Everwinter (Chronicles of Naelyra Book 1)

by R. J. Lloyd

  I was close to cumming the same servant came in through the door, again without knocking. I snapped up and tried to find something to cover myself. “Privacy and respect!”

  I frantically searched for a cover, unable to find even a shirt or a curtain… any fabric within reach. I struggled, but Kane held on to me. His grip tightened, keeping me from escaping as he kept eating me out like I should be ignoring the servant. It was a blissful torment. Heat spread across my cheeks, and I watched as she blushed, placing the food and water on the side table and left in a hurry.

  I squirmed, trying to get away. My embarrassment only slightly lessened as the servant left the room. “Oh god!” I blurted in both pleasure and frustration, my hands on his shoulders, pressing as my back arched.

  He slowly pulled free and slipped his fingers inside me as he kissed my inner thighs. "If you are going to be with me, you need to learn that they do not matter." He leaned back in, moving his tongue to my wet clit then dragging it down over my opening and back up. Licking in circles brushing my mound with his tongue ever so softly.

  I continued to squirm, torn between wanting to make a point and wanting to get lost in him. “But they shouldn’t be privileged to see me naked, let alone in this intimate situation with you. And does it not matter that seeing you makes them want you even more? Or is that what you want? And will they not hate having to see me with you?” I looked down at him. “Is it so difficult a thing to have some modesty and have them knock? Or do you wish to encourage their longings?”

  "It does turn me on if that is what you ask. However, if it upsets you this much then I will have words with them." He resumed licking my clit while pressing his fingers deeper as his free hand went to his cock, his movements becoming heated.

  I gave in, no longer able to deny myself the pleasure for a moment before sitting up, trying to get his attention by pushing on his shoulders. “Why would you do this for me if you’ve set your life up for all of that carnal pleasure? If you’re going to continue to fuck them all? Or whichever ones you want to anyway.”

  "You wish to be exclusive huh? You hardly know me." He pulled away slightly with a huff.

  “I did not say that!” I replied a little too defensively, driven by both, my embarrassment and the fact that he pulled back, leaving me in that state.

  “But you push toward this arrangement.”

  I shook my head. “I don’t know what I want because I hardly know you.” I slumped back. “But I don’t want servants just walking in like it’s not an issue to see me in compromising positions. They can knock. And no. I do not want to hear about or hear or see you with anyone else while I am here. If I stay though? If I stay with you? I only do exclusive. I don’t need the drama that comes with all the rest. Then you can go back to screwing everything that moves in your kingdom once I’m gone. Does that sound good? Is that what you want?”

  In one swift movement he was so close his breath was on my cheeks. "I want you to cum for me, honestly." His deep voice dripped with desire. "We can get to know each other, though. I want to get to know you. I don’t know why, but I cannot help myself. I am in no rush to take anyone else while you are here. You satisfy me just fine." He rubbed my warmth, his attention clearly focused.

  “Cum. Then eat.” I eyed the food the woman brought. “And water. I need water soon.” I licked my dry lips. A part of me was thrilled about him not taking another. Like I had advanced to the next level of the game. “And yes... get to know each other. That sounds good.” I ran my fingers through his hair again, pulling him back to me with my hands on his cheeks.

  He leaned into my palm for a short while, eyes closed, before kneeling back down to pleasure me. I blushed and stroked his hair as my body shivered in delight with every swipe of his tongue. And after what seems like hours, he pulled away, leaving me breathless, ravished and famished but completely satiated.

  He pulled away happily and stood up. "Want to see if the food is what you desire? I can have them prepare something else if you wish. Something fresh."

  I watched him as he stepped over to one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. “It looks delicious. Thank you.” I adjusted, searching for water.

  "I could have them bring you wine if you prefer." He watched me happily.

  I spotted the water and poured myself a glass. Taking a sip, I pulled the platter of fruit over to me. “No. Thank you. This is perfect.” I leaned forward toward him. “What do you do other than drink blood and fuck all the women?”

