Once he was human again and had taken a few deep breaths to gather himself, Aric rose to his feet and said, “I'll get the bows and the med kit."
Kai could only nod.
Aric turned and jogged out of the cave, leaving Kai to think about the next twenty-four hours. Will Dagen come?
A flash of pale flesh caught his attention and he purred. Aric. Tall, beautifully masculine, the mate he adored, eased through the underbrush, taking great pains not to let the brambles scratch his too tender human flesh. The play of muscles just beneath the skin drew his eyes and held them. He leaned forward and felt the stirrings of arousal clutch his feline testicles.
They had all night.
He rose to his feet and strode around the fire pit to the entryway.
Aric darted around a patch of scrub brush. Kai knew exactly when he spotted their gear. His back straightened and he quickly moved to the left, his attention focused on a mound of ferns.
When he bent, his arse faced Kai. To his great pleasure, and to make sure he was paying attention, Kai was sure, he saw Aric wiggle his backside shamelessly. The man was a slut, he thought, and again was very conscious of his cock swelling and the tip emerging from its pouch.
Aric's return trip to the cave was much more entertaining than their arrival. When he straightened and turned towards Kai, his cock sprang up and bounced. Each step forward made it sway or slap his thigh. Kai's eyes fixed on that dancing column of flesh, his mouth watering at the thought of taking it between his lips and tonguing the rampantly throbbing tool. As Aric neared, his cock seemed to swell even more. The tip shone with pre-cum, and Kai's thirst for him soared.
Finally the golden haired man entered the cave. He unslung the bows and the two quivers, placing them near at hand. The med kit he tossed to the ground near the fire pit and then he turned to face Kai.
"We need to keep watch,” he said, and smiled. Thrusting out his hips, he ran a hand down over his stomach to his shaft.
Kai took a couple of steps closer, his face parallel with his lover's crotch. Looking up into Aric's eyes, his heart in his throat, he flicked his tongue out and licked him from balls to cock head.
"Fuck,” Aric exhaled. “Your tongue is like sandpaper, but in an amazing way.” He stroked himself, but only for a few moments.
Kai watched him go to his hands and knees one more time and morph. Crouching, the tawny brute lifted his arse, presenting himself lewdly.
Kai nuzzled the newly formed fur along his sides, enjoying the firm play of his own sleek hide against Aric's lush pelt. It also gave him the opportunity to check his shoulder. He worried that the injury was worse than his lover would admit. He wouldn't allow him to take any chances with his own safety. He couldn't bear to have him hurt worse. He pushed his nose against the injured shoulder and waited for any reaction. All he got was a loud rumbling of Aric's purr.
Breathing a huge sigh of relief, he turned and slid his body along Aric's sleek fur until he got to his backside. Moving around to the cat's raised bum, he pushed the tail to the side with his nose. The rich, pungent aroma of male cat hit him, and he purred with pleasure at the familiar, musky smell. The tight, crinkled opening winked at him, almost rudely. Leaning in, Kai ran his tongue over the back of Aric's softly furred ball sac. Yes, my sweet golden warrior, I love to please you.
He paced around Aric again. His blood raced. How best to make him squirm? His throat rumbled with a loud purr of excitement.
Rolling onto his side, he presented his crotch to his lover's sight. An instant later a rough tongue slid over the exposed section of his cock. Shuddering, he hunched his back and pushed against the dextrous, wet appendage. More of his cock emerged, the soft sheath acting like a snug sleeve, holding him. Each time Aric's tongue trailed along his length, his thighs quivered.
Rolling over on his back, his forefeet extended, he paddled in the air. Then before his lover could move over him, he bounded to his feet and circled Aric. With his claws pulled in, he batted at the firm, muscular arse he'd soon be riding, and wasn't disappointed when Aric lowered his front end and raised his rear.
A soft purring sound reached him when he again nuzzled his lovers arse. Licked, wetted and ready, Aric gazed over his shoulder at him expectantly. The cat's own staff bounced, hard and ready against his belly.
