by J. C. Owens
Darren shrugged a little, a faint line of red along his cheekbones. “Got a promotion. Commander of Anisstor. We’re staying here, apparently.”
Andon retrieved his hand and crossed his arms over his chest. “Do tell.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
It was a magnificent sight, so many grifs taking off at once, filling the sky over Anisstor, circling to gain height and then banking northwest, falling into formation as they grew ever smaller with distance.
Andon watched them till they were out of sight, his arms wrapped around himself. Daren steered him back into the now eerily quiet fortress.
“This is going to take some getting used to,” Andon muttered, the absence of people unnerving him more than he would admit. He might have been a loner, but for years there had always been the sounds and sights of a busy base, not this absence, this emptiness.
“We could go with them,” he said for the dozenth time that day. “Help the rebels.”
“We have our orders, Andon. Stay here, keep Anisstor ready.” Daren grimaced. “Our grifs need time to rest and recover. Not to mention this damn arm taking its time to heal.”
Andon grimaced but said nothing. It didn’t feel right to be here when somewhere else, others were fighting for freedom.
Daren squeezed his shoulder, meeting his eyes. “If they need us, they’ll call us.”
It was slim comfort at best. But things could have easily been worse. He needed to take what comfort he could and thank the gods they had escaped alive and that they had found a place to be that held none of the dangers of the desert.
Gretnel’s bugling call stopped them in their tracks. They shared a look and then they were running toward the stables.
“Sosi…”
“Ceris! What’s the matter!” Andon ran faster, fear rising.
“Celebrate. We will have young.”
What?
He stumbled. Only Daren’s grip on his arm prevented him from a fall.
He shot a glance at his bondmate, surprising a similar look of shock upon his face. Gretnel must have told him.
It was not possible. All these years, all the matings. Not once had there been a quickening, not the slightest sign that Ceris was even capable of becoming gravid.
The paintings in the temple showed the black grif always alone, always isolated. He had assumed that perhaps this was Ceris’s fate. It was why Andon had been so shocked at the king’s plan. The man had to have known that Ceris had never conceived. What madness had convinced him that she would do so locked away from everyone and everything…? He would have taken the younglings too, raised them in the broken system of the military where rider and grif weren’t equals. Rage, hot and sharp rose. He wanted to fly back to the capital and—
“Sosi. Peace. We are free now.”
He released the anger, feeling the edges of her joy washing over him. Nothing else mattered right now.
He and Daren arrived, almost skidding around the corner into the huge nesting area that Ceris and Gretnel had claimed for their own.
Gretnel lay close behind his mate, his wing over her, as he made an odd chirring noise that Andon had never heard from a grif before. The love in the sound was an almost physical thing.
He swallowed hard, moisture rising into his eyes that he had to blink away. He was not crying. He wasn’t. He felt Daren’s hand on his shoulder, could see his truemate wiping at his eyes beside him, feel the thrum of joy and hope from Daren as his disbelief faded.
Andon stepped forward, a step, then another, feeling as though he were approaching a deity, something not quite real. Ceris was almost glowing. She felt like more than she had been before, as though the young within her created something new and powerful.
She had her head tucked under Gretnel’s wing, against his flank, but as he approached, she turned her head, her eyes meeting his.
“Sosi. I am not changed. I am yours, you are mine.” Her voice rang more powerfully in his mind than it ever had before, their link stronger than ever before.
He reached out, hesitant to touch, and she pushed her great head under his hand. He closed his eyes at the contact and pressed closer, wrapping his arms around as much of her as he could manage.
“You will not lose me. Not as you think. I will not leave you. Never leave you. If you believe nothing else, believe that.”
Beside them, he caught sight of Daren laughing, trying to hug as much of Gretnel as he could reach…
“It’s true then.” Daren could not contain his shock. There had never been time to consider the future, to imagine his grif having young. The mating had been such a rush, and everything that had happened since then…
“It is true.” Gretnel’s confirmation was rife with smugness, his mane rising a little in pride.
“I think that Ceris had a little to do with it too, big boy. You might want to remember that before you get your nose nipped—or worse.” He threw his arm around Gretnel’s nose, tears rising. After a year within their mother, the younglings would be born and life would never be the same. He had never had the privilege of seeing Gretnel when he was very young. Now, he would see his young from the moment of their birth. The honor of that was more than he could fathom.
Daren felt tears spring up. “You big lug. You’re going to make a great father.”
Gretnel chuffed laughter. “We’ll see.” He nudged at Daren. “You know what this will mean for the others.”
Daren drew back wide-eyed. A female grif bearing young seemed to have a strong effect on any other female in the area, and they would go into heat more frequently, the chances of conception were greater…
“Oh gods. If Trai and Novul get pregnant…” He felt a little overwhelmed. “We’re going to be swimming in young grifs.”
The tower roof was warm in the sun, a light breeze keeping the heat at bay.
Andon sat staring outward, lost in thought.
Everything was settling, and yet…
He wished Vren were here. He had been so sensible, so calm. He would have ensured that Andon saw the glory of it all, and how he deserved that glory.
