Lake, Ciara - Xihirah [Xihiran Shifters 1] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Ciara Lake

  Saleeya’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Yes, me too, I may not have had sex yet. But I can appreciate gorgeous males and dream of the possibilities of oversized cocks. I’ve been told that the bigger the better.” Saleeya paused dramatically. “And I’ve heard that being a Xihirian shifter’s mate is wonderful, with a lot of added bonuses.” Saleeya wiggled her eyebrows at Mia. “And I don’t think I’m going to criticize something until I actually know more for myself. Well, not me personally.” Saleeya nervously waved her hands around in the air. “But another female who’s a Xihirians’ mate.” She adamantly clarified, “After all, all males are a bit controlling. I think ‘controlling’ is universally synonymous with ‘male.’”

  “Hmmm, I don’t have a clue who told you that bigger was better. All I know is that having sex with a cock the size of a battering ram seems overwhelming to me. It might just split you in half if they don’t eat you first when they shift, if they shift. I’m just scared of them, I guess.”

  “Yeah, being with one of them could ruin us for anyone else, especially the ordinary guys from Kriton.” Saleeya fanned her face, laughing nervously. “Mia, no worries, only one in five thousand non-Xihirians are possible mates. Those odds are amazing. We’ve a good chance of avoiding this potential sexual enslavement to a Wolfton’s battering ram-sized cock or any other Xihirian shifter’s cock.”

  “I know for sure I’m not transformable. When I was assigned to their Kriton liaison office, I worked with Xihirian males all of the time and wasn’t once approached.” Mia sighed in relief. “I’d rather stick to the ordinary men of Kriton or other non-shifting humanoids; I think it would be just easier overall. So, I’m sure I’m safe. If you’re mate material, they don’t hide it from you. Matter of fact, they try to find you a match.”

  Saleeya looked quizzical, “They know if you’re transformable right away? How does that work?”

  “I believe they know right away when they first meet a female. They have enhanced senses. Perhaps somehow that helps them tell,” Mia matter-of-factly answered. “But I don’t know the details. It’s a mystery to those outside their culture. If they recognize that a female can be mated, they’ll detain her to find the male to mate with her. They’ll curtail the female’s freedom and the sexual enslavement will begin. Being their mate changes your whole life, forever. Talk about culture shock.”

  “My Deity, how amazing that all is,” Saleeya bounced up from where she was sitting. “That’s why I love the study of culture. Personally, I think it sounds intriguing. I’d love to learn more details about this mating.” Saleeya fanned her face with her hands and slightly bounced up and down on her seat. “Maybe if I meet a female who’s mated to a Xihirian I can learn more about this from her. If she’s from Kriton or Earth, maybe we’ll easily become friends and she can share some of this inside information I’m interested in learning about.” Saleeya’s eyes were bright with excitement.

  “You’re something else, Saleeya, and your curiosity is going to be your undoing. Mark my words,” Mia warned and smiled warmly. “You can be interested. Just don’t have one chase after you and hold you captive. If one takes you as a mate, you’ll have to change all of your career plans. Sometimes it’s better to leave a few questions unanswered. It’s usually less painful or permanent that way,” Mia cautioned in a knowing tone. “Now, get some sleep. In another couple of hours, we’ll be there to start our Xihirian adventure.”

  Saleeya smothered a yawn with her right hand. Her beautifully manicured fingernails shimmered in the cabin’s artificial lighting. “Yeah, I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep. My mind’s racing. I’m nervously excited. And now, thanks to our racy conversation, I’ll be dreaming of gorgeous, exotic males with enormous growing cocks and their sexual enslaving powers,” Saleeya admitted with a smirk. Her beautiful face contorted comically as she pursed her full lips together and wiggled her eyebrows.

  Mia shifted on her bunk, all traces of mirth gone from her expression. “Saleeya, your parents tried to discourage you from taking this post because they knew that there were real risks and you’re their only child. Why did you agree to take this assignment? I hope you didn’t take this position because of my need for employment. That thought crossed my mind when you offered me the position as your assistant. I would’ve found a new position soon enough. But, I’m grateful for this opportunity. You know I love working with you.”

