by H. C. Brown
With a grin, he took in the man walking beside him. The crown prince was the epitome of a Vane, the ruling Pride of white tiger shifters. Massive in build, he walked with authority. Black hair fell like water to brush his shoulders. The silken mass framed a face only a god could have created, to hold amethyst eyes flecked with green and silver opalescence. Stryker's gaze dropped from Dallin's broad shoulders to his trim waist, and then down to strong thighs cased in a skintight material, woven by the Fae to resemble leather. He knew the feel of those strong thighs pressing against him. One whiff of his lover's unique scent sent him into rapture. He touched his lips at the memory of Dallin's demanding kiss. The taste of the prince lingered on his tongue.
"Do you mind if I see her alone?" Dallin stopped at the top of a flight of stairs. "I have some crawling to do."
Drawn from his thoughts, Stryker blinked. He cleared his throat and met Dallin's gaze. "Sure. I'll hang around and wait. What do you think the king has planned for us at the waterfall?"
"I'm guessing hot, pride females and a ménage ceremony." Dallin winked. "My father may be old but he does encourage us to have frequent sex with a variety of females. How else would a male learn to cope with a female in Moonfire? One needs experience. It's the same in most Prides."
Stryker nodded in agreement. "I agree, but it's after the mating that troubles me. My father insists all will be well, but do you honestly believe one female will satisfy us both?"
"After we bite our chosen mate and she us, all desire for another will fade." Dallin placed a hand on Stryker's shoulder. "It is the Lady's way. Once our childseed is released we are bound to one female for life."
They moved along a passageway with windows down one side. At the end, two guards stood to attention. The open door to the king's solar revealed a large, opulent room. The queen sat beside a massive, marble fireplace, her feet encased in red slippers supported by a large, blue silk cushion. She glanced toward the door, and her face creased in a wide smile. Dallin threw a mischievous grin at Stryker and strode into the room, closing the door behind him.
The guards' stony expressions remained neutral; only their eyes flicked toward Stryker. He turned and rested his head on the windowpane. His breath clouded the view of the spectacular rose garden below. With a sigh, he straightened his shoulders and looked out on the familiar landscape. So much had happened since his father sent him to train as a warrior in the king's army. Well, in truth, the king offered him the chance to ride with the elite Vane Patrol after he defeated six of his warriors in a mock battle. Stryker grinned. At eighteen, he thought he was invincible—until he met Dallin.
Friendship followed the long training sessions at Vane Castle. Stryker's heart missed a beat. The memory of becoming Dallin's lover was still fresh in his mind. He grew hard, and turned away from the guards. Hell, that night had branded his lust meter for all time. Okay, like most Pride males of their age, they liked to share females, rolling off one and then onto the other. That night, only one female came to Dallin's bedchamber. The thrill of them taking her, both at the same time, had blown his mind. The first brush of thighs, the touch of cock against cock, and then the first hot, wet kiss had sealed their fate.
The memory of the king's displeasure and harsh words to Dallin at the request for a ménage ceremony ran through Stryker's mind. " Just because you want a male's ass, doesn't mean a lifetime commitment. This public declaration for a Talynx male is unnecessary. You will tire of him soon enough."
Stryker smiled to himself. The stolen nights together that followed had proven Dallin's devotion. They had discovered every possible way to satisfy each other, and now he grew hard with one sultry look from the man. Hell, the prince was a wet dream walking.
The door to the solar opened, and Dallin gave Stryker a wink and beckoned him forward. Stryker ran a hand through his hair. With his heart threatening to burst through his chest, he followed his lover into the room. He bowed low before the queen. She got to her feet and tipped her head to one side, wearing a bemused expression. Stryker's face grew hot. Gods, I hope she hasn't noticed my erection.
"So this is the one who took my son's virginity." The queen raised a brow. "What are you?"
"I am Talynx Pride, madam."
"A silver lynx . . . ." Her small hands fisted at her waist. "I must insist you visit the King of the Fae to blend your cats once mated. My son is crown prince. It will not do for his mate to produce anything but a white tiger for his heir. The Vane is the white tiger."
