“Can I sleep with you too?”
“No, my darling, I’m afraid not.” Melita laughed.
Lucian stuck out his lower lip in a pout. “It’s not even nighttime yet.”
Thereus grunted as he got out of the bed, changed to centaur form, and treaded to the drapes. He yanked one back. “Bloody he—” His focus flashed to Lucian, then Melita before he cleared his throat. “Uh, I mean, I never sleep this long, or during the day, for that matter.” He cast a heated stare in her direction. Was he recalling what caused him to become so exhausted?
A small voice inside her panicked, so she embraced her son for a minute longer, using him as a shield against his father’s powerful lust. What had she done? Not only had they pleasured each other, she’d revealed far too much about herself. Her past.
Instead of sating him, she’d made him hungrier. From how his gaze devoured her, he’d demand more. More of her body and her secrets.
She was too weak to push him away. He only had to peer at her and she would give him the world. Her world.
She must make a decision. Telling him the truth terrified her. Although, if he loved her… Yes, if she earned his love, he might protect her. Forgive her.
It wouldn’t be easy. Taming a centaur as wild as Thereus was a daunting task. She’d have to use every nymph weapon at her disposal. Everything she’d learned about centaurs. She must appeal to every side of him—Lucian to draw out his familial desires, the village to encourage his sense of duty, and her body—because centaurs were nothing if not creatures of carnality.
Once, she’d given everything to him and he’d discarded her immediately afterward. If she had any hope of survival, she’d need him to thirst for her so badly once would never be enough. He’d have to claim her every day for the rest of his life just to slake his appetite.
He flashed her a grin. “Why don’t I have the cook prepare us a nice meal?”
She smiled back at him. “Sounds lovely.” After he strode off, she rang for a maid to fetch her clothes.
Alkippe delivered them, her eyes sparkling as she spotted Melita nude in her husband’s bed. “Well, milady?” Her brow cocked mischievously.
She blushed under the centauress’s scrutiny. “You may put that eyebrow back where it belongs, Alkippe. What you are thinking happened, did not.”
“Oh? You can’t fool my nose, Melita. Something happened. His scent is all over you.” Alkippe smiled smugly. Damn centaur noses. Melita couldn’t deny it. She required her friend’s help now as much as ever.
“Yes, something did happen. You won me to your cause.” Mostly. Well, everything except the bonding. Such nonsense.
Alkippe clapped her hands in delight. “Wonderful, child, oh yes, you deserve this. Thereus, too. You’ll make each other so happy, I know it.”
She hopped out of the bed and into the dress Alkippe presented. “Stop celebrating. I’m going along with your plan. However, it doesn’t mean I can live this lie forever.” Her attention flicked to her son, who played with his toy figurines behind the drapes on the window seat. The focused chatter between his toys meant he paid no heed to their conversation.
Addressing her friend in hushed tones, she added, “I must tell him the truth eventually.” She held up her hand against the storm of objections on Alkippe’s tongue. “No, my dear friend. I will do as you say and attempt to earn his affection, in hopes that when I confess, he’ll show mercy. You know centaur law as well as I. This,” she swept her hand across her body in Kalliste’s clothes, “is treason. It will go better for me if I am honest. Besides, someday Lucian deserves the truth. I owe Kalliste that much, if not more.”
The truth she hadn’t told Thereus blistered inside her. Kalliste had stormed into the room when Philaeus’s soldiers forced her hand to pleasure them. She’d stopped them short of rape and ensured they never touched her again. Kalliste had insisted Melita accompany her to Westgard, and in doing so, had saved her from a torturous fate beneath Philaeus’s cruel hand.
Kalliste had shown Melita great kindness, and it was a debt she’d never repay.
“Of course, my Lady.” The centauress’s shoulders sagged and her voice was gentle as she laced Melita’s corset. “If it is what you wish. I pray the gods bond you to him and save us both.”
“I will deny your guilt in this. Even with my last breath,” she whispered over her shoulder.
Alkippe sighed. “And I will do the same, my Lady. I will do the same.”
