Allen, Kayelle - T4 Alitus (2007)

by Allen, Kayelle

  Erryq merged into the mind of Alitus as he faced his fear, saw the man who’d threatened not only him but also the woman he loved come back into his life at this most vulnerable moment.

  This time, Erryq guided the dream past his barriers, beyond what his sleeping mind had endured. Forced him to face what he feared the most. As she moved into his dream, she performed as Alitus saw Pietas perform, felt her hand constrict Alitus’ throat until he gasped for breath.

  Erryq pressed her body against Alitus, leaned into him and down next to his face. Choking him, cutting off his air, overpowering him with raw strength. Erryq tilted her head, slanting her mouth to absorb his fading breath, taking it into herself, swallowing Alitus’ life as she drew him deeper, deeper, into a lover’s kiss.

  The hard press of an erection against Erryq’s thigh yanked her out of the eroticism of the moment.

  Alitus wants Pietas … No! Alitus wants Pietas? That—that is his biggest fear … Erryq pulled away, loosening her grip. Oh, gods, no. No. The man Rheyn loves desires the man who nearly destroyed her.

  Only the tiniest snick of sound warned her of danger before the room went completely black.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Conqueror’s Palace, Alitus Vivaldi’s Quarters

  Sumertsag 45

  Darkness edged Alitus’ vision as the man from his nightmares continued to grip his throat. Helpless, he opened his mouth beneath the onslaught of a brutal, possessive kiss. The man’s body pressed him, forced him against the wall, forbidding movement, denying response.

  Only taking, forcing his will. Demanding surrender.

  Abruptly, the man pulled back, an expression of bewildered concern in his turquoise eyes. A wet, smacking thud sounded an instant before Alitus faded into a black daze and slid down the wall.

  Sparkles of light danced in his vision as he gulped air. His throat felt like it had been stepped on.

  Beside him on the floor lay his attacker. Blood oozed from the man’s head, turning the strands of blond hair a sickening blackish red.

  Alitus pressed his face against the cool floor and lay still, ignoring the hands stroking him. The voice speaking to him repeated his name, forcing him to focus when he only wanted to sleep. Close his eyes and sleep. Just for a moment…

  “Stay with me, Alitus!” A hand stung against his cheek. “Alitus! Wake up. Stay with me. Alitus. Alitus!”

  He opened his groggy eyes to find Destoiya bending over him. She moved to sit beside him and shifted his body so Alitus lay across her lap, his head in the crook of her arm.

  “Saved me.” His voice came out a croak. One of Destoiya’s tears hit his face and ran down his cheek. He put out his tongue to taste its salt as it reached the corner of his mouth. “Why … crying?”

  “I couldn’t bear to watch him hurt you.” His Conqueror wiped at her eyes. “Forgive me, Alitus. Forgive me.”

  Alitus closed his eyes. It was enough to be held, to lie in her arms. “Nothing … to forgive.”

  Destoiya sobbed as if her heart was breaking. Alitus could do nothing to help her, his strength gone.Why didn’t I use my pheromones to stop him? While he puzzled over that, Her Majesty continued to hold and rock him, keening softly. Snuggled against her bosom, Alitus did nothing virtuous like reassure her he was fine. He simply enjoyed the moment.

  That is, until the man on the floor stirred.

  Alitus roused himself and got up, pulling Destoiya to her feet. “He’s awake.” He led her away from the body. “That man is dangerous, Your Majesty. We need the Praetorian. He’s…” His voice dropped on the last word.

  The man on the floor was shrinking before his eyes. The body went from seven feet to well under six in just moments. “What the…” He put Destoiya behind him, protecting her.

  The silver hair darkened, deepened, turned to a rich red. It, too, shortened, until it drew up over the place where a man’s flat chest had been, which was now—a woman’s.

  “What…” Alitus spoke to Destoiya over his shoulder. “Who is he? No,what is he? Is this a man or a woman?”

  She wrapped her arms around him. “Perhaps it would be better if you just watched.”

  The Lady Erryq set one hand near the back of her head. “What hit me?”

  Destoiya shook off Alitus’ protective embrace and knelt beside her. “I’m so sorry, love. I lost it when I saw you choking him.”

  Erryq held out a hand. “Help me up.”

  “Should you…” Alitus took a step forward, halted, and then knelt. “You shouldn’t try to sit up. You need a doctor.”

  Both women laughed as if he’d made a joke.

  Erryq brought her hand to the front and frowned at the blood on her fingers. “Damn it. Now I have to wash my hair again.”

  Destoiya stood and helped her rise.

  “What did you hit me with?” Erryq cast a glance around her. A bottle of brandy lay at her feet. “That could’ve killed me! What were you thinking? How would I explain a death like that to Pietas?”

  “Wait.” Alitus pressed fingers against his brow. “If you were dead, how could you explain anything?”

  “I thought you knew.” Erryq squinted at him. “I’m a Sempervian. I revive after death, just like your mistress.”

  “Mistress!” Alitus jerked back. “I hope you mean that in the domination sense. My Conqueror is…”

  “Easy, Alitus.” Destoiya took his hand. She smiled at him, then at Erryq. “She knows quite well what I am to you and you are to me. She was supposed to help me test you.”