  “How could I refuse the Kriton Minister and the Council of Planets? I came highly recommended because of my extensive background in languages. I couldn’t turn down such a flattering employment offer.” Saleeya frowned, her head tilted to the side. “Much relies on the resolution of these communications, and I know that our combined talents can be valuable to all involved. I worry about terrorism. I want to do my part to help stop the Realmist. Plus, Mia, you know I’m an adventurist.” Saleeya paused, the air filling with a tense silence. She could see that Mia’s expression held some doubt. Saleeya heaved a breath, “Kriton and the Council of Planets, for the benefit of the entire populated Fiaxe and Milky Way galaxies, must succeed in stopping these terrorists, and I really think we can be of help to this mission. Communication and understanding culture are essential to its success on many levels. If this doesn’t work, there won’t be anyone who isn’t terrified of space travel, going to shopping areas, attending universities, and visiting medical facilities, be they on our planet or any other. This has to be stopped,” Saleeya emphasized. “A dozen worlds have been targeted by the Realmist Terrorists in their war against those who they deem not acceptable humanoids. Any non-Earthen type humanoids are being targeted and those around them are at risk. We’re regressing to the fears of primitive civilizations.”

  Mia gently tapped her fingers on the side of her face before she replied, “Saleeya, you’re a good choice for the communication specialist. You’re talented and charismatic. You always captivate your audiences with your brilliant personality. And you’re smarter than most in this position. I only worry about you being somewhat naïve in certain areas. Some people are truly evil. We need to be careful not to fall into their trap.” Mia gently placed her hand on Saleeya’s arm. “You’ll be a great asset to the Council. No one, except your mother, is better versed in Unilanquist and all the languages of the races involved in this crisis. I’m your biggest supporter and grateful to assist you in this assignment.” Mia smiled tenderly.

  “Thank you, Mia, you’re a great friend.” Saleeya moved toward her and hugged her tightly. “I know you worry about things when I’m only thinking of the adventure. Hopefully, we’ll balance each other.”

  “Thank you, Saleeya, but really, I don’t understand how Kriton and the Council believe that anyone can negotiate with Realmist Terrorists. They simply can’t negotiate with someone like Clitax Tomron. He uses terror and violence to promote his ideology. You can’t reason with that, can you?” Mia paused for Saleeya to answer but continued on, “We’ll be in the middle of the craziness. These fanatical people worry me. Not to mention, my added worry of a Xihirian warrior carrying you off to have frenzied copulation and keeping you as his mate forever. My dear friend could become a sex slave to a shifter.” Mia nervously bit at her lip. “You’ve been so sheltered. I’m concerned with you now being thrown into all of this.” Mia stared at her feet, sighed loudly. “In my opinion, having the Xihirians involved to provide military security will only irritate the bigoted Realmist Faction, making it more dangerous. But then, who am I to question those in power?” Mia admitted to Saleeya, “We’ll need to be careful is all. I know I’ve beaten this subject to death. But, please be careful.”

  Saleeya considered Mia’s concerns. “I’m sure there’s a reason for all of this and why Xihirah’s assistance is considered necessary. Let’s hope for the Council’s wisdom in these matters and the ultimate success of their plans. We’ll be safe. The Xihirians are the best warriors in two galaxies. Their mere presence should deter most dubious plans. Unshifted, they appear to be larger, more danger
ous humans. I hope that that’ll serve to prevent the Realmist criminals from behaving badly. Maybe that’s why they’ve been recruited as undercover security.” Saleeya sank back into her reclining chair in the sterile little room.

  “Get some sleep. I’ll wake you in time to change your clothes to get ready.” Mia rolled over to face the silvery metal wall.

  “Thanks, Mia, you try to get some sleep, too. I appreciate your assistance and words of wisdom.” Saleeya reclined back in her chair. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was fatigued even in her excited state. She kept her eyes closed for a while and waited to hear the soft sounds of Mia’s familiar snores. Quietly, Saleeya got up to pace around the cramped room. Finally, she sat at the vanity desk to look at herself in the mirror. “What am I doing?” Saleeya whispered to herself. “I need to rest now or fall over in the middle of critical conversations. That could cause a break down in diplomacy,” Saleeya scolded her reflection.

