Tallusian Nights [Xihirian Shifters 2] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Ciara Lake

  “It’s good you love children. So do I.” He let his catch drip dry as he carried it back to the fire. “One of my sisters as well as my Aunt Mia are teachers. My grandmother is a teacher, too. She used to teach at the University along with Aunt Mia. They’re retired now. My whole family loves children. I come from very a large family.”

  “How nice. I wish I had more siblings. I’m often lonely being an only child. It’s one reason I love to be around children.” Val attached his catch to a spit over the fire. He stooped next to the fire.

  “This is gonna taste great.” He winked at her. “Smell it cook? I already tasted it when I caught it.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “It’s so good to me.”

  “Oh nilely, Val. Absolutely niley. You tasted it? Raw? You tasted it raw?”

  “Yep. I bit into it good when I caught it.” He winked. “But I do prefer it cooked.” Zalora rolled her eyes. “You may be rolling your eyes now, but you’ll be begging for some of my cooked meat.” He turned the spit. “I think you like my meat.” He patted her on the back. “When you’re done with your leaves, you’ll want some of mine. If you ask nice, I’ll let you have some.” He leaned over, kissing her cheek. “You taste good, too. I need a piece of you.” He grinned. “Because you’re so special, you can have as much of my meat as you like.”

  “Thank you, I think. I’ll remember to be nice.” She knew he had a double meaning in his words.

  “I’ll enjoy the leaves’ aroma.” He continued to tease her. They sat around the fire watching the meat cook. Zalora ate her leaves.

  “Are you sure you don’t want some leaves?” She held her pot in his direction.

  “You can feed me some.” He opened his mouth. Zalora giggled.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yep.” He held his mouth open.

  “Okay.” She scooted closer. She took a pinch of the leaves and held it by his mouth. He gobbled it out of her hand.

  “I’m gonna eat you, too,” he growled after he took it from her hand.

  “How do you like it?”

  “The leaves are…interesting. They taste like they smell. You can have the rest.” He smiled. “But you’re delicious.” He raised his eyebrows at her, wiggling them. “I’ll have some more of you.” He growled, playfully pouncing on her. They rolled together on the ground. When they stopped rolling, she was on top, straddling him.

  “I’ve got you.” She laughed, kissing his face. “I won. I got you. You’re not so strong.”

  “You like winning, huh?” He smacked her behind. She squeezed him with her legs.

  “Yes. I love playing with you. Make no mistake, I do love wining.”

  “So you’re competitive. I like that, too.” He smacked her bottom again. “I might let you win sometimes.”

  She fell against him, laughing. They both laughed.

  “You might let me win?” She raised her eyebrow as she regarded him.

  “If you’re nice enough.” He rolled her under him kissing him.

  For hours they talked about what they enjoyed doing in their free time. They told stories of their friends and family. Val told her of his huge family. There were so many she could hardly remember all of the names. It was clear he was closest to Kade and Jerrian. He described them as brothers, comrades in arms. Zalora watched as he ate almost the entire roasted meat. The more he ate, the more talkative he got. He promised to cook her a better meal later.

  Before he wolfed down the last of it, he offered her some more, and she accepted. It made her fingers a greasy mess. After he was completely done with his, he moved over next to her. “You sure you had enough to eat?” He took her hands in his.

  “Yes.” Shocking her, he began to lick her fingers. The feeling was so sensual. “You’re yummy. Did you know that?” He cleaned her fingers with expertise, and he watched her as he did. His eyes showed his playful attitude.

  “I do?”

  “Yes, I want to eat all of you. Are you scared?” he teased.

  “No.” She shook her head, smiling. “You’re niley, I like it.” She kissed him.

  “You like me niley?” He grabbed her breasts, giving them a little squeeze.

  Their playfulness turned passionate. His kisses trailed up her arms. Slowly he undressed her then himself. Val was handsome, masculine, and dominant. Everything about him made her wet, soaking with need for him. Passionately he made love to her, kissing her, fondling her. He kissed her from head to toes. She tried to pull her feet away from him.

  “Where you going?” He pulled back on her feet then he continued to smother them with kisses. Zalora shivered beneath his loving strokes. Sensually, he took each toe in his mouth, lightly sucking. “Every part of you tastes delicious.”

