Chapter 7
At sunrise the next morning, Miki dragged her along on a hunting-and-gathering party. She was curious to see more of the planet. With her clothes on this time. They bundled in warm cloaks and slung gray-striped leather satchels across their shoulders. Everything was striped here. She made a mental note to ask Kesuk why at dinner this evening.
That thought brought her up short. This outing was also a convenient way to escape Kesuk. He hadn’t been in bed when she woke up this morning, and he hadn’t bothered to leave a note about where he’d gone so early. She didn’t really want to see him after they’d shredded each other last night. She’d said more than she should have about her family history. Her heart gave a painful squeeze. What an awful mess.
Miki thrust her hand into Jain’s and pulled her as fast as her little legs could go. “Jain! Come on, we must keep up.”
“All right, I’m coming. Hold your horses.” At least spending time with Miki was guaranteed to lift her dark mood.
“We need to stay with the guards. There are predators at Thaw.”
“Have you ever seen one of the predators?” She swallowed, glancing around, grateful for the full contingent of Kesuk’s huge guards.
“Yes, but I’ve never seen a horse. What is it? Why do you have to hold it?”
Squeezing the girl’s hand, Jain laughed. “It’s an expression that means don’t be impatient.”
Miki wrinkled her pert little nose. “I don’t think I like horses.”
Soon they were spread out in a small clearing, chattering, laughing, Miki showing Jain how to pick fresh berries.
“This one. It’s the very best one this Turn.” Miki held up a tiny plum-colored berry between her fingers before popping it into her mouth and chewing with exaggerated delight. She’d declared the same thing about almost every fruit she’d picked.
“If you don’t stop eating the very best ones, how will anyone know you found any at all?”
Miki grinned. “I’ll tell them. Oh, but this one. It’s the very b—”
A high-pitched scream of animal pain rent the air, raising chills down Jain’s arms. Her head whipped around to see one of the guards go down in a spray of crimson blood and gore on the white snow. A huge gray tiger-striped animal pounced on his chest, fangs bared. It was vaguely the shape of an Earthan wolf but nearly the same size as Kesuk in his bear form.
Jain gasped. “Oh, God.”
“Come, Jain, back to the caves. They hunt in packs!” Again, Miki grasped Jain’s hand tight, pulling hard.
Women and children ran and screamed, dumping their satchels and changing into bear form to run faster.
“Go, Miki!” Jain ran behind the girl, making sure she kept up as they followed the line of Arctic bears. Adrenaline sang in her veins. Her heart pounded as her arms and legs pumped hard, kicking up snow behind her. Roaring sounded from the clearing they’d left behind.
They skidded through loose gravel alongside the steep ravine that led to the back entrance of Sea Den. Suddenly, Miki lost her footing and dropped over the side.
“Miki!” Jain dove for the girl, catching her hand and keeping her from falling to the rocks below. Miki’s wide, frightened eyes locked with hers as her desperate grip tightened. Her dark irises disappeared as the black spread to touch the corners of her eyes.
“Don’t let go!” Miki’s nose turned black and started to elongate, her breath panting out. She grew heavier by the second as she started to shift forms.
“I won’t, honey. But I can’t hold you if you change into a bear, okay? I’ve got you. It’s okay,” she soothed.
Miki whimpered, but her nose resumed its human shape. “Okay. Okay. Can you pull me up?”
“Yeah.” Jain grunted and shimmied backward over the gravel. Small rocks scraped the skin on her stomach as her short tunic rode up. She wrapped her free hand around a protruding rock, ignoring the bite into her bare flesh, because it kept her from sliding into the ravine. Miki hefted her torso over the lip of the crevice, and then curled up her knee to hoist herself the rest of the way. She flopped over on her back, panting.
“Come on, sweetie. We need to hurry.” Jain pushed onto her knees, intending to pull the two of them to their feet.
Miki sat up, sniffing the air before her gaze focused over Jain’s shoulder. “Get down.”
