Honor Bound

by Michelle Howard

  Mikayla smiled and it brightened her whole face. He was bewitched by this woman. She widened her legs. “Use your mouth and kiss me.”

  His eyes studied her bare woman’s area. He’d never heard a warrior speak of such. “The same as I would kiss your lips?”

  His fingers rubbed her slit, softly watching her expressions. When he gentled his touch, she gasped and arched. His harder touches did not receive the same reaction. Vaan eased his strokes and slid his finger into her moist depth back and forth.

  “Yesss,” she finally answered. Fangs slurred the word. “Exactly as you would kiss my mouth.”

  Vaan lowered his head and inhaled her woman’s musk. Wetness coated the lips of her woman’s core. He studied her hairless center and the seam down the middle. The skin glowed with a faint pink tint and the sight stirred his loins.

  Vaan parted the folds of her and leaned his head forward to lick gently. The little nubbin inside swelled. He placed a kiss there as well and watched as it flushed a deep, dark red.

  “More, Vaan.” Her hips rolled up.

  This time, he kissed her using his tongue. Her taste reminded him of rich spices. Vaan’s mouth moved eagerly as he kissed and continued to lick her on both sides. Mikayla’s seeking fingers pulled his hair. Her hips began to jerk and her cries grew louder. Vaan paused his actions and glanced up.

  Dainty fangs dug into her bottom lip, her head twisted to the side and her back twisted from the ground. She enjoyed his attentions. This was what she spoke of. He gripped her hips tighter and kissed her with more fervor. He would see her woman’s pleasure.

  “Faster.” He licked faster. “Harder.” He buried his face and drove his fingers inside.

  She screamed his name and her release gushed against his mouth. Vaan wasted no time. His toqa felt as if it would burst. He reared up and entered her. She cried out but her body accepted him willingly. Her toque fisted him in its cool grip, driving him higher. His sac lowered and Vaan barely kept his seed back. He needed to ask. “You are satisfied that I gave you this woman’s pleasure you seek?”

  Mikayla’s hand brushed the hair from his face. The look in her drowsy green eyes had Vaan pumping harder. She licked her lips and a smile stretched across her face. “I am very satisfied.”

  “Good.” He closed his eyes and loosened his control. She milked his seed from him, urging him on with a twist from her hips. He came with a loud shout. Pleasure roared through him. Another jerk of his toqa and he released again, his head thrown back from the force.

  Through it all, her hands stroked his back. The muscles of her toque clenched and released adding to the sensations. At last, he stopped moving.

  His pleasure had never been so great, the force of his release stronger than with any other woman. If this is what she required to allow him more time in bed with her, it proved no hardship. Vaan pushed up to his elbows. “We will do this again and you will show me more.”

  Mikayla laughed but her hands did not stop running through his hair. “Agreed.”

  ***

  Once more, Vaan awakened to Mikayla’s legs entwined with his. Two days since their time in the stable and already his mate’s sleeping habits mimicked the weeds he likened her to. He shifted slightly and her lithe form curled into him further. The way she wrapped her arms around his middle and lay her head on his chest weakened him.

  Glancing down, Vaan studied her sleeping features. Her smooth forehead creased in the middle as if deep thoughts followed her dreams. The pert nose crinkled before relaxing. But it was her mouth which fascinated him. Lips slightly parted, Vaan caught a glimpse of her fangs each time she exhaled.

  The pearly white tips gleamed and he found himself leaning forward for a closer look. Shiny points had left indents on her bottom lip. Moisture glistened on the puffy tissue and Vaan unable to resist, pressed his mouth softly to hers. Each time their lips touched his fear of being poisoned by her lessoned. Kissing Mikayla triggered his arousal and predictably, he hardened.

  A small moan escaped her when Vaan pulled back. Mouth pursed, her frown deepened, creating a disgruntled expression. Her remaining hand tugged on the strands of his hair before sliding free to fall on the pillow.

  If an opportunity presented itself, Mikayla touched his hair. She made no secret of her pleasure from stroking its length. At meals if he wore it in a warriors knot, she’d remove the binding. When he came to bed with the length in a high tail she immediately set to loosening it.

