Lure of the Cimmerion

Lure of the Cimmerion Rian was chosen as the Vessel—a breeder for the angelic Veletari. Orphaned as a child, she tries to stay loyal to the Veletari who raised her. These people had protected her family from the murderous night demons, the Cimmerions. When the King of the Cimmerions, Luxian, captures Rian, he makes her question everything she thought she knew about the "enemies." Rian learns she is the key to the survival of the Cimmerions, and she knows Luxian will stop at nothing to save his people. Even as they clash in the ongoing war between the Cimmerions and the Veletari, Rian's defenses wane as she becomes addicted to her demon lover's wicked, unwavering seduction...

Sensuality Rating: SIZZLING Genre: Erotic Fantasy Romance Length: Full Novel (55,700 words)

LURE OF THE CIMMERION

Toni L. Meilleur

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THIS E-BOOK: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to one LEGAL copy for your own personal use. It is ILLEGAL to send your copy to someone who did not pay for it. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. LURE OF THE CIMMERION Copyright © 2007 by Toni L. Meilleur ISBN: 1-933563-75-3 First E-book Publication: December 2007 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2007 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental. PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

The greatest friend of truth is Time, her greatest enemy is Prejudice, and her constant companion is Humility. —Charles Caleb Colton

LURE OF THE CIMMERION TONI L. MEILLEUR Copyright © 2007

Chapter 1 The stalking predators hunted against the dawn. While in the night their dark coloring was made to blend, the dawn now cast the silhouettes ungraciously against the manicured trees. It was the only time, however, that was best for striking, best for catching their prey unaware, though it put them at a disadvantage. Their eyes burned against the coming light, causing them to water. A large silhouette sunk lower, keeping its wings close in line with the muscular physique. One growled low, a signal all was ready, all the foot soldiers were in place. Almost immediately, it was answered with a deeper growl. The creatures surrounded the village poised for attack. They waited with the patience of a wellseasoned army. Within seconds, a deep rumble emanated from the largest of the creatures—the signal for attack had been executed.

****

Rian kicked the blankets off in frustration. Her nightgown had wound itself up her body, making it impossible to relax. The sun already began to rise and still she had not caught a decent quarter of sleep. Energy seemed to course

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through her that would not give her relief until the end of the ceremony. The day had arrived. Now of desirable age, and her body mature and pure enough to receive the gift from the Veletari, she was the chosen Vessel. She would carry a child of light, a child for the Veletari people. It was the highest honor for a human. She sat up, watching as the sky lit, starting the day that would be forever etched in her mind. Her feet hit the cold stone of her one-room dwelling. She approached the full-length mirror, looking at herself for the millionth time in confusion. What was it that made the Veletari choose her? She studied her reflection with great criticism. Her limbs were long and toned. Her mouth full and sensuous. A face accentuated with high cheekbones that gave her an almost feline appearance with her large light gray eyes. As she parted her hair into four sections to begin the intricate braid weaving, she allowed her nervous thoughts to be directed to the Dark people. The Cimmerions had been quiet of late. Surely the Veletari wouldn’t let them ruin this day for her? Her stiff fingers worked her hair into the braid, her thoughts racing on wings. She tied the ends of the braid together with a small band and took a deep breath. They wanted her to carry a child for them. Why? She didn’t know, and did not ask, for the Veletari fought the Cimmerions with brave hearts, in their honor. She tried not to think of them. The Cimmerions. The Dark Ones. An involuntary shudder went through Rian, willing the bad memory that tried to uncoil to go away. Today was a day of joyous thoughts. She would be mated with a Veletari. She felt ready. At least that’s what she told herself. This was an honor. However, there seemed to be a small part of her that wished the honor could have been placed elsewhere. Terror had her in its grip. The Veletari would be coming for her soon. The sound of the village alarmed astounded her. They were under attack! The Cimmerions dared to attack during the coming of the day? She ran to her window. The men were spilling out along the boundaries, armed with torches and knives. Archers could be seen scrambling to the rooftops, with their poisoned arrows. The Veletari would come soon and protect them. Rian knew it. They had to hold them off long enough until they got there. The sounds of men screaming reached her sensitive ears. There would be funerals—again. She huddled in a corner in her room, pulling her knees up to her chest and laying her head upon them. She prayed with unrelenting devoutness to

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the Veletari. Rian could feel in her spine that somehow this attack was different. It was going on much longer. It seemed purposeful to be coming into the village. The Cimmerions never came into the village—close but not into it, and certainly not with the day almost fully upon them. There was no arguing the battle was much nearer than Rian had ever known it to be. She squeezed her legs until her arms hurt. Her head stayed down. The frantic prayers increased. The smell of blood wafted in from the window. She felt every bone in her body shake with fear. Surely, the Veletari wouldn’t let the dark demons wipe out their people? But the unmistakable copper smell of blood was unrelenting in the air. Rian heard fighting right outside of her door and window. Deep growls reverberated in the air. She jumped, and her head snapped up at the sound of thuds against her door. Then complete silence fell. Her ragged breathing echoed in the room. A deep rumble sounded, and answering calls followed without hesitation, then complete silence again. Rian’s gray-eyed gaze stayed trained on the only entrance, the only exit she had. The window was too small for her to fit through. Violent trembles raced through her. Her door without warning went airborne and flew into the room, giving under the great pressure of whatever had pushed it. She was too terrified to move. Her long gown provided no warmth against the cool expectancy of death. To Rian’s horror, her nightmare materialized. For she knew the creature that now stood in her doorway was the demon from her memory she tried to keep buried. She passed out from shock and fear.

****

The large creature entered the house, immediately dwarfing its size. She lay slumped in a corner, the sight of him no doubt causing her great fright. It could not be helped. He crossed the floor in three long, easy strides. Her light form barely registered as he picked her up and slung her with care over one shoulder. This was too precious a commodity to damage. The Veletari would not get the Vessel if he had any say in it. As leader of the Cimmerions, he had a say. He let loose a series of howls—signaling his soldiers to withdraw. There was no more need to shed blood. He shook his head and squeezed his tearing eyes. They

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were already well beyond a comfortable time of day. The sun was relentless and cruel to their kind. He crossed the room, exiting with preternatural speed out of the doorless frame. His captive could have not possibly weighed more than a stone. His large wings expanded, and with a great leap, he took to the air. Mission accomplished.

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Chapter 2 Ear piercing shrieks jolted the sleeping family awake. Night had fallen, camouflaging dangerous predators as they lurked. Undaunted, Sida’s parents ran fast toward the screams, but Rian was too young to keep pace, and soon fell behind. Moments later, she stopped in horror. The bodies of Sida’s parents lay unmoving on the thick grassy floor. The dark demon was huge. It took a large claw and sliced through Sida’s ripe belly. Rian’s throat closed around a scream as the unborn babe was torn from its womb. Sida’s body slumped in an awkward fashion to the ground. The demon bit the child, injecting fatal venom, and then too dropped the babe to the ground. Its eyes lit with the power of fire. In seconds, Sida and the babe burned…

****

Rian jolted awake with a brain full of foggy horrific memories that masqueraded as dreams. The death of her village mates haunted her still, no matter how hard she willed them away. Rian looked around, had no idea where she was. She sat up as the last thought she’d had before she fell unconscious introduced itself into her addled brain. The demon had killed her. No, that wasn’t right. She looked down at her very corporeal body. So the foul thing didn’t kill her. Perhaps he wanted her

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awake, so he could feast on her bones while her heart still beat. Rian sat up, her eyes straining in the dim light. She was surprised to find herself surrounded in utter luxury. Huge overstuffed chairs caught her eye as she perused the room. A deep blood-red carpet masked the floor. Richly woven tapestries hung on beautiful walls carved with unparallel talent. Each wall was intricately decorated with glorious designs. Ancient weapons that she had only read about sat showcased in a glass shelving case. The chamber was huge, though she couldn’t understand why so much of the space in it was left empty. Perhaps these beasts had no need of furniture. Rian looked down to see she was in a huge bed. Black coverlets felt plush and warm against her backside. It felt soft and delightful, not at all what she pictured the den of a demon would look like. Music drifted at a low volume around the room. She had a sneaky suspicion the music was in part responsible for her deep slumber. Then again, maybe it was her sheer terror. Rian bolted out of the bed with one very important thought—she had to leave. The demon would be back. He might not have killed her earlier, but there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be back to finish what he started in her village. As far as she could see, there was not a door or window to be had in the whole room. She had to have been put in this place some kind of way. This was the most luxurious place she’d ever been in her life. Chances were it would be the room in which she met her death. The irony did not escape her. Veletari help her! Why did they not save her? Rian searched each wall, looking for a hidden panel— something, anything that could be a way out of here. Out of where? she asked herself in sheer panic. She had no idea where she was, or how to get away. Truly, there couldn’t have been a sorrier prisoner. The soft sound of something sliding back caught her attention. She stood stone still, waiting for Veletari knows what. To her amazement, a being glided from an opening in the ceiling. She felt the rush of air as it landed in front of her. The demon’s wings folded and disappeared along its back. It stood at least seven feet tall. Its smooth ebony skin encased a thick muscled form. It had arms and well-muscled legs like a man. Upon closer inspection, it almost had the face of a human. Except this dark creature was more beautiful than any human she had ever known. Long thin braids cascaded down his back. The braids were so thin, that at first glance, looked to be hair flowing free. One small silver hoop was embedded in an ear with a slight point. However, it was his eyes that held her captive.

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He seemed to study her with an intensity Rian found alarming, because if she were honest, he excited her. Eyes so black, they seemed to reflect the room, studied her without blinking. Lips full and firm held a slight smirk. He was beautiful up close. This was the monster who killed her village mates? Killed Sida and her parents? Rian couldn’t help staring at his muscular body, with mere scraps of material covering his—ah—more manly parts. Rian felt a blush burning her cheeks. “You’ve slept for many hours. I’m afraid you’ve missed the last meal.” His tone was stilted, as if he were measuring his words. “So you are the Vessel,” the demon stated still perusing her. He walked around her, seeming to study every detail about her. Rian didn’t dare move. She didn’t want to provoke this very lethal creature in any way. “The Veletari will be angry.” His deep voice seemed to hum right through her. “They have lost quite a prize.” Male appreciation laced his voice. “Why am I here?” Rian took a deep breath. The least she could do was die with dignity. In a much calmer, brave voice, she went on, “Why have you kept me alive, and brought me here, demon!” She nearly shrieked the last word as memories of the sounds of her people dying rushed forth. “You are here to prevent a great tragedy,” the demon answered matter-offactly, though she noted a bit of irritation in his voice now. “It is the existence of your vile race that is a great tragedy,” Rian responded with much more bravado than she felt. She saw the creature stiffen. Perhaps she was being a little too brave. “It is not my race that is vile, young one.” He walked around her with a soft tread, his steps muffled by the black warrior boots and the carpeting. Somehow, she knew even without these things, he could go undetected if he so wished. “What is your intention? Why not kill me like you have done with the rest of my people?” “Your people?” The smirk deepened. “You think of them as your people?” “They cared for and raised me, so yes, they are my people.” “Hmm. How noble of the humans.” He stopped his pacing and settled into one of the large chairs. Rian turned to face him. “Your people have hunted mine

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and have even managed to kill a few.” His beautiful, black gaze pinned her to the very spot she stood upon. “Your people have killed and eaten so many more of mine.” She couldn’t begin to count the number of men and women who had gone missing, never to return. No remains were ever found. She folded her arms across her chest. Did it matter now what she said? She would be killed anyway. It was obvious this big demon planned to torture her first. “We don’t eat refuse,” the demon answered with calm assurance, waving a hand idly in the air. Rian felt her face flush hot. Did this barbaric creature have the gall to refer to humans as refuse? “Pardon me.” Rian took a step forward, her anger rising at a rapid pace. “I’ve seen your kind in action.” “You’ve seen us eat a human?” His eyebrow poked up in apparent surprise. “Well, no. Not actually eat. But—” “Then how do you stand there and accuse my people of eating your people?” “I’ve heard stories—” “Now you’re telling me you believe everything told to you? You truly are a young one.” The demon chuckled, making Rian even madder. “Your people kill our women with child. That is barbaric and reeks of beings with no souls.” Rian challenged him to deny it. “These people have no reason to lie to me. They raised me.” “Here is a word of warning. The teller of the tale will spin events to his own purposes.” “That’s where you are wrong, Dark One. It was the Veletari who warned us of your predatory ways. They have no agenda. They just want to protect us from you and your kind.” Who could summon an argument against the ways of the Veletari? Not even the Cimmerions could argue against their purity. “Are you sure about that, Vessel?” The demon rose from his chair and stood close without touching, in front of her. “Everything living has an agenda.

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Even if the agenda was as simple as to procreate.” His breath was warm against her cheek as he leaned in. His body heat enveloped her. To her horror, Rian felt her nipples harden in reaction to his closeness. He smelled earthy, dangerous. It took all her will power not to stroke the strong muscular chest of the demon. He stood so close. Her nightgown seemed too much all of a sudden. She had a wild impulse to rub against the huge male, skin-to-skin contact. Rian stepped back in sheer terror at her own thoughts. This was a demon, for Veletari’s sake! She knew he was somehow weaving black magic around her. “What is your agenda then, demon?” she rasped out, still progressing backward. It was no use. For every step she took back, he took one forward. At least that was the gist of things until she backed up against the wall, then she was sandwiched mercilessly against him and the wall. “My first order of business is to forbid you from calling me ‘demon.’ I am not, nor have my people ever been demons.” His onyx eyes showed her reflection. “We are Cimmerions, the first inhabitants of Phantaria before a sun became trapped in our solar system. We graciously allowed your people and the Veletari to settle here, a mistake to be sure. Do not forget it is your people and the Veletari who are the intruders. We only wish to bring back the peace our home once had.” “Your people are of darkness, evil.” Rian spoke with much bravado even as her traitorous body pulled toward him. “The Veletari will wipe out the evil, and a new age will reign when my people no longer fear the dark.” Her words trailed, forgotten, as he took that final step. Her body was ensconced in hardness—back to front. “Things are not always what they seem.” His head lowered a fraction, and Rian found herself anticipating—what? A kiss? From a demon? Even as she thought it, she berated herself. She had to get away from him. He was casting all sorts of spells on her, she was sure of it. “But for now, we will let the subject matter rest.” He leaned one strong arm against the wall further imprisoning her. Rian saw the slightest hint of elongated teeth and shivered. She truly had to remember no matter how beautiful and seductive this creature was, he was still nothing more than a savage animal. “Fine, but you will not change my mind, demon.” The word was out before she could stop it. His other arm shot out. His hand hit against the wall with a loud thud, she was without a doubt encased in immovable objects.

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“I have no desire to change the mind of one so thought damaged. However, I must insist that you stop referring to me as ‘demon.’ I can be tolerant, but my people are not. Call them demons and they will rip your sweet golden throat out.” “And here you were just telling me that you don’t eat humans,” Rian said with more sweetness than she felt. She was terrified of this Cimmerion. Every nerve ending seemed to respond to his nearness. She had never felt such desire for another in her life, let alone for a member of the Dark race. “I said they would tear out your throat, love. I didn’t say they’d eat it.” He looked down at her with an impish grin, showing his elongated canines. “I will do my best to remember that, then.” She coughed trying to ease her discomfort. “So what do you suggest I call you?” “Luxian.” He dipped his head low again. His nostrils flared as if he were scenting her. “Call me Luxian.” “Fine. Luxian it is.” Her voice sounded shrill even to her own ears. “I ask you again what do you plan on doing with me?” “Mating,” was his reply, and Rian wasn’t sure she was in total aversion to the idea.

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Chapter 3 A curious flutter began in her belly. “I do not, nor will I ever have any intentions of mating with your ilk.” Rian pushed against the iron chest. For a few moments, she saw flames blaze in those onyx eyes at her touch, then he stepped back allowing her room. “Thank you,” she replied in false politeness, crossing the room in quick strides, trying to get as much space between them as possible. “I admit I did not expect you to acquiesce to my suggestion with ease. I do believe you will see that you will have no choice in the matter,” Luxian stated, arrogance lacing his words. He leaned his shoulder against the wall and crossed his booted ankles. “My kind can be very persuasive.” “I don’t care if you believe you could persuade the skin off my bones. There is no way I would ever of my free will lie down with a Cimmerion.” “This is not the way I hoped we would begin. What is your name?” He looked at her intensely as if his next breath were in her words. “There is much power in a name,” she hedged. “There is much power in false information.” His stare continued to concentrate upon her. “Rian.” “Well, Rian, if there is much power in a name, then it would seem that I made the first step toward a truce. For it was I who told you my name first.”

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“Who is to say you haven’t given me false information?” Rian couldn’t help but smile. Something about the way she and Luxian interacted excited her. Yet it took the sobering memory of seeing him kill Sida and the unborn child to discard the smile upon her face. Evil had a tendency to hide in beauty. That was what the Veletari had taught her people. Luxian was nothing if not beautiful. “Seeing as I have no intention of mating with you or any other Cimmerion, what do you have planned for me now?” “Rian,” Luxian began. Her name rolled like music from his enticing lips, sounding exotic with his Cimmerion accent. “I haven’t even begun to try and execute my main plan. I refuse to see it as a failure so prematurely. Is there anything I can get for you?” Luxian was the ultimate host. “My freedom.” Rian was furious. Furious at herself for falling for his charm. Furious at him for being so damned—well, charming! He was a killer, a demon, an abomination of nature if she ever saw one. Luxian ignored her last comment. Instead, he walked to the center of the room. Rian watched in fascination as his muscles rippled as he walked. She knew he was power incarnate. He could rip her into shreds within moments if he wanted. “Everything you need is within this room. I will come back at another time, and we will further discuss your—predicament as it were. Keep in mind, Rian, it is up to you if this is the last room you see until the end of your days.” His wings extended, beautiful, black shiny wings. With one powerful thrust, they propelled him upward. The ceiling opened automatically, and Rian found herself alone again. So that was her choice? Mate with a demon or die in this room? What life could she hope to have outside of these walls once she gave birth to a demon’s child? She would be shunned, perhaps killed on sight. On the other hand, there was the Veletari. They would come for her. She would have to hold out against the pull of Luxian. He was exotic, mesmerizing, and a Cimmerion. She would not allow a being as low as Luxian to breach her purity.

****

“My king, how is the Vessel?” Virk asked falling into step alongside Luxian.

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“Stop it. There is no one else around. You do that to annoy me,” Luxian rumbled at his younger sibling. Virk raised a slash of an eyebrow and looked at his brother sideways. Though of similar build, he was just a tad smaller than his brother. “Brother, you seem to be in a rather foul mood for one who accomplished such a victory as securing the Vessel. “I am only showing due respect. It’s best I practice at all times. You don’t want me falling into a relaxed state of address and causing chaos,” Virk replied with a straight face. “I take it she is not in an agreeable mood for mating just yet?” “She claims that will never happen,” Luxian confided as they turned into the corridor that led to his private rooms. “Well, at last, my brother has met a woman who is not eager to bed him. We should mark this day in Cimmerion history.” Virk laughed. Luxian turned and struck him upside the head fast, before Virk could see it coming. It did not, however, dampen his brother’s humor. It only increased. “She really has struck a nerve with you, brother.” “She is so brain damaged. So sure that everything that she has been told is the utter truth, she leaves me no room to work. She must be made to understand.” “The Veletari are our greatest enemy for a reason. They have cunning. They have been a plague upon our planet since the sun became stuck in our solar system, allowing them to thrive here. The topside was ill-gotten, brother, and so they shall not keep it. You knew the woman would be difficult.” All humor had vanished from Virk. “She will be made to understand and then she will jump into your bed faster than you can blink. May I suggest in the meantime, you make use of the very willing and available Cimmerion whores?” “I don’t want a whore in my bed, brother. That is your way of life.” Luxian smiled for the first time since being in the company of his brother. Luxian waved his hand over the security monitor. The doors to his chambers opened without a sound. They entered side by side. “Don’t judge me, brother.” Virk laughed. “At least whores do exactly what I want and then things I did not know I wanted.” “Sounds fascinating.” Luxian sat down to remove his boots. He had never been one to have idle affairs. He was King of the Cimmerions, and therefore had

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to be most careful about whom he bedded. His brother was not plagued with that burden. “How many soldiers did we lose today?” “Nine,” Virk said solemnly. “Nine too many.” Luxian grimaced. “Make sure the families are allotted well. We will hold a ceremony to honor the fallen.” “As is custom.” “As is deserved,” Luxian corrected. “Now, Prince Virk, if you don’t mind, your king would like to be alone. It has been a very taxing day.” Luxian could see the irritation run across Virk’s face. His brother didn’t like being addressed in a formal manner no more than he. Perhaps it would teach him to cease the annoying practice when they were alone. “Good night, my king.” Virk waved on the way out. Then again, Luxian thought, perhaps it would teach him nothing. Luxian breathed deeply. The mission was done and Rian was here. It had been a long time since they had such a significant victory over the Veletari. It was tiring work always on patrol, tracking down the spawn the Veletari spread among the human females. They could not get Rian. He would make sure she never breed for the enemy. Luxian decided only a hot bath could soothe his muscles as well as his mind. He went into the bath. Thoughts of Rian ran rampant in his tired mind. As the huge basin filled with hot water, her gray eyes danced in his head. Her coloring was an odd shade, as if the sun dusted her with color, until she was golden brown. She was so beautiful. And she had no clue as to what she really was. Luxian shut the water off, abruptly disrobed, then settled into the steaming water that would have peeled the skin off a human in seconds. His dark skin turned glossy in the water. He wondered what Rian’s skin looked like when wet. He groaned out loud. Why was he letting the half-breed get to him? Luxian smiled to himself. She probably didn’t even know she was a half-breed. The legend of her existence had been true after all. Luxian always kept an ear out for the possibility. Apparently, so did the Veletari, for they had known of her first. If it were not for human sympathizers spying for them, the Cimmerions probably would have never known. Some

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humans were smart enough to know the true nature of the Veletari. But he would mate with her for she was the Vessel. The half-breed was a powerful weapon. It would turn the tables of the war. The one thing that stood in the way was a beautiful woman. A woman whom he scared the blazes out of. Rian however hated everything Cimmerion, including him. She hated his very existence. His people depended on him, and since he would never take a woman by force, he had to do everything in his power to overcome all the hatred and distrust she had been raised with. No problem. Luxian ducked under the water. Since his species could breath under the liquid, he remained there while trying to purge his mind of the beautiful vixen. Her smile had been radiant if fleeting. He couldn’t escape the nagging feeling something about her was familiar. Had they met? It was impossible. He had never befriended humans. He worked with them for the good of his people, but he was sure he would have remembered her. She had a distinct smell because of her breeding. A smell that was not unpleasant, just different. And yet he believed something inside of him screamed that at some point their paths had crossed. Tomorrow’s first order of business would be to acknowledge the fallen soldiers. He would hear the report from human allies about the Veletari before he set his sights without waver on the very delectable Rian. Somehow, Luxian must make sure she was never keen as to the reason why he needed to breed with her. Perhaps he could convince her it was necessary to propagate his species. If she found out the true reason, there was no way she would ever mate with him and destroy her precious Veletari. He told himself it was his duty to his people to lure her into his bed. That was the true reason he would ever pursue the half-breed. Luxian had never told himself lies, and that one was quite a whopper to begin with.

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Chapter 4 Her captor returned. Rian heard the sound of the panel in the ceiling sliding back. She remained in the huge bed, refusing to acknowledge the demon. “If you are hungry, there is a meal set out for you on the table.” A female voice drifted over to Rian. She sat up as opportunity presented itself. Perhaps this female could sympathize with her plight and help set her free. To her disappointment, it was a female Cimmerion. She didn’t even bother to retract her wings as she stood there staring at Rian. Rian let out a disappointed breath. There would be no help from this woman. “I am sorry my appearance displeases you,” came the crisp reply from the Cimmerion woman. Rian admitted that for a Cimmerion, she was beautiful. She had the dark coloring of her species, but with long, flaming-red hair. Her clothing was sparse, displaying her well-toned muscles and voluptuous curves. “I am sure you will find the food more appealing. It is after all human food.” “I did not know Cimmerions even knew what humans ate.” Rian allowed her tone a heavy dollop of condescension. “We are an intelligent species.” The female began taking a step toward Rian, irritation rolled off of her in waves. “We have the power of observation on our side. We are not quick to judge, and we make sure our facts are certain before we accuse—and attack.” The female stopped four feet shy of the bed. A flame leapt into her eyes, giving away the fact she had very little patience with her. “I’ve accused you of nothing.” Rian slid off the bed and stood with her back straight. She would not let this Cimmerion see her cower. “I expressed a simple thought.”

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“Then you will do well to remember in the future to perhaps forbid some of your thoughts to cross your lips.” “Is that a threat?” Rian kept the tremor out of her voice. This female, though smaller than the male Cimmerion, was by nature much bigger than a human male, therefore a little larger than Rian. “I see no reason to threaten a human.” The female bit the word out as if it were a vile thing upon her tongue. Rian ignored the implication. She did not want to spend any more time than necessary conversing with the demon. “Thank you for bringing the food.” Rian looked at the Cimmerion, waiting for her to take her dismissal. The female seemed to hesitate before she spoke again. “My king has instructed me to tell you to expect him in a few hours. I will return before then to make you presentable.” “I see nothing wrong with the way I am right now.” “Then, human, perhaps the skill of observation is beyond you.” The Cimmerion snickered before she flapped her large wings and disappeared through the ceiling panel. Rian waited until the panel slid into place before she looked down at herself in a huff. So maybe the nightgown from yesterday morning was a bit worse for wear. It was wrinkled and smudged with dirt. She grabbed the ends of her long hair and winced at the snakelike tangles that were plentiful. Rian saw no reason to be concerned with her appearance. She was the wronged party here, snatched from her dwelling and dragged God knows where. No one knew exactly where the Cimmerion habitats were. She knew the Veletari had failed with repeated efforts in locating it. It was a testament to the level of trickery the Cimmerions were capable of. The smell of the food beckoned to her. With caution, she approached it as if it were some dangerous wounded animal. Did they intend to poison her? Rian threw that thought away. If they intended to kill her, Luxian was without argument capable of doing so with his bare hands. Perhaps they meant to drug her, to make her more agreeable to mating with Luxian. And why did she have to mate with Luxian? Rian grunted as she poked at the food, waiting for something to jump out at her. She was quite sure their King thought Luxian to be the perfect

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choice. Rian brought the meal to the bed, sat down, and placed the warm plate on her lap to eat. She would have to take a chance because she was starving. The food took her by surprise. It was delicious. If she didn’t know any better, she would have sworn people from her village prepared it. This, if anything, appeared to be authentic human cuisine. It tasted wonderful. As Rian ate, her thoughts again drifted to Luxian. Despite the fact that she believed him to be a demon, she found him beautiful. He had an affect on her that both surprised her and made her uncomfortable. Could she resist the demon? She had seen him kill, knew he must have killed many of the women and babes from her village. How could she mate with an abomination such as that? Not to mention she wanted no part in propagating the Cimmerion species. The Veletari, on the other hand, were a different matter. They wanted her to be the vessel for the first Veletari child with a human. It was an honor. Rian felt her heart flip at the thought. If she were honest, she knew deep inside she wanted what every other little girl dreamed of. Rian yearned to be claimed by a handsome warrior and fall in love for all time. For a split second, the visage of Luxian ran across her mind. She squelched it before it became a full thought. Her destiny was to be mated with a Veletari. It did not matter that she was not in love and that she would not even get to decide whom she mated with first. It was the least she could do for her people. Rian looked down at the plate and realized with awe she had come close to scraping it clean. She set the plate on the edge of the bed and scooted further onto the soft bedding. Now full, she was sleepy. She hadn’t slept the night before, and did not sleep well in this strange abode last night. She would just close her eyes for a second. Rian fell asleep instantly.

****

Luxian idly scraped one elongated claw across the wooden table in small circles. His head rested in the palm of one hand that was propped against the table. His mind had wandered away from the meeting the moment it began. He could still smell her unique scent. The way her soft body felt against his as he

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carried her away from her home. The repulsion in her face at the thought of mating with him… “My king, do you plan on answering the question any time soon?” His brother’s amused voice at last reached his wandering mind. “What is it again?” Luxian asked, coughing, embarrassed he had been caught daydreaming. “Sael has asked you should they scour the village again to make sure there isn’t another Vessel among them?” “Yes, but be stealthy about it.” It had been over twenty years since the story began circulating about the birth of a half-breed—half Veletari, half Cimmerion. There was never any proof the two archenemies had ever gotten together in intimate relations, but it would seem the suspicions had been true. “I do not believe there to be another. However, the Cimmerions can’t be too careful when it comes to the future of our people. The humans no doubt will be on high alert after yesterday.” “Very well, sir,” Sael answered. “Our human contacts were able to secure three of the bodies for us to give it a proper rest. The remaining…well, they were burned, your highness, by the humans.” “I see,” Luxian answered, his heart heavy. It was a great injustice for a Cimmerion warrior to be disposed of by the enemy. “Of course we will honor them as we honor the others, bodies or no.” A thought occurred to him. “Sael, any ideas on how the humans were able to bring down our brothers?” “A new poison delivered by arrow, your highness. It does not kill, from what the human allies tells us. Its design is to make us lethargic. In this temporary vulnerability, they were beheaded. Our contacts tell us this new poison was kept secret. I believe they suspect they have spies among them. Dahl has been given a sample to provide a possible antidote.” “Offer the humans refuge,” Luxian ordered in a clipped tone. Sael nodded in acknowledgement. “What of the Vessel?” another high-ranking warrior asked. “What of her?” Luxian knew what the warrior asked but dared not voice. Could Luxian seduce her?

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“Is everything going as planned?” the warrior asked with great delicacy. This particular one was always adept at skirting the issue yet confronting it at the same time. He often irritated Luxian, but he was also one of his most skilled and dependable warriors. “Kelti, it is too soon, don’t you think? We just obtained the female yesterday.” Luxian gave a cold smile. “I will keep everyone posted on events. When something of significance happens, you will know. Meeting adjourned.” Luxian stood brusquely, making his heavy chair scrape unmercifully against the floor. The warriors stood and filed out. Luxian plopped in an un-royal manner back into his chair. “He can be quite annoying,” Virk observed reseating himself, as well. “Everyone is on edge. This could be the end of our hiding and fighting. I cannot fault him for his eagerness.” “So, do you have a plan of attack for our jaded prisoner?” Virk asked, while he took up the habit of running a single claw in circles on the wood. The table had seen better days. “Not really. I suppose I could try the old fashioned way and get to know her.” Virk burst out into laughter. Luxian felt sheepish. “We don’t have that kind of time, brother. Are you quite sure getting her inebriated won’t do the trick?’ “You know as well as I do by her being half Cimmerion, it won’t work. If she is accepting and under her own influence, her body will accept the seed. If she is not, it will kill the seed. Both parties have to want the fertilization. You know this, Virk.” Luxian gave him a disapproving stare. “Yes, well sometimes our species’ evolution of preventing unwanted infants has come back to bite us rather viciously, don’t you think?” “I can’t agree more. The Veletari can reproduce with the humans without boundaries—the parasites that they are.” “We are a more evolved species, dear brother. Not a perfect one. You will seduce the girl. Now would be a good time to start.” Virk gave his brother a look

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that suggested Luxian was slacking. Luxian stood and growled at his brother before exiting the room, whole-heartedly looking forward to his next order of business.

