“Will you show me later?” he asked.
“Perhaps.” She lifted her head. “If you beg me to.”
“How soon you forget, but it is you who must beg me.” As if to punctuate his meaning, he adjusted his hips, letting her feel the full length of his arousal. He was as aroused as she. Ari tried to wiggle away from the prominent erection, but being as they were in the air, there was no place for her to go but down. “Are you ready to retire, my feather?”
“Not with you,” she quipped, trying to think straight, trying to remind herself that she disliked him.
Rurik frowned. His wings worked furiously as he turned them around in faster circles.
“Hold,” she protested. “Please, you’re making me dizzy.”
Suddenly, he stopped spinning. Before she could catch her breath, he beat his wings hard against the air, sending them speeding over the hall toward the entrance to her princess chambers.
Chapter Five
“You didn’t mind my touch earlier.”
Ari blinked, surprised at his abrupt words as he set her down on the mattress of the mating bed. She’d barely had time to part the water to let them through without getting wet, as they sped into the chambers. Looking down over the edge, she knew she couldn’t easily get down without help. Her belongings had already been moved during the coronation and the room seemed empty.
“Whose idiotic idea was the high bed anyway?” she mumbled.
“When the pure bloods ruled, they were not an issue,” he said. “They were to protect the royal family against invaders.”
“For a warrior, you’re pretty smart,” she said.
“You know, feather, that might be the first compliment I’ve ever gotten from you.” He reached for her, touching her face in a gentle caress.
Ari’s head was a little fuzzy from the drinking and dancing. Already her flesh stung with the pleasure of his touch. She wanted him. There was no denying it. The bed reminded her of how they’d come together, in the dark, his hands pinning her down. She wanted to explore him, to see him, to watch his face as he entered her body.
Slowly, she reached for his waist and gently set to work on the laces. Tugging on them, she pulled them free, slowly revealing his stomach and chest. The backs of her hands glided over his taut flesh. Once she’d finished, she crawled to his back and set to work on the laces beneath his wings.
Rurik pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it aside, only to sit back on his knees. Ari stared at his dark, beautiful wings. They protruded out of his back, held to the side by strong muscles. Running her hands over the soft feathers, she shivered. Then, finding the tanned flesh of his back, she touched a long scar that ran down along his spine. She leaned forward to lick the scar as she dragged her mouth over him. Rurik tensed, his wings spreading wider as her mouth neared the back of his neck. Smaller scars puckered his skin and she sprinkled hot, wet kisses over them.
She called the water from the wall, urging a tiny strand to form and heat so it would be warm. Like a liquid snake it slithered through the air. Rurik gasped as she controlled it easily with her mind, making it glance over his chest to where she couldn’t see. It didn’t matter. If she wanted it to touch his nipples, it would, such was her power over it.
When she’d made her way kissing and licking his back and arms, she slowly moved to stand before him. The water had left small trails over his chest. She urged the water to form a hand. With it, she cupped his face and bid him to stand before her. He did and she instantly leaned in to kiss his chest, teasing the scar she found with her tongue. The water trail held still as she lightly sucked a hard, wet nipple between her puckered lips.
Rurik’s hands found her arms and he began pulling at her gown to undress her. Her shoes were gone, but she didn’t remember taking them off. She pulled back only long enough to lift the gown over her head and toss it aside. Her long hair tickled her back as she pressed her body against his. The heat of him instantly made her nipples into hard beacons. She moaned, wiggling her hips as his hands glided over her naked ass. He pulled her cheeks, spreading her from behind ever so slightly as he massaged in hard, perfect circles.
Trembling, she reached for his cock, stroking it several times through his tight breeches. It wasn’t enough. She needed to feel the turgid flesh in her palms. Eagerly she tugged at his waistband. Rurik kicked off his boots, before helping her push his pants down from his hips. Soon he was standing gloriously naked before her, his arousal thick and long and ready.
