She smiled. Leukos could see that she was pleased he had asked.
“It’s nothing interesting.” She looked sheepish. “I’m a Customer Complaints Consultant. I work for a large retail company.”
“Complaints? So, you get to listen to people’s grievances all day?”
She nodded, still smiling. “Yep, that’s exactly right. Any minor issues, I deal with. I need to note down anything major for the relevant department to tackle.”
“You make it sound easy. What you really do is listen to people gripe and moan all day?”
She laughed. He loved the sound. “You’re right, but I like to think of it as me helping them feel better, even if there is nothing I can do outright to help them. I strive to ensure that they feel happier…less stressed when the phone gets put down. Even if it’s just marginally, then I consider it a job well done.”
“That’s a great attitude to have.”
Claire pulled some hair behind her ear. “I try.” She laughed.
“Honestly, I feel like I’m a Complaints Consultant on most days as well.”
“You’re the king.” She frowned, looking at him through narrowed eyes. “It’s hardly the same.”
“You’d be surprised how similar the roles are.” He rubbed his jaw. “It sounds like we both have thankless jobs. I mostly get to listen to tons of complaints. It’s up to me to solve any issues, or to delegate until matters are resolved…I think they’re very similar. You’re the one with the fancy title though.”
She laughed.
He did too. How could he not? She sparked something in him.
“Yeah, right…if you say so.” She shook her head.
“How long have you been a Customer Complaints Consultant?”
“Longer than planned.” She bit down on her lower lip for a moment. “I told myself it was a stepping-stone position when I first started eight years ago. I always thought that I would find something I’m more passionate about and move on. One year became two and now it’s been eight whole years.”
“It sounds like you’re good at making people feel better, good at solving their problems. Maybe you enjoy it more than you think. It could be why you’re still there.” He raised his brows.
“You make it sound far more glamorous than it is.” She smiled shyly. “But maybe you’re right. Maybe I do enjoy helping people.” She wrinkled her nose and nodded thoughtfully, looking like she was mulling it over.
Leukos was quite sure that Claire would make an amazing queen. She was the kind of person who cared. “I think you do. If you were that unhappy you would have moved on by now.”
“I never thought of it that way.” Her eyes lifted in thought. “What about you?” she asked, looking back his way. “Did you have to study to become the king? Were you chosen or born into the role?”
Blast! This wasn’t a question he wanted to answer. “I acquired the responsibility. It has not been an easy road. In truth, it was never the path I wanted for myself.”
“Oh! How does one step into the role of king?” She looked uncertain. “I can’t even begin to imagine.”
“I was a prince once…but it’s not a fun story. It’s boring and there are better things that we could be spending our time on.”
The human smiled. It wasn’t shy at all. In fact, it had a sultry quality. It made his blood rush in his veins. She let the blanket slip. Lower and lower, until it pooled around her hips. Her breasts were full. He tried not to stare too much, but blast, this female was something. “I think you might be right about that. I want to backtrack a tad. You said your role is similar to mine.”
“Yes…very.”
“You get to listen to plenty of complaints and are very good at dealing with them.”
The female was toying with him and he loved it. “Very.”
“Good.” She licked her lips. “Talking about complaints…”
By the time he finally managed to tear his eyes from her magnificent body, Claire was smiling in earnest.
“You have a complaint?” he countered.
“Most definitely! You left me hanging before.” She licked her lips in a way that had him salivating. That had his dick hardening up a whole lot.
Adrenaline pumped through Leukos, who felt like a juvenile…not yet in full plume. “I’m off my game. I need to prove myself to you.”
“I think you might have to.” She tugged the blanket off completely and straddled him, putting her hands on his shoulders.
He needed to keep it together this time. He liked this female. Really liked her. He wanted to impress her. No, needed to impress her. No pressure! None at all!
She laughed, closing her mouth over his for a moment. “Don’t look so worried.”