Anger cut through Stryker as sharp as a knife. He met the queen's gaze. "I will trust the Lady to blend our childseed, madam. I believe our cats are compatible."
"Do you believe the inferior lynx should blend with our royal blood?" The queen's lip curled. "Look at you—more Fae than Pride."
Dallin moved closer to Stryker. The man's eyes flashed with anger; any second now, he would morph. He touched his lover's arm. "The Talynx blending with the Fae was by the Lady's design, Mother. Their magyck is known throughout the realms." He met his mother's angry gaze. "His cat is as big as my own. Stryker is my choice—I believe he is the Lady's choice for me."
"Then for the gods' sake, chose a tiger for your mate. Our pride will not accept a half breed for their king." The queen turned her back. "It is a shame the beautiful gift you brought me is tarnished by this unhappy news."
After staring at his mother's hunched back for a few long seconds, Dallin sighed.
"It has been many years since I visited the Lady's grotto. In the morning, I will pray for you, Mother. Pray that the Lady forgives you for doubting Her choice for me." Without another word, he led Striker out of the room and down the stairs. Two squires stood in the hallway. They bowed and waited for Dallin to speak. He looked at the young men and grinned. "Jon and Matt, how good to see you again. Look at you. You must be of age now. Why aren't you attending me?"
"We are not squires, sir." Jon pushed back a strand of blond hair. "We are nineteen summers now and in the king's guard."
"Your new squires wait to serve you in your chamber, sir." Matt dropped his gaze. "We are part of this afternoon's entertainment. You are to witness our rite of ménage."
Dallin grew hard, his shaft pressed uncomfortably against the front of his pants. It had been a long time since he witnessed such an event. The chance to watch two virgin males experience their first taste of sex would be erotic bliss. He shot a glance at
Stryker, and the man returned a hot gaze. Oh yeah, this is going to be one great homecoming. "I'll look forward to it."
The men moved off, and Dallin dragged Stryker into an alcove. Surprised the passion could rise so quickly, he pushed the man's back against the wall and crushed his lips. His lover responded, grasping handfuls of Dallin's hair and then opening his mouth for the kiss. Dallin rubbed his heavy cock against Stryker's erection. Their tongues danced, explored in a desperate need to get closer. The scent of the man infused his senses; he tasted like ambrosia. Dallin dragged his head away and tried desperately to draw a breath. "They'll expect us to fuck the chosen females. It will be difficult when right now all I want is you."
"We'll have all night." Stryker nibbled a path along Dallin's jaw. "But I won't be happy if you take one of the males."
Dallin snorted. "I have no interest in other males; you have bewitched me."
"Remember that when you watch the ceremony." Stryker met Dallin's gaze.
"Those untried boys look tempting."
" You are all I need. I've not touched another male since we met." Dallin grinned.
"But, I will take my fill of the females. I hope to share some of them with you."
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Stryker pushed away from the wall. "Lead the way, my prince."
Dallin led the way through the castle and out onto a secluded, rock plateau. A bubbling waterfall cascaded from the rock face, sending rainbows in all directions. The blue, crystal-clear water fed a massive rock pool high on a ridge on the west side of the castle. Surrounded by palm tr
ees and fragrant blossoms, the relaxation area was an oasis against the black granite mountain. Dallin stopped at the entrance and gazed around. Naked females lounged on large, flat rocks or splashed in the pool. He grinned to himself, recalling the sweet memory of his own ceremony.
Built for lovemaking, with secluded areas for the shy and padded benches for the exhibitionists, the waterfall cavern catered to every taste. Servants served food and wine. An assortment of tables supplied the orgy with every type of aphrodisiac lube
and toy available. Dallin grinned and strode into the changing rooms. Today, the young males would prove their stamina by taking many females and submitting to a variety of males. He could not wait.
Dallin slapped Stryker on the back. "My cock is aching. Hurry and strip off so we can join in the fun."
"Did you notice the female with the huge tits lying on the rock?" Stryker ripped off his pants. "And the one twisting her hair around her finger—fuck, that turns me on something wicked."
