by K. A Knight
I have never felt this safe, this cared for…this loved. In this short space of time, they’ve shown me not only my new world, but a new life.
Our new life.
They’ve shown me how good it could be, how I can fit perfectly with them. They’ve taken care of me, bent to my whims, pushed me and tested me…and I’m starting to realise just how deeply I care for them.
I love them.
I can’t deny it, it’s there waiting when I look inside myself, my heart is so full it might burst. When they aren’t here, I miss them. Even when they are here, all I can think about is being closer. I want to spend every day like this, together. I want a whole lifetime of this bliss. Fuck, I would live for a thousand years with them if I could, because I know…I know, every day will be an adventure and they will be there by my side.
I will never be alone again.
It’s the final piece of the puzzle. I relax as a weight I didn’t even realise I was carrying lifts and floats away. Because of them.
“Oh vekk, we didn’t give it to her!” Cryk yells, bolting upright. He looks around before crawling off the bed. Climbing back in a minute later, Cryk flashes me a smug grin with his arms behind his back as he kneels next to me. “So, we noticed you hated the collar, but it’s necessary for human mates to wear the symbol of their Klan. It shows others who you belong to and will make you feel like you’ve become an official part of us. So…we did something different…” He pulls his arms around and thrusts a sparkling, midnight black box at me.
Sitting up, I take it from him carefully. Every eye is on me, and I can tell they’re all nervous. I am as well. I like the idea of wearing their mark, but a collar or something permanent makes me cringe.
I gasp when I spot what’s inside, staring at the glittering silver necklace encased in what looks like velvet. It’s chunky, like a chain with huge links, but is small in length, like a choker. Hanging from the choker is a pendant with my Klan’s symbol pressed into a silver piece of metal and painted with what appears to be flecks of emerald.
“To match your eyes,” Nul whispers.
Blinking away tears, I let my finger graze the cool silver. “I love it,” I whisper, when really what I want to say is…I love you.
“Let me put it on you,” Trov rumbles, shuffling up behind me. Cryk passes it to him. Lifting my hair, I wait, the cool air wafting over my now bare neck, making me shiver.
His hands delicately circle the necklace around it, the metal cool against my skin but soon warming as he does the clasp.
“There, you are perfect,” Trov growls, trailing a gentle finger down my spine.
Releasing my hair, I finger the pendent resting in the hollow between my collarbones. It sparkles in the light of the stars, and the words I want to say clog in my throat.
They are my family, and I love them.
Trov pulls me back down and kisses my forehead as Cryk snuggles into my side. “Get some sleep, little flyer.”
I nod but pick up the pendant, continuing to hold it in my palm. It’s the symbol of our love. I feel so complete and full, my chest aches with the insane amount of emotion I feel for them. As they start to drift off to sleep, their heavy breathing filling the room, I whisper the words I wish I had told them when the moment was perfect.
“I love you all.”
Twenty-Seven
Shiloh
I wake up feeling amazing and happy! Stretching my arms above my head, I indulge in a huge yawn. The tinkling of my pendant grabs my attention, and I quickly open my eyes. Much to my disappointment, my room is empty. I know my Klan is important, and I no longer take offence or feel bad when they are absent. It’s just how our Klan life is.
Shrugging, I slip off the bed and pad over to my bathroom. My necklace sparkles in the light, igniting my feelings for my mates. They were so sweet last night. Even naked as the day I was born, they were able to snuggle up with me and not expect sex.
I take a quick shower and scrub my skin. The bruising no longer hurts when I touch it, and my body feels healed.
Ready to fuck.
Whooping in victory, I dry off and head to my wardrobe. Yanking the doors open, I rifle through my clothes and pull out a dress covered in unicorns. Sighing, I slip it over my body, struggling to get it over my chest. When I finally do, it actually looks good. The snug fit lifts my breasts and pushes them together, giving me amazing cleavage in the sweetheart neckline. The skirt hem hits me mid-thigh and is pleated like a cheerleading outfit.
That’s exactly what the fuck this is.
