by Marie Harte
“Father suns, that’s it.” Yanking his head away, Zehn felt the pain of ripping skin. But he would recover. Just as soon as he damaged Garnuk’s monstrous teeth. He leaned back and head-butted the male, then pushed away and returned with a knee to Garnuk’s face.
Garnuk howled in pain, clutching his mouth. Before Zehn could strike him a killing blow, his enemy rolled away, reached for his whip, and struck at Zehn’s chest.
The burn raked his anger to a fevered pitch. But before Zehn could retaliate, the coward ran away, along with Lore’s opponent, leaving their unresponsive Nasuhl clanmates unmoving on the ground.
“They’ll wake soon enough,” Lore said. “We should go now, unless you plan to kill them?”
Zehn shook his head, the hurt of his wounds intensifying.
“I agree. It would be like kicking a water pup.” Lore frowned. “Why did you let him bite you?” He raised his brows. “Was this to get Mandy to care for you? Clever.”
“Yes, that’s why I did it.” Zehn hadn’t planned any such thing, and Lore knew it. That Zehn had let Garnuk get too close concerned him. The instinct clouded his mind, pushing him to cement his bonding, then protect his mate and vanquish his enemy at the same time. Because Mandy hadn’t yet tied herself to them, she provided a constant disruption of thought.
“I’ll get her.” Lore shook his head. “You need to patch that. You’re bleeding too much.” It wasn’t a life-threatening wound, or Lore would show more concern.
Annoyed, Zehn just stared at him.
With a shrug, Lore left and returned with Mandy. Her gaze fastened on Zehn’s chest and throat, her dark eyes huge.
“Are you well, Mandy?” Zehn gave her a quick onceover.
“I’m fine. But you’re bleeding. He bit you!” She hurried to him with a bit of cloth from her pack. Then she set to tending him.
He shared a warm glance with Lore. Oh yes. They were keeping this one. We must be careful and convince our little Mandy that she wants to stay. With quiet cunning.
I know, I know. I’m sorry. Let it go already.
Having said all he wanted to say, Zehn rose to his feet, clutching the cloth and Mandy. “We must go before they wake.” Before they brought reinforcements. “Mandy, stop the bleeding if you can while I carry you.”
Lore took off, carrying their supply packs. Zehn followed with their shocked female in his arms.
“But you’re hurt.”
“I’ll survive.” He hugged her closer and hurried to catch up with Lore. If you’re with me.
Mandy didn’t know what to think. She’d seen them fight overpowering numbers and come out the victor. Impressive. Then to have a wounded man carry her at speeds that would outrun her on a good day? Embarrassing. Yet no matter how many times she told him to put her down so she could see to his wounds, the stubborn man refused. He had to be tired and in pain. But he wouldn’t stop.
A hellish night passed, with Zehn finally giving her to Lore. By the stars, they were fast. No matter that she’d tried to keep up with them when they’d let her run along. Even wounded and winded, they were faster and stronger. Inhumanly so.
Duh. They’re barbarians from another world, Mandy. You can’t compete with that.
She sighed.
“Are you all right?” Lore asked her.
“When will we be done running?”
“We are close to our home territory. Fear not.” He gave her a slight smile.
She’d planned to take care of Zehn when they rested, but he handled his wounds with some plant paste he’d gathered. And it soon healed the whip marks over his chest. His neck, he’d said, would take longer to heal, but it didn’t slow him down.
They made great time, their stamina incredible. The constant movement tired her, as did her insistence on running as much as she could. She knew they humored her, but she didn’t care. A girl had her pride, after all.
They didn’t speak much until the third day after the attack.
If they picked her up and ran with her one more time she’d scream. “Why…are we…slowing down?” she managed while panting.
Zehn answered, not winded at all. “We are now in Vyctore territory.”
Mandy stopped running, plunked down on her butt, then splayed herself on the ground and groaned. “Finally.”
Lore, she saw, gave a rare grin.
Zehn laughed. “Do you not care for the barbarian way of travel?”
“No offense, but I’d rather walk on my own for the rest of my life.”
