"All I'm saying is this, Tera. Do not underestimate Illam, and don't think you'll be walking into a civilized gathering tonight."
"Now that sounds even more interesting."
Reaching out, Denyon laid his hand on her shoulder. “As one of your protectors while you're here, it's my responsibility to ensure that you know what you're getting into."
"Are you telling me I might very well be taken by another Felys and forced to submit?"
"No.” He frowned. “Damn it, Tera, you're not making this easy."
"And you're not making it clear, so I guess that makes us frustratingly even."
"I can't tell you what Illam has decided, that's for him to do. All I can say is that whatever happens tonight, remember that this dance is raising sexual levels to a peak. You might not expect the outcome."
"You're saying that Illam might decide he wants his wicked way with me after all?"
"What I'm saying is that you've not seen the feral side of our nature. Our sex can become quite..."
"Feral?"
"Yes."
Tera absorbed the information in silence, then glanced up at him again.
"I just want you to know that once the sexual peaking of a Felys starts, the only way to stop him is to knock him unconscious, or restrain him—and you'd want to make sure the restraints are bloody good."
"But the males wait for a female to submit, don't they?” This was getting fascinating. “What's this sexual peak in conjunction with the males all about?"
"You don't know?"
"Obviously not. But you're going to fill me in, right?"
"Obviously so.” Denyon noticed that Wylin was glancing back at them, a faint frown on his face. “Let's start walking slowly."
Tera waved to Wylin, indicating everything was all right, and he resumed ambling along with the kits, Aras and Rilla—but only once Tera and Denyon started walking.
"Tell me everything about this sexual peak."
Tucking his hands into the pockets of his low-slung, loose-legged pants, Denyon took a deep breath. Bare-chested, the lean muscles rippling beneath his smooth skin, and with his long tabby hair confined in a ponytail that reached to his waist, he really was a mouth-watering dish—and far more even-tempered than Illam. But it was Illam that Tera was attracted to. Some other lucky Felys female would eventually be Denyon's mate.
So she simply secretly admired Denyon's face and physique, but lusted after Illam.
"Females have their heat phases, when they're dominant and submissive, and finally submissive for mating. But in-between the heat phases, they enjoy sexual intimacy with their mates. You know all that."
"Yes."
"Males have a sexual peak."
Oh boy. “And this sexual peak involves what?"
"The male sexual peak happens about three or four times a year. They are dominating in this peak, dominating the female and controlling the mating. Rough play is often part of the mating."
"Really?” Clasping her hands behind her back, Tera listened with rapt attention.
"They never hurt the female, though a few scratches and bruises have been known to occur. But it's also something that a male can get when the female is in her heat phase. It's not deliberately done to hurt, just something that may occur during sexual peak or heat phase mating."
"Fascinating. So if this male sexual peak comes several times a year, why do you feel compelled to warn me about the dance?” Her eyes widened suddenly. “Are you saying that Illam is nearing his sexual peak time?"
"Maybe. The males have their sexual peak at different times, but it's well known that the dance can bring on that sexual peak, and often does. That's why it's laughingly referred to as a lust-inducing dance. I take it the females omitted to tell you this?"
"Everyone omitted to tell me this,” Tera replied.
"An oversight that could have had serious consequences.” He frowned. “Not good enough."
"Never mind that. So you're telling me that Illam might come into his sexual peak during this dance, and he might very well grab me and ... rough me up?” Oh boy! A quiver of both anticipation and a touch of fear at the unknown trickled through her.
"Yes.” Denyon's answer was blunt.
"But if he's decided not to choose me anyway, then he won't, will he?"
Denyon cast her a sober glance. “Let's not tiptoe around the topic. He scents you, he knows you're his nature mate. He won't be able to help himself if he comes into his sexual peak. He'll zero in on you and simply take you."
"In the Hall in front of everyone?” Tera didn't know whether to be appalled ... or appalled. Shooting stars of Cyran! Not in this lifetime!
