
Wings ePress, Inc www.wings-press.com
Copyright ©2006 by Angela Verdenius
First published in 2006, 2006
NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
And, stars, he tasted her instead. His rough tongue slid across her lower lip in a smooth glide, rasping gently. Her knees started to shake, and she blindly sought out the rail behind her with her own hands, gripping onto the smooth marble tightly for support.
Then he licked her top lip, with the same rasping gentleness.
"We shouldn't---" she began hoarsely, only to halt as a warning growl rumbled from him.
Tensely he waited until she stilled, then he trailed his tongue back to the center of her lips, playing the tip along the little bow on the middle of her top lip. Dipping his tongue down a little, he found the very center of where her lips met.
Heart thundering, Tera started to open her lips, eager for his kiss.
He nipped her.
Tera jumped and jerked her head back. Her bottom lip tingled. It didn't pain, but she could feel the imprint of his sharp teeth in the tender flesh. Shocked, she stared up at him. "You bit me!"
"So?"
"So? You bit me!" Reaching up incredulously, she touched her lip.
"I'm a carnivore." His teeth flashed with a white sharpness in the gloom. "What did you expect?"
"I'm not a piece of meat, damn it!"
"And yet you're so tasty."
For a Felys, his smile was very wolfish.
Eyes narrowed, Tera placed her hands on his chest and shoved hard.
Illam only leaned further into her.
"I'll scream," she threatened.
"Go ahead," he taunted.
"Don't play games with me, Illam!"
"But I want to play with you, healer." His breath was warm on her face, the faint hint of spice within it. "I find I suddenly want to play with you very much."
"...adds level after level to her world, building alliances and proving that many different cultures can live and love together in the best Star Trek manner."
---Brenda Edde,
Romance Junkies
"...has once again worked her extraordinary magic, and given us another invigorating chapter in her Heart and Soul series. These two races of people are very sexy in their own right but if you put them together, get out the asbestos suit, because it is going to get hot really fast."
---Lydia Funneman,
Writers Unlimited
"...a brilliant story full of adventure and romance ... a fast paced tale with twists and turns bound to provide a thrilling escapade. The primary storyline is skilfully woven to keep you turning the pages."
---Kelley A. Hartsell ck2s Kwips and Kritters
"...another definite keeper penned from the delightful imagination of Angela Verdenius. As a cat lover myself, I loved this one. This latest installment of the Heart and Soul Series is one of my favourites."
---Rosemarie Brungard,
Romance at Heart.
Heart of an Outlaw
An outlawed warrior saved by a Daamen trader. Love blossoms, a powerful enemy threatens. Passion, betrayal, bloody legends, and a shocking secret in a galaxy of enemies and friends.
Soul of a Mercenary
Reya walks the edge of insanity, her soul darkening beneath a bloody secret. For love, Maverk will follow the Reeka warrior into the nightmare reaching out for her.
Heart of the Betrayed
Betrayed once, Dana trusts no man. Garret will risk everything to prove his love---even if it means assisting her betrayer, and entering a country split by hate.
Love's Sweet Assassin
Trying to discover the identity of his enemy, the ruthless Argon will pit his wits against the short, outrageous assassin. It should be straightforward ... shouldn't it?
Soul of a Hunter
The bounty hunter's soul thirsted for vengeance, her life given to the hunt. He'd thought Sabra was dead. Now he's found her again, Cam won't give her up.
Love's Bewitching Thief
Felys female: thief, feline-like, bewitching---and coming on heat. Argon: sensual, looking for revenge---and captivated. The Cyborg: he just wants to kill the Felys.
Heart of the Forsaken
First Sonja high jacks his ship, then his heart. But can Red battle the evil legacy from an old Empire that threatens to engulf her?
Soul of a Witch
In a bid to save a boy's soul from powerful dark forces, a famous witch and a notorious pirate must unite. Will their growing love survive what is to come?
Heart of a Traitor
The Daamen trader shows mercy to the disgraced soldier who was flogged, branded traitor, and left for the outlaws. But now she's committing treason---and the law is closing in.
Soul of the Forgotten
A forgotten Reeka, freed after long years of imprisonment. Now she has to learn to live again ... and to love. But someone wants her dead.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
As always, Doreen Verdenius, my beloved mother who puts up with me and my scatterbrained ways.---g---
My own beloved furbabies who bring me peace ... and drive me nuts. LOL
To all those special people dedicated to animal welfare everywhere.
To my friends, both in the flesh and on the 'net, who simply accept my absentmindedness when I'm writing---you're all my lifeline when I need to be dragged up for air.
Artist Richard Stroud and editor Leslie Hodges, who have both gone around the block with me once again, and still remained sane. LOL.
To my readers everywhere, who have stayed with me on this journey.
My deepest thanks and appreciation to you all. hugs
The rain came down in a fine mist, sweeping across the graveyard and carrying a chill that made the mourners shiver beneath their heavy cloaks. Before them, stretched out in a somber row, fifteen gleaming white coffins hovered above opened graves.
The men stood tall beside their wenches, their brawny arms gathering their families close to them. The silence was disturbed only by the soft sobs of the wenches, the choked sounds some of the men made, and the open crying of the children old enough to understand the tragedy that had befallen their kinfolk.
The minister looked up, his gaze caught by a movement through the misty rain. Quietly he watched as a small group of cloaked people moved forward, approaching with a graceful tread. The mist eased, coming to a stop, and all looked up and followed the gaze of their minister.
The group drew to a halt just on the fringes of the mourners, and one cloaked figure stepped forward. Pushing back the hood of his cloak to show his golden hair and boyishly handsome face, he bowed his head in respect towards an older woman weeping against the shoulder of her husband, and drew his arms from beneath the sheltering folds of his cloak.
A gasp sounded from somewhere as the fragrant bouquet of rare night blossoms he held caught everyone's eyes. Kneeling down on one knee, he placed the bouquet atop a coffin.
One by one the rest of the figures came forward, each one pushing the hood of their cloaks back and inclining their heads in respect to the mourners. Each man, and one wench, knelt before a coffin, and laid a bouquet of the rare, fragrant flowers upon the lid of a coffin.
At the final grave, the cloaked figure drew her hood back to reveal another young wench, still in her teenage years. Tears mingled with the rain that wet her cheeks. Kneeling, she laid an identical bouquet of night blossoms upon the coffin, but atop the bouquet she laid a single rose.
Her face remained still, but her eyes sparkled with tears, and the brightness of her irises were dulled by grief.
Through the space shield of the scout ship, Illam watched the world of Argon growing bigger as they drew nearer to it. Down there were the Argons, sensual beings. Highly sexual. He pursed his lips. It was said that any race that went anywhere in the vicinity of the Argons was immediately attracted to them.
He snorted.
"What's the problem?" His captain and friend, Denyon, came to stand beside him to gaze out at the beautiful emerald and blue swirled planet.
"These mighty Argons. Do you think it's really true?"
"What?"
"That they're so irresistible to others?"
"By all accounts, yes." Denyon tugged absentmindedly at the sleeve cuffs of his uniform. "But not to the Felys."
"Us."
"Right."
"Yet your cousin fell for an Argon."
Denyon frowned.
Illam didn't bother to hide his smirk.
Denyon snarled softly. The vertical pupils in his round green eyes narrowed to slits.
"Yes," Illam continued happily. "Lysie fell for an Argon male, and now she is pregnant to him. She---"
"Is lost to our own males now."
All hilarity faded from Illam, and he scowled. His reflection in the space shield showed that his own pupils had narrowed to slits, startling against his golden irises in which thin black threads writhed angrily. Taking in a deep breath, he lifted his own lips in a silent snarl.
Denyon grinned.
"I find it odd that you can be so amused," Illam growled.
"You were happy at my expense, until I reminded you of what we'd lost," Denyon reminded him. "I was just returning the favor."
Scowling, Illam watched the blue swirls of the world of Argon become rivers, the green thick forests. Now he could see the farmlands as the scout ship soared through the atmosphere and leveled above the tall trees.
"For better or worse, we are now related to the Argons through the marriage of my cousin to the leader's bodyguard," Denyon stated. "The Argons will make powerful allies."
"They were once our masters two hundred years ago," Illam reminded him dourly.
"That was a long time ago. Times have changed. We're now a part of the Intergalactic Peace Council, and come under their laws and protection. Slavery of our kind has been abolished for a long time." Denyon looked at Illam. "We can't carry a grudge forever."
"Really?" Illam watched the main settlement approach. It was the one in which Kiile, a leader of Argon, resided.
The buildings were all white and graceful, the lines symmetrical and flowing. The grass was green, the flowers abundant. What should have been a settlement bare of any beauty, for so large a community, was instead alive and vibrant with color and nature. Rising at the back of the settlement was the palace. Tall, soaring, stately.
Broodingly, he stared at the docking bay below as the scout ship circled the docking bay. A building close by sheltered a group of people from the warmth of the sun. It was the welcoming committee.
"Can any good come of all this?" he asked.
"Certainly nothing bad can come of it," Denyon answered.
"Right." I'm not so sure about that. I have my reservations. The ship lowered, and Illam grinned suddenly. "Maybe I'll check out for sure how irresistible these Argon females are."
"Don't go lytomcatting around too much." Denyon yanked his collar into a more comfortable position. "I want us to leave in peace, not under fire from irate fathers and brothers."
"Maybe I'll see just how irresistible the women will find me." Illam ran the side of his hand along his ear.
Denyon rolled his eyes.
"After all," Illam continued, his good nature restored, "Their females are not used to fine male specimens such as us."
"By Delcat, you're full of it, aren't you?"
"Hey, if they can take one of our females, it's only fair I check out theirs."
A sly look crossed Denyon's features. "Then I suggest you start with the healer's daughter."
That wiped the smile right off Illam's face. He knew immediately who Denyon meant. The Argon healer, Sarcan, had two daughters, both of which were his apprentices. It wasn't the younger one Denyon meant, but the older one. The beautiful brunette. The rude one. Tera.
"Ah yes," Denyon mused, crossing to the open doorway. "The one who assisted us in our hunt for answers when Lysie was in so much danger." His pupils enlarged as he glanced back at Illam. "We need to convey our thanks to her. I think that's your job."
"My job?" Illam swung away from the space shield to glare at Denyon's retreating back. "You already thanked the Argons, remember?"
"Dearie me, I forgot. But surely you could thank Tera again? After all, she---"
"Is rude and insolent. No."
"She's not so bad."
"You weren't the one she called a chocolate point."
Denyon grinned with a flash of sharp canine teeth. "You two do seem to rub each other up the wrong way. Odd, considering you've only met a couple of times."
"A couple of brief times, and I assure you, that is more than enough."
Laughing, Denyon walked out of the door. "Come on, my second-in-command. It's time to reacquaint ourselves with the Argons, and I want to visit my little cousin. I wish to see how she really fares."
"She's pregnant. How do you think she fares?" Illam strode after his captain.
"Three months pregnant. The healers assure me she is doing well, but I still wish to see for myself." Denyon slowed down until Illam drew up beside him, and looked at him. "But this is the first time a Felys has become pregnant with a half Felys litter. I want to see for myself."
Illam had his reservations about half breed Felys kits, especially born to a Felys woman who was already the runt of her own litter. But Lysie had turned out to be more than healthy---healthy enough to run away and become a small-time thief. Until caught by Marten, Kiile's bodyguard.
But that was all history. Now she was Marten's wife, and the mother of his as yet unborn children. Kits. Whatever. And in the dubious care of the Argon healers.
One of whom was the insolent Tera.
Dismissing her from his mind, Illam concentrated on his captain as Denyon calmly gave orders to the six scout ship soldiers. The Felys males nodded and obeyed, their movements calm and precise as always.
By the time the ramp beneath the scout ship lowered, Illam was standing by Denyon's side, and the Felys soldiers, fully armed but with their weapons holstered, were aligned behind them. They marched down the ramp and across to the small group that had left the shelter and were approaching them.
Illam's gaze flicked over the party. Golden-haired Kiile, with his boyish good looks, and his three bodyguards. Two Argon soldiers stood back at the shelter, but he felt their regard keenly.
"Denyon," Kiile greeted him pleasantly as he neared, and stuck out his hand. "I hope you had a good trip."
"Kiile." Denyon shook his hand. "As well as can be expected."
"Oh, Jocat!" A small, lively, female Felys with tortoiseshell hair bounced out from behind the bodyguards. "Enough with the politeness, already!"
A grin broke across Denyon's face, and he gathered her into a warm embrace. "Lysie!"
She hugged him back, and then glanced at Illam. "Ah, the lackey is with you, I see."
Illam merely grinned at her. "Hello, runt."
Denyon held her back at arms length, his gaze sweeping down to her belly, which was already gently rounded. "Are you all right?"
"Worried I'm going to give birth to runts?" she replied tartly.
"No." He frowned down at her. "I'm worried about you, you ungrateful kit."
"I'm fine. And you can quit worrying. Marten does enough of that for us all." Lysie stuck her thumb over her shoulder in the direction of the bodyguards.
Illam watched the dark-haired bodyguard's face, but as usual Marten's face merely showed sardonic amusement until he looked down at his little wife, then his eyes softened. Yes, the Argon was smitten with his Felys wife. And so he should be.
"I'm glad you could come," Kiile continued. "Sarcan is looking forward to discussing the issues you have."
"And I'm looking forward to hearing his views." Denyon slid his arm around his little cousin's shoulders and tucked her into his side. "Does he have concerns about Lysie?"
"Excuse me." Disgruntled, Lysie pulled away from him and stepped back. Tilting her head back, she glared up at him. "Ask me, not him. I'm not to be ignored."
"Hard to do," Illam muttered.
"I'm not the runt back on Scytha," she retorted sharply. "If that's how you're going to treat me here, you can get your arses back on that ship and fly."
Marten was openly grinning. Proudly. The other two bodyguards---Wylin and Eulie---were trying to control their amusement. Kiile raised one brow and waited for Denyon's answer.
Lysie had always had a sharp tongue on her. It was one of the reasons why, as a young runt allowed to run wild, she'd always been in trouble. Time hadn't changed that, Illam saw. Amused, he looked at Denyon.
"Apologies," Denyon said. "Has Sarcan got any concerns about your condition, Lysie?"
Time, however, had changed his friend. Once he would have given Lysie a tongue lashing for being rude. But now she was a grown Felys. And time had changed for them all since Lysie had fled the Lypeople Council and been captured by the Argons. Now this sensual race were the allies of the Felys. Powerful allies with powerful connections, and their healers amongst the best. They might hold the answer to the dangers facing his own race, the Felys.
"Sarcan says I'm fine. Tera runs tests on me every week to check my progress, and the kits are healthy." Lysie added snidely, "And they're not runts, by the looks of it."
Denyon looked pained.
"They'd be welcome even if they were." Marten slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her gently against him.
"Speaking of which," Kiile smoothly took over the conversation, "Sarcan will be meeting with us this afternoon. Today you and your crew are welcome to rest and enjoy our home. You'll be shown to your rooms, then feel free to wander around. If you want anything, simply ask one of the servants."
"Thank you." Denyon nodded. "Lysie, I brought a few things with me from Mother. I'll off-load them later for you."
"From Aunt?" Lysie raised her brows.
"She couldn't come and see you, but she wanted to send some things for the kits when they come. Just to get you started." Denyon smiled. "She hopes to be here when they're born."
"By Delcat!"
Illam's lips twitched as he held back a burst of laughter. Knowing Denyon's mother, he couldn't help but sympathize with Lysie.
Denyon sighed and shook his head at Marten. "You haven't trained her, I see."
"You can't train something that's already perfect," Marten replied straight-faced.
Lysie purred and rubbed her head against Marten's chest.
Kiile gestured towards the palace, and they started across the docking bay towards it.
"And where is your wife?" Denyon asked conversationally.
"She's off somewhere, giving my mother forty fits," Kiile replied. "She delights in baiting her."
"Ah, no wonder she and Lysie hit it off so well." Denyon shook his head.
Lysie sent him a rude gesture, and Denyon sighed.
Illam studied his surroundings as they continued towards the palace. The docking bay held an assortment of fleet craft and travel ships, including a huge ship in the far corner. Suddenly he noticed the men moving around the ramp of the huge ship. They were giants who towered over the Argon men assisting them in off-loading cargo. Loud, bawdy, and laughing, the traders had their long, shaggy hair pulled back in rough ponytails, except for a couple who had bandannas around their foreheads, which kept their hair off their faces. Muscles bulged in their arms, and rippled in their torsos. The open, sleeveless vests and tight pants they wore showed their bodies off to perfection. Small silver hoops winked in their left ear lobes.
"Daamen traders," Marten said from beside him. "That is Simon's crew."
"I've heard of them," Illam replied. "I haven't met any, though."
"They're good friends."
A sudden feminine shout caught Illam's attention, as well as the attention of the traders. What caught his attention even more was the sight of a tall, slim figure dressed in an elegant blue gown, dashing most inelegantly across the docking bay and throwing herself into the arms of a swarthy trader.
The big Daamen swung her around and gave her a resounding kiss on the lips, before passing her onto another trader.
Tera, the apprentice healer and the thorn in Illam's side, was being passed around like a child amongst adults. Kissed, hugged, and teased, and the female didn't mind a bit, squealing and laughing, and By Delcat! The female had pinched one of the traders on his backside! The bearded trader retaliated by swinging her up into his arms and carting her off into the depths of the cargo hold. Her shrieks of laughter almost grated on Illam's ears, and he actually twitched them in irritation.
Hussy!
Eulie, one of the other bodyguards, grinned. "Tera loves her traders."
"I'm sure she does," Illam said in disgust.
The Argons all glanced at him, Eulie and Wylin frowning.
"Obviously good friends," Denyon said hastily.
"Obviously," Illam agreed, just managing to take the bite from his tone. He was here as a visitor, and whatever the loose Argon female did wasn't his problem.
Hussy!
Lysie whispered something to Marten, who grinned a little. Eulie and Wylin continued to look warily at Illam.
"Tera is one of our most respected healer apprentices," Kiile said calmly, but there was a strong thread of steel in his tone.
"Of course." Illam inclined his head. "No disrespect meant."
But she could at least not have made such a spectacle of herself! Still, what else can one expect, when she is so rude anyway?
Denyon gave a low growl beside him. It was low enough that the Argons wouldn't hear, but both Illam and Lysie were able to hear his warning, their feline hearing picking up the growl easily. Lysie smirked at Illam, and he rolled his eyes mentally.
"You'll have a chance to meet the Daamens later," Kiile informed Denyon and Illam. "They'll be here for a night or two before leaving for Daamen."
That'll keep Tera more than happy. Illam caught sight of several more young Argon females giggling and casting glances towards the docking bay. And a few others, by Jocat.
The rooms they were taken to were luxurious, the beds big and soft, the furniture dark wood and polished to a shine, the cushions inviting, and the carpets rich and deep. Combined with the fragrance of the flowers outside the windows, it was enough to make him want to lie down on the carpet and roll across the rich fabric. He would have done, if he was a Felys kit. Instead, he crossed to the window and looked out at the gardens beyond, admiring the view.
The day passed quickly, while Illam reacquainted himself with the palace that he'd only visited once before, a fleeting visit for the wedding of Denyon's little cousin to the Argon bodyguard.
Striding down the corridor, he spotted Tera coming towards him from the opposite end. Her thick brunette hair had come loose from its intricate braiding, and lay in thick waves across her shoulders and down her back. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with laughter. Beside her walked her younger sister, Hanna. She, too, was laughing.
As they neared Illam, he inclined his head slightly at them.
"Are you settled in?" Hanna asked.
"Thank you, yes." Illam slid his gaze across Tera. "Have fun meeting your friends?"
"Yes." Tera smiled. "They're a lot of fun."
"I bet." The words came out before he knew it. Shit!
The smile fled Tera's lips, and she raised her chin. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing."
"No. No, you meant something." Her arms folded beneath her breasts, pushing the tempting mounds up against the soft fabric of her bodice.
Tempting mounds? Hidden by the fall of his hair, Illam's ears twitched in interest. Manfully, he kept his gaze on her face. "I'm sorry. Did I offend you?"
"I think the question should be, did I offend you?"
It might not be too late to salvage what promised to be an awkward situation. "My women don't---"
"Your women?" Both elegant, dark brows lifted in sarcasm.
"My clan women," Illam corrected her. "They don't throw themselves at a group of men."
"Throw themselves?" The elegant dark brows were now drawn into a frown. "I didn't throw myself at my friends."
He couldn't stop the look of disbelief from showing on his face.
Tera's frown turned into a scowl. "I was greeting some very dear friends, Felys."
"Very enthusiastically."
"More bloody enthusiastically than I did you---"
"You didn't greet us at all."
"Not my loss." Her eyes narrowed. "I'd rather---"
"We must go," Hanna interrupted quickly, grabbing her sister's upper arm. "We'll see you at the evening meal, Illam."
"I haven't finished---" Tera began.
"Oh, you have." Hanna started to drag her past Illam.
Tera gave Illam an angry look, then tossed her head suddenly and dismissed him. Rudely.
By Delcat, that female is a nasty piece. Illam found himself grinding his teeth, and let out an annoyed hiss. Why he always got so uptight around Tera, he'd never know. She'd rubbed him up the wrong way almost from the moment they'd met over the viscomm. For some reason, just seeing her made him feel as ruffled as if someone had tousled his hair the wrong way.
And she obviously returned the sentiments.
Rounding the corner of the corridor, he met Eulie and Denyon.
"I'm going to unload that crate for Lysie," Denyon informed him. "Then I'm going to show Kiile some of our swords. Seems he has quite a collection himself. Coming?"
"Sure." If nothing else, it would soothe his ruffled hair.
Muttering to herself, Tera stood on tiptoe, reached upward, and placed the glass jar on the shelf beside the others. Easing back down onto her heels, she looked up to check that the label could be seen clearly.
No problems there. The label was easily read.
Scowling, Tera plucked another jar from the table and turned back to the shelves. This jar needed to be placed higher up, but if she had her way, it would be cracked smartly over the head of an irritating visitor.
"Ingrate." Hooking her foot around the stool, she yanked it closer. "Imbecile." Gathering the long skirt of her gown in one hand, she placed her slippered foot on the stool seat and pushed upward. Straightening, she swept her narrowed gaze over the rows of jars. "Jerk."
"Ah, I take it you're still annoyed at a certain Felys male?"
Tera cast her sister a narrow-eyed look over her shoulder. "How'd you guess?"
"The insults coming from this room were a dead giveaway." Eyes twinkling, Hanna looked up at her. "So, what did he do now?"
"He's breathing."
"Oh, bad thing. Very bad."
"Ha-ha."
"Oh, come on, Tera. Surely he's not that annoying?" Leaning back against the table, Hanna was more than obviously enjoying herself.
"An insect buzzing around your ear is annoying. A yapping hound is annoying. A whining child is annoying. Illam is a pain in the proverbial." Tera put the jar down on the shelf with more force than necessary. "He's so holier-than-thou and disapproving of everything he sees here."
"I haven't heard him whine about anything."
"Not verbally. He doesn't have to do it verbally."
"So how does he do it?"
"He looks. He rolls his eyes." Tera did a good imitation of the irritating man's actions.
"Oh, very well done." Laughing, Hanna applauded her sister.
Tera flung out her arms. "The man's a walking windbag!"
"The single wenches of the palace find him and his kind very attractive, you know."
"Good. Wonderful. Can't you get someone to take Illam away and shag him senseless?"
"What would that accomplish?"
"We could stuff him back on his ship and send him home before he comes to."
Folding her arms, Hanna studied her sister quizzically. "Why do you have such a dislike for him?"
"He disapproves of anyone not of his race." And that seems to really include me. "And I also can't stand people who go around with a chip on their shoulder the whole time. He needs to learn to get over things."
"His kind have a history of being sex slaves, and that little more than over one hundred and fifty years ago," Hanna pointed out. "He's bound to have reservations about things."
"You'd think he was a slave now, the way he carries on." Tera stuck out her hand. "Give me another jar. Please."
Picking up a jar, Hanna crossed the room and placed it into her sister's outstretched hand. "Nearly finished?"
"In a while. I've still got some more unpacking to do. I promised Father I'd get these herbs all stacked."
"Well, I'd love to stay and help, but I'm going to check on some of Father's patients. He gave me a list." Hanna dipped a hand into the pocket of her pink gown and took out a small sheet of paper. "A broken leg that was reset, a fever, a pregnant patient, and some others. All checks."
"Where's Father?"
"He's miles away, attending to some young trainees in another settlement."
"Should have guessed." Tera laughed. "I'll see you at the evening meal, then?"
"Surely will." Giving a cheerful wave, Hanna turned on her heel and left the room.
Jumping down from the stool, Tera kicked it along the floor a little way, and then recommenced putting jars on the shelves. She became quite preoccupied with them, sorting them properly so that every healing herb was in the correct order. She knew them all by heart, being not only the daughter of the Argon leader's healer, but also his apprentice healer, as was her sister. She was well-skilled in the healing arts, but knew there was so much more to learn.
But she liked it, tending to the sick and watching them get better. Even the dying didn't particularly faze her. It was another part of the life cycle. If she could offer comfort, that was her aim in that phase of life. And if the dying happened to be young ... well, she hated that part, but it was her duty to offer comfort and see them on their way to the next life. No one had to know that she cried about it sometimes.
Humming softly under her breath, she allowed the familiar smell of herbs to relax her, and the familiarity of the medical quarters and her job was soothing. In the background, music played softly. Peace filled her.
It only lasted until her scalp prickled. Freezing momentarily, she stared at the jars.
Surely that imbecile isn't here? He must be. His presence is so loathsome, I can feel my nerves tingling!
Slowly she turned her head, and looked over one shoulder. The room was deserted. Relief swept through her, and she returned her attention to the shelf. You really need to get a grip on yourself, Tera! Great burning suns, wench! Shaking her head, she stretched out her arm and pulled a jar from the back of the shelf to the front.
"I find myself in need of your abilities," a deep voice said from behind her.
Closing her eyes, Tera mentally cursed. It's him.
"Healer?" The imperious voice came again, accompanied by the sound of boot heels on the gleaming tiled floor. "I need your attendance."
"'I need your attendance'," Tera muttered under her breath. "Great balls of fire!"
"Pardon?" The deep voice was unnervingly close.
Tera wondered how he'd managed to cross the room so quickly. She didn't have to wonder how close he was, for her internal radar was going off with an intensity that made her shift uncomfortably.
Looking over her shoulder, she scowled down at the man standing not far from her.
Round eyes, yet slanted at the corners, gazed straight back at her, the vertical pupils dilating. Thin black threads moved slowly through his golden irises, making a living dance that was disconcerting. The man's face was strong, high cheekbones, strong jaw line, and a straight nose that was broad enough to look feline, but not broad enough to detract from his brooding, good looks. His hair was caught back in a braid that Tera knew hung down his back almost to his waist. His hair fascinated her. Pure white, with thick bands of deep, chocolate brown at the front and sides, and streaks of gold and brown throughout the rest. The chocolate brown was the reason she'd labeled him chocolate point Felys when she first saw him---a fact that had annoyed him no end. His pointed ears were revealed by his hairstyle.
Her gaze drifted unbidden over him. Tall and lean, yet his stance proclaimed hidden, unleashed power, and she knew the trim white uniform he wore lay over lean muscle, honed to perfection. She'd felt the power when her hand had rested on his arm when he'd escorted her with icy politeness to the main table during the wedding of Marten and Lysie. She'd felt the flex of his hard muscle beneath her palm.
The Felys male wore his white uniform with an air of suffering the entrapments of civility. He was like a big lycat transformed into a person, yet keeping his feral background. Even his mouth held a feral curl at one corner, as though laughing at her---or disgusted. Tera suspected it was disgust.
No, not a lycat. A Felys. A feline-like species with characteristics of the lycats. Only more feral, some said. Definitely this one was, she was sure.
She really must study the Felys type a little more.
"Finished looking?" Illam asked, his own gaze sweeping over her almost insolently.
Stung by his tone, Tera jumped down from the stool and replied sharply, "What do you want?"
His mouth tightened, those oh-so-gorgeous-kiss-me-long-and-deep lips clamping together.
Oh-so-gorgeous-kiss-me-long-and-deep lips? Where did that come from?
Annoyed by the thought, Tera crossed to the table, leaned one hand on it and tapped her fingernails impatiently. "Come on, I don't have all day."
"I can see this was a mistake." Illam scowled. "I should never have listened to Marten."
"Took you long enough to learn that."
Swinging on his heel, he started from the room, his boot heels ringing on the floor.
Along with drops of blood. Little drops that fell to the floor and left a path in their wake.
Tera straightened, focusing on the blood. "Hey, wait up!"
He ignored her and kept walking.
"Illam!" She sprang after him.
He still kept walking, and was almost to the door before she managed to insinuate herself between him and the opening. Raising one brow, he gazed down at her imperiously.
"You're bleeding," she stated.
Golden eyes stared straight at her---or through, she wasn't sure.
"Your arm," she snapped. "Your arm is bleeding."
"You don't say," he replied ironically.
"Come on." Jerking her head at him, Tera stepped past him and started back into the room. "Sit down near the table on that stool, and I'll have a look at your injury."
It was only when she stopped at the table and turned around that she realized that Illam still stood where she'd left him. Only this time, he was watching her without expression, one brow still irritatingly arched.
"Well?" She gestured to the stool. "Come on."
"I don't want you to feel obligated," he drawled. "The fact that you're the healer of this esteemed establishment, and I'm just a visiting---"
She couldn't help it. It slipped from her mouth before she could think about it. "Domestic long hair lycat?"
Those oh-so-gorgeous-kiss-me-long---and-deep lips curled up in a faint snarl of displeasure, and his hands balled into fists, which made the blood drip faster from beneath his sleeve. And the white uniform sleeve was now alarmingly scarlet, the stain growing rapidly.
"Oh, suns! I'm sorry, all right?" Tera glared at him. "Just come and sit down, and let me tend your injury." When he still didn't move, she added, "I'm sorry. Okay? I shouldn't have said what I did, and I apologize. Now can I please attend to you?"
Illam took a deep breath, then squared his shoulders and strolled across the room. He did it far too slowly, and Tera knew he was doing it deliberately. Making her wait, knowing she was growing more anxious about his wound. She fought the impulse to snarl herself, maintaining a stoic expression as he finally dropped gracefully into the stool, which adjusted immediately. The stool moved upwards involuntarily, until he was on eye level with her, and could rest his arm comfortably on the plastic sheet that lay on the table.
Being on eye level with Illam was not something with which she was comfortable, but there was no help for it. Keeping her gaze on his arm, she asked, "Can you remove your top for me?"
Without hesitation, Illam flicked the buttons of his jacket open. Slowly. One by one. His gaze remained on Tera's face.
Tera's mouth went dry as naked skin was revealed by the buttons slipping free and the lapels of the jacket opening. He's naked underneath. Illam has no shirt on! Oh wow! I mean---barbarian!
And a tasty barbarian he was, too. Steeling herself, she managed to maintain a cool, unconcerned expression as he shrugged the jacket from his shoulders and allowed it to slip to the floor. Now she could see his chest for the first time---and it was a damn fine chest. The muscles under the smooth skin bunched with every lazy, power-leashed movement he made. Solid pectoral muscles were a perfect mount for brown, male nipples, and the muscles of his stomach ribbed down mouthwateringly. She noticed all this while determinedly keeping her gaze on his arm---only to see the wide shoulders, the hard biceps and triceps, the power in the arm resting on the table. Oh baby!
This might not be so easy after all.
Settle down. You're a healer. You've seen better bodies than this. She snorted mentally. Girl, you really need to get laid. If you're finding this obnoxious lykitty so attractive, you are in bad shape.
Tucking a curl behind her ear, she bent down and studied the deep slash in his arm. "How did you do this?"
"Shifting some crates."
Straightening up, Tera placed a thick wad of gauze on the cut to absorb some of the blood, and then she crossed to the row of cupboards and started to collect the equipment she needed. "That cut looks a little neat for a crate cut. It's a clean slice, not jagged." Silence met her announcement, and she looked curiously at Illam as she placed the supplies on the table.
He met her gaze unblinkingly. The corner of his mouth twitched.
"Well?" She squirted antiseptic liquid into a small ceramic dish.
"Well, what?"
"This wasn't done by a crate."
"I didn't say it was."
Fine. If he wanted to be all silent and mysterious about it, fine. Just ... fine.
Using two tweezers, Tera soaked gauze pieces in the antiseptic solution, squeezed the excess deftly from the gauze, and proceeded to wipe the seeping blood from the cut. The more she dabbed, the more came.
"This is going to need stitches." She glanced up to find his disconcerting golden eyes watching her.
"So stitch it, then," he said, as though granting her a huge favor.
She gritted her teeth. "It's going to hurt."
That noble head angled up proudly. "Stitch."
"I'll get an anesthetic---"
"I don't need it."
Slowly she straightened up, and set the gauze into the disposable container. "I said, I'll get anesthetic---"
"And I said, I don't need it." Leaning forward slightly, he added with a faint, contemptuous curl of his lips, "Felys are famous for enduring many hardships."
Oh, here we go. A reference to the slave days. How predictable. "Really?" she replied tartly. "Odd, I've never heard of that."
He stared blandly at her, and with a shrug, Tera retrieved the stitching kit.
Fine. If he was too manly to need something to kill the pain, fine. Fine, fine, fine. He was starting to really get on her nerves.
Without further ado, and now in a hurry to simply get rid of him, Tera threaded the needle, swiped antiseptic over the gash once more, and without sparing him a glance, she applied needle to flesh.
She heard the low growl rumble up from that luscious, lean-muscled chest before the first stitch was completed.
"I told you it would hurt!" she snapped, looking up. "I said---" Her voice trembled to a halt.
Illam was glaring at her. From between those oh-so-gorgeous-kiss-me-long-and-deep lips, the low growl continued to rumble softly---and menacingly. Combined with his enlarged pupils, and the writhing black threads in his irises, it was enough to disconcert just about anyone.
Except her.
She smiled sweetly. "Need something for the pain, Illam?"
His smile was more snarl, white teeth firmly clenched. "No."
"I just heard you whimpering, so---"
The nostrils of his noble nose flared. "Women whimper. The growl you heard was an automatic reaction to pain."
"Ah, so you did feel some pain."
"Just finish the job."
Imbecile. Pursing her lips, Tera recommenced pulling the thread through his flesh. The tension in his body was plainly felt by her, as though her very aura was mingled with his. Which it was. Being so close to him allowed their auras to mingle, and she could smell his very scent. Male, clean. Wild. Intoxicatingly feral.
Her heart started to thud a little heavier. By the stars, she needed to have a check-up. She was obviously overworking.
It would be better if I couldn't breathe his scent in, though. But if I hold my breath, I'll faint. Imagine what that would look like. The healer flat out on the floor. Not a good look. And she could just imagine the sneer on his face if she did end up flat on her back.
Taking a deep breath, which was just as bad as not breathing at all, Tera tried to blank her mind while stitching the wound in the arm of the maddening Felys male.
The Argon female was maddening. It was a shame that her disposition wasn't as sweet as her natural body scent, which drifted tantalizingly into his senses. Sweetly spice.
And he was an absolute jerk to play the big Felys male in front of this female termagant. His very pride was going to be the death of him one day. It was sure making him feel a fair amount of pain right now.
It was only by effort of will that Illam refrained from yelling when the needle pierced his skin once more. It bloody hurt! But he was damned if he was going to allow Tera to give him that all-knowing look from those pale, crystal blue eyes. To try and take his mind off his own foolish folly, Illam studied her.
The Argons were said to be an extremely sensual, sexual race of beings. Their attractiveness to other races was well-known. It gave him a small measure of satisfaction to know that the Felys were one of the few species who weren't automatically attracted to the Argons. It was also tantalizing to know that the Argons were the only species known to match the Felys in their sexual desires.
His gaze dropped unbidden to the soft breasts outlined beneath the deep blue of the silky gown that Tera wore.
Uh-oh, don't go there. Do not go there!
Hurriedly he shifted his attention back to her face. She was definitely beautiful, not with the feline-looks of his own species, but with a haunting beauty. Pale, crystal blue eyes fringed with thick, black lashes. Arched brows lent a quizzical air to her oval face, and her pert nose and plump lips promised delights. Those plump lips could also spout cynical sentences like no one he'd ever heard before, apart from himself and Marten. Her small chin had a stubborn tilt to it.
Unbidden, his gaze drifted lower. An elegant neck, just right for sinking his teeth into while pushing himself into her hot depths---
Where the hell had that thought just come from? Startled, he jumped.
The needle dug deeper than it should have, and he roared, "What the hell?"
"Keep still," Tera snapped. "Or do you want pain killer after all?"
"No." He glared at her.
Muttering beneath her breath, Tera bent back to her task. Which brought the nape of her elegant neck back into eye view again. Illam licked his lips, and shifted his gaze abruptly.
Her blue gown was silky and long, not quite brushing the floor. Little buckles secured it at her shoulders, leaving her shapely arms bare. A narrow silver belt encircled her slim waist. She moved to the side a little, and he saw that the gown was slitted up one side to her thigh.
He noticed it because part of one shapely leg was bared to his view for a few seconds, before the silky skirt swirled back into place, covering the enticing limb from his gaze. He also noticed her small, narrow feet were encased in dainty sandals secured with thin straps that wound up her mouthwateringly, curvaceous calves.
The pain must be making me delirious. Hastily dragging his gaze upwards, he focused on her hair. The wealth of it, long, thick and luxurious, was caught up on her head in an intricate bun of some kind. All swirls and plaits, twining in amongst itself. He would like to have seen it loose instead.
Who cares if it's up or down? Forget pain killer. He needed some sense slapped into his head.
Cheerful voices sounded in the corridor outside, and he felt relief soar through him. Help was on its way.
Tera glanced briefly over her shoulder when Illam's friend and captain, Denyon, entered, followed by Kiile, Tera's golden-haired, boyishly handsome leader. Behind Kiile strode one of his ever-present bodyguard, Marten.
"How are you feeling?" Denyon queried, crossing the room to lean against the table.
"Don't lean on my clean field," Tera said.
"Sorry." Denyon didn't move. Instead, he studied her handiwork. "That must be painful. Good thing you've got a pain killer on it."
Before Illam could say anything, Tera inclined her head up to smile sweetly at Denyon. "Oh, Illam's such a big, strong Felys, he doesn't need a painkiller." She waited only long enough to catch Denyon's startled look, before smirking to herself and returning her attention to Illam's injury.
Illam met Denyon's puzzled gaze blandly, as though it was every day he had his injuries stitched without the aid of anesthetic.
By Delcat, it was really starting to burn now!
His smile at Denyon was more clenched teeth than friendliness. The clench became almost a grinding when Denyon and Kiile shared an amused look. Marten merely raised one brow sardonically.
"So." Laughter lurked in Denyon's green eyes, his vertical pupils enlarging and dilating in enjoyment. "Into self-punishment now for stupidity, are we?"
"No, we're not," Illam ground back, his breath hissing out as the prick of the needle once again made itself known. "By Jocat, woman, must you do such small stitches?" It's taking so damned long!
Tera didn't even look at him. "Don't be such a lykitten."
Taking a deep breath, Illam glanced at Marten, who was still standing with a sardonic arch to his eyebrows. Marten had a dry, cynical wit that could practically draw blood. Illam just hoped that the Argon bodyguard wouldn't choose now to use it.
"What stupidity would that be?" Tera asked with a deceiving mildness.
Illam narrowed his eyes at Denyon in warning.
Blithely ignoring him, Denyon replied with relish, "We were loading a crate onto the scout ship, when Illam spied a sword on top. I told him to wait until the crate was put down before grabbing it, but he just had to grab it there and then. He---"
"Don't you have some place to be?" Illam demanded.
"Why, no."
"I'm sure you could find somewhere."
"No, no. We're here to see that you're all right." Denyon grinned at Kiile. "Isn't that so?"
"It would be remiss of me, as your host, not to check that you're getting the best of care." Kiile's grin was even wider. "And look, Tera is attending to you. She's one of our best healers, you know."
And everyone knew that Illam and Tera struck sparks off each other, which was most entertaining.
Illam grunted.
Tera glanced up briefly at him with a frown.
Marten smirked.
Dropping the needle into the ceramic dish which contained the antiseptic, Tera dabbed the last bit of blood from the wound site with a piece of clean gauze, then deftly stuck on a self-adhesive patch. "This will keep it clean and dry, and it also has a slow release antibiotic within it. Come back in seven days and I'll take the stitches out." She stepped back. "If there's any smell or ooze, come back immediately."
"Thanks." Relieved that his self-imposed ordeal was over, Illam picked up his uniform jacket from the floor, slid it back on and stood up.
Tera started cleaning up the articles on the table.
Illam gave her a slight nod before turning on his heel and leaving the healers rooms.
"So." Denyon dropped back to walk beside him. "Did you get some painkillers from the pretty healer?"
Oh, great. "No need. I have some in my rooms." Now I'll have to get some from the scout ship.
"If you want to go back in and ask Tera, we'll wait here." Denyon was openly laughing at him, the swirls in his green eyes writhing in delight.
Illam snarled.
Denyon chuckled.
The Cave
Know what is happening to us. The pain, the humiliation. We're prized as slaves. There will be no change. They will never stop hunting us.
Standing behind Denyon's chair, Illam watched as the Argons came into the room. Kiile took up his customary position behind his desk, while two of his bodyguards, Wylin and Eulie, leaned against the walls. They had a deceiving easiness about them, but he could sense that they would instantly erupt into a deadly fighting team if their leader was threatened.
Folding his arms, he rocked back on his heels as Denyon entered the room, his gaze meeting that of his own leader and friend. Denyon nodded and sat in the chair that Illam stood behind. Sarcan, the head healer of Kiile's country, entered and took the remaining chair. The Argon healer had a long black beard streaked with grey, which he stroked thoughtfully while he studying the Felys through his golden eyes. But the gold of his eyes was a different shade to the gold irises which the Felys and Lypeople had, and didn't have the same brilliance.
Kiile nodded to him. "I thank you for coming. I know you've been busy lately, but Denyon has something he wishes to discuss with us, and most especially with you, Sarcan."
Sarcan nodded. "Obviously it must be something to do with medicine?"
Leaning his elbows on the armrests of the chair, Denyon linked his hands over his flat stomach. "I don't know about medicine, Sarcan, but it has to do with my people. As you know, we have runts born into our litters from time to time."
"Lysie was one," Sarcan murmured, his gaze steady.
"True. Except that she was one of the few who grew stronger instead of weaker, as most of our runts do."
"You allow them to run wild because you have time only for the strongest." Sarcan glanced briefly at Illam before returning his gaze to Denyon. "From what I've learned from Lysie, only the strongest survive because more energy is put into them."
"The strongest of our litters carry our line," Denyon replied soberly. "Our race is small, one big clan only left now, and only by careful selection can we try to continue our race."
"It is not for us to judge another race."
"No, it's all right, Sarcan." Denyon raised his hand. "I know you don't understand us, but believe me, we do care for our runts. They are fed, clothed, and loved."
"But not schooled, or taught what they should be taught to survive."
"Because they are not expected to survive." Denyon remained patient. "The runts are allowed free run, while the strongest are taught what they need to know to survive. Most of the runts die by the time they're about five years old, while a few make it to ten or so. Our race is small, we're almost a dying race, so our teachings go to those who hold any hope of our race continuing. But we still love and care for our runts."
"Your race is strong," Illam told Sarcan. "You have no idea what it's like to watch your people die out."
"Your people haven't died out," he said.
"But we're in great danger of doing so." Denyon leaned forward. "And this is where I need the assistance of the Argon healers."
"We're pleased to help in any way we can." Sarcan studied Denyon intently.
"The problem is that the runts being born are becoming more frequent. For every three Felys kits born strong, there's now one runt born."
"The rate is climbing?"
"Yes." Denyon sighed, his face showing weariness. "I don't know why. None of us do."
"What do your healers have to say about it?"
"The Felys healers have no answers. We need sophisticated research equipment. That's where you come in."
"Your healers aren't qualified to do research?"
Even though the question was said without rancor, the surprise on his face struck at Illam's pride. "Our healers are trying to catch up with technology after the slave years." He couldn't keep the hardness from his voice. "Up until now, apart from our dealings with the Lypeople, who are as much in the dark as we are about the cause of our runts, and their few runts as well, we were on our own."
"But now you have us." The healer met his gaze steadily.
"Apparently." It galled him that they had to ask for help.
"So you want us to come and study your people?" Sarcan queried.
Denyon nodded. "Please. I have discussed this with my clan, and they know we need help. We need to know why so many runts are being born."
"You could send some of them here---"
"No. They will not leave their home planet." Denyon folded his arms across his chest. "The females in particular are territorial when it comes to their kits. They agreed to your coming, but not to their going."
"Ah." Sarcan stroked his beard, and looked at Kiile. "We are required to go to Scytha, then?"
"If you choose to," Kiile replied.
"It will be a simple matter of gathering tissue, blood and food samples, and observing lifestyle, recording growth ... nothing that will take much time." Sarcan nodded. "I am needed here currently, as I expect to have a couple of difficult births soon, but I can send one of my daughters."
Daughter? Illam's ears pricked up. By Delcat, please, not---
"I'll get Tera to gather what she needs, and send her with you." Sarcan nodded decisively. "She is more than capable of gathering the information and samples I need."
Dear God. Illam looked at Denyon, but his friend, curse him, was nodding in agreement.
"We'll see that your daughter is well cared for," Denyon assured Sarcan.
Sarcan's eyes narrowed slightly. "Be sure that you do. My daughters are very precious to me, Denyon."
"Her safety will be our top priority. Whatever she wants or needs, we will see that she gets it."
That particular daughter needs a muzzle. Illam caught Wylin's wink, and saw the laughter lurking in Eulie's eyes. The Argon bodyguards, Jocat curse them both, were laughing at his expense. It didn't matter. He wouldn't have to have anything to do with the maddening Argon healer anyway.
"Just to set your mind at rest," Denyon continued talking to Sarcan. "I and Illam will personally be in charge of Tera and whoever has to accompany her."
"You will?" Sarcan looked pleased.
"We're her escort while she is on Scytha." Denyon shrugged, but there was a wicked glint in his eyes as he glanced at Illam. "As we have been in contact with the Argons, and know some of your ways, our leader has placed the Argon healers in our care."
Great. Just great. Life was going to become even more difficult.
"I'm happy to know that." Sarcan stood up. "I know my daughter will be in good hands."
"There's one other thing." Denyon looked gravely at him. "There is another race of people who live on the planet. They live on their section, and neither of our races encroaches upon the other."
"We know of them." Kiile nodded. "I had a thorough study of the planet and the inhabitants done when Lysie arrived. It's always good to know where a person comes from."
"And what you can expect in the form of enemies?" Denyon guessed cannily.
"Always know what to expect," Kiile said.
"I respect that, Kiile. I really do." Denyon's gaze was steady. "You would know then, that there is a Combined Court made up of two leaders from the three species. If a big problem occurs that involves two of the species, then the Court is held to sort out the problem."
"Of which hasn't happened for a long time."
"True. Mainly because we all keep tabs on our boundaries and stay within them, and we know where each species has their settlements, their digs---"
"Digs?"
"The Canys, the third species on the planet. They're renowned for their archeology digs. Sometimes they're hired by other planets to search for lost artifacts."
That's because they're very good at digging up the dirt. Illam didn't voice his thoughts out loud.
"I'm aware the Canys are known for archeology, the Lypeople for their military force, and the Felys for their skills in making exquisite and rare materials and other luxury items, and for growing plants of unusual type to make these materials. They also work for the Lypeople military." Kiile nodded admiringly. "As a planet of combined species, and sometimes a very volatile lot, you all manage to survive side-by-side very well. And from all accounts, if it wasn't for the runt problem it would be a thriving planet."
"The Canys have a few runts born, as do the Lypeople, but they only make the occasional appearance. It is our runt rate that has exceeded what would be a normal number expected per generation." Denyon sighed, then returned to the previous subject. "The money from our materials and other items gives us a good living. Others, like Illam and I and my crew, work for the Lypeople military, which also enables us to watch over our settlement." Denyon paused. "So far, we trade through the Lypeople, but one day we hope to commence trading ourselves. One day..."
"One day, when you trust someone enough?" Kiile guessed.
"We're a small clan, as you know. Some people think it amusing to take advantage of us. We don't always have the resources on hand to push our point." Denyon's pupils slitted, the black threads writhing angrily against his irises. "The slave years have made us cautious about coming too far into the public eye."
"Yet it's something that will gradually happen." Kiile looked steadily at him. "You have our full support, for now our species are linked through Lysie and Marten, and even stronger through their unborn babes."
"I thank you for that," Denyon said with quietly dignity.
"And as for finding traders who will deal honestly and fairly with you, well, once the research has been done on your people, I believe we can help you with a certain lot of traders."
"Thank you."
"So," Kiile looked at Sarcan. "Do you have an idea what will be needed for this research?"
The conversation turned to the upcoming expedition, but every now and again, the image of a fiery brunette kept intruding on Illam's thoughts.
The Cave
"Things must happen. We can't go on like this. The tide will turn."
"I'm scared. Is this the right thing to do?"
"It's the only thing to do."
And the screeching cry echoed through the forest.
"So, how do you feel about going to Scytha to study the Felys?" Hanna placed a box of slides into the container on the bench.
"Looking forward to it, actually." Tera glanced up from the list that Sarcan had given her, and cast her gaze over the boxed items on the bench. "Is that everything?"
"Everything Father has on that list." Hanna looked slyly at Tera. "Loverboy will be there."
"Who?"
"The chocolate point male."
Tera's eyes narrowed. "He is not loverboy."
"He looks at you like he wants to eat you up."
"And spit me out."
Hanna smirked.
"I could very well end up braining that lunkhead." Putting down the list, Tera picked up a tiny bottle of light crystals and placed them into the container. "Let's change the subject."
"But it's soooo much fun!"
"And you'll be soooo sorry if you continue it." Tera scowled at her.
"I told Simon that you're going to Scytha."
"So?"
"I told him you were going with loverboy."
"Hanna, how old are you?"
"Never too old to tease you, sister dear."
Tera sent her a rude gesture.
"Aren't you too old for that?" Hanna queried, laughter lurking in her eyes.
"I'm not too old to take you on, sister dear."
"Aw, come on, you'll miss me." Hanna blew her a kiss.
"Like a hole in the head."
They continued packing in companionable silence, and then Hanna stopped and pursed her lips.
"What?" Tera looked at her in resignation.
"Do you think you should take birth control potion with you? In case you and loverboy ... you know?"
Tera's eyes narrowed.
Hanna beamed. "Have mad lykitty sex?"
"God above! As if I'd lie down with him!"
"Who said you'd be lying down? Don' they generally kneel and do it---"
"You sound so fascinated, maybe you have secret dreams of shagging a Felys male?"
Hanna's smile widened. "No, no. I'll leave that for you, Tera." She leaned forward and added in a whisper, "But you'll give me all the details afterwards, won't you? All in the name of research."
"I'll give you research---" Tera began, only to stop as a loud throat clearing sounded in the doorway.
They both looked around to see two hulking, grinning, Daamen traders standing in the doorway.
"Simon!" Hanna smiled widely. "You and Aamun have come to rescue me!"
"Far from it, lass." Aamun, the older Daamen, laughed. "From what we could hear, you're baiting your poor sister unmercifully."
"Ah, so you've come to rescue me." Tera grinned. "Do me a favor, then. Take Hanna on a trip with you and lose her somewhere."
"No can do, sweet lass." Simon shook his head mournfully. "We'd never survive a trip with Hanna and her chatter."
Hanna sidled over to him flirtatiously. "But I bet you could survive a night with me, big boy."
"I'm not even sure about that." Simon chucked her beneath the chin. "But Shamon is aboard ship somewhere. Why not go and seek him out? He was muttering something about a pretty wench and lots of energy."
"Really?" A speculative light entered Hanna's eyes, and she glanced at Tera. "Sweet, darling sister. The one I uphold in most respect and---"
Tera rolled her eyes. "Just go."
Hanna was out of the room within seconds.
Laughing, Simon and Aamun entered and watched Tera as she continued packing.
"So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Tera queried.
"Just strolling around," Simon replied. "Apart from myself, Jarek, Aamun and Jase, my crew seems to have disappeared."
"Along with some of my female friends." Dragging the small ladder across to the cupboards that contained sterile jars, Tera climbed up on the stool and searched amongst the top shelf.
"What do you need, lass?" Aamun came to stand beside the ladder, his head coming level with her shoulders. "You know, I could have just reached up and gotten whatever 'tis you need. You shouldn't be jumping on stools."
"I know what I'm after." Reaching up, she sorted through the jars. "So, how is everyone back on Daamen and Comll?"
"All quiet so far." Simon chuckled. "Or as much as can be quiet, giving the mix of wenches we now have living on Daamen."
"Ah, yes. I doubt the Reekas would be quiet, with the mix of an ex-bounty-hunter turned Security, and ex-pirate and an ex-soldier all living there as well." Tera chewed her bottom lip as she contemplated how many jars she should pack.
"In fact," Simon drawled, "We have a couple of the warriors aboard ship now."
This made Tera whip her head around to stare at him. "True?"
"Aye. Jonette and Senna hitched a ride back with us."
Amusement filled Tera. "Are they coming to the dinner tonight?"
"They say nay."
"Long memories, hmmm?"
"Mayhaps. I think they don't feel too comfortable here."
"Ah, well." Tera filled her hands with jars, and then looked down at Aamun. "Could you take these?"
He took the jars and placed them next to the container. "Anything else, lass?"
"That's about it." Tera started to climb down, holding her gown up with one hand as she did so.
Simon grabbed her around the waist and lifted her down.
"Why, thank you, kind sir." She fluttered her lashes up at him.
"My pleasure." Catching her hand, Simon bowed low and raised it to his lips. "The least I can do for such a saucy wench."
Laughing, Tera slid her hand down his rugged cheek. A movement caught her eye, and she glanced up at the doorway to find Illam looking in with a frown of disapproval on his face. The laughter immediately died from her lips as he turned and stalked off.
"Mmm." Aamun looked thoughtfully from the now empty doorway to Tera's face. "Mayhaps 'tis a bit of jealousy there?"
"Pfft!" She swung around and started packing items in the container with more force than necessary. "That Felys is an imbecile of the first order!"
"Truly?" Obviously enjoying himself immensely, Simon winked at Aamun. "That's a little harsh."
"You have no idea how harsh I can be," Tera retorted.
"Do tell."
"No tell. Go and find someone else to torment." She pushed past him for more items.
"Now don't be like that, lass. I'm sure we can give you advice on your love life. We have enough experience---"
"I have no love life."
"Dear me. Aamun, did you hear that?" Simon's grin was wicked. "The lass has no love life."
"'Tis a sad thing to hear." Aamun sighed and shook his head sadly. "Now, my Mina is the love of my life. I couldn't be without her."
"Mayhaps we need to see if one of these fine Felys men could turn our little Tera on and---"
"That's it!" Tera made flapping motions with her hands. "Out, the pair of you! Now!"
"You wound me." Dramatically, Simon laid his hand over his heart. "As your true friends, 'tis our duty to---"
"Out! Out! Out!" She gave him a shove on his massive pectoral muscle. "I'm busy and don't need to listen to your drivel."
"'Twould seem the lass doesn't want our advice," Aamun said.
"Then I think we should go and check out this Illam bloke and---"
Tera gaped in horror. "Don't you dare!"
"She dared us." Simon looked at Aamun. "Didn't she dare us? I reckon she dared us."
"I heard her dare us," Aamun confirmed.
"Let's go then."
"Damn it!" Tera yelled at their departing backs. "You even say anything suggestive to that fur-ball, and I'll have your guts for garters!"
"Always a wench who talks sweet." Simon blew her a kiss as they left the room. "Relax, my pretty, and we'll take care of everything."
Crap. Heaving a sigh, Tera returned to her packing. The Daamens would do whatever they chose to do.
Sarcan entered the room awhile later. "Finished packing everything?"
"All done, Father." Tera dried her hands on a towel. "Everything labeled and packed and ready to go."
"Excellent." Stopping before her, he studied her keenly. "You are certain you are all right to go to Scytha?"
"Of course. It's a simple job, as you said. What could possibly happen?"
"Mmm." Sarcan stepped back. "You just have time to get ready for tonight. Because of our guests, there's going to be dancing as well."
"A get-to-know the rellies, huh?"
"Tera," Sarcan chided, "Your sharp tongue will get you into trouble one day."
"But not with you, hmmm?" Leaning into him, Tera smiled sweetly up at him. "Daddy dearest?"
Sarcan gave her an affectionate hug, then tousled her hair. "Go and get ready, you willful child."
Entering the ballroom that night, Tera smiled as the music swirled through her senses. She loved to dance, loved the glitter of the chandeliers that hung with ponderous beauty high up from the ceiling, and loved the friendship that filled the room.
Her sister came up beside her and looked around as well. "How lovely. It's been awhile since we last had a gathering like this."
"In honor of our guests." Sarcan, their father, came up on the other side of Tera. "I heard you had to attend Illam's injury today."
"I did."
"Without pain killer." Reproof was in his calm tone.
"It was his choice, Father."
"Mmmm." He looked thoughtfully down at her, one hand stroking his long beard. "What is it about him that you don't like?"
"He rubs me up the wrong way." A faint flush tinged her cheeks and she avoided her father's searching gaze.
"A lot of people rub you up the wrong way, Tera. This is the first time I've seen you be so blatantly rude to anyone."
"He's not exactly a prize when it comes to politeness," she returned, annoyed.
"It would seem you rub him up the wrong way as well. Interesting." He held out his arms to both his daughters. "Come. We're to sit at the main table tonight, and I don't want to keep Kiile waiting."
Her good mood having almost vanished because of Sarcan's censuring, Tera tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and allowed him to tow her through the crowd.
Sitting at the main table was something she'd done many times. Sarcan was head healer of Kiile's country, and as his apprentices, she and Hanna enjoyed some of the privileges given to a respected healer. But seeing who was sitting at the main table made her wish she was now sitting at another table altogether.
Illam was talking to a pretty Argon woman, who was nodding seriously. Suddenly they both burst out laughing, and she was struck by how different Illam seemed. His face lightened, and he suddenly appeared much younger than she had first supposed. How old was he, anyway? Late twenties, maybe? Early thirties?
Kiile sat with his incorrigible pretty little wife, Katina, beside him. Next to Katina sat Lysie, the small Felys wench that Marten had wed. Both women shared the same outrageous sense of humor, and were the best of friends. Both were also pregnant, something that drew them closer together. Though only three months pregnant, Lysie was showing already. So she should be. She was carrying five Felys kits.
Grinning to herself, Tera glanced at Marten, who was sitting beside Lysie, and talking to Eulie and Wylin. Marten had one arm protectively resting on the back of Lysie's chair.
Her grin faltered when she saw that the chairs to Kiile's right were taken up with his bodyguards, Katina, and Lysie. The only other chairs available were those on his left. Denyon sat in one, with Illam next to him. The Argon woman saw Sarcan, smiled and waved, and left the table. Which left three chairs vacant beside Illam.
Don't worry. Father or Hanna can sit beside him.
As they approached the table, Tera nodded to the occupants, all of whom greeted her. Apart from Illam, who spoke to her father instead.
Sarcan led his daughters around the table, and Tera aimed for the last chair. Until she saw that the name card had Hanna's name on it. The one next to that was her Father's, and the one next to Illam was ... her heart fell.
Oh, great balls of fire. Now I have to sit beside sourpuss for the rest of the evening!
There was nothing for it but to sit down and smile politely at Illam, as he surveyed her out of unreadable eyes.
"How's the arm?" she inquired politely.
"Fine, thank you," he returned, just as politely.
"Wonderful." She looked away to see the Daamen traders sitting at a nearby table. Aamun winked, and Simon was openly laughing. Laugh away, big boys.
The rest of the evening throughout the meal went the same way. Tera would mumble something polite to Illam now and again, and he'd return the gesture in short answers that didn't invite anything further.
Once the meal was finished, the dancing started. It was with relief that Tera watched everyone get up and pair off to the dance floor. Turning to her father, she groaned silently to see that he was leading a laughing Hanna onto the floor. Turning back to the table, she leaned forward and saw that everyone else had gone as well.
She caught a glimpse of Eulie and Wylin's laughing faces, and the teasing wink that Eulie sent her way. Curses! That leaves one other person...
Everyone was waiting for her. Not one occupant of the other tables would get up until the main table was empty, and every one of them on the dance floor.
"I think that leaves you and I paired off for the first dance," Illam's voice stated coolly by her ear.
"So it would seem." Smiling tightly, she turned and laid her hand in his upraised palm. "Shall we?"
Without a word, he stood and waited for her. Once she was on her feet, he led her onto the dance floor. As soon as they left the table, the rest of the tables emptied, and everyone was on the dance floor.
Tera glared at Eulie, her look promising retribution at a later date, and he grinned widely back at her.
Drawing in a deep breath, she turned her head forward and stared at the uniformed chest before her. Tall for a woman, she nevertheless reached only shoulder height on Illam.
His warm hand clasped hers securely, and his other hand came to rest on her waist as the music started. She felt the burn of his palm through the satin of her gown, and thought how hot-blooded the Felys must be.
Don't go there!
With an expert maneuver, Illam whirled her into the dance.
"I take it we're to continue this dance in utter silence?" he finally asked.
"I think it'd be best." She rigidly maintained distance between their bodies.
He jerked her closer as they passed through a crush of dancers, his hand pressing her against him. When she made to pull back, she felt the sudden flexing of muscle in his arm as he stopped her movement.
His closeness was disturbing. The heat of his body seemed to seep through into her. A faint shiver went through her.
"I don't think it's necessary to be so close." She looked up to meet his gaze.
His eyes held a curious expression as he studied her. He seemed to be searching her face for something, but she didn't know what. Instead of revealing his thoughts, he said, "Considering how close everyone else is dancing, we're drawing attention to ourselves by your continued resistance to be close to me."
"It's not like you want me close," she returned sharply. But all the same, she glanced around to find that there were a few speculative---and amused---glances being cast her way.
"What we want is of no consequence right now." Illam drew her close, the strength in his arms almost intimidating. "But I wouldn't be rude enough to risk insult to my host."
The reprimand was unspoken, but she felt it keenly as though it had been aimed at her. Which it probably had been. She was treating her leader's guest with a rudeness she wouldn't normally do.
In a sudden rush, she felt quite small. Oh shooting stars of Cyran, I'm behaving like a spoilt child! Sulky, rude ... With a quiet groan, she shook her head.
"Are you all right?" He whirled her near to a window which opened into the gardens.
"I'm fine." She looked back up at him, and felt a flush steal into her cheeks. Shame. She felt shame at being so childish. She came to a stop. "We need to talk."
He whirled her back into the dance. "About what?"
"I ... I need to apologize." The very words made her cringe.
"Really?" In one swift movement he neatly swung them back out of the dance, through the open glass doors, and out onto the dimly lit porch which led to the gardens.
He moved so fast that Tera had to grip his arm to stop her from falling over. In a skillful maneuver, Illam had her backed up against the porch railing and was standing so close to her, she could see his pupils dilate as he watched her.
Like a lycat with a rodent.
Utterly still, his attention was focused on her. The heat from his body seemed to seep out and invade her senses. This close, she could smell his scent---male, clean ... and with a touch of wildness. With his attention focused so intently on her, she felt as though he could see inside her mind at every thought.
And to top it all off, the ... cool breeze ... was making her nipples harden. Bloody weather.
"You were saying?" he prompted softly.
"Ah ... yes ... Sorry." She made to move past him, but he hadn't moved. "Excuse me."
"Sorry for what?" His gaze locked hers.
"Uh ... for being ... inhospitable."
"Inhospitable?"
"Rude. There, I said it. I was rude." Tipping her head back, she raised her chin and tried to ignore the heat that flamed her cheeks.
Heat because Illam leaned even closer, his warm breath whispering over her face as he studied her intently.
"You're making me very uncomfortable," she said sharply.
"Am I?"
"Yes. What are you doing?" She drew her head back and glared. "Are you sniffing me?"
"I like your perfume."
"I'm not wearing perfume."
He stared at her. "You're not?"
"No." What is the matter with this hunk---I mean lunkhead?
"Well, you should be."
Tera's mouth fell open.
"Are you sure you're not wearing perfume?" Illam leaned back in for another sniff.
"Now who's being rude?" Placing her hands on his chest, Tera shoved hard. "Back off, fur-ball!"
Illam froze. His golden eyes almost glittered with sudden anger. The black lines whirled agitatedly in his golden irises, and his pupils narrowed to thin slits. A low growl issued from deep in his throat, and those luscious lips lifted up at one corner to show a flash of sharp, white teeth. His ears actually twitched.
For the first time in her life, Tera wondered if she'd actually managed to push someone too far.
Illam's arms shot out with amazing speed, going one each side of her, his hands fastening around the marble rail behind her. Caging her in. He leaned forward and down until they were nose-to-nose. And still the growl rumbled out, low and threatening. His rounded eyes narrowed.
Silence pervaded the porch.
He was looking at her like a predator would a prey.
Oh, suns. Tera licked her lips nervously.
"Scared, little healer?" The words hissed out low and deep.
"Not at all," she croaked. Coughed. Cleared her throat. Started again, stronger. "No!"
"You should be."
"I should?"
"Pull a lytiger's tail enough times, and it's going to bite."
"You're not a lytiger," she felt compelled to point out.
"But I'm feral." The vertical pupils enlarged slightly before returning to slits.
"You think?" Mentally, she chastised herself for tweaking the feral's tail again, but something made her reckless.
"I know." He leaned forward a little more.
Now she could feel the buttons on his jacket pressing against her breasts. The warmth from his body was creating a heat between them. Mesmerized, she watched the black threads in his eyes slide around quickly. His gold eyes seemed darker, but it just had to be the dim light. They weren't really starting to glow, were they?
Those hot eyes slid down her face, and she felt the intensity of his regard. Then he angled his head, and her breath caught as she realized his intent.
He was going to kiss her.
Her heart thudded, and she knew she should push him away, swear at him, do anything to make him shift his loathsome lykitty hide back from her.
Instead, she waited in fascinated stillness to see what he tasted like.
And, stars, he tasted her instead. His rough tongue slid across her lower lip in a smooth glide, rasping gently. Her knees started to shake, and she blindly sought out the rail behind her with her own hands, gripping onto the smooth marble tightly for support.
Then he licked her top lip, with the same rasping gentleness.
"We shouldn't---" she began hoarsely, only to halt as a warning growl rumbled from him.
Tensely he waited until she stilled, then he trailed his tongue back to the center of her lips, playing the tip along the little bow on the middle of her top lip. Dipping his tongue down a little, he found the very center of where her lips met.
Heart thundering, Tera started to open her lips, eager for his kiss.
He nipped her.
Tera jumped and jerked her head back. Her bottom lip tingled. It didn't pain, but she could feel the imprint of his sharp teeth in the tender flesh. Shocked, she stared up at him. "You bit me!"
"So?"
"So? You bit me!" Reaching up incredulously, she touched her lip.
"I'm a carnivore." His teeth flashed with a white sharpness in the gloom. "What did you expect?"
"I'm not a piece of meat, damn it!"
"And yet you're so tasty."
For a Felys, his smile was very wolfish.
Eyes narrowed, Tera placed her hands on his chest and shoved hard.
Illam only leaned further into her.
"I'll scream," she threatened.
"Go ahead," he taunted.
"Don't play games with me, Illam!"
"But I want to play with you, healer." His breath was warm on her face, the faint hint of spice within it. "I find I suddenly want to play with you very much."
How did the man manage to make it sound so ... kinky?
"Well, I don't want to play with you, so back off." This time Tera gave his shoulder a thump with her fist. "Now."
"You shouldn't hit back, Tera, my ssssweet." The last word came out in a low hiss that sent a shiver of apprehension down her spine. "A feral would take that as an invitation to play rough."
"Is that right?" Tera's dander was well and truly up. "As rough as this?" In a sudden sharp move, she snapped her knee up, coming to a halt just a hairbreadth away from Illam's scrotum. Dropping her voice to a low huskiness, she drawled, "Rough enough for you, feral?"
He was so quiet, she wondered if he was speechless. The tension in him built higher. He didn't move back, didn't waver; he just continued to stare at her.
Tera arched one brow at him. "Nothing to say, big, brave male?"
"More like a promise." A gleam entered Illam's golden orbs. "Try anything that rough, Tera, my savage little healer, and I'll be coming for you."
"Is that right?" Recklessly, Tera pressed her knee up against him, not enough to hurt, but enough to add some pressure. "I'm so scared."
"I know your scent. I'll track you down and exact some vengeance. You might not like the vengeance, but I'll be having a lovely time." Those white teeth flashed again, this time in more of a snarl than a grin.
Tera feigned a yawn, and then gave a small yelp when a hand suddenly gripped beneath her upraised knee and twisted it out to the side. Illam surged forward and she suddenly found herself pinned back against the marble rail with his groin pressed firmly against her womanhood. He had her knee raised high enough that if it wasn't for her gown and underclothes, her up-tilted nakedness would be perilously vulnerable to him.
His body is so hot! And is that...? By the suns, he's ... he's...
Blood pumped hotly through Tera, flashing down to heat her where she had no desire to be heated. Especially by close contact with Illam. By close contact with an undeniable hard, thick length that pressed against her through the material of his pants and her own clothes.
Her feelings suddenly perked up with interest. Uh oh! Strangling a little on the words, Tera rasped, "Let go."
"It seems I have the upper hand, Tera." His nose touched hers lightly on the tip. "Do you surrender?"
"Surrender what?"
"Surrender to me."
The words whispered across her lips. Simple words, yet there seemed to be a wealth of meaning behind them. More than a simple acknowledgment of his having her cornered, so to speak.
Her breath caught when those sinfully thick lashes rose and the brilliance of his golden eyes locked with hers. The thin black threads were pulsing slowly in the darkened gold of his irises.
Illam breathed deeply of her. "You smell so good," he whispered huskily.
"What?" Good? Oh my God!
His hips moved, a slow nudge of his groin against her softness, and every nerve ending inside her went on full alert. Little sparks danced merrily to life, and fire ignited in little flares deep inside her.
"I want to sink my teeth into you." His sharp teeth nipped at her top lip in a barely-there sensation, but it made her gasp. "I want to hold you at my mercy while I---"
"I think I'm going to puke," a voice stated out of the darkness.
Tera felt the desire slip from Illam quickly, to be replaced with an alertness that made his pupils slit. He didn't do anything more than let her knee go so that her foot slid to the ground. Without releasing her or moving, he lifted his head and looked over Tera into the dimness of the gardens beyond.
A low growl rumbled in his chest, and if Illam had hair on his back, Tera could swear that would be bristling, too.
The interruption dashed the desire from her, and horrified at what had nearly happened---what? Nothing had happened!---she demanded in a shaky voice, "Let me go. Now."
"You heard her, Felys." The voice was definitely female. "Back off."
"And you are?" Nostrils flared, Illam tipped his head back slightly, as though scenting the intruder.
"The one you'll have to deal with if you don't let the healer go."
"Now, Jonette, if you deal with Illam, then I'll have to deal with you, and then the Reekas will deal with me, Kiile will have to deal with them, then the Daamens will have to deal with the Argons---and then where will we all be?" Wylin's voice sounded cheerfully in the gardens beyond.
Great. Now everyone was here. Tera gave a silent groan of mortification. Just wonderful.
"I don't know where you'd be, Argon, but I'll be damned happy," Jonette replied coldly.
"Ah, my pretty, let me sweeten your disposition a little." Wylin's voice came closer. "Oh, Illam and Tera. What a surprise. Do introduce yourself to the Reeka warriors."
Illam eased back slowly, and Tera slipped to the side to take a deep breath before turning to face the two people in the garden. Only to find herself gazing into six pairs of eyes. Or four, actually, because two of the people were looking at each other---one smiling, the other scowling.
Eulie, Simon, Hanna and another tall Reeka warrior she recognized as Senna, were watching her with varying degrees of amusement, concern, and wariness. Jonette, Senna's sister warrior, was scowling at Wylin, who was smiling charmingly back at her.
"Are you all right?" Hanna asked Tera.
"Fine."
"You seemed a little..."
"Preoccupied?" Eulie supplied helpfully.
I am so going to rip you. Clearing her throat, Tera glared at him.
"Lass?" Simon studied her before shifting to Illam. "Do you need some help?"
"Not at all." Tera managed a smile. "We were just having a chat---that's all"
"Is that what you call it?" Hanna smirked. "I call it tonsil tickling."
Bloody sisters! "I don't know where you get such strange ideas, Hanna." Tera's smile slipped a little. "Been imbibing in too much wine?"
"Not at all." Hanna smiled widely. "I've been imbibing in Daamen traders."
"Then I suggest you cut back." Tera bared her teeth in what barely passed as a grin.
Hanna's smile was a lot wider, and a lot more genuine. Tera wanted to throttle her sister.
Jonette looked up at her. "We thought you were having some trouble."
"Nothing I can't handle," Tera replied.
"Fine." Spinning on her heel, Jonette started to stride away.
It was surprising to see the Reekas anywhere in the gardens or off the Daamens' ship at the very least.
"Oh, don't leave just yet!" Wylin strode after Jonette. "Come inside and---"
"I'd sooner walk through the pits of hell."
"You wouldn't have to. I'd carry you, my sweetie. I---"
"I really am going to puke now," Senna said.
A rustling sounded, and a tall man in a white uniform appeared. "What's going on here?"
Denyon. Oh burning suns. Could anyone else possibly appear? Tera rolled her eyes.
"Nothing, apparently," Senna replied, and turned to look at the speaker. Her eyes traveled slowly over him, but nothing altered her bland expression.
Denyon's gaze narrowed on Illam and Tera.
"Nothing!" Tera barely restrained herself from yelling. "Nothing is happening!"
"Tonsil tickling," Hanna managed to get out, right before Simon clapped his hand over her mouth.
"Trouble-maker," Simon muttered to Eulie, who laughed.
"Illam?" Denyon looked up at him.
"As Tera says." Illam's voice was expressionless. He turned to Tera. "Shall we leave and finish the dance?"
Hanna gurgled something behind Simon's hand.
More than eager to leave the porch and the interested audience, Tera grabbed his hand.
In an expert move, Illam closed his fingers around her smaller ones, placed his other hand behind her back, and whirled her through the curtains and back into the room. They slid in-between the other dancers and straight into the rhythm as though they'd been there the whole time.
Not once did they look at each other. Illam kept a polite distance between them and gazed over her head. Tera kept her eyes on his buttons.
The music finished, and Tera made her escape.
Bugger being polite.
The Cave
The wind whistled through the treetops, crating an eerie atmosphere. The eight people bent to their tasks, each intent on what they were doing.
"I'm not sure---"
"This is not the time to back out now."
"It could prove disastrous!"
"What is more disastrous than slavery and insanity? You have seen what has happened to us. No, this in the only way."
Silence descended again. The only sounds were quickened breathing, and the sense of urgency.
Standing at the window of his room, Illam stared out into the dark gardens beyond. He couldn't believe that he'd played with Tera like a lycat with a rodent. A very tasty rodent, to be sure, but she was off-limits to him. Playing with Tera was like playing with something hot and sweet...
Hot and sweet. He licked his lips. Oh, yeah, she promised to be very hot and sweet. And I like hot, sweet things.
Mentally, he gave himself a head slap. By Delcat, the female was maddening, belligerent, rude and uncouth. Illam swiped the side of his hand down his hair then under his nose. She smelled fine, too. Spicy. Sweet. Tasty.
Giving himself a shake, he decided he really needed to go for a walk.
Leaving his room, he strode down the corridor, alert to anyone who might be nearby. In the mood he was, he didn't want to talk to anyone. Not Denyon, who'd eyed him closely all the rest of the evening, not the traders with the warning in their eyes, and not the Argon bodyguards who had smirked at him. And definitely not Tera's little sister, who was a stirrer of the first degree.
She was also loveable. Not like Tera, who was juicy---No! Like poison, by Delcat!
Shaking his head, Illam moved deeper into the palace, and suddenly found himself walking into a huge kitchen. His gaze fell on Katina, who was sitting at the table, her feet swinging well above ground level. Across from her sat Lysie, her own feet idly swinging. They were both munching on cake.
"Should you both be eating that in your conditions?" he queried.
"Mmmf," Lysie answered through a full mouth.
"We know what you did," Katina stated.
"Pardon?"
"Eulie couldn't wait to fill us in on everything." Her grin was wide, the dimples in her cheeks deepening enchantingly.
Lysie gulped down her mouthful and gave an even wider grin, looking like a cheeky lykitten. "You had Tera up against the railing, getting hot and heavy. Who would have guessed?"
It was clearly time to leave the kitchen.
Leaving the smirking pair to continue to eat cake, Illam merely rolled his eyes and strode through the door leading out into the gardens. The gardens, at least, were peaceful. Or were, until voices came to him.
"Come on, Jonette. You hardly even know us."
"Wylie, I know enough."
"The name is Wylin, and let me show you more."
"Here's the answer---Wylie."
There came the sound of a muffled scuffle, a gasp, and Illam drew back into the shadows of a tree as Wylin was thrust backwards through some bushes into the light.
Arms windmilling wildly, Wylin stumbled to a halt. But he obviously wasn't done. His smile broadened. "I like tough wenches."
"You can't take my toughness, Argon, so don't push it." Jonette appeared briefly in the light.
The Reeka warrior. Illam had heard of them, but he'd never seen one in the flesh. She was a sight for a hungry man. Any man, actually.
Tall, slender yet strongly-built, her arms flexing to show the pull of feminine muscle without bulging. Rounded breasts were covered in a sleeveless vest, a wide belt encircled her trim waist, and a short leather skirt stopped at mid-thigh. Knee-high boots were strapped around with rawhide ties. A silver armband encircled her left upper arm. Small, silver hoops pierced her earlobes---two in the left and four in the right. She was beautiful, with a heart-shaped face and a wealth of black hair flowing around her shoulders.
She was also on eye level with Wylin, who stood six foot four himself.
"You don't know what I could take unless you try." Wylin held out his arms. "Dare you?"
Her answer was to look him up and down scathingly, spin on her heel and disappear back into the gardens.
Wylin rubbed his chin thoughtfully before turning and going back into the palace via the kitchen door.
Not sure what to make of the whole scene, Illam shook his head. Leaning his shoulder against the tree trunk, he looked out into the darkness. It reminded him of another female with brunette hair. Just as beautiful as the Reeka warrior. Hotter. More passionate. He could taste the heat still, smell the sweet spice...
Shaking his head once more, Illam turned his errant thoughts away from the troublesome healer. It was time to put everything in its proper order. Forget the Argon female and concentrate on getting the mission completed.
A mission that included the Argon female.
God help me.
Space
The ship was under attack. The sounds of heavy boots pounded down corridors, and orders were shouted. Men hurried, their normally cheerful faces grim.
"Talek has been killed up in the gun pit!"
"Quick, send Zafron to take his place! The pirates will take advantage of the momentary cease fire while they can!"
"He's already on his way! He---"
Another blast rocked the ship.
He saw the captain's daughter being picked up by one of the men and taken away.
The ship shuddered beneath the onslaught of heavy laser fire. The space pirates were intent on boarding.
God help them all.
He made for the stairwell.
Heavy eyed, Tera watched the two small boxes of medical research equipment, a couple of special storage containers, and her personal luggage being loaded onto the Felys scout ship. There seemed to be more personal luggage being packed than she remembered packing. Maybe extra things were being sent along, for some reason.
"You look tired." Hanna appeared at her elbow, a frown of concern on her face. "Are you all right?"
"Fine."
Hanna placed her palm on her forehead, and Tera batted her away irritably.
"You don't seem to be running a temperature," Hanna said.
"I didn't sleep well." Hanna's smile widened, and Tera groaned. "One word from you, and I'll kick your---"
"Ready, Tera?" Sarcan strode over and smiled at his daughters.
"Very." She smiled up at him.
"You have everything?" He peered up at the scout ship.
"Absolutely."
"I wish I could go with you." Hanna winked at her.
"I'm sure you do, but I can take care of this myself." And the last thing she needed was her sister teasing her about a certain Felys male.
"Wylin is going with you," Kiile announced as he approached with his personal bodyguard beside him.
"Wylin?" Tera frowned. "But---"
"He needs something to keep his mind occupied." Kiile gave Tera an affectionate hug. "He'll be able to help you."
Wylin grinned at her. Well, that explained the extra luggage.
"He's your personal guard, Kiile," Tera objected. "What about---"
"I'm in no danger."
"He fixed that by wedding his would-be assassin," Wylin interjected.
"And so, you see, I am safe as anything. Besides, I still have Marten and Eulie as well as the palace guards." Kiile ruffled her hair with the ease of an old friend. "And there's no way I'm sending you out to a strange planet alone."
Tera glanced around before asking quietly, "You don't trust the Felys?"
"I trust the Felys, but I know my own men."
"Kiile---"
"No arguing, Tera. That's an order." Kiile looked at Wylin. "You have the contact comm if you need us."
Wylin patted the small badge on his chest. "No problems."
Tera smiled at Wylin. Having another Argon would be good, she had to admit. She looked forward to going to Scytha, but after her close encounter last night with a certain Felys male, she would feel more comfortable having one of her own planet men with her.
Not long after, Lysie and Katina joined them.
When the scout ship was ready, Denyon approached the group. Nodding to Katina, he hugged Lysie and dropped a kiss on top of her tortoiseshell head, then shook hands with Sarcan and Kiile. "We'll see you when we return."
"Look after my people," Kiile said softly, his gaze steady.
Denyon met his gaze soberly. "With our lives, Kiile." He transferred his gaze to Sarcan. "Your daughter will be in good hands."
"I'm entrusting her care to you." Sarcan gathered Tera to him and whispered, "Be good. If something scares you, you go to Wylin and come home straight away. Understand?"
"Of course. Don't fret." Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tera hugged him back, then turned to Hanna.
Hanna embraced her closely. "I wish I could go with you."
"Father needs one of us here."
"I know." Hanna gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Take care."
There was a round of embraces, and then Tera found herself walking up the ramp beside Wylin, his hand supportively at the small of her back. She smiled up at him, and he winked back. It gave her more comfort than she thought it ever could.
Passing through a small loading hold, they found themselves in a corridor that was wide and tall, and curved away around corners. The inside of the ship was circular, Tera realized. The walls were white, the floor a pale grey, and the tiles gleamed dully.
Most of the Felys soldiers nodded to them, and some of them Tera remembered as seeing at the palace.
Denyon led them past several doors before finally stopping and opening one with a flourish. "This is your cabin, Tera. Wylin, yours is right next to Tera's. Make yourselves comfortable, and then I'll give you a tour of the ship once we've taken off and are safely in space."
The cabin was luxurious, and bigger than a normal cabin. The carpets that lined the floor were thick and soft, the curtains flanking the small space shield in the wall made of heavy velvet. The bed was wide, the cover a soft material with a light sprinkling of fake fur. The furniture consisted of a desk and comfortable chair, and was of heavy wood fastened discreetly to the floor. An ornate mirror was on the wall opposite the bed. A soft, two-seater sofa covered in cushions and with a warm rug draped over one armrest sat beneath it.
Peeking into the small bathroom, Tera saw that it was as luxurious, with a heavy frosted glass panel across the shower, and fluffy towels on a rack. The tiles were a royal blue color, giving the illusion at first glimpse of being carpet. Nice.
It seemed that the Felys, like the Argons, liked their comfort. She grinned as she thought of the look on the Daamens' faces if they were expected to fly on a ship like this. Their trade ships had all the furniture you could need, sturdy and big to support their heavy weights, comfortable, but nothing fancy.
She smiled even more at the thought of the Felys' faces if they had to fly in the Daamens' ships. The Daamens had working ships, the Felys had ... well, cozy, luxurious cabins.
Going back into the main cabin, she saw that her luggage was sitting near the built in robe, and crossed over to it to unpack the few things she'd need for the two week flight to Scytha. As she hung her gowns in the cupboard, she spotted a wooden rail fastened against the wall. It was above her head level, and on the floor directly beneath was a wooden step.
How odd.
Crossing to it, she stood on the step and reached up. Wrapping her hands around the rail, she felt the smoothness of it, and saw that it bore several scratches. Wide scratches. About the size of her fingernails. Placing her fingers level with some of the scratches, she lightly raked her nails down. Yep, the scratches were from someone's fingernails.
Getting off the step, she knelt down and examined it. She saw that it could remain attached to the wall, or be removed. Odder and odder.
Scratching her head, she straightened up and stared at the objects. Rail and step. She'd have to ask Denyon what they were for when she saw him.
Placing a stack of her books on the small table by the side of the bed, she saw that Hanna had added several of her own to the pile. Obviously her sister thought she'd get bored on the long trip. Tera grinned. And her sister knew how much she loved reading.
However, while she intended to indulge her love of books, she was also able to start her research during the journey. She could take blood and skin samples from the Felys men on board.
A knock sounded on her door, and she crossed the floor and opened it. Wylin and Denyon were standing outside.
"Like your cabin?" Wylin grinned.
"It'll ease the long journey." She grinned back.
Denyon gave small smile. "I'm glad you approve. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you."
"Now it's time to eat. If you'd care to come with us, we're heading for the dining cabin."
She was hungry, and more than a little curious to know of what the Felys diet consisted.
Wylin tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, and they walked beside Denyon down the corridor.
The smell hit her deliciously, the scent of roasting meat making her mouth water. Yummy. Denyon led them into a large dining cabin, and her eyes widened at the sight.
Rather than plain tables loaded with food, the tables again were of heavy wood, the chairs comfortable with plush, red, velvet cushions on them. There was one long table that ran down the centre of the cabin. The floor was of blue tiles, gleaming dully. The space shield in the far wall was draped with heavy blue velvet curtains, partially shut. The walls were relined with wood grain.
It was the epitome of comfort. Just like lycats loved their comfort and good food, so, it seemed, did the Felys. They truly were feline in some of their habits. The Argons liked their comforts, but their dining cabins on board ship didn't look like it belonged in a miniature palace! All it lacked was the chandelier and more space.
Against the back wall stood huge warmers, holding big containers of several different roast meats and vegetables. There was a lot of meat, she saw, all steaming hot, dripping juices, and giving off a delicious aroma. Her lips quirked when she saw the huge urn of milk beside the urn with the hot una. Aw, how cute!
The conversation died down a little, and she took her gaze from the warmers to look at the table. Twelve Felys men looked right back at her, their bright eyes, of green or gold, unblinking. The thin black threads writhed through the irises. Some of the men's pupils were slitted, others enlarged, according to their mood or thought. Several of them twitched their ears.
They eyed her assessingly, their gazes going to Wylin before settling back on her.
Illam was one of the twelve, his expression giving nothing away as he glanced up at them.
"This is Tera, the healer," Denyon said quietly. "She's here to try and help us find out why we have so many runts being born. I expect you to treat her with respect and courtesy at all times. She is in our care. Wylin is Kiile's personal bodyguard, and he will be with her. He is also in our care."
