Kyra changed her direction constantly. She wanted the snake truly submerged, lost in this maze of caves. As fast as her pace was, the snake kept up. She was tiring, slowing. The danger was gaining on her. A narrow passage opened ahead. She dived in just as the snake made a lunge forward. Landing on her knees, she turned and scrambled back on all fours. She yelled as the head slammed into the entrance. It was too large to enter. An eerie silence settled in the cave before the head pounded again.
Kyra quickly looked around for an escape route. She found none. This was a dead end. She jumped as the creature lashed out again. Tiny cracks fanned out on the walls as dust and grime fell from the rocky ceiling.
A single eye peered through the opening, the menacing, dark, slit-pupil focused on her. Kyra stood helpless as the torment resumed. Her time had drawn to an end. The plan was not foolproof. The maws of the beast would penetrate the flimsy barrier in to time. Her only hope was Eris. She prayed as silent tears cleared a path down her grimy cheeks.
“Merciful Gods, Ares, guide his hand to victory in this battle. Hermes, aid his speedy return to me, whole and hale. Help him. Save me.”
* * * *
Eris twisted and slithered, propelling his body vigorously. Fear for his mate’s life and determination to conquer the opponent fueled his movements. He whizzed by the crashing sea of swaying wheat, swaying violently in an erratic, hypnotic dance. The deafening roar as the heads of the wheat butted against each other spurred him on like a thunderous applause. The stalks parted reverently before his low, swift-moving head and quickly gathered together to conceal his magnificent body.
He had caught sight of Kyra many times with his keen predatory senses. Were he not so furious with her for her blatant disregard for her own life, he would have admitted admiration. Reluctantly, despite his fierce fear and extreme displeasure at her careless actions, he could not stifle the pride that strummed through his flexing length. His mate was deft and sure-footed. She ducked beneath deceptive shadows and moved with great agility and cautious speed. The thousands of stalks lovingly strove to keep her well hidden from the tyrant. She used this cover with intelligence. But he still could not figure out her stratagem.
Twice he had caught up with the larger, faster hunter. Twice his attempts to deflect its attention proved futile. The beast had scented a prey it would not surrender, a vulnerable, weak woman who had needled and challenged its might. It would stop at nothing to show its ultimate dominance. Eris had shuddered as she had dived, narrowly escaping the beast’s fury. He had trembled in relief each time she scrambled away unharmed.
His heart sank to the very pit of his belly as he realized her destination. She raced to the boundary of his domain. She sought protection in his brother’s mountains. He could not protect her, or even sense her as clearly, once she entered Sappho’s treacherous terrain. Thankfully she did not flee heedlessly into the distance but began to climb the hill closest to the perimeter. This was where he was finally given a chance to gain on the enemy.
He lurched as he watched Kyra climb the precarious incline, riddled with loose stones and unsteady boulders. The wind beat against her as she teetered and ascended with heart-grabbing bravery. Eris rose into the galling gust, regal and majestic, targeting the enemy from behind. Each time the beast lunged for Kyra, Eris attacked from the back, redirecting its aim. Still it paid him little heed as it continued to prey upon Kyra. Finally the head of the opponent reached higher than his own height. He swayed, helpless, ducking the menacing scorpion sting upon its tail as he watched Kyra vault over the edge and disappear into the mouth of a cave. He hissed in desperation as the monster hesitated only a moment before going in after her.
From his lower vantage point he could see the futility of climbing the incline after her. He would not fit through the opening. The beast blocked it off effectively with its bulky weight. Its tail, however, dangled free, striking out blindly, unaided by the hidden head. As Eris dived away from yet another violent swish of the sting, he suddenly realized Kyra’s goal. She kept the watchful eyes and lethal fangs occupied while he could dispatch of the deadly scorpion sting. She bravely placed her life at risk in order for him to even out the battle arena. He would not let her sacrifice be in vain. He drew back.