  He smiled, shaking his head. "Despite what you think, I don’t fuck all the women. But I read. I train warriors. I go and start wars… and finish them. So on and so forth."

  I set my water down and tilted my head. “Reading is good. But hobbies? I mean, fighting wars and such is cool and all, but what about in your spare time? Do you not have something you do in your down time? Or do you just sit and brood?”

  He shrugged. "I travel? I don't know. I’ve been alive for so long that everything starts feeling like a time filler."

  Slowly, I rose from my place on the dresser and made my way over to him. Standing there, I wasn’t sure if I should sit on his lap or on the floor. So, I chose the arm of his chair. “No woodwork, building, riding horses or odd machines or making clocks or watches or cooking or anything? Just war, reading, traveling and fucking?”

  He pulled me onto his lap. "Well food does nothing for me, so I don't cook or eat the food. I haven't made something with my hands in so long I wouldn’t know what to make. Horses sometimes. But I tend to only ride when I’m traveling with a large load. And even then, the horse carry the items and I walk. But what is a watch?" He eyed me curiously.

  “Oh! Yeah. Sorry. Of course you don’t cook. And I didn’t know if you have horses here or not. But a watch is a thing you wear around your wrist that shows the time.” I adjusted to get comfortable, wrapping my arm around his shoulder. “Well, if I stick around, maybe we can find out what you like to do.”

  “We do not have watches.” He let me get situated, holding me up with his arm behind my back, his other hand resting on my leg. "Maybe we can. Would you like that? Staying here with me, I mean."

  I, completely taken by surprise by his offer, looked at him and thought for a moment. I was torn. Something about him pulled to me, like a magnet, but the other part of me longed for my own home. My own planet. “Stay? Well? You can’t be any surer you want me to stay than I know if I want to. But…” I kissed his cheek. “I like what we have thus far. So, I’m considering it. But that’s all for now… considering things.”

  “Then we both are considering… things.”

  I let my fingers glide down his chest. “Are you married? Or have you ever been? Kids? I guess if I’m considering sticking around for a while, maybe I should know more about you?”

  "If I was married, I don't think my wife would like me bringing home a beautiful woman from another world and sleeping with her in our bed.” He laughed. “I have no kids that I know of either. It's very hard to have a child as a vampire. Not unheard of but not the most common thing. And in the past, forbidden. Most vampires stick to our own kind and those we feed off for sources of pleasure. So, generally, even if we did impregnate a human, they wouldn’t be around long enough to know.” He touched my tummy.

  I looked down at his hand. “You mean that it’s possible?” My breath stuttered. It wasn’t possible where I was from. Humans impregnated by vampires died very early, taking the fetuses with them. And that was the extremely rare instance that conception even happened. “Have you ever been married in the past?”

  I found myself wondering about his past as well as a bit concerned about the chance that he could impregnate me. This thought both scared me as well as was oddly inviting, the later reaction entirely unsettling. What is it about this man?

  “Yes. It is possible. But unlikely I am sure.” He pulled his hand away. "And no. I was supposed to be married many, many years ago, but I was turned into a vampire instead. I have not consi
dered it since,” he explained, kissing me softly, "I would not worry.”

  I loved the feel of his lips on mine, but I was saddened by his story and even a little by the fact that he advised me of the unlikelihood of ever bearing his child. Not that I’d considered it, just only having met him. But non-the-less, my heart felt heavy. I stifled back showing a reaction the best I could, not wanting to address it. “I’m so sorry.” I wasn’t sure which I was saying sorry for, really.

  I wanted to pry more and ask why turning kept him from marrying the woman he loved, but I was afraid to ask. Was he afraid she would reject him? Had she been killed? But seeing the memories cloud his eyes already gave me such a lump in my throat. I wasn’t ready to cry in front of him, so I just kissed his cheek and avoided it. “I’ve never wanted kids. Not after what I went through. But from what people say, many feel differently when it’s their own.”

  His hand went to my knee. "Did you want my child?” He looked shocked at his own question. “That's a bit forward isn't it? And a lot too soon."