Moaning, she kneeled, kissing each and every scar she saw, bathing them with her tongue. His sinewy flesh was salty-sweet and so very addictive. She ran her hands over his tight ass, squeezing and caressing every hot, hard inch of it before moving over his large thighs.
She drew the water snake forward, heating it before urging the liquid to wrap around his cock. It shaped over him like a cocoon, ringing around his shaft and balls. Rurik gasped, thrusting lightly in the air. It was a gorgeous sight, seeing his beautiful body strained with passion. She made the water rush around him, fast and vibrating. Ari’s breath deepened at the erotic show and she urged the water back against the sensitive flesh between his thighs, buried behind his balls. She’d used water for pleasuring herself many times, urging it between her thighs. Hot moisture gathered in her slick folds, both from her body and the water. The liquid did not enter her, but instead vibrated and rushed over her clit in waves.
Grabbing his hips, she let the water part over his cock to make way for her mouth. She concentrated the liquid on her body and his balls, as she licked the thick tip of him.
“Ah-ah,” he gasped, as she sucked him between her lips.
Since he was wet from the water he slid easily into her mouth. Her nipples ached for attention and she made the water caress her there as well. The more aroused she became the harder and faster she sucked him, rolling her tongue over his thick shaft, trying to fit him deep.
She moaned, reaching to grab his wet balls in her hand through the vibrating water. Rurik’s fingers buried themselves in her hair and he jerked his seed hard into her mouth. She drank him down, sucking on him for more.
With a groan, he pulled her off. The water retracted back toward the wall, all except the stream along her clit. She closed her eyes, reaching for her own breasts.
“Let me,” he said, breathlessly. Rurik had her on her back before she could stop the water from behind. It squished against the bed, wetting the sheets. She let go, only to discover how much better his mouth felt against her pussy. Warm hands cupped her chest, playing with her nipples. “I love your breasts.”
Keeping one hand on her chest, he drew the other to her sex. His mouth did wonderful things to her clit as he audibly drank her cream. Suddenly, a thick finger thrust up into her and she tensed in pleasure as Rurik took her with his hand and mouth. He knew just how to touch her and it wasn’t long before she was coming, crying out his name and begging him not to stop what he was doing. When the tremors subsided, Rurik collapsed alongside her quivering body.
* * * *
Ari wasn’t sure when it happened, but somehow she’d fallen into a blissful sleep. When she awoke, it was to find Rurik beside her, his body aroused and pressed along her back. He was kissing her neck and ear.
“I want to be inside you,” he whispered. “I want to feel the tight silk of your sex wrapped around me.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly a shout from below stopped her.
“My queen, my king!”
Ari reached around for something to hide her body with, automatically forcing the water arch down so it didn’t reflect her body to whoever was below.
“Ari?” the person called again and she realized it was Vara.
“Vara?” Ari asked, leaning over the side. She must’ve left the door open in Rurik’s flight to get her into his bed.
“Ari, it’s Lord Cyril. He says he found a way to end your mating to a pure blood. He’s here with his son, trying to lay claim to the throne.”
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Rurik tensed behind her. Ari blinked, suddenly feeling sick to her stomach. She looked at her mate, her heart squeezing in her chest at the idea of losing him. But what would he choose? He was a warrior. Could he be happy in a queendom at her side? Or did he long for the open air and freedom of being a commander with his men? Would he choose her? Would he leave her if he had the choice?
“Rurik,” she whispered, not knowing what else to say. Did she confess to him, let him know how she felt, that she wanted him, had always wanted him?
“Duty calls, my queen,” he said, his words clipped. Then, louder, he yelled, “We’ll be right down. Please wait outside.”
“Yea, king,” Vara answered respectfully.
Not knowing what to do, Ari looked around. Weakly, she said, “My dress.”
He had his breeches already pulled on and was working on his boots. “I’ll fly us down. Come here.”
Ari wrapped her arms around his neck at his bidding and he glided them toward the floor.
“One day and already someone challenges the throne,” he said wryly as he set her down.
