by Kyle, Celia
And as he said the words, he knew them to be true. They rang in the room and echoed in his soul. Eric sen Nuva was theirs.
And he would perform the Sael Ealaa in thanks.
Chapter Five
Chashan drew Khaza from the room, careful to leave the door open once they left. He would thank his mate for her gift, but not at the risk of being delayed getting to Eric if he was in need. His dragon rumbled in approval. Before that moment, their sole purpose was to ensure Khaza’s happiness. Now they had a dragonlet. His wings trembled, emotion overtaking his control.
Excitement. Joy. Euphoria. As if Syh reached down and embraced his small family.
He led his mate into their sleeping chamber and then over to the sliding door that led to their private balcony. He released her long enough to open it and let the gift of Syh flow into the room. Even tinged with the stinging salt of the ocean, the brush of wind on his wings was a glorious blessing.
He breathed deeply, drawing air into his lungs and releasing it slowly before he turned to face his mate. She was as beautiful now as the day the Knowing drew them together. Long, shining hair, sparkling eyes, pouty lips, and a delicate nose with the smallest tilt upward at the tip.
“Khaza,” he said her name on a whisper. “Do you know how you draw me, shaa kouva?” He slowly stepped forward, closing the distance between them. “Do you know that I live and die by your smiles?” He continued, not stopping until less than an inch separated their bodies. “Do you know that without you I would have taken my final flight long before this day?”
Her soft fingers pressed to his lips. “Chashan, I…”
Chashan pursed his lips and kissed the tips of her fingers before pulling her hand from his mouth. He focused on his mate’s body, on thanking her—and Syh—for the gift he received.
He moved around her, circling his mate until he stood at her back, both facing the sea visible beyond their balcony. Wind rushed into their sleeping chamber, Syh’s natural embrace caressing them.
He molded his front to her back and Khaza leaned against him, resting her weight on him.
He remained silent as he reached for her clothing, fingers caressing and undoing each button of her dress. One slipped free and then another as the words of the Sael Ealaa passed through his lips.
Tobah douh kouva tai ryu gaora ot douha hadou.
Thank you, beloved, for the gift of your hope.
He parted the top of her dress, fabric sliding down her arms. He reached around her front once more. He toyed with her chest bindings until his palms were filled with her plump breasts.
Tobah douh kouva tai ryu gaora ot douha shour.
Thank you, beloved, for the gift of your strength.
He rubbed his thumbs on her nipples, teasing the hard nubs, and his mouth watered at the thought of tasting the buds. But not yet.
The wind gusted again and his mate arched into his hands, crying out for more.
Tobah douh kouva tai ryu gaora ot douha vai.
Thank you, beloved, for the gift of your heart.
He forced himself to leave her breasts and continue his exploration. He ventured south and nudged her dress. The cloth fell to the ground in a soft whisper to pool at her feet. Now his mate was all but nude, her sleek body exposed to Syh.
Only one thing remained.
He teased the soft edge of that final fabric barrier. Humans called them pant-eez and Chashan found he loved the bits of lace and elastic. He dipped beneath the cool cloth, the heat of her center calling to him.
Khaza’s soft curls beckoned him and the musky scent of her desire lured his dragon to the surface. The beast wished to give their mate thanks for her gift. A century of mating allowed him to know her body as well as he knew his own. He sifted through her curls, warmth increasing and the tiniest hint of moisture taunting his fingertips.
His cock throbbed and beast urged him to sink into their mate. Not yet. Soon, but not yet. He had replayed this scene in his mind so many times. Again and again each time his mate entered her fertile period. Now he would put his mental practice to good use.
Tobah douh kouva tai ryu gaora ot douha phaa.
Thank you, beloved, for the gift of your pain.
He thanked her for her sacrifice and offered his own gift in return. Pleasure. Pleasure gifted without any expectation of return.
With that last promise, Chashan slipped his finger between her moist folds. He dipped into her wetness and found her pleasure button with ease, the nub practically quivering for his touch. He teased that small bit of flesh, the piece that would make his mate call out to him—sob his name until she was exhausted.
“Chashan.” His name was a mixture of a whisper and shout as she dug her small nails into his arm.
He circled the bundle of nerves over and over, drawing her pleasure to the surface. He knew what his mate enjoyed most and he would give her all she desired.
He cupped one breast with his free hand, weighing the large mound and gently cradling it in his palm. He plucked her nipple, giving her the smallest bit of pain. She enjoyed his fangs on her skin, and he knew she reveled in the sting when he pinched the nubbin.
Her moan confirmed his thoughts, her deep groan vibrating through his body.
He focused on his finger, on tapping her clit while he listened to her breath and heartrate. With each circle, her heart raced. With each tap, her breath stuttered. So he continued with both.
He closed his eyes and welcomed the stinging wind that blew in from the sea. He kept his mind drawn away from his body and focused on what gave his mate the most pleasure.
“Shaa kouva…” He whispered the endearment, recalling the first time he’d uttered the words so long ago. “You are life,” he murmured.