Kai mounted him, his forefeet going around the muscular waist of his lover, his crown tapping against the taut inner thighs. He pulled back then lunged ahead, his cock stabbing at the pendulous ball sac dangling below his target.
Growling, impatient to be embedded in a warm arse, he tried again. The head connected with the pucker then slowly pierced that opening. The fit was snug, the heat was incredible. He gasped, and a soft mewling sound escaped when he exhaled next.
Below him, Aric shifted his feet, spreading himself for more easy access, and purred as Kai's cock slowly sank into him. Pleasure gripped Kai. Nothing mattered but the way Aric's rectal muscles tightened around his cock, sucking him in. When his sheath touched the man's divinely hard rear, the soft, furred flesh pushed back until his erection was fully encased in the heated glove-like chute. All he could do was enjoy the sensation of knowing Aric loved to be filled and fucked.
Moving his feet slightly, he positioned himself for ease of thrusting, and began. Withdrawing, he shuddered and stopped only when the cool air touched the entire shaft. The crown, clasped tightly, pulsed. He groaned and held still.
Panting, he leaned forward and affectionately licked at the scruff of Aric's neck, biting at the loose flesh. He waited a heartbeat then shoved back inside. Fireworks exploded behind his eyes.
Encased in heat, he again held still—this time for only as long as it took to adjust his paws on Aric's thighs. The cat's arse clenched, squeezing a dollop of pre-cum out of him. He pulled free again, leaving just the tip inside, but the dance was in full swing then and he immediately pushed ahead. The seesawing motion soon became a rhythmic ballet. He withdrew and Aric growled. As he drove home again and again, Aric pushed back to meet each thrust.
It couldn't last. Nothing this sweet could. Desperation made his thrusting falter, his pace become erratic. Yet the climb towards a mind-blowing climax continued. A half dozen hard thrusts and he was there. His thoughts swirled. His cock pulsed, his balls churned out long stream of cum.
Breathless, barely able to keep to his feet, Kai licked the back of Aric's neck. A final pulse sending cum deep into his lover's arse signalled his completion, and he pushed himself off the cat's back. He collapsed on his side.
Peering up, he saw Aric's staff, still erect and dripping.
He pushed himself forward and, slipping his face beneath his lover's belly, lapped adoringly at the shaft of his cock. It took no more than a dozen licks before he was rewarded with a mouthful of salty-sweet cum. Another followed, and as Aric yowled his pleasure, Kai licked him clean.
The next instant he had a warm body pressing into his. He watched Aric's eyes close and knew he himself would be taking first watch. Shifting, he listened for any movement or noise. A bird chirped and he caught the rustling of a mouse or shrew. That was all. It was going to be a long, interesting night, he was sure.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Five
A sound from outside drew Kai's attention and, after leaning in to brush his lips across the warm fur of Aric's chest, he carefully extricated himself from his lover's side. It wasn't a loud noise but it was unexpected. Kai looked out at the moon and judged that he'd been on guard for at least four hours. The breeze was non-existent, so their scent wouldn't be taken by anyone approaching the cave.
A shuffling sound from the brush on the left made him look that way. The moonlight sent shadows reaching across the cavern's entrance, but didn't give enough light to show him what, or who, was nearby. He smelled nothing. He waited, frozen in place just inside.
Another scuffle from the bushes left Kai's fur standing on end. Something was definitely out there. He hissed quietly to awaken Aric
.
The golden cat sprang to his feet and darted to the opposite side of their shelter.
Kai nodded towards the brush. Both cats peered into the darkness. It was difficult to tell exactly what was out there, so Kai inched forward, hugging the cave wall.
Aric did the same on his side. They exchanged glances.
A flaming arrow sailed between them and landed on one of the rough pelts in the centre of the cave. The fur smouldered for a moment then ignited, sending noxious fumes and smoke through the enclosed area.
Snarling, Kai leapt back but had no means to extinguish the flames. When Aric started towards the fire, Kai growled disapproval.
Aric froze for a second then turned and looked at him.