Ari wanted to say something to him, wanted to ask him if he could possibly be happy as her king, but the words wouldn’t come. She opened her mouth, but she felt like a young, tongue-tied girl and all the insecurities that came with such an age rushed over her.
“Did you want to say something?” His eyes narrowed. He looked like the hunter. Would the hunter be happy out of the hunt, or would he resent her for keeping him?
She knew her answer. A man like Rurik wouldn’t want to be caged, even if the bars were gilded. She’d felt the freedom of his arms, but knew that was only a dance, one moment out of a lifetime of serving her people. She looked at his wings, knowing they’d only remind them both of what he had to give up against his will.
“You’re free,” she whispered, leaning to pick up her undergown. She slipped it over her head, trembling.
“What are you saying?”
“You’re free, Rurik. This is your chance to get out of this. No repercussions will come of it. In fact, Lord Viceious will be stepping down soon as Supreme General. The job will be yours if you want it. As Commander of the Fifth, you and your men have more than earned the honor. None will protest.”
“You mean you’ll be free,” he said, a severe frown crossing his face.
“The life of a queen is hardly freeing.” She pulled her gown over her head, before working her hair out of the back.
Walking to the water wall, she looked at her reflection. Her cheeks were flushed with sleep and her hair was a mess. Running her fingers through the locks, she sighed. It was no use. She needed a brush and her belongings were elsewhere in the palace. Regardless, she did the best she could with it before turning back to him.
“Your motives in this are hardly pure. You wish to buy me off with your offer of Supreme General, don’t you?”
Ari swallowed nervously, avoiding his eyes. It wasn’t a complete lie, though she wouldn’t have used the phrase “buy him off”. True, as Supreme General he would come to the palace and be her liaison to the troops. The offer was selfish of her. She wanted him close. Now that their bodies had joined, she knew she needed more of him. If it was decided that she remain unmarried or even in the unlikely occurrence that she took another husband, she knew in her heart that she’d take Rurik back into her bed—scandal or not.
“You haven’t changed, have you? You’re still the spoiled little princess who is too good for us soldiers.” His wings stretched, his whole form tense with anger.
“What?” she gasped, ready to defend herself.
“Don’t bother, my queen.” The words were tight. “You’ve made your point.” Then, stepping closer, he growled, “But just remember, this pure blood’s hands were all over your body and you begged for me to touch you.”
Ari blinked in confusion. Why would she ever want to deny it?
Rurik’s body shifted. His eyes narrowed and his nose and mouth molded into a beak. Feathers sprouted over his body and his wings beat against the air. Soon he hovered in the air before her, his body compacted into a large bird of prey. With a fierce speed, he turned and flew out of the chambers toward the hall. She was still staring after him, long after he was gone.
* * * *
Rurik was livid. Did their time together mean nothing? Was she so ready to throw him back at the first chance that presented itself? Oh, and offering him the position of Supreme General. That was a nice touch. It was the highest honor for a man like him. Or, it had been until he’d become king.
Coming to the hall, he instantly saw Lord Cyril and his simpering son, Lynus. It was no secret that Ari spent time with the young man. He hadn’t wanted to listen to rumors, but her name was spoken and he couldn’t help but hear whatever was said about her.
Swooping past the nobleman’s head, he glided up toward the throne. He didn’t bother to shift as he perched on the back of the high chair. It was early in the morning and he realized they’d slept all night in each other’s arms. What was odd was he never lost track of time like that. Ari just did something to him. She always had.
If she would just want him as he wanted her. If she would but ask him, he’d lay down his life. But she didn’t seem to want his heart or his life. Nae, but she’d wanted his sex badly enough. It was a bittersweet victory.
The former king was seated close to Lord Cyril. The royal librarian was with them, leaning over an old, weathered piece of parchment. Rurik turned his head, listening to them speak. Their tones were low, but he could make out their words easily enough.
