Love's Beguiling Healer

by Angela Verdenius

  "Sheesh! All right, I'm sorry I mentioned it!"

  Rilla's lips pursed. “I understand your wanting information."

  "But asking them is like teasing a viper,” Marx added.

  "They don't trust us,” Rilla stated.

  "And anyone affiliated with us,” Marx confirmed.

  "Gets the same distrust,” Rilla finished.

  Tera blew out a breath of air. “I give up."

  The Felys healers’ dubious expressions openly showed that they didn't believe her.

  Tera rolled her eyes. “Can we just get the last of these specimens sorted? Please?"

  When nothing further was said, she started to relax, losing herself in the data collection. Slowly the atmosphere eased. She'd thought everything was forgotten, until she was ready to head back to the house for the midday meal.

  Rilla stopped her at the door to the healers’ hut. “Tera, you know we only have your best interests at heart."

  "Of course.” Tera smiled at her.

  "It's dangerous, messing around with the Canys."

  "Obviously."

  "No hard feelings?"

  "None at all."

  Marx looked up from where he was labeling a jar. “You caught us by surprise."

  "That was pretty obvious, too.” Tera grinned. “Let's just forget about it, all right?"

  Wylin met her at the house. As she walked into the kitchen, he entered through the back door.

  "I saw you with Denyon, checking out the perimeters,” Tera greeted him. “Does it meet with your approval?"

  Wylin's face was grim. “Right now, your ideas are what concern me."

  "Oh boy. Someone's been tattling.” Tera sighed, folded her arms, and waited, only to flinch when Illam came storming through the living area door and into the kitchen.

  "Don't even think it!” he snarled at her.

  "Oh, just wonderful. Two of you to tell me what to do.” Tera angled her head to the side. “Will this take long?"

  He snarled again.

  "I take it this is about my suggestion of getting samples from the Canys?"

  "Damn right!” Both Illam and Wylin snapped at once.

  "Well, settle down. I've been told off several times already. Let me see.” Irritated, she started ticking off on her fingers. “Ryles. Rilla. Marx. Oh yes, I have two more fingers left. You might as well make it a full hand."

  "Cute.” Wylin was frowning.

  "You are not to go near the Canys,” Illam ordered her.

  "Look, Illam, Wylin, I've been through all this already. It was just an idea, and I know now it's something that isn't going to happen.” She held up both hands. “Now can I get something to eat? Or haven't you two finished with me yet?"

  "Your safety is my concern,” Wylin stated. “And I know how stubborn you can be. Your promise not to ask the Canys for anything."

  Rolling her eyes, she said, “I promise."

  Illam walked right up to her and glared down into her face. “Your promise to not even go near the boundary."

  "I promise, I promise! Stars above!"

  Illam looked at Wylin. “Can we trust her?"

  Tera should have felt angry. Having two men ganging up on her just didn't seem fair, but to be fair to them, her idea had obviously alarmed them. So she controlled her anger and raised her brow at Wylin as well.

  Wylin's gaze never left her. “When Tera promises something, she doesn't go back on it without good cause."

  "Great. That eases my—wait a minute.” Illam looked around at him. “What do you mean ‘without good cause'?"

  Catching Illam's jaw in one hand, Tera turned his head to face her again. “What he means, is that I keep promises unless something happens that makes me have to back track."

  "If that means you don't keep them—"

  "It means that life isn't full of assurity. It means I will not go near the Canys unnecessarily."

  "That is no assurance.” Illam started growling again, the threads in his eyes writhing angrily.

  "That is trust,” Tera said gently. “You need to trust me enough to know that I won't go near the Canys without back-up. That I won't go near them without first consulting you and Denyon and Wylin, and with a good enough reason. That I won't go near them unless I have your permission."

  Illam looked down at her for several seconds, digesting what she'd said.

  "So I promise to do nothing foolish,” Tera added. “Understand?"