Lore drew her to her feet and kept an arm around her shoulders as he pointed out native plants and animals. They continued on to a small pond with clear blue water and a sandy base. The temperature, in addition to her never-ending run, had given her a good sweat, and she would have liked nothing more than a bath.
Lore let down their packs and turned Mandy to face him. “Ah, you are tired.”
They’d been running forever. Of course she was tired. She frowned at him.
Zehn sighed. “Yes, Lore has a way of stating the obvious.” He stood next to his partner and stared down at her. “Would a bath be to your liking, nueshka?”
“Well, yeah.” She felt funny about stripping down in front of them, especially considering the intimacies they’d shared.
Lore gave her a tender look, and Zehn leaned in to him and kissed him. Affectionate and not afraid to show it. She liked that about them. A lot. Yet it left her feeling a bit left out. She turned away, feeling awkward, and had decided to step into the water in her clothes when large hands turned her back around.
Zehn and Lore had stripped to nothing, their bodies works of art. She did her best not to sigh, but the swirling markers on their chests captivated all the same.
“Our ma—Mandy is tired,” Lore said, his cheeks flushed. It sounded suspiciously as if he’d been about to say mate. “Come, sweetling. The water will soothe you.”
Zehn nodded. “The minerals are healing. We would all do with a soak.”
She ignored her sudden shyness, not sure why she felt weird, and tried to take off her clothes, but they wouldn’t let her. With care, they disrobed her, then led her into the water.
She groaned at the soothing liquid, not too cold or too hot. She had to tread water a few steps in, because the pool had deepened. Yet Zehn and Lore stood with their shoulders above water.
“Hold onto me,” Zehn said, his voice low, and reached out to her.
Mandy knew being naked this close to the sexy man wasn’t smart, but she needed to clean up and cool off, and no one could blame her for leaning on him for support.
She took his hand, not expecting him to pull her in close. He hugged her to him, and unfortunately, that put her body right up against his. Zehn was very excited to hold her.
“Mandy. So sweet.”
Lore came up behind her, pressing against her and leaving no question as to what he wanted either. His arms came around her to rest on Zehn’s waist. “Tonan…”
“What’s that?” she rasped, her gaze locked on Zehn’s.
“Shh. Not what you need right now,” Zehn murmured.
She didn’t know if she pulled him closer or if he moved of his own accord, but before Mandy knew it, she’d fallen under Zehn’s spell. Rough hands stroked her hips, circled to her belly and moved lower. Lore, that devious warrior, played with her body like an expert, owning her reactions as Zehn continued to draw forth a passion she hadn’t known she’d had.
He trailed kisses down her neck, sucking at her throat, and moaned. Then he lifted his head, and she knew he’d shared a kiss with Lore, because Lore’s fingers grew faster, swirling past her folds to her clit, plucking the taut bud before thrusting one thick finger, then another, inside her.
Mandy couldn’t think. She rocked into his touch. “More.”
Zehn kissed her again, and she felt him pressing against her stomach, his erection long and thick. The hunger to have him inside her overwhelmed.
“In me,” she whispered when he left her mouth t
o catch a breath.
“Yes, need you,” he growled.
“Yes,” Lore agreed.
Mandy felt Lore’s hand leave her, then grasp Zehn, tugging the thick cock before positioning him at her entrance. She wrapped her legs around him instinctively, and then Zehn was inside her, all of him so deep. He thrust faster while Lore cupped her breasts, teasing her nipples and kissing her neck, her shoulders.
The orgasm took her swiftly by surprise, and she cried out as Zehn emptied inside her on a groan.
But before she could wonder about the loss of her inner fire finding its way out, Zehn withdrew and turned her into Lore’s waiting arms. Lore didn’t give her a chance to do more than kiss him back, the surge of energy and desire sweeping her in a tidal wave of lust so extreme she was consumed by it.
He powered into her, his hands on her waist, pulling her down over him while he sank deep.
