by Croft, Sky
“Please, Blake.”
Blake didn’t tease, running her palm over the dark hair and cupping Shale possessively. She brushed over Shale’s clitoris, causing her to lurch upward.
“Easy, Shale. Your leg.”
“What leg?” Shale asked dazedly.
Blake chuckled, and continued her descent. Placing a hand on Shale’s stomach to try and hold her down, Blake lowered her head, kissing Shale sweetly before her tongue darted out to caress her velvety folds.
“Blake,” Shale whispered, writhing against her.
Blake lapped at Shale’s wetness, then entered her, savouring the taste. Shale’s hips lifted, straining to get closer, but Blake gently pushed her back down.
When Shale’s writhing increased, Blake suckled on her clitoris, causing Shale to buck against her.
“Yes! Right there. Please, Blake.”
Blake pressed harder against her, and Shale gasped, arching her back, literally seeing stars.
Blake waited for the spasms to subside, then drew back, grinning as Shale sank down onto the bed with a satisfied sigh.
Blake climbed up Shale’s body, draping her own over Shale’s while she waited for her to recover.
After several moments, Shale released a throaty chuckle. “Wow.”
Blake laughed and kissed her. Shale’s hand encircled her breast, squeezing lightly.
Shale bent her right leg, raising it to press intimately against Blake’s hot center. Blake whimpered, and pushed onto Shale’s thigh, rubbing herself firmly against it.
“Shale,” Blake moaned, her breathing growing more ragged with each roll of her hips.
Shale’s desire reawakened with a vengeance, Blake’s frantic movements stimulating her in every way possible. She watched Blake for a bit longer, and then lowered her leg, smiling at Blake’s sound of protest.
Shale didn’t keep her waiting, her hand immediately snaking down Blake’s toned stomach and into the curls beyond. She slipped two fingers inside Blake.
“By the gods,” Blake uttered, impaling herself further onto Shale’s fingers.
Shale nearly withdrew, then thrust back inside. Blake cried out in pleasure, and started to rock against Shale urgently.
Despite the motion, Shale held her gaze. “I love you, Blake.”
A smile. “I love you too.” Blake kissed her, sliding her tongue into Shale’s mouth and dipping her fingers into her warmth at the same time.
Shale groaned loudly, and sucked on Blake’s tongue, feeling the pressure building inside her.
They stroked each other in sync, creating a steady rhythm between them.
It wasn’t long before Blake’s rocking grew frenzied, and Shale was right behind her.
“Shale.” Blake panted. “Oh yes, Shale. Oh, yes!” Her muscles tightened. “Oh! Oh, Shale!” Her back arched as a powerful wave of euphoria washed over her.
Blake’s breathless moans, along with calling her name, triggered Shale’s own ecstasy.
Their earlier words of devotion made their climax so much sweeter, and they collapsed against each other, gasping for breath.
BLAKE WAS LIGHTLY tracing one of Shale’s scars—the large straight line across her back. “I could kill the man who did this to you.”
“And I thought I was the warrior.” She chuckled. “You’ll have a hard job.”
Blake brushed her lips over the scar, then rolled Shale onto her back so she could look at her. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” She creased her eyebrows in mock annoyance. “You don’t think I could do it?”
“Actually, no,” Shale said, point blank.
Blake frowned, her annoyance becoming real. “I’m perfectly capable of fighting, Shale. I may not be up to your standard, but I can certainly defend myself.”
“I’m sure you can.”
Blake’s frown grew more pronounced. “Then why don’t you think I could kill him?”
Blue eyes glimmered amusedly. “Because he’s already dead.”
Blake let out a bark of laughter. “Ah. I see your point.”
“I killed him straight after he sliced me.” Shale paused, as if thinking over Blake’s reaction. “You’re the most capable person I’ve ever met, Blake. And though it’s true I’ve never seen you fight, I’d be happy to have you alongside me in battle. Because I know that when you set your mind to something, it will get done.”
Blake gave her a dazzling smile. “Thank you.”
