WARRIOR’S PARADISE
Cara Carnes
® www.loose-id.com
Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.
Warrior’s Paradise Cara Carnes This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com
Copyright © November 2007 by Cara Carnes All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.
ISBN 978-1-59632-570-8 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader
Printed in the United States of America
Editor: Jana J. Hanson Cover Artist: Christine Clavel
www.loose-id.com
Prologue
“So, Shana, what is your sexual fantasy?” “A tall, dark, handsome man ties me up and takes me in every way possible.” Shana Danson heard her adopted sister Gitana sigh as she took a handful of popcorn and tossed it into her mouth. Friday movie night always ended with confession time. The tradition began when they were children. Now, years later, they held onto it to remind them of what they had overcome, and how they had done so by trusting one another. Too young to have secrets and too poor to afford the movie or the popcorn, the sisters began the confession tradition by fantasizing about Paradise. Nana, the woman who’d raised them, had an imagination and frequently forced them to learn chants in a twisted language Shana couldn’t understand. But they clung to Paradise, a place meant to fulfill your darkest desires. The girls spent long, harsh winters wrapped in a thin blanket together, sharing their wishes and dreams. Huddled on the musty mattress in the dilapidated tenement apartment, Shana let her imagination run wild and was carried away from the fear, hunger and loneliness.
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Paradise had certainly changed over the years. When they were six, it was a Cinderella-style castle with servants and massive amounts of food. Twenty years later, Paradise had warped into a hedonistic establishment meant to satisfy sexual needs. “That would be a nice fantasy to live out. I hope the guy has flame-retardant restraints though.” Shana laughed and huddled under the blanket with her sister. Shana resented the crazy old “guardian” for leaving them to fend for themselves for weeks at a time. But they lived their lives in fear they would be separated if anyone discovered Gitana’s secret. “Okay, okay. But that is all you are getting from me tonight. You need to rest instead of plaguing me with senseless questions about Paradise. Nana was a useless provider and crazier than a loon. That medallion is a crock of shit, and you know it. Like you said, we’re almost thirty. We need to move past Paradise.” She wondered where Gitana came from originally. She possessed unnatural abilities girls used to fear. Over the years, Shana had watched Gitana hone her abilities, and offered whatever encouragement and emotional support she could. Her sister’s paleness worried Shana. They had spent hours in the country, with Gitana forcing herself to work on the powers she had the most problems with. Gitana’s voice was weak. “Nana was a bit nuts. She left us for weeks at a time, but for some reason, I honestly think she believed all that garbage about Paradise. If she was nuts, what does that make me since she was the only one that seemed to know anything about me?” Shana didn’t believe a word of it. The loon spent what little time she was around drilling stupid notions of another world into Gitana’s head. The lectures of language, customs, and traditions always turned into diatribes on everything the old woman had sacrificed for the future of some imaginary planet. Her sister was not an alien, even if she did have unusual abilities. She looked over at her sister and realized she had finally fallen asleep.
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She hated how obsessed her sister had become with her abilities over the years. Gitana truly believed all the foolish ramblings of that crazy woman. Hell, even Shana had wanted to believe it when she was younger. But she grew out of the childish dream a long time ago. Paradise and the world that surrounded it was only a fantasy created by the overactive minds of two desperate little girls that saw no hope for a good future. Shana had to find a way to bring her sister out of that fantasy once and for all before it consumed her entirely. She had to try the medallion and see if it worked. When it didn’t, she would have the proof she needed to get her sister to let go of the foolish notions. Perhaps Paradise was real after all. If she intended to test the medallion, a place to fulfill her every sexual desire was a perfect destination. She bit her lip, contemplating whether to try the medallion. What harm could it do?
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Chapter One
“I’m here to demand my right to sexual gratification. I want to be dominated and used
by a gorgeous warrior. Then I want him to show me the caring caresses I’ve never had.” Shana Danson wanted to kick herself for that out-of-character brazenness. Anger and curiosity had met her at the doors of Paradise, not the hunger and desire she had expected. She had been seized and restrained in the center of a large room. That had been an hour ago. So far the intense questioning by Paradise’s keeper had merely given her a headache. Hands restrained beside her, she ignored the older man as he spoke, deciding instead to concentrate on her rapidly increasing heartbeat. She tugged on the odd restraints securing her to the large chair in the center of the room, trying hard to ignore the curious stares of the group of at least fifty people. The more they stared, the more she wanted to crawl under the floor and disappear. The room was fairly large, but the crush of people made it seem so small. She couldn’t see anything but people observing her. She caught snippets of hushed whispers. An older man stepped forward from the crowd and spewed off to the keeper. Shana didn’t understand all of what was being said but recognized enough to know it was the language Gitana had learned. Communication was too difficult so she gave up. She should have learned to speak it rather than just comprehend it.
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A loud thud echoed through the room; light poured in from a set of double-doors opposite her. She heard the shocked gasps of the onlookers before she saw the reason. She watched them all fall to their knees, the trembling visible from her seat. She wanted to laugh, glad to see them experience the same fear they had found so amusing in her for the past hour. Then she saw him. His six-feet-six frame stood above most in the room, his confident stride placing him directly in front of her. Sensuously long, black hair cascaded around the widest shoulders she had ever seen. His muscular body radiated sex from every pore, and reminded her of the kind of man she had fantasized exploring her darkest desires with. Her gaze slid down his body. She saw his sinewy thighs and licked her lips. She had always admired a fit body, and his was certainly that. His soft laughter echoed through the room once she saw the bulge hidden behind soft leather pants. He stepped closer. His hands grasped her long, blonde hair and tilted her head upward so her deep blue eyes stared into his rich black ones. His full mouth formed the most sensuous smile. His fingers lightly stroked her lush lips; his gaze fell to her breasts. His commanding voice held a note of curiosity in it when he spoke, his inquiry directed at the keeper that stood to her side. He spoke quickly; she was unable to decipher the words. His free hand caressed her cheek. His eyes danced with amusement when the keeper repeated her statement in a monotone voice. Shana’s pulse raced, wondering if he understood what her words meant. The huge warrior still held her hair possessively. He moved her head so that all she could see was the bulge she had found so interesting before. Guilt fed her paranoia. The way he’d forced her to stare at his manhood made her believe he understood every word she had said.
God, she was so stupid.
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Her eyes widened when he responded in thickly-accented English. “I do love the truth spell on that portal. It brings the most sensuous delights at times. If the little one wants to play, I will happily oblige her. Take her to a private area. I believe the royal chamber would do nicely.” The keeper stepped to the warrior’s side, his gaze darting around the room nervously. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Lucian? You have just come from battle, and your needs will be too great to be satisfied by a mere human. Let me send six of our best to the royal room for your use. You are the fiercest warrior we have. She could not possibly meet your needs.” Six women to satisfy his need? She laughed softly to herself. What harm could it do? Gitana was going to kill her anyway. Perhaps Nana wasn’t crazy after all. “I was sent to get information, and I have never failed on a mission. This will not be the exception. She wants to play, so we will play. But it will not be over until she has answered all my questions.” Trepidation filled her. What had she gotten herself into?The keeper nodded in response, and walked toward Shana. “As you wish.”
***** “Tell me how you know of this place, little one, and I will let you come so hard you’ll pass out. I promise this as your warrior. Tell me, and you will feel me buried inside of you.” Shana groaned as strong fingers stroked her, just out of reach of where she needed them most. She closed her eyes as he lightly caressed her wet slit. A loud groan of pure male satisfaction roared in her ear. She tugged against the soft leather restraints that held her in place, focusing on the fingers gently pinching her nipples. “God, you are wet, little one. Do you enjoy being at my mercy? Is this what you needed when you came here?” The deep, masculine voice whispered so softly in her ear, she felt its effects bury deep between her legs. God, this man was good.
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It would be so simple to tell the muscle-bound warrior behind her about the medallion she had borrowed from her sister. How long had she been here at his mercy? Three hours? Four? Shana hadn’t known what Lucian intended when she’d been brought to the royal chamber four hours prior. It was a large living quarters of some type with a bedroom setting in the corner. She hadn’t made it that far. He had restrained her quickly in the center of the room, her hands above her head. He had taken what seemed like an hour to strip her clothes. Then had come the soft caresses she thought would drive her mad with need. She knew she couldn’t handle much more of his gentle teasing. Her knees were already weak. The soft leather cuffs holding her hands above her head served as her primary support, along with the strong arm that frequently circled her waist, making her feel so small and delicate. “Are you still with me, little one? I don’t like it when you don’t pay attention to me. I thought we had established that fact an hour ago, but perhaps we need to revisit it.” Shana felt a hard pinch on both her nipples and couldn’t stifle the moan that escaped her lips. His tongue licked and his full lips gently sucked on her earlobe, trailing a path down her neck. “Let’s start over from the beginning.” Her anguished growl filled the room, and she heard the soft laughter in her ear. “Oh, my little hell kitten isn’t too happy with that idea, I see. Perhaps if she would simply tell me her name, I could ease her need just a bit. I’d make her purr to hear her name once.” Shana felt two powerful hands glide down her thighs, then gently sliding upward stroking the soft folds of skin as he spread her apart. She gasped as she felt his thumb on her clit. Just fast enough to make her aware of what he intended.
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Endure and say nothing quickly became her mantra, and she focused on anything but the man’s powerful body and seductive voice whispering in her ear. Once she began to speak, she’d give whatever information he wanted just to feel him buried inside of her. She had to protect Gitana. Shana had been stupid to test the medallion, and even more foolish for doubting the existence of Paradise. It was real. She didn’t understand what connection her sister had to this place, but she refused to tell them. Nana had rambled on about murder and destruction, and that Gitana had been unsafe here. But this man questioning her was equally determined to get an answer. He was very dominant, yet very tender. His caresses barely grazed her skin, just enough to emit a response. When he combined them with the pinching of her nipples and firm slaps to her ass, she found herself lost in the need for release. The stiff erection she felt pressed firmly against her occasionally was the only indication Shana had that his desire matched hers. She had cried at his tenderness. She was surprised to find it at the hands of this warrior. All he wanted was to know how she got here, but she couldn’t tell him. It was the ultimate mental torture, and he didn’t even realize it. He said nothing as the tears had flowed briefly. Then he had grinned, and his hands began to caress her all over again. Air left her lungs as she saw her mighty warrior. The massive bulge in his leather pants thrilled her. He wanted her. She sighed loudly as his hands cupped her full breasts, gently massaging them. He brought his fingers into play, and flicked and pinched her aching nipples. She hissed then thrust more of her breasts into his waiting hands. His soft chuckle and devilish grin pushed even more heat to her core. “A little tigress is itching to come out. It’s been a while since I’ve tamed a tigress. It may take all night, but I can and will make it happen, little one. Tell me your name, and I’ll give you just enough of a release to ease your frustration to an acceptable level for us both.”
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Shana groaned when he pushed one of his thick thighs between her legs and lifted her up with it. She cried out, her wet heat pressed against the corded thigh. Whoever he was, this warrior knew exactly how to use his body to her disadvantage. He had figured out her lust for him quickly. She tried to press herself down farther on his thigh, wanted to grind herself against it, and release some of her need. His strong arms easily held her at arm’s length, keeping her from making contact with him. “You know I cannot let you do that, tigress. Not until I get your name.” His deep voice flowed through her entire body, adding fuel to the fire burning deep inside of her. Sheer frustration drove Shana to use what little strength she could muster and raise herself up slightly higher, just enough to throw him off. Feeling his hands relax on her waist, she brought her legs up and wrapped them around his thick thigh, squeezing hard. She thrust higher, savoring the contact with his body. Shana gasped in satisfaction when his thigh rubbed her for a brief moment before he pulled it away. She brought her head down and gently kissed his neck. A loud growl of satisfaction echoed in the large room as his lips claimed hers. She moaned in unison when his tongue found and claimed hers. Shana felt his stiff erection press firmly near her core the moment he wrapped her legs around his hips. His body ground against her wet pussy. She couldn’t tell if the force behind the thrusts was from anger or sheer sexual need. But it almost sent her straight over the edge. Then just as quickly as it began, it was over. She wanted to scream in frustration. She refused to beg for the release she craved. It had been so long since she had felt a man’s touch. No one managed to bring out the level of desire this warrior evoked from her. Shana watched as he pulled away from her. She heard his heavy breathing as she saw his smoldering eyes roving up and down her body. Each moment she remained silent added
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to her need for him. Then he was back before her, his fingers delving into her folds as his mouth returned to her ear. “Oh, my little tigress, I see you are far needier than I thought. I wonder if you will taste as good as your mouth did just now.” Shana couldn’t breathe. She had never wanted someone the way she wanted the man before her. His hands continued stroking her body so softly everywhere. Her arms, shoulders, back stomach, thighs. God, his hands should be registered weapons, Shana thought. “Tell me your name now, little tigress, or I’m afraid that the matter will be taken out of my hands. I was only given four hours to get the information from you, and you haven’t cooperated. You won’t like the other methods they have of extracting the information.”
What? No! She didn’t want anyone else interfering until she felt this warrior driving into her.
Tell him your name, idiot! It’s just a name. “Tell me your name, little one, and I will continue questioning you myself. I don’t want to share you.” She could see the frustration and hunger in his eyes. She chewed on her lip. She had not trusted herself to speak in his presence, considering her body’s instant reaction to him. For the first time in her life, she couldn’t get her body to obey her brain. Her mind had simply shut down and her sex drive shifted into overdrive. But she couldn’t speak. Gitana would be in danger. She had to protect her.
But what harm could come from a name? “Shana. My name is Shana.” “Mmm…such a beautiful name for my little tigress. I’m going to love crying out that name when I’m thrusting inside you all night, and feeling you come on my cock.” His mouth scooped down to take one aching nipple into its hot center.
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The heat from his mouth found its way down to the burning wet area between her legs. His erection rubbed against her. His mouth suckled gently on the nipple it had seized, and she gasped when his teeth nipped at the hard bud. She forgot how to breathe when his thumb began rubbing on her clit gently at first, then harder. She cried out and thrust her mound into his palm, demanding more. So close to the edge, she silently begged him to let her come.
Please, please. I want to come so bad. Don’t let him stop ’til I do. Please. She growled in his ear as he thrust two fingers deep into her. She felt them rub the spot certain to drive her over the edge. She screamed in his ear as her body convulsed around his hand. She tugged hard against the restraints keeping her hands above her head, while his thumb rubbed her clit. Pleasure shot through her pussy, sending her to the highest peak of pleasure she had ever imagined. She cried out from the release, hearing his breath in her ear. “I loved feeling you come. I’m afraid I can’t let you come again until you tell me how you came to know of this place. But, you will get another reward for your name, Shana.” Shana’s own heavy breathing filled her ears as Lucian kissed her softly on the forehead and slowly pulled away from her. She wanted to whimper at the loss of contact with his body, but knew better. Her mind reeled from the intensity of what had just happened. She had never come that hard before. Never. And the man giving such pleasure was a virtual stranger holding her hostage. She gasped as she watched him bring the fingers he had used on her up to his mouth and lick them. His sensual smile captivated her. The image of him tasting her was the most erotic thing she had ever witnessed. “You taste so good I could spend all night feasting from you.” He walked around to her backside, and she felt his hands massaging up and down her spine. He breathed softly into her ear. “So, what is it that you wish this warrior to do for you, Shana?”
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Shana swallowed. So many of her darkest fantasies crawled through her brain. She wanted him inside of her so badly. She wanted to see his massive body, and savor the feel and taste of it against her hands and mouth. “I want to feel you explode inside of me.” Shana had never spoken to a man that way. Then again, no man had ever driven her to the edge of need quite the way this one had. His eyes closed, and his head fell forward. His large hands hardened into fists at his side as his massive chest rose up and down. Her eyes traveled down his body, lingering on the large bulge jutting out proudly. She licked her lips, imagining how it would taste, what it would feel like sliding into her wet slit. “What is your name, warrior?” “Lucian D’Alain. I cannot grant you this request, no matter how much I wish to. Not until you tell me how it is you came to know of this place.” She breathed slowly, closing her eyes, and willed her mushy brain to life. Responding to her base needs for this warrior wasn’t getting her out of this mess. “Why should I trust you? I don’t even know exactly where I am. I will not put anyone else in danger for the sake of my sexual needs, no matter how great they may become.” Shana let out an audible sigh as she watched him look over her body. She stared back at him, wondering what he was thinking. “Perhaps you think this now, Shana, but you are too innocent to think you are even close to the edge of sexual need. I haven’t even begun to draw your desire out of you yet.” His hands stroked her stomach, coming to rest at her breasts. She looked down and watched as he pinched her nipples firmly. She cried out, feeling the sensation of his touch radiate through her body. “But I do not wish for you to fear me, nor those around us. For that reason, I will answer some of your questions. Perhaps this way, you will feel more at ease answering the simple questions I pose to you.”
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She wanted to scream in frustration when he backed away from her. She tugged at her restraints in anger. He approached her again, resting his hand on her jaw. She looked into his eyes as his thumb ran over her lips. “This isn’t debatable, tigress. It is a matter of life and death that I know how it is you came to know of this place. All you need to do is answer my question. You have such untapped passions. Give me the answer so that we can explore them together.” She moaned when his other hand began to work its way up her inner thigh.
Life and death? What the hell have I gotten myself into this time? Gitana had always bailed her out of messes over the years. Now, Shana found herself in the worst predicament so far, one that directly put her beloved sister in danger. She felt the guilt and fear assail her as she frantically tried to figure out a way out of this mess. He undid the wrist restraints holding her in place. She began to fall, then his strong arms wrapped around her, keeping her steady. “I think perhaps it is best you learn your limits, little one. You should have given in a long time ago. You are too delicate and fragile to withstand a warrior’s inquisition. We will get you cleaned and dressed. I am taking you away from this place.” “Where are you taking me?” Shana hated the fear laced inside of those words. She had images of a dark, disgusting dungeon with medieval torture devices lining the walls. She looked around at the immaculately decorated room, making note of the large bed in the corner of the room. The room certainly looked fit for a king. “I want to stay here. It is nice here. I don’t want to go with you.” Pain seared into Shana’s temples. She clutched her head, closing her eyes until it eased. She had never experienced migraines before, but perhaps the stress had gotten to her. Lucian laughed softly as he brought her face up to meet his gaze. “You should not lie to your warrior, Shana. I do not tolerate lies and secrecy, little one. This you should know and
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remember now if you do not wish to feel my hands brought down on this sweet backside of yours.”
Spanking? He has got to be kidding! “And you are not in a position to dictate where you go, tigress. You do not know what the rest of this place looks like, so please trust me to decide what is best for you. Have I harmed you in anyway thus far?” Shana looked at him warily. Lucian had certainly not brought anything but hunger and pure desire to her since the moment he walked into the interrogation room. “No, you haven’t harmed me. It is just a bit disconcerting not to know what other accommodations you have in mind for me. I’m not exactly able to defend myself, you know.” Shana smiled as she said the last part; he had restrained her hands behind her back. “I admire your courage and spirit far too much to try and break it, tigress. And I am glad to see you trust me enough to speak your mind. I hope that you will continue to do so.” Shana laughed loudly. No one had ever asked her to continue speaking her mind. “You may regret saying that, warrior. I tend to get on people’s nerves quickly. By the way, how is it you know English so well? English isn’t your common language, is it?” “We are advanced enough to pick up on many dialects and languages. Fortunately for you, English was recently added to that list. I’m sure you noticed not many others understood you. I am a warrior. It is my duty to know many languages from all galaxies to ease negotiations. Clearly it doesn’t help in every situation.” Lucian studied her as she sat on the edge of the four-poster bed in the corner of the room. Galaxies? Lucian’s statement implied there were other planets other than Earth inhabited. What had she gotten herself into? She glared at him. “I don’t appreciate your humor. It isn’t my fault your people are so backward they don’t comprehend the universal language of my world. Do hostages get clothing here? Or am I to be presented naked?”
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Lucian’s laugh was loud as he walked over to her and gently lifted her head. “I would love to keep you naked, but I am afraid the royal family would take offense when I killed every warrior that saw you, tigress. Rest assured, no one will see you naked and prepared for mating except for me.” “Mating? We aren’t talking marriage, are we?” She certainly didn’t want to be mated. That wasn’t why she had come to Paradise. Lucian’s laughed again. “No, it is simply a ceremony where a warrior claims a woman as his own. It is for her protection. Only the warrior you are mated to may use you, or grant permission for others to use you. All strangers to our lands must be mated to remain here for any duration. I have decided you shall not leave anytime soon.” That sounded ominous. Scare tactics typically didn’t work on Shana, but this warrior was certainly good at them. She nodded her head as he pulled her legs apart, and his hands went to her wet slit, gently massaging her. His other hand flicked and pinched her nipples. She saw his grin as she tried to pull against the restraints keeping her hands useless. “In due time, tigress. You have to earn your freedom to play with me like you wish. Right now, I am simply appeasing your fantasy and dominating you. You are mine.” Shana’s pulse pounded as a new pool of liquid heat amassed between her legs. She didn’t want to think about why, but a large part of her found his statement deeply gratifying. Thousands of lonely nights spent fantasizing about a man just like him, and here he was: strong, handsome, gentle, demanding, and sexually stimulating. He undid her restraints and massaged her wrists gently. Shana was moved by the gesture. He made sure her skin had not been marred by the long questioning session she had undergone. She watched him turn her hands around, his fingers stroking her skin. She wondered if he realized how uncharacteristic this gesture seemed. He wanted answers from her, should be putting the fear of God into her. And yet he sat here on the bed inspecting every inch of her skin as if she were his lover.
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“I will wait here. Through that door, there is a large pool of warm water you may bathe in. Please do so. You will not touch yourself in any way to ease your need. If you do, I will know it immediately and will have to start over with the questioning. We don’t want that, do we?” Shana shook her head and stood. She entered the other room, surprised by the beautifully landscaped interior. It was as if a waterfall had been captured and brought inside. Water cascaded down the surface of rocks, splashing into a large oval shaped pool. Earthcolored stones contained the body of shimmering liquid. The foliage surrounding the area was in hues of green, and was richer in color than any plant Shana could have imagined. She looked around at the extravagant surroundings, allowing herself to temporarily enjoy them. She and Gitana had always lived one step away from homelessness. When Nana was around, she’d taken good care of them. But she was sometimes gone for weeks at a time, leaving them destitute and desperate for basic necessities. Shana swore looking back now that Nana had done it intentionally, to draw the two girls closer together. They’d learned to fend for themselves and to trust no one but each other. She had to figure out a way out of this mess without telling anyone about Gitana. She would rather die than give up her sister. They may not be related by blood, but Gitana was the closest thing to family she had. She wasn’t about to give her up to anyone. She stepped into the warm beckoning water. How would he know if she played with herself? She needed release so badly. No, she needed him in this water naked and at her mercy. Smiling to herself, she padded back to the doors then paused. Indecision weighed heavily on her mind. Was it really a good idea to offer herself to him? She couldn’t think of anything but feeling him buried in her.
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She opened the door, and stilled when she saw Lucian, naked on the bed. She knew she should try and get his attention since it was clear he didn’t know she was watching. But the sight before her was too stunning to interrupt.
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Chapter Two
She intended to call out to him, but her voice cut off in her throat. She stared over at the bed in avid fascination. Lucian’s eyes were closed, his hand firmly grasping his massive penis. He began to gently stroke it. She knew she should turn and leave, but the burning need to watch him held her in place. Shana knew it was wrong to watch this gorgeous man pleasure himself, but the curiosity was too much to bear. She always wondered how men alleviated their need in the absence of women, but had never witnessed it firsthand. Her eyes widened as she noted the massive size of his cock. Her hands itched to take the place of his, to feel it in her hands. It would definitely take both hands to work him properly. His hand pumped his shaft harder and faster. She groaned after hearing his loud moan. Heat rushed to her cheeks the moment she saw his eyes snap open. The hungry stare that met hers did nothing to diffuse the guilt she felt. It was clear he hadn’t heard her come in. He was definitely aware of her presence now. She licked her lips as he stood up. Her eyes remained transfixed to his penis. Images of it buried inside her filled her mind. Her nipples hardened a little more.