Kai shook his head, motioning outside. Whoever was out there could see inside the chamber much better than they could see out. A cat by the fire would be an easy target. They needed to arm themselves.
He crept to the back of the cave and nudged one of the bows towards his lover.
As usual, Aric understood his wishes. The golden cat moved behind him for safety during the precious minutes it took him to change.
Kai paced back and forth in front of him, trying to sense anything through the smoke. If someone stormed in during Aric's transformation, he had to be ready and able to tear them to shreds—or die trying. No more would be injured or worse because of his failure to protect them.
His change complete, Aric grabbed the strip of leather he kept wrapped around the tip of his bow and drew his long hair back into a ponytail. With one eye on the cave entrance, he strung his bow and shouldered a quiver of arrows. “They wanted us to change. Bastards thought it would be easier to take us as humans."
Kai bared his sharp teeth and snarled.
"That's the fucking truth. They don't know who they're messing with.” Aric picked a careful path around the edge of the cave until he was able to reach a fur pelt. Flipping it up, he threw it on the small fire, effectively putting it out.
Another flaming arrow whizzed past his head. He ducked and kicked dirt to extinguish the newly started fire. “We're sitting ducks in here, Kai. As long as they have fire, they can see us."
Kai crept along the floor, belly to the ground, until he reached the flint. He batted it with his paw towards Aric.
"You want me to start a fire? They'll be able to see—” He paused when he saw Kai had slunk back around to the front of the cave. “Ah! You want me to start it out there. If we shed some light on them, we'll have their same advantage."
Kai dropped to his belly again and inched forward, staring at Aric.
"I know. I've got to be careful."
Kai nodded. After fetching some kindling in his mouth, he set it to one side of the opening, shielding himself. Shaking his head towards the front of the cave, he was sure Aric would understand. He could morph, but Kai knew he held a greater advantage if he remained a cat. As long as they could communicate, he and Aric had the best of both worlds.
"I'll toss the kindling a piece at a time. If I'm careful, it should form a stack."
Kai kept to the cave wall as he retrieved a fur pelt and brought it to Aric. He nudged the flint towards the hide.
"I've got it.” Tossing the sticks one at a time beyond the cave's opening brought no reaction from outside. He used some of the dried grass littering the cave to make a smudge fire. When he was sure it was well lit, he touched it to the pelt. Acrid smoke curled around them. “Damn, that stings the eyes."
Irritated, Kai attempted to glare at him. It was harder to show emotion as a cougar, he knew that. ‘Throw the fucking thing!'
Aric made a face at him. “I had to make sure the fire stays lit."
Kai curled his lips in what he hoped resembled a smile.
An accurate toss placed the pelt on top of the kindling, which slowly crackled to life.
Kai peered into the black night, eyes adjusting as the fire grew larger. He spotted movement straight ahead and snarled.
"I see it.” Aric plucked an arrow from his quiver and, raising his bow, notched it.
Kai gave a low growl.
"I know. I have to see who—or what—it is before I shoot. They could have brought Sable with them."
Sable. Kai inhaled, certain he could still catch a whiff of her scent. Highly improbable with the smoke hanging in the air. It was more likely his imagination. Ever since he'd first smelled her musky, sensual aroma, she'd been in the back of his mind.
Odds were great that if Dagen had brought Sable with him, he'd use her as bait—or a bargaining chip. Either way, he and Aric needed to tread very lightly.
A third flaming arrow soared between them, landing on the dirt floor. It sputtered before going out.
"Gotcha!” Aric drew back his bowstring, took aim and let fly. His arrow sailed straight into the bushes. Someone screamed before emitting a low groan.
A flash of long pale hair was all Kai spotted when the man fell. A thud reverberated in the quiet night. Somewhere in the distance a shriek pierced the silence, and then an angry roar.
There was no movement in the brush. Kai inhaled, searching for the scent of anyone else nearby. He smelled nothing except smoke and the stench of blood from the wounded man. Glancing at Aric, he nodded outside.
"Shall I see if he's dead?"