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Chapter 5 As Rian sat on the bed, her thoughts were in utter chaos. How could she escape this room without aid of wings? She had no idea where she even was. If she did manage to escape, where would she go? Which direction? The now familiar telltale sound of an entrance being made lightly touched her ears. She refused to turn around and acknowledge whoever it was. The soft sound of wings being retracted was immediately followed by a definite stillness in the air. Whoever it was would wait until the sun died out before she would dignify their presence. There was scraping along the floor, as if something were being moved. Another almost inaudible sound of a panel opening echoed in the quiet room. Then to her amazement, the sound of water pouring drowned the silence. Now she was curious enough to turn around. Carefully, she turned on the bed on all fours before she sat back on her bare heels. A huge tub now took the place where furniture had been. “Where did that come from?” Rian asked the female Cimmerion who had brought her food earlier. The woman went about her work as if Rian hadn’t spoken. “Very well. That was rude of me. Hello.” Rian tried to keep the exasperation out of her voice. For demons, they sure were sensitive. “Hello,” came the crisp reply. She smoothed out a rather large pair of black pants next to a small nest of diaphanous white material. “I said I was sorry. Now would you please answer my question?” The female brought herself up to her full height. She looked with cautious eyes at Rian before she spoke. “I am not your servant. You do not do me any

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favors by speaking to me. I volunteered to come here because I thought you would feel alone and afraid and could use a friend. But you treated me unkind earlier as you do now. I do not owe you an answer because you want one. You call us demons, animals even, and yet you are the one who has displayed atrocious manners and an unpleasant disposition.” So the de—er—Cimmerion had a point. Rian knew her behavior was unbecoming. This creature had done nothing to her on a personal level. Rian shook her head in regret. The Veletari would be ashamed of her. “You are right. My manners have been atrocious. Please keep in mind that your people kidnapped me from my home. I have seen your kind kill mine.” The image of Luxian flashed in her mind. “My people allowed you to call this place home when your ancestors crash landed. This was our home and ours alone, and we allowed humans and Veletari alike to stay here. What do we get for our kindness? We are called demons and are forced to defend ourselves. You see, human, even though I have seen your kind kill mine, I have not lost my sense of decency.” “The Veletari say this was their home first and you invaded.” “They lie,” the Cimmerion reasoned. “They came when the sun came, for they cannot live without it.” “The Veletari have no reason to lie.” The Cimmerion looked at Rian with what only could be described as pity. She stopped the water with a mere flick of her wrist. Rian was too distracted to realize what the Cimmerion had done. “You are young, and therefore, the history told to you has been tainted. It is not my place to educate you.” She extended her wings appearing to be deep in thought as she looked at Rian. “No, it is mine,” came the baritone voice. Rian jumped as her head snapped to the right. She had not heard him descend. She wondered how long he had been there. It unnerved her to know he was so stealthy—a true predator. A curious chill went down her spine. She knew it was not from fear. “Thank you, Mavikan. As usual your service is appreciated. Mavikan bowed deep, somehow managing to keep her wings regal and extended. “It is an honor to serve you, my king,” she replied coming up from her

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bow. On swift black wings, she took to the air. The entrance closed behind her. Rian left her mouth hanging wide open in shock. “You are the Cimmerion king!” “Yes, and I would warn you to treat all my people here with respect. Mavikan is one of my best warriors.” “To me, that only means she’s killed a lot of my people.” Rian tried to get her composure together. “To me, it means your people made it necessary for her to take up such a profession.” His wings had been folded and somehow disappeared. Rian wondered where they went but was too distracted to ask. “I take it you have eaten?” He kept his voice conversational. “Yes, I was famished.” Rian watched him approach the tub. Today, he had on a pair of blue, tight-fitting breaches that showed every muscle in his powerful legs. His black boots caused the softest tread. If she weren’t looking at him, she wouldn’t even know he was moving. “I thought we might get to know one another.” He sat on the edge of the tub and began to remove his boots. Rian couldn’t help but stare at the muscles in his chest and arms as they rippled, performing this task. “I assumed the bath was for me.” Rian heard rather than saw the boot hit the floor. She was too busy keeping her tongue in her mouth as she watched the fluid motion of his arms. “You assumed part right. It is for us.” Luxian let the remaining boot join the other. Rian’s mind soon realized whom the large pants were for. “You expect me to bathe with you?” Rian asked incredulously. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him begin to work on the strings of his britches. “Is the tub not big enough?” he asked amused. “You really don’t take up all that much room.” His long, ebony tapered fingers made short work of the strings. His fingers now hooked into the waistband of his pants. He paused looking at her. “I don’t claim to know a lot about humans, but I do know humans do not bathe clothed.” He eyed her soiled nightgown with disdain.

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“I will not disrobe in front of you.” “Then you are agreeing to bathe with me with the gown on?” “No.” “So you are bathing with the gown off?” Luxian grinned. “No, I am not bathing at all with you.” Rian clenched her hands into fists. He was the most infuriating person she’d ever met. And he was very handsome when he smiled. “It seems you are misinformed.” His voice dropped low and he lost that wonderful smile. He unhooked his fingers from around his waistband as he stood and took a step toward her. “No, you are the one misinformed. I will take a bath alone.” “You will take one with me because I am sovereign here and it is my wish. I will give you this option, however. I will allow you a bath in that tub all alone.” He pointed to the tub meaningfully. Rian’s spine stiffened at her victory—until he continued. “With five of my unwed warriors watching. Or—” he paused effectively, “you can take it with me.”

****

Luxian watched the way her eyes widen at his suggestion, then he turned and pretended to ignore her, quite sure she would do his bidding. He lowered his britches and heard a sharp intake of breath as his backside was bared. Male arrogance made his grin wide. He was glad the half-breed couldn’t see him grinning. It would just send her into another wave of confrontation. He stepped over the rim of the tub into the tepid water. It was much cooler than he liked, but for her, he would endure it. He settled lazily into the tub, his arms stretched out around the rim of the basin as he looked at her with unambiguous expectation. On a low hiss, she let out a breath and turned away from him. His sharp hearing picked up a slew of curses he knew her precious Veletari would without pause frown upon. His breathing became shallow as she lifted the hem of the nightgown unveiling her body like the glorious gift that it was. Long, sleek brown

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legs teased his sharp vision as he watched the hem rise higher and higher. Now it was Luxian who drew in a sharp breath at her firm backside. Her hips flared in a pleasing contour, her waist small enough that he was sure he could encircle it all the way around with his large hands. When the gown at last went over her head, her hair though tangled, cascaded down her back like a dark curtain. His tongue lethargically traced his teeth as he waited for her to turn around. His canines lengthened with his arousal, as did other parts of his body. With shy eyes, she looked over her shoulder first, giving him a preview of the sexy woman lying just underneath all that innocence. “Just give me a moment,” she whispered, her words strangled by uncertainty. Rian took a deep breath. She covered her breasts with her arms, then at last turned to face him. “Come to me,” he demanded in a gentle but firm voice, all other thoughts stolen by the sheer beauty before him. She walked slowly toward the tub, her hips swayed softly. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously. Gone was the fiery defiant woman, here was a woman who needed to be taught to let loose her sexuality, and Luxian was just the man to do it. “That’s it.” He kept his voice low, so as not to frighten her with his ardor. She needed things to be taken at a comfortable pace. Right now, for the first time in his life, Luxian was unsure whether he could maintain his self-control. He watched as she kept her balance rather precariously. She stepped into the tub extremely cautious, still managing to keep her breasts covered. Luxian’s gaze stayed glued to her. He didn’t know where to look first, her large uncertain gray eyes or the curvaceous swell of her breast that managed to peek out from under her arms. His stare darted to the apex of her firm thighs. His fingers itched to feel the small nest of curls. Uncertainty made her take her time. She lowered herself into the water, settling in the opposite end of the tub. Luxian shook his head leisurely in disapproval before he spoke. “Not there.” He let his eyes cast downward with deliberate attention to his lap. “Here.”

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Chapter 6 Veletari help her. She was sure she heard him order her onto his naked lap! She was not blind. She saw the huge root of his manhood unarguably aroused. A small flame danced in his eyes as he looked at her like a man used to getting his way without protest. Rian hesitated. In that moment, a flash of five warriors much like this man watching her bathe terrified her. With a slight defeated slump to her shoulders, Rian lowered her arms and crawled toward the ebony king. The flame in Luxian’s eyes flared into a small inferno. Her firm breasts swayed under his gaze as she crawled over to him with almost feline movements. He parted his legs a fraction to give her a more comfortable position. A little awkward at first, but with a little maneuvering, she settled her bottom against the base of his swollen manhood. Luxian began to grit his teeth and Rian had no idea why. She was doing her best to ignore him as she tried to wiggle into a comfortable position. “That’s better.” “It was not my first choice,” Rian replied stiffly, feeling the poke in her backside. It felt as if the thing were pulsing strong enough to vibrate her whole body. “You would be much more comfortable if you let me settle between those thighs of yours,” he whispered naughtily in her ear. Rian’s heart sped up. “I won’t break, touch me, Rian. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I will settle between your legs, nothing else.” His warm breath brushed against her ear. “I didn’t want to do this.” She tried to will her heart to settle down.

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“Your body tells me you lie.” With casual ease, he reached around her to tweak her hardened nipple. “It would be more comfortable for me.” “What care have I in pleasing my kidnapper?” Rian’s breath abandoned her lungs. In truth, she found a small part of herself wanted to please him. She tried to squelch the rebellion. “If I am pleased, life for you becomes easier.” “And if I do not please you, what happens to me?” she inquired for what felt like the millionth time. “Perhaps we will go through the unwed warriors and try to find one that is more to your liking,” Luxian threatened. She stiffened at his words. “I am not some rumor to pass around.” Anger laced her words. “I’ve told you, Rian, you will be mated. I would rather it be me, for I cannot vouch for any restraint in any other male but myself.” “So you’re nothing but a pack of animals, looking to rut in a human female?” Rian wanted her voice to sound a little bit more disgusted, but she heard the slight tone of interest in her words. Luxian threw his dark head back and let out a rich laugh. His chest shook with the act. Rian felt the vibrations through her whole being. “No matter the species, young one, all males would like to rut in a female.” His strong arms encircled her, giving her a warm hug of reassurance. “You are beautiful, Rian. Any male, even a Veletari, would find control hard to manage around you.” Rian felt herself blushing at the compliment. “Please, take me in your hand, and let me lie between your thighs.” He nuzzled her neck. Rian knew he weaved some dark magic around her. Her brain was foggy with an emotion she had never known. She balanced herself with one hand and lifted her bottom. With her other hand, she reached between her legs and blindly felt for him. The moment her fingers brushed against his rock-like member, she heard his breathing speed up. A small smile played at the corners of her mouth at the thought of the effect she had on this warrior, this seasoned warrior. She closed her warm hand as much around him as possible. He was thick, hard, and long. Rian settled his thickness between her legs and wiggled back into a comfortable position on his lap. She leaned back against his chest without his bidding.

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As her thighs settled against him, Luxian stiffened. “Is that so bad?” His voice sounded strained. “No,” was her simple reply. “Does the thought of mating with me strike you with such disgust still?” He waited. Rian thought carefully before she answered. “You do not disgust me. The Veletari say that sometimes evil things hide in beauty.” Luxian let out an exasperated sound. “Must you believe every blasted thing told to you? At what point do you think for yourself, Rian? There comes a time in everyone’s life when you must decide for yourself what you believe in and for what reasons. Question some things. Explore the world around you. Don’t let your world be made for you.” There was a slight pleading tone to his words. Rian stayed quiet in thoughtfulness. Luxian gave her time to think. “The water is turning cool, Luxian. I don’t like cool water,” Rian ventured at last, breaking the silence. “Neither do I. We Cimmerions prefer the comfort of heat.” “Are you doing that?” She leaned forward with a slight turn, giving him a suspicious look. “Are you turning the water warm, or is it some mechanism of the tub?” Luxian was silent a moment before answering her. “It is the tub,” he answered at last. “B-but I saw that female—Mavikan you called her—she seemed to cut the water off with telekinetic ability.” “The tub has sensors,” Luxian replied. “Oh.” She didn’t know why, but she felt disappointed. “Thank you for warming the tub for me.” “My pleasure, Rian.” “Is this bath almost over?” She was being honest. His erection nestled between her legs was doing something to her senses. She felt as if she were under some herbal concoction, making her want to do things she otherwise wouldn’t.

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“Do you have the habit of bathing without washing?” came his sarcastic but amused reply. “Fine, where is the soap so that I may wash?” Luxian pointed to a small enclave in the tub she had not noticed. It contained a purple bar of soap. Rian had to reach far forward, coming off his lap to get the soap. When she sat again, she could have sworn she heard teeth snapping together. Rian dipped the soap in the water and it almost instantly gave off a beautiful fragrance. She rubbed the soap along her arm, liking the feel of the smooth texture against her skin. “What are you doing?” Luxian asked in a voice that suggested she had done something wrong. “With certainty, even a Cimmerion can recognize the act of washing?” Rian threw over her shoulder smartly. “Yes, but you are supposed to wash me first.” He seemed to be goading her. Rian stilled her washing. “Excuse me?” “This bath isn’t over until you wash me, and I wash you in return.” He acted as if she should have known this. Rian automatically began to calculate her options, which were negligibly adding up to the humongous number of—none. The thought of running this soap all over that hard body made her excited. The thought of him doing the same to her made her body ache in anticipation. This was not good. Not good at all. She had been in this demon’s lair for a very short time and already she was caving under his hedonistic tastes. Veletari help her! Was she a wanton woman? Rian pulled herself off his firm thighs, and managed to turn around and sit back on her heels in the water between Luxian’s now parted legs. He lifted and crooked one leg out of the water to help her get started. He stared at her breasts without the least bit of shyness and smiled his appreciation. Rian caught her bottom lip with her teeth, doggedly determined to get through this without sacrificing her pure status. She ran the soap languorous over his knee and down his thigh. Her other hand followed the trail of soap working it into his ebony smooth skin. She saw Luxian close his eyes and rest his head on the rim on the tub in obvious pleasure.

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To her horror, she found she liked touching him. Liked it a lot, if she were being honest. She allowed her hands to travel with extreme leisure over his body, under the sure knowledge she had no choice. She was being forced to do this. She might as well do a thorough job of it. She worked the soap into his hard muscles on his thighs. Her fingers brushed against his thick arousal and she made her hands change course. She massaged his well-developed biceps, attending to his arms a little longer than necessary. Rian dipped the soap, deliberately pulling up as much water with her hands as possible, just to see the water run down his chest. She lathered his chest well, feeling the hardness and appreciating the beauty of him. At some point, she dropped the soap and never bothered to retrieve it. Her hands caressed his wet chest. Her fingernails scraped lightly against his nipples. She saw his belly contract from his shallow breathing. Curious and drunk with pleasure from touching him, Rian let her warm, wet hands dip lower until her fingers were underwater feeling the silky hair that led to his well-endowed part. Just as she was about to circle her inquisitive fingers around it, Luxian grabbed her hand to still it. “That will be enough,” he ground out hoarsely. “Sit back and relax,” he directed. Rian’s eyes riveted to his. “It is my turn to wash you.” Her heart lodged in her throat.

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Chapter 7 Rian swallowed the large lumps that gathered in her throat. She licked her lips in fear—and anticipation. What was wrong with her? He was a killer of her people. He kidnapped her—yet the thought of him washing her made the bud between her legs harden. “That won’t be necessary.” Even as her lips said the words, her body roared in disagreement. “I insist.” He leaned forward, urging her to sit on her bottom at the other end of the tub. Rian complied. Her traitorous body began to hum in joy. She settled back against the tub and crooked one leg as Luxian had done. However, there was no way she would close her eyes. Greedily, her eyes drank in the sight of his dark, wet skin. She convinced herself she had to keep an eye on him, for he couldn’t be trusted. It was Luxian now who sat back on his haunches, somehow retrieving the soap she had dropped without her noticing. He rolled it between his large hands while he kept direct eye contact with her. “You’ve no need to look so frightened. It is a simple bath.” “I usually bathe alone, and wash myself.” “Well, you are fortunate this day, for I wish to take that pleasure.” His voice dipped an octave lower, causing delicious shivers to run rampant up and down her spine. She gave herself a mental shake—this man was her enemy. “Hurry up about it please. I would really like to end this,” she snapped, her nerves having been chewed up and spit out a long time ago.

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Luxian gave the slightest of nods. A small smile almost appeared. Luxian laid the soap in the enclave. His large, soapy hands went straight to the leg half out of the water. Slowly, he rubbed the soap into her skin. Rian felt a single claw score her flesh without drawing blood. Rian jerked at the exquisite sensation. Luxian chuckled low, alternating between rubbing and squeezing with light pressure. His hands traveled further up her legs. Both hands rubbed her thighs, the soap making his hands warm and slippery. Rian pursed her lips. She refused to show any signs of pleasure. At least that was her plan until his fingertips grazed the lip of her sex. The touch was light but jolting. He seemed not to notice as he started on the other thigh. “You’ve run out of suds.” Desperation made her try to find a way to end it. “So it seems you’re right.” Luxian picked up her leg and settled it over his shoulder. With his right hand, he grabbed the soap from its bed and applied it directly to her inner thigh. Running the soap in circles with one hand, he used the other hand to scrape along her flesh. Rian gasped at the dual sensation of smooth and rough. Luxian then took the soap and placed it between her legs. With the smallest of movements, he rubbed it against the already over sensitized bud. Rian cried out. He lowered her leg from his shoulder. He continued the assault between her legs with the soap while his renegade hand explored her body. He palmed her breast, and began to knead the globe with a gentle motion. Rian’s head thrashed side to side. She knew she should stop this. It was getting out of control. But for the life of her she couldn’t say the one word that would reign in the circumstances—stop. Rian closed her eyes. She felt Luxian lean over her. When she opened her eyes, it was too late. The feel of her nipple in his hot mouth rent a cry from her throat. He suckled it with generous lust, drawing on it with an expertise that left her breathless. He pulled back from the nipple. “Did you know,” he began while flicking her nipple with his tongue, “that the Cimmerions have a natural cleaning agent in their saliva.” He sucked the other nipple into his mouth. The soap had slipped through his fingers so that now it was his rough hands that stroked her. Rian didn’t care.

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“I-I didn’t know that.” Her hips, on their own accord, began to push against his hand. Rian’s fingers gripped the sides of the rub until they ached, but she didn’t notice. “Yes, it’s true.” He laved at her breasts. Then abruptly, he stopped. Rian’s fogged mind screamed in protest. His hands stopped their concerto between her thighs. “Turn around for me,” he ordered, his voice steady. Rian could only guess he was not as affected by her as she was by him. In anger and frustration, Rian uncurled her aching fingers from around the basin. This was her fault. She allowed this scourge to touch her in such a matrimonial manner. With much splashing, Rian turned around in the tub, hugging her knees to her chest. Her body throbbed and pulsed with desire. Her conscious berated her for her thoughtless actions. She closed her eyes willing the tears to go away. “You’re disappointed.” Luxian worked lather into her long tangled hair. He wanted her that was clear. But was he trying to seduce her into forgetting that he was Cimmerion? He knew she was inexperienced. Maybe he hoped that if he teased her enough, it would become easier and easier to get her to mate with him. “I am not,” she denied, falling under the spell of his fingers against her scalp. “I sense your anger. You like my touch, then?” He used the slickness of the soap and his claws to gently untangle her hair. “I like it when you don’t touch me much better.” Knowing he couldn’t see her face, Rian closed her eyes in ecstasy at his touch. “Hmm, then perhaps it would be better that we have more of these encounters. Perhaps I can teach you to like my touch.” “That won’t be necessary. I don’t plan on staying.” Rian bit her lip to keep from moaning out loud from the massage on her scalp. “This is the only home you will see for the rest of your life, Rian,” Luxian informed her solemnly pausing in his care of her hair. “We can’t risk the Veletari breeding with you.” Rian jerked forward. The reason for all of this—the kidnapping, the bath—began to surface. They weren’t two lovers sharing an evening. They were

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Guard and Prisoner. Master and Slave. Captor and Captive. She covered her breasts as she cowered at the other end of the large tub. “We’re done,” her voice cold as the thought echoed in her head, “your highness.” “Allow me to rinse your hair.” He looked at her as if she hadn’t spoken. “Then the bath shall be over.” His head angled to the side waiting for her reaction. Rian sat again. “Lean back. I will not let you fall.” Rian leaned back, praying for this to be over soon. Somehow, he had managed to strike her body with desire, numb her with pleasure, and make her frustratingly mad at the same time. The warm water rushed against her scalp as he scooped it up in his large hands. He urged her further back until he was suspending her head somewhat out of the water. Rian knew now he would not let her go by the way he touched her, possessive and firm. “All done,” he told her at last. She scrambled out of the basin. Rian dried off fast and donned the almost see-through gown Mavikan had laid out for her. She turned to see Luxian tying the strings of the lounging pants that were left out for him by Mavikan’s loving hands. His bare feet padding on the floor, he stopped when he stood directly in front of her. “Now what?” Rian asked waspishly as she braided her clean wet hair. Luxian’s hair seemed to dry as fast as the snap of a finger. He pulled it back, tying it into a ponytail. He was so very handsome. Rian gave herself a mental kick to stay focused. “Now we talk.” He jumped up and landed onto the bed in one graceful movement. “Here.” He patted the space next to him as he crossed his legs. “What if I don’t want to?” Rian was tired of conforming to his requests. “Then I will physically bring you here,” he replied, his tone unyielding. “However I do think it would be much easier for you if you came under your own power.” Rian stood with her hands on her hips. “What do you think to get out of this, night dweller? You know I hate the very sight of you. I know what you are. There will be no changing my mind.” “Good, you have an open mind.” Luxian flashed another devastating grin her way, again showing a hint of his canine-like teeth. Rian shook her head trying

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to deny it, unable to stop her answering smile. Luxian held out a hand to her. “I won’t bite, I promise.” “Or rip my throat out?” Rian found her feet were already heading toward the bed. “I would sooner nuzzle your neck and smell its sweet fragrance before I ever undertook such an act,” he replied in all seriousness, still holding his hand out for her to take it. Rian paused before she took his hand. With a slight pull, Luxian had her on the bed. They sat cross-legged in front of the other. She looked down to see the gown dipped low in the front. Luxian of course had already discovered this little fact. “We will talk about anything you like. I will try to answer any questions you have as best I can. Rian was surprised, but she took the time to think her first question through. When she had her question formed in her mind. She looked straight into Luxian’s dark ones. “I have a question.” Luxian let his head bow a fraction in response. “Proceed. Like I said, Rian, I will try to answer your questions as honestly and best as I can.” She would not make this easy for him. Rian leaned forward keeping constant eye contact with him, looking for any signs of dishonesty. “There are many Cimmerion women who I believe would with eagerness slake your manly desires.” She waited while he confirmed this with an affirmative nod of his head. “Then why do you and the Veletari want to mate with me in particular so bad?” Luxian’s eyes darkened.

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Chapter 8 Luxian for the first time regretted his course of action. He could not tell her the real reasons. If she knew the Cimmerions were trying to use her as a weapon against the Veletari, she would reinforce her resolve not to mate with him. On the other hand, he didn’t want to lie to her, either. Lies had a way of coming back, and taking a chunk out of your… “You must be aware of how desirable you are?” he queried, refusing to break eye contact with her. “The Veletari aren’t a very…” She paused. “They aren’t a very sexual race. So that can’t be the reason.” She pinned him with her gray stare. “I have to admit sexuality is a large part of the Cimmerion race.” He grinned at her and reached across to run circles across her folded hands. “We like physical contact. We crave it.” Luxian let his voice dip lower, knowing the effect of its hypnotic component. Rian looked down at their hands, seeming almost mesmerized with the feel of him. “We love to just rub against our lovers, Rian. The skin to skin contact alone can be very gratifying.” His hand traveled upward until it reached her chin. He brought her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “Have you never wanted to do that? Perhaps it is just a Cimmerion trait.” It was a simple question. Rian seemed about ready to speak then thought better of it. Her look more than answered the question. She was full of fire and would never admit to it. Luxian was so relieved at her next question, he almost let her witness it. This time, he had distracted her. “I have no wife.” He chose his words with care

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and retracted his outstretched hand. “However if I were to choose one, I would like her to have your fire.” “All you have to do is find a female who can’t stand you. I believe then there will be enough fire in her to keep you happy the rest of your life.” Rian kept a straight face. He could sense she was teasing him and he liked it. “My father once told me that a woman who protests a lot about a man, is hiding the fact that she likes him but is afraid to admit it.” “I believe your father may have had a penchant for over analyzing. Sometimes things are what they are.” “But then again…” “Suit yourself. I assure you my dislike of you is just and only that.” She began to pick at her nails. “Luxian, you must understand I could never lay with a man that I saw kill in cold blood.” She dropped the nail inspection as she turned the topic around to more stable ground. “You’ve never seen me kill.” His brow furrowed at her accusation. “Wrong, demon. I saw you,” she pointed at him almost poking him in the chest, “I saw you kill Sida.” “When?” He had never killed in cold blood. True enough he had killed but only in battle, self-defense, or mercy. Rian didn’t answer him right away. She just looked at him. Anger seeped into her expression at whatever she was remembering. She took a deep breath before she spoke, as if it pained her greatly to even speak to him. “I was a child, then. Playing in the woods with one of the families. Night had fallen as we slept. When we awoke, Sida wanted to go for one last swim. Being pregnant, she was always hot, it seemed. We heard her screams. Her parents went to her aid. By the time I got there, I saw them dead. I saw you bite her, then gut her. I saw you kill the unborn. You burned them.” Her anger suddenly left, and in its place—sadness. Her eyes were somehow fixed to the scene of the past. Luxian walked the perimeter of the room, pacing while lost in thought, his mind searching for the memory she had just shared. It was quite possible he could have killed these people. He had killed many humans. How could he get her to understand that if he had done this deed, that he did this ‘Sida’ a favor? If she’d

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had a successful breeding, they would have taken her. Breeding for the Veletari was an infection with no cure. She would have lived a horrible life of spawning for the Veletari until she died. Then they would have eaten her before she drew her last breath. As for the parents, he had no doubt they must have attacked. In the heat of battle, there was no room for hesitation. Once attacked, a Cimmerion defended to the death. At last, he turned to her, keeping his distance. He wasn’t sure how she would react to him. “I confess, Rian, I do not recall this memory. I believe you saw what you say. There is much about the Veletari that you do not know. They are hard to kill, but only as babes do our venom kill them. Burning the bodies ensures death. I no more than you can change what has happened. Know with utter sincerity I am sorry for your losses. There have been many losses on both sides.” A fleeting memory of the former king, his father, flickered. Luxian efficiently smothered the memory. One didn’t dwell in the past. Her story however might explain why her scent was familiar. If what she said were true and she was hiding, he had indeed come across her scent before. “How dare you stand there and act as if you have feelings! Demons have no feelings. You are all just killing machines!” “Warriors know when they enter battle that death is a possibility.” Luxian’s voice rose an octave. “Noble words indeed, King. My people cower at the mention of Dark Ones. Women are afraid to tell of their pregnancies. They fear the demons will come to kill them. What of these helpless women you and your men have hunted down and murdered?” Rian shouted back. Luxian took one step forward, then hesitated. He wanted to shake the very nonsense from her head. “We only killed those women who carried the fetuses of the Veletari and we did them a great favor. Once a Veletari breeds with them, they are sanctioned to live the rest of their lives producing babies until they die from the strain. Then they are consumed by your Veletari as a fine meal.” Luxian could feel the ticking of a muscle in his jaw. “Lies, all lies! For I am the first human that’s destined to be mated to a Veletari. First chance I get, I will leave this place, and so help me I will lead the Veletari in your demise.” Hatred flamed in her gray eyes. “You will never seduce me, Cimmerion. I will never go to your bed willingly!” She swiped at her angry tears.

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Luxian felt his patience snap at her outburst. He crossed the room in giant steps and grabbed her by the arm, jerking her roughly to her feet. He brought her face up close to his. “I’ve seen corpses with more compassion than you.” He kept his tone even, deadly. “I’ve lost good warriors. One of my warriors is worth ten of your humans, and that’s me being kind. We kill in self-defense, battle, and mercy. Nothing more. Your people kill each other for far less. Yet you call us demons? Don’t speak of what you don’t know, child.” Luxian needed to remind her that her young years left a lot to be desired when it came to wisdom. “Have a care with what you say. You will be in my bed or any other place I desire to take you. And make no mistake, you will beg me to take you!” He pushed her roughly onto the bed. His wings appeared and unfolded with a loud snap. Luxian sprang up, his wings flapping, propelled him up. The panel opened in time and he was gone.

****

Luxian broke the surface of the water with all the force he could muster. It was the Cimmerion way to enter and exit, for their lair was under the water, burrowed beneath the floor of the large lake. His anger would take a great deal of time to diminish. The night sang sweet to him. It helped cool his hot skin. How could a woman cause such anger and desire at the same time? Her view of the world was corrupt. He knew she was not responsible for what was taught to her, but that did not lessen the fact parts of her were hard. He wondered if he had the power to soften her. His strong wings barely flapped as he slowed down, determined to enjoy the darkness. She was beautiful. She was corrupt. She was all he could think about. Luxian scanned the land below. He could sense his warriors below checking the perimeter. Luxian dipped low, informing them now he too was on duty. A few called to him in coded growls, letting him know so far this night everything was all right. It seemed the more he got to know her, the more he liked her and despised her at the same time. Luxian landed in a tall tree, his eyes, made for the darkness, scanned, his hearing on high alert.

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Luxian supposed the most ironic and frustrating thing about the situation was that she wasn’t even human. Technically, they weren’t even her people she was defending. He took a deep breath, remembering her oath to wipe out the Cimmerions with the help of the Veletari. She would be wiping out her own people. How was he supposed to break it to her she was half Cimmerion? Without a doubt, she would embrace the Veletari in her. Only a select few truly knew what she was, the others thought her human. She had lived among the humans for so long, she carried their scent. He knew however that it would soon wear off and they would know her for what she was. If he hadn’t persuaded her to their side by then, they would want her dead. She was too great a risk to keep alive. It was his duty as the King of the Cimmerions, to do what was best for his people. In order for him and his people to survive, he learned to kill without hesitation and without mercy.