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“I’m sure we could come up with better ways to take care of that, warrior. Let’s call a truce and make this pool room neutral territory. Show me what warriors do to their women here.” She braced herself and began backing out of the room. He came at her quickly. His mouth descended on hers as he grabbed her hair and hauled her against his massive body. A loud sigh escaped her lips when she felt her naked body fully flush with his muscular frame. He carried her back into the other room and took her into the warm water. Shana knew this was crazy. She shouldn’t be giving him anything he could use against her later. Powerful, corded muscle flexed under her demanding hands and lush, full lips devoured hers. Both kept her mind from focusing on anything beyond the mighty warrior before her. Her hands greedily roamed Lucian’s powerful body. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing herself tight to his erection, rubbing harder. A loud groan escaped his lips as he pressed her against the edge of the pool. Her eyes widened when he brought her wrists above her head, and she felt restraints placed around them. “I thought we had a truce in here,” Shana said nervously. This is fucking crazy! You
don’t know anything about this man. I know I want him. Shana wanted to laugh. She had never had so many arguments with herself. Perhaps all of this was just a hallucination. If it was, she hoped it wouldn’t end before she had a chance to feel this warrior inside of her. “I haven’t accepted it yet. But yes, we do, tigress. You wanted to know how a warrior takes his woman. I intend to show you exactly how this warrior has wanted to take you for the past four hours.” His mouth began a blazing hot trail of kisses down her wet body. He worked on her hard nipples, bringing them once again to a painfully aroused state.
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Then his mouth and hands moved lower, pausing briefly on her hips still positioned at the edge of the pool. His hands gently spread her legs as his mouth began softly licking and sucking the tender flesh of her inner thighs. She groaned, feeling the restraints gently secured around her knees, forcing her legs to remain open. Unable to move, she looked up at Lucian and saw hunger in his eyes. “You are finally exactly where I wanted you, tigress. Now, to show you what this warrior can do.” Shana watched his mouth descend on her soft mound. She cried out as his tongue gently licked her wet slit. His loud growl of satisfaction told her all she needed to know. “This warrior is proud of how wet you are for him.” Only for him. His fingers spread her wider. Shana gasped, feeling his mouth continuing to work on her pussy, bringing her close to the edge. His thumb gently rubbed her clit, then gave a light pinch. She saw stars. Her body began to shudder. She could only lay there as she came harder than she’d thought possible. “This is only the beginning, tigress. You will come for hours before I am done with you. I swear it as your warrior.” Shana would have laughed at that statement but, God help her, she hoped it was true. His fingers delved into her core, and he whispered in her ear, “You are so tight, little one. Do you think you can handle this warrior inside of you?” “God, yes, please!” she screamed hungrily. “Please don’t make me wait any longer, Lucian. Please.” She heard a loud groan he entered her quickly. She gasped at the size of his cock, filling her like she had never before experienced. She could tell he was trying to give her body time to adjust. His muscles tightened, a pained look etched on his face, and sweat broke out on his forehead. His eyes closed as if he were focusing.
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“Let go, warrior. Don’t hold back now. Tigresses can take it.” Lucian kissed her hungrily as he pulled out. She moaned, closing her eyes and missing the feeling of fullness, but then he thrust into her again. Her hips came off the edge of the pool, trying to meet his cock for more. “Keep your eyes open and watch your warrior mount you, Shana. I want you to know who brought your body to life.” Lucian’s strained voice filled her ears. He continued pumping her hard and furiously. “This is what you were meant for. To be under my body, gasping for air while I take us both to paradise.” The act of submitting to this man gave her the freedom to feel everything. There was no need to hold back her reactions to his ministrations. The hunger in his gaze shattered any resistance she might have had. Every touch of his skin fueled her desire for him. She savored the pleasure building up inside of her as she felt him thrusting inside of her. The image of him filling her, combined with the feeling of his cock buried deep sent her over the edge of desire. Her body convulsed around him. He growled, and she trembled under him. “My little tigress is very hungry, I see. This warrior will give her more than she can handle.” Her eyes widened. It felt like he was expanding inside of her. His soft laughter cut off her train of thought. “It’s okay, tigress. It is the way of my people. The more a woman orgasms, the larger we get. If a woman is wanting enough, we can go for hours.” “Oh, my.” She felt him burrow even deeper, slowing his pace, each thrust agonizingly slow. Moans of need filled the room as he braced her hips against the surface of the pool, forcing her to not move and take it at the speed he intended. “I gave it to you fast and hard, tigress. Now, we do this my way. Nice and slow. This is why they were worried you could not handle me earlier, tigress. This is the way of the warrior mating. You will feel me buried inside of you for hours.”
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Shana couldn’t speak. Every inch of her flesh burned with need, and his hands and mouth added fuel to the fire. One lick of his tongue to her overly sensitive nipples easily drove her to orgasm. Each time she came, his cock swelled. He changed the pace and pattern of his thrusts, each one more demanding and emitting a greater response from her body. “God, I want to wrap myself around you, warrior. I want to touch you.” “Next time, tigress. There are so many things I will show you. My cock still has need for you.” Shana came hard again, feeling her muscles spasming around his cock. She ached from the five mind-blowing orgasms, yet her body wanted even more. She cried out, hearing Lucian growl. She whimpered softly when he grew even larger inside of her. “Does it hurt when you get this big, Lucian?” She couldn’t imagine how massive he must be at this point, secretly wishing she could see it. But each time she tried to look down, he brought her face up again. “No, tigress. It is heaven to grow inside of you, especially since you are so tight. Your warrior will know when you have had enough. One as passionate as you should never be without a warrior to please you.” Shana sighed at his softly uttered words. A look of dark hunger crossed his face as he growled loudly, thrusting into her, finally giving into his own release. Her body greedily squeezed his cock for everything it had to give to her. Lucian collapsed onto her, panting hard into her ear as he whispered, “Is my tigress sated now?” Shana could barely breathe. She’d never dreamed sex could be like that, but she also knew better than confess something so intimate. “For now. Tigresses have to feed often to keep up their energy level.” Lucian laughed softly and gently freed her wrists and knees, bringing her down into the heated water of the pool. Exhausted, Shana clung to his neck while he bathed her,
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speaking to her in his native language. She felt her heart lurch as he softly rained kisses over her face. She felt protected in his arms as he lifted her, carried her into the next room and laid her out on the massive bed. She’d always thought sex was overrated. Boy, how wrong could someone have been? She doubted she had ever had a real orgasm. The first one had been a shock in its intensity. By the last one, she had learned to give into it and enjoy the feelings in her entire body. She had never surrendered to a man, but there was something about Lucian. She could not deny the powerful attraction she had to him. She’d never expected to trust a man like that. Or anyone really. To relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about judgment or criticism was unimaginable. But she had found that with Lucian. “You need to rest, tigress. I will lay with you until you sleep. Then I will retrieve food for us.” Lucian brought his body against hers and pressed her head to his chest. She didn’t want to fall asleep. She wanted to savor the feeling of him holding her. “Don’t fight your exhaustion. It isn’t good for you,” Lucian whispered in her ear. “I don’t want this to end, Lucian.” He couldn’t possibly understand what it felt like to finally feel someone embracing her, connecting with her on so many levels. He was the first man to give her more pleasure than he took. The arms wrapped protectively around her right now meant more to Shana than anything else that had happened between them thus far. He had stayed willingly. He made her feel wanted and needed, like she meant more to him than just sex. “Perhaps you could tell me a bit about where you are from.” Lucian stroked her hip as his other hand held her head in place against him. “I don’t know what to tell you.” “Then perhaps I could tell you about my world.” Curiosity filled Shana as his words sank in. What was this place like? What was his life like? She wished she had paid more
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attention to her surroundings earlier because she really didn’t recall much about Paradise. She knew there was more beyond. It was his world. “I grew up in the palace with the eight princes. Four sets of twins, each with special abilities. I was their cousin, but I was raised as if I was one of their brothers. You wouldn’t believe the trouble the nine of us caused.” Lucian laughed softly in her ear. “The queen has the patience of a goddess not to have cast us all out on our asses years ago.” Shana smiled, imaging him as a young, foolhardy little hellion. The emotion in his voice told her how important these people were to him. “I can’t imagine that many siblings. I was orphaned when I was young. Then I found Gitana and her nana. They took me in. She is the closest thing to family I have.” The emotions Lucian had brought out of her were too new to comprehend, much less manage. Protecting her sister was her primary concern, yet she wanted to confide in him. There had to be a way to get out of the mess she created. How could she get out of this? “It was especially trying for the queen when all of her sons were coming into their powers at the same time. God, the things they did without even intention.” Lucian laughed softly. His statement interrupted her thoughts. Shana was surprised Lucian was so forthcoming with information about the princes and their powers. Shouldn’t he be more careful? She would never share her sister’s difficulties with someone she didn’t trust. For that matter, she could never imagine telling anyone she possessed powers. She studied him carefully as he spoke, noting the joy on his face when he spoke of his family. “It was very alarming to them, I imagine. But at least they had each other and understood why it was happening.” She laughed remembering all the things Gitana had accidentally done. Trouble could have been her middle name. Shana wondered if this was Gitana’s real home. It explained her
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powers, and the mysterious talisman. “Do your people ever leave this place and go elsewhere?” She hoped Lucian didn’t find anything odd with her line of questioning. She had to try and figure out how Gitana was connected to this place before their patience wore out. She wasn’t stupid enough to think she could hold out from answering their questions forever. “That seldom occurs, tigress. Our world is far more advanced than those around us, including yours. Only the most dire of circumstances would cause someone to flee the safety of our realm. We have had our security problems in the past, but it is by far the safest place to be. The princes would do anything within their abilities to keep our people safe, and their powers are vast.” “Like what sort of problems? Do you all have powers like those of the princes you mentioned?” “No, only the chosen ones.” “Who are the chosen ones?” “Well, the chosen ones are the royal princes and their mates. They were born with distinctive markings that denoted their powers. Their mates were predestined, and have the same markings. Or, at least, that is what we believe. The chosen mates have yet to be found.”
Gitana had to be a mate for one of the princes. Oh my God! Would that please or terrify her to know that? “Why have they not been found? Are they not known immediately upon birth? It would seem they would be important enough to keep track of.” Shana couldn’t disguise the anger in her voice. She knew the hard life Gitana had lived -- constantly fearful of someone discovering how different she was, always feeling like an outsider. “Ideally, yes. But our enemies are truly evil and set out at the time the chosen mates were born to kill them all. Since the princes are under royal protection, they were
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untouchable. Their mates were not. Without the chosen ones, the princes cannot ascend their thrones and rule over the eight planets in our universe.” “So, you don’t even know if they are all alive then?” Shana questioned. “And some of them may have fled to hide?” It sounded like Gitana was best left exactly where she was. Hidden. But was that an option now that Shana had foolishly landed at their doorstep and set off a major warning bell? Guilt washed over her as she realized she could very well be the reason Gitana might be harmed. Would Lucian’s enemies find out about her arrival as well? “We believe them all to still be alive,” Lucian continued. “We just aren’t sure where. The oracles would be able to sense if their powers were no longer in existence. There are many theories about what has become of the chosen ones, including them being taken away for their protection as you mentioned. Let us rest now, tigress.” Shana smiled as he drew her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, placing a kiss on his chest. Tomorrow was soon enough to figure out how to get herself out of this mess without betraying Gitana.
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Chapter Three
Shana woke with a hand clamped over her mouth. She began to struggle. Her scream died in her throat when she saw a small woman with flowing jet black hair and hazel eyes smiling down at her. She looked around the room and did not see Lucian. “Relax. I’m Fiona. I’m here to show you around Mysk. But we have to be quick. This isn’t exactly a scheduled stop on your agenda.” Shana stood in shock and watched Fiona begin to dress her. The need for modesty didn’t have time to set in as the woman quickly covered Shana’s body with a soft, ruby red material. The neckline of the dresslike outfit plunged low and the ensemble ended halfway up her thigh. A thin belt made of the same colored material was quickly wrapped around her waist and secured into place. She looked at Fiona curiously. A tattoo of purple and silver wrapped around the girl’s arm, partially hidden under her royal blue dress. It was similar to the markings on Gitana’s ankle. Who was this woman? “I’m a friend, Shana. I can’t tell you much more than that if I don’t want eight very pissed off men circling around me, and I seriously do not want that headache.” She stared at the woman. How had Fiona known her name? How had she answered her unspoken question? “Sorry, I read people’s minds so easily I sometimes forget that they think things
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they may not say out loud. I’m usually not around very many people. You’re the only person I’ve seen outside of my family and servants in over a year.” Shana heard the sadness in the woman’s voice as she spoke, ushering her toward the door. She followed Fiona down the long corridor. The walls of the corridor appeared to be changing colors. Sconces made of a cherry wood lined the corridors, transmitting a soft glow of light. She looked around, awestruck. What made the walls change colors like that? Ahead of her, Fiona laughed softly. “This is Paradise. You see what you want to see in the hallways. Since you do not have an image in mind, the walls are trying to please you with a variety of color preferences.” Shana focused on a color. The walls shifted to a deep rich purple hue. She grinned and immediately imagined large orange and green circles, and laughed as she saw them added to the walls. “Okay, you are never allowed to decorate.” Fiona smiled, opening the door and urging Shana through it. “Just wanted to test it out fully,” Shana said, smiling as she entered a room. She wasn’t too surprised to see the same room she had initially been brought to by the gatekeeper. She sat down on the couch she had occupied earlier that day, looking around at the decorations in the room. The furniture was made with a soft material that gave the feeling of floating on air when she sat on it. The room itself was an earthy beige tone, with gold-colored trim running along the base and ceiling. Two weapons resembling crossed swords hung on one wall. Words in the language Gitana had practiced were etched underneath them. She noticed a small, intricately carved table in front of a large window on the opposite wall. On the table, a large bowl filled with some sort of fluid sat directly in the center, a flame of light emitting from it. She wondered what meaning the displays held. “What is the flame thing over there for?” Shana pointed at the table.
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“This is the flame of yearning. Some refer to it as the flame of despair. It is in every household and every establishment on our planet as a beacon of light to bring our lost people back. They will not be extinguished until everyone is home safely.” Gitana was one of those for whom the flame burned. Her sister had always thought of herself as being without family, yet she had an entire world awaiting her return. She looked away, not wanting Fiona to see the tears welling up in her eyes. Overwhelming happiness flooded Shana though she still felt the need to protect her sister from the unknown. They may want her back, but could they keep her safe? “I must confess my intrigue when you first arrived. You had the whole place in a fullblown whirlwind. I’ve never seen the princes that alarmed before. I know Lucian isn’t having much success getting you to trust him, so I wanted to meet you myself.” Shana was grateful to Fiona for not asking about her reaction. She was too confused to offer a solid explanation. The subject change was most welcome. She smiled when Fiona offered her a drink. She looked at the drink suspiciously, wanting to taste it but concerned about the contents. Glancing at Fiona, she was surprised when Fiona took a sip and wordlessly handed the drink back. Shana grinned; she liked this girl. She reminded her of Gitana. “I know you are worried about betraying your sister,” Fiona began once Shana settled beside her on the couch. “I could sit here and tell you there is nothing to fear, but you don’t know me so my word isn’t worth anything. I’m going to show you some of our history. Sorry, but I don’t have any popcorn for this.” A large image leaped to life in the middle of the room. The motion startled her. “This is our form of television,” Fiona continued. “It is threedimensional.” Shana watched images come alive in front of her, showing bloody battles and heartwrenching deaths. Tears streamed down her face as she saw men mourn the loss of young girls that had been killed by the same faceless creatures they had battled. None of the girls appeared to be older than five or six years.
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She gasped when she saw a young Lucian clutching two huddled bodies. He stroked the hair of the woman Shana assumed was his mother, tears falling down his face. His anguished cries filled the room when he embraced the body of the young little girl. He carefully wiped all remnants of debris from the little girl’s face, his tears falling onto her porcelain-like skin. His pained words echoed through the room over and over again. She could not understand what he said, but the anguish in his voice transcended language barriers. She looked over to Fiona, unable to ask the question aloud. “A warrior’s shame will haunt me for eternity for not protecting you.” She cried harder at the translation. She looked up at the image of the young Lucian, who couldn’t have been more than seven at the time. What could a mere child do to prevent such a tragedy? How had they overcome such a horrendous act against them? “Why?” Shana choked back her tears. She needed to understand the reason behind such a tragedy. “This point in our history is similar to the genocide I have learned once took place on your planet. These girls did nothing wrong, other than being born, and being female. Our enemies were determined to kill the chosen ones. Since they weren’t sure how to determine who they were, they decided to kill every female child. It is the darkest era in our history. The shame of all of our warriors. They felt enormous guilt for failing to protect the innocent children being targeted. Fortunately, not all girls that age were killed. But the chosen ones have yet to be found.” Shana heard the sadness in the young woman’s voice. Fiona wiped her own tears. The images continued. Warriors battled the enemy only to discover the children they’d tried to protect were already dead. She wanted to close her eyes to the suffering and pain she saw. “This happened twenty-five years ago over a period of three years. Many women were also killed during this time, presumably to prevent new female offspring from being born. In time, our warriors were able to secure the area. Force fields were created around the planet
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to prevent our enemies from being able to teleport in, but the damage had already been done. No one knew if the chosen ones survived, or where they were.” Nausea overcame Shana. Those little girls died the death intended for Gitana. She raced over to the corner of the room and lost what little she had in her stomach. Images of those girls filled her mind as she dry-heaved. She felt her hair being pulled back as Fiona’s soothing voice filled her ears. “Do not grieve their loss, Shana, and do not imagine your sister in their place. It will do no good. Focus on the future and the joy our people will have when the chosen ones are back with us.” A calming sensation flooded Shana. Leaning against the wall, she looked at Fiona. “Let the feeling wash over you. I never meant to upset you. I am so sorry. I only wanted you to see why the knowledge you have is so important to Lucian and to the princes.” “How many survived?” Shana saw the sadness in Fiona’s eyes. She watched her look away briefly then look back. Her hazel eyes were clouded with unshed tears. “Very few. We lost thousands of female children in those three years, and we have yet to fully recover. The girls born after that time live sheltered and secure. Most of the young women have never left the safety of family lands. They go from their father’s protective arms straight into the protection of the warrior of the family’s choosing.” Shana’s heart ached. Growing up orphaned at an early age, she knew what loneliness was. But she had found Gitana and had made a life with her. What would it have been like never to have a friend like that? A sister? Never have the freedom to explore the world around you, constantly terrified for your life? Fiona walked over to the flame of yearning. “This is the daily reminder of our hope and faith. This is our monument to the fallen of that day.” Images of a large memorial statue filled the room. Two men with their backs to one another, raised swords and ready for combat. One of the men looked exactly liked Lucian.
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“Actually, it was his father, the mightiest warrior of that time. He, along with the king, died in that battle protecting our people. They chose duty to country over protecting their own family.” Fiona’s words sank into Shana as she stared at the image. This was where Lucian got his sense of honor. Shana glanced over at the two crossed swords. “Is this a memorial to them as well?” “Yes. It is a reminder to all of our warriors that sacrifice is sometimes necessary to protect those they love.” Shana couldn’t imagine the level of loss suffered during that time. “Our people are resilient, even in their darkest hours. They have never doubted that somehow all of the chosen ones managed to survive the enemy’s attack.” “How could they possibly believe the chosen ones are still alive? How could anyone have survived such an attack?” It seemed unfathomable to Shana. The hope these people clung to bordered on obsessive. What would make them believe something so fiercely without proof? “Oracles have proclaimed all is not lost. That is enough.” New images flooded the screen. Thousands of people massed together in front of a large ornate structure. It resembled a castle and, when viewed from a distance, was the tallest building visible. At the very top of building was a large beacon of light. “This is the planetary monument to the chosen ones. It is bright enough to be visible from space. The people gather once a year for a remembrance ceremony.” Shana stared at the monument and the mass of people grouped around it. Fiona stood in front of Shana and pointed at the image. “These are the people affected by your presence here, Shana. You are the beginning of what they have waited for the past twenty-five years.” What on earth was she talking about? A sense of dread filled her as she remembered the things Nana had always lectured about: she was the catalyst. Now, Fiona was implying the very same thing.
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She shouldn’t be a beginning for anything of this magnitude. How could the future of these people rest on her? Fiona sat next to Shana and held her hand. She smiled as she spoke. “Shana, you already know the answer to that question. You hold the first key we have been seeking. I have gone against my family’s wishes of anonymity as an act of good faith for my people. I hope it has not been in vain.” Overwhelmed with emotion, she sympathized with these people but still didn’t fully understand what she could do to help them. Who was Fiona? It was obvious that she held powers much like those Gitana possessed. Was she herself a chosen one? Shana heard Fiona’s soft laughter and looked over at her once again, seeing the smile on her face. “No, I am certainly not a chosen one. That is just an amusing idea to me. You will find out in due time what you wish to know about me, if you trust in your warrior and the princes.” She didn’t understand how all the scenes she had seen earlier had anything to do with her presence here. She’d begun to accept the possibility Gitana was a chosen one last night. She possessed powers similar to the princes Lucian spoke of. Her protector had taught her the language, and she had a medallion that had brought Shana straight to their doorstep. Was Gitana the key Fiona was talking about? Her knowledge of a chosen one’s location was the catalyst? “You must understand a few things about our people, Shana. We are immortal. This immortality does not become part of us until we reach a certain age. That is why our enemies targeted these young girls. Their age was their weakness.” Shana shivered. She’d be crazy to think Gitana would be safe here. She was better off where she was, if any of this were true. “Gitana is most certainly safer where she is. But there is no way that will hold true much longer. Your coming here has caught the attention of our enemies. As sophisticated as
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our technology is, we are still vulnerable to the spies that lurk within our ranks. The news of your presence has surely reached even the most remote regions of our lands by now. It is one of the signs foreseen by our oracles, and all are bound to watch for what will come next.” Okay, Shana was really starting to detest Fiona’s unique skill. It was intimidating to know someone could read her thoughts. She appeared to do it with such ease, as if it were as natural as breathing. “I realize this is a lot to absorb, and even harder to believe. But it is true. The rest is up to you. I have done what I can to show you why it is so important you answer Lucian’s questions. All I can do now is take you back to him and hope that you can find it within yourself to trust strangers with the one thing you hold most dear. Gitana.” “If you know all of this, why haven’t you told Lucian? Why would you keep this to yourself if it is for the benefit of your people? It doesn’t make sense to me.” None of this made sense. If Fiona could read minds and knew that Gitana was a chosen one, she should be telling everyone. If the chosen ones were so important, that knowledge should be the paramount concern. “Life is rarely simple, as you know. Gitana cannot enter our world again unless she does so willingly. I could tell the princes what little I have read from you, and they would move worlds to get to her. But that doesn’t change the fact that they need you to bring her here. Nothing is possible without your trust. This is your mission to fulfill, not mine. I was not meant to be the catalyst for what is to come.” Shana was stunned by Fiona’s wisdom and foresight. They appeared to be the same age, yet Fiona seemed to carry the world on her shoulders. What had her life been like? It was obvious she’d led a sheltered existence. She watched Fiona rise slowly and approached the door. “We must return you to Lucian’s quarters. He will be back soon, and I do not wish the headache of dealing with him
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right now. It is probably best if you not mention you met me, or any of the things you’ve seen here.” Shana nodded nervously as she stood. She was looking forward to having some time alone to contemplate what Fiona had shown her. Things were spinning even further out of control, and she wasn’t sure how to proceed. She sympathized with the need these people had for the return of their chosen ones, but she wasn’t sure it was in Gitana’s best interest. Why should she return? How much could her presence here really do? “I just want to know one thing.” Shana paused in the doorway, drawing Fiona to a halt. “How could Gitana’s return possibly change things for your people that much?” “I do not think you fully comprehend the powers your adopted sister possesses. When she is mated with her chosen prince, they will ascend their throne on one of the eight planets within our system. Our entire existence revolves around magic. She and her prince alone possess the ability to align this magic and put it back into the balance and harmony that would allow our world to be as it was meant to be, as it was so many years ago. Peaceful.” If it were true, Shana really had to stop teasing Gitana about her bad habits. She couldn’t help but laugh, trying to imagine Gitana as the queen of a world. She was certainly a born leader, but she pitied these people if they tried to get her sister to do so without her morning caffeine and chocolate fix. “It will surely become clearer to you once you meet the prince she is to mate with.” Shana recoiled hearing those words. It sounded so archaic. She didn’t like the idea of giving her sister over to a stranger. Gitana should be able to fall in love, to enjoy a building attraction with the man of her choosing. She wanted her sister to feel the same powerful desire for a man she had felt with Lucian last night. “What if she doesn’t want to be mated? How could she spend her life with someone she doesn’t love? I never could.” Shana thought of Lucian. That was one warrior she could easily
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imagine spending an eternity wrapped around. But she wasn’t about to proclaim she wanted to mate with him. Even if this prince was attractive, Shana knew her sister would need more from a relationship than chemistry. “Unions such as hers have never failed in the hundreds of centuries of our people. They are destined to be together in a way no normal person could possibly comprehend. Gitana will never fully know happiness is until she is with her mate.” They had spent enough nights sharing their desires about the love of a lifetime. It was hard for Shana to believe there was such a thing as a predestined mate. A small part of her hoped, of course. She wanted to see her sister have that chance, if it were real. The two of them may have been a bit lonely for male companionship, but they had never been unhappy. They had always lived life to the fullest that they could. They had always been reclusive, never knowing when Gitana’s powers would surge out of control or who would see, and had always been cautious and untrusting of others as a result, and rarely made friends. “Are you saying that Gitana’s presence would change those girls’ lives? Would it help bring things back to the way of life before the attack?” Fiona smiled. “Yes, in a manner of speaking. We will never completely recover from what happened. Things would not fully return until all the chosen ones are found. Then, the healing of our world and the people within it would truly begin.” Shana nodded as she let everything she had heard absorb. Confusion set in, combined with a sense of being overwhelmed. Decision making had never been a strong point for her, and this situation certainly bore more importance than what movie to watch. She missed her sister. Gitana always knew exactly what to do, and was always a calm voice of reason. She wished more than anything she could reverse time and never use that talisman. Then again, she would not have met Lucian. “Anything else you’d like to share with me? I think I’ve had enough surprises so far.”
