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

by Ciara Lake

  “Kael, are you unhappy?” Saleeya patted his knee, sensing his building apprehension.

  “No, Saleeya, I’m worried. I’m concerned about how to keep all of my loved ones safe. Mother and all of you don’t understand the risk we’re taking. Father and I should never have agreed to this. We should have had the shops bring their inventory to the Palace. The Xiferia Eatery could have catered, too. Father and I gave in to something we hope we don’t regret. Our love and wanting to please you both has affected our better judgment.” Kael shook his head and clenched teeth. His stress was palpable.

  “It’ll be fine, Kael. Let’s have fun together,” Saleeya beseeched Kael. She massaged the top of his thigh.

  “I want you to enjoy yourself. I want us all to be safe and happy. I’m sorry for my tense attitude. I can’t stand for our leniency to allow for a disaster.” His tone suddenly changed to a stern lecture. “Listen to me, mate, you’ll do what I say, when I say it. I won’t tolerate independence. Is that understood? If any of you act up, I’ll end this trip. Do you hear, Kalinda?” Kael added for his sister’s benefit.

  Kalinda bobbed her head up and down. “Yes, brother.”

  Wisely, Saleeya decided that this was not the time to assert her viewpoint regarding Kael’s bossy attitude. “Yes, Admoncor Braeden,” Saleeya responded smartly instead.

  “Do not be smart with me, Saleeya. Start behaving now.” Kael pinched her, the worry plain in his eyes.

  “I think I’m going to ride with Kalista and Mariel in their transport on the way home,” Saleeya halfway teased. Kael did not respond. He merely eyed Saleeya as an agitated parent would an unruly teenager.

  Ferileson Municipality was bubbling with excitement preparing for the royal guests. There was a long banner strung across a main street welcoming the royal family. “Look, Father, at the banner, it welcomes us,” Kalinda excitedly exclaimed, pointing out the windows.

  “Great, what fools hung that? They’re announcing our arrival. That’s fucking great.”

  “Kael, it’s obvious we’re here shopping anyway. Watch your language in front of Kalinda,” Kliven corrected Kael.

  “Sorry, Father.” Kael frowned and looked out the window as if looking for dangers.

  “We’ll continue as planned,” Kliven added.

  Carlista instructed the driver to stop at Merisilliona’s dress shop first. “This is my favorite dress shop,” Carlista told Saleeya. “Kliven and Kael are prepared to buy a lot of beautiful gowns. We have much to celebrate.” Carlista happily prepared to exit the transport. The transports parked in the specially designated spots waiting for the royal caravan.

  “Kael, you see how they can’t miss our arrival. We’re arriving in six military transports in downtown Ferileson. Calm down and let’s get our females into the dress shop.” Kliven patted him on his back. “It’ll be okay. We are here and well protected.”

  “Come, Saleeya, I’ll hold your hand. Kalinda, hold my other hand, and let’s get to this and be done,” Kael said as he led them from the transport into the shop. The sales clerks lined up waiting at the door for their royal clientele to enter. Kael and Kliven positioned themselves near the dressing rooms in the back of the store. The guards had the entire store blocked off to the public and were positioned strategically throughout the store. The nurses held the babies in their arms and sat near to Kael and Kliven at the back the store. A sales clerk shadowed every royal female and Mia.

  “Pick out at least ten gowns and try them all on. There’re only six dressing rooms. Kalinda, you’ll join me in mine. We’ll try on the gowns together and come out here, and look in the big mirrors. I want to see every one that you decide to purchase.” Carlista gathered a bunch of gowns and headed to the first dressing room. “Mia, that goes for you too. You’re as my daughter. Enjoy and pick out your gowns. Kael, why don’t you and Kliven go on down to the jewelry store and look around. Come back in two hours to negotiate the purchases,” Carlista suggested to her mate and son.

  “No, Carlista. Kael and I will remain. We’ll go everywhere together. Worry about choosing your gowns, my love.”

  Carlista bounced over to Kliven and kissed him. “Yes, my mate, as you wish.” Saleeya watched, taking mental notes for future use. Carlista was handling her Alpha Prime male with consummate skill, and it was obvious that Kliven was eating it up.

  “Saleeya,” Kael whispered into her hair. Saleeya jumped.