Denyon grimaced. “We're not that feral! No, he'll simply grab you and take you to his home, his domain. And you won't stand a chance. If you don't want to be hurt, you'll submit. He's the dominant one at this time and any Felys female knows to submit."
"But rape isn't in the equation, right?"
"He won't rape you. If you really fight him and scream, his protective instincts will kick in. But know this, Tera. The sexual peak isn't a time to give the come hither then play hard to get. The Felys love a good chase, we love sexual games, but the peak time is not the time to play.” Denyon's jaw tightened. “His hormones will be raging, lust will be burning, and the need to dominate and mate will be pushing his actions. To turn from you should you fight and scream will tear at him mentally, but he'll somehow do it. And we'll be ready if he does. We might very well have to tranquilize him to get him away from you, and we'll have to take him somewhere to ride out the sexual peak. We'll also have to bring him a Felys female to satisfy him, maybe two females, for his lust won't be appeased if he can't have his nature mate."
Shooting stars of Cyran. Tera swallowed, trying to imagine Illam as a raging sex hormone on two legs. Oddly, it wasn't that hard to imagine. Oooooh boy.
"Hang on.” She touched Denyon's arm. “What did you mean when you said you'd be ready if I resist him?” She frowned. “If you think you're going to be waiting just outside the window waiting for me to howl for help—"
"Of course not. We respect each others privacy. The sexual peak, like the heat phase, is precious between nature mates. Even Felys who don't have mates go through the times, and still the privacy is respected. What I meant was that I'll place an alarm in the bedroom in the top drawer beside the bed. If you change your mind because you can't handle what Illam is giving you, then you get that alarm and press it. It will go straight through to my house, and I will come with the tranquilizer."
"What if he won't let me?"
"He will. Instinctively he'll seek to protect you."
"But what if you come into your sexual peak?"
"I'm not going to the dance, and my sexual peak happened only about a month ago. I'm very unlikely to come into sexual peak for at least another two months."
Tera could just imagine what an impressive sight that would have been. Who had the lucky little Felys female been who'd had the pleasure of Denyon in sexual peak? Maybe Denyon could fill her in a bit more on what a male did during this most intriguing time and—
"Don't ask,” Denyon growled.
"I didn't—"
"I can see the question in your eyes. Delcat, you're lucky I know that you're simply curious and mostly in a healer's way, and with an Argon's healthy interest in sex. If not, I'd be offended."
"Lucky me.” She grinned up at him.
He returned her look broodingly. “You be very sure of your decision, Tera. I won't like having to come to Illam and tranquilize him. I won't like seeing him in sexual agony just because you decide you can't handle the level of sex. I won't like seeing him be forced to use Felys females he in his heart doesn't want, because his body urges him onwards. And I won't like seeing you hurt. No heroics, you understand? And you be very, very sure."
They continued in silence, Tera's mind buzzing with the new information. She knew she should be scared of this new revelation, and maybe if she hadn't been an Arg
on, she might have been. Argons loved sex, they loved experimenting and playing, they even got a bit rough depending on the couple and their desires.
But they could always stop if a line was crossed.
There'd be no stopping if a line was crossed here, but drastic actions would be taken for her safety. And paying the price would be Illam.
And the Argon's standing in the Felys/Argon alliance.
She had to be very sure she could handle it.
"So,” she said softly. “The females are dangerous during their heat phase, and the males during their sexual peak."
"Yes.” Denyon's voice was equally soft.
"Marten came through it all right."
"Marten was very fortunate that he had the control to hold back until Lysie was ready to submit."
"The female controls but submits during her heat phase. The male totally dominates all the way through his sexual peak."