Nodding, Kai batted a paw at his leg.
"I'll be careful.” He stepped out and hunkered down to make as small a target as possible.
Kai followed, glancing around warily. The woods were still dark, but he saw no signs of anyone else. He stopped when they reached the prone man with an arrow through his heart. Blood stained the ground beneath him.
Aric knelt and checked for a pulse. He looked at Kai, shaking his head. “He's dead."
They both examined the man, who appeared thin and malnourished.
"He's filthy and scrawny as hell. I wonder if Dagen's clan has a permanent place to live?"
It seemed unlikely. Nowhere around here, he knew that much. Kai and Aric had hunted almost every inch of their territory, from the far edge of the river to the city that spread out a few miles from where they stood.
"He's skin and bones. There's plenty of game around here."
They probably hadn't been in this area for very long. Kai felt sure he'd have known about it if strangers had set up camp within close proximity to his clan.
"I suppose they haven't been around here long. Before Sable showed up, there'd been no signs of them."
Kai nodded, pleased that they thought along the same lines. He glanced at his blond stud with approval. Aric was a fine, intelligent mate, a boon for the clan should anything happen to him. Not that I plan to let anything happen. To be safe, he needed to ensure Aric would be his successor—not the foolish beast Dagen. The vicious, mutinous cat had to go.
Nudging the dead body, he watched Aric search the man's pockets and take his weapons before they returned to the cave.
"Do you think he was a scout?” Aric added the shabby bow and half a dozen arrows to their own stack.
Kai nodded. More would arrive soon. Whether in cat or human form, he couldn't be sure. The howls he'd heard earlier had definitely been cougars. Perhaps Dagen hedged his bets as he had, preparing both men and cats for the fight.
"I wonder how many he'll bring? Sable said there were at least a dozen in his clan, including females and kits."
Pacing the cave, Kai snarled, then at last made the effort necessary for mental communication. ‘We could be woefully undermanned.'
"If they're as frightened as Sable intimated, once we take out the front lines, the others might scatter.” Aric glanced outside, where the early morning sun had just begun to filter through a low fog covering, giving off a faint light.
Kai paused in front of the smouldering pelt. He batted it with his paw, frustrated and irritated at the whole series of events.
"I know.” Aric glanced at him. “It's a fucking mess. We have to get the talisman ... and we have to get Dagen. If we don't, this will no
t be over."
They looked at each other, and Kai saw Aric's apprehension. It mirrored his own.
* * * *
Within the hour, Kai and Aric had skirted the exterior of the cave, searching. Footprints, both human and cougar, littered the area.
They moved their weapons to a small alcove outside, partway along the rock wall. They could see the entrance, but hopefully they'd have the element of surprise when things began to happen. The gloomy fog hung in the air, adding to Kai's growing anxiety.
As usual, Aric shared his emotions. “This feels off, Kai. I sense trouble—more trouble than you and I are prepared for. We should return to the clan cave and bring reinforcements."
Nose in the air, Kai smelled a mixture of rank stenches—unwashed humans, pungent cougars—and Sable—the tantalising scent of the female who had transfixed him. Sable was nearby.
It would take hours to return to the clan and get back with help. Perhaps he'd underestimated Dagen by coming out here alone with Aric. He'd been overconfident. Kai glanced at his lover, realising his decision at that moment could mean life or death for them and many others.
"She's here.” Aric turned to him, his eyes searching Kai's. “You won't leave her, will you?"
Kai was torn. He was leader of the tribe. He alone was responsible for the missing amulet. If Aric wanted to go, he wouldn't stop him. He hoped the man's loyalty was enough to hold him there.
"I won't leave either.” The man set his jaw. “I wish one of us could go back for help, but the other wouldn't stand a chance out here alone. We'll just take them as they come."
Kai rubbed the back of one ear along Aric's leg. He jumped when an arrow whizzed by, landing precariously close to his paws.
"Shit!” Aric readied his bow, searching for a target in the direction from which the arrow had come. “Move, you son-of-a-bitch."
Feral Heat Page 8