Jarlath rose up her body and kissed her tenderly, twining their tongues together in a replication of their loving to come.
“Jarlath,” she said when he lifted his head.
He smiled and guided his cock to her entrance. With his gaze on hers, he pushed deep in one forceful stroke. The heat of her quim seared his cock as she gloved him perfectly. She lifted her hips, taking him deeper until he wasn’t sure where he ended and she began.
He kissed her, unhurried and tender, trying to tell her without words how much she meant to him. They mightn’t have known each other for long, but his heart knew, accepted. His feline embraced her too.
Breaking the kiss, he pulled back and set up an easy pace of invade and retreat, invade and retreat.
Keira moved with him, her hips rising with each inward stroke. Pleasure soared through him, starting in his balls and increasing to the point of pain. He gasped as the sensation rose up his cock. His seed exploded from him in hard spurts, the pleasure sweeping to all corners of his body, and he bit her neck, right on the fleshy part where neck and shoulder met. He tasted her blood and shock hit him. Grata, he’d bitten her again. Savage.
Instead of protesting, Keira keened—a reassuring cry of acute pleasure. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders, her gasps loud, frantic. Mindful of last time, he reached between them to give her the extra pressure she required. Her gasps turned to moans, and it was the sweetest music he’d ever heard.
“Keira,” he whispered, his finger doing another sweep across her nub while his tongue lapped the wound he’d made on her neck. It had healed last time, and he hoped this would happen again. Biting seemed so savage, yet contrarily, the instinct to mark her felt right and pleased his feline.
Another moan slid from her throat, and he felt the rhythmic surge around his cock. He rubbed her clit again and she screamed. His Keira screamed.
“Pure magic of the good kind.”
“Yes.” Her mouth cracked open in a yawn. “Sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“An eventful one,” he agreed, some of the joy dispersing from him at the reminder. “Maybe you should soak in your heated pool to help with your aches and pains.”
“Go to sleep,” she ordered. “Tomorrow we will make a plan to best Razvan, but now we require rest.”
“Yes.” He parted their bodies, too tired to do anything except draw her into his arms.
Jarlath came awake without warning, his heart hammering in alarm. A masculine voice rose in anger, and he sighed. He’d recognize the shouts anywhere. Ellard was conscious and bellowing like a bull-steer forced to do something against his will.
“What is it?” Keira asked, her voice laden with sleep.
“Ellard is awake. I need to go to him, explain.”
“I’m coming with.” Keira slid off the opposite side of the bed. “You might as well sanitize first.”
When he opened his mouth to argue, she grabbed his hand and led him into the adjoining room. She turned on her sanitizer unit and pushed him inside.
“I’ll get your clothes,” she said.
Jarlath sighed and reached for cleanser liquid. She was right. At the very least, it would wake his sluggish mind. He needed to gather fortitude to deal with Ellard.
Keira appeared secs later, his clothes in hand. She set them on a chair and padded over to join him.
Unable to help himself, he kissed her, seeking calm and comfort from her touch before he faced the waiting ordeal. The skin where he’d bitten her was pale with her normal tinge of green. Smooth and unblemished. Unusual, but then he’d never bitten a woman before. She kissed him back then withdrew, reaching behind him to pinch his bottom.
“Off you go,” she said. “I will join you shortly. Ellard can shout at you before he takes shots at me.”
Jarlath laughed, even though her words weren’t funny. Ellard would hate him for this. He knew his friend would rather die than live with one arm. Danion Tetsu would kick him off the security force. He’d reject his son as disabled, and Ellard would blame him. But grata, he’d make the same decision again. Allowing his friend to die wasn’t an option.
Once dressed, Jarlath straightened his shoulders and marched toward the loud, furious shouts. He entered the guest bedroom to see Ellard propped up against the pillows, his face red with fury.
“You,” he thundered on seeing Jarlath. “You let them do this to me.”