  Reluctantly, he admitted to loving the feel of her tiny hands rubbing and petting him. The intimacy she created with the small gestures warmed his heart and pulled him closer to her. Like now. Vaan angled his head and touched a brief kiss to the top of her head. Her body snuggled closer to his, a slender thigh tightening over his hip. The move caused her nightgown to shift higher and put her toque directly in line with his toqa. He couldn’t resist, with a light thrust, Vaan entered her.

  Slicked flesh immediately gripped him. Her corresponding moan encouraged his efforts. Having been introduced to it, Vaan much preferred the Raasa way of bed play. Easing back slightly, he took his time and stroked back into her honeyed depths.

  “Vaan,” her sleep husky voice murmured.

  His hands sought her full mounds. The globes filled his palms to overflowing. Squeezing gently as she had taught him, Vaan watched as her head tossed on the pillow. Shifting his hold to her torso, Vaan guided Mikayla onto her back and rolled over without pulling out. The new position enabled him to sink deeper into her lush center. It felt beyond good.

  Vaan paused and took a deep breath. He needed to ease the ache but he wanted Mikayla to receive pleasure too. Nothing turned him on more than watching her face as it strained for release. Another novel experience for him.

  “Mikayla.” Vaan stretched up and braced his weight above her, their lower halves connected.

  Her lids blinked and lifted to reveal sleepy pinpoints of green. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips forcing Vaan to turn his head to the side to maintain his composure. A tremble shook his frame none the less.

  “Vaan?” Her tone turned questioning even as her hands drifted up to his shoulders and down his back in a light caress.

  “I have need of you,” he admitted on a groan when she arched her back and met his renewed thrusts.

  She reached up to cup his jaw until he faced her. A warm smile greeted him. “Morning, mate.”

  Vaan snorted and tried to block the rising tide of his release. “You best be close, mate.”

  Wetness dampened his toque and Vaan grinned wickedly at his woman. His words enflamed her. Slim legs wrapped around his waist and Mikayla’s hips began to work against his.

  When his sac lowered, Vaan cursed under his breath and silently recited the nine steps of a warrior’s cadence from his earlier training days. Nothing helped. He lengthened within her core, his release threatened.

  Mikayla arched her neck and cried out. “Faster, Vaan.”

  Her heels dug into his buttocks and Vaan thrust harder and faster. Mikayla screamed his name and her pleasure ripped over his toqa right as his release roared through him. Vaan tipped his head up and growled harshly as his seed poured forth. Like a vice, her toque pulsated and clamped tight.

  Mikayla’s body jerked, her nails bit deep into his flesh. Vaan cursed again, his breath overloud in the silence of the room. Gradually, his muscles relaxed enough to lean to the side and he lowered himself to the bed. Mikayla immediately climbed over him, arms slung over his waist and legs across his hips.

  Vaan grunted at her actions but moved his arms to clasp her waist. She squirmed a moment more before settling her weight against him.

  “Morning, mate,” she whispered again, creating wisps of air with each breath she took.

  Vaan waited for her to say more. Mikayla often talked of idle matters after bed play. Instead, the silence continued. Looking down, he realized she had fallen back to sleep. The Blessed One had gifted him.

  Chapter 14

 
Miki leaned into his side and tugged. Vaan adjusted his height to accept the kiss she pressed to his chin. He still did not understand her need to kiss him each day. He agreed that the entwining of lips and tongue sped the fever and heat in his blood at night but in the day light, she would not let him take matters to their natural conclusion and complained if he rushed her to the upper level. Such kissing was best saved for the bedroom.

  She ran a hand through his hair for a lingering caress and then walked from the hall, Balal and Kavan on her heels, to walk the gate line. She expressed an interest in seeing the new locking mechanism his Warlords commissioned.

  He’d give the Raasa credit. Their people were gifted artisan and worked quickly on any endeavor Vaan assigned. The large barrier would hold the gate closed unless opened from the inside.

  “Betach,” Tesai cursed when they were alone.

  Vaan turned. The one Raasa who continually fed his anger sat at the dining table. His eyes drooped. Tired, no doubt, from working the late shift Vaan assigned him weeks ago. “You have something to say, Raasa?”