"Lucky you, Wylin" Tera murmured.
Wylin grunted.
The Felys nodded to Tera and Wylin, then turned back to their food.
"You'll sit near me," Denyon stated. "But let's get our food first."
Tera followed his example, picking up a plate and choosing food, then grabbing cutlery and following him back to the table, Wylin right behind her.
Denyon sat at the head of the table, with Illam on his left and Tera on his right. Wylin had the chair beside Tera, for which she was grateful. While she didn't fear the Felys men, she was still wary of being the only female amongst so many males. Though she doubted they'd want to touch a wench not of their own species. Still, one never knew. They did a lot of traveling, and obviously there were no females aboard.
Looking up, she met Illam's gaze. His eyes slid over her face, and she had to control the urge to blush at the sudden memory of what had transpired between them the night before. Wait up. Nothing had nearly happened. Nothing at all. She raised her brows at him. Play it cool, Tera. He's the one who bit you, remember? Boy, did she remember ... No! No, nothing happened.
He simply nodded coolly at her and spoke to Wylin instead. "I see Kiile preferred to send one of his own men as well."
"I think any leader worth his weight would do the same," Wylin replied, his tone friendly.
Kiile's bodyguards were no dunces when it came to politics. They had the brains to go with the brawn.
"True," Illam agreed.
The meal passed pleasantly enough. Almost finished, Tera suddenly remembered what she wanted to ask Denyon about.
Turning to him, she said, "There's something in my room that I was wondering if you could enlighten me about?"
"Certainly." He chewed a mouthful of meat with relish, waiting.
"There's a wooden rail on the wall, and a step beneath. Is there one in your cabin, too, Wylin?" She glanced at him.
"Yes." He looked past her at Denyon. "It does have me curious."
The conversation started to die down.
Denyon looked at Illam. "Uh..."
"What is it for?" Tera held up her hand. "I got up on the step and couldn't help but notice the scratch marks on the rail."
The Felys were all completely silent, their gazes trained on Denyon. Amusement sparkled in their eyes, the thin threads writhing delightedly.
Wylin raised his brows at Illam. "Did we say something wrong?"
"Not at all." Illam looked at Tera. "You stood on the step?"
"And grabbed the rail." She noted the men listening avidly, and puzzlement filled her.
"So, you stood on the step and grabbed the rail." Illam laid his fork down slowly, his gaze locked with hers.
"Yes." A strong sense of foreboding was now making itself felt. Especially when she could see the darkening of his irises as his gaze slowly ran down over her face and stopped on her lips.
She could almost swear she felt the rough lick of his tongue---do not go there! She hid her disquiet behind a haughty look back at him.
"What is it, Denyon?" Wylin queried. His keen eyes took in the discomfort on the Felys' face, and he followed Denyon's gaze to Tera.
Denyon shrugged suddenly. "You might as well know. Tera will need to know everything of our lives anyway."
"That's true." Tera was more than aware of all the men looking at her. Suns, what is going on here? I only asked one simple question! Sheesh!
Illam glanced at them, a low growl issuing from him. They immediately turned their attention back to their food, a few of them grinning.
"I suggest we finish our meal, and then I'll fill you in on everything." Denyon took another bite of food.
Illam tipped his mug to his lips, his eyes never moving from Tera's face.
"What? Is it some sort of secret exercise equipment?" she joked.
Denyon choked on his meat, and a Felys further down the table gave a snort of laughter.
"You could say that," Illam answered. "Depending on how vigorous it gets."
Frowning, Tera sat back in her chair and sipped on her mug of hot una. It wasn't just odd, it was downright weird. What was the big secret?
The Cave
It was fashioned with a mixture of love and hate, fear and awe. The key to freedom. Never meant to be found, it was touched with reverence. Two of the eight had reservations, but they understood that something had to be done. Now.
Illam lounged back in the big, comfortable armchair, his arms loosely crossed over his chest. He watched Tera sit on the sofa across from him, her movements graceful as always. Wylin dropped down onto the sofa beside her. Denyon eased down into the other armchair and sat back, his elbows on the padded armrests, his fingertips touching each other. He looked intently from Tera to Wylin.
"Nice cabin," Tera remarked.
She was wearing a lilac gown this time, only this one had three quarter sleeves, ending just below her elbows. There were no slits in her long gown, the hem of which swished around her elegant ankles. The neckline was close to her delectable throat. It was the first time he'd seen her in a more demure gown, and he suspected she'd chosen it deliberately for the journey. Not wanting to encourage advances from the men? A wise move. Even her thick mane of brunette hair was tied back in a ponytail, the ribbon the same color and material as her gown.
Now if he could just remember to keep his thoughts focused on the conversation, instead of the memory of the heat of her body against his. Down boy.
"So," Tera began. "Are you finally going to tell us the big secret of the rail and step?"
"It's no big secret," Denyon replied without faltering. "At times we use it for mating with our females."
Illam grinned to himself at the look on Tera's beautiful face. This just might be entertaining.
The leader stood at the window and looked out the window to the garden beyond. He growled softly, his lips lifting at one corner.
"Two in the litter are runts." The healer waited.
"That is the fourth runt born this month!" Swinging around on his heel, Ropar snarled his fury.
"That is so." Butca bowed his head.
Ropar glared at his healer. "It is unacceptable!"
"I don't know what is happening," Butca replied warily. "We've had runts born in the past, but the number is climbing."
"Have those damned Felys spread some kind of disease to us?"
"Unlikely, Sire. Our compatibility should prevent that---"
"Should? Should? That's not an assurance, Butca!" Ropar slammed his fist down on the table. "Is there any possibility that they've somehow spread disease to us?"
"I suppose there could be the chance---"
Nostrils flaring, Ropar stormed across the room.
"Where are you going, Sire?"
"To try and find out what is happening! You cursed healers know nothing, so it looks like it's up to me---again!"
Butca waited until he'd left the room before sneering to himself, "Well, you are the Alpha, Sire."
"Mating?" Wylin looked intrigued.
"Against the wall," Denyon replied.
Illam watched Tera closely, but was disappointed to see interest spark instead of mortification.
"Really?" Tera pursed her lips. "I take it the step is for a shorter wench to stand on?"
Wench. Why did the Argons call their females 'wenches'? It sounded ... decadent. Mental head slap. Decadent wenches with luscious lips made for ... Another mental head slap. Resting his elbow on the armrest of the chair, Illam rubbed one finger over his jaw and forced his thoughts away from anything to do with luscious lips. A bit hard to do considering those luscious lips were not far from him.
By Delcat!
"Correct." Denyon nodded. "They stand on the step and hold onto the rail."
"Facing it or back to it?"
How could she sound so coolly technical, when those luscious lips formed the words so ... deliciously? If Illam gave himself any more mental head slaps, he'd end up with a headache.
"Generally facing the wall," Denyon replied.
"Not often with her back to it?" Tera's head tilted slightly.
A bad headache.
"It's not something we do much of, no." Denyon flicked a glance at Illam.
"You're not into experimenting?" Tera raised her brows. "I'm sure there could be a few things you could do with that rail and step. Do the men ever stand on the step?"
A really bad headache. Illam crossed his legs as a familiar tingling started deep in his groin. Oh no. No no no! He was not getting aroused at the sudden images he was trying to block from his mind.
"I guess some have tried it." Denyon switched his gaze to Wylin. "Surely you have things like this on Argon? I was led to understand that you're a very sexual race."
"Our sex manuals are our most prized possessions," Wylin returned, straight-faced.
"You need sex manuals?" Denyon's brows rose incredulously.
"Only for fun." Wylin winked.
I really have to see one of those sex manuals. Mental head slap. No I don't.
"I'd like to discuss the mating of your species a little more in-depth." Tera stood up. "I'll get my data collector and be right back."
This ought to be interesting. Illam shifted in his chair slightly, torn between the desire to laugh at his friend's expression, masked from all except Illam, and the need to walk away and cool off a little. Damned hormones were starting to play up. Maybe he was approaching his sexual peak time? Uh-oh.
Denyon got to his feet as well. "Is this necessary for the research?"
"It does help to know everything." Tera paused, her hand on the ornate bronze door knob. "Your lifestyle, species, reproduction. Everything."
"She'll probably need to examine a naked Felys man at some stage," Wylin added, that damned poker face in place again.
Tera's gaze wandered to Illam, her assessing regard making his scrotum pull up tight inside his pants. Deliciously tight.
By Delcat! Illam frowned at her, feeling his hackles raise. If he had any, that is. But what wasn't there was rising anyway. Including his ... oh crap...
"Really?" Denyon slanted another look at Illam, and suddenly he smiled like a lycat that had got the cream. "That could possibly be arranged, I'm sure."
Uh-oh. That look could only mean one thing. Illam opened his mouth to start objecting hotly.
"It doesn't need all four of us sitting here to discuss the different ways we mate." Denyon gestured majestically at Illam. "I'll leave her in your capable hands, Illam. You can take her through the mating process, positions used, whatever she needs."
"But---"
"And I'll take Wylin on a tour of the ship, show him the communications cabin, and instruct him on how to use the system to contact Argon, show him the lasers, and escape hatches. That sort of thing."
"But surely---" Illam was now on his feet, the hair bristling on his neck. In agitation or downright fury at his friend---ex-friend now, damn it!---he wasn't sure.
"A good bodyguard knows all escape routes." Denyon looked at Wylin. "It would be remiss of us both if we didn't go through it all. For the safety of the guests in our care if something happens on the trip home."
"I quite agree." Amusement was openly dancing in Wylin's eyes as he looked at Tera, who was regarding him through narrowed-eyes. "I'm sure you'll both have an interesting discussion."
"You are so thoughtful," Tera said.
Her voice was pleasant. It was a shame her teeth were clenched.
"No problem, Tera." Wylin stood up.
"We'll leave you two to discuss things, then." Immensely satisfied with himself---the bastard---Denyon left the chair and strode towards the door.
Tera stood aside to allow him to swing it open. He grinned down at her before striding out.
Wylin moved closer to Illam and said softly, "You be sure that all you do with Tera is discuss mating, Felys. No demonstrations. Understand?"
Illam lifted his lip in reply. No one was going to dump him with this cruddy job for their amusement, and then have the hide to warn him off.
Wylin didn't look impressed. His eyes gleamed a warning, then he turned, grinned hugely at Tera, and left the cabin.
Silence reigned. Tera stared straight ahead, then slowly her head turned and she looked at Illam. He returned her gaze steadily.
He wondered if she guessed he was getting a half a hard-on already. He couldn't imagine what he'd be like after explaining the mating act to her. Be like a post sticking right up, probably. That'd make her scream and bring Wylin down on top of him like a ton of bricks. Bloody Denyon.
Trying to ignore the interest still stirring down below---hormones knew nothing---Illam raised his brow haughtily at her. Daringly. Come to think of it, she probably couldn't bear the thought of talking to him alone. That made him feel better, and he grinned.
"Right," she said. Then turned and left the cabin.
"What---" Illam stared at the empty door. "Tera?"
Crossing to the door, he peered down the corridor and saw Tera disappear around the curve in the corridor. She'd left him. Not even a word of goodbye, no thanks, kick my arse---nothing. Ungrateful Argon! Feeling highly insulted, Illam ground his teeth. The witch didn't even have the decency to talk to him.
Fine. He wasn't exactly feeling inclined to discuss the mating habits with her, either.
The perk in his pants said otherwise.
"You stay out of it," he said to his crotch. Then he looked around, feeling an utter fool, and hoping no one had seen him talking to his crotch.
God above, the woman was making him into a loony, making him have a conversation with his penis.
The foolishness only fueled his injured feelings, and if he'd had a tail, he'd be lashing it right now. As it was, he couldn't control the twitch of his bum.
No one made a fool of a Felys, and that included the Argon healer. He'd get an apology out of her if he had to drag her kicking and screaming to the ramp door and threaten to throw her bodily outside. Which, of course, he wouldn't do, but it sure made him feel better to think about it. He sure as hell wasn't going to think about his overreactions.
Stalking down the corridor, he lifted his head and breathed deep. There it was, her elusive scent. Spice and sweet. He could track her just about anywhere on the ship with that perfume she wore.
He passed several of his Felys friends, who watched him curiously as he strode past, inhaling deeply. But his thoughts were solely focused on Tera.
Coming to Tera's door, he saw that it was open. Without knocking, he entered and looked around. His attention was caught by the site of a rounded bottom draped in lilac material. Kneeling on the floor on her hands and knees, Tera was peering into a container.
Her position was most tantalizing. It momentarily diverted Illam from his anger.
"What are you doing here?" Tera peered over her shoulder.
"You left the relaxing cabin." He had trouble dragging his attention from her delectable rear.
"I was coming back. I was just getting my data collector." Her eyes narrowed, and slowly she sank back onto her heels. "Why are you licking your lips?"
Oops. Busted. "Catching the remnants of the meal from my whiskers," he replied blandly.
"Ha-ha."
"Isn't that what you expect of me?" Taking refuge in being confrontational, Illam took the easy way out. He didn't want her to know that he'd been ogling her bum. Jocat knew why he did it, anyway.
"I don't know what to expect from you," Tera surprised him by replying. Reaching into the container, she withdrew a small, narrow, thin box, which fit into the palm of her hand perfectly.
What else could fit into the palm of her hand? I bet she has a firm grip.
"Are you feeling all right?" Standing up, she regarded him curiously. "You're looking a little flushed."
"Me?" He tossed his head arrogantly, sending his chocolate, white and gold strands of hair flowing down his back. "It's a little hot, that's all."
A small, smug smile curved her lips. "So, thought I'd stranded you, huh?"
There was no way Illam was going to let her think he hadn't meant to come here. "Not at all. I followed thinking you wanted to discuss mating procedures."
Her expression was openly skeptical.
The rail on the wall was a pride saver. He gestured to it. "The rail and step? You were asking about it, and I thought you wanted me to show you how to use it."
The words fell into dead silence.
Tera stared at him unblinkingly for several seconds, then repeated slowly, "You wanted to show me how to use it?"
I want you up against it, naked and helpless. "Figuratively speaking, of course." He silently thanked God that she had no idea what his errant brain was thinking.
"Of course." Placing the data collector on the desk, she looked at him over her shoulder. "Where do you want to begin?"
How about with your clothes? Crossing to the sofa, Illam dropped down onto it negligently. Stretching one arm along the backrest, he rested one ankle atop his opposite knee and grinned lazily up at her. "Whenever you're ready." He faltered. "I mean, wherever you want."
"Are you sure you're all right?"
"Never better." By Jocat, I am really losing it. "So where shall we start? The discussion, I mean."
For the first time since the mating had been mentioned in the presence of Denyon and Wylin, a brief flash of trepidation flickered in her eyes. Then she took a deep breath---which did interesting things to the bodice of her gown---sat down in the chair and touched a button on the data collector.
Taking another deep breath, she pasted a most insincere smile on her face and turned in the chair to look at Illam. "Lysie has told me some of what she knows, which isn't a lot, considering that she was a runt---"
Was Tera getting in a little dig there?
She continued blithely, "So could you please tell me what happens to your Felys youths as they reach sexual maturity?"
That was easy enough. Illam relaxed a little. "The females and males both mature around the age of sixteen years, but the female won't come into her heat-phase until she's around twenty or twenty-one years of age."
"Can she have sexual relations before her heat phase?"
"Yes."
"Is it common for her to indulge in sexual relations with other males, or does she wait for her ... mate, you called it?"
"Called him," Illam corrected.
"Him. Does she have relations with other males?"
"Some do. It's not done so often, with our clan being so small." Illam understood her quizzical look. "Tends to make the fur fly." When she looked blank-faced, he explained, "Having sexual relations when the clan is so small means you run the risk of indulging with another's intended mate."
"I see." Tera pursed her lips thoughtfully. "So it'd be fair to say most of the young Felys are virgins, then?"
"Some, I would say. Maybe most. But you must understand that when a female is coming into heat, the male hormones get really stirred up."
"So then the males will mate with willing females?"
"I'd say that happens."
"A lot?"
"Depends. The older Felys, eighteen and up, mate. The ones around sixteen, well..."
"You don't know?"
"They're not in the habit of copulating in public." Illam couldn't resist adding, "Unlike ferals."
Tera looked sharply at him, and he could just about see the little wheels busily turning in her mind. Oh ho, you're wondering now if that refers to me and my stating I was feral. He gave a grin that was all teeth.
She was unimpressed.
"So we've basically established that the young Felys' sexual habits are unaccounted for---"
"And that will remain so."
"That makes it hard for my research."
Illam pinned her with a direct look. "Be honest, Tera. Would you tell your father when you had your first sexual encounter?"
"Well, I..." Tera faltered, her cheeks reddening.
Illam leaned forward. "Or is it common practice among the Argons to sleep with others outside of marriage or bindings?"
"Of course it isn't common, we take our vows seriously! Only the uncommitted are free to sleep with others."
"So, are you?"
"Am I what?"
"A virgin." Surprised that he wanted to know, Illam was even more surprised that he'd asked.
Those luscious lips pinched together, and Tera stiffened her shoulders. "Back to your species. The females and males mature at sixteen, and can choose have sexual relations before ... what did you call it? Binding?"
Disappointed that she chose to ignore his question, Illam settled back against the sofa. "Yes. It's a form of your marriage."
"Okay. We'll go into that later."
"It might have some bearing in the mating now."
"Then we'll bring it up when we come to it." She glanced up from where she was reading something on the data collector. "We haven't come to it yet, have we?"
"Depends where we are on the mating issue." He raised his brow in polite query.
Drawing a deep breath, she almost hissed, "Never mind. Now, what happens to cause the male and female to bind? Mate. Whatever."
"There's only one thing, Tera. Not whatever." He grinned hugely.
"Just tell me."
"Fine." Illam settled himself back more comfortably in the sofa. "The female is only in a true heat phase two or three times in her lifetime. During this time, she is fertile. When the female starts to come into heat, she lets off a scent, an alert to her mate that her time is coming. He takes her away from the rest of the clan, and spends her heat phase with her."
"What happens during this heat phase?" Tera leaned her elbow on the table, her eyes full of interest.
"Basically, the female is not yet ready to mate. This is hard on the male, but he knows that her body isn't ready. Her moods are unpredictable at this time, and she becomes in turn loving, snarling, irritable and seductive." Warming to the theme, Illam's eyes half closed as he watched Tera rest her chin on her hand in rapt attention. She had a cute, determined, little chin. I wouldn't mind giving it a nip. "There are times she will be in the throes of passion, and it is the male's duty to ease her during these times."
"Ease her?"
"You'd call it masturbation, to bring on a climax. We call it easing."
Was it his imagination, or was the cabin becoming warmer?
"Oh." Her gaze never wavered from his face. "What else?"
"At this time, the female can become submissive and dominant in turn."
"Submissive is when she lets the male ... ease her?"
"Yes. Dominant is when she brings the male to climax."
"How?" Rapt, Tera's eyes were unbelievably bright.
"She pleasures him with her mouth." Illam's voice was husky, and he unconsciously kneaded the top of the backrest where his hand rested.
"That's enough to bring him to climax?"
"There's foreplay, Tera." Illam's voice lowered. "But the mouth pleasuring has other significance."
"Oh?"
"When the males climaxes, she takes his seed inside herself. Taking the male's essence deep inside her establishes a mind bond."
"Mind reading?"
"No. They will be able to establish contact in times of dire circumstances."
"Fascinating." Tera nodded. "And how does the male and female know they will be mates? How does the female choose? Is the beginning of the heat phase the decision time to choose the one she wants to bind with?"
"They may be attracted to each other before, but her scent alerts the male that she is meant for him." Illam slid his ankle off his opposite knee and stretched his legs out before him. "Her scent alerts everyone that she is coming into her heat phase, but it alerts her nature-bonded mate, too."
"Nature-bonded?"
"There is no other way to describe it except falling in love. The nature-bond is only recognized when the Felys reach their sexual maturity."
"Immediately?" Tera's brow arched quizzically.
"We're not like other species, Tera." Illam's gaze swept over her. "You must remember that. Accept it."
"You're right." Taking a deep breath, she tore her gaze from Illam and checked her data collector.
It gave Illam the chance to study her with renewed interest. The talk of mating and heat phases was surprisingly titillating. When he'd learnt about it in the clan teaching, it had been so cut and dried. Teaching Tera made it all seem so much more ... real.
Her high cheekbones held a touch of pink, and her lips glistened as she moistened them with her tongue. Soft breasts rose and fell in deep, even breaths. Her long legs shifted restlessly. Those legs were made to wrap around a man's waist while---
Illam's eyes snapped upward as Tera turned to face him again. Get a grip! Yeah, I'd like to. A grip behind both those knees as I tilt her up to---no! No, no, no! Hormones down! By God, I need a cold shower, and I hate cold showers!
"Illam?" Concerned, Tera leaned forward. "Are you sure you're all right? Your jaw is clenched."
"Really?" He ground out from between clenched teeth. "I have no idea why."
"Do you want to stop?"
"Maybe that would be best."
"I can ask Denyon for someone else to talk to about this and---"
Someone else? Someone else discuss mating with Tera? Not bloody likely! It's bad enough I'm practically drooling at her feet. There's no way another male is getting near her with this conversation! "Continue."
"But you said---"
"Forget I said anything." Lithely getting to his feet, he started prowling around the cabin. "Continue."
"Are you---"
"Yes!" He snarled, before catching himself and quickly adding, "Please."
"All right," she said slowly, dragging the word out. Turning in her seat to watch him prowl the cabin, she asked, "So when does the male know that the female is ready to mate?"
"The mating can be dangerous." Pushing the curtain back, Illam looked unseeingly out at the stars passing beyond the space shield. "The female has been known to claw and scratch if the male attempts to take over too quickly."
"So how does he know when the time is right?"
"The male allows her dominance. He sees to her pleasure, allows her to lead and dictate, until she shows her readiness by submission." Illam's nails dug into the velvet curtain as the image of a female showing her submission came to him.
"How does she show her readiness?" Tera repeated again.
"She'll tease him. She'll lead him on until he's near on insane with desire. But he'll hold back. He has to." Heat pooled in Illam's groin. The woman in his vision had brunette hair. Teasing him, her undulating body on the satin sheets.
"Because she's dangerous?"
"Yes." Oh, Jocat, yes.
"So---"
"She'll writhe on the bed, she'll rub against him, she'll cast him coy looks..." Crystal blue eyes cast him coy looks over a shapely, pale shoulder. "She'll make him so hard with desire, he'll feel like he's bursting. But he'll wait ... he'll wait..."
"He'll let her play?"
"Love play. She'll nip. She'll suck." His breath caught. Luscious lips closing on his skin, sucking, biting ... closing over the end of his aching staff...
"Wow." Tera's voice sounded closer. "And then?"
"Then she'll give her back to him..." His fantasy female rolled onto her stomach, those crystal blue eyes pleading at him over her shoulder...
"And...?"
"She'll roll onto her stomach, and the male can mount her." Nostrils flaring, Illam drew a deep breath. "Now he's the dominant one. She's still aggressive. She'll even cry out when he first plunges deep---" his fantasy writhed, her brunette hair spilling back over her shoulders as she arched in ecstasy, while he plunged deep and deeper still "---but he'll keep going, because he can't stop now. If he does, she'll tear him apart. This first entrance to her body is crucial."
"Because of her fertility?"
"Because of nature. He sinks his teeth into her shoulder to hold on. He rides her hard." Illam distantly heard the sound of fabric tearing and knew he'd slitted part of the curtain with his nails. Letting it go, he drew a deep breath, trying to ground himself in reality.
"So the whole mating is dangerous?"
"Not all of it, no. Just the initial stage."
"Then that's it?"
"No. The female is insatiable. She'll need to be mated over and over. Roughly, gently, furiously." Just like I want to do to you. "Until she's had enough. Until she's sated."
"And the male can continue to fulfill her desires?"
"It's nature. He can and will do it."
Tera's voice was a little breathless. "And then?"
"They'll mate often, resting in-between. But the initial mating frenzy will produce a litter of Felys kits."
"Does the bonded couple enjoy sexual relations afterwards?"
"Oh yes. It might not be the frenzy of the heat phase, but it's ... indescribable."
"Is it different?"
"Sexual relations between a couple depend on each couple." Turning around, Illam looked directly at Tera. "It's individual."
They stared at each other for several long seconds. Illam knew his eyes were glowing. Glowing with arousal. He silently cursed the dead giveaway. Maybe she wouldn't know what the glow meant, maybe Lysie hadn't told her that much, maybe---No such luck, damn it.
Looking flustered for the first time since the conversation had started, Tera cleared her throat and crossed the cabin to stand near the rail. She was clearly seeking a diversion.
He watched her every step, measuring her progress, noting her movements. The curl that danced beside her cheek, the brush of her ponytail against the back of her gown, the sway of her hips. The nervous flutter of her fingers before she hid them in the flowing material of her gown. Her trim ankles.
Illam could practically smell her nervousness, and her spicy sweet scent hit him hard. He inhaled deeply, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed her, his gaze going from her trim figure to the rail above her head. I so want to bite you, little healer. The feral in him rose and yowled hungrily.
"So, this rail..." Tera cleared her throat again. "Denyon said they're used for mating."
Noiselessly, Illam stalked her unsuspectingly across the cabin. Her scent called to him, enticing him.
"Do you use the rail during the heat phase? Or is it---" Her voice ended on a gasp as Illam suddenly grabbed her each side of her waist and lifted her up on the step. "Illam! What are you doing?"
"Grab the rail," he rasped.
"What?" Glancing back at him over her shoulder, she froze. She was now only just below eye level with him.
Still holding her waist, he repeated, "Grab the rail."
"Illam, I don't think this is wise. I---"
A growl rumbled from his throat, and he knew she'd glimpsed the feral in his expression when her own eyes widened. Letting go of her waist, he grabbed her hands in his, reached up, and slid her hands over the rail.
With her arms raised up, she had to turn forward, and she titled her head back to stare up at their hands.
"Now hold on." His voice was gravelly. Deep. Almost alien even to himself.
Releasing her hands, he ensured that she maintained her grip on the rail. Then slowly he started to slide his hands down her arms.
Leaning into her, he inhaled deeply of her scent. Her hair tickled his nose, and he rubbed the side of his face against the silken tresses. Warmth blossomed through him, and he purred, low and deep.
His hands reached her shoulders, and he slid them down her side, pausing near her breasts before moving lower. Placing his hands on her stomach, he spread his fingers, then started to knead gently.
Delcat, even though she's trim, she's also soft. Soft and sweet and spicy.
He purred louder, enjoying the sensation of his fingers on her body.
"Illam," her words were shaky. Breathless. "What are you doing?"
"Showing you the rail. Showing you how good it can be." He nuzzled into her hair. "Now do as I say, makit." The pet name rolled from his lips on a throaty purr.
She shifted, her soft curves rubbing against him. Her rounded bottom pressed against his erection, and he lifted his lips in a silent snarl of approval. The predator in him moved restlessly. Demanding more.
In a smooth motion Illam leaned over her shoulder to rub his cheek against hers. Angling more, he slid the corner of his mouth against her cheek, drawing back to move lower and do the same along her jaw line.
"What are you doing?' she whispered, her hands clenching the rail until her knuckles were white.
Marking you with my scent. He lowered his lips to the elegant length of her throat and nipped the pulse that beat within so erratically. The curve of the join from her neck to her shoulder beckoned, and he started to lower his mouth, almost feeling the sweet flesh between his teeth before he'd even got close.
"How's the sex class going, Tera?" Wylin asked cheerfully.
"Huh?" Tera replied dreamily.
Illam snarled, his head snapping up. He looked over his shoulder, but the cabin remained empty.
"Tera?" Wylin's voice came again.
"Bloody hell!" Tera swore, and let go of the rail.
Where was the Argon? Illam snarled again, his gaze snapping around the cabin. He'd kill him for interrupting the mating. For---
"Get off me, you fur-ball!" Tera elbowed Illam hard in the stomach.
The pain combined with the insult helped to break through Illam's aroused senses. With a grunt of pain, he stepped back, one hand on his stomach.
The color high on her cheeks, Tera glared at him. "What the hell was that about?"
He squinted up at her warily, half expecting her to swipe at him with her nails. Only her nails were sensibly short, so they wouldn't do much damage. Maybe.
"I don't know what you're playing at, Felys, but you're not amusing yourself with me!" Storming across the cabin, she grabbed the data collector then swung around to glare at him once more.
He couldn't help but notice that her nipples were straining against her bodice, and that those enigmatic eyes of hers held a bright light. He could almost smell her own arousal, one she was denying now.
"Stop staring at my chest," Tera ground out. "And get out!"
Illam straightened slowly. One thing he didn't feel was ashamed. Now shock, yes, he felt that. Shock because he shouldn't have felt anything for her. It has to be because she's a female. A beautiful one. But he supposed he should say something.
"I could eat you." Shit! Not that, you wally! "I mean, I won't apologize for what is a perfectly normal reaction of a male for a female."
"I'm not one of your females!" She was almost yelling now.
"But damn, you're sweet." What the hell was wrong with him? His voice was still husky, his hormones still churning. His staff throbbing. And he wasn't saying what he should be saying to appease this termagant, who was swearing at him now.
"Get out and don't come back!" Tera pointed at the door. "You touch me once more, and I'll castrate you!"
Well, that certainly took the lead out of his pencil. His manhood deflated like a balloon with a puncture. That was one of the worst insults she could have said to him. His ears flattened against his head.
Striding across the cabin, he gave her a blazing look out of his eyes and snarled, "Don't worry, Argon. I wouldn't touch you by the length of a tail now!"
With a twitch of his gluteus maximus, he stormed out of the cabin. Slamming the door behind him, he turned to see three of his Felys friends standing a little further down the corridor, all of them grinning like loons.
"Had your claws clipped, Illam?" chortled Sama.
"Phew, that's a nasty threat, Illam!" Aras sniggered.
"You better tame that pretty Argon first if you want a piece of her," Melar added, his grin revealing his sharp canines.
Illam didn't just snarl his annoyance, or growl his frustration. He gave a harsh yowl of rage.
It made his friends back up in surprise.
"By Delcat, Illam." Aras held up his hands placatingly. "Steady on."
"Didn't know it was that serious." Melar looked at him warily.
Sama frowned. "Apologies, Rafel."
Illam growled once more, then turned and stalked back to his own cabin, seeking peace, quiet, and tranquility. Seeking to forget the healer who had made him do things he shouldn't do with any but his own kind.
She was so cold, she was probably laughing at him right now. The female had no feelings.
God above, she was on fire! The throbbing between her thighs was something she hadn't felt in a long time. Her heart was thundering, her palms sweating, and her nipples tingling.
"Tera!" Wylin's voice snapped out of the comm.pin she wore on her gown. "Answer me. Are you all right?"
Thank God he had called her over the comm.pin, and not walked in on Illam and her! Touching the little switch to activate the communications line, she managed to answer, "Fine. I'm fine, Wylin."
"Are you alone?" The note of suspicion in Wylin's voice revealed plainly that her lack of replying immediately had aroused his suspicions.
"Of course I am." She swallowed and took a fortifying breath. "Illam left awhile ago, and I'm about to start organizing the data I've collected so far."
"I'll be right there."
"There's no need, Wylin. I'm fine."
"Who said I was coming because of that?"
"I know you."
"Then you know I'll come regardless."
The pin went silent, and Tera sighed. She knew he'd clicked off and was on his way. She better try and cool down fast.
Hurrying into the bathroom, she splashed cold water onto her face and took a drink of water. Throwing her head back, she took several long, deep breaths. Returning to the main cabin, she sat at the table and started to read the data. The mating data.
Oh no! Don't read it now!
Hurriedly clicking out of the screen, she crossed to the containers and hunted for the keyboard that attached to the small data collector.
When Wylin entered seconds later, it was to find her on her hands and knees, sorting through the container.
"You've obviously been down there awhile," he commented. "Your cheeks are red."
"I misplaced my discs." Grateful for the excuse, she rose to her feet and waved the small keyboard in her hand. "I have to sort the data into workable files."
He glanced around the cabin, then ambled over to the bathroom. "Illam left, you say?"
"Uh-huh." Keeping her eyes downcast, she attached the keyboard to the data collector.
"Did you find out anything useful?" He turned around slowly, his gaze flicking around the cabin.
Oh boy, did I ever! "He was able to fill in the blanks that Lysie wasn't able to. What are you looking for?" She managed to smile as she glanced up at him.
"Just doing my job."
"So now I'm just a job to you?" She congratulated herself on being able to laugh without it croaking.
"You've always been a hard job," Wylin joked back. His keen gaze searched her face then ran over her with expert attention. When he saw her nipples still pressing against her bodice, his gaze snapped back up to her face, his expression intent.
"What can I say?" Tera shrugged. "I think we should include their mating rituals into our sex manuals."
"You don't say?"
"I'll let you listen to the data sometime." After I wipe off Illam's and my little teaching session. If Wylin heard what had transpired, he'd be after Illam's hide. Literally.
"Mmm." Picking up one of the books by her bedside, Wylin flicked through it then put it down.
Seeking to divert his suspicions, Tera queried, "Did you get a good look around the ship?"
"I certainly did." Wylin strolled across the cabin. "How about I take you on a little tour?"
His way of saying he had no intentions of leaving her alone right now. Tera couldn't help but grin inwardly. "Even with my condition?"
Wylin didn't even have to look at her breasts to know what she meant. Instead, he crossed back to the bed and picked up the book. "I think we'll stay here for a while first."
Dropping onto the sofa, he arranged himself comfortably and opened the book.
Knowing he wouldn't leave her for a long time now, Tera turned back to the data collector. There was no way she could read through what the data collector had recorded---and it would have recorded everything said---so she immersed herself into setting up appropriate files and tables for her research.
A companionable silence fell in the cabin, and she was able to forget the troublesome thoughts and, for a time, the handsome Felys who had awakened long-quenched fires.
Space
The hold was under constant attack. He stood briefly in the shadows, contemplating his next move. The hold? The laser pits? One of the gunners was dead---he would be needed up there.
The sound of screeching metal, a sharp lurch and flickering lights made him look up with dread.
"Captain! The hold!" The voice over the intercom was urgent. "They're trying to breach the hold!"
He knew his captain would come down the stairwell like a bat out of hell. But he'd be descending into hell. Closing his eyes, he felt for the small pouch on his belt. Undoing the flap, he reached in and carefully retrieved the photo image inside.
In the flickering cast by the lights overhead, he gazed with longing and sadness at the beautiful wench laughing up at him. Her eyes sparkled with life. With love. Sparkled at him as he'd taken the image. They'd spent the day out near the river, where they'd fished, and made love, and talked of the future.
A future he didn't know if they'd have now.
The ship rocked and shuddered. The stairwell door slammed open, and he looked up as his captain stormed through into the corridor.
Catching sight of him, his captain opened his mouth. Then his gaze dropped to the image his crewman held, and his expression was empathic.
The men looked at each other. Laser fire boomed, the lights flickered, and the emergency signal in the far corner was flashing red. Seconds ticked past, and then the captain nodded abruptly and swung on his heel, hurrying away.
Giving the laughing photo image a brief kiss, he placed it back in the pouch and secured the flap. He didn't know if he'd see her again. God, he prayed so. They were both so young...
Throwing back his shoulders, he strode after his captain, palming his laser as he went.
Refusing to give Illam the satisfaction of knowing that he'd rattled her composure well and truly, Tera straightened her shoulders and strode along beside Wylin to the evening meal. Without looking at the table, she went to the food warmers and chose her food.
A Felys male coming to stand beside her sniffed the air, then glanced at her curiously.
"The food smells delicious, doesn't it?" She smiled.
"Yes, it does. But that's not..." The black threads in his green eyes writhed suddenly, his pupils enlarging. He leaned in closer to her and sniffed again.
"Excuse me," Tera said stiffly. "What are you doing?" What was with the Felys and this sniffing business?
"You carry another's scent," he replied bluntly.
Wylin, who was pouring himself a mug of hot una, looked up. "Another's scent?"
The Felys nodded.
"Scent?" Tera queried. "What scent?"
"Whose scent?" Wylin asked at the same time, his gaze drifting back towards the table.
The Felys looked directly at Tera, his gaze sliding down her cheek to her jaw line.
Uh-oh. Tera had a sudden enlightenment. Who had wiped the side of his mouth across her cheek and jaw? Illam! He'd marked her! Like a ruddy lycat! Somehow, in his feline-like way, he'd marked her with his scent! This Felys can smell him on me!
Not wanting a bloodbath between Wylin and Illam, she shrugged nonchalantly. "It's just my perfume, Wylin."
"He said another's scent." Wylin frowned.
"The scent is made by someone else," she replied. "It is another's scent. It covers my natural scent." She almost glared at the hapless Felys. "Right?"
The Felys grinned at her and resumed filling his plate.
Wylin moved up close beside her. "Is there something I should know?"
"Not unless you want to test my perfume yourself," she answered.
His expression was unfathomable, but his gaze flicked from her to Illam, and back to her again. Picking up his mug of una, he took a thoughtful sip, then retrieved his plate and waited for her to finish her selection.
By the time they'd returned to the table, she'd managed to get her face into a pleasant expression. When Illam glanced up at her as she sat opposite him, she smiled faintly. In fact, what she wanted to do was kick him fair in the arse for putting her in such an awkward position. If he had a tail I'd pull it.
There was no shame or apology in his eyes. In fact, it was a little hard to say what he thought, for his handsome features, so eerily feline in some ways, gave nothing away. But the glow of arousal in his eyes was gone, thank the suns.
Coolly she raised her brow at him, hopefully giving him the impression that what had transpired between them earlier meant absolutely nothing.
"Did you get the information you needed, Tera?" Denyon asked from beside her.
Gratefully, she turned her attention to him. "Thank you, yes."
"So you've managed to make a start on the research, then?"
"I've spent the time working out files and things." She forked up some roast potato.
It literally dripped with the delicious juices of the meats. The Felys obviously liked their food cooked in the juices. She cast a glance around the table and saw that some of the Felys were eating their meat partially raw. Yuck. Then again, many people like their meat rare.
Wondering if it was normal for their diet to include half raw meat, she turned to address Denyon, only to find him leaning forward and inhaling---hells bells, not her scent again!
Before he could say anything, she said from between clenched teeth, "It's my perfume."
"Oh?" he murmured, and sat back in his chair. He looked at Illam from beneath lowered lids. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
"How interesting."
"It's not, I assure you." She cast Illam a glance as she said it.
Illam gave her a bland stare, his golden orbs as blank as a slate.
"In fact, I find the scent not to my liking, and if I'd realized that it was still lingering, I'd have showered before I came in."
Denyon looked at her thoughtfully, one brow raised.
Illam, damn him, was still giving no sign of his feelings.
Picking up her glass, Tera took a sip of iced water and tried to focus her attention elsewhere. And by the suns, when I get back to my cabin I'm going to have a hot shower!
"So you learnt more than you thought you would, hmm?" Denyon murmured.
Calmly, she set the glass down again. "Some things are better in small doses. I think Illam has told me all that he can. I'll need to interview others, of course."
"Ah." One elbow leaning on the table, Denyon rubbed the side of his hand behind his ear thoughtfully. His green eyes gleamed.
The pupils in Illam's eyes slitted as he continued to gaze at Tera. "You think I have told you all I know?"
"I'm sure you've gone through anything that's worthwhile." She pierced a piece of carrot and brought it to her lips.
"You don't think I know any more?" The challenge was a low vibration in his tone.
"I think you've run your course." She jabbed the next bit of carrot with a little more force.
"I assure you, healer, the course has only just begun." His smile showed the tips of his sharp canines.
"And I assure you, Illam, that the course has staggered to an end." This time she stabbed the carrot with her fork.
"There is no staggering on my course." Illam's voice had lowered to a soft rumble.
Had the man no shame? She met his daring look directly. Nope.
"I feel like I'm missing something here," Wylin stated bluntly.
"Trust me, there was nothing worth missing." Tera gave him a falsely bright smile.
A half stifled laugh came from halfway down the table, and she looked down the length to see three Felys nudging each other. Hmmm, a silver tabby, a ginger and white and gold, and a black, white and seal. Tera cocked her head to one side. I wonder what their genes contain. I must have a look at a sample of their genes; see where they inherit their colors from. If it's the same as normal lycats and---
"Am I missing a private joke here?" Wylin queried.
Startled out of her musings, Tera blinked at him. "Pardon?"
Leaning towards her, he spoke for her ears alone. "Those Felys you're looking at, have been laughing and looking at Illam. He's staring at you. Denyon keeps glancing between you and Illam. What is it, Tera?"
She had to waylay his suspicions. To cause tension was not something she was going to be responsible for, and besides, the problem was between Illam and her, not the Felys and Argons. Tera shrugged and answered just as quietly, "Illam and I don't exactly get on. We rub each other up the wrong way, and I think his friends find it funny. Don't fret, Wylin. Please."
His eyes locked with hers. "You'd tell me if something is wrong?"
"I promise." She smiled up at him. "I'll let you come to my rescue if you need to."
Under cover of the table, Wylin gave her knee a friendly pat, and then returned his attention to his food.
Tera picked up her own fork, but thinking she heard a faint growl, she looked up to meet a narrow-eyed, golden gaze. She could have sworn she saw the corner of Illam's lip lift, but then he forked a mouthful of meat up and closed his lips around it.
He also turned his attention to Denyon, and started conversing with him.
Mentally shaking her head, Tera resumed eating. Felys!
The food tasted like sawdust, but Illam chewed manfully onward. When he'd noticed Wylin touch Tera's leg under the table, he'd been ready to growl a warning, and one growl had actually managed to slip from him before he could stop it. It was obvious that Tera heard it, for she had looked up, quite startled.
It was also obvious that Denyon was going to talk to him later about her. Damn.
He managed to escape the dining cabin before Denyon finished eating, but it wasn't long before his captain and friend managed to track him down in the control cabin.
Sitting before the console, his booted feet resting on the edge of it, Illam crossed his ankles, leaned back in the chair and rested his linked hands upon his muscle-ribbed stomach. He could see his friend's reflection in the space shield as he entered the control cabin.
The communications officer and pilot were both gone, the ship on auto pilot, so apart from himself and Denyon, the large, roomy cabin was empty. It was better this way. He didn't want anyone overhearing anything and gossiping about it later. Or using it to stir him up into a hissy fit.
Giving Illam some room, Denyon stood facing him, and leaned his hips back against the console. Folding his arms, he studied Illam intently.
"Go ahead," Illam drawled. "Say it."
"You marked her."
"I got carried away."
"Just how carried away did you get?"
"Let's just say that if Wylin hadn't contacted her when he did..."
"I thought you disliked her."
Surprise. So did I. "She annoys me."
"But not enough to stop yourself from marking her so that every male aboard would know you'd been close to her."
"Trust me, I was just as surprised as you are now." Illam raised his brows and frankly admitted, "The mating talk sort of aroused me."
"Sort of?"
"All right, I was ready to mate with her."
"Just how far did this go, Illam?"
Not in the least offended by the question, Illam replied bluntly, "I had her up against the rail."
"Please don't tell me you were kneading her stomach."
He could just about feel that soft tummy beneath his fingertips now. Illam flexed his hands in memory.
"By Delcat!" Denyon threw up both hands. "The healer is here to investigate our runts, Illam. She's not here for you to play with!"
"She's a tasty little morsel to play with." Illam grinned.
"If Wylin finds out you've been playing with Tera, there'll be trouble." Denyon ran one hand through his tabby hair, leaving the long strands disheveled.
"Don't worry. The healer doesn't want it to be known that she's been with me. She won't tell him."
"You better hope not. I don't feel like getting between lytomcats fighting over a female. It won't help our runts, or our clan."
Illam stretched lazily. "She won't."
"You sound so confident."
"Tera isn't the kind to go running to a man every time something happens that she doesn't like." That was one thing he instinctively knew about her.
"Just keep your dick in your pants, Illam."
"It won't be hard to do," Illam replied unconcernedly. "I won't allow myself to get into any close situation with her like that again.
"You think it's just that situation?" Denyon was unconvinced. "Illam, the way you marked her is the way a potential mate marks his female."
Illam laughed outright. "What are you on about? We've all marked a few pretty Felys in our times of mating."
"Well, I know it. But those times were faint markings, quickly evaporating." Denyon regarded him soberly. "This time, your mark was as strong as though you'd given it to her seconds before she came into the dining cabin."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Illam scoffed.
"When Tera left the cabin, your mark remained clearly on her."
Illam shrugged. "It'll wash off. I just got a little carried away."
Denyon's expression was dubious.
"Come morning, you won't even smell me on her," Illam stated confidently.
"How about your growling at the dinner table when Wylin touched her?"
"I had something in my throat."
"Liar."
"Reflex."
Denyon shook his head. "Just take more notice of what you do, all right?"
"Trust me." Illam grinned confidently. "I'm a big Felys tom now."
Denyon sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."
Illam chuckled.
The Cave
The rain didn't stop the progress of the one thing that would save them. They worked diligently, carving and shaping, smoothing and toning. Whispering incantations over it.
She wasn't certain it would work, but it must. It was their only hope, right?
The ground shifted beneath them, and with a cry they all fled back into the cave. Fled, even though they knew that the ship passing overhead wouldn't have seen them, for the thick canopy of trees hid them from sight.
They snarled, hissed and spat their combined fear and anger. Several flattened their ears. Another cautiously approached the entrance to the cave, crouching down and crawling forward on hands and knees.
It seemed they waited for an eternity. Whining, the guard at the front of the cave lifted his head and sniffed, searching the air for alien smells. Nothing but the scents of nature assailed his nostrils, and he sighed with relief.
Cautiously they exited the cave, the last one holding the precious object closely to her body. It needed the sun to thrive. To move. To save their lives.
After setting the precious thing on the ground, they each returned to their own special ritual to ready the one thing that would save them from slavery.
Determined to try and put aside the unsettling events with Illam the day before, Tera decided she might as well start getting some samples from the Felys aboard the ship. After all, she was supposed to collect blood and tissue samples to study. Some of the data she would be able to transfer directly to Argon via the communications system established on the data collector.
The Felys men weren't so keen on the idea when she approached them.
"That'll mean sticking needles into us," one said.
"Makes me skittish," another stated.
The ginger, white and gold Felys, who she now knew was named Aras, curled his upper lip in distaste.
"Look," Tera said patiently, "I'm supposed to be collecting data for research. This is to benefit you all. Now come on, who's first?"
They looked at each other.
"What about Illam?" The one called Sama queried of his friend, Melar.
"Illam will get his turn," Tera said.
"That wasn't quite what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?" Patiently, she waited for the explanation.
Instead, he leaned forward and sniffed her. Then he turned his head and nodded to his two friends.
"Can smell her from here," Aras agreed.
"Excuse me," Tera said coldly. "I showered this morning."
They looked at her oddly, and raised their brows. Then Aras grinned, the corner of his lips twitching in amusement. Sama actually rubbed his hand along the side of his nose and blinked. Melar cocked his head on one side and eyeballed her.
She felt like three pet lycats were standing at her feet and laughing privately at her.
"If you three don't get in here and let me take some samples, then guess where the thermometer is going?" she snapped.
All three snapped to attention, and Melar actually hissed faintly. For some reason, Tera didn't find it as threatening as when Illam did it, so she simply stood to one side and gestured to her door.
Finally, they all three trooped in.
Every single one of them shied from the light she shone in their eyes. They twitched their ears when she tried to peer inside. They certainly didn't like it when she took a nail clipping from each of them.
The whole episode was tiring, until Tera started to get hair samples from them. Standing behind Aras, she stroked through his hair absently with the fingers of one hand, testing the strength and thickness. He started to purr. Slowly he started to relax as she continued to sift through his hair. He leaned back in the chair in utter bliss while Tera massaged his scalp.
He thought it was wonderful.
She was checking for lumps, bumps, skull contour, hair thickness and strength. She used a data tissue to smooth along a strand of hair, and it absorbed the measurement. She took a sample of each colored strand of his hair---ginger, gold and white.
Totally absorbed in her work, she washed her hands, then returned to stand behind Aras. Positioning the data collector on the table before them, she strapped a small band around her wrist. Attached to it were long thin wires, each tipped with a small silver ring that fitted around each of her fingers and thumbs. Laying her palms and fingers flat against each side of his face, she slowly began to feel and mould, shape and trace his skin and facial bones.
He gave a low mrowr of pure pleasure. Startled out of her scrutiny, she bent over his shoulder and peered into his face. His expression was dreamy. The tip of his tongue was peeping out, and she laughed. His head jiggled against her stomach, where he'd been leaning back against her.
"Don't stop," he moaned. "Keep going. Please."
"I'll send you to sleep any second. Look at you!" She ruffled the hair on top of his head.
He mrowred again, the tone lazy and utterly blissful.
Shaking her head in amusement, she continued her exploration and measurements, knowing the screen data collector monitored the size of his facial features, the measurements made through the rings on her fingers which fed through the information to the band on her wrist, and from there directly to the screen.
When she'd finished, he practically slid from the chair. He was so relaxed that when he left, instead of his usual alert tread, he movements were languid and loose. He was, he announced, heading off for a lycatnap.
Sama and Melar were more than willing subjects now, after seeing what their comrade had gone through. By the time she'd finished their facial and head measurements, they left in the same condition as Aras.
Amused, Tera put the measuring wires down and washed her hands again. Taking the samples, she packed the individual slides and jars into a specially lined container that would keep them as fresh as when they were first taken.
By the end of the first week in space, Tera had gathered all the data of eleven of the thirteen Felys aboard ship. Denyon and Illam were all that remained to do, and she toyed with the idea of trying to con Wylin into doing Illam.
She and Illam had managed to maintain a polite head nod and muttered greeting to each other, maintaining their distance. It seemed safer, seeing as how they seemed to strike sparks off each other. Sparks of loathing, she was sure.
But it looked like she was going to have to get into close contact with him again after all.
"Come on," she muttered. "You're a professional. You'll be fine. Suns, he's just a man, nothing more." A hot man. Strong. Sexy. "And bloody irritating." Shaking her head, she prepared her things.
Denyon appeared first. Even though she could tell that he wasn't keen on having the samples taken, he didn't flinch. Much. When she pierced his skin with the needle, he hissed low and soft, and she felt him tense up.
"Take it easy," she murmured, automatically stroking along his arm with her free hand.
It was a trick she'd learned while doing the other men. They responded to touch, and she used it whenever they tensed. As always it worked, and he relaxed slightly.
When she started measuring his skull, he broke into the purring that all the Felys had done. Tera didn't even notice it now. Absorbed in her task, she continued to stroke, take samples, massage and touch. By the time she progressed to his face, he had the same dreamy expression as the other Felys. And by the time she'd finished, he pushed sleepily out of the chair. The look on his face was utter contentment.
"Go and have a sleep," Tera instructed. "You'll feel heaps better when you wake up."
He purred all the way out of the cabin, and she grinned.
Putting the samples away, she washed her hands in the bathroom, took a drink of water and walked back out into the main cabin, to see a chocolate point male sitting at the table, his long legs stretched out before him, booted ankles crossed, and his heavy-lidded eyes watching her progress with a deceptive laziness. She knew it was deceptive, because from between his thick lashes she saw the gleam of his gold irises, and felt the intentness of his gaze.
Uh-oh. No, you can do this, Tera. It's Illam. Irritating, nasty-tempered, hot---No! Not hot. Never hot. He's just a man. What a man! Crap! Mental head slap.
Thank stars Hanna wasn't here. Rolling her head on her shoulders, seeking to ease the sudden tension she felt, she took a deep breath then crossed to take the chair next to him.
Because she sat facing him, he had to draw his legs back. But he sat negligently, knees spread. Relaxing.
So why did she have the feeling that she was sitting opposite a feral ready to pounce?
Determinedly, she picked up the clippers and held out her hand. She didn't even have to ask before his hand came to rest in hers. He didn't give her his full weight. Positioning a jar beneath their hands, she slid her fingers down his palm to the tip of his middle finger.
His palms were calloused, the pads of his fingers bearing the same calluses. The same calluses all the Felys had on their hands. But his were ... she felt every swirl and whirl of them. His fingers were long, strong, his palm broad. His nails were neatly clipped, but had the same sharpness at the end. Not pointed, but as though the edges of his nails were so thin they could slice through paper without hesitation, delivering a neat slice.
She clipped the tip off and secured the lid on the jar.
"If you'll roll your sleeve up, I'll take a scraping of your skin." Her voice was cool, in control. Professional.
Shame her insides were churning, and her nerves were sparking on all cylinders. Having a party. Threatening to let off fireworks. Especially as she watched him roll that pristine white sleeve up to reveal his sleekly muscled forearms.
Cupping his elbow, she turned his arm over to reveal the tender underside. The muscle flexed beneath her palm.
Steadfastly ignoring her yahooing hormones, she took up the hollow little needle and ran it lightly up the skin on his forearm. The skin cells were automatically sucked up into the hollow needle. She stored it in its container.
The blood sample was next, but he didn't flinch. His pupils, however, enlarged as the needle went in, but he remained silent.
Standing up, she picked up the tiny torch and approached Illam. And found she was standing between his spread thighs.
Now, she'd stood between many spread thighs in the last week, but none seemed to emit heat like his. But she couldn't think about that now. She was a professional. Yeah, a professional pretender. By the suns, imagine what it would be like to have those thighs between my own. Or to have them straddling me each side of my hips. Oh baby...
She blinked, and his face came into focus. That proud feline nose of his had slightly flared nostrils. By God, if he is sniffing me again ... She narrowed her eyes at him, but his expression remained stoic.
The man had beautiful eyes. A pure gold color, the black thread-like substance writhing, slow and sensual, throughout the gold. His pupils slitted as the light penetrated.
She could drown in his eyes. On-no you couldn't. Get that right out of your mind, wench!
Drawing back, she instructed him to turn his head to the side. She reached for his ear, and couldn't help but let her fingertips glide up the length. Only slightly larger than her own, they were pointed at the tip and more flexible. She knew they could draw back against the skull like a lycat's ears when he was angry or felt threatened. They also twitched as her fingertips tickled along the sensitive edges.
The inside of his ears was no different in structure than the other men.
Not once during the entire time did Illam say anything, but she was aware of his lazy regard. She thought she much preferred trading barbs or downright insults with him rather than this unnerving silence.
Now for the last part.
"Turn your chair so you're facing the table," she instructed.
He obeyed without question and she stood behind him. His hair was tied back at the nape with a clip, so she deftly undid it and leaned over his shoulder to place it on the table.
He inhaled deeply. If he sniffs me, I'm going to knock his block off, so help me God.
Illam's head was saved by no further sniffing.
Slowly she began the examination, starting off by stroking through the white, gold and chocolate tresses. His hair was long, as all the Felys wore theirs. Nearly down to his waist. She ran her fingers down the whole length, lifting it up and measuring it. Sinking her fingers into the thickness, marveling at the texture. The silkiness.
She smoothed a data tissue along a strand of hair, absorbing the measurement, and took a sample of each colored strand of his hair---white, chocolate and gold.
Quietly she stored the specimens, then returned to her position behind him.
His head came level with chest, and she knew he'd eventually relax back against her. They all had. With the other Felys it had meant nothing, with Illam ... she was a little nervous.
Mentally chastising herself---what would her father think?---she placed her palms on his head and smoothed her hands down the silken length of his hair to his shoulders.
Okay, that wasn't really needed. But it felt damn good. And if I'm going to have to go through this, I might as well enjoy it a little. Nothing wrong with appreciating nice hair.
Right.
Rolling her eyes at herself, Tera forced herself to concentrate. Positioning her fingers, she started to massage and knead, learning the textures of his skull, shaping and defining, measuring and feeling the bones and every bump.
He started purring right on cue, and she couldn't help but grin. The purring was also familiar, and she was able to slip into her concentration much easier.
When she left the cabin to wash her hands, he was purring contentedly. When she returned and strapped on the band, he was watching her with golden eyes from beneath heavy lids, not saying a word as she slipped the rings on her fingers and thumbs.
Still concentrating, Tera stood behind him once again and placed her open palms on his cheeks. Slowly she ran her palms down his smooth skin, her fingers tracing his jaw line and skimming back up to cup his chin momentarily. Her thumb grazed his bottom lip, and she felt his lips open slightly, the puff of hot breath on her fingertip.
Oops! Hurriedly she shifted her fingers. Returning to his cheeks, she stroked and massaged, touched, traced and molded his skin and facial bones.
His head was now leaning back against her, nestled snuggly between her breasts. He was totally relaxed, his purring low and sultry, like hot molasses.
The silence in the room, the scent of the soft, feminine soap she'd used on her hands, the low purring, and the warmth of his head against her was lulling her into a dreamy mode. When professional turned dreamy, she didn't know. All she knew was that her touch had turned from professional to caressing. She rubbed behind his ears and he arched back, his head pressing against her. His strong fingers were kneading the armrests of the chair.
Finding the cords of his neck, she massaged firmly. He angled his head to one side as she touched a particular nerve.
Her hands fell to his shoulders, and she ran her palms firmly along the front of them, her fingers massaging expertly.
Illam's head tipped back, and she found herself looking down into eyes that were glowing molten gold. The black threads were moving with a slow sensuality, and his lips were slightly parted.
The blatant sexual desire in his eyes snapped her out of her dreamy state. She stepped back so fast that his hair swirled away from where it had clung to her gown.
"All done," she babbled. "Everything's done. You can go now. Yes, all done and you can go. Go. Yes." By the stars and suns, she sounded like an imbecile. She felt like one. Ripping the rings off her fingers, and the band from her wrist, she discarded them onto the table.
Illam merely stood up slowly. Flowed up, if that were possible. He stretched to his full height and his wealth of hair, so thick and silky, slid over his shoulders to fall to his waist. The thick bands of deep chocolate hair at the top and sides beckoned to her to touch and ... Yes, she was obviously affected by living with the Felys for a week, because suns help her, she wanted to inhale his scent deep inside her. His clean, male scent. His slightly feral scent.
Shooting stars of Cyran, she wanted to tangle her fingers in that thick hair and yank him to her!
"Thank you so much," she continued politely, turning her back to him while she fussed with the sample containers. "That's all now, that's---"
Her words were stopped by a hand grasping her waist and whirling her around to fall against a hard chest. Her ribbon was jerked from her hair, and a callused hand tangled itself in her brunette locks.
Illam's other arm snaked around her waist, his hand at her back as he hauled her up onto tiptoe and smothered her small cry of surprise with his mouth.
He kissed her hard. Desperately. His tongue licked like fire through her mouth, his taste flushing through her, following the blazing trail left by his tongue. He drank from her like a thirsty man, swallowing her essence, thoroughly ravaging her mouth.
He was some kisser.
His heat transferred to her like quicksilver, flashing through her veins, and she didn't protest or resist as he backed her up to the table. His thigh thrust between her own, and he lifted her and dumped her onto the table in one determined move.
It would have been a real turn on if she hadn't just sat on a new, unused, but uncapped syringe needle. It pierced through the delicate material of her gown and into her bum cheek with an ease that didn't fit the tingling pain that went with it.
Tera shoved Illam away so fast and hard he actually stumbled. She bounded off the table faster than she'd ever done anything in her life.
"Bloody hell!" she roared.
Illam stared at her, surprise chasing the slumberous passion from his face.
"Of all the useless, no-good, clumsy---" She continued to rant, swinging away to glare down at the offending object, which wasn't on the table. "By God, I'll bust you, you useless, worthless thing!"
"I beg your pardon,' he said stiffly, standing upright.
"Not you!" she snarled.
"I don't understand---"
"I was pricked!"
"Well, not yet, but---"
"I got pricked in the bum!"
"I'm not really that way inclined---"
"You sat me on a needle!" Spying the offending object, Tera snatched it up off the floor and held it up in one clenched fist. "See?"
"Oh."
"Oh? Is that all you can say?" Tossing the needle into a sharps container, she glared at him while rubbing her bottom.
"Let me see," he offered, starting forward.
"I think you've done enough!"
"I could lick it better---"
"You wouldn't want to try!"
"Is that a dare?"
"You cretin!" Emotions in a turmoil, her heart racing with combined adrenaline and desire, she was in no mood for teasing.
The door to the cabin banged open, and Wylin ran in, Denyon on his heels.
"What's going on?" Wylin demanded, his gaze fastening on Tera standing near the table where she stood with one hand rubbing her bottom. His eyes narrowed.
As angrily confused as she was, Tera knew he'd leap to her defense and it could get ugly. "It's all right, Wylin. I ... ah, hurt myself."
"How?" His expression was openly suspicious.
There was no help for it. She had to show him. Slowly, she raised the needle.
"I don't understand."
"I sat on this."
Wylin's face paled. "Was it used?"
"No, it was new. I was careless and left it uncapped on the table. When I leaned back on the table, I bumped into it."
He didn't say anything, and his expression showed nothing, but she knew him well enough to know that he was angry at her carelessness. She was up for a lecture as soon as they were alone.
"As long as you're not badly hurt," Denyon said with relief. "Here, let me see---"
Illam hissed and stepped forward. "If anyone is going to check, it'll be me."
"I don't think so." Wylin moved in front of Tera. "I'm her bodyguard, and it's my duty to check her injuries."
Oh, suns! Tera rolled here eyes and stepped around Wylin. The men were facing each other, Illam bristling and snarling, Denyon watching him warily, and Wylin ready to defend her at the slightest move.
"I've news for you all," she snapped. "It's my arse, my injury, and my responsibility. Now if you all want to fight about who isn't going to check me, you can go outside this cabin and do it. You'll all lose anyway. No one is seeing it but me!"
That whole sentence didn't really make sense, but it obviously made enough to cause the men to back off from each other.
"My apologies. We were concerned for your welfare." Denyon inclined his head. "We'll leave you to it, Tera."
Illam didn't look like he wanted to leave. Legs braced apart, balanced on the balls of his feet, he was still eyeing Wylin, who was totally unimpressed.
"Illam!" Denyon said sharply. There was a bite to his tone that wasn't normally present, and it made Tera look at him in surprise.
Illam gave Tera one long, hot look, then he spun lithely on his heel and stalked out of the cabin. She could swear she saw his bum muscle twitch beneath his tight pants, but that just had to be her imagination. Right? Right.
The door shut behind them, only quieter this time. Wylin waited in silence as Tera slowly put the equipment away.
Finally he said, "Lift your skirt and let me see---"
"Bugger off."
"Tera, how bad is it? You can't see it, you don't know."
"Wylin, a needle in there isn't dangerous, and I'll have hardly bled at all, or at least only a little bit. But I'll have a vicious bruise soon, and sitting down is going to be a bit of a problem. So don't stress me anymore, all right?"
"All right." He remained silent for a few more seconds, then he broke it, his voice condemning. "Tera, you know better than anyone that leaving an uncapped needle anywhere is dangerous. You were lucky that needle was clean. If it had been used, with unknown DNA and anything else these Felys might have in them that's alien to us, who knows what could happen?"
"I could grow a tail and whiskers?"
"That is not funny!"
"Sorry."
"Their race has runts. What if it's a virus or something? You could have picked it up!"
"Well, it was an unused syringe and needle, so..."
"You must promise me you'll be more careful."
"I'm a healer, aren't I? This is the first mistake I've made. Don't rub it in."
"A healer who should know better."
"It's going to be a long lecture, isn't it?"
"Don't be such a smart mouth."
"Oooohh, resorting to name calling. Let me get a mug of hot una and get comfortable first."
"Tera, you're in my care---"
"Fine, but I'm also responsible for my own actions and mistakes. Kiile and Father placed me in your care, but they know there's only so much you can make me do." Crossing the cabin to stand close to him, she placed her hand on his chest and smiled winsomely up at him. "They would never hold you responsible for anything stupid I did under my own steam."
"I would."
"Don't be silly." She patted his cheek fondly. "You've always tried to watch out for me and Hanna when we were kids all growing up together, and it never worked then. Guard me well when we're in trouble, but never think you have full control over my actions." She started to laugh. "Do you really think Kiile and Father expect you to have full control?"
"I guess that's why they put a whole scout ship full of Felys on your case as well." Wylin sighed. "And yet, I have a sense of foreboding..."
Catching the teasing glint in his eyes, Tera laughed, gave him one final pat on the cheek, and headed for the bathroom. "I'm going to have a shower and relax for the rest of the day."
"I'll check on you later," he promised. "I'll just be in my cabin beside yours if you need me."
"No worries."
The shower was utter bliss, the hot water bringing some relief to her sore buttock. But no matter how much she craned her neck, she couldn't see the sore spot.
She soaped her hair and thought back to the event that had caused it all. Who knew that Illam would respond with such aggression to her methods of data collecting? The other Felys had purred and enjoyed the sensations, but Illam ... Illam had been majorly aroused.
The strength and aggression in him when he'd grabbed her ... Tera felt the shiver go through her, and tried to convince herself that it was loathing, not delicious delight.
"Oh hell," she said in disgust. "Admit it, Tera. You loved it. It's been ages since anyone grabbed you and swung you around and kissed you so thoroughly. You loved every second of it, you deviant."
Well, until the needle jabbed her in the bottom. That had cut short all desire.
"All right, not a deviant in all areas." She grinned ruefully.
Cold showers were not something any Felys liked. Warm water, scented soap, luxurious suds ... that was the thing. Cold showers were hell.
Illam had been in hell a lot lately since meeting Tera.
The cold water poured over his heated flesh, and he could almost imagine that it sizzled as it touched his overheated skin and dissolved in a cloud of steam.
It did serve to put out the fire burning in his groin, though. Sort of. His raging erection wasn't going down without a fight. It wanted a hot channel to bury itself in. A hot, slick channel. Tera's channel.
Groaning, Illam turned his face up to the cold spray. Don't think about her, or you're going to have to introduce your right hand to your penis, and unfortunately, you've already done that a couple of times this trip. And every single time it's to do with that little witch.
That hot little witch.
He had some facts to deal with, and some puzzles to sort out.
And Denyon, he knew, was waiting to have a word with him.
It had taken Illam a full hour to get his temper under control. He'd left Tera's cabin unwillingly. She'd been hurt, and he'd wanted to see for himself that she was all right. He knew she was all right. It was only a needle stick injury, by Delcat. It would hurt, but it wasn't dangerous.
But he'd wanted to check, to run his hands over the soft globes of her bottom, and rasp his tongue across the injury...
His staff throbbed, his sac pulling tight at the image of Tera naked and sprawled out on her stomach on the bed, waiting for him. Moaning as he licked her injury then ran his tongue lower, his hands dipping between her soft thighs...
With a groan he wrapped his hand around his burgeoning staff, feeling the hardness of it, knowing it wasn't enough to give himself relief, but it was the only way.
Leaning back against the cool tiles, he stroked himself, imagining that it was her hands on him, her channel gripping him tightly...
The water beat upon the sensitive head of his rod, the spray inflaming him more.
His hand moved faster, his fist tightening. Gripping himself. Pumping his staff.
And all the time he imagined it was her, the gasps coming from his mouth intermingling with those of his fantasy lover.
His sac drew up tighter. Tighter. Reaching down, he cupped his sac. Squeezed firmly yet carefully. Pressing himself up against his perineum, while simultaneously pumping himself harder and faster.
The image that tipped him over the edge was of Tera's mouth taking him in deep and sucking hard.
He came, his seed erupting, only to be washed away down the drain.
It left him physically sated, but mentally and spiritually unsatisfied. Turning off the water, he reached for the towel, and leaning against the wall, he dried himself off. When he'd finished, he left the shower and dressed in a pair of loose, black pants that hung low on his lean hips. Picking up the brush, he ran it through his drying hair.
It was soothing, but not as soothing as Tera's fingers had been as they'd combed through his hair and massaged his scalp.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath.
"Illam?" Denyon called from the main cabin. "Are you ready to talk to me?"
Space
The space pirates had broken through the hold, and were slowly fighting their way up the stairwell.
He'd jammed the platform lift, cutting off their progress from below. But the fighting was fast and furious.
He knew his friends lay dead and dying below. Several of them burst through the stairwell door. One was being half carried, blood blossoming on his chest. Another man had blood coating the whole side of his face, and for a split second, he almost didn't recognize his friend.
"They've broken through!" his friend shouted. "Help me jam the door shut!"
They locked it, and then rammed an iron rail through the handle. Thumps came from the other side, followed by the high-pitched whine of the metal cutter the space pirates wielded.
"Where's the Cap'n?" Another man yelled.
"He's coming down from the laser guns."
At the moment, their captain came through the door from the stairwell leading to the top floor. He looked bleakly at them all.
"The guns...?" one of the men began.
"The lasers are destroyed." The Captain looked around at the men standing in the corridor. "Some of us make a stand here." The Captain looked at him. "You take half of the remainder of the crew and hold the third floor."
He obeyed without question. Half the crew followed him, using the platform lift. Looking back at his comrades, he wondered if he'd see them alive again.
Their faces, normally so happy and full of laughter, looked back grimly at him. They raised their hands in a silent salute ... or a goodbye?
Denyon was standing by the space shield, staring out at the stars beyond. Though he appeared relaxed, Illam knew he was alert to his every movement. As soon as Illam appeared in the doorway of the bathroom, Denyon let the curtain drop back over the space shield. Turning around, he surveyed him out of green eyes. His pupils were slitted as he contemplated his friend and second-in-command.
Illam watched him warily. He'd never before challenged Denyon, yet he had in Tera's cabin. Pushing forward and denying Denyon the right as his captain to make the decision between himself and Illam as to which of them would check Tera's injury. Illam had overstepped his bounds. It was a challenge he hadn't even been aware of making.
He raised a brow at Denyon, waiting.
"It's time we had a little chat," Denyon stated.
"Just a chat?"
"I'd take you to the sparring cabin for a bloody good fight to determine who is the dominant Felys on this ship, but I have a feeling this isn't a leadership challenge issue."
Illam relaxed. "I don't challenge your leadership, Denyon. You're my friend and a damned good captain. I'm proud to serve under you on this scout ship."
"But there's still the fact of that challenge."
Illam had the grace to look a little sheepish. "I blame it on that head massage Tera gave me."
"Head massage?"
"The feelings she produced in me were indescribable."
Denyon repeated everything that Tera had done to him, adding, "Did she do anything different to you?"
"No." He could just about feel those slim fingers tunneling through his hair now.
"Then how come it affected you and not the rest of us?"
Rest of them? Illam's head shot up and he glared at Denyon.
"Hmmm." Denyon stroked behind his ear thoughtfully.
"There's no 'hmmm' about it," Illam growled.
"Your reaction when I mentioned that the other Felys had the same treatment from her was quite interesting."
They better not have felt anything more than the pleasure of being stroked. None of them had better of had lustful thoughts about her!
"I'm no mind reader, Illam, but I can see the thought doesn't please you."
"Did any of them even hint to you that they felt anything more than pleasure?"
"No."
Illam relaxed slightly.
"Which makes me wonder why you reacted so differently?" Denyon raised one brow. "Like a Felys scenting a female in heat."
Illam recoiled. "I didn't!"
"Snarch shit." Denyon stabbed his finger in his direction. "Ever since you've met Tera, you and she have been sparking off each other. You did all but issue an ownership challenge back in her cabin."
"No way." Yes way. Illam cleared his throat.
Crossing to the sofa, Denyon dropped down onto it and stretched out his legs.
Taking the hint that the confrontation wasn't going to an angry one, Illam took the armchair opposite and rested his ankle on his opposite knee. Placing his elbow on the armrest, he rested his chin on his fist and watched his friend.
"I'm not going to muck around," Denyon stated quietly. "You're attracted to the Argon healer."
"No." Would you call a raging erection attraction? No, it's lust, plain and simple.
"Let's see." Denyon held up his hand and started to tick off on his fingers as he spoke. "You've kissed her. You've been caught in a compromising situation with her. Sparks smolder whenever you two get within a couple of feet of each other. She can make you lose your temper like no one else can. You challenged both me and Wylin for her, whether you want to admit it or not." He quirked one brow, a habit that Illam was starting to find most irritating. "Need I go on?"
"What, you have more?" Illam sneered.
"You marked her with your scent. You claim to be able to smell her perfume." Denyon narrowed his eyes. "The female wears no perfume that you describe, Illam."
"Of course she does. Something spicy yet sweet."
"You're the only one who can smell that on her. What does that tell you?"
"You're getting a cold?"
"What, all the soldiers on this ship?"
Illam shrugged, still unwilling to admit anything.
Denyon sighed in impatience. "Illam, I know you, like most of us, aren't happy with the fact that one of our females has fallen in love and mated with an Argon---"
"An outworlder."
"Whatever. But she has, and it goes to show that if it can happen to her, it can happen to any of us."
Illam snarled his disagreement.
"Maybe you should consider that you're attracted to Tera," Denyon said bluntly.
Illam scowled. "Preposterous."
"Why? All the signs are there."
"You think I go sniffing around her?" Illam's scowl grew.
"I don't think, I know. I see you inhaling her scent whenever she's in the vicinity, and even when she isn't nearby. You know where to find her when no one else has a clue."
"You're imagining it," Illam scoffed. "She smells strange, that's why I know where she is."
"Oh, really? So how come you can't smell Wylin? How come you don't know where to find him?"
Illam opened his mouth to retort, but he really didn't know, so he closed his mouth and shrugged.
"One thing you're not is dumb, Illam. If this was me, what would you be saying?"
"Nothing."
"Stop snarling. You're more temperamental than I normally am, and you're supposed to be the easygoing one of the two of us." Denyon leaned forward. "Your moods swing, and the sooner you come to accept that you're attracted to Tera, the sooner you'll figure out what to do about it."
"You're wrong."
Denyon stood up and shook his head. "Just think about it, Illam. Your prejudice is blinding you right now---"
"Prejudice?" Illam was stung. "If I was prejudiced, do you think I'd be tolerating the Argons around me?"
"If Tera was a Felys, Illam, you'd have had her up against the nearest wall days ago. Almost as soon as you met her, in fact. But you can't get past the fact that she's an outworlder."
Involuntarily, Illam's top lip lifted and a low growl came from him.
"Just think about it, Illam." Denyon crossed to the door and pulled it open, then he stopped and turned to give him a long, hard, considering look. "And if you're not attracted to Tera, why did you have to give yourself relief in the shower?"
Illam shot to his feet. "By Jocat, Denyon, you go too far if you've been spying on me!"
"Spying? No one has to spy on you to see that bulge you had in your trousers when I ordered you from her room. By Delcat, Illam, your jacket couldn't even conceal it properly. You're just lucky I got you out of there before your hormones went wild and you lost control." Denyon stabbed his finger in his direction. "Sort yourself out before we get back to Scytha."
He slammed the door behind him and left Illam snarling in the cabin on his own.
Tense and angry, Illam started pacing. He didn't want to admit that Denyon could even be a smidgen correct. Attracted to that sharp-tongued little healer? No! Inconceivable! He just hadn't yet found a mate amongst his own kind, that was all. He needed one of his own to mate with. It was just being in such close proximity with Tera that was wearing on him. Maybe his sexual peak was coming on him. But it had never affected him like this.
He stopped in the middle of the cabin, his feet ankle deep in the lush carpeting. Who are you trying to fool? You've not been attracted to one of your kind for a long time. Tera turns you inside out.
He recommenced pacing. There was no chance of anything between them. They were too different. He was a Felys, she an Argon. If she was one of his kind, then maybe...
Jaw squaring, Illam stopped and drew a deep breath. Decision time.
He found her attractive. Red hot, in fact. But it made no difference. He wasn't ready to think about relations with a female from another species. And even if he did, she was here on a mission on behalf of his people. How would it look to the Argons if he diddled with their healer? Wylin would be after his blood, no doubt about it.
Rolling his head on his shoulders, Illam sought to ease the knots of tension. No, Tera was on a mission. He'd keep his distance and ... and what? Hell, I don't know. That's why I'm keeping my distance from now on.
Satisfied with his decision, he threw himself down on the sofa. It was time for a lycatnap and to rejuvenate.
It would have been even more restful if his dreams hadn't been filled with visions of Tera, her scent filling his nostrils, and her soft lips against his.
And wouldn't you know it. Illam cursed silently as his eyes popped open. He had a raging erection again.
Tera's mission was going to be hard on him---literally.
The Cave
They fashioned it with such hope, such care. But also with a certain amount of fear and trepidation.
The key to their freedom? She wasn't so sure. She still wasn't sure they were doing the right thing, but then, what was happening to them? Without their mates ... some had turned mad. They'd had to be destroyed.
No, this was the only way.
She looked up and caught the attention of one of the males. He stared at her, then looked away. His mate had been captured. Whether she still lived, no one knew. If she did, she would be insane by now. Insane with wanting. With longing. And her captors would rape her over and over, one man after another, and ironically, it wouldn't be enough. Would never be enough to slake her wild, hormone induced lust. None could slake her but her own kind. And her own kind was nowhere near her.
Wherever she was.
The female turned her gaze back to the key to their future freedom. Maybe they were doing the right thing after all. What hope for them all, anyway?
It was late at night---or early in the morning, depending on how one thought about it. Illam preferred to think it was early morning, a perfect time to prowl the deserted corridors of the scout ship.
He was prowling because no matter how lovely and snuggly his big bed was, his nerves were jittery, jumping under his skin at the slightest movement. He'd gone to the dining cabin to get a drink of hot milk, normally a sure method of soothing him, but it hadn't worked.
Restless, he'd resumed prowling the ship. He'd flicked through the files in the control cabin with little interest, did an unnecessary coordinate check, measured the distance to Scytha, and tidied up his work station---of which there wasn't much to tidy, anyway. It consisted of tossing his few notes in the bin, something he could have done in the morning.
There was nothing for him to do but go back to bed. Maybe if he read a little it might help. He didn't even know why he was jumpy and restless.
He dawdled down the corridor, stopping to rub his back against a door jam. Not because his back was itchy, but because it felt so good. Not as good as a soft hand rubbing his back, but it'd do. Liar. Illam rolled his eyes. Maybe he should get another mug of hot milk and put something a little stronger in it, such as kitnip, or even a little kitmint. The herbs were sure to relax him a little and put him in a sleepy state.
Then he realized in front of whose cabin he was loitering. Tera's.
Jumping back from the door jam like a scalded lycat, he gave an involuntary spit of displeasure. Raking his hand through his hair, he shook his head and swung on his heel to stalk away.
And froze when he heard a muffled sob come from behind the closed door of the Argon healer's cabin.
Frowning, he turned to look at the door, his ears pricking upwards and twitching forward. There it was again. Another sob. There was no mistaking it. The healer was crying.
Illam stood in indecision. Should he awaken Wylin and let him know his friend was crying? He could just imagine it. Sorry to wake you, but did you know your friend is crying?
Just the thought smacked of cowardice, and self-righteousness. As though he was too good to even knock on the door and inquire if Tera was all right.
But then, maybe she didn't want anyone to know she was crying. Well, if she didn't, then she should have muffled her sobs. Felys had exceptional hearing. But she wasn't a Felys, so she probably thought that no one would hear her.
Illam chewed his bottom lip, then rubbed his nose with the back of his wrist. Another sob, this one cutting into him.
Tera was crying. Alone. He could at least do the polite thing and check that she was all right.
Moving back to the door, he raised his hand and knocked quietly.
There was no answer, only more sobbing. And the more she sobbed, the more he felt concerned. And something else, but he wasn't about to even try to analyze and identify that.
After giving himself a shake, he flexed his fingers and turned the door handle. Slipping into the dim cabin, he closed the door behind him. His eyes adjusted quickly to the dimness. The only light was that cast by the lamp near the bed.
Tera was curled up in the bed. He thought she was awake, but when she didn't say anything about his presence, he crept forward stealthily, his gaze trained on her.
She was asleep, but her cheeks were wet with tears. Even as she watched, she drew a shuddering breath, but continued to sleep.
So maybe he should wake her up. Or not. Was it good to wake someone up who was crying in their sleep?
She whispered a name, but he couldn't make it out.
Illam hesitated. To be honest, he didn't really want to leave. For his sanity he didn't want to stay, either, but she looked so small and vulnerable, lying on her side in the big bed. Her bare arm lay atop the covers, her figure a slim form beneath it. From what he could see, her nightgown was low necked, with thin straps holding it up on her shoulders.
Another small sob issued from between her soft lips.
Illam could never stand to see a female cry. It made him nervous and uneasy. Seeing this tough, nasty-mouthed, little Argon crying, however, made his heretofore unknown protective instincts surge forth. He wanted to gather her close, and purr reassurances into her ears. She'd probably wake up and swear a blue streak at him, but then, when had adversity ever stopped him from doing what he wanted?
So Illam did what came naturally when an adult Felys dealt with a crying Felys kit that needed comfort when it awoke from a nightmare. Carefully, he eased himself down on the big bed behind her, stretching out to his full length. When she didn't move or awaken, he eased himself close up against her and placed his hand on her upper arm. While releasing deep, gentle purrs, he began kneading softly.
Tera shifted back into him, another small sob escaping her, but not as loud.
He curled around her and rested his chin on her head. The silky locks caressed his skin deliciously. His low comforting purr nearly escalated to a full-blown purr of pleasure, but he managed just in time to stifle the impulse.
He soothed her as he would a Felys kit.
Except she wasn't a Felys kit, and as she slipped back into a deep, untroubled sleep, he became aware of her scent seeping into him. Somehow, it seemed just right that she relied upon him for her comfort---even if she didn't realize it herself. If she ever found out, she'd probably carry through on her threat and castrate him.
Illam winced at the thought.
Her soft curves fit against the harder planes of his body just nicely, even with the covers being a barrier between them. What he wouldn't give to lift those covers and slide in against her naked skin. Only she was wearing a nightgown, and he had no right to do as he craved.
It didn't stop him from inhaling her scent deeply or nuzzling her hair.
He knew he should get up and leave her to sleep, but it was so cozy snuggled up against her, the dim light from the lamp casting a pleasant, soft glow on everything. Closing his eyes, he purred softly.
His jittery nerves were soothed.
He allowed himself the luxury of resting with Tera in his arms, but after some time had passed, he gently eased out from behind her and slid to his feet.
Murmuring a protest, Tera started to stir. He trailed his fingers across the smoothness of her cheek, and then tunneled into her hair, massaging her scalp gently whilst purring softly.
It had the desired effect. Tera drifted back into sleep, a small smile curving her lips.
Her cheeks were still tear-stained. Illam looked down at her for several moments, a conflict of emotions beating inside him. He wanted to know what had made her cry. He wanted to stay with her. He wanted a lot more.
So he did what he understood, he left the cabin. Because he sure as hell didn't understand what was happening to him.
A knocking on her door woke Tera.
"Tera?" Wylin called. "It's late. Are you all right?"
"Fine." She pushed into a sitting position. "Come in."
Wylin walked in, squinted in the dim light, and swung the door shut behind him. After flicking on the light switch beside the door, illuminating the cabin in light as bright as day, he looked in concern at her. "You've been crying."
"I have?" She touched her cheek, then nodded. "I remember. I had the dream..."
"The dream?"
She looked away. "You know the one. I haven't had it for years."
"Oh." Wylin grimaced. "I'm sorry. What brought it on?"
"I don't know." Guilty feelings, probably. Tera stood up.
"You should have called me, Tera."
"I was fine." Yawning, she crossed to the wardrobe. "I'll just wash and change and then I'll join you for breakfast." She stopped and glanced at him over her shoulder. "It is time for breakfast, isn't it?"
At his affirmative nod, she breathed a sigh of relief. Once in the bathroom, she splashed water on her face, brushed her teeth, and changed into a clean gown. Lifting the hairbrush to brush her hair, she frowned as a glint of gold caught her eye. Carefully she pulled the stray strand of hair out and stared at it.
A gold strand of hair She didn't have gold hair, but she knew who did. Gold and white and chocolate. Illam. But how did a strand of his hair manage to get into her own?
Shaking her head at the mystery, Tera resumed tidying herself, then left to break the fast in the dining cabin.
Illam was careful to stay out of the way of Tera on the remainder of the flight, apart from when she removed the stitches in his arm and pronounced him healed. Until he understood exactly what was going on with him and those absurd protective feelings towards her, he decided to play cautious and safe. Which meant keeping his distance.
So he eyed her from a distance. He watched her from the corner of his eyes whenever she walked past him. He nodded to her in the dining cabin at meal times. He studied her when no one saw him.
He had a raging erection every night and every morning, and sometimes in-between. It was a bloody nuisance. Especially when the object of his illfated desire was so enticingly near, and when she wasn't, her scent followed him around like a hot cloud of invisible passion, not seen, but by Delcat, very bloody obvious to him.
When the scout ship landed on Scytha, he was more than relieved. Back amongst his own kind, his raging libido could finally revert to normal.
"The Felys scout ship is returning, Sire." Lazer, his attender, eyed him cautiously.
"And this interests me, why?" Ropar growled.
"Word is that they have visitors aboard."
Ropar's ears pricked, and his gaze narrowed. "Really?"
"Yes, Sire." Fawning a little, he looked up and whined softly.
"Oh stop, it, Lazar, you sniveling mutt!"
Lazar subsided, his shoulders hunching a little as he watched his Alpha stride across the room.
"Visitors, hmm?" Ropar stroked his whiskered chin. "Now what could they be wanting from the Felys?"
Wisely, Lazar remained silent.
Turning around on his heel, Ropar pinned Lazar with a calculating gaze. "How close is the archeological site to the Felys?"
"Just on our side of the swamp boundary, Sire," Lazar answered.
"Then they're just the ones to keep us informed of the visitors' whereabouts. Get them on line, and tell them to keep me informed of the movements."
"Yes, Sire." Bowing, Lazar back to the door and left, closing it quietly behind him.
Turning back to the window, Ropar squinted out into the bright sunshine. The Felys didn't encourage visitors. What made these so special? And where were the visitors from? It was time to get some inside information.
Tera and Wylin walked down the ramp and stepped out onto the soil of Scytha. Looking around, Tera breathed deeply of the forest, the different scents of plants, flowers, and fresh air most pleasing after being in the ship for two weeks. Her gaze eagerly took in her surroundings.
The forest was in front of them, thick and green, with towering trees and thick underbrush. There was no road into the forest, just a widening between the trees. No grass was trampled underfoot, and the flowers waved their heads lazily in the breeze.
Two hover trays appeared from between the trees. The two Felys guiding them were dressed in low-slung pants that reached down to their calves, and they wore soft boots, and nothing else. Their muscles rippled in their lean torsos, and their tri-colored hair was fastened back in long plaits that fell halfway down their backs.
They greeted the Felys troops with cheerful waves. Before the hover trays had even come to a stop, they jumped lithely down. They stopped laughing as their gazes fell on Wylin and Tera.
Tera could see the pupils in their eyes dilate as the Felys warily studied them. They lifted their heads slightly, nostrils flaring as they scented them. Slowly they approached, moving silently on soft boots, stopping near Denyon who was waiting.
Denyon nodded to them. "Ceric, Garan, this is the Argon healer, Tera, and her guard, Wylin. She has come for the research."
Ceric and Garan studied Tera thoroughly, their green gazes raking over her, up and down, and then they transferred their attention to Wylin.
Wylin stood easily, deceptively relaxed when Tera knew he was poised to jump to her defense if needed. He nodded pleasantly to the Felys pair.