"You'd think that was unfair, but the female during the heat phase is dangerous, and has been know to injure an unwary mate. A male during the sexual peak is daunting, and can be rough, but his instinct to protect his mate will always prevent him from forcing her. That is the difference.” He sighed. “The female submits eventually but is dangerous until then, whereas a male dominates all the way, but has enough instinct to withdraw to allow the female to be taken to safety, and himself tranquilized or given other willing females.” He shook his head. “I'd say both males and females can get a highly sexual time of sharing during the times, but both can suffer as well. It works out even in the long run."
It did. In an odd, sort of twisted way, it did.
Denyon patted her shoulder. “I'm fond of you, little healer, and I love Illam like a brother. I don't want to see either of you hurt. Make your decision, and be very certain you can abide by it. If you choose no, then stay away from the dance and Illam will come with me to a safe place, just to avoid any problems. If you choose yes, be prepared to submit to him. But don't,” his hand tightened, “Don't go through with anything if he scares you, or unwittingly hurts you and you can't take it. I'll deal with the consequences."
Her heart warmed, and she slipped her arm around his waist. “You're so used to caring for everyone else, aren't you, Denyon?"
"It's my job,” he replied frankly.
"It's your heart.” She gave him a one-armed hug. “And I appreciate you telling me this."
"Yeah, well, someone had to."
As they entered the settlement, he said, “If I see you heading for the dance, I'll know your answer."
"Agreed."
* * * *
Wylin waylaid Tera at the house later that afternoon. He merely looked at her and said, “Let me know if you choose to go to the dance or not."
"Let me guess, Denyon's had a chat with you too, right?"
"If you choose to go I'll be at his place. If anything goes wrong, I'll be by your side as soon as that alarm goes off."
"Wylin—"
"No.” Wylin looked at her soberly. “I won't interfere in your decision, Tera. I've seen Marten cope with Lysie, and I've been assured that Illam would never force you, sexual peak or not. And he may not come into his peak."
"So why are you worried?"
"Because I'm your bodyguard, and your friend.” He gave her a quick hug. “If you choose to stay here I'll keep you amused with card games—"
"Whoopee."
"And if you choose to participate in the dance and with whatever may follow, then Denyon and I will amuse ourselves at his place with card games."
Tera looked up at him. “You'll miss the dance because of me?"
"First and foremost, Tera, I'm your bodyguard then friend."
"But—"
"Your choice for tonight, Tera. Just let me know."
Slowly, Tera placed the lid on the sample container and stored it in the corner of the living area. She'd been going over and over Denyon's words, and knew she shouldn't be surprised that the males had a sexual peak. After all, it wasn't just the females who were prized as sex slaves during the slave years. The Felys males had been prized, too, but not much had been written about them.
Maybe because they had been dangerous. Forced to mate with wenches not of their kind and with no idea of how rough they could be, or how dominating ... and the Felys didn't have that protective instinct for someone not their mate. The wenches they were forced to mate with would have been toying with them, driving them to a sexual frenzy...
It would have been just as much of a nightmare for the Felys male in his sexual peak as it had been for the Felys female in her heat phase, as captives, toyed and played with, and forced to perform sex with people who couldn't understand them, or even accept them. No wonder so many had gone insane or killed themselves in a bid for freedom of not only their physical bodies, but their mental capacity as well.
Crossing to the window, she gazed over at Illam's home. He was in his usual position on his front verandah, slouched back in the chair, balancing it on the two back legs, with his legs outstretched and propped on the rail, languidly crossed at the ankles. Eyes shut, hands linked comfortably over his impressive leanly, muscle-ribbed stomach.
Having a lycat nap.
The memory of how he'd played her the first time, making her climax, had heat shooting through her. The thought that he would get even more dominating during a sexual peak...
Now don't get too carried away. Denyon said it's possible he'd come into a sexual peak, he didn't say he would. You might simply have a lovely time of slap, tickle, dip the wick. That's all.
What if it's not all? What if he does come into his sexual peak?
Oh boy!
Steady on, Tera. He could get rough...
Oh yes!
