"Count yourself lucky someone found you. Hashmin said you were almost dead. Where are you from?"
"I'm from Kantrer. My mate, Sam, and I, and our friends were staying at an excursion lodge in Sanforthe. We were on a picnic overlooking Velorn, when a large creature jumped into our midst and began kil—” Aimee's choked voice trailed off.
"Oh stars, I'm sorry,” Sareen exclaimed and sat next to Aimee, grabbing her hand, as if trying to comfort her. “I don't understand. Hashmin said he found you in Velorn. I'll have to talk to my brother about this."
"Am I a prisoner?” Aimee whispered.
Sareen frowned. “I'm afraid so. We have strict rules governing the admittance of visitors. It is the only way we can keep outside influences from corrupting our life here. I know other countries think of us as barbarians, but our people are determined to keep our old ways and our land as it is."
"Isn't there anything I can say that would obtain my release?"
"I'm afraid it will be your word against a Velornian citizen's. My brother will be hard to convince. My mate might be able to get you heard. There is one more thing I must warn you..."
Sareen's words were cut off when the doors to Aimee's room crashed open. A large dark-haired male stood there, muscular legs braced apart, a frown on his frightening face.
"Mate! Come to me!"
Aimee cowered under the blankets, watching in terror as the fearsome male strode in their direction. Sareen swung around and ran in response to her mate's summons. When they reached each other, the male swung Sareen into his arms, kissing her soundly.
Their response to each other shocked Aimee. It was as if no one else was in the room. Her shock deepened when the male undid Sareen's vest and discarded it, allowing him to duck his head so he might suckle her breasts. Stars! Were they going to have sex right here? Sareen moaned, eyelids fluttering closed, as she obviously enjoyed her mate's mouth on her body. When the male caressed up her calves and thighs, Sareen seemed to come back to herself.
Looking in Aimee's direction, she gave an embarrassed smile. “Dran! Stop! We have a guest!"
"What!” the big male, Dran said. When he looked in Aimee's direction, his frown returned. “She is no guest of ours."
"Dran, please! She is not used to our ways. Let us go to our chamber to finish our greetings."
"Better she learn our ways sooner rather than later."
Sareen nodded her head, but didn't look at Aimee, before dragging her mate off to find their own room, Aimee supposed.
* * * *
She was still reeling from her first encounter with a Velornian male, when the other female, Kyrna, came back into her room. “The Master is home, Mistress. He will be here to greet you soon."
"Greet me?” Did she mean greet her as Sareen's mate had greeted Sareen?
When Kyrna looked at Aimee's apprehensive face, she must have sensed her fear. “Did Master Drandol greet Mistress Sareen here?"
Aimee nodded.
Kyrna shook her head as if now understanding Aimee's apprehension. “If Mistress will allow, Kyrna will explain a little about the males in Velorn."
"Please,” Aimee implored.
"The higher in the caste the males are, the more sexual are their natures. We've heard rumors of the pleasure centers in the other Kazphyrian countries, but we have no such things. So the higher-ranking males are bombarded with female attention. As the first female prisoner ever brought into this house, we are not sure what will be your station.
"Do not be surprised by what you saw between Master Drandol and Mistress Sareen. That is a normal way of greeting here. The only time the males restrain themselves is when another male of close rank is present. For example, he would not greet Mistress Sareen that way in the presence of Master JarrRon. Had Master Drandol taken as mate the sister of someone of lower rank, he would not have thought twice about greeting her, even in the presence of her brother.
"And I must also warn you, this is Master JarrRon's home and every female here would die to be taken by him. He is powerful, strong, and incredibly handsome."
Aimee was stunned by the vehemence in the servant's voice. Was she warning Aimee? As if she now felt better, Kyrna smiled, and sat next to Aimee. Kyrna was a lovely girl, close to six foot tall. Her hair was long, thick, and a much lighter blond than Aimee's own hair. Whereas Aimee's eyes were light blue, Kyrna's eyes were green. The vest she wore revealed much more than Sareen's had, since her breasts were lush and full. Aimee wasn't surprised this unknown Master JarrRon would want to suckle them at his leisure.