Tera wasn't so sure about them. If the rest of the Felys clan were as guarded with her and Wylin, then it wasn't going to be easy to collect the research material. And why was this pair so wary of her and Wylin?
Ceric and Garan nodded suddenly, not saying anything.
Garan, a blue, white and black haired Felys, held his hand out to Tera in greeting, and she shook his hand and smiled, feeling relieved. Ceric followed his example, shaking hands first with Tera, then with Wylin. No expression crossed their features, but their eyes were wary.
Turning away, they headed up the ramp to assist with unloading the cargo onto the hover trays. Once with the other Felys, they relaxed and started chatting.
Illam joined them, his deep laughter filling the air as Ceric said something to him. Slipping out of his uniform top, he revealed a leanly muscled body that made her throat go dry. When he stooped to lift a container, the muscles flexed in his arms and back, bunching and relaxing in mouthwatering movements.
Suns, she'd love to run her hands over that smooth skin and feel those muscles move beneath her hands. Tera licked her lips unconsciously.
"If you don't stop looking like you're going to eat that poor bastard any second, you're going to embarrass yourself," Wylin said out of the corner of his mouth.
Busted. "I'm just watching to make sure they don't drop anything," Tera muttered back.
"Of course you are." Wylin straightened up from his lean and looked up as Denyon suddenly turned to them. "I don't see any roads?"
Thankful both for the change of topic, as well as the diversion, Tera switched her attention from the luscious body of Illam to the more civilly clothed one of Denyon. Covertly she eyed him, but came to the conclusion that somehow, even without his jacket and showing off what promised to be a powerful physique, it wouldn't make her mouth water as the sight of Illam's torso did. I am such a slut. Remembering her dream, guilt ate at her momentarily, and she glanced back at Illam almost resentfully.
Yep, he's still gorgeous, damn him. And I don't need this distraction. Giving herself a mental shake, she resolutely turned her attention to the topic of discussion between Denyon and Wylin.
"We don't have roads such as you do on Argon, or any of the other few planets we've been to," Denyon was saying. "But the openings and tracks to our clan settlement are there for those who know them."
"So what if we get lost while we're looking around?" Tera queried.
"You won't be alone," he assured her. "You'll always have a guide."
"That's comforting."
"Isn't it?" Denyon grinned.
Somehow that grin made her a little uneasy. She glanced up to see Wylin's bland expression. No help there, for he wasn't giving away anything of what he was thinking.
"So, how far away from the settlement are we?" Tera tried not to notice Illam carrying a sack to the hover tray. By the suns, she certainly wasn't noticing those muscles, or the way the sun picked out the golden highlights in his hair.
"About two hour's travel," Denyon replied.
"Walking?"
"Yes."
Wylin's gaze drifted back to the scout ship. "You leave the ship here?"
"The ship..." The pupils in Denyon's eyes slitted. "Gets stored."
"Where?"
"In a safe place."
Wylin didn't bat an eyelash. "I see."
So, Denyon didn't totally trust the Argons. Tera arched one brow at Wylin as Denyon turned his back to answer a query from one of his soldiers.
Wylin arched his own brow back at her, but didn't say anything.
Silently they watched as the hover trays were loaded up with their equipment, as well as sacks and other crates. Stripped down to their pants and boots, the Felys troops all helped. Their tunic jackets were slung across the rail that joined the ramp.
It was odd how once the tunic jackets were off, they all looked a bit more untamed. Their hair stirred in the breeze, and their laughter was more carefree than it had been when they were on Argon.
Here the Felys were home, and free to be who they were without wariness and constraints. As she watched, it seemed as though they started to shed the trappings of civility and became carefree, even playful.
The Felys she recognized as Aras stretched luxuriously in the sunshine, tossing his hair back over his shoulder. Melar casually rubbed his shoulder against a tree trunk, his bright eyes half shut dreamily.
Her attention on the men, her gaze caught and held on Illam as he stretched his hand up against a tree trunk. He spoke quietly to Ceric, his teeth flashing sharp and white in a grin. Without a thought, he dragged his nails lightly down the tree trunk. A breeze kicked up, swirling past her. Illam's ears twitched, he inhaled deeply, and his head lifted. Across the small clearing, his gaze met and locked with hers.
His eyes suddenly seemed to glow ... hotly. Suns. Tera turned away, trying to ignore her heart as it tripped merrily along in anticipation. I am one sick wench. I can't believe I'm getting all hot and bothered by a half-clad feral who doesn't even like me.
He likes my body.
Shut up.
I like his body.
Shut up, shut up, shut up!
"Are you all right?' Wylin bent down to peer into her face, startling her. "You're grinding your teeth."
"I don't grind my teeth."
"You've started now."
"I'm fine." She looked behind him. "I wonder what the Felys clan will think of us?"
"Going by the wariness Ceric and Garan showed us, I'd say we'll get a similar reception."
"Ah, you noticed the wariness, huh?"
"Kind of hard to miss, Tera."
"And what of Denyon obviously not trusting us that much?"
"The scout ship's whereabouts." Wylin smiled a little.
"You're not worried that he doesn't trust us totally?"
"I'd be worried if he trusted us too much, too fast. He doesn't really know us well."
"Do they think we're going to turn around and capture them for slaves again?" Tera blew out a breath of disgust. "They need to get over it."
Lost in his own thoughts, Wylin didn't answer.
Denyon strode up to them, the only Felys still wearing his jacket. "We're ready to go." He looked at Tera. "You are fine to walk the distance?"
"Of course."
"You can always ride on the hover tray if it gets too much---"
"I can walk, Denyon." Tera smiled. "Don't worry about me. I'm not a frail little thing."
He smiled back at her, but his eyes held a guarded expression. "Very well."
Expecting both hover trays to go together, Tera was surprised when a couple of the soldiers and Garan took one hover tray in the opposite direction, disappearing amongst the trees quickly.
Three of the Felys soldiers went back into the scout ship and one of them tossed the remaining jackets to another Felys, who in turn tossed them onto the hover tray. Then the ramp of the scout ship rose and sealed shut. But the ship didn't move.
The last hover tray rose and started to retreat into the forest, taking the same invisible path it had appeared from earlier. The remaining Felys fell in behind and around it, their voices filling the air with a cheerful chatter.
Illam glanced in the direction of the scout ship, then across to where Tera and Wylin were slowly starting after the Felys. Taking a deep breath, he strode across to fall into step beside Wylin, while Denyon fell in on the other side beside Tera.
It was obviously a move to reassure them of their presence, but Tera had the fanciful thought that it was like being herded along. To their doom? She nearly laughed aloud, until she caught sight of Illam's grim profile. Well, maybe. She really had to get a grip on her emotions while around him.
The walk through the forest was an eye opener in many ways. It wasn't just the abundance of the flowers and trees, the thickness and beauty, the freshness and wildlife. It was the Felys themselves. The closer they drew to their home, the more they came to resemble the feline-like species they were.
One of the men suddenly leaped up, grabbed an overhanging branch and pulled himself effortlessly onto it. Balanced lightly on his feet, he grinned down at Aras, who immediately ran and leaped up into the air below the branch, his hand swiping up in a round arc in an attempt to dislodge his friend. The man laughed and batted his hand away, before leaping lightly to another branch then swinging down to land lithely on his booted feet.
The byplay wasn't even noticed by the other Felys. Tera watched, fascinated.
Suddenly another figure burst from the bushes just as the hover tray passed. Tera jumped, and automatically Wylin pulled her into his side and stopped walking.
It happened fast. One second the man was bursting from the bushes, the next second he was in a full-on grapple with Melar. With a hissing and spitting, they crashed away into the bushes on the other side and disappeared from view. The air filled with a yowling, the odd swear word, a curse, and a whole lot of hissing. Day flyers burst from the treetops in a screeching frenzy.
And the other Felys just kept on walking and talking.
"Uh..." Tera looked questioningly up at Denyon.
"Melar's brother," Denyon said, as though that explained it all.
"What, he has a grudge against Melar?"
"Not at all." Denyon replied. "He's greeting him."
The Felys greeted family like that? Tera bit her lip.
Illam leaned forward to look at her around Wylin. "Litter mates get playful with each other at times. Melar and his brother have this long standing competition going on between them."
"I see." Tera's interest was sparked. "So this kind of thing isn't unusual?"
"Not amongst some litter mates, or even amongst friends." Illam shrugged. "It's part of who we are."
Just like lycats. Tera scratched the tip of her nose thoughtfully. Adult lycats played. Why not Felys, a feline-type species? After all, the more common species of being had their ways of rough-housing and playing, even as adults.
"Do you want your data collector?" Wylin grinned down at her, but she could sense that he was still on his guard, his arm around her shoulders seemingly relaxed, but the tension unmistakable in his muscles.
His arm round her was protective, and he didn't release her.
Denyon obviously sensed his disquiet. "I promise you, Wylin, you and Tera will come to no harm from the Felys." His gaze was level, but there was a hardness in his tone when he added, "We may play rough like feral animals, but we don't hunt or hurt our friends."
"And it was never insinuated that we thought of you as such," Wylin replied just as bluntly. "Let's sort the facts out right now, Denyon, before we go any further into your domain."
"Uh, Wylin..." Tera began, uncertain what he'd say.
He ignored her, his level gaze steady on Denyon. "You are a feline-like species. We accept that. We're not here to judge the Felys, or sneer at differences. Tera is here to research the health of your people, and to try and come up with a solution to your runts. But you have to expect that sometimes we will look surprised. I'm sorry if that offends you, but it's plain and simple. A different culture is bound to hold surprises, and there will be times we can't hide an involuntary reaction." He tucked Tera closer into his side. "If this is going to cause a problem with you and yours, then we won't be going any further."
Maintaining her outer calm, Tera bit her inner lip. Wylin was right, but it didn't make her feel any better about it.
The pupils in Denyon's eyes dilated. In the forests, far from civilization, he seemed suddenly very feral. Dominating. Like a lycat facing off with a strange male lycat.
Tera glanced at Illam, expecting to find him just as intimidating. He was watching the men unblinkingly, his golden eyes full of interest. Then he seemed to sense her gaze, for he looked at her suddenly. He inhaled, his nostrils flaring briefly.
It hit her hard then. They were in a strange forest, on a strange planet. Just she and Wylin. With an unpredictable species of which little was known.
Illam's pupils slitted, and he stepped forward, his gaze switching to Denyon. His voice was soft when he spoke. "Denyon, I do believe you're making our female guest nervous."
There was no way she was going to allow anyone to think she was nervous! "Not at all," Tera replied sharply.
Denyon looked down at her, his eyes seeking and searching, seeming to bore right into her. She tossed her head back and looked him boldly in the eye. As long as he didn't see her fingers trembling, she was all right.
His eyes softened suddenly, and he stepped back. "My apologies, Tera. Illam is right. You and Wylin are our guests, and I am remiss in my duties." He looked at Wylin. "And you are correct. We need to expect that you'll be surprised at some things, and we shouldn't take offense."
"It would help if you explained to your people that when we're surprised, it means we need an explanation of what is happening and why," Tera stated, relief filling her. Suns, that was almost a showdown. I don't like showdowns!
"That will be explained to them." He nodded. "And in turn, you must expect some resentment. As you said, some reactions are involuntary."
"Give and take," she replied.
He smiled. "As you say."
"Starting with why you reacted the way you did," she said.
His smile fled within seconds.
Uh-oh. That was obviously not a good question. Tera groaned mentally.
Rather than hiss in irritation, Denyon quietly replied, "Wylin was challenging me."
"Oh, I don't think---"
"I was challenging him." Wylin gave her shoulders a small squeeze where his hand rested.
"Well, sort of, but---"
"It was a challenge," Illam stated flatly.
"What is this? The boys' club?" Tera asked peevishly. "All right. It was a challenge."
The men exchanged an amused glance.
"If you're all going to start humoring the little wench, I'll bust someone," Tera snapped.
"Then by all means, let me explain," Denyon said in an attempt to soothe her.
Which totally rubbed Tera up the wrong way, but her research side was perking up in interest. It also meant no one as going to have a hissy fit, which was even better.
"Lesson one of the Felys." Denyon's eyes actually twinkled in amusement. "Our society is made up of dominant males and females."
Sort of like their sex habits.
"Why are you grinning?" he asked suspiciously.
"No reason." She waved her hand. "Keep going."
He eyed her for several seconds, then shrugged. "The males and females have a dominant order in our society. Though we are all equal, like any clan of Felys there are those more dominant in nature than others. The more dominant ones are higher in the rank of command."
"Why?"
"It's not so far removed from your own society. You have those more dominant, and those who follow, still holding rank." Denyon looked at Wylin. "Kiile would be classed as the dominant one on your part of the planet."
"Because he's the leader." Wylin nodded.
"But his demeanor is dominant, too. He does not bow or scrape to anyone, he listens and makes the decisions, and his decisions are followed." Denyon returned his attention to Tera. "Kiile's bodyguards are also dominant, but they obey Kiile. Kiile's troops are dominant, but they obey their commanders, who in turn obey Kiile. Therefore, he is classed as a dominant male in your society."
"In a society of dominant males," Tera was starting to understand. It was a different way of looking at things.
"Exactly. So it is with us. But a challenge, depending on the severity, can be met with a talk, a meeting, or a fight."
"Not so different after all."
"But we can fight to the death if provoked enough. It hasn't happened for many years."
Well, in some places that still was the case. But on Argon, it wasn't. In a civilized world ... but she had to stop thinking like that. The Felys were civilized in their own way.
"The Argons are known to meet with challenges by fighting ... and in different ways. I have heard what they have done to some enemies who fall into their hands." Denyon's green eyes seemed to deepen. "Your race have driven enemies to the edge of madness and beyond with sexual desire, and sexual practice. Bringing them to the brink of pleasure and holding off, over and over and over again, until the enemy is screaming for mercy. Playing with them. Teasing them. Breaking them."
"What of it?" Tera shrugged. "It works."
"Domination, little healer, comes in many forms." Denyon turned his head to look at the hover craft which was nearly out of sight. "Anyway, that is the answer to your question. Lesson one is over." He started following the hover tray again.
Tera glanced at Illam to find his eyes glowing once more. Unashamedly hot and heavy. I am not going to look further down. I am not going to look---oh my God!
Averting her gaze hurriedly, she strode along with Wylin's arm still around her. Illam, still silent, strode along on Wylin's other side, but she could swear the man's heat was burning right through her friend to sear into her.
Illam was getting a hard-on, it was more than obvious. Thank the stars Wylin had been watching Denyon, or he might have castrated the man.
Then again, he probably wouldn't. A man couldn't always hide his lustful thoughts and feelings, his male appendage always gave him away. But she had no doubt Wylin would have given him a warning of some kind.
Challenged him.
She rolled her eyes.
Welcome to the boys' club.
Illam was irritated with himself. When the challenge between Wylin and Denyon had been laid, he'd been quite content to stand back and watch the fun. It wouldn't have turned into a fight, for Denyon was determined that the Argons would be their allies, thanks to his cousin having wedded into them. But a challenge had to be met.
What had made Illam interfere and remind Denyon of his duties, was the hint of fear and nervousness in Tera's eyes. Those crystal blue orbs had turned his way. He could almost smell the fear on her, and the uncertainty in her gaze had made his protective instincts come screaming to the fore. So he'd done what a male did when coming between two challenging men. He'd spoken softly and firmly.
And if Denyon hadn't backed down, he would have pulled Tera from harms way. Except she wouldn't have been in any danger. If it had been two Felys facing off, she might have been, but Denyon was more than aware that Wylin was a different species. Illam's instinct would have been to pull her away.
Common sense made him hold back, but his protective instinct had made him interfere on her behalf.
Then the cursed female had started with the questions again, and Denyon just had to bring up the sexual teasing, and before Illam knew it, his concern had turned to lustful thoughts. Now he wanted to pull her away from Wylin and into his own definitely unsafe arms.
Walking with half a hard-on was hell. Knowing that she'd seen it didn't embarrass him, but it made him grit his teeth when she'd hurriedly looked away.
Now she knew he wanted her. Body! He hastily corrected himself. He wanted her body. Her sharp mouth she could keep to herself. But her mouth was so hot and moist and ... Flattening his ears back, he glared out at the forest.
He really needed to mate with a female. Tonight. As soon as they got back to the settlement.
The rest of the journey was done quietly, his friends drifting ahead. He and Denyon remained behind with their visitors, as was only polite. After all, Tera and Wylin were in their care.
I'd like to take care of Tera. By Delcat! He barely managed to swallow the growl that threatened to be released from his throat at his own annoying thoughts.
When the settlement neared, he sighed in relief.
From the trees and bushes burst several young litters of Felys. Squealing and yowling in excitement, they threw themselves at several of the men, who whooped and hugged them all fiercely.
The litters didn't leave their fathers alone, several of the smaller ones nipping at the men's fingers. Laughing, the fathers gave them gentle swipes around the ears with their hands.
Aras grabbed several of his Felys kits under his arms and took off in a run for the settlement, the rest of his kits running behind in squealing excitement, several of them hissing as they got in each other's ways, while a couple batted at each other with their hands.
The remainder of the kits caught sight of Illam and Tera, and hissing, they drew closer to their fathers. Their gazes remained on the visitors, the black threads in their eyes moving agitatedly. Ears flattened, one of them spat in fright.
Denyon moved faster, striding ahead to speak in a low voice to the men. They nodded their heads, hushed their kits, and moved on ahead quickly, passing the hover tray easily. The kits scampered after them.
Seeing the way Wylin watched with interest, Illam explained, "Denyon's telling them to go ahead and warn our people that we're coming."
"We don't want special treatment."
"Trust me, unless you want to see nothing but scampering kits hissing and spitting, you'll accept this little favor. By the time we arrive, the kits will be calmed down."
Noticing that Tera was unusually silent, Illam looked at her. Her expression was fascinated, her eyes alive with interest. She turned to Illam with a question, but she seemed to think twice and swallowed whatever she was about ask. Instead, she turned back to look resolutely towards the hover tray.
Now what could possibly have made Miss Twenty Plus Questions change her mind and stop now? "Is there a problem?" Illam asked curiously.
"Not at all," she replied coolly.
"You were about to ask something."
"It's all right." She shrugged. "I'll find out soon enough."
Now she was being downright mysterious. "No, please ask."
"Later," she said briefly.
"Give up," Wylin said dryly. "When she starts asking questions you can't shut her up, but when she goes all silent, wild horses can't drag a word out of her mouth."
"Thanks, Wylin," Tera said.
"No problems," he replied easily.
She dug her elbow into his ribs, and he laughed. She grinned back up at him.
Illam thought he'd never seen anything prettier. Mental head slap. He looked away, and as he did, they rounded a huge tree and the settlement came into sight.
Home looked wonderful.
Noticing that Wylin and Tera had slowed down, their gazes taking in everything, he tried to see it through their eyes.
There was no central clearing. Some homes had been built high in the trees, while others were at the base of them. The base homes were made of stone, the tree homes of wood. Stone stairs led up to the homes in the trees. Vines and flowers cascaded from walls and roofs. The settlement wasn't built in the forest, rather, it was built into the forest. No tree had been taken down to make way for a home. There were no walls to separate homes, but there was plenty of room between the dwellings. There were no well-tended gardens, but the ground was covered in thick grass and abundant with wildflowers. Stone paths had been made from the doorways of the homes and leading to one of the many tracks that entwined amongst the trees. The stones provided dry walking paths when the rains came.
The homes weren't small, but neither were they huge. Blending into the forest, they housed their occupants in private and roomy comfort.
One stone building stood at the edge of the settlement as they entered. The Meeting Hall where the clan congregated as necessary, such as when it rained. Otherwise the Felys preferred to gather outside.
The Felys looked at the visitors, but went about their own business after either nodding politely to them, or simply glancing at them and moving away. The only ones who stared openly were the young Felys kits, who ogled the visitors from the safety of their homes.
Denyon strode up to them with several Felys men and women accompanying him. Stopping before Tera and Illam, he introduced them.
"This is Tera the Argon healer, and Wylin, her bodyguard," Denyon announced quietly. "Tera and Wylin, these are our leaders, Shar and Almire."
Shar inclined her head, her tortoiseshell hair sliding across her shoulders. "We are pleased to have you assist us," she said calmly.
"If we can be of assistance, don't hesitate to ask." Almire smiled at them. His lilac, black and ginger hair, now touched with grey, was confined in a braid.
"We're pleased to be here." Tera said.
Illam couldn't help but admire her calmness and her direct gaze as she shook the hands of his leaders, Wylin following her example.
"These are our healers," Almire added, stepping back. "They will be helping you wherever they can."
Illam could see the interest in Tera's eyes as she shook the hands of the healers and noted the color of their hair. Rilla's hair was silver, black and white, and she wore it in a high ponytail. Marx's hair was blue at the front, with mostly white and the odd streak of brown. His hair was confined in a ponytail down his back, but wisps of it, as usual, hung around his shoulders.
Rilla and Marx were wary of the visitors, but he also knew how keen they were to start talking to a healer from an advanced society, and especially one who was willing to help them with the runts. Illam had no doubt that only politeness kept the healers from dragging Tera and Wylin away immediately.
"You will want to rest and refresh yourselves," Shar announced. "You've come a long way. I'll show you to your dwelling."
"We'll collect our things---" Wylin began, but she cut him off with an imperiously raised hand.
"They are already being unloaded and taken into your dwelling."
"Thank you." Wylin held out his elbow to Tera, and she gracefully laid her hand upon it. He tucked her hand close into his side.
Illam wasn't fooled by the Argon's gesture. He was openly proclaiming Tera as being in his care and under his protection. Wise move, but unnecessary amongst the Felys. The Argon's safety was already assured.
Shar looked at Illam and Denyon. "Show them to their dwelling, then I expect you to stop by my home and give us a full report of your travels."
"Of course." Denyon replied, his gaze steady.
"We'll speak soon," Rilla told Tera eagerly.
"At the dinner," Marx added.
"Of course," Rilla replied.
"Excellent." Marx nodded enthusiastically.
"Just the place." Rilla beamed.
"To get acquainted," Marx tacked on.
Seeing that Tera was getting a confused look on her face, Illam explained with barely restrained laughter, "They mean they'll see you at the dinner to chat."
"So I gathered," she returned.
The healers and leaders left, and Denyon smiled at her. "Rilla and Marx will keep you entertained."
She smiled faintly, but Illam wondered if that was a flash of trepidation in her lovely eyes. He nearly snickered out loud, but managed to look suitably serious.
"Come," Denyon gestured. "I'll show you to your home for the next few weeks."
The visitor's dwelling was right in the middle of the settlement, at the base of a huge tree. Slightly raised, as all the base homes were so that rain didn't come inside the door, it was a large, roomy structure.
Illam grinned to himself as Tera and Wylin looked around in pleased surprise. He was certain that they'd expected something rustic, when in fact what they saw was comfort and style. The floor was made of stone, but it was the crystal stones from the caves. They were white with blue marbled veins running through them. In the centre of the floor away from the door was a thick, plush carpet that begged to be rolled on. The armchairs were deep and covered in velvet. The cushions on the sofa were fuzzy, made of fake fur. Bookshelves lined one wall and were half-filled with books. The window was framed with royal blue velvet curtains.
At the back of the room was another door that led into a kitchen, which was decorated with sturdy wooden chairs and thick cushions. The dark wooden benches were polished to a high shine. The window here was framed with lace curtains that were tied back to each side with a length of silk ribbon. A door at the back led into a laundry and outside. Off the laundry was the toilet.
Another door led from the living area into a small passage, off which came doors. Two of the doors led to the two bedrooms beside each other. Each room held a big bed covered in soft quilts, and a plush carpet on the floor. Heavy curtains again hung at the glass doors that opened out onto the verandahs, and the wood was polished to a high shine.
"What's this?" Tera had the third door open, peeking into the small room which was empty of everything except for a rack of soft, fluffy towels, and a staircase that led downwards.
"Below ground is a hot spring," Denyon explained. "Your bath is there."
"Really?" Tera grinned at Wylin. "Shall we?"
"Why not?" He replied good naturedly, and took the lead as any bodyguard would in strange surroundings.
Tera rolled her eyes and followed on his heels. Illam and Denyon followed them down into the bathroom.
"This is just beautiful!" Tera gazed around in awe.
"I've never seen anything like it," Wylin added.
Illam looked around with pride. He liked the bathroom, too, if one could call it that. The spring that ran under the settlement was fed into a pool under every dwelling. From each individual pool, a small stream fed out into another stream that disappeared in another direction under the wall, ensuring that no family's bath water was fed into the next door neighbor's pool. The water steamed gently, and Tera carefully stuck her finger in.
"Warm," she said gleefully. "I could live in this water!"
"And turn into a prune," Wylin said.
"I'd be a happy prune," she replied.
Illam glanced around the bathroom. While his was done in shades of blue, this one was in shades of green. The walls and floor were the white, green-veined marble crystal again. The pool was done in the same material, the edges heavily in the green vein. Three steps led into the pool at one end. A stream of water flowed steadily from the spout at the far end of the pool, giving a continuous fresh water run.
A rack was against one wall ready for towels to be hung on. Another rack awaited clothes. A drain stood near the pool to catch any dripping water and take it away.
"I love it!" Tera exclaimed. "I just..." Her gaze alighted on the rail screwed into the wall, with the step below it, and her voice trailed away.
"Love it?" Illam supplied, vastly entertained.
She gave him a bold stare. "I've done it in the water, but not against the wall in the bathroom. Guess I'll have to try it out sometime."
By Delcat! Illam's heart started to beat double time.
"Does seem a shame to play out of the water though, it being so hot and all," she added nonchalantly. "The cold does strange things to..." her gaze dropped to his crotch "...Things."
By God, two could play at this! "It's actually warm in here, in case you hadn't noticed, makit. Perhaps you need warming up first?"
That made the little witch sit up and take notice! Illam smirked.
"Oh, it doesn't take me long to get hot." She smiled, baring her teeth.
She had no shame. His eyes narrowed, even as he inhaled her heady scent, which was intensified by the heat in the bathroom. "You could get sweaty, though."
"Hot and sweaty is how I like it."
Is that right? "How about rough and hot and sweaty?"
"Depends if claws are going to be involved."
Hard-on, here I come. "Depends how much she'll struggle."
"Dominance, huh?"
"Looking for submission, baby?" he breathed throatily.
"Think we should leave them alone?" Denyon asked mildly.
"I'm thinking I should remove Tera from this room and let the cool air clear her senses," Wylin growled, glaring at Illam.
Tera blinked and went red as she seemed to notice the presence of the other two men. "I'm kidding."
I'm not. Illam licked his lips.
Wylin gave him a narrow-eyed look and hooked his hand through Tera's elbow. "Let's unpack, shall we?"
He had her going up the stairs before Illam could even blink.
Shaking his head, Denyon muttered, "Illam, Illam, Illam." Then he turned and followed them.
Shit. Taking a deep breath, Illam stomped up the stairs after him, trying to ignore yet another half a hard-on. His bum muscle gave a twitch in irritation.
By the time he got to the top, he could hear Tera and Denyon out the back. He trailed out to see Tera leaning back against the tree trunk. Wylin was standing close to her. Closer than he had before. He also gave Illam another once-over through flinty eyes.
Great. Just great.
He heard Denyon say, "We'll come and get you in about an hour's time. The clan is sharing a meal at the Meeting Hall. It'll be a good time for you all to meet and get to know each other."
"I'm looking forward to it," Tera replied. "I'll get a chance to check out the diet."
"Maybe you need to simply relax and enjoy the evening meal before starting your research?" Wylin suggested.
"Oh, you know me, Wylin." Tera flashed him a bright smile. "I'm always on the job!"
"We'll take our leave of you, then." Denyon nodded to them. "If you need anything, my home is opposite, and Illam's is the one on the left next to you. We're close by at all times."
"Is that so?" Wylin looked directly at Illam as he spoke. "How ... comforting."
Great again. Just bloody great. Illam did a mental eye roll. Now Tera's bodyguard would be watching him like a carrion eater whenever he was in the vicinity of Tera. Well, the Argon had nothing to worry about.
Illam, on the other hand, was very much afraid that he himself had a huge problem. And that wasn't counting his hard-on.
Space
The ship shook under the onslaught. A masculine cry of pain came from below, the sound of laser fire searing the steel walls.
His younger friend looked at him. "We're going to die, aren't we?"
What could, he say? There was nothing comforting he could even hope to offer the younger man. Instead, he placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently.
"What of the young wench?" his young friend whispered.
"We'll die for her. For them both." He looked back towards the cabins with their closed doors. "They're as safe as we can get them."
"But safe enough?"
What could he say? His love was safe, but his friend's young love ... he shuddered. If the pirates got hold of her, of the captain's wife ... bile filled his throat, and he had to swallow hard.
Yes, he knew his own love was safe, but the thought that he might not see her again near on broke his heart in two.
But now was not the time to mourn what might not be. His friends, the remainder of the crew, were all looking to him for guidance.
"Forgive me, my love. I can't think of you now." He whispered the words in his mind, but what he whispered in his heart was, "I love you so much."
And out loud, he started snapping orders.
Leaning one shoulder on the doorframe of Tera's room, Wylin crossed his arms over his chest, and his ankles. "So, care to tell me what that was all about?"
"What?" She drew out a gown and hung it in the big wardrobe.
"That little heated exchange with Illam."
"Oh, that." She shrugged, managing to maintain a stoic expression. "He was being smart, so I thought I'd shake him up a bit."
"Shake him up? Tera, you nearly had the man on fire."
"Pshaw!" She sniffed and retrieved another gown.
"You're a healer. You know what a man's anatomy looks like when he's aroused."
"Illam's always aroused."
Wylin straightened, his eyes alert. "Oh?"
She looked at him and sighed. "Wylin, stop worrying."
"Stop worrying? Tera, if your father saw the way you two were looking at each other, he'd be the one doing the worrying!"
"And if Hanna saw it, she'd be amused. It's nothing, Wylin. I got carried away with teasing, all right?" I'd like to get carried away by Illam. No! No, I wouldn't! Liar.
"I think you need to stop discussing sex acts with him, and start doing it with the healers," Wylin suggested.
Tera raised her brows, a grin curving her lips. "Start doing it with the healers?"
"I mean discussing sex." Wylin sighed. "Tera, you're playing with fire when you tease Illam."
"Worried he'll pounce me?" Ooohh, now that was titillating!
"Yes, I am."
"Well don't be. He doesn't even like me, and the feeling is mutual." I do, however, lust after him. I'll admit that to myself.
Wylin gave her an odd look.
"What?" Throwing the gown on the bed, she stood with her hands planted on her hips. "Is this going to be another lecture?"
"Tera, we're visitors here."
"No! Really?"
"Ha-ha. Very amusing. Just be careful."
"I am being careful. I'm always careful." She winked at him. "I've never gotten pregnant yet."
Now Wylin looked worried.
"Wylin, just relax and enjoy yourself. Nothing is going to go wrong."
"We're talking about you, Tera. Anything could go wrong."
"Oh, now you're being so amusing. Have you unpacked?"
"Don't change the subject."
"That subject is over and done. Want me to unpack for you?" She grinned. "Did you bring your sex manual to add bits to?"
"Add to?"
"You and a little Felys wench." She winked.
"Hardly," he replied dryly.
"None of these little femme kitties appeal to you?"
Wylin had another odd expression on his face. "I don't actually know them yet, Tera."
She stopped in the act of picking up her nightgown. "Wylin? Are you all right?"
"That was my original question to you." He glanced at the container at the end of the bed. "And now I'm really worried."
"Why?" She looked down and groaned as she saw the sex manual lying on top of the heap of books. "Hanna's doing. She thinks it's funny that..." she halted. "I'm going to kill her when I get back. Want to help?"
"Why not? I won't have anything better to do apart from run a mile from your father."
"Why would you run a mile from him?"
Wylin gave her a sardonic look.
"There's nothing between me and Illam, and even if there was---" She frowned at him when his lips tightened. "Okay, even if there was something between me and any Felys male, it's not my father's business."
"You're in my care."
"I think we've had this conversation before, back on the scout ship." Placing her finger on her lips, she frowned thoughtfully up at the ceiling. "My, my. Yes, we did. Do you remember?"
Wylin sighed gustily. "Tera---"
"I'm no virgin, Wylin," Tera said bluntly. "Haven't been one for a long time, and that's not so unusual for our race. So don't get your knickers in a knot about something that may never happen."
"May?"
"I mean will never happen." She sighed as gustily as him. "You're here to make sure I don't get killed, maimed or hurt. Not to watch my sex life."
He looked appalled.
"Or lack thereof," she added. "Is that better?"
"Tera---"
"I'm not listening. Talk to the hand." She held up her palm.
"I ought to give you a hand, all right."
"Ooohh, kinky." She fluttered her eyelashes at him. "I didn't know you cared, sugar."
Wylin shook his head in mock despair.
Softening, she crossed the room to rub his cheek affectionately. "Wylin, you're a dear to worry, but my Father does not and will not hold you responsible for whom I choose to get involved with, whoever or wherever that may be. We're a sexual people, and I'm an adult. My choices are my own."
"I know," he replied gruffly. "I'm just trying to see that you don't get hurt."
"I'm not going to get hurt."
His own eyes softened. "I mean hurt as in heart-wise."
"I'm not going to get hurt heart-wise, either. That was a long time ago."
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reminded you." He gave her a sudden hug. "I love you like a sister, and I'm just trying to protect you."
"And I appreciate it." She hugged him back. "But I'm here for research, not to play with the Felys males." Drawing back, she winked. "Though there's nothing like personal, hands-on experience."
He groaned in feigned exasperation, then ruffled her hair and laughed ruefully. "How does Sarcan manage to cope with both you and Hanna?"
"That's the secret he learned a long time ago, Wylin." Tera patted his cheek. "He lets us make our own decisions and mistakes. He's there for advice if we want it, but otherwise he doesn't interfere."
"I get the hint." He held his hands up. "I promise to try and stay out of your affairs."
"Right," Tera said ironically.
It was his turn to wink.
"Now are you unpacked, or what?" She asked.
"I didn't bring as much stuff as you. Of course I'm unpacked."
She eyed him disbelievingly. "You've been standing there since Illam and Denyon left."
"So?"
"Go and unpack, Wylin."
He laughed, ruffled her hair once more, dodged her smacking hand and left the room.
Smiling, Tera resumed unpacking her containers. Yes, Wylin was like a brother to her and Hanna. In fact, she'd grown up with Wylin, Eulie and Kiile, as well, and they were all like brothers.
Her smile faded a little. And like close brothers, they knew her past.
Pausing, she stared at the thin gold bracelet that encircled her wrist. The design on it was of the rare night blossom flowers that she loved so much. Slowly she touched it, tracing the delicate scrolling. A present from so long ago.
She'd had the dream, too. The pain it caused didn't have the power to make her cry anymore. The shock and pain had dimmed over the years. The dream she hadn't had for a long, long time. What had brought it back?
She was very afraid she might suspect, so she resolutely turned her thoughts back to her unpacking. She had forty minutes left to bathe, get dressed and be ready for Denyon to escort her and Wylin to the dinner.
The meet'n'greet.
The bath made her sigh blissfully, and it was with deep reluctance that she left it. To be truthful, it was only Wylin shouting down to her to move her backside because he wanted a bath, too, that finally made her leave the warm waters.
Deciding what to wear was a problem. She didn't think one of her silky gowns would be appropriate, considering the surroundings. Instead, she dressed in loose pants and a sleeveless top that flowed over her down to mid-thigh. The pale blue almost matched her eyes. A simple tie cinched it in at the waist. In the pocket she slipped the data collector. After a second, she hesitated, then withdrew and returned it to the bench. This night was to meet'n'greet, not to research. She'd rely on her memory to take in other things. It wouldn't do to appear as though she were more interested in collecting data than getting to know everyone. Getting to know the Felys was half the fun of the research. And, after all, they were allies now, thanks to Marten and Lysie's wedding.
Drawing her hair back from the sides of her face, she fastened it behind her head with a small gold clip. Lastly, she slid into low-heeled slippers and walked out of the door, yelling, "Are you ready, Wylin?"
"Of course." Wylin appeared in his doorway, buttoning up his jacket.
"Ooohh, spiffy." She looked him up and down. "And looking exactly as you did when we arrived."
He raised one brow mildly.
"Lose the jacket and just go in your shirt," she suggested.
"You think the pants are too much?"
"You are so amusing."
"I do try." He winked.
Laughing, she strode beside him down the corridor and out into the lounge room. Denyon was just about to knock at the open door, and he lowered his hand with a smile. His gaze swept approvingly over Tera, then came to a stop on Wylin. He raised his brows.
Tera knew why. Whereas Denyon was dressed in a shirt that wasn't even buttoned up, showing his muscular chest to advantage, Wylin was still very much the bodyguard in his uniform, with not a thing out of place, and that included his hair.
"Told you to lose the shirt," she muttered out of the corner of her mouth.
"You also insinuated to lose the pants, too."
"No, that was totally your own idea."
"I'm perfectly happy as I am." He grinned at Denyon. "Just a little fashion discussion."
"All right." Unfazed, Denyon held his arm out to Tera. "Shall we?" His eyes glinted slightly at Wylin.
Oh, wonderful. Challenge time.
"Maybe I'll just walk without hanging on to you big, tough, manly men." She passed him and went out the door.
"Wenches," she heard Wylin say behind her.
"Never understand them," Denyon agreed.
She would have rolled her eyes, but her attention was caught by her surroundings. The sun had gone down, and it was now dusk. Little sun-powered lights dotted the narrow paths that led through the settlement, and lined the path that led to the Meeting Hall. Along with the songs of the night flyers and the hushed sound of the forest, and combined with the smell of flowers, plants, and the aromatic aroma of food cooking, it was magical. Almost like the legends of thousands of years ago, of magical villages and enchanted forests. The Felys would have been enchanted people.
"Beautiful." Wylin came to a stop behind her.
"Absolutely." Closing her eyes she breathed in deeply. "Magical."
When she opened them, she saw the smile of approval on Denyon's face.
"Shall we?" he murmured. "I'm hungry, and the food smells delicious."
They walked down the stone path, and for the first time she noticed that the base dwellings were built slightly raised. For the rains, she realized.
The sound of people chatting grew louder as they neared the Meeting hall. Inside were the Felys, their hope placed in the Argons, that their new allies could help them.
Even as she took a deep breath, Denyon led them straight into the Meeting Hall. Almost as though on a timer, the talk trailed off, and silence prevailed.
Meet'n'greet. Oh yes, that's what I don't like about them. Now I remember. Plastering a smile on her face, Tera looked around the hall. And met the feline-like gazes of a mixed group of male and female Felys of all ages staring back at her in frank curiosity, a touch of suspicion, a good dose of wariness, and a couple of hostile expressions.
Yep, it's just like a family reunion.
Tera was glad to have Wylin's comforting strength beside her, his hand at the small of her back a reassurance that she wasn't alone. Silently she blessed Kiile for insisting that his bodyguard accompany her. It wasn't that she was afraid, but she was a stranger, and having one of her own kind with her made her feel that much more secure.
In one sweeping glance she took in the big hall. Tables lined the floors in the middle of it, and against the walls stood more tables covered with platters of food. A lot of meat, she saw at a glance, and to a smaller extent, vegetables and fruit. But a lot of meat. Carnivores. She shouldn't be surprised.
Felys sat at the tables. Every exotic mixture of color of hair that she'd only seen on lycats was now displayed in fascinating array. She had to stop herself from staring. Instead, she smiled politely to no one in particular.
"Tera, Wylin." Shar gestured imperiously from where she sat at a nearby table. "Come, you are to sit with us."
"But first," Almire stood up. "We should introduce our guests to our people."
"Of course." She didn't look pleased that she hadn't thought of that first, but managed to sound as though she'd been just about to suggest the same thing herself. "I'll allow you to do that."
Almire didn't even notice. He swept grandly up to Tera and Wylin, his long cloak over top of his pants swirling with his movements. Turning to face his people, he announced, "This is Tera, the healer from Argon, and her bodyguard, Wylin. As you all know, they're here to try and find out why our litters are producing more and more runts."
The scrutiny of the Felys became even more intense, and Tera could see the black threads in their eyes swirling with a mixture of hope, disbelief and, yes, still the wariness.
"Their research starts tomorrow, and I know you'll all give them as much cooperation as you can." Beaming, he turned back to Tera and Wylin. "Come and have something to eat and drink."
Aware of every eye on her, Tera crossed to the table and sat down with relief, Wylin beside her. She found herself sitting across from Marx and Rilla, who both grinned. The chair opposite Wylin was empty.
"They are under strict orders to not talk business tonight," Shar stated, picking up a small glass of wine and sipping delicately.
"I don't mind," Tera said.
"But we do. Once these two start, there's no stopping them, nor getting a word in edgewise." She waved her hand lazily.
Marx and Rilla both raised their eyebrows simultaneously, then Marx winked at Tera. She grinned back at him as Shar started to chatter on about how excited she was that the Argons had come, and how she was sure they'd be great friends. There was no doubt that anyone would be lucky to get a word in edgewise until Shar was finished.
Shar paused to draw breath and looked at Wylin. "So you're Tera's bodyguard. I thought you were Kiile's bodyguard?"
"He has charged me with her care," Wylin replied easily, nodding his thanks as Denyon poured a glass of wine for him.
"Most considerate of him," she said, then simply stopped talking to pin Wylin with a thoughtful stare, her green eyes scrutinizing him closely before sliding to do the same to Tera.
No, Shar might come across as being a chatterbox, but she had the cunning of a, well, a lycat. Lulling people into thinking she wasn't to be taken too seriously, then catching them off-guard to study closely. Tera smile politely at her.
Almire leaned across the table. "What do you think of our settlement?"
"Quite beautiful," she replied.
"Not quite what you expected, hmm?" His gaze was sharp.
Oh-ho, time to test the guests. Taking a sip of the wine and finding it pleasantly sweet, Tera took her time answering. "Not at all. We didn't come with any expectations except to try and find a reason behind your problem."
"You know we're a small clan. Not as forward as our kin, the Lypeople. Surely you had some expectation?"
Placing the glass on the table, Tera leaned back in her chair and stared directly at him. "I'm a healer, not a judge. How you choose to live holds no concern for me, unless it directly reflects on the problem at hand."
Almire stroked his chin, while Shar rubbed her cheek with the side of her hand. They were both studying her and not bothering to hide it. Tera returned their gazed steadily.
"What do you think of what you have seen so far, then?" Almire queried.
"The settlement is pretty, your people I don't know yet."
"You know some. The Felys from the scout ship."
"They were very nice. I got samples from them for our research." And I didn't get bitten. Well, I did by one, but let's not go there right now.
Speaking of which, where was Illam? He wasn't sitting at the table, she knew that much. But now was not the time to look. She had other things to handle.
Such as two challenging Felys.
Placing her hands flat in her lap, she smiled lazily. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you all. Shar, you and Almire are first on my list of samples to gather."
"Us? First?" Shar looked startled. "Don't you wish to start with the others?"
"Not at all. I'm sure you'll want to show them all that there is nothing to fear from my instruments of research." Tera waved her own hand lazily in the air. "As the leaders of the Felys, I know you want to set the example."
It was more than obvious that Shar and Almire knew their challenge was being met. Their eyes narrowed and their pupils dilated.
"Leaders who lead their people have always impressed the Argons," Tera added.
The Felys leaders were cornered. To refuse, thereby challenging her again, meant that they were showing their people that they wouldn't lead by example. Bad choice. But to agree and show their cooperation with the Argon healer was to seal the official approval on the healer and her bodyguard, and gain the admiration of their people in leading the way to hopeful healing.
"Touché'," Shar murmured, her smile all teeth.
Instinctively, Tera blinked back at her, a gesture of approval she'd learned from watching the Felys soldiers on the scout ship.
Shar was taken aback, but then her smile grew wider, and obvious approval filled her eyes. "Well done, Tera. I see you learn fast."
"To get on with another species, is to learn what I can," Tera replied quietly. "We're here only to learn and help, not to judge and constantly meet challenges."
The table was silent. Beside her, she felt Wylin's tension beneath his calm exterior. The occupants of the other tables fell quiet as the main table's silence made itself felt.
"Our kind issue challenges to test," Almire stated quietly.
"Our kind only issue challenges if we deem it necessary," Wylin stated just as quietly.
"Can we agree that challenges have been raised and met at this table, and continue with the research?" Denyon's voice held the authority of a captain. "I myself have issued challenge to the bodyguard, and he has met it well. They are a different race to us, and to get on, we need to give and take." His gaze flashed briefly to Tera, and he smiled slightly. "For the good of all. And after all, Kiile of Argon has placed his healer and his bodyguard under our protection, and in my and Illam's personal care. Challenges to them are challenges issued to us."
The silence continued. Shar and Almire exchanged glances, then both nodded at once.
"Challenge met," Shar announced. "Kiile honors us by sending you to us, Tera and Wylin. Forgive us, our culture is different to yours."
"There's nothing to forgive," Tera returned. "As allies, we need to learn and respect each other's cultures and ways. If we stray onto forbidden areas or topics, we need to be told. That is all. Explain things to us, tell us, guide us. That is all we ask."
Almire inclined his head. "Done."
And just like that, the silence was broken. Conversation filled the air, and everyone returned to their dinner. Even Shar and Almire started chatting to everyone as though nothing unusual had happened.
Tera slid a glance sideways at Wylin, to meet his stoic eyes. But she saw the approval in them. She'd held her own side well. Under cover of the table, she gave his hand a light squeeze. He patted her hand back.
Denyon spoke from her other side, catching her attention. "No one means to be hostile. Many of my people haven't mixed with other species, as some of us have."
Tera shrugged. "It's no problem, Denyon."
"Good." His eyes glinted. "And I meant what I said. Any challenges issued to you or Wylin, are to be brought to Illam and me."
"I fight my own battles."
"Ah, but you're in a different culture now." He grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You come to us. Agreed?"
"Is this a challenge?"
"No. An order."
Wylin gave a laugh.
"Aye, aye, Captain." Tera saluted Denyon.
They laughed together.
"Come with me and we'll all get something to eat." Denyon stood up.
Tera and Wylin went with him to the food tables, and she was able to have an idea of their diet. As she noticed before, there was a wide assortment of meat. Some of it was well cooked, others partially raw. Ewww. Okay, this isn't really a judgmental thing, just a personal opinion. Ew. Ew. Ew.
Choosing a small portion of meat and a helping of what appeared to be stir-fried vegetables, Tera waited for Wylin and Denyon as they deliberated over the food. Turning, she studied the Felys as unobtrusively as possible.
The men wore loose pants slung low at their hips, and while some were bare-chested, others wore sleeveless shirts with the fronts unfastened, so it hung loose and showed their torsos to advantage. And it was to advantage. Of different heights, but inclining towards tallness, the men were mostly lean, yet muscular, both young and old. Some were more inclined to be larger of build, but somehow they had an animal magnetism that made the extra weight seem a negligent issue.
Interesting.
The wenches were dressed in loose pants as well, also slung low on shapely hips. They wore loose blouses that were almost transparent. Artfully placed lace and stitching covered their breasts, adding to the mystery of their charms. Their arms were bare, and showed a lean strength. Like the men, they all wore soft, heelless boots. Again, some of the females were heavier in build, but it didn't detract from their animal magnetism.
And that, Tera concluded, was the thing. Animal magnetism. There was something hot and forbidden about the Felys. Their hair color caught the attention of a watcher, and their green and gold eyes were fascinating. The black threads reflected their moods, as did the dilation and slitting of their pupils.
The men had strong faces, the women pretty, but both had a sensuality that was utterly feline and sexual all at the same time. Their basic features were similar---a broader than normal nose, again feline in appearance, and full lips, but it only added to their attractiveness.
It was no wonder they had been prized in the slave markets. That their reputation of sexual prowess only added to their value was no surprise.
What she did notice were the lack of Felys kits. That was a little disappointing. She'd wanted to really see them closely. She'd noticed a fascinating aspect of them earlier, and she wanted a closer look. Obviously that was not going to happen tonight.
With a sigh she glanced around her. Her attention was caught by movement at the door, and she looked in that direction.
By God, there was a Felys with more animal magnetism than was legal.
Illam was standing there, his gaze flickering around the hall. Aras stood beside him, talking quietly. Illam was dressed in low-riding black pants, soft boots, and an open shirt with long sleeves, the cuffs rolled back at the wrists. He looked as though he'd just flung it on in a token gesture of civility.
He looked damn yummy.
His golden gaze swept the room, pausing only briefly on her before he turned to Aras and said something.
Feeling a right idiot for the flash of disappointment---okay, and feeling a little tingly where she had no right to in the middle of a Meeting Hall, doing a meet'n'greet, and trying to play a sensible healer instead of a hot-blooded tart---Tera tossed her head, flicking her hair back over her shoulder.
"Shall we?" Denyon appeared at her elbow, and only narrowly missed copping a mouthful of hair.
"Oops. Sorry." She grinned sheepishly.
His all-knowing gaze studied her, but he said nothing. Instead, he led her silently back to the table.
She and Wylin sat down and proceeded to eat. The meat was coated in a mix of herbs and garlic. Yum yum. The vegetables were stir-fried in some kind of sauce. Dare I ask?
Illam suddenly took the empty seat opposite her.
Double yum and darn scrumptious.
"Like the food?" Rilla queried.
"Food? Oh, the food. It's delicious." Tera smiled at her.
"The meat coating is a specialty of my mother's," Marx informed her.
"She does delicious coating---" Rilla explained.
"---Over everything," Marx supplied.
"Vegetables as well---" Rilla added.
"Meat." Marx licked his fingers.
Bewildered, Tera tried to fathom if they were actually finishing off each other's sentences, or if Marx had simply left off a few words of his last sentence. Looking up, she caught the glint of amusement in Illam's eyes.
"Feeling a little lost?" he asked, his lips quirking.
"I'm not sure," she replied, unable to help giving a small laugh.
"You'll get used to it. Maybe."
"I may need a translator."
"Now that I can understand."
For a brief moment, they shared a smile. But then Almire started asking Tera questions about Argon, drawing her attention from Illam. But the whole time she was more than aware of him sitting and listening, biting off bits of meat with his strong, white teeth and chewing thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving her face as she talked.
It should have made her nervous. Instead, it made her hot. How easy am I?
She was still talking when Illam excused himself and left the table. She was disappointed, but the conversation with Rilla and Marx soon had her distracted. They started discussing the plans for the following day, and time passed pleasantly until she noticed that most of the Felys were leaving the Meeting Hall.
"It's getting late." Almire yawned and smacked his lips appreciatively. "I'm fed and now I'm tired. If you'll excuse me, I do believe I'll seek my cozy bed."
"Of course." Tera looked at Wylin. "I suppose we should retire, too."
"Whenever you're ready," he returned.
"You should have told me it was so late."
"I am here but to serve." He flashed her a wide grin.
She rolled her eyes.
They took their leave, Denyon once again accompanying them back to the house. He left them at the door to go to his own home.
Tera noticed that the lights were on in Illam's home, and she wondered what he was doing. Shaking her head at her own curiosity, she entered the house. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day---and a darn interesting one.
"How interesting." The radar watcher leaned back in his chair and narrowed his eyes at the screen. "Now what are these Felys up to, having visitors? The Felys aren't known for liking intruders."
"The Felys are a ragtag lot at the best of times, Calean. Ferals." The woman wrinkled her short snout in disgust.
"Ragtag, but still dangerous if provoked, Mitzi."
"They should have died a long time ago. Shame the slave years didn't wipe them out."
"Well, it didn't. There's no sense in dwelling on it."
Her eyes narrowed. "You are too easygoing, Calean."
"I just don't believe in panicking. Let's just see what is happening. As for the Felys, well ... I don't know. We'll report back to Ropar if anything unusual occurs."
Mitzi sniffed, but kept quiet.
The Cave
It was nearly finished. She could feel the vibrations within the object. Awed, she stared at it. But her awe was still mixed with fear. And yes, a hint of disgust. Towards herself, and her fellow makers? Maybe.
But it was too late now. There was no turning back from the course they'd set themselves.
By tomorrow, it would be completed. Tomorrow was the day to mark all days.
Illam was sitting on his front porch, his chair tilted back, his ankles crossed and his heels resting on the railing. He was watching the progress of the healer with interest.
Tera was dressed in a similar loose shirt and pants that she'd worn the night before, only instead of pale blue, this one was pale yellow. The woman certainly liked her pale colors. Her brunette hair was a slash of beauty against it. He could just about imagine that wealth of hair spread over his pillow.
He was getting a hard-on just watching her. Sad, very sad.
Marx and Rilla were talking nineteen to the dozen to her, and she was doing her best to follow them. They were all carrying containers, including Wylin, who was bringing up the rear, his expression as impassive as always. Except for the twinkle in his eyes.
"Don't you think one of us should be with them?" Denyon appeared at the steps.
"I can see them from here," Illam drawled.
"She might need a translator."
Remembering the brief camaraderie they'd shared at the table the night before, after she'd said the very same thing, Illam felt warm all over. Maybe the sun was getting a little hot. Maybe it was time he shifted.
Denyon leaned one shoulder against the verandah post and watched the four people heading up to the healers' hut. "I noticed some of the younger Felys men eyeing Tera up last night."
Illam crashed the chair forward onto all four legs. "What?"
"You might be adverse to diddling with the Argon, but some of our younger men are interested."
"What?" Illam ground his teeth, the hair on his neck bristling.
Denyon gave him a lazy grin. "Just testing."
"You bastard." Relaxing back in the chair, Illam eyed him sourly, his top lip lifting in a silent snarl.
"Temper, temper. Now I'm going to be busy this morning, so you're going to accompany Tera and Wylin wherever they go. Think you can handle that?"
"Sure."
"See you later, then." Giving an airy wave, Denyon strode off.
Sometimes his friend had a warped sense of humor. Pushing upright lithely, Illam checked that he was presentable---meaning that he didn't have the obvious sign of arousal, which he seemed to get whenever he had a lustful thought about a certain Argon healer---and finding himself safe, he ambled down the steps and headed for the healers' hut.
He hadn't even gone up onto the verandah before he heard Marx and Rilla chattering on. When he entered, it was to find Tera with a slightly glazed look on her face, and Wylin grinning hugely.
"Good morning," he said, breaking into the noise.
Tera turned to him with a look of relief. "Hello."
"Having fun?"
"Oh, yes," Wylin said.
"We're telling Tera about the Felys," Rilla said.
"Giving her a brief description---" Marx stated.
"---Of how the kits are conceived," Rilla finished.
Illam looked at Tera, heat going through him at the memory. "I've already educated her on that."
Wylin stopped grinning.
"Yes, he has," Tera eagerly agreed, obviously missing the heat in Illam's eyes.
"Oh." Rilla looked disappointed.
"In fact, I do believe we've been through the mating process," Illam added.
She was so soft and warm, her tummy so pliable against his kneading fingers.
Tera nodded.
Rilla and Marx stared at them both.
"So how was it?" Rilla finally said eagerly.
"Huh?" Tera said.
"You and Illam have been through the mating process," Marx explained. "How was it? Did it feel the same as when two Felys mate, or two Argons mate?"
Tera looked totally flustered for several seconds.
By Jocat, it had been a close call. They'd nearly done it. Illam raised one brow at Tera. Taking enjoyment in her discomfort helped keep his face expressionless, which was a good thing, because Wylin was keeping him under close surveillance.
Tera cleared her throat. "What Illam means is that we've talked about the mating process. We haven't actually done it ourselves."
Marx was disappointed. "What a shame."
"It'd have been interesting." Rilla sighed.
Scratch interesting. Illam watched the pink in Tera's cheeks from beneath lowered eyelids. I bet it would have been carnal.
"Never mind," Marx said suddenly. "Maybe there'll be a Felys female that Wylin will find interesting enough to mate with."
Intent on Illam, the statement caught Wylin unawares, and his mouth dropped open in surprise, something Illam was certain didn't happen often.
"Wouldn't that be wonderful!" Rilla beamed. "We can get some good feedback that way!"
"For sure, Lysie won't tell us what it's like to mate with an Argon." Marx shook his head.
"Then again, maybe Tera might find a Felys male to her liking. If Illam hasn't interested her, then maybe another will." Rilla nodded. "Just the thing!"
It bloody well was not the thing! Illam glowered at her. "Rilla, is this a research job or a sex match job?"
"It was merely a thought, Illam. Now then," Rilla looked at Tera, who was trying not to laugh at Wylin. "Where do we start?"
"What? Oh." Tera bent down and placed a container on the table. "I think we need to unload everything, then organize the day into the different samples we need to get. I need to find out the best times for everyone to come and give samples."
"What sort of samples do you need?" Rilla peered with interest into another container.
This could be a long day. Illam sat in a chair, tilted it back, stretched out his legs and crossed his ankles. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes.
"Skin and blood," Tera began.
"For the DNA?" Marx queried.
"Exactly. I also need hair and nail clippings."
"No problems there."
"I'll do skull measurements, skull readings---"
Oh yeah, I remember that. Illam smiled to himself. I could do that again. His eyes popped open suddenly. That meant she'd be handling the other Felys men the same way she had done him. He frowned.
He noticed that Wylin, who was starting to unpack the equipment, was giving him a thoughtful stare. So he closed his eyes again and tried to relax.
"You'll need a sperm sample, too," Rilla prattled on.
"Oh my, yes," Marx agreed.
By Delcat.
"A sperm sample would help," Tera surprised him by agreeing.
"Who can we get to give us a specimen?" Rilla wondered.
"Preferably a strong, healthy male in his prime," Tera stated. "Someone who is likely to have a lot of sperm."
Silence filled the cabin, and suddenly Illam didn't want to open his eyes. But he had to do so. He opened them a crack to see the three healers looking pointedly at him. Wylin was biting his lip, trying not to laugh.
The Argon bodyguard is really a bit of a bastard.
"Illam---" Rilla began.
"No!" Snapping upright, Illam's chair crashed onto all four legs.
"Oh, come on," Marx coaxed. "You're in your prime."
"I just bet you have a hoard of sperm swimming around," Rilla said.
"You can afford to part with some," Marx pointed out.
"No."
"We won't watch," Rilla promised.
"Here." Tera held out a glass jar.
"What the hell..." He stared at it incredulously. "You want me to fill that up?"
"Well, if you're that virile ... sure."
Wylin had his back to them, his shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth.
"No!" Illam ground out. "I've never been so insulted!"
"Oh, come on," Tera said patiently. "I'm sure you've had hand jobs before. It's just instead of spilling it on the floor or your hand, you spurt into the jar."
He couldn't believe it. "No, I'm telling you!" He also couldn't believe how desperate he was starting to sound.
"Really, Illam, you're not very cooperative," Marx said in disappointment.
"Yeah, Illam," Wylin choked out, his back still turned. "You're not being very---"
"Shut up, Argon," Illam snarled.
Which only made Wylin's shoulders shake all the more.
Stalking out of the hut, Illam strode to the end of the verandah well away from the door, and took a deep breath. A sperm sample? Him, shoot his load into a sterile jar? By God, not in this lifetime!
"Illam?" Tera's voice sounded behind him.
"No," he growled.
"It's just a little sample." Her tone was wheedling.
Swinging around, Illam found her right behind him. Holding the bloody jar. Grabbing her upper arms, he leaned forward so that his face was inches from her own startled face.
"I don't shoot into a jar," he snarled.
"Look, I didn't mean to offend you." She sounded perfectly reasonable.
Her warm breath brushed across his lips, and her scent flowed into his senses.
His hormones started to perk up in lively anticipation. Hallelujah!
Heat tingled through him and he watched as her eyes widened, and he felt as though he could drown in the crystal depths. "No jar," he whispered throatily.
Her gaze flickered over his face, those tingling warm breaths coming more shallowly and rapidly. "No jar?"
"When I ejaculate for you, makit, it won't be in a jar." The feral in him was starting to awaken at the combination of her scent, her moist lips which were partly open in surprise, the subject ... and his own lustful visions.
"It---it won't?"
"No." Sliding his cheek across hers, he just managed to avoid rubbing the corner of his mouth against her. He inhaled deeply, filling himself with her scent.
Hearing his inner feral give a yowl of growing heat.
"When I come, Tera, it'll be deep inside your hot little sheath."
She froze. Her breath was hot as she turned her head a little, and he groaned inwardly as that hot breath caressed his sensitive ear.
It was as though they were all alone. Heat was between them, her scent clinging to them both. His hands slid down her arms to grip her wrists.
Finding the glass jar in her hands, he took it from her nerveless fingers and whispered huskily, "No jar. Just you."
"Tera?" Wylin's voice came from inside the hut. "Where do you want this microscope?"
Tera took a deep breath, then stepped back from him. Immediately he felt the loss of her body heat, the coolness replacing it. Her eyes were luminous, her lips so moist he wanted to kiss her deeply and take her essence right then and there.
He looked at her mouth, his eyes hot. His blood thrumming in his ears. By Delcat, I could spill myself right inside that luscious, hot mouth.
There was no doubt that Tera knew his exact thoughts. She licked her lips, then took another step back.
Illam didn't follow her. Wylin's voice had brought him back to reality. Standing on the verandah of the healers' hut, there was no privacy to do what he wanted. Even to kiss her was to invite speculation.
But, by Delcat, if they'd been in a private place...
"Inside you, Tera." He couldn't stop the hot promise from slipping out. His gaze rose to lock with hers.
"Tera?" Wylin's voice sounded closer.
"I'm here." Grabbing the jar from Illam, Tera cleared her throat, swung around on her heel and walked back to the doorway. "Illam's not going to help with a specimen."
Even as Illam turned away to brace himself on his hands on the railing and stare out over the settlement, he caught a glimpse of Wylin appearing in the doorway.
Wylin was frowning suspiciously. "Tera, are you all right? You look a little---"
"Here, Wylin." She shoved the jar at him and he took it quickly. "Why don't you give the Felys a sample of your sperm?" Tera strode past him to disappear into the hut.
"Excellent idea!" Marx crowed.
"Oh, yes please!" Rilla said eagerly. "A sample would be just wonderful!"
"No!" Wylin retorted.
Closing his eyes, Illam took deep breaths. He had no doubt that Tera had deliberately diverted Wylin's attention. She didn't want him to know what had transpired between them.
Good. Illam hoped that no one had spotted him and Tera on the verandah.
"Well, hello," Denyon's voice drawled from a nearby tree. "Nice demonstration of restraint."
Crap.
"How about I take over and you go cool off?"
Illam opened his eyes to a narrow slit. That was all his friend was going to say?
Straight-faced, Denyon added, "Go find yourself a jar."
Yep, too good to be true.
The rest of the day passed quickly for Tera. At first, she'd had a hard time trying to ignore the heat that had gathered low in her pelvis. Who would think that a few simple words and a hot look could reduce her to a wanton so quickly?
It had been too long since she'd lain with a man; that was obviously the problem.
Her troubling thoughts soon disappeared, however, with the start of the Felys coming to give samples and to be examined.
The Felys kits were a delightful surprise.
When the first family walked in, it took all her restraint to hide her shock. The kits were about five years old, and an energetic lot. They were also extremely wary of her, and one of them spat at the sight of her. The mother spoke softly to her, smoothing back her fur.
And she had fur all over her body.
Every Felys kit had fine, short fur covering them. There was a tabby kit, a ginger kit, both with a shading of blue, two tortoiseshell kits and a black and white kit with pale gold shadings. Their little ears twitched, and their tongues swiped out to lick their lips. Their bright eyes were fastened on her and Wylin.
The mother was a tortoiseshell Felys, the father a tabby.
Tera decided the best thing to do was gain the parent's confidence, so she admired the kits, but spoke to the parents, explaining what she wanted and why.
The parents were quite happy, especially when she took an interest in them all.
From the visit, she got samples of blood, hair, nails, skull measurements, facial measurements, and a bite on the thumb from the tabby kit.
From the next family, she got the same, except for the bite. Instead, she got a scratch on her inner forearm from a feisty little ginger, gold and white kit. After that, she gave up all attempts of getting the samples, and instead got Rilla and Marx to take the samples from the kits, while she recorded the details from the parents. The only things the Felys kits liked her doing, was the skull and facial measurements---as long as she was careful not to get too close to the sharp little teeth, which started to give her little love bites while they purred in bliss.
Denyon brought them some lunch, and she didn't see Illam again that day, which was probably a good thing. But she did get to meet Illam's two sisters and their families. Unlike Illam, his sisters were shy, but friendly.
They worked late into the afternoon before finally stopping the visits. Tera chronicled the samples, showing Rilla and Marx how to do it, so they could help. After getting samples of everyone, she wanted to concentrate on the runts, which she was keeping until last.
By the end of the day, Tera now knew that the Felys kits started to lose their fur when they turned six years of age, and by the age of eight, the only fur they had was the hair on their heads.
Denyon invited them to share dinner with his family, and they finally got to meet Tabitha, Lysie's aunt, a happy cream, white and blue Felys, who was plump and motherly, and adored her grown kits, including the adopted siblings of Lysie. There was still five of her family living at home. They were a happy group, confident and friendly.
Tabitha was full of questions about Lysie and her health, concerned about the unborn kits, and fussed around Tera and Wylin. It went a long way to making them both feel at home.
Tera went to sleep that night with a smile on her face, hot golden eyes and a throaty voice in her memory.
And heat low in her belly.
Well, you couldn't win them all.
Illam moodily walked through the dark forest. His hormones weren't calming down, and heat still sizzled in his blood. Tera's scent clung to him, drowning him in spicy sweetness. Tantalizing him. His skin felt hot. He twitched irritably, finding himself jumpy. He'd abandoned his shirt, for it had felt confining.
He should have cooled down by now, but it hadn't happened. Ever since he'd faced Tera on the verandah of the healers' hut and breathed his promise into her ear, he hadn't been able to tamp down the flame of desire.
He also found himself almost stalking through the forest. Stalking what? There was nothing to stalk.
Yes there is. And she's in that house right down there.
Grabbing the lowest limb of a tree, he pulled himself up easily. With lithe movements, he moved up higher, until he was perched on a thick limb and gazing down the slope to the house below him.
The house Tera was sleeping in. He even knew which room was hers. The light was off, and he could imagine her lying in that big bed, all alone. Her hair would be spread out over the pillow, her nightgown possibly twisted up around her waist.
Leaving her partially naked.
Her skin would be silkily soft. Illam closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Silky soft, bare for his touch, warm and inviting. He could just about taste her on his tongue as he rasped across her soft belly, finding the dip of her belly button, licking lower...
A deep growl issued from his throat. It rumbled up, low and hungry. His nails dug into the branch and he scored the bark. His hair slid over half of his face as he dipped his head down and stared at the darkened glass of the bedroom door. In the dimness of the night, his eyes glowed hotly.
Heat pulled at him. The urge to mate, the instinct to claim a mate ... the compulsion to mark his mate.
To mark Tera.
There was no shock, no hiding from his own feelings, thoughts, and needs. His own instincts led him unerringly to drop from the tree branch, land lightly on his feet, and run through the forest directly to that beckoning glass door ... and the female who slept within.
His female.
His makit.
No other scent filled his senses but that of Tera. It invaded, filled, and soaked. It drugged him as surely as if someone had put something in his drink.
Heart beating double-time, his blood thundered through his body. Nostrils flaring, he looked at the glass door. It wouldn't be locked. No one in the clan locked their doors or windows, knowing they were safe.
It would open for him.
Some little part of him was tapping away at his subconscious. What are you doing? She's not a Felys!
No she wasn't. And he didn't care. He was suddenly tired of fighting himself, impatient with denying his needs. He burned for Tera. His body was taut, his staff hard and throbbing. Blood sizzled through his veins. A surge of need seared through him. The primitive urge to mark and dominate beat inside him hedonistically.
Growling low, he placed his hand on the door.
He had to have a taste of her. Now.
In one lithe move he pushed the door open and slid into the room, dropping silently into a crouch on the lush carpet of her bedroom. A quick glance showed that her wooden bedroom door was shut, enclosing them from the corridor of the house and into this room. Together. Alone.
The light was off, but he had no trouble seeing her. Lying beneath the thin cover, her slim figure was a tempting shape. Her breasts rose in deep, even motions as she breathed.
Stealthily he moved closer, his footsteps silent, his movements deliberate. Stopping beside the bed, he watched her.
Soft lips parted slightly, she sighed in her sleep. Thick tresses trailed over the pillow just as he'd imagined, and he reached down and picked up a lock, bending down to bring it to his nose. Inhaling deeply, he sucked in her scent.
It stirred his passion, making the flame of desire flare brighter.
Laying her hair back down, he trailed his fingertips across her cheek, finding her skin as smooth as satin. He lightly traced her lips, so soft and plump and rosy.
She stirred slightly, and he stilled, watching to see if she awoke. When she remained asleep, he nuzzled her gently, drawing in her scent, delighting in her warm skin against his lips and the tip of his nose.
Turning her head away, Tera unwittingly left her throat vulnerable to him. Lightly, he slid his tongue along the smooth length. Her pulse beat against his tongue, and he resisted the urge to suck at it.
The night breeze slipping through the window called to him. Called to the feral that was prowling restlessly through his subconscious. Calling him outside. Luring him.
Just as he'd lure Tera to come out to him.
He blew gently on the damp path he'd left with his tongue, then fastened his mouth to her throat and purred deeply.
She started to stir again, stretching and murmuring in her sleep.
He had her now.
Illam gave her a hard, fast kiss, then with a graceful speed, he slipped through the dark room and out the glass door, leaving it ajar. Dropping lightly to the verandah floor in a crouch, he lifted his head and listened.
Yes, he could hear her now. The bed covers rustled, and then he heard her yawn. Muffled footsteps sounded, and then her scent hit him hard. Hard enough to send the heat in the pit of his belly flaring brightly, flickers off fire running beneath his skin straight to his shaft.
Moving back into the darkness, he purred low in his throat.
"Hello?" Tera called softly, pushing the door open. "Is anyone there?" She stepped out onto the verandah, her hand at her throat and a puzzled expression on her face. She licked her lips. "I must be dreaming," she muttered. "Suns, what a dream, though."
Walking outside, she rested her hands on the verandah railing and leaned forward, lifting her head to breathe deeply. Her movements were slow, sleepy, and unconsciously sensuous. Softly rounded breast thrust against the satin fabric of her nightgown as she arched back and stretched.
Lifting one hand, she thrust the heavy fall of her hair back over her shoulder, before dropping it to rest on the rail again. Turning her head, she looked towards Illam's house.
"I bet you're asleep, snug in your bed, while I'm over here having outrageous dreams about you licking me."
Moving up behind her noiselessly, he laid his hands on her shoulders and whispered throatily, "No, I'm right here."
With a gasp of shock, she swung around to stare at him. Standing so close, he could see the paleness of her irises and the reflection of the dim light from the partial moon in her enlarged pupils.
"Illam?" Her cheeks flushed. "How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to hear you talk about a dream." His voice was low, a mere breath of huskiness as he moved closer, crowding her back against the railing. "Licking, wasn't it?"
Placing one hand on the railing to maintain her balance, she laid the other flat on his bare chest as he leaned closer still. "What are you doing?"
Her palm against the heat of his skin was cool, but it didn't dim the fire that blazed beneath the surface. "What do you think?" His voice was a low, rough purr. Laying one hand against her hip, he gazed down at her.
She swallowed, her eyes large as she stared up at him. The heat generated between their bodies threatened to engulf him, and it took all Illam had to simply stand there and allow her to absorb his nearness.
But one thing he knew was how to play careful. How to bait, cajole, and watch for sharp claws. He watched her now, every sense on the alert for a sharp rebuff, or an encouraging movement. The kind he'd get from another Felys.
"I think you're out of your mind," Tera replied, her voice steady, but her trembling hand betraying her disturbance. "You're taking a risk with Wylin sleeping inside."
"I never let a risk stop me from taking what I want." He dipped his head lower, his gaze dropping to her lips.
"Oh, come on." She gave a nervous, breathy laugh. "You don't even like me."
"I want you."
"Want and like are two different things entirely." Her voice this time was a little tart, and her hand on his chest was resisting him.
He fixed that by the simple motion of taking her wrist and lifting it to his lips. Locking his gaze with hers, he slowly opened his mouth and rasped his tongue across her sensitive inner skin.
She shivered and gave her wrist a tug. "You're mad."
"I'm feral." He moved suddenly, pressing himself full length against her, catching her off guard. "I'm hot with wanting you." His voice ended in a growl of need.
Her body was warm and soft, her curves fitting against him perfectly.
"And you think I'm just going to let you have your way?" She had to grab his waist to stop herself tipping backwards over the rail, frowning when he grinned, his teeth a flash of white in the darkness.
Placing his hands on either side of her on the rail, he leaned forward, forcing her to hang onto his waist or overbalance.
"You're being a pain, Illam," she hissed.
"I like the feel of you hanging onto me." He lowered his head again, allowing his breath to brush across her cheek. He inhaled her scent. "You smell so good. Spice and sweet all at once. You inflame my senses."
"Illam---" She stopped on a gasp as he slid his lips to lightly touch against hers.
He stayed still, his lips resting lightly upon hers, their breaths mingling. Silence continued as they simply breathed together. It was intimate, a sharing of an essential element of life that seemed to bind them together in that one touch.
Crystal blue eyes held a hint of desire, and he felt the pebbling of her nipples against his chest. Laying his palm against her hip, he slowly inched his hand up her body in a caress that lingered and molded all at once, feeling his way up her body.
Tera's eyelashes swept down and her breath caught as his hand slipped beneath her breast and rested against her chest below the swell. His knuckles were snugged beneath the swell of her breast, and every breath she took nudged the top of his hand.
He felt every touch shiver through him in a delicious, hot sweep.
Slowly he turned his hand until he was cupping the underside of her breast reverently, holding the soft globe, more than aware of her vulnerability, and the tenderness of her flesh.
Still they were both silent, the sounds of the night fading as they were encompassed in the shared, intimate moment.
Instead of gripping his waist, her palms were flat against his skin, and in gradual moves so tiny that he was guaranteed not to break the intimacy, he straightened slowly so that instead of using him to hold her upright, she was standing straight on her own, but still pressed against him. Her hands were now free to slip around his waist, her palms smoothing against his skin.
He purred low, his breath trembling through his body and caressing her lips.
"Illam," she whispered.
And as soon as her lips parted, he angled his head so that his lips fitted perfectly to hers. She sighed into his mouth, and he reciprocated, purring deeply, slipping his tongue in deep to taste her. Taking his time, tracing the silkiness of her mouth, the hot depths, and the slick essence.
He felt as if he could drink from her forever. Her flavor filled his mouth, and when he swallowed, it was as though that very honeyed sweetness seeped into him. Now he wanted more. Now he was ready to lead her a little further on.
His hunting instincts were on full alert, taking in the pliancy of her body, her soft moans of encouragement.
Still kissing her deeply and languidly, he moved back from the railing, and she followed, drawn by his hand on the small of her back, and his other hand at her breast. He stopped after a couple of steps, using his lips to settle her, his touch to soothe her. And when he had her mindlessly kissing him again, he moved to the step leading off the verandah.
Still kissing her, he grasped her waist and lifted her off the verandah, placing her feet in the grass. When she gave small start of surprise, he lifted his lips only enough so that the minutest space was between their lips. He raised his eyes, locking their gazes together, and saw the desire blazing in her eyes.
The feral roared back to life inside him, the tender touches and kisses searing away beneath the heavy-eyed desire in her eyes.
His mate wanted him as much as he did her.
Without saying a word, he slid his arm around her waist, his hand resting on the curve of her bottom, and pulled her into the shadows of nearby trees, away from prying eyes, and out of earshot of her bodyguard.
If she screamed, Wylin would hear her. Tera probably would scream, but Illam was going to ensure that no one would hear her.
Once in the shadows of the tree, Illam swung Tera around abruptly, and pressed his chest to her back. In quick moves, he slid his arms beneath hers and cupped her breasts, thumbing her nipples, while at the same time pressing his mouth to her throat, giving her sharp little nips that he immediately laved with his tongue.
She shivered in his arms, her small hands slipping behind to grip the backs of his thighs. Leaning back against him, she angled her head to give him better access to her throat. Husky moans were already escaping her, and it was fuel to the fire filling him.
Thrusting his thigh between her own, he shifted her legs, spreading them wide. Flattening one palm against her stomach, he kneaded her with his fingers while trailing his other hand down her side. Then slowly he drew her nightgown up her legs until he had it bunched at her waist and trapped beneath his palm.
The whole time he continued to nip and lick the side of her throat, and press hot, open-mouthed kisses on her skin. When she turned her head to seek his lips, he caught her mouth in a kiss that was ravaging.
The flesh of her thighs was satin smooth beneath his questing hand, and he trailed his fingertips up the sensitive inner skin of her thigh. Unerringly he found the moist centre of her body, the heat a tangible sensation to his hand.
The scent of her arousal was strong in the air, and when he inhaled it, the headiness of it shot straight to his staff, which throbbed urgently, pressing against the confines of his pants.
But he wasn't ready yet.
His palm pressed flush against her, his finger sinking through the protective curls until his skin was against the skin of her womanhood. Tipping her head back against his shoulder, Tera's eyes drifted closed, her breath coming in moist gusts of longing and passion.
The moistness of her flesh matched the moistness seeping from the tip of Illam's manhood. The heat of her flesh was the heat of his. Every tremor that shook her went through him.
The feral wanted her now. The Felys waited. Ingrained instincts fought, and as always, one took over.
Illam rubbed his palm against her, his middle finger slipping between the protective folds of her labia to slide against the seam of her body.
She arched back against him with a gasp, her lips parting as soft moans of desire spilled forth.
He looked down at her face, the way she bit her lips to try and contain the cries that threatened to spill from her. Her body arched, hips pushing her womanhood against his hand.
Deliberately, he ground the heel of his hand against her clitoris, making her cry out. He smothered the cry with his own mouth, swallowing it.
Her tongue slashed through his mouth as she desperately sought release. She devoured him with her mouth, as he teased her with his hand and fingers.
When his seeking middle finger found the entrance to her body, he played with the hot, moist opening, running his finger around the opening, slipping the tip of his finger in and out and drawing her moistness across her clitoris.
"Do me, Illam," she whimpered harshly into his mouth. "Now!"
He growled low in his throat, the blood pumping hard in his staff. He thrust against her buttocks and felt her press back against him. Only the material of his pants protected her from his invading body. Instead, his finger invaded her, sliding deep. Jocat! She was so tight!
Squirming in his arms, she sought release but he denied her. Withdrawing his finger, he held her as she pushed against him, and just when she started to gasp, he slid his finger in deep once more. Every time she sought release, he withdrew, leaving her gasping and squirming. Teasing her. Drawing it out.
"Damn you, Illam!" Frustrated tears of passion sounded in her voice. "Help me!"
He'd been waiting for her plea. In one smooth motion he dropped to his knees, drawing her down with him so that she was raised up on her knees straddling his thighs, her back still to him. When she tried to turn, he held her still by the simple method of sliding his whole arm between her thighs, drawing up so that his arm was pressed to her flesh, and his palm splayed out low on her belly.
Tera froze. Breasts heaving, body trembling with desire, she froze, suddenly uncertain.
He sensed her uncertainty, and snarled triumphantly.
She started in a mixture of alarm, anticipation, and passion-filled need.
In one swift move, he dragged his nails lightly down her belly and back through the curls on her mound. He stopped with his nails poised against the tender flesh of her labia, letting her feel the strength of his hands, the sharpness of his nails ... the threat that filled the air along with his low growls.
Lust beat at him, his staff throbbed, seed leaked from the tip, and his sac pulled tight against his body. His heart hammered. The scent of arousal filled his nostrils, and made the lust beat harder.
He literally had Tera at his mercy.
She knew it.
He knew it.
The feral in him knew it.
While she was still frozen in place, her panting filling the night, he rose up on his own knees behind her, bending over her smaller figure. Keeping his hand against her vulnerable flesh, he splayed his other hand low on her belly and flexed his fingers against her at the same time he flexed against her labia
She shuddered.
Placing the corner of his mouth against her shoulder, he rubbed in a smooth motion, the scent glands inside his mouth releasing his unique scent. He rubbed his mark onto her, his growls rumbling out in satisfaction. Lifting his head, he placed his mouth just below her ear and rubbed against the sensitive skin beneath, marking her again. Then he placed his mouth to her ear and breathed hotly.
At the same time, he thrust his finger deep into her.
She arched back against him in shocked pleasure. Her nerves, already stretched taut, were ultra sensitive to his firm invasion.
He threw back his head and snarled his dominance as he withdrew his finger and thrust it in once again. Firmly. Sliding in deep to hook slightly before dragging back out, deliberately rubbing against the sensitive, quivering flesh of the back of her vagina. And each time he drew out, he dragged his finger back up to her clitoris, ran over the engorged flesh firmly, and slid along the seam of her body and back unerringly into the opening of her vagina.
He felt her stiffen, and removed his hand from her belly to entangle in her hair carefully but strongly, pulling her face around so that he could muffle her scream with his own mouth. Swallowing her passion into him.
Tera shuddered as she climaxed, and shuddered as Illam relentlessly rubbed and played with her, making her climax almost savagely again. The walls of her vagina rippled, clenching tight against his fingers, of which he now plunged two deep.
Illam was aware of the smaller, slim yet curvaceous body in his arms, the strength with which he held her coursing through him, and he reveled in the forcefulness with which he controlled her body. His growls and snarls vibrated through his chest and into her back as he held her still for his attention.
But not once did he scratch her, not once did he inflict pain. And not once did he smell or feel terror emanating from her. His name broke from her lips as she arched back against him once more.
She fell apart in his arms as another climax tore through her, and this time Illam let her fall back limply against him. He removed his hand, catching her when she sagged. He eased her back against his chest, allowing her nightgown to slither back down so that when she slid down his body until she sat between his thighs, the material of her nightgown protected her from the grass.
Panting, eyes closed, she rested back against him.
His own erection was still raging, but his instincts had come to the fore. See to your mate until she is submissive.
Tera hadn't been submissive. She didn't know how to show her desire to mate in the way he was used to and wanted. Illam was more than aware of it, just as he was aware that, whatever had happened, for him, the time wasn't right. He would know when it was right. Until then, he would see to her needs.
And he would see to his own later.
Moving, he slid one arm beneath Tera's knees and the other behind her back, and in one easy motion he stood with her in his arms.
"Illam?" she whispered, her arms twining around his neck.
He wasn't able to speak right then. Lust still burned within him, but so did a swift feeling of tenderness. Purring low in his throat, he sought to soothe her in the only way a Felys would do in an emotional, non-speaking, but communicative way.
With a sigh, she laid her cheek against his shoulder.
Without a word, he carried her back to the house and into her bedroom. Gently he laid her upon the bed, and when she murmured a protest at him pulling away, he kissed her softly---and left.
Space
"They're coming!"
The words filled him with dread. He could hear the laser fire below, the screaming and swearing. A heavy body thumped against the stairwell door, the resounding echo of it ringing dully.
He knew better than to open the stairwell door. To do so would be to let the pirates in, and that would seal their fate. Although their fate seemed to be already on the side of doom.
The remainder of the crew looked at him, and they all hefted their lasers, readying for the final showdown.
The sound of a torch burning through steel sounded, and he swung to look at the stairwell door.
"They're burning through," one of the men stated.
"Get ready," he said.
Facing the door, they waited for the first of the pirates to come through.
Staring at herself in the mirror, Tera bit her lip. There was a mark on the side of her throat. A small bite mark. No, a nip mark. Damn. Blowing out her cheeks, she turned her head to the side. Nope, the mark was still there. It didn't just magically disappear by stretching her neck.
Damn Illam. Damn her, too, for being lured out into the night to indulge in some---bloody wild hanky panky! Heat flushed through her at the memory.
He'd been almost feral. She could still feel the light raking of his nails across her stomach and through the curls at the apex of her thighs. Hear the snarls, sense his dominance, and feel his growls reverberating against her back.
He'd hunted her like prey and did all but devour her outside.
Remembering the rasp of his tongue against her skin, she licked her lips. By God, I wish he had devoured me! I bet his tongue would---No! No, you're not falling for that feral Felys.
Straightening her shoulders, she pulled a face at herself. It had been a very long time since she'd last been touched by a man; that was why she'd had such a reaction to him. She'd been easy because her body, unknown to her, was desperate for the rough touch of a man.
You are such a liar! Groaning, she dropped her face into her hands. Face it, Tera, if he hadn't taken you back to your room and left so quickly, you'd have dragged him into the bed and practically eaten him alive.
I'm sure he'd like that.
Sighing, she sat up straight and looked at the mark on her neck again. Never one to fool herself, Tera acknowledged that she had enjoyed the previous night. Facing Illam, however, who was undoubtedly going to have a smug expression, was going to be distasteful. However, she had a plan. If he so much as sneered at her, she'd bust him one.
Leaning forward, she peered into the mirror. It didn't look so bad. Maybe no one would notice.
"Are you ready?" Wylin called from the kitchen.
"Coming." Getting to her feet, she shook her hair so that it hung over her shoulders and covered her neck. No sense courting trouble.
There was no sign of Illam when they entered the healers' hut. Of Marx and Rilla, however, there was an enthusiastic welcome.
"Guess who dropped by and gave us a specimen?" Rilla crowed.
"A specimen of what?" Tera placed the data collector on the table.
"Felys' sperm." Beaming, Marx handed her the glass jar. "And filled the jar up, I might add!"
"Filled it up?" Tera looked at it in bemusement.
Marx pointed to the label. "Illam."
Tera nearly dropped the jar. "Illam?"
"Illam," Rilla confirmed.
"But he was dead set against it yesterday."
"He reckoned he was more than up to it last night." Marx grinned.
"Obviously had the scent of some female to get him up and going," Rilla laughed.
No wonder. He hadn't spilled himself inside her, so he must have been just about bursting. Tera placed the jar on the table, dumbfounded.
"Don't go looking at me like that." Wylin scowled at Marx.
"Fair is fair,' Marx replied.
"Illam gave us a sample, it's only fair you should," Rilla added.
"I can get a female to help you---" Marx suggested.
"---If you want," Rilla finished.
"No!" Wylin crossed over to Tera and scowled. "This is your doing, wench."
She laughed weakly. "You have no idea."
"Get these two off my back for a sperm sample."
"Oh, you mean you."
"Who did you think I meant?" Wylin frowned.
"Come on, Wylin." Rilla's tone was wheedling.
"Surely there must be some female who makes you get an erection," Marx stated bluntly.
"And what I do with my erection and sperm is for me alone!" Wylin glared at them. "The answer is no, and that's final."
Marx and Rilla subsided in disappointed silence.
Glad to have her mind on other things, Tera handed the data collector to Rilla. "Could you please enter in the names of the runts who come in today. Runts..." She frowned. "I don't like that word."
Rilla looked surprised. "It's what they are."
"Isn't there something nicer to call them?"
"It's not an insult in our culture," Marx replied.
So she had to accept that. "Sorry, I didn't know." She moved past him. "When are they coming?"
"Soon. The first one is---" He sniffed the air then swung around to stare at her.
Lifting her nose in the air, Rilla copied him.
"What's wrong?" Tera raised her brow.