“See, there, it says ‘in a time that the deeds of the pure bloods can be forgiven,’” Cyril said. “Well, that’s simple. I for one don’t forgive them. And, if a noble house cannot forgive the deeds, then surely there are others who feel the same.”
“It doesn’t specifically say ‘forgiven by the house of Cyril of Karvof,’” the old king argued. If he’d been able to, Rurik would’ve smiled. The old king had always shown him favor, even as a child. He’d taken him under his wing, so to speak, and taught him to be a man. “I think Commander Rurik to be a fine choice. Besides, the magic of the Chalice should not be challenged.”
“Should not, not cannot,” Cyril argued. “I say it’s been tampered with. Something was wrong with the magic. The old wizard was sick. There has to be an explanation.”
“And let me guess,” the old king mused. “You propose we set aside this decision for what? To pave the way for your son Lynus?”
“Queen Ari had shown great favor for my son and Lynus would make a fine king.” Cyril didn’t miss a beat. “He’s noble of birth and temperament. He’s politically minded. He has already met with many of the dignitaries that come to the planet.”
“And I say Rurik can meet those dignitaries and whatever graces you think him to be lacking can be learned.” The old king shook his head.
“Forgive me, old highness,” Cyril sneered, “but the decision and translation of these scrolls are no longer yours. They are the queen’s. We’ll see who she picks—some barbaric commander or my son, a true king.”
Rurik squawked in anger at the slight. Diving down from his post, he swiped past Lord Cyril’s head and grabbed a talon full of his hair. With a mighty pull, he yanked it out and flew out of reach.
The old king laughed. “I think someone doesn’t like being called barbaric, Cyril.”
Cyril growled in outrage, rubbing his head. “My point exactly. Barbaric!”
Chapter Six
“What is this?” Ari appeared, her voice calmly coming over the barren hall. “What reason have you to interrupt my morning, and so early at that?”
Even disheveled, she kept her chin up, doing her best to look regal.
Seventy-five percent of being royalty was in the attitude. Walking slowly, as if she hadn’t a care in the world, she made her way up to her throne. She’d found her crown on the floor along with Rurik’s. They must have lost them the night before in hi
s wild flight toward the bed, but she hadn’t realized it until she found them in the hall.
As she came up the circular stairs, her eyes landed on the falcon perched on the back of the king’s chair. She shivered, automatically knowing it was Rurik. She would’ve recognized those eyes anywhere, shifted or not.
“My queen,” Cyril said, bowing. His son was behind him and they were joined by her father and Gryger, the librarian.
“Lord Cyril,” she said, nodding at him to speak. She stared down her nose at him. Inside, she shook violently. She didn’t want to let Rurik out of their mating, but he’d left too fast and she hadn’t had time to ask him what he wanted.
“May I be blunt?” Cyril asked.
Ari nodded. “Please, do.”
“Though a great soldier, Commander Rurik is hardly a man fit to be king. He’s a pure blood, and as we all know and accept, that comes with a certain amount of,” Cyril paused, rubbing his head, “hot-blooded temperament.”
“Yea,” Ari agreed. Her stomach tensed. That’s one of the things she liked about him—his hot-bloodedness. Her thighs tingled and moisture gathered in her sex as she thought of just how wild he could be. Damn Lord Cyril for interrupting what had promised to be a very enjoyable morning. A little harshly, she demanded, “And?”
“It is my feeling that we don’t have to accept the Chalice’s decision. I have proof,” he pulled a folded parchment from his jacket and held it up, “that the Chalice’s magic has been overturned in the past and a marriage dissolved to the agreement of both parties.”
“Give me that,” Gryger demanded. The normally mild-mannered librarian unfolded the parchment and began reading to himself. “But, this is your great-great-grandfather’s…”
“Yea, it is, but it proves that marriages can still be dissolved happily,” Cyril interrupted.
“I know this case. The wife died within the year,” Gryger said. “The dissolvement wasn’t recognized by all.”
Shifter Fated Mates: Boxed Set Page 5