  “Kael, I didn’t hear you come up behind me.” Saleeya spun around to look at him. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m keeping a close eye on you. I’m going to offer you my opinions about the gowns you select. I might as well be helpful. I’ll go in the dressing room with you to assist.”

  “And don’t think to play me as my mother plays my father. I’ve watched her in action for decades. I’ve grown wiser than my father.” Kael swatted Saleeya on her behind. “Now, select some gowns and let’s be done with this before I turn too old waiting. I don’t like yellow. Your joining dress should be pink or white, that’s my preference.” Kael looked as if he was looking through the gowns.

  “You can’t go into the dressing room with me.” Saleeya shook her head.

  “Yes, I can. Watch me. Go. Try on those gowns in your hand.” He nudged Saleeya toward the dressing rooms and followed her inside.

  “Kael, I can’t try on the gowns if you’re going to behave badly in here.”

  “Saleeya, you’ve never told me I behaved badly before.” Kael smiled down at her. “Let me help you out of your gown. I’ll try to keep my clothes on.”

  They finished with the dress shop and continued the rest of the day according to Carlista’s shopping plans. After shopping at several shops and eating, Saleeya was ready to go home to rest. She had managed to shop more in one day than she had in her entire life. The day went without incident. All the females had a wonderful time. Kael purchased Saleeya fifteen gowns, ten nightgowns, ten pair of shoes, and a gorgeous jeweled bracelet. Saleeya and Mia were giddy with the wonder of all that they had been able to purchase and experience. They chatted endlessly about it. The royal family made their way back to the Palace without incident. Saleeya was happy to be alone with Kael.

  “Saleeya, stop looking at your gowns. Put on one of those sexy nightgowns and come to bed with me. I need to remember why I spent so much money on you today,” Kael teased.

  “Kael Braeden, you want me to put on a new nightgown so you can take it off.” Saleeya eyed him. “I don’t like you to tease me like that. You’re not buying my favors. Don’t tear my new nightgown.” Saleeya sat at the bottom of the bed.

  “All male mates buy their females’ favors in one way or another. We have to get our rest for tomorrow’s events. They scheduled the twins’ blessing ceremony early tomorrow, right at sunrise. It’ll be a busy affair lasting most of the day with the leaders of the different Xihirian shifter sects, heads of our regions, religious leaders, and the remaining visiting Council members. Then your parents are arriving late moonrise. We have to be ready to greet them. I want them to feel welcomed.” Saleeya jumped up and swung around the bed. She took hold of him and hugged his body close. “Oh, Saleeya, you feel so nice.” Kael ran his hands up and down her body. “Come lay down with me and show me how much you love me.” Kael beckoned.

  Saleeya followed Kael and he pulled her down on top of him. Saleeya straddled his hips. They kissed. She kissed him all over his muscled chest and up his neck. “Saleeya, you taste and feel so good. I love you. I want you to have my child.” Kael kissed Saleeya’s tender breasts. “I want my seed planted and growing inside of you,” Kael said softly as he worshiped her body with kisses. “How do you feel about having my baby?” Kael rolled her under him.

  “I’d love to carry your child someday.” Saleeya hugged him to her as he pressed his cock into her womb.

  “I’m glad you feel that way.”

  “I love you, Kael.”

  “I love you more.”

  After they made love, they b
oth drifted off to sleep. When they awoke, the sun was shining brightly into their suite. “Saleeya, we’ve slept late. Let’s get ready to meet Father and Mother for the blessing ceremony. If I’m late Father will bite my head off—literally. He hasn’t shown you his beastly side yet. But it can be worse than mine. He doesn’t like Mother disappointed.”

  Saleeya got out of bed while Kael showered. He dressed in his formal attire. Saleeya finished her shower and dressed in her new turquoise gown. “Sweet Saleeya, you look absolutely beautiful. I have something special for you to wear with your gown.” Kael placed the most glorious, clear green crystal gem necklace around her neck. The jewelry complemented her dress and the hair clip she had used to sweep her hair up off her neck.

  “It’s glorious, Kael. Thank you.” Saleeya was stunned by the beauty and generosity of his lovely gift. She kissed him tenderly in thanks. “Oh, Kael, this is so special. Thank you so much,” Saleeya gushed.