  I jumped, startled as well. “I hardly know you! A child? Me? A mother? I can’t ... I just ... I mean why would I want that already or ever? I’ve never wanted kids before. So, why would I want one now?”

  He smiled, squeezing my leg. "Believe me, I am just as confused as to why I am asking you."

  I blinked. “Explain.” My eyebrows pull in. “What do you mean that you’re confused?”

  Kane lifted me as he stood, turning and placing me softly in the chair he just vacated. He paced a moment before returning to my side and sitting on the floor in front of me. His head bowed, and he laid his hands in his lap. "I just mean, I didn't exactly pull out of you earlier. Nor have I drained you. I assume we are equally as confused over this pull to the other. I do not presume that you do not feel this."

  “Oh... That...” I diverted my eyes, fidgeting with a stray thread in the chair. “Yeah. I didn’t even think anything of it when we were… you know. It just felt…”

  “Natural,” he finished my sentence.

  “Yes.” More than natural. It felt magnetic, pulling… perfect.

  “Yes.” The usual growl in his deep voice was gone, replaced with a soft, gentle tone. He reached out to me again but pulled back. “I am different with you.”

  “But we barely know each other.” The light of the fire bounced off my eyes as I looked into it, trying not to look at him. Part of me still wanted to fight my emotions—to run. “How different are you with me? Surely not entirely different. I can imagine you being gentle with the women you’ve cared for.”

  He lifted my hand and kissed it. "Different. I have not cared for someone in a very long time.” He took in a sharp breath. “But I wouldn't worry about all that. No wife, no kids. We are here, and I don’t want you to go. Not right now at least. Please, tell me you will stay."

  I knew he was right. I didn’t see him as being this gentle, this giving to his partners. But then again, I hadn’t been acting like myself either. It wasn’t like me to want a man to stick around. And the rare occasions I had, I certainly hadn’t wanted to think of a future with them or have babies with them. That was too dangerous. Too many roots. Too much to vulnerability and possible avenues for hurt.

  “Yes. Right. No wife. No kids. No problem.” I leaned forward and rested my forehead on his, cradling his face in my hands. “How is it you’re so comfortable to me? Shouldn’t I fear you or be scrambling to get home? Yet, all I want is to be around you.”

  He reached up and rubbed my back. "And I you. You are my lover now."

  My head came up “Just...” I stopped. Looking at him I bit my lip. “No wife. No kids. Your lover. Got it.” I laid my head back against his.

  Slowly, his hands moved to my hips, but he just sat there with me for a long moment, taking in a deep breath and clearing his throat. "You are very soothing."

  “Me? Soothing?” I allowed myself to giggle. “Is that something you have lacked in your life?” I hardly thought of myself as soothing. Perhaps maybe in my spell cabin, but we were far from there.

  He sat up and looked at me, his finger pulling on my chin, tipping it so I would look at him. "Yes. Very much. Sex is fun but meaningless sometimes. This is not meaningless. You are better."

  I fully giggled this time. “I am better, huh?” I sat up. “Oooo… careful Mr. Rathmore. Those words sound dangerously close to a sentiment like you might be the one falling for me.”

  "Possibly. You never know," he teased back before standing and stoking the fire.

  I took him in, watching him standing there before me. His physique even sexier with the lights and shadows of the flames licking the curves of his muscles. “Tell me... just how am I better?”

  His back was to me, and he stopped moving. He looked like he was thinking a moment before replying. "You feel like a warm breeze."

  “You, sir, are oddly distant yet poetic.”

  Still facing the fire, he scoffed, humored, “I have my moments.”

  It was then that I knew I was in trouble. Just not the kind I originally thought. No. I was dangerously close to my walls crumbling and falling for him. It took every bit of my own self-restraint to not go to him and wrap up in his arms. This was uncharted territory for me. And it was so sudden, it felt like sky diving, just jumping from a plane and watching the ground come up fast.

  Instead, I shifted in the chair, feeling completely exposed. “Tell me about your world.”