  “Stop.” She giggled. “You’re tickling me.”

  “You want me to stop?” He looked disappointed.

  “No, not really.” She ran her hand up his thigh.

  “You can suck and lick on me later. I’d like that.” Then he kissed her ankle up to between her thighs. Zalora ran her hand through his silky hair. More dampness escaped her swollen pussy. He licked her all over just as he said he would, and she felt herself climax under his mouth. She shivered. Val smiled, holding her down with one hand. He skillfully licked her pussy, lapping her juices.

  “You taste fantastic.” His glistening eyes gleamed brighter. Wanting to scream with the pleasure, she trembled even more. “Easy, sweetheart.” His hands caressed her thighs then he placed his palm on her tummy. “Easy now, let me love you like this. Don’t worry, relax. I’m going to be inside you in a moment. You want me?” His tongue was rough and soft at the same time. It tickled her, too.

  “Yes.” She shivered. He pushed his finger inside her. His finger imitated his cock moving in and out of her. When he was done, he stunned her again by licking his finger.

  “It’s good.” He pushed his finger in again. “You like this?” He pushed several fingers back into her. She moaned, pushing up against him.

  “Yes.” Her voice was shaky. She could barely speak. Her eyes rolled back, and she could barely stand the powerful sensations. Adoring every inch of her, he left not a single place untouched.

  “You want me?” He pulled himself up, kissing her breasts. “Tell me.” He rested between her thighs. His huge cock was nestled between them. “Tell me.”

  “I want you.” She moaned, pressing against him.

  “Are you mine? I want you to belong to me.” She reached for him to put his cock inside her. “Tell me?”

  “I’m yours.”

  “In a minute, my beautiful lover.” He kissed behind her ear. “Tell me again,” he spoke close to her ear.

  “I’m yours.” She clung to him. She shook with need. Val kissed her so gently and passionately, she nearly cried out. Turning her over, he helped her to her knees.

  “Put your head down.” He helped her. “That’s right.” He ran his hand down her spine, placing kisses down her back. As promised, he filled her with his cock. He shoved hard into her pussy, taking her from behind. “This is so good.” He kissed her back and neck, moving her hair out of his way. Zalora loved how he covered her body with his, warming her. He fucked her hard, and his body slammed into hers. Zalora pushed back against him. Growls escaped him as he continued to pound. She knew she was his.

  Val bit into her shoulder, holding her down as he climaxed. “Oh, Val,” Zalora cried out, her eyes rolling back in her head. She was dizzy from the constant sensations he meted out. He released his grip on her shoulder and licked the wound.

  “You’re still mine?” His mouth was near her ear.

  “Yes…yes.” She clung to him.

  “Good girl.” Eagerly, she did anything and everything he suggested. She too was wild with passion, wanting to please him in every way. He took her again, then again, until her body went limp, completely spent.

  “You okay?” Concern laced his tone as she nearly collapsed.

  “Yes.” She turned in his arms, hugging him.
/>   “I’ve been selfish.”

  “No.” She took hold of his still-erect cock, rubbed it as skillfully as she could. “Is this good?”

  “Yes.” He kissed her. She enjoyed watching his cock grow bigger in her hand.

  “You don’t stop, do you?” She grinned at him.

  “No, not with you. I could fuck you for hours on end.” He cupped the back of her head with his hand, pulling her closer. “Do you want me to?”

  “Really?” She leaned back to examine him . His expression sent another hot rush through her. She too felt powerful with this dominant male. Encouraged, she took him into her mouth. She could taste herself on him. She sucked his cock. It felt nice in her mouth. Firm and smooth. She ran her tongue up and down its length, giving special attention to its head. Val jerked a bit, moaning. He caressed her hair as he pushed up against her mouth. His cock was warm. It tasted like his kiss with the unusual spiciness she craved. Losing all moderation, she took as much of his huge cock as she could into her mouth and down her throat, making her gag.

  Val reared up toward her. She gagged some more. Pulling back, she sat back on her knees. Saliva ran down her mouth. She giggled, wiping it with the back of her hand. Val pulled her to him, kissing her.