Without answering, Rilla moved closer and sniffed at Tera, just below her ear, and then back towards her shoulder. She cast Marx an unreadable look.
Tera felt chills go down her spine. Surely Illam hadn't marked her last night? But going by the expressions on the healers' faces ... I will kill him!
She glared at warning at the healers, and they both closed their mouths.
"Is everything all right?" Wylin asked curiously.
"It seems some scents linger for a while." Tera pasted a smile on her face. "My soap is something they haven't smelled before."
Not convinced, he gave her a searching look.
"About the sperm specimen---" Rilla began.
"No!" Wylin stomped out of the hut. "I'll wait out here for you, Tera."
Thank the stars for quick-thinking healers.
"So," Rilla said.
"Want to tell us?" Marx queried.
"About you and a Felys male?" Rilla looked eager.
"There's nothing to tell." Sitting at the table, she broke open a new case of vials. "When is the first runt coming in, did you say?"
"I didn't," Rilla answered.
"Then say something now."
"But---"
"Nothing is going past my lips."
"Not yet," Marx muttered.
Tera speared him with an annoyed look. "Look, my personal life has nothing to do with the research on the runts, all right?"
Rilla shrugged, and Marx nodded gloomily.
"Good. Now, let's get a start." Tera breathed a silent sigh of relief. "Tell me about the runts. How many are there?"
"Six at the moment," Rilla replied. "There are six litters of various ages in the clan, and each litter has a runt."
"It's not normal." Marx started labeling the vials. "A runt in now and again you can expect, but not every litter."
"It's increasing?" Tera frowned.
"Rapidly." Marx laid the vials in the holders, ready for the samples.
"Hopefully the samples will give us an answer."
"We've tried what you've done so far, with no result." Rilla rubbed her brow worriedly.
"I'll send any discrepancies in the samples back to my father via this." Tera tapped the data collector.
"That can send it to your planet?" Marx walked towards the door.
"No. All I have to do is go back to the scout ship, log the data collector into the communicator, and that will send all the details back home."
"And when will your father have the results?" Rilla asked.
"I should have the results within a day or so."
"Then let's get started." Marx smiled back at Tera. "The runts are coming now."
The runts, Tera found, were a lot smaller than their larger counterparts. They were also a little more cantankerous, and within a very short time she made Rilla collect the samples they needed, while she stuck self-adhesive on her other thumb, and dabbed a scratch on her wrist.
A tiny tortoiseshell hissed at her, and the mother of one tabby boy was having a problem keeping him still for Marx to take a nail sample.
"Is this normal behavior for runts?" Tera asked Rilla.
"They're worse around strangers." Rilla grinned. "Because they're allowed free reign in the forests, they don't like being made to conform."
"Maybe it's due to their knowing the reason why?"
"Could be." Rilla capped a sample jar and set it in the container.
"Doesn't it worry you?" Tera caught the back of one little Felys' pants who was making a run for it, and swung him towards Marx, who caught him easily.
"The runts deserve to have a life of fun," Rilla returned.
The mother of the tabby boy nodded her solemn agreement.
Tera sat at the table and studied the mother. "Don't you think it would be easier to teach the runts their place in your clan?"
The mother looked away, but not before Tera saw the glint of tears in her eyes.
Tera cast a questioning look at Marx, who shook his head. Understanding the unspoken warning, she waited until the runts had scampered off with shrill yowls of delight. Turning to ask Marx the reasons, she was surprised to find all six mothers still standing in the hut, obviously waiting for her.
"You think we do not love our kits?" A blue-cream tortoiseshell mother asked tiredly.
"Not at all," Tera replied hurriedly. "I'm just trying to understand."
"My kit," she whispered, "Will possibly not live long enough to take his place in our clan. And neither will the runt kits of my friends." The mother gestured to the silent Felys females standing around her. "It is the right of the runts to enjoy their lives while they can."
Tera was silent for a minute, then she gently laid her hand on the Felys' arm. "I can see how much you all love them. On my world, the weaker are still taught to prepare themselves to take a place in our society. I know your society is different."
"Our society," the mother replied steadily, "is survival of the fittest. The fit are taught survival. The runts are cared for and given love, but not expected to take on the duties of a healthy kit. That is our way."
Not wanting to pursue the matter further, Tera said soberly, "Thank you for explaining that to me."
The hut was silent after the Felys had left. Tera looked at Rilla and Marx, who were packing the samples into containers.
Rilla glanced up, her gaze steady. Marx straightened, his face impassive for once.
Giving nothing of her thoughts away, Tera smiled at them. "I'll spend this afternoon studying the data and recording it on the data collector. I'd appreciate your help in correlating it."
Tera wasn't finished with the subject of runts, but she wanted to talk to someone who'd traveled outside the clan.
When the time came for the noonday meal, she was right in the middle of recording data and didn't want to stop.
"You have to eat," Wylin told her.
"Right." She peered into the microscope. "Fascinating."
"That you have to eat?"
"No. This is fascinating." Frowning thoughtfully, she made a notation on the data collector.
Wylin's stomach rumbled loudly, and he gave a rueful grin when she looked up and laughed.
"Go and get something to eat," she told him.
"I will when you come."
"I'm not leaving for a while yet." She gestured to the microscope. "If I can get all this data sorted out, then I can have the information collected so far sent to Father. We'll get an answer in a couple of days, and then we can sort out where to start."
"Start on what?"
"Whatever needs to be done."
"Tera, that can surely wait for an hour or so?"
"It can, but I can't."
"Fine. I'll go get us something to eat and bring it back here."
"You don't have to do that, Wylin. Go and relax for a while."
"I'll be back with food for us both." Wylin left the hut.
In the quiet of the hut, Tera stretched, then she flicked a switch on the data collector, and soft music filled the room. Bending down over the data collector again, she continued to make notes.
"Such dedication," a voice drawled from the doorway. "I'm impressed."
Tera froze. Illam. Taking a deep breath, she continued to tap information into the data collector.
There was a whisper of soft boots on the floor, and then she felt the heat of his body right behind her. He was standing close. Very close.
"Not hungry?" he purred.
"Wylin's getting me some food," she returned expressionlessly.
"I'm hungry."
"Goody for you."
"I'm hungry for you."
That did it. Straightening up she turned around in the chair and glared up at him. And nearly did a double-take. He looked incredibly hungry---sexually hungry---and he was looking right at her. Those golden eyes of his were glowing, and the black threads were pulsating slowly in his irises.
He was less than a foot away, forcing her to tip her head back to look at him. Refusing to give him the pleasure of knowing how much at a disadvantage she felt, Tera stood up and brushed past him to one of the containers on the pretext of looking for something.
Leaning over the container, she asked, "You wanted something?"
"You. Naked. On your stomach."
Shooting stars of Cyran! Jerking around, she glared at him. "Subtlety isn't your thing, is it?"
He grinned, succeeding in looking dangerously amused. "My kind don't believe in pretense."
Folding her arms below her breasts, Tera scowled. "Let's get one thing straight, Felys. I might have come over as easy last night, but my kind doesn't consider a healthy sexual appetite to be degrading or being the sign of an easy lay."
"Nor do mine. How convenient." He stalked towards her with a loose, graceful tread. "We agree on something."
Her mouth went dry at the heat in his eyes. "Listen, Illam, what happened last night was nice but---"
"Thank you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it." He stalked closer still.
She backed up to the table. "I think we need to talk."
"Oh?" His eyes glinted.
Anger flicked through Tera. Anger that she should even feel the stirring of desire for this insolent fur-ball, and anger that he thought he could have her. "Hold it right there!"
Amazingly he stopped, but he was balanced lightly on the balls of his feet. Waiting to pounce. Suns!
Taking a deep breath, she flicked her hair back over her shoulders and opened her mouth to start talking.
His gaze fell on her neck, and that slow, rapacious smile crept over his face again. The man actually licked his lips. "Nice mark."
"Speaking of which," she snapped, "There's the little matter of your scenting me last night!"
Satisfaction blazed in his eyes.
"Don't look so pleased. I'm not."
"You were last night." His scorching gaze trailed down her body and came to a stop at the juncture of her thighs. And, God above, the man licked his lips again.
"Last night we might have come close to having sex but---"
"Last night was just a taste of foreplay, makit. When we mate, you'll know what it truly feels like to have a Felys male mount you." His expression totally carnal now, Illam took another step forward. "To have me mount you."
Fire sparked along her nerve-endings. Oh, this would never do! "Illam, stop!"
"Why?" The threads in his eyes writhed in slow anticipation.
Anticipation was roiling through her, too, but she clamped her thighs together and tried to get her thoughts in order.
"Do you feel it, makit?" The words came out in a low, deep purr.
"I'm feeling something, Felys." Hot. Hot, hot, hot! Oh bugger.
"Then let me feel it as well." His hand came out, reaching for her breast.
She grabbed his wrist. "Touch my boob and you loose your hand!"
"I nearly lost more than that last night." His grin was totally feral. "In fact, I do believe I filled a jar as proof."
Hoo boy! "Your prowess is amazing. Illam, we need to talk. Now!"
He stared intently at her.
She was certain she knew how to make him listen. "Nothing happens until we talk." Yep, that works. Thank the suns. She watched in relief as he folded his arms and angled his head to one side, his gaze never leaving her.
"Talk," he stated.
And his eyes continued to burn with leashed, unmistakable, hedonistic passion. The man was a walking carnal bomb.
And he wanted to explode inside her.
Tera mentally fanned herself.
"Talk," he repeated. "Unless you wish to wait until after we---"
"Don't go any further." She pointed to the chair. "Sit down."
"Why?"
Because you make me bloody nervous, all wired up to pounce. "Just sit."
He didn't just sit. He slithered into the chair, loose-limbed and deceptively relaxed. But not totally relaxed she saw. Trying to ignore his blatant arousal---how in suns name he remained confined in his pants, she'd never know---Tera leaned back against the table and eyed him. Having him positioned lower than her made her feel better. More in control.
Until he lowered those thick eyelashes and eyed her from beneath them. The gold of his irises peeped fascinatingly through the lush length. The man was lethal.
Get a grip! "All right, Illam, we shared something last night---"
"Foreplay."
"Whatever. But I don't want you thinking that just because we did it once, we'll do it again." Feeling more sure of herself, Tera relaxed a little.
"Next time we'll mate?"
Okay, not relaxed now. "Do you think I'm a whore?"
His eyelids snapped fully open and he scowled at her. "No!"
"You played with me last night, and then you just walk in and expect me to have sex with you later. That's treating me like a whore." She grimaced. "I'm not a whore."
"I don't think any such thing." No longer casually stretched out in the chair, he folded his arms across his chest and scowled even more darkly at her.
"Many species consider Argon women sexually easy, Illam. You wouldn't be the first."
"Because your species takes enjoyment in sex?" He cocked an eyebrow at her, interest appearing to mingle with the leashed desire in his eyes.
"It's more than that. Argons are known to have an effect on other species. They say we exude a sexual aura, I guess you could call it. It draws people to us when they're on our planet, or we travel to another planet. It's why we tend to stay close to our own home, and only visit a few species we trust."
"Like us," he stated quietly.
"Exactly."
"So we've more in common, it seems." He grinned.
"Illam, try to keep your mind above your crotch, all right?"
"Sure." His eyes gleamed again.
"Many of us are sexually active."
His nostrils flared.
The man really needed help. "Just because we're known to have sexual relations if we're not wedded, doesn't mean we'll have sex with just anyone. Do you understand?"
"Yes. It's the same with the Felys." He met her gaze steadily. Hotly. "What's the problem?"
Handsome and sometimes, very dumb. "It doesn't mean I'm going to have sex with you, just because you want it."
The smile that crept across his face was epicurean. "But you want it, too."
"What?" She glared at him. "I do not!"
"Your scent tells me differently."
"Suns! Are you sniffing around me again?"
"Your scent is always with me. I can smell your arousal." His gaze dropped to her breasts. "Your nipples are hard, and you're moist, your body readying itself for me. You---"
"Not another word!" Cheeks red, Tera stabbed her finger in his direction. "I only share my body with someone I desire!"
He went still, his pupils dilating. "So what was last night?"
"I---uh..." Tera floundered. "A mistake?"
"No mistake. You fell apart. You screamed." He was on his feet, stalking her once more.
"You lured me outside, Illam."
"You could have called for your bodyguard."
Refusing to back down, her heart starting to pound, Tera met his eyes unflinchingly. Eyes glowing a hot gold, Illam stopped directly in front of her.
"Now let me tell you something," he said in a dangerously quiet voice. "I do not think any the less of you. I've tried to deny my attraction to you, but last night was a revelation. Your scent called to me. You're inside me all the time."
Tera gulped.
"Last night I went into full mate-hunting mode---"
"M-mate hunting mode?"
He moved forward a bit more, and she would have leaned back, but he caught her shoulders and leaned forward to place his mouth at her ear. His breath whispered hotly over the sensitive skin as he breathed huskily, "I hunted you, Tera. I hunted you instinctively as a male hunts his mate. And I got you."
"If that's true," she croaked, "Then why didn't you have sex with me?"
"Because you weren't ready. I wasn't ready. The hunt is part of the foreplay, little healer." His tongue scraped the spot he'd marked below her ear, making a streak of desire shoot straight to her loins. "And the hunt is still on."
God above, she was going to not only go up in flames, but go off like a muted explosion. Tera's breathing was becoming faster, her skin felt prickly, and her knees were starting to shake.
Mainly because she had them squeezed tightly together to stop her wrapping them around his waist and begging him to put out the fire then and there.
Oh God, oh God, oh God!
"You don't like me!" She managed to get out. "You haven't liked me since the first time we met."
"Ah, when you called me a chocolate point." His teeth scrapped her ear lobe, and she bit back the moan. "I admit you didn't endear yourself to me. You were just another outworlder who seemed so superior."
"I've never thought that."
"You always had me in knots. I didn't understand what was happening." His nipped her ear lightly, and then laved it with his tongue. "But I do now."
"You do?"
"You're my mate."
"What?" She jerked her head around in shock to stare at him. "Your mate?"
"Oh yes," he breathed, and crushed his lips to hers.
He took her mouth in a kiss so hedonistic, she lost every thought but the sensation of his silken lips on hers, his tongue sweeping into her mouth and forcefully taking her essence, and the predatory gleam in his eyes right before those thick lashes swept down and hid his hot irises from sight.
Illam was some kisser. Dominating, taking from her everything she could possibly give in a kiss. He took, plundered, and drank from her ravenously. He nipped at her bottom lip, sucked it gently, and plundered the tender depths once more.
He literally took her breath away and then breathed it back into her.
When he released her, she nearly fell to her knees. Catching her upper arms in time to stop her, he smiled at her stunned face, leaned down, and rasped his tongue right along the seam of her lips. When he reached the corner of her mouth, he angled his head and rubbed his own mouth along her cheek, marking her again with his scent.
"Tonight," he whispered in her ear. "Tonight I'll be hunting you again."
With that last promise he swung on his heel and slipped out the door with a sure stride, leaving her slumped back against the table.
Breathing hard, Tera swallowed. Her breasts were tight and aching, her womanhood was wet with desire, and her limbs were trembling.
With just his mouth and a few carnal words, Illam had made her so aroused that she felt like hunting him down herself and having her wild way with him.
Raising a shaking hand to her hair, she pushed the heavy length back over her shoulder. A strand of gold hair was entwined in a thick lock of her hair, and she drew it out and held it up. Illam's hair.
She could smell him on her skin. Male, fresh, a touch of the wild.
So now what was she going to do?
Voices drawing nearer made her look up. Wylin and Denyon. She could hear them.
And here she stood, lips no doubt swollen from Illam's kisses, nipples pushing brazenly out against her blouse, and she was so slick that if she sat down in a chair, she was liable to slip right off it.
So she high-tailed it out the back door and took shelter in the bushes behind the hut. Using the cover, she made her way to the house and dove inside.
By the time she had herself looking presentable and was calm enough, she made her way sedately to the healers' hut again. Wylin was just coming down the steps, a frown of concern on his face. Behind him came Denyon.
"I was wondering where you'd gotten to," Wylin said.
"Oh, I forgot something and went to the house for a hunt." She winced mentally. Hunt! Do not think of hunting!
"Didn't find it?" He looked at her empty hands inquiringly.
"I must have left it back on the scout ship." She gave a small laugh. "I'll have a look for it when I take the data collector back there tomorrow."
"You have everything you need?" Denyon was studying her closely.
"Information to send, yes. While Father and Hanna are studying that, I'll start to get soil and food samples."
Wylin went up the steps and back into the hut, saying as he did so, "I brought you some sandwiches."
"Great." She started up the steps, only to have Denyon place his hand on her shoulder and stop her when she drew level with him.
He studied her closely before inhaling deeply. His pupils slitted and the black threads in his eyes writhed. He didn't say anything.
Tera gave him a bold look back and continued up the steps and into the hut.
Argons were never embarrassed by their sexuality.
"By the way, Tera," Wylin said conversationally. "Did you hear any growling and snarling last night? I reckon there must have been a lycat or something in the bushes nearby, hunting something."
Okay, they were almost never embarrassed.
"The Felys still have visitors." Mitzi twirled around in her chair. "The red light denoting the presence of the visitors is still on the screen in the Felys' settlement."
"So what?" With a grunt, Calean hefted the drill onto his shoulder.
"I want to know what they're up to."
"So does Ropar, so just keep watch on things. My personal point of view is that as long as the Felys stay on their side, and we stay on our side, all is well with our world."
Mitzi sniffed.
"I know, I know," Calean said. "I'm too easy going."
"Another thing to worry about. If they find out what we're doing, Calean, we won't be popular."
"They won't."
Mitzi sniffed again.
"If you don't stop that, you can sleep outside tonight," Calean growled.
She waited until he'd left the room, then she stuck her finger up rudely in his direction. Ignorant bastard. Someone had to worry.
Turning back to the radar, she scratched her ear idly while watching the settlement light. Normally the only thing on the settlement light was the settlement. The Felys were under surveillance only for the sake of staying on their own side of the boundary. The only time an alarm went off was when a Felys stepped over the boundary, which hadn't happened in years.
The red light, however, was the visitors. So who were they, and what were they doing at the Felys' settlement? The Felys didn't welcome outsiders. And why was Ropar so curious about them? It wasn't like him to be too interested in the Felys and their movements, as long as they kept their feral arses on their side of the boundary.
Curious, Mitzi ran her finger over the radar screen. It couldn't tell her any more than that there were visitors in the settlement. Damn it. She didn't like secrets. Scowling, she pulled on a whisker.
"I trust you have a good explanation." Denyon strode into Illam's kitchen.
Illam didn't look up from cutting a hunk of meat from a roasted haunch.
"Tera reeks of your scent, Illam. It's all over her." Placing his hands on the table, Denyon leaned forward. "Well?"
"I'm not denying it."
"Shit!"
Illam flicked a glance at him. "You yourself said I should consider that I was attracted to her."
"Oh, double shit!"
"I have come to the conclusion that I am attracted to her."
"By Jocat!"
"So attracted, in fact, that I hunted her last night."
Denyon's mouth fell open.
"Come, why do you look so surprised? It was your suggestion first that I might be attracted to her."
"You said you couldn't stand her!"
"Changed my mind."
"You hunted her?" Denyon dropped down into a chair and stared at his friend disbelievingly.
"I stalked her with only one thought in my mind." Using his teeth, Illam tore a piece of meat off from the hunk he held. "I lured her out into the bushes and---"
"By Delcat!"
"We haven't mated properly yet. It's still the hunt."
"Well, can't you stop it?"
Illam gave him a droll look.
"This is not good."
"It's not bad from where I'm standing." Illam grinned a little.
Blowing out a deep breath, Denyon slumped back in the chair and looked at his friend.
Illam regarded him calmly.
"Wylin will castrate you if he finds you diddling with Tera."
Illam's face darkened. "I am not diddling with Tera."
"Whatever. If he finds out---"
"I somehow doubt there will be a problem," Illam returned. "Their race is sexually active." Score one for me.
"So are we, but mostly with our own kind. What am I supposed to tell Sarcan and Kiile? 'Thanks for all your help. And, oh yes, your daughter and healer is now having sex with one of my Felys males.'"
"That ought to do it." Illam chewed on the meat cheerfully.
"You bastard! How can you be so calm?"
"I've met my mate---"
"Your mate?"
"Oddly enough, that's exactly the same words and expression Tera used when I said that to her."
"You told Tera?" Denyon looked like he was going to choke.
"I gave her fair warning of the hunt." Illam tore off another mouthful of meat.
"What'd she say?"
Illam smiled smugly. "Nothing." She couldn't say much with my tongue in her mouth.
"Nothing?" Denyon raked a hand through his hair.
"And she won't say anything, either." Leaning back against the cupboards, Illam chewed calmly.
"How do you know?"
"I could smell her arousal. She was responsive---"
"She's an Argon, Illam! She's sensual and sexual and---"
"And she openly stated that she only shares her body with someone she desires." Illam grinned. "She climaxed last night."
"Oh, Jocat." Denyon dropped his forehead onto the table.
"Don't be such a worrier."
"I can see you're happy," Denyon's voice was muffled. "You're back to being annoyingly cheerful again."
"I consider I have everything to be cheerful about."
Lifting his head a little, Denyon pinned him with a ferocious glare. "I'm warning you, Illam, whatever happens, you are the one facing Tera's father and her leader."
Illam sobered. Pulling out a chair, he sat across from his friend and captain, and looked him squarely in the eyes.
"Denyon, I have no fear of facing the Argons. When the time comes, I will face both Sarcan and Kiile. One of our own has wed one of theirs. A Felys and Argon have already mated and wed. Do you truly think this is going to be a problem?"
"I don't know." Denyon sighed. "I suppose not."
"Then why the hysterics?"
"I just thought you two hated each other."
"Turns out we were both wrong."
Denyon sighed again, and straightened up. "All right. It's your business. If you and Tera are happy, who am I to stand in your way? Who am I to stand in the way of our Felys' instinct?"
"Yeah, about Tera being happy..."
Denyon looked at him suspiciously.
"I have to convince her of the rightness of our mating."
Denyon's forehead met the table again with a dull thunk. Illam continued to cheerfully eat his lunch.
In the middle of transferring more data into the data collector, Tera was interrupted by Rilla entering the hut.
"Would you like to witness the birth of a Felys litter?" Rilla queried.
"Really?" Excited, Tera swung around to look at the Felys healer. "The mother won't mind?"
"Leesha has already given her permission. She says if you're here to help with our runts, then you are welcome to witness the birth of her litter, and the possible appearance of a runt."
"Then I will gladly come. Where is she?"
"In her own home, where all Felys birth their kits."
"Do I need to bring anything with me?"
"No. I'll be there to help if anything goes wrong, and Marx will be nearby just in case. You can assist if needed, otherwise all you have to do is watch."
Curious, Tera followed Rilla to a wooden house built in a tree top, and climbed the stone steps that led up to the closed-in verandah that went around the house. Tera was more than grateful that the trees here were huge.
Lying in her bed in the bedroom, Leesha smiled at Tera and Rilla as they entered.
"I thank you for allowing me to be here," Tera said softly.
"It's we who thank you for placing your time into our problems," Leesha returned. "You might as well get comfortable." She waved her hand to the chair in the corner. "This could take awhile."
"Your first litter?"
"Second."
"See this?" Rilla gestured to Tera to cross to her side. "This large box contains a thick mattress and blankets."
"All the kits go in together?" Tera guessed.
"Definitely. From the moment they're born, cleaned and fed, they stay in here. They cuddle up together for warmth, and get companionship from each other. The only time they come out is when their mother or father gets them out."
It was similar to the kitchen lycat back home on Argon.
The birthing was even more similar.
About twenty minutes after her water broke, Leesha started giving birth. During her labor, she'd only grunted. Now she gave a low, guttural cry, and pushed.
From between her legs, Tera saw a sac appear. It ballooned out, then burst, and a little Felys kit slid out. She watched as Rilla scooped it up deftly and briskly wiped it's nose and face with a cloth. Once it let out a tiny squawl, she gave it a brisk rub before lying it next to Leesha, who turned on her side and stroked it, beaming. It was still joined to her by the cord.
It was a little black, white and cream Felys kit, and once it kicked its legs, Tera saw it was a little female.
The afterbirth slid out and Rilla cut the cord. Immediately the Felys kit wriggled up to Leesha's breast, nuzzled, and started sucking.
Fifteen minutes later, Leesha gave a grunt.
Rilla retrieved the kit from her breast and handed her to Tera. "Just pop her into the box and cover her with a blanket. She'll be fine for a while."
Fascinated, Tera gave the kit a quick once over on the way to the big box. The kit was about a third of the size of an Argon baby, and she was covered in a fine, fur coat that was now drying to give her a fuzzy appearance. Her little ears were starting to stick up, and she was mewling. Her eyes remained shut.
Maybe because, like a lycat, they wouldn't open for about ten days? Tera made a mental note to ask Rilla.
Leesha birthed three more kits, each one emerging partially in its own little sack before it broke and they slid out into the world. The last one was even tinier. A little red cream male with brown highlights, he almost fitted into Tera's palm. Suddenly frightened of how tiny it was, she cradled it to her chest and looked up at Rilla.
"Runt," Rilla said softly. "Snuggle him in with the others."
Leesha smiled sadly at Tera. "He will possibly survive, Argon."
"Possibly?"
"I will ensure he gets plenty to drink, and is not pushed aside by his bigger litter mates. I will love him, and give him everything. The rest is up to him and nature."
Survival of the fittest, only this little kit had as much help as his mother could give him.
Rilla helped Leesha clean up while Tera watched over the fuzzy kits. Once Leesha was settled, Rilla opened the door and called out for Marx. He appeared within seconds, accompanied by a Felys male who had blue and grey hair with lilac points.
"Tyber, Leesha's mate," Marx explained.
Tyber smiled briefly at Tera, then embraced Leesha and murmured soft words to her. After a couple of minutes, he crossed to the box and peered in. A delighted grin crossed his face as he dangled his fingers inside and stroked one of his kits down its back. It arched immediately with a small cry.
The others mewled and started moving, wriggling and trying to lift their little heads.
Leesha laughed. "Bring two to me, Tyber."
The first one he picked up was the little runt, who mewled. Tyber handled it gently, holding him up to his face and nuzzling him along the corner of his mouth. The little male Felys bunted his nose along his father's mouth, and Tyber laughed.
"He will be a rascal," he announced. "My little male!"
The obvious love Tyber had for his son put to rest any doubts that Tera had over the way runts might be integrated in the family unit.
Within minutes Leesha was nursing two Felys kits, one at each breast, and Tyber helped support them, especially the little runt who was slurping away greedily. It made a close-knit family group, and Tera smiled.
"It's time we went," Rilla told her. "I'll come and check their progress tomorrow. You are welcome to come."
"I'd like that."
They left the home and headed back to the healers' hut. Tera realized that the whole process had taken about four hours only.
"What chance has the runt got?" she queried as they entered the hut.
"As much as the next runt," Rill replied. "But he has a good start."
Tera caught the fleeting sadness in the healer's eyes. "But you don't expect him to live?"
"He will probably last for a while, but once he's about eight or nine, he may start to fail."
"Why that particular age?"
"Because the growth spurts start around then. Once the body hair has disappeared, apart from the genital region, then the body starts to develop. It takes a lot out of anyone, but a runt ... well, they're not always strong enough to cope with it all." Rilla looked at her. "It's why we have hopes that the Argons may hold the answer."
Tera felt a tightening in her throat. "I can't promise miracles."
"I know."
"But I can promise that I'll do whatever I can to find an answer."
"I know," Rilla repeated, and she smiled.
The silence this time was companionable, and Tera turned the music on low, allowing it to lull her into a soothing solace as she continued to enter data into the data collector.
She had to admit it to herself. Seeing the birth of the kits, and the little runt in particular, had only endeared these feline-like people to her. They did care for their runts, even if it wasn't in the way she saw as being normal. But they loved them and cared for them.
Now she had to try and find an answer to ensure they kept their little Felys kits alive, and they didn't lose the little runts to some unknown cause.
A chill crept over her. What if Lysie gave birth to a runt? It was feasible, wasn't it? What if it didn't survive? It would devastate them both. But then, Marten was strong, and it was the crossing of two species. Sometimes that bred out a problem.
Sighing, she returned her attention to the data already collected.
The Cave
It was finally finished.
She watched as it was reverently handed from one maker to another, so that each who had assisted in making it, would have the chance to hold it before it was started on the path to saving their species.
It glowed with a light all its own.
When she took it from her companion, she felt the warmth of it in her palms. It was as though it was alive, with a life of its own.
Life of its own. How ironic. This symbol, this object of the saving of her kind, was supposed to save them from slavery, from forced sexual degradation and madness.
She looked up at her companions, masters in their own professions. She looked at them, and saw a mixture of expressions. Trepidation, fear, sadness, eagerness, doubt, and determination.
"It is done," she said.
Lying in bed, Tera thought about the little runt kit. He'd intruded on her thoughts several times during the remainder of the day. He was so cute, covered in the soft fuzzy fur. He reminded her of a lykitten turned into a baby. Maybe in a way he was after all, the Felys were feline-type. They were truly a remarkable people. She only hoped she and her father could bring them the answers and help they needed to keep their species alive. If they couldn't help, then over time, the Felys would die out or be bred out.
A beautiful, almost magical species would fade into history.
Damn. With a sigh, Tera turned on her side and her gaze fell on the glass door which led out onto the verandah. It was shut.
"Tonight I'll be hunting you again."
Illam. She'd forgotten his promise. Threat. Whatever. She'd forgotten in the happenings of the day, and her own troubled thoughts of the runts and Felys. But she sure remembered now. And it was an almost welcome distraction from her worried thoughts.
Almost.
Coming up on her elbow, she regarded the door. She'd been in bed for an hour. The door had been shut against the cool night air before she'd even come inside.
Was Illam on the verandah? Waiting? A shiver of anticipation went through her. Was he hunting her? Was he watching from somewhere? Was he even now reaching for the door to open it?
The minutes ticked past as she stared at the door.
What if he did? What if he did open the door and walk in, as bold as any hunting lycat? Would she yell for Wylin? Since when do I need someone else to fix my problems? And Illam was such a yummy problem. So, if he did come in ... should she slap his handsome face? Throw herself at him? Rip his clothes off?
You are sick, Tera. That fur-ball already has an over inflated ego, and you lusting after him is only going to make it worse.
But it had been so long since she'd last been so close to a man. To have one touch her, taste her, kiss her ... dominate her strong character without seeking to break her. Illam had done all that the other night.
Lying back down, she tucked one hand under the pillow and sighed. To be truthful, he'd made her feel things she hadn't felt in a long, long time. He'd filled a space that had remained empty for years. Since...
Tera closed her eyes. She didn't want to think about it. The pain had died over the years, but the emptiness remained. No man had ever been able to get so close to her. There was no man she'd ever found desirable enough to share intimate moments with since...
Since that time of horror.
Drawing a deep breath, she rolled onto her other side and stared at the wooden door leading into the depths of the house. Hanna had tried many times to matchmake her, sought to find the one man who could bring her ashes to life once more. Sought to bring her enjoyment in being intimate with a man again. Hanna had failed over and over in her endeavor.
The men had tried to woo her, but she found them lacking. They didn't have the strength, the passion, the drive, the sensitivity she valued. They all lacked something.
Maybe that was why Illam titillated her so much. He was dominating, he had a strength of his own, and his passion was ... well, the sparks flickering in her loins at the thought of what he'd done, and what he'd promised to do, was testament to how she felt about that.
He was also arrogant, naïve in some things, cocksure, too handsome to be legal, and too opinionated. Not to mention that feral side that had appeared last night.
Hanna would have said that sounded like a male version of Tera. Tera grinned.
But it didn't solve her problem.
Here was a man who wanted her, and had no qualms about telling her that he was going to hunt her and have her, and there was no doubt it would be on his terms.
So what was she going to do about it?
"You're my mate."
All right, there was a problem. In what term, exactly, did he mean 'mate'? Tera had an uneasy feeling she knew what he meant but found it a little hard to accept that his feelings could change so quickly. One minute, he couldn't stand her, the next ... the next he was saying that she was his mate.
The change was too quick.
"Fascinating." Tera nodded. "And how does the male and female know they will be mates? How does the female choose? Is the beginning of the heat phase the decision time to choose the one she wants to bind with?"
"They may be attracted to each other before, but her scent alerts the male that she is meant for him." Illam slid his ankle off his opposite knee and stretched his legs out before him. "Her scent alerts everyone that she is coming into her heat phase, but it alerts her nature-bonded mate, too."
"Nature bonded?"
"There is no other way to describe it except falling in love."
"Immediately?" Tera's brow arched quizzically.
"We're not like other species, Tera." Illam's gaze swept over her. "You must remember that. "Accept it."
Tera sat bolt upright in the bed, one hand to her mouth. Oh crap! Her gaze slid sideways to the closed glass door. "They may be attracted to each other before, but her scent alerts the male that she is meant for him."
Oh, that didn't bode well. Illam was always sniffing at her, he'd always been going on about her scent ... of which she hadn't worn any.
Panic fluttered inside her. Oh shit! No, no, no! This can't possibly be happening to me! To him!
He'd grabbed her several times, and started nipping and kissing her, and she had fallen straight into his arms like a sex-starved female on heat. Which she was---sex starved, that is, not on heat. Right?
"Suns!" Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Tera got to her feet and started pacing.
This was not good. This was, in fact, very bad.
Why? Because it was Illam. A Felys. Another race.
No, that was unfair. She'd had relations with another race before, and had totally enjoyed it. Until ... she shied from the memory.
Now what was she going to do? Why couldn't she simply take her enjoyment that a handsome male offered her, a male who met so many of the things that she admired in a man when being intimate?
Because it's Illam. Because I'm scared. Stopping, she rubbed her hands and stared at the glass door. Why am I scared? Because he might expect something more of me? Because ... I don't know! Attempting to calm herself, she drew a deep breath. All right, steady up, Tera. First things first. Oh crap!
"I don't like him," she muttered to herself. But, by God, I lust after him. Tart.
Mental head slap. Perching on the edge of the bed, she rubbed her temples and eyed the door again. Be honest with yourself. It's not true that I don't like him. I couldn't dislike him if he causes me to feel desire. It's just ... I don't know. Tera rolled her eyes. Yes I do. He makes me feel desire, he makes me mad. He makes me want to pull his tail. He's arrogant, he's smug ... he's caring. And he had been, back when they'd first landed on the planet. When Denyon and Wylin had been challenging each other, he'd seen the look on her face and had immediately interfered before anything could go wrong. He'd protected her from the teasing and curiosity of her friends back on Argon.
And now the Felys had the hots for her.
And Tera had the hots for him, she had to admit that, but where would it lead? Did she want it to lead anywhere? Did she?
Running her hand over her face, she gave a soft groan. She was so mixed up, her feelings confused, her emotions in turmoil ... her treacherous hormones in over-drive.
And on the other side of the glass doors, Illam was waiting for her. Tipping her head back, she looked up at the dark ceiling and sighed. She could practically feel him there. His presence was tangible in the air.
Threat, promise, dominance, determination. Feral.
Slowly she stood and crossed to the glass door. Reaching out, she placed her hand on the curtain, feeling the chill of the glass through the gauzy material. A ripple went through her, but it wasn't the chill.
It was anticipation.
Opening the door, she found herself gazing straight across at the Felys male who was leaning against the verandah railing, his softly glowing eyes eerie in the dimness, his gaze trained on her.
Illam's hips were against the railing behind him, his outstretched legs crossed at the ankles, his arms folded across his chest. His naked chest, for the shirt he wore was hanging open, the sleeves rolled up his forearms. His hair blew in soft strands around his shoulders and waist as the cool breeze ruffled it gently.
He said nothing as he looked at her. His stance was deceptively relaxed, but she could feel the alertness of his gaze, and the coiled tension in his body.
A low purring sounded, a sign of his pleasure at her appearance, and she sighed, uncertain how to broach her troublesome thoughts yet wanting him so badly, and still wary.
Pushing away lithely from the railing, Illam moved directly in front of her. Placing one hand at her waist, he drew her out of the room and up against himself. Reaching behind her, he quietly closed the door. It clicked shut, leaving them together on the verandah, their bodies pressed to each other.
Lowering his head, he laid his cheek against hers and inhaled deeply. The purring deepened.
The heat from his body seeped into her, and she lifted her hands to place her palms against his chest. His skin was smooth, and she felt the vibration of his purrs against her palms. Lean muscles shifted beneath her touch.
His breath was almost hot against her ear and Tera nearly gave in to the temptation to lean against him. Instead, she whispered, "Illam, we need to talk."
"Not now." His hand was warm against her waist.
"Illam---"
"Later."
"No. Now. I'm---"
"The night is ours, Tera. It is for us alone. Talking is for the hard light of day, loving is for the seductiveness of the night." His lips were feather light against her cheek. "And seduction is on my mind."
I must be mad. The thought was a whisper that fled in the rush of desire caused by Illam's questing lips and hot breath, and her own sensual nature. Instinct taking over, she turned her head and brushed her own lips across his. Tomorrow will come, but tonight ... tonight belongs to passion, and to me. To us.
Illam's lips were firm yet sensual as he brushed against her lips, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a deep kiss. He teased and tantalized her, flicking his tongue across the seam of her lips and drawing back when she opened for him.
"Don't tease," she moaned.
His laugh was low. "I delight in teasing, makit. Tonight you are mine, and you'll take what I give freely. Take and enjoy. It's all for you."
Turning, he kept his arm at her waist and led her down from the verandah and along the stone path.
Tipping her head back, Tera breathed deeply of the fragrant flower scents filling the air. The cool breeze was a direct contrast to the heat of the male body she was tucked closely up to, and it made her snuggle closer instinctively.
"I'll soon have you warm, makit." The words purred out in a sultry promise.
She had no doubt about that, especially when she realized that he was taking her to his home.
A dim light shone dully through the drawn curtains at the window. Stepping up onto the verandah, he opened the door and pushed her gently inside.
What hit her first was the warmth of the home, followed by the faint scent of maleness that filled the air subtly. The rich red and blue of the heavy fabrics that covered the dark wood furniture created an atmosphere of luxury. Cushions were thrown carelessly on one corner of the sofa, but on the floor atop the plush rug, was a large cushion. It bore the undeniable imprint of someone having sat in it many times, and, no doubt, leaned back against the sofa. Beside the cushion was a book, open face down on the floor. On one wall was a painting of a Felys couple but she couldn't make out their faces. An almost life-sized statue of two Felys embracing in unashamed nudity stood in the corner. Another statue, this time of a lycat and her kittens, stood in another corner. Yet it was a masculine room, richly decorated, and with the softly lowered beat of music coming from somewhere. Warm, welcoming, a room to curl up in and forget the outside world existed for a short time.
The door closed behind her with a firm click, and Tera started to turn around.
"No," Illam whispered in a husky tone. "Stay still."
Obeying, she felt his hands glide through her hair, his breath hot on her neck as he inhaled deeply once more. Sharp teeth scraped along her nape, and she shivered, closing her eyes and tipping her head back.
His hands drifted down her sides, coming to rest on her belly where he kneaded firmly. When she sucked in her breath and leaned back, he reached up and slid his fingers beneath the thin straps of her nightgown. Drawing them partway down her arms, he stopped just as the neckline caught on her nipples. Gathering the soft material at the sides, he pulled it tight until her breasts were outlined, her nipples hard against the material.
"Beautiful," he growled low. Nipped her shoulder. Then in an abrupt move, he shoved the gown down past her breasts, over her hips and let it drop to the floor.
The suddenness startled her, and she looked at him over her shoulder. Immediately she noted the wariness in his eyes. "Illam?"
The golden gaze flickered over her face, gauging her mood.
"What's wrong?" she whispered.
He shook his head, sending the chocolate hair at the front sweeping over his shoulders and down his chest to hang to his waist.
Turning, she threaded her fingers into the dark hair and twined it around her fingers. Tugging his head down, she kissed him.
He submitted readily. The purr deep in his throat resonated up and into her, and she deepened the kiss. This time it was she who sought entrance, and he who opened to her. She slid her tongue in, testing the silky texture of his mouth, the heat of his essence, the wild honey sweetness of his taste.
It was heady. When he tried to return the kiss, she made a noise of protest and immediately he stilled.
Curious, she moved her head back and looked at him. His eyes opened slowly, languorously, the black threads writhing quickly through the gold of his irises. The pupils dilated until only a thin rim of gold showed.
Desire burned in his eyes. The rumble of purring was deeper, harsher. She could feel the hard length of him against her belly. But along with the desire was wariness. Of her? Impossible. She wasn't going to hurt him. After all, he was the one showing all the dominant traits.
Dominant.
Submissive.
"At this time, the female can become submissive and dominant in turn."
"Submissive is when she lets the male ... ease her?"
"Yes. Dominant is when she brings the male to climax."
"How?"
"She pleasures him with her mouth." Illam's voice was husky, and he unconsciously kneaded the top of the backrest where his hand rested.
"That's enough to bring him to climax?"
"There's foreplay, Tera." Illam's voice went lower.
Oh, now there was a thought. Illam thought she was showing a bit of dominance, that's why he was showing a bit of wariness.
The thought was titillating. Well, well, well. The big Felys male is wondering what I'm going to do. Heat rushed to her loins even as she licked her lips. Maybe it's time to show him what I can do.
She must have shown some expression on her face, because Illam looked even more wary. Not surprised, just wary.
Illam wondered just what Tera had on her mind. His little makit was making up her mind about something. He hoped to God she hadn't decided that she'd come off her yearnings. Felys females doing this very thing had made many a male Felys have sore palms from going to seek their own relief---and a very poor substitute that was, too.
He figured he'd done enough of that on the scout ship, so he knew all about it ... first hand. Ha-ha. That is in no way funny at all.
But still, what did he really know of the female heat, apart from what he'd learned? He'd certainly never had a nature mate before, much less gone through a heat phase with one. All he knew was that the Felys female could have yearnings one minute and be begging for release, and within the short time frame it took for her happily obliging mate to start dealing with it, she changed her fickle little mind and spat and hissed at him. It could happen many times.
The thought that this could be happening right now made him want to howl at the moon like some sick hound. Or an erotically charged, penis-bursting, but very unlucky male Felys.
"Tera..." Her name came out sounding very much like a plea.
Well, to hell with it. If pleading would make her become all soft and lovable again, he'd get down on his knees and grovel.
A smile curved those lovely lush lips. Those crystal blue eyes seemed to take on a cold fire of their own. Stepping back, she placed her hands on her hips and boldly looked Illam up and down.
God Almighty, he could feel his eyes practically bugging out of his head at the sight of her in full nakedness. His eyes followed a path down her luscious body so fast it was a miracle they didn't fall out of his head.
Tera was tall and slim, yet with curves in all the right places. Thick brunette hair curled over her shoulders and down her back. A nice handful of bosoms tipped with rosy nipples sat up jauntily. An intriguing little dip of a belly button, a small triangle of curls at the apex of her thighs, and legs just made for wrapping around a man's waist.
My waist, by Jocat, no one else's! His penis stood to attention. Yes sirree! You are all mine, Tera. All mine, you sassy female. C'mere.
And she was all sassy provocativeness, standing there with nothing but a smile on her face.
When he dragged his glazed gaze back up to her face, he saw that her smile had turned libidinous. Her little pink tongue flicked out to slowly moisten her lips, and her movements were lazy and measured when she started to move.
He turned with her, wondering what she was up to now.
"Stay still." The words were a soft command.
Instinctively, Illam obeyed. But he followed with his eyes as she leisurely paced around him. The whole time, her gaze wandered over him. Once she was behind him, she stopped.
The silence stretched, and he thought he could feel her hand lightly brush over his hair. He found the wait, the taut silence, the sensation of the unknown, more of a turn-on than he'd ever expected. It stretched his nerves deliciously tight.
"Take me to your bedroom." The words were heat against his neck.
Thank you, God! In the act of turning to take her arm, he was stopped by her hand lightly smacking against his buttocks. That made him freeze. What the---I don't remember my teachers telling me about spanking!
"You first, Felys," Tera murmured seductively. "I'll be right behind you." She gave one buttock a squeeze to emphasize her words.
"Tera---"
"Or I leave."
It took all he had not to run to his bedroom. Jocat, if she left now he'd never get rid of the hard-on that was growing harder every second. And he had to admit, the dominant side of her was not only a surprise, but it had his nerves tingling in wary anticipation.
Felys females were dominant and submissive by turns during a heat phase, so obviously it wasn't so different for an Argon, either. What luck!
Stopping in the middle of his softly lit room, he waited for Tera to come up close behind him. He knew what she'd see, the big bed with the fake fur on it, the richly colored heavy material he favored, the thick carpet cushioning their feet. The big armchair facing the window, and the rail and step against the wall.
"You have a mirror on the wall. A big mirror showing the bed. My my, Illam, into a bit of self voyeurism, are you?" She was close behind him now, and he could feel the warmth of her body. "I want you to turn and face that mirror, lover."
Lover! It took all he had to obey with dignity, rather than fall over his own feet in his eagerness. He managed to maintain a faintly curious expression. His glowing eyes and excitedly writhing black threads in the irises gave that away.
Tera was standing close behind him, her cheek rubbing against his shoulder as she eyed him in the mirror. Slipping one hand beneath his shirt she trailed her fingertips down his spine, watching as he caught his breath and arched back slightly, his eyes falling half shut as the delightful sensation rippled down the delicate nerves beneath his skin.
When she reached the small of his waist, she trailed those magical fingers around to his front, gliding them around his belly button before settling beneath on his stomach. Spreading her palm on his lower abdomen, she flexed her fingers, a small smile playing about her lips as he sucked in another breath.
"Like that, did you?"
"I think you know the answer," he rasped, already hearing the heavy desire deepening his voice.
"I think I do." She met his gaze in the mirror and took a step back. "Take your shirt off."
It took merely a shrug to cause the black shirt to slither down his arms and slip off. She caught it, brought it to her nose, and inhaled.
"So masculine." She licked her lips as she idly tossed the shirt aside. "Your boots."
He toed them off and kicked them aside.
Cocking her head to one side, she studied him. Taking a step forward, she pressed her breasts to his back, the texture of her nipples through the strands of his hair making him swallow. After pushing a heavy swath of his hair aside, she nipped his shoulder. The motion nearly made him come right there in his pants.
He'd never shot his load early in his entire life, but this Argon female had him already spilling a drop of moisture from the end of his staff.
Male instinct made him want to grab her, throw her onto her stomach on the bed, and mount her vigorously. But Felys instinct made him wary, made him wait, knowing she wasn't ready.
She was in her dominant phase. As the male, he had to be submissive right now, or she could be unpredictable. But she's an Argon, she might not be aggressive, she wouldn't lash out at me. His common sense whispered one thing, but his inborn instincts won out. He'd never mated with an outworlder before, and all he could do was go by his Felys nature.
So with a pounding heart and rapidly increasing libido, he awaited her next command.
"Your skin is so smooth. Smooth and leanly muscled." Tera trailed her fingers teasingly up over the ribbed muscles of his belly and the swells of his pectorals. Rubbing one finger tip upon each hard, brown, male nipple, she rubbed herself against his back. "Tall, lean, so strong. And yet, you're at my mercy right now. Aren't you?" She nipped his shoulder again, a little harder this time, and laughed softly when she saw his eyes glow even more. "Your eyes are a giveaway, Illam, did you know that? They glow when you're aroused. They darken when I do something that causes you desire. Like this."
In a sudden, swift move, she swept her hand down to press her palm against the hard length of his staff.
A low growl of pure heat burst from him.
"Ah yes, my feral, growl a little more for me." Her palm massaged him. "Growl for me."
He couldn't stop the growls to save his life. Mixed with hedonistic purring, the growls were carnal. Illam could see his own eyes burning fiercely, his nostrils flaring. The reflection in the mirror showed a fully aroused Felys male being played by a female.
Deliciously, hotly, damn expertly played.
"Spread your legs." Her gaze met his demandingly in the mirror.
He obeyed with a harsh breath. A harsh breath that shuddered deep inside his chest when her hand slipped between his legs from behind to press up against his scrotum.
"Remember when you did this to me, Illam?" Tera pressed her lips to his upper arm and sucked lightly. "Remember when you touched me, made me kneel astride you while you touched me, stroked me, fondled me? Do you remember?" When he could only watch her through half closed eyes, his irises glowing hotly, she pressed warningly against his scrotum. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make him hiss. "Do you?"
"Yesssss..." He couldn't stop himself from gritting his teeth as the words hissed out.
Her grin was suddenly impish. "I'm just returning the favor ... with a little added extra of my own."
"...a little added extra of my own." The words alone were enough to make his nerves threaten to snap with lust-induced tension.
Removing her hand, she said conversationally. "Remove your pants."
Illam did so slowly, hooking his fingers into his waistband and slowly pushing them down past his lean hips, muscled thighs and strong calves, before kicking them aside. Naked and fully aroused, he stood proudly and unselfconsciously straight.
"Nice," she murmured, still remaining behind him. "Very nice." Her fingertips trailed over his tight buttocks, her palms pressing against the muscles and rubbing firmly.
Throat dry and jaw clenched, Illam wished he could see her face in the mirror, but all he saw was glimpses of her body as she moved.
"Spread your legs further apart," she ordered.
Again he obeyed, his mind whirling with possibilities of what she might be planning. It caught him by surprise when she dropped to her knees behind him. In the mirror he now he had a good view of her shapely thighs, curving hips, slightly rounded belly, and slender waist---but that was all, because she was upright on her knees. Behind him.
He could feel her hands on his buttocks, fingertips kneading.
Moisture leaked from the tip of his staff, and his breath was coming harshly.
The silence just heightened his desire, just as it seemed to emphasize how alone they were in this room made for loving.
The nip to his right buttock made him grit his teeth as heat shot through him, the blood sizzling through his veins to bring an almost painful surge to his staff. The rasp of her tongue across the nipped skin made him clench his fists. The fingertip tracing down over the valley between his buttocks made him hiss in ecstasy and aroused pain. The same finger kept going under, tracing him until she came to his scrotum. There, she drew lazy circles on the tight skin.
"You're a well-endowed man, Felys." Her breath was hot on his buttocks. "Now I want to see you."
And now he knew why she'd made him spread his legs. In the mirror he watched her drop onto her heels, twist around easily and sinuously lower herself onto her back. Grabbing his legs just above the knees, she pulled herself partially between his spread legs, and then stopped so that she was directly beneath him.
"Oh yes," she murmured. "You look even better from here."
Running her fingertips lightly up the insides of his thighs, she drew those same maddening circles, and all the time she studied him from her vantage point. Her gaze seemed to burn on the skin of his scrotum.
They were both naked. She was lying on her back between his spread legs, looking her fill of him. Seeing him as no one ever had, not even him.
A most intimate view.
Oh my God, I'm going to explode!
Sweat trickled down his temple. His fists trembled with the effort of trying to hold back from exploding his seed. How can I be so aroused from just a few touches, a look?
Tera smiled carnally up at him and licked her lips slowly. Then again hooking her hands just above his knees, she lithely pulled herself through his spread legs and up onto her knees in a totally sensual move.
Sitting back on her heels, she grinned up at him. "Why, Illam, sweetie, I do believe you're a little turned on."
He actually snarled at her. Sexual frustration, sexual agony, sexual tension---it all beat at him in merciless lust. By God, if she doesn't do something soon, I'm going to take charge! I can't bloody take this much longer!
Those pale crystal blue eyes twinkled up at him. He knew she was aroused by her tight little nipples, but she had better control than he did right now---and why not? The little witch was giving the teasing, not being on the receiving end of it. Just wait until it's your turn, female!
She obviously read his expression correctly, and tapped his upper thigh---perilously close to his groin---playfully. "Now now, Illam. Just do as you're told, my feral. I promise it'll be well worth it." She winked.
"Finish it!" he snarled.
"Oh my, no. Not yet." Widening her eyes, she pushed herself upright onto her knees and bracing her hands on his thighs, she leaned forward so that her hot breath tickled his belly, and the throbbing head of his penis. Looking up at him guilelessly, she said, "I haven't finished playing."
He was going to die. He was going to fall flat onto his face and pump his seed right into the lush carpet. No, by God. He was going to grab the witch and toss her onto her stomach and---Oh Jocat! Illam's eyes practically rolled back into his head when Tera tapped his erection thoughtfully with one fingertip.
"I do believe I have never seen a thicker, longer, or more aroused penis in my life." She gave the straining tip another little tap, nearly making Illam shoot through the roof. "No, I believe this is the best I've seen."
Running her fingertip up and down the rock-hard length, she nodded, then leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the base of his manhood.
He nearly shot his seed then and there. His scrotum pulled up tight, his insides coiled, his---oh my God!
Tera stopped his ejaculation by circling the base of his manhood firmly with finger and thumb and holding tight.
Illam saw stars. He gasped, almost unable to breath, as his eruption was halted. Sweat poured down his temples, his muscles bunched as he fisted his hands. His thigh muscles stiffened as he arched back, the delicious almost-agony making him snarl wildly. He dimly heard the deep, impassioned yowling, knew it was himself, and only by a thin thread did he hold onto his almost shattered instinct to allow the female to dominate at her chosen time.
He was dying. Gasping, blinking, he hissed his way back to reality. His legs were shaking. His hands were shaking. He was going to drop onto the floor any second.
"Stay right there." Tera's command lashed out, making him jerk.
Making his staff jerk against her hand. Oh sweet mercy.
Tera showed no mercy. Knowing he was back in control, she leaned her head against his belly and nipped lightly. His manhood, still rigid, was cushioned by her body. And her hand was between his thighs, kneading his scrotum, pressing it up against the seam of his body before lightly tugging it downward then back up again.
"Tera," he rasped. "Tera, please..."
Her tongue licked into his belly button then slid wetly down his lower abdomen, and she ensured she didn't touch his burgeoning erection, skimming past it with only the barest of a flick of her tongue now and again. When she reached his groin, she kissed the base of his straining manhood on the way to the other side, settling her tongue wetly in his groin once more before licking and nibbling her way back up to his belly button once more.
Illam knew he was going to die. He just knew he was going to collapse on the floor. He gave a low, harsh snarl. In the mirror he could see his face. His hair was flowing free, a thick lock of it falling over his shoulder. Sweat glistened on his chest. His muscles bulged from tension and self-imposed, but barely contained control. Golden eyes glowed deep and rich. His top lip was lifted at one corner as low, lust-filled growls came with each heaving breath he drew. His legs were braced apart, feet planted firmly in the lush carpet. His thick erection curved up against his stomach, straining past his belly button. Veins stood out in stark relief, and the head was angry, throbbing, demanding release.
And the elegant back view of Tera was in plain sight, reflected in the mirror. Curvaceous yet slim, her hair a shining length spilling wantonly down her back, moving as she dipped and trailed her lips over him. Worked him expertly into almost a frenzy, but she forced him to stay still for her ministrations with her one snapped order, an order he instinctively obeyed.
Suddenly Tera's nails dug into his buttocks and raked lightly down to the backs of his thighs. He looked down, and their gazes locked. All laughter and teasing had fled her, to be replaced with passion, determination, and carnality.
Placing her hand at the tip of his staff, she gripped him suddenly and ran her hand firmly down the whole length, jerking him from his momentary control by coming back up swiftly to grip him, pull him away from his belly, and then ... Sweet Jocat!
Her mouth closed over him as she took him in as deep as she could. He was too long for her, almost too wide, but she worked him expertly with the depth she could give him. There was no delicacy, no gentleness. She rubbed her tongue along part of his sheath before sucking hard and strong.
Illam came with an explosion that nearly tore him mentally apart. He felt as though every bit of sperm he had was coming in a crest, shooting through from his testicles to swell in the line, a race to the end. A race that had him howling in a lust-induced frenzy, the deep, harsh sounds echoing in the room.
Tera sucked relentlessly, her fingers kneading his buttocks, slipping down to rake down the backs of his thighs and knees. Making the nerve endings in his most tender places shriek in ecstasy.
Fire burned through him. Fire scorched through his manhood as that magic, hot cavern engulfed him tightly, and the relentless sucking sensation pulled him into rapacious heaven---or was it hell? Pain and passion, desire and mind-numbing need, fire and shock---it all seared through him in one mind-blowing flow.
It burst from him, his seed ejaculating deep into her, and she sucked at him still, drawing and drawing until he had nothing left to give.
Instinctively she moved back, releasing his now partially limp member from the haven of her mouth. As he sagged, she caught out at him, clasping him to her as he fell to the floor on his knees. His forehead fell onto her shoulder, and vaguely he knew she must have braced herself for his weight, but right now, he just couldn't care.
Eyes closed, he hoarsely whispered, "God Almighty! Jocat ... Tera..."
Totally wrung out and so sexually satisfied he couldn't even begin to comprehend it, Illam panted into her neck. Her arms were around him, and she was rubbing her chin on the top of his head.
Tera's blood was singing hotly through her body. Moisture had gathered in her womanhood, but she knew that Illam would probably fall asleep after the workout she'd given him. Even though her own desire was unsatisfied, she couldn't help but grin. She'd certainly given him something to think about.
I am Argon, I am female, watch me drive men insane. Shooting stars of Cyran, I'm good. She chuckled softly. And conceited. Ah well!
"If you're laughing at me, Tera, be warned, I will have my revenge," Illam panted.
"Ah, poor little fur-ball," she cooed. "Did you think I was just going to be submissive and let you do whatever you wanted to me?"
"I was trying to follow your mood." His every breath was a hot, moist gush on her throat.
"Oh, never try to do that." Tunneling her fingers into his hair, she massaged his scalp.
He immediately arched his head back slightly and purred deeply.
"So, my feral, what did you think? Hmmm?"
"I think you were trying to kill me."
"Did you die a sweet death?"
"Jocat, yes!"
She chuckled again.
"You know that every laugh only makes me more determined to show you what a Felys male can do," Illam pointed out.
Pulling her head back enough to see his upturned face, Tera studied him. And grinned. Eyes shut, his sensuous lips were slightly parted to allow the purrs to slip forth. His hair was a wild silky fall down his back; the heavy locks brushing against her hand. He had the look of a well, sexually-sated man.
And he leaned into her with every sign of enjoyment. Illam, she was fast learning, liked to be close to her.
When he whispered hedonistic suggestions and promises into her ear, he stood close up against her. He breathed his promises into her ear. He rubbed the corner of his mouth against her cheek. Illam sought her touch for pleasure.
The heavy lashes lifted partially, and the gold of his irises shone brilliantly. Glowed.
The unmistakable aroused heaviness in them made her insides quiver in delighted anticipation, but she didn't let it show.
"So, the feral isn't sated for long," she drawled.
"Not by a long shot." His lips curved up into a seductively wicked smile. "What's your mood, sexy Argon?"
Cocking her head to one side, she surveyed him thoughtfully. "My moods aren't quite the same as your Felys females, Illam. You tell me what I'm supposed to be."
His eyes opened fully, and she saw the black threads swirling slowly, insidiously, against the gold irises. Shifting to sit back on his heels, he surveyed her as thoughtfully as she had done to him.
Raising one brow, she regarded him back. His partial erection was no surprise to her. It had been said that the Argons and Felys were evenly matched, and this was just part of that proof.
"I don't know," he finally admitted, with no show of embarrassment. "The females of our race can be submissive or dominant at a moment's notice."
"Is that what you wish I was?"
Reaching out, he caught a silky lock of her hair and twined it around his finger. "I wish for you to be only as you are."
Aw, that is sweet.
"And I await your submission."
Tera raised her brows. "My submission?"
"Submission is the sign of finally being willing to mate."
"Where I come from, submission and domination are simply part of the sexual sharing between two people who desire each other. Whichever it is at the moment is what happens."
"So, a mood of sorts, makit."
"If you like. But one doesn't wait for submission to make love."
"Make love." He tested it on his tongue, rolling the words around. "I like that term."
"Glad to educate you."
He looked at her inquiringly.
She sighed. "Illam, don't you make love---mate---just in the heat of the moment?"
He still looked at her.
"Without waiting for the show of submission?"
"Submission is permission in our society." He frowned. "I would never force domination."
"I think your submission and dominance is what we'd call willingness on both sides." Laying her hand on his arm, she mentally searched for the right words. "Rape is force, not dominance."
"Rape is something we abhor." A muscle ticked in his jaw.
"It's the same with my people."
"I hear Argons have been known to use sex as a tool of vengeance."
Tera shrugged. "We're a race that is highly attractive to outworlders. Sex is one of our attributes, and one we can wield as either punishment or favor."
"Favor?" Illam frowned, and she could see him starting to think.
In the wrong direction. Wouldn't you know it? Just like ... well, Illam.
Going up on her knees, she grabbed a handful of his hair and held him still as she leaned forward and placed her mouth close to his. "Don't go haring off on the wrong tangent, Illam. Favor is something we give to those we desire. Sexual frustration is what we give any enemy that falls into our hands, and whom we deem deserves to be punished in such a way." She gave his hair a firm tug. "So if you have a problem with my society, it's best you deal with it before we go any further."
In one quick movement, she pushed up onto her feet and strode out of the room.
She didn't expect him to follow her immediately, but she was disappointed when he took longer than she expected. She'd tugged her gown over her head and into place by the time he appeared in the doorway of the living area.
"Where are you going?" he asked softly.
"I think your hesitation in calling me back is a sign that you have some things to think about, if we're to go any further with this relationship." Tera gave him a small, tight smile. "I won't be submitting to anything unless you can accept me for who I am."
"No, wait---"
"No, you wait." She gave him a steady look. "I make no apologies for what my people do and believe in, for I believe in it, too. When you're really sure of what you want from me, and what you can accept of me and mine, then you can make a decision based on that, and not simply on emotions and lust."
"Tera, I'm trying to understand. Really." He held out his hand and took a step forward. "Don't leave."
"I think it's best I do. I need to know that you accept me for who I am---an Argon. And that includes things you don't like about us. Such as the sex torture and..." She drew a slow breath. "And I'm not so sure that the slave days won't rise between us."
"Tera..." He stopped moving, and she saw the uncertainty in his expression.
"I need you to be certain, Illam." Tera shook her head. "I'm honest enough to admit that I'm attracted to you and more than I ought to be, perhaps. But I don't want this going any further until you've had a good think. I've suffered one heartache, I won't be subjected to another."
She left him standing in the bedroom doorway with a bemused look on his handsome face---and still with half a hard-on. Perversely, she took immense pleasure in that, even as she felt the heaviness in her heart.
Slipping quietly back into her room, she slid beneath the covers on the big bed. Her troubled thoughts kept her awake long into the night. Particularly the thought that it might just be too late to prevent heartache.
Space
The iron door swung outward, and the first of the pirates came barreling through, brandishing his laser. But answering laser fire caught him and spun him around.
It didn't faze his cronies, who used his body, and the bodies of other hapless pirates, to gain entry to the corridor.
They fought savagely, almost carelessly, for life held no meaning for them. They were intent on plundering, murder, and, if possible, rape. Rape always made the attacks on space travelers all the sweeter. If there were women aboard the ship...
Ruthless, hardened murderers, it didn't take them long to slowly start to gain the upper hand in the vicious battle that ensued.
The screams and shouts, the swearing and orders filled the corridor.
And still the pirates came, spilling out of the stairwell to face the crew who were spraying them with laser fire.
The bloody battle only made it more interesting for the pirates and the crazed laughter of their captain echoed from further back along the stairwell.
Mitzi sauntered out into the harsh sunlight, her hand shading her eyes as she searched the site for Calean. Finally she spotted him excavating on the other side of the clearing.
Crossing over to him, she skirted the hole in the ground and squinted at what he held. "What is it?"
"I do believe it's an artifact from our ancestors." He hefted the glazed pot in his hands. "See this?"
Awed, she ran her finger over it. "What a truly marvelous piece of history!"
"Exactly." Calean smiled in satisfaction, and his nose twitched. "Bruno will be most pleased."
Her gaze was caught by something glinting dully in the dirt. Moving forward carefully, she peered down partway, and saw a tiny piece of some object partially buried in the dirt. "What's that?"
Frowning, Calean looked over her shoulder. "I don't know, but I'm going to find out."
Without turning around, he started to bark orders at the other excavators, and they hurried to obey.
Within a short time, a ladder had been lowered into the hole, and one of the workers was carefully dusting some of the dirt from around the object.
Illam had spent a restless night, and it wasn't just his half a hard-on that was the problem. Well, it was a little, but not the whole thing. That was physical. What had kept him awake was more emotional. Mental. Whatever. Something that made him restless.
He hadn't realized just how little he really knew of the Argons, apart from what he'd heard. If he wanted Tera, he had to find out the truth to rumors, and decide if he could accept the truth.
That included the slave years. He frowned. The slave years were a sore point, no doubt about it, but if that stood between any happiness that he and Tera might have ... not to mention his acceptance of her culture ... Shit. Love is complicated. Because I have fallen for an outworlder.
He growled. Why couldn't he have fallen for one of his own kind? It would have been simpler.
Yet he couldn't truthfully even think of sharing the same intimacies with any other female apart from Tera. Yes, once he could have. Not so long ago he'd diddled with the best of them. The Felys females were no slouches when it came to sex, but the mating ... the true mating was something he only desired with a certain blue eyed female of Argon descent.
So what are you going to do about it? Sit here and stew? Continue to ignore your pathetic hard-on, you poor excuse of a ham-handed Felys?
Nope, it was time to get educated. And there was only one man who could answer his questions. He just hoped Wylin wouldn't try to rip his head from his shoulders when he found out that he'd been diddling with Tera.
Illam bared his teeth. Just let him try. Just---oh crap. There was the protection thing. Ah well. Sighing, he sighed, stood up determinedly, gave himself a vigorous shake, and strode across to the house where Wylin and Tera were staying.
The sun shone down brightly from above, the morning warm and carrying the scent of flowers.
And of Tera. He very nearly swung around mid-stride to head towards the healers' hut instead, where the seductive smell of Tera was calling to him, but with an irritated twitch of his ears, he manfully continued onwards.
If he wanted to diddle or anything else with Tera, he had to have answers to give her, and himself. She'd been totally honest with him last night, and as a male, her potential mate, and her lover, he had to do the same.
By Delcat, why couldn't diddling be less problematic?
Walking around to the back of the house, he entered the kitchen through the back door.
Wylin looked up from where he was pouring a cup of hot una. "Thanks for knocking."
"Don't mention it." Hooking out a chair with his foot, Illam kicked it around and sat down, straddling it and folding his arms across the backrest. "I need to talk to you."
"Really?" The Argon bodyguard didn't seem surprised. Calmly he added a splash of milk to his cup. "Did you come from the healers' hut?"
"No."
"You're fortunate to catch me here. I came back to get a hot drink before ambling off to collect food samples with Denyon."
"I saw you come back here." Illam raised one brow. "How come you're actually leaving Tera alone? You normally stick to her like mud to a blanket."
"She's really busy collecting data, and I'm helping her out. Besides, Denyon says the food storage facility isn't far. And Tera's safe with your people. In any case," Wylin's knowing gaze slid up to meet Illam's, "She's under your protection, too."
Illam rubbed his chin and eyed the bodyguard, trying to determine how much he suspected---or knew. "Oh?"
Wylin added a generous portion of sugar to the hot brew in the mug. "You know, Illam, Tera is like a sister to me. We grew up together. Anyone hurts her, and I'll personally rip their head off."
Oh great. Not one to beat around the bush, Illam asked bluntly, "Are you trying to tell me something?"
Hooking out a chair with his own foot, Wylin sat down and leaned back, stretching his legs out beneath the table. He regarded Illam steadily. "You and Tera are having sex."
Yeah, I wish. I haven't got that far yet. "Tera told you?" Illam didn't like that thought.
"What, you thought I slept while she went out canoodling with you? I'm her bodyguard, I know her movements, even when she thinks I don't. I watched until she got safely to your house, then I went back to bed."
"Then you went to sleep."
"Then I heard you yowling like a lycat on hot coals and figured Tera had done something to you," Wylin replied frankly.
Illam sheepishly rubbed the side of his hand behind one ear.
"I didn't go to sleep until I heard her come back into her room." Wylin took a careful sip of the hot una and watched Illam over the brim of the mug.
"And yet you haven't ripped my head off," Illam muttered.
"Be sure, if you hurt Tera it will be my reaction."
"I'm surprised you're taking this so well." Illam tried to gauge the Argon's thoughts, but the man was an expert in maintaining a stoic expression.
"Tera warned me off interfering in her love life." Wylin shrugged. "She's a grown wench, she knows her own mind, makes her own decisions. Her decision to have an affair with you, that's her business. My business is ensuring her safety until we get back to Argon." Wylin's eyes remained blank. "But I'm sure you didn't come here to confess to having relations with my friend."
The emphasis was a blatant reminder that Wylin would take offense on Tera's behalf if Illam did anything to her. Anything bad, that was.
"You're right," Illam said. "And seeing as how you're being so honest and straightforward, that gives me the right to be the same."
"I'd expect nothing less."
"I want Tera."
Wylin paused in the act of taking another sip of una. "You've had her."
"No, I want Tera in the way a male wants a female."
"Like I said, you've done that already. What's the problem?"
Could the man really be that dumb? Illam searched for the right words. "I want to mate with her."
"Are we having a communication problem here?"
"No. Yes." Illam shoved a hand through his hair. "What I'm trying to say is ... I l ... I lo..."
No help whatsoever, Wylin waited. Illam struggled to say things he wouldn't normally say to another male. In his species, it wasn't necessary. It was automatically known upon revealing of the nature-mated.
Wylin raised his mug. "Do you want a drink?"
"Oh Delcat, yes!"
While Wylin busied himself making another mug of hot una, Illam decided to address the main issue of his coming to Wylin, and ploughed on gamely.
"Tera says there can be no relationship between us unless I know and accept her beliefs and culture."
"So what don't you know and don't accept?" Wylin gestured to the milk jug. "Milk? Sugar?"
"I like my una very milky and sweet."
Wylin gave a small grin as he poured the milk into the mug.
"What?" Illam frowned. "Yes, I know. Felines like milk, and so do feline-like species. What of it?"
"It's interesting, that's all. I like wenches with spit and fire. That's a Wylin thing. What of that?" Wylin placed the mug before Illam and sat down again.
"What are you trying to get at?"
"You're very quick to take offense where none is meant. You're lucky Tera hasn't ripped your head off instead."
She damned near sucked it off. Illam felt a stirring in his loins at the thought and immediately tried to squash the memory. For sure, Wylin was referring to the head on Illam's shoulders, not the other one.
"So what do you want to know?" Wylin queried.
"Huh? Oh." Illam tapped the side of the mug and studied the other man. "I've heard that Argons have been known to use sex as a weapon."
"A weapon?" Wylin raised his eyebrows.
"It's not true?"
"Yes, it is true. At times. We've been known to drive enemies insane with sexual frustration." Wylin shrugged. "We've used sex for vengeance. To get answers."
Illam frowned.
"Other times, we just shoot," Wylin added blandly.
"Why sex?"
"Because we're good at it. We excel at it." Wylin stated it calmly, with no hint of boasting. "We're sexual. We attract outworlders, and if we can use sex to get answers in dire circumstances, we will."
"Isn't that degrading for you?"
"No."
"Have you done it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"It's not something we've had to do for years. Well, there was one time with a certain warrior wench, and another time not so long ago, there was Kiile's prisoner..." Wylin grinned faintly.
"You think it's funny?" Illam raised his brows.
"It sort of backfired on Kiile," Wylin explained. "He wed his enemy."
"Huh?"
"Well, his enemy's assassin."
"Katina?"
"That's the one." Wylin grin widened. "You'll have to ask him yourself."
"But---"
"That's his story, not mine. Though it's no secret on Argon." Wylin ran his finger around the rim of the mug. "Anyway, to get back to your question. The answer is yes, sex was used as a weapon. Sometimes it wasn't sex, sometimes it was sexual frustration, which can be a worse punishment."
"I couldn't imagine having sex with someone, regardless if I hated them or not. Not if I already had a mate."
"A wife? Oh, the married Argons never did it. They might have helped with a few caresses here and there, but the main sex was something kept for the singles." Wylin shrugged. "Besides, the wenches and the men both did it."
"The females had sex with the enemy?" Illam was horrified.
"Rarely. They excelled more at driving a man insane. Sexual arousal and denial, over and over and over again, can do strange things to a man---and a wench."
"Oh." Distaste filled Illam. "So it's not unheard of for Argon men to rape a female enemy?"
"Rape? No, it was arousing them over and over, always abstaining from the actual act itself, until they screamed for sexual release. If those doing the information extraction decided to give them that release after getting the information, then they finished the act. Otherwise, they could leave her unsatisfied."
Illam digested the information in silence. Taking a swallow of the hot una, he wondered if Tera could do something like that. Arouse a man repeatedly and eventually leave him insane. Could she be so...
"We don't see it as any crueler than other races who physically torture by pulling out nails, flaying the skin off a prisoner, using pincers on the flesh, branding them, whipping, or burning. In some ways, it's kinder," Wylin said. "No blood is spilled, no bruises left. Physically they are whole. Mentally ... well, that depends on the nature of the crime. I don't hide the fact that we're ruthless when the occasion calls for it. How far our sexual torture goes, if you want to call it that, depends on the crime and those involved."
In an odd way, Illam could understand that. He'd heard of some nightmare inducing tortures administered to captives, especially in the Outlaw Sector. The stories from there were bloody and horrific.
"And were slaves treated the same way?" he wondered aloud.
Wylin set his mug on the table and regarded Illam steadily. "Argon hasn't kept slaves since Lysie's ancestor was bought by Kiile's ancestor, the then leader of Argon. As you know, they fell in love and wed but she died not long after. He followed within a short time of a broken heart. What you don't know is that when he fell in love with her he had slavery banned. All slavery. We had banned slavery before a lot of the planets who now belong to the Intergalactic Peace Council. We were one of the first. Slavery is abhorred on our planet, and by our people. And it was the love of a Felys and an Argon who showed us how wrong slavery is. It's history, and we'll never agree to slavery again. That's one thing you need to get straight in your head, Illam," Wylin continued, a thread of steel in his voice. "Many races were, and still are, enslaved. Captured outlaws are able to be sold as slaves. It's a fact, one you and I might not like, but a fact nonetheless. Just as it's fact that slavery on Argon was abolished well over a hundred years ago. It's time you, and whoever else may still resent us, realize that you can't keep dragging up the past. It's time to move on."
Illam took a thoughtful swallow of una. Grappling with this new way of looking at things, he needed time to sort through the information.
"And get this, Illam." Wylin leaned forward, linking his hands on the table. "For a time there a Felys wench ruled Argon beside her Argon husband. A Felys ruled on Argon. She had an equal say, equal rights. A slave who assisted in having slavery abolished, who saw a new future for her species, who embraced her life and learned to love and have tolerance again. Maybe that's something you Felys need to take on board and consider." He motioned to the mug in Illam's hand. "Want another drink?"
"Uh ... no." Trying to absorb the startling new thoughts whirling around in his head, Illam said, "I didn't know. I never thought about it like that."
"Why would you? None of the Felys ever asked us. Feel free to search the Chronicles of Argon, it's all there for everyone to read." Wylin leaned back in his chair again. "Anything else you want to know?"
"I think I've enough to mull over right now." Illam shook his head. "You've given me several things to think about. I---no, wait, there is one more thing. Tera mentioned that she'd suffered heartache once before. What happened?"
Wylin sighed. "That's for her to tell you."
"But you know."
"I do. It was a horrendous, nightmarish time for her. But that's all I'm saying." Wylin met his gaze steadily. "But if she ever tells you, Illam, you'll know that she trusts you implicitly."
Illam thought of Tera talking so seriously to him.
Wylin made to stand up, but Illam suddenly remembered something else. "Wait up."
A mixture of amusement and patience on his face, Wylin sat back down again. "Yes?"
"I need to know how the Argons have sex."
That did startle Wylin. "Pardon?"
"We wait for a sign of submission to properly mate. Have sex," he added, seeing the slight confusion on Wylin's face. When Wylin nodded his understanding, Illam continued, "I'm afraid there's a bit of a communication problem between Tera and me about this submission and domination thing."
"You don't say?" Wylin looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or scratch his head in bewilderment.
"If you start laughing, I'll be the one doing the head ripping," Illam growled. "I'm trying to figure out what to do to get started with her."
"Started? It sounded like she finished you off last night." Wylin smirked.
This kind of thing Illam could handle. It was exactly the kind of response he'd get from his friends. He relaxed, feeling on more familiar ground with the teasing. "Smart-arsed bugger. You're such a sex god, you should have no problem telling me what you do."
"If you think I'm going to give you a blow-by-blow account of my sex life, you've got another think coming."
"Tell me about submission and domination in your society."
"Depends if you're into cuffs, scarves, restraints like that. Other things. Sexual exploration and experimentation."
"I know about that stuff." Illam snorted. "It's fun with the right female. But I don't understand what Tera was getting at."
"I bet she was having trouble following you, too."
"Ha-ha, very funny." Pursing his lips, Illam tried to recall the conversation of the previous night. "Oh yeah. She asked me if we, meaning the Felys, made love in the heat of the moment, and of course we do, but she seemed confused when I said we waited for a show of submission." Illam looked at Wylin. "We don't force our mates."
"So how do you know when a wench is ready?"
"During the heat phase, she rolls onto her stomach. Submissive."
"And during non-heat times?"
"We know when she's ready."
"How?"
"Well ... we just know."
"Smell? What? You've got to give me something here, Illam. I'm wading in unknown waters. Work with me, man."
"The look in her eyes. The scent of her. It's knowing when she's ready to mate."
"Ah." Wylin rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "And the wench is always submissive? She does what you tell her?"
"Jocat, no! She can be dominant or submissive."
"You're confusing me here."
"The submission is a sign that she's ready to be mounted. It can be fleeting, just a flicker of the eyes, a soft word, anything. It's instinctive on our part. Once we have that sign, we mate. It's our way of knowing she's ready."
"Instinct, huh?"
"Yes."
"And she doesn't have to be submissive during the mating? In the non-heat phase, I mean."
"No."
Wylin grinned. "I'll explain it to Tera, shall I? In a roundabout way of introducing the topic, of course, without mentioning you."
Relief swept through Illam. "You know what I mean?"
"Illam, it's quite simple. Your instinct to know she's submissive, is our own instinct of knowing when our lover is ready. Simple."
Illam did a mental head slap. He might have been able to do diddling last night if he'd known that he and Tera were saying the same thing in two totally different ways. Duh.
Well, there was also the little matter of the Argon's views on sexual torture, and his own one-eyed view of slavery and the Argons.
"Thanks, Wylin." Illam stood up and looked gravely at the Argon. "I've got a lot to think about."
"Anytime. The happiness of Tera is all that concerns me right now." Wylin also stood and took the mugs to the sink, where he rinsed them and placed them on the draining board. "Just remember one thing, Illam."
"Yeah?"
"Heartache equals head ripping."
"Gotcha."
The Cave
They tapped into the object, their different talents setting it aglow. Bringing it to life. The glow it emitted was soft. Pretty. And oh, so deceiving. Life and death so intimately entwined. Where one started the other finished, and vice versa.
She started to weep, but she didn't falter. It was too late now. What was set in motion was not going to be undone.
And so it was set in the stone and lifted high, its glow piercing the darkness of the cave. A glow that promised life and delivered death.
Denyon entered the healers' hut. "Are you ready to head back to the scout ship and relay to Sarcan the information you've gathered so far?"
Tera picked up the data collector and stood up. "I certainly am. You're taking me?"
"Yes. Is there anything else?" He looked at the containers behind her. "Those?"
"The specimens stored in there are to be taken back to Argon for Father to study more when we get back."
"If you've got all the data on that little machine, what do you need the specimens for?"
"In case there's a discrepancy between the data collected and the specimens." At his puzzled look, she added, "If there's a problem, father will inspect the specimens closely to find out what the discrepancy is."
"So the data collector isn't fool proof?"
"Never rely solely on machines, Denyon."
"So why bother in the first place?"
"Tell you what, Denyon, when you stop carrying swords and rely on lasers only, then come back and ask me the same question."
"Ah." He grinned. "Point taken."
"I thought so." She strode to the doorway. "Are you coming, Rilla and Marx?"
"Oh, yes!" Rilla stopped grinding the herbal potion.
"Oh no," Marx added at the same time.
"Why not?" Tera queried.
"One of us has to stay behind," he explained.
"Of course. The Felys kits." Rilla nodded.
"The new litter," Marx said.
"And another due anytime." Rilla shook her head. "Sorry. I'm staying."
"You can go. I'll wait here," Marx said to her.
"No, I can't do that. It's two hours each way."
"Four hours gone." Marx shrugged. "It's all right."
"No, I couldn't."
"You could. Can. Will."
Rilla smiled. "Are you sure?"
"Of course."
Tera, well used to the way the Felys healers spoke in such short sentences to each other, as well as finishing off each others sentences, waited patiently as Rill and Marx made the decision, then waited some more while the healers discussed the possible problems that might arise while she was gone.
She decided to join Denyon on the verandah, and was a little disappointed to find that Illam was nowhere in sight. Obviously he was still trying to decide a few things. Indecisive fur-ball. She sighed.
Wylin came up the steps, holding a small basket of fruit in one hand. "Thought you might want something to eat on the way, Tera."
"You're going to carry the basket the whole way?" Grinning, she selected a juicy peach.
"Not likely. Denyon's mother gave this to me. I just thought I'd put it here for you, Rilla and Marx to nibble on. I've left some at the house for later."
"You're so thoughtful." She pinched his cheek.
"Cute, Tera. Really cute." He disappeared into the hut, and reappeared with Rilla at his elbow.
"I'm ready," Rilla announced.
It appeared that Illam wasn't going to accompany them. Tera gave another mental sigh as they left the settlement and entered the forest.
"Illam not coming?" Rilla queried.
"Illam's busy," Denyon replied.
"Doing what, exactly?"
"Farra is coming into heat, and Samon is taking her to the mating place."
"I see. So Illam is taking Samon's place?" Rilla smiled, a gleam in her eyes, the black threads twisting delightedly against her irises.
"Yes."
"How interesting."
Denyon gave her an unreadable look, and she said nothing further, but the smile stayed on her face.
"One of your females is in heat?" Tera queried. "I didn't know Samon had a mate. He never said so back on the scout ship."
"Why would he?" Denyon shrugged. "It's not something we generally go around announcing."
"No, but there is no outward sign of a Felys having a mate. No jewelry proclaiming it."
"We don't have to. Amongst our own, we know immediately who is mated and who isn't." Denyon cast her a sideways look. "Guess how? You should know by now."
"Scent?"
"Exactly. Once mated, the scent of the mated pair remains with each other, and other Felys smell it. It's as good as a band on the finger, wrist or anywhere else you care to put one."
"So it's not the same sort of scent that a male puts on a female when they're having sex or being affectionate, but not truly mated?"
"Correct." Denyon took a bite of the apple he withdrew from his pocket.
Seeing that his mouth was now too full to answer questions---and damned inconvenient, too---Tera turned to Rilla. "And this is done how?"
"A mating scent is stronger, and is emitted from the penis, vagina, and pores of the mating couple during the mating phase," Rilla replied eagerly. "The scent permeates the bodies of the couple, and remains inside them. It becomes a part of them, just as the couple is now nature mated."
"Oh. Okay." Tera thought about it, then said, "What if one dies?"
Rilla's smile disappeared. "If the male dies, the female can go insane during her heat phase."
"Can no other Felys male mate with her?"
"Well, yes, but the bond isn't the same as when a true mate pairs. It has been done to save the mind of a female Felys, however."
"Never would we allow one of our own to go insane through need," Denyon added with quiet determination.
"But what if the male who takes a widowed female on, has a nature-mate of his own?"
"It's one couple, no trios. A widowed male would take a female, or a male who is past his thirty-fifth year who hasn't found his nature mate."
"And what if he takes on the widow, and then his nature-mate suddenly appears?" Tera looked up at him. "That would be awkward."
"You ask some strange questions, Argon."
"It's not strange. I'm just curious."
"Tera's always curious," Wylin drawled from where he ambled along just behind her.
"You just keep quiet back there. Watch my back, and watch your mouth."
"Tart-tongued wench," he returned with mild amusement.
Ignoring him, she turned her attention back to Denyon, who had just tossed the apple core into a bush. "So, what happens if the nature-mate turns up?"
"It has never happened in history that we know of."
"That's a little exaggerated, surely?"
Denyon frowned down at her. "I don't exaggerate."
"Sorry. Why has it never happened?"
"Because a mate usually turns up before a male hits his twenty-fifth year."
"I bet Illam is over twenty-five."
"He's twenty-seven."
"And his nature mate hasn't turned up yet."
Denyon cast her another unreadable look. "So some think."
"You're my mate." The words suddenly clanged in Tera's brain, and she bit her lip.
Trying to appear nonchalant, she asked, "Apart from Lysie, has any of the Felys found mates outside their own race?"
"Only Lysie and her ancestor that we know of," Denyon replied.
"Females. So it seems to be possible, albeit rare, for female Felys to find mates outside their own race."
"And strongly possible to be with Argons only."
"That's because it's only happened twice, and both times with Argons."
Denyon frowned darkly.
"You look like you're going to hack up a fur-ball any second," Tera stated.
"When I start retching, stand back."
"Ooohh, scary."
He gave her a reluctant grin.
"She's a tease," Wylin observed. "Get used to it."
"I get the feeling, Denyon, that you don't agree with the mix of races," Tera said bluntly.
"It takes a bit of getting used to." He didn't bother to deny it. "Our race is small. Any female or male that falls for another species makes one less mate for our own kind." He shrugged. "But it happens, for whatever odd explanation. I have to accept it."
"Do you resent us, Denyon? Do your people?" Hands in the pockets of her loose work pants, Tera strolled along beside the bigger Felys male.
"No."
"Is that answer for you and your people?"
"That's for me, and the majority of our people." Denyon lifted his head, scented the air, and then returned his attention to her. "Some resent the slave years, but since you've come and helped, they are starting to accept that you're here for our good. All they really want is for their kits to thrive, and therefore our race."
"That's it?"
"We're safe from slavery now. We have a good trade going with the Lypeople, and through them, with other planets. We're happy with what you'd consider our simpler lives. We have our homes, our comforts, good food, and company. It's just the health of our runts that worry us."
"Fair enough. I guess what you have is what we all want, and we get in varying degrees. And your life, simple as you may think it, is just another version of everyone's lives. It's just that the Felys are more content with their life, instead of yearning for more all the time." Thoughtfully, Tera peered up into the treetops. "You appreciate what you have, improve on what you can, accept what you can't improve on, and live life for the day." She glanced back at him. "Correct?"
"Very insightful." His face relaxed. "We plan for the future, too. Our future is the health of the kits, good trading, and a happy life."
"I like it." Tera nodded approvingly. "Sometimes simplicity is the way to go. No matter how much technology you have, how many monetary riches, it's what's inside that counts." She tapped her chest and then her temple. "If you're okay with yourself here and here, then come what may, you'll make the best of it."
Denyon looked back at Wylin. "Your little healer adapts well to our philosophy of life. Is it also the philosophy of all the Argons?"