  “Here are the matching earrings.” Kael handed her the pair. “Put them on and let’s go quickly.” Saleeya gasped again. Excitedly she put the matching crystal and green gem earrings in her ears. Pleased, she studied her reflection. She looked extraordinary with her new gown and precious jewels. Truly, she looked like a Princess. She felt like a Princess. Kael and Saleeya made their way to the Great Hall, arriving just in time.

  Lines of dignitaries were waiting to enter the Great Hall to greet the royal family and to catch a glimpse of the two new babies that were to be blessed.

  Kael pushed into the room toward the family. “Kael, you’re late. Your mother has been frantic. You know I don’t like her upset,” Kliven scolded his son, his eyes blazing. “Your other siblings are assembled and ready to bless Kara and Kade. Get to your places.” His father pointed in the direction he wanted them to go.

  “Yes, Father,” Kael respectfully responded. “Come, Saleeya, I’ll show you where to stand.” Kael placed Saleeya at the end of the line of siblings next to Kalinda. Saleeya noticed several new faces that had to be Kael’s other brothers present. All were dressed in their finest. They resembled each other very much. Kael was the largest next to his father. Saleeya felt amazement that she was a part of such of special and beautiful family. Kalinda smiled up at Saleeya and took her hand.

  “You look beautiful, Saleeya. The adult males perform this ceremony with Father. They’re going to officially state the babies’ names, Kara and Kade, and dedicate them to Xian. They’ll ask for his everlasting blessings. Then a priest will speak and congratulate our parents. After all of that, our family we’ll eat a large meal in celebration,” Kalinda explained the upcoming event.

  “All we have to do is stand here and smile?” Saleeya asked to be sure.

  “Yes, and nod to the group when they clap and cheer for our new siblings. Look, there’s Mia. Father sat her up front with our close friends and other family members.” Kalinda pointed to Mia. Mia waved back. Saleeya was busy watching and listening to the crowd and to the ceremony. She loved to observe people and cultures. This was a prime occasion to learn much about the Xihirians and others who were present. The blessing was long, and Kael participated. Saleeya watched with pride as her mate performed his part. The crowd was happy. They were cheering and clapping with approval. Kliven handed Carlista Kade and Kalista helped her with Kara. They moved to the front center of the platform to lift the babies for all to see. The babies were fussy due to all of the commotion over them.

  Saleeya watched everything in awe of the grandeur and celebration of the tradition. As she was taking in the scene, her eye caught what seemed to be a man pushing through the side of the Hall, where many had to remain standing. It looked as if he had a large projectile weapon hanging down next to him, sort of covered by his robes. Saleeya’s mind warred with the reality of what she saw and went into automatic. All she could do was think of the babies and the people she loved. Her certainty was confirmed when she watched the man begin to raise the weapon discreetly to take aim. His robe’s voluminous sleeves had almost completely hidden it from her. Knocking Kalinda to the ground, she pushed against the other sisters, causing them to stumble and fall back. Incredibly, Saleeya’s body became instantly infused with great strength and sudden adrenaline. Racing to the center platform, Saleeya threw herself in front of Carlista and Kalista as a blockade.

  “No, there’s an assassin,” Saleeya screamed in a shrill voice just as a projectile struck her in the right shoulder and another in her left thigh. She knew she had saved Carlista from a direct hit. In a daze of pain, Saleeya fell to the ground, banging her head against the steps of the riser. She heard the room go into complete chaos. Her eyes closed from the pain. Animal sounds erupted all around her.

  Kalinda was screaming near her face. The child’s voice held so much terror. She could detect Carlista and Kalinda had surrounded her. Warmth flowed over her head and down her face. More brutal and fierce noises of wild beasts rang throughout the Great Hall. The sound of men shrieking in pain and outrage horrified Saleeya. Then she heard nothing. A deep, comforting abyss overtook her.

  * * * *

  “Mother, is she going to wake up?” Kalinda worried to her mother.

  “Yes, Kalinda. Saleeya has to wake. Her body has been through much, and they drugged her for surgery. She has to recover or our family shall never recuperate. Your brother will be forever feral and gone to us. Kael was so full of rage over the attack he nearly completely devoured the first shooter. Saleeya saved us from great loss. Xian can’t allow us to lose her. The medtor said she should be okay, but they may lose their baby.” Kalinda started to cry more. Carlista patted Kalinda’s head as tears streamed down her face. “Kael and Saleeya will make other babies. She’ll have great sorrow if they lose their child. We’ll have to be strong for Saleeya.” Carlista sniffled as more tears streamed down her face.