He watched the sting carefully, assessing its level of maneuvering before striking. His fangs sank into the tender, scale-free base of the wriggling tail. The sting veered up immediately. Eris waited until the very last second as the sting descended before withdrawing. The point, glistening with droplets of life-threatening venom, pierced its own flesh. Eris swiftly snapped his jaw over the embedded tip, holding the sting firmly in place. Vile, fetid fumes made him gag and convulse as the venom drained out the hanging glands and into its own body. He held on as the tail whipped frantically, until every last drop of the poison had been injected. The roar of the serpent was so great, the rumble sent down a cascade of stone and debris. Boulders and dust rained upon Eris and the writhing tail.
Strong, frantic contractions made Eris smirk. The beast was withdrawing its body from within the cave. The goal had been achieved. It did not possess a second weapon. While the sting could still rent through his hardened exterior, it had no poison to infect him. He hissed, soft and low, a sound of deflation. While Kyra was not in threat now, he prayed she would remain within the safety of the cave, if in fact she had survived. He refused to believe he had been too late. He could not allow grief and speculation any portion of his thoughts. The demon was exiting fast. His full concentration would be needed if he was to defeat his enemy.
It appeared with a thunderous bellow. Eris stayed well back as the furious reptile fell from the great height, landing with a solid thud. He did not waste a moment. Springing upon the fallen, he immediately wrapped his body around it in confining bands. Their lithe lengths wound around each other in a deadly embrace, meshing and grinding together in a violent dance. Their bodies crashed. The ground vibrated. Jaws snapped ferociously as their muscles rippled and flexed powerfully. Heads tossed wildly as each sought the advantage over the other.
Eris arched his head back as the opponent grazed his vulnerable throat. The incision stung, the outer layer already discoloring from the potent venom. The stench of putrid singeing assailed his nostrils. It took a while for him to realize the odor came from him, from the gaping wound. He unwound his body and buried his injuries into the cooling sands. The poison had not gone deep, but he was not prepared to accept another lethal kiss. They stretched and faced each other across a short expanse.
Eris weighted his chances of success. It looked grim for him. He would have to use his weaknesses to his advantage. The first was his lighter build, which meant swifter attacks. He would have to avoid further fatal punctures. The poison would travel fast, leaving him paralyzed. And his second and strongest advantage was his knowledge of the surroundings. He knew the precise lay of his land. He fell to the side at the first strike.
As expected, the beast pressed the advantage. Eris stayed low, dragging his body in small, urgent twists until he found what he sought. The dip in the ground was well concealed by dense forage. He waited until his pursuer was almost upon him before tossing his weight deftly to the side. The giant snake fell. Eris’s senses flared and picked up the dull thwack as it landed at the bottom of the deep valley. This would be his only chance. He peered over the ledge just as the smoldering, red eyes rose.
Eris struck, taking the emerging beast plummeting back into depths with him. The fangs’ sharp razor ends sliced through the protective scales and embedded themselves deep within the flesh of the tender underbelly. His aim was true. Before the stunned serpent could retaliate, he again looped his body around his enemy in an intimate embrace. Under his added weight, they staggered back into the pit. He tightened his hold until his tendons stretched, ached. The scorpion sting tore ruthlessly at his nether parts, slashing and shredding until his blood flowed, dark and hot. He clenched his jaw and endured. The frantic creature lurched and tossed, tr
ying desperately to dislodge him. He contracted his tail, sending a chain of muscle reaction as his suffocating hug became more merciless. The head, screaming in torment, dived erratically in hostile attempts to gorge its captor’s throat with pristine incisors. Eris maneuvered agilely, escaping near blows by hairs’ breadths. He concentrated solely on his unrelenting choke hold and the periodic spasm at his jowl. Venom, rancid and lethal, pounded into his victim’s blood stream. He never allowed his poisonous weapons to be uprooted.
The volatile, explosive jerks within his victim turned slowly to short, unsteady tremors. Eris kept himself as firmly inserted and dedicated as an ardent lover. The sturdy attacks of the sting became futile taps. The head lolled back as the slender tongue lagged out of the gaping mouth corner. Eris continued the fevered kiss, feeding his fatal juices. Finally the body drew a long, deep shudder, its last. Eris moved away. His body strained as he raised his head regally and hissed his victory to the churning sky.