****

“Where were you, my king?” Virk’s voice echoed in the dining quarters. It was a huge room with many tables. Nothing fancy. The fine linens and decorations were saved for special circumstances. As of late, there hadn’t been any. Luxian sat at one of the tables, downing a very pleasant smelling vegetable dish. “On patrol,” Luxian answered shortly. He was not in the mood for Virk’s teasing. Virk looked at him squinting. He took a seat and stared at his brother saying nothing. “Want to talk about her?” Virk asked wisely. “Nothing to talk about.” Luxian shoveled the food into his mouth without tasting it. “I beg to differ.” “Beg to your heart’s content.” Luxian stopped bothering to even chew the food. He just gulped it down. “Last time I saw you eat like this was the first day of weapons training and you couldn’t wait to start the day.”

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“What is your point?” “Well, I’m just thinking that some strong emotions are going on here.” Virk leaned back until the chair balanced on two legs. “And I believe she is to blame.” “She is unwavering in her lopsided views of right and wrong.” Luxian slammed the utensil down in anger. “How can a person be so convinced they are right when they are clearly wrong?” “Clear to whom?” Virk asked his eyebrows up in question. “What?” Luxian looked at him like he lost his mind. “Who is it clear to that they are wrong?” “Me, of course.” Luxian was starting to believe his brother might be loose in the head. “So, you’re saying it’s clear to only you?” “Stop speaking in riddles!” Luxian demanded. “What is your point?” “Well, look at it this way, if a fellow Cimmerion were blind, what do you think would be more effective? Would you methodically tell him the way he should go, or do you take him by the hand and walk him through?” “Are you telling me I should somehow show her she is wrong?” A small light went on in Luxian’s head. Maybe trying to talk sense into her wasn’t enough. “Take her around. Let her spend time with Cimmerions—in disguise of course. You know if they got wind of what she is, things could get murky fast. But while she is still saturated by the humans, let her see for herself the liars the Veletari are.” “You know, brother, you aren’t as brain addled as Father said you were.” Luxian smiled at his brother. “I was making sure Father never saddled me with any responsibility.” Virk laced his fingers behind his head. Leave it to Virk to shrug off praise. Luxian knew Virk was a lot smarter than the Cimmerions gave him credit for. In that way

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alone, Virk could be quite dangerous. It was the reason Luxian made him his personal advisor as well as military battle strategist. “Well, here’s to making me responsible for everything in our youth.” Luxian stood, with a devilish smile. Luxian kicked one of the remaining two legs of his brother’s chair. Virk crashed to the hard unforgiving floor. “This makes us even now, my king!” Virk called with laughter after him. “Hardly.” Luxian had another person he needed to unseat.

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Chapter 9 The morning—if it were indeed morning—found Rian no more rested than when she first went to bed. She had no idea what time of day it was. Here there were no windows and she was sure her internal clock was off since she entered this Veletari forsaken place. She had crawled into bed after Luxian abruptly exited, trying to understand the emptiness inside of her when he left. He meant nothing to her. Yet she longed to see his fine chiseled features and beautiful dark skin. This longing made her suspicious of him. What was he doing to her? What kind of magic did he possess that made her forget and ignore all she had been taught about their vile race? But she did not find Luxian vile. She found him… The panel slid back, making Rian jerk in surprise. She heard the almost inaudible thump of Luxian’s landing. Her heart soared with excitement and trepidation. She had angered him much at their last meeting. What was his purpose here now? She felt something being tossed on the bed and without hesitation, she bolted upright. Clothing lay folded at the end of the bed. “What is this?” She kept her eyes on Luxian as she crawled to the end of the bed. Her gaze darted to the cloth and back up to Luxian. He stood regally with a deep colored cape about his shoulders. His expression was hard, unreadable. Rian felt her pulse quicken as he stared down at her.

****

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Luxian looked at the half-breed with empty eyes. If she could read his emotions, she would know what she was doing to him as she crawled across the bed. Wisps of hair had escaped the braid and she looked angelic. He knew however the hellion that lay underneath. The hater of his people, who vowed to aid in their destruction at her first opportunity, now looked at him with uncertain eyes. He wanted to go to her and convince her he would never harm her, she was safer with him than anyone on the planet. He flicked the cloth over one shoulder. It was his royal cape, a garment he often wore to battle. Wearing the cape often lifted the spirits of his people. It carried the scent of the Veletari. Veletari, he killed. He thought it a wise choice while with Rian. For if any of the trackers not privy to whom she was, somehow caught her slight Veletari scent over the human one…He would not kill his own warriors to save her life. That was what he told himself. “I borrowed these. Put them on,” he ordered. He had indeed borrowed these from the humans he collaborated with. It was added insurance to make her smell even more human. Rian wrinkled her delicate nose. “They’ve been worn.” Luxian would not take the opportunity to point out her very sensitive sense of smell. It seemed her Cimmerion trait had manifested itself without her notice. She did not realize her sense of smell was not a human trait, for the clothes gave no indication they had been worn. “I had a human don these to transfer her scent to the clothing. For your own safety, you must be layered with human smells. If any one of my people smell even the faintest trace of Veletari on you, I cannot guarantee your safety.” He knew she assumed that he meant her interactions with the Veletari. “And where is it that you are taking me?” Rian looked at him now, curiosity shining in her gray eyes. “I want to show you my home.”

****

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What reason would he have to do that? Perhaps he wanted her to get used to the place where she would be living the rest of her life. “Why would you want to do that? I am your prisoner. Not your guest.” “What you become while living amongst the Cimmerions is your choosing.” Luxian turned his back, only ceding that small amount of privacy. Rian studied him for a moment before she got out of the bed and began to unfold the clothing. One piece was a simple black cloak with a hood. It appeared that it would cover her from head to foot. It even had long sleeves to cover her bare arms. While the cloak was plain in design, the material was luxurious. A simple black sleeveless dress was unfolded next. Rian rushed as she took off the nightgown and dressed in case Luxian’s chivalry faded. “I am ready.” She ran her fingers against the soft cloak. He turned and looked upon her with approval. “You will not take the hood off unless I tell you it is all right to do so. Do not speak unless I give you permission.” “Thank you for reminding me of my status as prisoner and slave.” Rian rolled her eyes in exasperation. Luxian advanced upon her before she could draw her next breath. “You will speak to me with respect whether we are alone or in the company of others. To show disrespect to your king means death here. There is no place for betrayers.” “You would kill your own people?” Rian was incredulous, stunned that they were more barbaric than previously thought. “They are not our people if they are against us. They belong to our enemy, or they are a new enemy. If someone is not helping, then it is safe to note they only hinder.” He gave her a questioning look though it was more a statement. She caught the double meaning. “We have not had any traitors as of yet, but that is the course of action that would be taken if we were to find one.” His eyes focused on her—unwavering. “It seems cold-blooded.” Rian stared down at his booted feet. His look was too intense, too searching. “War is cold-blooded.” He took a step toward her. Rian sucked in a breath. She hated his touch because she had begun to crave it. “Enough of this topic. Let

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me show you something that brings me great joy.” Rian could feel the humor in his voice. She did not chance looking into his face because she knew what she would find—dark eyes that made her want to do his bidding. Instead, she kept her eyes level to his bare chest as he pulled her close into his embrace. “Hold onto me,” he whispered in her ear. Rian brought her arms around his muscular torso and laid her head against his chest. She heard his strong heartbeat, and was surprised hers faltered for a moment before it beat in sync with his. She labeled it a coincidence. Rian inhaled his scent with guilty pleasure. She would allow herself this one joy, this one sin against the Veletari that she would not examine too closely. His hard frame was in direct contrast to her softer one. She let out a small sigh of appreciation. She had a feeling Luxian was smiling. Rian felt a light rush of air from the release of his wings, then heard the sharp snap of his wings as he readied them for flight. Luxian performed a slight jump, then she found herself airborne. She gasped as they hurtled toward the ceiling. It seemed to open at the last possible moment. An impish thought ran through her head—she could get used to traveling this way.

****

The trip was short and over sooner than she anticipated. Luxian landed without sound, his skill as a flyer apparent as she was set upon her feet as if she were some delicate flower. “Remember what I have said,” he warned in her ear before he released her. A slew of unfamiliar scents whirled around her sweeping her interest into a fury. “Where would you like to go first?” he asked with a sense of pride in his voice. “I didn’t realize I had a choice.” Rian looked around in awe. “You always have a choice, young one. It is a matter of choosing what ramifications you are willing to endure.” With a light grip, he cupped her elbow with his large hand. He began to steer her toward the kitchen and dining quarters when it became apparent she was too overwhelmed to make a decision anytime soon.

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As usual, the doors to the quarters were opened. Delicious aromas filtered out. Rian took a deep breath, then looked to him in question. “It is a pastry Dix makes. No one has been able to duplicate it. I think she keeps it jealously to ensure her favored status.” Luxian laughed. They entered the plain room. Nothing adorned the walls. Even the tables were plain. “Since you are king, shouldn’t you have a place set aside for you?” Rian asked a little confused as she sniffed the air. The pastry was making her stomach growl. “There is very little pomp among the Cimmerions. They know I am their king. I have no need to saturate them with reminders. Under certain circumstances, tradition prevails, then certain customs are followed, but generally I take my meals like anyone else.” “But it is so simple. Do you not want something pleasant to look upon when you are dining with friends?” Rian’s mind had wandered back to the days when she spent time with the families of her village. She had loved the décor in each home. It made the small dwellings warm and inviting. “On special occasions, we do decorate. Seeing the faces of friends and family while dining is pleasant and gift enough.” Luxian led her toward the back where the kitchen was located. “The Cimmerions believe to truly appreciate something, it must be seen or done in moderation.” “Ah.” Rian was fascinated by the logic. For beasts, their way of thinking was wise and civilized. She allowed him to lead her toward the back of the room. The scent of the pastry was getting stronger and Rian wasn’t sure if she would be able to stop herself from flat out begging for a taste of it. The one thing competing with the smell of the pastry was the warmth from Luxian’s hand where he gripped her. To her surprise, his hand with casual ease slipped from her elbow to her hand where he twined his strong fingers with hers. Rian’s breath caught at the pleasant sensation. She looked down to his dark hand, against her golden one. Their coloring complimented each other. They entered a smaller room where a plump Cimmerion female was taking great care in pouring a brown icing over small oddly shaped cakes. She didn’t even look up from her work when she greeted them. “Your majesty, you will forgive me if I don’t stop to bow before you.”

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“You will be forgiven on the condition that my companion and I are given first taste of this batch of chava cakes.” Rian looked up at him so see the childlike expression on his face as he eyed the cakes in hunger. She couldn’t fault him, for strange though they looked, they smelled delicious. He bent and gave the woman an affectionate peck on the cheek. “No need to butter me up.” At last, the woman he called Dix set down her utensil and turned to look at Luxian. Her dark eyes were swimming with obvious adoration for him. “Just once, I would like to see if I can make a batch of these without you being the first one in line.” She reached for him, kissing his hand, then his cheek. “That will never happen,” he assured her reaching for the small pastry. He grabbed two. He looked reluctant to give the other one to Rian. When she reached for it, he pulled it back out of her reach, grinning in mischief. Luxian even had the audacity to pretend to stuff them both in his mouth. Rian snatched one, with surprising quickness. She put it in her mouth, lest he snatch it back. “Who might this hungry human be?” She looked at Rian in kindness and unabashed interest. “She is a guest,” Luxian responded, smiling. “Hmm, well she looks hungry,” Dix observed. “She hasn’t had a chance to eat as of yet. Would the first meal be ready?’ Luxian popped his own chava into his mouth. Rian seriously wanted to snatch his, too. It was no wonder chava cakes were delicious. “No one knows the actual recipe. However it is common knowledge that Dix adds ground Gaegian spikes in the cakes.” Luxian winked at Rian. “It is a spice that causes Cimmerions feelings of relaxation and joy, and it is good for our overall health. Isn’t that right?” “Yes, now find a table. I’ll be right out, your majesty.” Dix grabbed two plates as she bustled about. Luxian led Rian back out of the door. She found herself smiling. It was her first time ever coming into contact with the spice and it was having a strong affect on her. They settled at a nearby table. Luxian released her hand somewhat reluctantly.

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She plopped into her chair and flashed a foolish grin at Luxian. Worse, she couldn’t stop. “That was sooo good.” She licked her lips, searching for any icing she might have overlooked. “Yes, well, chava cakes should be taken in small quantities.” Luxian shook his head. Rian felt as if she’d been drinking fermented liquid. “But they’re so small.” She tried to demonstrate the size with her forefinger and thumb. “Can’t I have another?” “That wouldn’t be wise right now. Perhaps after you’ve had your first meal?” he reasoned. Rian’s shoulders slumped. “You will thank me later. For a novice, chava cakes can cause a splitting headache when they wear off.” Suddenly a thought occurred to her. “What is it?” Luxian tilted his head to the side. “Just wondering why that person behind you is trying to kill you.”

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Chapter 10 Luxian extended his claws and pivoted in his seat with blinding speed. The chair crashed to the floor as he barreled into the bottom half of his would-be assailant. A weapon clattered to the ground and he wrestled the assailant into a position that caused great pain. He then laid his dangerous claw precariously against the neck of his attacker. “All right, all right. You know if it weren’t for the beauty tipping you off, I would have had you this time,” came the choked surrender. “Wrong, Virk. I know every time when you’re there.” Luxian laughed, releasing his brother. “When will you give up this dream of somehow besting me?” Luxian offered him a hand. Virk smacked it out of the way, choosing to get up under his own power. “I see your losing disposition hasn’t changed,” Luxian chided as he sat back down. Virk landed in the seat next to Rian. “Has this beast been giving you a hard time?” Virk asked in sympathy. “I am remiss to admit it, but he’s been quite pleasant.” Rian shook her head enthusiastically. Virk leaned over to Rian just a bit and sniffed. “For goodness’ sakes did you give her a chava cake?” “I allowed her to taste one.” Luxian growled. “She’s gone out of her head.” Virk laughed, slamming his hand on the table. “No wonder she likes you.”

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“What does he mean?” Rian asked. “He means nothing,” Luxian answered brusquely, giving Virk the look that said he’d deal with him later. “He was just leaving.” “No, I wasn’t.” Virk assumed his familiar habit of tipping his chair backwards on two legs. “Dix is coming with food, and I’m starving. I just left the training arena.” “You could eat over there.” Luxian pointed to a table in a dark corner. “No, company is much more pleasant here.” Virk smiled as Dix laid a plate before Luxian and a plate of human food in front of Rian. “I’ll have one, too.” Dix bowed to the prince before disappearing into the kitchen again. Rian tore into her food. The brothers watched as Rian made small work of the food. It was shocking to see her stuff so much food into her mouth. She was halfway done with her food by the time Dix came back with Virk’s plate. Neither brother touched his food as they watched in fascination as she hauled food down her throat. They knew it was a result of the Gaegian spikes. When she finished with the first plate of food Dix had brought her, she snatched Luxian’s and tasted the strange food. Luxian and Virk stared at one another, then at Rian. “What?” she managed around a mouthful of food. “I had no idea you were starving to such a degree,” Luxian commented first. “Have you thought to feed her?” Virk asked dryly. “I am hungry and this is magnificent. What is this anyway?” Rian swallowed the rest of the food in her mouth. “Cimmerion food.” Luxian kept his voice low to lessen the shock. Rian’s eating utensil clattered to her plate. Luxian could only guess what Rian was thinking—that it couldn’t be possible. It was common knowledge that humans couldn’t eat Cimmerion food. The first humans who had crash-landed tried to cook and eat the plants and vegetables indigenous to Phantaria. Many had died. In desperation, they painstakingly rescued seedlings from the crash. Many

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humans had died waiting for a successful crop. Eventually, Phantaria proved to have fertile soil, and the humans grew their own food. “I’m going to die.” Rian squeaked. “You’re going to be fine.” Luxian reached across the table for Rian’s hand. She snatched it back as if he were poison. “Humans can’t eat Cimmerion food.” She began to hyperventilate. “All Cimmerion food isn’t poisonous to humans,” Virk interjected. Luxian squinted at Virk, wondering what he was up to. “How do you know that?” Rian trained her gaze on Virk. “Oh, no! The chava cake.” “Don’t worry, humans have eaten them. I’ve seen it. You ate a small portion, anyway. How about this, let’s see how you react to the food before declaring your own death?” “We have very competent doctors here. They are familiar with the human anatomy and can help you,” Luxian joined in, breathing a sigh of relief when Rian seemed to calm down a bit. He was a little hurt by her reaction to him, but he would never show it. “Why would they know about human anatomy?” “When humans first landed here, we tried to help those with extensive wounds,” Luxian answered. “Some we saved, some we couldn’t.” “I’ve never heard that,” Rian refuted. “You can’t know everything, now can you, love?” Virk asked with a roguish smile. Luxian stood, indicating Rian should stand as well. “We’re leaving now. There are more places I would like to show her. Virk, make yourself scarce.” Luxian headed toward the door, Rian followed. When they ended up in the corridor, Rian laid a hand on his powerful bicep to stay him. “I’m sorry for what I-I did earlier. You didn’t make me eat that food. I—” “It’s fine.” At least she was now apologizing for her unrefined behavior.

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“Who was that man, anyway?” Her voice took on a conversational quality as they strolled side by side. “He looks like you.” “My brother, who I suspect was born to implant himself in my backside.” To Luxian’s surprise, Rian laughed out loud. “He does seem to get great joy out of needling you.” “Well, I take it out on his hide.” Luxian smiled, looked down at her as they walked. “Where to next?” Rian asked in slight hesitation. If Luxian didn’t know any better she seemed to be enjoying herself.

****

They ended up at the gardens. Rian couldn’t believe the Cimmerions had such a beautiful place in their habitat. Her mouth formed an O as her gaze darted everywhere, not quite sure where she should start looking first. “It’s beautiful here.” She loved the smell of the strange flowers. Something in her wanted to just roll around in them. “These here,” Luxian indicated a beautiful bed of large bright yellow flowers, “we use for adding color to our garments when wither and die.” “You don’t pick them when they’re in full bloom?” Rian bent down to get a closer look. A long snout like object darted out toward her face. Rian jumped back and screamed in surprise. “No, because that would be killing them.” Luxian let out a barely muffled laugh. “It would have never bitten you, it is a defense mechanism meant to scare potential consumers away.” “Oh.” She looked at the flower with a keener eye now, keeping a safe distance. “What are these?” She pointed to a small section of plants that had various colored rounded bulbs at the end. “They didn’t have these types of plants around the village.”

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“That is the staple of the Cimmerions lives. We harvest all year round. The different colored bulbs are used for different things.” “Like what?” Rian leaned forward to smell them but thought better of it as she spotted the bright yellow plants in her peripheral vision. “Well, let’s see, the red bulbs are used in medicines. The blue ones, mothers eat to enrich their milk for the young ones that take sustenance from their bodies. The white ones are ground up to make a grain for cooking.” “I had no idea your people were so…” “Civilized? Did you think we flew around kidnapping hapless humans and eating them?” It was so close to the way they were portrayed that Rian feel herself flushing at the comment. She knew they were able to speak and were considered pretty intelligent—for demons. Rian, however, could see their intelligence was grossly underestimated. It was now clear the Cimmerions were a very advanced race. “You cannot blame me for my perception. I have witnessed your people attacking periodically without warning or provocation. The men in my village have died trying to protect the village and the pregnant women. Your warriors showed no mercy.” Rian looked at him intensely. Luxian paused before answering. “It would appear that way to those that do not know our ways. My warriors are trained to win, just as your Veletari fight to win. Any time you were attacked was in response to an attack you had no knowledge of.” Rian looked at him a few seconds, then let the matter drop. They took their time in the gardens. Rian wanted to learn about the strange plants and herbs. It was quite a wonder the way the Cimmerions lived. Very sophisticated, it appeared. Fountains decorated the gardens. Other Cimmerions— couples—walked in the peaceful gardens. They walked hand in hand. She even caught a few exchanging fleeting but intimate kisses. Rian turned away in embarrassment. Her curiosity however was heated and she often found herself staring. “The Cimmerions are a very sensual race, Rian. We like touching. Is this not so with your humans, as well?” Luxian inquired.

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“We are taught that such affections,” she paused as her cheeks flamed, “are to be kept behind closed doors. Public displays such as…” She glanced at the couple in the throes of a kiss. “Well, it is wrong.” She finished hastily, heading toward the way she came in. Luxian grabbed her shoulder gently and spun her around to make her face him. “Manifesting love and companionship physically is not wrong, Rian. Not when both parties want it.” “What do you know of love, Cimmerion?” It was a question meant to anger him enough to drop the subject, but it lacked the sarcasm she intended. Her question was of genuine curiosity. “I have love of family, friends, and my people. I have love of nature and all that it provides. But I will confess I know nothing of love between a man and a woman. No woman has ever stirred such feelings.” The answer was thoughtful and rang true of sincerity. “So you have bedded women you have not loved?” “I have bedded women who I found pleasing as a companion.” “And at what point do they become displeasing, and you move on to the next?” she challenged. There was anger in her voice and Rian had no idea why. “This is a perilous subject, young one. If I were to answer honestly, do not think you would like my answer. My people are capable of mating for life just as yours. However, sometimes there are other reasons two people mate…” “Such as?” Rian challenged his answer. Luxian began to look uncomfortable. He was pardoned by a loud squeal that came from the play areas. “What was that?” Rian asked alarmed at the sound of a child’s voice. “Children. The playground is near.” “You have a playground?” Rian asked incredulously. “Our children need somewhere to play. Don’t human children have playgrounds?” They exited the garden area and within a few yards came across the playground.

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Rian saw children of all ages, Cimmerion children running around. Another squeal peeled the air as a young Cimmerion child jumped off a boulder and expanded its wings in time for a rather sloppy landing. The other children cheered. Rian smiled in spite of herself. They seemed so happy and carefree. There was a pool the children were diving into from atop a ledge. They didn’t slow their descent into the water, just plunged at full speed. “Will they hurt themselves?” Worry laced her words. Right now, it didn’t matter that they were Cimmerion children. A child was a child. “No, I assure it’s perfectly safe. And don’t let them hear you. They’ll get out of hand trying to scare you into an early death.” Luxian grinned. A few of the children waved to him. A human child bowed to him. The realization struck Rian in the chest. As her eyes began to depict each child separately, she was taken aback when she saw human children mingled in the crowd. “Oh, my, you’ve stolen human children and brought them here.” Her hand went to her chest in shock. She turned on Luxian angrily. “The stories are true, your people have kidnapped my people. How dare you try to convince me you aren’t monsters?” “You will lower your tone.” Luxian growled at her. It was the sound of a beast, an angry beast. Rian knew she had pushed him too far. But in her anger, she became careless. “I will do no such thing!” Rian raised her voice even higher. A few children stopped playing to look at them. “You are scaring them.” He began to forcibly move her, though he did not hurt her. Rian found her arm yet again in his strong grasp as he led her away from the children. “Do not spread your poison to these children.” He looked at her with heavy distaste. “My poison?” She lowered her voice but kept the anger. “Do they even know who their parents are? Do they know where they come from? They must be aware that they’re not Cimmerions? Are you raising them just to eat them later?” She hissed. “For your information, they know where they come from and who their parents are.”

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“Have your people eaten them already?” she asked horrified. Luxian looked at her for what amounted to three heartbeats before he answered her. “I’ve told you before we do not eat humans.” “Then what are they doing here if you don’t intend to eat them?” “They live here. On the other side of this playground, you’ll find the entrance to the human encampment. They choose to live with us.” “Why would humans choose to live with Cimmerions?” Luxian leaned in close, his warm breath fanned her face. Embers glowed in his eyes from anger as he stared down at her. “So your precious Veletari won’t eat them.”

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Chapter 11 Rian’s anger was absolute. How dare he insinuate that the Veletari would eat a human? They had done nothing but help them. “Veletari. Do. Not. Eat. Humans.” Rian’s enunciation was very deliberate as if Luxian were somehow having a hard time understanding her simple words. “Well, we certainly don’t, yet do you deny that people from your village have gone missing?” Luxian began to back her even further into a corner of the playground. He didn’t stop until she was trapped against a wall. “Well?” he challenged. “If what you say were true, then I would like to see for myself that you aren’t holding them here against their will.” “And what if we are? What could you do to help them?” Luxian watched her reaction like the predator that he was. “Nothing, I suppose,” Rian lamented. “But seeing as how you’re trying to convince me to willingly mate with you, I would be more inclined to consider it.” Rian raised her chin in defiance. “Are you bartering your body then?” Luxian without missing a beat latched on to the vague offer. He raised an arm against the wall to box her in. “I am suggesting I won’t find you as—undesirable if I know that you aren’t the killer I thought you were.” Rian stumbled over her words. Again he was too close, wrecking havoc on her senses. She could feel the heat from his body as he stepped closer to her, and sealed her imprisonment as one arm planted itself on the other side of her head. It was the second time he’d trapped her in this position.

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His scent assaulted her libido. The cape had parted, making her want to rake her nails down his exposed chest. Rian licked her lips at the thought. “Would it be that simple?” Luxian asked, appearing to be mesmerized by her licking her lips. She was becoming aroused by his interest. He sniffed at the air as if he could smell her desire. “Is that all it takes? A human has to tell you they aren’t being held prisoner and that we aren’t dining on them? If I would have known that, dear Rian, I could have arranged it upon your arrival.” “It would be an honorable beginning.” Rian tried to breath through his affect on her. She had to get away from his nearness. Rian made the horrible mistake of planting her hands against his chest to push him away, but all she succeeded in doing was letting her hands roam in total freedom over the muscular chest. Luxian’s body stood rock still as her hands explored the fine terrain of his body. She knew she should stop, that she was playing with fire, but his body called to her. She was powerless to ignore the summons. With a barely perceptible dip of his head, Luxian placed a tentative kiss on Rian’s lips. Immediately, she responded. A grumbling from deep within seemed to vibrate from his chest. His tongue accepted the welcome and deftly swept inside of her mouth. Rian dug her nails into his chest as the kiss deepened. One hand with unaccustomed boldness traveled to his hair, feeling the silkiness of the thinly braided tresses. He tasted intoxicating, male, and addictive. What she lacked in experience, he made up with astonishing skill. His tongue slid against hers and encouraged her to taste him back. Rian mimicked his movements. By the hitching of his breath, she suspected she was doing well for a novice. One hand gave up its stance against the wall to grab her waist and pull her closer. Rian offered no resistance as he broke the kiss, his breath hot against her neck. She felt his tongue lick, then bite, causing tremors down her spine, and tiny bumps to parade up and down her arm. Her other arm wrapped around his neck, urging him on in his ministrations. A piercing scream made them both stop cold. Luxian broke the physical contact without warning and whipped around. Rian followed the direction of his dark eyes as they scanned the playground. A human child had fallen, and by the looks of it, injured her arm. An older Cimmerion female rushed to the child and scooped her up, being very careful of her arm. Seeing the situation in hand, Luxian turned back to a panting Rian. “To the human encampment then?” he questioned, his own breathing a bit ragged.

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“I-yes. Fine.” Rian went about adjusting her cape unnecessarily. She needed something to do while she got her mind in order since Luxian had with a skillful kiss turned it to mush.

****

She had to admit the people didn’t look as if they were unhappy, a bit pale maybe but not the least bit unhappy. The human encampment was drastic and simple compared to the Cimmerions. It was made up of numerous tent-like dwellings. One structure stood out and was labeled ‘Meeting Hall.’ There was another structure much smaller that from what Rian could guess, made weapons and many other things out of metal. The encampment even boasted a small garden in which Rian recognized every plant within it. Since the humans had no room of their own for a playground, the Cimmerions shared. Luxian informed her that sometimes they traded with the humans. The humans helped make weapons and in turn the Cimmerions traded medicine. The humans greeted Luxian with much deference and genuinely seemed to care for him. “Do you rule over them as well?” Rian asked as the humans bowed before him. “No, they have their own government.” Luxian smiled at an old woman and greeted her by name. “How long have they been here?” Rian couldn’t help but wonder at the paleness. “Some generations of families have been here since the Veletari first began to interact with the human colonies. Others have trailed in over the years when they witnessed the truth of the Veletari. Still others are recent. They are the spies we had in the human village. When it became too dangerous for them, we offered them refuge here.” Rian stopped walking. Her eyes focused on a middle-aged couple who were walking toward them. “I remember them.” They passed her by without looking at her. “We all thought—” she looked to Luxian, “we thought they had

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been killed by your people.” Luxian remained silent as Rian watched them a minute more. As Rian looked much closer at the villagers, some of the faces seemed eerily familiar. “We mourned the death of so many.” “It should please you to know that many of them are alive.” “It does.” Rian looked about the simple village. Was it possible Luxian and his people were not as they had been portrayed? “How long do you plan on slumming with this one?” came Virk’s laughing voice. Luxian closed his eyes in mock despair. Rian stifled a laughed. Luxian took a deep breath before he faced his brother. “Sampling the humans again?” he mocked Virk. “I don’t sample, brother. I either take the whole or nothing at all,” Virk replied Rian could not detect a note of shame. “Besides, I was looking for you and was, well distracted by that pretty human, who insisted—” “Virk, I truly have no wish to relive your conquests. What is it that you want?” Luxian crossed his arms. The stern look he was giving his brother was almost comical. These two fought like human brothers. “Seems your warriors provide no real challenge for a man of my skills. You come close, so I sought you out to see if you are indeed worthy to hold the title of king,” Virk baited. “I’m showing Rian around. It can wait.” “Oh, no, I would love to see you two spar,” Rian chimed in impishly. “Unless, of course, you’re not feeling up to it.” She let her words imply a double meaning that Luxian could not let go unanswered. “First things first. I believe we came to an understanding. You’ve been here in the village. Are you satisfied?” Luxian looked pointedly into her unblinking stare. “Yes,” she said at last. “For now.” “What does that mean exactly?”

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“It means I still want to talk to them. But right now, this is much more interesting.” She had no idea how she stifled a giggle at the faces Virk made behind Luxian’s back. Luxian’s nod was stiff, and with a gallant flourish of his hand, indicated that Rian should walk before him. Rian nodded regally and accepted the offer. Virk pounced on her with charm, taking her arm into his as he escorted her to the training hall, making Luxian bring up the rear. A glance backwards assured Rian he was not happy with his brother. Rian was quite sure Luxian would take it out on Virk’s backside. On the way to the training quarters, Rian saw a small complex between the dining hall and the building they were heading toward. “What is in there?” she questioned, pointing to it. “Ah, that is the hot springs. The building is erected in a rather odd place because that is where the hot springs naturally flow. Cimmerions go there after training to ease sore muscles. Sometimes, we go there for a little consensual adult fun.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. Rian giggled. She could practically feel the anger rolling off Luxian. “I guarantee Virk will be using it after we spar. Not unlike a human little girl, he whines quite a bit when he has the slightest of injuries.” “Pay no mind to the old man. It never sat well with him that I inherited the looks and the carefree charm while he inherited the sour personality and the responsibility.” The words sank into Rian’s brain. It never occurred to her what it must be like to be responsible for a whole race of people. He carried the task well. Rian looked behind her to see his dark handsome face twisted in a scowl directed at his brother. But when he saw Rian looking at him, instantly his features softened. Rian gave him a shy smile before she turned back around. In no time at all, Rian found herself sitting in a hard chair, peering anxiously and excitedly at the arena floor, waiting for Luxian to appear. He and Virk had seated her and disappeared, informing her they were off to choose their weapons. Rian admitted to herself she was very anxious to see the King of the Cimmerions fight. Even if it were just sparring, it would give her a chance to see him in action. She strongly suspected he was quite a formidable opponent.