Jain hit the ground, hunching over Miki as a hulking dark shape flew over their heads and down the side of the ravine. The predator scrabbled for purchase, growling and leaping for the top. Its loud baying would bring more if they hunted together. Where the hell were all their guards?
Jain hauled Miki into her arms, sprinting for the nearest tree with low limbs. It was a young sapling, but it looked like it could hold them. If the predators were like the wolves on Earth, they wouldn’t be able to climb a tree. She hoped.
The predator topped the edge of the ravine and hurtled toward them at astonishing speed. Oh, God.
She shoved Miki onto the lowest branch. “Climb up!”
After Miki hefted herself up to the next branch, Jain jumped to catch her elbows over the branch. She’d always been awful at chin-ups in school. Her booted toes kicked into the tree trunk, giving her purchase so she could haul her left knee up. Something snapped around her right ankle, yanking her back, her chin scraping on the bark. She caught the branch with her hands, and it bowed under the combined weight of her and the predator.
“Jain!” Miki shrieked.
Jain screamed, panicking as the predator’s teeth bit into the tough leather of her boot with crushing force. She swung wildly, fighting to hold on to the branch. Looking over her shoulder, she could see the evil thing’s yellow eyes. Drawing her free foot back, she aimed for the tip of its snout. She connected, hard.
The predator yowled and dropped her foot, shaking its head madly. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she hauled herself back up onto the branch. She sobbed for air, bouncing on her good foot and forcing herself to climb up and up, away from the predator.
“K-keep going, Miki. High as you can.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes. Just c-climb, sweetie.” Jain pulled herself as high as she could before the slim branches began bowing under her weight. That put her only about thirty feet above the ground, and the little tree shook as the predator hurled itself at the base. She straddled a branch and tugged Miki down in front of her, wrapping her arms around the trunk to secure them in place. Bark bit into her fingers, and the branch chafed her inner thighs. The pungent aroma of tree sap filled the air as leaves and twigs broke away.
A second predator joined the first, circling the tree, baying eerily. The hairs stood up on the back of Jain’s neck, and she prayed harder than she ever had before. Please, let the guards be all right and on their way to help. Please let Kesuk come. Her ankle throbbed, and she squeezed her eyes shut, not wanting to watch as the predators hurled their combined weight against the slender trunk. The budding leaves shivered at each impact.
A deep roar sounded in the distance. More must be coming. What the hell was she doing here? She didn’t want to be mauled and eaten by some freakish wolf-tiger beastie. She bit back a sob, pulling air in through her nose to calm her erratic breathing, coughing as she sucked pollen into her airway.
“Make them go away, Jain.” Miki whimpered, her tiny fingers forming claws to dig into the tree. Jain couldn’t think of a single comforting thing to say, so she just hugged her close and held on for dear life. They weren’t getting her out of this tree until they knocked the damn thing over.
The roaring came closer, almost upon them. She turned her head in the direction of the clearing, watching to see how many predators would come. Instead, a massive Arctic bear broke through the line of trees, followed by four more. It let out a bellowing roar, leaping forward with claws extended and fangs bared, galloping for the nearest predator. The two met with a loud crunch of bone and sinew, two huge animals locked in combat.
“Kesuk,” Jain breathed. The two rolled away, and she strained to see what was going on, careful not to lose her balance.
Terrifying growls, squeals, and grunts exploded from the two fighters. They reared back on hind legs to slash at each other with tooth and claw. The predator slammed Kesuk over, and they spun sideways through the snow before crashing into the base of the tree. Jain squashed Miki against the tree as the wild swaying started to crack the trunk. The whole tree began to give way as half of the roots tore from the ground. The two hit the slim tree again and again, the impact of fangs on flesh audible as they ripped into each other.
As quickly as it had begun, it stopped. Everything was silent.
“Papa!” Miki tried to dive down, but Jain held her still.