* * * *
Eris looked up. Kyra stood on the banks. Her blonde hair glowed as the clouds clashed together and lightning laced across the sky. He heard the steady drum of her heartbeat over the deafening thunderbolts. The heat of the sizzling light as it laced down from the heavens seared uncomfortably in the vicinity of his cold skin. He did not turn to watch the ultimate destruction of his nemesis. His gaze never left the shimmering, stormy-gray eyes that returned his unrelenting stare. Eris drew in a deep, fortifying breath. He began the journey to her, winding his length gracefully, keeping his stately head high. But within he trembled.
He could not ascertain whether her earlier panic upon sighting him had been due to his beastly form or the enemy behind. His visions had been clear yet with significant uncertainties left to be unraveled. This was reality. The truth would show in her eyes. The time for that truth had come.
As he towered above her, unwilling to lower himself in any way, he scrutinized her every feature. Changing into human form would have been more merciful, but he remained stubbornly resolute. He would not hide. He was not ashamed. The battle-frenzied blood that had pounded furiously through him had not abated. It pulsed even more frantic now. His heart thudded louder. His entire length clenched with anxiety, strummed with hope. He lowered his massive head.
Eris stared at her lovingly, trying to convey all that was in his heart. He wanted her to see his need clearly. He needed her acceptance. He needed her. His jaw dropped open slowly. But no words spewed forth. The forked tongue flicked out in silence. Eris screamed from within the beast, praying she would see the truth revealed in his eyes.
He held his breath as one heartbeat turned into two, and an eternity later into three. Finally she lifted her hand. Her smooth palm caressed his jaw delicately. Her words left her on a breath. “You are truly magnificent. I never thought…”
Eris could see her own confusion in her eyes. She had feared him. She had evaded the snake. He released the breath he had been holding. His head leaned into her tiny hand. This was her acceptance. And she appeared equally awestruck. He twirled his body around her in tender coils. He gifted her with the embrace of Erpo, the snake. The snake claimed its mate. Time stood still.
The sky rumbled above them. As Eris peered up at the heavens, the first drop of rain splashed on Kyra’s nose. The snake shuddered. It transformed. Eris almost laughed at her disgruntled face as she stared at his naked form. “Do not say you prefer the beast over me.”
“It offered more protection. The heavens rejoice your victory.”
Eris lowered his lips and whispered, “They bless our union.” He scooped her in his arms and stepped steadily to the caves. Sappho would feel their presence, but perhaps that would be a good thing. The sooner his brother accepted their relationship, the sooner they could mend their brotherhood. So many questions darted through his mind, but the sight of her gloriously naked body, the feeling of her softness against his chest, left room for only one thing. He wanted her, now.
He settled her gently on a large, flattened rock. His hair dripped. The droplets shone like precious jewels on her flushed skin. He knelt down and lapped at the dainty dew at her shoulders. She inhaled deeply as he kissed a slow path to her breasts. She hissed as he continued past them without pause.
Eris chuckled. “You are still an impatient, demanding wench.” His tongue trailed a leisurely path down her middle. He paused at her navel for a thorough sampling. He stopped as harsh fingers twisted in his hair.
Kyra pulled him up. “I need you now.” She kissed his lips fiercely, dueling with his tongue, challenging his resolve.
He pulled away with a gasp. “Kyra, slow down. The beast…”
“I care not. The beast and you are one. I shall have one or the other, or perhaps both.” Her hand lowered to his engorged cock. As her finger curled around the thick length, she smiled coyly. “Perhaps I should not ask, but simply take.” She pushed Eris softly back until he lay on the ground.
With legs on either side, she lowered her hot center to rest above his groin. She rolled her hips teasingly and taunted his reddened, throbbing head.
Eris bit on his lip and grabbed her hips. “You are fortunate you are able to sway my actions this easily. Were we not engaged in this delightful sport, I would be pressed to punish you for your rash actions. You toyed with the beast foolishly.”
Kyra purred as she rubbed herself against his erection. “A punishment sounds most entertaining.”
“A switch awaits your wonderful bottom.”