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Eventually, Luxian and Virk came onto the floor carrying long wicked red blades. Luxian trotted over to her sans cape, his hair secured at the back of his head. Her eyes feasted on his physique. “Make this interesting for me.” It was not a question. It was more like a demand. “How so?” Rian rose to the challenge. “Give me a reason other than Virk’s inbred annoyance to knock him flat on his backside.” Rian thought for a moment before she smiled. “Lose this, you set me free.” Rian tried to negotiate, a dark cloud descended on Luxian’s face. “That is not up for barter,” he chastised. “Fine.” Rian knew it wasn’t but didn’t see any reason not to try. “How’s this, if you lose, you are under my command for one day, and yes, I am aware that I cannot order you to set me free.” “And if I win, sweet Rian?” “Then I will obey you without question for one day, as well.” Rian had never seen a grin on Luxian’s face as big as the one that was now shining. She realized too late the foolishness of her words.

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Chapter 12 The fighters moved and struck so fast, Rian had a hard time keeping track. The red blades clashed loud, causing an echo. Sometimes sparks flared at the contact. She had witnessed warriors train as a child. The humans did not even possess a fraction of the skill these men possessed—in particular Luxian’s skill. To Virk’s credit, he was an excellent fighter, and she had no doubt he spoke the truth when he complained none of the other warriors came close to his skill. Against Luxian, however, Virk had to stay alert. Luxian exploited his every weakness, and even managed to give him pointers as they fought. Sweat poured from each opponent. Their bodies were magnificent, well toned fighting machines. Though Virk fought well, it was clear who the victor would be. She had most assuredly walked into a predator’s trap. “Are you ready to end this, brother?” Luxian taunted Virk in total arrogance. Without missing a beat, Virk replied, “I am, however, I do believe Rian is otherwise occupied conversing with that strapping young warrior.” Luxian’s footing changed when he glanced at Rian. Virk took advantage landing a glancing blow across Luxian’s shoulder. Luxian quickly recovered, deflecting the next blow with such strength, it sent Virk reeling backwards. He landed rather hard on his backside. “Remind me not to make you angry while sparring.” Virk got up rubbing his bottom. “You were cheating.” Luxian shook his head in reprimand.

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“I was trying to distract you. That is quite fair in a fight, brother. And it worked because you were jealous,” Virk taunted as they headed toward the waiting Rian. “I was not jealous. I was concerned.” Luxian glanced at the wound on his shoulder. “I know jealousy when I see it. You know how many females have tried to cut off some of my more delicate parts when they caught me having a little fun with another woman? Trust me, dear brother, you were jealous.” “Spare me the sordid details,” “I don’t think Rian is the only one here who needs her eyes opened.” Virk purposefully bumped Luxian going past him. Virk bowed low to Rian, remarking that he was going to the hot springs, and graciously invited her to join him. “She is otherwise occupied.” Luxian looked at Rian. “Isn’t that correct?” “Thank you, Virk, but Luxian is right. I am a woman of my word. Perhaps another time?” Rian felt absolutely mischievous egging Virk on. “I will remind you of this. Until later.” Virk bowed to her again, then took his leave. “So when does this start?” Rian asked. Her nervousness shone through her words. “Right now, I will take you back to your detainment quarters. I will have food sent to you. There are some things I must tend to first. Expect me in a few hours.” He held out his hand to her. Rian’s gaze stayed trained on his magnificent torso. Sweat glided down his onyx body, emphasizing each muscle. Rian walked with her head down, her hood secure to hide her face. She feared if he saw her expression, he would know the effect he had on her. Every few steps or so, Rian snuck a glance at him. He was very beautiful. With shock, Rian realized she no longer saw him as a demon. The beast part would be harder to quell, for he did have beastly traits, especially the way he growled. Rian shivered, she loved the sound. “Are you cold?” Luxian asked.

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“No, it was just a quick chill is all. How is your shoulder?” Rian sneaked a glance and found he had cooled off, but it in no way diminished the effect of his luscious body. “It will heal.” She recognized the corridor that led to her quarters. They stopped at a panel on the floor. It pulled back on silent gears. “How does it know to open?” Rian was curious at the level of their technology. “Sensors. We program the sensors to detect biological signatures.” “So it’s programmed to never open for me, correct?” “Correct. We find it easier to detain our captives this way.” A hint of a smile hovered at his mouth as Luxian pulled her into his arms, and Rian heard the familiar snap of his wings as they flexed. Without warning, he jumped, holding her secure in his hold. Rian’s stomach bottomed out. The landing was perfect. “I don’t know if I can get used to the dropping down.” Rian tried to get her heart to regulate. “Hopefully, you won’t have to,” Luxian murmured. Before Rian could get in another word, Luxian rose up and the panel closed. Now all she had to do was not go crazy waiting for Luxian to return with whatever plans he had for her.

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Chapter 13 Luxian arrived at his private wing deep in thought. With automatic movements, he tended to the small wound as his mind dealt with other things. He couldn’t help but wonder if Virk perhaps didn’t stumble upon something. Had he been jealous at the thought of another male pursuing Rian? Perhaps he was just concerned with her welfare. It was of the greatest importance that his people didn’t find out who or what she was before he had a chance to mate with her. He stepped into the cubicle, waiting for the hot water to cascade down and soothe his muscles. He tore the band from his hair and leaned his head back, letting the hot water drench his braids. What would he do with her? How far would she allow him to go before she called a halt? Certain parts of his body begged him not to pursue his line of thinking. It would end in frustration. Luxian generously soaped up. He had a few hours at least before he had to see her again, perhaps then he would have gotten his imagination under control.

****

Luxian glided down into the lab located next to Rian’s quarters. Dahl was studying a specimen with an intense expression. On the east wall was a very detailed chart on the anatomy of the Veletari. On the west wall, a very detailed map of the Cimmerion anatomy. Dahl was nothing if not thorough. “My king, what brings you here this day?” With great care, he set down the glass container

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with the specimen and bowed as low as his old bones would allow. Dahl was an ancient Cimmerion. He had been serving the people for over three hundred years. “I was wondering if you have found an antidote for the new poison?” He had brought the bodies back from the battle after retrieving Rian. Luxian had ordered Dahl to find out why his warriors had been incapacitated. Dahl had been running tests since then. “Ah, yes.” Dahl made his way to another table in the room. “This one was a simple compound. Simple but very effective.” He held up a small dish and urged Luxian closer. “This is my own sample of tissue here in this dish.” He held up a tiny container with a bluish gray substance. “This is a sample of the new poison. Observe.” Dahl put a tiny amount into the dish as Luxian watched with rapt attention. Immediately, it seemed as if the tissue sample solidified. Moments later, the appearance of the tissue softened again. “Nasty one, that is. It slows down our system, almost as if it freezes the very blood. Gives the humans enough time to do significant fatal damage.” “I find it hard to believe the humans discovered this poison.” Luxian grunted. He had lost good warriors, thanks to this new poison. “I tested it on the few Veletari samples we have. No effect. Would you like to know why?” Dahl paused. Clearly, the man spent much too much time in the lab. Luxian would have to make him take a vacation some time soon. “Yes, I would, Dahl,” Luxian answered patiently. “The base of this simple compound is Veletari blood.” Dahl leaned against the table. Luxian knew he wanted a reaction. “So their blood is like a poison to us? I believed that they wouldn’t have a viable poison until the half-breed was found and mated by them.” “Apparently, this is as much damage as their blood can do, mixed with a few choice plants, of course. Their blood won’t become fatal to us until the girl is found and mated.” Dahl set the dish on the table with care. “I don’t receive the latest news unless it has to do with poisons and such. But I have heard you are actively seeking the female.”

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Luxian hesitated before he answered, “That is correct. Do you have an antidote for this poison, Dahl?” “I just finished as you were walking in. I will need to test it first, but so far, it looks promising. As soon as I am sure it is safe, I will administer an antidote to every Cimmerion.” “Good work, Dahl. You are in the lab, but do not consider yourself any less a warrior than those who go to war.” He clapped Dahl on the back in appreciation and stayed a little longer, questioning about the latest projects. In the back of his mind, however, hovered the mischievous gray eyes of Rian.

****

The sound of the panel activated Rian’s heart into overdrive. She heard his soft landing and mentally told herself to breath normal. Mavikan had brought her food and a fresh change of clothing. Rian had wiled away the time by taking a long leisurely bath, leisurely but certainly not relaxing. She reprimanded herself non-stop since Luxian brought her back to this room. How could she be so stupid? A king would know for certain how to defend himself. Moreover, a good king would try to be the best of his warriors. Rian jumped at the sound of his voice. “Have you no manners?” Luxian drawled. Rian could hear his movement behind her. She was terrified, and was sure he could sense it. She heard something drop on the floor. “And you question my manners for what reason?” Rian knew she was being foolish by refusing to turn around in the chair to look at him. But Veletari help her, his eyes alone could seduce her into doing anything. It didn’t help that right now, she was bound by her word to obey him for a whole day. “Am I not a king?” he questioned with the slightest trace of humor. “Indeed you are.” Rian flicked at nothing on her simple blue gown. “You did not greet me as one would a king,” he chastised her. Rian heard movement again and she listened as his progress brought him closer. In seconds, he stood in front of her.

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“Forgive me, your highness,” Rian offered with not a small amount of sarcasm. “You are most correct. I forgot my manners. How are you this evening?” She kept her voice formal, hoping to discourage him and make him go away before she did something, before he made her. “Look at me, Rian,” he demanded softly. She raised her eyes until they met his dark ones. “I will not hurt you, nor will I force you to do anything that you find morally objectionable, even though I am well within my rights to do so.” “That’s very kind of you.” Her heart hammered loud in her head. That was the crux of the problem. She didn’t know what was morally objectionable anymore. At first, it had been clear. Now the lines were fuzzy, and she was walking blind. “Hold your accolades, young one. Our time together isn’t over yet.” That smile of his, the one that suggested he could very well be delicious and sinful, caused her belly to flinch. He walked back where the bag lay on the floor and picked it up. Rian eyed it. “What’s in there?” She had no idea as to what it could be. “An aide for my entertainment.” He quirked up one eyebrow while opening the bag and looked into it. “The fun begins now, Rian. And please remove your gown. You won’t be needing it.”

****

“B-but,” Rian stammered as she stood up. Luxian stopped looking into the bag to give Rian a reproachful look. His stern expression kicked Rian into slow action. “Please remove it slowly. There’s a lot to be said about anticipation.” Luxian made his words sound offhanded and unaffected, but he was anything but. His mouth watered at the thought of seeing her beautiful body again. Luxian walked to the chair Rian had just vacated and gently pushed her back until she was a small distance from the chair where he could gaze at her body and take his time. Luxian then sat in the chair and waved his hand, indicating Rian should begin her disrobing.

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Rian took a deep breath, and began with the thin strap across her shoulders. “Slower,” Luxian instructed, sprawled and quite comfortable in the chair, the bag at his feet. Rian took the other strap down just as he wished. She used her other arm to keep the gown from falling to the floor. “Let it fall to your waist.” Luxian’s hot eyes were unwavering. Rian let the gown make its way past her breast. As soon as her exposed breast hit the air, it puckered into a bud, making Luxian’s gaze center on it. He could smell her growing arousal and excitement. He looked at her, not bothering to hide his desire. When she flushed under his gaze and gave him a shy look, his desire for her only increased. As the gown settled low on her hips, he noted how Rian let her hands fall nervously to her sides. “There is power in being desired. You will learn this. Place your hands on your breasts, play with them.” His voice lowered dramatically. “I don’t know how.” Her cheeks flushed even deeper. “Let me demonstrate,” Luxian offered generously. He rose out of his chair and approached her as he would a frightened child. Luxian took both of his hands and cupped her breasts. Lightly, he squeezed them, then with his thumb, he brushed the nipples. A soft sigh escaped Rian’s lips. Luxian let go of her breasts and licked his thumbs, then he tweaked her nipples between her fingers. Rian jerked at the sensation. “A woman should know what pleases her, and should not be shy in seeking her pleasure. Then he abruptly stopped, going back to the chair. He knew she could see the distinct bulge in his loose fitting breeches. As long as she was around him, she’d better get used to it. “Now begin.” Rian reached up and cupped her own breast. With Luxian watching, it took on a whole new sinful element. She kneaded her breast as Luxian had done. She tweaked her nipples, until they became hard. She was so aroused, Luxian could practically taste the moisture that gathered between her thighs. Rian pushed her breasts together as she watched Luxian’s reaction. The bulge in his pants twitched. “Slowly take the gown and pull it over your hips.” Luxian’s voice sounded more of a growl now. Rian complied, releasing her breasts so they swayed as she shimmied the gown over her hips. Without being told, Rian let the gown pool around her feet. “Now what?” she asked obediently.

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“Unbraid your hair for me, Rian. Let it fall over your shoulders.” Her scent was heady and fragrant. It took all his resolve as a king not to plunge into her hard and fast. When Rian reached up and around to grasp her braid, her breasts pulled up, almost inviting him to suck them into his hot mouth. He closed his eyes for a moment. The image she presented was almost too intense. He had never wanted anyone like he wanted her. He opened them seeing the braid was almost undone. “Turn around.” Rian still unbraiding her hair began to turn for his viewing pleasure. “Stop.” “Stop what?” “Stop turning,” came his terse reply. Luxian gazed upon her lush, firm golden bottom. Her hair now was completely unbraided and cascaded down her back in thick waves. “Sway your hips for me and lift your hair up off your neck.” He could see the deep breath Rian took. He couldn’t make out the name she called him. Her mouth protested, yes, but her body indeed loved his commands. Rian lifted her long hair, and at first rather stiffly, she swayed her hips. She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. “I can’t do this.” “You made a deal,” Luxian reminded her, still gazing hot at her naked form. “How about this?” Luxian got up and went to a panel on the wall that looked a part of the carvings. Music floated into the room, beautiful and haunting. “Dance to the music. Feel it.” Luxian took his seat again, indicating Rian should turn around again. “Close your eyes and feel the sensual beat.” Her hips swayed to the melody. Without a cue from him, she began to lift her hair. Luxian could tell the moment the music overtook her senses. She was doing more than just swaying her hips, she was turning to the rhythm of the music, giving Luxian a tasty visual treat of her body moving erotically slow. Her fingers moved in a seductive dance through her hair. She was lost to the music. Luxian knew he had to gain control of the situation. She was seducing him beyond all reason, her innocence, a potent tool. Luxian got up and crossed the

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room in rapid strides, switching the music off. Confused, Rian stopped with glazed eyes and looked at him. “Enough of that right now, little one.” He managed to sound calm. On the inside, his instincts were raging mad. Luxian went to the bag and pulled out its contents, long black strips of cloth, with metal hoops on one end, and furry bands on the other. “What is that?” Luxian detected nervousness in Rian’s voice, that and a healthy dose of curiosity. “It is called a Nyssian Tether.” The Nyssian was one of the few animals the Cimmerions actively hunted. The large five stone, six-footed creatures were hard to take down but always worth the scuffle. He held up one of the furry cuffs. “I can only think of one thing softer than Nyssian fur.” Blatantly, he stared at the soft nest of curls covering her mons. “How would you know?” Her voice held a note of challenge. “Good observation.” He laughed as he came to her. One hand extended, then one finger, as he gingerly touched the curls. Rian had walked into his trap. She stopped breathing at his light touch. “Just as I thought. Come with me.” He pushed the chairs next to the wall, so a wide empty space was made. “Stand here.” He pointed to a place on the lush red carpet. She obeyed without arguing. As she stood, Luxian bent down and waved his hand on the side of her foot. A small square shaped part of the rug depressed, then a piece of metal poked through precut slits. A metal circle now winked in the dim light. He went to the other side and did the same thing. “Sensors.” She smiled. “Yes, the ones from the ceiling are connected to the same sensor monitors on the floor.” Luxian bent down and fastened the furry tether to one ankle, then to the hoop. He proceeded to do the same on the other side. “What are you doing? I gave my word I would obey you. Is this really necessary?” her voice croaked as he secured the cuff to her wrist and the hoop to the other hoop. He walked around to the other side. “This is all part of the fun, Rian.” He snapped the last hoop in place before he backed up and looked at his handiwork.

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She looked succulent and appetizing with her legs spread and her arms helplessly out of reach. “How can this be fun?” Luxian went back to the bag and pulled out a short rod. On one end was a small clear sphere, on the other, long strands of the same material of the tethers. He approached her on quiet, bare feet, the odd instrument ensconced in his grip. “From now on, you will only speak when instructed to do so.” He walked around her, taking in and remembering every curve of her body. “That’s ridicu—” Snap! The strands collided with her smooth skin. Immediately, she became silent. “You don’t listen very well, Rian.” He paused, waiting for her next outburst. “But you do learn fast.” He laughed softly, and with a gentle touch ran his hands across the flesh that had been chastised. Rian shuddered. “I will ask you questions and you must answer me true. If I sense or suspect an untruth…” The strands snapped against her skin again, but this time softer, in warning. “But if you play nice…” Luxian dropped to his knees in front of her, her soft fragrance of arousal stronger. He put his hands on either side of her thighs and with the most unhurried of paces, licked the small bud. A pant escaped from her lips. Luxian stood in one fluid motion in front of her. “Ready to play?” he asked. Rian remained silent. “Good girl, let us began. Do you like this?” Luxian planted his lips against hers, his tongue stealing inside. He wanted her to taste herself. She kissed him back with hunger. Luxian broke the kiss almost as soon as it began. “You may answer me, and please address me with my title.” He couldn’t help but give her a smug look. In her eyes, he still saw rebellion. “No, your highness.” Her tone dripped acid. Luxian shook his head as if it pained him a great deal to punish her. Snap! Her refusal to admit her heightened sexual state had been downright bold. Perhaps his little captive liked this game a lot more than he thought…Luxian kissed her again, rough this time. Her breathing was as uneven as his when he stopped. He demanded she answer him per his instructions. Rian hesitated before she answered, “Yes, your highness.” “I don’t think I like that title,” Luxian said in consideration and seemed to ponder a moment. “I bid you to address me as your king.” Rian rebelled.

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Chapter 14 “I will not addre—” Snap! “You as my—” Snap! Rian clamped her lips together as the last one smarted. “You were doing so well in the beginning.” Luxian held the rod in his hand, at the ready. “Now, I will give you permission to apologize to me.” Rian’s eyes bugged at his audacity. She turned her head away from him, so she didn’t have to look at him. She would not let him break her like some domestic animal. “I see.” He tapped the rod into his hand in concentration. The room was plagued with utter silence. Rian could hear her own breathing. She had no idea what he was doing because the tapping had stopped. Curiosity overwhelmed her, but she refused to turn her head to look for him. Warm, wet lips attached to her nipple and suckled. Rian jerked at the feel of it. Luxian’s tongue swirled around her nipple, then sucked it even deeper into his mouth. He cupped the breast in his hand, keeping it in the exact position he needed to sensually assault it. Rian felt her core grow hot. A cool round object swirled at her entrance. Rian knew it was the sphere of the rod. Luxian bathed the glass sphere in her moisture and pushed it inside of her small fractions at a time, a shallow penetration but enough to make her cry out in desire. He suckled her and took his time pumping the rod into her. Rian found her hips straining to get it deeper. He let go of her breast with his hand and began to stimulate the small nub nestled between her slick nether lips. He continued his attack on her breast with his hot mouth. Luxian took the nipple in his mouth and bit it without causing her

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any pain. Her breathing became ragged and fast. The head of the rod was slippery now with her juices. He seemed to be careful not to penetrate her too deep. “Say it,” he ordered her, speaking around a nipple. “I will not.” She panted, her hips seeking a fulfillment that was foreign to her. Luxian pulled the sphere from her chasm and let go of her nipple with a popping sound. He stepped away from her. Rian cried out in frustration. “No, don’t stop,” she wailed, so ready to go over the precipice. “If you want me to continue, you know what to say.” Again she turned her face from him, determination and frustration making for an interesting encounter. Luxian stepped forward. This time, he turned her face to his and kissed her deep and long. Helpless, Rian fell under his sexual charm. He pulled her hips flush to his erection and he ground into her. Letting her feel his arousal. Her breathing became ragged. Again Luxian stopped. He was breathing as hard as Rian. “You can reach satisfaction. You know how.” he rasped. Rian said nothing as she tried to catch her breath. He was trying to establish his dominance over her. “Say it,” he urged her. Rian looked him square in the eye. “I. Will. Not.” He might break her, but she would fight it every step of the way. Luxian clicked a button on the rod that was hidden in the handle. A light vibrating noise filled the silence. He put the now vibrating sphere to her clitoris. Rian’s eyes rolled in her head and her head fell back in ecstasy. With two fingers, Luxian penetrated her folds. She was so wet and hot, his fingers easily slid inside of her. He nibbled on her neck, then bit down on the spot between her shoulder and her neck. Rian screamed in pleasure and pain. Her hands balled and released in frustration because she couldn’t touch Luxian. “How does this feel?” he asked releasing his bite. He licked her driving her sensually insane, all the while administering to her swollen center. He bit her ear, her neck, her shoulder. Rian was in heaven and she was so close—so close to something. She knew she wanted him to keep going—knew there was something indescribable and beautiful waiting for her if she could just keep him attending. “Wonderful…my king.” She gave in at last, not caring. Her body was hot, and frustrated. Only Luxian could quell the fire inside of her. She felt Luxian’s smile against her neck. He pulled his fingers away and dropped to his knees. The rod found its way to the floor. Rian was confused as to why the pleasure stopped.

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She lifted her head forward to see his tongue snake out and lick her. Her head rolled back again. Luxian lapped at her. He used his hands to pull her vaginal lips apart and he sucked at her bud like a man with an unquenchable thirst. Her hips gyrated against his face. He used his tongue to sweep the perimeter of her entrance. Rian was moaning loud now, not caring about her vocalization. He nipped her gently, then held her hips in place while he concentrated on her clitoris. Rian shattered. Her legs buckled, and if not for Luxian and the tethers, she would have collapsed to the floor. She heard the snap of the metal rings being unclasped. Luxian held her up against his body. First, he freed one side, then the other. Spent, Rian seemed to fold against him. He carried her to the bed and took the cuffs from around her ankles and wrists. Rian had never felt so tired and satisfied in her life. She felt the weight of him as he climbed into the bed next to her, pulling her close. A sleepy smile decorated her lips as she inhaled his scent and thought of how good he felt next to her. “What would you have me do now?” she questioned as sleep descended upon her. She snuggled closer. “You’re already doing it,” he whispered against her hair. In scant moments, Rian was asleep.

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Rian woke to the feeling of a nudge, then something smooth and hard gliding across her lips. She licked and tasted the object that had nudged her. Rian opened her eyes. In the dim light, she made out Luxian, naked, straddling her chest. His engorged penis rubbed against her lips. “I believe you have slept long enough. Since I have limited time to command you, I don’t want to waste any.” Rian looked at the monstrous tubing hovering over her, its coloring dark, the width thick, the head beautiful. It was the first cock she had seen up close, but she knew that Luxian’s endowment was not the norm. “What am I doing with that?” She stared at the tool so close to her lips.

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“Lick it again,” he ordered. Rian looked at him a second before she let her tongue slide over the large head. “Do it again.” Rian licked him again, slower this time. Luxian closed his eyes. “Open your mouth for me.” He opened his eyes, his intent gaze asked if she would comply or refuse. Rian had already made up her mind. “Take me into your mouth,” he ordered next. Rian wasn’t sure how to go about doing it. She finally settled on rising up on her elbows and eased the tip of the large member into her mouth. She heard him hiss as her mouth enveloped him. He gasped in surprised when she began to suck on him all on her own, mimicking what he’d done to her nipple. Rian would have never dreamed of ever doing an act such as this. Her hair was in disarray, and his cock in her mouth. He pushed himself further into her mouth, and then out again. Rian’s eyes widened when he pushed in, but when he pulled out, she relaxed. He did it again. Each time, she relaxed a little bit more. When he slid in and out, he went deeper down her throat. Then he gently eased himself out of her mouth. Rian was curious as to what he wanted now. “Push your breasts together.” His voice came out rather hoarse. Rian lay back and pushed her breasts together as ordered. With his cock already wet from her mouth, he had no trouble sliding between her mounds. “Stay just like this.” He moaned as he pumped into the valley. Rian watched fascinated as the thick piece moved with strong thrusts between her breasts. Just watching him find his pleasure with her, was making her moist. Without warning, his wings appeared with a snap. Luxian’s head went back and he let loose a deafening growl. To Rian, he made a stunning and beautiful spectacle.

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The sight of her staring at him with such wonder and innocence undid him. He was lost in a wave of sexual heat. Luxian felt as if he were going to burst through his skin with pleasure. Instead, his wings broke free, a testament to his lack of control. His seed jetted out with unmitigated force, first spilling between her breasts, then it fanned out around her golden neck. Her eyes widened in awe and curiosity.

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“So this is what the seed of a man looks like,” she said in wonder, staring down at it. Luxian chuckled even as he tried to catch his breath. “I know this is what mine looks like.” He had taken notice that she called him a man and not a demon. Luxian retracted his wings and unstraddled her. He climbed off the bed while Rian watched him with intense eyes. “How do you do that?” “Do what?” Luxian responded idly, looking for the slight difference in the carpet coloring to locate the sensors for the large basin. “Your wings. Where do they go?” She sat up, the cooling seed beginning to dry on her skin. Luxian stopped his search and turned to her, his eyes narrowed before he gave an answer. He turned his back to her so that she got an uncompromising view of his backside. “I have what appears to be two scars on my back. Do you see them?” “Yes” Luxian decided a visual was better than words. Rian gulped audibly in surprise as his wings unfolded with a smart snap. Luxian reversed the order until she was again looking at nothing but the faint scar-like markings. “That’s amazing.” It wasn’t what Luxian expected. He thought she’d call him monster or demon. Luxian grunted with a shake of his head. He located the sensor patch and waved his hand over it twice and shifted his body to the side. The floor depressed, then the basin quietly rose from the recess. “I should have guessed that’s where the tub came from.” She laughed. “I had no idea the Cimmerions were such an advanced race.” “You thought us beasts.” It wasn’t an accusation. It was a fact he knew Rian couldn’t deny. “I’m not saying I believe your story about the Veletari, but I do understand your people a little better. At least, I know they are not what I was taught.”

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Luxian knew for her to even concede that was a huge step. He gestured for her to join him. When she managed to scramble from the bed, she stood by his side. Luxian flicked his wrist and the water came pouring out. He stepped into the scorching water. He waited to see if Rian would flinch at the water. ‘Ooh, this feels very good.” She cooed stepping in behind him. Luxian smirked, knowing she couldn’t see him. “Cimmerions like hot water,” he said measuring his words. He didn’t have a complete plan as of yet on how he would break her parentage to her, but he knew he must tell her soon. His highly developed sense of smell detected the human scent was wearing off at an alarming rate. “Yes, well humans do as well,” she teased, settling into the water. “I think you are forgetting something.” Luxian looked at her and winked as he settled into the opposite end of the tub. “What would that be?” She closed her eyes in relaxation. “I want to be washed.” He tried to hide the laughter bubbling up. Rian’s eyes flew open in indignation. “Now? Can’t I—” “I’m sort of tender right about here.” He pointed to his injured shoulder. He healed rather fast and there was just the faintest trace of the injury. Rian looked at his shoulder in suspicion. “My eyes do not register it anymore.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest in defiance. “Well, just because you can’t see it doesn’t means it’s not there and doesn’t still smart.” He feigned hurt feelings. “If I remember the fine points of our deal, I still have quite a bit of time left. So if you don’t mind…” Luxian flicked his wrist again shutting the water off now that the tub was filled. He closed his eyes expecting her to comply. “How am I supposed to tend to your wound.” She emphasized the word, letting him know that she didn’t believe his story for one second. “With you in that position?”

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“You’re a clever girl,” he drawled, his eyes still closed in relaxation. “Figure it out.” Rian huffed. She sat there for a minute, then straddled his thighs. Luxian smiled. “That’s it, love.” Rian grabbed the cloth from the enclave and began to wash him. Luxian could sense this was no chore for her. It wasn’t conceit that made him think this. Her body responded to his much too keenly for him not to know she wanted him as well. She had loved everything he had done to her body. Luxian had not penetrated and made her a woman in the traditional way, but he hoped that too would come in a matter of time. “Luxian, do you have any children?” she asked as she washed his smooth chest. He looked at her curiously before answering. “No, I do not.” “Why? You are a king. Are you not concerned with heirs?” “Heirs are important,” he said on a deep sigh, closing his eye. “But finding the person you want to make a child with is a grueling process.” “How so?” “There are many different types of compatibility. Finding the right mate who meets every need you have is difficult when one doesn’t want to settle.” “Is that why you have no children?” “That is why I have no children. I have not met the right woman who meets my every need.” “What about the woman?” Luxian’s eye popped open again in obvious confusion. “What about the woman? Shouldn’t you meet her every need, as well?” Rian lifted his heavy arm and soaped it. “I suppose you have a point. I believe the woman I choose should make sure I meet her every need.” Luxian closed his eye, enjoying the feel of her tending to him.

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“You never answered my questioned.” “Nonsense, I just answered all your questions.” “After you brought me here, you said your intention was to mate with me. When I asked you why, you never answered me.” Luxian opened both eyes now. He had made so much progress with her. He hadn’t the chance to show her what the Veletari were truly like. If he were to tell her he intended on mating with her to get her with child, so that the Cimmerions could use her blood as a weapon against the Veletari, all of his efforts would be in vain. He needed to distract her from this line of thinking. “You’ve just reminded me of something.” He sat forward and urged her to move back until she sat with her back pressed against the tub, her legs spread. “Close your eyes, love. This is all about feeling.” He was about to give the half-breed the distraction of her life.

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Chapter 15 Delicious tension coiled in her belly as she waited to see what Luxian had next in store for her. As she spread her legs, she felt her shyness slipping away, and being replaced with wanton anticipation. . She cried out in surprise at the feel of the hot water swirling around her sensitive center. The small bud hardened in arousal. The water spun fast in perfect sync until it seemed to pulse. Rian gripped the sides of the tub as the sensations began to overload. “How, how are you…” She couldn’t finish the question as her mouth hung open in pleasure. The small end of the water funnel entered her as it spun. Rian intuitively opened her legs wider. The larger end of the funnel swirled on the outside of her center. Hot and fast, it pulsed inside of her and right on her clitoris. In seconds, Rian climaxed again. She screamed in utter abandonment. Luxian watched her with a heated look. Her breasts heaved from the orgasm, her face flushed as she opened her gray eyes. “My goodness,” was all she could get out as she struggled to get her breathing back to normal. When she looked into the water, she saw nothing. Realization dawned on her as she thought of what Mavikan had done when she turned the water off. At the time, she had been too wrapped up in conversation to notice, but now pieces fell together. The first bath she had taken with Luxian, he had warmed the water, claiming it was the feature of the basin. “Your people can control water as well as fire,” she stated in astonishment. “Why did you not tell me this the first time I asked? You lied to me.” “Would you tell your secrets to your enemy because they were kind enough to ask?”

