by H. C. Brown
"Don't tangle with me, little cat." Cruz growled. "You're no match for an alpha."
"Lailii is our life mate." Dallin stepped forward. "You must be blind not to notice that she carries our marks."
"You let the little minx bite you?" Cruz grinned. "Gods, father will be pleased."
"I'll expect you to honor my choice." Dallin stepped to one side. "Lailii, this is my brother, Cruz."
"He is the heir, and I am one of the spares, sweet lady." Cruz inclined his head.
"Her scent is making me hard. You'll need to keep her away from the troops."
"No, you will need to keep them away." Dallin glared at Cruz. "We need two days to complete the mating."
"Sure . . . but you'll owe me." Cruz grinned.
Stryker covered Lailii with his arms. She pressed her small body against him. Her acceptance of his protection warmed his heart. Beneath his hands, her heart pounded; her long hair pressed against his hard shaft. He growled at Cruz. "Leave us and go check the guards are in place."
"Do you expect me to take orders from your lover?" Cruz shot a glance at Dallin.
"Moonfire makes us a little crazy." Dallin shrugged. "The need to protect our mate supersedes common courtesy." He laid a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Stryker knows the Butcher could have Gates we are unaware of, and that he may arrive at any moment. We could be at risk of attack."
"Don't tell me there could have been an easier way to rescue the girl? Fuck, why didn't you ask the Lady?" Cruz pushed wet hair off his face.
"The Lady gave me little information about this realm." Dallin turned to Lailii.
"Do you know of travel Gates the Butcher could have used?"
"I know demons have the power to open travel fissures, not unlike our Gates. It is conceivable that the Butcher has many of these at his disposal. When he attacked Prince Derik, it was if he came out of nowhere." Lailii shook her head. "I don't know for certain if he has a Gate the other side of the mountain."
"Well, what I do know is that we can't travel any farther until her Moonfire has passed." He walked with Cruz to the edge of the pool. "I suggest you allow the men to hunt in small groups; it will keep their cats contented. Keep guards on the perimeter of our camp. Two nights is all I ask, and we can be on our way."
"I think for once you're wrong." Cruz sprang out of the water. "You're giving the Butcher ample time to arrange an ambush. I know just the place. If it were me, I would attack when we negotiate the pass, back through the mountains."
"Yes, in single file we would be vulnerable, but there may be a way to trick the Butcher into the open." Dallin shrugged. "I have no other choice but to wait. Moonfire lasts three days, and you know we must mate Lailii during this time. If we are attacked, our men are well equipped to deal with the Army of Lost Souls."
"You must trust in my powers for such an attack, my lord." Lailii lifted her chin. Under his palms, Lailii straightened. Stryker brushed his lips across her pointed ear. Her scent filled his nose. How could such a small female think to take on an army?
"You are so brave, sweetness."
"We will discuss your powers when the time comes, little one." Dallin smiled at Lailii.
"I'll go and see to the troops as you suggest." Cruz turned to leave. "And I'll have a meal sent to your tent. I can hear Lailii's stomach rumbling from here."
Lailii averted her gaze from the Pride's superb body. The scent of her males overpowered her senses. She looked up into Stryker's face. "I really can help."
"Don't worry about that now, sweetness." Stryker kissed a path down Lailii's ear.
"Little darlin' . . . I have more pressing needs right now."
"So do I." Dallin sat on a large boulder. "Come here." Without a second thought, she walked toward Dallin and stood before him. He drew her close and nibbled her lips. His hot mouth pressed against her chin, her neck, and then suckled each breast until her pussy wept. Lailii followed the path of a drop of water across the bite marks on his neck, down his massive chest to disappear inside his belly button. Her gaze rested on the mushroom helmet of his cock. She licked her lips with the desire to taste him, to run her tongue across the sticky slit. As if reading her thoughts, Dallin leaned back on his hands, exposing his long, delicious length. Lailii sucked in a breath and bent over to swipe her tongue across Dallin's shaft. Behind her, Stryker groaned. His hands grasped her bottom, and his hot tongue lapped at her pussy. She writhed in pleasure under his expert touch. His warm breath brushed against her cool flesh, bringing sensual delight. With a groan, she ran her tongue from Dallin's apricot-shaped balls up the length of his massive cock and lapped across the top. His flavor burst in her mouth. She moaned in pleasure and took him deep. Dallin moved his hips, sliding his thick shaft between her lips. So hard, yet like silk over steel. Lailii grazed her fangs along the velvet length. Gods, he tasted so good. The thrill sent white-hot shivers to her pussy.