  With the lights dimmed and Mia lightly snoring, the relaxed atmosphere encouraged sleep. Finally, Saleeya gave into it.

  Chapter Two

  Mia stretched the kinks from her flexible frame and glanced at the reclining chair in the corner of the room. Saleeya wasn’t in it. Concern prickled along her spine as her gaze swept the room. Spotting her friend, she sighed with the sickening wave of relief. Saleeya sat at the vanity desk with her head down on her arms, fast asleep. “Poor girl,” Mia whispered as she studied Saleeya’s slumped-over figure. “Saleeya, wake up.” Mia gently touched Saleeya’s arm. She stepped back when the younger woman bolted upright, her wide eyes sweeping the room with panic clearly written in them. “Saleeya, you’ve slept at this desk for hours. I hope you got some benefit from your resting like that. We’re almost there. Now we must get ready to meet Minister Vitalion prior to landing on Xihirah. The pilot woke me about ten minutes ago to inform us that we’re an hour from Port Ferileson. Xihirah and Vitalion want to see us. We’ve already entered the planet’s atmosphere,” Mia explained over Saleeya’s loud groan. “A cleaning mist will wake you up. It’ll for sure perk your spirits for the difficult upcoming formalities,” Mia cheerfully suggested. “Now, I’ll lay out your clothes. Just hop in the shower before we both have to meet that pompous windbag, Vitalion. Admoncor Braeden and his officers may be meeting us when we disembark. The Xihirian greeting party will accompany our party to the Royal Palace to conduct the first meeting. Minister Vitalion requests that you be prepared to deal with Admoncor Braeden or any representative that the Palace sends. Evidently, Minister Vitalion’s past dealings with Admoncor Braeden left him especially uneasy.” Mia explained as she bustled about the confining quarters laying out the sheer blue gown that Saleeya was to wear. “Do you want to wear your silver slippers? They’re cool and comfortable if we have to walk far.”

  “Sure, that sounds great,” Saleeya agreed as she made her way to the adjoining cleaning chamber. “What went wrong last time Vitalion dealt with Admoncor Braeden?” Saleeya inquired over the sound of the sonic shower.

  “Nothing that I know of. Kael Braeden as well as all the Xihirians can be frightening. He towers over Minister Vitalion and our Kriton soldiers. Plus he’s not in the least conversational. He watches everything like a predator. He never smiles. The Admoncor and his soldiers can make things uncomfortable for the faint of heart,” Mia commented. “And Vitalion’s cowardly anyway.”

  “Not one for idle chitchats, huh?” Saleeya laughed softly, and the sound of musical laughter bounced off the metal walls.

  “No, Minister Vitalion’s hopeful that your charm will alleviate the uneasiness with the Admoncor,” Mia countered with sincerity in her voice.

  “I’ll do my best,” Saleeya answered loudly from the other room.

  “Don’t try too hard, Saleeya. One of their males may drag you off to their den out in the middle of the jungle if you’re too charming. Keep in mind that under their seemingly humanoid form they’re wild animals easily moved into action by their emotions.” Mia shook her finger at Saleeya like a teacher cautioning a child.

  “You sound like one who endorses the Realmist’s extreme religion. Clitax Tomron would be delighted with your commentary, Mia. This is exactly why we’re here, to prevent the spread of such racist opinions.” Saleeya gently censured her friend as she exited the cleaning chamber wrapped in a skimpy towel.

  “I didn’t mean it that way. My job’s to remind you of potential situations and dangers. It’s best to remember that these shifters aren’t like us. They’ve a distinct honor, a way of life that has developed over many centuries…and it’s not at all what you’re used to, even though you’ve learned much about them. Studying them is far different than really dealing with them on their soil.”