  “You’re messy.” He grinned. “I like you messy.” He pushed back her hair. His manner was teasing, and then he kissed away the rest of her mess. Loving the joy she gave him, encouraged by his response, she pressed against him, rubbing her tender breasts against his chest. Her wet pussy straddled his thick thigh, coating him. “You’re on fire.” He kissed her neck and shoulders. “I really like that. I’m on fire, too.” He pumped into her until she screamed his name. Her pussy juices combined with his seed covered both of her thighs. Zalora was high from their intense sex, and his joy made hers tenfold.

  When they finished, she could barely keep her eyes open. After resting for a while, he carried her inside the tent, tucking her under the tent material. Roused now, she cuddled closer to him. He played with her hair. The light of the fire created an even more romantic atmosphere. Val spoke to her in Xihirian. The language was lovely, smooth, and gorgeous with its slurs and inflections. Occasionally, she heard him say her name. His expression was intense, loving. “You’re so handsome.” Her heart skipped. He answered her with a kiss. She placed her hand on his chest, running it over his smooth skin.

  Zalora had no idea what his Xihirian words meant, but they sounded beautiful beyond description. Caressing her hair, he gazed at her with blazing eyes as he continued to speak in his native tongue. Zalora was beginning to think he didn’t even realize he was speaking to her in Xihirian. However, she said nothing more, as the moment was surreal. She never wanted it to end. She loved him. How could she not? He was magnificent. He made her feel incredible. He was everything she dreamt a man should be and more.

  Later that evening she roused feeling warm and content. His strong body pressed close to hers. Panic swelled in her chest, gripping her heart like a vise. Tears threatened. Her eyes burned as the thought swirled around her head. How can I manage when he goes home? What do I do now? It would destroy me if he didn't return my love.

  Chapter 5

  “Zalora, wake up, darling.” Val sweetly smacked her behind. She groaned, snuggling closer to him. “I smell Kade as well as others.”

  “Your uncle? The one who’s like a brother to you? You can smell them?” Zalora sat up.

  “Yes.” Val nodded. Zalora was gorgeous looking up at him, warm, well-loved and all his. He’d made every inch of her his. Her eyes widened in surprise. “Kade and other soldiers have come for us. They’re near our camp. Get dressed. They’re holding back for you to do so.”

  “How does he know I’m not dressed?”

  “He can smell we’ve had sex.” Val stood up, grabbing his uniform. Again her eyes widened, this time in alarm.

  “Oh. They can smell us?” She blushed.

  “Yes, it’s okay.” He smoothed back her curls.

  “Val, we can’t tell my father about this.” She looked down, her cheeks turning pinker. She was hot, burning up, and he could feel the heat rolling off of her. He stood up to put on his clothes.

  “About what?” He stooped down next to her, pushing the wayward hair behind her ear. He regarded her seriously.

  “Us, being together like this.” She looked at her hands. “A woman of my class isn’t supposed to have unmarried sex. It’s a shame.” She continued to look down.

  “So, you don’t want to be with me anymore?” He knew his tone was curt, but his heart felt a sharp pain. He could hardly breathe. Emotions were ready to overflow, so close to the surface. “What do you mean?” he bit out too forcibly.

  “No.” She shook her head, never meeting his eyes. “I mean yes, of course I do. But we have to court without sex or least have sex secretly. I know we won’t be able to stop having sex. Not now. Not after what we’ve shared.” She made a goofy face then played with the tent material, which was their bedding.

  “I see.” He bit his lip.

  “This is a difficult situation.”

  “It seems so.” He looked behind her out of the tent.

  “I don’t want to stop having sex with you.” Finally, she looked at him, her eyes pleading. “I can’t stop being with you. I don’t want to.” She shrugged. “But I can’t let my father know we’ve been intimate. Please understand our culture is very different. He would be outraged with my behavior. You have no idea.” She touched his hand. “Please, Val, understand. I do not mean to hurt you.” Her hand was warm and soft, and she cooled his ire with just her touch. “I want you, Val. I want you so much it hurts. Please know it’s true. I love what we’ve done.” He softened more with her words. His hair relaxed on the nap of his neck.

