Chimera King Box Set Books 1-3

by Atlas Kane

  Gemma left the campfire calm enough, and Cade saw she was more than a little proud she’d contributed to the night’s meal. The woman was a hunter, through and through, so he expected not to have to do as much in the future. She agreed to set up her bed near Sholl for the night, exempt from guard duty but sworn to keep an eye on their sick friend. The lizard man seemed friendly enough, but the mana was acting like a persistent poison within his body. Cade only hoped that with time it might dissipate and leave him be.

  After speaking with Pablo, Gemma finally knew the basics of Antinium’s odd system. Looting, inspecting items, and leveling up all were common knowledge to her now. In fact, before things had gotten ugly between the girls, she’d announced she was level two. That was good. They’d need to push her to advance as fast as possible, and gain more levels themselves as well. A showdown with Vormer was coming, and as surely as an ether storm, it was bound to be ugly.

  Satemi pushed against Cade’s shoulder and announced her plans for the evening. “It is time I go and speak with Minda. I will not have her acting foolishly. We need her spirit and her wits about this camp. I’ll be back shortly. It is her turn to pull the first guard shift, and I think I’ll give her a bit of my tongue as well. See you in the shelter. Go and rest Cade.”

  The woman was throwing around orders, and had been since the fight, but she didn’t come off as bossy. It was her way of caring, and she was right. Cade cleaned up the sticky mango mess and tossed the peels in the dwindling fire. Then he hobbled over to the shelter and crawled under the heap of furs there.

  He felt his body buzzing with nerves. It reminded him of how a car ticks for minutes after you turn it off, cooling down from being driven hard. And though he was exhausted, he didn’t immediately fall asleep. He thought of their predicament. They needed Mana Shards, of which they had only one. Vormer needed to go, and the other people who were trapped as his slaves had to be freed. But how to do any of it? Pablo might be able to help with some of their issues, so after the day of building defenses was over, he would have a long talk with the purple demon.

  At last, Cade felt himself begin to spin away from the waking world, the furs warmed by his body, and the camp heavy and silent. Then he heard the leather flap to the shelter open and a presence joined him. He lifted his fur, allowing Satemi to snuggle up. Sharing warmth was a reality in a situation like this one. Perhaps when the Town Interface was active they’d be able to make buildings with central heat. For now, furs and body heat was enough.

  A familiar scent met his nose, sweet and spiced cinders. Cade’s eyes opened in a flash, and he saw the glint of golden horns, a few threads of fire flickering through the gap in the shelter’s entrance.

  Ketzal was in the shelter with him.

  “Oh, hey. I wasn’t expecting you, Ketzal,” he said, his voice feeling suddenly thick.

  She was silent a moment, and he found himself wishing it were light enough to see her expression. I’m sorry. If you’d like, I can go and sleep near Gemma. I didn’t want to intrude, Ketzal replied in his thoughts.

  No, it’s not that. Not at all. Wanting to change the subject and avoid offending the demoness, he brought up another matter. So is it getting easier once more? The mind reading?

  A little. Wow, you should have heard what was going on in Minda’s little skull. She was furious. I think she was really going to fight Gemma.

  Cade sighed, thinking of the incident. So much venom and intensity. Reminded him of an old buddy he had who would notice every time someone stepped on his shoes or even smudged them. It was a hard thing to avoid in a bar or a club, and he’d tell Cade in a steely whisper, “If you wasn’t my homie, Cade, I’d beat your ass for that,” or, “Back in the day I’d deck your ass for that, Cade.” The words were threatening, but a glint of humor in the man’s eyes told him that he’d never attack a friend for no reason. They all had different lives before joining up, some simply harder than others.

  Cade left the war with PTSD, while others had brought it there with them, packed away in their rucksack alongside everything else.

  I’m sure they will work it out. Minda is reasonable. It has to do with Gemma’s coat. I guess things weren’t so perfect on her old world. I shouldn’t have assumed they were, Cade said, grateful to be able to speak with his thoughts. He was still tired, and the practice felt incredibly economical.