  Illam held her gaze steadily, then finally drew a deep breath. Slipping his arms around her, he drew her up against him, tucking her head beneath his chin. “I understand.” Resting his cheek against her hair, he inhaled deeply, scenting her. “I just want to make sure you're safe."

  "As safe as I can be,” she replied. “Don't make secret oaths you can't always keep."

  He stiffened, but didn't release her. “I would never see you harmed."

  "Settle down, feral,” she said soothingly. “I meant that sometimes things happen, and no matter how much you try to protect someone, they can still get hurt. It's life."

  It took several seconds before Illam finally relaxed again. He didn't say anything, just hugged her tighter.

  Tera heard Wylin leave the kitchen, and she pulled back to peer around Illam's arm. “Wylin?"

  "I'm joining Denyon for lunch,” his voice came from the verandah. “Apparently."

  "You don't have to leave—"

  "Voyeurism was never my strong point.” His booted steps sounded faintly on the stone path as he walked away.

  Tera sighed and looked up at Illam. He was watching her with such a tender expression, it made her raise her brows inquiringly. “What?"

  "I came in here ready to snarl and snap, and you soothed me and made me all soft."

  She laughed. “You? Soft?"

  "You took the wind right out of me."

  "The bluster, you mean."

  "Bluster?” He pulled back a little. “And what does that mean?"

  "Now what would you have done to me, Illam, if I hadn't agreed? Hmm?” Leaning into him, she tilted her head back to look up at him sweetly. “Hit me? Tie me up? Chain me to the wall? Throw me in a cell? Called me names? Threatened me?"

  Illam frowned. “Don't doubt what I'd do, Tera."

  "Tell me, then.” She snuggled closer. “I think you'd have done none of those things."

  "I would have."

  "Yes?"

  A muscle twitched in his jaw, and his ears went back. “I'd have refused to allow you to leave the settlement."

  "How?"

  "Don't doubt that I'd have chained you to my bed if I had to."

  "Ooohh, sounds kinky."

  "You're pushing all the right buttons for a fight, female."

  "Really? I must remember that.” Her arms went around his waist. “I'm so scared."

  Framing her face with his hands, Illam said seriously, “Tera, I trust you to keep your promise. If I didn't, I would have you confined to the settlement. Don't doubt that I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means facing the Canys on my own."

  All teasing fled her at his tone and expression. “I'm sorry, Illam. I'm teasing you when you're just not in the mood, and this is a rotten thing to tease you about."

  "Just so you know where I stand, makit.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I can't help being protective, it's who I am, what I am. I love your independent spirit, and would never seek to quell it."

  "I know.’ And surprisingly, she did. The sincerity in his tone rang with the same honesty as the expression on his face.

  "My instinct is to protect both you and my people. It's just I'm a little more volatile when it comes to you.” A faint smile showed on his face. “Especially with you."

  "Aw, that's sweet.” She kneaded the base of his spine.

  A loud purr exploded from him, and he arched back in pleasure as she kneaded her fingers up his spine and back down.

  Loving the way he responded to her touch, Tera continued the knea
ding, her fingers strong and sure, gliding here, pressing there, alternating the touch as she gauged his reaction.

  Eyes closed, purring blissfully, Illam portrayed a very content lycat. Even his ears were twitching lazily, and she smiled. Illam had a weak point—and that was rubbing and kneading.

  Now she knew she had discovered one way to soothe the feral when it appeared.

  It probably wouldn't work all the time, but it was handy to know.

  "I think,” he growled throatily, “It's time for a little snack."

  "Oh?"

  "Just a quick one.” His eyes opened, the golden glow peeking sensuously out from between thick, black lashes. “Whatever I can throw on the table."

  Oh ho! “So anything will do?"

  The black threads twirling slowly in sensuousness became more apparent as the thick lashes lifted to show the open desire making the golden orbs glow hotly. “I find I like a certain flavor."

  "Mmm.” Running a finger down his spine, she didn't pause as she insinuated it beneath the low-slung waistband of his loose pants. Copying the movement with her other finger, she slid both hands inside his pants and cupped the firm globes of his lean buttocks. “Just an appetizer, then, Sir?"