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“I am your enemy, then.” Rian couldn’t explain why that hurt. “You were my enemy,” he amended. “Am I still yours?” That was a strong question. Rian didn’t know the answer to that anymore. She knew he wanted her to say that he was not. But she couldn’t. Yes, she knew they were much more than beasts and were no more demons than she. But his people and hers had spilled blood for blood. Enemies did not become friends overnight. “I will be honest with you. I cannot answer that right now.” Rian saw the disappointment that covered his handsome face. “Fair enough.” “Why have your people kept this a secret?” Luxian paused before he answered her. “Since you have declared that you do not know if we are still enemies, I do not think it wise to answer you. I do not wish to lie to you, so let us leave it at that.” Luxian stood in the tub. “Cleanse yourself. I have arranged for food to be brought to us.” Luxian stepped out of the tub, dry. Of course given the new secret he revealed, it was now clear why he dried so fast the last time they bathed together. Rian stood fascinated at the play of muscles as he slipped on his lounging pants. “Where are you going?” Rian couldn’t stop the panic at the thought he was leaving her company with the discord between them. “I have a surprise for you. I am the only one who can retrieve it, however.” He smiled at her, Rian relaxed. The panel above opened up. Mavikan glided down, a worried look on her face. “I’m sorry, my king.” She glanced at Rian in the tub. Something fleeting was on her face. It was so quick, Rian wondered if she’d seen it at all. “Prince Virk has sent me to inform you that there is a human group of warriors coming close to our perimeters.” “What care have we? They cannot possibly know of our dwelling.” “True, your highness, it is not the discovery of our dwelling that is his concern. Prince Virk reported our sentinels have been engaged in battle, and the

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humans are using the new poison. He believes they search for her.” Mavikan indicated Rian with a look. Luxian cursed under his breath. “Tell Dahl to report to my quarters immediately—and to come prepared. He will know what I mean.” Without a glance to Rian, his wings flared and he propelled himself out of the room, leaving Rian with Mavikan. There was complete silence as Mavikan stared at Rian, her jealousy lacking concealment. Rian would wager anything Mavikan was a lover who never stirred feelings of love in Luxian, though the same couldn’t be said in reverse. “Do not get comfortable with the king.” Mavikan spoke in a hard voice, meant to intimidate Rian. Perhaps if she hadn’t spent the last few days with Luxian, it would have worked. If she could stand up to him, she could certainly stand up to Mavikan. “I do not understand how that is any business of yours,” Rian retorted. “It is my business. It is the business of all the Cimmerions.” “He is your king, but he is allowed a private life.” “Do you think he pursues you out of love?” Mavikan laughed bitterly. “You are a means to an end, child.” A piercing pain went through Rian. She knew Luxian had wanted to mate with her. In truth, she had never gotten a straight answer as to why. “Enlighten me, then.” Rian hoped the jealous woman would tell her what Luxian would not. “How can you be so ignorant?” Mavikan asked rudely as she advanced near the tub but stopped a small distance from it. “For a half-breed, one would think your intelligence would be much higher than that of a human.” “Half-breed?” Rian asked confused. Mavikan appeared to have gone mad with jealousy. “Ugly word, is it not? No uglier than you calling us demons. Once the king impregnates you, and takes your blood, we will be rid of the less desirable part of your parentage.” Mavikan sneered. Rian’s head swam. Mavikan had to be lying. She was no half-breed, and Luxian had no plans to use her to kill off the Veletari. She would never help him

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do that. He had to know that. “You lie!” Rian stood in the tub, not caring that she was naked. Steam rolled off her skin from the hot water. “Then why is your skin not burnt from your bones? Dix told me you ate chava cakes and yet you have not been poisoned. Can you explain that?” Mavikan’s dark eyes flashed with fire. “Virk told me some humans could eat Cimmerion food.” “Prince Virk is right, after we have given them many treatments of herbs, so that they can digest it safely. Have you received such treatments?” she asked with false sweetness. Rian could not cover the look of surprise. “Like I said, do not get comfortable with the king. He seduces you so that your body accepts his seed. He has never loved a woman, cared yes, but not loved. ” “You mean he has never loved you.” Rian stepped out of the tub. “That’s what this is about. You are jealous. Guess what. I didn’t ask to be kidnapped and brought here. I don’t know what you are talking about, but I am no half-breed, nor am I a weapon to be used.” Rian stalked over and picked up her gown off the floor and put it on wet. She didn’t care that it stuck to her wet body. “Then you are in denial.” “I have no intention of mating with him.” “Then leave,” Mavikan suggested. “You know I cannot.” Rian jerked her head toward the ceiling, indicating the sensors. “I will show you a way out if leaving is what you really want.” “What do you get out of it, Mavikan? Why help me?” Rian wasn’t foolish enough to believe Mavikan was helping her out of kindness. “Still grossly ignorant, aren’t you, child?” Mavikan tsked, walking over to Rian. She stopped and brushed her cheek in a tender caress with the back of her hand. “You are young and have no knowledge of the world. I cannot blame you for your innocence.” She let her hand drop. “I offer to help because I love my king. I know one day he will come to realize he does indeed love me. And where would that leave you, child? I can see even if you cannot that you are already

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falling for him. Do you yearn for a life of having a child by a man who sees you as a means to an end?” “I am not a means to an end.” Rian tried to ignore the scathing hole that seemed to burn at the center of her heart. Mavikan laughed cruelly. “The Veletari’s ability to procreate so successfully with humans is the reason their numbers are so large. We fought long and hard to bring their numbers down. You will provide the means necessary to kill them once and for all. As I’ve said before you are a means to an end. End of the Veletari.” Mavikan looked at Rian with unconcealed contempt. Mavikan’s words poisoned the growing trust she had in Luxian. How much did she know about the Cimmerion king anyway? How could she affect the war? Rian wasn’t falling in love with Luxian. It wasn’t possible. Mavikan was right about one thing however. Rian’s resolve not to mate with Luxian was all but gone. She didn’t believe she was half Cimmerion/half Veletari for one second. There had to be a reason other than Mavikan’s insane one why he wanted to mate with her. Perhaps it was just to spite the Veletari. If he impregnated her, it would be as Mavikan predicted. He didn’t love her and she would be living an empty life with a child. He had told her everything living had an agenda. If she couldn’t have a child out of love and with a man of her own choosing, she would have one out of spite. “I will accept your help.” Mavikan took her hand as if she were lost and walked her under the opening. “Wise decision, child.” Mavikan hugged Rian to her in a firm hold and with a push. They were airborne. Rian refused to look down into the room where she and Luxian had such private moments. She also refused to let the gathering tears fall.

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Chapter 16 Battle cape flowing in the night breeze, Luxian approached Virk with a grim expression. “Tell me.” He crouched down next to his brother. Virk pointed to the trees. “We had sentinels stationed in those trees. Of course our warriors scented them long before they saw them. But they were hit with these. They said they came down like rain.” Virk handed Luxian a small metal dart. Luxian shook his head. “My thoughts exactly, big brother. The Veletari have found a way to target us from far away.” “We knew they would find a way eventually. No doubt our heat signature can be an easy target when we are above ground. My guess is these darts have been launched by a very powerful machine.” “As of now, I have sent foot soldiers around the skirmish and into Veletari territory. With luck, they can tell us something soon.” Virk let out a heavy breath. “So far, we have lost three more warriors. “ “Three more too many.” The weight of reign always felt heaviest when his people died. “How many humans?” He smelled their blood in the air and just for a second, he felt satisfied that their numbers had altered, as well. “About fifteen. They are looking for the girl. It seems the Veletari will not aid them anymore if the girl is not found soon. How can they not see them as the creatures they are?” Virk asked in disgust. “And how did you come about this piece of information?”

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“Let’s just say that is all the inside information we will be getting from the human encampment. Our spies felt it was not safe for them any longer. They will join the other humans below ground.” “We will persevere without their help.” “I have no doubt. How is the Vessel? Are you any closer to having an heir?” “I do not know. I cannot force her, yet I feel that perhaps her loyalties are dividing. I don’t know if they are dividing fast enough.” Luxian smirked as he scented the air. “You will succeed, my king,” Virk assured him in a rare moment of sincerity, as he clapped him on the back. “Now, I feel it’s time to strike. The humans draw near.” Luxian pricked Virk, who stared at him in astonishment. “Dahl might have an antidote for the poison. It’s promising but not proven. I feel now is a good time to test it, don’t you, brother?” He handed Virk a handful of the small injections. “Give them to as many warriors as you find. This is all he could produce in such a short time.” Virk accepted the vials. “Let us defend our people.” The two brothers slunk into the darkness—the deadliest predators among the Cimmerions.

****

“This is as far as I go.” Mavikan stopped in front of a rusted metal door. They had made so many turns, Rian couldn’t have found her way back if her life depended on it. Mavikan pulled the door open. It creaked something terrible and appeared to be quite heavy. “These stairs will lead you to the surface.” “I’ve been underground all this time?” Rian was startled. Mavikan did not answer. She indicated that Rian should get going. Rian had only taken three steps before the door creaked shut behind her. The darkness sucked her in with amazing swiftness. She didn’t think she’d ever been in such complete blackness before. The air was heavy with moisture, and it

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took a moment to adjust her lungs to breathe it. The steps were cool under her bare feet. Blindly, Rian bent over, feeling the steps, until she climbed them using both hands and feet. Curiously enough, her eyes began to adjust to the darkness, and the stairs became easier to see. It seemed as if she had been climbing for hours, sweat beaded on her forehead, and still she climbed upward. How far underground had she been? Soon the air became easier to breathe, until it was no longer heavy with moisture. Steadily, she climbed upwards, until she was on a landing with a metal door. At last! Rian searched for the knob. She found a handle instead and pulled. At first, it refused to budge. She strained until the door gave a little. The door was almost rusted shut. She tugged and tugged and the door protested. When she judged it wide enough, she rested for a second before going through. The night air was cool against her skin. It seemed she heard the sound of waves crashing against the surface nearby. She had worked up a sweat pulling the door open. She looked back at the door and decided it was too much trouble to push it shut. The door was cleverly concealed behind rather large thorny bushes. Rian flinched as the thorns snagged her gown and punctured her arms and legs. She could feel the blood trickling down her leg, but she continued pulling at the long vines and making her way through the underbrush. Her hands were bloodied and sore, but she was relentless in her desire to escape. She all but stumbled out of the thicket. Breathing heavy, she looked around. The smell of blood was in the air, and she knew it was not her own. Rian closed her eyes trying to center herself and get a sense of direction. This whole area was unfamiliar to her. A twig cracked and her head swiveled in the direction of the sound. The way the person moved looked familiar. As he approached, and she was certain it was he, her heart pounded in fear. The faint moon of Phantaria illuminated his face. Rian dropped to her knees in relief, disregarding the pain. He now stood in front of her and bent down. She looked up and into his face. She had not seen this Veletari male since she was a child.

****

Luxian sank weary to his bones in the hot water. He was tired of the battles. Tired of the deaths. His thoughts shifted to Rian. She was the one thing he

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looked forward to seeing as he, Virk, and the other warriors made quick work of the humans. The antidote had proved effective. As of now, the other warriors were ordered to see Dahl for injections. Dahl would be honored for his quick and efficient work. Luxian let the water wash away the ugliness of the battle. The dirt, the memory, the blood, mementos from battle. He could not go to Rian until his mind was shut to the bloodshed. After the bath, Luxian dressed in a hurry, donning a simple loincloth around his hips, the fur hiding his manlier parts. He walked barefoot out of his quarters and headed for the kitchen. Dix had promised him a batch of chava cakes would be warm and ready. Luxian entered the dining room, loving the smell of the chava cakes. Dix gave him a warm greeting, placing the plate into his outstretched hands. Luxian gave her a kiss on the cheek. His mood started to lighten. He glided down into Rian’s quarters. The large basin was empty, the water so still, it looked like glass. He knew she was not in the room. Virk descended behind him. “Luxian.” Virk’s voice was grave. Luxian knew whatever upset Virk had to be monumental. His stomach lurched. “Get on with it,” he directed, his voice clipped with steel. “As you now know, Rian is gone.” “How could she have gotten out of the room? Past the sensors?” “That remains to be solved. But as of now, our warriors have caught her scent in the corridors. She no longer harbors the scent of a human. They know what she is,” Virk swallowed before he went on, “because it appears she has escaped—” Virk paused. “I am no child, Virk. Tell me.” Luxian spun around and looked Virk in the eye. “Tell me.” “She has been declared an enemy of the Cimmerions. Already, a party hunts for her. Her scent was picked up not far from the perimeter of the emergency exit. The scent of a Veletari mingled with hers at some point. It is wise to assume she is within their compound by now.”

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Luxian let the plate of cakes fall to the carpeted floor. So it would seem she had decided they were still enemies. He fooled himself into believing that perhaps…it was no use going down that road. What was done was done. It was the welfare of his people that came first, not the welfare of his heart. If he ordered his warriors to not harm her, he would appear soft and indecisive. The people needed to know their king would do anything for their survival. “Ready a large party. We will attack the compound while the night is on our side. If she is found, they are to kill her on sight.” “Are you sure about this?” Virk asked in a fierce whisper. “Do you see any other way? We cannot risk her siding with the Veletari.” Virk shook his head in acknowledgement. “I will ready more hunting parties.” Then he glided up and out of the room. Luxian looked around, seeing Rian’s face everywhere, her expressions of pleasure. It was foolish of him not to realize perhaps it was not he, after all, who pleased her. Perhaps the whole time he was with her, she had imagined she was with her sacred Veletari. A war cry erupted from his throat as he rose from the room.

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Chapter 17 He had carried her out of the forest and looked down upon her with such tenderness, Rian had buried her face in his chest and tried not to cry. For the first time in her life, she had flown in the arms of a Veletari—a lifelong wish—and all she could do was think of Luxian. The Veletari could cure her of the dark spell he had cast upon her heart, making her love him. Love him? Rian was aghast at her own thoughts. She couldn’t be in love with a night dweller. The Veletari male had held her close. Rian saw but did not record the white pristine walls as he carried her through the compound. She vaguely registered the heavy smell of Twilight Vines let alone how they even entered the compound. She was in love with a Cimmerion. Not just any Cimmerion, but their king. She let this single thought reverberate through her mind. She was brought into a small room. Lights shone bright and hurt her eyes. Rian cowered even further into the arms of the male from the bright light. After being with the Cimmerions in their dark environment, her eyes were shocked by the intensity of the light. “Set her here,” a voice said. Rian blinked rapidly, trying to focus in the room. She was sat on a cold, white slab. Her legs dangled over the side. The dried blood made them itch. Her fingers curled around the edge of the table in nervousness, as she twisted around to see who else was in the room. “Please relax. We mean you no harm. I just want to exam you, see if everything is still intact.” Light footsteps came closer. Rian’s eyes adjusted at last. An older Veletari male, with dark green eyes and long white hair that was bound

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in a braid smiled at her. He was dressed in traditional Veletari clothing, a long white short-sleeved tunic that reached the knees. A gold braided sash was tied loose about his hips. “Intact?” Rian asked confused. “Please let him do his job,” her rescuer beseeched. Rian leaned forward to see her rescuer behind the older male. Rian looked upon him now with interest, taking in his full appearance. It seemed he had not aged a day since she last saw him as a child. He too wore the traditional Veletari garb. Even as a little girl, she had thought Kaenin was handsome. His long white hair flowed free about his shoulders and down his back. The tunic hid well the muscular structure underneath. Rian had felt the muscles as he carried her, and then as he flew effortlessly with her in his arms. “I thank you, Kaenin.” Rian bowed her head as low as she could in gratitude. “Do not thank me. It is I who should be thanking you. You do us a great honor carrying the child of a Veletari.” He bowed to her, extending his white feather wings as a sign of respect. He folded them slowly. His violet-colored eyes seemed to dance in merriment as he exited the room. Guilt ate at Rian. Still, she did not feel it was an honor. But she had been chosen and her people risked much to save her when the Cimmerions had come for her. Rian would not even allow herself to think about all the people who had died when Luxian came for her. “I am Tarik. Please lie back for me. I promise you the exam does not hurt. I just want to make sure the Cimmerions did not hurt you in any way.” He glanced down at her legs and frowned. “Did they do this to you?” “No!” Rian hurriedly assured him. “When I escaped, the plants had thorns and, well this is what happened.” Rian lay back. Tarik took a small gadget from a nearby table. It hummed low as he passed it over her body. “So you know where their lair is?” he asked in a conversational voice. “I suppose in a way. It was dark and I was afraid.”

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“Do you think if you were well guarded, you could perhaps lead us to where you escaped?” Tarik asked. “It would help if we could get rid of that vile race once and for all.” Hardness crept into Tarik’s tone. The device clicked off. “Everything is as it should be internally. Now let me tend to these cuts.” “I am very tired, Tarik. Not that I don’t appreciate all that you and Kaenin have done. Could I please just have a moment alone?” Tarik looked at her in understanding. “Of course, after all you have been through, it is a wonder that you are as lucid as you appear. I will return later.” Tarik walked across the room, retrieved something, and came back. “I just ask that you take this. It will prevent any infection from setting in until you allow me to properly tend to you.” Rian took the tablet and it dissolved into her mouth in seconds. Tarik bid her goodbye and shut the door behind him. Confusion ran through her. Had it been before the time she was taken, she would have gladly given the Veletari all the information they needed to wipe out the Cimmerions. But now…Luxian’s face swam before her eyes. She would not only betray him, she would betray all of his people. Including the humans who lived with them. They had chosen to live among the Cimmerions and they appeared happy. What right did she have to force them to live where they did not feel safe? It didn’t matter how wrong they were about the Veletari. Rian’s head felt woozy. Perhaps she was more tired than she thought. She had not slept much with Luxian around. She had not eaten, as well. But her head began to spin and her tongue felt thick in her mouth. She thrashed her head side to side in an effort to clear it. It made it worse. “That wouldn’t be wise,” Tarik said solemnly. He came in, and the room seemed to stretch and bend. Rian blinked, trying to focus. “You have been through a lot. I have given you something that will help you remember. We have no way of knowing what those demons did to you while in their care,” Tarik reasoned. “The tablet I gave you will make it easier for you to talk to us.” “You-you’ve drugged me,” Rian slurred. Her heart would have sped up if not for the drug seeming to slow everything down. “It’s for your own good. We know what’s best for you. Just relax while I ask you a few questions.”

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****

“I’m sorry, brother,” Virk said again as they rounded the corner into the dining hall. “We searched all night. She had to have been flown the rest of the way.” Luxian made no sound as they sat. “Their compound is as hidden to us as ours is to theirs.” “Do you think she has mated?” The question came out rather gruff. “I have given this a great deal of thought. And I discussed this with Dahl since he knows the Veletari anatomy very well.” “And? What is your point?” Luxian was past impatient. “I believe in this instance, they have to play by the same rules as we do.” “Virk, just say what needs to be said,” Luxian snapped. “Meaning I believe because of her Cimmerion genes, she has to willingly mate with them, and willingly want to be impregnated. Her body will not accept any seed, Veletari or Cimmerion, unless she wills it.” “Is that somehow supposed to make me feel better, brother? Perhaps you were not listening when I told you how she sang constantly the praise of that parasitic race. She swore that if she ever escaped, she would lead the Veletari in our destruction.” “Perhaps she doesn’t want to breed for the Veletari anymore. Maybe she feels different now.” “If she felt differently, she would have never left.” Luxian snorted, leaning back into his chair. “I want to find out how she got out. We will eat and rest. We will continue the search in a few hours.” “If you believe that she is already mated, what is the point?” Virk always asked the questions no other warrior with common sense would ask him. “Because I want to see her dead. If she helps the Veletari destroy my people, I at least want to see her destroyed.” Luxian stood quickly, the legs of his

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chair scraping against the floor. With a curt nod to Virk, he headed out of the dining hall.

****

She knew hours had passed, but her drug-filled mind wouldn’t let her keep track. Tarik had questioned her relentlessly and to her horror, she heard everything she had learned about the Cimmerions spill from her lips. In her mind, she prayed—to whom she did not know—that Luxian would forgive her. Perhaps some way, somehow, he would give her a chance to explain, if she ever saw him again. The smell of food wafted to her. “I brought you something to eat,” came Tarik’s cheerful voice. Rian’s brain had unfogged enough to resume her natural sarcasm. “Did you drug that, too?” she asked sleepily. “No.” Tarik smiled again. “You did well. Believe me when the drug has worn off, you will see why it was necessary. You wouldn’t have been able to remember as much if we allowed you to tell us in your own time.” Tarik helped her sit up on the uncomfortable slab. “It should have been my choice.” “We know what’s best for you.” This time Tarik lost his smile. “Your people have never questioned us before. The Cimmerions have caused damage that is not physical.” “I’m fine,” Rian assured him. Tarik placed the bowl of food on the table next to Rian. It smelled better than it looked. “What is that?” she asked trying to hide her disgust. “Soup, is it not?” Tarik looked uncertain. “Is this what you eat?” Rian couldn’t imagine anyone eating the disgusting concoction. The sight made her queasy. “No. Kaenin assured me that humans liked this sort of thing.”

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“Kaenin is mistaken. No human I know would eat this. Is that an eye?” Rian’s stomach lurched at the discovery. “We used leftover parts we found from a Nyssian bull in the forest. Humans do eat this animal, yes?” Now he looked confused. “Yes, but not the hooves and eyes and whatever else is floating in there.” Rian poked at it with her finger. It was cold and greasy. “Can’t you bring me some of what you eat?” Rian pleaded, her stomach heaving more than growling now. “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Tarik snatched up the bowl. “I’ll find something for you to eat.” He headed toward the door. “Kaenin will be here in a few hours. You’ll be happy to know he was the one chosen to mate with you. Through that small door, you’ll find facilities to take care of whatever needs you have. Clean clothing is already laid out for you in there.” Tarik smiled before he left, shutting the door. Rian climbed down from the table and headed into the room Tarik indicated. She caught her reflection in the mirror attached to the wall and groaned at all the debris embedded in her hair. She looked about the tiny room but found nothing that would get the tangles out. Perhaps if she hurried, she could catch Tarik and ask him to bring something for her. But when she tried the door that Tarik had left from, it was locked. Rian tried again. She tried to reason why they would lock her into the room. A terrible feeling snaked down her spine, but she dismissed it. The Veletari had come for her and saved her. She would ask when Tarik came back why the door was locked. Tarik’s last words rewound themselves in her head. Kaenin would mate with her. She felt no joy, no honor. She felt duty. It felt nothing like the passion Luxian had made her feel.

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Chapter 18 “This is where the trail ended,” Virk reminded Luxian, wiping his eyes against the glare of the sun. “Have all the warriors been inoculated?” Luxian ignored his streaming eyes. “Yes.” “We will head in four directions. You and I will lead two of the teams. Mavikan and Kelti will lead the other two.” “Here.” Virk gave Luxian a bracelet with two small stones embedded in metal. One was gray, the other red. “If you find her first, press the gray stone. It will alert Mavikan, Kelti, and I as to your location. If your red stone lights up and blinks, change your direction until you get a steady light. Keep in that direction and you will find the one who has found her.” “Understood.” Luxian fastened the bracelet to his arm. “When did we get these?” “Dahl had been working on them for some time. Just consider this another field test.” Virk grinned. “We should get him flowers or something.” “Yes, he does deserve an honor.” “Can you do it, Luxian?” Virk whispered so none of the other warriors would hear. “I’ve seen the way you look at her and she at you. Can you kill her if you found her? Better yet, can you allow someone else to?”

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“Any way in which you caught her looking at me was for the sake of appearances. She is most skillful at trickery if she has convinced even you.” “You forget, brother, while you are condemning her, you were not honest with her, as well.” “But the way I treated her was sincere.” “Did you forget you took her like a savage from her home? Not only are the Cimmerions the sworn enemy of the humans, but that she was forced to live among them? Have you thought, dear brother, of what you would do and how you would react in such a situation?” “As usual, you use too many words to reach one small point, which is what?” Luxian tried to sound bored, but Virk’s words were beginning to make sense. “She ran on instinct first chance she got, wouldn’t you? I think she should be given some slack here until we find out what has transpired.” “I know what transpired. She ran from me.” There was no mistaking the hurt in his voice. “Warriors, we leave now!” he bellowed turning away from Virk. “Stay safe, brother,” was his last remark before he took off into the bright sky.

****

Virk hoped his brother would forgive him for what he was about to do. He called the other two teams plus his own into a huddle. “There has been a change by order of the King.” Virk gave them new orders. Without question, the warriors accepted the orders. “Stay safe, brothers and sisters.” The afternoon sky became dotted with night dwellers.

****

Rian walked in endless circles in the bright room after her bath. Her scalp was sore where she tried to pull the tangles free with her fingers. She now wore

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the garb of the Veletari and it provided no warmth in the cool room. It was a cold environment indeed. It lacked the warmth of decoration. It lacked Luxian. Rian shook her head for the millionth time. She had to get Luxian out of her mind. Was he angry with her? Did he even think about her? Was he in Mavikan’s arms right now? Rian hugged herself. She needed to think of Kaenin. When she had first seen Kaenin, she’d had her first and only childhood crush. He came to the village with the others to teach the humans how to protect themselves against the Cimmerions. They taught them how to make weapons. It was the Veletari who taught them everything they needed to know about the Cimmerions. Kaenin had taught her people the history of the Veletari, and their heroic efforts to give the Cimmerions a place to stay when they crashed on Phantaria. She had looked at him with such adoration, and he looked at her as if she were some kind of lovable pet. But that was fine, for she was young then. Now, she was mature. But Rian knew that she no longer adored Kaenin through no fault of his own. The Cimmerion king had seduced her with his dark charms. Kaenin would make things as they should be. The door opened. Rian held her breath. Kaenin stuck his head in and smiled. She beckoned him in. The smile he gave her should have melted her. Needless to say, it did not. “How are you?” he asked politely, shutting the door behind him. “I am fine. Thank you for asking. I thought Tarik would have been back by now with food.” She gave him a weak smile. “I thought he would have given you the soup.” Kaenin looked puzzled. “It wasn’t very—palatable.” Rian tried to keep her voice neutral. “Ah, then that is my fault. I attempted to make that myself. I am most sorry.” “It’s okay, you tried.” The air was pregnant with tension. Rian licked her lips in nervousness as she chanced a look at Kaenin. He wore the tunic style the Veletari favored. This day, his hair was divided into two thick braids. Violet eyes now seemed to scrutinize her. “Has Tarik informed you I am the one who will mate with you?” “Yes.”

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“How do you feel about this?” “I don’t know. I know it is an honor.” Rian was reaching for words. She did not want to seem ungrateful. “You do realize that this fertilization will not take place unless you accept me?” Something clicked in Rian’s head. It was something Mavikan had said to her. Like I said, do not get comfortable with the king. He seduces you so that your body accepts his seed. Could Mavikan despite her jealousy have been telling her the truth? While she did not doubt Mavikan said the words to hurt her, it was possible they were still true. Her mind raced over other things Mavikan had told her. Was it possible she indeed was a half-breed? She had always noticed the difference in her body and that of the people in her village. She was an orphan. A million things began to compile in her head. How much of what Luxian told her was true? “Are you all right?” “I am fine, Kaenin.” She had eaten the chava cakes and Luxian’s food without side effects, without herb treatments. “You look pale.” “I am just hungry.” The skin-to-skin contact alone can be very gratifying. Have you never wanted to do that? Perhaps it is just a Cimmerion trait, Luxian had asked her, and it was what she had wanted to do. “You look as if you’re going to be sick.” “I just need a bit of nourishment. Please don’t worry.” Cimmerions like hot water, Luxian’s voice echoed in her mind. She always took a bath in hot water. Sometimes, the women in the village scolded her for it when she was a child. What had Mavikan said to her? Then why is your skin not burnt from your bones? Rian reached blind for the cold table for support. The room was spinning fast. “What is wrong?” Kaenin asked reaching for her. Rian thought it odd that he never called her by name. Then there was darkness.

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****

Luxian sat hunched over absently dragging a twig through the dirt. He kept looking at the barren mountain. Something was eluding him. His men waited with patience while their king stared at the mountain. Could it be that the Veletari were hiding out in the open? He wiped at his eyes. Night was coming soon. The sun was not as bad as it was hours before. In the shade of the trees, the sun was even more tolerable. They had flown in the sunlight despite the searing pain to their eyes, and the burns on their skin, though they were already healing. He looked at his bracelet again. Something in him dreaded the red stone lighting up. He had given orders to kill her on sight. The lit red stone would mean Rian had been found and was dead. All there would be left to do was engage the Veletari. It was quite possible that the Veletari would never find their dwelling under the floor of the lake. The Cimmerions loved the dark. The Veletari loved the light. Luxian’s brain was stuck on that sentence. What was the closest place to the sun? Luxian stared as the thought came forth. The mountain. “I think I know where they hide,” he announced to himself first, and then louder to his surrounding men. He would need everyone to find the entrance. He pushed the gray stone on his bracelet.

****

Rian heard whispering voices. She paused before she opened her eyes. She pretended to still sleep. “Have you mated with her?” Rian recognized Tarik’s anxious voice. “No, I think she is ill.” That voice belonged to Kaenin. “Nonsense!” Tarik admonished. “I checked her for disease and pregnancy when you brought her. She has not been sexually engaged by those demons. You

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know the Sovereign would rather have you do this. He does not wish to touch anything Cimmerion.” “She must do this of her own free will, Tarik. You know how the Cimmerions breed. If she doesn’t accept the seed, it won’t work.” “Then you do what you must do. Say what you must. If you cannot convince her, then we kill her. We can’t have the Cimmerions using her against us.” Tarik sounded angry. “Consider it done. When she was a child, I do believe she felt affection for me.” Rian had to control her reaction at Kaenin’s audacity. “Yes, well, if you fail, then at least we have something fresh to eat,” Tarik remarked on a laugh. “The Sovereign would never allow that. But it is a rather delicious thought, isn’t it?” Kaenin snickered. Rian heard the sound of the door closing. Nausea welled up in her. She fought the urge to run screaming from the table. She felt Kaenin approaching. The thought of him touching her made her skin crawl. She pretended to be just waking up, performing a huge yawn. “Oh, good, you’re awake,” Kaenin greeted her warmly. Rian opened her eyes and looked into his violet ones. It would take all her cunning and skill to get away from this predator.