But an intrusion, slick fingers toying with her anus, split her attention for a second. The rapture of Lore’s climax sank into her, just as a fat cock pushed slowly into her ass. The dual sensation of being taken felt blissful and not at all painful, as she’d imagine it would have to be. It made no sense, especially with a man Zehn’s size inside her.
Zehn rocked into her while Lore continued to jet into her body, sweeping her up in their shared energy. The loving was carnal, satiating, and so very, very right.
She came again, with her lovers, the ecstasy flowing among them like the waters bathing them with healing. Mandy felt loose, at peace, cared for. They showered her with kisses and caresses, moving out of her, switching positions. And then they started touching her again.
She should have been too tired to do more than nap. But the power of their lust refueled her, and the trio continued to make love as if nothing else mattered.
When Mandy could again function, she found herself lying between Lore and Zehn on the grassy embankment by the water. Facing Lore, she put a hand on his chest and traced his skin-colored markings, wondering what made them turn colors. His emotions? Adrenaline? Behind her, Zehn lazily stroked her shoulder to her flank, then caressed her back.
“Tonan, you were magnificent.” Lore gave her a sleepy smile, looking like a well-fed feline. “You took us both so high; the phelthar made us one.”
From behind her, Zehn sighed. “Yes.” He kissed her shoulder and cupped her breast, holding her to him as he pressed his front to her back. “So beautiful, inside and out, is our Mandy.”
She felt loved. A sense of belonging stole through her, that she could have so much if only she’d accept… What?
The sensation left her as soon it had come, and she looked deeper into Lore’s eyes, wondering if he’d put thoughts into her head. “Are you doing something to me?”
He smiled, and the beauty in his joy stole her breath away. “I have already done something you. But I’m happy to do it again. Your life-force is so rich.” He sighed. “I had not thought I would feel such pleasure after Zehn. But with you and him, my heart is full.”
Scared, because she felt the same for two men she’d didn’t know that well, she tried to pull back, which only managed to sandwich her against Zehn. “I—”
He nudged that monstrous cock between her ass cheeks, and she panicked. In the water, he’d been wet and she’d been lost to reason. But now he felt so much larger and…slick?
“Yes, tonan. That’s it.” Zehn groaned as he pushed his slick cock inside her.
The natural lubrication eased their joining, and Mandy let him put her leg over his as he started thrusting inside her, his grip on her breast tight.
Lore moved Zehn’s hand to her hip, then replaced Zehn’s fingers with his mouth, sucking her nipple and teething it until she wanted to scream.
She’d never been one for anal sex, but these two had it down to a fine art.
“I can’t, not again,” she moaned, not sure where this constant desire sprang from.
“Yes, tonan. Ease into it,” Lore encouraged. “Once more, I promise. Then we’ll be done.” He moved so that he could wrap her fingers around his cock, and she felt the thickness of him, wishing she had it between her legs.
“I think I’m a nympho,” she said in between pants.
Lore’s eyes blazed green. Fire centered between her legs, and the sneaky man followed its trail, his mouth over her clit as he sucked her into an orgasmic bliss.
“Yes, that’s it.” Zehn caught his breath as he poured inside her.
Before she could think, he’d withdrawn and pulled them both to their knees. Lore stood, and they took turns blowing him.
Kissing Zehn’s lover—her lover—so intimately alongside Zehn cemented their bond, physically, while mentally, she already felt like part of their group.
It made little sense, but functioning as a sexual conduit, she could do no more than swallow him down when he came. Since he had so much to give, she and Zehn took turns easing him. And somewhere inside her a niggling doubt about second seeds and pregnancy took root.
After they’d washed again, they dressed in silence. The men looked beyond pleased, but Mandy sensed something a little off about their time together. In the place of her raging fire, a quiet flame burned with intensity. Comforting, warm, and male.
“Ah, tonan. You make me so happy.” Zehn took her in his arms and hugged her. Then Lore did the same.
When they let go, staring down at her with sappy grins on their faces, she asked the first thing that came to her mind, before she lost it again and went down on her knees for the sexy bastards. “What does tonan mean?”
Lore blinked. “I, ah, it’s a term of affection.”