  "I was thinking more of going straight for dessert."

  "A little decadent, don't you think?"

  "Luscious, more like it. And I need the sugar fix."

  "Not enough energy?"

  "Let's find out.” In one quick motion, he whirled her around and across to the table, stopping her at the edge to press his chest to her back and rest his chin on her shoulder. “So what'll it be? Front side or hindquarters?"

  "Ewww! That's not very romantic!"

  "I'm a carnivore. What can I say? I like my meat."

  "That's pretty obvious.” Reaching behind her, she pressed her palm against the hardness of his staff, feeling the heat right through the cloth of his pants. “Mighty impressive meat roll you have there yourself, Felys.” Mighty impressive!

  Fourteen

  "Care for a closer inspection?” Pulling his hips back, Illam shoved his pants down and pressed forward against her again. Once more he rested his chin on her shoulder.

  Wet heat pooled in her womanhood as she felt the velvet heat of the skin covering his hard staff. “Is this a taste or touch test?"

  His breath sucked in hard. “I think just touch right now. I'll hold you to the tasting tonight."

  "And just who says I'll be available tonight?” She teased the top of his manhood with her thumb, feeling a drop of moisture seep from the tip. Turning her head, she looked down at his face.

  Eyes closed, he was doing his normal inhaling of her scent, and purring low and hard. His hands gathered the hem of her shirt up her sides before dipping into the waistband of her own loose pants.

  "You'll be available.” Dipping his head, he nipped her shoulder. “Just as I am always available for you, makit.” After laving the area with his tongue, he slid his mouth in a hot path to her throat and sucked gently.

  Closing her own eyes, Tera titled her head to the side to allow him better access. Now she could enjoy the sensation of his calloused palms running down the outside of her thighs. He smoothed up and down her thighs, and then slowly, in a small, circle rubbing motion, he slid his hands around the front of her thighs and up. Instinctively she parted her legs, allowing his hands to trail around to cup her heat.

  "So wet already, makit,” Illam breathed huskily.

  "You do seem to be able to make me a little moist.” She moaned as his fingers rubbed teasingly against her womanhood through the lace of her panties.

  "How about we get rid of this, little healer?” Even as he said it, Illam hooked his fingers into the waistband of both her panties and her pants, and slid them down to her knees. Reaching around again, he slid his finger between the moist lips of her womanhood and gave a low growl of satisfaction. “Oh yes, that's so much better!"

  Tera just had to agree. Now she could have the titillating sensation of his throbbing erection against her buttocks, and was able to feel the tip pressing against the small of her back.

  Need coursed through her, carnal and heady, and she breathed deeply of his unique scent, totally masculine and a touch wild. His scent seemed to fill her, swirling sensuously through her senses before twining down lazily to pluck at the invisible strings that connected to her womanhood. Seeking relief, she pushed backwards against him, and when he continued to simply kiss and suck at her neck, she rubbed her behind against his erection.

  The sound of Felys’ kits laughter drifted through the window on the breeze, reminding her that they weren't alone. That at any moment someone could come knocking on the door. It wasn't the right time, but then ... well, stars, anytime is a good time for a quickie!

  "Illam,” she whispered. “We don't have a lot of time..."

  "Then I guess we'd better start, makit.” Deep and low, his voice rumbled out on a half growl. “Brace yourself."

  That was all the warning she had before Illam suddenly bent her over the table. She had just enough time to stretch out her arms and brace herself on her hands, and then he was there, his thick, long staff sliding unerringly into her, stroking hard. His hands on her hips held her steady for his thrusts.

  There was no gentleness. It was pure lust, and she reveled in it. No whispered words of love, no endearments, just a coupling for mutual satisfaction between two people who simply enjoyed being together and sharing their bodies with each other.

  Illam couldn't stroke deep, her position not allowing it, but the tightness of the position combined with his thickness made it work still. Made every thrust inside her felt so fully by them both, that they moaned almost simultaneously.