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Chapter 19 Luxian waited until all the warriors had assembled before he spoke. “For a long time, we have searched for the den of the Veletari. I believe the day has come when at last we have found it.” A grumble of disbelief went through the crowd of warriors. “That mountain is the closest natural habitat to the sun Phantaria has to offer. It is there I believe they harbor the Vessel.” “How do we get in?” Kelti asked. “I do not know. We must all think on this. We know they would not approach it from underground. From the top would not be wise, seeing as we would have no problems reaching it. The mountainside itself is vast. The entrance could be anywhere.” A definite heaviness fell over the group. Luxian knew it would be difficult. These were his best warriors. If there were any Cimmerions who could figure this out, it would be one of them. “We have to think quickly. It is not likely that the Vessel has mated as of yet, but it is possible. Either way, we must stop this tragedy from happening. This might very well be the one chance our people will have at stopping our extinction.” Luxian left the warriors to their thoughts as he needed to be left alone with his. He tried in vain to block the one thought from his mind that killed him from the inside out. He imagined Rian mating with the Veletari—her passion flaring. “You are torturing yourself. This makes me upset because I believe that is my job,” came Virk’s voice from behind. Luxian never bothered to turn around. He had known Virk would follow.

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“Virk, there is a way inside of there. We have but one chance for the element of surprise.” “I know this. You have done well figuring this out. We have searched for many years, never believing they would be hiding in the Romaji Mountain,” Virk commented. Luxian stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. “Why is that?” “The ash from the mountain when it last burned proved to be a very strong irritant. It made the wings of the Veletari molt. It is everywhere around this mountain. The soil is saturated with it. Do you not remember the rather pitiful looking Veletari that engaged us on the ground because they could not fly?” Virk frowned at his brother. “Yes, I do.” Luxian let a small smile play about his lips. “I also remember large patches of Twilight Vines afterwards being harvested by the Veletari. When we next engaged them, most of them had healthy wings.” “What is your point? Not that I don’t enjoy sharing fond memories with you of the Veletari, but…” Virk smiled. “So you are most clever, brother. You believe the entrance is wherever we locate the Twilight Vines.” “Of course. The Vines would help them enter and exit without coming into contact with the ash since more than likely they have hollowed the mountain out and used the ash as a decoy. I admit it worked.” “Until now, dear brother, until now. I’ll tell the men.”

****

“Are you still hungry?” Kaenin asked Rian as he helped her to sit up. She tried not to stare. He looked different to her now, like he wore a pretty mask over a very ugly face. “Yes,” Rian lied. Food was the last thing she was thinking about. However, if it bought her some time to think…

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“Tarik brought you this.” Kaenin waved his hand and the small fruit floated over to Rian, who picked it out of the air. He used to do that all the time when she was a child, making things move with his mind. She had thought him a god. It was an old, outdated thought. “Thank you.” She rubbed the fruit against her gown. She wasn’t about to eat this fruit. For all she knew, Tarik put some sort of drug in it. “Aren’t you going to eat it?” Kaenin asked with just a hint of impatience. “Yes, I was going to offer you some of it.” All she wanted to do was throw the fruit right between his beautiful violet eyes and run. “No, thank you, I’ve already eaten.” He smiled right back at her. “What?” Rian asked innocently. Probably someone from my village. “I don’t understand.” His eyebrows rose in confusion. “What did you eat?” Rian tossed the fruit from hand to hand. An arm, a leg? “Just a small meal.” A baby then, Rian thought wryly. “Are you going to eat that?” he asked again. Regrettably, it slipped out of Rian’s hand. “Ooops!” She covered her mouth with her hand and feigned surprise. “Well, I can’t eat that now.” She hopped off the table to retrieve the rolling fruit. “Why not?” Kaenin was all but frowning right out. “It hit the floor,” Rian replied, picking up the fruit with two fingers as if it were the dirtiest thing she’d ever held. “This is some kind of lab. All sorts of things could be living in here.” Rian looked horrified that he even would suggest she still eat the fruit. Kaenin took a deep breath before he spoke. “The Veletari are a very clean people. I am sure this nourishment is fine.” “But what if it isn’t and I fall ill and cannot breed for the Veletari? What if I breed and my illness affects the child?” Rian widened her eyes as if she didn’t

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want to take that chance. “I am still quite hungry, though,” she beseeched Kaenin. He let out a puff of air. “I will seek another form of nourishment for you.” He looked at her a second longer before he headed out, waving a hand to close the door. Rian bent down and rolled the fruit. It stuck in-between the door and the frame before it closed shut. She issued a prayer of thank you to no particular god.

****

Dusk had settled on Phantaria. The raging sun no longer bothered the eyes of the Cimmerions. They had found two larges patches of Twilight Vines. Luxian and Virk combined their teams and took one entrance. Kelti and Mavikan had combined their teams as well and took the remaining one. The same rules were in place, whoever found Rian was to alert the other team via the bracelet. Luxian, Virk, and the other warriors, with claws extended, shredded the Twilight Vines to reveal the door behind it. It had been rather slyly concealed. Luxian knew since the Veletari were capable of moving objects with their minds, they parted the vines with their telekinetic ability and then entered. It had taken precious time to deal with the vine. Each warrior had wished the other a safe journey into enemy territory. Luxian, with his great strength, tore the door from its resting place. The sound echoed into the fresh night. A piercing sound ripped through the air. “I believe, brother, that the Veletari know we come to visit,” Virk quipped. Without hesitation, the warriors spilled inside.

****

Rian’s heart pounded, as she knew any moment now Tarik or some other Veletari would come and discover her bumbling about. She should have paid more attention when she came to this place. It was an all-white puzzle she couldn’t solve. Every corridor looked like the last one. She had no sense of direction and no idea where she was going. As she rounded another corner, she ran smack into Kaenin. He seemed surprised at first to see her, then angry.

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“How did you get out of your quarters?” he demanded. “I didn’t realize I was a prisoner.” Rian gave none of her panic away. “You are-you are precious to the Veletari.” Kaenin’s eyes revealed he was not pleased by her actions. “We cannot risk any harm coming to you. Your door was locked for your safety.” “But I’m with you now. What harm could befall me?” Rian batted her eyelashes, trying to appear docile and trusting. Kaenin relaxed. “You are right. Here.” He pressed another fruit into her hands. “Do not drop this one. We do not have more right now.” Before Rian could speak, the lights in the corridor flashed yellow, and a loud siren seemed to penetrate her skull. Rian dropped the fruit and covered her ears. “We are under attack.” Disbelief was coiled in his words. On instinct alone, Rian kicked him as hard as she could in the groin. Kaenin doubled over and fell to the floor in pain and anger. Long serrated teeth flashed in his mouth. Rian shivered, her first glimpse of the monster inside the Veletari. Barefoot, she ran as fast as she could without a clue as to where she was heading.

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Chapter 20 As long as she kept moving, she had a chance of escape. The sounds of footsteps and spine-chilling growls reverberated around her. Then another corridor that led to a different area of the compound appeared. With a glass door at the entrance, it seemed separated from the area she’d just left. Rian slowed down, approaching with caution. Two armed guards were at the door. They were in deep conversation and didn’t notice her. She knew it was too late to turn around. Kaenin and sure death lay back that way. She took a deep breath and began to walk with confidence as if she belonged there. The guards stopped their frantic conversation as they took notice of her. Their gazes at the same time swept over her from head to foot. Rian suppressed the desire to run. She stood in front of them with an expectant demeanor. “What business have you here?” one of the guards asked. His long white hair almost reached the floor. His hand was already curled around the weapon attached to his waist. “I am the Vessel.” “If you are the Vessel, why are you unguarded? Especially while we are under attack?” “Be—” Rian started, but another alarm screamed in the air. The halls flashed red. “We are under attack from both points!” They both looked to Rian with suspicion.

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“Surely you don’t think…” Rian backed up as they advanced upon her. She stopped in her tracks not wanting to panic before it was necessary. “You smell like a Cimmerion,” the other guard noted. Rian watched as his teeth shifted in his mouth. “Yet you are dressed as Veletari.” “I-I told you I am the Vessel.” “Wait.” The guard with the long hair stopped the other one. “If we eat her and later find she was indeed the Vessel, Tarik will have us torn apart by Nyssian bulls.” It took a moment for the other guard to deny himself a tasty meal. He seemed reluctant to shift his teeth back to normal. He closed his mouth with a snap. “Take her with us.” They each grabbed her arm and dragged her through the sliding glass door. Rian wasn’t sure if she was making progress or not.

****

Luxian and Virk met very little resistance when they entered the Veletari stronghold. Aside from the few who were taken by surprise, the area was relatively empty. “I believe this to be the lab portion,” Virk commented as they entered a room. He picked up a small sample of—something. Virk sniffed, then smashed it to the floor. “We’re wasting time.” Luxian exited the room, following Rian’s scent. “It’s getting stronger.” Luxian’s nose twitched as the smell of a Veletari mingled with Rian’s. “Yes, it appears the same Veletari from the forest is with her. And another as well.” “Do you think she is here because she chose to be, or as a prisoner?” Luxian asked in a low voice, not wanting his warriors to hear the nagging question that had plagued him for a while now. He motioned for the warriors to stand guard while he and Virk investigated the room. A small fruit lay on the floor. Her scent was strongest in this room. He and Virk spotted the door in the room. Luxian approached it at first with caution, then without warning, he grabbed the handle and flung it wide.

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It was a small room for taking care of hygienic needs. Rian’s torn and bloodied gown lay on the floor. Luxian knelt, picking up the gown as if it were fragile glass. The strong smell of Veletari assaulted his nostrils. “I do not know if she is a prisoner or guest here, brother.” Virk looked around the facility. From the telltale signs, she appeared to have taken a bath. Strands of hair on the floor suggested she combed her hair. Besides the gown, there appeared no evidence of any violent. She could have injured herself during her escape. “There is one way to find out.” Luxian stood, letting the gown fall to the floor. “We continue to track her.”

****

Rian was forcibly escorted through the Veletari catacombs. Veletari warriors ran in different directions as they prepared for battle. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Did Luxian come for her? Or did he come to kill her? She had no real reason to believe he came for her. After all, she was the one who left—a decision she regretted. Luxian had been truthful with her about the nature of the Veletari. How could she have not seen it? Heavy wooden doors slid open. With a rough push, she was inside a room dressed in pure white. Even the furniture was white, and fat with cushions and pillows. White, thick cloth flowed from the walls from ceiling to floor. “Careful. Do you know what you have there?” a deep male voice seemed to come from everywhere within the room. “My apologies, Sovereign.” The guards were humbled. “We were not sure of her status. We found her wandering the halls coming from the labs.” “Can you not smell the unique quality that is she?” the voice queried again, closer this time. The voice was hypnotizing, suggestive. Rian found herself relaxing, as if the very sound of his voice were enticing her to do so. “She is our savior. Our light. It is unfortunate she was treated badly. She does not trust us anymore. Can you not smell her distrust as she stands there in fear?” There was reprimand in his voice. The guards released her and fell to their knees, spreading their wings in contrition. “We are sorry, Sovereign,” they apologized in unison, heads bowed low.

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“It is not me that you owe repentance to.” This time Rian could place from where the voice came. He blended in so well with the white cloth of the wall, she squinted as she picked him out. He stood with his shoulder against the wall, his ankles crossed. It reminded her of a pose Luxian once struck. His snow-white wings were extended half-mast as if he couldn’t decide if he wanted to fold them or free them. Long silk white hair flowed a little past his knees. Even his eyebrows were silky white. He stared at her with the palest blue eyes she had ever seen. She’d thought they were white at first glance. His hands were clasped in front of him. Thick gold bands encased each wrist. He wore the traditional garb. His perfectly chiseled body was completely still—so still, he appeared to be a statue. “I believe you owe this beautiful creature many apologies.” His eyes never strayed from Rian as he spoke. “Please accept our most humble apologies, Vessel,” they chorused in unison. Rian’s fingers twined together in nervousness now as the large Veletari continued to stare at her. “You are forgiven.” Rian didn’t know how to respond. With the barest nod, the Sovereign dismissed the guards. Gracefully, he stepped away from the wall and walked toward her. She felt as if she were somehow being hunted “Who are you?” Rian asked, her heartbeat speeding up. He waved his hand in the air as if to dismiss her words. “There will be none of that here,” he commented as he stopped in front of her, looking down at her. “You should not fear me. I can smell your fear and it is unfounded,” he assured her, and then continued to walk past her. Rian stood stock still as he perused her. He stopped again in front of her. “In answer to your question, I am Faeze, Sovereign of the Veletari.” Rian sucked in her breath. He could have said, “I am the Cannibal King,” and it would have meant the same thing. He was top killer here. He was the epitome of what they were. Rian searched in concealed panic for an exit, knowing even if she found one, she would not get far. “Your fear increases.” A nearby chair slid over to her. “Please take a seat.” His voice sounded full of kindness but reeked of falseness as another chair slid across the room for him opposite of hers. Rian sat down uncertain if sitting were the best thing for her right now. This male was powerful. “You are more beautiful than I could have imagined.” “Thank you,” Rian said on a breath.

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“What is your name?” His voice took on that seductive quality again. Rian was reeled into defense mode. It hadn’t bothered her before when none of the others had asked her that. But now, she sensed it was different. She had told Luxian that names held great power. He had told her false information carried it, as well. He was right. She had been given ample false information, and now she was to pay for her belief in that information. “Sida,” she blurted, at last fighting the compulsion to blurt her real name. He grinned with obvious pleasure. “Well, Sida, right now, we are under attack, and my place is among my warriors. I am glad that you are here. You will be safe. I have some of my best guards at this door. When I return, we shall talk. Is there anything I can get you before I go?” She nodded, wanting him gone, so she could think. Rian could smell the false sincerity. He scared her. All kinds of feelings of wanting to run coursed through her blood. He stood, his wings folded close to his body. “Well, if you think of something, inform the guards.” He placed a cool hand on her shoulder and squeezed. Rian felt the power in his touch. He could kill her with a wave of his hand. She refused to turn, and listened for the door to slide open and close. As soon as the door closed, Rian let out the breath she held. She jumped from the chair as if it bit her. She felt along the walls, hoping to find something. Sensors maybe, like what was at the Cimmerion complex. She waved her hand in quick succession, hoping that since this was the chamber of the Sovereign, that maybe there was an emergency exit. She methodically went through the large apartment and began searching door by door. The first door led to a bathing area. The next door housed a small room with many cushions, in a more private setting. The last door she came upon led to a room with a very, very large bed. In contrast to the whole apartment, this large bed was blood red. The pillows, the covers, everything was blood red, even the frame itself. Rian looked at the bed in horror. It personified everything about the Veletari. For she knew the color of the bed had a meaning. She knew it as sure as she stood there. Faeze was indeed a monster, for this bed was as close as he could come to sleeping in blood.

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Chapter 21 Luxian, Virk, and the rest of the warriors met with much more resistance after they smashed in the glass and got further into the complex. Veletari seemed to pour out everywhere. The Cimmerions fought bravely. Warriors died on both sides, and through it all, Luxian still managed to catch glimpses of his bracelet afraid it would be lit up. If not for Rian’s unique scent, there was no way he could have tracked her in the confusing catacombs. He would have to trust that he could lead his men out as soon as she was dealt with, one way of the other. His heart twisted at the thought of her death. A death he had ordered. What else was a Cimmerion king to do when his people’s very existence was at stake? His blade sliced through the wings on a Veletari, his other hand ripped the throat out. A quick look at Virk assured him his brother was well and holding his own. He knew he smelled the blood of his warriors. Enraged, he fought harder. This would be the deciding night. This would be the night the Cimmerions either got an advantage over their enemy, or would fall at their feet.

****

Rian sat in the chair. She had turned toward the door. She didn’t want to be caught unaware. How much time had passed, she had no idea. Her plan was to try and reason. Perhaps she could strike some sort of deal, which would buy her

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time. The door slid open. Faeze came in with the most gentle of expressions. His body language, however, screamed he was very agitated. “We must leave, Sida.” He walked over to her. With a firm grasp about her arm, he pulled her to a standing position. “The demons are here. Their wrath is great. But you are here now, Sida. You will give us an advantage that they will not be able to overcome.” He began to move her toward the door where guards awaited, some of their weapons already baptized with blood. Probably Cimmerion blood. Perhaps at one time, she would have celebrated seeing Cimmerion blood had been shed, but not now. She knew them to be a great people. Rian would never help the Veletari now. She had to want to mate for it to be successful—and that was never going to happen. “What is happening?” she stammered, pulling her arm out of his grasp, trying to stop their progression. He seemed impatient with her. She wondered if he would even answer. “They have invaded our home, and killed many of my people. It seems we are surrounded. However, if we move fast enough, there is a way out.” He began to reach for her again. Rian backed up. “I have no time for this, Sida. This is for your own good as well as for my people.” Rian backed up further. She wouldn’t do this. He would have to kill her first. “I can’t do this, Faeze. I won’t help you murder the Cimmerions.” Her voice shook as she made her statement. She hoped Faeze caught the determination despite it. “You will do this.” “I will not.” Her voice was stronger this time. “I will not go with you, nor will I mate with you or any other Veletari. You will have to kill me.” Faeze advanced upon her. “You will leave with me.” His voice seeped into her brain again. She felt the compulsion to comply again. “You will do everything that I tell you to do.” His voice sounded so hypnotic, Rian felt her will slipping. Her feet began to move on their own accord. Dismayed, she realized his voice held a compulsion! He somehow controlled her with his voice. It would explain why earlier, it had such an affect on her.

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“You-you can’t do this. It has to be…” “Willing?” He laughed. “Willing can be described in any number of ways. For my will is your will.” “No.” A cold feeling of hopelessness began to snake through her, paralyzing her with its bite. “Perhaps a demonstration is in order?” “I thought you didn’t want to touch anything Cimmerion?” Rian reminded him desperately, remembering Tarik and Kaenin’s conversation. “A leader will do anything for the survival of his people,” Faeze responded coolly. “I need you to understand, child, you are not dealing with just any Veletari. Come closer to me. You will receive my kiss, and you will beg for more, understand?” His face began to lower to hers as he spoke. Rian felt a tear slide out of her eye. She was helpless against him. She nodded yes in understanding as she turned her face up to him, obeying the compulsion to allow him to kiss her. His lips were but a breath away. “You will love me, Sida.” Rian stopped cold. He had used her name to seal her fate. Or at least, he thought he did. There was much power in a name. There was also much power in false information. The door to the chamber flew open, knocking the guards to the floor. Some flew backwards from the force. Luxian and Virk stood in the doorway, their warriors valiantly fighting the other guards in the hall. Virk had a look of curiosity on his face. Luxian’s face however…

****

As Luxian and Virk kicked in the door in perfect unison, the only goal on Luxian’s mind was saving Rian. She might have left the compound on her own, but that didn’t mean the Veletari couldn’t have forced her to come with them. He cursed himself for the rashness of his decision. He should have thought of that earlier. The door provided little hope of resistance against the large Veletari males. Luxian stood in the doorway, prepared for anything. At least, he thought he was. He was not prepared for the sight of Rian leaning in for a kiss with the

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Veletari leader. Jealousy and possessiveness consumed him, a strangled cry of rage burst forth.

****

“How like you, Luxian,” Faeze commented as if they were two old friends. “Have you met the mother of my soon to be offspring?” His arm coiled around Rian’s waist. “Faeze, it has indeed been awhile.” Virk smiled with false sincerity. “Sorry we can’t stay. We just came for the girl, and we’ll be on our way. Well that, and we would like to slay every one of you on the way out.” Virk smiled even bigger. “Not possible.” Faeze waved his hand and sent Virk flying backwards out of the door. Virk ran into the blade of a Veletari fighting a Cimmerion. Luxian watched in alarm as the end of the blade protruded through his brother’s side. “Well, that’s got to hurt.” Faeze laughed, pushing Rian toward the door. “You will not get past me,” Luxian declared, standing his ground. Faeze waved his hand. Luxian took a step back from the force of the power, caught himself, and doggedly took two steps forward. Again Faeze tried to slam Luxian into the sidewall. Luxian stumbled, caught his footing, and advanced blade drawn. “You were always quite stubborn,” Faeze observed, pulling Rian back with him. He produced a small metal dart. “This should slow you down.” He held out his hand, and the dart rocketed from his hand into Luxian’s thigh. Luxian grunted at the impact. “Nooo!” Rian screamed. “Ah, yes, you know this poison, don’t you?” Faeze directed at Rian. “It is the same one we gave the humans to use against the Cimmerions. It will slow down the Cimmerion King, freeze him. I can kill him with no resistance. Victory is just a sword’s thrust away.” Faeze’s expression turned to disgust at her cry. He sent a terrible force to her chest. It sent her backwards. Her head slammed against the wall. She slid to the floor dazed.

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“You were even more useful than previously thought. Not only will you help us wipe them out, you lured their king into our stronghold.” Faeze gave a short bark of laughter. “It doesn’t matter if they came to kill you or rescue you, either way you are the cause of their downfall. Well done, Vessel.” His eyes trained on her like a predator intent on its kill. “I will deal with you later.” He sneered at her as he drew his sword. Luxian stood still as stone as Faeze advanced upon him. “Bow down to me, King of the Cimmerions,” he ordered, the compulsion to obey embedded strong in the simple words. Luxian dropped to his knees. Faeze brought his sword up high, intending to decapitate Luxian with one blow.

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Chapter 22 Rian stared at Faeze’s sword in desperation. She would give anything to remove that sword from his hands, to give Luxian a fighting chance. She poured every ounce of strength she had in her wish. As the sword came down in a deadly arc, Rian felt as if time slowed down. The sword seemed to have been ripped from Faeze’s fingers. It was tossed against a nearby wall. The weapon clattered, then fell to the ground. Rian regarded Luxian in wonderment. Had she done that? Luxian’s extended claws were buried deep in the bowels of the Sovereign. The room was filled with a sucking sound as Luxian pulled the entrails from the body. The Sovereign stood motionless and in shock. “You will draw no more blood this night, nor any other, Sovereign of the Veletari,” Luxian said gravely rising. As he did so, he pulled the dart from his thigh and dropped it on the floor. Faeze’s body fell with a definitive thud. His blood stained the white floor, and for the first time, Rian thought it good to see blood spilled. Faeze was on his side, his mouth trying without success to produce words. Luxian walked over to him and knelt down looking at him as if he were some insect he had stepped on. “Your poison no longer works on the Cimmerions. We have an antidote,” Luxian informed the near dead leader. Rian watched in relief as he rose and went to the hall where Virk sat propped against a wall breathing heavily. “How are you, brother?” “Feeling a bit run through,” Virk replied through gritted teeth. “I’ll live. It’s just a hole in my side.” Luxian helped him stand. The other Cimmerion warriors looked around at their fallen comrades, as well as at the dead Veletari at their feet. “It looks as if we won this one,” Virk commented, though the sadness

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in his voice from his fallen warriors was evident. A gurgling sound came from within the room. “Wait here,” Luxian instructed. “Stay alert, there are sure to be more Veletari than we have collided with.” She tried to stay on her feet before he stepped back into the room. His gaze went to her as she used the wall to aid her in standing. His eyes fixated on the red streak on the wall. He rushed to her side. “Are you all right?” Even as he asked her, he began to exam her head wound with gentle strong fingers. “It’s fine. I’m a little dizzy is all.” Rian’s body rejoiced at his touch. The gurgling sound surfaced again. This time, Rian and Luxian looked at the fallen leader. As he lay dying, he was actually laughing. Luxian made sure Rian was steady before he again approached and knelt by the dying man. “What reasons have you to laugh? You have been defeated. Your army has been defeated. There is nothing left for the Veletari.” The Sovereign wheezed as his pale eyes focused on Luxian. Blood spattered as he spoke. “Do you really think it’s over?” He spat up blood before he could form more words. “You invaded my home. I have invaded yours.” “What lies do you tell now even at your death? You know not where the Cimmerions reside.” “Oh, no,” Rian whispered softly as the words made an impact. “She has sided with the Veletari.” Faeze’s eyes rolled in Rian’s direction. “She has told us everything.” He laughed again. This time, a thick viscous fluid began to flow from the corner of his mouth, dripping onto the floor. “Don’t trust her. She will turn on you.” Then his eyes rolled one last time and his body grew still and quiet. “No, no—listen to me—” Rian began as Luxian turned to look up at her with suspicion in his eyes. “Do they know where our dwellings is?” Luxian asked rising. “Please—” “Answer me!” Luxian yelled striding over to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. “Do they know?”

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“Yes. Luxian, please let me—” She had to make Luxian understand. Luxian shook his head, silencing her as he released her, a frown cutting his features. He stepped away from her as if she were contaminated. “This would explain why we had not engaged more Veletari.” Embers glowed in his eyes. He turned to the dead leader. In seconds, he made the body burst into flames. She wanted to explain, but as she opened her mouth, Luxian turned from her and peered into the hall. In moments, Mavikan and her team had joined them. “The element of surprise has aided us well. For the supposed well-ordered army of the Veletari scrambled like insects while the truer warriors easily decimated their numbers,” Mavikan announced with pride. Rian looked with relief at the victorious Cimmerions. They were bloodied, victorious, and angered, angered at the death of one of their own. They would need that in the next battle. “Mavikan, half of your team will stay here to burn the bodies. The other half will bring our dead brothers and sisters home. Everyone else, listen. Our home is under attack. We must hurry.” Luxian pointed to two men. “Secure the Vessel. Do not let her out of your sight. Take her somewhere safe, perhaps to the watercave.” He instructed Mavikan to give one of the guards her bracelet. “When the bracelet lights up, come home, it will be safe. We were lucky this time. We cannot let the Veletari get hold of her again.” Rian was sure some of the warriors had heard her confession to Luxian. They wanted to kill her now. She knew how she must look dressed as a Veletari. She looked as if she had sided with them. Mavikan stared at her with open hatred, for it would blend in well with the others. She knew her hatred stemmed from a different place. She tried to catch Luxian’s gaze. He ignored her. He strode out the door without looking back at her. “Brother, do you wish to go with these two guards?” “I will rest when I am dead or the battle is done,” Virk said sternly. Luxian nodded. “If you’re lucky, brother, maybe even both.” Luxian flashed his brother a brief smile. Virk laughed, then stopped just as fast as he winced in pain. “Don’t give me false hope. We have to hurry.”

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Just like that, Luxian was gone. He didn’t look back at her. Rian knew he had every reason to be angry with her. If he would just give her the chance to explain it wasn’t her fault. She followed the warriors dejected and rejected, feeling Mavikan’s venomous gaze at her back. Right now, Mavikan was the least of her worries. What would Luxian do to her? Would he give her a chance to explain? Rian concentrated on breathing, trying to still the emotions churning. It was her fault. If she hadn’t run, none of this would have happened. She’d gone to the Veletari willingly. She was beginning to hate that word. How could she convince Luxian that she’d been drugged? Faeze indeed was crafty to the end. It couldn’t be said enough, there was much power in false information.

****

Luxian flew at top speed. His home had been invaded. He thought of all the women and children who he believed had been safe and secured away while the warriors had gone to fight. The Veletari, no doubt, were slaughtering them even now as they flew. The night sky was filled with grief-stricken Cimmerions. Each one was wondering if their loved one was still alive. When the time came however, each warrior would fight without flaw, the only thought would be to kill the enemy. Luxian made sure every warrior was trained this way. There would be time for grieving later. Luxian did not think Rian would have betrayed his people to this degree. He knew she had harbored prejudices, but he thought he had seen goodness in her heart. He believed he had gotten through to her on some level. He had been absurdly wrong. His misjudgment had cost his people many lives. Virk flew alongside him. He knew his brother was in a great deal of pain, yet he didn’t complain. He and every other Cimmerion would fight until there was no more fight in them. As they neared the lake, Luxian’s heart sank. He saw telltale white feathers strewn on the ground below, evidence of the swarm that had come. The Cimmerions dove straight as arrows into the water, entering the underground stronghold by water, through an entrance designed for the Cimmerions. The Veletari would not expect this. For the second time this day, Luxian prayed the element of surprise would favor them.

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****

It was a nightmare if ever there were one. The bodies of women and children littered the ground of the tunnels. Humans and Cimmerions alike had been slaughtered. As the small band searched the corridors, their hearts grew heavier and heavier. It had been a massacre. Veletari bodies also blessedly littered the ground. Luxian knew his people would put up a fight no matter the odds. Luxian divided the small army. They wished each other safe missions, and parted. Virk stayed by his brother’s side. They traveled without sound, coming up to the training and weapon’s area. Now this was indeed not a wise place to engage his warriors, Luxian thought with pride. Many snow-white bodies lay about, some already partially burned. They would tend to the burnings later. They passed the kitchen and dining hall where bodies of all sorts lay about. In the distance, they heard the faint sound of fighting. Luxian and his men rushed forward.

****

Rian had been holed up in a cave. Not just any cave. They had forced her to dive underwater, and dragged her down. When Rian thought her lungs would burst, they went through a small passage and swam a short distance up. She broke the water just as the last of her air expelled from her lungs. Now she sat cold and shivering while the Cimmerion males looked at her with open hatred. “Every death our people suffer through is on your head,” one of them declared and spat at her feet. “We saw you in our home. We thought you a human friend. Now we can smell what you really are. Our king will kill you now. I don’t think he cares about the legend anymore.” The other looked at her with hard black eyes. A menacing fire lit in his eyes.

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“It sickens me to smell you.” The first one squinted at her. “I should kill you now.” “No, our king trusts us. He will do what’s best.” “Please, you don’t under—” “You use that lying tongue to speak to us again and we will cut it out. Our king did not forbid us from cutting your tongue out,” the second one said, stroking his blade that was already dried with blood. Rian shut her mouth with a snap and looked into the water, wrapping her arms around her legs. They sat away from her and whispered. Sometimes they insulted her. A few stones came her way as they taunted and laughed at her. Rian pressed her lips together so as to not utter a sound. She wouldn’t even look at them. She deserved this. Instead, she pondered at what happened in the Sovereign’s room. Had she been the one to take the sword from his fingers? She was after all, part Veletari. Never once growing up had she ever moved anything with her mind. Then again, it had never occurred to her to try. She had seen Kaenin perform the trick many times, yet she thought it an act solely for such divine creatures. Rian couldn’t berate herself enough for her foolishness. The Veletari had fooled her people. Well, not all of them, some of the people had known and had chosen to live with the Cimmerions. The demons, as her people called them were not demons at all. The Dark Ones as they were also called were repudiated. And yet it was the Dark Ones who were the true angels. They had let the pure beauty of the Veletari sway them. The Cimmerions were a beautiful race, as well. It was a shame she had never seen it before. Now she knew who she was, what she was. The humans were not her people. Her people were fighting each other. She wished half of her race were dead. Wishing got her nowhere, action did, she admonished. Feeling sorry for herself was not a trait of hers, and it wouldn’t start being one now. She sat up straighter and focused on one of the small stones that had been thrown at her. She concentrated hard, willing the small stone to move. It rocked for a moment. Rian lowered her hand to the ground and willed the stone into her hands. It was slow coming at first, but then in triumphant, her hand closed around the stone as it settled in her palm.