“But it’s probably not wise since I’m too easily distracted by you.” Shale grimaced, and Blake realised her words had slipped out unintentionally. She clearly hoped Blake wouldn’t notice, for she quickly tried to change the subject. “So, what do you—”
“Hang on.” Blake stopped her, recalling how Kale had looked at her after the sparring accident, as if it had been her fault. She suddenly understood. “You were distracted because of me, that’s why you lost focus.” Blake was flattered and horrified at the same time. “I’m so sorry, Shale.”
Shale shook her head adamantly. “Please, don’t be. It’s hardly your fault I find you so irresistible.”
Blake couldn’t help but smile, and she ever so gently touched Shale’s injured knee. Her hand shifted, remembering that another scar was on the inside of Shale’s upper thigh. Blake searched, feeling Shale twitch as she found the mark and tracked along it. “Did that hurt?” she asked innocently, trying her best to keep a straight face.
Shale smiled playfully at Blake. “No.”
“You’re sure?” Blake was grinning now. “I wouldn’t want to cause you any discomfort.”
Shale shivered, though Blake knew it had nothing to do with the temperature.
“Are you cold?” Blake teased, bringing the blankets up to cover their naked bodies.
“You’re causing me discomfort right now, Blake,” Shale told her hoarsely.
She chuckled. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No!”
“Well, I’m no healer, but maybe I can ease this discomfort of yours. Where exactly is it?” Blake’s hand moved a little bit higher. “Here?” At Shale’s headshake, she went higher still. “Here?” Blake tormented her for several more moments, enjoying this game, then Shale gasped, letting her know that she’d reached the spot.
“I only know of two ways to cure pain, Shale. Either rub it till it goes away, or kiss it to make it better. Which do you suggest we start with?”
Shale’s moan was its own answer.
Chapter Nine
BLAKE HAD BEEN gone for most of the day, and Shale was bored stiff. She’d spent a lot of the time chastising herself. She was a grown woman, surely she could keep herself entertained? But apparently not.
Though the pain in her knee had lessened somewhat over the last few days, it was nowhere near ready to be walked on.
Kale had been over on many occasions, sometimes with Amber, sometimes not, but neither had visited today, when Shale was slowly going out of her mind.
Shale knew she was being unreasonable, there must be something she could do. She turned on her side and closed her eyes, trying to pass the time that way. Even though she felt like she’d got enough sleep to last her the month, she soon felt herself drifting off, thanking Hypnos for his mercy. She was soon cursing his son, Morpheus, however, when she found herself once again dreaming of her fallen tribe.
Shale hadn’t dreamt about them for over a week, and had hoped the nightmares had stopped for good.
This time it was different. Not only did Shale realise she was dreaming, she was the one holding the sword. Which didn’t make any sense, her guilt wasn’t that extreme. As she sliced and hacked her way through her friends, Shale saw that her hands were much larger, stronger.
She knelt over a disarmed Senna, and stabbed her repeatedly in the gut, spilling her entrails onto the ground. Once Senna was dead, Shale let out a howl of triumph, elation coursing through her blood.
Shale jerked awake, sitting up and grabbing the nearby pail just in time. She threw up into it, no
t stopping until she had emptied her stomach. Tears coursed down her cheeks, and she sobbed despondently, vowing never to sleep again. To her eternal relief, Blake chose that exact moment to enter.
Blake took one look at Shale, and her face dropped. “Shale?” She kicked the door shut and hastily moved to her side. “What’s wrong?”
Shale couldn’t speak she was crying so hard. She threw her arms around Blake, gripping her fiercely.
“All right, Shale. Shh.” Blake enfolded her in a tight embrace. “Easy. Take it easy. Shh. I’m here, I’ve got you.”
Shale’s body wracked with sobs and she struggled to breathe.
Blake pulled away slightly, cupping Shale’s face. “Easy now, catch your breath. Deep breaths, Shale,” Blake said, lengthening her breathing so Shale would copy her.
Shale was so distressed, it took a moment to register, but then she imitated Blake, gradually slowing her breathing.
“That’s it, Shale. Good.”
“I killed them,” Shale finally said, her voice raw with grief.