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“Paradise is an interesting place. You will never see anything like it. One of its more interesting attributes is that you cannot lie to anyone while within its confines. You can be forced to answer a question, but you can’t lie in response to a question given to you.” Shana paused and turned to face Fiona. “Are you serious?” “Quite. I would suggest you try it out if you do not believe me. See what happens. You have to be honest in your intentions to find and enter Paradise, but you must also be honest to remain here.” She was skeptical, unable to believe something like that was even possible. How could this place tell when someone was telling the truth? The entire idea was absurd. Then again, the events of the past day managed to stretch her definition of unbelievable. What the hell? “You are fat.” Shana cringed as the walls surrounding her began to pulse and shake. A blinding, stabbing pain radiated in her head, and she fell to her knees. She whimpered helplessly, keeping her eyes closed. “You must admit to telling the lie in order for the pain to dissipate.” Fiona said. “I lied. You are not fat.” Shana sighed in relief as the pain immediately subsided. Wow. That was a powerful weapon. The ultimate lie detector. “Are you okay?” She was touched by the concern in Fiona’s voice. She saw the apologetic smile on her face and shook her head. “I’m fine, but I can tell you I will lean more toward believing what you say next time.” “Either way, I am sorry for your pain. I felt you needed to know. It could prove useful later on.” Shana looked down, feeling Fiona touch her arm. “I truly have enjoyed our time together, despite the circumstances. I don’t get much of a chance to socialize, so perhaps we will get an opportunity to spend some time together in a less stressful atmosphere. I hope to become your friend. Having another woman my age here is unusual. I admire you for your
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courage, by the way. I hope Gitana knows how fortunate she is to have such a loyal and brave sister.” She followed Fiona quietly down the long corridors once again. Her mind replayed many of the things she’d learned. Suddenly, getting out of this mess had grown considerably more complex. How had her simple curiosity about Paradise’s existence spun so out of control? She had no doubt that the people she had seen in the images were real, that the loneliness and suffering were real. If everything Fiona had told her were true, there was no way Shana would doom an entire world of people to a life wrought with sadness and misery. She had seen the hope they held on to, and she couldn’t live with herself if she doomed all those young girls born after the tragedy to living such an isolated life. Gitana wouldn’t want that either. Once she was alone, Shana curled up in the bed and closed her eyes. She’d give anything to talk to Gitana. She smiled and began singing the silly song the two of them had created to learn the chant to Paradise. Somehow, remembering the merriment and childish wonder of years earlier cast a soothing calm on the harsh realities racing through her mind.
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Chapter Four
Strong arms held her tight against a hard body. Gently, she wound her way out of them. Lucian flipped over onto his back. She smiled, seeing his gorgeous body all spread out on display. He was simply the most perfect specimen of male she had ever seen. She should be focusing on how to get out of this mess, but Shana wanted to savor this gorgeous warrior’s body while she had the chance. He was exactly what she had dreamed of in a man for so long. She wanted to feel connected to him, rather than return to the emotional vacuum she had been living in. Sure, she had enjoyed men over the years. But none of them had satisfied her darkest desires the way he had last night. None of them had been able to reach her soul and bring it to life. It wasn’t the way he had dominated her; it was the way he’d held her afterward, whispering words she couldn’t understand. He had made her feel more comfortable than she ever had before. An evil grin came to her face as she decided how best to wake him. Her stomach growled, but her real hunger was a bit farther south. Her hands ran across Lucian’s chest, trailing down to his flat stomach. God, he had to have a twelve pack! She laughed and
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brought her lips down to his penis, kissing it in gentle greeting. She glanced up to find him still asleep. Shana swallowed nervously, but continued to focus her attention on his penis. She wanted to feel it in her hands and taste it on her lips. She stroked it gently; it stirred to life. She brought her lips to it and licked the length. Moaning, she took the tip into her mouth. She heard his low growl. His hands splayed in her hair, pushing her farther down onto the huge, hard shaft. She greedily sucked, her hands pumping the shaft and massaging his thick, full sac. She wanted to feel his release in the back of her throat. Her mouth and hands continued to work on his rigid cock and balls, willing for him to come. With a loud growl, Lucian exploded in her mouth. She had finally gotten past his barrier of control and made this warrior come hard. Licking off the tip of his cock, she smiled then pulled up to his chest. A sense of elation ran through her. His expression of sheer lust made her feel like the most beautiful woman in existence. It was empowering. “Thought I’d never wake you up, warrior. Did I wear you out last night?” Lucian laughed loudly. “You can wake me up like that anytime you want, tigress. And you could never wear me out, only make me ready for more.” Shana clung to Lucian when he lifted her up and carried her into the pool room. “Why are you taking me in here?” “Neutral ground, little one. I can’t think of anything better than being inside your hot, little body right now.” She let him position her, feeling the warm water pooling around her calves. Her hands gripped the edge of the pool, her breasts thrust against the cool rock. She looked back and saw his smile, then gasped when his hand slid between her and the hard, stone surface exterior. He had managed to brace her body and brought her down face forward against the pool edge. His hands played with her breasts; her nipples sprang to life. He sought out the
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moist heat between her legs. She laughed when she heard his growl of satisfaction. “Gods, you are so wet already, little one.” “I couldn’t help it. I got so wet tasting you inside of my mouth, remembering last night and how good it felt to have you inside of me.” She cried out in satisfaction, feeling him push her slightly forward then quickly fill her. He drove into her with a ferocity she hadn’t felt from him the night before. His immediate need demanded her body to follow. Her body met his, begging him for more with each powerful thrust into her. She felt him swell with her orgasm as he continued to take her at a feverish pace. He turned her around, keeping his cock inside of her, and brought her into his strong embrace fully. He continued taking her even harder than before. She scraped her nails down his back and dug them deep into his shoulders, praying he understood what it meant. She couldn’t speak, could only beg with her hands and body for him to not stop. She hoped he understood her need for him to continue. Just like the night before, Lucian brought Shana to multiple orgasms. Her mind was numb, and nothing mattered except for this warrior. His mouth never stopped tasting her; his hands wandered and paid homage to her so softly and gently. The tenderness he offered was polar opposite of the driving need she felt as he continued making love to her, each thrust deeper than the one before. She climaxed one last time when he came deep inside of her. She remained there in his embrace and milked every drop from his shaft. He set her down on the edge of the pool, kissing her neck gently. “A warrior’s need is tremendous in the mornings. I am glad to see that my little tigress can take it,” Lucian teased softly.
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Shana watched his gaze roam down her body slowly, assessing if he had marred her soft skin in any way. She smiled when his eyes lit on his bite marks trailing down her neck to the valley between her breasts. “Don’t worry, Lucian. I want to be marked by you. But this tigress is famished, warrior.” Lucian stood and looked down at her intently. She thought he looked a bit sad. “Bathe, and I will feed you, tigress. Then the questioning must begin again. Today, I need answers or the princes will insist on another means.” Shana nodded. “I understand, warrior.” She felt enormous guilt wash over her as she walked into the adjoining room. She hated not telling Lucian what he needed to know. It felt wrong to hide what she had learned from Fiona. That knowledge helped her understand Lucian’s need for answers. What had his life been like, being raised among the devastation? Shana admired him for being such a strong warrior. It was more than brawn though; he had a clever mind that she respected. She could only imagine what he had endured, and how much determination it took to lead amid such despair. To live in a world filled with people so separated and terrified could not have been easy. It must have been a lonely existence for him. She quickly bathed in the large pool, looking around for something to dry off with. Seeing nothing, she padded out to the exterior room and saw Lucian. Need immediately flooded her core once again. He stood at the edge of the bed, holding a soft cloth. “Come. Let me dry you off.” She bit her lip, knowing this moment couldn’t end with the two of them wrapped around each other on the bed in the middle of the room. Last night had been spectacular, but mixing sex with the problem at hand wouldn’t help either of them. Shana knew it would become harder for her to resist answering his questions if she allowed the sexual chemistry between them free reign.
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But those thoughts were in the minority. The rest of Shana enjoyed this warrior’s attention far too much to give it up. She leaned into his body, touching his chest as his hands began to touch her skin and dry her off with the cloth. He was so soft with his ministrations it felt like a soft caress lapping against her. She closed her eyes, determined not to stare into his. If she saw the hunger in their depths, she knew she would surrender to her own need. Lucian didn’t leave a drop of water on her. He dried off every inch of quivering skin, bringing her back to a bundled mass of nerves begging for release. “Now, we dress you.” Shana stared up at him, her body alive with desire. She felt the moisture between her legs and the familiar hardening of her nipples. Lucian knew exactly how to stimulate her, and she wasn’t sure whether she could handle his hands on her much longer without a repetition of last night. “I hope I can survive that.” Lucian laughed gently and walked over to a small box sitting on the edge of the table in the corner. She hadn’t noticed it yesterday, but that didn’t surprise her much. She glanced around the room casually, taking note of the small oddities she had missed earlier. There were two swords crossed on the opposite wall similar to the ones she had seen with Fiona. “What are those two swords for?” Lucian didn’t glance up from his search. “A reminder of sacrifice. They represent the swords of the two fearless leaders our world lost in battle. Two brothers that died defending our people.” His father, and the king. Shana recalled the monument she saw yesterday in the images, and felt tears welling up in her eyes as the images of the young Lucian overwhelmed with grief flooded her. “It must have been hard on their families, but they died with honor.” She wanted him to confide in her, and tell her one of those swords belonged to his father. Her wish to hear
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the events from his perspective plagued her as he turned around, his face drawn. The expression suggested he wasn’t prepared to impart his history with her. “The two warriors were survived by sons trained at an early age to exact revenge for deaths such as theirs, rather than to grieve. They managed.” Lucian’s hand came into her hair. His thumb ran across her mouth as she stared up at him. “Now isn’t the time to remember my people’s loss. We must focus on getting you dressed.” He showed her three small patches of opaque material. She touched it, and felt it throb under her fingertips. It was velvety soft, and warmed the longer she touched it. She pulled her hand back then looked at him curiously. “These are for you to wear under your attire, tigress. Unfortunately, I must make sure you remain in your current state of need.” Shana gasped as he placed one over her right nipple. The material flexed then squeezed her nipple. “What is that? What is it doing?” She felt her nipple heating, hardening instantly under the delicious ministration of the heating and throbbing material. “It’s a sentient material. It can feel your level of need and knows exactly what to do to keep you there, or make you even hungrier. I will be controlling it with this.” Lucian held up a small circular device the size of quarter. Shana shuddered, knowing he intended to enjoy using these sentient things. She didn’t understand how they worked, but the pulsating heat they radiated on her proved they did. “It will be my decision whether or not you get any release.” Lucian’s firm hands placed the last one on her clit, gently rubbing the small bud. She gasped and thrust her mound into his hand. “Don’t do this to me, Lucian. I can’t take anymore.” Shana knew she sounded desperate. Her nipples and clit warmed. They seemed to pulse in unison to her heartbeat, and began throbbing.
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“You will soon grow accustomed to having them on, tigress.” Lucian wrapped a soft, royal blue material around her, and tied it in the back. By the time he finished securing it to her, it made a dress that reminded her of a kimono. It was a very short, sexy, formfitting outfit composed of material softer than silk. It matched her eyes. She looked down and saw the plunging neckline, wishing there was a bit more material to cover her breasts. The material clung to her waist, and ended at mid-thigh. “Beautiful. Simply beautiful. I must take you to meet the royal family. They wish to question you.” “Why?” “You came to their home without permission.” Guilt washed over her, followed quickly by defensive anger. “I didn’t really think it was real. I just wanted…” Shana clamped her mouth shut quickly when Lucian looked at her intently. She wouldn’t finish that sentence. What was I supposed to say? I just wanted to get
laid so I decided to give it a whirl and see if Paradise was real. All she wanted to do was wrap her legs around Lucian and feel him drive into her again. She could barely stand, much less walk around in public thanks to the sexual need created by those small patches of material. She needed to regain some semblance of control if she hoped to get out of this mess. “I agree to meet with them, but it will be here. I do not wish to be at a disadvantage in surroundings unfamiliar to me.” She planned to use Paradise to her full advantage, and that meant not giving away what little knowledge of it she had gained. Being in a place where you could only speak the truth would serve her immensely. She may not know whom she was meeting, but she could make the surrounding ensure their honesty. Gitana’s safety was at risk.
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Lucian rested his hand on her shoulder. “That is a noble request, tigress. However, it is simply not possible. The princes could not show up here. It would wreak havoc within these doors.” “That doesn’t make sense.” Lucian’s sigh filled the room. “Paradise is one of the most difficult places for them to enter because the women tend to fawn all over them. But I will pass on your request.” Shana nodded as he sat her down at a small table full of food. She blushed when her stomach growled. The food smelled delicious, but she didn’t recognize anything in front of her. “Sample all of it. If you don’t find something that pleases you, let me know and I will send for one of the palace cooks. I will return shortly. I must attend to some matters.”
***** Lucian entered the private meeting chamber through the secret entryway, wishing to avoid the room full of half-naked female servants in the main greeting chamber. He detested their open wantonness almost more than the commoners’ fear. Even the warriors kept their distance, choosing to associate with him only when necessary. His relationship to the princes made him an outsider they respected, but could not relate to. It was a miserable existence at times, but one he wouldn’t forsake for anything. He clutched the medallion around his neck, remembering the vow he took over the body of his sister. Never again. He’d willingly given up friends, a mate, and love to protect the very people that feared him. He rarely succumbed to the needs of his flesh. Even when he did, it was always with controlled lust. The rumors of his conquests amused him. He never remembered spending hours with any of them, or using them so hard they couldn’t move for days. Yet apparently he had because they all said so.
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His groin tightened remembering the half-naked human in the royal chamber. That was one female he wanted to spend an eternity savoring. She certainly hadn’t been afraid of him. She’d met his needs, and found her way through his control with unimaginable speed. No woman had elicited that level of need from him. Ever. He had used her for hours, and she responded by wanting more. Lucian had volunteered to question the intruder, never expecting lust to creep its way into the encounter. His cock burned with desire for Shana, but he found the hunger in his soul the most daunting emotion of all. He yearned to pour out all of his darkest desires and unfulfilled dreams to her. He had never wanted to talk with a woman. Shana had surprised him. A little spitfire bundled up in the most delicious package imaginable. He grudgingly admired her courage. Never in the history of his people had a woman withstood the cadana for that long. His Shana had. Lucian chuckled, hearing the possessiveness in his thoughts for the first time ever. Why did he have to find passion with the one person he should be openly hostile toward? She could be the enemy, and all he could think about was feeling her climax on his cock once more. He flexed his back muscles then grimaced. His body ached from the previous day’s battle, but he welcomed it if it would steer his mind away from her. She’d arrived shortly after their enemy had disappeared into thin air. Their shields had not prevented his entry, and Lucian believed he had help from inside. It had been too much of a coincidence for Shana to arrive at the same time. An unknown, beautiful woman in her mating prime sent into a land of lust-filled warriors. Lucian looked around the meeting room, allowing his gaze to slide over the two crossed swords hanging on the dark navy walls, the color of the royal family. Few knew of this secret location hidden within Paradise, and he remembered every security issue
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addressed here. Breeches within the royal palace years ago created the need to keep critical information in an undisclosed location. This was the best option available; the inability to lie within Paradise added an additional security measure to all meetings. He heard the soft
swoosh of the panel and glanced behind him, knowing it would be the princes. Anytime he resented the sacrifices he had made, he simply remembered his cousins. Women may pretend to fear him, but they truly were terrified of the eight royals. “Surprised you aren’t with the prisoner, warrior.” Val’s cutting comment unnerved Lucian. He had anticipated hostility at the change in venue, but perhaps not to this extent. The princes hated appearing in Paradise because chaos always ensued. Only this room could mask their presence, and it was too critical to serve as a meeting place with a stranger. Females coveted sexual encounters with any of them, and they frequently had to pleasure scores of them to keep the peace within Paradise once they were here. But they never enjoyed it. Because their powers surged out of control at climax, only their chosen mates could handle the princes’ full sexual need. Lucian glanced around, noting the scowls on their faces. All except Cal. This entire situation fed his odd sense of humor. “Her name is Shana, and I caution you not to test me. I am well aware of my duty in this matter. I do not understand why she wishes to have this meeting here.” Lucian stood and stared into Val’s eyes, silently daring him to push the matter. He may not have gotten answers from Shana, but he fully intended to advocate on her behalf. Cal’s laughter filled the room. Lucian could always rely on him and Jax to add humor to any situation, regardless of how ill-placed. He suppressed a grin when he saw the gleam of amusement in Cal’s eyes as he walked around Val, his brow raising slightly. “Well, we already figured out the answer to that little puzzle. Some certain feisty, black-haired female was caught sneaking back into the castle from the corridors. That would be why Val here is in such a rotten mood, because she managed to best him yet again. Imagine our surprise when we race to our dear brother’s aid only to find our tiny little sister standing over him with the heel of her shoe pressed to his throat.”
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Lucian swore softly under his breath. That little sister of theirs had abilities that gave even him pause. He grinned. He knew better than comment on the little scene Cal had painted so well because he had long ago lost count of how many times he had found himself in the same situation. Lucian had taught Fiona that maneuver. Lucian saw Val’s angry glare. “Don’t even go there, Luc. You cannot best that little hellion any better than we can. We should have known we could not keep Shana a secret from her. Sadly, I cannot fault her for wanting to see another female her age, even if it was a prisoner.” Lucian nodded as he poured a glass of clear liquid. He rarely savored the concoction, but welcomed its numbing attributes at this point. This meeting was bound to be complex and trying to say the least. It bothered him that Shana had not trusted him enough to mention meeting Fiona. He wondered what they had discussed. “Perhaps that is the best sign there is. Fiona had to have read her. If she hasn’t said anything so far, it must mean the intruder does not have ill intent.” “Or it simply means she is more dangerous than we suspected because she can best our sister’s telepathic abilities. I’m not willing to take the chance it is the latter, are you?” Lucian glanced up from the rim of the glass and shook his head. Fiona was an excellent judge of character, but she -- above all others -- needed to be protected. No one outside the royal palace knew of her. Born after the king’s death, her mere existence raised questions. How had she been conceived months after the death of the king? Infidelity had been ruled out immediately through testing, and her striking resemblance to their father added support. However it had come to be, the queen refused to discuss it with anyone. The fact Fiona bore the mark of a chosen one contributed even more concern for her safety. Everyone knew the princes accounted for eight of the ten prophecies, but no one understood what role Fiona played. The women born with the same mark as the princes were predestined to be their true mate. Lucian had heard the rumors and speculation
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growing up. Some thought the chosen ones weren’t marked. Others believed they were, and would possess the same powers. Each prince possessed powers of the earth, air, fire, or water. The princes covered their bands as fiercely as they hid their sister. Even knowing what Fiona’s band looked like was bound to get his ass drug out to the warrior’s testing grounds. Lucian wasn’t about to confess to her overly protective brothers he had been training her in warrior battle maneuvers. A woman had the right to protect herself. Fiona definitely deserved that right since he suspected the road to her chosen one was going to be the one with the most peril. “So, tell us what you have found out.” Leave it to Dar to get down to business. Lucian wondered if he ever relaxed. Hell, if he ever stopped being serious long enough to have sex, Lucian suspected Dar would spend the entire time analyzing it. Today though, he seemed distant. “She has said nothing useable.” Lucian said, seeing Jax’s amusement immediately. He would give anything to have that guy’s telepathic abilities for just one day. The gleam in Jax’s eyes meant he knew too much. Fortunately, he exercised the same discretion Fiona always did and rarely shared what he surmised with his powers. Lucian felt sympathy for both of them. It would be hard to know so much and have no one to share it with. “Then you should have resorted to more drastic measures,” Van said. Lucian glanced over at him. Leave it to him to react with an iron fist. Lucian sighed loudly and crossed his arms. “I thought four hours of the cadana was drastic enough. Do you disagree?” His cousins rarely questioned his ability to handle these types of matters. He found it somewhat daunting that they did so now. Serving as leader of the warriors since he was old enough to wield the weapons, Lucian rarely allowed anyone to question his judgment. Cal whistled loudly. “Glad I didn’t go down that road, brother! Perhaps that fall earlier befuddled your head a bit.”
