Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5)

by Stephanie West

  She wound her way through the various cruisers, unsure of which to approach. Cygne spied a variety of breeds milling around outside the largest ship.

  I wouldn’t be too out of place among so many foreigners.

  Nervously she approached a scaly bald male at the base of the loading ramp. The uniformed male waved another passenger on board, tapped on his data-pad, then gave her his full attention. He didn’t seem shocked by her appearance, so Cygne forged on with her request.

  “I’m looking for passage. I really need to get out of Coutil. I don’t have any credits, but I can cook and clean,” she entreated.

  “It’s not really up to me. I’ll need to check with my boss.”

  Cygne nibbled her lip as the scaly male contacted the owner using his communicator.

  “Do we have room for another passenger?” He listened for a moment, then turned to her. “Where do you want to go?”

  “I don’t care. Anywhere, please.” Cygne bounced anxiously on her toes.

  “She doesn’t care. Oh, you heard.” The bald male nodded. “All right, I will show her to the room, and let everyone know we are preparing to take off.” He then ended the communication.

  “Thank you. Thank you,” Cygne trilled. She was shocked by her good fortune.

  “Right this way.”

  Cygne followed the scaly bald male through several winding passages in the belly of the ship, till they reached a door in a corridor lined with other doors.

  “Here we are.” He pointed into the room.

  Cygne gaped, dumbstruck by the massive luxurious chamber as she wandered inside. Her hand trailed over the giant bed. It had the silkiest sheets she’d ever felt.

  “Are you sure this is where I can stay?” She turned in circles.

  “Yes.” The scaly male smiled. “The boss is rather kind. The Sejle has become a temporary home to many passengers, since the boss is travelling the Legion galaxies anyway. My name is Lacerta if you need anything.”

  “Thank you, Lacerta. I’m Cygne.”

  “A pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy your trip,” he said with a deep bow, then left.

  Cygne bowed back with a smile. Lacerta was so hospitable, and his boss was obviously kind. She could hardly believe her luck.

  “Oh, winged wonder,” she exclaimed, letting her heartache take a backseat to elation as she surveyed the magnificent room again.

  Cygne kicked off her slippers and launched herself onto the bed. She jumped up and down in the gigantic bed, then flopped onto her belly with a giggle. Her arms and legs swam in the plush sea of satiny sheets.

  “Why, that must be the first winged fish I’ve ever seen.”

  She popped her head up to see a short, squat figure covered in brown hair standing in the doorway.

  “Um. Sorry.” Cygne stilled her foolish antics.

  “Don’t be. I didn’t mean to interrupt your swim,” he chuckled.

  She smiled at the comment. Like Lacerta, the furry male’s voice wasn’t biting, and his expression was easy.

  “This has to be the biggest chamber and bed I’ve ever seen.” She sat up in the middle of the mattress.

  “The Sejle is a nice vessel. Nascor.” The male pointed to himself.

  “Cygne. Nice to meet you.”

  “I heard you sing. You’re very good. You planning on seeking fame and fortune?”

  “Thank you.” She tucked her head in embarrassment. “No. I just needed to get away.”

  Cygne grew angry again as she thought about what happened. She didn’t blame the Olor males for the predicament she was in. It would’ve been nice to get to know others of her kind, if circumstances were different. If anything, she blamed the barrow dame. She worked hard, and gathered large crowds who paid good money to hear her sing. But that wasn’t enough.

  I’m glad I left, even if she had no idea where she was going.

  “That’s how many adventures begin.” Nascor nodded. “So, what do you want to do with yourself?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I could sing.” People seemed to appreciate her voice. Perhaps Nascor was on to something.

  “You really could do well. Would you like a tour before we take off?” Nascor held his furry hand out in welcoming gesture.

  “That would be nice.”

  Cygne stared in awe as they walked the passages. She’d been too nervous when Lacerta escorted her in. But now that she was more at ease, she took everything in. She’d never been on a space-faring vehicle. It was fascinating.

  The vessel called the Sejle had several levels. When they reached a broad shaft, she stepped onto the moving platform with Nascor, rather than flying to the next level.

