by Alia Johnson
Kunchok murmured, “Kunchok ask Boni Odesha's name last Ranna. Order Boni bring Odesha meat.” Kunchok brushed a small tear escaping Odesha’s face with his black claw. “No, Odesha. No cry. Keep safe.”
His fur-lined face was different, but beautiful, Odesha realized. The golden hair with swirls of white were carved in the grooves of his face, while his prominent nose, long ears, and sharp teeth proclaimed him to be different. But she was also different to him, yet he still held her tightly. Always protecting her. Odesha's eyes watered after listening to Kunchok's confession. His gentleness, his passion, his love for his people, his attributes—so many things to fall for, to hold tight to. Even if there was a risk. She leaned forward, brushing her mouth against his, trying to convey her emotion through a small kiss. She had no idea what she was doing but had seen many courtiers in forbidden liaisons cavorting about the halls of Merdi. Their lips glided over each other learning the foreign textures. Odesha licked the seam of his lips, causing him to slightly open his soft mouth. Their tongues clashed together as their passion built and they learned what pleased each other.
An unsure virgin and a yeti could be a powerful mix. Kunchok pulled back, his aqua eyes half-mast. He studied her lips questioningly.
He licked his own lips and asked, “Odesha?”
Odesha touched her lips, bringing them to his own. She answered, “Kiss.”
“Kisss,” he whispered back. A strange word for something that made his heart beat so fast.
Kunchok growled angrily, shocking Odesha. He slammed his head into the ice, splintering the formation. “Odesha no Ranna.” He worried Odesha would choose someone else or initiate Ranna without knowing the tradition. He would be unable to warn her. To stop her. She could be with someone not of her true choosing. He wanted Odesha for himself. She was small and beautiful, her white hair like a beacon to him. When he had finally seen her form running from him in the forest after scenting her, he had felt the hunt flare to life inside him. Felt the urge to conquer.
Trying to distract Kunchok from his angry thoughts, Odesha slipped from his arms, landing on her feet to search for the secret latches to his armored plates. She found two on each side, unclasping them. She didn't know if she would have the chance to do this again. Kunchok felt his armor slipping from his body while Odesha's small hands fluttered over him. He growled, “Odesha no. Ranna. Ranna.” He tugged the armor back up, trying to take control.
The yeti must wait for Ranna before they join. That was fine since she hadn't decided what path to take in this journey with him, but they could still get to know each other. She grabbed his hands, placing them on her face. She smoothed her hands down his furry chest. The scars crossing his body told a story of his past hunts and the hard life he had led. The loose dress she wore fell to the side, exposing one shoulder to his gaze. Kunchok zeroed in on the pale skin, his pupils constricting in focus.
Odesha cuddled closer to him, leaning forward to nip at his lips. Kunchok's rigid stance melted with a groan when he captured her lips. His tongue plunged in her mouth, caressing her. The tension built between them as their hands slid over each other, learning their subtle differences. The thick metal of his armor hitting the ground surprised Kunchok. He reared back in shock, staring heatedly at Odesha. The crudely made pants were only held up by a braided belt, making it easy for Odesha to pull at the knot and push them off of him.
Kunchok's cock pointed, thick and distended at Odesha in warning at their continued touches. This was the first part of him she had found to be completely hairless, the appendage standing as long as her forearm. She swallowed in apprehension, unable to tear her gaze away. A low growling from deep inside Kunchok made her shiver. An answering moan whispered through her in response. The heat flared between them, the fire spreading to her belly. A curl of need fluttered deep inside, moving lower as she clenched her thighs together. His hands clenched, fur standing on end when he took a deep breath, scenting her. The sharp teeth bit down tightly, trying to hold on to his control.
“Odesha,” he growled with a warning. He needed to lose control, Odesha decided. She wanted the confident yeti from the meat shed. Odesha took a deep breath and reasoned she needed to be the aggressor until he figured out what she wanted. Kunchok's reservations about Ranna were clear, but he didn't understand her. Traditions be damned to hellfire. They may only have today together.