Hortese sniffed. “Rude man. Look at this mess you made.”
“She tried to feed me like a child.”
“That’s because he’s acting like a youngling,” Hortese snapped.
“You must have other work to do,” Jarlath said. “I’ll clean this up.”
Hortese scanned his face, her irritation fading from her expression. “Cleaning materials are in the kitchen. I’ll send them with one of the boys.”
“Thanks.” Jarlath waited until she left before taking another fortifying breath and turning to his friend.
“Why?” Ellard’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “It’s my weapon arm. I can’t do anything without my arm.”
“What about all the other men and women who were injured by the bombs. People have died. I need your help to plan our way out of this, Ellard. I know you’re angry, but I did what was best for Viros. We need you, one armed or not. You’re my friend. I couldn’t let you die. You’re my friend,” he repeated.
“I thought my arm was all right. I thought I’d imagined Mareeka firing at me.” His voice caught and his throat worked as he swallowed. “This is my fault. She played me. I recruited her and…and we became close. She played me.”
Jarlath sat on the edge of the bed. “It doesn’t matter. We learn from our mistakes, and you won’t make the same one again.”
Ellard snorted, pain clearly written on his plain features. “Father will relieve me of responsibility. I won’t have the chance to make the same mistake. Besides, what woman would want me now? I’m not pretty like you, and now I’m missing an arm. What woman would want me?”
“That’s fodo crap. Everyone recognizes you. They know who you are and of your position. Not one recognized me. You will help me, Ellard. I don’t trust anyone else.”
Ellard was quiet for a sec. “Hortese said I’m confined to my bed, that if I attempted to move she’d drug me. She meant it, so what help can I be?”
“If you feel up to it, you need to shift. That will speed your recovery. Then we’re going to make a plan. I’ll go out with the boys and scout the city.”
“I’ll go with you,” Keira said, appearing in the doorway.
“No, I want you to stay—”
Keira stopped beside him, her scent distracting him. “I’m going with you.”
Jarlath didn’t argue because her expression told him he’d lose. Besides, he felt easier if she was close. He turned back to Ellard.
“I will be king soon. My father intends to stand aside and let me take charge.” With conditions attached. Somehow, he’d get around this obstacle because he wasn’t interested in anyone except Keira. “We need to make the kingdom safer and improve conditions for those who live in the lower city, but first we need to get rid of Razvan.”
“You trust her?” Bitterness turning Ellard’s features hard. “Mareeka strung me along. She was a traitor. Keira wears the mark of the crow on her cheek, and she told Mareeka she was one of Razvan’s team.”
“I’m no traitor,” Keira snapped.
“Enough. I trust her,” Jarlath said, and he realized it was true. Every particle of him accepted and believed in her honesty and integrity. She was no traitor.
“First, break the magical spell that is keeping the castle in the bubble,” Ellard said.
“How?” Jarlath asked. “Calls aren’t getting through any longer.” He searched his jacket pocket and pulled out his com. “Nothing,” he said. “The com is dead.”
“You’ll need me to enter the castle,” Keira said.
“She’s right,” Ellard said, his mouth twisting with cynicism
as he scrutinized her.
“Does that mean you’re going to help us? That you’ve decided to believe in Keira?” Jarlath asked.
“I’ll agree to a ceasefire until we best Razvan,” Ellard said with a glower. “But I’ll be watching my back because I don’t trust her.”
“Deal.” Jarlath shot Keira a swift glance, registered her pain and stood. “Shift. The medical man said it would aid your recovery.”
Ellard jerked his head in Keira’s direction. “Not in front of her. And you’d better not tell Hortese. She threatened to drug me.”
“I’ll go and help Hortese with a meal to break our fast,” Keira said, her emotions now gathered and contained behind an impassive expression.
Keira stepped into the kitchen her mind racing in a dozen different directions. She should tell them about Razvan, but if she told Jarlath about Razvan, he mightn’t believe her story. Ellard would cast doubt for sure.