“You hold claim to our service, Mandy of Vyctore,” Zehn teased, then grew serious. “You will know only safety and prosperity with us. Here, in our land.” He and Lore, as one, put their hands over their chests. “In our hearts.”
She hated to be so cynical, but something was wrong—because it felt too right. “Why does it sound as if you’re claiming me? Am I now officially your third or your mate or something?” She wanted badly to accept, which was stupid. She’d been controlled her whole life. Mandy wanted freedom. The ability to see new worlds, experience new things. Without the tether of a man.
Let alone two giant, dominating warriors.
“Come. You have questions, and you need to rest.” Zehn took one of her hands, and Lore took the other.
Their link, both physical and mental, settled like a blanket of power. Her aches and fatigue disappeared—just like the wound at Zehn’s neck.
“Wow. That water does heal.”
Lore nodded. “Zehn wasn’t injured too badly to begin with. But the waters in our world are connected with us, with the land. Life as one.”
“Lore understands this better than our clansmen,” Zehn told her. “But all of us are a family. Something you will see soon enough.” He squeezed her hand.
Their journey had come to an end, apparently, because as they rounded another thicket of dense trees, she noted a few barbarians appearing, seemingly from out of nowhere. Talk about good camouflage.
“Lore, Zehn.” One of the men smiled. “Welcome back.” He looked at Mandy, narrowed his eyes, and seemed to, well, sniff in her direction. His eyes widened and he laughed. “Blessings, of certain. Welcome, small female. Such grace and beauty.”
“Yes, and ours,” Zehn said, his voice a growl.
“Ours,” Lore repeated.
“Oh, for the love of…” Mandy yanked her hands free and stomped forward, into the village she could now sense. She stepped onto the matted grasses of a path and continued, her guys right behind her.
“Do not be angry, Mandy.” Lore sounded anxious. “We only mean to make our presence known, by your side, so that the others will not bother you. Not that they would be anything but attentive, but we want you to, ah—”
“Have space,” Zehn finished as they drew next to her, one on either side. “To be private yet protected at all times. That’s why we act possessive.”
“On our lives, we so pledge,” Lore said, somber. Zehn nodded.
Satisfied, because deep down she felt their honesty, she relaxed. Oh, she knew they weren’t telling her everything, but she’d get it out of them sooner or later. In the meantime, she finally had a chance to be safe from the Franciscos, from her fire—which still needed explaining—and to relax.
Perhaps she had found the paradise the Welcome resort promised after all.
Chapter Eight
MANDY WAS LIVING her personal hell. No doubt.
A week after living in the Vyctore village among civilized barbarians, she sat with her Earther friends, Lisa and Skye, and did her best not to scowl at the gifts piling up in the small hut she’d been given use of during her stay. She had windows, a doorway with a veil of vines for privacy, a soft pallet of maffet leaves and animal hide, and a beautifully handcrafted dresser upon which she’d stacked all her stuff.
“Well, I think it’s sweet.” Lisa grinned. The short redhead kept a hand over her flat abdomen, which would grow round with her and Maht’s child in another few months. From resort employee to barbarian mate, Lisa had accepted her transition with little trouble.
Although her barbarian had taken her from the resort and gotten her with child within a week’s time, Lisa seemed to be flourishing. She looked radiant, had adapted to the barbarian way of life with ease, and looked like a tiny queen in the thin tank dress that clung to her like a second skin. The green dress had a floral pattern that blended seamlessly with the environment. It was sleeveless and reached her upper thighs, allowing for comfort in the hot climate. Discounting Lisa’s red hair and stature smaller than that of the female barbarians, she looked and acted like a native.
“Yeah, it’s actually kind of enterprising. You can turn around and sell all that stuff and make a profit if you want,” Skye teased, gesturing to the many gems, flowers, sweets, and animal hides close to toppling the dresser. Skye, like Lisa, came from the same sector on Earth, a different part of the Northeastern Territory than Mandy. She was tall, nearly six feet, and had blond hair that also proclaimed her an offworlder.