  He pressed his tongue against the back of his teeth, stiffening his jaw. “Test me for what?”

  “I suppose I can tell you, now. Sempervians may take a human as theirChosen . It’s not usually sexual, but it is as binding a relationship as marriage. When one of us takes aChosen , it protects that person from all the other Sempervians. None of them will ever dare lift a hand against you. If you need help, one will come to your aid. It’s a lasting contract—if I make you myChosen , your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be protected as if they were Chosen as well.”

  That’s all well and good, if I could have children.Alitus had no intention of settling down, nor of ever leaving Her Majesty’s side.

  The women’s wandering gaze reminded him of his nudity. He turned his back. “May I dress, Your Majesty?”

  “No need, Alitus. Climb back into bed and cover up if you’re cold.”

  “But I…” At her raised brow, he ducked his head. “Yes, Majesty.” He returned to the bed, aware of their gazes on his backside. He could almost feel their stares. It made him erect without his wanting it to. Pulling the covers over himself, he lay on his side, facing the women.

  “He’s really quite beautiful, Rheyn. I envy you having him all to yourself.”

  Alitus preened at the frank appreciation. All the same, he’d be glad to be alone in Destoiya’s bed once more.

  “I’ll share him tonight,” Her Majesty offered. “I don’t mind.”

  “You—you’re going to share me?”

  They both stared at him, faces reflecting their surprise. Destoiya chuckled. “Of course, I am, love. Erryq is like a sister to me.” She put her arm around the woman. “Once I’ve seen to her bath, I’ll be back. Try to rest a bit. Are you hungry?”

  He set a hand against his stomach and shook his head.

  “Good, then.” Her Majesty came up to the bed and leaned over him, pressed a kiss against his brow. “Close your eyes and sleep until I get back.” She tucked him in. “Tonight, I’m going to teach you some new tricks.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Conqueror’s Palace, Alitus Vivaldi’s Quarters

  Sumertsag 45

  When he awoke, Alitus wrapped himself with a terrycloth robe and padded barefoot into the bathroom. The women were both lounging in the whirlpool tub, Destoiya at one end, Erryq in the other.

  Her Majesty held out a hand. “After you finish, come and join us.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.�
� He tried to focus on business—difficult to do with Erryq laughing.

  “I can’t believe you make him call you ‘Your Majesty’ in bed.”

  “Oh, I don’t, believe me. It’s just his way. I’ve tried to break him of it, but it’s no use. He goes right back to it.”

  “I—I want to show you proper respect when we’re in public, Majesty. I’m afraid of slipping up.” He turned to join them, but Her Majesty held up her hand.

  “Drop the robe, love. I want Erryq to see you in all your glory.”

  His cheeks burned. “Glory?”

  “Mmm, yes.” The empress half closed her eyes. “Glory indeed.”

  Her words brought him fully erect. Alitus untied the belt, opened the robe and let it fall back off his shoulders and onto the floor. He stood before the two women completely nude. Unnerving, yet at the same time, it filled him with pride to be the object of such interested and focused feminine attention. He nudged his chin a bit higher.

  Erryq rested both arms before her on the tub’s edge and set her chin on them. Sighing, she ran her gaze up and down him, her enjoyment plain. “Turn around, Alitus. I want to see that ass of yours.”

  Blushing, he did as told. In the mirror, he could see them staring at him. Erryq was licking her lips.

  “Oh, gods, Rheyn. He’s the same color everywhere. No tan lines. I find that highly erotic.”

  “So do I.” Her Majesty reached over to a shelf near the tub and picked up a glass of champagne. “Come here, Alitus.”

  He went. Her Majesty signaled him to his knees and he knelt beside her. She dipped one finger in the glass and rubbed it across his mouth.

  “Now, kiss me.” She moved the glass out of the way as he leaned toward her.

  Alitus pressed his mouth against hers, savoring her taste, woman, champagne and that unique flavor that was Destoiya alone. She flicked her tongue against his lips and he opened to her. She slid a hand into his hair and tugged him closer, held him against her mouth.

  When she pulled back, it was with a long sigh of contentment. “Mmm, lovely, Alitus. Now go and kiss Erryq the same way.”

  He crawled on his knees to where the red-haired beauty waited and leaned in over the cool edge of the tub to kiss her. She wrapped wet arms around his neck and almost pulled him on top of her while they kissed. Knowing Her Majesty watched sent a thrill through straight him. When it ended, Erryq let him go. Sweat beaded on her face from the hot water.

  “Get in here, Alitus.” She patted the water’s surface. “Right in the middle, between us.”

  “Mmm. Where you belong, love.” Destoiya drew back her legs to make room, as did Erryq.

  Bracing a hand against the wall for balance, Alitus stepped into the tub and folded his legs as he sat. The hot water rose to his navel and only the tip of his cock broke the surface. The heat soothed like a warm hug. He sat sideways, his knees outward. Each of the women was near enough to touch.

  Destoiya sipped her champagne, watching him over the rim as Erryq ran her hands down his chest and one arm. The red-head picked up a creamy-white glycerin soap and sniffed it.