Flying stars. No matter what she did, she’d end up in the wrong.
Razvan…he’d do anything to get what he wanted. He wouldn’t think twice of telling untruths to fester distrust in Jarlath. No, Razvan must never know of her feelings for Jarlath. She had one of Zarbo’s repulsion spells and another to destroy him if she managed to get close enough. Whether the spells would work, Zarbo couldn’t guarantee, but it was better than no weapon.
“I’m going into the city again, Hortese. Jarlath needs my help.”
Hortese turned away from stirring a pot to scorch her with disapproval. “What’s that on your face?” She moved closer, and her eyes widened, bulging to greater prominence. “That’s a crow.”
“It appeared yesterday.”
“You can’t go into the city looking like that.”
“I can’t stay here and do nothing. Somewhere in the city, there’s a clue to halt this attack. I have a protection spell, a repulsion spell, and I’ll have my weapons.” She didn’t mention the additional spell to stave off worry in her friend.
“It’s madness to get involved, given the way people here treat you. You owe them nothing,” Hortese said, waving her spoon in emphasis of her words.
“I want to help Jarlath.” And Hortese was worried anyway.
“He’s the prince,” Hortese said in her blunt way. “He won’t marry you. All you’ll ever be is his mistress. You’ll be repeating history. You told me you didn’t want to ape your mother.”
Keira shrugged, aiming for careless despite the inner tension tightening her muscles. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
Hortese glanced over her shoulder to ascertain they were alone. Shock still reverberated in her expression when she turned back to Keira. “You love him?”
“We haven’t known each other long, but I can’t imagine life without him. And that’s a problem. He’s the prince and will one day rule the House of the Cat.”
“Maybe that won’t matter.”
Keira snorted. “With my reputation? Once Marcus’s son and daughter learn of Jarlath’s interest in me, rumors will fly like winged cambeests. At best I could take the position of mistress, but after my mother…I won’t let myself fall into the same trap.”
“You don’t speak much of your mother.” Hortese’s glance held silent questions. “You’ve told me the circumstances but not who kept her.”
“My mother was Xavier Cronan’s mistress.”
Hortese’s face drained of its healthy pink color. “The leader of the House of Cawdor.”
“Yes.”
“Did Marcus know?”
“Marcus knew. My mother arranged my marriage because I was attracting undesirable attention on Gramite. She wanted me safe off planet.”
“Safe from what?” Hortese sent her a shrewd glance. “From whom?”
“The who isn’t important.”
“You should stay here at the farm.” Hortese didn’t believe her.
“I can’t stay here and do nothing when I can help Jarlath.”
“Why can’t you let the soldiers do their job?” Hortese asked. “The city is dangerous. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Most of the soldiers are dead and others are trapped in the castle. The advance spies have done a good job of destroying the framework of the House of the Cat.” Which was also a worry. Maybe she should try to contact her mother. Now that Razvan had discovered her location, there was no reason to avoid communication. “Are the com units still down?”
“I haven’t tried them.”
Keira scooped up the nearest com and attempted to call out. “No, nothing. I’ll try later.”
A peculiar scuffling combined with thumps came from upstairs and moved closer.
“That’s it.” Jarlath’s voice drifted down the stairs. Another thump. A soft curse. A feline growl of anger.
“I think Jarlath and Ellard are coming down to break their fast.”
“Ellard shouldn’t be out of bed,” Hortese snapped. “What are those addlebrains thinking?” She dropped her spoon on the counter and quick-marched to the doorway. “You! Why did you let him shift so soon?”
“It will speed his healing,” Jarlath said.
“Come here, kitty-cat,” Hortese cooed. “My, you’re a handsome one. Let me scratch your ears.”
A grumpy snarl vibrated back and Keira bit back a chuckle.