***
Thereus reclined at the table, in human form, basking in the scene before him. His beautiful wife at his side, their son beside her. Lucian chattered on about the adventures he’d had while his parents had been asleep. His mother smiled and laughed, asking him questions and making exclamations at his pronouncements. The scene was perfect, even to the glow of the fireplace heating the room.
He scanned the empty chairs at the table and suffered more than the heat of the fire. The centaur in him stirred, restless to fill those chairs with more children. A dozen strapping boys, and, if the Fates blessed them, a precious girl with Kalliste’s eyes. She’d be a rare gift indeed. He looked forward to the task.
His bonding mark throbbed, reminding him he’d only have the chance if he completed the ceremony. Although centaurs lived hundreds, even thousands, of years, Lapiths had normal, human, life spans. He wasn’t sure what her nymph half would mean for his mate, but if he bonded with her, she would live as long as he. They’d have centuries to fill those chairs. He grinned. The image pleased him, filling his chest with warmth.
Everything would remain perfect, if not for the pesky invitation on his desk in his study. He’d forgotten about Hector’s notice. They’d been called to his father’s castle. The old man wished to have his family together as a celebration of Thereus’s return. The visit would also be an opportunity to discuss the situation with Persephone and Hades.
Now that he was home, leaving was the last thing on his mind. Those two gods could, well, remain in hell for all he cared. He refused to desert his family again, nor would he ask them to abandon their home. His stomach sank at the notion of fighting in a war which might never come, and for uprooting their son to live in a military encampment.
He missed his friends, Arsenius most of all, but they lived for war. Arsenius and Kyme craved battle like centaurs did sweet things. The others, Gaven, Aedre, and Nazrin, well, they’d made Halcyon their home. Yet children ought to be spared the harsh realities of life, to have happy, carefree childhoods. That was exactly what Kalliste had given their son. He smiled in approval as the two of them giggled over Lucian’s jests. Though the lad favored him in appearance, he possessed every ounce of his mother’s wit.
“Well, Melita, son, I have news. My father has invited us to Great Meteoron. He’s called his sons home to celebrate my return. What say you, would you like to visit your grandfather, Lucian?”
The lad’s eyes brightened as he laughed. “Yes, yes!”
Thereus glanced at his wife. She smiled, though the light didn’t reach her eyes. Hmm. “Does it not please you, my Lady?”
“Well, no. We’ve never been there before. Your father and your brothers visit us. It’s much easier on Lucian not to have to travel.”
He frowned, sensing more. “Don’t worry about the journey. I can carry you both. It shouldn’t take more than a few hours.”
Her cheeks burned bright pink. “I can’t ride you.”
“Of course you can, sweetling. I’m twice as fast as a horse, and I never tire.” He emphasized the last as his perusal lowered to her breasts. Her chest rose and fell rapidly. His meaning had been understood.
“Why don’t we use the Portal? It would be much more civilized.” Her voice came out breathy.
“One thing you’ll learn, Melita, is I never care what others think. I’d sooner pull out my teeth than take the Portal to my father’s castle. I’ll most definitely not have my wife riding a horse instead of me.” He winked at her flustered, parted lips.
&nbs
p; “Will my uncles be there?” Lucian whined. “Pholis and Phrixus? Can I bring Teris?”
“Aye, aye, and no.” His uncles would be there, as well as his twin cousins. He was not allowed to bring his dog. Lucian’s lower lip stuck out. His pout didn’t last long as he scurried off to gather toys for the journey.
Thereus placed his hand atop Kalliste’s, hoping to reassure her. His father seemed to have such a high opinion of his wife. What could she possibly be worried about?
“Do you know what caused the fire in Amphion’s fields?” Thereus’s question broke through Melita’s deep thoughts.
She stopped swirling her fork on her plate. “Yes, of course. Amphion said it was lightning.” His brows creased. Was there more?
“Not lightning, Melita. A dragon. A firedrake, to be precise.”
“A firedrake? Impossible.” She snorted.