“I am a little worried, though.” He ran his hand up and down her back. “I want to make you happy. I want to resolve your complaint…and then some.” He leaned up and kissed her again, loving the feel of her lips. Loving how her breasts mashed against his chest.
“I’m only teasing. You already made me really happy.” She slid her hands around his neck.
“Not happy enough.” The strip of condoms lay on the bed next to him. They were within reaching distance. He’d practiced using them. “Not even close.” He kissed her, his finger finding her clit. “It’s another reason I’m glad you’re staying for a few days. We can practice…what am I saying? I can practice. You’re amazing.”
Claire tried to pull back to say something and ended up moaning into his mouth instead. His prick throbbed. He used two fingers to breach her channel, keeping his thumb on her clit. Her pussy was still slick, and his fingers slid in and out easily. Her pants turned to moans in no time. He kissed her neck. Leukos kept his finger on her clit, turning his head from her neck and using his teeth to tear open the condom which he slid over his prick. He kept toying with her clit. “I want you,” he murmured.
“I want you too,” she groaned, her eyes hazy. Her cheeks, lovely and rosy. So damned beautiful. She lifted herself, positioning her snatch above his prick. Then, she gripped his cock tightly in her hand, making him grunt. His head fell back. Her touch felt amazing. “Don’t disappoint me now!” The corner of her mouth twitched.
Leukos choked out a strangled laugh and then groaned long and deep as she slid onto him. Her snatch taking more of him…quicker this time.
She groaned. “You feel so good. Really big. I have to admit I was worried.”
“Nothing to be worried about.” Quite a number of his kind had bedded humans. He was assured they were compatible. He grunted as she slid deeper, forcing his hips to stay still. Forcing his hands not to clench on her hips. “You feel amazing.” Her channel held him tightly. Almost too tightly. Almost. He groaned.
“So good.” She started bouncing a little on his prick. Fuck, but she looked good. Her hair mussed. Her eyes glazed over with pleasure. Her nipples were tight and yet so plump. Her breasts were bouncing. It was a sight to behold.
“Good,” he groaned, “because I plan on staying right here until I make you come.”
“You already made me come.” She was panting hard, picking up the pace.
“Not on the end of my dick,” he ground out, his balls feeling tight. He had to hold on.
She groaned. “I’m infinitely glad you’re rectifying the situation.”
Leukos was glad too but he didn’t say so. He couldn’t. Her snatch was suctioning him too tightly. Claire threw her head back and moaned. “Yes!” she yelled. “Oh yes!” Her breasts were bouncing in earnest. Hard jerks that made him ache to come. Instead, he lifted his gaze to her face and grit his teeth.
Damn keeping still! He thrust into her from below and her eyes widened. A look of surprise hit her features. “Oh god…oh yes!”
The suctioning intensified, as did his resolve. He was desperate to watch her come. Leukos groaned, fucking her hard now from below; by the noises she was making he knew he was hitting the spot. Good! Not so rusty after all.
She bounced up and down on his pr
ick, her face still had this shocked look. Any second now.
Her mouth fell open and her eyes turned panicked. Here we go! Bounce, Bounce. This time he let himself look at her. Let himself get swept away. The human was the sexiest female he had ever laid eyes on. No contest! Her snatch began to spasm around him. The look of panic intensified. It wasn’t panic though. Claire was about to cream hard, and not a second too soon. Her hands gripped him harder. Her eyes widened further.
He grunted, feeling heat coil in his loins.
Her snatch was suctioning him, spasming around him. Her deep moan turned into a yell.
Her snatch tightened almost to the point of pain. Then he was roaring, the noise drowned out by her now high-pitched scream. It went on and on. Although, for a moment, he was sure he heard something. A noise. Another person? Couldn’t be! Something else then? Leukos wanted to try to place it. He wanted to look around them. To check if— Her snatch tightened around him for a second time. Harder. Tighter. Wetter. His mind turned to mush as he was pulled along by the sheer pleasure of the moment. The first, he hoped, of many.