And you can't call a halt without causing some serious consequences for everyone concerned.
Tapping her fingernails on the windowsill, she contemplated the lazy-looking Felys relaxing on his verandah. His long ponytail hung over the back of the chair, and it was swaying in the slight breeze.
Damn, the man oozed sex. Sex on two legs.
No, Tera, that's just because you're so hot for him. He really looks like a man taking his ease.
Or resting up for tonight.
Tera sucked in a breath and turned away. The dance was only a couple of hours away. She had to make a decision.
Was there really a decision to be made?
I'm an Argon. I like sex. We like to experiment.
Yeah, but this experiment can't be halted—without consequences. Can you take what he has to give?
Rough play. Dominance. She remembered how he'd snarled at her, how he'd growled when she hadn't submitted as he'd liked when he'd played with her the first time. He would be totally dominant this time. If he came into his sexual peak.
Can I handle it?
Hell, yes!
She was treading into new territory, but the knowledge that if she feared for her life, she could call for help and he'd stop, made the decision a little easier.
But she wouldn't call for help. She knew that instinctively. She couldn't hurt him that way. And she didn't fear what he'd do. Whatever he'd give, she'd take. Desire was starting to pool in her loins. She wanted a true sexual coupling ... mating. No more of the teasing. She wanted him inside her, filling her, giving her everything. Whether that was given in normal sex, or in the heated, almost dangerous sexual peak, she'd take it.
"Hell, never let it be said that an Argon shrunk from a new sexual experience!” she exclaimed aloud. “I'm an Argon, I am female. Give it to me!” And she giggled a little nervously.
* * * *
Illam heard footsteps long before the cause of them got too close. His ears twitched at the measured tread. The scent was clean, male, and definitely not slightly wild.
"Wylin,” he greeted without opening his eyes.
"I'm not going to muck around.” Wylin's voice sounded mild, but the tone had a thread of steel in it.
Illam opened his eyes, and seeing t
he threat in the eyes of the Argon, he slowly lowered his chair until all four legs were squarely on the verandah. “Oh?"
"I know what this dance represents. I know about this sexual peak thing. I know it can get rough."
"You have been getting an education.” Illam grinned a little.
"I know what might happen if Tera goes through with the dance."
All hilarity fled from Illam. “Are you warning me away from her, Argon?"
Wylin's smile was bared teeth. “Not at all. Tera knows what she wants and doesn't want. Her choice. But it's my choice to rip your head off if something happens to her while she's with you."
"There's no guarantee I'll come into my sexual peak."
"And there's no saying you won't.” Wylin leaned his shoulder against the verandah post, giving the illusion of a relaxing chat with a friend. Only Illam saw the look in his eyes. “Now, whatever happens during your ... mating ... is up to you and Tera. I'm just warning you that if you hurt her against her will, in any way, I'll be hanging your hide on my wall."
Normally Illam would have risen to the challenge of one protective male to another. But this time he knew that if the position had been reversed, he'd be telling Wylin the same thing.
So, instead of going for his throat as he'd normally be tempted to do, he simply nodded coolly. “Warning heeded. I care for Tera, Argon."
"Then you'll remember what I said, because she'd be very upset if I separated your pretty locks from your head."
"Are you going to be scalping me before or after ripping my head off?"
"Whichever comes first, I'm not very fussy."
"It would be you against the Felys males in a fight, you know that, don't you?"
"My duty is to Tera. I'll climb down into the pits of hell for a wench who is not only in my care, but is like a sister to me. The bodyguard warns you to be careful, the brother asks you."
"I understand."
"Then we need say nothing more on the matter.” Wylin straightened up. “Have a pleasant night."
Damn, the Argon just got more likeable every time. Leaning back in the chair, Illam watched his progress back to his house. He liked Wylin, and he respected him. The man wasn't afraid to face anyone or anything when it came to protecting the one in his care.
Love's Beguiling Healer Page 27