Now why did that thought pop into my mind?
Could it be because Kyrna was looking at her with a certain gleam in her eyes? No female had ever gazed at her with such longing. So Kyrna might desire her master, but Aimee had the distinct feeling he was not all she desired.
"Kyrna?"
"Yes,” Kyrna returned seductively.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Kyrna smiled tenderly at her. “You remind me of a small creature, so innocent and scared. Do not fear your stay here. I will make it comfortable. And besides, I find you appealing,” she admitted, before leaning forward to kiss Aimee's stunned lips.
Aimee was so surprised, she didn't move a muscle as Kyrna gathered her in her arms, raining kisses over her face and throat.
"Ah ... Ky—” Aimee began.
Holding her finger to Aimee's lips, Kyrna whispered, “Shush, I will not hurt you,” before leaning back down to kiss her, slipping one hand beneath Aimee's vest to fondle her breasts.
The only sounds in the room for several moments were the females’ moans. Neither one of them noticed the sound of an unannounced visitor.
"Kyrna?” a masculine voice asked. Aimee jerked at the sound, instinctively knowing to whom the voice belonged, grabbing the edges of her vest to hide her naked breasts from his gaze.
Kyrna's body turned toward the voice. “Yes, Master?"
"Should you not have expected I would speak to our guest before you staked your claim?"
Aimee shivered at the male's angry voice, feeling vulnerable in the stranger's presence.
"Yes, Master, I'm sorry. Shall I leave you?” The girl rose from Aimee's bed.
Aimee was struck silent by the massive presence of the male before her. And she'd thought Drandol to be intimidating, but he appeared as meek as a tinerre baby compared to this male. She could only compare his physical presence to a war ‘droid, massively built and physically powerful. His bare arm and leg muscles corded and finely toned, his shoulder-length blond hair not softening his look. Only one thing gave any indication of softness, his lips. Although he was frowning, glaring down at his servant and Aimee, his lips looked ... kissable.
Aimee watched as Kyrna walked over and stood before him, as if awaiting some kind of reprisal. “It is wonderful to have you home, Master."
The male remained motionless as he gazed down at his errant servant. Aimee couldn't decipher what was going on in his mind. The man gave nothing of his feelings away. “You know you have earned yourself a punishment, Kyrna. I want you to go to the kitchens and bring food, while my guest and I speak."
Kyrna's head hung down as if he'd issued her a death sentence. “Very well, Master."
When the door closed behind the retreating girl, the large male turned back to give Aimee his full attention, his expression stern. “The male, Hashmin, told me your companions were killed. Did you have a mate among the dead?"
Aimee nodded her head. Oh, Jardem, how did she let Kyrna make me forget about Sam's death? Too choked to speak, Aimee sat among the bedclothes, warily watching as the male moved easily for someone his size, pacing at the foot of her bed. “Have you lost your tongue? Forgotten how to speak?"
Normally, Aimee would have given him a piece of her mind, but since she knew him not, she feared his response. “No, I ... ah ... no."
"Tell me why you were found in Velorn? Come out of that bed."
When Aimee tried to stand, her legs ga
ve out beneath her.
"Jardem!” he cursed, and lunged forward to reach her before she crumpled at his feet. “Why didn't you tell me you were so weak?"
She shrugged her delicate shoulders and gave him a faint smile, as he carried her over to the couch, the cushions made of a soft leather material. Aimee was surprised when he sat down, and placed her on his lap. He ran his gaze over her body, as if trying to gage if she was as weak as she appeared.
Looking around the room again, Aimee asked him, “How long have I been here?"
"A full moon's cycle,” he told her, his voice stiff.
"Oh stars! My brother will be worried."
"Your brother?"
Aimee nodded and tried to inch off his lap, but the male's frown deepened and she stilled her actions.
"My brother, Bradeon, is a Kaz Casualty physician in Kantrer. His two mates will be worried about us, also."
The male's frown smoothed slightly, but gave nothing away. “Two mates?"
Now Aimee frowned at him. “Yes, two mates, Hankren Tereamin and Drendar Kyntrel.” She knew her expression was defiant. Aimee loved her brother and his mates and would defend their right to be happy to her dying breath.