Trysts in the hallway had been a favorite of hers to watch. She remembered the tricks the courtesans used. Leaning forward, she gently licked the tip of his cock, causing him to let out a shout. A loud crack of the ice startled her. She worried the ice was about to fall around them, but Kunchok's claws buried deep sent a secret thrill through her instead. She was doing this to him, making him lose all control he forgot his surroundings.
He growled menacingly. His wild eyes were lost even when Odesha returned to what she was doing. Placing her small mouth to the tip, she slid halfway to the base, moving her hand where she couldn't reach while squeezing gently. She was going to enjoy this. Sliding her mouth quicker to the rhythm of her hand, she quickly learned from his groan how to hold him, how much pressure to use.
Kunchok was babbling to himself, alternating between groaning and growling. He couldn't fathom the pleasure she was willingly giving him, without the promise of Ranna. He had never experienced something such as this, never had an interest before. Odesha brought out so many emotions within him. She used speed to give him his release, pushing her head back and forth quickly. She heard Kunchok release a roar above her, the ice shattering around his hands. It fell to the snow-covered ice, tinkling like bells around them. His thick, hot cum poured down her throat. She struggled to take it all, Kunchok oblivious in his ecstasy. He shoved away from the ice, small blood spots falling to the snow. She scurried to her feet to not fall over.
Some of the ice must've cut him, she mused. He lifted her in the air off her feet. He took them both to the ground, Odesha safely cushioned in his muscled arms. The smell of his blood surrounded her. It consumed her, but she wouldn't take from him now. Honoring his tradition, she would also wait for Ranna.
He grunted deeply, “Kunchok taste Odesha?”
A brief nod was all the permission he needed. Her tunic was pulled over her head, thrown across the snow. She remained breathless, mouth puffy and red. The hunter's eyes darkened with lust when he viewed her furless body, her pale pink nipples tight in the cold snow. Completely bare, she raised her hand to tweak her nipples, eliciting a moan, showing him what she wanted. That set him in motion. Kunchok snarled, battling the savagery he felt roaring inside, pushing her hands away to run his claws down her breasts, making her shiver, slowly circling them, learning them. He wanted to know every part of her, have his touch burned into her mind so she would never forget. The small pink tips tightened, thrusting to the sky. He grabbed her legs, wrapping them around his waist. Locking his eyes on hers, he leaned forward, slowly sucking a nipple in to his mouth, making her writhe in the cold snow.
Odesha screamed, her body bucking, his free hand holding her down. His mouth left her nipples, his tongue licking a long cool path down her stomach. Rearing back, he watched Odesha's reaction, smiling in satisfaction at her mussed state. The pad of his finger traced down her nether lips, parting, feeling. He reared back in astonishment when he raised his hand, wet. His eyes flared with heat as he licked the sweet-smelling liquid from his fingers. Odesha shuddered at the look on his face, knowing he had been pushed to the edge of his fragile control. He leaned forward, slowly circling her entrance when he accidentally bumped her clit.
And her world was lit on fire. Her hips bucked as she screamed. Her reaction astonished him. He circled the small nub gently until Odesha babbled incoherently. He left her clit behind, moving lower. Whining, in agony, looking up at him accusingly, Kunchok smiled back.
His confidence grew at her response to him. Kunchok circled her opening, finger gingerly dipping inside. Leaning backwards, he seemed to be worried about something. He
pushed on her walls and remarked, “Odesha tight.” He prodded her entrance, learning what she liked.
Odesha reached up, sinking her claws into his ass, needing release. The fire was scorching inside her, unable to be quenched without it. He bellowed out, sliding his finger in again, slowly pushing in a second.
He seethed with clenched teeth, “Odesha bad.” She fell back, releasing him from her claws as she twisted her hips, moaning. He increased the pressure until she screamed her release. The fire calmed, her frantic need sated for the moment. He gently removed his fingers, licking them when he left her hot center. He wanted to stay here in their icy cove with her. Away from the constant worries and needs of the tribe he sought to meet. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, holding him close as her breath returned to normal. Kunchok nuzzled her neck. Odesha sighed while squeezing him tight, wanting the moment to last forever.
Dek's voice echoed across the snow. He yelled Odesha’s name, interrupting their quiet thoughts.