Running his tongue over his fangs, Dallin moaned. "Can you imagine what it would feel like to bite during sex? Can one die from the pleasure-pain of releasing venom, the ecstasy of a mate's bite? I wonder if it hurts when childseed fills our balls or if it's bliss."
"I've heard only good things, although, no mated male reveals the entire truth. It is far too personal to recount like a dirty story." Stryker grinned. "Mind you, I get my thrills running my fangs across your balls."
"Mmm, so do I."
They undressed and headed for the pool. Dallin dived into the warm water and surfaced beside Stryker. They swam a couple of lengths together, and then climbed onto a rock to stretch out side by side. Dallin rolled over onto his stomach and rested on his elbows. From here, they had a good view of the padded benches favored for the ceremony. He glanced at Stryker. "Do you remember our ceremony?"
"Sure." Stryker gave Dallin a slow smile. "We kinda broke from convention though, didn't we?" He chuckled. "It was like the blind leading the blind." Dallin snorted. "I knew what I was doing. Fuck, we'd both had quite a few females by then, not like these two." He tipped his head toward Jon and Matt, who stood in the center of the complex, their faces beet red. "Although, I must admit, it was a little unconventional to have a virgin for my first male lover and vice versa."
"And to insist no other males be involved." Stryker met Dallin's gaze. "I liked that—just you and me."
A head broke through the water. The man shook his long, black hair. Water cascaded down his sun-bronzed skin. Dallin grinned. "Cruz. Hey, man, I thought you were out hunting."
"What, and miss the chance of meeting the visiting females? You have to be joking." Cruz nodded a greeting to Stryker. "I heard your brother mated a Human. Fuck, aren't they riddled with disease?"
"So I hear, but they must be transformed before they can travel through the Gates." Stryker shrugged. "No illness can survive Pride venom. Sue is Pride now. Her Human life is behind her."
"Well, that's a relief." Cruz turned his head to look at two females across the pool.
"I'm going to sit with the twins; catch you later. Don't worry. I'm leaving as soon as I convince the twins to party in my room. I'm sure you don't want me around." He swam off in the direction of two dark-haired beauties lounging on a large, flat rock.
"Do princes have to take part in a ménage ceremony?" Stryker watched Dallin's brother swim away. "I don't recall hearing about Cruz's ceremony." Dallin chuckled. "He hasn't had one. It's not compulsory. Cruz likes the girls just as much as we do. He is such an exhibitionist. I'm betting if he finds a male to ride him, he'll be holding a ceremony." He grimaced. "It's not something I want to see. In fact, I'm glad he'll be leaving soon."
A gong sounded, and the rush of water became the only noise in the cavern. Matt, his entire body flushed, chose to be standing with wrists bound and attached to an overhead bar. Dallin groaned. He would love to fuck Stryker just like that. A female approached and kissed Matt long and hard. She dragged her nails down the virgin's body and stepped to one side. Dallin recognized the two men standing in the shadows, both lieutenants in the royal guard. Matt would take one of them as his lover and both would enjoy a host of females, as was the custom.
One of the lieutenants pressed his naked body against Matt's broad back. The male's hands caressed Matt's body, pinching his flat nipples. Matt turned his head. His
face flushed, and he kissed his lover in a long, slow kiss, hot enough to melt steel. Dallin grew hard, his cock pressing against the rock.
The girl fell to her knees, dragging her nails down Matt's hips. She licked a wet path up the inside of the young Pride's thighs, and then sucked his balls. When she pushed open Matt's legs and applied lube to his anal star, Dallin rolled on his side and grasped his aching cock. His gaze followed Matt's shaft into her willing mouth. He flicked his attention to the young man's face. The lieutenant continued his attention with long, passionate kisses.
Two females, Holly and Reba, climbed onto the rock bedside Dallin. He grinned at the pair. "Well, your timing is spot on, ladies." Holly gave him a sweet smile and bent her blonde head to take his heavy cock into her mouth. Her mouth was so damn hot, so wet, and the scrape of her fangs almost undid his control. Dallin gasped and turned to watch Reba pleasure Stryker. He glanced back to the ceremony in time to see the lieutenant grasp Matt's hips and drive into him. The crowd in the cavern cheered at Matt's cry of fulfillment. Lady's blood, Holly was good at this; the female circled Dallin's ass with her thumb, and gods bless her, bobbed her head to mimic the lieutenant's thrusts. Dallin rolled his hips, pushing deep into her soft mouth.