  His thrust became harder, quicker. Tera could feel him swelling inside her and knew he was coming quickly. She didn't begrudge him the fact that he was going to climax and she wasn't. Sometimes it was give and take, and she could take her enjoyment through his climax.

  Until that little nodule at the end of his penis suddenly slid out and bumped over the erogenous spot inside her. Involuntarily she let out a cry, and heard Illam's hedonistic chuckle behind her.

  "Did you think I'd go without you?” he rasped. “Never, makit!"

  Buried inside her, he rotated his hips, making the nodule bump deliciously against her sensitive channel, rubbing her erogenous zone in a never-ending cycle of bumping and rubbing.

  Gasping, braced against the table, Tera gasped at the combined sensations of Illam's skin against hers, the hard wood of the table against her thighs, his staff filling her, and that libidinous nodule gliding and enticing her more wantonly onwards.

  Illam's hands gripping her hips tightened, pulling her bottom hard against him as he pushed harder and faster. His panting filled the room, and then came the long snarl as a man's voice was heard close to the house.

  The snarl was a warning, even as he continued to claim Tera's body. She could feel a slight change in him, a protectiveness that seemed to intermingle with his passion. He bent closer to her, pressing his chest to her back, one of his hands sliding forward to knead against her stomach.

  His teeth sank carefully but quickly into her shoulder, holding her for his body to dominate. The bite didn't hurt, nor did it break the skin, but there was a sharpness about it that bespoke of a wildness tightly leashed. If she tried to pull away she could very well end up marked before he realized her intentions.

  That spark of danger made her shiver with anticipation. In the lust-induced dimness of her mind, she knew she gloried in Illam's leashed wildness. Even as the fire inside her spread, and her inner muscles started to clench, she instinctively knew her rushing climax was partly brought on by Illam's actions.

  God above, Illam's wildness is erotic!

  She felt him pull out of her, and cried out.

  Illam didn't say a word, but the snarl died on his lips, and then he speared straight into her, slamming hard, his loins hard against her as he pushed as deep as he could
go. Pushing and straining, his seed erupted to flow deep inside her, and still his hips pumped to empty himself completely.

  His hard slam into her made the nodule shoot across her erogenous spot, and she shuddered as the climax burst upon her, making her insides quake, her vagina clench tight around the invading staff, and a wealth of emotions to explode through her. Fire seared up, burning hot under her skin.

  They shuddered together, Illam's arm suddenly around the front of her shoulders, hugging them tightly together as they rode out their orgasm. Before she'd even stopped gasping, he withdrew quickly from her, spun her around, hauled her up close to him and, fastening his mouth over hers, he swallowed the prurient scream that the effect of his hardened nodule jerking back over her erogenous zone had caused.

  All Tera could do was cling to him as her body trembled and strained, jerking against a shock wave of orgasm produced by his fast withdrawal.

  One of his hands dipped down, his merciless fingers finding the clitoris sheltering in the folds of her womanhood, and he pressed and stroked hard and fast, eliciting another fast orgasm from her.

  He was using an old trick that Tera thought only the Argons knew. Illam was sending her through one orgasm after another, fast and hard and merciless, using the fires still raging through her body from the previous orgasm, refusing to allow her body to cool down and unwind. He kept her in a heightened state of concupiscent arousal, forcing her through into another orgasm, not letting the shudders cease before making her jerk into another, his fingers stroking and rubbing, teasing and exciting her clitoris.

  When he finally stopped, he held her close, taking her weight as her final climax made her mentally shatter, her body feeling like it was bursting with heat, raw lust and hot desire.

  She didn't know how long she was gone in her shattered world of sharp and indescribable feelings, but when she finally came back to reality, she was being cradled lovingly against Illam's chest. He had one arm around her waist, holding her upright, and his other hand was against the back of her had, his fingers tunneled into her hair to knead gently against her scalp.

  "Oh, God,” she groaned, feeling thoroughly, deliciously, exhausted.

  His laugh, however, was smug and very pleased. “Think dessert was worth it?"