He shook his head at her. “I saw it myself. Tell me, have there been many such fires lately?”
“No, not this summer. Last year, a few. No one has ever reported seeing such a beast. What are you going to do?”
He eased back. “From what I’ve gathered, it’s most likely passing through our lands.”
Grateful to have him by her side, she nodded at him. She could handle many predicaments, but a dragon? If the beast was malicious, it would need to be hunted and possibly killed. She was incapable of ordering such violence.
“I wish you had told me years ago, Kalliste. About your nymph nature.” His eyes darkened, his stare intent.
“I couldn’t.” Kalliste couldn’t have told him because her sister wasn’t a nymph.
“I would’ve made a better effort, had I known why you were so—”
“Cold?” She scoffed a wry laugh. “We were both different then.”
“I don’t want this to be like before. I would like us to be a family.” He squeezed her hand, its weight warm and heavy on hers.
“I do too.” Her heart urged her to continue, her mind sealed her lips. Love me. All you have to do is love me. Her plea was one she would never utter. In silence, she begged the gods for their aid in earning this male’s heart. “Well, since we’ve a long journey tomorrow, I’ll retire.”
He rose and without giving her a chance to retreat, soundly kissed her goodnight. Before his passion consumed her, he pulled away. Gratitude at his restraint floated through her veins, because she’d been about to melt in his arms and follow him to his bed. She couldn’t afford such a distraction. How would Thereus react when he learned the truth? Not only about her, but also about his brothers… Tomorrow was far too soon for her liking. She’d rather cultivate his affections a little more first. Yet his brothers would be at Great Meteoron, Petraeus included, and their propositions wouldn’t remain a secret for long.
It might be to her advantage, for a jealous centaur was even more possessive toward what was his. Or it might destroy the thin bond of trust they’d woven together. She prayed Thereus didn’t perceive their offers as a sign of her infidelity.
It wasn’t solely the gathering with his brothers clenching her heart. Lapiths mingled at the King’s Court. She’d never ventured to Great Meteoron, lest anyone should fail to recognize her as Kalliste. Hopefully, if she assumed enough of an air of confidence, her identity wouldn’t be questioned.
***
“Come, my Lady, I won’t bite unless you ask me to.” Thereus grinned at her the next morning, doing little to assuage Melita’s apprehensions of riding him. To be so close to him, for so many hours. Shivers of lustful excitement rippled under her skin. Would either of them be able to stand it? To make matters worse, Lucian whined at them both until they’d agreed to let him run alongside his father for part of the trip. He wouldn’t serve as a barrier between them.
Thereus, in centaur form, was incredibly intimidating. For one, he was massive, half a foot taller than in human form. He towered above her, making her feel small and feminine.
His exquisitely sculpted human body rippled with muscles, right to where it joined, below his waist, with his horse body. The light dusting of dark hair circling his navel and downward taunted her. What she sought was not to be found in this form.
Add to this the glint of male satisfaction in his grin. He’d at last won this argument.
She trembled as she accepted she had no choice except to ride him.
“I would, my Lord, but it appears you’re missing a bit and bridle.” She smirked at him. “Not to mention a saddle.”
He chuckled, and before she could stop him, he stooped and picked her up, pressing her against him and kissing her hotly. As though she weighed little more than a feather, he tossed her onto his back. “You may ride me, Melita. You may even tame me with your sweet kisses. But I’ll never hand you the reins.”
She hid her smile behind his shoulder. “My Lord, whyever would I want them?” His coat was the softest she’d ever touched, and her lips parted into a treacherous sigh as she settled against him. She ran her hands teasingly across his pectorals and clasped them in a firm grip around his chest.
She loved that he wasn’t the kind of male who’d ever submit to anyone, even his wife. He was one male she would never seek to tame.
***
Any minute, she’d call him out on his madness. Stop grinning, you fool. Thereus attempted to remove it, but the grin always came back. What better way to spend a morning than by galloping through the woods, his son beside him and his wife astride his back? Kalliste’s hands absently toyed with his hair, her affections sending spikes of electricity through his body.
