by Ivy Barrett
He stroked her face, his dark eyes glistening. “You used that excuse on the schooner. When are you going to be honest with yourself? You want to be overwhelmed. You want to be stimulated until you scream. You want to surrender control and submit to a dominating force.”
“What do you want?” She glanced at him through her thick lashes, uncertainty tightening her belly.
“I want to prove my worth to the tribe and revel in the Celebration of Life.”
Chapter Eight
At sunset Ashton and Corry were ushered to the clearing in the center of the Perrlain settlement. Despite the balmy breeze a fire burned in a shallow pit. The fire crackled and popped, shooting sparks into the hazy sky. Wavering light illuminated a sea of curious faces. Lutton indicated a large mat situated slightly apart from the others. Ashton sat in the middle and pulled Corry down beside him, forcing Lutton to take his place on Ashton’s other side. If Lutton noticed the possessive maneuver, he didn’t react.
Drums throbbed in the distance, giving the night a distinct pulse. The rhythm sped as five men emerged from a dwelling on Ashton’s right. Their swarthy skin gleamed in the firelight and their long black hair had been decorated with tiny pieces of polished stone and what looked like bleached bone. With regal features and watchful eyes, they sat across the fire pit from Ashton and Corry.
“The man in the middle is my father,” Lutton said. “The other four are our village elders. They are here to observe the festivities, not participate.” A row of women exited the dwelling on the other side of the clearing. Bare-breasted and graceful, they knelt on a mat beside the elders. “The high priestess and her acolytes. They will dance for you in a short while. The one near the end, with the red flowers in her hair, is Serena, my youngest sister.”
Ashton gazed at the young woman and acknowledged the beauty of her face and form, but he felt nothing more. Turning his head, he looked at Corry and tenderness swelled within his heart. Her features might not turn heads, but her spirit captivated him and he felt triumphant each time she graced him with her smile.
Bowls of sliced fruit and fresh vegetables were passed along the rows. Everyone ate with their fingers and spoke in hushed tones, studying them with obvious curiosity. The primitive setting had a certain charm. Sweet berry wine was poured into carved wooden cups. The rich red liquid stained Corry’s lips and Ashton had to kiss her.
He curved his fingers around the back of her neck and brushed his tongue lightly over her lips. “Delicious,” he murmured then pushed into her mouth for another taste.
After responding for only a moment, she wiggled away. “Everyone is watching us.”
“I know, and we’re going to have to do more than kiss before the night is through. Are you sure you don’t want to find another way to pacify the Deity?”
She took another sip of wine. “The only other option is to let Lutton die for saving us. I couldn’t live with myself if I let that happen.”
“Would it help if I spoke with the elders?”
“Not this time Director VinDerley. Their customs are clear. It’s one or the other.”
“Then give me some more wine.” She held out her cup and he shook his head. “I want to taste it on your lips.”
Her gaze darkened as she raised the cup to her mouth. Like most of the women there, Corry was naked to the waist. She kept her arms in front of her as much as possible, which made Ashton smile. The fiery part of her nature that craved this experience was buried beneath layers of inhibitions.
He took her face between his hands and settled his mouth over hers. She wrapped her arms around his torso and pressed her breasts against his chest. Soft, warm and his. How was he going to survive watching others touch her and seeing her give pleasure to another man or men? His tongue stroked her lips then curled around her tongue, sliding and caressing.
If we’re going to do this, let’s do it together. Let me strengthen the link.
She deepened their kiss and opened her mind, welcoming his telepathic touch. He found the fragile strands he’d woven before and reinforced them, binding them together, making them stronger.
“The dancing is about to begin.” Lutton’s tone held a note of warning.
Sending warmth and affection across their link, Ashton separated their mouths. “Here we go,” he whispered, and she smiled. Stars, she was beautiful when she smiled.
The acolytes stood and made their way across the clearing, forming a neat row between Ashton and the fire. One looked slightly older than the others and she spoke to the crowd surrounding them.
“Do you understand their language?” Corry asked Ashton.