The need to taste Stryker overwhelmed him. Dallin locked his legs around Holly and rolled over to claim Stryker's full lips. His lover's fervid response shot straight to his balls. All control disappeared in a rush of erotic pleasure. He let himself go and came in a long shudder. To his delight, Stryker sighed in his mouth, reaching his own climax. Dallin opened his eyes to meet the man's emerald gaze. "Now that was sweet."
Stryker blinked, surprised at this public display of affection. Since their ceremony, Dallin had insisted they keep their relationship private. Reba enthusiastically licked him clean, and then pressed warm kisses up his chest. Then she pressed her full breasts against him. He raised a brow at Dallin. "And so unexpected, my prince."
"My father gave us his blessing." Dallin drew Holly close to his side. "Now, all we need to do is find a mate." He grinned wolfishly. "I believe we may need to sample many before we find the Lady's gift."
The cat inside Stryker roared. The need to find a mate had become critical. Hush, cat, I will be guided by your knowledge. If the prince's mate is not ours too, we will find one of our own.
With a smile, Stryker rolled Reba onto her back and kissed her. Her long legs curled around his hips. He lifted his head and grinned at Dallin. "I think I'd like to do my sampling on a soft bed. This rock is murder on the knees."
"Sure, after the ceremony." Dallin bent to suckle Holly's nipple. A cheer went up, and Stryker turned his attention toward the bench in the middle of the cavern. Jon, with crimson cheeks and an expression of pure bliss, lay on his back on the bench. He had his fingers buried in the hair of the slim female bobbing up and down his cock. Jon's muscular legs rested on the broad shoulders of the other lieutenant. The man, with sweat running off his chin, fucked Jon hard; the sound of their bodies slapping together vibrated around the cavern.
"You know I don't remember my first time being that good." Dallin chuckled.
"How come you didn't get some sweet thing to give me head when you did the deed?" Stryker rubbed the back of his neck. His heart sank. Now that's a low blow. He looked at Dallin's mischievous grin. Gods, he's joking. "I was just following your lead."
"Good, then follow my lead outta here." Dallin jumped into the water, dragging Holly with him. He surfaced and grinned at Stryker. "We have almost four hours before dinner."
Chapter Three
The following morning, Dallin awoke to
the sound of tapping on the door. He nuzzled Stryker under the ear, breathing in the familiar scent of his lover. "There's someone at the door."
"Tell them to leave us alone." Stryker mumbled, burying his face in the pillow. The knocking became more insistent.
"I have to go to the Lady's grotto this morning. That will be my squire," Dallin said.
"I hope he brought breakfast." Stryker rolled over and pushed the hair out of his eyes. He glanced down at his nakedness. "Do you have some clothes I can borrow?" Dallin rubbed his thumb across Stryker's swollen lips. The man had true Pride libido. Hell, they had made love five times during the night. He could still taste him.
"Sure, take what you need. I gave orders for our things to be brought here; they should arrive today."
"Good." Stryker slid off the bed and walked toward the bathroom. He stopped in the doorway and turned. "I hope they fed the Loop." An image of the sleek, catlike creature crossed Dallin's mind. His pet since childhood hated Stryker with a Passion. "Her name is Buzz, and you know it. I left her plenty of food. She will love living back in the castle. I have no idea why you dislike each other. She's a sweet, little thing."
"I have other words for a four-eyed, venomous, psychopathic bitch with twoinch talons." Stryker shot Dallin a look of disgust. He chuckled at Stryker's stream of expletives and turned his attention to the hammering at the door. "Enter."
A young squire entered, followed by servants bearing food. Dallin waited for the squire to make his bow and bit back a laugh at the boy's attire—red vest, knee-length breeches, and white stockings, like something out of the dark ages. Gods, his father lived 3000 years behind the times. "Good morning. What is your name?"
"Good morning, sir. My name is George. I am your day squire. Peter will care for you in the evening."