  * * * *

  Kael glanced at the massive clock that stood outside his father’s grand offices. His superior ears could hear the ticking of the clock’s mechanism from across the vast atrium. He had made good time arriving at the Palace. It had taken less than thirty minutes. He swept the area for any signs of life beyond his own and growled. Thyson, his sister Kalista’s mate, strode toward him with three other senior military officers. Without a word, the five men headed for the large, imposing doors of the sovereign’s offices. Pushing past his father’s assistant, Kael rapped once on the massive doors and stepped inside before hearing a response. The others trailed in behind him. “Kael, I see you’re as prompt as ever. Be seated. I’ve news that concerns all of you.” Tall and imposing, the High King stood with his arms crossed in front of him, his face expressionless. He walked over and leaned against his desk as he addressed Kael. “The task I’m giving you is simple. You’re to go to the Space Station, meet Minister Vitalion, his staff, and the other dignitaries that’ll be arriving. All the attending dignitaries are from planets that mostly consist of Earthen- humanoids. We’re the only non-Earthen humanoid participants in these meetings.”

  “I see,” Kael shot a quick glance at the other four men before focusing on his father.

  “Kael, you may delegate meeting the other dignitaries who will be arriving much later, after today’s setting of our suns, to your subordinates. My assistant will give you a list of the dignitaries with their estimated arrival times to distribute.” Sovereign Braeden turned to face the gathered men. “However, I prefer you and you alone to deal directly with the Kriton’s Minister and his staff. We can’t afford to alienate or offend the Kriton world. They hold too much power and wealth in the Fiaxe Galaxy to slight them in any way. I don’t want nor need any problems with the Kriton government. We need to solidify our relationship by being as agreeable as is possible to their proposals regarding the Realmist. Do you understand?”

  Kael nodded in agreement.

  “Greet them hospitably, escort them to their quarters. Make sure they’re refreshed, rested prior to the midday meal and upcoming meetings of the Council. We will be suitable hosts for the Council’s requirements.” Kliven pointed his finger at Kael. “Don’t distress or scare them with your inherent mannerisms. Try to act more like an Earthen human. Recall that Minister Vitalion is slightly skittish of us Xihirians. I’m certain his staff members are like he is, weak, puny, and frail. Do all you can to prevent the good Minister from fainting in the heat yet again.”

  “All right, Father. I recall Minister Vitalion is a rather weak male and cowardly. He reeks of dishonesty. His very presence raises my hackles,” Kael snarled. “Why have they asked us, of all planets, to host this Council meeting?” Kael asked in an irritated tone. “We’re not like them. We’re strong warriors, not weaklings.”

  “Take it easy, Kael. I can smell the tension rolling off of you.” His father paused and moved to sit behind his desk. With a quick dismissive glance at the others in the room, he turned back to Kael. “By the way, I hear you’re beating your officers to a pulp during training,” his father censured and tapped the desk impatiently.

  “I’ve been training hard to maintain my fitness to better serve your Royal Lordship,�
�� Kael replied quickly.

  “Is that your asinine excuse for beating your men to a pulp? Your mother is troubled by all the rumors that you’re increasingly difficult in polite society,” his father complained.

  “Tell her not to worry about stupid rumors,” Kael snapped back.

  “Don’t be disrespectful to me, Kael,”

  “Yes, Father, I don’t mean to be disrespectful. I’m just tired and rumors are always stupid.”

  “Just remember who you’re talking to. Don’t screw this up with the Kritons or the Council members. I have no choice but to send you. You must be our emissary since you’re the head of our military. Be forewarned, I’m neither happy with that choice nor with your actions at the moment. I caution you to keep your Wolfton Alpha Prime traits under control. If you do anything to jeopardize this meeting, I’ll pound you to a pulp myself before I assign you to taking your mother shopping. That’ll be your primary responsibility,” his father vehemently threatened.

  “Father, I haven’t engaged in polite society lately. Mother’s hearing unreliable information about me. I don’t do shopping well, especially with my mother or my sisters. These types of threats don’t help my mood. Plus, quite honestly, I’m not going to shirk my duty. You’ve assigned me to play envoy, and I’ll do it to the best of my ability. Let’s just leave it at that.” Kael’s eyes gleamed brightly with annoyance.

  “Don’t take that tone with me,” Kliven warned. “I’m your father and your Sovereign. I strongly suggest that you don’t forget those facts.”