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Chapter 23 Luxian and his men came upon a grisly scene. Dying men and women were fighting with their last breaths. Some of the Veletari were feeding on the dying humans. Luxian let his rage bubble to the surface until it consumed him. With his red blade poised, he joined the melee, Virk at his side oblivious to his own injury. The second team of Cimmerions joined them. It seemed the Veletari had cornered the Cimmerions and the humans in the gardens. Blood streamed on the ground like a torrent—blood of Cimmerions, humans, and most important, Veletari. In the end, Luxian and the Cimmerions, along with the humans, had significantly decimated the number of Veletari. It came at a high price, for many Cimmerions died, as well. Luxian could already smell the burning bodies of the Veletari as they were set afire. Past experiences had taught them that sometimes the Veletari could regenerate. It was this precious knowledge that helped keep the enemy numbers at bay. Luxian looked around his once peaceful settlement with great sadness. Too much death was here. The Veletari knew where they hid as they knew the Veletari’s whereabouts. The enemy would not attack right now, but they would soon. Mavikan and the others would already be on their way home. Luxian sent out a small greeting party in case the Veletari who escaped attacked the incoming wounded soldiers. Luxian was relieved to see Dahl still lived. He ordered Dahl to take Virk and see to his wound. There was much to do with little time. They had to find survivors, bury their dead, and tend to the wounded. They had to relocate, and come up with a plan of attack while the Veletari were weak. Luxian looked at

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the blood-spattered bracelet on his wrist. Rian should see firsthand the destruction her precious Veletari could inflict. He pushed the stone.

****

Rian woke to the pain of being kicked in her side. She balled up in a defensive position, trying to deflect the next blow. “Wake up, Veletari slut!” one of the guards bellowed with much animosity. Cautiously, Rian sat up, pushing her thick hair from her face. The two guards towered over her. She licked her dry lips in nervousness. Did they decide to defy their king and kill her anyway? Rian was about to beg for her life when she saw the bracelet on the wrist of one of the guards shining bright red and remembered Luxian’s instructions. She was being sent for.

****

Rian shivered as she descended the steps she had taken to escape. White feathers lay on the ground, some spattered with blood. They had come here because of her. She was pushed forward as she had paused at the sight. She caused this. Her prejudice, her hatred caused this. Her eyes now adjusted to the darkness with natural ease. It was amazing that once she accepted what she was, it all made sense the things she could do. Her vision, her sense of smell, and now her ability to move things with her mind were all proof of her heritage. It seemed the way down was quicker than going up. The door already stood ajar. The smell of blood and death struck her and took her breath away. Tears welled up at the sight on the bodies of the Cimmerions and humans alike. Many were women and children. Rian cried to herself. She was led to the same room she had been captive in earlier. The guard didn’t even bother to land. He hovered and dropped her the

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last five feet and exited. As the panel slid into place, Rian stayed on the carpet, curled herself into a tight ball, and cried.

****

“There are more important things to do than play nursemaid to me, brother,” Virk said in uncharacteristic irritation. “Yes, well, if I had a brother who didn’t take to skewering himself, I wouldn’t be here,” Luxian commented as he watched Dahl apply a salve to his brother’s side. “I know the bodies are being piled and burned. The Cimmerion bodies are being prepared for burial. They’re several units cleaning the corridors of blood and uh, other things. My best trackers are in search of a new lair. There is no reason for you to be here. You must tend to the last business at hand, brother. Tend to your injuries, then go talk to her.” Virk winced as Dahl pressed the wound, making sure the salve was absorbed in the wound. “I am fine. How can you still think her innocent? You’ve seen what has happened here,” Luxian snapped at his brother. In agitation, he ran worried fingers through his thin braids. “She was about to kiss him. We all saw that.” “Things are not always as they appear. Besides, in case you did not notice, she tried to save you. On the other hand, if she is guilty, I am the first to say kill her. But I will not have the death of an innocent on my hands. Nor will I destroy the one thing that could end this blasted war.” Dahl’s hand shook as he listened to the men speak. Luxian noticed this and averted his gaze. “I did not need saving.” “Well, she didn’t know that.” Virk grimaced again in pain. “I will speak to her. I will give her a chance to say her peace.” He strode from the room, refusing to look at either Dahl of Virk.

****

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Rian didn’t know how long she cried. When the panel opened, she stiffened in fear. Was Luxian coming to kill her? She sat up with pain as her limbs had locked into place from being in one position for so long. A dim light came on. It wasn’t necessary. It was quite clear who it was. “You have caused much death and pain here.” “With your help, Mavikan. You are the one who provided a way out for me.” Rian stood as her anger surfaced. It hadn’t occurred to her until now that there was more than one guilty party. “My intention was to have you captured and killed. It is unfortunate that we were moments too late. I did not know Veletari were in the area.” Mavikan began to inch closer to Rian. It did not escape Rian’s notice that Mavikan carried a small weapon. “Well, you can’t know everything.” Rian paced around the warrior. “I do know this with a certainty, you will not leave this room alive. My mistake was in not killing you outright. My king will thank me for this when he realizes you are not worth the trouble you have caused our people.” “How will you explain my death, Mavikan? You realize going against the wishes of your king is grounds for treason?” Rian had no idea what she would do when Mavikan attacked, but she had to think fast. “I will say you attacked me and I had to defend myself. Those guards will swear this is what happened. They agree your death should be immediate. ” Mavikan shrugged as if it were the most ordinary of conversations. “But I am unarmed, and you are a seasoned warrior,” Rian reasoned. They were circling each other now. “Wrong.” Mavikan flicked the small blade so that it landed at Rian’s feet with a thud, hilt up. “Pick it up.” “I will not help you,” Rian declared, refusing to take her stare off Mavikan.

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“You will allow yourself to be killed? You won’t even fight for your life? You were a waste of my king’s time. You should have been dead a long time ago.” Mavikan’s beautiful features took on an insane hue. Mavikan rushed her without warning. Rian and Mavikan hit the floor hard. It stung Rian’s back. Mavikan hit her repeatedly as Rian fought back, deflecting some of the blows. Rian was tiring. She was no physical match for her. Mavikan pulled back, grabbing Rian by the hair and forcing her to stand. Rian swayed from the pain, her sense of balance askew from the powerful blows. Mavikan yanked her hair back until Rian’s face was turned up to hers at a cruel angle. “You have taken enough from me.” She took her other hand and extended her claws. Rian watched in horror and helplessness as Mavikan struck her across the face. The claws caused deep furrows in her cheek. The force sent her to the floor again. She landed in front of the embedded knife. “He finds your beauty hypnotic. I’ve seen the way he has looked at you. I will take your beauty as you have taken my king from me. Then I will take your life.” On instinct alone, Rian willed the knife out of the floor and turned her face away from Mavikan. A fleeting thought, a small sound of impact, then nothing. Rian waited for her death blow, fire, something. Curiosity won and she looked up to see Mavikan standing without moving. The small blade embedded deep in her throat. It looked to have killed her instantly. Mavikan stood but was without a doubt dead. Seconds later, Mavikan’s body hit the floor. Rian screamed, then blacked out.

****

Luxian heard the high-pitched scream and his skin crawled. He would know her by the sound of her voice even if he were deaf. Luxian broke out into a run, his wings on instinct unfolding and preparing for the short drop down. Two guards stood guarding the open panel in the floor. Luxian snarled as they spotted him. He could smell fear oozing from their pores. Whatever was happening to Rian, these two were allowing it. Claws extended, Luxian paused just long enough to strike both men. The attack was so swift and accurate, their throats had

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been slit and the warm blood spilled onto their chests before any defensive action could take place. Luxian was already descending into the room First, he spotted Mavikan with a blade sticking out of her throat. Rian was across from her—lying still. Was she dead? Luxian had never been so afraid in his life. His fingers curled and uncurled in a nervous gesture as he approached her. He saw the slightest rise in her chest and expelled a breath a pure relief. Tenderly, he lifted her into his arms. His heart hammered as he looked at her bruised and scratched face. Dark welts covered her arms, defense blows, he surmised. He looked down at Mavikan in sadness. She had been a fine warrior. She shouldn’t have ended her career as a warrior this way. Luxian ascended, cradling Rian as if she were the most fragile creature he had ever beheld.

****

“Well?” Luxian asked for the third time in as many minutes. Dahl let out an exasperated breath. Luxian was anxious and was well aware that he was being annoying. “Aside from the bruises she sustained, her unconsciousness is not because of that.” “Then what?” Luxian looked down at the very serene looking Rian. “Whatever happened in that room was very traumatic to her. She’s experienced a lot these past few days. There’s small puncture wounds here. I believe it to be from the bushes when she escaped. Her body is tired and so is her mind. We need to just give her time.” Dahl laid a hand on Luxian’s shoulder. “She’ll be all right.” “Good.” Luxian cleared his throat. “I’ll check on her later. It wouldn’t be good to have the Vessel damaged.” “Luxian, about—” “Dahl. Do not forget if she isn’t for our cause, she is against it. She may very well still be our enemy. It’s not a wise choice to get attached to her.” Luxian exited the room. Fine words, he knew. It was too bad he did not follow his own sage advice.

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****

Luxian squinted at the sight of Virk approaching him from the dining hall. “Dahl informed me you refused his services.” Luxian fell into step with Virk. “Does the fact that you are up and about mean you are ready to face me in the training arena?” “I have been working, brother. Perhaps I will play with you later.” Virk smirked, looking at Luxian. “I understand that Mavikan is dead and that you killed two of your own warriors. I would like to hear the reason why.” They turned to go into the community hot tubs, which were scrubbed clean from the recent past. The lair was beginning to look as it did before, but the feeling of home comfort was now forever gone. “Mavikan attacked Rian. The two guards were aiding her,” Luxian said the ugly words with bitterness in his heart. The betrayal stung. “I am sure you are aware of her reasoning?” “I know that Mavikan believed I would some day come around to loving her. It is why I could not continue our relations. I had no idea she would go this far.” “She was a fine warrior,” Virk lamented as they approached the natural hot springs. “I will give her the due honor of her status. She had served the Cimmerions well. This blight will be overlooked.” “That’s very noble of you. How is Rian?” “Still in a deep sleep. Dahl believes she has suffered much and her body and mind need to rest.” Virk stayed quiet for a second while he undressed, then he eased into the spring. He hissed in pleasure as the hot water began to soothe the ache from his wound. Luxian discarded his scant clothing as well and sat on the opposite side of the spring until he was chest deep. “Have you thought what you will do to her once she is awake?” Virk asked.

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“That depends on what she says, now doesn’t it, brother?” “I have the most confidence that you will do what is best for everyone. But I have good news from my scouts.” “What is that?” Luxian closed his eyes, enjoying the hot water. “It seems the machine that caused the darts to rain out of the sky showed up unexplained at our front door.” Virk held in his smile as Luxian’s eyes flew open. “Yes, I had that same reaction when my men told me.” “You should be careful with that machine,” Luxian warned in suspicion. “Why? What do you know about it?” “Nothing. The humans used to tell stories from their home planet, which were passed down to them generation to generation. One night, they told a story about two warring people. One side claimed defeat and as a symbol of their good faith gave them a vessel made like some sort of animal.” “And?” Virk looked at Luxian like perhaps he sustained an unknown head injury. “Just listen,” Luxian snapped. “The side that believed themselves victorious took the gift into their lair. The people celebrated, but when they went to sleep, warriors poured out of the belly of the vessel. It had been a trick. In the end, the ones who thought themselves the victors were slaughtered.” Luxian closed his eyes again confident he had made his point. “You think Veletari might be in the machine?” Virk frowned. “I do not think I can fit in that machine let alone a whole Veletari army. That was a very silly point.” Virk shook his head in annoyance. Luxian took a deep breath before he spoke to his brother. “I mean, be careful that the Veletari aren’t tricking you. It is rather strange, wouldn’t you say for it to just show up like that?” “Then why didn’t you just say that?” “Shut up,” Luxian said at last.

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Chapter 24 Luxian did not trust the tentative peace after the battle. He posted trusted guards outside of his door. He had arranged for Rian to be brought to his living quarters. For two days, Rian slept soundlessly. Luxian did not sleep at all. Virk was out scouting for a new lair, and one area looked very promising. As expected, the Veletari were quiet. No doubt they were regrouping, as well. Their king was dead and like any society, Luxian was sure there was a small political inner war. Everyone was instructed to pack only what was needed. If opportunity permitted after they were settled into whatever new home they acquired, teams would be sent back for more. Luxian’s sleep was troubled by the fact Rian still had not awakened. It was also peppered with the fact he’d had treason among his people. Luxian would have never expected that. Mavikan’s reasons for attacking Rian were personal, but the guards who had helped her did so out of their own sense of right and wrong. They had defied the orders of their king, to carry out what they believed was a better agenda. It made him uneasy to think there might be more Cimmerions with their belief. Perhaps there were even a few who wanted a new form of rule. For the first time, Luxian realized that maybe not all Cimmerions thought his actions were competent. Rian stirred next to him. It was the first time she had moved in two days. Her gray eyes opened. He sat up on one elbow and looked down on her. Rian seemed surprised to see him. “Where am I?” she whispered. Her gaze darted around. She didn’t seem to recognize anything.

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“You are in my quarters.” Luxian began twining a strand of her dark hair around his finger. He had thought much about Rian. He hoped she was not the enemy she appeared to be. She had left on her own accord, even though he believed that perhaps Mavikan would have had a hand in that. She had been dressed as a Veletari. Luxian had ordered a few of the human women to bathe and change her. He’d burned the clothes without pause. The image of her about to kiss Faeze was burned in his mind. That particular incident was a nasty memory. “How long have I—oh, no, Mavikan!” “I-I killed her, Luxian.” Her hands flew to her face in horror. Luxian pulled her hands gently away from her face. “Why?” he asked, his heart open to her pain. “I—she attacked me.” Rian turned her head to the side. “So you defended yourself, then. Your actions were perfectly reasonable,” Luxian said gently. “Tell me, how did you manage to get the blade in her throat? Mavikan was an experienced warrior. One of our best.” Luxian didn’t know if it was his imagination, but Rian seemed to stiffen. “I don’t want to say,” Rian said at last. “I am afraid that is not good enough. Your position here is very precarious. I am bound by my duty to my people to do what is necessary to protect them. You must be honest with me, Rian.” Luxian sat up on the edge of the bed. He could feel her staring at his back. Was she too thinking of the intimacies they had shared? He wondered if she garnered any feelings for him at all. He suspected her Veletari capabilities had surfaced. Would she side with them even more? He could only hope she were honest with him. It was the only chance he could give her. If her hatred still ran deep for his people… “I killed Mavikan by accident. I just wanted the knife to—I didn’t want her to kill me. Before I knew it, the knife was in her throat.” “Is that what you did in the Sovereign’s room?” Luxian stood now unable to face her. She had Veletari in her, he knew that, but to witness it was a little disturbing. “Both times this power surfaced was when I was scared. I couldn’t bear the thought of you being hurt.” Rian swallowed audibly.

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“What care have you if I am hurt?” Luxian whirled around now angry. “You promised that when you escaped, you would lead the Veletari here for our destruction. That is exactly what you did, Rian. Many people died. Humans as well!” “I know what I said, and I can’t take it back. Luxian, I didn’t tell the Veletari anything. I mean I did, but I couldn’t help it. They gave me a drug and I tried to stop telling, I did!” Unshed tears swam in her eyes. “Mavikan came to me offering me my freedom. She said you and she would be together. I didn’t know what I was thinking. Luxian, listen to me,” Rian cried out as Luxian turned his back on her. “You were right about them. Everything. I would never have endangered so many innocents. Please forgive me.” “That does not explain why you were going to kiss Faeze.” His voice held a hard edge as he turned and came back to the bed. He stood in front of her. Rian looked at him slowly from head to feet. An emotion he’d never seen in her face reflected at him. “You wanted him.” Rian shook her head from side to side in denial. “No. You are wrong. I was trying to escape and the guards brought me to him. His voice made me helpless against him. I told him my name was Sida. I knew somehow that he would use my name against me. The moment he called me, Sida, it released me from his hold. He was trying to trick me into believing I loved him so I would mate with him.” “Have you mated with him, Rian?” He had been too upset to ask Dahl the question when he examined her. He held his breath. “No, that is when you and Virk came. How is Virk? I saw him get hurt?” “He will live,” Luxian said shortly. Inside, he was elated. “Our people view you as an enemy.” They finally made eye contact with each other and held it. “Let me show them I am no enemy of the Cimmerions.” “How do you propose to do that?” Luxian swallowed hard.

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“I will mate with you—because I want to.” Rian scooted forward on the bed until she could stand. Luxian helped her to stand when he saw how unsteady she was. “The Cimmerion part of you has to want it, or the mating won’t—” “If I hear that one more time, I will scream. I know the rules. Let me do this to prove I am no enemy to the people.” Rian reached up a tentative hand to touch his face. He grabbed her hand and brought it down. It burned him to do so. He wanted her. What was so different now? He now wanted her to mate with him because she loved him as he loved her. Luxian was shocked at the declaration in his mind. He loved this woman. He wanted the mating to be more than just necessity. “Is that your reason, Rian? To prove something?” he challenged her. “I want to do it because I love you, Luxian.” The room was quiet. It didn’t matter what happened now. He knew what he needed to know. “How can you go from hating me to loving me in a matter of days?” Luxian asked. “You hated my kind since you were a child.” “No, I hated what the Veletari told me of you. That is neither you, Luxian, nor your people. You told me to think for myself. That is all I have been doing these last days.” “How can you be sure?” Luxian released her hand and backed away from her. She gave him hope, and he didn’t want it. Not if she would crush it when she realized that her feelings were false. “You were all I thought about. The reason it pained me to leave was because I knew I was leaving you behind. I know we did not meet under the best circumstances with you kidnapping me. But you have never mistreated me. Or lied to me.” Luxian winced. He had not been very forthcoming with her. He had not told her the mating, if it were successful, would change the makeup of her blood and make it a poison to the Veletari. That was the reason behind kidnapping her in the first place. “There was something I did not tell you, as well.” “What is that?” Rian sat on the edge of the bed.

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“The reason the Veletari wanted you as we did is because once you are impregnated, the makeup of your blood will change. It will become a poison to the other race.” Luxian waited while Rian comprehended his words. “You mean all of this is because I am some sort of weapon?” “Yes, this was not about heirs or ruining your purity so the Veletari wouldn’t want you. Your existence had been rumored for years. You were the hope of both the Veletari and the Cimmerions. We both wanted you for the same reason.” “I am a weapon?” She looked up at Luxian with a stunned look. “What makes you think this will come to pass? What reason have you all to think my blood will become a poison?” “If you wish, I can take you to the man who is an authority on the subject.” “Please.” Rian held out her hand. Luxian went to her and helped her to her feet. There was someone who knew more about her than he did. “Take me to him.”

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Chapter 25 Her hunger was immense and seemed unable to be satiated. Rian had eaten her food like a starved woman. After all, he concluded, she hadn’t eaten in two days. Luxian kept quiet the whole time she ate. He just watched her, his mind going to erotic places. After she had finished eating, she and Luxian had walked quite leisurely to their destination. She reached for Luxian’s hand. Without preamble, he took it. It didn’t matter to him right now that her fate hung in the balance. He wanted to touch her, needed to touch her. She seemed willing enough. Luxian couldn’t help but wonder if her sudden agreeable behavior was because she felt she owed it to him. Was she responding to him out of a sense of debt? A sense of duty? It shouldn’t have mattered to Luxian, but it did. He needed her to want him, because she yearned for him, no other reason. They arrived at their destination in record time. Rian was seated now, her whole body still with apparent tension. Dahl sat across from Rian. His kind dark eyes held just a glint of sadness but also happiness. Luxian hoped that Dahl realized the seriousness of the situation and did not expect too much to come from this visit. “You will be in fine hands with Dahl. He has served the Cimmerions for more years than I care to count. He can answer all of your questions. I will return for you soon.” Luxian gave them both a stiff bow before he exited the room.

****

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“I don’t know what to ask you first.” Rian nervously wiped her hands on her gown. “How about I make this easier for both of us. I will tell you what I know. From there, if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.” “Sounds fair enough.” Dahl leaned forward, resting his elbows on the long table. He waited several minutes before he began. “When the Veletari first came to Phantaria, we welcomed them with open arms. Fate, it seemed, had dealt them quite a blow. Their home planet became unlivable, much like the human planet. In the beginning, there was peace. We tried to teach them farming techniques. Which animals were best to hunt, how to hunt them for that matter. “Dahl chuckled at the last statement. “The Cimmerions and the Veletari banded together. We taught them what they needed to know about Phantaria and all she had to offer. After the humans crash-landed, things began to change.” “Humans began to disappear. The Veletari and the Cimmerions formed search parties to find them. It was some time before we realized the Veletari were feeding off of the humans. We tried to reason with them. We had no idea they were cannibals. To our horror, we found they had tried to feed off the Cimmerion children. Children we’d thought had fallen victim to some of the wild beasts.” Dahl closed his eyes a moment before he continued. “We were for lack of being digestible, deemed undesirable. They refused to eat the Nyssian mares and bulls and other wildlife. Their diet, it seemed, was strictly cannibalistic. Eventually, the peace wore thin as we tried to protect the humans. The Veletari with their sly tongues convinced the humans of the things you yourself so strongly believe in.” Dahl’s words were said with great care. “Some humans came to live within our society. Others took arms against us. The war began. One warrior in particular, though a fine fighter was reluctant to fight the wars. She did so, anyway, out of duty. One day, she came to me with a terrible secret. She had fallen in love with a Veletari and carried his child. This was unprecedented. We had no idea that the two races were even compatible. But the war would make it impossible for her to keep her child. Her people would want the child dead once the parentage was found out.

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“This being new scientific ground, I took blood samples from her as she progressed in her pregnancy. When she was too far along to hide it, she disappeared to have the child. She came back without the child, of course. She wouldn’t speak of it. She died soon after in a battle with the Veletari. “We managed to capture a Veletari. I am not proud to say I experimented upon him without a care if it was ethical or not. I did what was necessary to help my people. I’d worked too long one night, and mixed a sample of the impregnated Cimmerion blood with that of the Veletari. Almost immediately, the samples began to die. Not all of them but a fair amount. The Veletari cells did seem able to resist. “It is a theory of mine, that if the blood is mixed, such as yours, that their immune system wouldn’t attack right away. The familiar markers in your blood would confuse the system. Then the cells from the growing fetus would replicate and overwhelm the resistant cells.” Dahl stopped as if waiting for her to digest the multitude of information. “Why fetal cells?” Rian’s brows furrowed in concentration. “They have the power to mimic. It is very probable the cells will reproduce what most closely resembles it. In essence, it would then attack what is considered the foreign cells.” “So you’re saying if the Veletari are injected with my blood after I am pregnant, that because I am pregnant by a Cimmerion, I would have an unusually high concentration of Cimmerion blood cells. Because of my Veletari heritage, their immune system wouldn’t attack right away. This gives my Cimmerion cells time to replicate themselves. My blood would then treat their blood as foreign and poison their system?” “Correct. Keep in mind it’s only a theory. A strong one but a theory still. It would work the same way if you were pregnant by a Veletari. I believe the samples I had from the warrior were too premature in her pregnancy to do any real damage. I can only surmise the further along the pregnancy, the stronger the replicating abilities.” Rian was silent as she began to digest the information. It was a sound theory. Was she ready to bring a child into the world to give the Cimmerions a weapon? Then again, it was the life of a child against a race of people. It wasn’t

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as if it wouldn’t be loved, she would love it regardless of how or why it came to be. “This warrior that gave birth to me, did you know her? Did my mother even want to keep me?” Rian hated the way her voice broke over the question. It shouldn’t matter now. She was a grown woman not a child. Yet there would always be that child in her that wondered. “She loved you the moment she found out about you.” Dahl reached across the lab table and patted her hand. “I can tell you losing a child is painful. Losing a child because you have to give it up for its own safety was torture.” Dahl’s eyes grew sad. “How well did you know my mother?” Rian wasn’t sure if she were ready for so much information. “She was an excellent warrior, beautiful and brave. She never talked about what happened to you. She went away when the discovery of her pregnancy was too great. She came back months later. She would only tell me that she did what needed to be done.” “That just sounds so cold and unfeeling.” She could never imagine speaking of her child in that manner. “Don’t judge her.” Dahl’s voice became defensive and angry. “I saw the pain in her eyes everyday she was without you. I believe it was the reason she always volunteered for duty. She was trying to suffocate her pain. In the end, I believe she wanted to die but couldn’t take her own life. You’ve no right to judge her.” “You knew her well.” Rian looked closer at Dahl now as realization set in. “Who was she to you?” Dahl let his head hang. Slowly, he looked up at her. “She was my only child. She couldn’t help whom she fell in love with. She told me he was not like the others. The Cimmerions here wouldn’t have understood. We were in the throes of battle with them. They would have killed her and you.” “Are you saying none of the Cimmerions ever knew it was your daughter who gave birth to me?”

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“She made me promise. She feared they would label me a traitor as well as her.” “Why didn’t you tell her about the—” “The blood being used as a weapon? I didn’t discover that until after she had the child and gave it up. She died before I could tell her and she could retrieve you. I started the rumor hoping it would help flush you out. In the end, you became nothing more than a legend—until now.” “How did the Veletari know about me?” “The rumor spread among the humans. In time, it spread to the Veletari who knew it for what it was. They had more dealings with the humans in the encampment, and therefore discovered you first.” “So you are the only one who knew my mother.” Rian had a million questions bubbling to the surface. “Luxian knew her, as well. He was a prince then, but he protected my secret. I owe him a great deal.” “He is a good man.” Rian realized she meant every word of it. “Yes, that he is. Answer me this, do you care for him at all?” Dahl asked her unexpectedly. “I…care for him, yes.” “He has risked much in letting you stay alive. Please do not make him regret it,” Dahl advised. “I have just found you. I would hate to lose the only family I have alive.” It was enough that she had to deal with her feelings for Luxian. She wasn’t ready to share them with a stranger. “So I am a half-breed,” Rian said it to herself more to get acquainted with the notion. “I am sure you have recognized traits of both Cimmerions and Veletari.” “Yes. Did my mother ever mention who my father was?” “I’m afraid not. She protected him to the end.”

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“Do you think the Veletari are capable of loving?” Rian needed to know that half of her wasn’t a monster after all. “I don’t know the answer to that. I just know that my daughter was wise. She was certain your father loved her. I have no choice but to believe that.” “Thank you, Dahl. You have given me much to think about.” “Remember, Rian, Luxian is a good man. He wants what is best for his people.” “I know, Dahl, I know.”

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Chapter 26 Luxian sent guards to retrieve Rian. She was returned to his wing posthaste and left to her own devices—and her thoughts—until his return. To her delight, she found Luxian had a small room with a natural hot spring. It didn’t take long for her to strip and immerse herself in the soothing hot water. It was so comforting. Rian began to doze off in the spring. “That is a dangerous thing even for a Cimmerion.” Luxian’s deep voice seemed to vibrate in the small room. Rian didn’t even open her eyes. She just smiled at the sound of his voice. “Why ‘even for a Cimmerion?’” Rian asked lazily. “Though we can breathe underwater, you are part Veletari. It is not known if you can achieve that as well.” Rian opened her eyes. His dark skin had a slight sheen from the heat of the room. His hair had been pulled back in a tight gathering at the back of his head. Luxian sat on his haunches as he gazed at her. One hand played in the water making circles. He had on a thin strip of material now, just enough to cover the groin area. Rian slunk down further in the water, trying to see if he wore anything under the strip of cloth. “Thank you for your concern, but I wasn’t asleep,” Rian lied. “My apologies, then.” Luxian smiled at her, making his face even more handsome. “Did Dahl answer all of your questions?” “Yes, he was very helpful.” Rian paused and took a deep breath. “Did you know my mother, Luxian?”

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“Yes, she served alongside me in my father’s army.” “What was she like?” Rian sat up, vaguely aware of the cool air hitting her breasts. Something in the back of her mind tried to surface but she pushed it back as curiosity took hold. “She was fearless. Honest. She thought things out before she acted. She never did anything on impulse,” Luxian said thoughtfully, his gaze seemed quite focused on her. At that moment, Rian realized he was looking at her exposed breasts. She didn’t care. “Unlike me.” Rian’s voice took on a tone of self-reprimand. “That was not my point.” Luxian finally lifted his gaze and looked her in the eye. “I pointed that out to let you know that whatever your mother did, she had to believe it was for the best.” “You mean leaving me?” “There is that,” Luxian agreed. “There is also the notion that she believed your father cared for her.” “Dahl never called her by name.” “It still hurts him very much. Her name was Dahla. She was named after her father, of course.” “Dahla,” Rian whispered the name to herself and smiled. “My mother’s name was Dahla.” “Rian, I know this is a lot for you to handle, but we must speak of your future soon. When you are done in here, I’ll wait for you in—” “Join me.” The words were out before she thought them through. Even if she had, Rian knew she would have still voiced them. Luxian seemed taken aback, it was several heartbeats before he responded. “Do you know what you are asking?” “I know what I am asking. Join me, Luxian.” This time, her voice took on a husky quality. She barely recognized her own voice. Still, he appeared reluctant. “I want this. I want you.”

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“Rian, I cannot guarantee control around you any longer. If you were to ask me to stop, it would be—” “I won’t ask that of you. I know what needs to be done, Luxian.” Luxian stiffened and rose. “You see this as duty. You want this to save your life. Is that it, Rian? I do not fault you for that, but do not pretend it is me you want.” Luxian turned, heading out of the door. “We can arrange for a mating, make sure we keep it in the nature of what it is.” He left Rian alone in the springs. That did not go as Rian wanted it to. She wanted Luxian. It had nothing to do with helping the Cimmerion race. She wanted Luxian because she loved him. Rian was determined as she strode out of the springs and through the halls wet and naked. She didn’t care. She’d had enough of being ordered about and told what to do. She found Luxian in the entertaining section of his wing. He was drinking a dark liquid and staring into the fire pit. His forearm rested against the ledge, his forehead on his arm as he gazed into the fire. “I wasn’t finished.” Rian made her voice loud enough to carry. Luxian lifted his head and turned, his expression confused, until he saw her naked wet form. He grimaced, tossed back the remains in the glass before he did a full turn to face her. “I want you, Luxian. Not because I’m trying to save my life. I know you probably hate me, but I know I appeal to you on a physical level. You were willing to mate with me before. Has anything changed?” Rian took a shy step forward, aware that Luxian watched every part of her body as she moved. Luxian swallowed. “I want you, Rian. Have you any idea how perfect you are to me? “Then come to me, Luxian. Make me feel like you did before. If not for any other reason, do it for your people.” It was all Rian had to bargain with. If this were the only way she could have him, then so be it. Perhaps she had gone over the edge like Mavikan and was willing to have him at any cost. Luxian threw the empty glass into the fire without so much as a glance. His eyes burned with embers, of desire. He approached her. His eyes trained on her—like prey. It seemed as if every predatory instinct surfaced. She could see the possession in his eyes. She had set into motion something she did not want to stop. A low growl came from him as he towered over her. Rian dropped to her knees. She’d wanted to taste him ever since he had tasted her this way.