  “I can’t hide it from my people.” He shook his head, looking away. “I’m sorry. They’ll know what we’ve done. You smell like mine. There’s no mistake. My scent, my hormone, is all over you. It can’t be washed off.”

  “It can’t.” She looked oddly at him.

  “No, but my people will be discreet and respectful of our privacy.” He ran his hand over her back. He loved her curves, and the feel of her skin caused desire to hit him again. He adjusted his cock under his uniform. Pulling away, he pointed to her clothes. “Now get dressed. Kade approaches. Our people aren’t concerned with nakedness or that we’ve had sex. It’s natural, part of life. It’s what happens between…Hurry, Kade delays for you.” Zalora pulled her clothes on in record time. Val shook his head as she jumped up and skipped away, grabbing her clothes and putting them on as if her life depended on it.

  She amused him. He grinned.

  “Why are you grinning at me?”

  “You can move fast when motivated.” He patted her on her behind. He stepped out of their tent. “Kade.” He looked out into the forest. “You can come into camp.”

  * * * *

  “Val.” Three men approached them from behind the trees. “Sorry.” The leader gestured to himself. His grin made his entire face glow. Immediately, she could tell he was a rascal. He looked very much like Val. They were all huge men, well built. Especially the one she thought was Kade. Val had told her he and Kade, like his father and their grandfather, were Alpha Prime Wolftons. They were the biggest and most powerful of their kind. They were natural-born leaders. “We shifted, leaving our clothes at our ship. It was easier, faster.” Heat rushed over Zalora as she finally noticed they were completely nude. She turned to look at Val. Nerves rocked her composure. “Now we’ve found you, I’ll call for the gliders.”

  “Zalora, if you’re more comfortable, go wait in our tent. Get your coat, too.” Val turned her in the direction of their tent. Gratefully, she did as he suggested.

  “LD569 send three glide disks and our uniforms to this location,” Kade spoke into the communicator strapped to his wrist.

  “Copy that.”

  * * * *

  “Okay.” Kade walked over to Val, slapping him on the ba
ck. “Good to see you. You had us worried. I’m pleased you’re well.” He looked around Val toward the tent. The other men hung back by the fire, giving them privacy. “Very well, it seems. Very well.” He grinned. “You’ve not suffered one bit.” Kade grinned. “You always surprise me.”

  “Yes, I’m good. Be discreet, Kade.”

  “Absolutely.” He put his hands up. “My brother-nephew, as is my nature. I’m always discreet.” He grinned.

  “No, please try harder than usual. She’s shy. Their culture is very different from ours.”

  * * * *

  Zalora waited in their tent while Val visited with his men. She could hear their voices, but they were facing the other way. They spoke too low for her to make out what they were saying. She dozed off a bit then woke when she heard a loud buzz coming their way. She looked to see three glides, small vehicles, pull up next to their campsite. They were the perfect size for traveling between trees.

  Within minutes, the camp was dissembled and the men fully dressed. They were all in a glide. Each glide efficiently held up to six passengers. Zalora was in a glide alone with Val and Kade. Val drove. The other soldiers rode in other vehicles. After traveling back through the forest, they drove the glides right up inside their waiting loaddisk. It had been waiting in the clearing near the swamp. Inside the loaddisk was much bigger than it appeared with room to transport not only people but also bigger things. As they drove by Val’s spacedisk, she noticed another loaddisk was clamping onto it.

  “Zalora.” Val offered her his hand to help her out of the glide. “Come with me. I’ll take you to the passenger area, where it’s comfortable. We’ll be at my battleship soon. Your father and his wife are waiting for you.” Val patted her hand, clasping it between his.

  “Wonderful.” She smiled. Zalora followed him to the front of the ship. Taking a seat, he helped her fasten in safely.

  “I’ll be right back.” He moved closer to her as if to kiss her, but at the last minute, squeezed her hand and turned to walk away. A female soldier approached. “Princess, I’m Officer Vera Contrace. Would you like something to eat?” Vera handed her a plate with various food, mostly meat. Zalora took some, gobbling it down. She was hungry. Then Vera handed her a glass of water.