"Pretty much," Wylin answered. "We simply have more technology ... and we don't sniff each other."
Denyon grinned. "You don't know what you're missing."
A companionable silence fell upon them as Denyon led them the rest of the way to the scout ship.
Tera and Wylin were amazed when he led them through thick bushes and into a huge clearing. A mammoth cave at the foot of a towering mountain led to the holding bay for three scout ships, and five larger ships. The holding bay was well lit with torches.
"If anything happens, we can get everyone out of the settlement and up into space," Denyon explained.
"Wouldn't it be better to have the ships closer to the settlement?" Wylin queried.
Denyon smiled. "We have underground tunnels that are quicker."
"I see." Wylin walked around the ships. "And you took us through the forest, why?"
"Because I enjoy walking in the forest. Going underground is something I rarely do."
Tera followed him to one of the scout ships, and watched as he activated the ramp by the placing his face near a small vent.
"Skin scan?" she guessed.
"Scent print," he corrected.
"Silly me."
Rilla chuckled.
Once the ramp lowered, they entered the ship and Denyon led Tera to the communications cabin. Sitting her at the console, he brought the computers to life, and then looked at her.
"Where is your connection device?" Tera queried.
He touched the console and a small box slid into view. Tera sat the data collector into it and typed in the coordination format. Within seconds the information was being sent to the computers at the Argon healers rooms.
Within seconds, Sarcan's face appeared on the viscomm. "Tera. How are you?"
"Fine. Father, this is Rilla, one of the Felys healers."
Rilla waved her hand, all but bristling with eagerness and excitement.
"I must come to visit sometime," Sarcan told her. "Or maybe Denyon could see his way clear to bring you here for a visit. There is much knowledge we could share."
"I'd love to!" Rilla beamed. "Your daughter has been teaching us to use the equipment she has brought with her."
"Tera's a good wench," Sarcan said fondly. "A bit mouthy, but a good wench."
Tera rolled her eyes as Denyon choked back a laugh.
"And Wylin is well?" Sarcan queried.
"He's outside checking out the ships," Tera replied.
"And how is your visit to Scytha?"
"Most interesting." Tera smiled. "The Felys are wonderful people, Father, you'd like them. The kits are adorable."
"The kits might be more than an old man could handle." He grinned back, his teeth a white flash in his graying beard.
"How's Hanna?"
"Mourning the departure of the Daamens. She was getting on really well with the two youngest of Simon's crew. And Shamon kept her most happy."
"Hanna's always had an eye for the Daamens."
"We've got a soft spot for them." Sarcan smiled gently at her. "Right?"
"Right." She smiled back, half expecting to feel the familiar clench inside her chest, but surprised to feel nothing but a small ache instead.
"So," Sarcan said cheerfully. "Lysie is doing well, Denyon, you'll be pleased to know. The kits are developing nicely, and are about the size that your healers informed us they should be."
"That is good news." Denyon nodded gravely, his expression pleased.
"Rilla, I'll send you the information I have collected on the pregnancy, which I have updated last night. You can let me know if everything is still going according to nature."
"I can't wait." Rilla rubbed her hands in anticipation.
Tera exchanged idle chit-chat with her father for several minutes, while the data finished downloading and he sent his information in turn. When the data collector blipped, Tera inquired of Denyon where the printer controls were. He showed her, and she was able to print out the information, which she passed on to Rilla for her knowledgeable perusal.
After a thorough read, Rilla pronounced that the pregnancy was proceeding at a normal rate, and everything looked perfect.
After a few more minutes, Tera bid her father farewell, and logged off. Retrieving the data collector from the communications box, she restored the box to its position in the console and stood up to face Denyon.
"All done," she said. "I hope to have the food and vegetation samples collected and the data ready to be sent two or three days from now. Is that all right?"
"Fine with me." He ushered Tera and Rilla out of the communications cabin. "The sooner we can get all information to Argon, the sooner we may find an answer for our runts."
Wylin was waiting at the bottom of the ramp. Leaning languidly against the side of the ship, he watched them approach. "Everyone at home all right?"
"Except for Hanna. She's mourning Shamon, by the sounds of it."
"The Daamens have left? And the Reekas?"
"Yes."
"Mmm." He looked away for several seconds, before straightening up. "Ready to go back now?"
"Ready. I want to get a start on the food."
"I told you that you should have brought more of that fruit with you."
"Not that, you dolt. The food samples for the data collector."
"Keep talking sweet to me and you'll make me think you care." He grinned widely at her
She gave him a shove, he shoved her lightly back, and then he looped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. Laughing, she leaned into him, and they followed Rilla and Denyon back out of the cave and into the bright, warm sunshine.
Tera silently thanked Kiile once more for insisting on sending Wylin with her. His friendship was something she could rely on. Though she knew some of the Felys very well now, and trusted them, her friendship with Wylin was one that didn't need words. It went back to childhood, and was comfortable. He was more a brother than a friend.
"You mentioned trading," Wylin drawled when Denyon and Rilla dropped back to keep up with slower, more lazy pace. "I noticed you had work areas near the fields."
"Really?" Tera looked up at him. "I didn't know there were work areas."
"That's because you have your nose buried in sperm and DNA samples," Wylin replied. "I, however, have done some exploring with Denyon and some of the other Felys."
"Oh, you're so good." She did a fair imitation of a sneer. "Teacher's pet."
"You're just piqued because you didn't see it all first."
"How did you guess?" Laughing, Tera turned her attention to Denyon, who was watching her with a quizzical air. "You spoke of trading. I know the Felys make materials in fine silks and other precious materials. One of the Felys fathers was telling me how the plants used to make the materials are grown outside the settlement."
"He was talking to you about it?" Denyon seemed faintly surprised.
"It's amazing what people will tell you when you're scraping things across their skin," she grinned.
"Or when you're measuring their head measurements using that massage and touching technique," Rilla added with an amused gurgle of laughter. "That on its own could be used to pry information from an otherwise tight-lipped Felys!"
"Or send them to sleep," Tera added. "There was a couple who actually fell asleep while I was doing the measurements."
"Now that I can believe," Denyon said with feeling. "Feel free to take my head measurements anytime."
They all laughed before returning to the conversation.
"You also have a marvelous plant that is made into that false fur," Tera said. "It's beautiful. Who do you trade with again?"
"We sell to the Lypeople, and they sell to others, or keep as they want."
"Have you thought of trading with the Daamens?"
"We have. I guess we're still a little wary of mixing with so many different cultures. Some, we find, seem to regard us as simply a strange hybrid of lycat, with no brains. We've been ripped off a few times, and we don't have the numbers to be a threat to ensure honest trading from outsiders. Hence going through the Lypeople."
"The Daamens are the most honest traders you'll ever find," Wylin stated. "You'd do well to trade with them. They won't give away the location of your settlement, and if you'd rather, you can meet with them at a predestinated place. They'll see you get your dinnos worth for what you trade. And they'll also offer whatever they have on board to trade, if you choose that rather than dinnos at anytime."
"Really?" Denyon frowned thoughtfully.
"They won't come to your settlement unless invited, and won't be offended if they're not invited." Tera shrugged. "They believe in live and let live. I know you've heard of their lusty ways with wenches, but believe me, they have nothing but the highest regard for wenches, be they young, old, or babes in arms. Your Felys females will be perfectly safe with them. And they make formidable allies."
"Fight for you tooth and nail if they're your friends," Wylin added.
"And if there's anything you want, they'll try to find it for you while on their trading route." Tera nodded her head. "Yep, you couldn't ask for a better race of people to be your friends and allies."
"Hmm."
"And if you'd rather not deal directly with them, you can always send your trade goods to Argon and we'll do it for you," Wylin offered. "They can pick up and drop off when they pass the planet."
"Thank you. Your offer is most generous." Denyon looked at Rilla, then back at the Argons. "I'll talk about it with my people, and then I'll get you to attend a meeting and discuss those things with us. Maybe something can be sorted out to all our advantage."
"Excellent plan." Tera nodded.
The walk back to the settlement was done again in companionable silence and idle chit-chat. Once back at the settlement, Tera went to the healers' hut to again start entering data into the data collector, while Rilla and Marx carefully took samples of the food brought in by a litter of giggling and yowling Felys kits.
Tera found the kits truly delightful. With their multicolored fur and big eyes, their habit of meowing, snarling, hissing and general laughing and chatter, they were a welcome diversion. And a diversion was what she needed, now that she was back in the settlement.
She hadn't seen Illam, and thoughts of him intruded into her concentration. She wished she knew what he was thinking, where he was, and what he was going to do.
Suddenly the faint sound of music drifted through into the hut, and she looked up from where she was relaying information into the data collector.
"Someone likes music," she said.
Marx sucked the juice of a purple fruit from his finger. "Oh, that'll be the dancers rehearsing for tomorrow."
"Dancers?"
"You don't dance?" Marx raised his brows.
"On your planet?" Rilla cut a piece of apple off and put it carefully into a sample jar filled with solution.
"Well, yes, but I didn't know the Felys did it, too." Crossing to the door, Tera looked outside.
"It's in the Meeting Hall," Rilla informed her, coming to stand at her elbow.
"What sort of dance is it?"
"The females dance first," Rilla replied.
"Then the males," Marx said.
"Same dance, same music," Rilla informed Tera.
"It's a dance to titillate." Marx grinned.
"Not a fertility dance, though." Rilla shook her head.
"More of a lust-inducing dance."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that!"
"I would." He gave a snarl of approval, his pupils dilating.
Down lykitty. Tera laughed mentally.
"Anyway," Rilla continued. "It does tend to raise the mating hormone levels of the participants."
"And the watchers." Marx growled in approval.
"Not everyone dances?" Tera found her foot tapping to the heavy beat of the music.
"It's choreographed. Some choose to watch." Marx peered over her other shoulder.
"Others choose to dance." Rilla noted Tera's tapping foot. "You like to dance?"
"I love dancing. I---urk!" Tera found her hand grabbed by Rilla and being led down the steps at a rapid pace. "What are you doing?"
"Taking you to watch."
"But will they mind? If they're rehearsing---"
"Anyone can watch. It's just that most like to wait until the actual night." Rilla grinned at her. "Come!"
Tera needed no second bidding. She was eager to see this side of the Felys, to watch a part of their culture being played out. They were a hard-working race, but one who loved their comforts, too. It would be interesting to watch their dance, especially if it was, as Marx put it, 'lust-inducing'.
Just as they drew near to the Meeting Hall, Tera saw Illam standing not far away. He was talking to some male Felys, several of whom she recognized from the scout ship. His long mix of chocolate, white and gold hair was tied at the nape, the silky length of it falling down to touch his waist. Bare-chested, the muscles rippled beneath his skin as he gestured while speaking. His unusually tight pants hugged his legs.
The man has an arse to die for. Tight, trim, rounded buttocks. Tera bit her lip.
Illam looked up just then, his gaze flicking around him. Seeing her, his gaze drifted over her, she could swear she felt the lick of it heating her skin. He smiled slightly.
She raised her brow coolly back at him. So, Felys, what have you decided?
Aras, the Felys from the scout ship, said something, and the other males laughed. Illam simply shrugged their remark off, gave Tera one more look that was distinctly growing hotter, then he turned back to the men and resumed his gestures.
Fine, you arrogant fur-ball. Dare to give me that look and then turn away without even a hint of a decision. Tera pursed her lips in irritation. Unless that is your decision? Look but don't touch? Let me know you're still hot for me? Ack! Bloody men!
"Do you want to wipe your chin, or shall you stand there drooling for all to see?" Rilla queried.
"I am not drooling."
"Want to talk about it?"
"No."
"Whatever." The healer shrugged, but the black threads in her eyes writhed in amusement. "Come on."
The Meeting Hall was in the process of being transformed. At the end of the hall was a huge, raised dais. Three older Felys females were watching and commenting, pointing and gesturing to the dancers.
Eleven Felys females were slowly undulating to the heavy beat of music, their movements sensual. Their arms moved in intricate patterns, twining seductively.
Dressed in their loose, flowing pants, with the loose blouses in sheer material, their breasts covered by lacing and embroidery, they presented an exotic view. Gold and green eyes glowed softly, their pupils slitted. Multicolored hair flowed loose, or was done up in high ponytails. Slim or plump, the Felys moved with a natural, sensual grace.
The music was intoxicating. The heavy beat had Tera tapping her foot and unknowingly swaying slightly. Her fingers clicked to the beat. Totally caught up in the music and the dance, she started to move slowly to their pattern.
"It's the Argon healer," someone called out.
"And look at her move!"
The Felys stopped dancing, and their attention immediately turned to Tera.
Feeling a little flustered, afraid she'd disrupted their routine, Tera started to back away. "I'm so sorry. The music caught my attention, and---"
"Tera was watching the dancing," Rilla announced, grabbing her firmly by the arm.
Immediately the faces of the dancers turned both curious and wary.
"So, what did you think?" One of the older Felys asked, as she skirted the dais and approached Tera.
"I think it's seductive," Tera replied honestly. "You have no idea how beautiful it is to an outworlder."
"Really?" The pleased expression the Felys' face matched that of the dancers.
"I noticed you getting into the rhythm of it," a dancer from the back row announced.
"Do you dance?" Another asked.
"A little." Tera gestured to a chair. "Do you mind if I watch?"
"Not at all." The older Felys turned to the dancers. "Let's go. The music, Maris."
The heavy beat filed the air once more, and Tera watched, spellbound. The dance pattern was easy, she realized. But it was the way the Felys moved that made it so magical. Their come hither eyes, the proud jutting of breasts, the bold movements of hips and pelvis. The dance finished with the females lying on their stomachs, one knee tucked under them to their chest, the other stretched straight out behind them. One arm reached forward, the other was braced palm down by their side. Submission to mate.
This was a dance the Argons would absolutely love, and she said as much when the dance finished and the Females turned to her with their brows raised.
Really?" The older Felys smiled. "Then let's see how you do dancing with us, Argon."
"What? Oh no, really---"
"Come, you're supposed to be of a sensuous race, equal only to us. Let's see how you go in a dance of seduction."
It was a challenge. Tera sensed it immediately. A friendly one, certainly, but a challenge nonetheless. Okay, Denyon and Illam were supposed to have any challenges brought to them, but she wasn't about to go running to them with something trifling like this. It was a challenge she had to take and win. And, damn it, she was of a sensuous race. She could be seductive with the best of them.
"Fine." She approached the dais, climbed the steps, and stood at the top.
"There's eleven up here," the older Felys said. "Tera, you'll make up the nice, even number of twelve. With Farra away at the moment, you come at a most opportune moment." She beamed up at Tera. "By the way, my name is Larel. Now, females, you can have a rest while I take Tera through the steps a few times. Zira and Murta, if you'd stand one each side of Tera, and Halli and Penrr, you two stand one in front and one behind Tera. That way, whichever way she turns, she has someone to follow. Now then, listen closely, Tera."
Recognizing Zira and Murta as Illam's sisters, Tera was grateful that she'd met them previously. They laughed with her, and helped ease a little of the wariness the other Felys showed.
The next twenty minutes was spent with following Larel's instructions, and copying the Felys females within the midst of whom Tera stood. But she did find it easier having someone in front of her whichever way she turned.
The steps were simple; it was just the sequence and the arm movements she had to get used to performing.
After twenty minutes of practice, Larel announced they were ready to try to music. The heavy beat filled the air, and Tera slipped automatically into step with it. The music made it easier, and she found that the beat helped her to move.
A naturally lithe, sensuous person, she soon found herself twining and moving as seductively as the Felys.
They, in turn, were delighted. When the rest of the Felys finally climbed back onto the dais, they refused to let her get down, and arranged themselves into four lines of three dancers.
Tera found herself in the middle of the third line. And she was more than happy to join in.
It caught her off guard when the females snarled right before the music started, nearly making her falter mid-step. The Felys were amused, several laughing outright.
"It's part of the dance," Murta explained between giggles.
"Think of sex," Larel said. "The aggressive kind."
"If I think of sex while doing this, I'm afraid I might fall off the dais," Tera drawled. "I'll get sidetracked."
The females chuckled.
"The dance is supposed to represent sex in a more aggressive way. Between Felys, the dominance is there before the submission. Hence the snarling at the beginning." Larel smiled. "We won't ask you to snarl, dear."
"Thank the stars. My pitiful squeak won't sound so good."
This time she was prepared, and she had to admit thinking of the dance in terms of sexual dominance and submission made it more ... sexy. Sexual. And a damned sight more seductive. And it was fun.
By the end of the session, the Felys had warmed to her, and were laughing and sharing jokes, as well as guiding her through any steps she might have missed.
Delighted, Rilla watched and clapped.
By the end of the session, Tera had a fine sheen of perspiration on her. Her loose blouse was clinging to her.
"That's it for now, females." Larel clapped her hands. "Tonight we meet after the evening meal for another practice run. Tera, don't be late."
"What?" Startled, Tera looked around at her.
"Argon, you're in our dance."
"Me? Oh, but---"
"Farra came into heat, and we're now one short to make an equal number, which is so much nicer." Larel smiled, looking like the lycat that had licked the cream. "Besides, it's not enough to just study a culture---you have to be a part of it, too. Right, females?"
"Absolutely!' they chorused.
"See you tonight," Zira said as she passed Tera.
"I'm so glad you're coming," Murta added.
"You had fun, admit it!" Halli laughed merrily as she went out the door.
Tera had to admit that she had had fun, but she also had to admit that she wasn't so sure about joining in the lust-inducing dance. Good God! Whose lust could she possibly induce? That was a worry. And then she saw him as he strode past the door. Illam. That arrogant fur-ball with the to-die-for arse and kiss-me-long-and-deep lips.
Hmmmm. The idea was titillating. He was taking his sweet time trying to make up his mind about her, and she was getting tired of waiting for him. Maybe she could give him a little push in the right direction.
No, no, no, Tera! He's supposed to make up his own mind. You shouldn't be trying to influence him.
Why not? Show him what he's missing.
Or show him what a dork I am if I fall off the stage or muff up the steps.
Since when has that ever stopped you going after something you cared about?
It's playing with fire.
I like getting burned.
Mental head slap. Tera, you're asking for trouble.
I'm only giving him a little subtle push.
Dancing like sex on two legs is subtle?
Hey, the man can be a bit dense when it comes to making a decision this important.
How important?
Important to me. Tera chewed her bottom lip, and then flipped her hair behind her shoulders in a decisive manner. I am who I am, and he has to accept that or not. Meanwhile, I'm going to enjoy myself. I love to dance.
A little voice sniggered at the back of her conscience. And you're just dying to see his face. You little tease, you.
All that and more. Grinning, she followed Rilla out of the hall and back to the healers' hut.
It wasn't long after that the heavy beat of music filled the air once more, and she looked up inquiringly at Rilla and Marx.
"Men's turn," Marx supplied.
"And you can't watch," Rilla said before Tera could even open her mouth.
"Oh no, that would never do." Marx shook his head.
"The females can't watch the males rehearse," Rilla explained.
"And the males can't watch the females rehearse," Marx explicated.
"Why?" Tera managed to ask as they both drew breath.
"Because the anticipation for the night will be spoiled!" Rilla rolled her eyes.
"You'll know what we mean." Marx winked.
"When you see the males dance tomorrow night," Rilla said.
"Right after the female dance." Marx grinned wickedly. "The males are more aroused then."
"Oh, so I get to see a lot of erections bouncing around? That ought to be interesting."
Rilla laughed. Marx just shook his head and returned to labeling specimen jars.
The faint male snarls sounded in the air, and then came the music. The heavy beat crept through her, and she could almost picture the Felys males, so feline looking, so wildly handsome. Tera found she was looking forward to the next night with a lot more enthusiasm.
Wylin was philosophical about not being allowed into the Meeting Hall that night. He walked her to the door and left without looking in.
"He's cute." Zira eyed his retreating form.
"I hear the Argons are hot in bed." Penrr licked her lips. "How is Wylin in bed?"
"I have no idea. Ew! The man is like my brother." Tera made a gagging sound.
Zira grinned.
"Ah well, maybe I'll find out." Penrr's eyes gleamed.
"You don't have a mate?" Tera asked curiously.
"Nope. Maybe tomorrow night..." She shrugged.
Tera's curiosity gave way to interest. "Sometimes mates are found at this dance?"
"Sure. The dance is blatantly sexual, after all. It's meant to seduce. To make the dancers and the watchers aroused. To make them want each other. Sometimes, if the nature-mated aren't quite aware of each other, it can make their scent suddenly audible to the subconscious, and then to the conscious. Males," she confided, "Can be a little dense."
"No shit," Tera said before she could stop herself.
The laughter this time was definitely shared.
"Have a male you want to arouse?" Halli gave her a nudge.
"Er---"
"It's no secret that Illam is attracted to you," Zira said.
"Oh, well..." Tera was a little nervous about the Felys reaction.
"He can smell you a mile off, and you know what that means." Zira looked closely at Tera. "You do know what that means, right?"
"I'm a little worried to confess," Tera admitted.
"Don't be. Nature-mates are born for each other."
"I'm a different race. Doesn't that worry you?"
"We're allies," Zira replied. "And nature does what it will. You just have to accept that."
Tera sighed. "Maybe you can get that fur-ball to understand that, too."
The mouths of the Felys dropped open in astonishment.
Realizing what she'd just said, Tera reddened. "I didn't mean ... oh crap, I think I just insulted you. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have said fur-ball."
"You call Illam a fur-ball?" Zira was astounded.
"I have when I'm mad with him." Tera awkwardly tried to apologize. "I am so sorry. I---"
"Well, he can be a fur-ball," Murta said. "I call Ceric that when he's being a right arse."
It was Tera's turn to gape.
"Fur-ball." Halli nodded in approval. "Yep, I like it. Hey, Larel! Tera calls Illam a fur-ball when she's mad at him!"
Tera could have died of mortification when the other dancers looked first shocked, then started to laugh.
"Don't look so embarrassed." Penrr laid a friendly arm around Tera's shoulders and steered her towards the dais. "But where did you learn that insult?"
"Nowhere. I just started calling him that when I was mad at him."
Penrr laughed. "It's an insult on our planet, a term used often in anger. You're doing great, Argon. You're fitting in really well."
Relieved, Tera heaved a sigh.
The evening's rehearsal went well. Tera didn't miss a beat or a step, losing herself in the music and the sensuality of it all. Promising to be there in the morning for one more final practice run, she started for the door.
"Oh, Tera," Larel called out. "Don't worry about clothes for the dance tomorrow night. We have the clothes here, and you'll be sized with everyone else tomorrow."
"Great," Tera called back. Thank the stars for that, because she had no idea what she had to wear.
Outside, she was met by Marx, who was attending the birthing that had been expected. She accompanied him to the home, and it was late when she finally returned to the house she shared with Wylin. He met her in the kitchen with a hot cup of una, which she gratefully swallowed before heading down to the pool beneath the house.
Soaking in the warm water, she thought of the little runt born in an otherwise strong litter. A little female with seal, brown and cream hair. Her parents had showered her with as much love as they had the other Felys kits, and she'd snuggled down quickly after being fed, the warmth of her bigger litter mates warming her.
Sighing, Tera stared at the candles burning softly in the underground room. She hoped her father came up with the answer to the arrival of runts. And she sincerely hoped they had a chance of saving those already born. She just knew if one died, one that she knew, she'd be crying as much as the parents.
Illam didn't come for her that night. She'd left her door open, but when the hours passed, she turned over with a heavy heart and drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Space
The pirates had broken through, he saw. He'd yelled to his men, and they'd fought valiantly, but they weren't vicious like the pirates. They weren't murderers.
What drove them to fight even while severely injured was the knowledge of the wenches they had aboard. The wenches who would be at the mercy of the pirates. To be raped, abused, maybe sold or killed after the pirates had tired of playing with them.
He saw his friend look at him with an agonized expression. His love was on board, and soon she'd be at the mercy of the vicious scum who now stormed down upon them.
There would be no bargaining.
God have mercy on them all.
The laser fire seared across his chest, burning the skin. But still he fought, now in hand-to-hand combat which gave them an advantage over the pirates. But the pirates fought dirty. They used their lasers at close range. It wasn't long and bodies of his friends littered the floor in bloodied, violent death.
He knew he and his crew were beaten. Finally they stood against one wall, the only six left standing. Panting, bloodied, severely injured, they watched as the pirate captain swaggered down the corridor.
Sneering Death on two legs. A wench's nightmare. A decent man's tormentor.
And he knew he wouldn't see his love again. His sweet, sweet love with the laughing eyes and soft lips.
Calean studied the object. "It looks like a holder of some kind."
"From when?" Mitzi held it up. "And what did it hold?"
"Something of importance." He pointed to the words molded into the base. "See this?"
"Damn." Mitzi frowned. "It's..."
"Yes. It's Felys."
"That's impossible! How did a Felys artifact get on this side of the swamps?"
"I have no idea. They haven't come on this side of the swamp for hundreds of years, and we haven't gone onto their side for the same time."
"Obviously someone snuck over here at some time in history."
Calean scratched his ear thoughtfully. "They're the only ones who can decipher this writing, too."
"Aw, no." Mitzi growled.
"Aw, yes," he mocked her in a rare show of sneering.
Usually he was unflappable, patient, and had the tenacity of a bloodhound, but right now he was miffed that the ancient artifact he held was a Felys one, and not one of his own kind. He was a historian, a collector of ancient artifacts to place reverently in the museums. Or sell for a few hundred dinnos.
As Mitzi said, if it ever got out that they were selling artifacts on the side, particularly artifacts from another species ... well, life would not be nice.
But no one was going to know.
"We'll sell it," he decided. "Get rid of it. Take it to our contact, and get what you can for it." He shoved it into Mitzi's hands.
"Yes, master," she sneered.
"Just do it."
As Mitzi crossed the encampment towards the hover tray, she was waylaid by Fidz.
He quietly handed her a package. "Here. I found this near the holder. It's a part of it, I think. You can sell this for us while you're at it."
"What am I, everyone's sales-bitch?"
"You pocket a share of my finds, Mitzi, just as you pocket a share of Calaen's, so this just adds to your combined income."
"And yours."
Fidz grinned.
Muttering beneath her breath, Mitzi checked that no one---including Calean---was watching before she grabbed the package from Fidz and stuffed it into the bag in which the holder rested. She left the encampment in the hover tray turned carrier. The metal tray made creaking noises behind the cabin, but she ignored it. The holder was wrapped in heavy canvas, and she glanced at it several times with dislike. Bloody Felys. They were a useless, no-good bunch of lycat has-beens. Hybrids that should have been wiped out during the slave years. Pity that hadn't happened.
Growling in displeasure, she drove onwards towards the settlement where the contact was going to meet her. Well, this was one more piece of precious history lost to the Felys. And good bloody riddance.
Her contact was ecstatic about the holder, and paid her a good price for it. It did a lot to soothe her moodiness, and she stopped at a nearby tavern to have a few drinks, and a roll in the sack with a heavyset man who panted a lot during the sex and knotted her good. He also gave her some very interesting information. That information she gave to Lazar, Ropar's attendee. Only then did she head back to the encampment, and her lover, Calean.
Sitting in the chair on his verandah, Illam watched Tera from a distance. He'd decided yesterday that he could accept her culture and what she believed in, even if he didn't really agree with it. And as long as she wasn't going to be sexually torturing anyone, he could live with that, too. He for sure couldn't live without her.
Now he wanted her. He wanted her on her stomach, naked and hot and begging for him. However, judging by the cool looks she'd cast his way yesterday afternoon, she wasn't really feeling in a submissive mood.
Well, hell.
The slave years ... well, Wylin was right. It was over, the Felys had new allies, a strong bond with the Argons, and possibly another ally in the Daamens if the talk between the leaders was anything to go by. The slave years were gone, they'd been gone for over a hundred years. Slavery was abolished, life was good, and there was the promise of better things to come. His people were willing to let history be where it should be, in the past. They'd learned valuable lessons, and it was time to put those lessons to work in the future. They'd still be wary, for that was their way when faced with the unknown. But they were looking ahead, not back. They wanted it to work.
He wanted to work in Tera. In and out and in and out. Hard and fast. Deep and slow. On her back, her stomach, standing, sitting ... oh crap. Now he had a hard-on.
"By Jocat, Illam, get a grip." Denyon stepped up onto the verandah. "I think you need a cold shower."
Illam scowled. "I need a hot female."
"Yeah, what's with you and Tera?"
"I had to accept some things before she'd go any further."
"Laying conditions, huh?"
"The slave years. Sexual torture. The usual."
"Oh, of course." Leaning his shoulder against the verandah post, Denyon studied him lazily. "So why aren't you out there wooing her?"
"Because I got a distinctly cool look from her. And I have a plan."
"Your plans are dangerous, Illam. They don't always work out."
Illam grinned. "This one will."
Denyon raised his brows. "The dance?"
"I'm in Samon's place, seeing as how he's away dealing with Farra's heat phase." Lucky for me. "And guess who's in Farra's place?"
His friend stared for a minute, then he started to laugh. "Tera." He winked. "You devil."
"I'm going to dance that Argon into a frenzy," Illam stated with supreme satisfaction. "I'm going to have her practically jumping onto the dais and tearing my clothes off. She'll be rolling on her stomach within seconds of getting back to my bedroom."
Amused, Denyon glanced across to the healers' hut. "Maybe you'll be the one rolling on your stomach."
Following his gaze, Illam saw Tera walking down the steps with a litter of Felys kits scampering around her. The kits had taken a liking to both her and Wylin, especially the runts who instinctively knew that Tera had a soft spot for them.
One of the runts fell over and looked like he was going to start howling. His bigger sibling picked him up, dusted him off, and took his hand, bringing him back into the wild game of tag that was going on around the healers' hut.
The healthier, stronger Felys kits always watched out for the runts ... when the runts would let them. He remembered his own little sister, and felt the familiar sense of loss at her death when she was only five. Too weak to survive, even though they'd all taken so much care of her.
He wished his own parents were still alive and could have met Tera and Wylin, and known of the Argons, and the hope that they offered. But they'd both died young, his mother from a birthing hemorrhage that had been unable to be staunched, and his father in a cliff fall.
Denyon's mother had become like his own, as she'd simply absorbed he and his two sisters into her own large family. Denyon and he were as close as brothers. This was why Denyon knew him so well.
"By the way," Illam said conversationally. "I had a little chat with Wylin."
"Oh?" Alertness showed in Denyon's eyes.
"Yep. He threatened to rip my head off if I hurt Tera."
"Great. You better make sure you don't hurt her."
"Her happiness is my mission."
"Delcat," Denyon muttered.
"Juts wait until you discover your mate, Denyon."
"I hope I don't come across as harebrained and soppy like you."
"You're just jealous." Illam's grin broadened. "I'm going to do some serious diddling tonight."
"If I hear you scream, should I come to save you?"
"I'll rip your head off if you dare to even knock on the window."
"There's a lot of head ripping threats going on lately."
"Makes life interesting." Illam's pupils slitted. "Oh, look. Tera's going to the Meeting Hall to do some rehearsal."
They silently watched her progress. The kits left her once Illam's sisters met her halfway, and the kits tore back to Wylin, who had found a ball and was rallying them for a game, runts included. Aras and Garan wandered over to assist him, and the game was on.
Illam was more interested in watching Tera. He couldn't help but see his sisters laugh at something she said. They looked over at him and waved cheerfully.
That couldn't be good. They were laughing at him. He scowled.
"Your sisters are her friends," Denyon drawled. "Watch out, Illam. They'll be a bad influence on her."
"I hear it's the other way. Murta called Ceric a fur-ball last night."
Denyon's lips twitched.
"I wonder where Murta could have picked that up from?" Illam watched broodingly as Tera disappeared inside the building.
A chorus of feminine snarls filled the air, and the heavy beat of music started. Illam couldn't see the females, but he knew the steps, knew what they were doing. And they were doing it with feminine grace. His loins started to grow heavy at the thought of Tera doing ... the dance.
"I just can't bear to watch you get any more of a hard-on. I'm going to go blind." Denyon started down the steps. "Let's go and help Wylin with the kits. That ought to take your mind off a certain female."
"I think I'd better have a cold shower first, or I'll scare the kits."
"You scare me, Illam."
Illam leered. "You're jealous."
Denyon stuck his finger up at him.
The day promised to end with rain. Clouds were gathering overhead, and the breeze was whipping up a little stronger. But the chill hadn't set in yet, so Tera went out into the forest with Wylin, Denyon, Rilla, Aras, and a couple of litters of Felys kits, who tried to help them collect samples of vegetation. They were more a hindrance than a help, but at least they were small and agile enough to get into small spots and retrieve samples where the adults couldn't reach. And their enthusiasm knew no bounds. They swung into trees, scampered amongst bushes, and rolled and spat and had play fights every few feet.
The Argons were learning fast. It wasn't long and they didn't even notice the ruckus the Felys kits made.
"On the other side of the forest is a swamp," Aras said to Wylin. "We don't go past the swamp."
"The boundary between your people and the Canys?" Wylin guessed.
"That's correct. I just wasn't sure if that had been mentioned to you or not."
"It has, but thanks for reminding us. Do you mind if I ask why the races don't mix?"
"We're not really compatible, but we've managed to co-exist by respecting the boundary. It's actually a law on the planet now."
"Good thinking. Laws can save a lot of problems."
"Is it an old enmity?" Tera queried.
"It goes back hundreds of years. Before the slave years, there was fighting on and off between the other race and us. The slave years made us back off as we tried to survive."
"This other race was taken as slaves, too?"
"Not as sex slaves, though. For some reason they weren't considered as attractive, and didn't seem to have the sex drive that the slavers and those who bought us wanted. We were found to be more attractive, they were found to be simply worker material, apparently."
"I'd have thought that was a good thing, in a way."
"Maybe." Aras shrugged. "A peace of sorts came between us as we battled to survive, and now we simply stay on our own sides of the boundary. It works."
Tera looked at Wylin. "I haven't really thought about this other race. Did Kiile have much information on them?"
"Enough to correlate with what Aras has said."
"So what do they do to survive?"
"They are great historians," Aras answered. "They have museums and deal in artifacts, with a huge knowledge of history that they obtained thousands of years before. The knowledge was passed through generations, and even now some planet leaders visit them and hire them to come and excavate historical sites. They archive everything for them, value things ... it's just a shame they're such low-down hounds."
"I take it you don't like them?" Tera asked dryly.
"You figure right."
"Why don't you mend some bridges with them?"
"We did. This is the result. They have their side of the planet and we have our side, and all is happy."
"So what do the Lypeople think of it all?"
"They're the same as us, but probably more tolerant." Aras cast her a sly look. "They actually have mixed with them on occasion, for state affairs, but you know us ... we're just more feral and intolerant."
Tera laughed outright. "Feral? I've yet to see a sign of that!"
"You'll wound me if you keep laughing at us." Aras grinned. "The Lypeople like civilization, we like the forests. They like to buy comforts, we like to make them."
Lap lycats and wild lycats. Tera hid her smile. "I must meet these Lypeople some day."
"Keep hanging around with us and you will," Aras replied. "But the men aren't as handsome." He preened.
"They keep their shirts on and cut their hair?"
"They do keep their shirts on, and they don't have our fabulous eyes." He fluttered his eyelashes at her. "Feeling faint with my handsomeness yet? Am I overwhelming you?"
"I am feeling a mite nauseous," Tera returned.
"I'm wounded."
"I bet."
Denyon came up to walk alongside Tera. He was silent for several minutes, but she could feel that he wanted to say something.
He waited until the others drew ahead of them before saying conversationally, "I hear you're taking part in the dance tonight."
"Yes. I just hope I don't fall off the dais and disgrace myself and the Argons in general." She smiled.
"You do know what the significance of the dance is, don't you?"
"To entice the opposite sex, drive them into a sexual frenzy, and maybe unearth a few nature mates for good measure."
"I see the females have been educating you."
"It's been interesting."
Denyon looked at her soberly. "Do you understand the possible consequences to yourself?"
"I doubt I'm going to entice any Felys males there when there are so many Felys females available."
"You may entice one in particular."
"Illam." Tera shrugged. "If he's interested, maybe."
"Don't presume he isn't, Tera." Denyon stopped and looked down at her. "Don't underestimate him."
"He's obviously spoken to you." Tera regarded him back steadily.
"Yes."
"About our attraction to each other?"
"Yes."
"Then you know that I've given him a choice."
"Yes."
This Felys was certainly closed mouth.
"Look, Denyon, I gave him a choice. I don't force him to my way of thinking, and I'm not asking him to take on my beliefs. I respect if he decides he can't accept me and my beliefs. But the man is taking his own sweet time trying to come to a decision. If he's decided he doesn't want me, then my dancing isn't going to change his mind."
Denyon looked like he really wanted to tell her something, but when she raised one brow questioningly, he simply sighed and shook his head.
"Oh, that's really sharing," Tera said.
"All I'm saying is this, Tera. Do not underestimate Illam, and don't think you'll be walking into a civilized gathering tonight."
"Now that sounds even more interesting."
Reaching out, Denyon laid his hand on her shoulder. "As one of your protectors while you're here, it's my responsibility to ensure that you know what you're getting into."
"Are you telling me I might very well be taken by another Felys and forced to submit?"
"No." He frowned. "Damn it, Tera, you're not making this easy."
"And you're not making it clear, so I guess that makes us frustratingly even."
"I can't tell you what Illam has decided, that's for him to do. All I can say is that whatever happens tonight, remember that this dance is raising sexual levels to a peak. You might not expect the outcome."
"You're saying that Illam might decide he wants his wicked way with me after all?"
"What I'm saying is that you've not seen the feral side of our nature. Our sex can become quite..."
"Feral?"
"Yes."
Tera absorbed the information in silence, then glanced up at him again.
"I just want you to know that once the sexual peaking of a Felys starts, the only way to stop him is to knock him unconscious, or restrain him---and you'd want to make sure the restraints are bloody good."
"But the males wait for a female to submit, don't they?" This was getting fascinating. "What's this sexual peak in conjunction with the males all about?"
"You don't know?"
"Obviously not. But you're going to fill me in, right?"
"Obviously so." Denyon noticed that Wylin was glancing back at them, a faint frown on his face. "Let's start walking slowly."
Tera waved to Wylin, indicating everything was all right, and he resumed ambling along with the kits, Aras and Rilla---but only once Tera and Denyon started walking.
"Tell me everything about this sexual peak."
Tucking his hands into the pockets of his low-slung, loose-legged pants, Denyon took a deep breath. Bare-chested, the lean muscles rippling beneath his smooth skin, and with his long tabby hair confined in a ponytail that reached to his waist, he really was a mouthwatering dish---and far more even-tempered than Illam. But it was Illam that Tera was attracted to. Some other lucky Felys female would eventually be Denyon's mate.
So she simply secretly admired Denyon's face and physique, but lusted after Illam.
"Females have their heat phases, when they're dominant and submissive, and finally submissive for mating. But in-between the heat phases, they enjoy sexual intimacy with their mates. You know all that."
"Yes."
"Males have a sexual peak."
Oh boy. "And this sexual peak involves what?"
"The male sexual peak happens about three or four times a year. They are dominating in this peak, dominating the female and controlling the mating. Rough play is often part of the mating."
"Really?" Clasping her hands behind her back, Tera listened with rapt attention.
"They never hurt the female, though a few scratches and bruises have been known to occur. But it's also something that a male can get when the female is in her heat phase. It's not deliberately done to hurt, just something that may occur during sexual peak or heat phase mating."
"Fascinating. So if this male sexual peak comes several times a year, why do you feel compelled to warn me about the dance?" Her eyes widened suddenly. "Are you saying that Illam is nearing his sexual peak time?"
"Maybe. The males have their sexual peak at different times, but it's well known that the dance can bring on that sexual peak, and often does. That's why it's laughingly referred to as a lust-inducing dance. I take it the females omitted to tell you this?"
"Everyone omitted to tell me this," Tera replied.
"An oversight that could have had serious consequences." He frowned. "Not good enough."
"Never mind that. So you're telling me that Illam might come into his sexual peak during this dance, and he might very well grab me and ... rough me up?" Oh boy! A quiver of both anticipation and a touch of fear at the unknown trickled through her.
"Yes." Denyon's answer was blunt.
"But if he's decided not to choose me anyway, then he won't, will he?"
Denyon cast her a sober glance. "Let's not tiptoe around the topic. He scents you, he knows you're his nature mate. He won't be able to help himself if he comes into his sexual peak. He'll zero in on you and simply take you."
"In the Hall in front of everyone?" Tera didn't know whether to be appalled ... or appalled. Shooting stars of Cyran! Not in this lifetime!
Denyon grimaced. "We're not that feral! No, he'll simply grab you and take you to his home, his domain. And you won't stand a chance. If you don't want to be hurt, you'll submit. He's the dominant one at this time and any Felys female knows to submit."
"But rape isn't in the equation, right?"
"He won't rape you. If you really fight him and scream, his protective instincts will kick in. But know this, Tera. The sexual peak isn't a time to give the come hither then play hard to get. The Felys love a good chase, we love sexual games, but the peak time is not the time to play." Denyon's jaw tightened. "His hormones will be raging, lust will be burning, and the need to dominate and mate will be pushing his actions. To turn from you should you fight and scream will tear at him mentally, but he'll somehow do it. And we'll be ready if he does. We might very well have to tranquilize him to get him away from you, and we'll have to take him somewhere to ride out the sexual peak. We'll also have to bring him a Felys female to satisfy him, maybe two females, for his lust won't be appeased if he can't have his nature mate."
Shooting stars of Cyran. Tera swallowed, trying to imagine Illam as a raging sex hormone on two legs. Oddly, it wasn't that hard to imagine. Oooooh boy.
"Hang on." She touched Denyon's arm. "What did you mean when you said you'd be ready if I resist him?" She frowned. "If you think you're going to be waiting just outside the window waiting for me to howl for help---"
"Of course not. We respect each others privacy. The sexual peak, like the heat phase, is precious between nature mates. Even Felys who don't have mates go through the times, and still the privacy is respected. What I meant was that I'll place an alarm in the bedroom in the top drawer beside the bed. If you change your mind because you can't handle what Illam is giving you, then you get that alarm and press it. It will go straight through to my house, and I will come with the tranquilizer."
"What if he won't let me?"
"He will. Instinctively he'll seek to protect you."
"But what if you come into your sexual peak?"
"I'm not going to the dance, and my sexual peak happened only about a month ago. I'm very unlikely to come into sexual peak for at least another two months."
Tera could just imagine what an impressive sight that would have been. Who had the lucky little Felys female been who'd had the pleasure of Denyon in sexual peak? Maybe Denyon could fill her in a bit more on what a male did during this most intriguing time and---
"Don't ask," Denyon growled.
"I didn't---"
"I can see the question in your eyes. Delcat, you're lucky I know that you're simply curious and mostly in a healer's way, and with an Argon's healthy interest in sex. If not, I'd be offended."
"Lucky me." She grinned up at him.
He returned her look broodingly. "You be very sure of your decision, Tera. I won't like having to come to Illam and tranquilize him. I won't like seeing him in sexual agony just because you decide you can't handle the level of sex. I won't like seeing him be forced to use Felys females he in his heart doesn't want, because his body urges him onwards. And I won't like seeing you hurt. No heroics, you understand? And you be very, very sure."
They continued in silence, Tera's mind buzzing with the new information. She knew she should be scared of this new revelation, and maybe if she hadn't been an Argon, she might have been. Argons loved sex, they loved experimenting and playing, they even got a bit rough depending on the couple and their desires.
But they could always stop if a line was crossed.
There'd be no stopping if a line was crossed here, but drastic actions would be taken for her safety. And paying the price would be Illam.
And the Argon's standing in the Felys/Argon alliance.
She had to be very sure she could handle it.
"So," she said softly. "The females are dangerous during their heat phase, and the males during their sexual peak."
"Yes." Denyon's voice was equally soft.
"Marten came through it all right."
"Marten was very fortunate that he had the control to hold back until Lysie was ready to submit."
"The female controls but submits during her heat phase. The male totally dominates all the way through his sexual peak."
"You'd think that was unfair, but the female during the heat phase is dangerous, and has been know to injure an unwary mate. A male during the sexual peak is daunting, and can be rough, but his instinct to protect his mate will always prevent him from forcing her. That is the difference." He sighed. "The female submits eventually but is dangerous until then, whereas a male dominates all the way, but has enough instinct to withdraw to allow the female to be taken to safety, and himself tranquilized or given other willing females." He shook his head. "I'd say both males and females can get a highly sexual time of sharing during the times, but both can suffer as well. It works out even in the long run."
It did. In an odd, sort of twisted way, it did.
Denyon patted her shoulder. "I'm fond of you, little healer, and I love Illam like a brother. I don't want to see either of you hurt. Make your decision, and be very certain you can abide by it. If you choose no, then stay away from the dance and Illam will come with me to a safe place, just to avoid any problems. If you choose yes, be prepared to submit to him. But don't," his hand tightened, "Don't go through with anything if he scares you, or unwittingly hurts you and you can't take it. I'll deal with the consequences."
Her heart warmed, and she slipped her arm around his waist. "You're so used to caring for everyone else, aren't you, Denyon?"
"It's my job," he replied frankly.
"It's your heart." She gave him a one-armed hug. "And I appreciate you telling me this."
"Yeah, well, someone had to."
As they entered the settlement, he said, "If I see you heading for the dance, I'll know your answer."
"Agreed."
Wylin waylaid Tera at the house later that afternoon. He merely looked at her and said, "Let me know if you choose to go to the dance or not."
"Let me guess, Denyon's had a chat with you too, right?"
"If you choose to go I'll be at his place. If anything goes wrong, I'll be by your side as soon as that alarm goes off."
"Wylin---"
"No." Wylin looked at her soberly. "I won't interfere in your decision, Tera. I've seen Marten cope with Lysie, and I've been assured that Illam would never force you, sexual peak or not. And he may not come into his peak."
"So why are you worried?"
"Because I'm your bodyguard, and your friend." He gave her a quick hug. "If you choose to stay here I'll keep you amused with card games---"
"Whoopee."
"And if you choose to participate in the dance and with whatever may follow, then Denyon and I will amuse ourselves at his place with card games."
Tera looked up at him. "You'll miss the dance because of me?"
"First and foremost, Tera, I'm your bodyguard then friend."
"But---"
"Your choice for tonight, Tera. Just let me know."
Slowly, Tera placed the lid on the sample container and stored it in the corner of the living area. She'd been going over and over Denyon's words, and knew she shouldn't be surprised that the males had a sexual peak. After all, it wasn't just the females who were prized as sex slaves during the slave years. The Felys males had been prized, too, but not much had been written about them.
Maybe because they had been dangerous. Forced to mate with wenches not of their kind and with no idea of how rough they could be, or how dominating ... and the Felys didn't have that protective instinct for someone not their mate. The wenches they were forced to mate with would have been toying with them, driving them to a sexual frenzy...
It would have been just as much of a nightmare for the Felys male in his sexual peak as it had been for the Felys female in her heat phase, as captives, toyed and played with, and forced to perform sex with people who couldn't understand them, or even accept them. No wonder so many had gone insane or killed themselves in a bid for freedom of not only their physical bodies, but their mental capacity as well.
Crossing to the window, she gazed over at Illam's home. He was in his usual position on his front verandah, slouched back in the chair, balancing it on the two back legs, with his legs outstretched and propped on the rail, languidly crossed at the ankles. Eyes shut, hands linked comfortably over his impressive leanly, muscle-ribbed stomach.
Having a lycat nap.
The memory of how he'd played her the first time, making her climax, had heat shooting through her. The thought that he would get even more dominating during a sexual peak...
Now don't get too carried away. Denyon said it's possible he'd come into a sexual peak, he didn't say he would. You might simply have a lovely time of slap, tickle, dip the wick. That's all.
What if it's not all? What if he does come into his sexual peak?
Oh boy!
Steady on, Tera. He could get rough...
Oh yes!
And you can't call a halt without causing some serious consequences for everyone concerned.
Tapping her fingernails on the windowsill, she contemplated the lazy-looking Felys relaxing on his verandah. His long ponytail hung over the back of the chair, and it was swaying in the slight breeze.
Damn, the man oozed sex. Sex on two legs.
No, Tera, that's just because you're so hot for him. He really looks like a man taking his ease.
Or resting up for tonight.
Tera sucked in a breath and turned away. The dance was only a couple of hours away. She had to make a decision.
Was there really a decision to be made?
I'm an Argon. I like sex. We like to experiment.
Yeah, but this experiment can't be halted---without consequences. Can you take what he has to give?
Rough play. Dominance. She remembered how he'd snarled at her, how he'd growled when she hadn't submitted as he'd liked when he'd played with her the first time. He would be totally dominant this time. If he came into his sexual peak.
Can I handle it?
Hell, yes!
She was treading into new territory, but the knowledge that if she feared for her life, she could call for help and he'd stop, made the decision a little easier.
But she wouldn't call for help. She knew that instinctively. She couldn't hurt him that way. And she didn't fear what he'd do. Whatever he'd give, she'd take. Desire was starting to pool in her loins. She wanted a true sexual coupling ... mating. No more of the teasing. She wanted him inside her, filling her, giving her everything. Whether that was given in normal sex, or in the heated, almost dangerous sexual peak, she'd take it.
"Hell, never let it be said that an Argon shrunk from a new sexual experience!" she exclaimed aloud. "I'm an Argon, I am female. Give it to me!" And she giggled a little nervously.
Illam heard footsteps long before the cause of them got too close. His ears twitched at the measured tread. The scent was clean, male, and definitely not slightly wild.
"Wylin," he greeted without opening his eyes.
"I'm not going to muck around." Wylin's voice sounded mild, but the tone had a thread of steel in it.
Illam opened his eyes, and seeing the threat in the eyes of the Argon, he slowly lowered his chair until all four legs were squarely on the verandah. "Oh?"
"I know what this dance represents. I know about this sexual peak thing. I know it can get rough."
"You have been getting an education." Illam grinned a little.
"I know what might happen if Tera goes through with the dance."
All hilarity fled from Illam. "Are you warning me away from her, Argon?"
Wylin's smile was bared teeth. "Not at all. Tera knows what she wants and doesn't want. Her choice. But it's my choice to rip your head off if something happens to her while she's with you."
"There's no guarantee I'll come into my sexual peak."
"And there's no saying you won't." Wylin leaned his shoulder against the verandah post, giving the illusion of a relaxing chat with a friend. Only Illam saw the look in his eyes. "Now, whatever happens during your ... mating ... is up to you and Tera. I'm just warning you that if you hurt her against her will, in any way, I'll be hanging your hide on my wall."
Normally Illam would have risen to the challenge of one protective male to another. But this time he knew that if the position had been reversed, he'd be telling Wylin the same thing.
So, instead of going for his throat as he'd normally be tempted to do, he simply nodded coolly. "Warning heeded. I care for Tera, Argon."
"Then you'll remember what I said, because she'd be very upset if I separated your pretty locks from your head."
"Are you going to be scalping me before or after ripping my head off?"
"Whichever comes first, I'm not very fussy."
"It would be you against the Felys males in a fight, you know that, don't you?"
"My duty is to Tera. I'll climb down into the pits of hell for a wench who is not only in my care, but is like a sister to me. The bodyguard warns you to be careful, the brother asks you."
"I understand."
"Then we need say nothing more on the matter." Wylin straightened up. "Have a pleasant night."
Damn, the Argon just got more likeable every time. Leaning back in the chair, Illam watched his progress back to his house. He liked Wylin, and he respected him. The man wasn't afraid to face anyone or anything when it came to protecting the one in his care.
He was a man anyone would be proud to call friend.
Tipping his head back, he inhaled deeply. The sweet, spicy scent drifted to him, and he purred long and low. A stirring began in his loins, the same stirring that had started when the dance rehearsal had started. The beat of the music, the provocative dancing, the aggression...
He smiled and licked his lips, the purring growing even lower and deeper.
As the last hours of the afternoon dawdled by, a faint rumble of thunder sounded but faded without repeating itself.
Thunder, rain, hot sex ... it was going to be purrrrrfect.
There were no Felys kits in the Meeting Hall tonight. They were cozily tucked up with grandparents, and a few other volunteer Felys families, so that their parents could indulge in the dance and the hot after-effects without worrying about their litters.
The single Felys had nothing to worry about at all. Those without nature-mates might find them tonight, those who didn't would find a willing pair of arms and eager body.
Illam was going to have Tera any which way he damned well pleased.
He could feel the heat prickling through him. His skin felt deliciously sensitive. The night air outside was damp, the thunder rumbling in the distance. The yellow lights lining the path would be needed for the Felys to get home that night, to light the path and ensure that no one might slide in the rain that would undoubtedly start falling.
The inside of the Meeting Hall was lit dimly. All light was centered on the raised dais that jutted out from the back wall. Wide and long, it allowed the Felys to gather around it easily, with plenty of space in-between each other if wanted.
Heavy red velvet curtains covered the windows, but these had been drawn aside to reveal the lightning that snaked across the night sky, barely visible through the tree tops.
Nature was promising them a wild night in more ways than one.
Heavy red velvet curtains were draped across the back of the dais, to be parted to allow the dancers through onto the dais when the time came.
Anticipation filled the air. Sexual tension was already building for all knew what was coming. The intensity of the night was coming upon all who stood in that hall.
Slowly every light in the hall, including those lighting the dais, went out. Everyone held their breath.
Out of the dark came feminine snarling, aggressive and threatening. Female scents assailed Illam but one came to him clearly, familiar in its spicy sweetness.
Tera. Heat pooled low in his belly and he felt his own lips quiver into a silent snarl.
He knew the glow coming to the eyes of those around him reflected his own growing arousal.
Music sounded, loud and heavy, every beat vibrating deliciously through him. His heart thumped in time to the beat and he snarled softly as yet another feminine round of snarling cut through the music. He heard the swish of material, the soft tread of feet, and knew the female dancers were present.
The lights flared suddenly onto the stage, and his eyes cut immediately, instinctively, to Tera. His throat closed over, his eyes glowed. His hands clenched.
Hips swaying enticingly to the heavy music, her body easily keeping pace with the Felys, Tera was the embodiment of all his fantasies.
Her slim figure was clothed the same as the Felys female dancers. A low riding, flimsy material skirt that only came down to mid-thigh, and was split high, almost to the waist on each side. Beneath she wore delicate lace underwear, her flesh peeking enticingly out from between the scrolling.
Her blouse was sleeveless, showing her rounded arms to perfection. Gaping open all the way down the front, it was loosely tied by a narrow ribbon only at her breasts. He could see the valley between her breasts, and beginnings of her breasts, the curve and shape, but not the nipple, for the ribbon stopped it gaping too far. Her belly button was clearly visible, and he licked his lips hungrily.
Her legs seemed to go on forever. Simple little sandals were on her small, elegant feet.
The thick brunette hair swung heavily down her back, a silken, shining swathe that he longed to drag his fingers through.
Illam dragged in a deep breath, trying to focus. His sexual peak ebbed enough for him to mange to appreciate the dance, to watch hungrily as Tera, the object of his desires, danced with a sinuous, feminine aggression.
Her movements were identical to the female Felys dancers. She swayed, dipped, and thrust her hips as though she'd done the dance all her life. When she dropped to her knees, keeping them apart, and arched her body back in perfect unison with the others, the little blouse fell away at her waist. He caught a glimpse of black lace in the apex of her thighs---then she slithered effortlessly up again.
Now her gaze was focused on him. She licked her lips and tossed her head at the exact same moment as the dancers. Her heavy fall of hair snapped aside then fell forward over her shoulders. She bent lithely, her bottom in the air, then down she went onto one knee, dipping her chest down before straightening.
His harsh breathing was echoed by every male Felys in the hall. The sexual tension was climbing as the scent of the female Felys grew more intoxicating, as the males sucked it in greedily, as the scent of arousal filled the air.
As the music, heavy and wild, called to their feral sides.
Every male Felys' eyes were glowing, some green, and some gold.
The dancers bent their knees and shuffled forward with legs spread out, their shoulders rocking in time, their faces alive with sexual enticement. Soft lips glimmered as they were moistened with pink tongues, and gold and green eyes fell on the males in the audience.
Supplication, aggression, a hint of submission ... an invitation to play.
Feminine snarls split the night again, sending heat shooting into every male's groin.
Tera didn't even attempt to snarl. But her eyes were hot as she stared at Illam. Daring. She lowered her thick lashes briefly, then coquettishly flicked her hair back over her shoulder.
He wanted her right then and there.
"Easy," Ceric said softly from beside him. "Your turn will come."
His friend's words managed to drag him back from the hot need pulling at him so urgently. Yes, my time is coming. Soon, Tera, so very soon you will be mine.
The music soared, the wild beat going faster, and the Felys females dropped to the floor in one fluid movement. The music was fading just as they finished. Lying on their stomachs, one knee curled beneath them as though ready to take flight, the other leg stretched out behind them. One arm stretched out pleadingly, the other bent with one hand braced on the floor. Backs arched, breasts barely brushing the dais, heads up ... and eyes boldly on the male.
The stance was submission ... with a hint of aggression.
The lights flared up, then out. Darkness fell, and a last round of feminine snarls filled the air. The music was low but the beat was still strong, continuing the atmosphere.
Thunder boomed in the background, and Illam's heart pounded. His blood was rushing through his veins and he had to tilt his head back and gulp in air. Lust pulled at him, desire made him ache. Tera's scent filled his senses.
There was only the slightest movement to let him know that the females were leaving the dais. Seconds later the lights came on and automatically he started towards the back of the hall, slipping between the curtains at the side of the dais to take his position up on it.
The females were gone and he knew they would have exited out the other side and be moving into the main area of the hall. Waiting to watch the male dancers.
Illam felt the searing through his blood, the tingling that seemed to almost set him on fire. He was impatient, alert. Dominant.
His sexual peak was upon him.
Tera sipped at the glass of berry juice with hands that trembled. Not from fatigue, but from the excitement of the dance and the sexual tension that was filling the hall so intensely. The males were openly becoming aroused, and the nipples of the females were giving their own arousal away. And from the way some of the Felys, both male and female, were lifting their heads and scenting the air, no doubt they could smell the arousal.
The eyes of the males and females glowed. The ones standing with their partners, be they nature-mated or not, rubbed sensuously against each other, nuzzling and nipping playfully at each other. Those whose partners were dancing waited with barely restrained patience.
Illam had looked at her out of eyes that almost burned. His facial muscles had been tight, his cheeks lightly flushed. She knew he'd been inhaling her scent, for she hadn't missed the way his nostrils had flared, and the way he'd titled his head back, scenting her.
Placing the glass down on the side table, she wiped her palms down the sides of the delicate skirt she wore. The soft material brushed against her thighs, swirling with every move she made, and the filmy blouse caressed her nipples which budded so unashamedly against the front of it.
If I'm getting aroused now, what will it be like when Illam dances?
Even as the thought appeared the lights in the hall and on the dais went out. The male snarls that split the night were so openly aggressive, that Tera swallowed. The threat of male power and dominance seemed to fill every corner of the room.
The heavy music that beat out was exactly the same as she'd just danced to. The vibration seemed to tremble through her. She heard several female snarls come from the darkness around her.
There was no soft tread of feet this time. The unison steps were decisive, authorative. Males coming to claim their mates.
The lights flared onto the stage, and the male dancers were there in mouthwatering glory. Where the females were femininely seductive, the males were aggressively so. Instead of the normal loose-legged pants they wore, they were tight instead, unashamedly showing the partial arousal of the males. Black calf-high boots adorned their feet. Their chests were bare, lean muscles moving effortlessly under smooth skin. Long, multicolored hair was either tied back at the napes, or left to hang free.
Illam's was tied back almost carelessly, the usual token gesture at being civilized.
Tera's breath caught in her throat. Illam was in the line behind the one directly opposite her. His gaze was unblinkingly on her, and there was nothing civilized in him at all. In that moment he was feral. His lips lifted slightly in a snarl, and he was undoubtedly aroused.
His eyes boldly raked over her and she felt it as hotly as if he'd actually touched her.
The music throbbed and the males moved in as perfect unison as the females had. But their steps were pure aggression, no playfulness, no enticement. Every step was hard determination. There was a wild beauty in their movements, but there was also barely-leashed savagery.
Every dip, every thrust of their hips, every sway was pure sexual heat poured into blatant masculinity.
She couldn't take her eyes from Illam. She was aware that her breathing was rapid and shallow, that she moistened her lips several times. Knew it because his eyes darkened. When he dropped to his knees, keeping them apart, and arched back in perfect unison with the others, the muscles in his torso and arms rippled. His erection was a hard bulge that pressed hungrily against the front of his pants.
Every man on the stage was aroused. Every male and female around her was aroused. Low growls filled the hall, several deep, languid purrs. Someone snarled, and there was a sex-laden laugh.
When Illam went down onto one knee, he looked at her with such hot promise that she felt moisture starting to gather between her thighs.
The dancing was intoxicating. It was erogenous. It brought up every hidden fantasy, every desire, and every fear to the fore. It was a delicious fear.
Illam was going to dominate her, she knew it. Expected it. Feared it a little. Wanted it a lot.
The sexual tension was reaching an almost screaming proportion. The heat of aroused bodies filled the hall. Felys rubbed against their partners, and those watching their own partners on the dais were breathing heavily.
A couple of Felys males with their partners snarled warningly if another male got too close to his female. The other males would snarl back, but shifted away.
The snarling was coming more frequently now from those around her, and Tera knew she was seeing the some of the feral side of the Felys. The sexual, feral side. Wild, uninhibited sexual desire, with no excuses, no apologies.
The dancers bent their knees and shuffled forward with legs spread out, their shoulders rocking in time, their faces alive with sexual aggression. Their lips seemed fuller, achingly male in their sensuality, and their gold and green eyes fell on the females in the audience.
Promise, threat, aggression ... no hints. Dominance.
Male snarls split the night again, sending the sexual tension in the hall soaring to feverish heights.
Illam's nostrils flared as he continued to hold her gaze prisoner, almost mesmerizing her. His pupils had dilated, thin rims of gold showing only around it. He scented her, licked his lips, and growled loudly.
If they were alone, she just knew he'd have dragged her onto the dais right then and there.
Or come for her.
The music soared, the wild beat going faster, and the males dropped to the floor in one fluid movement. The music was fading just as they finished. But they didn't drop to their stomachs. They stayed upright on one knee, with the other on the floor. And they were facing the waiting females with one hand outstretched.
It was not an invitation to take their hand. They were demanding the females to do so. And Illam was looking directly at Tera, silently commanding her to take his hand.
The lights stayed on but dimmed. Thunder crashed overhead just as the males let out one more snarling roar. The music continued to throb and beat.
Illam's outstretched hand curled slowly into a fist, then he opened it again and looked at her almost warningly. She became aware of the other females approaching the dais and placing their hands in their male's demanding hand.
Several steps were all it took before she reached out and carefully placed her hand onto his palm. His fingers closed around her hand with a startling speed and strength. Keeping hold of her, he moved quickly, pulling himself to the end of the dais and sliding down sensuously until he stood on his feet. Then with his hips against it, he jerked her forward into his arms, holding her tightly to him with one arm at her back whilst retaining her hand in his strong, relentless grip.
His kiss was hard, demanding entrance, and she opened willingly to him. His tongue was relentless, sweeping through her mouth, taking her essence with no gentleness but a hunger that burned right through her. He left no part of her honeyed cavern untouched.
His kiss was hard, but not bruising. His hold was tight, but not crushing. But wildness beat in the very air around him, and when he finally released her mouth, she saw his slitted pupils, the black threads that were incredibly still. No writhing, no sensual undulating movements, but as though they waited for something. They added a startling element to his eyes. And instinctively she knew Illam was in his sexual peak. Oh God. Oh boy! Oh ... God.
Dimly she heard several snarls, a growl, even a yowling. Some of the couples had left, some were just leaving. The females were tucked close to their mate's sides, others had been swept off their feet and were actually being carried. One couple were in a heated embrace at the dais, she sitting upon it with her legs wrapped around the male's waist, he with an aggressive stance between her spread thighs.
If I was able to smell things, I bet the air would reek of testosterone.
"Look at me," Illam rasped, and she obeyed instantly. His fingers grabbed her chin, not hard but firmly. "Do you give yourself to me tonight?"
That he'd asked while so obviously in a sexual peak, his dominance screaming out to him to simply take her, touched Tera to the core. In that second, without hesitation she whispered, "I submit."
His nostrils flared, and she felt the tension practically sear though him. She watched as the last thread of anything she remotely knew as him left his expression. Now she was facing a fully aroused Felys male in his sexual peak. And he was dominant.
He stepped forward, and she stepped back. Another step forward, another step back. His snarl was half laugh, his eyes glowed hotly. Then he bent suddenly, his shoulder moving firmly against her hips to tip her off balance, his arm coming around the backs of her thighs to hold her firmly as he straightened.
Surprised, Tera could only gape at his naked back in front of her nose as he stalked through the crowd, which parted to let him and his prize through---yes, I am his prize---whoo boy!---and out into the chill night.
His arm was a hot band on her skin, his back warm, but the night air was darn cold on her flesh. His hand ran up the back of her calf, making her momentarily forget the cold.
Bracing her hands on either side of his lean waist, she attempted to push herself up a little and was able to look back at the hall.
A whole heap of sexually fuelled, beautiful, wild, feline-type people were coming out and disappearing into the night, some to homes, some into the forest. The music was still throbbing.
Illam's hot palm was now on her bottom beneath the skirt, his fingertips slipping beneath the fragile lace panties to stroke her intimately.
Tera gasped and jerked on his shoulder, but was ultimately helpless to do more than hope to the stars that no one was seeing what her feral was up to.
He turned his head, his long ponytail swishing across his back in a whisper, making several strands tickle her nose. In the act of blowing the strands away, she froze when she felt teeth graze her thigh. A rough rasp of a tongue across her skin. A hot mouth fastening to her thigh and sucking hard and deep.
She nearly went to jelly right there on his shoulder. Her insides quivered, and she had to bite her lip against the moan that almost slipped out when he laved the spot on her thigh with his tongue, then nipped her lightly.
A cold drop of rain hit behind her knee, making her shiver suddenly as the chill wind made it even colder. Instinctively she started to push upright, only to stop when a threatening rumble vibrated in the muscled back beneath her hands. The arm across her thighs tightened.
"Illam, it's getting cold," she managed to gasp out as another icy drop hit her thigh.
"Not for long, makit." The words were growled out deeply.
Thunder rumbled overhead, and the wind picked up. Then Illam stepped up onto the verandah, the door swung open under his hand, and he strode into the warmth of his living area.
The warmth was welcome, and somehow the music still throbbed faintly in the background but she didn't have much time to fully appreciate it before he bent and set her on her feet. Straightening up, he didn't give her time to regain her balance, but simply cupped her face in his hands and kissed her hard. Rapaciously. He plundered the depths of her mouth, licking and sucking, molding his lips to hers.
And the whole time he used his body to push her out of the living area and towards his bedroom.
Tera could do nothing else but move backwards. With his hot lips devouring her, and the heat of his leanly-muscled body bent over her, his every step forcing her backward, it was all she could do to keep from falling in a quivering heap. Locking her hands around his wrists to keep her balance, she could only do as he silently ordered.
She moved back into his bedroom, and again the music continued to beat.
Once her feet sank into the soft carpet, she thought he'd let her up for air. She was wrong. Still crowding her backwards with his body he continued to ravage her mouth. But his hands were busy, too. The ribbon holding her blouse partially closed was snapped, and his hand unerringly went to her breast.
Cupping it in one hard palm, he squeezed gently, and heat shot to her loins. She made a small sound of passion, and his kiss turned from hunger to forcefulness.
His palm massaged her breast, the tight bud of her nipple hard against the calloused skin. His breathing was harsh, and his eyes, when he finally released her lips, smoldered hedonistically.
When she reached for him, his pupils slitted and he growled in warning.
Instinctively she stilled, unsure what he wanted. He soon showed her. Her heart skipped a beat when he reached around behind her and, grabbing the back of her blouse, he jerked it back off her shoulders and down her arms. Even as he tossed it aside, his eyes were lowering to study her breasts with hot intensity.
Dropping lithely to his knees before her, he simply took one nipple into his mouth and sucked hard, the sensation an erotic pull that she felt right down to her womanhood. Gasping, she braced her hands on his shoulders and tipped her head back in concupiscence.
His other hand snaked under her skirt, his fingertips trailing over the lace that covered her mound. He tested it, slipping one fingertip beneath the elastic and pulling slightly.
In one movement, Illam, withdrew his mouth from her breast and drew her skirt up to her waist at the same time. Lowering his head, he gripped the top of her panties between his teeth, and glanced up at her.
Almost breathless, feeling the fire licking under her skin, Tera gazed down at him. She licked her lips at the sight of him, his sharp teeth so near her vulnerable womanhood.
Nostrils flaring, he inhaled deeply, and then with a sudden, savage twist of his head, he ripped the lace clean down the front, his fingers snapping the elastic easily so that he was able to simply strip the panties from her with a jerk of his head. He spat them out to the side and looked up at her, his eyes so carnally hot that she could swear she felt the voracious lick of them across her skin. Closing his eyes, he inhaled again, and his hands spanned the sides of her waist, his thumbs caressing her through the material of her skirt.
"Illam," she whispered. "Please..."
As though her words had broken through an intensely pleasurable moment, his glowing golden eyes snapped open and he growled low in his throat. His teeth were a white flash against his tanned skin. His expression turned from slight annoyance to lasciviousness as he looked up at her, his gaze moving up and over her breasts to her lips, and finally to her eyes.
Reaching up, he tangled his fingers in the heavy hair that fell over her shoulders, and he used the hold to pull her down towards him. When she made a move to come down before him, he splayed his palm on her stomach, holding her back against the wall.
Knowing what he wanted now, she bent from the waist until her lips met his. For a second their lips touched gently. Their breaths mingled, and then she touched the tip of her tongue to his lips.
He exploded into action. With a growl that roared up from his chest, he pushed to his feet, grabbed her shoulders and spun her around toward the wall. Illam moved so fast that she was up on the step before she knew what was happening, and he'd grabbed her hands, lifted her arms up and hooked her fingers over the rail in the wall just above her.
Tera was stretched out vulnerably. Her feet were flat on the step, her arms stretched up for her hands to grasp the rail. Biting her lip, unsure whether she should say something, or move, or simply stay still, she opted for the latter.
Her nerves screamed out in delicious trepidation when she felt his hot breath on the back of one thigh, and the skimming of his calloused palms across her smooth flesh. His head must have brushed against the material of her skirt, for it whispered across her bottom.
His fingers plucked at the delicate ties fastening her sandals. One at a time, he placed his hands behind her knees, bending them enough to slip the sandals off and discard them. His movements were fast, almost impatient, yet his touch never got harsh.
Then suddenly he was there, his chest pressed to her back, his arms coming over each shoulder for his palms to thud against the wall in front of her. Bracing himself on his hands, he leaned into her.
She arched her head back, half afraid it would invoke his displeasure, but unable to help herself.
A low purr rumbled against her back. He liked it. Leaning over her shoulder, he rubbed the corner of his mouth in a long, slow arc across her cheek.
Wanting another taste of his lips, she turned her face towards him, and he rubbed the corner of his mouth against the corner of hers, and the purr deepened. Dropping his face into the curve where her shoulder met her neck, he nipped the tender skin and nuzzled.
A moan slipped past her lips, and unconsciously she pushed her hips back against him. His erection was hard against her buttocks, nestling easily against the cleft.
Her movement made Illam snarl against her throat, and he lifted his lips to snarl another warning into her ear. Belatedly she realized that it must have seemed as though she was trying to take control and she froze in alarm.
The only sound in the room was the dim beat of the music, the patter of rain on the roof and their combined breathing. Hers rapid and shallow, his deep and harsh.
The muscles in his arms on either side of her flexed and she swallowed as his fingers curled, the nails scraping against the dark wood paneling.
Lightning flashed, lighting the softly lit room with a harsh flare of silver light. Thunder boomed, and the rain started to come down harder. The weather was growing wilder outside, and the carnal tension in the room was growing almost ... darker.
Her nerves were strung tight as she felt Illam move back from her, and she moistened her dry lips as his hands left the wall to grasp her wrists, before running down her arms in a lightly nail-raking motion. When he reached her shoulders, he suddenly encircled his arms around her waist and jerked her back against him, his teeth sinking into her shoulder but not enough to break the skin. Enough for her to feel the threat, though. The dominance as he leaned over her.
When her hands started to slip off the rail as another moan slipped from her, his hands roughly caught hers and wrapped her fingers firmly around the rail again.
Now his motions were fast, his breathing ragged, and she could almost taste the sexual peak cresting in him. The building of it was almost tangible in the air, and it was as though the wild atmosphere outside was heightening his own needs.
His hands were rougher, jerking her skirt up around her waist to bare her flesh to him. One knee slid between hers to nudge her legs apart almost ruthlessly. Dropping to his knees behind her, she felt his breath hot and moist on her buttocks, and then his tongue lashed across one smooth globe, sending shards of desire splintering through her, for as he licked, he slid one finger down the cleft of her buttocks and further down and under until he was pressed firmly against the seam of her body.
The tip of his finger nudged the clitoris sheltering in the tender folds of her labia, and she knew he'd feel the moisture from her vaginal opening against his finger. Her hands gripped the rail, and she squeezed her eyes shut as she fought not to plead with him, not to beg.
But every nerve inside her was screaming, and she felt pulled so taut it was a wonder she didn't snap. Sparks of heat danced beneath her skin, and every rasp of his tongue across her buttocks only seemed to heap more fuel on the fire of desire.
The rasp of his tongue was now against the back of her thigh, licking a fiery path to her knee, across to the back of her other knee and up again. When he reached her other buttock, he nipped, and she jerked, unable to stop herself at the sudden sting.
His laughter was unexpected, but the dark sensuality of it was like a match to inflammable kindling.
"Damn it, Illam!" she choked out, forgetting for an instant to be submissive.
His reprimand came in the response of a snarl, and her eyes snapped open as she felt the sting of his palm coming to rest against her bottom. Before she could even contemplate that he'd actually whacked her lightly with the motion of his hand placement, she felt the brush of his hair against her inner thighs. His thumbs spread her labia from behind, and then she felt the push of his head ... and the rough rasp of his tongue across her tender flesh.
Her scream of blind passion was lost in the crash of thunder. He continued to lick firmly with long strokes of his tongue and she writhed, barely able to keep her grip on the rail. Her panting was muffled by the rain, but when the tip played around the opening of her vagina, she actually cursed out loud.
Straining away from him, she came up on tiptoe, trying to seek relief from the relentless strokes of his tongue.
Catching her hips with his hands, Illam growled his displeasure, but she didn't care. He was driving her crazy! Her nipples were pebbled into hard buds, and her womanhood was clenching internally in the throes of prurience.
She heard him push up to his feet. Rashly, she glanced over her shoulder, almost daring him, but her words died before she could even speak them.
His eyes glowed hotly, and his sensuous lips were lifted in a snarl. Her moisture glistened on his lips, and he licked it away with a carnal swipe of his tongue.
A long, chocolate lock of hair hung over his shoulder and disappeared from view down to his waist. Blatant sexual hunger burned in his eyes, and he loomed over her, the dominance of a feral male seeming to seep from his very pores.
Like a predator, he pounced on her. His arms reached up, hands curling over her smaller ones, holding her prisoner to the railing. His chest pressed against her back, one hard thigh thrusting between her own as he snarled in her ear.
"Do you deny me?" His words were a guttural growl.
"No!" God, no!
"Then submit," he snarled.
"If you don't take me, by God, Illam, I swear I'll go up in flames!"
"You presume to order me, female?" His lips were against her ear, his sharp teeth grazing the sensitive whorls of flesh. "Do you dare?"
"No," she whispered, closing her eyes and biting her lip against the waves of passion that were washing through her.
Who would ever have thought that such total male dominance could be so libidos?
"You play dangerously." One hand was suddenly entangling in her hair, arching her neck back so that he could glare down into her face. "Dangeroussssssly." The word was hissed out.
"If you don't want to be hurt, you'll submit. He's the dominant one at this time, and any Felys female knows to submit."
Denyon's words came back to her with a clarity that made her suck in a steadying breath and try to gather her scattered emotions together.
Instinctively she rubbed her cheek against the hand fisted in her hair, and she caught the flash of tenderness that briefly showed in Illam's eyes. Briefly, because the sexual peak flared hotter than ever, and he crushed his mouth over hers, filling her with his flavor, drowning her almost in his clean, male, wild scent, his wild honey flavor, and his complete maleness.
His hands released hers, his thigh sliding out from between hers, and he pressed her forward again. He moved back slightly, there was the hiss of material slithering, the thud of boots, and then he was there, his hard staff pressed against the valley of her naked buttocks.
He felt huge, hard, long.
Tera's blood sizzled through her veins at the hard velvet heat of him against her, and she bit her lip against the moans that threatened to slip free. Gripping the rail until her knuckles whitened, she rested her forehead against the wood panel and tried to steady her jittery nerves, tried to quiet her pounding heart.
Grabbing her hips in a firm hold, he shifted behind her. Dragging his staff down the valley of her buttocks, he continued down until he slipped between her thighs. The prod of the blunt, swollen head against her highly-sensitized labia made her shiver, and when that broad head slid between the labia to come to a halt against the seam of her body, she couldn't stop the moan from slipping out. His growl this time was one of approval. Dark, sensuous, his growls filled the air as he rubbed the swollen head against her, seeking and finding the opening to her body. And then with a snarl of triumph, he thrust into her, pushing into her and stretching her channel, making her take the complete length and width of him until she was so full, she was actually mewling in an almost agonized frenzy of erotic pleasure.
With a shock, Tera felt the little nodule dragging through her channel, and disbelievingly she knew it had to be on the end of his penis. The nodule seemed to hit every erogenous zone she had, raking over the pleasure points in her vagina, driving her in a blinding, hedonistic rush to a climax.
He gave her no time to adjust to his size, for the blind sexual peak overtook him fully. Catching the nape of her neck between his teeth, he pressed one hand to her lower belly to hold her flush against him, while the other he braced on the wall over her shoulder. He held her prisoner for his thrusts as he pumped and pumped, his knees bending and straightening as he filled her, drawing out to leave her gasping and pushing in hard to make her moan.
Her cries were swallowed by the rain now pelting down outside. Her head was thrown back, her teeth clenched and eyes shut as she rode the crest of an orgasm.
Illam rode her into the orgasm, feeling the ripples in her channel, and her already tight sheath clenched around him like a slick, gripping glove.
Fire burned through him, and he raised his head and snarled his dominance as he continued to pump into her, forcing her to crash through one orgasm and straight into another.
Now he didn't bend his knees, keeping himself fully in her instead, forcing her up onto tiptoes as he relentlessly pounded into her body.
His nails raked across her abdomen, then dipped downward, and he found her clitoris. Driving through the protective curls to the little sheltered nub, he pressed and rubbed it, a firm pressure that made him snarl in satisfaction at the scream that burst from Tera.
The female was his. His makit would carry his scent now, and all who met her would know that she belonged to him. And she will never forget, either. After tonight, she will know I am her mate.
Feeling her press her hips back at him, he took his hand from her stomach and entangled it in her hair instead, pulling her head back onto his shoulder so that he could bend and capture her mouth in a kiss so carnal, he felt as though he could swallow everything that could possibly be her essence.
He sucked her mouth dry.
When he lifted his head, he saw the feverish heat in her eyes, the pale crystal blue color so startling in the paleness of her face, and against the midnight black of her hair.
He rasped his tongue across her lips before plundering the depths once more. Even as he kissed her, he felt the ripples going through her sheath yet again, and he swallowed her scream as she climaxed once more.
He felt the energy gathering within him, his scrotum pulling tight, pulling up hard. His staff was engorged, and he really had to work it inside her now as he swelled even more. He felt the nodule that had come out of its hidden sheath at the tip of his penis, felt it glide over the erogenous zones of her channel as though he was touching it with his finger. The nodule was alive with nerve endings, and its sole purpose was to give the female pleasure by instinctively finding the spots that would make her come with screaming surety.
It was a male's internal weapon of pleasure.
This time when Tera came, he felt his own seed erupt, and he pressed her forward against the wall, bending his bracing arm so that she was held immobile between his own body and the wall. Held immobile and helpless to do all but except the seed which he filled her with.
His hips jerked, and he pumped vigorously, feeling the sperm shooting out in hot rivulets, knowing it coated the walls of her vagina and traveled deep.
Tera cried her release, and he leaned forward and licked the tears from her cheeks, loving the salty taste.
But he wasn't finished. Even as the last seed shot from his loins, he withdrew from her, holding her back against him with his arms around her waist and shoulders. Turning, he propelled her across the room, wanting more control, more submission. He caught her mouth in a bruising kiss, his tongue thrusting deep inside, plundering the honeyed depths again, and he felt the pleasure shudder through her, as blindly she followed the orders of his body as he steered her over to the low-backed armchair.
Without a word, he bent her over the back of the armchair, her hips resting against the back rest. He positioned her swiftly to his satisfaction, the primal feral side of him making him yowl into the thunder at the submissive position. The helplessness of a female bent over for a male's pleasure.
Catching her hips again, he pushed his hard erection deep into the slick opening once more, and this time he was able to slide in further, for she was more open to him.
And still she gripped him tightly, her channel closing around him as though trying to hold him deep inside, letting him withdraw with a reluctance that had his tip leaking seed before he knew it.
Tera had braced her hands on the armrests, her head thrown back as she panted and moaned, and in some far off part of himself, Illam knew she was totally, carnally, being pleasured beyond that which she'd ever been. It made the male in him roar out in triumph, it made his pride swell, and it made him pump harder, pump faster, his thrust almost rocking the whole armchair.
His thumbs dug into her hips, and he looked down, able to see the thick length of him pulling out, glistening with her natural body lubricant. Circling his staff with his fingers, he made his thrusts harder, but the length of him now wasn't going in so far, blocked by his fingers.
His female knew. She struggled, an angry curse coming from her as she tried to push back into him. His female fought, not totally submissive, and it made him laugh darkly, with sexual excitement and anticipation.
He would dominate her.
His palm slapped down onto one of her shapely buttocks, not enough to mark, but enough to make her stiffen and stop fighting. A reminder that he was the dominant one, she submissive.
Withdrawing completely, he heard her muffled sob of frustration, and he soothingly ran his hand along her spine and watched as she arched back into his touch.
Slipping his finger deep inside her, he hooked his finger slightly and dragged it along the tender channel. She bucked under his hand, her panting breaths filling the air.
Lightning splintered the night outside, and thunder crashed. The rain pelted down overhead.
And underneath his hand was his female, his to mate, to play with, to love. To use and be used by.
A second finger joined the first, and he twisted them gently inside her. His heart thundered in his chest, and sexual heat surged through him.
She cried out, slim legs moving restlessly, but she didn't curse him again, didn't yell. But he felt her need as her moisture coated him, her channel gripping his fingers, the ripples riding through her again.
How he loved those ripples.
Removing his fingers, he pressed his erection against the seam of her body, torturing himself just as deliciously as he tortured Tera. Her moisture was warm on his staff, and he rubbed against her.
"Illam!' Her cry was pure pleading. "Take me! Please, I beg of you!"
Submission. Pleading. He teased her mercilessly, rubbing the head of his penis around the opening of her vagina, over and over, entering only a tiny bit then drawing back.
"Do you submit?" he snarled.
"Yes!"
Drawing back, aching to have her around him again, Illam thrust hard into her, burying himself up to the hilt, holding himself tight against her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her back as she shuddered and climaxed around him. His hips pumped shallow and hard, fast, pushing and pushing at her, making her climax again as his nodule slid mercilessly over and over the erogenous spot inside her.
When he slid his hand up higher, he could feel the pounding of her heart beneath his palm, and he laughed, low and deep, the sounds triumphant snarling.
"Oh God," Tera's breath came out in a sobbing rush. "Oh God, Illam!"
His seed spilled deep inside her once more, and again her body took everything he poured in deep.
When he withdrew, he was still hard. The tiny nodule on the end of his penis was a firm knot of nerve endings, and it didn't withdraw back into the sheath beneath the head of his penis. It stayed ready, blood engorged...
Because Illam still wasn't finished. He was still riding the sexual peak.
Pulling his mate from the back of the armchair, he swooped her up into his arms when her legs threatened to buckle, and he saw that even though perspiration shimmered on her brow, and her cheeks had a small track of dried tears of passion, her lips were full and red, and her pale blue eyes shone with an inner fire.
She reached for him, but he tossed her back onto the bed with a snarl of warning. Falling quickly to his knees beside the bed, he grabbed her legs and dragged her toward him, forcing her thighs apart as they were forced to widen to go each side of him.
Her sex was open to him, moist with their combined body fluids. He didn't hesitate.
With a rapacious rasp of his tongue, he cleaned the moisture from her, and she cried out, her hands fisting in the bed covers each side of her. She writhed as his tongue rasped over and over the sensitive flesh of her labia and dragged across the clitoris, that little hard bud of desire. Catching it between his lips, he sucked carefully, and had to place a restraining hand on her stomach to stop Tera from jerking upright.
He knew when the climax hit her, for her stomach muscles clenched under his hand and he saw the moisture seep from the opening to her body. He took it all, his tongue sweeping inside her.
By the time she'd collapsed back, her breathing a harsh panting in the night air, he was climbing onto the bed, climbing up her body on hands and knees, crouching over her like a predator. Leaning down onto his forearms, he took her mouth ruthlessly, kissing and biting, running his tongue along the smooth inside of her cheeks.
She kissed him back hungrily, and satisfaction filled him when she subsided with his warning snarl. Her eyes burned with fire, he saw when he straightened back on his arms.
With a totally wicked, hedonistic grin, he proceeded to nip and bite and lick his way down her body, sucking her nipples in deep, laving them, kissing the underside of her breasts, moving down to her belly button, dipping his tongue into the little hollow. He nipped her waist, and then moved back off the bed, swirling his tongue in the groin, the crease of her thigh, skimming across the top of her mound to the other side, licking the crease of her other thigh.
Grabbing her waist, he flipped her over onto her belly and licked the crease of her buttocks where they met the thigh. He moved lower, around, finding the openness of her and stroking deep with his tongue once more.
His staff throbbed as she started to shudder. He looked up, glancing over the deliciously rounded globes of her buttocks, and saw her rise up onto her elbows and turn her head. She looked at him over her shoulder.
Slowly he stood, her action slamming into him with every pound of his heart.
Naked, on her stomach, legs apart, and looking up at him over her shoulder. Somehow she managed to look pleading and submissive and a temptress all at once.
"Please," she whispered.
Submission.
It made the feral roar, and he lifted his head and roared aloud. The thunder crackled, reverberating around the room. The rain pounded on the roof.
His sexual peak hit the high, roaring through him with a fiery singe of lust, passion, desire. Though he'd spent himself in her several times already, he was insatiable, unslaked. But now ... now his mate was fully submissive ... and his turn had come.
Growling, he dropped to the bed on his knees, his fists bracing him. He moved up over her legs, his powerful ones either side of her slender limbs. When he was high enough, he suddenly ran his arm beneath her hips and jerked her upright onto her hands and knees, bringing her up before him.