Chapter 11
Claire stretched out. She felt worn. She felt sore. A good kind of sore. Not just her muscles but down there. Between her legs.
She’d never done anything like this before. Then again, she’d never been this attracted to anyone before. Leukos wasn’t just good-looking, he was sweet as well. Claire thought back to how he had fought Orrick. Sweet but fierce. Commanding and very attractive. He was the whole package. He was the leader of the Feral species. The king. She bit down on her lower lip to stifle a smile.
Claire liked him a whole lot. She wanted to spend time with him. He’d asked if she would stay longer than the weekend. At least, that was how she had seen it. He’d definitely hinted at wanting more. It was normally the other way around. It felt nice to have a man chase after her for a change.
Stretching out again, she opened her eyes. A yawn was pulled from her. Then she frowned. The room was in shadows. Not quite dark. What time was it?
Morning?
Evening?
It felt strange not knowing, and yet it felt good too. She smiled, feeling content and happy.
“What’s that smile for?” Leukos’ voice sounded a little rough with sleep. She could only just make out his face. He was smiling too. His normally immaculate hair was a mess, but it only added to his appeal.
“I was just thinking that I have no idea what time of day it was. It could be morning,” she made a face, “but I think night is approaching.”
“You’d be right.” He stood up. Tall and built. Wow! Maybe she should pinch herself, just to be sure she was really there.
Claire took him in. Not afraid to look. They’d had sex twice. The second time was even better than the first. How was that possible? He apologized after both times for being so rusty. If that was rusty…lord help her.
“It’s getting late.” There was a scratching noise followed by a flame. It illuminated his face. Leukos lit a few candles with the match. “We don’t have electricity in all of our nests yet. It is on the plans to rectify, together with stairs in all the buildings, so that humans can come and go. If we’re going to be an integrated species, we’ll need all of the creature comforts. Mated couples have first priority.”
“I like the candle-light. It’s nice.”
Leukos kept his eyes on her for a few long seconds. “I’d like to mount you again soon.”
She chuckled. She might be a little sore, but her body still reacted to his words. The man was a bit of an enigma. So strong and fierce and yet shy and slightly awkward at times. It was probably because he hadn’t been with a woman for so long. It was endearing.
“But I still haven’t fed you yet. I need to go and fetch some food first. All I have is mountain goat. It can be on the tough side. The meat is quite pungent.” He choked out a laugh. “I can see by your expression that the goat isn’t along the lines of what you had in mind. I’ll light a fire to heat the water for the bath and then I will go and rustle something up that is more fit for a human.”
“A bath and some human-type food sound good. Then we can…get back to getting to know each other better.”
His mouth twitched. “Sounds fantastic.” Leukos leaned in and kissed her. He exhaled through his nose as he broke the kiss. “Best I get going before I’m tempted to stay. It would be my fault if you fainted from sheer hunger.” He swept some hair from her forehead.
“I’d make you stay but you’re right, I might just faint. I haven’t eaten since the chocolate-chip cookie I grabbed with coffee this morning. It was early and I’m starving.” She felt like her insides were eating themselves.
“I’ll bring lots of food, I promise…and I won’t be long.” He kissed the tip of her nose and she had to stop herself from sighing. Was this real? Was he real? Claire wanted to pinch herself.
She watched as he walked to the fireplace. His ass was fan-freaking-tastic. She couldn’t take her eyes off of it or him.
It didn’t take Leukos long to light a raging fire. “Your bathwater will be ready in about ten or fifteen minutes. I won’t be too much longer than that. You’re welcome to come with me if you don’t want to be alone?” he offered. “You can bathe when we get back.”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind. I’m not afraid of the dark or anything.” She giggled. “It’s not like there’s a monster hiding under the bed or in the closet.” She pushed out another laugh at the absurdity of the thought. “You go on, I’ll see you soon enough. I’ll be fine.”