"Yes, like that, little one. Suck me deep; make me come." Dallin rolled his hips. The head of Stryker's shaft pressed against her channel and entered in one glorious slide. He pressed his hot groin against her bottom, pushing his cock deep. The wonderful sensation shot straight to her womb.
"You are so tight, so fucking hot." Stryker thrust hard. "I can't wait to feel your mouth on me."
So much pleasure . . . . The now-familiar sensations fluttered in her belly, growing in intensity and curling around her clit. Lailii ran her fingernails across Dallin's
balls and sucked harder. He groaned, sat up, and buried his long fingers in her hair. His scent poured over her. She shuddered with the desire to please him. Water bubbled around her legs in a gentle caress, the cool water a stark contrast to the fire surging through her. Stryker drove into her, his large hands hot against the flesh of her hips. The slap of bodies filled the air. Dallin growled deep in his chest. His cock pulsated in her mouth, and then covered her tongue with his delicious seed. The taste threw her over the edge; her pussy clenched around Stryker's thick shaft. Her legs trembled, and nothing mattered but the uncontrollable, erotic sensations swirling through her body.
"Yes, come for me, sweetness." Stryker thrust harder. "Your sweet pussy is begging for my load."
Lailii lifted her head and licked her lips. Pleasure cascaded through her pussy; her knees buckled. Stryker's warm hands slipped around her waist, and they fell back into the pool. Water covered her head. She pushed down with her feet and broke the surface. "That's not nice."
Dallin drew her into his strong arms and carried her from the water. She looked up into his handsome face. "Thank you."
"Let me dry you." Dallin placed her on her feet. "I'm sorry we allowed Cruz to bother you. It won't happen again."
"I don't believe he meant to harm me."
"Neither do I." Dallin reached for a towel.
"I don't think 'harm' was what he had in mind." Stryker strode from the pool and shook the water from his hair.
Lailii enjoyed the way Dallin dried every inch of her skin. Her stomach rumbled.
"You also promised you would feed me when you returned from hunting."
"Your wish is my command." Dallin grinned and waved her toward the tent.
Chapter Seven
Two days later, Lailii awoke in the early hours of the morning to the soft noises of lovemaking. She understood these few days of concentrated sex were to placate her Moonfire. In truth, this morning, the ferocious lust had dulled into a satisfied glow. Her attentive lovers had worn her out. She knew they loved each other, and the fact made her a little jealous. Although she had been their priority, she caught the few passionate, stolen kisses between them, after they thought she was asleep. During their first night together, Dallin had ridden Stryker, and the thought of watching them together again made her pussy hot. Since that time, they had kept their distance from each other, sleeping either side of her each night. She opened her eyes and gazed at them from under her lashes. The way they kissed, so hungry for each other, brought a soft moan from her lips. She bit down on
her tongue. She need not have worried. The men were too involved in each other to hear her. Dallin moved his large body around in the bed so that they lay head to toe. His full, luscious mouth closed over Stryker's cock. With a groan, Stryker lifted his tousled head and found Dallin's hard shaft. Lailii's gaze moved between the two bobbing heads and the stroke of large, masculine hands. She loved the sounds they made while giving and receiving pleasure. Her hand went to her soaking folds, one finger circling her throbbing clit. The sight before her so stimulated her, she cried out, exploding in climax with her men.
Stryker lifted his head. Gods, Lailii was awake. He and Dallin had decided to play down their need for each other until their mate had settled into a steady relationship with them. He sat up and smiled at her. "Good morning, sweetheart." She stretched languidly like a satisfied cat, her lips curled in a smile. "I love seeing you together. When you kiss, it's so erotic."