Groaning, Kesuk heaved away from the still predator. Blood matted his white fur. He shook hard from head to tail before approaching the foot of the tree. The predator’s fleeing pack mate was easily overtaken by the other bears and dragged to the ground. Jain looked away—she didn’t want to see anymore.
Come down now. It’s safe. Kesuk’s thoughts echoed in her mind.
She eased her cramped grip on the trunk and scooted back to let a straining Miki down first. The girl made short work of the climb down, landing on her father’s back and chattering about how she hadn’t been scared and how exciting it was and how Jain had saved her from the big, bad predators.
Jain followed more slowly, the ache in her ankle becoming more pronounced. Adrenaline still pumped through her system, making her hands and legs shake. She reached the lowest branch and bent to grasp it, lowering herself to dangle a foot from the ground. Bracing herself for the pain, she dropped down. Gasping as her ankle nearly buckled, she stumbled back against the trunk.
Jain?
“I’m fine.” She straightened, laying a hand on the dense fur on Kesuk’s back while his now human and very naked warriors gathered their silver-and-black striped kill. Well, at least she knew now why almost everything they wore was striped.
Shaking that inane thought away, she turned toward Sea Den and began the long, slow walk back, careful to pick her way through the rocks and gravel so she didn’t worsen her ankle by twisting it. A large young bear pulled alongside her, nudging her hand with his nose until she used his shoulder for balance. She suspected it was Imnek but couldn’t be sure and didn’t ask, because she was so focused on getting back in one piece. Miki, now in her bear form, gamboled ahead of them, pouncing into snowdrifts.
Steam rose from the large tub, the heated water lapping around Jain’s thighs and buttocks as she lowered herself into her bath. A low moan slid from her lips at the sensuous delight of the water on her skin. The stiffness eased from her calf and ankle, and she flexed the joint. Sighing, she leaned back against the rim and tried to relax.
The fear she’d felt this afternoon was not something she’d soon forget. How had these people survived so long with those things hunting them? Why had they settled this planet if they hadn’t been able to eradicate such a threat? Back on Earth, she’d heard reports of whole settlements being wiped away without a trace. Now she understood why.
She tapped restlessly against the sides of the tub, water sloshing as she shifted. Sighing, she gave up trying to relax and attempted to leverage herself out of the tub. She was still too keyed up from the adrenaline rush. She was still half in, half out of the water when the door slammed back against the wall, making her jump.
Kesuk stood there naked, having just shifted. His eyes were still black from corner to corner, and something wild and dangerous lurked in his gaze. Her stomach fluttered, breath speeding with anticipation. Sharp desire rushed through her, peaking her nipples, dampening her pussy, readying her for penetration.
He kicked the door shut behind him with one foot as he advanced across the room. “I won’t be gentle.”
“I don’t want you to be.” No, she wanted him fast and hard, to burn off the terror she’d experienced today. Knowing what he needed, what she needed, she lifted her arms in invitation.
Never hesitating, he scooped her out of the tub, dripping water all over the floor. She ignored the mess, thrusting her fingers into his hair, pulling his lips to hers. They bit and nipped at each other, and she dragged her teeth hard over his bottom lip.
Setting her on the edge of her side table, he lifted her knees, pushing between her thighs. “Lean back,” he rasped.
She reclined on her hands, widened her legs for him, arching hard as he jerked her pussy lips apart to thrust into her. He started a fast, deep rhythm, pumping into her hot channel.
They fell on each other with a desperation she’d never expected. Beads of bathwater rolled down her arms and legs, making her slide on the table. Her head rested against the wall, her neck tensing as she moved with his thrusts. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes, slipped unchecked down her cheeks, the emotions of the day pushing forward until she couldn’t contain them anymore.
He was hitting her just right, and she was screaming, the sound too loud to her ears, but she didn’t care anymore. Her fingers wrapped around the edge of the polished wood table, and she pressed her pelvis up to meet his hard thrusts. He pulled her knees higher on his hips, pistoning deep, faster and faster.