A full body shudder racked his mate, her whole form trembling and twitching against his grip. He wouldn’t release her. Not yet.
He teased more of her pussy—curving his hand and toying with her center while he rubbed her clit with the heel of his hand. Khaza sobbed out his name, violently shuddering, and her opening kissed his fingers. She tightened as if she sought to milk his cock.
She would. Just not yet. The Sael Ealaa was for her.
The wind gusted over them once more, Syh impatient for him to finish this blessing while Chashan would have preferred to draw the teasing out for hours. Perhaps next time. They may never have dragonlets of their body, but Khaza had been right to claim Eric. He was the son of their soul.
Chashan… She whimpered, pleading with him.
She wanted and when they’d mated, he’d promised to always give her what she desired. He returned his touch to her clit, circling and tapping the small button of nerves. Her breathing increased, lungs heaving air in and out of her body. She jerked and twitched in his embrace, fighting to get away yet get closer at the same time.
She whined and begged, words tripping from her lips. And with each syllable, the wind increased, Syh joining them—approving of their actions.
Chashan knew she hovered at the brink, holding back as she waited for the last piece of the blessing. The last words that would bring a close to the Sael Ealaa.
Tobah douh kouva tai ryu gaora ot douha soubah.
Thank you, beloved, for the gift of your soul.
Khaza’s pleasure crested over her, the experience reaching into Chashan’s mind as well. Her release snatched at his own and threw him over the edge with her. His cock throbbed within his katoth pants. He came with a deep, heaving moan, cum erupting from the head of his shaft and staining his tanned hide clothing. His dragon roared with the completion of the ritual and pure bliss struck his every nerve.
They both lost control of their bodies, muscles jerking and twitching. Her cream coated his palm, her center slick and wet for his possession. And he would take her—soon. When he could stand and take more than a step perhaps.
Maybe…
Maybe when Syh decided he no longer wished to toy with them.
Chashan and Khaza had dreamt and prayed for a dr
agonlet with the passing of each of her heats. Now, Syh granted their wish by gifting them with a bay-bee who thought interrupting—at that very moment—was a good idea.
Chapter Six
Chashan wished Penelope was not so thorough. If she hadn’t found any of Eric’s relatives, the Preor would only have had to negotiate with Earth authorities and he’d been told they were easily intimidated. But the ship had located someone with blood ties to the bay-bee.
He stared down at the datapad and fought his dragon’s desire to burst free and kill Eric’s only other relative. “You are sure this is accurate?”
Penelope snorted despite her lack of nose. Or lungs. Or body. She was a collection of electronics that sounded more and more human every day.
“Penelope…” He did not have the patience for games. He’d spent time worshipping Khaza’s body during the Sael Ealaa until they were both sated and exhausted. He’d thought to fall into a mindless slumber.
Eric had other ideas and woke them many times.
“On my honor as a Preor—”
“You are not a Preor.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. He wasn’t sure why he argued with a computer.
“I have submitted a petition to the emperor,” Penelope snapped.
May Syh save them, then.
“The Preor dragonlet, Eric sen Nuva, has one human relative based on the closeness of their genetic code. She lives within Tampa and is in transit with warriors Triem and Radoo.”
“You already summoned her?” He growled and mentally cursed.
“The third fleet both on the surface and in orbit support the claiming of Eric sen Nuva.”
“I suppose you spoke with Esteemed Warrior Jarek and War Master Taulan on our behalf, as well?” Chashan now understood the frustration of other males who dealt with Penelope often.
“No, I did.” Khaza’s lyrical voice soothed the rough edges of his nerves and Eric’s soft giggle calmed him.
“And when, shaa kouva, did you have time to speak with the warriors?” He turned to face her and quirked a single brow.
“I sent messages to their mates. From dam to dam, I asked for their assistance.” She straightened her spine and tipped her chin up the slightest bit. Determination shone in her gaze.
“My life is no longer my own, is it?” he grumbled and shook his head. “I am to be managed now.”
The other mated warriors complained of being managed by their human mates. Khaza might be Preor but it seemed she’d learned much from the humans. His mate merely grinned and padded forward until she reached his side. She curled against him, her weight familiar, and he stared into the wide eyes of his son.
“Healing Master Chashan, the short flight approaches the tower. Triem and Radoo will escort their guest to Conference Room 1 on the first floor.”
“Understood.” He placed a single finger beneath his mate’s chin and encouraged her to tip her head back. He brushed his lips over hers with the gentlest of kisses. “I will return shortly.”
Khaza shook her head. “I’ll go with you.”
“Stay and care for our dragonlet, shaa kouva. I will not be long. I would feel better if you were here within our aerie.”
She pressed her lips together until they were white and he thought she’d object. But when she opened her mouth to speak, Eric cried out for attention.
Thank you, shaa senvai.
Khaza lifted Eric to her shoulder and rubbed his back. “You will comm me when your task is complete?”
“Without hesitation,” he happily agreed.