Open to him in the way a Felys female was with her mate.
This was the way a Felys truly mated, during heat phase and sexual peaks. This was how he would truly mate with Tera.
Holding her firmly so that his arm around her hips held her bottom flush with his lower abdomen when he partially bent over her, he thrust into her hard, burying himself once more up to the hilt, his groin against her flesh, his staff buried so high in her he heard her gasp and start forward. He wouldn't let her, holding on, dragging her back hard against him. Her body cushioned his, her channel gripped him, and then he felt her push back against him slightly. He could feel the desire shaking through her, smell the high arousal, but also her wariness, her uncertainty of her small movement.
He let her know of his approval by a swipe of his tongue across her waist.
She pushed back again, and he arched his hips and slammed into her again.
Her groan was pure carnality.
With every slam of his body, she groaned and pushed back, meeting him thrust for thrust.
His hair spilled around him in a colorful fall of chocolate, gold and white, the strands sliding over her pale skin, a few strands slipping between her thighs to glide against her sensitive flesh, making her whimper.
He could feel the tension in her, the tension in himself. Felt her climax, but still he wasn't ready. The nodule on the end of his penis sought out the erogenous zone, found it, bumped over it with every thrust of his hips. As his penis slid deep with her, his hardness pushing relentlessly through her rippling sheath, the nodule rolled over the zone, and she screamed, her fingers clawing into the covers.
Heart pounding, Illam snarled. Sweat trickled down the side of his temple, and his whole body felt wired, sparks of fire dancing invisibly across his skin. He slid his hand down along her spine, watching her arch into his touch again, and he ran his hand down further over one smooth globe, kneading the taut muscle within.
His staff was swelling inside her, his libido building, surging, pushing as relentlessly as he pushed inside her body. He felt the rush of his seed, his scrotum tight, his buttocks clenching as he rode towards his own release. He roared her name into the storm.
Sliding his arm from around her hips, he straightened up onto his knees and grabbed her hips. Using the full momentum of his strong thighs, he pulled out of her and slammed back in, over and over, faster and harder.
His staff swelled even more, and was now so thick he had to work, dragging it through her sheath which seemed so tight as it stretched, trying to accommodate his engorged member. Those sparks of fire flared through his tip, skittered down his shaft, and every drag against her flesh made it burn with an erotic heat.
Tera felt it, he saw her lift her head, heard her cry out as the heat built inside them, centered on the friction of where their bodies met and slid against each other.
His thrusts became shorter as he stayed further in her, but they were just as hard. He thrust, pounded, seeking to ease the erotic burn that made him see red flashes behind his closed eyelids. Tipping his head back, he roared again, and pushed hard into her. His hips jerked, and he exploded.
Seed burst out, heat flared, and his staff released everything in a rush. Life poured into Tera, filling her yet again, and Illam could feel the sperm literally pour through from his scrotum, racing up the lines to surge thickly through his penis and deep into the hot channel in which he was buried.
Still he pumped against her, hard and fast, emptying himself until suddenly there was nothing left.
He stayed poised for several seconds, up on his knees with his hands gripping her hips. His head was flung back, his teeth gritted. His hair was stuck to him, stuck to the sweat that had run in rivulets down his back and chest.
His heart was still pounding, and he held still as his heart hammered.
Slowly bringing his head forward, he saw that Tera's head was bowed, her wealth of sweat-dampened hair pooled on the fake fur coverlet. Her shoulders were heaving with every breath she took.
Gulping in air, he closed his eyes again. The sexual peak was almost gone, fading to burn as a pleasant, dim, erotic memory ... until next time. He laughed softly, darkly. Enough of the sexual peak remained to give him the strength that he needed to finish.
Slipping out of Tera, he caught her before she could fall forward. Bringing her back up against his chest, he watched as her head tipped back on his shoulder and her eyes, so drowsy and sated, looked languorously up at him.
"Illam?" she murmured.
"Shh." He kissed her softly on the side of her temple. Tenderness filled him, the love for her burning in his heart as brightly as the sexual heat-induced lust had not long before. "We're not quite done."
"Okay," she whispered, her lashes sweeping down to cover her eyes.
She was totally submissive---and very tired.
Giving her another soft kiss to her temple, he slipped back off the bed and maneuvered her up into his arms. Carrying her from the room, he enjoyed the way she snuggled up against him, looping one arm around his neck.
Going into the bathroom, he walked down the steps into the underground bathing room. Soft light lit it up, and the steam from the water hovered above the heated pool.
Cradling her close to him, Illam walked down the steps and into the soothing waters of the pool until the heated liquid covered them up to their shoulders.
"So nice." Tera opened her eyes sleepily.
"Shh," he repeated, moving effortlessly through the water until he got to the natural rock seat that was in the side of the pool.
Sitting on the rock seat, he silently thanked Denyon's mother once more for attaching a special cushion to it. It made it so much more comfortable to sit on.
Settling Tera onto his lap, he watched as she leaned her head against his shoulder, her hair swirling in the water around her shoulders.
His own hair swirled, caught in hers, and entangled pleasantly. As it should be, for it represented their lives now entwined forever.
Opening her eyes, she glanced questioningly up at him. He shook his head, and she subsided.
Now came the final part of the frenzied mating He'd used her body, knew she'd be a little sore, sticky with sweat and an abundance of semen and her own body fluids.
Positioned in a little nook in the rock wall, Illam took the soft fake fur cloth that was imbedded with soap, and he began to firmly wash her.
She sighed blissfully as he ran the cloth over her back and front, thoroughly washing every inch of her torso including the smooth skin under her arms. When the cloth dipped between her legs, she opened her eyes.
"Relax, makit," Illam said softly. "I'm merely cleansing you, nothing more. There is no more tonight. Now, I'm taking care of you."
Relaxing, she remained quiet, but she didn't close her eyes again. But he knew she didn't mind his ministrations to her body, trusting him totally even when he washed the most intimate parts of her.
Finally he was ready to do her hair, and he tipped her back in his arms. "Close your eyes, makit."
She obeyed, and he wet her hair. Massaging the soap into her hair, he knew that if she'd been a Felys female, she'd have been purring. But her blissful sigh was reward enough, and he felt that surge of tenderness again.
Now he just wanted to hold her in his arms. The closing of the sexual peak frenzy.
When he'd rinsed her hair, he carried her out of the pool and set her down on the cushioned top bench. Grabbing one of the soft towels, he rubbed her hair dry, then attended to the rest of her, making her stand to finish. Instructing her to lift her arms, he wrapped a dry towel around her, tucking the end between her breasts to fasten the towel. After spreading a third dry towel on the cushioned seat, he ordered her softly to sit, and she did so with an almost dreamy expression on her face.
She was female totally satiated, sexually used and happy about it, and now that she was cleaned and dry, she was more than ready to snuggle into bed.
Illam kissed her lips gently. "Soon, makit."
"Mmm," she replied softly.
Going back into the pool, Illam quickly cleansed himself and washed his hair. He didn't linger with his own ministrations.
Once out of the pool, he dried himself, roughly plaited his hair into one braid that hung down his back, and pulled Tera to her feet. Discarding the towel from around her, he lifted her up into his arms and took her back up the steps and into his bedroom.
Near the dressing table he told her to pick up the comb, and then he crossed to the bed and sat her on the edge of it. Moving behind her to sit on his knees, he positioned his muscular thighs one each side of her slender ones before he commenced working through the tangles of her hair with the careful precision of one well-used to dealing with his own long tresses. The silence between them was comfortable, both of them unselfconscious with their nakedness.
Before long he had the tangles removed and her hair was half dry.
Getting off the bed, he moved to the side and yanked the covers back. Turning, he saw Tera standing a little uncertainly at the foot of the bed, and he smiled and held out his hand.
"Come, makit."
A smile curved those lush lips, and she moved around to lay her hand in his. Drawing her gently to him, he raised her hand to his lips and brushed his lips across them. Noting the small graze on two of her knuckles, he looked down into her eyes.
"It was a wild ride," she smiled, a touch of teasing in her crystal blue eyes. "But stars, what a ride!"
He laughed and hugged her to him, before swinging her up into his arms and laying her on the bed. Sliding in beside her, he nudged her over with his hip until he could lie down comfortably beside her. Drawing the covers up, he turned onto his side and slid his arm across Tera's waist. Automatically he rested one leg atop hers, shifting until he was comfortably sprawled with Tera's head tucked under his chin.
Tera responded by rolling into him, sliding one leg slightly between his and laying her arm across his lean waist.
He tucked his top leg firmly behind her knee.
She gave a tired laugh.
"Sleep, makit." Illam rubbed his chin on the top of her head. "Sleep."
She snuggled closer, yawned, and slipped into a deep slumber.
The rain pelted down outside, the wind howled and thunder boomed in the distance. Illam loved this kind of weather, loved being warm and snug and cozy while outside all was wild and wet.
Having his mate snuggled in his arms, and being sexually replete just made it the perfect night.
His sexual peak faded completely, and feeling deliciously exhausted, warm and cozy, Illam drifted off to sleep.
Space
They were lined up on their knees. One line for beaten men, once proud ... no, still proud. But badly injured and heavily outnumbered.
He exchanged a look with his friends, seeing the same fear reflected in their eyes. Had the pirates found the wenches? They must have done. Mayhaps the wenches were dead---'twould be better if they were.
But then their worst fears were founded. A hulking pirate shoved a small wench through the door, and her shocked gaze swept over them. Blood was on her tunic, but he could see that it wasn't her blood.
"For the love of God." He looked up at the space pirate captain. "She's a child. Do not harm her!"
"The girl is not your concern." The captain spat contemptuously. "She is mine. Bring her here."
The child was lost, and he could feel his own heart breaking. His friend was kneeling beside him, and he saw the anguish in his eyes---anguish because even though the wench was young, just beginning her teenage years, his friend already loved her. Loved her and was waiting for her to grow older and mature, then he planned to offer for her hand in marriage.
Now, instead of a life being loved by her parents, and a future of being showered with love and happiness by the young man who, unbeknown to her, loved her so much, all she would face would be rape and torture ... and death, if fate was kind to her.
To all of them.
Stirring, Tera opened her eyes and blinked in the gloom. The curtains were drawn across the closed glass doors, but she could hear the rain pattering on the roof.
She wasn't in her own bed. Tera grinned. There was no doubt in her mind exactly where she was, and in who's bed. The heavy male arm across her waist, the heavy leg across her calves, and the purr vibrating through the masculine chest against her back, was all Illam.
As were the fingers kneading her stomach.
She glanced over her shoulder to find that he had his face buried in her hair, his breath tickling the back of her neck. He was curled around her and partly sprawled over her. Leaning against her and purring away lazily and contentedly, like a big, lazy lycat who had overindulged and was most supremely happy about it.
Remembering the previous night, Tera smiled. The man had been ravenous for her. Ravenous and dominating and so damn good. Just the memory was enough to make her squirm a little. It was as though she could still feel him inside her, hot and hard, thick and long, and so powerful and insatiable.
The kneading fingers drifted upward. Hello, something awakens. And it wasn't just his fingers coming to life. As his fingertips brushed lightly across her nipple, his erection was suddenly nudging her bottom.
Illam let out a little huff of contentment and continued stroking her breast. Continued purring. And continued sleeping.
The man was unbelievable.
Tera arched a little as tiny sparks skittered under the skin from her taut nipple. Closing her eyes, she placed her hand lightly atop his, tracing his larger fingers with her own slender ones.
Nuzzling the back of her neck, he gave her a small lick.
Trailing her fingers over his hand, she enjoyed the play of strength beneath the skin. The warmth of his body curled around her was luxuria itself, the long, chocolate strands of hair that had pulled loose from his plait to skim across her shoulder, an exotic reminder of the Felys. His purring was thrumming through her as surely as the sparks of fire his caressing fingers were bringing to her body.
The hard erection still growing in size nudged her from behind, more forcefully this time. The purring changed, going from lazy to a deeper, lustier purr.
The Felys was awake. Tera grinned and stretched once more, deliberately rubbing against the staff nudging her.
Then her eyes popped open when the heavy leg atop her calves suddenly disappeared, Illam surged up, grabbed her shin just below the knee, and he flopped back behind her, his movement making her knee bend so that her calf was now back across his thigh, and her thighs were parted, opening her to whatever he had planned.
Whoo boy!
Still without saying a word, Illam shifted, and the erection pressing against her bottom slid neatly between the opening of her thighs, slipped through the sheltering folds of her labia, and came to rest against the entrance to her body.
The feel of that blunt, yet increasingly swollen head, against her made heat wash through her in a moist rush. On a low moan, she arched back, only to find a large hand flat against her stomach, holding her lower half still.
"Good morning, makit," Illam breathed hotly against the side of her throat. "How delightful to find such a luscious little female in my bed."
"I aim to please," Tera replied breathlessly, finishing on a gasp as he entered her opening slightly and stopped.
"Really?" Lust-laced amusement sounded in his low voice. "And it pleases me that you're so accommodating." He pushed forward a fraction more.
Feeling the blood humming hotly through her, Tera bit her lip. "I'm pleased you find me so."
"It would please me more if you looked at me."
Tera turned her head and caught a glimpse of hot, gold eyes laced with madly writhing black threads right before Illam swooped down and caught her mouth in a totally ravenous kiss.
The man did everything with gusto. He kissed, he made love, and he teased.
Hells bells, the man could tease!
Tera nearly climaxed on the spot as his tongue swept in to claim every drop of essence from her mouth, while he rocked with the most minutest movement, moving his penis against her in such a small movement, it was as though he was massaging the opening of her vagina with his staff.
Moaning into his mouth, she felt the rippling starting deep inside her. Loving the feel of his smooth skin against her back, his silky lips against her own, and his hardness rubbing her softness.
Reaching down, she laid her palm over his hand at her stomach and pushed gently downwards.
"Lusty little female," he laughed huskily against her lips.
"You're a tease," she gasped.
"Would I do that to you?"
"Oh yes, you would."
"You wound me deeply. Maybe you don't want me to play anymore?" With a slow, dragging sensation, he pulled out of the shelter of her tender folds and curled up around her back again.
Tera was speechless. The man really did have the devil in him this morning! Rolling onto her back, she propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at him incredulously.
He smirked back at her. It would have worked even better if he didn't have an obvious erection.
Well, two could play at teasing.
Smiling, Tera gave the top of his staff a little tap with the pad of her finger.
He nearly jumped out of his skin, and his hot golden eyes deepened in color, while the black threads writhed lavisciously.
"Since you're not wanting to mate, I'd better be going." Giving his cheek a brisk pat, Tera rolled to the side of the bed, sat up and swung her legs over the edge.
"Like hell!"
Tera was laughing even before his arm snaked around her waist and yanked her back onto the bed. Flipped onto her back, she grinned up at Illam as he rolled on top of her, pinning her to the mattress.
His eyes were sparkling with amusement, and his lips were tilted up at the corners teasingly, but his body spoke differently. She felt the tremor of sexual awareness go through him, felt the heat of his skin, felt the little rubbing sensation of his body as he absentmindedly rubbed up against her in small movements. His manhood felt like a hot brand against her stomach.
"You play with fire," he breathed.
"Come now, you were the one with wounded feelings," she replied. "I was merely following your lead. After all," she arched one brow, "You were the one to withdraw."
"Then maybe I need to lead you back onto the very crooked and lustful path of mating." Lowering his head, he brushed the corner of his mouth against hers. "What do you think makit?"
She nipped his lower lip and laved it with her tongue, knowing she would drive him over the edge a little more. "I think you'll have to show me that you're up to it, Felys." Stars, she loved playing dangerously!
His eyes glowed, and his smile was all teeth. His nostrils flared and he inhaled deeply. "Why, my little female, I do believe I smell arousal."
"No! Really?"
"Oh yes." Shifting slightly to one side, he slowly trailed his hand between her breasts and down her stomach, following the movement with his gaze.
His touch evoked a delicious sensation, and she breathed deeply.
Illam's hand drifted downward, dipping into her belly button and skimming her lower abdomen; he stopped at the juncture of her thighs.
"Open," he growled softly.
The growl made her shiver in anticipation, especially when accompanied by a light raking of his nails across the protective curls on her mound. She obeyed, parting her thighs.
"Bend your furthest knee," he said, his gaze lifting to study her face.
His eyes glowed with arousal, the black threads now twinning sensuously against the golden orbs.
How she loved those eyes, so expressive, reflecting his every mood.
And how she loved his touch.
"You're getting a little bossy," she said huskily, even as she obeyed once more.
His grin was hedonistic. "You can have your turn later." He trailed his hand between her thighs.
"Very sure of yourself, aren't you?" Her breath caught as his finger slipped between the protective folds of her labia to rest against the seam of her body.
"As sure of that as I am that you will greatly approve of this," he replied, his purr once more a lusty rumbled in his chest.
His finger slipped through her wet heat to rest on her perineum, and immediately she tensed, the sensitive nerves in the area coming alive.
Illam watched her closely, his pupils slitting. Delicately he trailed his fingertip back and forth along her perineum.
Hot sparks shivered deliciously in her loins, and, tilting her head back against the pillow, she moaned.
His finger trailed to her vagina, dipped inside, and he rubbed gently around the opening before returning to rub her body's natural lubricant across her perineum. He used light strokes, back and forth, using the movements to dip the tip of his finger into her vagina before stroking back again.
Breath coming faster, heat building inside her, Tera felt her insides tighten as he played with her, stimulating her by the simple process of stroking her perineum, that delicate area so rich with nerve endings.
"Illam," she whispered. "Please..."
"Please what?" His finger dipped deeper into her, hooked and dragged back with a friction that made her push against his hand.
Opening her eyes, she saw him still watching her. Those kiss-me-long-and-deep lips, so sensuous and full, yet so masculine, were smiling slightly in carnal knowledge. His gaze was intense, his nostrils flared slightly as he inhaled her scent. The wisps of hair that had come loose from his braid hung in silky strands around him.
He looked dangerously sexy, uninhibited, and thoroughly licentious. A man who enjoyed mating, who knew how to please a woman, how to make her moan and writhe and beg in sexual heat. Who took pleasure in making her climax.
"You know what," she replied, only to gasp when he tapped her perineum with a firm finger, making her jump.
God above!
"Like that, hmm?"
"You've got an exceedingly lecherous look on your face, Illam." Her voice was husky and a touch accusing.
Still grinning darkly, he flicked his finger lightly against her.
The sensation made her squirm in desire, and involuntarily she tried to close her thighs, tried to squeeze against the sensation, but he prevented the action by rolling over her and settling himself between her thighs, his chest resting on her mound.
Folding his hands atop her stomach, he rested his chin on them and arched a brow at her. "So, you think I look lecherous?"
She didn't know whether to laugh or yell out in frustration. And the infuriating man knew it, his eyes glowing with a mixture of desire and laughter. Well, she'd fix him. Heat might be sparking through her veins, but there would be no satisfaction until he was good and ready.
Well, damn it, she was ready now. It was time to tweak the feral's tail.
Coming up onto her elbows, she gazed down the length of her body at him and arched one brow right back at him.
Illam looked amused.
"Do you know what I want?" Tera asked huskily.
"Me?"
Conceited fur-ball. "I want you, all right." Boldly, she rubbed herself against him, satisfaction flowing through her when she saw the twining black threads slow down against his irises, a sure sign she was coming to recognize as Illam being close to the edge. "I want you in me hard and fast and deep. Think you can go deep enough, Illam?" She licked her lips slowly, watching his gaze follow her tongue. "Think you can stroke deep enough for me to feel you high up inside me?"
"You think to provoke me into mating with you right now?"
"Is it working?"
White teeth flashed. "Keep talking."
Bugger that. "Nope. If my moaning and telling you doesn't work, I'm not wasting my time." Bracing her hands on the mattress, she pulled herself lithely out from beneath him and up the bed in a sitting position.
He barely managed to stop himself from falling flat on his face on the mattress. Catching himself on his elbows, he looked up at her. His expression was one of surprise, then amusement ... and then his gaze dropped down to see between her thighs, which were still spread apart because her calves were now each side of his shoulders. Now the laughter fled to be replaced with, though still faintly amused, a more darker desire.
He inhaled deeply again, and his gaze snapped up to lock onto hers. Now his expression wasn't so teasing anymore. Instead, the dark desire was tinged with something more ... feral.
He pushed back in a graceful move to sit upright and back on his heels, his thick erection long and hard against his flat, muscle-ribbed belly. Still keeping her gaze locked, he curled his fingers around her ankles.
Uh-oh. Tera mentally licked her lips in anticipation. You've done it now, Tera. You've pulled the feral's tail and now he's turned into a stalking beast. Lucky me!
"You enjoy treading on the dangerous side, don't you, female?" Illam growled low in his chest. He started to pull on her ankles in a smooth, unbroken motion.
"I figured a little tail-tweaking would get you moving," Tera replied as she slid down the bed towards him. "You needed a little persuading." Her heart pounded as he gave a small snarl.
"Really?" The rumble in the words would have alarmed her if she didn't know him so well.
"Really."
"You like being in control, female?" he pulled a little more.
"Sometimes." She slid further down the bed towards him.
"Well, guess what?"
"What?"
In a quick movement, he leaned forward, gripped her beneath the knees and jerked, making her tip back onto the bed. His grin was feral, his growl a dark promise. "I'm in control right now."
Whoo boy!
"And I'm going to show you just how deep I can go."
"So stop talking and start showing."
"Bossy little female, aren't you?" He yanked her closer.
Stars! Tera had an idea what he was going to do, and her heart beat double time. The position ... Oh yes!
Illam was close up to her womanhood. Hooking his elbows under her knees, he rose up onto his knees and leaned forward. The whole time he kept his gaze on her face, watching her intently, and she knew he was alert for any sign of discomfort.
But Tera was flexible, and she grinned provocatively up at him. "Give it your best shot, Felys."
He laughed with pure pleasure. "Delcat, you're sassy."
"You can punish me later." Her wink was risqué.
The gold of his eyes darkened richly. Leaning further forward, he forced her bottom to lift, and then her hips came off the mattress. Placing his hands on the mattress either side of her, keeping her knees hooked around the outside of his arms, he inclined forward until he was braced on his arms.
His staff pressed up hot and hard against his stomach, the rigid length flush against the seam of her open body. He flexed his hips, and Tera felt the fire flare through her.
The sensitive nerve endings at her perineum were flush against his hard staff, and every slight movement raked splinters of desire through her.
"Not so sassy now?" He growled low in his throat.
"Illam..." she moaned, all teasing fleeing to be replaced by the fire burning in the pit of her stomach.
Shifting slightly to balance on one hand, Illam reached down to take his engorged staff in one hand. "Watch me." His voice was a harsh with passion. "Watch me as I enter you."
The sparks of fire were skittering beneath her skin once more, the walls of her sheath so moist with need that she could feel it pooling inside her entrance.
Her gaze dropped, and she watched as he drew his staff away from his stomach, watched as he guided the swollen tip between the slick folds of her labia. She was so open to him, the position making her so vulnerable, that she barely felt him against the sides of the labia.
But she felt him at the entrance. Felt the tip just pierce the opening to her vagina, and when he stopped, she raised her gaze to his.
He'd been watching his own progress, but his gaze rose within seconds of hers, and he locked their gazes with the sheer magnetism of his golden eyes.
"Can you take me?" he growled.
"Yes," she whispered huskily, her heart pounding.
"All of me?"
"Yes." God, yes!
"Deep and hard?"
She could only nod.
"You're so open. All the way."
She knew what he meant. The position allowed for deep penetration. Very deep. She was completely open to him.
Curling her fingers into the sheet either side of her, she whispered, "Take me."
Illam didn't wait. Without a second's hesitation, he came down on both hands, braced on either side of her. And as he came down, his body lowering up and over hers, he entered her.
Hard and deep he went. Thick and long, his staff slid straight down the slick passage until the only thing stopping him from going further was the base of his manhood against her entrance. Unable to go further, physically impossible.
Tera gave a cry as she felt him fill her, pushing through and onward, the very length and breadth of his staff taking occupancy of her sheath, traveling the whole length until he was at the very edge of her cervix.
Her breath came from her in a gush of agonized pleasure. Her fingers knotted in the sheet and she arched upwards.
Illam pulled back before allowing gravity and the weight of his body to push him deep inside her again.
She felt every thrust, every deep invasion of her vagina, and her thoughts spun, totally lost in the sheer pleasure, the erotic position and the pure hedonistic flush of heat that poured through her.
She was at his mercy, he controlled the depth---and he was going all the way. Not once did he let up, not once did he falter. His strokes were even, forceful, and the curls at the base of his staff brushed erotically against the seam of her body, adding to the intense sensations.
"Illam..." she whimpered.
"Do you want me to stop?"
"No!"
"Then take me, little mate. Take all of me." He withdrew partially, and then slid back in, his body weight causing her to rock slightly on the bed. "You're so deliciously tight. I can smell your arousal, see you panting for breath. I can see everything you're feeling, Tera." Illam's voice was husky, a deep purr crossed with a growl.
The sensations rocketed through her, fire like molten lava surging through her, her blood sizzling, her nerve endings shrieking for relief.
Arching back again, she closed her eyes and moaned, a breathy cry escaping her.
"Yes, little mate," Illam growled. "Cry out for me."
Her insides were coiling tight, and she felt herself starting to soar towards that climax that she just knew was going to rock her.
And then he changed his technique slightly. Instead of lifting his hips off her to allow himself to withdraw, he started to rock against her. It caused her to hips to rock back and forth against his groin, and she actually sobbed as she felt the nub emerge from the end of his penis to bump over that erogenous point inside her.
There was no relief from that merciless little pleasure seeking nub. Illam's rocking technique ensured that it consistently rubbed over and over the erogenous spot. Tera started to shatter, unable to control the sensations that swamped through her.
She couldn't move her hips of her own free will. He had total control of her body, her legs, the pace---everything. She could only go where he pushed her, and he pushed her higher and higher, giving no quarter, giving no relief.
Dimly she heard him snarl triumphantly.
Dimly she heard herself scream out his name, heard herself begging him. "Please, Illam. Oh God! Please!"
He started to rock against her harder, his every movement thrusting himself deep inside her, that nub rubbing insistently against her.
She screamed, felt the walls of her vagina start to ripple. Hot moisture burst forth from deep inside her, and she could only grip the sheets and pull. Towards the pinnacle high above her? She didn't know. Trying to anchor herself? There was no need. She welcomed the climax coming, welcomed the wild ride of passion, the sheer raw eroticism and carnal heat.
Illam moved back, enough to allow her hips to relax a little and roll back with him, and then he moved hard, rocking forward with an almost ferocious savagery.
Thrusting deep and hard and fast, over and over, pushing her up and over.
She climaxed and totally shattered, stars bursting before her eyes.
Tera didn't think she could handle it when he pushed her onwards mercilessly. Pushed her straight from one climax into another, the nub on the underside of his penis rolling across the erogenous spot without respite, heightening her senses, inflaming her desire over and over.
When he came, his seed didn't have to go far. It spurted directly into the opening of her cervix, hot and thick and potent.
But he still wasn't finished.
A true Felys, his sexual drive as strong as any Argon male's, he pulled free from Tera and expertly rolled her onto her stomach.
She was more than ready for him. Even as the delicious floating sensation filled her, her sexual instinct made her arch her hips up, and when he came down upon her and entered her in one long drive, she squeezed the muscles of her vagina, making him work.
This time it was Illam who hoarsely cried her name out.
Arching up onto her elbows, she tipped her head back, and immediately felt him rub the corner of his mouth hard across her cheek. While his body thrust into her, he nudged her head to the side, exposing her neck, and he fastened his lips against the pulse thundering beneath her skin and sucked hard.
Marking her with his scent and with physical evidence of his possession of her.
His thick length dragging against the walls of her sheath made her squeeze inner muscles tighter still. The sensation of him forcing himself into her, her deliberate resistance making him use power to move, was earthy. Raunchy. And it gave her a sense of power.
As though he sensed it, Illam suddenly set his teeth against her shoulder, the sharpness of his canines scraping her skin, but not painfully. He growled lustily.
His hands slid beneath her hips and somehow, unbelievably, he angled her hips up, succeeding in opening her more to him.
And he slid deeper more easily, his growl now one of victory.
Tera gasped as he angled one arm and slid his hand beneath her, down her stomach, over her mound, and unerringly between her thighs. His finger slid between the sheltering folds of hotly wet skin and rubbed her clitoris.
Pinned beneath him, she couldn't buck at the shock of carnality that speared through her. She couldn't pull away, for his other arm was beneath her, holding her angled over his forearm.
He rode her powerfully, his thrusts forceful, his rubbing of her clitoris firm. But never painful. Never rough. Illam was insistent, demanding, and completely immersed in giving and receiving an orgasm.
Unable to stop herself---and not even wanting to---Tera exploded, the climax shaking through her violently.
At the same instance, Illam shoved hard into her, and hot seed poured forth once more. He strained against her, his hips pumping as she felt her inner muscles squeeze and squeeze and squeeze, involuntarily milking him of his seed.
He shouted his release, her name echoing in the room.
As the orgasm rolled out, he rolled off her with a smothered groan of prurient satisfaction to sprawl decadently beside her on his back. Even as she panted for breath, unable to move, she saw Illam roll onto his side, then practically onto his stomach, one muscled leg coming across her calves while one arm flopped across her back.
Illam snugged in against her, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
It felt good, and she closed her eyes. His faintly wild scent drifted into her senses, along with the scent of sexually sated male, and she couldn't stop from smiling inwardly. Outwardly, she was a little too exhausted to do more than ... well, nothing, really.
Slowly their breathing grew quieter, and then she felt the rasp of his tongue against her throat. A couple of more licks, and then he started purring. It was a very satisfied purr and she smiled.
Oh yeah, it was more than fun to tweak the feral's tail!
"So." He licked her skin. "Shall we move onto punishment now?"
The man really was insatiable.
"And what is my punishment?" she asked with interest.
"It's your turn to ride me."
Well, giddy up. "That's punishment?"
Flopping onto his back, he flung his arms out to the side and grinned at her wickedly. "You only get to do as I say."
"Is that so?" Pushing up to sit back on her heels, she angled her head to the side. "And what if you get lost for words, big, tough feral?"
He snorted his disbelief.
"What if you do?" she persisted.
"Well, then you get to do whatever you want." His grin widened. "And if you don't manage to make me lost for words, I get to do with you whatever I want."
She arched one brow. "Haven't you done that already?"
"Oh, there is lots more I can do." He leered.
He was so cocksure of himself, the arrogant fur-ball. Tera smiled widely.
She was going to remind him that Argon wenches were as skilled in sex play as the males.
"Well, first, I want to have a look at this little nub you seem to have at the end of your penis," she said.
"It only appears when I'm hugely aroused." Illam smirked. "Up to the challenge?"
"Just watch me."
It wasn't long and she finally was able to explore that little pleasure nub, and how about that? Exploring it made Illam go all hot and horny, almost out of control.
Illam was totally lost for words. The only sounds he managed were groans, hisses, and that was only until he had a mind-blowing orgasm that took every sound from his throat, and every breath of air from his lungs.
Watching him shudder in the throes of climax, Tera smiled. Yep, the Felys had learned exactly what an Argon wench could do, given a free reign, as it were. She grinned widely at her own pun. And now it was payback time.
His howl of pure ecstasy soon echoed in the bedroom.
Tera licked her lips. Meow.
The Cave
The sphere didn't stay in the cave for long. As soon as it was deemed safe, it was brought out and set in the holder on the stand. In the moonlight, it shone with a faint blue light.
They all stared at it. This savior of theirs, this bringer of death and freedom combined.
She still wondered, deep inside herself, if they'd done the right thing. Looking around, she caught the deep brown eyes of the other healer turned in her direction. He nodded as though reading her thoughts.
Someone had to stay here. Someone had to stay and ensure that the sphere was brought out into the night. The daytime was too dangerous. The nights brought cover, and most of the healers were nocturnal. Everyone was nocturnal now, sleeping during the day and only moving at night.
Evading the slave hunters was something better suited to their night vision.
It was finally decided that three healers would stay, three healers representing them all.
Three healers to take watch while the sphere was uncovered and sent out freedom and death.
And so the others left, and the three remaining watched the sphere and contemplated the future.
"A healer?' Ropar twitched his ear. "What's an Argon healer doing with the Felys?"
"I'm sure I don't know, Sire," Lazar said politely.
"I'm bloody sure you don't either!" Ropar gave him a disgusted look. "Send in Butca."
Lazar was more than happy to get away from his ill-tempered leader and send the hapless healer inside.
Butca wasn't hugely happy to be in attendance to his alpha, but hid his disquiet. He hoped. Nothing stirred the attack senses more than cowardice. "Sire?"
"An Argon healer has come to the Felys settlement, Butca. What do you make of that?"
Knowing exactly in which direction his alpha's mind was going, Butca replied, "To administer aid?"
"I have it on good authority---"
Which means by word of mouth, several times over, Butca thought in disgust.
"That the Felys have enlisted aid in finding out what is causing the runts." Spinning on his heel, Ropar snarled. "Which means those ferals do have a disease!"
"Maybe," Butca whined. "There is no proof---"
"Then we need proof." Ropar bared his teeth. "And until then, I want guards patrolling the swamp boundary! These ferals aren't to even set one toe across the boundary!"
"Shall I get Lazar, Sire? To make those arrangements?"
"And if we get a chance to get the Argon healer to tell us what she knows---"
"Sire, the Argons don't allow just anyone to approach their healer. And the healer is on Felys' territory..."
"There are always opportunities." Ropar snarled at Butca. "What the hell are you still doing here? Get me Lazar!"
Wondering what the hell his alpha was up to now, Butca hurried from the room.
The rain was clearing finally. Tera peered out of the healers' hut and saw the first rays of sun peeking through the rapidly dispersing clouds.
"The day after tomorrow I can take the data collector back to the scout ship," she told Rilla. "Father might have some news for me in regards to the data I've already sent."
Rilla nodded. "That is good."
"So how long do you think it will take for him?" Marx queried.
"To return his findings on this?" Rilla added, waving her hand at the specimen jars she was stacking into the container.
"A couple of days, maybe more or less." Tera shrugged. "I've given him three days in-between each sending of samples."
There was silence, and then Marx queried, "How long until you have all the samples collected?"
"Do you think?" Rilla tacked on.
"Hmm?" Frowning, Tera looked up from where she was recording data. "Oh, I'm not sure." Getting up from the chair, she crossed to the containers stacked against the wall and contemplated them. "Let's see, body specimens, plant and food specimens, work and dye specimens. Environmental data." She scratched her belly thoughtfully. "What am I missing?"
"Me?" Illam's voice came from behind her.
Tera glanced over her shoulder to see him lounging against the door frame, looking incredibly epicurean with his low-slung pants and shirtless chest. Yummy. She arched a brow teasingly. "My my. Finally got the energy to get out of bed, hmm?"
His grin was lazy. "Took me awhile, I admit."
Marx nudged Rilla. "Fancy Illam admitting that!"
"Never thought I'd hear him," Rilla replied.
"Say that," Marx finished.
"Oh, Illam just learned that Argons and Felys really are evenly matched in the bed," Tera waved her hand airily.
"Just in the bed?" Illam drawled, a wicked glint in his eyes. "I somehow remember a lusty time spent over a chair, against a wall---"
"Why don't you just give Rilla and Marx a blow-by-blow account of your sexual prowess?" Tera suggested.
"It was more thrust-by-thrust."
She rolled her eyes.
Marx grinned broadly.
"I find it most refreshing that you're not embarrassed," Rilla commented.
"About what?" Tera eyed Illam thoughtfully, acknowledging the lick of fire low in her belly. She was amused to see the answering glow in his eyes.
"Having sexual relations," Rilla replied bluntly.
"Many races don't like openly talking abut it," Marx added.
"But you're different," Rilla finished.
Tera shrugged. "Argons are a sexual race, we don't pretend otherwise. There's nothing to be ashamed of when two people care for each other, or simply share pleasure in intimacy." She walked back to the table and picked up the data collector, conscious of Illam watching her every move.
"That is good." Rilla nodded approvingly.
"However," Tera said conversationally, "If Illam starts to blab every detail of our time together, I'll castrate him." She smiled directly at Illam. "You understand, of course."
Rilla and Marx gasped in horror.
"You do know that you just insulted me." He looked amused rather than insulted.
"And you'd insult me by sharing intimate details." Tera met his gaze levelly. "I have no problem with anyone knowing we enjoyed the night together, but I draw the line at anything that happened between us during that time becoming public knowledge."
"Fair enough." Pushing away from the door frame, he crossed the room with long, fluid strides, and came to a stop before her. Leaning down, he gave her a soft kiss, and whispered, "I would never insult you, makit."
"And I won't castrate you," she returned with a sweet smile. "So we'll both be happy."
He laughed, low and pleasantly. Then he moved to place the corner of his mouth against her cheek and rubbed his scent along her skin. Inhaling, he smiled with satisfaction and stepped back.
"Oh goody," Tera said. "Marked again."
"You'll be scented anyway," Rilla said.
"Oh?"
"Remember? The scent of the male remains in the female that he's nature-mated to," Marx explained.
"It enters her system during the first mating," Rilla contributed.
"And remains with her for life." Curiosity was plain on his face, but he hesitated.
Tera looked up at Illam, and felt the warmth sweep through her at his tender expression.
"Makit," he purred.
"Illam..."
"Yes?"
"I think we need to talk."
"My bed or yours?"
She whacked him on the arm, his teasing easing her inner turmoil. "Dolt!"
"You're lucky I love you, or I'd take offense," he stated.
Tera froze. Did he just say what I think he said? Surely not. Surely---
"I think we'd better go," Rilla said hastily.
"No, I think they'd better go," Marx corrected her. "We have patients coming here soon."
"Sorry. You're right." Rilla looked at Tera. "You should both go."
"You're throwing me out?" was what Tera said, but inside she was awhirl with thoughts. He couldn't have ... he did ... he said ... I must have heard wrong ... I ... oh stars!
Illam was looking at her with a mixed expression on his handsome face. Tenderness, a dash of worry, a big dose of confidence, and a fraction of uncertainty.
"You're right," he said at her continued, shocked silence. "We do need to talk."
Taking her hand, he led her from the healers' hut and down the steps.
Thoughts muddled, Tera caught sight of Wylin standing outside Denyon's house talking to the Felys' Captain. He caught sight of her and she knew he was wondering if she was all right.
He'd been sitting at the table in their house, drinking a cup of hot una when she'd walked in that morning. He hadn't asked anything except to arch one brow. Tera had replied with a dreamy smile and continued through to her bedroom.
Now she could feel the intensity of his gaze, and knew he'd registered her blank features. Not wanting to alarm him, she gave him a reassuring wave. The last thing she needed now was to have one protective bodyguard listening in on her conversation with Illam.
And just what was she going to do about that conversation, anyway?
Illam didn't say anything. She thought he was taking her to his house but instead he led her around to the back and onto the big verandah. Two old armchairs sheltered back against the wall, a rug neatly folded on one of them.
"Would you like to sit?" Illam asked when she turned to face him.
"No." Placing her hands on the rail, Tera looked into the forest right behind his house. "Nice view."
He stood beside her with his hands loosely linked behind his back. "I spend time out here when I relax."
"Or when you're not lounging around on your front verandah." She glanced sideways at him, a small smile playing around her lips.
"I've taken to haunting the front verandah to watch you as you go to and fro on your rounds," he answered frankly.
"I'm touched."
"Please, allow me instead." He reached for her.
She grabbed his hand with a little laugh. "Illam, now is not the time."
He sighed. "Damn."
Turning, she leaned her hips back against the rail and looked up at him. "Back in the healers' hut, did you mean what you said?"
He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "About loving you, yes." The golden eyes watched her intently.
The man was nothing if not honest, she had to give him that.
Tera looked at him searchingly. "You said before that we're nature-mated."
"Yes." His gaze didn't falter.
"Nature-mated meaning a pair for life."
"Yes."
"And you love me."
His gaze softened. "Yes."
Taking a deep breath, Tera turned and stared out at the forest. He loved her, but did she love him? Bracing her hands on the rail, she sighed inwardly. She couldn't deny the thrill his admission gave her. The sense of being wanted and loved was something she'd never thought to feel again. The problem was, did she return that love?
Leaning down next to her, Illam rested his forearms on the railing. The sounds of day flyers chittering amongst the trees sounded on the fresh, rain-kissed air. The sun came out fully, flooding the area with warmth.
"Tell me what you're thinking, Tera," he asked quietly. "I need to know."
"I'm not sure."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"Illam..." She hesitated.
"It's bad?"
"No. No, it's..." Blowing out a breath of air, Tera closed her eyes briefly.
"The females of my clan are happy when a male declares his love," Illam said. "You look as though you don't know whether to laugh or cry. Shouldn't that be my role?"
"Why? You're the one who said he loved me. I think I have every right to be disconcerted."
"Tera, I told you we were nature-mated. If you didn't want to take this further, why make me decide about your culture, about us? Why willingly go through a sexual peak with me?" He looked up at her from his resting position against the railing. "Why even mention a relationship?"
He wasn't telling her anything she didn't already know. Not one to suffer fools gladly, and with an impatience for anyone not willing to be truthful, Tera didn't flinch from being honest.
"I'm attracted to you. I do have feelings, strong feelings. I'd have to have feelings to be able to be so intimate with you." She returned his gaze steadily. "I don't do oral sex with just anyone, you know, much less swallow."
She saw his eyes darken in memory, the pupils dilate and his nostrils flare slightly.
"If you tell me you can smell the scent of arousal on me, Illam, I swear I'll bust you."
His lips twitched in amusement but he grew serious in an instant. "So you admit to feeling strongly about me. Do you love me?"
On the point of saying she didn't know, Tera stopped. That wasn't totally the truth. She remembered thinking that it might be too late to stop her heart from being broken again. The feelings she had for Illam...
She focused on him again, her gaze running over his face. His features were strong, with a touch of the feline. His long, silky hair was confined in a ponytail that hung down his back to his waist. The thick bands of chocolate were pulled behind his pointy-tipped ears. Sensuous lips that could laugh, tease and make her moan were now set in a firm line. His jaw was squared. The threads in his golden eyes writhed agitatedly, the only sign of his uncertainty.
He was a contradiction of self assured Felys male, and a vulnerable uncertainty when it came to her. Infuriating, kind, humorous ... and arrogant. Well, I am truthful!
Tera sighed. "I think I'm falling in love with you, Illam."
The black threads slowed down in his eyes, a sign of his relief, but he was astute. "And this is a problem, why?"
"It's not really a problem."
"Is it because I live in the forests?" Illam frowned. "Is it because you want the luxuries of your own home? The huge palace, the technology?"
Tera shook her head. "Not at all. If I love a man, I'm happy to make my home with him. Home is where the heart is."
"You would have no problem giving up your old home to live with me?"
"I can visit my family, they can visit me. It's what I'd expect." She inhaled the smell of wildflowers. "I would never agree to being cut off from them."
"I wouldn't expect you to." Illam straightened, but kept his hands on the rail. "So what is the problem, Tera? You admit that you're falling in love with me, you say you'd be happy to stay with the man you love. Why the hesitation?"
"I don't honestly know. No, I do. You're certain of your love for me, Illam, but I'm not so sure how much I love you."
Her words were greeted with silence.
"Please, don't be hurt." Reaching out, she laid her hand over his. "It's all been so fast. I need to be sure, Illam. I can't simply take a chance on something of which I'm not a hundred percent certain."
Turning his hand over he linked his fingers through hers and remained silent, his gaze searching hers.
She didn't look away.
Turning, Illam faced her fully. "Tera, I love you. You're my nature-mate. I'll wait for you for as long as it takes."
The simple promise not only surprised her, it touched her to her very soul. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat.
"Your culture is different to mine," Illam continued with quiet sincerity. "You've accepted a lot since you've been here. Now it is time I respect your beliefs, and wait for you to decide if you love me enough to stay with me."
Tera didn't know what to say. She'd expected him to rant and rave, to be upset. To yowl, snarl, growl, anything but this quiet acceptance and patience.
"Why do you look as though you're going to cry?" Placing his finger beneath her chin, Illam tilted her face up. "Have I said it the wrong way? Upset you?"
"No." She sniffed. "I just ... I expected you to stalk off twitching your bum."
His mouth dropped open. "I beg your pardon?"
"I thought you'd be mad---"
"What did you say about my behind?"
"You twitch the muscles in your buttocks when you're mad."
"I do not."
"You do." She grinned faintly through the tears. "If you were a lycat and had a tail, you'd be swishing it."
"So you think I twitch my arse because I don't have a tail?"
"Now you're mad."
He laughed softly and gathered her into his arms, hugging her close. "No, I'm not mad. Insulted, but not mad."
Slipping her arms around his waist, she leaned her cheek against the smooth, warm skin of his chest.
"And it gives me an excuse to hold you," he teased.
"You need an excuse?"
"No. I just thought it sounded good."
She nestled closer. "You're a good man, Illam."
His heart thumped steadily beneath her ear. They stood in silence for several minutes, simply enjoying each others company.
Tera knew Illam hadn't heard what he really wanted to hear, but she wasn't going to lie to him either.
"Tera," Illam said softly.
"Mmm?"
"Is your research nearly done?"
Her eyes opened. Where was this leading? "I guess so. Depending on what Father finds out through the data collected, it might be tomorrow or next week or a month from now. Why?"
"If I'm willing to wait for you to make up your mind..."
"Yes?"
"Would you be willing to stay here for a while?"
Tilting her head back, Tera gazed up at him. "Stay?"
"How are you going to know if you really love me, if you don't spend more time with me?"
"I guess that's fair," she said slowly, suddenly realizing that she'd not thought about the time she had left for research.
"You'll stay here?"
A sudden thought occurred to her. "Am I allowed to stay after the research?"
"Of course."
"Then I guess the answer is yes." At his low purr, she added, "For a time, just to make sure."
"You know I'm going to work on making you fall deeper in love with me?" He lowered his face towards her.
"By ravishing me?" That sounded like a good idea.
"It's not always ravishing," he replied, and kissed her so gently and tenderly that it shook her to the very tips of her toes.
His lips touched hers gently, his tongue traced the seam of her lips carefully, and when he stroked in, it was with the tenderest glide imaginable.
His arms cradled her to him.
Every kiss with Illam had been hard, urgent, and demanding. This kiss was that of a lover cherishing the one he desired the most in the world.
And Tera fell a little more in love with him.
When he lifted his head, his golden eyes glowed with tender warmth that made her reach out and smooth her palm down his cheek. He purred with pleasure, closing his eyes and turning his cheek into her touch.
"Illam?" Denyon called.
Sighing, Illam opened his eyes and straightened up. "I'm sorry, Tera."
"It's okay." She stepped back with a small smile. "I have work to do."
"I'll see you later," he said. "Tonight."
He went from tender lover to hedonistic lover within seconds, his gaze hungrily raking her body before he tried to hide it with a sweet smile.
"Too late, Felys," Tera said. "I saw that."
"I can't help it. I'm hungry, and you're a delectable dish."
"Really? Well, you'll have to wait until tonight to feast, won't you?" She winked.
"I might stop by for an afternoon snack."
"Eat too much and you'll get fat."
"I'm not the one doing the swallowing."
"Ah, but that's protein. Fat burner."
His grin was carnal. "I have more where that came from."
"I'm sure you do."
"Illam?" Denyon's voice sounded from the kitchen.
"Here!" Illam called back. Then he brushed his thumb across Tera's bottom lip and said softly, "I love you, makit."
"What are you doing lurking out here?" The back door swung open and Denyon strode out. "Oh---sorry."
"That's all right. I have to go back to work." Tera stepped off the verandah. "I'll see you later, Illam."
"Remember that snack."
She laughed even as she walked away.
Crossing to the healers' hut, she suddenly became aware of several strangers in the settlement. Talking to Shar and Almire, at first glance there was nothing unusual about them. But then Tera noticed that the men wore uniforms. Neither was shirtless, and they wore their uniforms as though born to them. Totally at ease, their lasers strapped to their thighs.
At a sudden thought, Tera glanced at their hair. Rather than the long hair that brushed the waists of the Felys people, these men had hair that only reached down to their shoulder blades. Tied neatly back, one had pure black hair, while the other had ginger and white. One and two-shaded hair color.
Were these the Lypeople? The species closely related to the Felys, and the ones the Felys worked for?
One of the men turned, and his gaze settled unerringly on Tera. He had one green eye, and one blue. And he had a more polished, civilized air about him.
No doubt about it, these two men were Lypeople.
The man said something to Almire, who replied quietly.
Wondering what they had come for, Tera continued to the healers' hut. Once inside, she greeted Rilla and Marx, avoided their curious queries with a laughing 'bugger off', and recommenced recording the data collected the day before.
Rilla continued compiling of the specimen jars into the containers, while Marx changed the dressings on some scratches a hot-headed pair of Felys kits had bestowed on each other while playing.
Listening to the scolding their mother was giving them, Tera grinned. The Felys might be a feline-type species, but families seemed to be the same everywhere.
Sitting in the Meeting Hall with Denyon, Illam watched as the Felys leaders came in with the two Lymen. He knew them both, having trained with them on the recruit scout ships.
Taj, the dark-haired Lyman, took the seat opposite him and nodded. Ryles, the ginger and white haired Lyman, gave him a friendly smile.
Denyon greeted them both cordially.
"I'm afraid Taj and Ryles come with disturbing news," Shar said as she took the chair at the head of the table.
"Oh?" Denyon raised one brow.
"It might be best if they explain," Almire suggested.
The Felys all looked at the two Lymen.
Taj met their gazes soberly. "I understand the Argon healer has yet to discover the reasons of your runts increasing numbers?"
"She's awaiting test results," Denyon replied.
"Let's hope she gets something good real soon." Taj said. "The hounds are starting to bay."
"Ropar?" Denyon frowned. "What about?"
"It seems they've been having an increasing number of runts born this year."
Illam's ears pricked slightly. "Runts? They're getting runts in their litters?"
"They've always had the odd one, but the numbers are increasing."
"So you're hoping Tera gets the answer to help them as well?"
Taj grimaced. "I'm wanting answers to avert a possible fight."
Illam looked at Denyon then back at Taj. "Fight?"
Ryles spoke up. "They know the runt numbers are on the increase with the Felys, and they're starting to think you have some kind of disease that's somehow passing onto their females."
"That's ridiculous!" Denyon scowled. "If there was disease, it would have spread years ago. Our people are clean!"
"Tera would have picked up any sign of disease immediately," Illam added.
"We know the Felys are clean," Taj said. "Even our own tests proved that. But Ropar is looking for someone to blame, and because of the runt history, the Felys are the targets."
"He's going to attack?"
"Not yet. But he's impatient. He's demanding proof that this isn't caused by the Felys."
"We don't have proof of anything." Denyon was still scowling. "Tera is working hard to gather everything she can."
"She's analyzed everything she has so far?"
"She's transferred the data to Argon. We go back to the scout ship in a day or so to send more, and so that she can collect any information from the Argon healers."
"Then you'd better pray they have discovered something." Taj looked grimly at Shar and Almire. "Meanwhile, keep everyone close to the settlement. I've brought some extra security with me."
"You're taking this very seriously," Almire observed.
"Ropar is bad-tempered, and his decisions aren't always as rational as they should be." Taj shrugged. "This is just a precaution."
"You'll have to take Tera to the scout ship via the tunnels, Denyon," Shar decided.
And this time, Illam was going to accompany her. If trouble was brewing, he didn't want her out of his sight.
"Illam, alert the men," Denyon said quietly. "Set guards on the perimeters, and inform the parents to keep their kits inside the settlement. We're taking no chances."
The settlement became a hive of activity. After sending three of his men to speak to the parents, Illam organized the guards and a roster. Then he sought out Tera in the healers' hut.
When he entered, he saw Marx there alone. "Where's Tera?"
"She's gone to collect water samples from the swamp. Denyon's mother, Tabitha, is with her and some of the Felys kits. They're walking by the way. They said they'd spend the day collecting more samples as they went."
"Shit!"
"What's wrong?"
"Is Wylin with her?"
"Of course."
Ignoring Marx's alarmed face, Illam ran from the hut and quickly mustered two Felys and three security Lymen, all fully armed, to accompany him to the swamp. Hopefully they'd catch up with Tera before she got too far.
Climbing aboard a hover tray, the military group headed at high speed through the forest in the direction pointed out to them by a young Felys male.
An hour later, they caught up with the small party, who stopped at the sight of the hover tray.
Wylin noted their weapons, and immediately he moved partially in front of both Tera and the Felys, motioning the kits behind him.
As the hover tray came to a halt, Illam jumped down. "There's been some trouble with Ropar's pack---"
"Ropar's pack?" Wylin raised his brows in query.
"That other species on the other side of the swamp. Those hell-hounds." Illam assisted Tabitha onto the hover tray and reached for Tera. "They have some fool notion that we're the cause of their increased runt numbers, and Ropar, being unpredictable, is regarding us as a threat."
"You're confining everyone to the settlement?" Wylin jumped up onto the hover tray beside Tera.
"Just inside the perimeters, which includes the work fields. Close to the settlement in case something goes wrong."
"But I need samples of the swamp water," Tera said. "It may hold the answer to the runts."
"No one is going near the swamp right now," Illam told her. "The swamp is the boundary, and no one goes near that boundary until the danger is over."
About to say something, Tera looked at Illam and closed her mouth. A frown creased her smooth forehead.
"No one," Illam said sternly.
"All right." She glanced at Wylin.
The inscrutable bodyguard kept a blank face, but his gaze was constantly sweeping the area around them as the hover tray went back to the settlement. Illam knew exactly what he was thinking, though, for he didn't miss the subtle way Wylin was leaning towards Tera, ready to grab her at the first sign of trouble. He also glanced at Tabitha several times, and Illam knew he'd save Tera first, and then the Felys female and kits. His duty was to Tera first, his instinct for the Felys' safety next. Illam's opinion of the Argon bodyguard, already high, notched up higher.
The Felys kits chattered excitedly, their eyes enormous at the thought of a fight to come. One little Felys male spat and hissed, and did a fair imitation of clawing someone's eyes out.
One of the Felys males spoke solemnly to the kit. "It is good you want to protect your family, kit, but be aware to choose your fights wisely."
"I'll scratch those mutts' eyes out!" The kit spat. "Threaten us, will they? Rowr!"
Tera looked startled, and then hurriedly turned a laugh into a cough. Illam grinned at her behind the kit's back.
Tabitha stroked her hand down the kit's back, making it arch and break into a blissful purr. "Ah, little feral, you make us proud. But be warned, you are to listen to our leaders and not go wandering off."
The sparkle left the kit's eyes, and he looked suddenly woebegone. "Oh."
"Everyone is to stay in the settlement," Illam said sternly. "That goes for adults as well as kits. And visitors," he added, his gaze going to Tera.
She crossed her eyes at him behind the kit's back.
The little healer really was a cheeky chit. Illam licked his lips. "Night is coming, and all should be safe in their beds." And you'll be in my bed, Tera. Let's see how cheeky you are then.
She smirked.
Illam shook his head in mock sadness.
The trip back to the settlement was accomplished quickly, and once Illam had sent the kits and Denyon's mother safely home, he followed Wylin and Tera into the healers' hut. There, he found Taj and Ryles waiting along with Shar and Almire.
He introduced Tera and Wylin to the Lymen, noting the way Taj looked them over with a combination of interest and wariness.
"We're pleased that you have come to aid our cousins," Taj said.
"We're hoping to find out the cause of the runts," Tera replied.
"I hope you find it soon." Taj began, and stopped suddenly. His pupils dilated and he inhaled subtly, his gaze flicking to Illam in surprise.
Illam met his stare blandly, daring him to say something. The Lyman had caught Illam's scent on Tera.
To Taj's credit, he didn't say anything, but continued talking, his gaze studying Tera with more interest than previously. "When do you hear back from your father?"
"Well, I was going to go the day after tomorrow to the scout ship, but if things are getting urgent, I guess I could go tomorrow and get an update." Her eyes narrowed suddenly. "Have you got a problem, Lyman?"
"Uh---no."
"Because you're staring at me, and you look as though you're not sure if you've got a whiff of something bad or not at the same time."
Illam laughed, enjoying his friend's disconcertion at Tera's forthrightness.
"Apologies." Taj cleared his throat. "I couldn't help but..."
This time it was Tera who met his gaze blandly, daring him to say something.
Standing in a deceptively relaxed stance just to Tera's right, Wylin watched the byplay with an equally bland expression, but his eyes were alert for any sign of trouble.
"Anyway," Ryles came to Taj's rescue. "If you could contact the Argons tomorrow, we would appreciate it."
Seizing gratefully on the topic once more, Taj nodded. "Any news would be good."
Tera sighed. "I was hoping to get a sample of the swamp water."
"It's important?" Ryles's pupils slitted. "You think it could have some bearing on the runts?"
"Anything is important to rule out causes," Tera replied. "I have specimens of almost everything except the swamp water, and some of the plants that grow there."
Ryles looked at Taj. "Maybe some of our men could collect the swamp water."
"Possibly." Taj frowned. "How soon do you need it, Tera?"
"As soon as possible. If I can have it before tomorrow, I can get the data to Father at the scout ship."
"Very well. Ryles, send two of the men to get a sample."
"Here's a specimen jar." Tera hurried over to the table, passing Ryles as she did so.
And wouldn't you know it? The ginger and white Lyman's eyes widened and he inhaled deeply, his startled gaze turning to Illam. Illam grinned back at him proudly. Ryles closed his mouth, biting back the questions that Illam just knew were trembling on the tip of his tongue.
Tera handed a small bag of jars to Ryles. "Ask your men to get a sample of the water as well as the plant-life there. If we can't go back there for a while, it's best I get all the samples while I can."
"You're going to be busy compiling all the data," Marx finally spoke up.
"Before tomorrow," Rilla added.
"I'll work on it tonight. It's important, seeing as someone else is sniffing around and getting stroppy." Tera rubbed her temple thoughtfully.
Aw, that's not good. If she's busy tonight, there won't be any diddling. Illam frowned, and then grinned to himself. But I can come in here and give her a supper snack.
"I'll stay and help," Rilla declared.
Oh, crap.
"Me too." Marx nodded. "With all of us working, we should have it done in no time."
Great idea. Make it quick.
"Are you sure?' Tera looked at the healers.
"Absolutely," Marx said.
"Of course." Rilla nodded.
"I think it's a great idea," Illam said. "You can get it done quicker."
Now everyone in the hut was giving him wry looks. Well, Delcat. He managed to look suitably puzzled at their expressions.
"On your own, it'll take nearly all night." Rilla turned her attention to Tera once more.
And there'll be no time for diddling. That's not good. How can I get Tera to fall for me if she's got her head down and delectable bottom up, working? Her head should only be down when she's working on me. He was getting a hard-on just thinking about it.
"With all three of us working on the specimens," Rilla said.
"We can get it done sooner," Marx stated.
Oh yeah.
"We could have it done by about two or three in the morning." Rilla nodded.
Oh no.
"I'll be staying as well," Wylin stated quietly. "If Tera has work to do, I'll kip down in the corner of the hut. Help if I can." His gaze cut to Illam.
Illam saw the laughter in the bodyguard's eyes, and wondered if he was so transparent after all.
Another thought struck him. "If Tera, Rilla and Marx work most of the night, Tera will be too exhausted to go to the scout ship."
"Nonsense," Tera replied. "I'll go straight to bed as soon as we've finished. I can get a good five or six hours sleep before we head off. I'll be fine."
"She'll be fine," Wylin echoed.
Illam scowled at him. "How could you say that?"
"Because I've seen Tera wandering around the palace at all times of the night and early morning when she's working on something. Trust me, I've seen Tera working on three hours sleep many a time."
"Don't fret, Illam," Tera said. "I'll be fine. Now," she turned to Ryles. "Can the specimens get back to me by nightfall?"
"My men will go as fast as they can." Ryles took his leave.
"I guess we'd better get started on the rest of this data, then." Tera rubbed her hands briskly. "Wylin, you might as well rest up or read or something. There's nothing here for you to do."
Taj, Ryles, Shar and Almire left the hut. Wylin walked out onto the verandah and took a seat in the chair near the railing. Stretching out his legs, he looked relaxed, but Illam knew he was watching the surroundings for any hint of trouble. He heard the Argon ask Taj if there was anything he could do to help with security, and heard Taj's reply that he'd call him if needed.
Rilla and Marx started to sort through the remaining specimens.
Tera looked at Illam and smiled, but he could see that her thoughts were already on data collecting, just by the way her hand slid over the data collector. He could remember the way her hand slid over him, and knew he had to leave the hut before his hard-on started again. Besides, he had a lot still to do to ensure the safety of the settlement.
Crossing the room, he smoothed a lock of her hair behind her ear. "I'll see you later, makit."
"Of course." She smile up at him, but suddenly her smile faltered. "Oh no!"
"What's wrong?"
"What about Samon and Farra? Didn't Samon take her away for her heat phase?"
"Jocat!" He gave her a quick, hard kiss and spun on his heel. "I'll sort this out and get word to Samon now."
He left the hut and sought out Denyon, finding him, as he suspected, at the Meeting Hall. Maps were glowing on the walls showing the swamp, and the areas of the three species that inhabited Scytha. Denyon, Aras and Melar were standing by the maps with Taj, Shar and Almire.
Denyon looked around sharply as Illam hurried in. "What's wrong?"
"Samon and Farra are out in the forest somewhere."
"Oh no." Almire's ears twitched.
Denyon started snapping out orders. "Aras, get one of our men to accompany you to Samon's encampment. Hopefully Farra will have had her heat phase by now, and they'll just be snuggling."
"We can't interrupt if she hasn't," Shar said. "She'll tear him and us to pieces."
"Then we need to place a guard around the area until she's through the heat phase." Denyon pointed to a small area on the map, not far from the settlement. "Samon was going to take her to the big cave here when the time came. Check there first."
"Let us know what is happening and what you're doing by contacting us on the communicators." Illam saw the box containing the small pins on the desk, and he took several out and handed it to Aras.
"Take one of my men with you," Taj said. "If you meet the hell hounds on the way, you'll have reinforcement and safety through one of mine being with you."
Denyon nodded, and Aras left the Hall.
"You think this will turn into something really nasty?" Almire asked Taj.
"You know what they're like, Almire. Pack instinct. If Ropar gets them all worked up, we may have a problem. The Lypeople are neutral zone, but Ropar won't worry about that if his blood scent gets up."
Almire looked at Shar worriedly.
"Don't worry," Taj said. "The Lypeople Council has recalled all scout ships back to Scytha. They're on standby in case of trouble. And we won't be recalling any Felys for the scout ships." His gaze flicked to Illam and Denyon. "Their place is with their people in cases like this."
"Thanks," Shar sighed.
"Trust me, if it comes down to a fight, we side with our cousins. Especially as the reason is ludicrous." Taj shook his head. "Not a brain in the lot of that pack."
Illam spent the rest of the day securing the outlying areas. Though the Felys continued working in the fields, sentries were posted nearby, and several scouts were sent to check the perimeters of the settlement and working areas.
The Felys kits were kept back at the settlement, and several scouts were sent to bring in the runts, who were merrily running through the forests, and any Felys who hadn't heard the news. A siren was also sounded to warn the runts and anyone not in the settlement of possible danger.
Illam heard back from Aras. Farra was near the end of her heat phase, so they were keeping guard around the area until the phase was finished, then they'd all return. He could hear Farra's growling in the distance.
By midafternoon, everyone was accounted for. Now they just had to wait for any news that Tera might get from Argon the next day.
Taj's men brought back the specimens and took them into the healers' hut.
Illam found out from Zira, his sister, that the healers weren't going to break from their data collecting and specimen string. They were eating while they worked.
Knowing time was of the essence, he stopped by the healers' hut to see how things were going. As he expected, Wylin was sitting in a comfortable chair and eating from a bowl of stew. The healers were sitting and eating as well, discussing their findings.
Tera smiled up at him as he entered. "I hear Samon and Farra were found."
"Yes. They're safe, and are being guarded."
"How long until Farra's heat is finished?"
"Morning possibly. Aras said it was close."
"Good." She took a spoonful of stew. "What are you doing?"
"Can I help you?"
"There's nothing you can do, I'm afraid. Marx and Rilla have the specimen packing under control, and I'm just entering the data. Even Wylin is getting bored."
"Wylin is doing just fine," Wylin said. "Wylin is just getting calluses on his arse."
"Poor baby." Tera grinned at him. "I did tell you to go to bed or have a break."
"Where you go, I go." Wylin resumed eating.
Tera placed her bowl on the table. "So what are you doing tonight, Illam?"
"Obviously going to bed alone." Illam sighed.
"Poor baby," Tera said again. "Never mind, my lonely little feral, I'll make it up to you later, I promise." She winked at him.
"I'll hold you to that." Illam dropped a kiss on top of her head.
"I'll hold anything you want," she said huskily.
By Delcat! "You're a witch, female." Grabbing hold of her chin, Illam held her still for a more thorough kiss. His tongue slid between her lips and he tasted long and deep before withdrawing to give her a more chaste kiss on the lips.
When he lifted his head, her eyes had taken on a more heavy look, the crystal blue of her eyes holding seductive promises.
"Later," he purred, and left the hut.
Then he had to have a cold shower before he went up in flames. Delcat, the little healer had the power to give him a hard-on with just a few teasing words and hot promises!
Lucky me. He purred. Now if the problem with the runts could be sorted out, and trouble diverted, he could work solely on getting Tera into his life permanently.
The Cave
The sphere didn't appear to work straight away. But then gradually, they saw the fruit born of their labors.
She was told of the delivery of the first of the new ones. The first to benefit from the sphere. The first of the new life and death.
And then another was born from the other species, and yet another from the third.
And so it had begun. Life and death. Freedom.
And no one but the makers of the sphere would know who the saviors were. No one but the makers would even know of the sphere.
Illam greeted Tera at the door to her house with a kiss and a hug. A long, deep kiss which she was more than happy to return.
"I half expected you to be panting at my door when I got home last night," she teased him.
"I'm not happy about your working such long hours," he replied. "Did you really think I'd make you mate when you need your rest?"
"I bet that just about broke your heart." Tera patted his chest.
He growled.
"But I am touched by your thoughtfulness." She smiled sweetly up at him.
"You're forgiven."
"What, no punishment?" She pouted.
Later." He patted her bottom. "When you'll be at my mercy. You'll need all your strength then."
"If I remember correctly, you were the one who was almost unconscious in bed, while I went happily off to work." Leaning into Illam, she fluttered her eyelashes provocatively at him.
For once Illam didn't have an answer.
Wylin laughed as he passed him on the way out onto the verandah. "Give up."
"Never!" Illam said, and swatted Tera on the backside as she passed. "Come on, female. Get your stuff and we'll contact your father."
"You like my bottom, don't you?"
"I've seen a lot of it." His grin was all teeth.
"You know I've just had breakfast, don't you?" Wylin squinted into the sunlight. "Don't make me get indigestion."
"You're just sour because you haven't had sex for a while." Tera hooked her arm through his. "I did see a pretty little Felys eyeing you yesterday."
"My duty is to you. Once back on Argon, I can dip my wick to my heart's content," Wylin informed her.
She laughed affectionately. "My hero."
Illam would have been uncomfortable with their closeness, but he now understood that it was a brother/sister relationship and nothing else, so he was able to enjoy the banter between the Argons.
They met Denyon and Taj coming towards them, and Denyon led them to the Meeting Hall. At the back of the Meeting Hall, Denyon touched one of the lower panels, and the stage slid aside to reveal steps leading downwards.
"Let me guess," Wylin drawled. "This leads to the scout ships."
"It's the tunnels," Denyon confirmed.
Illam led the way down the steps, holding Tera's hand as he did so. He loved the feel of her small palm against his.
The tunnel was deep beneath the Meeting Hall, and it was wide, allowing them to walk easily abreast. It took only one hour to make it to the cave that stored the scout ships.
Illam went inside with Tera, watching as she slipped the data collector into place and keyed in the code for Argon.
Kiile greeted her first. "Good to see you again. Where's Wylin?"
"He's waiting outside." Tera answered. "How are Katina and Lysie doing?"
"Very well." Kiile grinned. "They're keeping Hanna occupied."
"Still fretting for Shamon, is she?"
"Hanna likes big men."
"In both departments." Tera cast Illam a sly glance. "I know the feeling."
Kiile studied her for several seconds, his gaze switching to Illam and back to her. "I see."
Illam stiffened. "I assure you, Kiile, I mean no disrespect to Tera or the Argons."
"I never said you did," Kiile returned evenly. "Tera's love life is her own affair. As long as she doesn't get hurt---"
"Let me guess. You'll rip my head off?"
"Ah, Wylin has already spoken to you. I don't have to repeat it, then." Kiile's smile held a warning. "We do understand each other, don't we?"
"Perfectly." Illam's grin was an answering flash of sharp teeth.
"Stars above," Tera said. "The testosterone is thick in here."
Kiile's smile to her was friendlier. "Wait until Lysie hears about this."
"I'm sure you'll just love telling her."
"You have no idea just how much I will enjoy it."
"Small minds are easily amused."
He laughed outright.
"Kiile, I need to speak with Father."
He sobered. "Something wrong?"
"Well..." Tera glanced at Illam and back at her leader. "There's a need for some fast results."
"Tell me what's happening." His gaze sharpened, swinging from her to Illam. "Do I need to pull my healer and bodyguard out of there?"
"No!" Tera exclaimed.
"It is your choice." Illam ignored Tera's gasp of outrage. "This is the situation. The other species, the Canys, are having runts starting to be born on a regular basis. Ropar, their leader, is laying the blame at the Felys' doorstep. He says we're possibly diseased and spreading infection to cause runts. The Lypeople have warned us that he is unstable, and are watching him closely. They are also watching us, and prepared to back us in case of any uprising."
"Are my people in danger?" Kiile asked quietly.
"Danger if there is a fight, yes. But at this moment, depending on the results of your healers, there may be a resolution. And Kiile, if there is any danger, I will personally ensure that Wylin and Tera are taken to safety. I'll have them sent straight back to you in a scout ship."
Leaning back in the chair, Kiile rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Kiile, we can't leave right now," Tera stated. "I have more data for Father and he may have some results for me. Everything is resting on these results."
"If you have all the data and specimens, you could return home now."
"Ah, but the data may not be complete."
His eyes sharpened. "How so?"
"Well, if there's a result of some kind, I need to follow it up. If not, the Lypeople have arrived and I need to find out their information, which I can do while I'm here."
Kiile looked at Illam. "Your promise to send Tera and Wylin home at the first signs that things are getting worse?"
"Yes."
"Tera, when you've finished speaking to Sarcan, I want you to send Wylin and Denyon in to speak to me."
"Understood."
Kiile nodded. "I'll switch you to Sarcan."
The screen went blank, and then Sarcan's bearded face came into focus. "I heard."
Tera sighed. "Shared channel, huh?"
"For this expedition, it is shared between Kiile and the healers' quarters. You need the results fast?"
"Yes."
"I'm sending it now."
Illam was surprised that Sarcan wasn't begging his daughter to come home immediately. They'd seemed so close back on Argon. But even as he thought it, he saw Sarcan's face soften.
"Daughter, you be careful."
"Of course, Father."
"I couldn't stand to lose you."
"You won't." She grinned. "Only the good die young, I'll last forever."
"I doubt your sharp tongue could get you out of trouble if you're caught in the middle."
"Father, I promise to be careful."
Illam stepped forward, making his presence known. "Sarcan, you heard my promise to Kiile. If fighting even looks like it's going to start, I'll send Tera and Wylin home. I'll guard them with my life. They are under Denyon's and my protection."
"I understand, and I thank you." Sarcan nodded.
And I love your daughter, and will give my life for her if necessary. Illam didn't say what he was thinking, but he saw Sarcan's gaze drop to where Illam's hand had come to rest on Tera's shoulder. Tera's hand was resting lightly atop his.
Sarcan's brows lifted as he looked at Tera.
"Don't ask," Tera advised. "Because I don't know yet."
"All right," Sarcan said slowly.
"Did you find anything out from the data I sent?"
Illam felt a rush of relief at the change of topic. Facing a father from another species wasn't something he really wanted to do right now.
"Actually, I found something unusual," Sarcan replied.
Tera leaned forward eagerly. "What?"
"It's on the DNA. Very odd. Wait a minute, and I'll bring it up on the screen." His face disappeared and a strand of DNA appeared.
Illam didn't actually know what DNA should look like, but Tera seemed to know. Her face suddenly looked puzzled.
"Father, what's that red shine against the side of the DNA?"
"I don't know. It shouldn't be there."
"Is it on all the DNA samples?"
"Almost every single one."
"Do you have any idea what it is?"
The DNA sample disappeared to be replaced once more with Sarcan's face. "It's not a natural part of the DNA. If it was, it'd be intertwined with it, not just attached to one side. Something has affected the DNA of the Felys."
Illam listened closely, knowing his species was as close to discovering something as they'd ever been.
"It only showed under the ray from the rayscope," Sarcan continued. "Otherwise, it's invisible to the eye and microscopes. The other thing is that it seems to be in variable degrees in different DNA."
"So some are more susceptible than others?"
"So it would seem. But it is stronger on the DNA of the young Felys, and weaker in the DNA of the older Felys."
"So whatever is happening, it's getting stronger with each generation."
"Exactly."
"It's causing the runts?"
"So far, that's the only link we have. The runts are growing in number, and whatever is attached to the DNA is getting stronger with each generation. The DNA from the runts had the strongest red shine. In fact, the shine eclipses most of the DNA."
"Damn." Tera leaned back in her chair. "Something is attacking the DNA of the Felys?"
"It appears so. It's hard to say, but there seems to be a link between the strength of the red shine, and the weakness of the runts."
"What of the red shine from the young Felys who aren't runts?"
"Glad you mentioned that. The red shine is stronger than that of the older Felys, but not as strong as those of the runts."
"So that is the link. The strength of the red shine affects the development of the fetus into a runt or not."
"I cross-referenced the parents of runts, and the red shine is strong in them as well, stronger again in the Felys kits, but strongest in the runts. The few parents who don't have such a strong red shine, haven't yet birthed runts."
"So we need to find out what the red shine is, and how it has attached itself to the DNA."
"Exactly."
"Is there anything else you can tell me?"
Sarcan frowned. "I wish I could. Hopefully the data you sent of plant and other specimens will help me discover more."
"I'll be back tomorrow. You were able to get the results pretty quick for the specimens, and now you know what you're looking for, these specimens shouldn't take so long."
"Hopefully I'll be able to shed some more light on the whole thing by then," he agreed.
They spoke a little longer, and when the data collector finished downloading into Sarcan's computer he finally left with a last warning to her to be careful. Illam sent a call down to Wylin and Denyon to inform them that Kiile wished to speak with them, and Kiile appeared and chatted with Tera about the goings on of the palace while they waited for Wylin and Denyon to arrive. Once they did, Illam and Tera left the cabin.
As they walked down the corridor, Illam slid his arm around Tera's waist. "Good news, then?"
"About the discovery of something attacking the DNA, yes. At least we know something, but still not enough." She frowned. "I want a sample from the Lypeople who are in the settlement."
"To check if they have the same red shine?"
"Yes." She looked up at him. "Do they have many runts?"
"Some, but not so many."
"Really?" Her smooth brow wrinkled as she went deep into thought. "Maybe I need to go there and check out their situation as well."
"Not so easily done, makit." Illam couldn't help but drop a kiss on her brow. "You need to apply to the Lypeople Council for permission."
"They know we're here to help you, surely they would trust us?"
"They don't know you," he replied. "And like us, they're wary of those they don't know."
Tera had a decided expression on her face. "Then I'll ask Taj to apply to them for me."
"You're a stubborn little female."
"I want this sorted."
Space
Helpless, furiously, he watched the young wench brought to the pirate captain. He could see the pain in his friend's eyes. He knew of his love for the young wench.
"So, a pretty little girl." The pirate captain smiled, eyes traveling over her lasciviously. Stepping forward, he grabbed hold of her small chin and titled her head back, studying the pale, tear-stained face. He leered. "I can see that we'll have many hours of entertainment on this trip. What say you, lads?"
A rumble of lewd laughter and crude suggestions made his skin crawl.
The young wench jerked her chin from the pirate's grasp.
The pirate captain laughed. "Your revulsion won't last long, my pretty. Once I've ploughed you a few times then given you to my men---"
As if in a dream, he heard his young friend call out in rage, saw him push to his feet from beside him, heard the laser spit fire, and he watched as his friend sank slowly to the floor.
Dead.
The little wench cried out, but the hand in her hair jerked her cruelly to a halt when she started toward her dead friend. Their dead friend.
Grimly, he clenched his jaw. He couldn't feel grief right now because he knew he'd soon be dead, too. His concern was for the little wench ... "I have riches at home. In return for her life---"
The pirates roared with laughter.
"Listen to me. I---"
"We have what we came for, the cargo. This little girl is a bonus. She comes with us." The pirate grinned.
And he heard the little wench beg for their release. Heard her beg, and heard the pirate laugh.
Heard the pirate name himself.
And knew dread. Knew there was no way any of them were going to survive.
And then a younger pirate came in, in his hand the head of the little wench's father. He tossed it carelessly to the floor, and the watcher's heart nearly broke at the shock on the wench's face, her gasping breath. He had to hold back his own horror.
But then a new horror took its place. He saw the young pirate eyeing the little wench hungrily. The pirate captain was eyeing the young pirate, and a smile twisted his thin lips. "You fancy her?"
Striding forward, the young pirate stopped before her. Tangling his fingers in the brown tresses, he tipped her head back. "How fortunate. She has his lovely eyes."
Trembling, the little wench gazed up at him and whispered, "Help us."
Throwing back his head, he laughed uproariously.
Ropar arrived at the archeological dig with a full guard.
Calean was surprised to see him. "Sire?"
"You're close to the swamp, the boundary between the Felys and us." Ropar growled as he paced around restlessly. "Have you seen them close to the boundary?"
"Not really, no."
"Not really?" Ropar glared at him. "What the hell does that mean?"
Nervously, Calean ducked his head and eyed his leader from the tops of his eyes. "I've seen some of the runts there---"
"Runts!" Ropar exploded. "Those bloody runts!"
Cautiously, Calean stepped back.
Mitzi looked out from the tent, caught sight of Ropar, and disappeared back into the questionable safety of the tent.
"Next time you see a runt near the boundary, chase them off." Ropar's jaw worked angrily, and he bared his teeth. "I want those runts kept well back from the boundary."
"As long as they're on their own side---" Calean began.
"Well back, do you hear me?" Ropar snarled. "I hope those guards I sent are patrolling the boundary properly?"
"Of course they are," said Calean, who really didn't know, and could care less.
"I won't risk those disease-ridden ferals spreading anything to us." Ropar looked at the water containers. "You boil the water, don't you?"
"Well, uh..."
"Start. Don't drink the water from the lake without boiling it. Don't eat anything raw from the grounds near the swamp. And don't eat raw meat. Make sure it's cooked so that any disease is heated out of it." Ropar strode back to the shuttle. "And make sure my soldiers have the best of your sleeping quarters."
Calean eyed his leader's back sourly. Well, now I know where I am in the pack. Bloody rock bottom. He caught sight of Mitzi peeking out of the tent. Not quite, though. There was still Mitzi. He bared his teeth at her, and she growled back before disappearing inside the tent again.
For being such a bitch and not coming out to give him back-up, he wasn't about to share his latest find with her, either. A find that was right under their noses all along. It was amazing they hadn't sniffed it out earlier, it had been so close to the surface.
It would no doubt be worth a fortune. It still had the shine and everything. Meanwhile, he had it safely wrapped up in his tent. The one where the soldiers wouldn't be sleeping.
They could have Mitzi's tent instead.
Now he felt better.
Arms folded, Tera watched Taj closely.
"You want specimen samples from us?" he asked in disbelief.
"To see if you've got the same red shine as the Felys," she repeated.
"What sort of specimens?" Ryles queried.
"Skin, nails, hair---"
"Sperm," Illam added.
Taj's pupils slitted. "Not likely!"
"Will you stop it, Illam?" Tera demanded. "You're not helping me."
"No, but I'm having fun."
Tera felt like giving him a good smack. The Lypeople were touchy at the idea of her collecting anything from them. Illam amusing himself wasn't making it any easier to persuade the Lymen before her.
I'll fix you, Illam. "I assure you, Taj, the Felys enjoyed the head massage I gave them when I collected data on their head size, shape and other things." She smiled sweetly up at Illam. "Right?"
It was more than obvious by his low growl that his amusement had vanished.
"I'll have to contact the Council," Taj finally said. "If they give the okay, then I guess you can get specimens from us."
"Excellent."
Illam frowned at her, but she merely smiled at him and turned away to the specimen jars that Rilla was getting ready to pack into the containers.
She heard Illam leave with Taj a few minutes later, and breathed a silent sigh of relief. Ryles was still talking to Marx, and she waited until he'd finished before turning back to him.
"Ryles, a question."
He raised one brow inquiringly at her.
"This other species, the ... Canys?"
"Yes?"
"Taj said they're having an increased number of runts being born?"
"That's right."
"How would I go about getting specimens from them?"
Ryles mouth fell open. Rilla gasped, her gaze going from Tera to Marx and back again.
"Unthinkable," Ryles finally managed to reply.
"But if they have the same red shine that the Felys have---"
"It'll simply link the cause of the runts. It won't prove the Felys aren't diseased and passing it on."
"But the Felys aren't diseased."
"Try telling Ropar that without proof."
"But having specimens from the Canys will show if there is a corresponding cause. It could help."
"Absolutely not!"
"Oh, come on. I'm not a Felys, and surely if I went with you---"
"They'd chew you up and spit you out!" Ryles frowned. "You have no idea what they're capable of."
"The females might be more willing to help me."
"Those bitches will tear you apart."
"That's a little strong."
"That's what they are.'
Tera tried again. "At least talk to Taj, ask the Council---"
"You're under the protection of the Felys. It's their call, not mine."
"I'm Argon. I'm under that jurisdiction."
Ryles smile was a fraction mean. "And I'm sure your leader will just love to hear that we've let you wander off into the Canys territory in search of data."
Kiile would be furious. He'll have a fleet of guards out here in no time. There has to be another way.
"Never mind." With a sigh, she turned back to the specimen jars.
Ryles had no sooner left the hut than Rilla and Marx were at her.
"Are you out of your mind?" Marx demanded, the black threads in his eyes writhing agitatedly.
"Those Canys will kill you!" Rilla snapped.
"You are not to go near them!" Marx growled.
Tera held up her hands placatingly. "It was just an idea."
"And idea that could get you killed," Rilla snarled.
"Sheesh! All right, I'm sorry I mentioned it!"
Rilla's lips pursed. "I understand your wanting information."
"But asking them is like teasing a viper," Marx added.
"They don't trust us," Rilla stated.
"And anyone affiliated with us," Marx confirmed.
"Gets the same distrust," Rilla finished.
Tera blew out a breath of air. "I give up."
The Felys healers' dubious expressions openly showed that they didn't believe her.
Tera rolled her eyes. "Can we just get the last of these specimens sorted? Please?"
When nothing further was said, she started to relax, losing herself in the data collection. Slowly the atmosphere eased. She'd thought everything was forgotten, until she was ready to head back to the house for the midday meal.
Rilla stopped her at the door to the healers' hut. "Tera, you know we only have your best interests at heart."
"Of course." Tera smiled at her.
"It's dangerous, messing around with the Canys."
"Obviously."
"No hard feelings?"
"None at all."
Marx looked up from where he was labeling a jar. "You caught us by surprise."
"That was pretty obvious, too." Tera grinned. "Let's just forget about it, all right?"
Wylin met her at the house. As she walked into the kitchen, he entered through the back door.
"I saw you with Denyon, checking out the perimeters," Tera greeted him. "Does it meet with your approval?"
Wylin's face was grim. "Right now, your ideas are what concern me."
"Oh boy. Someone's been tattling." Tera sighed, folded her arms, and waited, only to flinch when Illam came storming through the living area door and into the kitchen.
"Don't even think it!" he snarled at her.
"Oh, just wonderful. Two of you to tell me what to do." Tera angled her head to the side. "Will this take long?"
He snarled again.
"I take it this is about my suggestion of getting samples from the Canys?"
"Damn right!" Both Illam and Wylin snapped at once.
"Well, settle down. I've been told off several times already. Let me see." Irritated, she started ticking off on her fingers. "Ryles. Rilla. Marx. Oh yes, I have two more fingers left. You might as well make it a full hand."
"Cute." Wylin was frowning.
"You are not to go near the Canys," Illam ordered her.
"Look, Illam, Wylin, I've been through all this already. It was just an idea, and I know now it's something that isn't going to happen." She held up both hands. "Now can I get something to eat? Or haven't you two finished with me yet?"
"Your safety is my concern," Wylin stated. "And I know how stubborn you can be. Your promise not to ask the Canys for anything."
Rolling her eyes, she said, "I promise."
Illam walked right up to her and glared down into her face. "Your promise to not even go near the boundary."
"I promise, I promise! Stars above!"
Illam looked at Wylin. "Can we trust her?"
Tera should have felt angry. Having two men ganging up on her just didn't seem fair, but to be fair to them, her idea had obviously alarmed them. So she controlled her anger and raised her brow at Wylin as well.
Wylin's gaze never left her. "When Tera promises something, she doesn't go back on it without good cause."
"Great. That eases my---wait a minute." Illam looked around at him. "What do you mean 'without good cause'?"
Catching Illam's jaw in one hand, Tera turned his head to face her again. "What he means, is that I keep promises unless something happens that makes me have to back track."
"If that means you don't keep them---"
"It means that life isn't full of assurity. It means I will not go near the Canys unnecessarily."
"That is no assurance." Illam started growling again, the threads in his eyes writhing angrily.
"That is trust," Tera said gently. "You need to trust me enough to know that I won't go near the Canys without back-up. That I won't go near them without first consulting you and Denyon and Wylin, and with a good enough reason. That I won't go near them unless I have your permission."
Illam looked down at her for several seconds, digesting what she'd said.
"So I promise to do nothing foolish," Tera added. "Understand?"
Illam held her gaze steadily, then finally drew a deep breath. Slipping his arms around her, he drew her up against him, tucking her head beneath his chin. "I understand." Resting his cheek against her hair, he inhaled deeply, scenting her. "I just want to make sure you're safe."
"As safe as I can be," she replied. "Don't make secret oaths you can't always keep."
He stiffened, but didn't release her. "I would never see you harmed."
"Settle down, feral," she said soothingly. "I meant that sometimes things happen, and no matter how much you try to protect someone, they can still get hurt. It's life."
It took several seconds before Illam finally relaxed again. He didn't say anything, just hugged her tighter.
Tera heard Wylin leave the kitchen, and she pulled back to peer around Illam's arm. "Wylin?"
"I'm joining Denyon for lunch," his voice came from the verandah. "Apparently."
"You don't have to leave---"
"Voyeurism was never my strong point." His booted steps sounded faintly on the stone path as he walked away.
Tera sighed and looked up at Illam. He was watching her with such a tender expression, it made her raise her brows inquiringly. "What?"