The male observed her reaction with the first hint of amusement she'd seen since he came through her door, but his smile quickly vanished. “I was merely curious. Now ... your name? I'm afraid since you have been unconscious for the majority of your visit, I have no name to call you."
"Aimee."
"Aimee,” he repeated, his tone even, unimpressed. “I have nothing against a man choosing whatever mate he desires, as long as it does not interfere in his duty to his legion or his country. Tell me your version of what happened."
The quick change of subject unnerved her. “My version?"
"I've heard Hashmin's words, now I would hear yours, since your status here will be determined by those words."
Aimee swallowed hard. Will he believe me?
He listened silently as Aimee told him what she remembered, all the while watching her face. She felt unnerved by the intentness of his steady gaze. When she came to the end of her story, JarrRon didn't look convinced.
"Hashmin would not lie to me. He would have known your fate and his own if he did. You and your friends came into Velorn because it is forbidden."
Frustration filled Aimee, her body tensed at his unwillingness to believe the truth. “I am telling you, JarrRon, I don't know how I came to be in your country, but we did not cross the border before we were attacked by that creature."
JarrRon frowned. “I did not give you leave to call me by my name, Aimee. Your station demands you call me Master."
"My station?"
"Certainly, you are a prisoner. Until I discover what brought you into my country, you will remain as such."
Aimee's face burned with the heat of anger. “So because this Hashmin says he found me in your country, you will not let me go?"
"If I find you tell me true, you shall be released, but until then, you must abide by Velornian law. Do not fear; you shall not be placed in the prisons. You would not last one sleep cycle there. You will remain in my household until I settle this.” As he said the last words, Aimee felt his arm tighten around her waist.
Surprised, she looked into his handsome face. Against her will, she felt drawn to this male. His dark blond brows, one cocked at a roguish angle, along with those hazel eyes, were lovely in an intense sort of way. Since it was the end of the wake cycle, a heavy growth of beard was visible on his strong cheeks and chin. Aimee felt the strongest urge to caress his face and feel the rough texture.
Stars, how could she be thinking about this right after losing her gentle Sam? JarrRon was nowhere near in the same league. Whereas Sam had been meek and sweet, JarrRon was obviously a hard, suspicious man. Maybe she shouldn't blame the man. He was what he was—a powerful leader.
When Kyrna's entrance jerked Aimee out of her reverie, she realized JarrRon had taken that time to look at her. What had he discerned?
Kyrna brought a tray of food and set it down before them. Aimee felt a tinge of guilt to be caught on the male's lap. She sensed a change as soon as Kyrna put down the tray. Is the girl angry with me?
"Shall I await your greeting in your chamber, Master?"
Greeting? Did she mean what Aimee thought she meant? “No, Kyrna, that will be all for this cycle.” Aimee noted his dismissive expression as he, in turn, watched Kyrna's distressed expression.
As soon as the servant left the room, Aimee rounded on him. “Why did you do that? Did you see her expression?"
"I did."
"You are heartless, JarrRon!” In her upset, she didn't realize she'd called him by his name.
But he realized it. He grabbed her to him, pushing her vest aside, closing his hand on one naked breast, squeezing, but only with enough pressure to cause mild discomfort.
"Did I unknowingly give you leave to call me JarrRon?” When she quieted, he added, “Do not think to interfere with my discipline, Aimee. Kyrna knows she is a favored servant, and lately she has been forcing my hand to discipline her. By being found with you when she knew I would be in directly to talk to you, she has flaunted her attitude. I cannot disregard my duty, or my need."
"What!” Aimee was stunned by his words. “I don't even know you ... eh ... Master."
"What better way for you to know me, than to accept my greeting home?"
He was looking at her as if his reasoning was all very logical. Greet her? Stars! JarrRon was more male than she ever thought to become involved with. What use could he have for a simple female like her when he had the beautiful, statuesque Kyrna around? “Are you doing this to punish Kyrna for her disobedience?"