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All the brothers grinned seeing Van’s face redden. Lucian remained silent, watching the younger cousin stammering for a response to the question posed. Van always spoke first and thought much later. “I wasn’t questioning your ability, cousin.” Lucian watched Van walk forward and glanced down at the hand extended in a warrior apology, his fighting arm palm up. Van’s words were apology enough, but the act spoke volumes. The princes never offered their fighting arm. Tradition allowed the removal of it should it be demanded. Lucian waved him off as Van continued his apology. “It surprises me that she would hold up to the cadana for that long. It is unheard of.” Lucian nodded his head. “She has a warrior spirit and is protecting someone she loves. That much I have discerned. I am unsure exactly who that someone is or how they fit into this security breech. Perhaps all of you can get that out of her.” Lucian prayed Jax hadn’t picked up on his suspicion. Shana knew one of the chosen ones. It was the only thing that made sense. She couldn’t be the enemy. Paradise welcomed those honest with themselves and their intentions for being there. Shana’s earlier questions intrigued Lucian. She knew of Paradise, but not much. The only fear and concern she’d exhibited had been when she’d asked about the chosen ones. He knew, somehow, she was linked to one of them. His heart had lurched out of his chest at the thought that she could be a chosen one. But she wasn’t of this world. She couldn’t be a chosen one. “I’m up for the challenge. I’ve never had the pleasure of taking on the cadana.” Cam’s amused tone cut straight through Lucian. Lucian balled his hands into fists and looked away, fighting the urge to punch Cam in the face. He couldn’t stomach the idea of another’s mouth teasing Shana’s creamy skin. Cam’s taste in women mirrored his own, which only added fuel to Lucian’s burning rage, and made
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him more determined to ensure none of them had the opportunity to take on the cadana themselves. Cam’s soft chuckle of amusement filled the room when Lucian turned and left to retrieve Shana. They knew him too well. Starting an argument or becoming defensive would only complicate the situation, and Lucian couldn’t make a mistake. Shana could not afford for him to make a mistake.
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Chapter Five
Shana suppressed her urge to smile smugly. The venue had changed. She hoped Paradise would hold true to what Fiona said. No lies. Everything rested on the word of a stranger. Fiona reminded her of Gitana too much for Shana not to trust her. Shana glanced over at Lucian. His body radiated tension, but his face held no expression. He seemed nervous. She suspected that emotion was foreign to him, like the passion they’d shared was to her. She followed him quietly as he led her through the corridors connecting Paradise to the royal palace. He’d led her in a direction opposite the one Fiona had taken her yesterday. Her stomach was in knots. Her body throbbed and ached with a need she never thought she would feel. These sentients or whatever Lucian called them refused to allow her internal desires to relax. The knowledge that he controlled them flooded her with the urge to wrap her legs around him and take him. Shana inhaled deeply when they paused in front of a large door. Lucian turned and looked at her, his eyes filled with the same hunger she felt. “Stay close to me, and you will be fine. We must go through the main entryway in order to get to the meeting hall. Chances are
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the princes have already begun their voyage there. They detest these scenes even more than I do, if that is even possible.” “What scene?” “You will see. Perhaps once you see for yourself the sacrifice that they made to speak to you, you will understand and respect them and me more fully. If for some reason the reactions you see begin to encompass me, stay close to the gatekeeper of Paradise. He will guard you.” She didn’t understand what Lucian was saying until he opened the door. Hundreds of half-naked women surrounded eight men, who were looking around in clear despair. The quick, darting glances they gave led her to believe they were looking for an exit point. All of the women displayed their breasts proudly, choosing only to wear a covering below their waist. Shana suspected this was a uniform of sorts since all of them wore the same rich, redcolored skirt. It was short and appeared to be made of the same material Shana wore. All the men had long, black hair. They looked around in dismay, their gazes lit on Lucian and Shana. Gasps filled the air as more of the women began to openly weep seeing Lucian. “Welcome to the party, cousin.” The speaker was clearly more amused than some of the other men. Shana could tell they were brothers, given their similarity in features. Several appeared frustrated. One was clearly angry. “For the love of the gods, all of you rise and stop weeping. You have seen us before and know we do not come to harm you.” Shana watched some of the women rise to their feet. They groped the men and rubbed against them. She remembered what Lucian had said earlier about the princes detesting coming to Paradise. His account of it led her to believe they suffered. Watching the scene unfold in front of her, she doubted that was possible. “Oh, yeah. I really see the suffering.”
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“It is suffering when the princes aren’t able to give in to the temptation of the flesh. Choosing only one of these women results in fights so severe they have caused deaths. Pleasuring one of the princes, even for one night, is the highest honor for these women. Women from our world covet the positions within Paradise because it considered an honor to service the warriors.” Shana would question the validity of his words, but the scene before her showed her the truth. The women begged and pleaded for attention. Hands fought to unclothe the men. And they all stood there, trapped among the women, patiently removing hands that strayed too close to them. “Why don’t they just walk away?” “The women would fight each other to follow and chase them. Once a man enters Paradise, he must find pleasure to leave. All the women see this as their chance. Given their special powers, they are unable to relax and fully enjoy themselves, so the act of sex is not pleasurable for them. It becomes a chore.” “How would you know all of that?” Lucian turned and laced his fingers through her hair. Shana remembered how those hands felt on her body, how they so easily brought her to climax over and over again. His fingers ran down her cheeks, landing with his hands cupping her face. “Because, like them, I am feared by these women.” Shana couldn’t understand someone fearing him. She savored the feeling of his thumbs lightly tracing the contours of her lips. “I too am coveted. And until last night, I had never been able to give myself fully into the pleasure for fear of harming the woman under me.” Warm heat pooled between her legs when she realized she had been woman enough to match his need. What could she say to such an honest response? “Hey, cousin? We hate to break up your little party, but would you care to help out over here?”
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Shana heard Lucian’s foul curses and watched him quickly make his way through the crowd of women. She couldn’t believe the women. She watched while the men struggled to back away, removing hands from their penises, arms, and legs. Overwhelming guilt poured through her. They were in this situation because of her. She had to do something to help. “Unhand them!” she screamed loudly. Her mind reeled, trying to remember what little she knew about Paradise. There was a rule. Visitors’ rights first. Perhaps she could use that. “I demand you all stop immediately and service me as I wish. I am the visitor here in Paradise. I wish you to leave and attend to yourselves. These men are mine to use however I see fit.” Shana heard Lucian translate the statement, amusement on his face as he spoke. She watched the women begin unhanding the men. They moved silently and obeyed her command. She looked from the women to the group of men. They stared at her with mixed looks of shock, amusement, and curiosity. “I see I came a bit too late to actually be of any assistance here.” Shana glanced to the side and saw a slightly older version of Fiona walking through the doors, the gatekeeper behind her. He had clearly gone to get her help. She suppressed her laughter when the men cursed and turned around quickly, clearly attempting to hide their state of undress. She respected how they had handled the women. It must be hard for them to live a life like that. The older woman faced away from the men in the corner of the room. “You must be Shana. I understand why you wished to have your meeting here, but I assure you it is not necessary. Will you please reconsider, and allow us to have it at the palace where my boys will be more comfortable?” “I would prefer it be held here.” “All of what Paradise offers is already within you.”
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Shana wanted to panic. She desired the honesty she could use at Paradise, but couldn’t imagine forcing the princes to bear a scene like that again. She knew her command wouldn’t hold weight much longer. She nodded her head, frustrated things hadn’t worked out. She couldn’t live with the guilt if she allowed the princes to withstand any more discomfort than they had already endured. It wasn’t their fault she had foolishly landed at their doorstep.
***** Lucian walked her toward the massive doors. They seemed to open on their own. She walked into the large entryway, thankful Lucian still had a firm grip on her arm. She had never seen such a grandiose display of power and wealth in her life, and found herself intimidated. She eyed the guards at the entrance behind her warily, taking special notice of the huge swords on their belts. Gold, diamonds, and jewels of all kind were intricately designed into the interior walls of the immaculate room. Servants lined the corridors, their gazes fixed on Shana. She hated being stared at. A loud bell sounded and two doors at the opposite end of the room opened. “If someone doesn’t shut off that fucking bell, I swear I will burn this place down!” Laughter from behind the speaker followed the angry shout. Shana watched the princes approach from over Lucian’s shoulder. She hadn’t thoroughly looked them over at Paradise earlier, but had to admit now that they were gorgeous. Four men at least six and a half feet tall and as muscular -- or more so -- than Lucian stood before her. They all had shoulder length jet black hair, two of them piercing her with cobalt blue eyes. Equally curious hazel eyes stared at her from the other two. All four wore the same formfitting pants Lucian did. She remembered how soft it was, and it seemed to beckon her touch. She was grateful that the same navy-colored material clung to their chests, hiding the sinewy flesh from her view. The scene in Paradise had been enough to send her sentient-riddled hormones raging out of control. They said nothing.
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She moved behind Lucian, feeling vulnerable as the sentient material worked her body. Their expressions were smug, like they knew about those things Lucian had put on her. Did they? Shana’s anger boiled inside her. Biting her lip to avoid lecturing them on how rude it was to stare, she chose to take one more step back. If she angled herself just right, she could peer at them from behind Lucian without actually being visible. Laughter followed the maneuver, along with a language she didn’t understand. Whatever they’d said brought a heated blush to his cheeks. She heard Lucian clear his throat as he began to speak. “It would be in all of our best interests to speak English so Shana understands what we are saying. She may know some of our language, but not enough to understand its nuances. We wouldn’t want her getting the wrong idea, would we?” One prince stepped closer, reached around Lucian, and pulled Shana forward. She slapped his hand away from her shoulder and heard a collective gasp of shock. She looked at Lucian; he was trying not to laugh. “You’re lucky these shoes don’t have a pointed toe, or I would have kicked your shins! It’s not polite to grab someone like that!” An even louder gasp came from the servants, followed by rolls of laughter from the other men behind the offender. Shana looked behind the prince accosting her and saw one of his brothers, clearly amused by the situation. “Leave it to Val to offend women from every race in the universe. She’s a little hellcat, Lucian. Even in her darkest hour of need and after all that time with the cadana, she’s still a spitfire. Had we known her to be this entertaining, we would have taken care of the matter ourselves. I’m definitely curious to find out what she needs from us, since we are apparently hers to do with as she wishes.”
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Shana blushed at Cal’s sensuous smile. He’d reminded her of the quickly uttered words at Paradise. She didn’t know how she’d remembered the rule; she must have heard it at some point, though that didn’t make any sense. Lucian growled and pulled Shana behind him. She clung to his waist, using his body to steady herself. The pulsating, heated attention directed at her nipples and clit fed her need to orgasm. A rush of adrenaline flowed through her when she realized Lucian was jealous. She had never been the focal point for jealousy, and she found it oddly disconcerting. How was she supposed to react to it? “Shut up, Cal. And please stop growling, Lucian. Our heads are imploding already from the level of her need, not to mention the hangovers we already had. We will not take on the cadana ourselves at this time.” This came from one of the other princes. “Perhaps we should reconvene this little party in a more private arena?” Her pulse began to race. She didn’t like the idea of being in a more private arena with these men. No witnesses. She looked around, determined not to panic, silently begging Lucian to say no. A sense of dread washed over her when he nodded slightly. Hopefully they would remember what she’d done for them at Paradise, how she’d rescued them. Surely they knew she wasn’t a threat. The men began moving toward the back where they had come from. Lucian placed a firm hand on Shana’s spine, and pushed her forward. She glared at him. She’d pay him back for forcing this meeting upon her. Since it was no longer on her terms, her mind reeled with uncertainty. “Now’s not the time to become a little kitten, tigress. Where is the warrior that stared me down all afternoon yesterday with her mouth firmly glued?”
In a puddle of liquid between my legs right now, Shana thought. Feminine laughter echoed in front of her.
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“If you think something with enough emotion, we will hear it just as if you had shouted it from the rooftops, dear.” Shana saw the same beautiful woman with long, jet black hair she had met in Paradise walking toward her, the one who looked almost exactly like Fiona. Wonderful. Another mind reader. That was the last thing she needed. She had enough to worry about. “My sons, what did I tell you earlier about ganging up on the poor thing? It isn’t any way to treat a lady. And Lucian, how dare you bring those vile sentient beings into my home! You know what I think of them.” The slight woman punched Lucian’s arm, then turned around and glared over at the four men. “Sorry, Mother, but she hasn’t proven she deserves ladylike treatment yet. It is not your decision what enters this palace if it is a matter of planetary security,” Val stated as he walked briskly toward the double doors. Or at least she thought that was his name, if what his brother called him earlier was correct. Shana shivered at the anger she heard in those words. They entered an even larger room, the doors closing with a loud bang. The princes separated her from Lucian and forced her to sit in a chair in the center of an expansive table. Four princes sat on the opposite side. Lucian sat next to her, but it still felt like the huge table would swallow her up. These were the princes Fiona had spoken of yesterday. The ones Lucian had grown up with. Fiona was somehow related to all of them; she resembled them too much not to be. Shana crossed her arms and glared at the men before her, refusing to say anything further. She was outnumbered, but determined. “It’s okay, dear,” the older woman began. “My sons mean no harm. They have a lot on their minds right now and like typical men, possibly from any universe, they bark before they think. Relax. No one means you any harm. These are the royal princes of Paradise, which is where you are, by the way.”
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The woman speaking sat right next to Shana and took her hand. “Allow me to introduce my brood of males to you, or at least part of them. I’m not sure where the others are. There is nothing to fear. We certainly aren’t going to hurt you. And Val, child, get that look off of your face. You know I hate when you try and intimidate people.” Turning her attention from the stern-looking prince who sat directly across from Shana, she continued. “I’m Chantelle Zan A’Mar, the mother of all of these boys. This is Dar, Val, Cal, and Jax. Can you imagine my surprise when they started arriving in multiples?” A calm flashed through her when the woman squeezed her hand then smiled, but it did nothing to stop the pulsating heat working on her nipples and clit. It had begun before they left the royal chamber and not stopped. Shana couldn’t help but smile back. “I don’t understand why I am here. I apologize for any confusion I have created, and I certainly meant no disrespect to anyone for entering where I wasn’t welcomed. I’m honestly not sure how I even got here, so I can’t exactly undo it.” Shana bit her tongue to keep from rambling. She knew enough from her conversations with Lucian and Fiona to put a lot of the puzzle together. But she needed to try and play the dumb card first. Glancing around the room, she knew it wasn’t working. The men simply sat there, staring at her, saying nothing. The silence unnerved her more than their sensuous smiles had. “God, all of you would make damn good interrogators where I’m from. This silence is really a valuable tool. But, that’s okay. I’m good at rattling on about nothing. I won’t tell you what little I do know. Doing that would put the only friend I have in jeopardy, and I won’t do that.” Shana tried not to sound scared. They all looked remarkably alike, but there were distinct differences when you looked closely. Lucian stirred beside her as she continued to stare at the men. They all appeared to be about the same height and size, but it was clear to Shana that none of the brothers sitting at the table were twins. One of the men had a slightly squarer jaw, and one of them had a small birthmark under his right eye resembling a crescent moon.
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“So, what are all of you anyway?” The pulsating sensation stopped. Lucian had turned off the sentients. Her nipples ached, and she was a bundle of nerves, but at least it wouldn’t get any worse. She wanted to thank him, but knew better than to display gratitude of any kind in front of the princes. The attitude expressed by Val implied they wouldn’t agree with the decision to turn them off. “My sons are the princes of Paradise. They are fated to ascend the thrones of our eight planets once they have found their mates. Show her your markings, so she understands what I am talking about. I wouldn’t want the dear to think I’m slaughtering her language, or losing my mind.” Shana watched each man reveal his left biceps. Corded around the muscular flesh were distinct bands of color, with engravings woven through the markings and into their skin. Red, blue, violet, and gold filled her gaze as she stared at each one. She practically jumped over the table in shock when Val revealed his. Set in gold, the pattern was quite distinctive. And very familiar. A sense of dread came over her. He glared at her, but she ignored him, and gently traced her fingertips across the marking. “Do you want me to get a room so you can have some privacy with him, Shana?” The anger in Lucian’s voice was undeniable. But she couldn’t help herself. Gitana had the exact same marking on her right ankle. What the hell does that mean? She sat back in her chair in shock. Gitana knew nothing about her past, and had assumed some sadistic person had chosen to tattoo her when she was an infant. Based on what she was seeing right now, Shana suspected her sister had been born with those markings. A chosen one. Everything from yesterday came flooding back to her. She continued to stare at Val, sensing everything she had suspected about her sister’s origin and the things Fiona had said were all true. The room began to spin.
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“Dear, you are quite pale.” Chantelle looked over at one of the men. “What are you reading from her, Cal?” “Massive amounts of shock and fear. She didn’t start feeling it until she saw Val’s band. Before that, it was simple curiosity and nothing more.” Cal smiled, looked over at Lucian, and added, “And I wouldn’t worry about her looking at any of us like she does you, cousin. She clearly thinks something altogether differently about you after last night’s little tryst.” Laughter erupted from the opposite side of the table. “Why does my marking scare you, while you have no reaction to the others?” Val asked. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of something she couldn’t even begin to comprehend. She merely looked at Val. A battle of morals waged in her mind. She needed to protect Gitana. She also felt a compulsion to help all of the people within Paradise. What could she say to these men? How could she help them and their people without sacrificing her sister? Would she be safer within their protection than where she was now? “Look, I admit I was a bit over zealous in my use of intimidation,” Val continued. “If I have made you feel uneasy in any way, I apologize. You must understand, though, that there are a lot of things happening right now that are seriously dangerous to our people. Your presence here was a bit too timely for me not to jump to conclusions.” Shana couldn’t nod her head in understanding, even though she had seen the most recent battle herself the day before. Fiona had shown that image to her last, as proof that the threat of their enemy was still very present today. “Yeah, right. ’Cause my big, bad self could really kick all of your asses so easily.” Lucian and Chantelle laughed at Shana’s statement. She blushed. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to say that out loud. So, can you get me home or not?” “The little tigress seems to think she can go home now that you have apologized. Shana, we are far from done here. We must know how you came to know of this place.”
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So much for playing the innocent bystander card. She may not be guilty of what they had suspected previously, but she had information they needed. Somehow they sensed it, and Shana knew nothing would stop them from getting that information. “Why do you call her tigress?” The sensuous tone to the question thrown across the table by one of the princes surprised her. Shana remembered the growls and hisses she had emitted during the course of Lucian’s torture. “Four hours of questioning in the manner of cadana only got me a name. Shana. What would you call her?” The queen’s audible gasp filled the room. “Lucian! You will not continue with the cadana. That is an ancient method of interrogation I personally banned twenty years ago! I absolutely forbid that method. You will treat this child with the respect she deserves, and you will give her what assistance you can to ease her suffering.” The queen patted Shana’s hand and glared over at Lucian. Lucian swore loudly. “I was told by all of you to do whatever needed to be done to get the answers we needed. The cadana seemed the best idea since our little guest arrived seeking sexual gratification. If she weren’t so damned stubborn, it would have been the perfect solution. I would have had the answers you wanted, and she could have gone about her life without concern. I refuse to justify my decision before all of you on this matter.” Shana felt the tension coiling through his body; he glared at the queen and the princes across the table. She knew that as the leader of the powerful elite royal warrior force, he took an enormous amount of pride in his ability to protect their people. She also understood having that questioned by anyone was intolerable to him. “This is a bit awkward,” Shana said with a laugh. “I really didn’t mean to cause all of this trouble. And why don’t any of the rest of you speak? Are you mute?”
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“Why should we get involved when Val is doing such a beautiful job shoving his foot in his mouth and coming across like an utter ass? And Cal here seems to have the goading of Lucian in complete control. I’ve fought with Lucian. I can safely say I wouldn’t want to piss him off. There’s no reason for all of his to incur his wrath when we have these two so willing to do it for us. I’m Dar.” “He is the level-headed one,” the queen added with a smile. “Mother, your input is always appreciated and highly regarded. However, I feel it would be best if you not interfere with this matter. You have a personal distaste for the cadana. We do not know enough of Shana’s species to use the newer methods of interrogation, and time is of the essence. Given her reasons as they have been presented thus far, I believe that we all agree with Lucian’s decision on how to handle her.” Shana couldn’t believe it, but she fully understood Dar’s reasoning. She would do the exact same thing had she been in their position. They had to protect their people; she had arrived at the worst possible time. But she couldn’t admit to knowing any of that. “Very well, my sons. I believe you have this under control, and Shana is calmer now. I appreciate you appeasing my concerns in warrior matters. You must understand how trying on my mind her fear was when she first appeared.” “She will be treated with the utmost respect, my queen.” Lucian stated. The older woman rose. Shana watched her exit calmly. “What have you found out so far, Lucian?” Val asked, his gaze on the door. Shana bit her lip, ashamed that she had been so uncooperative. She continued to stare at the markings on Val’s arm. “May I ask you again, Shana, why my markings disturb you?” She was surprised by his question, but the low, husky timbre of his voice calmed her nerves. “I prefer not to say.”
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She looked away from him, trying hard to keep her mind blank. She couldn’t think about Gitana. She couldn’t measure the strength of Cal’s powers. Fiona’s abilities must be more pronounced, or they wouldn’t even be having this discussion. She would already have read everything racing through Shana’s mind. “Lucian spoke to me of your bands and your enemies. Who are your enemies? Are you saying they’d harm these women? And why don’t you all get to mate with someone you love? Are you saying you have to mate with that one person? That is crazy! What if you hate each other?” “There has yet to be a union in the thousands of centuries of our people that was not without love, desire, and the basest need you speak about. Fate and destiny are far too powerful, and would never make a mistake like that,” Dar stated emphatically. “And yes, our enemies would kill the chosen females should they find them.” Shana winced, closing her eyes for a moment. The images of yesterday flooded her mind once again. She had to admire these men for being so calm. They had battled an army of freaky-looking creatures, using their powers to help Lucian defeat them. She remembered the exhaustion Gitana always had after using her abilities, and sympathized with them. Yet they sat here as if nothing had happened. One would think these types of events happened daily. Maybe they did. “Then why the hell haven’t you found them already? How is it that they aren’t in a huge palace with hundreds of guards?” Shana demanded angrily. She felt guilty for pushing the subject, but she needed to know more about what was going on. She wanted verification, and a reason to know so she didn’t have to betray the confidence Fiona had given her. She sensed the girl didn’t get the chance to be friendly with many people, and she truly didn’t want to hurt her in any way. She reminded her very much of Gitana.
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“What makes you think they aren’t?” asked Dar. “It is interesting that you are so emotional about a subject which has absolutely nothing to do with you, your race, or your world. Why is that? It couldn’t be because of Lucian. He isn’t banded. So why the interest?”
Shit. Think about what you are saying, you idiot! These guys are sharp. “Shana, please tell us what it is you are keeping secret,” Val said. “It is going to come out one way or another. Now is better than later.” He turned to Lucian. “Back to my original question, Lucian. What have you found out so far?” “She is from Earth, that we already know. Specifically the United States. Her dialect is distinctive to Texas, so she was either born or spent most of her adult life there. It is one of the larger regions of this specific country, and people tend not to deviate from it. History indicates that they have a pride in their region that makes them stay.” Shana gasped hearing all the information spilling out of Lucian. How the hell had he figured all that out? She hadn’t said a thing! “Furthermore, she appears to be somewhat knowledgeable about certain aspects of our world, without actually knowing of it. My speculation would be that someone there on Earth is aware of our existence, and she is somehow connected to that individual. Based on other conversations we’ve had, it appears she has a limited number of people in her life at the moment. This would indicate the connection could be one of those individuals.” Shana’s face heated, remembering her small talk about Gitana. “Lord, I’m going mad. That’s it. Send me to the padded cell with the pretty flowers. So let me ask you this, what are your intentions if I tell you what little I know? The emphasis here is on the word little. I know nothing of value to you.”
Except, of course, where and exactly who Val’s mate is. “We intend to protect you and determine if anyone else on your planet that knows of us is friendly or not,” Dar said. “If they are, they will be protected. If not, we will deal with them accordingly. Who is it you are protecting so fiercely, Shana?”