"I came in here ready to snarl and snap, and you soothed me and made me all soft."
She laughed. "You? Soft?"
"You took the wind right out of me."
"The bluster, you mean."
"Bluster?" He pulled back a little. "And what does that mean?"
"Now what would you have done to me, Illam, if I hadn't agreed? Hmm?" Leaning into him, she tilted her head back to look up at him sweetly. "Hit me? Tie me up? Chain me to the wall? Throw me in a cell? Called me names? Threatened me?"
Illam frowned. "Don't doubt what I'd do, Tera."
"Tell me, then." She snuggled closer. "I think you'd have done none of those things."
"I would have."
"Yes?"
A muscle twitched in his jaw, and his ears went back. "I'd have refused to allow you to leave the settlement."
"How?"
"Don't doubt that I'd have chained you to my bed if I had to."
"Ooohh, sounds kinky."
"You're pushing all the right buttons for a fight, female."
"Really? I must remember that." Her arms went around his waist. "I'm so scared."
Framing her face with his hands, Illam said seriously, "Tera, I trust you to keep your promise. If I didn't, I would have you confined to the settlement. Don't doubt that I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, even if it means facing the Canys on my own."
All teasing fled her at his tone and expression. "I'm sorry, Illam. I'm teasing you when you're just not in the mood, and this is a rotten thing to tease you about."
"Just so you know where I stand, makit." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I can't help being protective, it's who I am, what I am. I love your independent spirit, and would never seek to quell it."
"I know.' And surprisingly, she did. The sincerity in his tone rang with the same honesty as the expression on his face.
"My instinct is to protect both you and my people. It's just I'm a little more volatile when it comes to you." A faint smile showed on his face. "Especially with you."
"Aw, that's sweet." She kneaded the base of his spine.
A loud purr exploded from him, and he arched back in pleasure as she kneaded her fingers up his spine and back down.
Loving the way he responded to her touch, Tera continued the kneading, her fingers strong and sure, gliding here, pressing there, alternating the touch as she gauged his reaction.
Eyes closed, purring blissfully, Illam portrayed a very content lycat. Even his ears were twitching lazily, and she smiled. Illam had a weak point---and that was rubbing and kneading.
Now she knew she had discovered one way to soothe the feral when it appeared.
It probably wouldn't work all the time, but it was handy to know.
"I think," he growled throatily, "It's time for a little snack."
"Oh?"
"Just a quick one." His eyes opened, the golden glow peeking sensuously out from between thick, black lashes. "Whatever I can throw on the table."
Oh ho! "So anything will do?"
The black threads twirling slowly in sensuousness became more apparent as the thick lashes lifted to show the open desire making the golden orbs glow hotly. "I find I like a certain flavor."
"Mmm." Running a finger down his spine, she didn't pause as she insinuated it beneath the low-slung waistband of his loose pants. Copying the movement with her other finger, she slid both hands inside his pants and cupped the firm globes of his lean buttocks. "Just an appetizer, then, Sir?"
"I was thinking more of going straight for dessert."
"A little decadent, don't you think?"
"Luscious, more like it. And I need the sugar fix."
"Not enough energy?"
"Let's find out." In one quick motion, he whirled her around and across to the table, stopping her at the edge to press his chest to her back and rest his chin on her shoulder. "So what'll it be? Front side or hindquarters?"
"Ewww! That's not very romantic!"
"I'm a carnivore. What can I say? I like my meat."
"That's pretty obvious." Reaching behind her, she pressed her palm against the hardness of his staff, feeling the heat right through the cloth of his pants. "Mighty impressive meat roll you have there yourself, Felys." Mighty impressive!
"Care for a closer inspection?" Pulling his hips back, Illam shoved his pants down and pressed forward against her again. Once more he rested his chin on her shoulder.
Wet heat pooled in her womanhood as she felt the velvet heat of the skin covering his hard staff. "Is this a taste or touch test?"
His breath sucked in hard. "I think just touch right now. I'll hold you to the tasting tonight."
"And just who says I'll be available tonight?" She teased the top of his manhood with her thumb, feeling a drop of moisture seep from the tip. Turning her head, she looked down at his face.
Eyes closed, he was doing his normal inhaling of her scent, and purring low and hard. His hands gathered the hem of her shirt up her sides before dipping into the waistband of her own loose pants.
"You'll be available." Dipping his head, he nipped her shoulder. "Just as I am always available for you, makit." After laving the area with his tongue, he slid his mouth in a hot path to her throat and sucked gently.
Closing her own eyes, Tera titled her head to the side to allow him better access. Now she could enjoy the sensation of his calloused palms running down the outside of her thighs. He smoothed up and down her thighs, and then slowly, in a small, circle rubbing motion, he slid his hands around the front of her thighs and up. Instinctively she parted her legs, allowing his hands to trail around to cup her heat.
"So wet already, makit," Illam breathed huskily.
"You do seem to be able to make me a little moist." She moaned as his fingers rubbed teasingly against her womanhood through the lace of her panties.
"How about we get rid of this, little healer?" Even as he said it, Illam hooked his fingers into the waistband of both her panties and her pants, and slid them down to her knees. Reaching around again, he slid his finger between the moist lips of her womanhood and gave a low growl of satisfaction. "Oh yes, that's so much better!"
Tera just had to agree. Now she could have the titillating sensation of his throbbing erection against her buttocks, and was able to feel the tip pressing against the small of her back.
Need coursed through her, carnal and heady, and she breathed deeply of his unique scent, totally masculine and a touch wild. His scent seemed to fill her, swirling sensuously through her senses before twining down lazily to pluck at the invisible strings that connected to her womanhood. Seeking relief, she pushed backwards against him, and when he continued to simply kiss and suck at her neck, she rubbed her behind against his erection.
The sound of Felys' kits laughter drifted through the window on the breeze, reminding her that they weren't alone. That at any moment someone could come knocking on the door. It wasn't the right time, but then ... well, stars, anytime is a good time for a quickie!
"Illam," she whispered. "We don't have a lot of time..."
"Then I guess we'd better start, makit." Deep and low, his voice rumbled out on a half growl. "Brace yourself."
That was all the warning she had before Illam suddenly bent her over the table. She had just enough time to stretch out her arms and brace herself on her hands, and then he was there, his thick, long staff sliding unerringly into her, stroking hard. His hands on her hips held her steady for his thrusts.
There was no gentleness. It was pure lust, and she reveled in it. No whispered words of love, no endearments, just a coupling for mutual satisfaction between two people who simply enjoyed being together and sharing their bodies with each other.
Illam couldn't stroke deep, her position not allowing it, but the tightness of the position combined with his thickness made it work still. Made every thrust inside her felt so fully by them both, that they moaned almost simultaneously.
His thrust became harder, quicker. Tera could feel him swelling inside her and knew he was coming quickly. She didn't begrudge him the fact that he was going to climax and she wasn't. Sometimes it was give and take, and she could take her enjoyment through his climax.
Until that little nodule at the end of his penis suddenly slid out and bumped over the erogenous spot inside her. Involuntarily she let out a cry, and heard Illam's hedonistic chuckle behind her.
"Did you think I'd go without you?" he rasped. "Never, makit!"
Buried inside her, he rotated his hips, making the nodule bump deliciously against her sensitive channel, rubbing her erogenous zone in a never-ending cycle of bumping and rubbing.
Gasping, braced against the table, Tera gasped at the combined sensations of Illam's skin against hers, the hard wood of the table against her thighs, his staff filling her, and that libidinous nodule gliding and enticing her more wantonly onwards.
Illam's hands gripping her hips tightened, pulling her bottom hard against him as he pushed harder and faster. His panting filled the room, and then came the long snarl as a man's voice was heard close to the house.
The snarl was a warning, even as he continued to claim Tera's body. She could feel a slight change in him, a protectiveness that seemed to intermingle with his passion. He bent closer to her, pressing his chest to her back, one of his hands sliding forward to knead against her stomach.
His teeth sank carefully but quickly into her shoulder, holding her for his body to dominate. The bite didn't hurt, nor did it break the skin, but there was a sharpness about it that bespoke of a wildness tightly leashed. If she tried to pull away she could very well end up marked before he realized her intentions.
That spark of danger made her shiver with anticipation. In the lust-induced dimness of her mind, she knew she gloried in Illam's leashed wildness. Even as the fire inside her spread, and her inner muscles started to clench, she instinctively knew her rushing climax was partly brought on by Illam's actions.
God above, Illam's wildness is erotic!
She felt him pull out of her, and cried out.
Illam didn't say a word, but the snarl died on his lips, and then he speared straight into her, slamming hard, his loins hard against her as he pushed as deep as he could go. Pushing and straining, his seed erupted to flow deep inside her, and still his hips pumped to empty himself completely.
His hard slam into her made the nodule shoot across her erogenous spot, and she shuddered as the climax burst upon her, making her insides quake, her vagina clench tight around the invading staff, and a wealth of emotions to explode through her. Fire seared up, burning hot under her skin.
They shuddered together, Illam's arm suddenly around the front of her shoulders, hugging them tightly together as they rode out their orgasm. Before she'd even stopped gasping, he withdrew quickly from her, spun her around, hauled her up close to him and, fastening his mouth over hers, he swallowed the prurient scream that the effect of his hardened nodule jerking back over her erogenous zone had caused.
All Tera could do was cling to him as her body trembled and strained, jerking against a shock wave of orgasm produced by his fast withdrawal.
One of his hands dipped down, his merciless fingers finding the clitoris sheltering in the folds of her womanhood, and he pressed and stroked hard and fast, eliciting another fast orgasm from her.
He was using an old trick that Tera thought only the Argons knew. Illam was sending her through one orgasm after another, fast and hard and merciless, using the fires still raging through her body from the previous orgasm, refusing to allow her body to cool down and unwind. He kept her in a heightened state of concupiscent arousal, forcing her through into another orgasm, not letting the shudders cease before making her jerk into another, his fingers stroking and rubbing, teasing and exciting her clitoris.
When he finally stopped, he held her close, taking her weight as her final climax made her mentally shatter, her body feeling like it was bursting with heat, raw lust and hot desire.
She didn't know how long she was gone in her shattered world of sharp and indescribable feelings, but when she finally came back to reality, she was being cradled lovingly against Illam's chest. He had one arm around her waist, holding her upright, and his other hand was against the back of her had, his fingers tunneled into her hair to knead gently against her scalp.
"Oh, God," she groaned, feeling thoroughly, deliciously, exhausted.
His laugh, however, was smug and very pleased. "Think dessert was worth it?"
"We can skip the appetizer anytime you want," she mumbled, closing her eyes.
"The snack met with my approval."
"Anytime you feel like a bite, come on over."
He kissed the top of her head. "I'll take that as a standing invitation."
"Oh, please do!"
Illam hugged her, pressing another kiss to her ear before rubbing his mouth against the side of her cheek. "I'd love nothing more than to take you up on that invitation right now, makit, but I think we've pushed our luck enough."
"Mmm?"
"I hear Rilla approaching, and that can only mean one thing."
"Oh, crap..." Reluctantly pulling away, she reached down and yanked her pants up. "Do I look respectable now?"
"You look like a female who's just had hard sex."
"Your sex is hard."
He sobered. "Did I hurt you?"
"No!" Tera laid her hand on his shoulder and leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips. "I love it when you get wild, Illam. I love that touch of wildness that comes through, it excites me."
His gaze was serious. "You will tell me if at any time, I do anything that makes you uncomfortable?"
"As long as you don't actually take a bite out of my neck, feral, you can do anything you want with me."
His nostrils flared. "Let's lock the doors, shut the windows, and go to bed. Or bugger it, stay right here."
Laughing, she slid out to the side and out of his reach. "Tsk! You've had your dessert, Illam. You'll have to wait for the main meal tonight."
"Main meal?"
With a slow carnality, she licked her lips. "I'm going to eat you."
"Jocat!"
"I'm going to suck you dry."
His staff started to harden and rise.
"Now put that away!" With a final admonishing wag of her finger, she left the kitchen and sped through the living area to the front of the house, intent on waylaying Rilla before her friend could see Illam's glowing eyes and arousal.
But she heard the growl that came from the kitchen, followed by a spit and an "I gotta wait? Delcat!"
The smile on her face was broad and totally unashamed when she opened the front door and saw Rilla's knowing eyes, just as the Felys healer was starting up the steps.
"Eaten?" Rilla queried, her eyes twinkling.
"Dessert," Tera replied cheerfully. "Very invigorating, I must say."
"They certainly can be," Rilla replied dryly.
Tera laughed.
"Anyway," Rilla continued, "You'll be pleased to know that the Lypeople Council has agreed to the Lymen here having samples taken from them."
Tera grinned, her interest igniting. "Great! Let's get a start." Catching sight of some Felys kits playing nearby, she called out, "Have you seen Taj and Ryles?"
"They're having lunch," the tortoiseshell called back.
"Could you go and ask them to front up to the healers' hut as soon as they're finished?"
Grinning widely, the Felys kits scampered off.
"Going to start with those two?" Rilla queried.
"Nothing like working down from the top to appease the fears."
The Lymen were as unsure as the Felys had been when they first started being tested, but soon got over their fear with the head measurement and massage, which Tera deliberately did first to ease them. Once relaxed---well, more than relaxed, almost downright sleepy, she passed them onto Rilla and Marx to take the specimens. While they worked, she started collecting other data in the form of answers.
"Taj, are there many runts born into the Lypeople?" she queried.
"Hmm?" Opening his eyes, he blinked at her.
Repeating the question, she smothered her amusement, but Marx and Rilla were openly grinning.
"We get some. A higher rate than what you'd expect normally, but nowhere near as many as the Felys," Taj replied almost sleepily.
"As many as the Canys?" Tera tapped the answers into the data collector.
"The Canys weren't getting as many until recently, either."
"Really? Interesting." Tera glanced at Taj. "How many kits do you have?"
"None yet. I'm not mated."
"Ryles?"
"Two litters." Ryles yawned.
"Any runts?"
"Not so far."
"Mmm." Tera looked at Rilla. "I might get this data to Father tonight."
"You don't have a lot of daylight hours left." Rilla ran the open-ended needle across Ryles's skin.
"But it's important he gets this stuff."
"Tomorrow will do," Marx said.
"Just as well," Rilla finished.
"I guess." Tera twined a long lock of black hair around her finger. "How many soldiers did you bring with you, Taj?"
"Ten."
Surprised, Tera looked up. "I didn't know there was that many here."
"Most are out patrolling the perimeters. Besides, they're very good at blending." Taj smiled slightly. "They're not soldiers such as you're familiar with."
"Oh? What makes them so different?"
"Now if I told you, it wouldn't be security, now would it?"
Rolling her eyes, Tera returned to collecting data.
It was late by the time they'd finished, and Tera was blinking sleepily herself. Getting to her feet, she stretched and yawned hugely.
Rilla placed the last specimen jar in the container and looked at her. "You have shadows under your eyes."
Marx bent his head and studied Tera. "You do."
"I'm just a little tired, that's all."
"All that exercise." Rilla smirked.
"Too much too soon," Marx added.
"Never too much," Tera replied. And yawned again.
"Everything's done." Rilla stretched her back, her ears twitching. "Let's go to my place and get something to eat and drink."
"Great idea." Marx squinted. "You can show these Argons how well you cook, my sweet."
Startled, Tera looked from Marx to Rilla. "You two are...?"
"Nature-mated." Marx grinned widely, his gaze suddenly lascivious as he glanced at Rilla.
"I had no idea!"
"We tend to get caught up in our work," Rilla explained.
"Hence we don't tend to make sexual overtures," Marx continued.
"At each other," Rilla finished.
"At home, however..." Marx winked at her.
"But not when you have visitors, I hope?" Tera grinned.
"We'll try to hold off," Rilla said.
"From pawing and biting each other," Marx added.
"I hope so," Wylin said from the doorway.
They laughed and left the hut together.
Meeting Illam partway, Rilla insisted he join them. Grinning hugely, he slung his arm around Tera's shoulders and hugged her into him.
Rilla and Marx lived in a house built into the tops of a tree. The stone steps were grooved to prevent slipperiness when wet. The inside of their home was warm and luxurious, but a little messier, with medical apparatus and books piled on the table in the living area.
It was homey and lived-in.
The meal was delicious, and feeling wonderfully full, Tera leaned back in her chair and surveyed them all.
Wylin, one of her dearest friends, was arguing with Illam, her lover. Arguing about the merits of something to do with space crafts, and of which she had absolutely no interest. Marx and Rilla were discussing a new medical technique with each other.
And Tera was feeling very sleepy.
Once they moved to the living area, she sat comfortably in the corner of the sofa, Illam beside her. He was still talking space crafts with Wylin, but his fingers were idly kneading her scalp.
Leaning her head against his broad shoulder, and feeling warm, full, and most content, Tera drifted off into sleep.
Striding throughout the room, Ropar looked up as a timid knock sounded on the door.
"What?" he barked out, annoyed.
"Someone to see you, Sire." His attender, Lazer, called back.
"Who is it?"
"Someone called Mitzi."
A female? Ropar cocked his head to one side. "What does she want?"
"Uh ... to speak to you, Sire."
"About what?" he scowled at the door.
"I'm not sure."
Debating whether or not to admit the annoyance, Ropar pursed his lips. His ears twitched upright on his head, and he scowled even more ferociously.
"Uh ... Sire?" Lazar asked hesitantly.
"Send her in." Crossing to stand behind his desk, and thereby ensuring the light from the window behind him outlined his form to perfection, Ropar watched as the female entered.
His gaze was a trifle scathing as he viewed her. Her brindle hair was untidy and pulled back in a careless knot at the back of her head. Pointed ears twitched nervously as she sidled up to the desk, her eyes appropriately downcast.
"Sire?" She swallowed. "Calean said you wanted to speak to us."
"I wanted to speak to him." Ropar growled. "As that bastard very well knew!"
"I---uh, he said I was to come in his place, as he's on an important find right now."
"Important find?" Ropar swore. "Bloody useless mutt! What is more important than speaking to the Alpha?"
Mitzi cringed, a little whine coming from her throat.
"Oh, stop it!" Ropar flung himself into his chair in disgust. "Have the runts been near the swamp?"
"Not for a few days."
"And what of the Argon healer?"
"No."
Ropar stared at the far wall, mulling it over. So, the healer hadn't come anywhere near the boundary.
Mitzi coughed nervously. "A Lypeople scout ship went to the Felys settlement."
"What?"
Mitzi cringed under his glare.
"Damn it!" Ropar stormed back and forth across the room. "That's why no one has been seen near the swamp boundary!"
"I thought that was a good thing?"
"It means the healer doesn't come there, either!"
Mitzi wisely remained silent, her head lowered and watching her leader from the tops of her eyes.
Ropar stalked back to the desk and slammed his hairy fist down upon it. "I want to know what the healer has found out! Lazar!" he bellowed. "Get the Lypeople Council on the viscomm!"
Running in, Lazar crossed to the viscomm in the corner of the room and keyed n the codes. Minutes later, the screen flared to life, and the dignified face of an elderly Lyman appeared.
"Ropar," the Lyman greeted him quietly.
"I'm not beating around the bush, Cato. I know the Argon healer is at the Felys settlement, trying to find out what disease they have---"
"They have no disease," Cato replied mildly.
"The hell they don't!" Ropar stabbed his finger at the Lyman. "You wouldn't say if they did!"
"Don't insult us, Ropar," Cato returned evenly. "If that is why you have called me---"
"No! No." Sucking in a deep, harsh breath, he growled, "I want to know the findings of the Argon."
"We don't know. That information is privy to the Felys, and theirs to share when the time comes."
"Snarch shit! Then I want to talk to the Argon healer!"
"I'll see if she and the Felys are agreeable."
"The Felys don't have anything to do with it. This is between me and the Argon."
"The Argon is under the jurisdiction of the Felys," Cato corrected him. "it is not for us to decide. I will be in contact as soon as I get the answer."
And the screen went blank.
Swearing, Ropar grabbed a vase and threw it against the wall, where it shattered. Catching sight of the two Canys staring at him with their mouths open, he picked up another vase and threw it at them.
Yelping, they fled the room. The vase crashed against the wall beside the door.
Throwing back his head, Ropar howled his rage. When he finished, he crossed to the window and braced his hands on the windowsill. Staring at his reflection, his flat-featured face pulled tight with fury, he bared his teeth.
I will find out the truth from the healer. She will speak to me, and tell me everything!
The Cave
The sphere was working so well. She wasn't sure how long it would take, no one was sure, but it would take its toll.
Slavery would be a thing of the past.
Space
"Ah." The young pirate grinned down at her. "You have amused me, little girl. Father, I surely fancy this little bit."
"Then have her." The pirate captain shrugged carelessly. "When you tire of her, let me know."
"Oh, I think you'll have a bit of a wait," he returned, fingering the blonde streak in the glossy brown hair.
Nervously the little wench moistened dry lips with the tip of her tongue.
The eyes above her sharpened at the innocent action and suddenly the lean pirate jerked her up against him. He crushed the tender lips ruthlessly with his mouth, plundering the innocent depths without thought of gentleness. Uncaring.
She struggled, pushing against his hand that kneaded her small breast painfully.
"Nay!" Unable to bear the assault on this little friend, and the daughter of his dead captain, he surged to his feet. "You bastard!"
His friends also surged to their feet and rushed forward.
Illam woke to find Tera moaning. Lifting his head, he looked down to see a damp trail on her cheeks. She was crying in her sleep.
Not wanting to alert Rilla and Marx in their bedroom down the hall, or Wylin in the other guest room, he rose up on his elbow and gently shook Tera awake. "Come on, makit. Open your pretty eyes."
The thick lashes lifted slowly and he found himself looking down into crystal blue eyes full of haunting sadness.
Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her cheek softly. "Did you have a bad dream, makit?"
"I guess..." She wiped her palm down her cheeks. "I've been crying?"
"Yes." He rubbed the corner of his mouth along her jaw. "What was the dream?"
"The dream?" She blinked, and then seemed to become aware of their surroundings. "This isn't my room, or yours. Where are we?" She looked around, the room well lit from the moonlight streaming through the window.
"Rilla's guestroom."
"When did we get here? I don't remember coming here."
"You wouldn't makit. You fell asleep while we were chatting in the living area. Rather than wake you when it was time to retire, Rilla and Marx loaned us the guestroom."
"Wylin---"
"In the other guestroom. There's no way that tenacious bodyguard will leave you."
"Oh." Resting her head back on the pillow, she smiled unrepentantly. "Sorry. I do work long hours and survive on little sleep. I guess we forgot to tell you that when tired, I have a habit of falling to sleep quite easily."
"So I found out." He gazed down at her, his heart filled with love as it always was where she was concerned. "Tell me why you were crying, makit."
"It's nothing." She waved a hand negligently. "Just something from the past."
"A dream you won't share?"
"It has no impact on our future." She snuggled closer to him.
"A dream that makes you cry, makit, concerns me. Tell me."
"Illam---"
"Please?"
Sighing, she rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling.
Illam watched her, wondering if she'd share it or not. When she remained silent, he asked quietly, "So does it have anything to do with the heartache you mentioned before?"
"You have a good memory."
"Anything that is important to you is important to me."
"You're sweet."
"And worried. Share with me, Tera."
"Illam ... really, this won't have an impact on us. It's in the past."
Being tenacious himself, he wasn't about to give up. "I want to understand. Tera, on the ship coming here you were crying."
Pushing up onto her elbows, her surprised face turned in his direction. "You were in my cabin!"
"Well, yeah. But only because I heard you crying." He squinted at her. "You were asleep, weren't you?"
"Yes, but I found a strand of your hair in mine when I woke up."
"Ah."
Leaning over him, she warmly kissed his lips. "And back then, you hated me. But still you cared---"
"I never hated you!"
"You didn't love me, either."
"I did, I just didn't know it."
She grinned down at him.
He would have been tempted to take it further, but he could see the damp cheeks, smell her tears, and see the dark shadows beneath her eyes.
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her gently but firmly against him. "Tell me."
With a sigh, she subsided against him, pillowing her cheek on his chest, and her head beneath his chin. "One day, Illam. Right now, I'm not ready. Please?"
He couldn't deny that he felt disappointed, but he wasn't going to push her. "All right, makit."
"Just hold me,' she whispered, and he caught the sound of tears in her voice.
Love for her welled up, the need to comfort her stronger than ever. Smoothing his hand across her back, he rubbed slowly, and within minutes he felt her drift off to sleep. Her breaths were deeper, sliding across his skin in warm gusts.
Once she was asleep, he rolled to his side and cradled her close. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep with her against his heart.
Tera was awoken by the sound of Wylin's voice. Opening her eyes, she found herself alone in the big bed, the rugs tucked securely around her.
Heavy-eyed, she squinted at the sunlight coming through the windows. It was later than she normally got up.
Getting out of the bed, she found that she was still dressed, so she went into the kitchen, where she met the amused eyes of her friend, who was sitting alone in the kitchen.
His eyes immediately switched to concerned. "Tera? Are you all right?" He tensed, "Illam didn't hurt you?"
"Of course not." Dropping into the chair, she reached for pot of una. "Geez, I need a drink."
"What's wrong?"
Tera took a sip. "Nothing."
"Right." Sarcasm dripped from the word.
"It was just the dream again."
Wylin looked closely at her. "Why?"
"I don't know." Or maybe she did...
"Do you feel guilty about what happened?" Wylin rested his elbows on the table.
"It wasn't my fault, so why should I?"
"I mean about finding love with Illam?"
She looked at him. "What makes you think it's love?"
"A blind man can see it. You two are happiest when together. Tera, he practically drools when in your presence."
"Not to sound boastful, Wylin, but so do most men not from Argon."
"Ah yes, but the Felys don't have that fatal attraction towards us, remember?"
"Just testing." She grinned.
Ignoring her teasing, Wylin regarded her soberly. "He is territorial around you, Tera. You do know what you're dealing with, right?"
"Of course. I'm not blind or stupid."
Never said you were." Unfazed, Wylin continued to watch her steadily. "That Felys is mad in love with you, Tera. What about you?"
She met his gaze just as steadily. "I have feelings."
"How deep?"
"Deep enough."
"Love?"
"You're lucky you're my close friend, Wylin, or I'd bust you for asking such personal questions."
"I don't want things to get ugly when we leave to go home, and Illam starts getting all feral on us."
She eyed him over the mug of hot una. "Actually, he's asked me to stay on."
Wylin's brows shot up. "Pardon?"
"He's asked me to stay. We've had a little chat, see. He's stated he loves me and wants me to stay. We've agreed that I'll stay on for a while after the research is finished, to see if I really do love him."
Wylin's normally unfazed expression was slack-jawed with surprise.
Getting up from the table, Tera leaned across to pat his cheek. "So you see, dear friend, you're a little late. I know what I'm doing."
He closed his mouth finally. "I hope so."
"I know so."
"I'll stay with you---"
"Oh-ho! No you won't. When this is finished, you're going home to resume being Kiile's bodyguard, and I'm staying here with the Felys to see what my true feelings are for Illam."
Frowning, Wylin said, "Do you really think he'll allow you to leave if you decide you don't love him?"
"He'll let me leave," she replied with complete assurity. "But there's one question that remains to be answered, Wylin."
"And what's that?"
"Will I want to?"
"I guess only you know the answer to that."
"Yes, I do." She smiled at him. "This is between me and Illam. I know you care about me, and I appreciate it. We've been friends a long time, and you've seen me through a really rough patch. Now I ask your support in this."
"I don't want to see you hurt, Tera."
"With Illam, that won't happen." And she knew it with every fiber of herself. "He won't make it hard for me if I decide to leave. But, Wylin?"
"Yes?"
"I don't ... I don't think I might leave, you know."
Wylin regarded her for the longest time before walking around the table to hug her tightly.
"You'll support me?" she whispered.
"Wholeheartedly," he replied. "If Illam is what you want, I'll back you all the way. But if he hurts you, his lykitty hide hangs on my wall."
Tera laughed and there was a little catch in it.
Placing his hands on her shoulders, Wylin pushed her back a little so that he could smile down into her face. "You deserve happiness, Tera."
"I've always been happy."
"You've always had something missing."
Her friend had always been so astute. Tera smiled at him, gave his cheek a small rub. "Are we ready to go to the scout ship?"
Astute as ever, Wylin smiled back at her. "We're just waiting for you to wake up, you slothful wench."
"Well, pardon me!"
Illam was waiting at the foot of the tree. When she reached the last step, he gave her a resounding kiss on the lips. "About time, you sleepy female!"
"That's sweet," she said, grinning up at him. "But you're going to have to wait a bit longer. I'm going home to bathe and change my clothes. I have slept in them you know."
"So I see." His gaze ran hungrily over her. "I'll come and help."
"I don't think so." Laughing, she gave him a small shove. "I need to get this data to Father, and find out what news he has. Behave yourself."
"Can I at least wash your back?"
She fluttered her lashes up at him. "You can wash more than just that tonight, handsome."
A growl of approval rumbled through him.
Wylin came down the steps, and Tera called out to him, "Keep Illam company while I go and wash, all right?"
"As long as he doesn't offer to wash my back," Wylin replied blandly, having obviously heard the exchange between them.
"Might be interesting," she replied pertly.
"Cheeky wench." Wylin frowned mockingly at her. "Hurry up."
Back at the house they shared, she washed quickly in the underground pool, delighting in the hot water and scented soap, but knowing everyone was waiting for her, she reluctantly dried herself and got dressed.
This time the top was sleeveless and hung down to her thighs. The lace was strategically placed across her breasts and down in a thin line to the hem. The rest of her was bare.
Hmm, possibly too revealing. Illam might drag me into the bushes, which I wouldn't mind at all! But the others might not appreciate it, and he is a little territorial at the moment, I don't want him snarling at the other men.
The next tunic she chose was in pale lavender, with a lot more lace and only glimpses of flesh. The loose pants came down just past her knees. Wrapping the ribbons of the sandals around her calves, she tied them off. A quick swipe of the brush through her hair, and she pulled it up in a ponytail. Yep, now she looked like a working healer.
Illam's mouth watered as Tera came towards the group waiting for her at the healers' hut. Her eyes, though still a little tired looking, were a startling pale, crystal blue between her thick eyelashes. Soft, lush lips begged to be kissed, and her pert little nose was just ... kissable. So was the determined, rounded chin.
And that thick, brunette hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, showing her elegant bone structure and graceful neck. How he wanted to rasp his tongue down that munchable length!
And the clothes ... Jocat! The ribbons of her simple sandals were wrapped around shapely calves, and the lace on the loose blouse gave naughty hints of what lay beneath, the glimpses of shapely flesh a naughty diversion.
God above! He wanted her---now!
"Steady on," Denyon murmured. "You're about to make me blind again."
"You and me both." Wylin glanced sideways at Illam and winced. "Stars, Illam, think of something else!"
"I can't," he growled.
"Then you'll have to stay behind, because if you jump Tera while we're on the way to the ship, I'll be forced to jump you."
"Okay, that deflated me."
"Good." Wylin suddenly got his meaning and pulled a face. "Now I feel ill."
"Serves you right." Illam grinned as Tera came up, sliding his arm around her waist and leaning down to rub the corner of his mouth across her cheekbone. "Hello, makit."
"'Morning all." Tera smiled at everyone. "Sorry for sleeping in."
"You didn't even wake up," Rilla informed her.
"When Illam carried you to the guestroom," Marx explained.
"I can sleep quite heavily." Totally unembarrassed, she grinned widely. "What can I say?"
"You mean in-between the snoring?" Wylin queried.
"I don't snore!"
"That's not what Illam said."
Tera frowned up at Illam, and he scowled at Wylin.
"Wylin?" Tera questioned.
"You lying bastard," Illam said to Wylin.
Wylin smirked.
"Makit, I would never say that about you," Illam smiled down at Tera. "Ever."
"Do I snore?"
"Yes," Wylin answered. "According to Illam."
Illam snarled at Wylin.
Wylin grinned lazily back at him.
"Never mind." Shaking her head, Tera looked at Rilla. "I'll get the data collector and we can go."
Retrieving it from the table inside the healers' hut, Tera set off with Rilla, Taj, Wylin, Illam and another Lyman security, introduced as Sabin.
The trip to the scout ship was again done through the tunnels. Once inside, she inserted the data collector into the small box on the console, then exchanged idle chit-chat with Kiile while Sarcan readied himself. It wasn't long before her Father was on the viscomm.
Illam sat lazily in the other chair and listened with interest.
"Have you got anything for us, Father?" she greeted him.
"Some interesting things, actually," Sarcan replied. "I'll send the data, and while it's downloading I'll show you what I've found."
"Before you do, I have to download the data I collected from the Lypeople," she said. "It'll only take a minute or two." She pressed the switch then leaned back in the chair. "What did you find?"
"I'll put it up on the screen."
Within seconds a picture of a flower came into view. It slowly melted into the DNA structure, and her eyes widened as she saw the faintest red shine on the side of it.
"It has the same shine as the DNA of the Felys people!"
"But weaker, and it hasn't affected the DNA of the plant. And even though present on the other plants and in the food, be it animal or not, it hasn't affected them. Only the Felys' DNA."
"Interesting." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Is it harmful to ingest?"
"Not at all. All tests run on it show it to be harmless to eat. In fact, stomach acid destroys it." Sarcan's face reappeared. "I tested it because, my child, I was worried about you and Wylin eating there."
"Ah, of course." Tera smiled. "But it's okay to eat?"
"Makes no difference to eat it. But I have found something else." His face took the place of the plant.
"And that is?"
"Tera, the red shine has signs of being from a ray."
"A ray?"
"The rayscope was the only way to see the red shine. That means it's visible only to the rayscope, which means it's a ray. I've tried other means of showing it, to no avail. Kiile called in his weapons expert, and he confirms the shine is from ray of some kind."
Totally bewildered, Tera sat back in the chair.
"Pardon me, Sarcan," Illam said quietly. "If I may interrupt?"
"Of course." Sarcan looked at him.
"This ray. Do you have any idea where it comes from?"
"I wish. All I know is that once the weapons expert identified it as a ray, we ran some tests on the DNA to confirm it. But whatever ray it's from, it is slowly destroying your species."
The Argon healer's words echoed in the cabin. Tera and Illam exchanged glances.
"Destroying the species?" Tera queried.
"It would appear to be designed to destroy the DNA of the Felys. It skims over other DNA and goes straight to that of the Felys."
"I bet I know who," Illam growled furiously.
"Who?" Tera queried.
"Those bloody hell hounds! The Canys!"
"It may not be so," Tera was quick to lay her hand on his arm. "Father, I have the specimen data of the Lypeople here. Can you get it run through and back to me today?"
"Certainly. It won't take long at all to bring the DNA up, now we have most of the data. A half hour to ring it up and verify it if we find anything red on it."
"Then we'll wait to hear back."
As soon as Sarcan left, Kiile appeared, asking for Wylin. No doubt wanting an update on the situation with the Canys.
Tera strode down the corridor and out into the cave to talk to Taj.
At their news, his gaze sharpened. "A ray?"
"So it appears. Father is running your specimen data now." Tera folded her arms and cast a worried glance at Illam, who was still furious.
"You think it's the Canys?" Taj queried.
"Who else?" Illam snarled.
"You forget, they're having runts, too," Tera pointed out.
"Maybe it's backfired on them."
"Illam."
He sighed suddenly. "Okay. You're right. It may not be them."
"But you're not convinced?" Taj watched him closely.
"Those hounds have hated us for centuries. And Ropar is a maniac at times."
"But he wouldn't allow his own packs to be destroyed."
Illam sighed again. "You know, if it was that bastard, things would be so much simpler."
"We could just go to war and wipe them out?" Taj grinned, his eyes darkening.
Illam snarled a low approval.
And Tera had another glimpse of their wildness.
It didn't faze her. Smacking Illam on his arm, she said sternly, "Cut it out!"
They both had the good grace to look sheepish.
"Just a thought," Illam said.
"Forget it."
"Whatever you say, makit." He winked at Taj.
She pinched his bum, hard enough to make him hiss.
"Ooohh, female, you're going to pay for that later." He glared down at her, but his lips twitched at the corners.
"I am so scared. Watch me shake."
"You'll be shaking all right."
She crossed her eyes at him.
Laughing, he hugged her to him.
Taj looked up as Wylin came down the ramp. "Everything okay?"
"Kiile was just checking up on the situation with the Canys," Wylin replied. "I told him there's been no change so far."
"Very good." Taj nodded. "Tera, I have a question."
"Yes?"
"How can your Father run tests when he only has data, not the actual specimens?"
"The data collector has the information correlated in it. I pass it over the specimens, and it absorbs the aura and minutest impressions, processes it and lays it out in a readable pattern. Father receives that information and is able to recreate tiny pieces of the specimen to study."
"But isn't that dangerous? You could let loose an unknown disease into your environment."
"The data collector collects impressions only. It can't collect disease or anything else. It's sole purpose is information."
"But Sarcan was able to see the ray?"
"The impression of it," she corrected. "Under a rayscope."
"I don't quite understand," he admitted. "But if it works to solve this damned mystery, I'm happy."
"Father is going to run your specimen data now," Tera informed him. "We should soon know if you have the same red ray."
Taj's pupils dilated. "I hope not."
"It's possible if your runt rate is higher than normal."
The time passed with seemingly painful slowness, until finally Tera started up the ramp. She had Wylin, Taj and Illam right behind her, but she couldn't blame them. Sabin obviously wanted to follow, too, but he was standing guard.
Poor bugger! She couldn't stop from giving him a small smile and wave, which he returned before sweeping his gaze around the huge cave again, especially near the heavily concealed entrance.
Sarcan's face was already on the viscomm as Tera sat down, Taj right behind her while Wylin and Illam stood a little further back.
"All right, Father," Tera said quietly. "What did you find?"
"The red ray is present in the Lypeople, but not as strong." Sarcan looked at Taj. "Your runt rate isn't as high, is it?"
"No." Taj's lips pressed firmly together.
"That would be explained by the fact that the ray isn't as strong in your DNA." Sarcan returned his gaze to Tera. "It could be confirmed one hundred percent if we had all the DNA data of the Lypeople."
"That would take weeks," Taj said.
"Then we can only go by the specimens provided by yourself and your men," Sarcan stated. "To see if it's present in all your species is unable to be confirmed completely."
"But it's possible."
"Between us, I say absolutely so, but as far as saying it is officially, that I can't do."
Taj glanced down at Tera. "Your daughter could collect the data?"
Illam watched Tera and Sarcan closely, but neither gave anything of their thoughts away. He wasn't surprised by Taj's query. If it was him, he'd have asked the same.
"If Kiile is in agreement, and the Felys, and Tera herself, then yes."
"Then I will discuss it with the Lypeople Council, then if they agree, I'll contact Kiile."
"As you please."
"Do you know how to destroy it?" Taj queried.
"Not yet, but I'm working on it."
"No ideas at all?"
"Gastric juices kill it, but as that's not possible to let loose on your DNA, that's still a no."
Taj nodded stiffly.
"You know, Father..." Tera glanced sideways at Taj before returning her gaze to the screen. "The Canys are having a higher influx of runts, too."
Illam stiffened. The little witch!
"Really?" Sarcan scratched his chin through his beard. "How interesting." He cocked his head at her. "How far away is the Canys settlement in comparison to the Felys and Lypeople?"
"You think this may have a bearing?"
"Distance."
Tera turned to Taj. "Who is closest to the Felys settlement?"
"The Canys."
"Mmm." She looked back at her father. "How interesting."
"Isn't it?" Sarcan pursed his lips. "If we could get a sample---"
"Absolutely not!" Illam stormed forward to place his hand on Tera's shoulder. "No! She is not going to the Canys!"
"I never said she was," Sarcan said mildly. "But if someone else could? Someone who isn't an enemy of the Canys?"
"You mean the Lypeople?" Taj smiled wryly.
"Yes."
"We're not true enemies, but neither are we friendly. We tolerate each other."
"Is there a neutral territory that you meet?"
"That would be where the three boundaries meet. There's a mile of ground that's neutral territory, which is where the leaders meet if there's a problem."
"Then could someone meet them on neutral ground and obtain some specimens?"
"I'll ask the Lypeople Council, but it's doubtful."
"It would help to know if the Canys carry the ray as strong as the Felys do. If so, it means that whatever is causing the ray to damage your DNA and weaken your kits and their litters, is closer to the Felys and Canys than it is to the Lypeople."
Illam looked alertly at Taj. "We could find the cause and put a stop to it?"
"It's worth a try." Taj nodded to Sarcan. "I'll contact the Council and get back to you."
"And I'll chat to Kiile meanwhile."
Within minutes, Taj had the Lypeople Council on the viscomm. Illam recognized Cato, and a black and white Lywoman called Eesha. After introducing Tera and Wylin tot hem, he told them everything that had transpired.
At the mention of the ray affecting the DNA, and of it having been found in their own people, though in a weaker version, they paled.
"I'll discuss this with the rest of the Council," Cato informed them. "An emergency meeting will be called. But I can tell you that this will mean that if the Argons and Felys are in agreement, then we will be asking the Argon healer to come and take specimens from us all."
"It could take weeks," Illam interjected.
"And this destroying of our DNA could take our species," Eesha reminded him.
He had to agree that they had a point there. And somewhere deep inside himself, he did a little jig. It would mean that Tera had to stay on the planet a lot longer---with him as her personal bodyguard. Apart from Wylin and Denyon, that is. And they weren't mating with her, either. He was the one doing that, by Delcat!
Shrugging mentally at the thought that he shouldn't be rejoicing in the sobering news, he turned his attention back to the conversation. Every black lycat had a silver undercoat.
"Once back at your settlement, Illam, I'll talk to Shar and Almire," Taj was saying. "They can get on the viscomm to the Lypeople Council and sort out some details, if in agreement. Then if everyone agrees, we'll contact Kiile and do a three way communication system."
"You would still have to get the Canys to agree," Illam pointed out.
"First things first. If they don't agree, we'll simply forget about them for a while and work on ourselves."
"But they're getting all huffy," Tera reminded him.
"One step at a time, healer. We can't fix everything."
"Bugger."
Amused, Taj grinned at her.
Leaving the ship, they headed back to the Felys settlement through the safety of the tunnels.
The Cave
The sphere glowed softly. Everyone it touched, it gifted with freedom.
She watched it, almost mesmerized by the glow.
The other healer came growling softly when she didn't immediately relinquish her place beside it.
She wasn't afraid. They were in this together. They needed each other.
Overhead the slave hunters flew, their lights spearing through the darkness of the trees in the hope of spotting one of their kind running for shelter. Seeing no one, the slave hunters veered off and disappeared into the night sky.
Safe in the shelter of the cave, she smiled at the two other healers, and they smiled back.
Yes, they'd done the right thing. Freedom would be theirs.
Gathering in the Meeting Hall, the Felys leaders were in agreement that Tera and Wylin go to the Lypeople settlement and start gathering data. The Argons had collected all they could from the Felys, and at least they had a small knowledge of what was happening to them.
Contacting the Lypeople Council via the viscomm, they gave their permission, but added that it was up to Tera and Kiile if they went. The Lypeople Council gave their agreement, and gave Tera full support through their own healers.
The viscomm divided into three sections as Kiile came on to join the meeting.
He was little more reserved. On the three way communication viscomm he spoke soberly, wanting to know the safety of his healer and bodyguard against the Canys.
"The Lypeople is a bigger settlement," Taj informed him. "It's a city of some twenty thousand."
"Tera, you are in agreement to go?" he asked her.
Sitting to the side, Tera leaned forward and nodded. "Yes. It's the opportunity to do a full scan of them all."
"But you already know that the Lypeople currently tested have the ray in a weaker form."
"But we can't confirm they all have it."
Kiile pursed his lips.
"I have another idea, Kiile, so I'm not there as long," Tera offered. "I can simply correlate the data, and the various healers will collect the specimens."
"How is that going to make it shorter?"
"Multiple collectors. I won't be the one going out and collecting; I'll just be sitting and gathering data."
Kiile was still frowning.
"You have concerns," Cato stated.
"Yes. This business with the Canys worries me." Kiile looked directly at him. "I don't want my healer or bodyguard anywhere near them."
"Kiile---" Tera began.
"No." He gave her a hard look, every inch the Argon leader. "I've been doing a little background search myself. The leader of them, Ropar, is someone not to be trusted. They can be savage when provoked."
"I'm not going to provoke them."
"Tera, you have a habit of speaking your mind, and your sharp tongue could provoke a saint."
Illam grinned, but caught Tera glaring at him, so he coughed and looked away.
"Kiile," she said, sounding reasonable. "If they agree, and I find the ray is stronger in them, we will know the cause is nearer to them and the Felys than the Lypeople. That narrows the cause to a more specific area."
"And this is a specific order. You are not to go near the Canys. If the Lypeople will gather the specimens and return them to you, fine. You can correlate it back at their city or the Felys settlement. That's as near to the Canys as you go."
"Oh crap."
She sounded so much like a sulky child that Illam laughed outright. Wylin cast him a wry look. Tera cast him a full-on scowl.
Uh-oh. Does that mean I've just turned her off a bit of diddling tonight? And besides, Illam was glad that Kiile had given her a direct order, for there was no way in hell he was going to let her get near the Canys, regardless.
It still meant he might not get some diddling tonight, but he could live with that if it meant her safety. Besides, there was always after midnight. He was nothing if not optimistic.
Denyon was looking at him in obvious approval of Kiile's orders, and Illam knew that he'd had reservations about Tera going near the Canys as well.
Cato spoke up. "Kiile, do we have your permission to transport your healer and her bodyguard to the Lypeople city?"
"Providing Denyon and Illam accompany them," Kiile said steadily. "They are entrusted to their care, and in their care they shall remain."
"Of course," Denyon said. "Tera and Wylin will remain with us the whole time."
"Then they may go." Kiile looked at Wylin, who nodded. "To the Lypeople city, but nowhere near the Canys."
Kiile had a boyish handsomeness, looking younger than his years, but the ruthless glint in his eyes, the bearing of an Argon leader, and the air of a man not to be disobeyed, all combined in that moment to make him appear almost ... deadly.
And in that moment, Illam had no doubt the Argons were as ruthless as was whispered about them. And he respected them mightily.
"When do you leave?" Kiile queried of Taj.
"Tomorrow?" Taj looked at Denyon. "It's only about ten minutes to the city in the scout ship."
"Fine by me." Denyon looked at Shar and Almire.
They nodded.
"I'll leave the security here," Taj added. "Until things have calmed down with the Canys."
"It could get worse yet," Shar stated.
Tera glanced at Illam, and he could see the worry in her eyes. It warmed him that she thought so much of his people.
Now if he could work that to his advantage, he might get some diddling tonight after all. Meanwhile, there was work to do, such as ensuring the perimeters of their boundary were safe, and checking on the Felys kits. He needed to make sure they were still obeying the orders of the leaders to stay close to the settlement.
The Cave
The slavers were bombing the areas now, trying to flush out the species that hid in the protective, heavy foliage of the forest.
Dust filtered down from the cave roof, and she bit her lip. Another place might have to be found to keep the sphere safe ... it was the only hope for her---their---people.
While annoyed at the protectiveness of her leader, Tera also knew the wisdom behind Kiile's decisions. Regardless of what anyone thought of him, he stuck by his duty as leader, and if it meant the protection of his people, he'd go to hell and back.
She thought about taking her anger out on the fur-ball who'd dared to laugh at her---bloody Illam!---but never having been one to hold grudges for long, she shrugged it off and proceeded to ready her equipment to be transferred to the scout ship.
Rilla and Marx were a little morose while helping her pack up the equipment in the hut.
"We'll miss you," Rilla informed her sadly.
"We've learned so much," Marx added.
"It won't be for long," she assured them. "I'll be coming back."
"But you're finished here," Rilla said.
Tera smiled and set the specimen labels into the container.
"Oh!" The threads in Rilla's eyes twirled excitedly. "Illam!"
"Maybe," Tera teased.
"You're staying for Illam?" Marx grinned in delight.
"For a while." She cast them a sideways glance. "To see how things go."
Rilla was practically dancing with delight.
"That's between us," Tera added warningly. "I don't want everyone knowing right now."
"Of course," Rilla agreed.
"Why not?" Marx asked.
"Because I think it's something they should see for themselves, or Illam should tell them. Not through rumors."
"Fair enough," Marx concurred.
"It's so romantic," Rilla sighed.
"How nauseating." Wylin walked through the door.
Tera crossed her eyes at him.
Illam joined them all for the midday meal, and Tera smiled at him when he cast her a wary look.
"Not mad anymore?" He dropped a brief kiss on her cheek.
"Scared?"
"Petrified."
"Then you better make up for it tonight," she teased.
"That's a promise." His eyes started to glow hotly.
"Steady on, big boy." She shoved a piece of apple into his mouth. "Eat that."
The others laughed, and the meal passed pleasantly. Illam left shortly after to check the perimeters, while Wylin took one of the containers back to store at the house with the other specimens, to await their return from the Lypeople city.
Ambling around the settlement to stretch her legs, Tera passed the Meeting Hall, and on a spur of curiosity, she entered the Hall to find it empty. Crossing to where the maps were situated on the wall, she studied them intently.
A green marker showed the Felys settlement and section of country, a huge area mainly filled with forests. Further away, an estimated two hundred miles, was the Lypeople city. Their section of country went back an equal amount, and had a mixture of forests and flat ground.
And there was the Canys settlement. Interestedly, Tera checked the distance from the Felys settlement. Only a hundred miles. Half the distance.
The country was equally divided in thirds, a section for each species. And where the sections met was the neutral zone, a mile square of flat land. It was about fifty miles away from the Felys settlement, along the boundary of the swamp but further up on the flat land.
"Damn it," said a gruff voice behind her. "Where the hell are you ferals?"
Startled, she spun around, but no one was in the Hall. No one except the strange-looking man staring at her from the viscomm.
"Well, well." The man bared his teeth. "I take it you're the Argon healer? Just the one I want to speak to."
Approaching the viscomm, Tera knew instinctively who the man was. Canys. His ears were pricked upright, big, on the sides of his head but higher. Like a hound. His reddish brown eyes were round, the pupils large. His nose was long, his chin the same, giving the appearance of having had his jaw and nose stretched out and broadened. Like the muzzle of a hound, with a touch of a human in there somewhere.
"You are the Argon healer," he said again.
"And you have to be a Canys," she replied calmly. "I'll get someone---"
"No! It's you I want to talk to."
Well, hell, it wasn't as though she was face-to-face with him ... well, she was, but not in the flesh. So she wasn't breaking direct orders. Of course, Kiile and Wylin would be furious if they knew she was even talking to the Canys, and Illam's reaction would be just as bad, but still ... she wasn't breaking orders. And she could get some answers meanwhile.
"Who am I talking to?"
"Ropar. The Alpha of the Canys." He said it proudly and a touch challengingly. He also appeared as though waiting for her to bow to him.
Fat chance. She bowed to no one. "And what do you wish to talk about?"
"What disease have you found in the Felys?"
The hound really was testy. "None. They are clean of any disease."
"Snarch shit! My people have always had the odd runt, but now it's becoming worse!"
"Really?" Tera slid into the chair and studied him. "How many runts a litter do you have?"
"It used to be about four or five runts in every twenty litters. Now it's up to a runt every five litters." His sharp teeth showed in a snarl.
"And when did they start coming more frequently?"
"This year. The last three months more so. And it's because of those damned ferals! They should be eradicated!"
The hound could hold a grudge, all right.
"You're wrong in blaming the Felys," Tera said bluntly.
"Very wrong," said a terse voice behind her.
Tera glanced behind her to see Denyon glaring at Ropar. He strode across to the viscomm, his pupils slitted, his nostrils flared.
She could just about see him bristling, sense the danger in him as he firmly caught her shoulders and pulled her from the chair and pushed her partially behind him.
"I'm talking to the healer," Ropar snarled.
Denyon hissed back. "You ask for permission through us. Never do you approach a visitor or anyone else except through the communications officer. You know the rules!"
"Your communications officer wasn't present."
"Then you try later." Denyon growled, a low rumble in his chest.
"Denyon---" Tera began.
"Illam!" Denyon shouted out the name, making her jump.
Boots sounded hurriedly on the verandah, and then Illam came striding through the door.
Tera groaned.
"What's wrong?" Illam took one look at his friend, and his gaze switched to the viscomm. His hiss was frightening, ending on a yowl of fury. His pupils slitting, the black threads writhing wildly against his golden irises, and his ears flattened against his skull.
When he reached for Tera, she couldn't help but cringe. Snarling a warning at her, he pulled her back behind him.
"Illam, please," she said. "We were just talking---"
"No!" he snarled back at her, his teeth flashing sharply white. "You were ordered to not go near this Canys!"
"We're talking," Ropar growled deeply.
"You know the rules." Denyon reached for the switch.
"Screw the rules!" Ropar barked, a drop of saliva actually dripping from the corner of his mouth. "The healer is the one I will speak to! Whatever it takes, she is mine to talk to!"
Illam sprang forward, his snarl so loud and long, so threatening, that Tera took a step back. His fingers actually curled, his nails, though short, catching the light from the screen.
"Tera is mine, Ropar! You are never to go near her, do you understand? Never!"
"Then let me talk to her." Ropar's teeth showed. "Just talk."
Hesitantly, Tera touched Denyon's shoulder, and almost jumped at the speed and ferocity with which he spun around to face her.
Right then, he looked feral enough to attack her.
"What?" he snarled.
Never one to back down---though, by the stars, it took all she had not to run now---Tera said, "It's just talking. I'm not near him, I'm breaking no orders. Please, Denyon, this is my only chance."
"No!" Illam turned to face her as well, his eyes glinting ferociously.
Denyon's nostrils flared, and he looked back at the screen.
And then Wylin walked in, took one look at the Felys snarling and hissing, took a look at the viscomm, and then looked at Tera. With no expression on his face whatsoever. And then he, too, pulled her further away from the viscomm and behind him.
Wonderful. Bloody wonderful. Tera tried to get past him, but he blocked her once more, using his body and stepping in front of her.
Facing her, he took her shoulders in his hands and said softly, "I suggest we leave this Hall before things get out of hand."
"Wylin, this is ridiculous! I'm only getting information---"
"No," he said simply, but there was force in his words, and his grip remained firm.
Ropar snarled from the viscomm. "The healer has yet to answer my question."
"I gave the answer," Tera called out. "There is no disease!"
Illam was suddenly there, standing beside Wylin. His gaze burned down at her, and his snarl was full of menace. "Get her out of here," he hissed to Wylin. "Now!"
"Either come quietly, or I'll carry you out," Wylin said, his words full of promise, though his voice remained calm, and his face bland.
Damn. Tera had no choice. She knew Wylin didn't make empty threats. She allowed herself to be led from the Hall, but was able to hear what was being said behind her.
"I want the healer to come to my city," Ropar barked out.
"No," Denyon snarled. "The Lypeople will be in touch."
"It is her I will speak to!"
"You will speak to no one but the Lypeople." Denyon snapped the viscomm off.
The sudden silence behind her was unnerving. She expected to hear running feet any second, but there was just that unnerving silence.
And the low growling and hissing. Unnerving.
Wylin's calm façade hid what he was really feeling, but she had no doubt she was in for a tongue lashing.
He took her back to their house at a brisk pace, but without drawing attention to themselves, straight through the living area, and didn't let her arm go until he practically dumped her into a kitchen chair. Leaning back against the kitchen sink, he stared unblinkingly at her.
"Okay," she said wearily. "Go on. Rant and rave."
"I don't rant and rave." His voice was quiet. Deadly quiet.
"Then give me the tongue lashing. Go ahead."
"The lashing you need isn't with the tongue."
"Don't give me that." Leaning her elbow on the table, she sighed. "You've never laid a hand on a wench in your life. Not in anger."
"Oddly enough, that could change any second now."
Wryly she looked up at him.
"Damn it, Tera!" He gritted his teeth. "You were ordered not to contact that mad Canys bastard."
"I didn't contact him. He was on the viscomm while I was there."
"And what, exactly, were you doing there?"
"Checking the map to see how far the Canys city was from the Lypeople city and the Felys settlement." She leaned forward. "And guess what? The Canys are a lot closer to the Felys, which could account for why their runts have increased."
"And how am I to account for having to fight the Felys for your hide?"
"Huh?"
"Denyon and Illam looked like they could tear strips off you." Wylin scowled. "Not that I can blame them."
Tera looked at him glumly, all the interest and excitement draining from her. "They were mad."
"They have a right to be."
"It wasn't like I set out to contact that crazed hound!"
"You could have simply walked out when he showed."
"Why? I disobeyed no one."
The sound of boots resounding on the back verandah made her wince. Wylin automatically shifted to stand beside her to face the door, and she knew he would protect her against Denyon and Illam, regardless of the men's growing friendship. If they meant her harm, it would be over his dead body.
Which she couldn't allow. So she stood as well. Besides, Illam would never harm her. He loved her. She raised her chin. Bring it on, Felys.
And then the two Felys stormed in, and she quaked inwardly.
Okay, maybe Illam would harm her, he looked furious enough. If it was possible, the hair on his back---of which there was none---would be up in a ridge.
"Back off," Wylin said softly, when he made to go straight to Tera.
Illam halted, the pupils of his eyes slitted. He growled low at Wylin.
Following him inside, Denyon's gaze switched from his friend to Wylin, taking in the situation in one glance.
And thank the stars, even though still angry, he obviously isn't as furious as Illam. Tera cast him a pleading look. The last thing she wanted was blood shed between her dearest friend, and her lover. Though her lover looked like he could probably shed her blood with no second thought.
Illam hissed, long and low and menacingly.
Instead of warning him off, Denyon said calmly, "Wylin, back away from Tera."
"No," Wylin replied.
Lifting his head, Illam snarled hotly.
"Wylin, I ask you again. If you wish to avoid bloodshed, move away from Tera."
"Tera is in my care---"
"Tera is mine." Illam's snarl seared through the room.
Wylin didn't budge.
Tera stepped in front of Wylin. "Don't hurt him, Illam!"
"If he doesn't get away from you, Tera, I will shred him!" Lifting his head, Illam gave an unearthly yowl of warning, similar to that which she'd heard from lycats fighting just before they attacked.
"Wylin, Illam won't hurt Tera," Denyon said softly. "Trust me. She is in our care, under my protection as well. If you don't want to see blood shed right now, move away and trust us."
Moving forward slowly, his knees bent slightly, his unwavering, hotly glowing eyes trained on Wylin, Illam snarled warningly. "Move!"
"Please, Wylin." Keeping her eyes on Illam, she gave Wylin a small push. "He won't hurt me." She hoped.
She felt Wylin's hand brush the holstered laser at his side before he stepped away, and knew he would draw quickly and shoot Illam with no hesitation if there was any sign of violence. It scared her, both the thought that Illam might hurt her friend, and that her friend might hurt her lover.
"Oh shit!" She burst into tears. "Bloody men!" And she ran from the room.
Immediately there was the sound of boots in hot pursuit, and a shouted warning, followed by a calm voice.
She registered it all dimly, even as a hand hooked into her elbow and spun her around to slam into a hard, naked chest. She started to push back, crying harder than ever, only to be held in strong arms in a vice-like grip.
She knew it was Illam, even though she had her eyes shut while she bawled like a baby. How bloody embarrassing was that? But she could smell his faintly wild, totally masculine scent. And his purring was deep and soothing, resounding against her cheek as he held her head firmly to his chest. And that purring made her stop struggling and lean into him instead, as she fought back the sobs.
"Bloody fur-ball!" she gasped.
The purring continued.
"I ought to kick your arse for scaring me like that!"
The purring continued.
"Castrate you."
The purring stopped.
"Okay, I take that back," she choked.
The purring recommenced.
Quiet voices sounded again. Denyon, calm as always. Well, when he wasn't looking like he might murder her. Wylin's voice answered him, and though she couldn't hear the words, he was just as calm, and that was a good sign.
So was the fact that instead of tearing strips off her, Illam had just sat down on the sofa and drawn her down onto his lap. Cradling her close and purring madly in an attempt to soothe her. Just as a mother lycat did with a lykitten when it was upset. Purr for comfort.
How sweet.
She bawled harder.
He purred more intensely.
She wondered which of them was going to pass out first.
"Damn it!" Cursing, Ropar flung away from the viscomm. "Those feral bastards! Those useless scum! Dare to deny me! Dare to deny me!"
Cringing on the other side of the door, Lazar rolled his eyes. The alpha was going off again.
"The healer will talk to me! She'll tell me what she knows! Lazar!"
Oh damn. Lazar opened the door with a trembling hand and shuffled in cravenly. "Yes, Sire?"
"Those damned Felys won't send that bitch to me!"
No kidding?
"But I've figured out a way to get her. Get my hovercraft ready! Now, you useless mutt!"
Brightening, Lazar left the room at a run. Whoo hoo! No Ropar for a couple of days---even a couple of hours was a blessing! Yes! How---
"And be waiting for me inside it, Lazar!" Ropar boomed out. "You're driving, since I shot that other useless mutt and he's out of action for a while!"
Oh crap. The light just went out of Lazar's day.
Illam felt as though his heart would break. He felt as though he'd been through a windmill of emotions so fast, it just about left him feeling faint.
When he'd heard Denyon roaring out for him, he'd felt fear for Tera, but when he saw Ropar's ugly mug on the viscomm, he'd wanted to yowl and scratch the bastard's eyes out. Then kill him on the spot, shredding him without a care. And then Tera had tried to talk to the crazed hound, ignoring Illam's warning not to, and he'd felt fury towards her, too. Trying to control his temper wasn't easy, and when Ropar had demanded to talk to her, had dared to state that she was his to talk to, he'd seen rage in the color of red.
And yet, somehow, he'd managed to hang onto his temper. Enough to order Wylin to take Tera home, away from the loathsome sight of the hell hound.
Yes, he'd stomped back to her house. Yes, he'd entered with every intention of giving her a tongue lashing for daring to disobey and talk to the hell hound. But then he'd seen the fear in her eyes, the wariness, and had felt it like a punch in the guts. Then, when he'd made a move towards her, to try and explain, Wylin had demanded he stop. Granted, he probably looked feral still, but Wylin had tried to come between them.
Him. Illam. Tera's lover and nature-mate. Wylin coming between them. He'd wanted to rip Wylin's throat out for keeping him from his mate. He'd been more than ready, and then Tera had stepped forward, pleading with him with those beautiful eyes, trying to protect her friend from him. Saying she knew he wouldn't hurt her, but the fear was still in her eyes.
And then she'd sworn and burst into tears and run.
Females! He'd never understand them.
But he understood that he'd frightened her, that she'd never truly seen him furious enough to claw out at someone. And she'd been scared witless that he was aiming to do the same to her and her friend. As if he'd hurt Tera! Wylin---well, he wouldn't hurt him unless it was to protect Tera, or if Wylin stood between Tera and himself. But never Tera.
He'd sooner die. Jocat, he felt like he was dying a little more with every sob that came from her. Not to mention every insult, which he could handle, though the castrate one was a bit rude.
"Shhh, makit." He rubbed the corner of his mouth against the top of her head, feeling the silky strands against his lips.
"You arse!" she gulped.
"Are you finished insulting me?" he murmured into her fragrant hair.
Pushing upright on his lap, she rubbed the tears from her cheeks and took a steadying breath. "You deserve it after the fright you gave me."
"You deserved the fright after speaking to that hell hound." He sighed. "Tera, don't let's point the finger at each other. I want to get to the bottom of something much more important right now."
Sniffing, she took another fortifying breath, then turned her head to look at him. "What?"
"You really thought I'd hurt you?"
"Illam, I thought you were going to rip me good."
Cupping her cheeks in his hands, Illam drew her head down until their noses practically touched. "Listen to me good, little mate. I might have lost my temper and did a fair bit of hissing and snarling, but I would never---never---hurt you. I would never lay a finger on you in anger. Do you understand me?"
She nodded, and sniffed.
"I did follow you with every intention of doing some more hissing and snarling, I admit that. But when I saw how scared you were..." He sighed. "Delcat, Tera, I felt like you'd punched me in the guts."
"You're lucky I didn't." Her smile was watery. "And I wouldn't. I make a lot of threats."
"I hadn't noticed," he said dryly.
"Tell me this; is it normal for a male Felys to get so wild?"
"When a Felys sees his mate in danger, or if someone threatens to get in-between them, Felys have been known to get very ... volatile."
She arched one brow.
"It has ended up in blood. But not normally between Felys. We know each other. But enemies who have attacked have experienced first hand the feral side of our natures." He grinned. "And it's not just the males that can get so protective, either. The Felys females have been known to mess up the enemy when their male is threatened."
"How comforting to know." She hesitated.
His grin faded, a sudden fear clutching at him. "You---you haven't changed your mind about staying, have you?"
"No." Tera shook her head. "I'm just trying to understand, and learn how to live with you lot. Especially you."
That sounded good. He grinned again, a purr starting deep within him.
"But, Illam, as much as I accept a lot of things about you, you need to understand that I won't have my friends threatened, either."
The purring stopped. "Tera, Wylin threatened to come between us---"
"He wasn't coming between us to separate us, only to stop you from hurting me. Neither of us knew exactly what was going on." Grabbing a hunk of his hair, she gave it a little tug. "You need to learn patience, Felys. You're learning about us, as much as we're learning about you."
Okay, she had him there. With a sigh, he nodded.
"So do me a favor, and don't threaten to tear Wylin apart next time he comes to my rescue. He is still my bodyguard while on this mission."
Okay, she had him there, as well. He sighed and nodded again.
Smiling, she kissed him gently, a soft touch of lips that made his heart melt all the more. The female was going to turn him into a lap lycat if he wasn't careful. Still, as long as it was her lap he was going to be in...
About to get more enthusiastic with the kiss, Illam was stopped by Tera pulling back from him and sliding off his lap to stand facing him with her arms crossed.
"Right," she said. "Now that we've cleared the air that you won't murder me after all, I'm going to tell you what happened, just so you know the truth."
Still lounging back on the sofa, and sorely missing her warm bottom on his lap, Illam raised one brow at her. "Oh?"
"The air isn't clear until you know," she stated.
"Fine." Now he'd have her apology.
"I was in the Meeting Hall looking at the maps to see how far away the Canys settlement was from the Felys, to see if I could pinpoint an area. Simple curiosity. Ropar showed up on the viscomm screen and started talking to me."
"You shouldn't have replied." No longer feeling so relaxed, Illam pushed up from the sofa.
"I was ordered to not go near the Canys. I wasn't near him, and I didn't initiate the contact. I was perfectly safe asking him questions."
"Ropar is never safe." The anger kindled inside him again at the memory of the Canys demanding an audience with his mate.
"I was nowhere near him. I broke no orders." She folded her arms and raised her chin. "Did I break an order?"
"The order could be interpreted---"
"Crap. Did I break the order?"
"Well---"
"Did I?"
Curses. "Technically, no."
"So while I understand that you see my actions as disobeying orders, I didn't. And who wouldn't take the chance to find out something from a safe distance, when they can't get near to it?"
"That's beside the point." Damn! How did she manage to twist everything upside down? It was that bloody logic of hers! "The point is that he's dangerous, and I don't want you having anything to do with him."
She sighed. "Illam, I'm sorry if you thought I was doing the wrong thing. But in my mind, it was perfectly logical."
There! There was that logic crap! Illam's jaw tightened, then his eyes narrowed. There was a faint tinge of red on her cheeks. And she was looking decidedly shifty, her foot moving slightly, her hands clasping, a slight tilt to her head that enable her lashes to slide over her eyes enough to hide the---
"You look as guilty as hell," he stated bluntly.
"I do?"
"You do."
She grinned sheepishly.
"What is it?" Moving forward, he placed a finger beneath her chin and titled her head up so that she had to meet his gaze. "Tera?"
"Oh, all right. I knew none of you would be happy that I was talking to Ropar."
"But you did it anyway."
"Because technically, I wasn't disobeying a direct order."
"And technically, I should spank you until you beg for mercy."
Smiling beguilingly, she leaned into him and peeked up sweetly. "But you'd never raise your hand in anger against me, would you? Hmm?"
"You're not winning me over, Tera." His heart was going all soft and mushy.
"What if I said I truly am sorry that I upset you?"
Placing his hands on his lean hips, Illam blew out a breath of air. The sincerity in her gaze, the switch from playful to earnest, made him certain of her apology. "Very well. I accept your apology."
"Was there ever any doubt?" Her gaze was searching.
Reaching out, he cupped her cheek and ran his thumb gently across her elegant cheekbone. "There is never any doubt with forgiveness, Tera. If the apology is sincere, the acceptance is just as sincere."
Sliding her arms around his waist, she leaned her full weight against him, and he accepted it welcomingly. Loving the feel of her pure trust in him to hold her safe. "I think I'm falling a little deeper in love with you, Illam."
"Only a little?" he teased.
"It's a slippery slope."
Cradling her to him and inhaling her scent, Illam felt almost content. His contentment wouldn't be complete until she admitted her full love for him.
And meanwhile, there was work to be done ... and a crazed pack leader to watch.
After giving Tera a last kiss and cuddle, he reluctantly left her to continue her packing and sough out Denyon.
He found Wylin waiting outside the back door. Oops. Refusing to be ashamed of his protectiveness of Tera, he stood and eyed the Argon warily. Challengingly.
"You can't challenge me," Wylin drawled. "We're under your protection."
"You're never to come between me and my mate," Illam stated quietly.
Wylin's stance was lazy, his shoulder propped against the wall, but his gaze was steady. "I place myself between her and any threat. I thought you were a threat."
"I would never hurt Tera."
"But you'd happily slice me to ribbons."
"You'd do the same in my boots."
"You know," Wylin said thoughtfully, "I do believe you're right."
They grinned at each other, both relaxing, and Illam gave the Argon a camaraderie slap on the shoulder.
"Make sure you keep a close watch on that female while I'm gone."
"Count on it."
From inside the house came a derisive, very feminine snort.
The men grinned at each other again, and then Illam left to seek out Denyon while Wylin went inside to assist Tera in the packing.
Illam found Denyon in the Meeting Hall.
Denyon looked at him warily, and then smiled a little. "I take it things went all right?"
"She apologized." Illam shrugged. "But she didn't actively seek out Ropar. He appeared on the screen."
"So the data has shown." Denyon indicated the screen, which listed the incoming and outgoing calls. "Tera never contacted him, he contacted the Felys settlement and she just happened to be here."
"And took her opportunity." Illam shook his head. "Stubborn female."
"Oh yes, you wouldn't have taken the opportunity if what you wanted fell into your lap, would you?" Denyon raised his brows. "Oh no, not the Righteous Illam."
"Up yours."
"Thanks, but I think I'll pass."
"Your loss."
"I can live with it."
Illam studied the viscomm. "Ropar is very intent on speaking to Tera."
"He's after confirmation that we're the cause of their runts dying."
"Do you think we did wrong in not allowing him to talk to Tera?"
"He knows the rules. He contacts the communications officer, who contacts Shar or Almire. There is no direct communication with anyone unless it's first approved."
"You're right." Illam stared at the screen broodingly. "He's stirred up now."
"Ropar has always been stirred in the brain department."
"We need to keep a close eye on him."
"You're right. Ropar is not to be trusted." Denyon glanced across at the Felys standing near the map on the wall. "Garan, watch for any transport going to the archeological ding near the swamp, especially from the Canys settlement."
"No problems. They're always under surveillance, anyway."
"Good. But now I want an eye kept on that map twenty four hours a day. Any suspicious activity, I want you to contact me immediately, and notify Shar and Almire to contact the Lypeople to pass on a message to the Combined Court."
"It's done."
"Right," said Illam. "I'm going to do a run around and check that the Felys kits---especially those sassy little runts---are doing as they're told and staying within the perimeters."
"Especially the runts." Denyon glanced at Illam. "I want to talk to the leaders about these runts."
"Oh?"
"Yes. Dangerous times like these reinforce how allowing them to roam as they will isn't doing them any favors."
"Ah. Lysie has been onto you again."
"She made me realize that our being so lenient with the runts makes them dangerous targets in times such as these."
Illam sobered. "You're right. I thought you'd brought this up with Shar and Almire already?"
"I did, but time has slipped by and I haven't pursued it. After this trouble with the Canys has settled, I'm calling a meeting with them." Denyon looked fully at Illam. "Do I have your support?"
"You don't need to ask. It's always been there."
Denyon smiled and punched his friend in the shoulder. After a brief tussle, they went their separate ways.
Through his office window Kiile was watching his short wife wander around out in the gardens. A couple of lycats followed her. Lysie, Marten's equally short wife, was talking to her, her slightly rounded figure boasting the five Felys kits she carried inside her. Going by the way the Felys was flinging her arms around, she was annoyed about something.
No doubt he'd soon know.
He wished he was able to keep as close an eye on his healer. All he could do was hope that the Felys and Wylin could keep her safe, and that the Felys could keep Wylin safe. He hoped he'd made the right decision in allowing them both to go to the Lypeople city, though stars knew, if they weren't safe amongst twenty thousand Lypeople, they were safe nowhere.
But they would be safer at home.
The viscomm flaring to life drew his thoughts from the problem, and he turned around to grin at Simon, as the trader's face appeared on the screen. "Hello."
"Hello yourself." Simon grinned back, his dangerously handsome face alight with good humor. "'Tis a favor I have to ask of you, Kiile."
"If you're wanting Hanna because Shamon is moping---"
Simon laughed. "Hanna still not over him leaving?"
"Well, she's getting there. Visitors from my brother's country on the other side of Argon have waylaid her. She's chasing my cousin." Kiile smoothed the front of his immaculate uniform top. "Can't blame the poor wench. He looks a lot like me."
"I didn't know the lass had poor eyesight?"
"You're just jealous."
"Oh, aye, very. Not that I want to chase your cousin around, you know."
"Thanks for that bit of information." Amused, Kiile moved closer to the table. "So, have you decided to drop by on your way home or something?"
"We're not ready to go home yet. Still have a fair bit of trade goods aboard that need to be dropped off. Nay, what I'm calling for is a little bit of help from Marten's wee wife."
"Lysie?"
"Aye. You see, when we passed Scytha, we dropped some trade goods off to the Lypeople. While in the neutral zone, we picked up some crates, but when we opened them just minutes ago, we found this inside one of them." Simon held up an earthenware bowl.
"Okay." Kiile looked blankly at the bowl. "It looks ... old."
"You ignorant Argon." Simon laughed. "Of course 'tis old! But I reckon it belongs to the Felys, too."
"Why is that?"
Angling the bowl, Simon pointed to the base. "There's words molded into the bowl. Some of those words look to be Felys."
"Are you sure?"
"I think so. I recognize a couple of letters from some old artifacts I saw in the Outlaw Sector."
Kiile shuddered to think what would have happened to the owners in the Outlaw Sector, even years before.
"Anyway," Simon continued. "I thought Lysie could have a look on the screen and verify it. If 'tis Felys, I'll drop it back to her on our way past next time."
"Sure." Going to the window, Kiile called out to get the attention of Lysie, and gestured to her to come to the office. Returning to the chair, he watched as Simon rubbed a wet cloth gently over the base. "Some of that wording looks like it's done with a different hand."
"Aye. The dirt is so in-ground, we had to be careful how we got it out."
"I'm surprised you muscle-bound morons know what to do with an artifact."
Simon gave him a cheerful, albeit rude, hand gesture.
"Charming," Kiile said dryly.
The office door opened and Lysie entered. "You wanted me?"
"Simon does, actually." He gestured to he viscomm.
Lysie smiled widely at Simon, then her gaze fell on the bowl. Moving closer to the screen, she frowned.
"We found it amongst some crates," Simon explained. "If the writing is Felys, we'll drop it off to you next time we pass."
"How curious." She stared at it intently. "Hold it closer to the screen."
He did so, and she silently read the words. When she'd finished, she looked at Simon.
"Well, lass?" Simon queried. "You don't look too happy."
"It's strange," she replied. "Yes, it's Felys."
"What does it say?" Kiile asked curiously.
"It says 'rays for freedom from slavery'. But even weirder..."
"What?"
"The next piece says 'rays for the mind, body and soul'. That's written in the Lypeople lingo."
"Well, you are sort of kin, right? So it wouldn't be that hard to believe that something was made and signed by both?"
"Yes. But not for the Canys."
"What do you mean?"
"The next part says "rays of life given by rays of death", and that's in Canys writing."
Simon raised his brows. "I understood that that the Canys and Felys are enemies, and that the Lypeople are the mediators?"
"That's so. That's why I don't understand why the three species would work together on this."
Kiile stared at the bowl, his mind churning with thoughts. Was it too much of a coincidence? It had to be. For the answer to be right before their eyes...
Pressing the communication switch on his desk, he said, "Sarcan. Could you come to my office please?"
It was dark, and Illam hadn't returned to the house. Tera sighed. He was probably busy getting things ready, ensuring the perimeters were secure, and that the Felys kits were obeying the orders.
Especially the runts. They were a handful at times.
Anyway, it gave her time to finish storing everything. She hadn't realized how much she'd accumulated until she started sorting through it.
The evening meal came and went with still no sign of Illam, and she chewed her bottom lip. Crossing the verandah, she gazed towards his house, but all was dark. Then a light flared on. He was home.
"Wylin," she called over her shoulder.
"Yes?" His voice came from the living area.
"Illam's home. I'm going over to see him."
"I take it you won't be home by morning then."
"Don't wait up." She grinned and stepped down from the verandah.
"I won't. I know better than that."
Crossing the distance between the two homes quickly, she stepped up onto the front verandah and pushed open the door. "Illam?"
"In here," he replied.
Going into the kitchen, Tera took in Illam's grim face, and her gaze went to Ceric, another Felys. "What's wrong?"
"A couple of the runts are missing." Illam checked the strap on his laser holster. "We're going out to search for them again."
"Oh no." She paled. "You don't think they've gone to the Canys?"
"They know better. They wouldn't just walk across the boundary." Illam touched her cheek gently. "Go home and get some rest. We'll find the runts."
"Go to sleep? Are you out of your mind?" Tera shook her head. "Let me come with you and---"
"No. The less moving through the forest, the better." He kissed her on the tip of her nose. "Please, Tera. We know these forests, you don't. I'll be worrying about you if you try to accompany us."
Denyon appeared, strapping his own laser to his thigh. He looked briefly at Tera, then glanced at Illam. "I'll see she's safe."
"You're not going?" Tera queried.
"You're under our protection. One of us has to stay with you and Wylin."
"We'll be fine, really---"
"No." He turned to Illam and Ceric. "Taj and Ryles await you, along with Aras and Melar."
Illam gave Tera one last look, then he left with the Felys and Lypeople to search the forest. She watched as they melted into the darkness, needing no light with the moon to shine in their path.
"Denyon, do you think the runts are all right?" She looked at him.
"I hope so. They can be unpredictable little kits." He took her arm. "It's best if you go home and stay with Wylin. Then I know where you are."
It made sense. Unable to do anything, she left with him. Not far off she heard sobbing, and instinctively she knew it was the mother of one of the runts. Her heart went out to her, but when she made to go in the direction of the sound, Denyon shook his head.
"Rilla is with her."
"I would help if I could."
"A Felys female at this time can be a little unpredictable. Until you learn more about our moods and emotions, it's best if you simply stay with Wylin."
Grudgingly, she gave in.
Wylin met them at the door, and after Denyon explained the situation, he drew Tera into the house.
It was late by the time Tera finally went to bed. It was well after midnight when the door to the verandah swung open. Relieved, but still worried for the Felys kits, she climbed from the bed and hurried to the door.
There on the verandah was a single night blossom. Looking up, puzzled, she saw that the lights were on in Illam's bedroom.
He was home. For some reason, he'd left the night blossom by her door and then left. Maybe he hesitated to wake her. Maybe something had gone wrong, and he was upset. She had to know.
Knowing that Wylin would worry, she slipped into a pair of slip-on shoes and quietly crossed to his room to knock on the door frame of the open door.
Instantly Wylin was awake. Actually, she doubted he'd even been asleep. "What's wrong?"
"Illam's here. I'm going to his place."
Wylin sat up. "The runts have been found?"
"I'm not sure. He might have been upset, he simply left a flower and went home. I don't think he wanted to wake me."
"I'll walk you to his door."
"There's no need---"
"Then I'll watch until you get to his house."
"Wylin---"
"I watch, or I walk. Take a choice."
She crossed her eyes.
"I know what you're doing, Tera, even if I can't see you." His teeth flashed whitely in the dark as he grinned.
"All right. Watch."
"We're still talking about you going to his house, right?"
"I thought you weren't into voyeurism?"
"Just checking."
He rolled out of bed and came towards her.
"Whoa there," she said. "Have you still got your pants on?"
"Ready in case of trouble."
"Do you ever relax?"
"Not on the job."
Ever the proper bodyguard, he pulled on his jacket, and leaving it hanging open, he followed her through her bedroom and out onto the verandah. Looking towards Illam's house, he frowned thoughtfully.
"What's wrong?" Tera queried.
"Why would he not come into your room?"
"For your information, he's never been in my room. He always meets me out here. Or I go to him."
"You'd think he'd be familiar enough to come and get you."
"He's left me before if he thinks I'm tired."
"True. But I've decided to walk over with you now."
"You are so paranoid."
"You're in my charge, that's why."
"Very funny."
"You should see it from my point of view."
Walking side by side, they crossed the distance to Illam's house. Partway there, Tera shivered against the damp, chill, early morning air. Wylin shrugged out of his jacket, and against her protests, slung it around her shoulders.
"All part of the service," he said, straight-faced.
It was silent, the light still on in his bedroom. Going to the door, Tera opened it and started inside.
"Illam?"
There was no answer, but she heard the dim splash from the heated pool.
"He's bathing," she told Wylin.
"Maybe I'll check and see."
"Wylin!"
"Just checking, doing my job." Raising his voice, Wylin shouted, "Illam?"
A muffled shout came back, barely audible through the thick layers of stone and depth under the house of the pool.
"Satisfied?" she queried.
"Maybe."
"Wait here." Running to the bathroom, she peered down into the room below her. She couldn't see him, but she heard him splashing. Coming back into the living area, she saw Wylin waiting lazily. "He's in the heated pool. I saw him from the top of the stairs."
"All right. I'll go back to bed."
"Or maybe you'd like to see his clothes?" Reaching over to the armchair, she picked up Illam's pants and held it up for Wylin to see.
"I think I get the message."
"I'll see you in the morning." Tera patted his cheek. "'Night, Wylin."
As soon as Wylin was well on his way back to the house they shared, Tera went to the bathroom and down the stairs. Coming out into the bathing chamber, she looked around---and saw a wide-eyed Fely's runt staring at her. One of the two missing runts? Of Illam there was no sign, which was odd, considering she'd heard him shout.
She noticed that the runt was holding a very wet towel, the end of which was dangling in the water. To make loud splashing noises?
"What's going on?" she queried. The kit's pupils had dilated, making his eyes look even rounder and huger than normal. "What's wrong?" She knelt down before him. "Where's Illam?"
"He---he's not here." The black, white and cream kit's bottom lip trembled, his ears pressed flat to his head.
"Hey, settle down." Tera smoothed her hand over his furry head. "Let's get you home and---"
"I have to give you something first."
Concerned, Tera stood and took his little paw in her hand. "Later. I'll take you home and---"
"They'll kill him!"
"What?"
"Illam. They have Illam!"
A chill settled in Tera's heart. "Illam? Who?"
"The Canys!"
Oh God. Her breath caught in hr throat, and she felt her mind trying to grasp the concept. "Are you sure?"
"He came looking for us, and the Canys caught him. They gave me this to give to you." The kit held out his free hand, and Tera stared down at disc in his hand. "The leader, Ropar, said you had to watch it. He said you'd know what to do."
With trembling fingers, she took the disc. "We have to tell Denyon---"
"No!" Frightened, tears welling in his eyes, the kit spat. "No, Ropar will kill him! He told me he'd kill Illam if anyone else came!"
The words cut into Tera. Her first instinct was to run for help. But that would mean the death of her lover.
"Ropar told me to tell you to watch the disc. H said you'd know what to do." The kit was hanging onto her arm, his little sharp nails making indents in his skin. "Tera?"
"Okay." Trying to think clearly, Tera looked down at the disc. "I-I guess I'd better watch the disc." She looked at the kit. "Get Wylin for me."
He chewed his bottom lip, then nodded slowly. "You'll watch the disc now?"
"Yes. Illam has a viscomm in the living area. I'll watch it while you get Wylin."
The kit followed her into the living area, watching anxiously as she loaded the disc into the computer. She flapped her hand at him, and he left.
The viscomm screen flared to life, and Ropar's face sneered out at her. "I know the runt made it back to you with this disc. He wouldn't want to risk the death of his good friend, Illam." His eyes narrowed in triumph. "Your lover."
She fisted her hands.
"And now, healer, this disc is keyed to transmit you straight to my viscomm. I'll be talking to you face to face any second---" The screen flickered, and the position of Ropar changed. He grinned at her, his tongue slicking around his sharp teeth. "That's better. You look a little worried."
Tera knew she was talking directly to Ropar. "Where's Illam?"
"He's a guest of mine for now."
Trying to buy some time, she said, "I don't believe you have him."
"Don't believe?"
"He wouldn't allow himself to be caught."
"Not caught, no." Ropar leered. "But exchanged for a runt? Yes, he would do that. Too damned honorable for his own good."
Her stomach clenched. Yes, Illam would do that, but had he? "I want proof."
"By all means." He gestured to someone in the background, then turned back to her. "Proof is coming, healer."
She waited tensely, her gaze scanning behind Ropar. Then she heard a high-pitched yowling, a piercing scream.
Oh God, surely not Illam? Horrified, she watched as Ropar held out his hand, a smile on his face. He held something up to the screen.
A piece of pink, bloodied scalp, with a thick hank of chocolate hair, a few strands of gold and white intertwined. Hair that could have only come from the front of Illam's scalp.
Bile rose to her throat, horror slamming into her senses. "Illam..."
"Don't worry, he still has a lot of this lovely hair." Holding it up, Ropar studied it in amusement. "Would look mighty fine adorning my bedpost, don't you think?"
"They'll kill you!" Tera leaped from the chair. "You bastard! When Denyon and Wylin find you---"
"Oh, sit down, unless you want another piece of scalp ripped off the feral's head. I can easily arrange it." Ropar waved his arm to whoever was standing beside him.
"No!" Tera grabbed the viscomm with both hands. "Stop!"
Ropar called a nonchalant halt to the Canys who was now out of sight.
"What do you want?" Tera swallowed.
"I do like a bitch who knows her place." Ropar looked directly at her. "I want your presence at the camp, healer."
Of course. She should have known. "The Felys and Lypeople won't let me go."
"That's why the little runt is waiting outside the back door for you, healer. Oh, don't be fooled. Those runts love their people, and credit is not really given to them. Letting them run free and loose has made them strong in their minds. Versatile. They'll do anything to protect their people. To protect Illam."
She wanted to check if what he said was the truth. Had the kit gone to Wylin? She felt sick. If Wylin knew, the Felys would know, and Illam would be doomed.