“Who?” Blake asked, looking confused. She brushed away Shale’s tears, but more kept falling. Shale was visibly shaking, and Blake wrapped a blanket around her.
“My tribe. In my dream, I killed them.” Shale let out another sob.
“Oh, Shale,” Blake whispered, holding her close once more. “That wasn’t your fault. I thought you believed that?”
“I do. It wasn’t like that. It was as if I was there...seeing what happened.” Shale frowned, becoming frustrated. “I know how that sounds...it’s the only way I can explain it.” She leaned back to read Blake’s expression. “You must think I’m crazy.”
Blake pushed dark hair off Shale’s face, holding her gaze. “I don’t think that at all. I just wish there was something I could do to help you through this.”
“You’re doing it right now,” Shale said, drawing a shuddering breath. “I couldn’t get through this without you.”
Blake kissed her damp forehead. “I’m here for you, Shale. I’ll always be here.”
Shale gave her a watery smile, then sank into Blake’s arms again, needing to be held.
“It’s all right, Shale. Everything’s going to be all right.” Blake hugged her securely. “We’ll get through this. Together.” When Shale eventually withdrew, Blake noticed the pail beside her. “Have you been sick?”
Shale nodded. “It was...graphic. I’ve seen plenty of violence before, but...” She swallowed. “My tribe. It was too much.”
“I’ll take care of it.” She gave Shale’s shoulder a squeeze, then lifted the pail and placed it on the floor at the foot of the bed. Blake clambered onto the bed, encircling Shale’s waist from behind. Shale leaned back into her, and Blake rested her head on Shale’s shoulder.
Shale felt Blake’s hand move up between the valley of her breasts, and come to a halt over her heart. It was still beating faster than usual, but it was starting to calm.
Blake kissed her neck, once, twice, then Shale turned her head, her eyes still glistening.
“Thank you,” Shale said.
“You don’t ever need to thank me for this, Shale. I’m honored you allow me to see this side of you.”
Shale’s gaze darted to the door. “Kale.” Given her distressed state, she knew Kale would’ve sensed she needed her.
In spite of Shale’s accurate predictions regarding Kale’s whereabouts, Blake still jumped when Kale came bursting in, panting slightly.
Kale spotted Shale’s tear-stained face, dropped her hunting bow, and went to her, taking Shale into her arms.
Blake shuffled back a little, giving them some room.
When Kale withdrew, she looked at Shale anxiously. “What happened?” Kale lifted a strap over her head, and removed the quiver of arrows from her back, placing them on the bed. “Shale?”
Shale shook her head. She really didn’t want to go through it all again.
Blake laid a comforting hand on Shale’s side, and answered for her, “She had a nightmare. She dreamed that she was there when your tribe was slain. That she herself killed them.”
Kale frowned. “You have to stop this, Shale. I’ve told you there was nothing we could do. You know this.”
“I do know that,” Shale said quietly.
“Obviously you don’t, or you wouldn’t be having these dreams,” Kale said.
“It was like I was there, but it wasn’t me.” Shale lifted her hand, examining it. “My hands were bigger, like a man’s. It was as if I was seeing it through someone else’s eyes.” Now that she’d calmed down, she was able to explain it more clearly.
Kale’s brow furrowed further. “That doesn’t make any sense, Shale.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Shale snapped. She rubbed her temple.
“All right,” Blake stated softly, her fingers making idle patterns on Shale’s skin.
Shale sucked in a deep breath, then let it out, getting herself under control. She grasped Kale’s arm in silent apology. “Can you take me to the stream? I want to wash. I feel dirty.”
Kale shared an uneasy look with Blake. “Of course I will.”
“DOESN’T LOOK LIKE you caught much,” Shale teased, indicating the hunting bow as Kale put her down on the bed. Her hair was still wet from her bath, but she knew it would soon dry inside the cosy cabin.
“That was your fault,” Kale muttered.
“That sounds like an excuse to me,” Shale said. She felt a lot better now, the cool water having chased away the remnants of her dream. “What do you think, Blake?”