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Shana chewed on her lower lip. “None of this makes any sense to me. I don’t understand how it happened. All I wanted was to unwind a bit and de-stress, and now I am in a strange room with warriors from a different universe.” “Sort of alleviates any boredom you may have been experiencing perhaps?” Cal joked. He groaned when one of the silent brothers punched him in the stomach. “Where are the rest of you? Why didn’t they come?” Shana asked, clearly unnerved by their silence. Cal answered her. “We rarely meet together. We merely choose two or three to speak on all of our behalf. It eliminates a lot of confusion and stress. Some people have a hard time figuring out who is who and eight names are too much to remember. Especially since our mother dearest gave us similar names: Val, Van, Cal, Cam, Dar, Dax, Jax, and Jad. Those are abbreviated names, but if you actually remember them, I will be truly impressed.” “So, the V’s are twins, the C’s and so forth?” Shana asked, trying to figure out the naming convention. “She’s a sharp one, Lucian. Better be careful,” Jax stated then laughed. “We might all be able to speak at once and not confuse her. Then we could start telling all your little secrets and embarrassing stories.” “So what powers do you have?” Shana asked. “Sorry, Shana,” Val said. “We aren’t going to trust you if you don’t trust us equally.” She needed to come clean. Gitana’s safety hung in the balance, if she believed what the princes and Fiona said. Lucian trusted them; so could she. She didn’t understand how, but she had developed a bond with him. She also trusted Fiona. The fact that Fiona had chosen to keep whatever she had read from Shana to herself reminded her of something Gitana would have done. Her sister had resented her powers for a long time, and Shana had sensed that same resentment from Fiona yesterday. She admired how she had chosen to use the knowledge she had obtained. Fiona didn’t want to know what
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she did, but she didn’t back away from it or use it for harm. That alone deserved trust and respect. “Earth, air, fire, and water in groups of two. To be grounded by the opposite element.” Shana made the statement out loud while she recalled Nana’s lectures. She crawled onto the table to inspect Val’s arm once again. Shana studied the markings more closely this time. A sense of elation filled her. She had remembered correctly. She smiled when she saw what she had missed earlier. The upper band held similar coloring and markings, but the lower one was different. Gitana’s tattoo held symbols based on fire elements like flames and flares. Val’s lower band displayed pools and waves of water. She crawled down the length of the table, grabbing each brother’s arm along the way. She paused when she appeared in front of Dax. Fire. Woven with a different coloring, the upper ring of symbols was different but the lower ring was definitely exactly the same as Gitana’s. “Is each twin a complement sign? The upper band symbolizes your powers, right?” She returned her attention to Dax’s arm. While Van’s band denoted him to be a fire sign, the two were different in color and unique markings. Gitana’s had the same pattern -three symbols matching theirs and two unique to her. “Are there more symbols, or are these the only ones?” She wanted to see the markings of the other brothers. And Fiona. She could use a friendly face in the room other than Lucian. His quiet demeanor didn’t help her courage. “Lady, if I were you, I would seriously start explaining how you came to all of these conclusions on your own,” Val said, his voice full of anger. “Please, give me a second. I know I have to explain now. But it is all finally starting to make a bit of sense to me, and I want to wrap my head around this before it implodes.”
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Grabbing Val’s arm again, she asked, “So you can heat objects up with your mind until they erupt in flames, send heat to another’s mind, and throw fire? And you can all speak telepathically? Where is the symbol for that?” Lucian grabbed her and brought her into his lap on the other side of the table. Shana wanted to slap herself. Her inquisitive nature had always gotten her into trouble. She could see the confusion, hostility, and outright anger on the princes’ faces. “Okay, that is enough, tigress. You need to slow down a bit. You don’t want to tick all of these guys off. I’m not sure if I could protect you against all of them at once. But in answer to your question, all of our people are telepathic, not just the chosen ones.” “Lucian, she had better start explaining now!” “Okay, sorry.” She understood the hostility Val exhibited. Her statements proved she knew more than they had expected. “Growing up, I heard bedtime stories of warriors with powers of the elements. They all had unique powers, and some of them shared powers,” Shana began, hoping to ease some of the tension in the room. “You would be glad to know that in all the bedtime stories, none of you ever lost to the evil demons.” Cal laughed at her attempt at humor. “And who told you these stories?” “This old woman. Nana. I always thought she was not all there, you know, not mentally stable. She’d talk about magic worlds, powers, oracles, the fates… She’d go on and on for hours every day like she was teaching. I never thought any of it was real.” “Clearly some of it bore merit,” Val stated sarcastically. “Did she ever tell you how she came to know of these things? And was she telling everyone she saw?” All the brothers focused their attention on her. Who had that old woman been anyway? She had always treated Gitana fairly well. She’d showed admiration perhaps, but never love. Nana had always seemed a bit fearful of Gitana. “She always made me listen. She said that destiny foresaw me to be the catalyst for the beginning of the prophecy, whatever the hell that meant. She spoke of this world and all
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these things as if she were raised to do exactly what she was doing: passing on a tradition I always thought was garbage. She made us swear never to speak of it.” Until now. She really wished Gitana were here with her to help deal with this. Then again, maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Lucian asked softly, “And if you were always underfoot while she was speaking, who were these lessons being direct toward, Shana? Was it your adopted sister, Gitana?” Shana chewed on her upper lip and she stared warily over at Val, then back at Lucian. Setting her head on his shoulder, she whispered the response, curling inward into his body. “I think that my sister is Val’s mate.”
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Chapter Six
Val’s mate had survived. Lucian wanted to scream from the highest vantage point for all their people to hear, but knew Val wouldn’t fully believe it until he saw her. He braced himself, knowing his cousin’s protective instincts would kick in once the initial shock wore off. He pulled Shana closer to him when Val lunged across the table. He growled a warning while Val’s brothers pulled him back. The familial blood running through their veins had been the only reason Lucian had not reacted. He would kill anyone who harmed Shana. He heard the possessiveness in his voice when he began to speak, but didn’t care. “Ease up, man. She’s answering the questions. She’s innocent in all of this!” Lucian watched Val pace back and forth behind his brothers, obviously attempting to control his building rage. Lucian understood Val’s hostility. Decades of despair and suffering left many clinging to hope that the chosen ones had survived. Now they knew one had. The need to bring the dream to reality surely pressed firmly on Val, not only as one of the leaders of the people, but a man concerned for his mate.
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Lucian knew all men had the same possessive streak he felt toward Shana. He glanced and saw her quietly assessing his cousin. He saw the open admiration and respect for Val in her gaze. She had been concerned about protecting her sister and friend. “How the fuck do we know that?” Val seethed. “Who the fuck is this woman, and how the hell did my mate get on Earth?” “Calm, brother!” Dar yelled. “And everyone sit down before Mother comes back into this room. So help me gods, if I have to endure another lecture about how adults should conduct themselves because of you hotheads, I will kick all your asses till they bleed!” Lucian admired Dar’s ability to remain calm. It was a trait he wished he had when dealing with the princes. He brought Shana closer to him, and stroked her long, blonde hair. “I’d die to defend you, tigress, but I choose battles I know I can win. Please tell us about Gitana before my cousin comes across this table and rips that information from you.” Lucian felt her trembling in his arms, and wished he could help her forget any of this ever happened. “I never knew that much about Nana. She treated Gitana like a queen at times, but left her alone a lot too. I see the irony in that now. They took me in shortly after my sixth birthday. Nana said duty demanded she protect us because I would bring forth Gitana’s destiny.” He knew how painful losing family was. The lifeless eyes of his mother and little sister still plagued his nightmares. He hated that Shana had learned such tragedy so young. At least he’d had his cousins. She had been alone, but she’d survived despite the odds. “I remember when we were little, Gitana asked about her mom and dad. Nana got really quiet and told us a horrid story. We couldn’t sleep for months afterward, afraid that the demons were coming after us. I still have nightmares about it. I can hear Gitana screaming almost every night, as if she’s remembering it.”
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Tears pooled down her cheeks and fell onto Lucian’s fingers. He hated the defenseless feeling running through him right now. She was frightened, and he could do nothing to help her. “What was the story, Shana? Can you tell us? We may be able to ease your memories of it afterward, should you wish us to.” Lucian held her close and spoke in a whisper. He remembered the soft caresses she’d used on him last night and how calming they had been. He stroked her spine and her upper leg, wanting to show her the tenderness he usually kept hidden. He wanted her to feel safe and protected. “A horrible storm called the tramada raged the night Gitana was born. Two hours after her birth, Nana took Gitana and fled for safety. Demons had found her and were out to kill her. Gitana’s mom and dad kissed their daughter good-bye and called upon the final judgment. She never explained what that meant.” Lucian knew the situation had been hopeless if the final judgment had been called upon. Now wasn’t the time to impart that tragic knowledge to Shana. “Nana said the judgment had barely finished when the demons arrived at the castle. She crawled through the sewers with Gitana wrapped in her birth blanket. But the demons caught up to them and struck out with all their powers. Nana shielded Gitana from the hit. “Nana said that was why she was aging. When Nana passed away, she made Gitana vow to give a message to her warrior. She said she’d failed to bring Gitana back and prayed for forgiveness of the gods in the afterlife. Is that what you wanted to know?” He wrapped his arms around Shana, offering her the only thing he had to give right now. Comfort. He wanted to erase the images from her head. “It’s going to be okay, Shana. We will ensure Gitana’s safety. You did well by trusting us enough to speak of her. There is no way that I would ever allow any nasty demons to harm you or her.” Lucian gently rocked her; his hands stroked her hair. He kissed her forehead gently and watched her sensuous mouth form a smile.
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There were tears in Val’s eyes. His cousin turned away, and Lucian knew how hard it must be for him to exhibit such emotion. Warriors learned at an early age that it showed weakness, intolerable in any situation. Looking around the room, he saw each man barely controlling their own emotions. Lucian looked down at Shana, knowing she couldn’t understand what this meant to all of them. His cousins had given up hope of finding their chosen ones years ago. The people of their world still clung to the oracle’s promise that the chosen ones lived. “Can you explain what the final judgment was?” Shana wiped her tears away. Her strength and courage amazed him. Cam finally answered with a shaky voice. “When someone knows they are going to die, they can call upon the gods to come and render judgment upon them. If they have fulfilled their destiny and lived according to the laws set forth, they may ask one favor in return. Did Nana ever mention what they’d asked?” “I remember something about that if Nana’d made it to first light the gods would take her and Gitana to safety. And I know their powers were given to Gitana because she has three bands, not just one,” Shana stated. Lucian hadn’t expected to hear that. Transference rarely occurred because of the dangers associated with wielding powers not destined to belong to that person. Val spun around. “Are you sure about that last part? Powers are rarely passed down in this manner.” Shana nodded her head. “If Nana’s stories were real, then it is true. She said that was Gitana’s mother’s dying wish. She supposedly argued with the gods and told them she would need their powers to prevail over the evil she was to face alone without the protection of the royal alliance.” Shana laughed. “Nana always said Gitana had her mom’s mouth and argumentative nature. Apparently no one had argued with them before, and they were in a bit of a shock over it.”
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“No shit!” Cal stated. “Damn, man. And to think I was jealous of your ass for finding your mate. Sounds like you are gonna have your work cut out for you!” The brothers laughed. Shana laughed softly too. “Gitana definitely has a mind of her own. Nana always told her she was far too powerful, and that it was imperative no one ever knew she’d gained her parents’ powers. Was I wrong to tell you?” Val quickly smiled. “Nothing you tell us of Gitana or your Nana will ever leave this room or be uttered to another living soul, Shana. The royal brotherhood shall die with this knowledge. We would never jeopardize the safety or trust of our mates, or those they hold dear.” “So now what?” Lucian looked around. He knew Val was concerned for Gitana, and respected his cousin for not wanting to upset Shana any more than she already was. “Now we need you to trust us just a bit more, tigress. We need you to tell us more about Gitana.” “What do you need to know? I don’t want to betray her confidence. I’m the only one who knows about her and what she can do.” Her protection of her sister made him proud. She defended her like he had his people. He knew the princes admired this type of bravery and courage too. “We need to know how versed she is in her powers and what they are,” Val explained. “I think she probably has powers she has never experimented with. Some have sort of popped up unexpectedly over the years and caused problems.” “Like what?” Cal asked. “Well, she learned about making fireballs first. Then came the heating things up, after she accidentally set Johnny’s pants on fire in the seventh grade. He tried to touch her breasts, and she got a bit angry. The first time she kissed someone she sorta…”
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Laughter filled the room. Lucian knew the princes were remembering the times they had accidentally set things -- and each other -- on fire. The queen had lived in a constant state of upset the year that four of the princes began to use their powers. “Sorta what?” Cal asked amid his laughter. “Well, she sorta burned him, I think. Just his tongue and lips though. Nothing serious. She had problems dealing with her powers in sexual situations.” Lucian looked over at Van, recalling when he’d lit Val on fire. He had also kissed one of the servants and burned her lips. Two childish accidents had instilled an entire world with fear of them. Cal’s laughter was so hearty now, tears streamed down his face. “Definitely don’t wanna be you, Val!” “Then there was that throwing things problem. But she has that under control. I think.” “Throwing things?” Val asked. “Well, if she gets upset, things tend to go flying around a bit.” Lucian saw Shana’s flushed face. Imparting information about her sister had to be difficult. He hoped she understood that Gitana’s issues were ones all the princes had experienced as well. “Does she practice her powers?” Dar asked. He glared over at Cal, who was still laughing hysterically. Lucian couldn’t help but laugh too. He certainly understood Cal’s amusement. These stories mirrored many of the experiences they’d shared. Lucian admired Gitana, and he hadn’t even met her. He grew up watching the princes struggle to gain control of their powers in the midst of becoming men, but they had each other. They’d had their mother and an entire race of people to aid them. Gitana had done it by herself, except for the love and support Shana had provided to her.
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“She tries to whenever she can. But she doesn’t want to attract attention, obviously. We used to go out of town on the weekends so she could practice. She can put up force fields around herself. She made me try to drive a car at it once.” The brothers were quiet. “I hate when you all do that. I think I deserve to know what you are saying about my sister.” Shana said. “She’s done the best that she could.” Lucian heard the princes arguing about the strength of Gitana’s powers, but chose not to participate in the discussion. Given her age, she should have full control of them by now. Her current struggles mimicked the ones they had as teenagers. Her ability to defend herself raised serious concerns with them all. “We know, tigress. We know,” Lucian said. “And you don’t have to be defensive of her here. You aren’t her protector. Val is now.” “We are merely trying to assess whether she is safe alone. When our people are coming into their powers, it is often best they have what’s called a shielder to help ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.” Val said. “It sounds like she has a few issues she is still trying to adapt to.” Lucian felt Shana tense. He heard the pride she had for her sister and hoped she understood the princes had the same emotions. “Just with a few of the powers. She’s got the fire bursts down pat at this point. And she’s getting better with moving things. She can lift larger objects now. Her biggest problem right now is her Peter Pan syndrome.” Shana began to laugh. “Peter Pan? Who is he?” Val demanded possessively. “He’s a fictional character that flies. She sometimes levitates. We haven’t been able to figure out what the trigger is. I never realized she had extras she wasn’t meant to wield. Perhaps that is the problem.”
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“That is why power transference is so rare. It is highly dangerous to the possessor of that power if they are not capable of dealing with them. It sounds like we need to get there immediately to bring her home. The powers she is having problems wielding are not of fire, but of the earth and air. Those were her parents’ powers,” Dar stated. Shana began to tremble in Lucian’s arms as she looked up at him. He looked over to Jax, needing to know what was happening.
She’s having a panic attack, cousin. She’s worried about Gitana, but she’s also worried about her time with you being at an end. Lucian gently stroked her hair. Her breathing became more rapid. He cursed, watched her eyes shut, and she passed out.
***** “She’s back with us, Lucian.” Shana looked up to see a crowd of black heads peering down at her. Strong arms gently brought her to a sitting position. She remembered feeling upset about her time with Lucian being over too soon, and worrying about Gitana. She’d suffered from panic attacks since the day her parents had died. She hated that one had happened here. She didn’t want to appear weak. She glanced over at Lucian and saw the concern in his gaze. “It appears you had a panic attack of some sort. You were highly agitated immediately before you passed out,” Cal said. “Here, drink this. It is a calming herbal drink. It will help you.” Shana drank the sweet potion slowly, and peered over the rim of the glass. She saw Lucian looking back at her. She wasn’t ready to leave him. She gazed at the prince that had somehow appeared while she was passed out. She blushed, realizing she must have stared too long when he smiled and spoke. “Hi Shana. I’m
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Dax, Dar’s brother. I was called when you passed out. They thought I could help heal you if needed.” “Thank you for coming. I’m fine, really.” “We want to talk to her privately for a moment, Lucian. Why don’t you go and water the plants for us?” Cal joked. Lucian’s growl filled the room. “Don’t get all warrior on us. Go. That is an order, warrior.” “If you distress her in any way, I will have your blood for it!” Lucian stormed out of the room, slamming the large doors behind him. Shana had never seen him so angry and hostile before. “Is Lucian okay?” she inquired, looking around as they returned her to her chair at the table. “He seemed a bit upset.” Cal took the cup from Shana and sat next to her. Taking her hands in his, he said, “He’ll be fine soon enough. We just wanted to talk privately to you for a moment and fill in some gaps on the past day’s events. Did you and Lucian have sex last night?” Shana felt the blush rise swiftly up her face. She tried to look away, but found nowhere to gaze. She nodded her head. “But it was my fault, not his. He did his duty, I swear it!” She couldn’t imagine him getting into trouble over any of this. His passion for her had overwhelmed her senses last night, bringing out her own desires for the first time ever. Then he had been so kind and gentle with her today. All of this was her fault, not his. Val laughed. “It’s okay, Shana. He isn’t in any trouble. We just want to help fill in some information here. When you were intimate, did you feel him …surge inside of you?” Shana gasped. Her face had to be bright red at this point. “Surge?” “You know…” Cal paused. Blushing, he turned away. “Aw, shit, I can’t do this crap! Where the hell is Mom when we need her?”
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Jax cleared his throat. “Sorry, Shana. This is a bit uncomfortable to discuss with you, but Lucian is like a brother to us. My brothers are trying to find out if it felt like his cock was getting bigger inside of you.” “Damn, man! That mouth of yours is filthy! Do you actually kiss Mom with that mouth?” Dax asked angrily. “My brother is not one for pulling punches, Shana, so please don’t take any offense.” “None taken.” Shana bit on her lip. “Why is that important?” “It doesn’t happen that often with the men of our species,” Van replied. “Did it happen when you were with him?” Shana nodded. She felt herself getting wet, remembering how his cock had swelled repeatedly. She bit her lip, trying to focus on something other than wanting to feel it again. “What does it mean? I didn’t hurt him, did I?” There was a lot of throat clearing and laughing, then the room grew silent. She could tell that the brothers were having a mental argument; she saw all the evil glares flying across the room. “Please don’t do that!” Shana yelled angrily. “Sorry, we’re just trying to decide which of us is going to get our ass kicked by Lucian for this line of questioning,” Val stated. “But I’m determined it will be me since you are bringing my mate to me. So, what happened after he surged? Did he say anything to you in our native language?” Shana thought back. Heat pooled between her legs as she remembered the events of last night. Stammering, she said, “N-not the first few times. It wasn’t until the last time.” “Shit! How long did he ride you?” Jax questioned. “Shit, please don’t tell Lucian I asked that. He’d kill me. It just was a shock to hear that there was more than one surge.” “If you don’t watch that mouth of yours, little brother, I will personally make sure Mother is aware of your foul language and distasteful terminology myself. Then I will hold
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you down while she washes your mouth out with the roots of the bitter tree,” Dar stated angrily as he glared over at Jax. “Is that not the normal way you…you know?” The word is fuck. No! It was not
fucking. It felt like more than that to me. But not to him, you dolt! Val looked away, clearly uncomfortable. “It is normal when two people have been with one another for a long amount of time, but it is not customary for a warrior male to surge with just any woman. It is a sign of his desire for more from the female.” “So I didn’t please him well enough? Is…is that why he is angry? I thought I kept pace with him…” Laughter filled the room. “No, Shana. You clearly pleased him if he surged more than once. Most mated couples never surge more than once every now and then,” Dar added. “So, did you by chance do anything afterward?” “What do you mean? I’m not used to sex taking hours.” Even as horny as she had been, she had needed to rest. Surely even these men could respect that. They had done a lot, but she didn’t think that is what they wanted to know about. And Lucian hadn’t seemed to mind resting after his release. “Hours?” Jax screamed in shock. “Son of a bitch!” “Jax! Last warning, little brother,” Dar added. “Did you ever initiate contact after that and take his essence in you?” Val asked candidly. “Not exactly. It was oral.” Loud groans erupted from all the men, and Shana blushed even further. She looked around the room and saw their gazes roaming over her body. Shana had never been the type to feel overly sexy, but with their openly suggestive stares, she felt like the most sensuous person alive. Whatever she had said was clearly quite a turn-on to them.
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“Is that not okay to do that? He never told me. I…I should have asked before I assumed.” Shana remembered his shocked expression after she had finished. “It is considered an honor only the woman has the right to bestow upon the male should she choose, but it is never expected. And trust me when I say it is rarely given and is highly appreciated.” Dar cleared his throat. “I think we’re all going to get pounded into the training grounds outside for this one, brothers.” “Sorry to make you feel uncomfortable, Shana. We’re almost through with the personal questions. Did he surge then?” Val questioned, clearly still in shock. “Yes, twice.” Louder groans erupted from the room. The men looked at one another then back to Shana. “But you continued doing it through the surging without his demanding it of you? You willingly took his essence inside of you?” Val asked quietly. Shana remembered the look of awe on Lucian’s face after she had finished. She had attributed it to the way she had woken him up. But a sense of dread began to well up in the pit of her stomach. “Did I do something wrong? I only wanted to wake him up.” Laughter erupted. Cal smiled looking over at Val saying, “I hope Gitana has the same desire to wake you up, brother.” “You didn’t do anything wrong. You simply didn’t know what it meant to our people. By taking him in and accepting him through his surging, you welcomed him to you as a mate,” Val explained, glaring at Cal. Shana closed her eyes. She had asked him to be her mate, and he didn’t want to hurt her by rejecting her. How embarrassing. The pangs of failed past attempts to connect with men tugged at her heart as she tried to hide the hurt she felt. She didn’t want to share that pain with these men, virtual strangers. They couldn’t understand what it was like to put your heart out there and have it ripped away. She never would have done that with Lucian. Not this soon, and certainly not without some indication from him that she stood a chance. “So
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he’s upset with me for trying to be his mate? I honestly didn’t know. I would never have assumed he had any interest in me like that. I knew it didn’t mean anything to him.” Her voice came out in a whisper. “Well, if he took you the night before and he surged inside of you, he had already staked his claim on you. He had already told your body and his that he wanted you for a mate. A warrior restrains the woman he wants and takes her however he wishes,” Val stated. “And it is not done lightly. Lucian has never done it or even expressed the desire to do so. Warriors take the matter quite seriously.” “He knew I didn’t know any of this. It didn’t mean anything to him,” Shana replied. It couldn’t have. Could it? He simply wanted to relax and take all of his pleasure without worrying. She’d served that purpose perfectly. It made sense. He knew she wouldn’t be around for long, and clearly knew little of their world or customs. “I wouldn’t assume that,” Cal began, “but we felt you needed to know. It was clear to me and to some of the others that you were highly agitated when you thought of having to leave him. Which tells me that, on some level, you bonded with him too.” “I hadn’t realized I could like someone so quickly. I hadn’t thought about the fact that once you go to Earth to collect my only friend and bring her back here, I would be left alone.” Tears ran down her face. She looked away, not wanting the princes to see her cry. She couldn’t imagine life without Gitana. She didn’t want to be alone. She wasn’t a hermit, and could make friends easily enough, but it wouldn’t be the same. Gitana was her sister. Her departure would be like losing a part of herself. How could she say good-bye to the only person that mattered to her? “You could easily convert, become one of us and remain here, with Lucian and Gitana. We would never expect you two to be parted. I wouldn’t want you or her to deal with that type of loss,” Val stated. “But think on it. We had best get Lucian back in here before he really does try to kill us. As it is, I’m sure we will all be pretty banged up for some time.”