"You don't mind?" Dallin rubbed a hand over his face. "We thought it could wait until we all get to know each other better."
"We should be home today, and then we can discuss it some more." Stryker met Dallin's sultry gaze and licked his lips. "What do you say, Dal?"
"Do you like to watch, little one?" Dallin rose up on one elbow and smiled at Lailii.
"I wish you would let me join in." Lailii ran her fingers around both her nipples.
"When we get home, I want to try something special with you." With a groan, Stryker crawled over to her. He sucked one of her rosy nipples deep into his mouth. A moment later, he lifted his head. "Tell me what you have in mind before I go insane with lust."
"I want to suck your delicious, hard cock, while Dallin fucks you." Lailii ran her nails down Stryker's back. "Is that possible?"
Stryker cleared his throat. Her words sent blood pounding into his shaft. "Oh . . . yeah, it's possible."
"Dallin." Cruz bellowed from outside the tent. "I need to speak with you."
Dallin slipped from the bed, walked naked to the tent opening, and pushed open the flap. "What?"
"The scouts have reported there is movement some miles from the mountain pass. We have to leave. If the Butcher's army is moving in that direction, we need to be through the pass and into the Gate before he arrives."
"I agree; tell the troops to break camp." Dallin rubbed the back of his neck and yawned. "Can you organize some food and coffee? It's been a long night."
"Sure." Cruz grinned like a monkey. "Was her Moonfire all that you expected?"
"Hell yeah, and then some." Dallin glanced behind him and lowered his voice.
"She is kinda cute, don't you think?"
"Ah huh." Cruz winked. "They both are."
* * * * *
The early morning haze swirled around the horses' feet, drifting from the river in bands of white mist. Dallin moved Courage forward to lead the troops through the
forest on a descent into the valley. In the distance, he could make out a spectacular, amber rock formation jutting out from dense undergrowth. The rock hung threateningly above a cramped, chalk walkway between the mountains. The steep side of the passage fell some fifty feet to a fast-flowing river. The only way through was in single file, leaving them vulnerable to any threat waiting on the other side. Dallin indicated for Brad to scout ahead, and then pulled his troops to a halt. They blended into the edge of the forest. A crow with wings that shimmered blue-black in the sunlight fluttered down from a tree and strutted close to Dallin's horse. He grinned and turned to Lailii. "I bet he doesn't know we're all cats." The Spellweaver's face was grim. Dallin touched her cheek. "Little one?"
"This is a dangerous place. Many have died in this valley." Lailii bit her bottom lip. "There are often bandits hiding among the rocks."
"It's the Army of Lost Souls I'm worried about. They have demon protection." Dallin gazed into the distance. "The Lady was insistent we protect you from Passio."
"Why do you think Passio wants me?" Lailii shot Dallin a worried glance. "If he thinks to make me a slave, I will fight him with my last ounce of magyck." Dallin smiled at her. She had suffered so much hardship, then had to endure Moonfire with two insatiable mates, and yet she was still so damn gutsy. The female amazed him. "I can't imagine why a demon would want you, especially when the Lady offers you Her protection." He ran his hand down Courage's neck. "I would've thought no self-respecting demon would dare to tangle with a goddess."
"I agree." Lailii met his gaze. "Although, why did she send you and not perform a miracle to save me?"
Dallin shrugged. "Maybe it was the only way to get the three of us together. Let's face it, the odds of us finding you 3000 years in the past were more than remote, they were impossible." He squeezed Lailii's hand. "Don't worry about Passio; you're not alone now. My entire army is here to protect you."
"We're not like Prince Derik." Stryker scowled. "We'll die before the Butcher or any damn demon lays a hand on you."
The crow spread its wings and took to the air cursing. Dallin followed its flight, turning his head into the wind. A strong breeze brought a stench of unwashed male, accosting his Pride senses. He swore, turned Courage around, and silently signaled to his men to take cover. A horse, spewing streaks of white foam, broke cover, thundering toward them in a cloud of dust. Brad, face sheet white, guided his horse to Dallin's side.
"Report."