"The runt's there, never fear. He won't tell a soul." Ropar's lips lifted briefly, those sharp teeth gleaming. "Now you're following him to the camp. He knows where it is. Once you're here, you're going to tell me everything you know."
"I told you, there's no disease---"
"Shut your lying mouth! Once you're here, we'll see about the truth of the matter." He held up the bloodied scalp piece in his hand. "Or your lover is going to lose a bit more of his lovely locks. You have only a short time to get here, healer. You'll be met by my guard pack, and brought to me. Now I suggest you hurry, or---" He gestured.
The tortured scream cut through the night air.
"Don't!" Tera's eyes filled with tears. "Don't touch him!"
"So you'll come quietly then? No alerting the others?"
"I'll come."
"So nice of you to be my guest." He grinned.
The screen went dead.
Tera wasted no time. Bounding from the chair, she rushed to the back door and saw the Felys kit shivering in misery and tears. He looked pitifully up at her. "I couldn't help him."
"You are helping me," she said. "Wait here."
She was not meeting that Canys bastard in a thin nightgown.
Running into Illam's room, she rifled quickly through his wardrobe and yanked on a pair of his loose pants. They slid down and hung so low, she was fearful of losing them in a hurried run. So she dragged on a pair of his tight pants. Discarding the nightgown and Wylin's tunic to the floor, pulled out one of Illam's shirts. It was too big, but she rolled the sleeves up and fastened the buttons.
She was as ready as she was ever going to be. Except the Felys kit was freezing cold. Grabbing a jacket from Illam's closet, she swung on her heel and nearly fell over Wylin's jacket as she did so. Looking down, her eye was caught by the glint of the pin on his jacket. It was the contact comm, the one that linked directly back to Argon. Her own comm.pin was back at the house she shared with Wylin, but she couldn't risk going back there to retrieve it. He'd hear her return and want to know why.
But this contact comm. of Wylin's was in contact with Argon.
And Argon was in contact with the Felys and Lypeople.
An idea sprang to mind. She had no doubt that the Canys had nasty plans in store for Illam, and would only keep him alive while they could use him as a pawn to control her. But once she convinced them that she didn't know much at all, both she and Illam would probably die.
She needed an escape plan. And what better way than to have communication with Argon?
Quickly she fastened the pin to the inside of her shirt, then pulled Wylin's jacket on. She could only hope that Wylin would realize she'd taken his jacket for the contact comm.
Meeting the Felys kit at the backdoor, she silently helped him into the jacket and rolled the sleeves up to his little, furry wrists.
"It's all right," she whispered. "Lead me to them."
The Felys kit knew his way well. He also seemed to know every little escape route to avoid the guards. Tera was hard put to squeeze into some of the hiding spaces in the bushes, but when she had to bite her lip against the pain of a stick jabbing into her thigh, she heard Illam's agonized screams in her ears, and she knew she could put up with anything to keep him safe.
Or as safe as she could hope for.
Several times the Felys guards and Lypeople security sniffed the air, their gazes glancing around, but Tera knew the kit had done something, for the guards and security seemed confused.
One of them mentioned Illam's name, his voice carrying on the wind. In the darkness, she could only catch glimpses of what they were doing.
It seemed to take hours to get out of the settlement unnoticed, but Tera knew it was actually only about fifteen minutes of careful movement and stealth. Then they were in the forest. But still the kit wouldn't let her run. He pointed to his ears and back to the settlement, and she understood. The Felys' sensitive hearing would hear the crack of bushes from a hurried and unwary body.
She forced herself to follow the kit, staying low and treading where he indicated.
Once out of hearing of the perimeter, the kit suddenly took off with Tera in hot pursuit.
At the swamp, he pulled a little boat from beneath the bushes and Tera helped him shove it into the water. It wobbled as they both got in, Tera lifting the little runt in first before clambering, not very elegantly, into the boat itself.
It was pure nerves that made them both giggle a little as she tipped head first into the boat.
But the giggle faded as she looked from the kit to the shoreline of the swamp on the other side. "The Canys await us over there?"
The kit pointed. "Just on the other side. 'Bout a mile in."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes." He looked at her. "They're scary, but I'll protect you."
"I'm sure you could, but your trip ends here." Tera grabbed him and dumped him back over the edge of the boat onto the muddy bank.
"No!" He looked frantically at the boat as it drifted into the swamp. "Tera! They'll kill Illam if I don't come back!"
"They have me. As long as they have me, they won't hurt him." And they won't kill you. Tera was under no illusions that the Felys kit would be disposed of, his usefulness finished with her turning up.
Illam had given himself in exchange for the runt. There was no way she was going to allow that sacrifice to be in vain. And no way in hell she was bringing a kit into whatever hell hole the Canys had planned for her and Illam.
"Do your parents know you're still out here?" she called back softly.
"No. I came home earlier and went to sleep in the pile with my brothers and sisters." The runt was wringing his hands. "I had to slip out early this morning and find you. That was my instructions."
"Then go back home and go to sleep." She looked at him in the gloom, seeing nothing but shadows on his face cast by the moonlight. "At ten o'clock, you're to go to Wylin and Denyon and tell them everything. Do you understand?"
"No! The hell hounds will kill you and Illam if I do!"
We're dead anyway, unless the Felys and Argons get on the case fast. "Do as I tell you, all right? Then lead them right here."
Hardening her heart against his pleading, she left the runt crying on the bank. Picking up the paddle, she made her way across the swamp. When the boat bumped against the bank, she got out carefully and dragged it further up the bank out of the water.
Who knew? Maybe she and Illam would escape and need the boat for a fast getaway. It paid to try and be optimistic.
She hadn't gone far from the swamp when several shapes descended on her. A light flared into her eyes, and a grunt of satisfaction sounded.
"You're the Argon healer?"
"Yeah." Shading her eyes from the light, she squinted at the shadowy shapes.
The light flicked away, leaving black dots dancing across her retina. "Where's the runt?"
"I sent him home."
"You stupid bitch!" A hard hand lashed out catching her fell across the cheek.
She would have hit the ground, but a cruel grip on her upper arm kept her upright.
"Ropar will kill you for that!" The Canys guard snarled.
Stars that hurt. "The runt is long gone, and will keep his mouth shut." She stared at her captors, unable to make them out in the dim moonlight. "He's too scared of what his parents will do."
Cursing, the guard behind her gave her a shove. "Come on. Ropar is waiting for you, and he can deal with you. I doubt you'll be so brave then."
Leaving Denyon's home, Illam stretched wearily. They'd finally found the two missing runts having a wonderful time playing deep in the forest. Well away from the perimeter, but also well away from the swamp, in the other direction, in fact. Returning the two imps to their parents, Illam and Denyon had a meeting with Shar and Almire. It was decided that the runts, for now, would be kept with the other Felys kits during the day, and all of the Felys kits, runts or not, were confined to home at night with their parents.
Before he could go and have the evening meal with Tera and Wylin, unusual footprints had caught the attention of one of the Lypeople security, down by the swamp boundary. Illam had gone back to investigate, accompanied by both Lypeople security and some Felys guards. They'd tracked the footprints along the swamp bank before they disappeared.
It was more than obvious that a Canys had stepped over the boundary of the swamp. Another worry. They'd spent the several hours combing the banks of the swamp, and the forest nearby for intruders, but it seemed the Canys had taken a boat and gone back over the swamp. They found the drag marks of a boat near the waters edge.
It was well past midnight when they started for home, and only a few hours before dawn when he walked into his house after notifying Shar and Almire of the invasion. He'd left them contacting the Lypeople leaders, in preparation for a talk with the Canys leaders. A meeting of the Combined Court to be organized to discuss the breaking of the law by some Canys, possibly Ropar.
He scented her immediately. Tera. Eagerly, he strode to his bedroom, expecting to see her lying in his bed sound asleep, a warm bundle just waiting for some loving.
What he saw instead was her nightgown on the floor, along with a pair of his loose pants. Frowning, he picked up the nightgown. His gaze went to his open wardrobe. One of the hangers was half hanging out, and another hanger lay on the floor. Why would she go through his closet and take some of his clothes?
Something was wrong. He could feel it. In a corner of his mind there was a stirring, a feeling pf panic that wasn't his own.
Frowning, he concentrated. There was no real call as he'd have with a Felys nature-mate, but obviously there had been some kind of bond formed between him and Tera.
A bond that only became present in dire circumstances.
Oh God.
He left the room at a run. Crossing the distance between the houses, he bounded onto the verandah and burst into Tera's room. "Tera?"
Within seconds the light blazed on, Wylin squinting against the light, a laser in his hand.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Wylin asked. "Where's Tera?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Illam stared at the empty bed.
Wylin's face hardened. "She's not with you?"
"I haven't seen her. I just got back and---"
"You were back about two hours ago!"
"What?" Illam frowned. "No. I just walked into the house!"
"But Tera saw you in the bathing pool. She looked down from the top of the stairs and---"
"She couldn't have. You can't see my pool from the top of the stairs."
It hit them both at once, and their words echoed between them. "She lied."
"Why?" Illam said. "Something's wrong. I can feel it! I can feel her panic and pain!" He swung away, his hand slapping down to his holstered laser, a low snarl breaking from him.
"Get Denyon," Wylin ordered grimly. "We're searching for Tera."
Once Denyon heard, he went pale. Turning to Aras, who was standing beside him, he snapped, "Tell Shar and Almire to contact the Combined Council directly. They need to know what has happened. The Canys need to know that one of their packs has broken the law completely."
"They haven't responded from the transmission our leaders sent to them about Ropar having broken the law by contacting Tera personally," Aras reminded him. "Even the Lypeople can't get that transmission through."
"It doesn't matter. Shar and Almire have to keep trying, as do your leaders. Things are going to get ugly, and we need the Combined Courts involvement. Now hurry!"
Her cheek ached. Working her jaw, she wondered if she'd ever get feeling back into it again. Never mind the ache in her stomach from Ropar's heavy boot giving her a good kick while she was down. Her scalp was painful, too. Getting yanked around by her hair wasn't on her list of preferences.
The tent she was in was only one of many in the campsite, but it was the biggest. The other tents were in a circle surrounding this one. The Alpha's tent. And Ropar was one mad Alpha, both mentally and temper wise. She was sure that the only reason he hadn't beaten her to death right then and there was because he needed her.
More fool him. She didn't know a thing.
He'd stormed out, and she'd cringed inwardly, thinking he was going to take another chunk from Illam, but there had been no sound except a yelp of pain from some soldier unfortunate enough not to scurry out of Ropar's way fast enough.
Using the table as leverage, she got to her feet and leaned her hips back against it. Sunlight was just starting to trickle through the slit in the tent. While alone, she slipped her hand beneath her shirt and pressed the centre of the contact comm quickly. She removed her hand just in time.
Ropar came stalking back in. He eyed her, and she thought how ugly he was. He looked exactly as he did on the viscomm, a canine-like species. His legs were bowed backwards, more like hounds legs, except that he appeared double-jointed, for his knees bent normally when he sat. It wasn't his features that were so ugly, as his nature.
He looked at her closely. "Tell me what you know of the Felys disease."
"There is no disease."
"They have a high number of runts, and we're getting the same now. Tell me."
"There is no disease." He started forward, his fists clenched, and she stepped back. "But there is something..."
"What?"
"Something in their DNA. Something the Lypeople have, and I suspect the Canys have as well."
"DNA? The disease on their DNA has affected us!"
"I keep telling you, it is no disease. It's a ray of some sort."
"A ray?" Growling, he leaped forward, and grabbed A handful of her hair. "You will tell me!"
He didn't take his time with her. Every question she couldn't answer, he slapped her face hard.
When she still couldn't tell him anything, he dragged her outside and pushed her to the ground, then kicked her in the hip.
Remembering the lessons taught to her by Kiile's bodyguards and her friends, Tera curled into a fetal position, trying to protect her vital organs.
Growling, he kicked her in one kidney.
She nearly blacked out with the pain. God above, if I live through this, I'll be pissing blood for weeks! A roar of approval came from the surrounding Canys guards, and she dimly heard them start placing bets on her survival.
She blinked the tears from her eyes. One thought occupied her mind---by now the Argons would have heard what was happening they'd have alerted the Felys and Lypeople. Help must surely be on the way. Only she still couldn't get anyone to even mention where the camp was situated. All she knew was that it was surrounded by hills and rock.
"Maybe I should start scalping your lover, bitch." Dragging her up by the hair, Ropar shoved her back against a hard rock. "Or even start on you."
She spat a stream of blood. "I told you, Ropar. Somewhere there's a ray that's causing something to cling to your DNA, to---"
"You're covering for them ferals, healer! They should have been wiped out a long time ago!"
Another roar of approval sounded from the guards.
"You're a shapely bitch." Ropar eyed her assessingly. "Not my style. You're pug ugly. But put a bag over your head and I think I could enjoy you."
Rape. She shuddered inwardly.
"And maybe I'll enjoy your lover's reaction, too. They say the Felys males go mad if they see their females beaten and used. And there's enough of us to use you."
Howls of pure lust came from the lifted muzzles of the soldiers, and Tera felt sick to her stomach. One part of her shrunk in revulsion of what Ropar was saying, the other part ... the other part was in dread of Illam seeing it happen to her.
He'd go insane. He'd be completely helpless and she knew, just from seeing his reactions to more minor things, how it would affect him.
It would drive him insane.
She had to do something. Playing for time wasn't working now. The situation was getting more desperate.
Her gaze sought that of several of the Canys who silently watching near one of the tents. Their grubby clothing didn't stamp them as soldiers. Several of the Canys were female, but their eyes glinted with malice. A sandy-haired male turned and went into his tent, one of the females following him.
"What do you say, pack?" Ropar snarled. "Should we spread this bitch on the ground and show her how hounds do it?"
The baying echoed amongst the rocks. Shrill yapping came from one the females. Deep snarls and growls sounded.
"Should we let the Felys male watch us fill his female with our seed?" Ropar urged them on.
The baying was now filled with snaps as the Canys males moved restlessly, their eyes bright, every expression identical to that of their Alpha.
It hit Tera hard, the realization of what she was seeing.
It was the pack instinct to follow their Alpha. Blind instinct. They'd follow him into battle---and into rape or anything else he led them to do.
Pack instinct to hunt the prey. Only they didn't have to hunt the prey, for she was right here. Oh God, oh God, oh God!
Ropar lunged for her, and she swung her fist hard, slamming him across the jaw with desperation lending her strength. The pure instinct to survive, to fight for the one she loved and for herself, made her fight hard.
But Ropar was a seasoned solider, and the air filled with excited whines and snarls as he rose to the challenge.
One pair of soldiers got into a fight, snarling and snapping at each others throats as they fought on the ground.
The thrill of the fight, the joy of the coming victory. The taste for blood. It was all there in his eyes as he slammed her to the ground with a fist to her stomach, and another to her jaw.
On her elbows, partially on her side, she coughed and spat blood. Part of her longed to give in to her pain, to simply black out. But the Argon in her, the pride of a race of people known to be ruthless themselves, refused to allow her to give in. That and her love for her man, now imprisoned somewhere in this hellhole and severally injured himself. She was surprised she couldn't hear him spitting and yowling, but they must have kept him somewhere, maybe a cave. Who knew?
So when Ropar hooked his hand in her shirt with every intention of ripping it free, Tera called on her inner strength, her very pride and love, and used it to grab the lasers holstered at his thighs. She bit him high on the thigh at the same time, making him scream and stumble back.
The momentum ripped his lasers free into her hands, and she surged to her feet. Not steady by any means, but up nonetheless.
By the time Ropar looked up, a snarl twisting his face into even uglier lines, he found one of his own lasers aimed right at his face. The whine of it was deadly in the air. He saw why his soldiers didn't attack. Not only did she have one laser pointed directly at him, but the other was straight out to her other side, facing some of the soldiers. And she was slowly moving it along the line of Canys soldiers on that side.
They snarled, snapping and showing their teeth. Lust shone on their eyes, the lust for rape and blood. And now their prey had turned even deadlier.
Tera looked right at him, straightening her shoulders. "Get Illam." She spat another stream of blood. "Now."
He snarled and moved forward, his soldiers doing the same. She fired off a blast to either side. The blast aimed at him singed his ear, making him yelp in shock and pain. The laser fire aimed at the soldiers caught one dead in the chest, killing him instantly.
"I'm not kidding, Canys," Tera spoke softly, but her voice was clear in the sudden silence. "Get me my man."
"Surrender and I promise no harm will come to you." Drawing his hand down from his ear, Ropar's eyes showed a trace of white around the irises as he saw the blood on his hand.
"No Argon will ever surrender to anyone."
"You surrendered by coming here."
"You think?" She laughed softly, then hardened her voice. "Get me my man."
"Your man." Ropar started to laugh. "He's dying nice and slowly, and far too late for you, healer. He's dying as all the Felys should have died!"
Space
He saw the young pirate spin the little wench around at the same time he heard the spit of laser fire, and felt the deadly blasts tear into his flesh and sear vital organs. Blood pumped into his mouth, choking him, making him unable to breathe.
He fell to the floor, dimly hearing the cries of his friends as they met death, too.
Lying on his side, he looked up, and in the dimming light, he saw the horror in the little wench's eyes, the disbelief. And knew she was truly alone now amongst a pack of rabid pirates.
I'm so sorry ... so very sorry...
And then the light went black, the last sounds he heard that of the jeering of the pirates.
"No," she whispered. "Not again."
"There's no 'again' about it." He laughed, enjoying her torment, so sure of his victory. "All I have to do is wait for you to tire, healer. Tire and drop those lasers. Then your body is mine ... and then any soldier who wants you can have a ride of your body. And we can wait."
The baying started again.
She couldn't lose him. Not Illam. She'd already lost one love, she wasn't going to lose another one.
Raising her arm, she aimed point blank and shot Ropar in the chest. Surprised, he stared down at his chest, then slowly collapsed. The baying stopped, and everyone went into a shocked silence.
"Tell me." Tera looked at the soldiers. "Tell me where Illam is."
"He's not here." One of the soldiers started to laugh. "It was all a lie, Argon. A lie to get you here."
"A lie?"
"All a lie. And you've just sealed your doom."
"Illam isn't here?" Her heart thudded in her chest.
"No. He was never here. One of our guards caught the runt near the swamp, and brought him back here. Ropar had a plan to get you, and the runt provided the means for the plan to unfold. It got you here."
Illam's not here. He's not ... "What of the scalp?"
"The hair is fake. The scalp, well..." The soldier laughed. "The scalp was from a soldier who was expendable."
"The screaming I heard was from one of your own?"
"Yes. And you know what now, Argon?"
"No." All she could think was that Illam was safe. She wasn't going to lose her lover.
"With Ropar out of the way, the decision for the next Alpha is to be settled. But first..." His grin showed teeth from which saliva started to drip. "You're still the prey."
They rushed her. Tera started firing the laser, clearing a small field around herself, but they were on top of her before she knew it. The lasers were knocked to the ground, and she was thrown to the dirt with aggressive force.
The baying of the hounds sounded, and then they snapped amongst themselves, each wanting to be first to have her.
One reached for her, but a sudden burst of laser fire seared through him, flinging him back.
A booted foot was suddenly slammed to the ground in front of her chest, a stance dominating and claiming her, claiming her protected by the man above her.
A viscous snarl filled the air, a wild yowling. Feral and so wild, it was joined by others, every snarl seeming more vicious.
The Felys. They'd come for her.
The booted foot in front of her twisted around, and then Illam was kneeling before her, gathering her up tenderly into his arms. Cradling her to him as the Felys and Lypeople males exploded forth from behind her.
He saw her face, and she could only smile at him and spit blood.
"I love you, makit." He kissed her bruised cheek with the lightest of touches from his lips, then handed her to someone else.
Wylin cradled her just as gently, backing away carefully from the fighting. Yelps and snarls filled the air, the yowling of the Felys a ferocious renting of the peace of the rocky little valley.
Tera caught a fleeting glimpse and in that second she knew why they Felys were called feral. They fought viciously, mercilessly, cutting through their enemies with knives and bare hands, even teeth, ripping and tearing at the flesh of the Canys. They gave no quarter. The Lypeople fought with more finesse, but the same fury burned in them.
And in that mess somewhere was Illam. She shuddered, sick with worry.
A small group of the Canys ran free of the seething mob, and a thunder of boots resounded on the rocks as giants lunged forward. Giants with open, sleeveless vests, their hair tied back, and grimness etching their dangerously handsome faces.
"Daamens?" Tera croaked looked up at Wylin.
It was more than obvious that Wylin wanted to join the fight, but his training and instincts meant her safety first. His jaw was clenched as he looked down at her, but his eyes softened. "They were nearby."
Then he took her from the scene playing out, taking her back to the safety of the Scout ship.
"Wylin, I can't go." She tried to struggle, only to gasp with the pain. "Illam---"
"Yes, you can, and Illam is fine."
When the Canys were finally subdued, the camp was a ruin. The soldiers lay in a group, bleeding from so many wounds they didn't know which part to start licking clean first.
Illam stood by the trampled body of Ropar and kicked it viciously. He wished he'd killed the bastard himself. He wished he could have torn him apart. But Tera had killed him first. He'd been close enough to see that much.
A whining caught his attention and he watched with narrowed eyes as several Canys females and three Canys males, all dressed in grubby clothes, were led from behind the shelter of a boulder. Archeologists.
"These are the last of those that hid," Aras stated.
Taj wiped a bloodied arm across his forehead. "Tie them up."
"You have no jurisdiction here!" A brindle female snarled.
"Shut up, Mitzi," Taj replied. "Our presence here is according to law. If any species is attacked by another, the rules are clear. We take back our own."
"The Argon wasn't yours!"
"The Argon is the nature-mate of one the Felys. She was also under their protection, and by law that makes them untouchable. Ropar broke that law."
She smoldered.
"There's also the little fact of you selling artifacts, Mitzi." Taj's look was furious. "Felys artifacts."
"I never---"
"The Daamens just happened to stumble across one of those artifacts. It wasn't hard to track back, trust me."
"It's worthless, anyway."
"Really?" Illam stepped forward, hard put to keep his fury under control but knowing he had to. "That artifact holds a clue to the problems we're all having in regards to the runts."
"Don't be stupid! Do you think I wouldn't have known that?"
"Obviously not."
One of the archeologists looked up, his gaze sharpening. "What artifact?"
"The bowl containing the Felys writing, also contained that of your species, and my species."
"You lie!"
"You'll see." Denyon nodded to the Felys guards and Lypeople security. "Move them out to the cells on the scout ships. They're going back to the Lypeople city to await combined trail."
Illam didn't bother to watch the Canys being dragged to their feet. Instead, he turned to face the giant Daamens standing nearby, their faces grim as they spoke quietly together.
Going to the one he knew was the captain, Illam looked up at him and held out his hand. "I thank you, Simon."
Uncomfortably Simon shifted, gave his hand a quick squeeze that almost brought Illam to his knees, and muttered, "'Twas nothing."
"It was. You helped us save Tera."
"Tera's like a sister to us," Simon replied gruffly. "Forget it.
Looking at the hulking traders, dusty and sporting a few bruises, but totally confident, and without even thinking of looking for thanks, Illam knew he would count them as friends always. "If you ever need me, for helping with Tera, you know where I am."
"Aye." Simon coughed and fidgeted. "So what happens now?"
"Now the Canys soldiers stand trial."
"By their own species?"
Illam looked at him. "By the Combined Court, which consists of two Canys, two Lypeople and two Felys. If it doesn't get sorted there, then it goes to the Intergalactic Peace Council."
"Sounds like 'twill be a might crowded, all those Canys in amongst the Lypeople and Felys. Aren't you worried feelings will run high?"
"We meet on neutral ground, and only the Combined Court, those involved, and the guards which consists again of a mix, attend. It gets broadcasted to the other settlements and city."
"Fair enough." Simon grinned. "We'll just hover around here until 'tis over. You know ... just in case."
Yes, the Daamens were true friends.
But now he wanted to see Tera. Now that things were under control, he wanted to hold her in his arms and assure himself of her safety.
Tera looked up and managed a small, lopsided smile as Illam came through the doorway.
His face paled upon seeing her. "Makit!"
"It looks worse than it is," she said, only to wince when Rilla ran her hand over her side. "Ouch! Okay, maybe it does feel a little worse."
Grabbing a chair, he placed it by the bunk and sat down. Taking her hand in his, he raised it to his lips and kissed the skinned knuckles tenderly. "Rilla? How bad is it?"
"She's had a beating. Bruises, a cut lip on the inside, a whopping black eye, some grazes, tender areas, and a jolt to her kidneys, but overall, your mate seems to have come through this with nothing more serious."
"See?" Tera said. "It does look worse. Stop looking as though you're going to cry."
"I should be snarling at you once more, but Jocat, Tera, you scared me spitless this time."
"I promise, the bruises will fade and I won't look so bad---"
"Not that!" Illam shook his head. "You're beautiful Tera, and nothing could make that disappear, no matter what happens to your facial features. It's inside you that's beautiful."
"So you're not mad?"
"I'm bloody furious, but we'll leave that until later." Carefully resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "I thought I'd lost you."
"I though the same," she whispered. "I thought I'd lost you, and there's no way I could lose another person who means so much to me."
"One day I'll ask you to explain that to me."
"And one day I will." Tera looked at him. "One thing today made me realize."
"You should have come to me?"
"I thought we were going to leave the tongue lashing 'til after?"
"Sorry."
"It made me realize how much I love you." Reaching up with her freshly bandaged hand, she stroked his cheek. "I can't live without you, Illam."
"Tera, you've been through a trying time---"
But she could see the hope in his eyes. The yearning. And she could only speak the truth, the truth as it had emblazoned across her heart in the short time she'd been Ropar's captive. "I love you with my whole heart, Illam. When I thought they had you, I'd have done anything. That's why I went to Ropar. I couldn't bear thinking they'd hurt you..." Her voice faltered, and she blinked back a tear.
"We saw the disc," Illam said softly.
"That was only a part of it."
"My viscomm records unsolicited calls, Tera. We saw it all." Illam smiled wryly. "I was furious, but Wylin was beside himself."
"Who snarled the most?"
"Wylin impressed me. I think he's been around us enough to pick up a few characteristics."
"Should the Argon wenches be afraid?"
"I'm sure they'll thank us." He kissed her fingertip. "Then the Felys kit told us everything. He didn't wait for the time you'd designated, and thank Jocat for that. He had to save you, especially when he saw that I was alive and well. He led us to the swamp, but then the Argons picked up your signal." He looked down at her shirt. "The contact comm badge you took from Wylin alerted them. Once you activated it, they were able to track the signal. They were already trying to find you. Kiile was---"
"Furious?"
"Actually, I thought he was going to start crying there for a moment. Jocat, Tera, I thought the Daamens were going to start crying. I was nearly crying."
"You manly male, you." Still resting her forehead against his, which enabled her to look directly into his eyes, she said softly, "I'd have died for you Illam. There was no way I was going to walk away knowing you were their captive."
"But I wasn't."
"I didn't know that."
"If you'd died today ... I felt your pain, makit. The bond between us isn't as clear as normal, as if we'd both been Felys, but it has been established. I could feel your panic, your pain." Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to steady himself. When he opened them again, the black threads were twisting agitatedly through his irises. "I couldn't have lived without you, Tera."
"Fine pair we make. I guess we'd better stick together, then."
"You're staying." It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"If you'll still have me," she teased.
"I love you so much, Tera."
"Illam, I love you more."
"How about we wrestle this out when you're well enough?"
"I'll hold you to that." Feeling tired, she lay back on the bunk. "You've got some blood on you, but Rilla wasn't in a flap, so I'm taking it that you're all right?"
"I'm fine."
She swallowed. "The others?"
"We lost some blood and skin, but we all survived and are in one snarling piece. The Canys didn't fare so well."
"I'm afraid I have no sympathy for them." She felt her eyes drifting shut, the soothing motion of Illam's thumb drawing a tender pattern on the back of her hand easing her. "I finally saw why the Felys are stamped as feral."
"And?" He made no attempt to apologize or lighten what she'd seen.
Lifting her lashes, she looked up at him and smiled wearily. "I'm proud to be part of the clan."
Illam smiled back at her, and she caught the glitter of tears in his golden eyes. They didn't need to say anything more.
Tera fell asleep with his thumb stroking her hand.
Home
When they told her, she'd been in shock. It couldn't be true! Not her love. Not her young lover, the man she'd dreamed of a future with, the man she'd planned with, loved and laughed and shared dreams.
She'd cried, the tears pouring down her cheeks like morning rain. Cried until her heart threatened to break.
The funeral was something that brought the finality of it all home with brutal force. The white coffins laid out in a row. The mourners, The light sweep of rain across the whole dismal scene, as though the every heavens cried for the loss of such brave souls, men slaughtered in their prime.
The wenches cried, the men sobbed, and the young wench wept her tears into the rain.
She looked across the coffins, her gaze seeking and finding the older wench and her tall husband. They looked at her, a mutual understanding of the loss they shared.
She met them halfway around the coffins, and they embraced. It didn't need any words. Nearly their daughter by marriage, she would remain so in their hearts. Bonded by a love born and lost so cruelly. They cried together.
And finally it was over, and her family and kinsmen gathered her into their sheltering arms and led her away from the cemetery.
Tera had time for the worst of her bruises to fade before the trial. Even her black eye was hardly noticeable, thanks to the healing herbs that Rilla and Marx used on her. Which was a good thing, because her Father nearly cried the first time he saw her for himself. Hanna did cry.
They only stopped when she threatened to turn off the viscomm and not talk to them until she was fully healed.
Curious, she asked them about the bowl with the combined wording on it from the Felys, Canys and Lypeople, and they told her what they knew. The Daamens, Sarcan informed her, were in possession of it.
After assuring them for the hundredth times that yes, she was fine and getting fitter every day, Tera clicked off the viscomm and went in search of the Daamens.
Wylin looked up from his chair as she came out onto the verandah. "And where are you off to, wench?"
"Aw, Wylin, you're not still mad that I lied, are you?"
"Tera, you're going to have to work hard to get into my good books again."
"At least you're not blaming yourself again."
"Only after Kiile gave me a stern telling off for blaming myself, not to mention your Father saying I ought to give you a spanking---which I won't, because I'm scared of Illam---and just about everyone telling me there was no way I could know that you'd fibbed, seeing as how you were always taking off with Illam."
"Gee, I'm glad we got that sorted out."
"Even Simon said you were hard to control."
"That backstabber! He told me I shouldn't blame myself!"
"He was just being nice." Wylin grinned.
But she could still the shadow in his eyes, and she knew he wouldn't easily get over her having been so badly hurt while in his care. Kneeling beside his chair, she rested her chin on her folded hands and said softly, "Wylin, you're my best friend. It tears me apart to see you continually kick yourself like this."
"It's not so much kick, as ... Tera, you're the sister I never had. Knowing what you went through..." He rested his hand on her head. "Just know, whatever happens in the future, I'm always here for you."
"Bodyguards generally are," she teased.
"And so are brothers."
Getting to her feet, she leaned over and hugged him tightly.
He returned it, dropping a kiss on her cheek before ruffling her hair and saying gruffly, "Now go and annoy someone else. Oh look, Illam's over there looking annoyed already. Give me another hug and let's see how far we can push him. Maybe we can get his arse to twitch."
"You're a shocker." Tera laughed.
"Thanks. I'll always treasure those words."
Leaving him laughing, Tera sprang lightly down the steps, only to falter and mentally groan at the pull of sore muscles. Automatically, she frowned as Illam came hurrying towards her from one direction, Simon and Shamon from another, and Taj from yet a third direction.
"Back off!" she said sharply. "I'm fine!" Because if she wasn't sharp and fast with her rebuffs, she'd never have her feet on the ground. They fussed over her terribly, even the Felys females, who cooked her delicious food, which Wylin quite happily helped her eat.
The men all backed off with resigned expressions, but Illam ignored her rebuttal and slipped an arm around her waist. "Lean on me."
"No."
"It makes me look good."
"It makes me look frail."
"Imagine how manly and caring that makes me appear."
She laughed.
"I see you're feeling better."
"I'm all ready for a little diddling."
Illam tripped, righting himself quickly and looking around to see if anyone saw him.
The Daamens, Wylin and Taj all waved merrily to him.
"What did you say?" He turned back to her.
"I said," she breathed huskily, "I'm all ready for a little diddling."
"Where did you hear that expression?"
"From your sisters. They assure me you use it all the time."
"Well, there'll be no diddling until all your bruises are gone, and your body is back to normal."
"Oh, come on, I won't break---"
"Absolutely not." Ruthlessly, he tamped down his perking libido. "Our diddling gets a little rough, and I won't risk hurting you."
"I can take it."
"Well, I can't." He frowned down at her. "No. Nope. As the Daamens say, nay."
"Are you sure I can't change your mind?" She slid her hand down to cup his buttock.
He jumped like a scalded lycat and heard the laughter behind him. Bloody friends. Why couldn't they do something useful for a change, such as learn a little decorum? No, they had to take enjoyment from his discomfort. Typical.
Reaching back, he took her hand off his behind and maneuvered her so that both her hands were in front of her. "Behave yourself, or I'll leave you to the tender ministrations of the runts."
"Mercy!" Tera grinned. "They're driving me nuts, following me around, thinking I'm some kind of heroine."
"In their eyes, you are. You went alone into the Canys camp."
Not comfortable with the conversation, she looked for a change of topic. "I noticed they're in total awe of the Daamens."
"Oh yeah? Look over there."
She followed the direction he pointed in, to find Aamun and Kel discussing trading with Almire. Standing there, huge and dangerously handsome, they could be an intimidating sight. Muscles bulging, the sunlight making their silver hoops in the left pierced earlobes wink wickedly. Until one saw that Aamun was tenderly cradling a sleeping Felys kit in his massive arms while the mother sorted through a pile of silky cloth, ready to pack for the first trading deal between the Felys and the Daamens. Kel had a runt perched on his hip, the tiny, furry baby playing avidly with his hair, while another furry kit hung off his leg. Not far off, two of the youngest crew members, Torkra and Mikal, were sitting cross-legged on the ground playing a dice game with a litter of older Felys kits.
Yep, the Daamens were tough and fierce all right. Tera grinned.
"The runts must be attracted to the traders," she remarked. "I've never seen so many in the settlement at once."
Illam smiled down at her. "You'll be pleased to know that while you've been resting, the Felys had a meeting. The runts are now expected to take their place in the pride. They may not always be strong enough to mate or bear kits, and some may not live too long..." His face clouded for a moment, and then he sighed and continued, "Be that as it may, it was brought home to us how vulnerable they are. By allowing them free reign, we have also encouraged them to not exactly be obedient to the laws of our people. Lysie was a prime example of how dangerous it can be, as was the little runt being caught by the Canys. From now on they are educated with the rest of the Felys kits, and will take what responsibility they can along with everyone else."
Tera hugged his arm. "I'm so pleased and I know Lysie will be, too."
"I think it was a mutually pleasing decision. The runts have been an issue not addressed before, but long overdue. Now they are a full and integral part of our lives, rather than just being cosseted and allowed to run wild." He grinned. "Some aren't happy about it, but their parents are being strict, and the runts are toeing the line. I think knowing they have responsibilities is helping."
"Your species is a thinking species, Illam."
"Maybe, but I'm more a doing Felys." He winked at her. "And when you're fully healed, I intend to do a lot of doing..."
"We could do it now---"
"No!"
Simon came up beside her. "I see you're feeling better, lass."
"Much, thank you." She smiled at him, knowing no words were needed to express her gratitude.
The Daamens had already dismissed it when they visited her while she was convalescing, announcing themselves insulted that she could even think to express gratitude. So she stopped, and took their good-natured ribbing and scolding instead.
"Father was saying that you had the bowl aboard ship? The one with the combined Felys, Canys and Lypeople writing?"
"Aye, I do." He nodded. "In fact, I brought it with me, thinking you might ask for it. I didn't want you to try and walk to the parking area near the scout ships."
"You're my hero."
"Aye, I'm sure." He grinned at her. "'Tis in the Meeting Hall."
Once inside the Meeting Hall, Simon retrieved it from the shelf it had been placed upon, and handed it to her.
Studying it, Tera pursed her lips. "Something sat in this."
"How do you know?" Illam asked.
"It's smooth inside, and has an indent." Tera peered closer. "It's almost as though a little burnt. As if from heat over a long period of time."
"Mmm." Illam walked over to the cupboard in the corner and opened the door. Reaching inside, he withdrew a wrapped object. "This was taken from the Canys camp, from the archaeologist dig. It has to go back with us to the trial in the neutral territory. Think it could go with that?"
Taking the cover off the sphere, he held it up. The blue light shone dimly, and as Tera looked, she saw something strange. Instead of the blue light casting Illam's features in a blue shine, wherever the light lit upon his features, it glowed a dim red.
And suddenly she suspected something. "Illam, cover it up! Now! Put it back in the cupboard!"
Startled by the urgency in her voice, he did as ordered. Closing the door with a click, he looked at her questioningly.
"I have an idea." Tera started for the door. "I need my data collector."
Once she had it, she shooed Illam and Simon from the Meeting Hall and closed the door. Yanking the curtains across the windows, she finally knelt before the cupboard and withdrew the sphere. Opening it, she noted the blue light reflected off her fingers.
Excitement fluttered through her, but she had to be sure before she got the hopes of the Felys up. She also had to get the sphere away from them, and in a contained container.
Running the data collector over it, she described what she observed, while the data collector absorbed the images and details. Once done, she wrapped the sphere back up in the cloth, locked it in the cupboard, and walked out to find Illam, Simon, Denyon, Taj and Shar all looking at her in bewilderment.
"I think I've found something," Tera began.
"The sphere?" Illam queried.
"Maybe. And for your safety---all of you---I need to shift that sphere somewhere safe."
"You think it's affecting us?" Taj asked.
"I think so. I'm going to the scout ship to relay the findings back to Argon and see what they come up with. Meanwhile, where can we store the sphere?"
Arriving at the Combined Court House in the Neutral Territory, Illam glanced at Tera to see how she was taking it. The place was barren, the only building there the Combined Court House, with the cells beneath it.
Tera had been preoccupied the last few days, making frequent trips to the scout ship. She'd been in contact with a standin healer. A standin healer, because Sarcan and Hanna were on their way to Scytha, along with Kiile and his two bodyguards.
She'd been horrified that they were leaving their pregnant wives behind, but Kiile had informed her that they'd had a hard time stopping Lysie and Katina from accompanying them. Besides, in the fleet craft, they could make the trip in a week.
So they'd arrive any day. Illam knew why they were coming. The trial, and to assure themselves of Tera's safety and health. He couldn't blame them. He'd do the same in their place.
Tera looked up as they walked down the ramp. She looked beautiful wearing her flowing, Argon gown, her hair swept up into intricate swirls and loops. Presenting herself proudly as an Argon, and a healer. "Bleak."
"I knew you'd think so," Illam grinned.
"It could do with some flowers near the door and lining the path. Oh, there is no path."
"Very observant of you." Illam nodded to the impassive guards at the door---a Felys, a Lyman and a Canys.
He could feel the faint shiver that went through Tera as they passed the Canys guard, but she didn't show her emotions on her face. His hand at her waist stroked soothingly, and she smiled up t him.
He'd never been inside the Combined Court House. It was as bleak inside as it was outside. The hall had a door, one each side. In the room on the right sat Shar and Almire, along with Cato and Eesha, and two Canys leaders. The door on the left led to the cells below.
Again three guards, one of each species, stood at the door leading down to the cells.
The open door at the end of the corridor opened into a large room. A long bench was against the right, and behind it stood six large chairs. A caged area stood directly against the far wall to hold prisoners under trial. Facing the bench were a row of chairs.
It was into these chairs that Taj, Denyon, Wylin, Tera and Illam, the two men ensuring she was between them. In three of the last four chairs sat three Canys, Mitzi, Calean and Fidz.
Personally, Illam thought they should have locked them up as well, but as they hadn't technically taken Tera prisoner, and their camp had been taken over by the Canys, no charges were filed against them.
Within minutes, the six leaders walked in and took their places at the benches. They all looked impassively at the mixture of species facing them.
It had been a long time since the three leaders had had cause to sit together. Illam noted the cobwebs on the ceiling. A really long time.
The Canys male in the middle spoke. "The Canys are represented by myself, Umal, and Yula." He indicated the female Canys to his left. "The Lypeople are represented by their leaders, Cato and Eesha, and the Felys by their leaders, Shar and Almire. Together we are united to see justice done." He paused. "If a disagreement occurs that cannot be solved, the case goes before the Intergalactic Peace Council, of which we come under. But internal affairs should stay internal, so I trust we can sort this out amongst ourselves."
The prisoners were brought into the cage, and they were a sorry, battered lot. No longer snapping and snarling, out for blood and rape, they hung their heads, watching the proceedings from the tops of their eyes.
Tera thought how much they represented canines with a mix of human. She could see the canine traits in them. She'd experienced first hand the pack instinct.
It was Yula who spoke. "Calean, tell us what happened."
Standing, Calean glanced at the prisoners then hurriedly back to Yula. "Ropar, the leader of our people and the leader of this group of soldiers, brought them to my camp. They took it over."
"For what purpose?"
"To trap the Argon healer. He believed she had information about the Felys runts. He believed they were diseased, and the cause of our own runts."
"So, do you think he was being honorable, Calean?"
Calaen's ears drooped. "Uh ... no."
"You're an archeologist," Cato said. "True?"
"Yes."
"Why your camp?"
"He thought, since we were situated near the swamp, and therefore the boundary between us and the Felys, that we would be an ideal spot to watch the Felys. He was interested in the Argon healer."
"He recruited you to watch the Felys?"
"Mostly Mitzi did the watching."
Mitzi growled a little.
"Be seated." Cato looked at her. "Stand up."
Mitzi stood reluctantly.
"You spied for Ropar?"
"He is---was---our Alpha. To disobey incurred his wrath."
"You spied for him."
"Yes." She looked away.
Almire took up the questioning. "He broke the rules set by our Combined Court and contacted Tera in the Felys settlement?"
"Through the viscomm, yes."
"He knew Tera was the nature-mate of Illam?"
"Yes. That was the bait he needed to get her to come to the camp."
The questioning went on. Tera was surprised to find that the Canys leaders didn't appear to stick up for anyone, not even their own kind. But then again, the Lypeople and Felys leaders were just as bland, giving no evidence of their thoughts.
The hearing was quick.
It was Umal who had started the trial, and it was he who ended it. "It is clear that Ropar overstepped his bounds. Like a rabid hound, he planned and broke the laws. He would have learned what the Argons knew if he'd gone through the correct channels, as the law decrees. That he chose to violate those laws, and chose to willingly hurt another species under the protection of the Felys, the Canys find him guilty. His soldiers his pack, for following pack instinct so blindly, for refusing to exert control over that instinct, a control that must always be maintained to enable us to live as civilized people, they will be shot back at the Canys settlement."
The soldiers started howling, baying, throwing their heads back and screaming. The cage holding them moved, shuddering, and then descended quickly to the depths beneath the Court House.
Tera felt sick, even when she could no longer hear the mournful, panicked baying of the Canys soldiers.
Illam squeezed her hand.
Umal looked at Tera. "It s unfortunate that you have seen our species at their worst. I assure you, we usually maintain control over our baser instincts. We have managed it for over a hundred and fifty years. Since the slave days, in fact, when we were all hunted. It is my hope we can meet under better circumstances."
"May I ask something?" Tera queried.
"Of course."
"If the Combined Court leaders can get on, why don't the species mix?"
"The Canys and Felys are both volatile groups. To live together would be a disaster. The Lypeople are more even-tempered, hence they mediate between the two species as necessary. It is why we all have our own territory and stay on our own sides." He looked soberly at her, his sharp muzzle quivering slightly. "Sometimes, as you can see, a savage gene, a very dominant one, comes down through a Canys line. With a dominant Alpha such as Ropar, combined with his pack instinct and vicious nature, the results can be disastrous, as you have experienced. Once that instinct to hunt someone is in an Alpha male who has that vicious nature, he'll stop at nothing to get his way, even if the outcome makes no sense to anyone. He loses the main focus of the reason and wants only the thrill of the hunt and the kill. Those with baser instincts will follow the Alpha leader, and the Alpha leader will choose his soldiers carefully to ensure they will go with the pack instinct."
"The Alpha leaders you refer to, they aren't you?"
"No. Ropar was a Canys Alpha soldier. He led a pack of soldiers. Each pack of soldiers has their own Alpha leader." Umal looked at Yula. "And this has shown us that we need to start screening the Alpha leaders to ensure this kind of thing doesn't happen again."
"It won't be well-accepted," Yula stated. "But it will be done."
"You didn't realize what was happening with Ropar?" Tera queried.
"We didn't know, because nothing was reported to us from his base. The first we knew was when the Lypeople were finally able to contact us. The transmission from them to us was being blocked, we don't know how, but we will be checking the transmission systems on our side. Unfortunately, by the time the transmission finally came through it was too late for us to get to the fight, and we arrived at the end. We believe, though we can't yet prove it, that Ropar was behind the failed transmissions."
He bowed his head and stood, the other leaders following his example.
"Wait." Tera also stood up. "There is something important you need to know."
Yula raised her brows, giving her little Pekingese-type face with her flat nose and big eyes a quizzical look.
"I recently found out more information. To do with the runts." She hesitated. "If I may proceed?"
"Very well."
The leaders resumed their seats.
"The things I have to show you, they're in the scout ship. May I go and get them?"
Yula nodded her permission.
Illam would have accompanied her, but until the Court was finished, he wasn't allowed to go out with her. Instead, three guards accompanied her, again one of each species.
When Tera came back, she was carrying a heavy sack, shaking her head at the Canys guard who had obviously been trying to carry it for her. The other two guards didn't look very happy, either. One carried the earthenware bowl, another a small disc and viscomm.
Setting the viscomm on the end of the desk, Tera turned it so that all in the room could see the screen. Inserting the disc, she turned it on.
Immediately the screen was filled with writing. The pages scanned and transferred onto the disc were obviously very old, for the parchment was yellow, the writing faded, but enough was left to be read.
"When I had my suspicions," Tera began, "I had my people scour our libraries, and the Lypeople, Canys and Felys librarians did the same. Knowing roughly what to look for, just by going by the inscribed writing of the Felys, Lypeople and Canys on this earthen ware bowl, the full story hasn't been found, but vague references have been discovered from scraps of parchment found by an archeological dig the Canys did about fifty years ago, and different scraps in the libraries of the Felys and Lypeople. We think we've managed to piece together roughly what was done from different fragments the librarians have found in their archives.
The fragments were scanned through a data collector, and found to have originated from one major parchment. The Canys, Felys and Lypeople librarians have been consulting with the Argons in piecing the different scraps together. What was been revealed has been pieced together by scanning the parchment pieces and adding in words that could be identified. Words unable to be identified have not been replaced for fear of altering the original message, hence there are gaps now and again. But finally, we have this, the finished result, and it holds the answer to the runts that have been coming through your lines."
A metallic voice came on:
"It is the year 6704. We have been hunted, the Felys, Canys and Lypeople. It is time to ... stop to it. We have seen our families murdered, raped ... into slavery. Go insane. We eight ... the last he ... of our species, have combined to bring an end...
With our hands we have shaped the sphere ... rays for freedom from slavery, rays for ... mind, body and soul, the rays of life ... rays of death.... have inscribed it in the base of the holder of our sphere, our bringer of freedom. It is carved by the hands of all three species ... any who find it ... will know we did it together. As slaves we run together, as free species we die together.
The rays ... deliver our people from slavery. Death ... our freedom, for we are few and ... slavers are many. But none shall know of this, apart ... us, for self-preservation runs deep, the instinct to breed and ... living is strong. They ... not understand. So we do this in secret, and guard our secret well."
Tera watched the six leaders exchange bewildered glances.
The metallic voice continued reading from the parchment:
"New Entry. The year is 6705. The ray hasn't killed our people as we'd hoped. It hasn't delivered us from ... slavery.... noticed the lines are growing weaker. We now have more runts being born, whereas before ... very few. They are weaker, and don't survive very well. It seems the sphere is weakening the lines.
The lines will die out gradually.
It is freedom, in a way. Long awaited for, but relentless nevertheless.
New Entry. It is 6706. It seems the Lypeople aren't as affected as much as ... Canys and Felys lines. The runts ... slower ... the Lypeople lines, but they do come.... distance affects the rays. The Lypeople healer is trying to convince his people to ... the forest, away from their caves and closer to the rays.
New Entry.... been six days, and the Lypeople healer hasn't returned.
New Entry. Three weeks now, and we have to conclude that the Lypeople healer ... captured or killed. But we remain vigilant.
New Entry. It is 6707. There was a crack found ... roof of the cave yesterday. It could ... from the bombing making the area unstable. The slavers seek to drive from ... forests the Felys, Canys, and the Lypeople who have taken shelter here.
New Entry. It ... been only two days since ... last entry. The bombing is ... closer. Last night, the dust from the roof sifted down into our hair. We may ... take the sphere to a safer place.
No more entries."
There was a stunned silence, and then Almire stammered, "This is all true?"
"I'm afraid so. The fragments of parchment are available at your different libraries to study yourselves." Tera placed the bowl on the desk. "This is the holder for the sphere. It has the inscriptions on it."
The bowl was passed from hand to hand, the leaders studying it with a growing horror.
"It was fortunate the Daamens recognized the writing and showed it to Lysie, another Felys who dwells on my planet." Tera glanced at Mitzi, who scowled and lifted her lips.
Umal shot her a quelling look. "Be assured, your disrespect of archaeological artifacts shall be dealt with. We are known and trusted to work for other planets. You put us in jeopardy with your dishonesty!"
Mitzi subsided, hanging her head and whining softly.
"This sphere." Eesha looked at Tera. "Where is it, do you know?"
"It is here." Tera lifted the heavy sack onto the table. "Through the data collector, impressions sent to Argon have shown that the rays are unable to pierce through crystal lead, and luckily I had brought such a container, as I didn't know what I'd fine once I got to Scytha and started collecting data. It was brought as a safety precaution. No harm will come to you when I take the sack off the container."
She carefully drew the sack away, and everyone stared at the sphere. So beautiful, it's soft blue glow unable to go through the container walls.
"You are sure it's the one?" Yula asked in a hushed voice.
"Absolutely. When placed near the DNA samples I collected from the Felys and Lypeople, the red glow was plain to see. When Illam held it," Tera glanced at him, "I noticed his skin had a red shine to it. That's when I first guessed. I didn't want to bring false hope, so I did this study with help from Father, and searched for information with the librarians."
"What is it made of?" Eesha asked.
"That we don't know. It's of an unknown material." She stepped back. "But that is the source of your weakened lines."
"There's one thing." Cato frowned. "I understand that an obvious cave-in buried the sphere, thereby preventing the lines from weakening too much, protecting us as it were. But why the sudden increase in our runts now?"
"Because the archeology dig brought it closer to the surface each time, and each time it was stronger, and able to interfere in the DNA of all." Tera looked directly at Calean. "He brought the sphere to the surface and then stored it in his tent for a few months wrapped in a simple blanket."
Calaen's mouth fell open. "I didn't know!"
"You never told me you had it!" Mitzi growled.
"I didn't have to," he barked. "I'm the master of the dig!"
"I bet you planned to sell it!" Mitzi looked at Umal and Yula. "He's not exactly honest, you know."
Yula cut Calaen's protests off. "A full investigation will be conducted throughout the archeology digs. You two are a disgrace to the Canys!"
Mutely, Calean pointed to Fidz, who immediately whined.
Yula's mouth tightened, her pug nose sniffing madly as though having caught a whiff of something foul.
"What happens now?" Cato ignored the byplay between the Canys.
"Unfortunately the damage already done can't be reversed immediately, but without the rays to affect the lines, you should breed strong again," Tera assured him.
Umal stared at her. "If Ropar had succeeded in killing you, this would never have been discovered."
"I'm sure someone would have, sooner or later." Uncomfortable under the suddenly admiring gazes of the leaders, Tera flicked the sack over the sphere. "The Intergalatcic Peace Council have been waiting on standby to talk to the leaders. I'll turn this disc off and code in the link."
Flicking a switch, she tapped in the link, and immediately the head and shoulders of a black-robed man appeared on the screen.
"Meekta." Umal inclined his head respectfully.
"Umal." Meekta returned. "We're pleased the Combined Court was able to sort out your problems between yourselves."
"It's a fact of life on this planet, Meekta, that there will be problems," Umal replied evenly. "Internal dealings are more to our taste, but as you know, according to the laws under the IPS, we go to the Council if things can't be sorted between our species."
"That's as it should be for all planets under the IPS." Meekta's hard eyes were unreadable. "It solves a lot of bloodshed."
The Court leaders waited in silence for him to continue.
"We have all the information on hand of the sphere and what it has caused to your lines. It is the decision of the IPS for our Security to collect the sphere from you. The sphere will be stored somewhere safe, and any of the Combined Court leaders are welcome to come and view it at any time, to ensure it still remains where it is locked away." Meekta's eyes hardened again. "The IPS doesn't want to risk an internal war through the sphere being in one hand or another. Also, the long term effects on us all need to be considered. It is too dangerous to simply keep and use. When the way to destroy it has been discovered, the Combined Court leaders will be invited to personally witness the destruction."
The Court leaders looked at each other, and then Shar nodded slowly.
"It is the correct thing to do. In the wrong hands the sphere is deadly, and it has already caused us so much loss." She looked at the other leaders. "We come under the IPS. It is their ruling, and a ruling for the good of us all."
"I agree," Cato said.
"As do I," Yula added.
Eesha looked back at Meekta. "It is acceptable to us."
"Very good." Meekta's features, as usual, were inscrutable. "The sphere will be handed over to the IPS Security, who await it in their ship on the edge of the neutral zone. Once I give them the word, they will fly in and take the sphere."
"The Security got here fast," Cato said bluntly.
"We were fortunate that they were dealing with other things not far away." Meekta didn't say anything further, and that surprised no one. "They will be landing beside the Combined Court House in five minutes." He inclined his head. "Court species. Until next time."
The screen went blank.
"Well," Almire said. "That's that, then."
"It certainly is," Umal agreed. "And glad I'll be to see the back of that vile sphere and get on with our lives."
They all nodded.
"Tera, we have much to thank the Argons for." Shar smiled a little. "And you."
Tera coughed and shuffled her feet. "Um. Thanks."
"I can see it makes you uncomfortable, so we won't heap further praise on you." Cato stood. "But the Argons will be held in the highest esteem by the Combined Court."
The leaders strode out, Yula gesturing grimly to Calean, Fidz and Mitzi, who all scurried after their leaders with abject expressions on their faces.
Leaning against the desk, Tera grinned at Illam, just loving the stunned expression on his face. Not to mention on the faces of everyone but Wylin, who simply grinned right back at her and winked.
"Now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" she said cheerfully.
Illam was hard pressed to wait for Tera's wounds to heal, but he was determined not to touch her for fear he'd accidentally cause her pain during their lovemaking. Well, they did get a bit rough. But he took great pleasure in touching her at any opportunity he could, and tonight was one of them.
Tera was sitting on the floor, her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms around atop them as she idly twirled a piece of ribbon.
Sprawled out behind her on the sofa, Illam was stroking his fingers through her hair, enjoying the feel of the silken locks.
It was a quiet, content time in his home. The fire crackled merrily against the chill in the air. Tera's father and sister, and Kiile and his bodyguards had all departed. She was now alone with Illam, with no intention of leaving him.
Except for the wedding, which, it seemed, couldn't be agreed upon by anyone. The Argons wanted to ship all the Felys to Argon for the wedding, and the Felys wanted the Argons to come to Scytha. Some of the Felys didn't want to leave their planet, and some of the Argons wanted to stay on Argon.
Illam just wanted to get married, and bugger everyone else. "I think we should elope."
He couldn't believe he'd just said that out loud. That is not romantic!
Tera turned her head to look at him, a smile curving her lush lips. "You know, that's just what I was thinking."
Illam blinked in surprise. "You were?"
"Yes. I'm not into this whole organizing and planning and stuff. And our families are not going to agree, I can see. There's so many who want to come, but half from each side don't want to travel. So I say bugger the lot and let's elope."
He grinned. "That is so scary."
"Eloping?"
"No, how alike you and I think."
"That's because you've learned so much from me." Getting onto her knees, she turned to face the sofa and placed her elbows on the seat to lean forward.
"Your modesty is most pleasing."
"Glad I meet with your approval." She rubbed her cheek against his.
Illam started purring. "You always meet with my approval, makit."
"You know, I still have no idea what that word means. I know it must be an endearment of some kind..." She pulled back to eye him narrowly. "It is an endearment, right?"
"Suspicious little female, aren't you?" Using the silken lock of her hair to tug her face down to his, he whispered throatily, "It means 'my little kit'." He brushed his lips across hers. "But I think I may have to change it to 'masekit.'"
"And that means?"
"My little sex kit."
Tera grinned at him. "My studly fur-ball."
Illam laughed out loud. "You're a saucy female."
"Mmm." After giving him a kiss on his temple, she sat back on her heels and looked at him solemnly. "I want to share something with you."
Noting the shadows in her eyes, he grew silent.
Reaching out, she twirled a strand of his brown hair around her finger. "I loved a man once, a long time ago. He was killed."
"I'm sorry." Reaching out, he caught her hand and laced their fingers together. "How long ago?"
"Ten years ago."
"You were fifteen?"
"Yes. But I knew I loved him. He loved me. We were even making plans. Just before he left on his last trip, we went to the river and made..." Biting her bottom lip, she glanced up at him uncertainly.
"And made love?" he guessed.
"Does that make you angry?"
"Not at all. If you love someone, intimacy comes so easily." He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. "And he is in your past, though still very much a part of you. I'm fortunate in that I have your heart now."
Tera smiled at him.
"So how did he die?" Illam asked quietly.
"He was killed by pirates raiding his ship. His body was found amongst the others. Even the captain's wife was dead. His daughter was missing."
Grimacing, Illam sent up a silent prayer for the daughter, who was probably long dead by now. If she was lucky.
"This is the man who makes you cry in your sleep?"
"I actually hadn't dreamed of him for a long time until I met you again."
"It's my fault?" He raised his brows inquiringly.
"I think my attraction to you stirred up old feelings." She looked soberly at him. "I never really said goodbye to him, Illam. I think I need to now."
Reaching out with a fingertip, he pushed a heavy fall of brunette hair back over her shoulder. "Do you feel guilty about our happiness?"
"No. I'm happier than I ever thought I would be." She hesitated. "In fact, you're the first man I've slept with since he died."
Illam's jaw dropped.
"I know, I know. You thought I was fooling around with the Daamens, but they're like brothers to me."
"You could have told me earlier."
"Earlier, I wanted to tweak your tail and see you get mad." Her eyes twinkled, the shadows fading away beneath their combined love and closeness, their simple joy in each other's company. "It amused me."
Trying to keep his face severe, but failing dismally, he shook his head. "Bad female."
"Going to administer punishment?" She leaned forward. And gasped as her still tender abdomen protested being pressed against the sofa.
"I think we'll put that off for another day," Illam told her sternly. "No diddling until you're all better."
"I'm fine!"
"No. I tell you what. While you're still getting over those bruises and tender spots, how about we go and you say your proper goodbyes to ... him?" Regardless of being able to understand Tera, he still couldn't quite say 'your other lover' without wanting to instinctively growl.
Quiet for a moment, she was lost deep in thought. Finally she focused on him. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. If you don't feel you've said a proper goodbye, then you need to do it. Maybe the dreams will stop."
"I haven't woken up crying for the last week."
"But here." He laid his hand on her breast in a sincere, tender gesture. That same tenderness filled him. "In your heart. You need to say goodbye."
"You're a good man, Illam."
His grin was cocky. "Lucky you."
"Are you sure you don't want to do a little diddling---"
"You're killing me, female."
The sun was warm, shining down upon the marble headstones. In the tree tops the day flyers chirped and chattered busily. The scent of plants and flowers drifted to her on the breeze. In the distance she heard laughter.
The graveyard was well tended, and peaceful. Flowering vines covered the simple, white, marble-poled fence.
The grave she looked for was at the end of a row of fifteen crystal headstones. Silently she looked at the headstone, the gold engraving on it stating the name of the occupier, and year of his birth and death.
He'd only been eighteen years old. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Tall and brawny, he'd had a sharp wit and a love of life. She'd loved him, and in this life, she'd lost him.
Reaching out, she placed a bouquet of rare, fragrant night blossoms and a single red rose atop the grave, and then lightly traced his name on the headstone. "I guess it's time to really say goodbye, Breton. I missed you so much, mourned you for so long, and kept you tucked away safely in a corner of my heart. I guess I never really let you go." Taking a deep breath, she smelled the scent of the flowers. "We never got to have our chance at life together. But that chance is there for me again. I hope you understand."
Warmth swirled around her and she felt comforted, and had the strangest sensation she wasn't alone. A glance around showed someone approaching the graveyard, but they were too far away to have brought the feeling on.
The warmth stayed with her, and suddenly she had an inkling of who it might be. "Breton?"
Silence greeted her, but she didn't feel foolish for wondering if his spirit was there with her. If she closed her eyes she could almost feel him standing beside her. So she followed her instincts and closed her eyes, and she spoke the words she hoped he would hear, if it was really him there beside her.
"I love you, Breton, that will never change. But life goes on. Another man loves me, a good man ... well, he can be a real fur-ball at times..."
There was a quiver in the air, a breath of a chuckle.
"You'd like him, and I love him so much. Breton, it's time for me to say goodbye, time for me to finally let you go. You understand, don't you? I'll never stop loving you, but you're in a special place in my heart. I'll never forget you."
The warmth drifted around her, and with her eyes closed it almost felt as though a brawny pair of arms were cradling her. Giving herself up to the sensation, she raised her head. Something damp brushed her cheek, the slightest of touches that almost wasn't there. But she knew it wasn't imagined, and she smiled.
Voices sounded and the warmth drifted away. Opening her eyes, Tera looked over her shoulder and saw Sabra, one of the Daamen wenches, talking into a communicator that was attached to her jacket. She had one hand at her ear, indicating that she was listening to someone.
As one of the Intergalactic Peace Council Security, it was anyone's guess who Sabra was talking to. It could even be members of her ex-pack, the bounty hunters that she'd been one of just a couple of years ago.
Tera knew Sabra was coming to the graveyard, knew it by the way Sabra looked over at her even as she spoke into the communicator.
Turning back to the crystal headstone, she spoke softly. "I know we'll meet again, Breton. One day. I'm sure you and Illam can compare notes. Or maybe not."
Again that ghostly chuckle, a tremble in the breeze, neither really there nor imagined.
The breeze suddenly swept up into the trees, and a smattering of petals showered down upon her and the graves.
"I take that as you're okay with all this." Totally convinced that Breton was there, Tera smiled.
Another smattering of petals.
"Nice," Sabra observed as she came up to stand beside Tera.
Tera might have resented the intrusion, but she felt a closeness with Sabra, a kindredship of sharing loss.
"Have some time off?" Tera queried.
"Have to spend some time with the Lord and Master, you know. Let him think he's still in charge."
"I can't see Cam bossing you around."
Sabra's cobalt blue eyes sparkled with secret amusement. "We take turns. I boss him and when I allow it, he bosses me."
"Ah, you have him trained."
"Aye, but don't tell him that."
They laughed together
The breeze played around them, and they stood looking down at the graves.
Tera noticed how Sabra gazed at the grave next to Breton's. "You were very young when Vetna died."
"He died trying to save me." Sabra took a deep breath and titled her head back. "The last of them died trying to save me, including your Breton."
"They would have died at the hands of Rark and his pirates anyway. Their death was merciful compared to what it could have been." Tera laid a hand on Sabra's shoulder. "You weren't so fortunate."
Sabra stared at the headstone. "It made me what I am today." She shrugged. "I'm not ashamed of who I am. Cam loves me anyway, the bounty hunters are my family. I have my other family here." She gestured toward the Daamen settlement. "They accept me."
"As they should. What happened to you at the hands of the pirates was not your choice." Tera shook her head. "Children are so vulnerable."
"It's a time I don't dwell on. Sometimes it crosses my mind but then I look at everything I have, my family, my man, and I know how lucky I am." Sabra gave a dry laugh. "I even have a job I love. Several years ago no one could have convinced me that I would actually be working for the Intergalactic Peace Ship!"
"You like your job because no one really knows what you do."
"I'm Security." Sabra grinned. "What more is there to know?"
"But now and again you come back here. To visit the graves."
"Aye." Sabra reached out and traced Vetna's name in the crystal headstone. "I never knew he loved me, that he had hopes for us when I grew up. Cam told me."
"Vetna was your friend."
"Aye, he was." Sabra gave a small shrug. "He still is. He has a little spot right in here." She touched her heart. "They all do, all my friends who died that day." She looked at the next two graves where her parents lay. "And my mother and father."
"Was it hard to say goodbye?"
"I didn't really say goodbye until Cam made me come up here." Sabra smiled. "It was the best thing I ever did. Saying goodbye doesn't mean forever."
"No, it doesn't."
They stood there for a few more minutes in silence before turning and leaving the cemetery.
Tera hadn't gone far from the cemetery gates when she felt the urge to turn around and look back. Doing so, she curiously looked towards the headstones she'd just left behind, and her eyes widened.
Very dimly, beside Breton's headstone, was that a shimmering outline of the brawny young Daamen trader? Very faint, almost discernable to the eye, he lifted his hand and waved. Then there was nothing.
"Are you all right?" Sabra glanced back towards the cemetery.
"I'm fine." More than fine.
Quietly Tera tucked Breton's memory in that little secret part of her heart, cherishing it. He was her past, and she had the present to look forward to now.
Sitting in the shade of the ramp to the big trading ship, Illam watched Tera approach. He searched her face for signs of tears, but instead, she smiled brightly at him. When she drew closer, he rose to meet her.
Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her close. "All right, makit?"
"Never better." She gave him a slow, lingering kiss that just about made his toes curl inside his boots. Releasing his lips, she smiled up at him. "I've said goodbye, and everything is fine. Perfect."
There were no shadows in her pale, crystal-blue eyes. Nothing shone in their brilliant depths but love. For him.
"So we can go forward now."
"There was never any doubt about going forward with you, Illam."
"I never doubted that, either. I know you can't resist my charm and good looks."
"Mmm." She traced her hand down the front of his open shirt and slipped her finger into the front of his pants. "It took us a few weeks to get here on the Daamen trading ship."
"And there was no diddling, even when your bruises were healed and all your tender spots recovered."
"That's because you were worried the traders would hear you yowling and throw open the door expecting to see you being ravished and needing rescuing."
"It's a little hard to diddle around when your mate is so loud during sex." He grabbed her wandering finger. "But you're all better now. And we can find some place private."
"Oh, my, yes."
"All better, and ready to go on a wild ride."
"You're so romantic." She nibbled his chin, unable to stop the giggle escaping her.
"I can't promise romance, makit, but I can promise that I'll make you yowl yet."
"My screams don't excite you?"
Delcat! Her screams and moans always made him harder and wilder with desire. "I'll just have to keep diddling you until you yowl like a Felys."
"I don't know that I'll ever learn how to do that."
"Then I guess we're in for a lifetime of wild diddling."
Laughing, she locked her arms around his waist and looked up at him.
Smoothing back a stray lock of her hair, he said softly, "I love you, Tera."
"I hope you'll continue to do so when I tell you what I propose."
He arched one brow.
"The Daamens have a minister, see." She grinned wickedly. "We talked about eloping. This is the perfect place to get married. A minister, some good friends as witnesses, and a cottage out by the river---far enough away that no one will hear you yowl."
"Is that right?" It was the best idea he'd heard. And that included the minister part. "So you've finally decided to save my reputation and wed me?"
"If you still want me to." Tera melted against him, her tongue flicking out to rasp across his pectoral.
That shivering heat shot through him again, making his knees almost weak. Thank Delcat he'd had some foresight.
"So what do you say, Illam, my hot little fur-ball---"
"Hey!" he growled, but laughter rumbled behind his words.
"Oops. Punishment." Her eyes sparkled wickedly. "Want me to save your reputation, you fallen feral?"
"I think you'll have to." He laid his hand on her bottom. "How about we go find somewhere quiet for a few minutes first?"
A sultry peek was flashed at him from beneath lowered lashes. "Only a few minutes?"
"Hard and fast, remember?"
"It's been awhile." Her fingers raked lightly down his spine. "You'll have to give me a quickie lesson. Oddly enough, I don't remember a quickie taking you only a few minutes!"
Arching in pleasure, Illam almost forgot his plans. A purr burst from him, and he closed his eyes in ecstasy, tipping his head back.
Catching the end of his long braid, Tera gave it a teasing tug. "Don't go anywhere without me, lover."
"Not likely!" Maneuvering her so that she was at his side, he slung his arm across her shoulders. "Come to a private domain, little healer, and I'll let you fix my itch."
Laughing together, he led her towards a modest dwelling with flowers growing abundantly at the door. He knocked twice, waited a few seconds, then opened the door and walked inside.
"So whose house is this?" Tera looked around with interest.
It was neat and tidy, but with atmosphere of being lived in and having a lot of laughter.
"The minister's," he announced.
Her brows rose. "You want to see the minister now? I thought..." Lowering her voice she whispered, "I thought we were going for a quickie first."
"You said a quickie. I said a quiet place." He chucked her under the chin. "There's no way I'm waiting any longer. We both want to wed, why not now?"
Her eyes softened. "Why not indeed?"
The Daamen minister entered the hallway, his eyes twinkling with approval and good humor. "The lass is agreeable then?"
"Most definitely," Tera laughed. "I've got the lytiger by the tail, and I'm not letting go!"
"And we're here to ensure all is done legally," Simon said, striding out behind the minister with Shamon and Sabra following.
Illam smiled to see Tera's surprise, then her delight. She threw herself into Simon's arms, and he hugged her, his booming laugh echoing through the corridor.
"Did you really think we'd miss the chance of seeing you settled down all proper and legal?" Shamon ruffled her hair. "'Tis our duty to see that you save poor Illam's reputation."
"Oh yes, he's so hard done by." Laughter sparkled in Tera's eyes.
"I'm here to ensure nothing happens to disrupt the peace," Sabra said. "Let's get this on the go, people."
"Typical little organizer," Shamon teased.
"Treat me with respect, or I'm telling Cam."
"Ooohh, I'm so scared."
About to send him a rude gesture, she spotted the minister eyeing her from the corner of his eye, and had to stop in the act.
Shamon smirked.
"You'll keep," she threatened.
And then another couple moved into the room, an older Daamen with his arm around his wife.
Tera's eyes widened in delight. "Lara and Gronan!"
"Tera." Lara enfolded her in a close hug and when she released her, her eyes were damp. "We wouldn't miss the chance to see you happily wed."
A lump formed in Tera's throat as she looked up at Gronan. "I don't know quite what you say. I'm glad you're here, but ... Breton..."
"Breton is not in this life anymore, Tera." Gronan laid his hand gently on her shoulder. "Our son would want you to be happy. We're here for him as well as you."
She hugged them both tightly. "You were once going to be my in-laws, but even now, you'll always be like my second set of parents."
"And you'll always be our daughter," Gronan said gruffly, and Lara nodded tearfully.
There wasn't a dry eye in the room.
The minister cleared his throat. "If we're ready?"
"Absolutely," Illam said, and gazed at Tera, unashamed of the love he knew was openly showing in his eyes.
The ceremony was short, simple and moving, and the love so open between Illam and Tera, that Sabra caught Shamon wiping his eyes. She smirked at him, and he couldn't even say anything because he was a little choked up.
Illam, for the first time in his life, was a little choked up, too.
The stone cottage was a simple, three-roomed structure not far from a lazily swirling river. A carpet of green grass and wildflowers was spread out on all sides, with tall, shady trees behind the cottage. A perfect love nest for a couple wanting to be alone.
Illam didn't bother to even explore outside. He parked the hovercraft outside, and as soon as he and Tera walked into the cottage, he sought out the bedroom. The bed had been made with fresh linens, and the cottage was clean and aired out, all thanks to the fast work of Tenia and Connie, the Reeka wives of two of the Daamens.
The cooler and cupboards were stocked with enough food to last a week at least. His and Tera's small supply of clothes had been put in the wardrobes.
"You did all this?" Tera looked around in awe.
"Yep." He swung her up into his arms.
"You organized everything?"
"Yep." He strode out of the kitchen, through the small living area and into the bedroom.
"You're amazing."
"Yep." He dropped her unceremoniously onto the bed. "You're about to find out what's even more amazing."
"Hungry?" She grinned.
"I need a quick snack before settling into something a little more nourishing."
"Oh, well, can't let the feral get too hungry." Standing up, she slid the thin straps of her gown off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor.
With a low growl, Illam ripped his shirt off.
She slid her panties down her legs and flicked them into the corner.
He toed his boots off and yanked his pants down, throwing them in the same corner.
With a wicked glint in her eyes, she turned, placed one sandaled foot on the bed, bent over slightly and seductively untied the ribbons holding her sandals up.
The warmth inside Illam exploded into full heat.
Giving him a wink over one shapely shoulder, she placed her bare foot onto the floor and lifted the other foot to the bed. Bending over again, she slid the ribbons free with a slithering sound of satin on satin, then tossed the other sandal to the floor.
By the time she turned and sat on the bed, leaning back on her elbows and crossing her legs to lazily swing one foot, giving him a totally hedonistic look over, he was as hard as a post.
"My, my," she breathed huskily. "Are you sure the snack will be enough?"
"No," he rasped. "It's now turned into the appetizer."
Those lush lips curved into a come hither smile. "Want a taste?"
Illam needed no second invitation. Within seconds he had his knees on the bed, his arm around her back, dragging her up the bed as he moved with hurried but determined moves.
Dropping her back onto the pillows, he framed her face with his hands, his fingertips brushing the little scar that showed at her hairline. A reminder of all he'd nearly lost.
The memory of Tera lying in the dust, bloodied and bruised, all for him, made the tenderness well up, his love for her quieting from his usual fierce, carnal need to a much gentler desire.
"I love you," he whispered. "I know I've said it so many times, but I mean it. I've never loved anyone like I do you."
All teasing fled from her, and her face softened. "I'll never get tired of hearing you tell me, Illam."
"Good." He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Because you're going to hear it often, makit."
Gently he rubbed the corner of his mouth across her jaw line before moving up to kiss her softly on the lips. Keeping his kisses butterfly soft, he moved down to her throat, flicking her pulse with the tip of his tongue as he went.
The hollow at the base of her throat he laved gently. Bracing his arms on either side of her, he moved lower still trailing his lips and the tip of his tongue across her skin.
Her breathing was coming faster, and she shifted slightly, her knees bending a little.
Nuzzling one pink nipple, he breathed in the heady scent of Tera---sweetly spice. The scent that was solely hers. The scent that drew him like a magnet to wherever she was at the time.
Normally he wanted to make love urgently, hard, glorying in the heat and sweat, the straining of their bodies and the uninhibitedness of their mutual joy.
For the first time ever, he wanted to take Tera gently, to worship her body and handle her as carefully as he would fragile china. And to Illam, she was almost fragile.
Life was fragile. Lying in the dust at the feet of the Canys, she'd been fragile. The thought of how close he'd to losing her...
Illam did the only thing he could to show Tera how precious she was to him.
Every lick, every stroke of his tongue, every caress of his fingers was light. Every slow suck was calculated to make her moan, every tender nibbling of her silky skin aimed at making her gasp his name.
She reached for him, but he took her wrists in one careful grip, holding her prisoner as he moved further down, dipping his tongue into her bellybutton, scraping his teeth lightly across her abdomen.
Feeling her muscles jerk beneath his touch, he smiled to himself. No matter how tender he was with her, she was naturally sensual, reacting to every touch and caress with pure pleasure. His Argon female was every bit as epicurean as any Felys female.
Rubbing the corner of his mouth across her abdomen, he moved lower, the width of his shoulders making her involuntarily spread her thighs wider. He felt her legs shift, and knew by her sudden openness that she'd bent her knees right up.
Her utterly decadent of you, Tera. Mrowr!
Glancing up the length of her body he saw that she had her head titled back in the pillows, her lush lips slightly parted as she panted lightly, trying to control her breathing.
Smiling to himself, he dragged his chin through the curls atop her mound, then slid his tongue right from the very top of her opening, straight between her sensitive labia folds and unerringly rasped across her clitoris.
Stiffening Tera let out a soft moan.
Her pleasure was the only thing Illam wanted right then. To give her pleasure, and watch her come apart.
Gently he sucked on the little bud, feeling it harden, knowing he was driving her higher toward that pinnacle. When she started to tremble beneath his hands, he slid his tongue down lower, skimming over her moist opening, stopping only to lightly trace around the entrance to her body before pressing the tip of his tongue firmly against her perineum.
"Illam," his name was panted out, and when he placed his palm on her stomach, he felt her heaving breaths.
She was writhing on the bed, his arm across one of her thighs, and his hand on her stomach, the only thing holding her in place for his exquisite torture.
Pushing her higher, he trailed the tip of his tongue back and forth over her perineum.
"Illam," she cried out. "I can't ... I can't ... please!"
Licking her slowly, applying pressure, Illam glanced up to see her fingers twisted into the sheet ether side of her. Her throat was arched, her head pressed back into the pillow, and little tremors shivered through her.
She was close.
In one deliberate move, he stabbed his tongue into her.
She shattered, and he had to hold her hips to the bed as she climaxed. She cried his name out, and it was music to his ears.
He'd done this. His loving had made her shatter, and even as she flew apart in a mindless explosion of intense emotion and feeling, part of her knew he was with her, that he'd done it. That he'd sent her out into that almost violent but totally carnally charged space.
Several times he stroked her vagina with his tongue before pulling out and allowing her to ride through the waves on her own.
Slowly he crawled back up the length of her body, taking pleasure in the way she writhed against him, her hips pushing up into him as though recognizing him as the male to her female.
Balancing on his elbows, he cupped her cheeks and covered her mouth with his, swallowing her cries and moans, purring loudly as her orgasmic shudders made her rub against him.
Her skin was hot, silky, but her mouth was a sweet honeyed cavern, and even as he swallowed her moans, he tasted her.
Sweet spice. Tera.
His staff was aching now, the writhing of her abdomen against the head of his penis making it throb. Sliding into her made him growl with pleasure, and he kept kissing her, rocking his hips against her.
Her sheath was tight, still quivering from her climax, and the muscles clenched at him. Lifting his head, he growled softly, feeling the lust building inside him.
The feel of her arms sliding around his neck brought him back to his first determination to see to her pleasure. Looking down, he met her dreamy eyes.
"Illam," was all she said, but it held such a wealth of meaning, he could have wept.
He wanted this moment to last forever, joined with her, the clarity of her gaze as it locked with his own, the love that was between them. He kept his strokes smooth, his caresses gentle, showing her just how much he cherished her.
The heat built between them, but it was a sweet heat. She lifted her hips in time to his thrusts, falling into a perfect rhythm with him.
Tangling her fingers into his hair, she pulled him back down for a kiss, and this time it was she who entered his mouth, who tasted him, leaving her flavor in his mouth.
His heart was starting to pound, his staff so engorged and stiff, and his sac pulled up tight. He knew he couldn't last much longer, he could feel the pure carnal pleasure rising, making him want to thrust harder. To push her higher with him. To bring them over the top together.
To have pleasure in her body.
Slipping one hand beneath her hips, he titled her up, his strokes coming harder, faster. Like molten lava, his blood felt hot and thick, the spreading heat filling him.
Her scent filled his lungs with every ragged breath he took.
When her legs suddenly lifted to wrap around his waist, opening her up so much, he slid deeper, and the flames of desire licked away the last of his control.
Pumping his hips, he strove to that same pinnacle that had beckoned to her not so long ago. Dimly he heard her moan, heard his name on her lips. Then he felt her moist mouth close over the pulse in his throat, her tongue rasping across it, the moist heat of her mouth against his skin.
This time it was he who snarled out her name. Hips pumping faster still, he felt the muscles of her sheath tighten around him, felt them quiver, and then they were clamping as she climaxed again.
The sudden pressure on his staff made him cry out hoarsely. He didn't feel the nodule come from the under the tip of his penis, but he heard her startled cry, then her moan of pure ecstasy as the nodule bumped across her erogenous zone.
By the time Illam climaxed, his seed spilling deep inside Tera, her legs were locked around his waist, her vaginal muscles milking his staff, forcing him to pour every drop of seed deep into her as they both reached the height of the orgasm and tipped over the edge together. They held each other tight as they spun into the vortex of shattering pleasure.
They were still holding each other as they finally drifted back down to reality, but it was awhile before they could even move.
That didn't bother Illam. With his head resting in the crook of Tera's neck, he was more than happy to simply breathe in her scent and drift along in the aftermath of their passionate storm.
It was Tera's gentle hand running through his hair that finally made him lift his head to look down at her.
She smiled lazily at him, her cheeks flushed faintly, her soft lips red and slightly swollen from his kisses. "Enjoy yourself, lover?"
Propping himself up on his elbows to ease some of his weight off her, Illam regarded her with satiated amusement. "You certainly look like you did."
"Mmm." Reaching up, she traced the line of his jaw with her thumb. "It was amazing."
"I'm glad it meets with your approval." He nipped her thumb.
"So can I ask something?"
"Certainly."
"I've never known you to be so gentle to start with..." Hesitating, it was obvious she wasn't sure how to continue.
"I cherish you, Tera. I wanted to be gentle. To let you feel how much I love you."
"Ah, Illam." Coming up onto her own elbows, she kissed him gently on the lips. "I know you love me. You don't have to prove anything to me."
"I know." He rubbed his nose lightly against hers then rested his forehead against hers. "It was just something I wanted to do."
"And it was amazing." An answering tenderness shone in her eyes. "I thank you for it."
He grinned a little. "You know, makit, I can't promise to be gentle all the time."
"I'd be shocked if you did. I love the gentleness you've shown, Illam. But I love your wildness, too. Whatever you give me is a gift I cherish." She kissed him softly. "Just as I cherish you right back."
Slipping his arms around her, Illam rolled onto his side and cradled her close. More than content to snuggle, Tera cuddled against him.
The midday sun shone outside, the day flyers went busily about their business, and for Illam, lying in bed with his mate in his arms, nothing could be more perfect.
Of course, they still had to face some irate relations of both his and Tera's. But hell, he'd managed to capture the beautiful Argon healer's heart and that was his main concern.
He grinned.
"What's so amusing?" Tera asked.
"Just thinking of the relations."
"Don't worry. I'm sure you can sort them out."
"Me?" He looked down at her. "What about you?"
"Oh no, husband. You're the man of the house."
"Since when did that happen?"
"Whenever it suits me." Her eyes twinkled.
"You're a bossy little female," he growled.
"Get used to it, my hot fur-ball."
"Those're fighting words, Argon."
"Ooohh, nothing I like more than proving a point to a horny Felys."
"You've yet to prove it."
"I bet I can get you to do whatever I want."
"Is that right?" Arching one brow arrogantly, he silently dared her.
Her lips curved in a smug smile. "Yeah, Felys, that's right. You see, you had the dessert way back at the Felys settlement, remember? It was supposed to be," she licked her lips, "A snack."
He knew immediately what she meant. When he'd bent her over the kitchen table. Illam licked his own lips, feeling his manhood start to perk up.
"Ah, I see you do remember." Wrapping her hand around his staff, Tera said conversationally, "I do recall that I promised to make you my main meal."
Hoo Delcat! Illam's breath quickened. "You know, I do recall that."
"I believe I said something along the lines of "I'm going to eat you. I'm going to suck you dry."
Illam's staff swelled in her hand, and he sucked in a breath. His voice was a low growl. "I hope you mean to keep your promise, makit."
"Well, that all depends."
"On what?"
"On me being the boss in this bed for the next hour or two."
Rolling onto his back, Illam flung his arms out to the side. "Whatever you say, boss."
"You're such a con artist, you sly Felys!"
"Only with you, makit." He winked. "Only with you."
His howl of pure ecstasy ten minutes later made the day flyers scatter from the bushes outside the cottage. His following yowl ten minutes after that had them nervously hopping away. His snarling and growling not long after that had them simply cocking their heads at the door.
Tera's cry of surprise and then her giggling protests didn't even faze them.
When the shower of petals shook down from a nearby tree, then swirled around and finally soared into the sky, they simply stared.
Finally, when all that came from the cottage were soft murmurs and sounds of contentment, the petals drifted down from the sky, falling in a light shower to spread across the ground around the cottage.
And the clearing was filled with peace.
The story of the death of Breton and Vetna, and the capture of Sabra by pirates, is told in Soul of a Hunter. Lysie and Marten's story can be found in Love's Bewitching Thief, and Kiile and Katina's story is told in Love's Sweet Assassin.
The colors of the Felys and Lypeople are true colors available in a lot of pedigree cats today. Lilacs, blues, creams, reds, different color points ... they're all there. I've just taken the liberty of mixing some of the colors that wouldn't normally be mixed.
The mating of cats can be quite fierce to watch, and a female (known as a Queen) who has just been mated with a male (a Tom) can be quite ferocious, and the male is usually quick to jump away to avoid her claws after mating.
A Tom cat has barbs on his penis and it is generally believed to cause the Queen some discomfort, as she yowls and attacks the male when he withdraws from her. It is also believed to assist the Queen to ovulate.
So saying, I didn't want my characters to have that discomfort, so I changed a few things to suit the story, such as the pleasure-giving nodule on the end of the male Felys' penis. That's the great thing about being in charge of my worlds---I can do whatever I want laugh
Cats have scent glands in their mouths and when they rub their mouths against you, they are 'scenting' you, putting their scent on your skin. You won't smell it, but watch another cat sniff your skin!
Kittens are born in individual "sacs", which generally break at birth. The mother licking the kitten's face clears the sac from it's face, and continued licking stimulates the breathing.
In the dog community, an Alpha is boss of a pack. There is a pecking order in a pack, and submission is shown by a dog rolling onto its back, making it vulnerable to another dog. I didn't want my Canys species to do the same, so instead I opted to have them cringe or whine, as well as lower their head and peer up out of the tops of their eyes, to show their submission to their Alpha, which is also done in the canine world.
Dogs have a pack instinct and when hunting will usually do so in a pack. When wild and even domestic dogs get loose on a farm and attack livestock, they will do so with two or more dogs. Pack instinct survives even in domesticated dogs today.
I have tried to keep the Canys and Felys characteristics as close as possible to those of the canine and felines (that I love so much. Meow!) Much of what I know I have gained through years of having pet cats, breeding pedigree Siamese and Balinese cats, and being involved in animal welfare.
So any mistakes are entirely my own! (But don't tell the Felys that. They're quite happy with the way they are grin)
Cheers!
Angela Verdenius
Born in Victoria, Australia, my childhood was spent in a variety of places, both in towns and the outback. Now settled in Western Australia, I work as a nurse. A love of animals has me involved in animal welfare, and certainly explains why the cats hog my bed and the hot water bottle!
Reading has always been my escape, writing my dream. Horror, myths, legends, fantasy and history---there are no limits to the wonders to be found. And romance? Well, that adds the spice, hope and happiness ever after.
Visit www.wings-press.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.