He shook his head, but for a moment, Vren’s smile came to mind, so clearly, as though the man himself stood there.
The image faded as he heard footsteps on the tile roof and Daren slowly sat down beside him, still awkward with his damaged arm.
Andon took a deep breath, trying to dampen the panic that had teased the edges of his thoughts all day.
“What in the hells are we going to do, Daren?”
The day had passed swiftly with congratulations from the others and a special meal cooked by the few staff that had remained. Everyone at the base seemed happy and excited.
Grif young were rare, a reason why each one was so precious, why so few people from the academy could ever hope to imprint one. Somehow, some sense within him knew that this mating would produce more than the one or two that was normal. It was said that long ago grifs had had litters of four or more. Hard to believe, but then, there was little known about true mates…
“I don’t know how to help her!” Andon dug his fingers into his pants, painfully squeezing the flesh beneath as his panic threatened to overrun his good sense.
Daren laid an arm around his shoulders, drew him close against his side. He calmed under the man’s comforting touch.
“I think we need to trust Ceris and Gretnel,” Daren said. “They’re the ones with instincts. Not to mention that Ceris was born wild, raised properly, without human interference. I believe she will know what to do, and she can teach the rest of us poor sods.” The soft humor drew Andon back from his fears.
They sat in silence upon the roof of the main hall tower, looking out over the forest one way, and the beginnings of the desert in the other.
“Do you feel like this was guided by someone?” Andon finally whispered. “I’ve never truly believed in a higher power, but everything that has happened—we are here, almost isolated now, and we can do whatever we wish as regards our grif
s. If this revolution goes on long enough…”
“We will raise these younglings to be strong and without submission.” Daren finished the sentence seamlessly.
“If the aviators return?”
“I would trust Thasin to listen to what we have to say. Whoever takes power after the revolution will listen, because if they don’t, we will leave, younglings and all. We have leverage in this, and I will damn well use that to change what needs to be changed. This has been handed to us to see through to the end, and it will be done.” There was utter conviction in his tone, and a sense of strength and purpose that Andon had not felt in his truemate before.
He leaned into Daren’s side, a smile slowly lighting his face. At this moment, despite his doubts and experiences, he could believe in a future… A good, happy future.
~ About the Author ~
Writing has always been of the utmost importance to me, often a means of expressing frustration, anger and grief during terrible times in my life. It was also there for the joys and triumphs, a faithful companion through it all that never failed me. I do indeed love to write and have over twenty books sitting idle in my computer, waiting… I started off writing under the name of J.C. McGuire with three historical books, “My Name is Aelida” Book 1 & 2, (a two part novel of Arthurian Briton and the strength of a woman in a world where men rule and her ancient bloodline is more important than her happiness. These books have been re-released as a four part series with Etopia Press, The Ascension, The Gloaming, The Conquered, The Triumph), and “Shadow of the Sun”, a very emotional novel of Alexander the Great and his lover Hephaistion. Done from Hephaistion’s viewpoint, (we all know that he dies in the end) it was the hardest thing I have ever written. I still get tears when I read it. I still love all of those books and actually read them as if someone else wrote them!!
“Shadow of the Sun” got me into the male/male genre and I began to write under J.C. Owens. I enjoy writing of the beauty of men loving men, plus the conflict in what a person thinks they want, versus what they truly need to become themselves.
I love to hear from my readers and always appreciate suggestions and comments for future books. Sharing a love of reading and good, hot sensuality between men is always a cause for celebration!
Discover more about J. C. Owens here
http://www.jcowensauthor.net/
~ Also by J. C. Owens ~
Siren’s Call
J. C. Owens
A looming war. A pirate's revenge. A young noble caught in the middle...
Dradin Sharlain is the youngest son of the most feared family in Malseenia. Scorned by his father and tormented by Vax, his sadistic brother, Dradin is seen as weak and vulnerable, despite his talents in diplomacy. When his carriage breaks down in a remote area known to harbor pirates, he soon falls prey to Captain Rastay, the merciless commander of the pirate ship Siren. Captain Rastay kidnaps him, intending to ransom Dradin for the crewmen Vax is holding captive. Trapped on the high seas, Dradin learns the pirate captain is everything he is not—powerful, fearless, and experienced in the ways of the world. But soon Dradin must make a bargain that may cost him his freedom and his innocence. Only he's no longer certain Rastay is as evil as the rumors claim...
Captain Rastay is desperate to rescue his men from the brutality of Vax Sharlain. So when the chance arises to capture the youngest of the family, he quickly takes the innocent young noble hostage. Rastay is driven by a wildness that shadows him, a craving for action, for revenge, and a growing desire for Dradin. After betrayals and subterfuge, both men are launched on a course toward a perilous battle on the high seas. Yet neither war nor treachery will stop Rastay from getting what he wants. But does he still want revenge...or does he want the hauntingly beautiful Dradin Sharlain in his arms?
Buy Siren's Call here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_Owens_Siren_s_Call?id=5gYvDwAAQBAJ
Dragon Forge
J. C. Owens
The dragons are dying. Now a talented blacksmith and a betrayed prince must find a way to save them...while saving each other.