  “Does it not bother you, Overlord that you are mocked?”

  Vaan crossed his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels. This would be good to hear. The hapfe dung begged daily for Vaan to knock him on his ass again. Soon, he’d tire of these petty verbal sparring. “How am I mocked, Raasa?”

  “They call you a betach face hissa’si. With your long hair about your face, they say it is hard to discern your true nature.” He looked pleased with his unveiled insult.

  Vaan didn’t know the Raasa words Tesai used but he gathered its meaning. He wanted to crush the little Raasa but his mate stayed committed to her fondness for her former guard despite his growing animosity toward her. “Then I will be a hissa’si. Your Miki likes to pull my hair hard to keep my face close when I am buried between her legs, feasting on her toque. So, yes Raasa, I will gladly keep my womanly hair.”

  Tesai’s face burned with anger and he clenched his hands into useless fists at his side. He knew he presented no challenge to a Kabanian warrior.

  Vaan wasn’t done. “Then Raasa, I return the favor.” Vaan smirked as he motioned graphically with his hands and hips in slow motion until Tesai grasped his meaning. Having said all he needed, Vaan left him standing alone in the hall with the crass image in his mind.

  Argan appeared at his side as soon as he exited the hall. “I do not trust him.”

  “Nor do I,” Vaan exhaled sharply. He hadn’t like the words he’d spoken to the Raasa. His anger had gotten away from him and if the little hapfe dung repeated his words to Mikayla, she’d have a woman’s fit.

  His mate was vibrant and passionate in the sheets but discouraged public conversation with him about sex if others were present. Vaan was used to loose talk but respected her wishes. He was beginning to do that a lot.

  “Hissa’si?” Argan asked, smoothing back his own dark hair and dispelling Vaan’s negative mood.

  Vaan chuckled. “They have a word for everything and not all of it in standard.”

  “Hissa’si,” Argan repeated.

  Vaan pounded on his shoulder. “Come friend. We will practice in the yard and show them our womanly ways.”

  “About the other? You speak truth?”

  Vaan didn’t bother answering. What he shared with Mikayla stayed in the bedroom.

  Argan walked by his side the entire way. The two of them kept a running conversation. “How did you handle your mate about the missing hapfe?”

  Vaan’s mouth curled upward, remembering his day in the stable with Mikayla. “The animal was only noted missing because it is a favorite of hers.”

  “What excuse did you give?” his friend pressed.

  “We talked of other matters and by nightfall, she did not bring the matter up again.” Because Vaan found that her kisses had many uses, and he longed for more of her sensual knowledge.

  Argan frowned and for a moment Vaan thought he’d pursue the matter. “When do you wish to speak with Marin? He waits patiently to give his report on what he discovered.”

  Vaan looked over the Raasa patrolling the gate, their bow and arrow slung over their shoulders. Warlord Tolan stood sentry at the opening of the gate, speaking with Mikayla, Balal and Kavan at her side, though Kavan looked as if he wished to be elsewhere.

  Vaan cared not. His Warlord had asked repeatedly to be reassigned to another duty but Vaan refused. Kavan would make amends to Mikayla for his actions or die trying. His mate laughed at something Balal said and Tolan turned to demonstrate. All watched as the huge horizontal bar lifted from the gate. A Raasa ran over to secure it with a latch in the upright position. Tolan pushed on the heavy gate. Balal joined him and finally it moved and opened a crack.

  Mikayla clapped her hands and waved at the Raasa above her. He waved back and undid the latch. The bar lowered slowly back in place and Tolan locked it. No one would come in uninvited if Vaan had his way.

  “Vaan?” Argan thumped his shoulder.

  “Yes. Marin.” Vaan forced himself to turn his back on Mikayla. It was the only way he could concentrate. His mate was a distraction during the day. His thoughts were on her whenever she was out of his sight and more so, when he caught her slim figure moving throughout the hall. Sensual grace in every line of her being. His Warlords began to tease him when she walked by because they knew Vaan’s attention would stray to watch.

  “You have feelings for your little Raasa?”