  Ketzal shifted in the furs, and Cade saw a curve of her shoulder, the orange light of the fire dancing around its edges. Sholl is not well. He has moments where his body fights back, and I think he will recover, but then they are followed by fits of illness. His whole body grows cold and I… Cade, I don’t know if he will survive. We don’t really even know who he is yet!

  Cade could feel the woman’s mind trembling at the thought of losing one of their own. Sholl was a recent addition to their village, but Camp Casmeer boasted seven villagers, and one had fleas and tusks growing from his dumb head.

  I feel I keep saying this, but Pablo might be able to help. I’ll speak with him in the morning, I promise. I don’t know how, but we’ll figure out a way to save him, okay? Then, Cade asked something that had been on his mind since seeing the fastidious care Ketzal gave their new guest. Ketzal, do you have feelings for Sholl? If you do, that is fine, I swear it. You and I have never—

  A hand touched his chest and his thoughts broke off. Cade, please don’t worry about that. I haven’t gone to sleep with Sholl this night. I’ve come here, and for a reason. The demoness inched closer, and Cade felt the length of her bare thigh brush against his.

  Oh, I didn’t mean to pry. I was just curious as to why you are so focused on his recovery. It looked as if you had a deeper connection forming. He silenced his thoughts, his mouth going dry and the beating of his heart filling his ears with a building tempo.

  Ketzal sighed, tracing her hand down his chest slightly. Her fingers were warm and soft, and giving in to the urge to touch her back, he settled for grasping her wrist. It was a delicate thing, gently formed and graceful as she was. The gesture seemed to ease the woman’s mind, and again she inched closer. Then she explained her mind at length.

  Cade, it was very strange being held captive in Tanrial. I wasn’t given the luxury of having my own mind and will, as you know. Yet I was given much more control of my thoughts and actions than any other. I think Vormer wanted me as his lover, but thankfully, his pride and ingrained culture insisted that demonkin are too foul to couple with. Because of his unspoken affection though, I could do as I pleased much of the time.

  Someone like Sholl though, was most likely tricked into his position as the Silver Guard. I saw how Vormer convinced a few newcomers into “taking the mask” as he liked to call it. Some new man or woman would show up through the portal, be issued to stand before him like you were. If they showed attitude and any spirit of rebellion, they were sent off on a mission they had little chance at surviving. That is what he did with you. But if they seemed eager to fit in, as most do, he would give a small display of the Silver Guard’s power. He’d offer them the gift of elite equipment and enhanced abilities. They would agree, wanting not only to impress the golden lion, but to improve their chances of survival.

  Once they swore fealty to Aten, he had them. Sholl was the first person I saw converted. He is young and not so strong-willed as you, Cade. The poor man had no chance.

  Her story broke off, and again she sighed.

  Cade took a chance and reached out, cupping her shoulder in his hand. “He’ll live, Ketzal. And we will bring him with us to free the others. Okay?” he said aloud, hoping the spoken words would feel more tangible, more believable. Cade realized he was saying them not only for her benefit.

  Running his hand down to her waist, he pulled her to him until their bodies were touching. Her skin was hot and smooth, and Cade nearly gasped aloud when he realized she was nude. His own clothing at the moment consisted only of the crudely made fur skirt that Satemi insisted was a loincloth, having doffed the top piece to th
e clothing. That reminded Cade of a weird Bohemian poncho, tufts of brown and white fur from a beast he’d never seen jutting from the pointed shoulder. Satemi’s skills as a seamstress were lacking, but the garments were warm and the only extras they had.

  How was the hunt? Cade pried, not sure exactly how to proceed other than further conversation.

  Ketzal turned her head to the side and pressed her cheek against his chest. It was a small moment, but one so fraught with sweetness and trust that Cade felt himself melt inside. Gods this woman is a treasure, he thought before wincing. She must have heard it for she wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a subtle squeeze.

  She answered his question, and he sensed she was nervous about where this night was headed as well. I quite enjoyed it. Not only am I getting better at commanding Bellows about, but the more I work with him, the more intelligent he is becoming I think. My Beast Caller Occupation has various degrees of mastery. Today, I gained a new rank. But what surprised me was how Bellows changed too. It is as if the Occupation affects him at the same time.