“I’m coming!” Her hips froze midair, legs tensing as her pussy spasmed once around his cock. His thrusts became deep and wild as they raced each other to orgasm, their eyes locked, riding the storm together.
She imploded, her sex milking the length of his dick in rhythmic pulses. His fangs slid out and he roared as he came, his head thrown back, the muscles on his neck and shoulder tensing. His hands clamped on her ass, pulling her closer, pressing his cock as deep inside her as she could handle. Then he sighed, relaxing, his forehead dropping to rest on her chest.
The drag of his hot flesh in hers as he slid out of her made her pussy clench on his dick. He groaned, thrust against her cervix hard and pushed her into an aftershock of climax. She shuddered, clinging to his shoulders. Backing away, he slid an arm under her legs, lifting her against his chest. A few steps and he laid her across the bed, settling beside her.
He feathered his fingers down her legs, making her shiver at the light touch. She eased her thighs apart a little, hoping to encourage further exploration. His fingers circled her injured ankle, and she flinched from the touch. She could walk on it, but it was bruised.
“Did I hurt you before?” Concern creased his forehead as he examined her leg.
“No. It’s just sore. Really.” He wasn’t going to stop for the night, was he? He’d never stopped at one orgasm before. She felt cheated.
“Hmm…I think you need to keep this ankle elevated.” He flashed a wicked little grin, and her heart turned over. God, she adored being around him. Just in these small moments between them. How he teased her and made her laugh. Maybe even when he made her mad. Even when she wanted to kick his ass, she knew he cared. Her problems mattered to him. She had a very short list of people in her life she could say that about. Plus, sex with him was the best she’d ever had. She smiled back at him. Nope, she couldn’t forget the great sex.
Still grinning, he propped her legs on his shoulders and kissed his way down her good leg to swirl his tongue under her knee. She moaned, surprised that was such a sensitive area. He nipped the soft flesh, and an echoing fire flashed between her legs. As always, she was hot for him within two seconds. She didn’t think she’d ever get used to it.
“Put your hands above your head.”
“Yes, master.” She smirked, but stretched her arms up, locking one hand over her opposite wrist.
“I see you’re learning your place here.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but when he shifted suddenly, pressing his cock deep into her wet pussy, all that emerged from her throat was a low moan.
He grasped her thighs, controlling her movements, pumping so slowly she wanted to scream. The angle was amazing. It was so tight. Rolling his hips, he increased the friction, slipping one hand down to flit over her swollen clitoris.
She strained upward, her hand tight on her wrist. “Please let me touch you, Kesuk. Please, I want—”
Begging, little bear? I like that. Do it again.
“Please.” Her hips bucked, but his hand moved from her clit to press down on her belly, staying her movements, making her sob in frustration. “Go faster, deeper, something.”
Chuckling, he resumed his lazy circling of her wet flesh, pushing into her, pulling away. She clamped her pussy on his cock, squeezing tight with each thrust until he groaned. Grinning, she watched his control slip. His breath hissed and his fangs slid out.
“Jain,” he growled.
“Yes?” She kept her tone as sweet and innocent as she could, but she knew her wide grin gave her away.
His next thrust slapped against her and she gasped. Hot pleasure rolled through her. Her legs flexed to meet his next push. He slapped the fleshy part of her upper thigh, the shock thrusting her into orgasm.
“Kesuk!”
But he wasn’t listening. He’d lost all control. His eyes were solid black, and he pounded roughly into her, consumed by his own needs. He threw back his head and roared his finish, filling her with his hot seed.
He collapsed beside her, panting. He turned her on her side and then buried his face in her hair, each breath fluttering the short strands. His arms tightened around her, pulling her back against his chest, cradling her to him.
She fought the sudden tears pressing against her lids because she felt…safe. Right here on this barbaric, backward planet with this uncivilized man.