A goddamned unicorn cheerleader outfit. Smacking my hand to my head, I turn and look at the back. Sure as shit, “Klan Avuk” is written across my shoulder blades. I do a quick twirl and the skirt flares up and out, showing my pussy to anyone looking. Now all I need are fucking pom poms and I’m all set.
Note to self—ask the guys where the fuck my panties are.
Hungry, I head to the cafeteria wanting food, but also not wanting to be alone. Again, I’m disappointed, and end up eating a bagel with cream cheese and a vanilla latte.
Once finished, I go on a hunt to find anybody. The bridge is vacant, so are Nul’s and Joss’s offices. Growling, I go to the war room next, and that’s where I find everyone.
Trov is on some kind of alien phone call. “We can do that,” he says.
“Good. My mate will love this,” a deep, rumbling voice responds.
“Good luck,” Trov replies before ending the call.
“What was that about?” I question, walking over. Cryk pulls me into his lap before I can sit down.
“You’ll see, little flyer.” He laughs. “Now, let’s head to the bridge and take an okkren back down to Oxious.”
“We’re going landside? Yay!” I squeal, and jump off Cryk’s lap, rushing back into the morfka. “We’re leaving now right?”
“Yes, Shiloh.” Joss chuckles, walking in beside me. The rest of my mates pile in, and we quickly arrive in the parking dock.
Trov heads over to a larger okkren and pops the door. “Your ride, little warrior.”
“Thank you.” I grab his hand and allow him to lift me up. He growls after placing me inside. I turn around, looking confused. “What was that for?”
He nods towards my skirt. “You’re bare.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Yeah, I know, buddy. I don’t have any fucking panties, so what’s a girl supposed to do?”
Ignoring his heated stare, I strut across the okkren and flop myself down on a seat. Trov sits next to me while Joss and Cryk fight each other to get on my other side. Cryk wins, pulling Joss’s wing until he gives up.
Smiling, Cryk grips my hand and gives the back of it a kiss. Trov’s palm sits possessively on my thigh, his hand so large, he can practically encompass the entire thing.
The blarens sound, warning us the launch bay doors are opening as Joss and Nul settle across from us, their eyes trained on me. The attention makes me feel bold, and I widen my legs slightly. I hear Joss gasp, and Nul’s cheeks turn red.
“The necklace looks beautiful on you, Shiloh,” Joss comments. “Fits you perfectly.”
“Thank you.”
I shift uncomfortably. Let’s face it, walking around with no panties on is making me totally fucking horny.
I widen my legs farther, looking from Joss to Nul.
“More,” Joss rumbles, and I listen, knowing how much he likes to control.
Trov glances from me to them. “Mate, what are you—Ohh.”
“Getting kinky, are we, little flyer?” Cryk asks beside me. “We can help you with that.” Cryk turns to Nul. “Want me to spread her for you? Open up her perfect pink cunt…?”
Trov growls and snatches my leg, lifting it over his. Cryk mimics him, spreading me open wide for Joss and Nul. “Go on, Nul,” Joss growls, elbowing Nul in the side without taking his eyes off my pussy. “Taste your mate. She needs you.”
Nul catches my gaze. I give him a firm nod, and he sinks to his knees, crawling to me. A
nd fuck if that doesn’t make me hot, watching the way his wings drag along the floor, the red of his skin contrasting with the silver surrounding us. He looks like my own personal devil come to drag me into sin.
He licks up my inner thigh and gives my pussy a soft kiss before sucking on my lower lips. I groan when his tongue dips inside and lightly swirls around my clit. “Fuck yes, Nul, that feels amazing.” I like to encourage my shy guy, wanting him to feel as empowered as he makes me. Nul groans and laps at my clit. Cryk reaches his arm across my shoulders and down to my breast, pulling it free from its fabric dungeon. Once his deft fingers tweak my nipple, I come undone.
Trov fondles my other breast, and Nul speeds up, his tongue lashing at my clit, making me moan, my pussy clenching on air.
“Come, Shiloh,” Joss demands.
And I do, like a good little mate.