  “Where’s Kael?” Kaie asked her mother as she pushed through the door into the Med Clinic’s waiting area.

  “He went to greet Saleeya’s parents. He’s bringing them back to the Palace. Their Kriton Space Transport has recently arrived on Xihiriah. Medtor Fanstal almost came to blows with Kael. He demanded he leave the surgery and recovery room. For a moment, we worried for Medtor Fanstal, but he stood up to Kael. He’s a brave man. He insisted on compliance with his medical decisions. Therefore, Kael decided it was appropriate for him to pick up the Stayvels and bring them here. He had to get out of here before he killed the medtor.”

  “Did Kleave go with him to the Spaceport?”

  “Yes.” Carlista nodded.

  “I hope that Kleave will calm Kael down. I hope Kael doesn’t frighten her parents with his appearance and demeanor. His eyes were still full Wolfton when I saw him under an hour ago. All of our Xihirian males scared the Council members nearly to death when they fully shifted and attacked the assassins. The vision of Kael will be engraved forever in their minds, of Kael killing that first assassin.” Kaie shook her head. “I’ll never forget the scene. Some of the guards shifted too. They massacred other assassins, as they deserved. Did you know that one of the Council members had heart failure? He’s currently in the other Med Clinic receiving treatment. I was astounded at what happened. My heart nearly stopped, too.” Kaie fanned herself.

  “Yeah, I forgot how much bigger Kael and Father are than the rest of us. About ten Council members fainted when all of our brothers shifted. I was truly stunned.” Kalinda pulled on Kaie’s arm.

  “Yes, the entire Med Staff is in there triaging the guests for their injuries and shock.” Kalista pointed down the hallway.

  “We shall never forget this day,” Kalinda added and cried soft tears.

  * * * *

  Kael and Kliven had made good time arriving at the Space Terminal only minutes after the Kriton Spaceship had landed. “Kael, are you ready to go into the terminal lobby to find the Stayvels?” Kael’s older brother Kleave looked over at him. “Kael, you need to pull it together or let me go inside. I’ll fetch them without you. You don’t
want to put more fear into Saleeya’s parents. They’ll already be devastated when they hear of her injuries. She’s their only child. They don’t need to fear you, too,” Kleave kindly suggested.

  “Give me a moment, Kleave. I’ll relax and my eyes will change to look more human. Then we’ll go inside to get them together,” Kael said in a soft, less tense response. Kael took several deep breaths.

  The brothers entered the Xihirian spaceport’s terminal lobby for the commercial ships. The terminal was crowded. Passenger groups were waiting for guides, relatives, and taxi transports. “How the fuck am I to recognize them? I didn’t even think of that.” Kael pushed his hair back in frustration.

  “Kael, look over there at that woman. She strongly resembles Saleeya. Let’s go and ask if they’re the Stayvels.” Kleave touched Kael’s arm. Kleave led the way to where the couple was waiting.

  “Good moonrise to you both,” Kleave greeted the couple. “Are you Mr. and Mrs. Stayvel?” Kleave smiled warmly.

  “Yes, I’m Sandria Stayvel. This is my husband Sean Stayvel. Are you from the Palace? Where’s our Saleeya?” the lovely woman asked Kleave and Kael.

  “Hello, Mrs. Stayvel. I’m Kael Braeden. This is my older brother Kleave. We’ve come to greet you and take you to the Palace,” Kael kindly informed Saleeya’s parents. Immediately Saleeya’s mother seemed to realize that something was wrong. Her expression became worried.

  “Where’s our daughter? Is she all right? Why wouldn’t she be here to greet us? Why would you come for us without her?” Sandria’s face suddenly looked pained.

  “Mrs. Stayvel, don’t worry, we’ll take you directly to Saleeya. She was unable to come but is waiting for you at the Palace.” Kleave soothingly took Sandria by the arm and waved for Sean to follow.

  The ride to the Palace was silent and tense. When they arrived, the royal women were waiting at the Grand Entrance to welcome the Stayvels. “Kael, Saleeya just woke up and is asking for you,” Kalista discreetly informed her brother. At hearing Saleeya’s request, Kael left the group without a word. He made his way to the Med Clinic, leaving the Stayvels with his family.