“Of course you will. I won’t be gone long.” He frowned, looking for a moment like he was going to change his mind.
“A man after my own heart,” she blurted, blushing as she realized how it sounded. Claire widened her eyes and pushed herself up on one elbow. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s a saying. Just a stupid saying.” She tried to force out a nonchalant laugh and failed. It came out sounding strained.
“I know.” He stood and began walking towards the exit. “Although, it might just be true.” He winked at her as glossy feathers began to sprout from his chest. His wings began to take shape as he jumped out the window.
A man after her own heart.
He’d said that it might be true. What? That he might be after her heart. Was he…after her heart? Not so soon. Surely? She exhaled a pent-up breath and fell back onto the pillows. The pillowcases were made from fur, as was the sheet beneath her. From animals they hunted for food. It was a touch brutal but at the same time, it was interesting. It was different. It was something she would expect from a shifter. She’d grown up loving superheroes more than Barbie dolls. It was how she was wired. It somehow felt right to be there. In this bed. With this man. A shifter. Not just any shifter but a Feral. A griffin.
Claire closed her eyes as she thought more about the Feral king. The bed was soft and snug. She didn’t bother with the blanket since the room was heating up from the fire.
Despite being hungry, she was still tired. She smiled again just thinking about why that was. Claire could feel that she was slow-blinking. She yawned and stretched, on the verge of sleep. Her heavy lids drooped, so she closed her eyes. Just for a few beats and then she’d get up. Just for a few—
Claire sucked in a deep breath and sat upright. She’d heard something. Or was it a dream? No, couldn’t be. She couldn’t have been dreaming already, could she? She sat still for a few seconds listening and hearing nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe a crackle from the fire, which was still burning strong. It meant that she hadn’t been sleeping for long.
Oh well! She swung her legs off the bed, stood and headed towards the bathroom. She was awake now, may as well—
A hand closed over her mouth. There was someone behind her. Claire panicked and tried to get out of the grip. The person put an arm around her waist, and she was hoisted against a body. A hard, strong, very male body. Claire tried to scream but his hand was clamped too tightly around her mouth. She kicked out, trying to p
ut him off balance but it didn’t work. He didn’t move an inch.
She grabbed at the hand on her mouth, could hear herself breathing through her nose…hard. Claire tried again to get out of his solid grip by kicking out. It became apparent very quickly that she wasn’t going to get out of his grasp any time soon. She stopped moving. Her heart was going crazy. Her eyes felt huge. She struggled to take in enough air. Her lungs burned.
“That’s it, Sleeping Beauty,” he spoke softly into the shell of her ear, “no use fighting.” She could hear how calm he was. It sounded like he was smiling. Made her want to fight him again. Or try to at least.
She forced herself to stop. It wouldn’t do her any good. Whoever this was had her good and proper. Panic still tore at her. What did he want? Why was he here? Who was he?
It wasn’t Orrick. Although she couldn’t be sure. She hadn’t heard Orrick whisper. No! It wasn’t him, she somehow knew it…she could feel it.
“I’m going to let you go and you’re not going to scream. Do you hear me?” Definitely not Orrick. His voice wasn’t deep enough. She panicked harder. Better the devil you know.
Then she thought about what he had said. Was he that dumb? Did he really think she was going to keep quiet? She made a noise of agreement…or tried to, at any rate.
“I mean it,” he went on, voice soft and soothing. There was menace in there somewhere as well. It made her shiver even though the room had turned sweltering. “If you so much as make a sound, you’ll regret it.”
She made another noise of agreement, sure to stay completely relaxed.
“I’m letting you go and then you’re getting dressed. You’re going to move quickly and quietly. Understand?” he barked the last word.
She tried to nod but couldn’t.
“I’m letting you go now.” He released her mouth, keeping his hand there. He didn’t trust her. Good! He shouldn’t. Unfortunately, his arm was still clamped tightly around her waist.
Hate Awakened: Book 3: The Feral Page 9