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“Convert? That sounds painful.” She would do just about anything to remain with her sister, and more time with Lucian was an added bonus. But the word “converted” inspired thoughts of pain. Dar nodded his head. “It could be painful, but we have medications that suppress all sensation of it occurring. Lucian would never allow you to suffer.” Shana noticed no one moved to go and get him. They were clearly doing that mind thing again. She quickly wiped away the tears from her face, praying that Lucian wouldn’t notice. Hopefully her eyes weren’t swollen. She normally wasn’t the type to cry. The thought of losing Gitana, combined with everything else, was overwhelming. She refused to think about how much of that anguish resulted from the idea of leaving Lucian. She hadn’t intended to form an emotional attachment to him, and didn’t understand how it had happened so easily. But it had. She wanted to be a part of his life. How could she go on like it meant nothing, when her sister wouldn’t be there to console her? He stormed into the room, pausing long enough to touch Shana’s face and look down at her. Glaring around the room, he asked, “Why was she crying?” Shana groaned. She should have known he would notice immediately. His intuitiveness impressed her at every turn and drew her to him so easily. He knew every reaction of her body. Of course he would notice her swollen eyes. “It wasn’t their fault. I’m just really emotional for some reason,” Shana said, trying to look away rather than at him. She didn’t want to see the expression in his eyes, or him to see the sadness in hers. Lucian meant more to her than she had realized, but she doubted he felt the same thing. The biggest mistake she made stood outside of the door. One night in Paradise seemed so simple in her fantasies. Leaving that behind and returning to reality created a new hell for her.
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“We simply explained a few things to her. We also told her she would be welcome to convert so that you could be officially mated, should she choose to,” Val stated. Shana gasped when Lucian leapt at Val, grabbed his shoulders, and threw him onto the table. “You will not convert her! She is not to go through the testing ceremony. I will kill the warriors who do that. I should kill you all for even discussing this with her.” His outburst hurt. She suspected last night meant little to him, but a small part of her held onto the belief that it did. “Lucian, you don’t want me? What if I want to stay here? Not with you, but just to be with Gitana. I would have to convert to remain here. I would want to convert. It isn’t your choice to make. It is mine.” Anguish flooded her heart. She hoped he felt the same attraction to her that she did for him. She knew better though. She braced herself, trying to remain calm and act as if it didn’t matter. “Shana,” Lucian began. “It’s complicated. You clearly were not told what this ceremony means. When combined with the mating ritual, it has rarely been successful. It is not worth jeopardizing you.” He looked around, staring at each of the princes. She watched Cal’s eyebrow shoot up; he was surprised by something. They were doing it again. Talking without words. Lucian’s fists were coiled up at his sides as he looked away from all of them. Shana could tell the conversion made him uneasy. “What is involved in conversion?” Shana heard only silence but knew they argued among themselves. Lucian’s face became redder. He slammed his fist into the nearest wall, and Shana watched rubies and diamonds fall from the delicately hung wallpaper. “It is a test,” Val said finally. “You would be drugged, restrained, and blindfolded. For one hour after the drug has set in, the warriors selected by your intended mate would try to bring you to orgasm. Should you orgasm for each chosen warrior, the oracles would then be free to convert you. You would be found worthy as the mate of a warrior.”
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She prided herself in being open minded, but this surpassed her wildest fantasies. Fantasies of multiple lovers were something she’d had, but never imagined fulfilling. Being the sexual focus of dominant warriors like Lucian was beyond anything she’d ever dreamed, and the mere thought created even more moisture between her legs. Shana hoped her expression masked her surprise well enough. It took the remaining seven brothers to keep Lucian from Val. “She had to know, Lucian. You mean too much for us not to tell her of her options.” Lucian seemed to calm a bit, and began pacing around the room like a caged animal. Shana sat in shock. “How many warriors are we talking about? What would they do to me?” Would she respond to all of them the same way she did Lucian, or would this just prove what she thought was true -- that he was the only one that could draw out her need? “No penetration, Shana, just touching and tasting mostly. Whatever the warriors could do to get you to orgasm. This ceremony is taken very seriously. The chosen warriors would take part as a sign of respect for Lucian. It would be their desire for him to be bound to a worthy mate. You would never know who did what to you, and it would never be spoken of again.” Dar explained it so calmly, like it was no big deal. She glanced over to Cal who added, “The number of warriors depends on the warrior you are to be mated with. Lucian is the head of our elite royal force, the fiercest warrior we have. For that reason, his number is high. Eight to be exact. Do you wish to consider this?” Shana saw Lucian still pacing. It was clear he didn’t like the idea of anyone else being with her in that way. God help her, she hadn’t at first. But now she found herself curious about what it would be like. “Before you answer, you should know that Lucian will be there and will have to watch. For it to be a true union, the oracle would want you to respond to your future mate more intensely than the other warriors,” Val added.
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Shana imagined the intensity of having Lucian watching her being brought to orgasm by his fellow warriors. He avoided her gaze, choosing to stare at the area of the wall his fist had slammed into. How would he handle it? “And if I fail?” “You would not be allowed to be Lucian’s true mate, and the oracles could demand that you be returned home,” Val commented. “But we have a great deal of power, being the royal family. We would argue and defend your right to stay. We just may not be successful.” “And the eight warriors are?” Shana asked. “Not that it matters, but I don’t think I’d trust strangers enough to relax…” She couldn’t bring herself to finish that sentence. Even with no penetration, it would be difficult. She had never climaxed that hard with anyone. “What does the drug do?” “The drug will help you relax so that your body can experience the sensations without the emotions. Lucian chose his warriors upon his entry into the warrior class. It is his decision whether his mate know who they are,” Dar stated. Shana looked at Lucian. She could see his confusion. If the situation were reversed, she couldn’t imagine having to watch eight women pleasuring him. She’d scratch their eyes out. But this was part of his culture, so it must be hard to choose between custom and coveting the one you were with. “I don’t want you to feel you have to do this to be with me, Shana.” Confusion riddled her mind. Was this his way of expressing no interest in something long term, or was he just trying to be brave in case she didn’t want to do it? “I want to, Lucian.” This wasn’t just about him any longer. It was her decision. Her sister would be here, if Val got his way, and she wasn’t about to part from Gitana. She wanted to know more about the men that would be participating in the ceremony though. What were they like? “Who are your chosen warriors? It would be easier to at least know
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that if I decide to say yes,” Shana explained. The determination to stay here for Gitana even if he didn’t want her renewed her courage. The princes cleared their throats and looked away amid uncomfortable silence. They were doing it again. She could tell. She chose not to get upset, given the fact that Lucian was already close to committing murder. “These eight assholes are the ones I chose,” Lucian said. “They would be the ones touching, tasting, and testing you. I never thought to be mated. I would never want another man seeing you, much less doing what they will be doing to you.” Shana heard his animosity and possessiveness, and felt happy at his emotional reaction. “Does that mean you want me?” Shana questioned, needing to hear his answer aloud even though she hoped she already knew. “That is the only real question here, Lucian. Would I be a good enough mate for you? And would you forgive them and me afterward? I couldn’t bear the thought of this bringing distance between you and them. I know how important they are to you.” “Gods, yes, you are more than I deserve! I can’t imagine letting you go, Shana. I’ve never felt this connection to another.” Lucian pulled Shana into his arms. “And I would never hold the ceremony against you or them. I am just upset at the thought of having to share you. The warrior in me knows they are doing an honorable thing. You are already my mate, for however long you wish it.” His admission stunned her almost more than his gentle kiss. She looked around the room and saw how uncomfortable the other men were with Lucian’s intimate display. “When can we do this ceremony?” “Tonight,” Val said. “The oracles would wish it to be done as soon as possible.” “Are we finished here?” Shana asked. She really needed some time away from all of them to think. She still couldn’t believe how fast things had gotten out of control.
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“Yes, we are,” Lucian responded quickly. She wanted to talk to him privately. She needed to know he was truly okay with all of this. “Lucian?” Val called as they began walking out of the room. She saw his body tense, his hand squeezing hers. He wasn’t pleased at the interruption. “I know it should go unsaid, but refrain from sex. And turn the sentients back on. It is best for Shana if she is a little extra charged before this evening begins. The oracles may not like it, but it isn’t forbidden. Remain here in the palace. There are spare rooms down the hall if you wish more privacy.” Lucian swore angrily as he turned without acknowledging Val’s words and continued to walk away. He held tight to her hand while he dragged her out of the room and down the corridor.
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Chapter Seven
Lucian pulled her into a massive bedroom at the end of the long hallway. Shana didn’t get a chance to look around much; he claimed her lips quickly. He pushed her against the door, forcing her legs around his waist, and pressed his body even closer to hers. Shana moaned into his mouth. Her hands slid through his hair, then over his shoulders and massive arms. She ran her nails down his back, longing for a release she knew she wasn’t going to get. Lucian had already turned the sentients back on. She knew he meant to ensure that even the air against her skin would make her come hard tonight. “Do you remember how I restrained you in the pool last night, Shana? Do you remember how I took you this morning?” She couldn’t breathe, much less speak as his hands moved about her body, bringing her to an even deeper state of need. “When the conversion is over and the mating ceremony begins, this warrior intends to mount you with a need and fierceness that makes those times look like child’s play. I’m going to drive into you so hard and ride you so long and deep you won’t be able to move afterward.”
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Shana found Lucian’s mouth and demanded a taste of him. She had never wanted anything more in her life. It would be hours before she could feel him buried inside of her again, even though it was the one thing she wanted most. The heat from his skin beckoned her touch, and she savored the musky scent of him. Waiting that long to have him again was a sweet torture. “I can’t wait that long.” “You’ll be restrained, unable to do anything but lay there and accept it. I intend to take you with the full need this warrior has. I have been gentle so far. You aren’t going to be that fortunate tonight.” Lucian’s warm breath on her neck caused her to shudder. He rubbed his erection against the tender flesh between her legs. His hands slid around to her ass, gripping it firmly. “I intend to get to know all of you tonight, little one.” “I want to feel you take me as hard as you can, my mighty warrior. Make me yours for all time. This tigress needs you inside of her now, Lucian.” “You will have to do that another time, little one. By the time I finish with you, you will be so tired all you will want is to wrap your arms around me and sleep. You came here wanting to be fucked hard and dominated. I have ways of taking you that you have never even imagined, and you will come so many times your little body will be wrought dry from it.” Lucian looked down at her. Shana moaned seeing his eyes glazed over with passion, knowing she felt the same way. If it were possible to erupt into flames, she would. She couldn’t remember ever having this type of effect on a man. “It pains me I cannot take you now, Shana.” “Then I shall ease that pain now.” She pried herself out of his grasp and led him to the bed. She knelt before him and reached for his belt. “You shouldn’t tease the tiger in the cage. It may bite you,” Lucian teased. He grasped her hands, stopping her from undoing his pants.
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“I can handle the tiger. And I like the way it bites me,” Shana teased back, pushing his hands aside. She released his huge cock, taking it into her hands. She kissed it gently then whispered, “It’s okay. I intend to ease your suffering, little warrior.” Lucian laughed. “Little warrior? You’ve named it?” Shana glared up at him. “It’s mine for now, and I want to name it. I’m just testing. It will tell me which name it likes best.” Her hands stroked his cock while her tongue licked softly at the tip. She laughed when it grew in her hands just a little. “So you like that, mighty one? Well, I certainly love you and the way you take care of me so well. And I love the way you taste.” Lucian’s groans echoed through the room while Shana descended fully onto his cock. She cried out, and he growled even louder. He fisted his hands at his sides. She knew he fought to let her remain in control. Stroking his cock, she sucked harder, working the full length of his shaft. She thrust farther down on him, until she felt the tip of his cock against the back of her throat. Her hands worked the rest of his shaft, massaging his balls. She demanded he come for her, and she refused to let him off easily this time. Removing his cock from her mouth, she took it in both hands, and began to stroke it. Licking the tip, she whispered, “Let me taste you, mighty warrior. I promise to be a good girl, but I’m just so hungry for you.” Lucian’s hands guided his cock back into her mouth. That’s what I needed, she thought when he thrust into the depths of her mouth. She felt him surge larger and wider. One hand massaged his full sac while the other dug into his firm ass. She had never liked oral sex that much. But the taste of Lucian drove her mad. The feel of him surging in her mouth made her want him even more. Her body and soul recognized him as her true mate, the one man destined to be hers. His cock grew rigid, and she heard his scream as he exploded into the back of her throat. She was in trouble. She realized she craved the taste of him. Never a big fan of
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swallowing, she knew just how much she liked Lucian when this act brought such pleasure to her. He pulled her onto the bed beside him, his breathing labored. She stroked his abdomen, her head lying next to his hip. “Thank you for letting me taste you, mighty warrior. Next time, I want to feel you inside of me.” Lucian pulled her against him and kissed her forehead softly. “Woman, you do not need to talk to my cock like that. I grow jealous hearing the things you say to it.” Shana stroked his face. “How can you be jealous of yourself, warrior? I like it because it is a part of you. But it isn’t the only part of you I savor. It is simply what needed my attention most.” He wrapped his arms around her. “No one has ever been like you. No one has ever met my warrior need with a desire as strong and demanding as yours, tigress.” She smiled. “You brought out the tigress to play, and I’m afraid she wants to stay ‘til you grow weary of me.” “That will never happen. How are you doing?” The look of concern and tenderness on his face almost brought tears to her eyes. Her body throbbed and burned with a need so fierce she thought she might die from it. She doubted she could get off of the bed without writhing around. Yet, he kept the sentients working overtime on her nipples and clit. They always eased right before she came, making her wait for release. God help her, but she got wet thinking about how hard she’d come once she got the chance. More heat assailed her while she imagined what would happen between them later tonight. Shana had admired the princes, grudgingly recognized their sensuality. Being the object of their desire -- even for an hour -- would send her over the edge easily. Knowing Lucian would be watching her made it even more intense. Voyeurism had never pushed her hot button, but anything involving Lucian made her pulse race.
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“I’m very needy for you, warrior. But I will withstand it until tonight.” She closed her eyes and settled onto the bed. “So tell me, if I pass the test, how exactly does the conversion work?” He brought his lips to her ear and whispered, “Are you sure you want to know, little one? How much do you truly know about our people?” “Not enough, I’m sure. I suspect there is something you haven’t told me. It won’t change my mind, but I deserve to know before we go any further.” Shana had always known Gitana had something she’d never trusted her with. It was the same kind of hesitation she’d sensed from all of the people she had met here so far. She knew, though, that it couldn’t change her opinion of them enough to matter. “Very well. The queen has told me that your planet has legends and folklore around about something called vampires. We aren’t vampires, but we are similar in a few regards.” “How?” Shana asked, growing tense as his mouth began trailing down her neck. “Do you have fangs and all of that?” Lucian laughed in her ear. “Yes, little one. We do have incisors that distend when needed. We are immortal, and we feed from our mates on occasion. We are highly advanced compared to the weak things your planet portrays. We have extraordinary telepathic abilities. They are nowhere near those of the true royal bloodline, but we are all gifted with a unique power of some type. And we certainly don’t fry in the daylight.” Shana tried really hard not to freak out and run away from the bed. A small part of her didn’t want to accept this information. But an even larger part of her grew excited about exploring all of these juicy new details with her warrior. “You don’t sleep in a coffin or in the ground or anything like that, do you? I can’t live on blood alone, and I’m claustrophobic.”
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“There is no reason to panic, Shana. You know me by now. You have felt me in your soul, and you know I have opened myself to you. That is how we have bonded on such an emotional level already.” Shana knew that was true. She felt their connection form the moment he had brought her into the private chamber at Paradise. It became stronger each time they mated. It felt like their souls and thoughts intermingled. She could sense his reaction to things, almost as if a part of her knew him fully. But she also felt herself responding for him. “If I don’t have to suck the necks of strangers, I will be fine. It doesn’t surprise me much now that I think back on Gitana.” “Why?” Shana glanced up at Lucian. “I always wondered what she was hiding. She’s been spending a lot of time looking at herself in the mirror. I thought that maybe she was going through a vain stage, but she wouldn’t talk to me about. I’ve been worried.” “Her incisors are likely distending on their own. It takes a while to gain control over them, and without proper instruction it would a difficult task to accomplish.” “So, you all can help her with it?” “That is Val’s right as her mate. He will see to all of her needs, whatever they may be. You do not need to fear for her.” “I will always worry about her. I worry about all those I love.” She huddled closer to him, craving the warmth and comfort his body provided. She kissed his chest, resting her head on it. “Thank you for trusting me with this information. It helps me understand you and your people more.” “I knew you would be able to handle this knowledge when the time was right. That time is now. If everything goes well this evening, I will convert you when we mate. We have a drug to ease your suffering. You will most likely sleep through the entire thing.” “What’s it like? You know, the feeding?” Shana wasn’t sure if she could stomach it.
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“It is not necessary, by any means. We have overcome all of that over the centuries. It is now a highly sexual act for us. They truly become one. They learn every secret desire and need.” Shana moaned when Lucian’s hands began to stroke her body. She imagined what he could do with her, being able to read her every want and desire. He had been such an ardent and wonderful lover. He had brought her body to life so easily, and kept it hungry for even more. She wanted to discover his fantasies and fulfill them as he had hers. “Do you want to whisper your darkest desire to me now, Shana?” Lucian’s seductive voice grazed her throat. She reached behind her trying to grab him. She wanted him so badly. She needed him inside of her. “I could not imagine telling you and not being able to have you fulfill it that moment. My need is too great thinking of you being the one to bring it to life for me.” Shana cried out softly as his hands worked gently between her legs. She screamed in frustration when his hands left her. The sentients were on again, pulsating and coaxing her sensitized nipples and clit. “Rest, little one. Your need will soon be met with more hunger than you could ever imagine.” Lucian whispered. It was so hypnotic, and so incredibly seductive. She closed her eyes, feeling him gently massaging her back. Before she realized it, she fell into a deep sleep.
***** Shana woke when something warm plunged deep inside of her. Then just as quickly, it disappeared. She opened her eyes and saw Lucian looking down, smiling at her. She felt all the need flood back into her body, causing her to writhe on the bed crying out softly in agony. “What was that?” Shana asked, remembering the heat that had assailed her right where she needed it most. God help her, she was really going mad.
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“I don’t know what you are talking about. I heard your gasp and was concerned. Are you okay?” Lucian asked as he helped her sit up. She blushed when she saw all eight of the princes staring at her. They smirked, but said nothing. All eight of them in one room this small was overwhelming to her senses. They wore the same pants from earlier, but their shirts had been removed. The amount of sinewy flesh on display riddled her senses, causing a buildup of moisture between her legs. Her hands itched to run across their washboard stomachs, and trace the lines of muscled flesh. Lucian glanced at the princes. “Something tells me one of them decided to wake you up themselves. They grew tired waiting for you, and I wanted you to rest some more. What did they do?” “Nothing you should concern yourself with,” Val stated, glaring over at one of his brothers. “Some of us are still a bit on edge because of what you two did to this house earlier.” Shana blushed deeper. “Were we too loud?” They laughed and looked over at her. She saw their gazes sliding over her body slowly. Cal crossed his arms and said, “The emotions were so strong from both of you, it was like sitting in one of those American movie theaters with popcorn and watching the show. Thank the heavens Mom wasn’t here. Next time, warn me and I’ll have some company to help me out.” “But you were a good girl, Shana. You didn’t get any relief, did you?” Jax asked as he walked over and stroked her face gently. A calming sensation filled her mind. His fingers traced her swollen lips, prying gently to open them slightly. His sensual smile hypnotized her.
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He slowly brought the sheet away from her body, exposing her fully. He stood aside so that the other brothers could see. She felt so vulnerable, but knew better than to stop them. Lucian watched from the edge of the bed, saying nothing. No anger, just watching. “Such a beautiful mate, Lucian. And so demanding with her oral delights, isn’t she? Put your hands above your head, little one, and part your legs. Do not move.” Lucian moved away slowly, sitting in a chair at the far edge of the room. She breathed harder as the other brothers slowly came closer. Her pulse raced faster. These men exuded sex from every pore. Cal’s hand slid seductively down the side of her body, running from under her arm to her waist. “These are our twins: Cam, Van, Dar, and Jad. You will be the first to experience all eight of us at once. Can you handle that?” Images of all of their hands and mouths on her skin flooded her mind. “Yes. I want to come.” “So beautiful and so hungry, Lucian. We truly envy you,” Dax commented. Dax brought his hand to her breast and gently stroked her right nipple so softly she could barely feel it. She sighed as she fell back on the bed. Someone else’s hand lightly caressed her thigh, gently making a slow seductive trail up her inner thigh. Fingers rubbed her clit. She gasped, feeling two hands pinching her nipples. She cried out and came hard on the hand, thrusting her mound into it. Sensation assailed her fully; she looked around and saw all eight of the princes sitting on the bed. So many hands roamed her body, she couldn’t possibly keep track of who was doing what at first. “Such a good little girl you have, Lucian. Her body is so hot right now. I think it needs to be cooled off a bit, don’t you, little one?” Val brought his hands down onto her, and the sensation of ice ran down the swell of her breasts.
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Another stream of ice moved up her thigh. She looked down and met Dar’s gaze. An icy sensation assailed her nipples, clit, and pussy all at the same time. God help her, it was too much to bear. She came fiercely, thrusting her hips off the bed in the hopes of reaching the hands taunting her, only to feel her ankles and wrists held down. She collapsed on the bed, breathing hard. She looked around, her eyes still glazed over with need. “Such a good little one, Lucian. She comes hard.” Shana watched Dax slide his mouth down to her pussy. She moaned when his tongue lapped at her. Then she felt it again. The same bursting heat that had woken her earlier. Blazing a trail from her clit and straight into her depths. She couldn’t help but scream out in sheer need when someone’s mouth descended on her nipples. Van brought her nipple into his mouth and began sucking on it. Fire assailed her breast. He pinched the other nipple, and she screamed out, feeling Dax sucking on her clit, demanding a release from her while the heat pounded her hard. It felt like a heated cock plunging into her again and again. “So beautiful and hot. She tastes so good, Lucian. You should all sample this sweetness, brothers.” Shana knew everyone heard Dax’s faint whisper from between her legs. She thrust her hips forward as Dax held her in place. The fire left her body. Both brothers smiled down at her, gently stroking her face. Unbelievable. Shana would have never dreamed something this incredibly erotic was even possible. She looked around at all the princes. The ice had sent her over the edge, and the heat pushed her even further into the depths of need. She hissed watching Van and Dax left her. She heard their soft laughter when Cam and Jad took their places. “She has a body and a hunger worthy of the strongest of our warriors,”
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the brother she assumed was Jad said. He looked exactly like Jax. “You will be able to ride this one for eternity and never grow weary of her. She will always seek more. Won’t you, Shana?” Jad began to stroke her body. “Yes.” “Good girl. That’s it. Show us how much you need your warrior inside you now. Do you like when he mounts you and rides you hard?” Shana couldn’t speak. She nodded and felt air flow into her pussy. A soft wind circled between her legs and drove into her hard. Her nipples were being blown on. She looked to see who it was, yet the only thing there were strong, firm hands. “Such a good one you have here, Lucian. She will please you greatly,” Cam said as he began to taste her. She felt the air continue to pound away at her.
God, these men were saints in bed. Nothing like her warrior though. Her need for Lucian grew. Her body continued to demand relief by him. “Tell us how you need Lucian. Is he the one your body is seeking right now?” Cam asked. “Yes. God, yes. You’re just making it worse,” Shana complained. “I want Lucian. Please let him touch me.” She screamed the last part while they wrung another orgasm out of her body. “What would you do for us for the right to have Lucian inside of you?” Val asked, his fingers stroking her body. Soon all the princes were back on the bed, their hands touching, pinching, and caressing her. Shana couldn’t believe how many hands moved about her body. All she could do was lay there and feel it, her body responding so hungrily. “Whatever he would allow me to,” Shana stated. “You consider this beautiful body of yours to be his?” Cal asked, pinching her clit hard, a burst of energy ramming into her hard. She came hard on his hand. The brothers groaned seeing that.