“No. I’m surprised Lutton was able to speak with us.”
She leaned around him and tapped Lutton on the knee. “How did you learn our language? And what is she saying?”
“I attended university on d’Arrest, as is the custom for all Perrlain chieftains. We live our lives with different priorities. That doesn’t mean we’re ignorant or barbaric.” He nodded toward the speaker. “She’s calling upon the power of pleasure to burn away your worldly taint.”
“Can a person convert to your way of life or must one be born into your tribe?” She moved closer to Ashton so the Perrlain prince could hear her better.
“We offer shelter and seclusion for souls in need. Sometimes they are able to refocus their spirit and return to the world beyond, other times they’re accepted into the tribe. If we never took in new members, our gene pool would become corrupted.”
“True.” Ashton tossed a piece of succulent fruit into his mouth and tried to identify the taste. Most of the Perrlain food was unrecognizable to him.
“Are you seeking spiritual guidance?”
“No,” Corry said. “Our goals haven’t changed.”
“Then watch the dance. Once the high priestess senses an adequate level of sexual energy, she will present Ashton with his team.”
“Give, receive and then share?” Ashton asked.
“Yes. You will give then receive pleasure. Corry’s team will be presented to her and she will do the same. First give then receive. After that you are free to share in the festivities in whatever way you want.”
“This is a test,” Ashton reminded him. “What are the tribe members looking for? What makes us worthy or not?”
“Honesty. Don’t put on a show for them. They all know you’re not accustomed to our ways.”
The drumbeat grew louder. Tinkling bells and trilling flutes soon drifted on the night wind. The acolytes spun and swayed, undulating with sensual grace, then shook their hips and shimmied their breasts.
Ashton watched the dancers for a time then his gaze drifted to Corry. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted and her nipples had started to harden. Why was she more affected by this than he was?
Because you’re jaded. Fate has kicked her in the gut more times than you can imagine and she can still find the wonder in life.
He reached for her hand and she squeezed his fingers without shifting her gaze from the dancers. The high priestess pushed to her feet, standing tall and proud on the far side of the fire pit. She told her acolytes to return to their mat then offered further instruction in a firm, clear voice.
A man and a woman moved to stand in front of Ashton and Corry. The woman was voluptuous and sultry-eyed, the man sleekly muscled, his expression fierce.
“I don’t do men,” Ashton protested.
“I’m sorry for the confusion,” Lutton said. “The high priestess must approve of what she senses in you. She has altered the rules to your advantage. Marri is for you, and Fyn is for Corry. The actual pleasure must be exchanged with them, but you are allowed to assist each other, as are Fyn and Marri. This is very generous of the high priestess. Fyn and Marri frequently find pleasure with each other. If you allow them to guide you, this will be over before you know it.”
Ashton helped Corry to her feet. “Do I still go first?” he asked.
“Yes.”
Marri watched their
approach through hooded eyes. Her large breasts swayed with each deep breath. Corry matched his advance step for step, but anxiety and anticipation surged across their telepathic link. He lightly touched her mind, easing her fear and encouraging her instinctive response to the sexually charged atmosphere.
Fyn moved behind Marri and jerked her skirt off with one forceful yank. She gasped and her breasts jiggled. Her nipples hardened and she licked her lips. The message was clear. Marri liked it rough. She would respond best to insistent stimulation.
Dragging her arms to the small of her back, Fyn thrust her breasts toward Ashton. Again the gesture required no translation. Ashton cupped both her breasts and squeezed firmly. Marri wiggled and twisted against Fyn’s hold, but her skin flushed and her nipples puckered against Ashton’s palms.
Does she really enjoy being manhandled? Corry sounded intrigued, not appalled.
Some women can’t come unless they’re restrained. Watch her face while I tease her nipples. Tell me what you see.
He rolled one of Marri’s nipples while he sucked on the other. The harder he pulled the louder she moaned, so he allowed the tip to scrape across his teeth each time he released the suction.
She looks sunburned or feverish. Is she already wet?