  “The level you were on was mostly chambers. This one has the control room at that end. And here’s the dining hall.” Nascor gestured to a room filled with tables and chairs.

  There were other people milling about the large room. Some were like Nascor, others like Lacerta. There was also a pale gray breed with large dark eyes. Most of the people were carrying produce they purchased in Coutil. The owner of the ship was kind enough to offer passage, but that didn’t mean free meals.

  She frowned. “I didn’t bring credits or any food.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry about that,” Nascor commented as he showed her the ship’s scullery. “That looks tasty, Scando.”

  Scando, who looked like Nascor, was busily cutting up a juicy melon.

  “Keep your furry hands to yourself, but I am willing to share with the female.” Scando smiled, showing off rows of pointy teeth.

  “See,” Nascor snickered. “I doubt you’ll starve.”

  “That’s terribly kind of you. I’m happy to help in whatever way I can,” Cygne offered, not wanting to be a burden to her generous new furry friends.

  “Take your seats and prepare for lift-off,” a voice announced over a speaker.

  “Let’s go to the observation lounge. That’ll be a much better view for take-off,” Nascor suggested.

  Cygne nodded as she followed the furry male to the nearby sitting room. There were half a dozen people already there. The room took up the entire rear of this level. It boasted an impressive view that would only get better when the ship took off.

  “Have a seat.” Nascor pointed to a high-back swivel chair.

  Cygne sat and turned toward the large window. Nervous excitement filled her as she looked out at Coutil and the jungle beyond.

  Am I making the right decision? She nibbled her lip.

  The ground started to recede, and she realized it was too late to change her mind. The jungle grew smaller and smaller, till it was obscured by the clouds. Then the hazy white shifted to unending dark space when they broke through the atmosphere. It was a stunning sight. This was the closest she’d ever been to the stars.

  I guess I really am from somewhere out there. Cygne placed her hand against the glass.

  She’d learned so many enlightening things in the last day. And though she ached about leaving Focario, her mater, and the lush valley where she played as a hatchling, she was excited to see what awaited in the universe.

  Cygne smirked at her deathly pale reflection in the glass, then noticed movement behind her. Her mouth opened in disbelief as the five ridiculously handsome winged males entered the observation lounge.

  You picked the same ship they’re on! Cygne ducked low in her seat. She was trapped on a ship with the very people who sent her running from her home. I can’t catch a break.

  “I think I’m heading back to my room,” Cygne told her new friend, as she pulled her cape tighter around her. “It was nice to meet you, Nascor. Thank you for the tour. I’ll find you later.”

  “All right. Join me for the morning meal if you like, Cygne.”

  Cygne kept a wary eye on the Olor males reflected in the window as she worked her way around the observation lounge. Although a part of her wanted to get to know them, another part of her was terrified of what they wanted from her.

  She made it ou
t of the lounge without being seen, and back to the level where her room was. Cygne wandered down the corridor, but all the doors looked alike. She rounded the corner, headed down the parallel passage, then stopped in front of a room that appeared promising. As she studied the nondescript door, movement captured her attention. Cygne glanced up to see Akiva, Tynan and Severin coming her way. They’d spotted her and were closing in.

  Open. Open. She couldn’t get the door open fast enough. It probably wasn’t even the right one.

  She spun around to flee, her heart beating out of her chest, and ran right into an imposing rock-hard chest. Cygne stumbled back against the door. She looked up, up, up, at Kaede with his commanding midnight blue wings. Her gaze darted to his ruddy companion, Meir, looming way too close for comfort. Her head swiveled toward the others, as their shadows fell across her shoulder.

  The disconcerting way the massive males surrounded her, and why they sought her out were overwhelming. Cygne desperately tried to muffle her staccato breath, but it still came out in rapid pants. She practically fell into the room when the door slid open.

  “I’m glad you decided to join us on our ship,” the dark-haired Kaede said, as the males stalked after her. “I hope my room is to your liking.”

  This is their ship. I’m staying in his room. Her eyes widened further.

  Cygne started to tremble as it dawned on her how she’d be expected to earn her keep on this voyage. The barrow dame made promises to these males; promises they expected her to uphold. Cygne thought she was escaping that daunting prospect, only to stumble right into their grasp. And now that they were in orbit, there was no getting away.