"I do not allow a female to guide my behavior. From the moment I commanded Hashmin give you over, I knew I would take you to my bed."
"You did?” Aimee was bewildered by his emphatic words. In a daze, she noticed the erotic kneading of his hands on her breasts. Her gaze returned to his face, noting the look in his eyes—not the look of a jailer for his captive, but one of a male for his mate.
"Yes, little one, I did,” JarrRon admitted.
Aimee shivered in reaction to his deep, darkly erotic tone. Before she could ask another question, JarrRon pulled her into his arms, bringing her forward for a kiss. Every rational thought scattered, only the feel of his lips, his fondling hands, and the warmth pooling between her thighs, seeped through.
Aimee let her arms slide around his neck, giving herself up to undeniable pleasure. Before Aimee realized what JarrRon was about, he'd divested her of her clothing, until she lay in his arms, naked and shivering with pleasure.
"I ... ya..."
"What? Are you willing to accept me, Aimee?"
What could she say? His kisses robbed her of all coherent thoughts.
When he ducked his head to begin suckling her breasts, Aimee lost whatever will she had to deny him. “Mmmmmm, yes ... yes..."
Taking her moaning admission as consent, JarrRon pulled her closer and stood, then carried her back over to her bed. Placing her on the fluffy bed clothing, JarrRon stripped, settling into her welcoming arms, kissing her senseless.
Aimee's eyelids fluttered as he raised himself slightly, but she was reluctant to release him. When her gaze met his, she realized what he was doing—looking at her. By his expression, he didn't look disappointed. How could he desire me? She was such a short girl, taking after her mother, whose petite stature Aimee shared. Although her assets were well proportioned, she'd always felt insecure, until she'd met ... oh, stars ... Sam.
She turned away from JarrRon's assessing gaze, but he stopped her, pulling her back into his arms. “What's wrong?"
"I ... uh ... Sam."
"Your mate?"
She nodded, tears seeping from her eyes.
Without pressing her, JarrRon held her in his arms and let her grieve for her fallen mate. “I find it admirable you treasure his memory, Aimee. I'll not force you to be wit
h me. Come, let's eat."
Aimee couldn't believe he was letting her go, not when she could feel his heavy erection rubbing her leg. “I ... ah..."
"What? Tell me what you want."
Aimee shut her eyes and turned into his arms, shivering as his strong hands caressed her naked back. “You."
As if her uncertainty never existed, JarrRon turned her onto her back, resuming his sexual ministrations, playing her body as he would a finely tuned instrument. Aimee let his caresses wash over her like sweet-scented water. Trembling, she felt the heat of his expert tongue lashing and laving her nipples and breasts. By the time JarrRon reached Aimee's pussy, she was a quivering mass of desire.
The male is amazing!
Unable to resist, Aimee opened her eyes to watch JarrRon's big body work its way down until he was at the bottom of the massive bed, positioning himself between her outspread thighs, before starting in on her excited flesh and clit.
"Oh ... oh ... JarrRon! Please!"
"Please, what, Mistress?” he asked, his lips hovering above her swollen clit as he watched her with hooded eyes.
"I want to ... to..."
"What, Aimee, tell me,” he commanded.
"Come...” she gasped.
As she said the word, JarrRon lowered his mouth to her body, kissing, sucking, and laving her clit until she gave into her need to explode against his mouth. He was relentless in his pursuit of her pleasure, until she'd ridden out her climax and went directly into a second one. Her body sagged into the mattress, her meager energy depleted. But when JarrRon slid back into her arms and let her taste her own desire on his tongue, her energy miraculously returned.
"Your taste is sweet to me, Aimee. You cannot deny you want me."
Aimee continued letting him kiss her, but pulled away slightly. “I do not deny it, Master."
He smiled at her for her reply and resumed kissing her. Before long, he had her right back in a state of excited desire, nudging her thighs apart so he might position himself between them. Rising to hold his body weight off of her slender frame, JarrRon plunged his member into her core. “Ah ... ah ... yes ... yes!” She couldn't prevent the shout that followed his penetration.
Torrid Teasers Volume 27 [Kazphyrian Sci-Fi Series] Page 4