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Luxian extended a claw and ripped the strip of cloth from his hips. Rian stared at the large root with wide-eyed greed. She wanted every inch of him. “First, take me in your hand.” His voice was rough with arousal. Rian obeyed him. “Now lick just the tip of it.” Rian’s tongue came out a tad bashful. The spongy texture felt good against her tongue. Her licks became wetter, bolder. “Open your pretty mouth and put me inside.” Rian did not hesitate to follow his commands. When he hissed in pleasure, it excited her more. She slid him deeper and deeper until she felt him at the back of her throat. She suckled him hard, and Luxian’s hands settled on her head, urging her on. She loved the wild taste of him, and she wanted him deeper still. Somehow, she got the whole thick root into her mouth and partway down her throat. Periodically, she brought him out to breathe, only to take him inside again. “No more,” Luxian rasped, his breathing heavy. “I need to last long enough to thoroughly enjoy you.” He pulled himself out of her mouth and went down on his knees, so that they faced each other. He cupped one breast, then the other. He leaned forward as Rian arched her back, offering her breast to his hot mouth. Luxian sucked the nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around the sensitive area. Rian gasped in surprise and pleasure from the sensation. He switched breasts. Rian brought his head closer. She released his hair from the tie holding it together and ran her fingers through the dark, silky smooth braids. Luxian released her breast and pushed her down onto the floor, covering her body with his long, hard one. He rubbed his body against hers. Rian responded in kind, going on instinct alone. Hot flesh rubbed against hot flesh. Rian’s legs rubbed against Luxian’s muscular ones, causing flames of pleasurable friction. His chiseled abdomen undulated against her soft flat belly. His erection was nestled between her legs as she masturbated against it. Rian’s hard nipples moved against a chest of steel. Every inch of possible skin was rubbed against the other. This was the Cimmerion way, scenting the lover completely before engaging in sex. Luxian licked and nipped at her neck and ears. Rian did the same on instinct alone. It seemed the more she tasted him, the more frenzied she became. One hand caressed his firm backside, the other hand raked nails down his back. His desire manifested itself until she could feel it like a separate entity in the room. She could feel her own wetness on her thighs as his cock brushed against her mons. She could smell their scent of passion as it wafted around them.

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Their bodies damp now from the heat of their desire and the fire burning so close, Luxian slid down her body, keeping constant contact. When his tongue found its way to the small bud nestled in the folds of her sex, Rian’s back arched off the floor. Her hands pushed his face deeper between her thighs. She shamelessly rocked herself against the firm tongue that lapped at her. Somehow, Luxian turned his body so that his was over hers, and his cock was only inches from her mouth. Rian grabbed the steel root and brought herself up enough to suckle it. “That’s it,” he praised her as he paused at licking her. They each licked, nipped, and suckled the other. Luxian would bring her to the brink of ecstasy and leave her dangling. Then he would start his attack all over again. Rian on the other hand, caressed the sacks next to his cock, as she soon learned this gave him great pleasure. “You’re ready for me.” He growled low, then made them change positions. He lay on his back. His beautiful black hair was spread out on either side. He looked like a wicked angel. Rian loved the sight. “Straddle me, take me in at your pace,” he urged softly. Rian nodded her head, nervousness settling in for the first time. “It is all right. You are very wet, Rian. You can take me. Just go slow as you need to. We have all night.” He smiled at her in encouragement. Rian straddled him, as the head of his cock nudged its way into her. She felt the foreign thickness of him and tensed. Luxian took hold of his erection and swiveled the head of it in her juices. “Try again.” Rian lowered herself onto him again. This time, he penetrated her much more easily. Her hips moved in a circular motion as she worked the thick piece inside of her. Luxian had his hands on her hips, gripping her tight as he pumped up into her slowly. Finally, she had worked him all the way in and Luxian let out the air in his lungs. “Raise yourself up, love, then down.” Rian raised herself until she felt the tip of him before she plunged back down. She cried out at the sensation. She did it again, this time slamming herself down even harder. Unlike a human, there was no hymen to break. It was all pleasure. Being pure meant no man had been inside of her. Until now. Rian began to ride him hard.

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****

Luxian became afraid that she would push him too far and he would ride her like a seasoned lover. Rian threw her head back in bliss. Her warm chasm gripped him, tortured him with her tightness. He felt his canines lengthening for the first time while engaging in sex. This was more than sex. He found the mate he wanted. His canines had lengthened to mark her as his. For she would carry no other permanent bite mark but his. Luxian pulled her body down to his so that part of her body sat astride him. The other part was flush against his chest. He reached one arm up to move her long, thick hair to one side. Then both hands gripped her hips and kept them in place as he rammed up into her. Her muffled cries of passion drove him wild. She began to buck against him, her walls seeming to grip and suck at him as she came. Luxian thrust himself inside her one last time before the thick ribbons of his seed burst forth into her. At the same time, his teeth sank into her neck pumping the tiniest amount of venom into the bite. The venom would ensure the scarring, the permanent mark of his bite, without poisoning her. He held her as the last of her waves subsided. He remained embedded in her. The sweat of their bodies mingled. She looked him squarely in the face. Her beauty sometimes took his breath away. “I did this, Luxian, because I love you,” she confessed and laid her head on his chest. His heart skipped a beat, perhaps several at her declaration. Luxian remained quiet. Now was the time to trust her or turn her love away. “I love you as well, Rian,” he admitted at last. Rian raised her head again, her eyes unsure. “You love me?” “I do.” Luxian lifted his head enough to kiss her on the nose. “Why? I’ve caused you and your people nothing but pain.” “You also were willing to do whatever it took to make it right. It is not your fault how you were raised. But you overcame your prejudices, Rian. That is not easy to do. Not only that, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever

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seen.” He smiled at her. “I don’t care who or what your parents are, no more than you care about mine. Why I love you, I do not know. I just do.” “I thought you were going to kill me when I ran away.” Rian laid her head on his chest. “I will be honest. I did order your death. But I believe that brother of mine rescinded my orders. It is the first time I will thank him for doing that.” “You were going to have me killed. I can’t say I didn’t deserve that after all the nasty things I said to you.” “Believe me, I regretted the decision.” “Well, that’s something.” Rian laughed. “So what now, Luxian? What happens to me? To us now?” “Well, you and I are mated now, so—” “Wait a minute!” Rian sat all the way up. “What do you mean we’re mated now?” Mated as in together forever or until we are bored with one another?” “You bear my mark. I believe that means we are mated forever.” Luxian casually gestured at her neck. “Just because you bit me, I am yours forever?” Her hands shot up to her neck feeling for the mark. “Not that I mind, but you could have at least asked how I felt about it.” “When a Cimmerion male bites his lover during sex, and permanently marks her, she is his forever.” Luxian thought she should have known this. “You could have told me this.” “I just did.” “Before you did it.” “Well, explaining it at the time would have been a little difficult.” Luxian laughed. He was still inside of her and his cock was growing quite interested again. “You said you loved me. Do you not want to be with me?” Uncertainty crept into his voice.

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“I do love you, and I want this. You could have told me,” Rian said on a happy sigh. “I suppose this is the woman trouble the mated warriors talk about. They say their mates want to argue over the most trivial thing,” Luxian commented in mock irritation already pushing himself up into her. Rian’s eyes glazed over in response. “We’ll talk about that comment later.” She moaned moving against him. Luxian doubted she’d even remember it when he was done with her.

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Chapter 27 “Are you sure this is something you want to do?” Luxian asked her for the fourth time as they headed to the training arena. He held onto her hand with a tight grip. Rian glanced up at him in appreciation. He wanted to protect her, but he couldn’t shield her from the mistakes she had made. She held no illusions about the outcome. Some of the people still looked at her with distrust and maybe even hatred. She was the catalyst for the latest deaths among these people. Her people. Rian had asked Luxian to assemble every Cimmerion and human so that she may apologize, and hopefully they would see she was sincere. The training arena was already filled. Since there were two entrances, one entrance had bodies spilling out. Rian took a deep breath. She could do this. She was mated to Luxian now. She had to be strong, even if she didn’t feel it right now. A crude platform had been erected for this event. Two days ago, this had seemed like a wonderful and necessary idea. Now, she was rethinking it as she stepped up on the platform. The small chatter stopped as if on cue. All eyes stared at her. She dared not read their expressions. She plunged forward. “I am Rian, mated to Luxian of the Cimmerion people. I owe everyone here the most humble and sincerest of apologies.” Rian began her speech taking responsibility for her role in the recent tragedy. She spoke passionately from her heart. There was a definite change in the mood of the room as Rian was finishing. “I love Luxian.” She turned to give her husband a warm smile, which he returned quickly. “And I love the Cimmerion people as well, and will do everything in my power to help regain what is yours by right.” Rian bowed low as the crowd erupted into applause.

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As she now dared to look at the sea of faces, she knew it would take more than mere words to convince them. She was ready for the challenge. Luxian helped her step down from the platform and enveloped her in his strong arms. He lay his cheek atop her head, then kissed her lightly on her forehead. “You did well, my queen. You did well.” Luxian and his guards led Rian quickly through the assembled people. Luxian had told her he was not foolish enough to believe the danger to her was over. He said some believed she mated with him in order to save her life. It was a natural assumption. He had admitted to making that one, as well. But the last few days relieved both of their doubts. She made sure he could see in her eyes what her heart felt. She couldn’t possibly love him more than she already did. He began to steer the small party toward the play area for her. Rian had mentioned she’d seen enough ugliness for now. She wanted to watch the children play. It brought her a great deal of peace. Rian however stopped him as he headed toward the play area. “What is it?” His keen eyes sought out danger. Rian laughed. “Nothing is the matter. I would like to postpone the play area for now.” “Are you not feeling well?” Luxian pulled her into his arms. “Was I too demanding upon you, love?” “I am as strong as a Nyssian mare.” She settled into his embrace. “I would like to go to the room you first kept me imprisoned.” Luxian gently pushed her away from his body to look into her eyes. “Are you insane, sweet? Why would you want to go back? Do you not remember what happened the—” “I remember well. Please indulge me, Luxian.” Rian stopped playing fair and dropped her voice into a sexy inflection that she knew would give her her way. Luxian growled low and Rian knew he was powerless to say no. He nodded to his guards, signaling a direction change. Virk sauntered up to the party. “Brother, I assumed you knew your way around the compound by now.” Virk smirked, walking a step behind the royal couple. “Say what you will and leave,” Luxian stated. Rian would never get tired of hearing these two interact.

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“I have figured out how the contraption works that came from the Veletari. Dahl believes he can make the darts needed to load the machine. When you prove yourself a real Cimmerion male and imbue your mate with a child…” “It will be used to deliver the poison.” Rian turned around a bit to look at Virk as she walked. Luxian turned her back. “Correct, my queen. And, brother, you will be happy to know I found no shrunken Veletari hiding inside waiting to cut our throats.” Virk laughed in response. “Well, don’t give up looking. I’m sure there is at least one, waiting for none other than you.” Luxian stopped walking and turned with what appeared to be great patience. “Is there anything else, Prince Virk?” A dark eyebrow went up in challenge. Rian knew she should interfere any moment, but watching them was too much fun. “My king, I am on my way to search the area. Seems there is evidence of someone living in the area. Our new home, however, has proven to be a wise choice. We head out tonight. I trust everything is in order?” “Everyone has been instructed to be able to travel at a moment’s notice. I will see you when night has fallen.” Luxian began to walk away, but then paused. “Prince Virk, do watch yourself. Someone has been clever enough to get a large machine in our midst without being spotted. I have no doubt it is the same person or persons you are tracking in the area.” “Duly noted.” Virk bowed in deference to the royal company, turned, and strode away. “Is there no greater joy for him that needling you?” Rian asked with a smile. “I do not think so.” Luxian laughed.

****

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They stood in the room that had been cleaned of all evidence of death. Rian walked the perimeter of the room, touching the walls in a fleeting motion. “Why did you insist on coming here?” “Because this is where it all began,” Rian murmured, running her fingers along the back of a chair. “Where what began? You make my eyes cross in confusion.” “My education.” Rian faced him, letting the long robe she wore fall to the floor. Her long, almost transparent, black gown hugged her body. “You began teaching me here.” Her voice grew husky. “What did you learn from me?” Luxian watched her carefully. “The foolishness of my upbringing. The foul ways of the Veletari. The sensuality of a certain Cimmerion king.” She let the corners of her mouth turn up slow. “There was one thing you taught me that I haven’t as of yet been able to— demonstrate.” She began to slide a chair against the wall, clearing the area.

****

“What are you doing, Rian?” Luxian knew what she was doing. His cock twitched in his pants as she got on all fours waving her hand over the sensors that would activate the rings. First one ring, then the other. He licked his lips at the sight of her bottom teasing him. “I had Dahl program this with my biological rhythms. I hope that was all right?” She stayed on all fours and peeked over her shoulder, winking at him. Luxian didn’t answer. Luxian couldn’t answer. Rian crawled seductively across the floor toward the bed. Her hips went high in the air as she reached under the bed to pull out the bag that Luxian had brought the night he taught her discipline. Her hips were high in the air. Her sex was exposed through the sheer black material. Luxian was so aroused. It felt like the small hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up.

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“I’m really sorry, my king, but this isn’t about you,” Rian informed him, as if sensing his heightened excitement. “It’s about me. I want to play with you. I want to see what I have learned from my teacher.” “Rian, you are playing a dangerous game,” he warned her. Rian stood, her chest dipped low before she stood. The vixen! She knew in this gown everything could be seen, including her aroused nipples. His wife was a fast learner. With the bag in one hand, she took her other hand and laid it against his chest and pushed him backward toward the rings. “Will you not allow your queen to play?” Rian asked in a pouting voice. She scored her nails across his bare chest. Luxian gulped down a sharp breath. She kept running her nails down until she came to the band of his loose pants. Rian let the bag fall at their feet with a soft thud. With both hands, she gripped the rim of his pants and pulled up, then down as she began kneeling in front of him. She tilted her head back, looking at him. Luxian knew his eyes burned like embers. He couldn’t wait to have her. Rian broke eye contact to search the bag for the furry cuffs. She worked efficiently, snapping the cuffs in place, and then attaching them to the hoop links embedded in the carpeted floor. She did both sides in no time. As she stood, her body slid against Luxian. He spoke not one word, just looked at her. She walked behind him, rubbing her mons against his backside as she whispered in his ear, “I love your hair down.” She released the binding, letting his long braided hair fall about his shoulders. Rian walked back around him, undoing the small ties that kept her breast pushed up in the gown. Her firm breasts spilled out. She swayed her hips as she began to take the gown off—agonizingly slow. Luxian was so erect, and ready, he was ready to tear the rings from the floor. “How long do you plan for this to go on?” He made sure she heard the thinly veiled threat in his voice. Rian laughed as she retrieved the bag at his feet. She walked a small distance away as she searched for two more items, her naked backside to Luxian. Luxian pulled at the tethers in frustration. He didn’t play well with others. “We both know the hide of a Nyssian is extremely tough, Luxian.” Rian deliberately bent over to place the bag on the floor, giving Luxian a clear view of her golden naked ass, and neatly trimmed nether lips. She rose up in slow motion, complete with rod and blindfold. “Maybe you’re more cooperative when you

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can’t see, hmm?” Rian tied the fold around his eyes. Luxian yanked violently on the tethers now. Snap! The sting of the rod on his toned ass took Luxian by surprise. “You need to calm down and listen, Luxian.” Rian purred in his left ear. So much blood was rushing around, he hadn’t heard her. He quieted down, excitement coursing through him. He had always been the dominant one. It became apparent that his mate had a need for the position, as well. “Good boy. “She rewarded him with a wet kiss on his cheek. Luxian had other ideas where she could have planted the kiss. “Now remember just answer yes or no,” she instructed. “Do you trust me, Luxian?” Rian asked, running the rod across his abs. “What kind of—” Snap! It stung across his thigh. Luxian grunted. “Question is that?” She would pay dearly later. “I said to answer yes or no?” Rian reprimanded. “That’s a sil—” Snap! Across his left thigh. “Silly question.” He couldn’t stop the smile from sliding across his face. He was deliberately testing her. Luxian was determined to get control of the situation and satiate his desire. Pain, she would find out, wasn’t something that frightened nor controlled him. He heard the rod being thrown across the room. There was complete silence, but he knew she was near, very near. Then he felt her firm warm lips on his dick as she took the large head into her mouth, and sucked on it hard. The feel of her hot, wet mouth on him so unexpectedly would have brought him to his knees if not for the tethers holding him up from the ceiling. She sucked hard on him. He tried to force more of himself into her mouth, but she would pull back. Then nothing. She removed her mouth from his cock abruptly. A growl erupted in frustration. “Do you trust me, Luxian?” she repeated the question, holding her breath. Luxian paused, thinking of his response. “Yes,” he ground out. Immediately, he was rewarded as Rian sucked the length of him back into her mouth. She moaned in pleasure at his taste. Then just as before, she stopped again.

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“If your people demanded it, would you kill me, Luxian?” Her voice trembled as she asked the question. Luxian’s heart skipped. How could she think he could ever kill her now? He would sooner see his own death before he could harm her. “Never,” he responded. He heard her get up and walk away. When she came back…Snap! “Sorry, love, the answer is yes or no.” Luxian heard the humor in her voice. He felt light kisses down his neck. They traveled further down until they reached and stopped at his erection. She kissed around it but never kissed it directly. He squirmed, and the thick rod would slide close to her mouth, but she averted the head. “No,” he rasped out, near his breaking point. After his correction, Rian licked the penis that was already leaking. She caught the fluid on the tip of her tongue and savored the taste. Greedily, she grabbed the base of his cock and fed herself his hard thick flesh. Luxian pushed himself deeper still. She had to grab his waist to keep from falling backward. As she suckled him, Luxian pumped deep in her mouth and down her throat. He felt his testicles tightening against her chin. Her warning was the roar that filled the room as Luxian let a torrent of hot seed splash against the roof of her mouth and down her throat. Rian still tended to him. As wave after wave cascaded, she swallowed. When Luxian was spent but still hard, Rian pulled her mouth away. Luxian’s breathing pattern was erratic at best. “Let me out of this, woman,” he ordered. Rian, with trembling fingers unlatched his ankles, then she stood and reached up and did the same for his wrists. As she was about to take off the blindfold, Luxian ripped it away from his eyes. By the way she reacted, he knew his eyes must have been pure wild fire. She shivered. Luxian stepped out of the pants around his ankles. “My turn to be in charge.” He growled.

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Chapter 28 Luxian could see the shivers running through Rian as he approached her. She backed up, that was fine. She was heading right where he wanted her, anyway. He saw the surprise in her eyes when the back of her legs hit the bed. Luxian pushed her onto the bed roughly. He was rewarded with a spark of desire that lit in her gray eyes. She crab-walked back on the bed. Luxian crawled toward her, looking every bit the lethal predator that he was. Sweat trickled across his skin, every muscle seemed to tense as he crawled toward her, he wanted his intent to be very clear. Luxian’s large cock, bounced as he crawled toward Rian. She lay back against the cushions in the bed. Her dark hair spread wild around her. She was breathing in spurts. Her excitement was great. Luxian planted his body flush over hers so that he straddled her entire body. He looked into her eyes as his head descended towards her. His teeth sank in the sweet spot where her neck and shoulder met. Rian bucked underneath him. His teeth withdrew only to bite the other side. Rian shivered as he nibbled and bit his way to her breast. So lost in her haze, she realized too late that he captured both of her wrists and pinned then above her head. Her eyes widened as she understood that he had made her the captured prey. He spread her legs. All of his control was gone. There would be no stopping him. The passion had to be satisfied. He gripped his own cock and swiveled the head in her lubrication. Luxian used the head of his cock to arouse her clit. The smooth head rubbed against her small sensitive nub. Rian thrashed her head side to side and he smiled. He wanted her arousal to be as intense as his. No time for preamble, he shoved into her without ceremony, filling her instantly, completely. Rian

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screamed at the invasion. He thrust hard inside her, pulling out almost to the tip before repeating the process. Luxian pumped harder into her, sensing her about to fall over the precipice. But he had something else in mind for the tease. Luxian pulled out of her and rolled off the bed. “What are you doing?” She panted, sitting up, a wanton mate crawling to him. It was obvious she needed him to finish so very badly. “You want me inside you, don’t you, Rian?” he taunted her, walking around the bed, his cock glistening with her juices. “Come back to bed, Luxian,” she pleaded following his progress, her hungry gaze trained on his erection. “What are you willing to do to get me back in that bed?” Rian paused. He knew a million things were going through that intelligent if slightly dazed mind right now. “Whatever you want me to.” “Good girl.” His smile was wicked as he gazed at her. “Come here to me.” Without hesitation, Rian scrambled across the bed, pushing her dark locks away from her face as she stood before him trembling. He turned her so that her back was toward his front. “I’ve found my pleasure here.” He circled her mouth feather light with his finger. Her tongue darted out and licked it. He chuckled softly. “I’ve found my pleasure here.” His hand traveled to her breast, his other hand reached up and squeezed them together. He kneaded her breast, then began to roll the nipples between his fingers. One hand stayed on her left breast while the other hand traveled down to the apex of her thighs. “Of course I’ve found pleasure here, love.” He began to manipulate her clitoris until Rian’s hips ground against his palm. “But, Rian, my love, my mate, you’ve not given me pleasure with another part of your body that I desire as much as the rest of you.” He nibbled at her ear as he whispered this. “Anything, Luxian, I’ll do anything for your pleasure.” She moaned as his hand skillfully raised her desire, but again he stopped before she could. “Spread your legs for me, love,” he ordered as he pressed her upper half down on the edge of the bed. Rian’s cheek rested on the soft bedding, her arms above her head, gripping the covers in anticipation. She spread her legs as he

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directed. “Relax.” His hand went to her sopping went folds and rubbed the juices over the small puckered hole of her ass. He did this until she was well lubricated. He then pushed his cock between her thighs, making sure it slid between her folds. For good measure, he entered her, stroking deep inside her. Rian moaned. He drew out. “Relax for me, love,” he said gently but firmly, demanding entrance to her ass. He went at a slow pace, always making sure she adjusted before he pushed further. He reached his hand around and began to stroke her clit. Rian gasped at the penetration and the manipulation simultaneously. His eye caught the movement of her hands balling up the blanket. “Are you in pain, sweet?” he got out between breaths. “Don’t stop, Luxian. It feels so good.” His temptress moaned, gripping the blankets even tighter. “I don’t think I can take much more pleasure.” But he kept arousing her with his hand. He wanted all of her control gone. Luxian placed both hands now on her hips and pumped in and out of her. Her legs began to shake. Only the sounds of pleasure could be heard as he pistoned his hips faster and gripped hers tighter. Rian raised herself up and began to push back against him. His growls grew louder. She pushed back harder and faster, matching the intensity of his thrusts. The sensations were so new and powerful. There was not a scrap of control to be found in the room. The chains of the ceiling began to clank as if a wind blew them. Luxian heard them in the background of their frenzied desire. He felt wild as she pushed against him violently. He responded in like fashion. Then it seemed all he could hear was her moans encouraging him to go deeper. Luxian knew the moment her climax hit her as she screamed long and loud. Luxian was not far behind as a load of his hot seed began filling her. His fingers gripped her hips tight as he ejaculated deep inside her. Luxian pushed them both forward so they landed on the bed and disengaged their bodies. Exhausted, they crawled to the center with much difficulty. As they lay on their back, they both spotted the same thing at the same time. The chains had been ripped from the ceiling. In their place lay two gaping holes. Luxian and Rian sat up. Chairs had been knocked over and appeared to have been smashed against the wall.

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“What happened?” Rian asked incredulously as she looked at the destruction. “I believe you happened,” came Luxian’s wry answer. “But…” “It would seem being scared isn’t the only time your power surfaces.” Luxian put his arm around her. “Intense feelings seem to be a trigger. Do not worry, I am sure Dahl can help you learn to control it.” “Does this bother you?” Rian asked. “Rian.” Luxian used his other hand to cup her chin and turn her face toward him. “I love you, all of you. You are not responsible for the actions of your people. Accept yourself in its entirety. Please do not go from hating one race, to hating another.” “Don’t you hate the Veletari?” “I hate what they have done to my people and the humans. Perhaps in a different environment, they would fit well. They do not belong here. They upset the balance of things. I hate them being here and their actions. I wish there were another way to be rid of them.” “You have not answered me, Luxian.” “Yes, I think in all of us there is a little prejudice against something. The trick I believe is to not let it consume you, or change the person you are.” “I will try. Now I would like to go see the children play.” “Now?” “Yes.” “Mates, do their demands never cease?” Luxian complained goodnaturedly.

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As Luxian and Rian made their way toward the play area, they were flagged by Dahl. “I have news.” Luxian noted the scientist practically shook in excitement. He waved his guards back a few steps for privacy. “I have made darts that will work in the machine.” Dahl smiled broadly. “I’m afraid, old one, Virk has already delivered this news,” Luxian informed him. “Oh.” For a second, Dahl’s face fell, then it lit up again. “Well, I have more news.” He clapped his hands together. “What is it?” Luxian tried to be patient. “Rian would like to see the children play before we head to our new home this night.” “Well, my dear,” Dahl turned to Rian, “as requested, your blood was tested after the first mating with the king.” “And?” Rian prodded. “The tests suggested a change in the makeup of your blood,” Dahl declared. “She’s with child?” Luxian’s voice brimmed with pride. “I believe so. I will perform more tests and take another sample after we have relocated, but I am confident, child, the first mating was very successful.” “Thank you, Dahl.” Luxian knew having family around would make her pregnancy easier. At least this time, Dahl would get to see his great-grandchild grow up. When Rian had smiled at Dahl, it made him light up even more. Dahl bowed before leaving. Rian and Luxian looked at each other and smiled warmly. “This is important for your people.” Rian put her arms around Luxian’s waist. “This is important for us,” Luxian corrected, “as well as our people.” “Our people,” Rian echoed. “Change is here, it is what we have waited for. There is no one I would rather have by my side than you, Rian, Queen of the Cimmerions.” “Funny you should say that. There is no place I’d want to be other than by your side, Luxian, King of the Cimmerions.”

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Epilogue Virk watched the progression of his people, his senses heightened. They were being watched, he just couldn’t make out where the culprit was hiding. Whoever they were, they wouldn’t live to tell the new location of his people. His brother and new mate were secure. They could not risk the royal couple, especially with the queen with child. The people had taken the news of Rian’s pregnancy with much rejoicing. Their spirits were high as they traveled. Virk glided on wings of stealth to another tree. It was the barest of movements, but enough to alert him. He had found the culprit. His quick movement had startled his enemy. Virk’s body moved in controlled measures, down the trunk of the tree. So slow, he knew he blended in with the dark trees, he slunk imperceptibly to the ground, his eye trained where he knew the watcher hid. A rustling of branches and leaves testified to the presence. Whoever it was, was changing their position trying to locate Virk. It would be to no avail. Besides Luxian, there was none other more skillful at avoiding detection—or killing. It was his job as military strategist to keep the people safe. Virk made a round circle until he approached the tree from a different angle. He needed to be in position to catch the enemy no matter which direction they ran. Virk let the energy build inside of him, the inferno in him threatened to consume. Virk trained his eyes to the very top of the tree, setting it ablaze. Whoever was hiding in the tree couldn’t take to the sky until they scrambled lower away from the fire. A small scream pierced the air. A body began to tumble out of the tree, a small fire burning on it. Virk rushed forth, meeting it as it hit the

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ground. Virk grabbed the body and rolled with it, suffocating the flames. Roughly, he turned the person’s face toward him. The beauty of the Veletari took him aback. Her hair had been dyed black as well as her wings. Dirt had been rubbed into her white luminescent skin. Virk couldn’t help but stare. She was paler than a normal Veletari. Her wings were singed. Virk growled at her, hating the confusion she spread in him. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen—and his greatest enemy. “You will kill me after I have aided you?” There was no fear in her voice, just defiance. “You call tumbling out of a tree aiding me?” Virk quipped pulling her to her feet. He had no idea why he was even speaking to her. He should have killed her on sight. “I gave you the machine.” Arrogance laced her words, as she jerked out of his grasp. “Yes, I am still trying to figure out why.” Virk studied her with high interest. “I have no wish for this war anymore than you.” Her stare was bold. “Let me go. I have caused you no harm.” “Then why are you watching us? You plan to relate our new location to your brethren?” “I was making sure other Veletari did not watch you.” “What have you to gain from this?” “Nothing.” “You expect me to believe a Veletari would aid out of the kindness of their nonexistent bloodthirsty hearts?” Virk laughed derisively. To his surprise, she advanced upon him. Up close, he could see the pale light green of her eyes. They were mesmerizing. “Not all of us eat humans. Not all of us agree with the course my people have taken after your act of kindness. Can you say all your people agree with everything your king does?” She cocked her head to the side, apparently waiting for his answer or waiting for him to back down. She of course had no idea who she was dealing with. Virk took that

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remaining step forward until his face was so close to hers, he could have kissed her. “My king is a good one.” “That does not negate the fact that you could still have rebels in your mist.” Virk hated to admit to himself that she was right. Luxian was a good king. But recent events made him aware of the fact that even with a good king, there would be no pleasing everyone. “You, I take it, are a Veletari rebel?” “Have I not proven myself by delivering the very machine that could be used to wipe my people out? You think I don’t know the legend of the Vessel and what it means if she is impregnated by a Cimmerion?” “How do I know it was you?” This seemed to stump her for a moment. What she did next surprised Virk. It surprised him because as a seasoned warrior, he was prepared for anything, prepared for everything that is but a kiss. Her soft lips took his so swiftly, he couldn’t react. He felt a sharp prick in his shoulder. She broke the kiss and stepped out of reach. “It’s not the same poison as before. I changed some of the components.” Then she turned and ran, her long legs moving fast as she dodged trees and disappeared. Virk’s vision was momentarily compromised as it became cloudy. In seconds, his night vision returned, and the Veletari was nowhere to be seen. Virk knew he wouldn’t find her this night. She had no idea what she had just done. For Virk would hunt her down if it were the last thing he’d ever do.

LURE OF THE CIMMERION

THE END www.SirenPublishing.com/ToniLMeilleur

AUTHOR’S BIO

Even though I am a former native of Chicago, I love it here in Michigan. An avid lover of books at an early age, I began writing poetry when I was eleven years old. It would take many, many years before I would gain enough discipline to write a novel and consequently seek out publication. After finding romance stories to be the genre I am most comfortable in, I had my first novel electronically published in 2006. Not only do I like writing, I also love working out. I am Ace Certified and work as a personal trainer, both in private practice and at a gym. In my spare time (and I do giggle at that phrase), I do theatre. I prefer roles that don't require a lot of speaking parts but mainly dance and chorus. Writing, training and theatre are three of my greatest loves in life, but none holds a candle to my two beautiful children.

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