  “Mmm. Almonds and honey. No wonder you smell so good, Alitus.” She rubbed the bar between her hands, creating a lather. She set it aside and moved in closer. “You just sit back and enjoy this. Erryq is gonna get you all nice and clean.”

  He groaned without meaning to and held his lower lip between his teeth to be quiet. Their combined nearness made him so hard he feared he’d shoot like a boy alone with his first porno zine.

  Erryq slid her creamy hands over his shoulders and worked the lather into the skin around his neck, then massaged her way down to his pecs. She pressed the heel of her palm over his rock-hard nipple and slid it back and forth, teasing him. She batted thick lashes, her huge brown eyes the color of chocolate, her red lips plump and wet. Rising on her knees, Erryq arched her back, putting her breasts within reach.

  He cupped his hands around them, pressing the elongated nipples between fingers and thumbs. He rolled them back and forth.

  Erryq tilted back her head and closed her eyes in brief exultation. “Oh, oh. You have a wonderful touch, Alitus.”

  He smiled, continuing to fondle her.

  Erryq leaned across him and kissed Her Majesty on the lips. “You taught him well, Rheyn. Thank you for letting me share him tonight.”

  “He’s an apt pupil.” Destoiya set down her drink and reached out to pick up the soap. When she’d worked up a lather, she began massaging it into his left side, near her. He set his left hand on her knee while she worked her fingers into his muscles. The scent of almonds filled the room. The suds trickled down his chest and arms, into the water, as each woman scrubbed her hands over him. Alitus tilted back his head and closed his eyes, luxuriating in the warmth of their care.

  Destoiya moved closer, opening her legs. Alitus dipped his hand into the water and between her thighs, finding her woman’s hair. Her inner lips felt slick and wet. It took only two strokes to find her entrance and insert one finger inside her.

  She hissed, head back. “Yes.”

  He’d reached her pleasure spot. He pressed harder, loving the sound of her excitement. Destoiya’s orgasm fluttered over his finger. Easy to rouse, it never took coaxing from him to bed her.

  “I want a turn.” Erryq drew his hand between her legs as well.

  Alitus rubbed his palm across her mound, cupping his hand around her outer lips. Fleshy, soft, they parted easily and he dipped a finger inside them.

  Hard to concentrate with both hands occupied at the same time. He pressed upward and inside her wet folds and felt an answering jerk from Erryq. He’d found hers as well. He stroked each of them in time, singing the words of a favorite song in his mind.

  You look so sweet, but girl, oh, no, that body’s a lustful thing. My heart pounds, my hands shake, I’m so on fire, my body aches. Oh, baby, what’s so wrong with a little more sin, when it’s you I’m sinning for?

  Destoiya shivered, both her hands holding his up hard against her body. She rocked side to side, coming, her lush mouth open as she gasped.

  Erryq mewed like a kitten, both hands on her breasts as she pulled and twisted her nipples. Alitus rubbed the heel of his palm against her and felt the nub of her clitoris stiffen under his hand. He slipped a second finger into her and she arched up, her legs going wide apart. She went off like fireworks, bouncing hard against his hand, moaning and whimpering.

  Alitus laughed with enjoyment at their pleasure. These two hot, beautiful and powerful women were enjoying him.Him.

  Destoiya wriggled her hips and reached out to pull him closer for a kiss. Erryq kissed along his jaw while Destoiya plundered his mouth. As soon as one released him, the other took control. Erryq gripped his jaw and turned his face toward hers as she leaned in to kiss him. Destoiya pulled him back to herself and leaned over to wrap her arms around him.

  He held her close with both arms, loving the feel of her heat against his skin.

  Erryq slid her hand up along his throat to his jaw and used it to turn his head back toward her. “I want him on the bed, Rheyn.”

  Her Majesty rose, the water sluicing down her skin. “Rinse that soap off, Alitus, and come with us.”

  The two of them held hands as they climbed out of the tub. He splashed water over himself to rinse, stood and swung one leg over the side. Destoiya tossed him a towel and used hers on Erryq.

  He joined her in toweling the red-head dry, paying special attention to her feet and shapely legs. He and Erryq stroked Destoiya’s skin until it was dry, pinkened from their touch. When the two women began to dry him, Alitus spread his legs wider, a hand on each of their shoulders.

  Destoiya wrapped one arm around his leg and nestled her nose against his sac. “I love the smell of you.”

  Erryq licked up his length. “I love the taste.” She got to her feet and took his hand. “Come on, sweet thing. I want to ride that nice, long cock of yours really hard.”

  Destoiya took his o
ther hand.

  I must be living right.He followed them back to his bed, smiling all the way.

  Chapter Twenty

  Conqueror’s Palace, Alitus Vivaldi’s Quarters

  Sumertsag 45

  Positioned above Erryq, Alitus paused.

  Erryq rubbed her hands up both his arms. “Do you want a more blatant invitation, lovey?” She wiggled her hips, brushing her woman’s hair across the tip of his cock.

  He turned to Destoiya. “Once I enter her, she’ll be addicted to me. Are you sure you want this?”