Encouraged by Corry’s curiosity, Ashton stroked down along Marri’s abdomen and covered her mound with his hand. The curls at the juncture of her thighs had been trimmed and shaved until only a small dark triangle remained.
Fyn kicked her legs apart, making more room for Ashton’s hand. Ashton continued his assault on her nipples while he pushed his middle finger into her slit. Her wet, warm folds caressed his finger and lust expanded through his body. His gut clenched and his cock jerked, hardening with alarming speed.
She’s a beautiful woman and she’s enjoying your touch. Your response is perfectly natural.
Corry was reassuring him? Moments before, she had been the one in need of comfort. He released Marri’s nipple and looked at Corry. Her gaze was fixed on the other woman’s body, arched by Fyn’s unrelenting hold, helpless and waiting.
Do you want to touch her?
No. She replied a bit too vehemently. But I want you naked while you do.
With an impatient tug, he loosened the garment wrapped around his hips and revealed his erection. He stared into Corry’s eyes as he stroked himself from base to tip several times.
A throaty murmur drew his attention back to Marri. Fyn had released her arms. He was rolling and pinching her nipples with one hand and the other held her pussy open, displaying her cream-soaked passage and swollen clit.
Marri rested against Fyn’s chest, her arms reaching back so she could grab his neck. Kneeling in front of her, Ashton caught her clit between his thumb and forefinger then pushed two fingers into her cunt. She rocked her hips. His fingers went deeper and he pinched her clit, rolling the tender nub until she cried out.
Fyn leaned close and whispered something into Marri’s ear. She shook her head and tipped her pelvis so Ashton could move more easily. He thrust into her creamy passage while he plucked her clit again and again.
“Suck—on her.” Fyn struggled with the words. Still, Ashton understood. He bent to her mound and flicked his tongue over her clit. “No. Suck…hard.”
Catching the puffy little nub between his lips, Ashton sucked on her clit and kept right on sucking until Marri screamed with release. Her inner muscles squeezed his fingers and she pushed up against his mouth.
Fyn stepped back, taking Marri with him, and then urged her to her hands and knees. She tossed her head, sending her long dark hair flying as Fyn knelt behind her. If the other man fucked her now, it would take that much longer for Corry to make him come. Ashton started to protest, but Fyn didn’t remove his garment. He made an impatient gesture.
“Now she suck on you.” He twisted her long hair around his fist and raised her head.
Ashton saw the carnal invitation smoldering in her dark eyes, so he pushed to his feet and moved closer to Marri.
Shaken and squirming from the lust blasting across their telepathic link, Corry watched Ashton push his cock into Marri’s willing mouth. Fyn knelt behind her, using her hair to hold her head in place. Ashton braced his legs apart and rolled his hips. His eyes closed and he stroked Marri’s face while he fucked her mouth.
Fyn said several things in a frantic rush. A young man brought him an open pot filled with some sort of cream and Lutton translated for Ashton. “You can’t come in her mouth. The tribe must witness your release.”
Ashton nodded, never slowing the steady rocking of his hips. Corry let his pleasure wash over her. If she opened her mind, she could feel the swirl of Marri’s tongue and the firm slide of her lips along his shaft. Desire warmed Corry’s skin and made her nipples tingle.
Dipping his long middle finger in the cream, Fyn traced the crease between Marri’s ass cheeks. Curiosity stirred within Corry. Was he going to put something up her ass?
Go watch him, little rebel. Your curiosity is distracting me.
She moved closer to Fyn and his dark gaze bore into hers for a moment before he returned his attention to Marri. He held her open with one hand while he buried his middle finger in her ass. She moaned and bucked until Fyn smacked her ass with his free hand. Ashton was still moving in her mouth, so all she could do was murmur. Fyn said something low and mocking then slapped her other cheek.
A deep, needful pulse erupted in Corry’s pussy. She crossed her arms under her breasts and watched Ashton slide in and out of Marri’s mouth. Fyn pulled almost out of Marri then thrust back in as he twisted his wrist.