Blake’s eyes widened as both focussed on her for a deciding response. “Oh, no. Keep me out of this.” She fetched her comb, and began to run it through Shale’s long, dark locks, untangling them.
Kale let out a snort. “Just when I think you can’t possibly spoil her anymore, you do.”
“I’m not spoiling her,” Blake said. “I’m simply taking care of her.”
“Looks like spoiling to me.”
“Then you haven’t been in the right relationship,” Blake said.
Kale stiffened at her words.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...” Blake stopped as Kale waved it off.
“No, you’re right. I haven’t been.” Kale smiled somewhat wistfully, and then changed the subject. “Did Aris finally select who’s going to be her new second?”
“Yes,” Blake said. “Lathana was chosen.”
“Good choice,” Shale said, as Kale nodded approvingly.
“I thought so,” Blake agreed. “Don’t think your names didn’t come up, because they did, but I felt that, especially in Shale’s case, you both weren’t ready to go back to a commanding role yet.”
Shale nodded, and Kale followed suit a moment later, letting Blake know that she was correct.
“One day,” Kale said.
Shale remained silent.
Blake finished brushing Shale’s hair, then stood and put the comb back on the shelf. “That reminds me, have you got any more belongings at your camp?”
Shale tilted her head in thought. “A couple of things. Most of my clothes are already here. Why?”
Kale glanced to Blake. “I’ll bring them over the next time I’m passing.”
Blake nodded and continued on, “I’ll ask Chrysanthe to make another chest, then you can keep your things in there.”
“There’s no need, they’re fine in my pack,” Shale said, frowning at Kale when she started to laugh.
Blake gave her an odd look. “They can’t stay in your pack forever, Shale,” she said. “The chest can go on your side of the bed.”
“My side of the bed?” Shale repeated, puzzled. “Don’t go to any trouble, Blake.”
“It’s no trouble. I want you to be comfortable here.”
“I am comfortable here,” Shale said, glaring at a now hysterical Kale. “What’s so funny?”
“Blake?” Kale indicated a very confused Shale. “She’s got no idea what you’re talking about. Y
ou might want to ask her.”
Blake’s hand flew to her mouth at the oversight.
“Ask me what?” Shale uttered dumbly.
Kale covered her eyes in amusement. “We don’t always think along the same lines. I’m the smarter twin.”
“Hey!” Shale said, pouting a little. “You’re lucky I can’t get up.”
Blake knelt on the bed and kissed her. “I want us to live together, Shale. I want this to be our cabin. Will you live with me?”
Shale beamed at her. “I would love to.” She softly pressed her lips to Blake’s.
Kale smirked, but didn’t interrupt them. “I can go if you want?” she offered when they drew apart.
Blake gave her a droll look. “No, it’s fine.”
“That’s not the answer I would’ve given,” Shale mumbled, drawing a chuckle from Kale. Shale grinned at her, but it vanished when she realised the full extent of what this would mean. “What about you?”
“I’ll be all right. We’ve lived apart before. Remember I used to live with Aeron.”
“It’ll be no different than it is now, Shale,” Blake said. “Kale can visit whenever she wants.”
“And this way I get my own cabin.” Kale smiled. “When I get around to making one.”
“Actually, Kale, I wanted to speak to you about that,” Blake said. “Normally, Lathana would move into Melaina’s old cabin— the one next door, but she’s already settled in her own cabin. I’ve already convinced Aris and my mother that you’re a good enough fighter to protect me, and of course, I have my own personal bodyguard in here,” she flashed Shale a grin, “so the place is yours if you want it.”
“You’re kidding?” the twins asked in disbelief.
Blake shook her head, smiling broadly.
“That’s perfect!” Shale said, happily embracing Blake.
“Yeah, thanks, Blake. That’s great,” Kale added, sounding extremely pleased that she would be close by to her sister.
SHALE QUIETLY NIBBLED at the bread. She wasn’t hungry, she was simply eating it to keep herself awake. Night had fallen long ago, and she really didn’t relish the thought of going to sleep. The earlier dream had shaken her considerably, and she didn’t want a repeat performance.