Hellfire, she forgot about that meeting. Kunchok stood up, looking at her curiously, wondering why Dek would call for her at this time. She shrugged her shoulders and tried to look for her gown he had ripped from her. She would tell him of her meeting with Dek after Ranna, she promised herself. She would tell him everything.
“Odesha go?”
She pointed in the direction of the voice. She answered, “Dek.”
Kunchok nodded his head. He fastened his plates and pants back, then leaned down to nuzzle her neck one last time. He stood tall, looking at her seriously as his pointy ears folded back to his head.
“Kunchok return. Two moon time. Gather hunters.” Sadness engulfed her at the news, but at least she'd have time to practice Ranna. She knew the tribe came first. He wouldn't let them starve and he wanted the hunters to participate in Ranna if they so wished. Odesha placed her hand over his massive chest, praying silently she could win the heart of this great hunter. That she was enough.
Odesha's name flew through the air again, more urgent this time. She pushed away from Kunchok, his small grunt making her turn and wave sheepishly. She tried to follow Dek's booming voice while making herself presentable. The ripped gown and her head full of snow must look dreadful.
Dek stood at a stall in the marketplace, waiting for Odesha to arrive. He turned when she called his name, waving to get his attention. He drew back when she was close enough for him to get a good look at her appearance, his face shocked, his hair standing on end.
Odesha stopped walking towards him. She blushed fiercely in embarrassment. They drew a strange sort of attention from the marketplace. She must look worse than she thought.
Dek shook himself from his stupor and approached Odesha, grabbing her arm to pull her towards the wooden keep. He tried to stay in the shadows away from the crowd. Which was impossible giving his size and status.
“Chief Dek, I must…” Odesha tried to explain. Huffing from being carried around, she wanted to give some sort of excuse to her appearance.
“Quiet Odesha, tribe listen,” Dek grunted softly.
Fanni must've explained her secret to Dek. That was convenient, she didn't want to explain from the beginning. Odesha sent a silent thanks to her friend for helping her. Finally making it to the keep, Dek pulled the main hide closed. He took Odesha to his room. She stumbled inside when he let go of her arm. Fanni sat at their table. They were going to use the chief’s private room for this meeting. When she noticed Odesha, Fanni gasped and clutched her chest in fright.
Fanni screamed, “Great beast attack Odesha?!” Odesha ran to the ice mirror in the corner. Her dress was on backwards and her hair looked like a wet bird nest littered with ice, snow, and a couple branches. Odesha gasped, trying to pull a few branches away, but it didn’t help.
“Fanni! No, I was…” Odesha paused, trying to think of what to say. This was awkward, but the truth was always the best. “I was with Kunchok.” She clenched her hands, worrying about what they might think. Ranna was sacred to them. Dek's laughter boomed out in the larger room. Fanni swatted him on the arm to quiet him. He continued to laugh, bending over to hold his belly.
Fanni turned a darker color, hair standing on end. She reminded Odesha, “Tribe wait! Ranna!”
Odesha sighed, attempting to be vague, “We just kissed.”
Fanni looked confused, “What kiss?”
Odesha forgot that they only nuzzle. “Touched lips together. Courting in my country.”
Fanni still looked confused, squinting at Dek's lips hesitantly as though they might jump from his face and come for hers. She didn't look impressed.
Dek cleared his throat, shaking his head at Fanni. He asked, “Odesha speak Dek?” Dek kept his eye on Fanni while she practiced “kissing.”
Odesha shook her head at Fanni for distracting her from the important meeting she had wanted. Fanni didn't notice. Her lips were awkwardly puffing out and in at Dek.
Clearing her throat, Odesha explained, “Chief Dek, I would like to Ranna with Kunchok next moon. I am from Antiqua. A large tribe across king bird land. Antiqua has a big castle, many people, and many markets. But Kunchok can't leave tribe. He must bring food to tribe.”
Odesha worried her lip, hoping she hadn't overstepped her bounds with Dek and Kunchok. Dek sat back in his giant chair, watching Odesha in thought. His large bones decorated his frame proclaiming him as the chief, the chosen tribe member to make decisions. Fanni, giving up her practice of kissing, alternated between sitting and standing from the bed with worry, distracting Odesha.
“Who chief Odesha's tribe?” Dek finally asked.