  He turned around with one eyebrow raised as he admired me. He walked over to the bed, pulled a blanket off of it that had been folded on the foot and brought it over. Shaking it out, he laid it across my legs.

  “Thank you.” I pulled it up over myself.

  Kane knelt down in front of me, facing the fire. His back against the chair, he reached back and pulled my hand to his shoulder as he spoke. "It's half unexplored. The gods left this world when Brialjhorn, one of the seven elder gods, went on a tyrant. I spoke of him before, when you first arrived. His actions caused the elder dragons of this world to awaken. Lots of different races banded together to fight.”

  “Is that who I saw?” I asked, almost to myself.

  He looked back at me. “Who you saw?”

  It dawned on me that I hadn’t said anything. Nor could he have known. I shook my head. “Back in Nirevale, as we were walking into the shop where you got me the clothes, I had this strange vision of a war in that city. You were there. Everything was chaos, screaming, fires, blood. Then, I saw you, sitting on a throne with others around you and two dragons.”

  “You had this vision?” He spun around, his full attention on me.

  “Yes.” I pulled the blanket up around my shoulders.

  As if on alert, he sat up straight. “Do you often see visions?”

  I shook my head no.

  He chuckled. “No?”

  My shoulders dropped. “Only a few times. And only in dreams, not while awake. That’s why it startled me then.”

  “What was it?”

  “My dreams?”

  “No. Your vision. In Nirevale.”

  I blinked. “I told you. A war. The city was being ravaged. Buildings were on fire. Doshanesh were being slaughtered. I could not see by who. But then the vision flashed to you… throned… surrounded by what was seemingly your top persons and creatures. I assumed that it was you that attacked the city. That was part of why I feared you so much then. I am sorry if I was wrong.”

  He turned back to the fire. “I have had to put the people of Nirevale in their place. But it was never an event such as you are describing. That only happened when Brialjhorn came to Naelyra. Then, I fought to save them.”

  I went to lean forward, wanting to touch him. But I pulled back. “What did they want?”

  “This world.” Kane leaned his back against the chair again and watched the flames. “Sometimes they can be greedy, the gods. And sometimes they can be cruel.”

  “As can all creatures,” I countered.

  He wrapped
an arm around my leg and pulled it over his shoulder, massaging my calf. “This is very true, little one. And in this case, it took me, many of my kind and the elder dragons a number of years to fight off Brialjhorn and his army. Many, many people lost their lives.”

  “Well? You have won it seems.” I rubbed his shoulders. The flames flickered, casting their shadows across us. The reflection of the fire vivid in his eyes as I bent to look at his face.

  “We have won so far."

  “And that is when the claw was left in the Nirevale building? Why do they not remove it if it is a reminder of such horrors?” I pulled a lock of his hair off his shoulder and started to play with it.

  The act of me playing with his hair seemed to relax him as some of the tension fell from his shoulders. “Dragons, while extremely intelligent, are animals. And the Doshanesh revere animals above their own kind. But on top of that, the dragon was protecting their city when it happened. It is a symbol of protection to them and a way to honor the one that left it.”

  “Like a memorial?”

  “No. He is not dead,” Kane explained. “He is very much alive. But not all symbols are of the dead. None of the animal gods they worship are dead. And Brialjhorn is certainly not dead.”

  My fingers stopped working the stands of his hair. “That’s what you meant when you said that you’ve won so far.”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you fear he will return and try again?”

  Kane sat up. Leaning forward, he picked up the fireplace poker and shifted the logs around. “Some say that, one day, two children will be born together of two races. And these children will grow to rule two kingdoms, two worlds. They will war. Only, they will have gods behind them. Eventually, one will fall, as will the god that they side with. They will fall by their sibling’s hand. And it will end all of this. Only no one speaks of what side will win nor which gods are involved. So, while the end to the endless war would be a good thing. It is only a good thing if Brialjhorn isn’t the one backing the successor.” He cleared his throat. “If you believe in things like prophecies. That is.”