  Cade was fascinated by the idea. His Alchemical Engineering skill could consume his attention for an entire afternoon, but what Ketzal described was quite distinct from his experiences. And Gemma? How was she to travel with, to work with? Is she a skilled hunter?

  I believe so. Tracking and killing animals is not where my skills lie. Yet she took down two enormous turtle beasts we found near a spring. In only a few seconds, she’d killed them both. Somehow, her claws pierced the thick shells the turtles had. It was incredible to watch. But she is an interesting woman… Ketzal’s thoughts drifted a few moments, and Cade nearly urged her on when she continued. She wanted to go after a pack of boars, like Bellows. I would have agreed, but there were three of the beasts and all well above her level. Gemma is brave. I only fear she does not know her limits.

  She will in time, Cade said. Antinium will teach her all she needs to know. And given her boldness, I feel she might have a few things to teach Antinium.

  They shared a quiet laugh, and suddenly the moment felt right. Cade leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. Ketzal kissed him back softly, and for a few, quiet minutes, they kissed only with their lips. It was a gentle and endearing affection, and though the actions were subtle, Cade felt his blood surge within him.

  That was when the tent flap was thrown aside, and Satemi let out an epic sigh. For a moment, he was embarrassed, as if he’d been caught by a girlfriend for entertaining a lover. Yet Satemi had an agenda, he soon found out.

  She bore a small, fat-burning lamp they’d made in case a light was needed away from the campfire. It was a good deal safer than attempting to mix the Combustion Powder out in the open where a single spark could take his face off. She must have borrowed the one from his workstation then.

  Placing the lamp on a stool in the corner, Satemi glanced at the two of them, still interlocked and blinking up at her. She smiled, giving the slightest of nods. “I’m not here to interrupt,” she said, removing her armor and setting down her swords. “Please continue in fact. I am here to join, if you’ll have me.”

  Cade felt like he was a piece of wax that was suddenly thrust into a bonfire. How do I respond to that? he wondered, and looked to Ketzal. Do you mind?

  The demoness shook her head from side to side. No, I do not. Demons do not see gender as humans do. If you are not offended by our coupling, then I’m not either.

  “Okay, that sounds great,” he said aloud, immediately regretting his casual words.

  “Really laying the sexy on thick tonight, huh, Cade?” Satemi teased, her breeches’ own fur garments smacking against the shelter wall where she threw them. “Now, can I just slip in here behind you? Oh, now that is cozy.”

  The Amazon found her way under the furs and pressed herself against Cade’s back. Reaching down with both hands, the woman cupped his buttocks and gave him a nice squeeze. “You have a lovely ass, Cade. Don’t you think so too?” she asked the demoness who was smiling now, apparently excited the party had grown.

  “It is nice,” Ketzal said, nerves cutting her words short.

  “What’s the deal, Satemi? Are you okay? Last time, you were…” Cade tried and trailed off.

  “It was special last time. Tonight I am upset, stressed out, and quite frankly I am in need of some thorough attention. Now how about we end the talking. I’ve done enough of that today to last me a lifetime. I want you to do what you were doing when I first came in. Kiss her, Cade. Please.”

  The need and frustration in Satemi’s voice was relatable. He hadn’t realized how much the tension in camp was affecting her though. So he did as the woman asked. He kissed Ketzal once more, this time knowing there was an observer in the furs with them.

  Satemi didn’t lie back and watch them idly. The first thing she did was unfasten the fur loincloth she’d fashioned for him and toss it away from their bed. Then she traced her fingers up Cade’s back and across his shoulders. She wrapped her arms around his waist and touched Ketzal’s body as well. Moaning, he found out that the warrior was as keen on demoness beauty as he was. And what was there not to like?

  As Cade kissed Ketzal, his hands explored her shapely body. Where Minda and Satemi were firm, Ketzal was soft. Yielding and supple, she had a body any artist would die to paint. He ran his hands over the tumult of her hips, his mind reeling with her dimensions. More than once, she giggled hearing the unguarded thoughts that fell through his mind. Cade kneaded her backside, touching the intersection of her tail and spine with interest.