Odesha braced herself, not knowing how the tribe would accept a female leader. She replied honestly, “I am the chief. My father is the chief of the tribe I came from.” Maybe if she threw her father in it would be more acceptable, but she was proud to be the leader of Antiqua. She hadn't had much time to practice, but while she was there, she had made several improvements.
Dek looked astonished. He asked, “Woman chief? Much food in tribe?”
“Yes, I am a woman chief. Big chief gave me the land. There is much food, many choices.” She took a breath, getting ready for the big confession. “I am a vampire.” Odesha continued, “Vampire. I am a blood drinker. I can't be in the sun or heat for a long period of time.”
Fanni gasped at her confession as if she was the one standing in a heat dungeon. Being this far north, there wasn't much sun at all, but the sky was still beautiful.
Odesha hurried to say, “I do not drink tribe blood. I prefer animal blood. I cannot eat meat. I become sickly.” The simple language was a nuisance! She struggled to explain before the couple became more alarmed, casting her out to her death. Dek nodded his head, worry clearing from his face as he reached an understanding of what she was. He motioned Odesha to continue. So, she did. She told him of her family, Antiqua, the salt mines, and how she arrived. They sat together for hours, learning their history, disturbed only by Dede occasionally poking her head in and Fanni tending to her.
At the end of their long discussion, the room was silent. The chief absorbed all the new knowledge Odesha provided. His head bowed in thought, Dek grunted, “Much Dek think. Odesha want Kunchok?” A sense of the past permeated his mind when he had heard the word “vampire”. A story passed down from his sire's father long ago, but it was elusive to him.
He looked up to see Odesha nod in the affirmative. Dek tilted his head curiously, “Kunchok want Odesha?” Odesha hesitated, nodding in the affirmative again. He might not have said so, but she could feel it in her heart. Even if she had to poke Sashi's eyes with icicles. Freyja forgive her, she sounded as bloodthirsty as Vashti. Kunchok had protected her from the orik and had warned her away from the ice. He came to find her when he returned from his hunt and thought of her needs right away. The blood she could have gone to get for herself, but he knew she felt uncomfortable sneaking around, instead delivering it to her.
Dek smiled. “Fanni. Help Odesha learn Ranna.”
Fanni squealed on the bed, arms thrown wide in joy as she scrambled to her feet to join Odesha.
Dek's smile disappeared as he turned, asking seriously, “Odesha's tribe accept Dek's?”
Odesha reeled, astonished, trying to picture the tribe in Antiqua. Something she hadn't thought Dek would ever consider. She recalled the vast differences of people already there. They were accepting of all species already. “Yes, there's much land for Dek's tribe.”
Dek nodded his head. He had much to think about, but neither choice was going to be easy.
“Decide after Ranna. Dek think.” He clapped his hands, rose from his chair, and left the room, calling for Dede. Odesha couldn't be happier with the results of the meeting. She had gotten everything she wanted and more.
Fanni whispered, “Dek worry tribe. Sleep Odesha. Hunters gather. Practice Ranna tomorrow.”
Chapter 11
Odesha hid in the large clothing stall in the marketplace, hoping to catch her prey. She had found its weakness. She had already watched its movements. She heard the quiet thud of soft-soled feet coming towards her, the soft grunt of a question from the front of the stall, and knew it was time to spring her trap.
A soft, distressed gasp reached her. She leapt out, brandishing her weapon fiercely when her prey turned to her in astonishment.
“I need your help, Halana!” declared Odesha brazenly, hoping they hadn’t attracted too much attention yet from the other stalls in the marketplace. The soft blue cloth Halana lovingly gazed at every day sat securely in Odesha's arms. The perfect bait to lure her in.
Halana’s eyes widened. She pointed towards Odesha and shouted, “Furless creature speak?!”
With a sigh, Odesha muttered, “Yes, furless creature speaks.” She cleared her throat, motioning to herself, holding tight to the fabric. She clarified, “I'm happy to meet you. My name is Odesha.”
Over the last couple of days her grasp of the language had greatly improved. Fanni had explained to Odesha she was under Dek’s protection, so she had access to anything in the marketplace. That was when her plan formed.