thighs straining as he did it harder. Faster. He closed his eyes and his seed sack tightened. The release was so sudden it took him by surprise. He cried out as the wave swept over him. On and on he spurted as crashing waves ripped through him.
V'hor's Nestmate Page 24