Jarlath appeared first, and her chest tightened, her crow sending a coo reverberating through her chest. They’d slept together, held each other and yet in the short time they’d been apart, she’d missed his presence. He came straight to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Ellard limped up to them, snarled and bit Jarlath on the leg.
“Cut that out.” Jarlath slapped at Ellard and guided Keira to the other side of the kitchen out of harm’s way.
“Let me get you a saucer of malpack milk,” Hortese said to Ellard. “You need to keep up your strength.”
Ellard let out a yowl of displeasure, and Keira smothered a giggle. Ellard would bite Hortese too if she didn’t stop teasing.
“The coms are still down,” Keira said.
“Which makes it imperative for us to enter the city. I’m not sure how to go about recruiting civilians to help in the fight,” Jarlath confessed. “Any suggestions?”
“We should take Ollie and Nasir. They know the city and can hand out the protection spells. People will be angry. Some of them will want to help,” Keira said.
“You can’t go into the city with your face looking like that,” Hortese said. “I think I have a face enhancement to cover that mark.”
Ellard growled.
“Enough of that,” Hortese said. “Take a seat and break your fast while I hunt out the face enhancements.”
Keira dug into a berry parfait. There was an extra one on the table, and she shot Jarlath a glance.
“Ellard, you’d better shift if you want to eat,” Jarlath said. “This parfait is delicious, and I’d be happy to eat a second.”
Keira wasn’t sure Jarlath was using the correct approach with his friend, but she remained silent. Maybe using the hard love technique would work best with Ellard. She concentrated on her parfait.
A thump sounded then a big hand grasped the chair beside her. Ellard glowered at her as he sat down. “What are you gawkin’ at?”
“Nothing. Anyone want a cup of tay?”
“Please,” Jarlath said.
Ellard grunted and she took that as a yes. She poured three mugs of tay and shunted mugs to the men.
“I’m coming with you,” Ellard said after a long silence.
“You need to take time to heal,” Jarlath said.
“Let me come too. I’ll go crazy if I stay here with that woman. I promise I’ll remain in the background, but please don’t make me into an invalid.”
The male had lost his arm. Keira got that Jarlath was trying to treat him as normal, but he wasn’t the same. He was missing an important limb.
“We’ll get you a sword,” Jarlath said. “You can still fight.”
The journey into the city passed filled with tension. Two mature males, three eager youths and her, scanning the ground and air for signs of danger. Each wore a protective charm on their person and carried spares to offer recruit soldiers.
“Everyone clear on the plan?” Jarlath asked.
“Aye,” Ollie said, speaking for the other youths.
“Yes,” Ellard said.
Jarlath gave Nasir instructions, and he landed the flymo in the castle gardens. Keira exited, and the stench from the dead fish had her holding her nose.
“Hoowee,” Ollie said in understatement.
“Let me show you the way out of the garden,” Jarlath said. “Get everyone who is willing to help to meet in the square outside the medical center. Meet at midday.”
“Aye,” Ollie said.
“I don’t think the bubble is around the castle any longer.” Keira cocked her head, trying to listen for the telltale hum. “I can’t hear the hum.”
Ellard and Jarlath exchanged a glance.
“One way to find out. Rendezvous at midday,” Jarlath reminded the youths.
“We’ll do our best,” Cristop said.
Jarlath strode to the door and opened it without difficulty. He stepped into the dimly lit corridor. “It’s off.”
“Why aren’t the damn soldiers out restoring order to the city?” Ellard prowled through the doorway. “This isn’t good enough.”
“Let’s go.” Jarlath propelled her down the corridor after Ellard.
This time the scent of food wafted from the two kitchens. Jarlath didn’t comment but Keira could see his anger. He increased his pace and led them to the ballroom where they found everyone assembled.
The queen spotted them first. “Where have you been?”
The chatter of dozens of conversations ceased and everyone stared at them with varying reactions.
“You weren’t in your suite,” the king said. “Where have you been?”
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