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“Yes,” Shana cried out between breaths. “Why do you think your body responds to all of us so hungrily, Shana?” Jax whispered in her ear. Shana was unable to speak at first. All of them assailed her now. Fire, ice, air, and pure energy coursed through her at a rapid pace, slamming into her and wrapping around her sensitive clit and nipples. She lay there moaning and writhing, her eyes open, searching the stares of the warrior princes. She couldn’t deny that her body had loved every second of it. But it wasn’t the same as with Lucian. She still craved her warrior’s touch. His body. She wanted his soft caresses and deep voice in her ear. She wanted him buried inside of her. “It responds to you because you are mighty warriors. But it will never respond to anyone in the way it does with Lucian. No other will do,” Shana stated, praying that made sense. “I guess we will be testing that statement over the next hour, little one,” Val stated. “No woman has ever gone through the ceremony and passed with just one of us present. Imagine what you are in for with eight of us.”
Oh, shit, I really am in over my head now. I just want Lucian so bad. I don’t even know what to do to pass. Shana writhed upward. There were so many hands touching and stroking her. Mouth after mouth took turns tasting her body, causing her to scream, shout, and growl. She came so many times she lost track. They never let up on her body. She took whatever they gave and begged for even more. Release after release, she was never sated. Shana refused to close her eyes. She met each gaze dead on, even in her highest climaxes. Her hands never moved, and she never stopped them from doing whatever they wanted. She simply felt then responded openly and honestly to each of them.
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“You’re halfway through now, little one. You’re doing so well. This gorgeous little body is so responsive. It makes all of us very hard. We’d love to take you now. To feel your body pulsing and climaxing around us. We could make it so perfect for you. Do you wish us to ease your need, Shana?” Shana moaned as they flooded her with powerful bursts of their powers. She writhed, crying out. “Lucian said there should be no penetration.” “Do you not believe that should be your call?” Val asked. Shana would normally have said yes. She wanted to. But she knew that wasn’t what she really felt anymore. She shook her head. “It is a mutual decision. We belong to one another. He is a part of me now, and I wouldn’t betray him.” They brought her to climax again and again. Yet, the need remained. The need for her warrior. Only he would do. Shana knew what was wrong. She needed the emotional connection she had with Lucian. Her body may respond and enjoy the pleasure, but she didn’t feel close to any of them. She didn’t feel the overwhelming urge to crawl under their skin and curl up inside of their souls like she did with Lucian. Exhaustion plagued her, then they began backing off slowly. Looking down, they smiled, covering her body gently. Val placed soft kisses on her forehead. “Rest, tigress. We shall finish the last portion in a moment. You will need to conserve some of your strength.”
There was more? How could there possibly be more? They needed to leave so that Lucian could satisfy her. She shook her head. “No. We finish this now. I want Lucian inside me too badly to wait for any amount of time. Please.” She writhed on the bed, her body still in a state of need she couldn’t quite comprehend. All those delicious orgasms had only made her want even more.
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“Very well then, little warrior. No reprieve,” Dar stated. Shana laughed softly hearing “little warrior.” “Something amusing?” Cal asked, his curiosity clearly piqued. “It is something private. It is none of your concern.” “There are to be no secrets now, Shana. You should answer all questions asked of you,” Val added, looking over at the corner where Lucian sat quietly. She knew not to look over. She couldn’t handle seeing his reaction to the events so far. She wouldn’t tell them anything she and Lucian did privately. “Then we are at an impasse. I do not betray confidences, and it is none of your business. Punish me if you must. You won’t get the answer.” “It is okay, Shana. You’re such an obedient lover, and so refreshing. Any warrior would be proud to claim you as a mate,” Dar said. “What now?” Shana prayed there wasn’t much left. She needed this to be over. “Now, we get to watch,” Jax placed a huge penis shaped object on the bed beside her. “You may move, Shana. You did Lucian proud. Now you show us how you satisfy a warrior. Show us how you would ride him if you could. Show us what you could do for him.” “I cannot do this. Please don’t ask it of me. It isn’t the same.” Shana said, clearly distressed at the thought. She couldn’t do this as all of them watched her. It was different earlier; their eyes were trained on parts of her and on what the others were doing. Now, she would be the center of attention. The idea was daunting. Embarrassment flooded her at the thought. “It is okay, Shana. Think of me. It is sentient, just like what was on your nipples and clit. It will know what your body needs. It will take care of you.” Shana sighed hearing Lucian’s deep voice for the first time. She wet her lips and slowly rose up on the bed. Her eyes widened seeing the sheer size of the artificial cock, knowing it would feel so good buried inside of her.
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She stroked it against her spread legs slowly, emitting moans of delight. She gasped in anticipation and braced herself to thrust it inside of her. “You may stop now, Shana,” Dar stated. Standing up, he walked over holding a robe made of a soft green fabric of some type. “We would not ask any more than we already have. You have proven to be a very noble, obedient, intelligent, and competent lover. You are courageous, refreshingly curious, and have a voracious sexual appetite to rival our mightiest warriors.” Val walked up and brought her off the bed, gently wrapping her in the robe. “For you to have withstood this not understanding our culture and the meaning behind it is truly remarkable. When you add the fact that you had to do so with all eight of us, it is truly spectacular for us to behold. Welcome to the family.” It was over. “I don’t understand. The drug? I thought it was to be this evening.” Lucian came to her then, bringing her into his strong arms. Her body melted into his, allowing him to hold her up as he stroked her hair softly. She wrapped her arms around his waist. Her body throbbed for him, and she didn’t want to wait. “It is up to the warriors how the ceremony is done. They chose a more informal approach. They decided there was no need to drug you, or to increase your worry about it by setting a formal time. They thought it would be easiest to catch you naturally, so that you could be yourself.” “Can they leave now, Lucian?” The brothers all laughed. Shana saw the admiration and respect in their gazes, and truly felt like part of a family. “It has been a pleasure, Shana. Now, Lucian, we kindly request that you continue tonight’s activities at my place by the mountainside. We aren’t sure if our powers could withstand any more from the two of you today,” Dar said simply as they all began moving out.
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“Hey guys?” Shana called out. They all paused turning around. Shana swallowed looking at them. “Thank you. I know that wasn’t easy for you. You’ll never know how much it meant to me. I am proud to be a part of your extended family. And I’m grateful to you for being so dedicated to Lucian. I promise to take good care of him.” Val laughed. “Thus proving why you are so deserving of him. Lucian is the biggest badass on this planet bar none, except for us perhaps. Your inner nature is the perfect complement to his, and you will take the edge out of him, just enough for us to tolerate his ass. So it is us that are truly grateful. Myself especially since I now know where my mate is and may claim her.” “I am honored. But seriously, thank you for what you did. All of it.” Shana blushed looking up at Lucian. “I know from what I’ve seen from Gitana, using your powers is bound to be very taxing on your bodies and minds. I’ve seen how it drains her, especially if done for a prolonged amount of time. So, thank you,” she said softly. She could the shock in their faces. They hadn’t expected that she understood the gift they had bestowed on her. Shana had figured the use of powers was not ordinarily done to that extent, if at all. She remembered the exhaustion Gitana had experienced afterward, and it showed her how much they truly cared for Lucian. If not for their magical assistance, she wasn’t certain she could have passed. “Just so that I know. What was it that made me pass?” Shana asked. Dar smiled. “The biggest thing was that you trusted Lucian. You trusted not only his judgment but also his ability to take care of you in what could only be considered an involved situation. You have no idea how rare that is to witness. It was truly a humbling experience for us all. We will be pleased if our mates have half the trust in us that you displayed for Lucian.”
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“I’m thinking we need to take a few lessons from cousin Lucian before we show up for our mates,” Cal teased. “Perhaps we can get a few pointers. What do you say, Luc?” Lucian reddened. She smiled, finding his shyness about his sexual prowess amusing. It seemed so out of character for a proud warrior like him, and she looked forward to exploring it further. “I hope you are ready for the night you are about to get, Shana. That warrior beside you is more ready than any man I have ever sensed,” Jax said, racing out the door and laughing when Lucian’s growl filled the room. Hearing the door shut, Shana collapsed on the bed, dragging Lucian with her. “You okay?” she asked. Had Lucian had seen was too much? Had she crossed the line? Lucian laughed softly and nestled her against him in the soft bed. “Oh, my little tigress. I’m perfect. A little warrior wants some attention, but right now the only thing that matters is getting you cleaned up and rested for tonight. Tonight you become mine for eternity. Then tomorrow, you will be presented before the warriors as my mate.” Shana sighed hearing that. God, I ache for this warrior. She clutched his neck and he gently carried her to the pool room. She gasped when the warm water hit her throbbing body. Then she lost all ability to think when she felt the one thing she wanted more than anything. Lucian’s hands roamed and stroked her body. She came fast and harder than ever, collapsing against his body. She squeezed herself around the fingers buried deeply inside of her. “You are still so wet, tigress. I was afraid you wouldn’t want me touching you yet.” He continued to caress her skin. “You don’t know how many times I found myself ready to come to you this past hour. I wanted you so badly. Seeing them making you come so many times was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured.” “Please fuck me, Lucian. I want to feel you inside of me, please.”
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He growled, lifted her onto his lap and drove into her. She gasped, clinging to his neck as he fucked her hard. She bit his neck and dragged her nails down his back, begging for release. He plunged deeper with each powerful thrust of his huge cock. Lucian’s growls grew louder. His fucking became even more demanding. She whimpered when he pulled out, turned her around, and bent her over. She sighed her appreciation as he slammed into her from behind. “Gods, you feel so tight and hot around my cock. It loves your hot little holes. Do you have another one for it to savor, tigress?” She moaned loudly, imaging him driving himself into her that way. She couldn’t speak, feeling him pinch her clit hard. She came quickly but he continued to pound into her at a furious pace. “I warned you, little one. Can you take this all night long?” She didn’t know if she could, but she certainly intended to find out. “I’m sorry, warrior. Are you doing something that I should notice?” Lucian groaned, and she laughed. He pumped even deeper, his cock surging. “I warned you about poking the caged tiger, didn’t I? Perhaps I need to heat this backside up a bit to keep you docile as I fuck you raw.” Shana cried out when he began to spank her ass firmly. She tried to bring her hand behind her to rub the heat from her butt and heard Lucian’s growled warning. She groaned her response and she put her hand back where it had been. She heard his soft laugh, as he continued to spank her. “God, you are getting wetter, little one. I can feel it on my cock. It’s okay. I love to spank you. Perhaps we will use a toy to do it next time and see if you like it better. We have quite a few inventions here I’d love to try out on you.” He came furiously inside of her. She pulled up, wanting to touch and taste him so badly.
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“Remain where you are. I am nowhere close to done with you, little one. You are mine to do with as I wish tonight. This is my claiming, and I intend to savor every moment of it.” She moaned as his hand gently caressed her ass. He turned her around and began teasing her nipples. She relaxed in his embrace, knowing she would have to wait to play with her warrior the way she wanted. He needed to make her body forget the other warriors. His cock came back to life inside of her, and he gently turned her around. His slow, steady motion took her breath away. She recognized his hunger. She felt it too. His hands ran down her arms, then moved to hold her breasts tenderly, his thumbs lightly rubbed her nipples. She came even harder when his mouth came down on hers with a groan, his hands reaching up to tangle in her hair. She lost all ability to function as his mouth took hers. He held nothing back when he drew away from her lips. His eyes held her gaze, making her shiver in anticipation, his hot breath mixing with hers. She ran her hands across the expanse of stomach muscles, her eyes watching his. She ran her nails across his nipples, felt the skin under her hand respond. She anticipated his touch, knew his movement would mimic hers. She cried out when his fingers grazed across her nipples. His voice was a husky whisper that founds its way to the depths of her heart. “So beautiful. You’re the first to crawl inside of my soul and refuse to leave.” The admission startled her. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes, but she refused to look away from his assessing gaze. That was the closest to “I love you” any man had ever come with her. She didn’t trust her voice to be steady, but wanted to respond. “I’ll stop crawling around in your soul if you’ll stop haunting my dreams.”
Chicken. She wanted to say heart, but didn’t want to spoil the moment. She could show it with actions, even if she wasn’t ready for words. She kissed him with all the hunger and desire she had, savoring the feel and taste of his tongue as she captured it. She moaned,
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thankful that she could finally taste him. Her hands continued running along his body, squeezing and rubbing hungrily. She straddled him and began to ride him slow and steadily, keeping up the rhythm he had begun earlier. Her hands drew his body closer to hers so that they were skin to skin from the waist up. She savored the smell of his skin as she whispered in his ear, “I love the feel of you inside of me.” His hands braced on her hips held her in place and he pushed into her hard. “Not as much as I love the way you feel around my cock.” She sighed into his mouth and kissed him passionately, allowing him to take control of the kiss. She felt him tense and knew he was close to coming. She wrapped her arms around him and savored the feeling of him inside of her. It didn’t take long before he came hard. Lucian lowered them into the pool. Shana smiled as she wrapped her arms around him, bringing her head to rest on his chest. Their breathing was labored, and she closed her eyes thinking about what had just happened. Lucian was right. Each joining of their bodies brought them closer emotionally. She was learning what each look meant, how his body responded to each touch. This was one of the first times she had taken control, even if it was just for a little while. She enjoyed it and fully intended to do it again. “Wow, you really blew my mind, warrior.” She looked up when she heard no response. Lucian was asleep. That made her smile. “This round goes to me. I’m the last one standing. Guess that means I get a reward.” Shana closed her eyes and cuddled closer to him, knowing she should rest. But her mind raced, plotting what she intended to do to wake her mighty warrior.
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Chapter Eight
Shana’s eyes opened, sensing someone watch her as she stretched on the bed. Bed? How had she gotten to the bed? Lucian must have carried her there. She smiled remembering their passionate night. She was shocked to see the queen sitting there, simply watching she and Lucian sleep. Shana looked at her curiously, realizing she was focusing on Lucian. “Hello, queen.” “Ah, my child. Please call me Chantelle.” “Is something wrong?” Why would she be here? And why hadn’t she woken them? How long had she been here? Shana found it a bit disconcerting to wake up and have an audience, and this was the second time it had happened to her. “I came here for you two. Dinner will be in thirty minutes, assuming there is still a dining room left to eat in.” “Excuse me?” Shana sat up, trying not to wake Lucian, but she felt him stir. When she glanced at him, she noticed he was glaring at the queen. “Do not look at me that way, Lucian. You are on my list right now. My sons requested you and Shana depart the castle. You clearly decided to not wait, and now they are sparring
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each other in the castle. In the castle, Lucian. Gods, you should see the things they have done to this poor place.” Lucian laughed, but Shana winced. She’d forgotten Dar’s request. Now, the night she and Lucian had shared would have been felt by all of the royals. “Can’t someone stop them?” Chantelle laughed. “No one is stupid enough to get in their way. They are merely taking out their excessive emotions on each other. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, there is nothing we can do except sit back and wait.” “I’m sorry.” Shana felt overwhelming guilt. They had sacrificed their personal comfort, used their powers to aid her, and she’d managed to indulge herself and add to their misery. “Do not concern yourself with it.” The queen glanced down at her neatly sculpted nails, her voice sounding dismissive. “Their powers are bound to weaken then they will grow weary. To be honest, it is refreshing to see this side of them at times. It reminds me of when they were younger. Now, go and join them, Lucian. I wish to speak with Shana for a moment. We will meet you in the dining hall.” Shana watched Lucian grab his pants from the chair beside the bed and make his way out of the room. He smiled back at her with a mischievous grin on his face. She blushed, imagining what he was thinking about. Wrapping the sheet around her, she gently padded over to the chair in the corner to retrieve her clothing. “How are you doing, Shana? Is your warrior giving you enough time to rest?” Shana laughed. Rest wasn’t on either one of their agendas, and she sensed the queen realized that. The queen clearly intended to suggest rest. “We will rest soon enough.” Chantelle smiled. “Good enough. Has Lucian told you anything of the conversion? Do you understand what to expect?”
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“He’s mentioned some of it. He assured me all would be well. That is all I need to know for now.” Shana found the queen’s concern touching. Nana never played the motherly role well. Having someone around who did would take some getting used to. “You cannot imagine how grateful I am to you for your presence here. I have worried about Lucian for so long. But I am mostly thankful for you returning Gitana to us.” The happiness and gratitude in the queen’s voice reinforced Shana’s knowledge that she had done the right thing. She hoped Gitana’s presence here kept her safe and gave these people the hope they needed. “She’s not here yet.” Shana blushed, trying to dress without displaying her body fully to the queen. She wanted a bit of privacy, but didn’t think dismissing the leader of a world was the way to get it. She covered herself quickly, choosing the easiest dress to put on. “I hope everything works out the way it was meant to. She deserves to be happy. Val seems to be a good guy. I think he will be good for her. And she will be good for him too. She has been lonely.” “She has a great need for our people right now, I’m afraid. I hope that he can find her in time.” “Time for what?” “Once we reach a certain age, we must take our first feeding. Our sexual needs also grow more demanding and more difficult to deal with.” Shana was worried; this was all her fault and she was powerless to get out of it. But she trusted Lucian. He knew how much Gitana meant to her, and he wouldn’t let anything happen. She still remembered the haunting images of him mourning over the body of that little girl. He knew what it was like to lose a sister, and he wouldn’t let her feel the same thing. It just wasn’t in his nature. And Val wasn’t about to give Gitana up when he’d just found her. “Lucian and the princes will get there in time, I am sure of it.”
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“You put a lot of faith in men you barely know.” “Yeah. It’s not like me to be that trusting. I’ve always been alone, except for Gitana, of course. But they all seem like good people. You did a good job of raising them.” She knew that sounded like a weak reason, but she couldn’t offer the queen the truth. The events Fiona had shown her provided the faith and trust she now felt. She saw how the princes, Lucian, and the other warriors had battled their enemies to protect their people. She saw the devastation these people had suffered, yet they clung to their belief the chosen ones survived. Most of all, she admired the trust and faith they exhibited in the princes. She respected them. The queen had done a remarkable job raising them…and Lucian. “I can tell you care for Lucian like a son too.” “Yes, he had a rough life until he came here. Though he still felt like an outcast. I tried my best to divide my love among them equally. Raising nine powerful warrior boys on my own was a challenge, I must admit.” “By yourself?” Shana’s heart twisted, knowing already that the king had died at the hand of their enemy in the same battle that took Lucian’s father. She couldn’t imagine what it was like to raise nine little boys. And one of those little boys, Lucian, would have been a handful since he had just lost his entire family. She suppressed her outrage and pain at the thought of all the hurt Lucian had suffered at such a young age. “My mate was killed when the boys were young. He died a warrior’s death -- in battle, protecting one of the chosen ones. But that must remain between us. The boys do not know what battle it was he died in. They were all so young.” “How did you manage?” “Determination, a lot of help, and love for my children. If you have faith in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to.”
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Shana smiled. “That is very true. It has been an honor meeting you. I hope we get to know one another better.” “We will, child. Just remember one thing. You must only hear and feel what is in your heart and soul to know the answer to all questions posed to you while in Paradise. Not everything is as it seems. You have to be able to look beyond the cosmetic to see the root of the truth. Remember that, and you will thrive.” “I will, thank you.” Shana’s heart warmed. She fought the urge to run up to her and hug her. Fully dressed now, she stood there wondering what to do now. “Let us see what is left of my children. Perhaps a good hardy feeding will inoculate their need to pound each other into the walls of the castle.” With that, the queen led her down the massive corridors of the castle. The dining hall was the largest room she could have imagined. The high, vaulted ceilings were decorated with the same jewels that lined the long corridors. This was clearly the queen’s room, though. The only decoration on the north wall was two crossed swords. The remaining walls were covered with lifelike images of the princes and Lucian. She watched the images change in fascination, and noted that they did so every few seconds. Each man had a frame that appeared to be from one year in his life, and at least thirty frames filled the walls for each prince. Lucian had a few less, but she had clearly done the same for him once he was under her care. The princes were all seated at one end of the long dining table. Val smiled at Shana as they all rose. “My mother enjoys remembering our youth as we eat. I think she misses having young children around the castle.” The queen glanced at Val as she sat at the head of the table. “I merely enjoy remembering a time when all nine of you behaved and did as you were told.” Moments later, Shana found herself seated beside Lucian. She suppressed the grin on her face when she saw the princes glaring at one another, each of them battered and bruised.
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“So, Shana, tell me. How many times did you come during the testing?” The queen’s voice cut through the silence in the room. The question surprised and embarrassed Shana. Fortunately, she had no food in her mouth to choke on. Lucian laughed loudly. “You are always frank, aren’t you?” Lucian’s cutting remark didn’t shock Shana. He didn’t like people probing into his sexual life anymore than she did. “Yes, Lucian. I find it the most efficient way to get answers. It is a simple question. I merely wanted to make sure that whatever warriors you chose were gentle with her. It was bound to be a trying ceremony. I pray she got enough out of it to make it worthwhile experience.” Shana felt the heat rush to her face. An uncomfortable silence filled the room. She realized the queen didn’t know her sons had served in the ceremony. “Well?” Shana cleared her throat. “They saw to my needs extremely well. They were true warriors that would make any woman proud.” “How many were there?” “A sufficient number, my queen.” Lucian’s curt response spoke volumes, indicating to drop the line of questioning. The queen, however, had other intentions. “I’m glad my sons cannot be chosen warriors for those ceremonies. It is bound to be difficult on those assisting.” Shana looked around seeing the nonresponsive faces around the room, shocked at the queen’s revelation. She couldn’t distinguish between sincerity and suspicion. She glanced over at her, and noticed that she continued to calmly eat at the head of the table, not looking up from her plate. “Forgive my mother for her curtness, Shana. She has a way with words,” Dar stated, clearly embarrassed.
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“I’m still a bit upset with you, Lucian. You know one female companion is allowed in the room to console her should the need arise. I would have been proud to assist her had I been given the chance. I would have taken her place for ten minutes as is customary. ” Shana choked on her water. Cal began laughing so hard she thought him insane. She looked around the room and saw that Val, Cam, and Jad were red-faced. God, there was no
way that she knew. “Oh, shit. This is fucking priceless!” Jax laughed loudly, joining Cal in the state of amusement. Dar’s loud sigh filled the room. He slammed his silverware down, clearing annoyed by the conversation. “Brother, watch that foul language! Mother, we must change the subject. You are making all of us uncomfortable. We do not wish to envision you in such a manner.” The queen actually smiled. Was she doing this on purpose? She was definitely finding it amusing. “Oh, yes. It is quite clear I have never touched a man before. You were all hatched from eggs that fell from the sky on soft, velvet pillows. You destroy my palace because Shana and Lucian have sex within these walls. You must be able to learn and accept this as such if they are to reside here. You must learn to grow comfortable with others’ sexuality. I raised you better than that.” The queen continued eating, saying nothing more. Shana looked around the room, saw the brothers all suppress their grins and shocked laughter. She couldn’t help but laugh herself, seeing the underlying reason for the discomfort. Lucian laughed, smiling over at her. He glanced at the brothers, winking at them as he continued to eat. “I apologize for letting warriors into your palace, my queen. We felt it would ease Shana’s alarm. And I meant no offense in not having you there. It would have been an honor for you to assist her, but I was concerned that too many people would upset her.”