Lucian, that strapping lad, was nigh as swift as Thereus. He bolted through the forest, nimbly galloping over rocks and roots. At least his laughter was warranted.
They’d split from their pack of servants an hour ago—the three centaur guards responsible for their belongings.
He was surprised at how little his wife packed. Most females required an army to transport their trunks. She was much simpler than he’d assumed. Although, after how she’d tended the fields, why should it surprise him? He frowned and shrugged. Another enigma to add to his list of Kalliste’s dualities.
He was being unfair. Time changed people. It had certainly changed him.
As it always seemed to, a good run through the forest cleared his vision and uncomplicated the twists in his mind. Aye, the bonding terrified him. To be so dependent on one female, for the rest of his existence, well, it petrified him.
His entire life he’d gambled, and the only way to reap the reward was to take the leap.
The more he ruminated about his bonded friends, about the agony they suffered when they weren’t in each other’s arms, the more he longed to experience such devotion.
His left arm was bloody killing him. It wasn’t as though he had a true choice. Delay the process, or flee. The muscles around his heart tightened whenever he considered retreating. It was no longer an option. He must perform the ceremony with Kalliste.
Soon, as soon as he convinced her.
His grin widened and he stopped abruptly. Kalliste bumped into his back with a gasp. He reached around and plucked her off. Gathering her in his arms, he kissed her soundly. Thoroughly. Her shocked protests were short-lived as he demanded her submission.
Everything he’d ever longed for was in their kiss. No one had ever made him feel as she did. He’d kissed enough women to know. In her embrace, tenderness and passion blended together. Did she care for him too? His heart stuttered in his chest, before pounding against his ribs. He was far too much of a coward to inquire.
It was too soon for her to care for him. She’d barely forgiven him. Love would take time. Soon, though. Soon I’ll claim her heart.
He clasped her tightly, becoming uncomfortably aware of his need to claim more than her heart. Slowly, gently, he broke their kiss. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. My gods, they are glittering, dark stars. Me buxom beauty.
She didn’t try to change him, or tame him. For the first time in his life, someone accep
ted him exactly as he was. That didn’t mean she didn’t deserve better. For her, he would become the very best father and husband.
He’d made her breathless, too, as her flushed cheeks attested. He scanned those dark mahogany depths and inhaled her scent. It brimmed with desire. Need. Heat flashed in her eyes. She licked her lip tentatively, waiting. He dipped his head, unable to resist having a nibble too. This time he brushed his lips against hers, trailing them up her cheek. He smoothed the hair back from her forehead and pressed another kiss to her sweet skin.
His traitorous lips fought his reason for the right to whisper words of devotion against her skin. He wouldn’t risk it. Not yet.
Lucian bolted out of the trees ahead and Thereus relaxed his grip on his mate. With a chuckle and a shout to his son that he was coming, he swung her back up.
As they rode through the forest, a sense of peace floated over Thereus and settled in. Permanently, he hoped.
At last, they arrived at Great Meteoron. She tossed her right leg over Thereus’s back and slid off. His chest puffed, his heart warmed, and he was content to the point nothing would ruin his mood. “Kalliste, let me enter first and greet my family. I’ll return for you shortly.” He didn’t doubt there’d be hell to pay for his absence and feigned death, and he would spare his wife the violence.
After she nodded her acquiescence, he stepped through the Portal and strode into his father’s Great Hall.
“My son.” Cheiron’s grey eyes misted over to a silver like that of his pearl horse-half as he rose and trotted forward to embrace Thereus. Everyone would understandably be in shock at his return, yet none suffered disbelief more than Thereus. He’d never conceded he actually would.
Everything was so much the same, if a little blurred by the failings of his memory. His father’s throne, a seat of pure white marble carved eons ago, was unchanged. The same table, laden with the same variety of edible treasures adorned one side of the room. Three of his brothers flanked their elderly father, their faces a mix of surprise, disapproval, and genuine relief.
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