"Mutant's—maybe a hundred of them." Brad swiped his forearm across his mouth. "Gods, they're eating human remains."
"What's your plan?" Cruz pushed his horse forward. "If we attempt the passage, we're toast."
Dallin turned his gaze on Lailii. "Do they have magyck?"
"No." Lailii lifted her chin. "Not magyck like us but they drink demon blood. It makes them hard to kill."
"Decapitation is the only way they stayed down." Stryker grimaced. "When we discovered that interesting point, killing them with a zap was easy enough."
"I doubt they will just stroll on through the passage and into our waiting arms." Cruz snorted. "We need to lure them out."
"I can do that." Lailii looked straight at Dallin. "I will protect you, my prince." With a snarl, Dallin dragged Lailii off the back of her horse and across his thighs. He turned her to face him. "Let's get one thing perfectly straight. I am here to protect you. And knock off calling me 'my prince' and 'my lord'. I'm Dallin— for the Lady's sake, Lailii— I'm your mate."
Lailii drew a deep breath. Such dominant, male arrogance, what was she to do?
Stay calm and explain in terms he can understand. "Dallin . . . it makes perfect sense for me to lure the Butcher into the open."
"No fucking way." Dallin snorted, and his eyes turned deep amber. "It's not worth the risk. We'll wait him out."
Cupping Dallin's face, Lailii met his angry gaze. "My magyck is strong, my love. You must trust my judgment in this matter." Under her palms, Dallin shook with anger.
"Will you at least listen to my plan?"
"It won't make any difference." Stryker growled deep in his chest. "We're not putting you in danger."
With a sigh, Lailii glanced at Cruz. " Please, make them see reason. All I want is for them to listen to my plan."
"Let her speak, Dallin. What possible harm can it do?" Cruz rubbed his chin. "We don't have any other plans at the moment."
Without waiting for Dallin's permission, Lailii continued. "If you all remain hidden, I can ride—at a safe distance—toward the passage. The Butcher will have lookouts. As soon as they see me, they will report to the Butcher that I am alone. He will assume I am trying to return to Prince Derik. He won't be able to resist. As soon as the Army of Lost Souls is moving through the passageway—"
"No way." Dallin butted in, shaking his head.
Lailii glared at Dallin and pushed hard on his chest. " When they're in the passageway, I will call up the river to wash them into the valley. They will be dazed and easy to defeat."
"Do you think Argos can outrun a raging river?" Dallin snarled at Lailii. "I don't think so."
Not
defeated, Lailii smiled sweetly. "Oh yes, Argos will get me to safety. How long do you think it would take a horse to reach the top of the valley, if you take into account that I will be in control of the river?"
"She could do it." Cruz grinned.
"At what cost?" Stryker shot Cruz a black look.
"Can you do this without any danger to yourself?" Dallin pulled Lailii close to his chest. "Tell me the truth, little one."
Holding up her hand, finger and thumb a hair's breadth apart, Lailii smiled.
"Mayhap this much, but don't worry. I will call up the water, and then flee before it
reaches the pass." She pointed to the rise opposite the river. "You should direct your men to the top of the hill flanking the valley."
"Stryker, she belongs to both of us; do you agree?" Dallin sighed. "I think it's a feasible plan."
"Very well." Stryker gazed down the valley. "But you should ride beside her. Can you cloak the horse as well as yourself?"
"Yes." Dallin turned to Cruz. "Move the troops to the top of that ridge."
The troops moved in silence toward the top of the chalky rise, sending up a wall of white dust, their armor glinting in the sunlight. Lailii watched them spread out along the top, a gold line prominent against the white hilltop. She turned to Dallin and shook her head. "You can't come with me. I can't protect you against the force of my magyck. Trust me, Dallin, and save your strength for the battle to come."
Dallin lifted Lailii onto her horse. He took the small, gold packet from his pocket and activated his armor. His head filled with visions of her swept away in a torrent of water. He swallowed hard and gave her a curt nod. "Go before I change my mind." He tugged at her hair. "When you return, little one, promise me you'll stay on the ridge. I'll require all my wits to fight. Stryker will have my back, and I need to know you're safe."