  While he did so, Cade learned what it felt like to have four hands upon him at once. It was more incredible than any dream he’d ever had. Ketzal clutched his neck with one hand, holding him close as their kisses became inflamed and complex. The other she kept pressed to his sternum, the tips of her fingers touching him lightly. Satemi moved behind him with the curiosity of a new lover. She explored the tender spaces inside his hips, gripped his thighs, massaging the day’s fatigue from the muscles there. And then finally, her lips pressed to his back, and a hand holding his ass, she reached around him and found his cock.

  He gave out an involuntary grunt, and she gripped him in her hand, biting down on the back of his shoulder at the same time. His reaction produced another from Ketzal. The demoness sighed, her plump mouth opening in excitement.

  Satemi’s nails dragged down his back, and then she was pulling his hip toward her. He rolled over and kissed Satemi, feeling Ketzal touch his back as affectionately as her companion. The demoness’ large breasts flattened on his back as she crushed herself to him. Satemi kissed him greedily, then pushed him flat on his back.

  She threw back the furs, the heat that had gathered around their bodies lifting up. Cade sighed in relief as his Lycan Metabolism was enough to make him sweat on his own some nights. But then he felt Satemi take him in her mouth. Sitting up on his elbows, he watched her move like a moth teasing a flame above him. Her eyes were fire, reflecting the lamp perfectly, and even Ketzal was mesmerized as the woman tasted him.

  But soon after, she held out a hand to Ketzal, and the demoness moved lower. They kissed above him, and a surge of incredible arousal poured down his legs. Satemi’s hand continued to tease his length as the two women kissed. It was not reserved and sweet, but passionate. Cade saw the outlines of their tongues at play, and he moaned to himself.

  Again, Satemi was the aggressor. She pulled away and looked Cade in the eyes. “I want to see you have her. Will you do so now?”

  Ketzal moved on her own, answering the woman before Cade uttered a single word. She turned and angled her ass in the air. Her sleek tail whipped from side to side, and she looked back at him, seeking his approval. He rose to his knees and moved toward her. As he approached her, she flexed her back more, flaring her backside. He could see the smooth skin below her ass, the plump folds of her sex. It glistened subtly in the lamplight, wet and inviting. No hair grew from her body, and Cade’s belly felt like it would shat
ter when he sidled up behind her.

  Satemi had moved to see them couple, her fingers rolling between her legs. She opened her mouth, and gasped as Cade pressed the tip of his manhood against Ketzal. He wanted to move slow, to enjoy the moment and make it last, but something took ahold of him. He smelled the demoness’ perfume, that unholy incense that always drove him wild. It was her scent, her musk, and she was calling him.

  He pressed into her, the tender lips parting gratefully. She gasped as he pushed forward, sheathing himself inside of her fully.

  Cade began to lift his pelvis, rock against her in a slow and steady rhythm. She was electric and scalding inside, and he focused his mind. Not too soon, he told himself. This is your first night with two gorgeous women. Keep it cool.

  Ketzal grinned at him savagely, hearing his every thought. She pressed back, grinding against him and making his predicament more dire by the moment. Then she did something he’d never experienced. “Hold still, Cade. Trust me.”

  He stopped moving, waiting for her to do whatever it was she planned. And then without shifting her hips, without tilting her pelvis, or even breaking her eyes away from his, she gripped him. A wave of motion stirred within Ketzal, and Cade groaned. It wasn’t just how her pussy was massaging every inch of him, but some other force was at work. It felt like his very life essence were being drained away, pulled from his belly, then lower, filling his root with power, only to pour out through his cock.

  Cade moaned louder, and he heard Satemi sigh in pleasure. “Slow down,” he begged, and the moment before he lost his grip on the world, she stilled her ministrations.

  After another moment, Ketzal rolled to her back gracefully and opened her thighs for him. “Come, Cade. Trust me. Even if it feels intense, just trust me, okay?”

  He nodded. There was nothing in this life he wanted more than to trust this woman. Whatever she had planned for him, whatever “intense” reality he would have to face, he would do so boldly. She urged him forward, and again, he slid within her. This time, Satemi moved to hold him around his waist. She gripped his cock and held it as he joined once more with Ketzal. All three of them gasped together, and Cade felt his mind reel.