His mate gave him a brisk nod and stepped from beneath his wing before retracing her steps and disappearing into the nursery. Then he left their apartment and strode down the hallway toward the elevator. He disliked the metal boxes that took them from level to level, but he understood their necessity. Humans did not have wings. Neither did female Preors, though Khaza was one of the few.
The moment he stepped into the elevator—alone—Penelope spoke to him. “War Master Taulan gave Radoo a small collection of diamonds and gemstones to give to Eric’s relative. Khaza told Carla of Erica’s condition and desires, and Carla told Grace who told War Mistress Lana, and the females agree that this relative might be paid off with the appropriate number of stones. The young dragonlets Shanas and Lorrasyh were happy to destroy half of their nursery to create the stones with their fire.”
Chashan just bet the twins were happy. He doubted their parents were, though.
“It is the War Mistress’ belief that the relative will accept payment for a dragonlet?” Chashan had never heard of such a thing, but he knew some humans were greedy for credits. The stones created by Preors’ fire were worth many credits on Earth.
“Yes.” There was no hesitation in Penelope’s speech, which mean Lana had not hesitated either. He released the breath he had not realized he’d held and relaxed a little. He would complete this meeting and return to his mate…
And son.
* * *
Less than thirty minutes after entering Conference Room 1, Chashan strode out of the space. Radoo’s collection of stones was lessened by half and Eric’s ant had relinquished all rights to the bay-bee to Chashan and Khaza.
He was a sire now. Truly the sire of Eric sen Nuva—human by birth but Preor by heart.
He could not wait to share the news with his mate. Chashan strode down the hall toward the elevators but changed his mind and stopped. He spun in place and broke into a run, racing toward the doors and the sky beyond.
The warriors guarding the exit moved aside, shoving the doors wide with his approach. The moment the sea’s salt-tinged air filled his lungs, Chashan took flight. He beat his wings, once, twice, and on and on. He put distance between his body and the sands below, going higher as he circled Preor Tower. Flying to his aerie took more energy, but was faster than waiting for that metal box to carry him to the correct level.
He pushed harder, his dragon’s strength joining him. It urged him on, anxious to hold their mate and dragonlet close. It had craved offspring as well, but like Chashan’s other half, found happiness with Khaza alone. She was their very reason for breath. His love for Eric was different yet no less strong and deep.
Chashan made another circle and spied their balcony with the removable metal railing and the few plants his mate had hung to remind her of Preor.
She would toss him off the balcony if he destroyed her precious greenery, but he didn’t know how he could land without tearing them down. Perhaps she would forget once he gave her his news.
He flapped his wings and changed his course, adjusting his approach until… Until he tightened his wings against his body and tumbled onto the balcony.
Of course, he tore down her plants with him. Dirt and leaves covered him, continuing to rain down from the few pots that stubbornly clung to their ties.
The back door slid open and he was met with his mate’s heated glare. She had one hand propped on her hip while she gently held Eric in the other.
“Chashan joi Khaza Nuva, what—”
He ignored the beginning of her grumbles and held up a datastick. “Eric is ours. Truly ours. The human released him.”
Khaza snapped her mouth closed, eyes wide while she gasped. “He…”
Chashan pushed to his feet, flapping and stretching his wings to see if he’d broken anything as he’d fallen. A small tightness and dull ache, but not the piercing agony of a shattered bone. Good. He did not have time to be injured. “Eric is ours.”
She closed her eyes and gently laid her lips to Eric’s forehead. “Ours. He is our son,” she whispered. “I am his dam and you are his sire.”
She repeated the words as if she could not believe them. His strong, gentle, yet fierce mate.
Chashan nudged her back and pushed the door closed once he stepped into their aerie. He did not hesitate to draw Khaza into his arms, Eric snugly between them when he wrapped her in his wings. She shuddered and leaned against him, his mate taking strength from him.
Then it seemed another took strength from him as well. Eric released a roar that rivaled any Preor warrior’s bellow.
Followed by a stench so strong he thought he’d die from the smell. “By all that breathes fire, what is that?”
It did not take him long to learn that it was his son. A son he’d wanted for over a century. A son he would love twice as long. A son… who truly needed to learn how to walk and use a cleansing chamber because disgusting things came out of a human body.
* * *
Don’t forget to be amazeballs and leave a review!
* * *
About the Author
Ex-dance teacher, former accountant and erstwhile collectible doll salesperson, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Celia Kyle now writes urban fantasy, science fiction (as Erin Tate), and paranormal romances for readers who:
1) Like super hunky heroes (they generally get furry)
2) Totally dig beautiful women (who have a few more curves than the average lady)
3) Love laughing in (and out of) bed.
It goes without saying that there's always a happily-ever-after for her characters, even if there are a few road bumps along the way.
Today she lives in Central Florida and writes full-time with the support of her loving husband and two finicky cats. (Who hate each other with a passion unrivaled. What’s up with that?)
Find Celia on the web…
@celiakyle
authorceliakyle
www.celiakyle.com
[email protected]
Copyright © 2017 by Celia Kyle
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.