I scream out, back arching, thighs fighting to close against the strong hands of Trov and Cryk as Nul licks me through the end of my orgasm.
“Well, that was fun,” I murmur after catching my breath.
“It was amazing,” Nul agrees, pulling himself from the floor and back to his seat. The guys release my legs, and I put my breasts back where they belong just as the okkren lands.
“Where are we going?” I inquire as the doors open.
“The pit,” Trov answers, helping me down.
I give Joss a questioning look, but all he says is, “You’ll see when we get there.”
Strolling through Lorenthis makes me feel like any normal wife would on Earth. I grin to myself, watching the city bustling with life. Klans of all shapes and sizes walk around with their mates, holding hands, or in many cases, carrying their women. I notice many of the females wearing collars just as the guys told me they would. Reaching up, I finger my necklace, grateful for the gift they bestowed upon me.
I scrutinise each woman that passes, hoping to find another one of my Harvest House girls. But every face is a stranger, filling me with sadness. I’m grateful to have found Carmen, but where are the others?
After walking for some time, the houses give way to larger buildings as we head to the city center. We pass a bar called Ruvrix, already filled with Totiv even this early in the morning. The sounds of laughter and the clashing of metallic weapons only add to the ambiance of the city.
I’m led around a corner, and a huge building emerges in the distance. White stone pillars reach like fingers towards the clouds, looking like they are holding up the sky. It reminds me of one of the old Greek colosseums we learned about at Harvest House. Of course, the Yarek destroyed most of Earth’s ancient structures, leaving only the Great Pyramid still standing. My skin warms as the twin suns still rise in the sky, meaning it’s still morning.
We walk under huge archways that remind me of the place where the Vultana took place. Rows and rows of seats filled with hundreds of Totiv surround a sunken area. “That’s the pit,” Joss says, pointing to it.
“What’s it for?”
No one answers as Nul leads me up a flight of stairs to an elevated seating area surrounded by thick walls. We enter the room and take a seat overlooking the pit. As usual, Cryk pulls me into his lap.
“Okay, someone better give me some answers,” I demand in my best firm tone.
Cryk responds, “We’re here for Klan Marix.”
“And who are they?”
“Good friends. They are fighting today in something called a Zarl,” Trov tells me. “A mateless Klan challenged them for ownership of their mate. Today, Klan Marix has to fight for her.”
I lick my lips. “What happens if they lose?”
Cryk laughs. “Klan Marix won’t lose. But if they did, their mate would then belong to the other Klan, Klan Narj.”
A shiver runs through me. The guys had mentioned the dangers of the rogue Totiv—Drykken, I think they called them. But I don’t remember any mention of them having to fight for me if challenged.
“Don’t worry, little flyer,” Cryk comforts, kissing my head. “No one would ever defeat us if challenged.”
The door to the room creaks open, and before I can look to see who’s entered, I hear, “Shiloh!”
My head whips around. Standing in the doorway is my best friend. “Carmen!” I scream, jumping from Cryk’s lap and running over to her. We crash into each other, embracing my long-lost friend. “Oh, Carmen. I never thought I’d see you again.”
“Me too, Shy,” she croaks out. “God, I’ve missed you.”
Shy.
I haven’t heard anyone call me that in what feels like weeks. Just that little nickname makes me feel more at home. “I’ve missed you too, Car.”
We squeeze each other again, and I pull away as one of her mates calls her over. I still can’t believe this is happening. I turn to my mates and say, “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us,” Joss retorts. “Klan Marix called us, asking if we’d watch over Carmen while they fought. Of course we said yes!”
Turning back, I watch Carmen trying to put on a brave face while watching her Klan disappear out the door. She stands solemnly, staring over the railing at her Klan down in the pit. I slip my arm around her waist, words not necessary, just letting her know I’m here to support her.
It’s odd to see the look on her face. Carmen is usually so in control. So wild and carefree, but today she looks like the weight of the world is on her shoulders. I can actually feel her worry as her eyes search below for her Klan, and that’s when I realise…she’s crazy about this Klan, just like I am about mine.