Bren, a blacksmith in a small town, longs to escape his drunken, abusive father. His world is turned upside down when legendary dragon riders arrive and discover Bren is a chosen one. He's taken to the great mountain fortress to imprint one of the new hatchlings by none other than Kyralian, the dragon prince. After the hatching goes terribly wrong, Bren struggles to recover by losing himself in his metalwork, taking on apprentices, and ignoring all dragons. But he soon realizes that Kyralian, seemingly so powerful, is in real trouble. The prince and his male dragon are treated like property, mated as a prize at the end of a yearly chase. Bren will do anything to keep the prince and his dragon safe...even if it costs him everything.
Kyralian is desperate to save the dragons of his colony. He's searching for answers to the failing dragon lines, but the ruling council only wants to use his dragon for breeding. He can't defy them because he's bound by duty and his love for his people. Yet he's never felt more alone, more caged by his obligations to the colony. Now his growing feelings for the blacksmith have endangered both their freedom and their lives. The prince's dragon is the last male in the fortress, his value beyond price, and there are enemies who will do anything to make the prince submit...
Buy Dragon Forge here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_Owens_Dragon_Forge?id=AKZ2DgAAQBAJ
The Chosen
J. C. Owens
A lost soul. A forbidden love. Between them stands a mad god...
Mikon lives a simple life leading trade caravans and taking care of his brother. His newest caravan is headed through the Deadlands, transporting prisoners taken by the Tacartian army. The prisoners are the legendary warriors known as the Masaari, led by the unforgettable Satarin. Powerful. Beautiful. Dangerous. But when a magic-driven sandstorm strikes and the prisoners escape, Mikon is captured and taken into the desert to the secret home of the Masaari. There he will face a test unlike any other. Is he the soul of Kei, the lover of a god? Or is he only Mikon...the simple man who can't get Satarin out of his mind?
As The Chosen, Satarin has a duty to yield up his body to the god Janizar so the god might indulge in carnal pleasures. In order to get his people home, Satarin is willing to make any sacrifice. Now, in Mikon, the Masaari finally have the soul their god yearns for. Only the god is in love with a lie, and the new Mikon is slowly capturing Satarin's heart.
As Satarin struggles to protect both his people and Mikon, the god soon wants more. Janizar demands Satarin give up everything, his body and his mind, losing Mikon forever so Kei might return. Defiance will lead to death, but how can Satarin deny the desire burning in his soul...?
Buy The Chosen here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_Owens_The_Chosen?id=hgTjDQAAQBAJ
Soulseeker
J. C. Owens
A prince imprisoned by duty, a horse lord sworn to find the soulseeker...
Prince Rian is desperate to escape his abusive and tyrannical brother, Arran, the king of Rashma, and save those he loves from his brother's madness. But after recapturing Rian, the king is taking no chances when he forces the prince back to his duties as general. Arran has hired the Hawks, a group of hardened Zala mercenaries renowned for their battle prowess and skill with horses, to watch the prince. Broken and forced to submit, Rian endures these new bodyguards he knows are spies loyal to his manipulative brother. But Rian has a secret about to be uncovered. At night, when his mental barriers are lowered, he is guarded by the wraith of his dead twin. He can't hide the wraith from Hamon, the powerful leader of the Hawks who tangles all the emotions within Rian and makes him believe he just might be worthy of love.
When Hamon agreed to guard the prince, he believed it would be a simple task...and allow the Zala to gather information on the expanding kingdom of Rashma. But after witnessing the prince's unique powers, he suspects Rian might be one of the legendary soulseekers, despit
e the fact that Rian is not of the Zala and a soulseeker hasn't been seen in decades... But more than that, he finds himself fascinated and attracted to the prince. Soon he begins to suspect the king has lied about the prince from the very beginning. Yet, how can he convince Rian he's the true soulseeker and bring him safely to where he's needed most...
Buy Soulseeker here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_Owens_Soulseeker?id=FCbTDAAAQBAJ
The Falling
J. C. Owens
Once a proud warrior, now a demon's whore.
Brenaith had once been a warrior of renown, companion to the King of Artepia. Now he suffered in captivity as a demon's whore, his country overrun by a race his people had not believed existed. Driven to the edge of madness by his tortures, the final blow comes when his master, a demon lord, gifts him as a blood servant to a Shadow Knight, Shaynith-una, a monster of legend that destroys even souls. Brenaith does not expect to survive the bonding by Shaynith-una, who is rumored to hold divine blood and is held in awe by other demons.
But with time he begins to see Shaynith-una as more than the monster he is reputed to be. The knight is a demi-god. Half demon god, half elf, the son of rape and darkness, mind taken and molded by his demonic deity father. And Brenaith's fate and hope are both bound to Shaynith-una for good or for ill.
Can Brenaith break Shaynith-una's conditioning and discover what and who really lies behind the knight's facade...or will darkness always rule?
Buy The Falling here
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_C_Owens_The_Falling?id=6d3mCgAAQBAJ