  Even if she could escape, what would be the point? Cygne was tired of running all the time. She’d been running her whole life. She couldn’t do it anymore. And now that she’d finally met others like her, this was her chance to learn about her people, even if the cost was great.

  She glanced from Kaede to Severin, Meir, Akiva, and Tynan, as they surrounded her. Apparently, they didn’t care she was so homely. At least their expressions weren’t twisted in disgust as they silently regarded her. That helped make up her mind. Cygne could imagine any one of them being her mate. She’d dwell on that pleasant delusion, and hopefully they would be gentle with her.

  Cygne took several deep breaths as she removed her cape with trembling hands, hooked the straps on her gown, and let it drop to the floor.

  5

  A Bird in Hand

  “Being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swan’s egg.” Hans Christian Andersen

  * * *

  Cygne hadn’t been naked around anyone since she was a hatchling. Her white wings reflexively wrapped tight around her body. There was something predatorial about the way they studied her, compelling Cygne to return the rapt gaze. She didn’t dare turn her back on the five males. Although her feathered pinions mostly hid her, it felt like they could see right through them. A funny feeling struck low in her stomach, and her nipples suddenly ached. It was a new and unnerving sensation.

  “You honor me and my broodmates.” Kaede’s voice was velvety smooth, making her shiver as the odd feelings multiplied.

  “She is not entirely pale. Did you see how pink her nipples were?” Meir’s voice was reverent.

  “I bet your cunny is just as pink, and sweet as a berry,” Akiva groaned.

  Although Cygne made up her mind to give into their wants, their blatant appraisal and her body’s confusing response sent her shrinking back, till she unwittingly bumped into the bed, and fell on her butt.

  “Easy, little songbird.” Tynan was so tall Cygne had to look way up to make eye contact. Something she couldn’t name swam in his blue-green eyes.

  Akiva captured her attention when he approached her right side. He scented of something fresh and woodsy. Cygne swung her attention to Meir and Severin as they knelt at her feet. She swiveled around when she felt the bed dip behind her. Kneeling, Kaede was still a daunting sight with his dark wings arching upward as he loomed at her back. Cygne’s breath sped up, heaving out in rapid pants.

  Rather than grip her roughly, like she’d seen males do in the tavern, Kaede began running his fingers through her long, pale hair. He gently rubbed Cygne’s stiff neck, coaxing her head to ease back into his capable hands. It felt surprisingly good the way he massaged her scalp and neck. The tension she felt moments ago drifted into the background.

  “That feels nice,” she admitted with a sigh.

  “Good,” Kaede purred.

  His deep voice coiled around her as his fingers worked on the knots in her shoulders. A frisson of heat suffused her body, making her nipples stiffen into little points. Someone touched her ankle, and she jumped. Her arms and wings reflexively wrapped tighter around her body. She’d forgotten where she was and what was going on, but now was painfully aware again.

  “I’m just taking off your slipper.” Severin smiled as he removed the shoe and started to massage her bare foot.

  Tynan and Akiva gently eased her wings open. Cygne resisted briefly, then pushed down the panic and vulnerable feelings that arose. She let her pinions relax, again baring her naked body to view. Their strong yet gentle fingers enveloped her much smaller ones as they massaged her palms with firm circles. Severin, Meir, Tynan and Akiva massaged each limb as Kaede rubbed her neck and shoulders. Once she got past the initial trepidation, it was the most glorious thing she’d ever experienced, especially after cleaning most of the day.

  “Such cute little toes,” Meir commented, as he stroked her instep, while her foot rested in his lap.

  Cygne jumped. It was hard not to. Her skin was so sensitive, but that spot especially so.

  “Ticklish?” He cast her an ornery smile, his amber eyes twinkling with mischief.

  “Ignore him.” Severin’s large hands kneaded the muscle of her calf.

  “And look at these delicate fingers.” Akiva rolled his thumb around her palm, gently stroking down each finger.

  Cygne couldn’t help getting lost to the sensations coursing through her. She closed her eyes and soaked it in. It was hard to catalog what she was feeling, but she never wanted it to stop. This wasn’t nearly as bad as she made it out to be in her mind. Her eyes flew open when a pair of lips grazed the side of her neck.