  Vaan jerked and focused on Argan. “What?”

  “She is becoming a part of your heart.”

  Argan’s voice was empty but Vaan needed his friend’s truth on this. “How would the Warlords feel if she is?”

  “We would be pleased for you, Overlord. She grows on all of us.”

  Vaan relaxed, remembering his thoughts of his mate. “She is like a weed.”

  Argan threw back his head and laughed. “Best you not let her hear this or we will find something else amiss in the house.”

  Vaan agreed. Mikayla stood by her agreement to not argue with him publicly but she had unmistakable ways of making her point and getting Vaan’s attention. But he did not mind. He found his mate’s behavior humorous and never would he punish her for standing up for herself.

  “Marin can speak with us at the evening meal. I am eager for his words since his return.”

  “It is good your mate is still learning us or she would have noticed his absence.”

  Vaan nodded. “Yes. Her nose is small but she puts it in everything.” This time Vaan shared Argan’s humor and they went to assist the other Warlords with the training.

  Ramar noticed them first. “Overlord, Argan. Would you care to show these young ones how it is done?”

  Vaan checked with Argan and his friend eagerly accepted the challenge. “I am open if the Overlord is not afraid my skills have surpassed his.”

  Vaan laughed and stepped through the circle as the men parted to allow them to walk forward. More Raasa and his Warlords drifted over. Word of the challenge spread quickly.

  “No blood sport,” Vaan warned. He would not injure Argan with Thenl so close to returning.

  “Agreed,” Argan smiled and unsheathed his weapon.

  Vaan mimicked the move. “Then it begins.” He launched the offensive and had the pleasure of watching Argan’s eyes widen as he stumbled back and raised his sword to defend. A wicked slash aimed at Argan’s lower legs was narrowly avoided and Vaan barely managed to dodge Argan’s return strike.

  Their swords met in the middle but each pulled back quickly. Vaan edged around, seeking an opening. Argan twirled his blade in his wrist until the sun glinted off the shiny metal as it spiraled faster and faster.

  Vaan laughed. Joy filled his heart. “I taught you that trick, youngling.”

  Argan changed his stance and charged. Their blades clashed. The ring of steel hitting steel filled his blood. The familiar steps of battle thrilled Vaan. Even in practice, he lost himself in the beauty of the dance.
Again and again, he struck at Argan. The Warlord swiveled and returned the attack.

  It was true they matched each other evenly though Vaan occasionally held back. Their mock fights often calmed both of them when their tempers ran high. Argan dipped to the side and Vaan made his move. His blade slashed and clashed with Argan’s and followed with a strong strike. Argan went to one knee.

  Vaan stopped. “Well played, Warlord.”

  Argan leaped to his feet. A grin broke out on his face. “I almost had you Vaan. Admit it.”

  Vaan chuckled as the crowd dispersed. “I will admit you almost lost your head but I pulled up.”

  Argan frowned and then joined him in laughter.

  Chapter 15

  The evening meal was well under way as the Warlords listened to all Marin reported. “Then it is truth,” Ramar stated quietly.

  “Yes,” Marin drunk deeply of his cider before continuing. “Three years have gone past. The warriors are lazy and have no care. It was easy to gain access to the strong hold. No sentries guarded the gate. Thenl resides in Vaan’s home as if it were his.”

  Tolan slammed his mug on the table, drawing a few stares from the Raasa. “You should have slit his throat while he slept.”

  “I thought of it, brother,” Marin confessed, “But his bed had a woman in it each night I stayed. I wanted to harm no female in my vengeance.”

  The others nodded their agreement. Vaan soaked in his anger. Thenl and Dakar ruined all he worked for and did not have the sense to keep the standards Vaan had once insisted upon. “What of the Warlords remaining?”

  Marin shook his head and paused as Assa came by to take his empty plate. Though they spoke in their native language, they all waited until she left before continuing. “Only a few Warlords reside there. They have no loyalty to Thenl and are bidding their time to take over when he fails.”

  That made no sense to Vaan. He’d commanded hundreds of warriors and at least fifty Warlords. “Do they not respect him as Overlord?”