Kyra laughed. She leaned down and lapped at his flat nipples. Her teeth grated against them while her hot lips puckered and sucked. “I shall take the lashing of your cock as punishment.”
Eris watched the play of light on her body. The haphazard flashes from outside bathed her skin in a tender glow. He clutched her face and brought her face up. “I owe you my life.”
Kyra growled. “You owe me satisfaction.” She gave no warning as she lifted her bottom and slid her wet sheath over his length. Eris jerked upright. He grabbed her hips and helped her pump herself fully. He lifted her until only his tip lay submerged before pulling her down hard. Kyra screamed. “Just there. Faster.”
Eris continued to lever her up and down. He fell back as he lifted his own hips, bringing his thighs to slap against her ass cheeks noisily. “Your pussy is so wet.” He pushed harder, scraping his back mercilessly against the stony floor. “Come for me, Kyra.”
Kyra leaned back. Her open fingers splayed in the dirt. Eris used her inviting position ruthlessly. His thumb parted the folds her wet clit and massaged her swollen bud in fast circular motions. The pulses began deep within her, squeezing the head of his penis. He shouted as her shudders covered his entire length, milking him. The tip of his lance was engorged, filled. He drew back and roared as his juices flew free. Each spurt shot, hot and creamy, flooding her. He reared up and grabbed her. As his eyes changed and the fangs protruded, he heard the word he longed for.
“Yes.”
He waited until the last shudder raked through her body before his sleek tongue darted out and flicked over the pulse at her throat. He bit down deep. Shards of excitement, torrents of heat fizzled through him. The whole world flashed a brilliant white so bright it was tinged with blue. He heard her answering cry as she joined him in the earth-shattering orgasm. Finally. She was his.
Chapter 11:
SAGA `Enteka
Kyra awoke to glorious sunshine and a refreshing breeze streaming through the open window. Keeping her eyes blissfully closed, she stretched her pleasure-ravaged body. She could recall little of the trip back to the palace. But she clearly remembered being carried in Eris’s strong arms. Had he carried her all the way here? She blushed. Having a man of strength as well as abundant chivalry certainly did have its merits. She spied the object of her thought across the room. Frowning as she took in Eris’s full attire, she quietly crept out of the kline. As she approached him from behind, her teeth bit down on her tender bottom lip. Perhaps she could repay him f
or his dashing courtesy.
Her gaze lowered to the length of his thighs displayed beneath the short, belted chiton tunic. His calves bulged, and the backs of his thighs clenched as he leaned forward and splashed water over his face. His skin was golden from the kiss of the sun, and he radiated pulsing heat. Kyra scowled. Just how late was it? By the degree of the temperature blasting against her cooled skin, it was obvious he had just returned from outdoors. Goose bumps prickled her nude body. She smirked. She would not have to waste time with oppressive clothing, but he, on the other hand, appeared overdressed. Her hand reached over his shoulder and deftly unhitched the securing pin.
The muscles on Eris’s back corded as he held still, hunched over the stone bowl. Kyra ran her hand over the defined ridges. The hard flesh rippled and flexed, coming to life. He straightened and turned slowly. “I am glad to see this morning finds you refreshed.”
“I am more than refreshed. I find I have awoken with a scorching throb between my thighs, radiating a fiery fever throughout my body. And I believe I have just found the anecdote for my ailment.”
The cleft in Eris’s chin deepened endearingly as he offered her a lopsided smile. “Then I shall endeavor to remedy this situation.” He leaned down and captured her lips in a sweet, soft kiss. As Kyra’s hand crept up his chest to unfasten the second pin securing his apparel, his hand closed gently over hers. “However, it will have to wait. The king has requested your presence.”
As he spoke, Kyra touched her lips to his bobbing Adam’s apple. “Surely you have related all the events to him. I would much rather see him at my leisure.”
Eris sighed and leaned his forehead against hers. His hand captured and held hers. “There are still areas that remain gray even to me. I also wish answers.” He caressed her bottom lip with his calloused thumb. “You have sparked his admiration and curiosity, Kyra. Your talent as a strategist has extremely high merit.” His voice lowered to a husky rumble. “You saved my life.”
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