  “Kaede?” she whispered, as the feelings of uncertainty again surfaced.

  “Aye, Cygne.” His hot breath skated over the shell of her ear, making her tremble.

  She didn’t know what to say, or what she’d been asking. The fluttery feeling in her stomach grew. Cygne tried to rub her thighs together to ease the building ache, but Severin and Meir held her feet captive.

  Cygne gasped when Kaede tipped her head back, and his mouth possessed hers. No one had ever done this; she didn’t know what to do. Kaede’s full lips brushed against hers, gentle at first, then with more pressure. His teeth gently captured her bottom lip, sending an unexpected thrill coursing through her. Kaede’s tongue slid along the seam of her mouth, and she parted her lips. He delved in, running his tongue over her blunt teeth. Kaede tasted like fruit, watery and sweet. Cygne moaned in delight. Her tongue followed his, when it retreated. She tentatively touched the tip of her tongue to his, and Kaede groaned in encouragement. Emboldened, she leaned in as she explored the cavern of his mouth.

  Her breath burst out when Akiva kissed the inside of her wrist. Tyson joined in, sucking her index finger into his mouth. With each strong pull, a responding twinge echoed in her nipples. Akiva worked his way up her arm, then continued pressing open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone.

  Cygne couldn’t see who was easing her knees open as Kaede continued to drink from her lips. Her breath came out staccato when two pairs of hands massaged her knees.

  “She smells so unbelievable.”

  Cygne jumped when Meir’s breath hit the inside of her knee. He was uncomfortably close to the apex of her thighs. She squirmed out of their grasp. This was too much. Too many new th
ings were bombarding her all at once. She scrambled off the bed just so she could catch her breath. Cygne stood panting, staring at the five males.

  “What is wrong?”

  “I-I’ve never done this,” she replied to Severin.

  “What do you mean?” Kaede, who seemed to be the natural leader in the group, slowly stepped forward.

  “I’ve never been with a male.” Her chin quivered.

  The five males looked shocked by her admission. Considering the place they found her in, she admitted it was surprising news. Still, the handsome males should’ve known from looking at her. They glanced from one to another. The glint that reflected in their eyes had Cygne backing up further. She hated feeling vulnerable.

  “Easy, Cygne.” Akiva held up his hands. “You have nothing to fear from us.” He waved to his companions.

  “She’s untouched,” Tynan groaned. “I imagine she fears the gentling,” he gruffly contradicted his friend.

  Kaede captured both her hands and held them against his chest. She could feel his heart beat, beneath the mass of muscle and fabric of his shirt. He leaned in and placed his lips to her ear.

  “You ensnared us the moment we heard you sing. And now that we have you, songbird, we don’t plan to let you go. But I promise you nothing but pleasure,” he husked.

  Kaede moved to her back, and wrapped his arms around her, to keep Cygne from fleeing.

  Cygne’s eyes widened when Tynan peeled off his shirt. He had smooth skin, and so many muscles. Tynan snared her hands again, and pressed them against the pair of hard muscles on his chest. Her attention drifted to the stacked flesh that lined his stomach. Tynan smoothed her hands downward, following her gaze. Cygne’s fingers traced the valleys and ridges. With the other hand, she reached up and touched the blond stubble on his chin. It felt scratchy against her palm.

  “I like that,” Tynan husked, and leaned into her touch.

  Severin captured her other hand, and brought it to his bare chest. She hadn’t noticed when he shed his shirt. He was narrower in the shoulders than Tynan, and slightly shorter, but with just as much definition in his chest. Her fingers moved of their own will, feeling the differences and similarities between the two males, before boldly moving on. Meir was shorter than the others, but wiry. He felt warmer beneath her fingertips. Akiva closed his eyes when she ran her fingers through his long blond hair, then caressed his green wings. He trembled beneath her fingertips as she explored. He was just as undone by her touch as she was theirs. Touching a male like this was unfamiliar. Cygne had no idea it would be so thrilling. She liked the feelings their touch incited, and yet it still frightened her. It was hard rectifying her conflicting emotions.