“I thought I’d lost you. That I failed you.” His harsh whisper seemed to echo in the chamber. “You and Miki. I thought…” He swallowed, shook his head, and stopped speaking.
“You didn’t.” She turned to face him, laid a hand on his cheek, smoothing her fingers over his strong jaw.
“I could have. In a few more moments—” He leaned his forehead against hers, shuddering, his breathing ragged.
Stroking his shoulder, she tried to comfort him. “It didn’t happen. You can’t control everything, remember?”
He chuckled. “My own words used against me.”
“Used for you. You were right.” Her fingers slipped into his hair.
“Truly? Say it again, little bear. My ears must be deceiving me.”
“Shut up!” She laughed, bucking away from him.
Planting his palm in the middle of her back, he arched her torso toward him, dipping to suck her nipple.
“Ah!” Clenching her fingers in his hair, she pulled him closer.
He bit and released her nipple, just rough enough to make her moan, pulling as much of her small breast into his mouth as he could. His stubble scraped at the soft underside. She hooked her leg over his thigh, opening herself to his thick cock.
A crisp knock interrupted them, and they both groaned.
“If it’s one of my soldiers, he’ll be on night duty for a full Turn.” Kesuk reared up, his still-hard cock bouncing in the air.
A sleek man with dramatic black-striped auburn hair walked in without waiting for permission. His kohl-rimmed gaze took in the entire situation, including Jain’s blushing cheeks. Everything about the man was golden, including his skin, his eyes, and the thick loop in his ear. What appeared to be faded henna tattoos curved in stripes over his forearms.
Kesuk gave a warning growl before jerking the pelts over Jain. “You have a great deal of nerve coming in here, cat king.”
“The correct term is Amir, and felines are known for their arrogance. I am no exception.” The golden man favored her with a charming smile. His pupils were slitted like a cat’s. Fascinating.
Forgetting to be embarrassed, she held out her hand. “Hello. I’m Jain.”
“So you’re the lovely woman who’s caused such a fuss. I am the Amir Varad Mohan.” Ignoring Kesuk, he swept her hand to his lips.
“Are you really a cat king? They were just considering gene-splicing experiments with Siberian tigers when I left Earth.”
“Yes, tigers were successfully spliced. The king of the jungle, as it were.”
“That was lions.”
“I don’t see any lions left. They abandoned the throne.” His golden eyes twinkled in good humor, and she liked him immediately.
Five minutes later, Kesuk padded naked to his own room with Varad on his heels.
“My apologies for interrupting, Lord Kesuk. I wished to warn you—”
He glanced back. “Warn me? Of what?”
The weretiger’s hands spread. “The Aquatilian ambassador accompanied me on this voyage. He awaits us in your main hall.”
A growl rose in Kesuk’s throat. “He should have remained on the ship. He has no business here.”
“He wants to collect the humans.”
He frowned, shooting a quick glance at the other man. “The humans? There is only one.”
“No, there is a second. She was at High Den.”
“What did you have to trade to get her?” Browns were notorious in their wily dealings, so much so that he was amazed they had parted with the other human at all. Especially if she was as attractive as Jain.
“Nothing. They thanked me for taking her. She is not as…amiable as your human.”
“Mine?” He missed a step, the blow hitting him hard. Jain. He braced an arm against the wall, trying to catch his breath. A hard hand closed over his shoulder.
“I am sorry, my friend.”
Kesuk shook Varad off. “I’m fine. I knew this day would come. I planned to send her with you when you came.”
“Not everything goes according to plan. Keep her if you wish. Unless my instincts deceive me, the lady would remain if you ask.”
“No. She is not suited for this world.” If he said the words enough, he would believe them. He had to. It was his duty to do what was best for those under his protection. Look how close he had come to losing her this day. He shook his head. He couldn’t keep her, and she would be safer hidden under the oceans of Aquatilis.
“Kesuk—”
“I will join you shortly. I must dress.”