We make small talk as her Klan prepares to fight. I try to keep her distracted, but when she asks me if I’ve seen any of the other girls, I have to shake my head.
“Me either,” she says sadly.
I try to reassure her. “If they are with Totiv anything like your Klan or mine, then we can rest assured they are safe.”
Before she can respond, a booming voice announces the rules of the Zarl and commences the match. Down below in the pit, the walls are twenty feet high, leaving no way for anyone to jump out. Sand covers the ground and is littered with large rocks and barriers for those fighting to hide behind.
Joss told me that guards are stationed all around the arena, armed with hirtels in case the fight—or the crowd, for that matter—gets out of hand. I’m not really watching the fighting since my Klan ensured me no one could beat Marix in a fight. Instead, I’m watching Carmen, reading the faces she’s making, trying to judge if I should give her space or show support. I can’t imagine what she’s feeling right now.
I learn from her cheering what the names of her mates are as she screams in support, or shouts advice in worry.
Pulling my eyes from Carmen, I see that Klan Marix is battling well against Klan Narj. Ryx is quick on his feet, dancing around his opponents. Xal is a silent beast, lingering on the outskirts, becoming invisible almost until he can make his move. Kronk is an animal, barrelling through his opponents like a raging elephant, while Vrid watches and calculates, making sure every move counts.
My gaze scan the crowd, again looking for any signs of Daisy, Harlow, or Tatiana. I squint, running my eyes methodically over every row in a sequence Joss would be proud of, but I don’t see anything.
Then I hear a humming sound. “Do you hear that buzzing noise?” I ask.
She responds a little too quickly. “Nope. I don’t hear anything.”
Something is up. I know what Carmen’s lying face looks like, and it’s plastered across her features now. I glance around, then back at her, wondering what’s going off.
Klan Marix kicks some serious ass, killing the first three members of Klan Narj easily as Carmen cheers. But then she grows silent, and I look at her and question, “Are you okay, Car?”
Sweat coats her brow, and her face is flushed, then she moans.
“Oh my God, Car. Are you…Are you coming?” I laugh as she nods and tosses her head back, screaming out an orgasm as only Carmen can.
By the time she comes down,
she’s forgotten all about me and leaps over the box to run down to her mates.
“Time to go, little warrior,” Trov says, resting his hands on my shoulders, but then something catches my eye.
“Who are they?” I inquire, pointing up to the sky. In an elevated box sit four huge Totiv, who seem to be glistening in gold.
Trov follows my gaze. “Those are the kings, little warrior. Let’s hope you never have to meet them in person.”
Before I can ask why, Trov pulls my hand, guiding me from the room. I squint hard, wanting a better look at the kings, and see a slender woman sitting between them with perfect posture and pale hair.
Is that Daisy?
Nooo, it couldn’t be, could it?
Trov tugs me hard, and I lose sight of the girl and the kings. As we walk through the crowds of chanting Totiv, I give one last look at Carmen, who’s happy and content with her Klan. I’m so glad she’s found the same bliss I have. Knowing she’s in perfect hands, I leave with my Klan, pleased to have seen her and looking forward to seeing her again soon.
I must have fallen asleep during the ride back on the okkren, because I wake up feeling rested. Thoughts of Carmen drift through my mind. I wish there was time for me to say goodbye to her, since I don’t know when I’ll see her again. But I’m not sad. I’m happy I got to spend time with her. Plus, knowing our Klans are friends, it’s more likely than not that I’ll get to see her again.
I open my eyes and see I’m in my bed. But I’m not alone this time.
“H-Hey, Shy,” Nul whispers next to me. His arms are wrapped around me, pulling me against his body. My face is resting on his chest, my arm slung over his side.
“Shy?”
He shrugs. “I heard Carmen call you that and, well, I kinda like it.”
“I like it too,” I murmur, smiling up at him.
“We have another surprise for you,” he tells me with a grin.
“Oh?” I sit up and stretch my arms over my head, and see I’m wearing a pink nightdress. Damn, I was so tired, I didn’t even realise I’d been changed. “Should I put something else on?” I ask, gesturing to my outfit.