Marri pushed up each time Fyn drove into her and whimpered with each outward stroke. Ashton moved faster, holding on to her face now. Two bright red handprints formed on Marri’s ass cheeks. Fyn growled and rubbed the discoloration then reached between her thighs, teasing her core and flicking her clit. All the while he kept up the firm thrusts into her ass.
Ashton suddenly jerked himself out of Marri’s mouth and rubbed his cock with firm, frantic strokes. He shuddered and groaned as his seed spurted out, disappearing into the grass beside Marri.
Fyn rewarded his lover with another orgasm before he withdrew his finger from her body and turned his attention on Corry. Would he spank her? Would he finger-fuck her ass? She took a step backward even as heat cascaded through her body. Ashton’s arms wrapped around her from behind and he nuzzled her hair.
He’s not going to hurt you. There is no way I would let him.
I have to give him pleasure before he touches me.
Is that what frightens you? He’s just watched me pleasure his mate and he watched his mate pleasure me. He should go off like a solar flare with just a little encouragement.
She nodded and stepped out of his embrace, taking a deep breath as she approached Fyn. He met her gaze, making no move to remove his garment or offer suggestions for how she might begin.
Honesty, Lutton had said. She was no seductress. She would follow her instincts and participate to the best of her abilities. Her fingers shook as she unknotted his garment. He raised his hand and touched her face. Surprised by the gesture, she looked into his eyes and found kindness shining there.
He was fierce and dominating because that’s what Marri needed. Yet sensing Corry’s vulnerability, he backed off. Soothed by his willingness to consider her needs, she grew bolder.
She tossed his garment aside and brushed her hands over his smooth chest. His body was hot and hard, sculpted with muscular definition yet sleek. He stood before her motionless, allowing her exploration. She reached behind him and squeezed his ass, rubbing her breasts against his chest while his cock twitched against her belly.
Easing away from her, Fyn stooped and picked up the small pot off the grass. He held out his hand and looked at her expectantly. She extended her hand and he scooped some of the cream into her palm. Then he dropped the pot back into the grass and guided her hand to his cock. She closed her fingers around his shaft and
he covered her hand with his. He showed her how hard to squeeze and how fast to move then he released her. The cream allowed her hand to slide easily. She kept her fingers in a snug circle as she worked his shaft up and down.
Ashton moved up behind her again, cupping both her breasts in his warm hands. She sighed and continued the smooth back-and-forth slide. Fyn covered her hand again and drastically increased the speed of her strokes. He pulled her other hand to his balls and she rolled the delicate spheres as they grew tighter and tighter.
With a sudden cry, Fyn pivoted to the side and came into the grass as Ashton had done. He kept her hand firmly pulling until the last shuddering spasm ran its course.
Fyn turned to Lutton and explained what he wanted.
“Fyn would like for your mate to verify your release with his cock inside your body.”
She looked at Ashton. “And how is that going to work?”
“I think I know what he has in mind.” He held out his hand. “Come here.” He led her away from the mess Fyn had just made and spread out in the grass on his back. “Face away from me and lower yourself onto my cock, then lie back against my chest so he can touch your pussy.”
“I’m heavier than I look.”
He chuckled. “I think I’ll survive.”
Would Ashton stay inside her if she lay down on top of him? She ached for his cock and this was the final phase of testing. They would get through it together. Turning around so she faced away from him, she straddled his hips and guided his cock to her entrance. He pushed in, filling her and filling her until she trembled.
Fyn supported her neck as she settled herself against Ashton’s chest. Her knees were bent, legs spread wide, leaving Fyn plenty of room to play between her thighs. Ashton steadied her, one hand on her stomach, the other on her upper chest.
Are you all right?
I love the way you feel inside me. I should be humiliated, but all I feel is your warmth against my back and your cock…
Fyn knelt between their spread legs, intruding on her introspection. He squeezed her breasts. Teasing her nipples as his gaze bore into hers. The fierce Dom had returned. She was spread before him, impaled on another man’s cock, yet Fyn was in control.