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Shana felt the queen staring at her. She averted her gaze, not thinking she could handle looking directly at the queen without giving anything away. “I understand. She appears to have done well enough. You must ensure she never has to see them again, though. It would be most upsetting, I am sure.” “No more upsetting than it could be right now.” Cal laughed as he stabbed his fork into some foreign meat. Shana grinned up at the brothers at that comment. She felt like a teenager trying to hide a secret from her parent, like part of the family. “I hope that all of you were at least wise enough to exercise discretion and remain far away. Those ceremonies are far too emotional for any of you to ever be near. That is why the gods strictly forbid it. It is far too dangerous for you.” “We are clearly fine, Mother.” Val emphasized fine. “There is no need for you to worry.” He turned his attention toward Shana. “Tell us of my chosen one. I wish to know more of Gitana.” Shana heard the gentle and seductive way he’d said her sister’s name. He had clearly been thinking of her often since Shana revealed she lived. “She is remarkably beautiful. She has violet eyes, long curly black hair, and is a few inches shorter than I am. Average-sized, I suppose. She is very active, and knows three forms of martial arts.” Shana watched the queen dab at her mouth delicately and smile, her eyes watching intently. Val had found the one way to redirect the conversation from the queen’s uncomfortable topic. Her future daughter-in-law. “Gitana enjoys learning new things, and is constantly stimulating her mind whenever possible. She’s always tried to talk to people with her mind. I used to think she was crazy, but she somehow knew she was telepathic. She used to punish boys that were mean to me by
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heating them up from the inside out. That poor school nurse had boys in her office all the time.” “She sounds like a little spitfire,” Cam said. “It was hard on her when Nana died ten years ago. Since we were only fourteen, we had to live in a couple of foster homes for a while. The experience wasn’t a pleasant one. But things got better and we were able to move back into the home we grew up in once we turned eighteen. For the past six years, we’ve been living there and doing great.” Val dropped his fork. Several others coughed. Shana looked around the room and saw the concern etched on everyone’s faces. “What is wrong?” “I didn’t realize she passed when Gitana was so young. Clearly there is a more pressing need to get to Gitana than I had anticipated. I wanted time to learn more about her to ease the situation a bit, to not overwhelm or cause her undue stress. That is clearly not an option any longer.” “Why not?” Shana didn’t like how tense Val had become. Something wasn’t right. Val cleared his throat. The queen began speaking in a foreign language of some sort. Val then seemed to relax a bit. “Gitana has passed the age that most females feed for the first time. She had probably not been taught the proper way to do this since she was so young, and the need is probably much greater than we’d anticipated. I believe my mother mentioned some of this to you earlier.” “I’m sure she will be fine. Besides, Lucian said feeding was unnecessary.” “That is true to a certain extent, but it is needed initially. You both clearly had a lot to overcome and have done so amazingly. But this is a serious issue for her. There is no one we know who is capable of getting her through it. She will not understand what is happening. And I’m afraid the time is approaching very soon.”
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Shana heard the concern in Val’s voice. She realized the urgency for Gitana’s safety. The enemy finding her, combined with the need to feed, added to her growing concern. She shuddered, remembering the terrifying enemy she had seen with Fiona. They would stop at nothing to ensure the chosen ones were dead. Val’s alarm compounded her compulsion to get to her sister. She wanted to go to her now. She wanted to be with Gitana. Did she know she needed to feed? She hated the thought of her sister suffering alone. She should be there to help Gitana. She looked over at Lucian imploringly, hoping he understood she needed to go to her sister. “It is best if you not be present, Shana. She must learn to trust and have the same chance to embrace her feelings for Val as you had with me when we first met. They will bond faster if they are alone.” She saw Val look around the room confidently. “I will leave first thing in the morning. Lucian has given me all the information you have given him of the area you were living, and I have already done extensive research into your culture and traditions. I will take good care of her.” “I wish you and her the best, Val. You are a good man, and she truly deserves happiness,” Shana said, clearly upset. “So what was her most embarrassing moment?” Cal asked. “She’s had far too many to choose just one. She tends to get herself into messes,” Shana laughed, looking over at Val. “I’m sort of happy to have some help with that.” Val smiled. “What can you tell me that only you and she know? So that she knows I am her friend.” Shana chewed on her lip for a moment. “Two things would make her believe. First, we used to lay awake at night hidden under the covers of the bed and dream of this place.
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Neither one of believed it was real, so our imaginations sort of ran a bit wild.” Shana blushed slightly. “Being kids, we wandered straight to the one place Nana always spoke of as if it were utterly forbidden. Paradise. Gitana had many ideas of this place, but there was one that always was at the forefront of her mind. I swore never to tell anyone.” She was torn between her desire to help them and the urge to protect her sister. She wanted to help Val because it was the best thing for Gitana, but sharing such intimate information felt like a betrayal. “I wish to tell you, but I don’t believe she would want anyone else to know.” Lucian pulled her into his lap, bringing his arms around her. “Whisper it to me, Shana. I will tell Val privately. None of the others need to hear it. The knowledge you could share would help him alleviate Gitana’s fears, and make her transition to her destiny smoother. It is best for your sister.” She knew Lucian was right. The transition to this world would be difficult enough on Gitana, and she would need someone in her corner. Shana looked at Lucian and felt her heart lurch. And that someone needed to be Val. Her sister needed her own companion to share her intimate desires with. Shana wanted her to feel the same happiness with Val that she did with Lucian. Shana whispered softly in Lucian’s ear. Her eyes darted around the room, concerned someone else would hear her. His hands caressed her thighs. Lucian looked at Shana, pushing the hair away from her face. “Clearly a part of her knew something about her mate already. She deserves to enjoy that fully, and I’m sure Val will enjoy bringing it to life for her.” “Yes, it did. A part of her has always believed the truth behind Nana’s words. There is a bit more I wasn’t going to tell you, but I think that you are right. She should have it fully.” She whispered again into Lucian’s ear.
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“Thank you for trusting the two of us with that last part, tigress. I know Val will be extremely grateful for it. You will perhaps never know how much so.” “Son of a bitch, man!” Jax slammed his mug down, looking over at Lucian. “It was hard enough not being nosy before you said that. I feel like a gossip mongrel from her planet now.” “Jax, where did this foul language come from?” the queen asked quietly. “It is most unbecoming.” “I’ve picked it up over the years at Paradise, Mother. The women haven’t complained so far.” Val’s audible groan filled the room. His head was in his hands, staring down at the plate before him, as if he were trying to compose himself. “Thank you, Shana.” She glanced around the room, watching the other brothers to see if they reacted in any way. He did just tell Val, right? Looking at Lucian, he nodded in answer to her unasked question. Those three words, laced with such sincerity and respect, meant the world to Shana. She saw the passion in his eyes as he looked up at her. “I ask one small thing from you.” Val’s voice was laced with emotion. “You do not need to do it if you do not wish, but I need to know exactly what she looks like. Would you allow me to read your mind so that I may see her?” Shana looked over to Lucian, not sure how much of her mind he intended to read. She didn’t want to share that type of personal connection with anyone but Lucian. “It is your decision, Shana,” Lucian said, his hands running up and down her arms and back. “You need to only think of a clear image of her, and think of nothing else. He would only read that, no more.” Shana nodded, then formed the image in her mind. She wanted Val to have a perfect picture. She nodded her head, signaling she had the image in her mind. She chose one of her best friend skinny-dipping in her favorite hideaway in the country.
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She sensed his presence in her mind. She quickly changed the image slightly, turning Gitana around in her mind, allowing her picture of her to cover every inch of her from head to toe. Val shook his head. “Thank you, Shana. I truly did not expect that clear of an image. Thank you for trusting me with it. She need never know.” “Is this a private party, or may anyone join?” The loud voice came from the entryway to the dining room. Lucian brought her closer against his body. Tension filled the room as all the men stood and braced themselves. Such protective measures made her shiver when she looked at the stranger. A tall, muscular man with long, flowing blond hair leaned against the doorframe. His amused gaze darted across the room. Even though he appeared relaxed, the tick in his jaw noted otherwise. “What the hell are you doing here, asshole?” Cal demanded. Shana almost gasped. Seeing Cal so angry brought a sense of dread to her. “Merely my job, prince. You know why I am here.” “Your presence is unnecessary and unwelcome.” Dar’s voice was firm. “Please leave immediately.” “The gods and oracles felt differently. I must question Shana myself.” The man looked over to Shana. He was tall and well built like all the other warriors. His eyes were a pale topaz color, and his long blond hair looked out of place amid the dark-haired people in the room. She had grown accustomed to gorgeous men that exuded massive power from every pore of their bodies. The princes did it without notice, but this stranger was different. He held that power and much more. The wary look on the princes’ faces confirmed what she suspected. This was an extremely powerful man, enough so to make these powerful brothers nervous. She shuddered as she looked over at him.
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“It is okay, Shana. I mean you no harm. I must question you privately for a moment. It is necessary before the oracles bless your union with Lucian. I am Taro. Please, come with me.” He held out his hand. Shana recoiled from him as Lucian eased his hold on her. He kissed her softly on the lips, and she gasped at the tears pooling in his eyes. He merely nodded and brought her up to a standing position. She refused Taro’s hand, but followed him into the next room. She sat on a large, leather-covered couch in the middle of the room. “What do you want to know?” Taro laughed and walked around her, touching her hair. “I already know everything, Shana. Did you really think your warrior cared for you? Did you really think that the fucking meant anything to him? He does that daily. Thousands of women just like you. So trusting. I almost feel sorry for you.” Shana glared at him angrily. “Why should I believe anything you say? I don’t even know you.” “Oh, yeah, and you really know Lucian. I mean, you’ve known him, for what, one day? Maybe two? How did they earn your trust so easily? Did they tell you that what Lucian felt was rare? That surging rarely happened with warriors? Is that what did it for you?” Shana suppressed her gasp, but knew the shock registered on her face. How did he know that? Lucian wouldn’t have told him anything, would he? Doubt began to fill her mind while she stared at the stranger before her. He didn’t know what he was talking about. He couldn’t. Lucian wasn’t the monster this man portrayed him to be. Taro was wrong. He shook his head as he laughed. “It never ceases to amaze me how easily you foolish women show up at Paradise expecting romance. My gods, you are so naive, aren’t you?” “Shut up! I know there are few women here, so what you’re saying is bound to be a lie.”
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“It’s my duty to tell you how things really are. Lucian and the princes have had their fun with you. They have grown tired of you and are ready for you to go back home. I can take you home, Shana, but first I want to know how you came to this knowledge of the women here. Someone has lied to you.” “No, you are lying. They clearly hate you. I would trust them with my life. They are good people. You are just an ass!” Shana wanted to beat the hell out of him for the vile things he said. She felt more anger toward herself for believing him. “I am the only friend you have here. They hate me because I am brave enough to stand up to their evil doings. I hate the way they prey on the hunger of women like you. And they hate my interference in the sick, twisted games they play. They are all power hungry.” “You are a lying son of a bitch, aren’t you?” Shana laughed angrily. He can’t be right,
can he? Were they really playing her? “Tell me, did they tell you there was a testing ceremony? Did you let all the princes play with you?” Shana fell back onto the couch hearing that. How the hell does he know this? “You don’t know what you are talking about!” Shana screamed angrily, wondering why no one came in to help her. Not even the queen. “As I told you, they do this almost daily. I’m just surprised they didn’t call me earlier. They usually get rid of the girl right after the fake ceremony. After they’ve gotten what they wanted from her. I guess you were a bit special after all. But alas, the call still came.” “That is a lie! They were surprised to see you!” There were tears streaming down her face. Images flashed into the room of Lucian and the princes playing, touching, and tasting a woman. The images appeared in the room life-sized and looked so real.
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Shana heard the woman moaning and begging for more, the princes doing exactly what they had done with her. She swallowed the bile rising from her stomach as she saw the woman run her nails down Lucian’s arms. Val sat in the corner while Lucian participated. Tears of shock and denial streamed down her face, but she couldn’t turn her head away from the disgusting images. “Yeah, I know. They take turns being the one in the corner. They have been doing this since they were old enough to enjoy it. I finally got tired of the way they got rid of the girls, and offered to intercede for them after they were done.” Shana looked up at Taro, hot tears still running down her face. “What do you mean? How did they get rid of them?” “They didn’t. They made them into servants. Those that were unwilling were imprisoned within Paradise. Don’t you remember all those women? Where do you think they came from? That is why Lucian didn’t show you around. They didn’t want any of their previous conquests telling you of their little game.” Could it be true? She couldn’t imagine Lucian being part of such a horrid act as betraying someone’s trust. She had thought Lucian’s actions were honest and sincere. And Fiona must have been in on it. Fiona reminded her too much of Gitana, and she refused to believe she could be a party to this type of betrayal. Everything she had said supported what Lucian and the princes claimed. What about the princes though? Could she really trust Gitana with them if this were true? She remembered the tears in Val’s eyes hearing that Gitana survived. His emotions appeared too heartfelt to be false. The queen herself had shown a great deal of emotion at the hope a chosen one was still alive. Then she remembered what the queen had said. Things aren’t always as they appear.
You have to look deeply to see the truth. Shana focused harder on the image before her, rather than turning away from it. At first, nothing changed. Then slowly, the image began to
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shift. Lucian was back in the corner instead of Val. It was her! She was on the bed with the princes. “You are far more intelligent than I was led to believe, Shana.” “Get the hell out of here, you son of a bitch! Why would you do this to me?” “It is the final test of your trust in your warrior and the royal family. It is required of a union of royalty and the elite warriors. It is simply my job, one that makes many people hate me. But it was much easier for you than most. The majority fail.” Shana slapped him hard, anger welled up in her. She respected traditions and cultural differences. She understood the need to test loyalty to a certain extent. This crossed the line. Ripping someone’s heart open and exposing their worst fears for the sake of tradition was nothing but cruel. Shana glared over at him. “Clearly you were born the perfect ass to do the job then.” “And here I was about to compliment you on being intelligent enough to understand everything. Perhaps you aren’t as smart as I hoped,” Taro stated. He slowly walked over to her, handing her a talisman on a golden cord. He closed her hand around it as if hiding its markings. “But alas, your union will be blessed by the gods. Welcome to the family, Shana.” “Family?” “It’s a long story no one can understand or know until the time grows closer. But you are the beginning, and I would gladly lay down my life for you if the chance presented itself. Your presence here gives me a bit of light in a very dark existence. You empathize with the princes for their lonely existence because they remind you of Gitana.” Shana hated herself for jumping to conclusions. She learned early on that truth only came to the forefront when you looked at both sides of a situation. Yet, she had believed that the man before her was a sadistic monster incapable of emotion. “I apologize for my actions and words. I am sure this job of yours doesn’t allow you to make many friends. For what it is worth, I would gladly call you a friend.”
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Taro smiled at her as he wiped a stray tear from her face. “I sort of like having the right to harass Lucian and Val for a change. I’ve been thinking about that and I was hoping to call you a sister. I’ve always wanted family, someone to covet and protect.” Shana smiled up at him. “I don’t think Lucian and Val will appreciate it much, but I like the idea of a big brother.” Taro laughed. “I must admit, the chance to piss the two of them off delights me a great deal. Consider yourself my little sister. If you ever need anything at all, simply think of me and I will be there.” Shana nodded when he motioned for her to leave. She went out of the room, looking down at the talisman. She entered the room, and saw the somber faces of the men in the room through her tear stained eyes. She clutched the small talisman in her hands, and looked around. Lucian’s face gleamed with fresh tears as he looked over. The queen walked over and hugged her tightly. Shana felt the tears on her face. “This is not fair. We will appeal the gods’ decision. I will do it myself and battle them before all, if I must. You were meant to be with us. You were meant to be my daughter.” “What do you mean? I don’t understand what you are upset about. What just happened?” Shana needed to know for sure. She was obviously safe from it now, but she wanted reassurance it wouldn’t ever happen again. She had never felt that much doubt and hurt in her life. “The gods may test the mates of the fiercest warriors and the royal family before the union is blessed. They see everything that occurs if they choose to, and use that information against the female to test their faith in the royal family and her warrior. They twist it however they feel they need to,” Dar explained. Lucian interrupted. “Do not fear the decision, Shana. There is no shame in failing the test of the gods, and we fully intend to appeal the decision.”
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“But I don’t understand. I thought that I passed.” Fear increased her pulse. She pulled away when she saw Lucian angrily walk over to Taro, who had silently entered the room. He swung him around and struck him hard. Taro merely laughed as he fell to the floor. “I’m thinking I should have the gods change the procedure. Clearly you are all weaker than these mere mortal human females.” The princes all rose hearing that. Val walked over and gently pried her closed fingers away from the talisman. An audible sigh filled the room as the brothers all cheered. Val smiled down at her. “I never doubted you. Anyone who could withhold a name from Lucian for four hours can deal with the likes of that asshole. Welcome to the family, Shana.” Val hugged her. Shana felt all the princes bring her into embraces at that point. The queen quickly pulled her out of it and scolded her sons and she looked down at Taro, who lifted himself off the floor. “You may leave now! I must attend to my daughter.” Taro rose and stood before the queen. “Yes, my queen. Do not think I do not know that you treaded where you shouldn’t have. You must be more careful with your statements. You have many daughters still to come. I don’t want to witness your judgment anytime soon.” The queen’s face became flushed. She looked away from the man before her. Looking up at him slowly, she stated, “It is clear I underestimated your powers, Taro. I am grateful that you are faithful to the royal family.” He nodded and looked back at Shana with a whimsical look. “That is the first time I truly hated myself for what I have always done with pride and honor. You have a worthy mate, Lucian. She reminds me a lot of myself in a way.” Shana felt ashamed for the hatred she had expressed for this man when she saw the look of pain briefly cross his face. She felt his loneliness like it was her own. She watched him leave, silently praying he would find happiness of his own one day.
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“We were afraid that you had failed. It often takes hours. The only ones to only go moments like that are those that break immediately. Forgive us for doubting you,” the queen said as she wiped the tears from her face. Shana looked over at Lucian. He rushed over to her and brought her into his arms, kissing her hungrily. She clung to him “There is a time and place for that, Lucian,” the queen said after tapping his shoulder. “And it is not in my castle. My sons have been through enough this day with what you two did earlier. I will not have then harm each other further.” The scolding caused both their faces to redden. The sons in question merely laughed, obviously finding humor in the fact that the queen still hadn’t figured out all the events of the day. “So, Gitana will have to go through that too?” “Yes, it is unfortunately unavoidable and will be far worse for her since she will be mated to the royal bloodline. It does not matter to the gods that she is of our people. They are testing the strength of the union, not the blood or the person behind it,” Val explained, visibly concerned over the idea. Shana laughed softly. “I feel sorry for Taro then. She gets very possessive and equally defensive. I hope he wears a flame retardant outfit when he arrives.” Val laughed hearing that. “He will know of her powers, and will be equally prepared to defend himself against them should the need arise.” Shana thought on that for a moment. “Perhaps so. But still, I think he will be surprised. The gods that rendered judgment swore no others would be aware of the transference of powers, if the story Nana told was true. It makes you sort of hope they meant the other gods and their little flunkies.” “I would love to watch that if it were true! You think we could?” Cal laughed. The brothers all joked around about it, bringing ease to Val. There was hope.
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“Are there any more tests? Please tell me there isn’t because I don’t know how many more I could take.” “No more, tigress. I promise you. We were forbidden to speak of it. There will never be any more secrets between us.” “Now you simply get to enjoy being with Lucian and prepare for your conversion. Take her to my place, Lucian. I would say sleep well, but I don’t believe that will be on the agenda,” Dar stated as the brothers got up to leave. Glancing over his shoulder he added, “I expect that place cleaned up from top to bottom, brother of my heart.”
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Chapter Nine
Lucian’s mouth descended on hers. She dug her hands into his hair, demanding more from the kiss. She sighed into his mouth; his hands grabbed her ass and thrust her hips forward. She rubbed against his erection, laughing when she heard his groan. She playfully slipped out of his arms. She looked around and gasped. They weren’t in the same room any longer. She glared at Lucian. “I couldn’t resist, tigress. I like surprising you. We are at the cabin. We can move ourselves from one place to another easily as long as we focus on the destination and carry objects less than our own weight,” Lucian whispered as he began stroking her body again, his mouth trailing down her neck. “Then why do you walk everywhere?” “We use it sparingly. Taking advantage of your abilities creates laziness and apathy toward them.” Shana felt herself lifted and kissed him hungrily. She ripped off the material hiding his massive chest from her. It was her turn to have her way with him, she thought. She opened her eyes to glance around the room she had been brought to. It was a quaint-looking place, resembling a cottage retreat. The room was relatively small. She paused
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her kisses when she spied the huge, plush bed. Looking around further, she saw a pair of leather cuffs hanging from the ceiling. A small leather bench sat in one corner, restraints there too. Looking up at Lucian, she grinned. “I see you intend to try and have your way with me this evening. But remember, I will have you at my mercy as well before this night is complete.” “You will be far too tired to enjoy it, tigress.” Lucian took her wrists and brought them above her head. He restrained her, then slid his hands down the sides of her body. “I’m really going to savor you now.” Shana lost all resolve, felt his mouth on her, licking, sucking, and biting a small, determined trail down her body. She hissed when he brought her erect nipple into his mouth and sucked on it hard. When she didn’t moan right away, he bit it, forcing her to emit the sound she had been denying him. “You may not hide your need and desires from your warrior this evening, Shana. It is not allowed. I must know what this body thinks of me taking it,” Lucian whispered, kneeling before her. Then his hot tongue licked its way up her legs, his hands pried her legs farther apart. She shuddered, feeling the warm air he blew against the juncture of her thighs. She thrust herself forward, trying to find his mouth. He brought his hands up to grip her hips, holding her in place as he continued to blow against her heated folds. Just when she thought she couldn’t take it any longer, his mouth claimed her. His tongue darted inside of her. She hung there while he took his sweet time with her. He tasted and nibbled her like she was a treat to savor. She came quickly. “My little tigress must learn patience.”
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“Be careful, Lucian. I will not be merciful with you if you aren’t nice to me.” Shana warned. She grinned seeing his hungry look. His fingers roamed her body again and she braced herself against his thigh, between her legs. She rode his leg and savored the taste of him as he kissed her. She lost all ability to reason when she responded to his hot, demanding kisses. He thrust up inside of her and she bit his neck softly; he took her even harder and deeper. He surged inside of her and she gasped, calling his name. She felt the bite at her neck. Confusion set in. Why did he bite her? Then the sensual heat flooded her, increasing her arousal. He growled in response as he fed from her. She felt a gentle push in her head and knew he’d read her thoughts and desires. She felt the lick at her neck before he pulled her head to his mouth and kissed her hungrily. “So much passion in you, tigress. We are going to have a lot of fun together. This I can assure you. Every one of your darkest fantasies will come true.” Shana cried out as he came deep inside of her. He relaxed his hold on her and whispered, “This warrior is ashamed he couldn’t last longer. Your fantasies caught him by surprise and made his need greater than he anticipated.” Lucian removed the restrains and she couldn’t help but smile. She took his wrists in her hands. “I hope you are ready for your turn, Lucian.” “Not now, tigress. Soon, I promise.” Before he could say anything else, Shana brought the restraints to one of his wrists and clasped it quickly. He growled in shock. “Shana, don’t. Not now.” Shana merely laughed and fought him to get his second hand restrained above his head. He pulled against the restraints, his eyes widened. She watched him tug harder, heard him demanding his release. Terror filled his voice. His muscles rippled from his efforts, and she found herself transfixed by the sight. Her warrior clearly didn’t like the idea of losing control, but she intended to have her turn.
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“Shana, you must release me before it is too late.” “No, warrior. It is too late. It’s my turn to play with you, and I intend to take my time.” His face paled. The room began to spin. She backed up slowly, confused by what she felt happening in her body. Dizziness was setting in, and pain began radiating within her muscles. She looked down in shock. The throbbing agony felt like it was in her bloodstream, shooting stabbing sensations into all of her muscles. She screamed and looked at him. The room spun, and her vision distorted. “Shana, release me now!” Shana stepped forward, but the room turned black, and she crumpled to the floor.
***** Gentle hands cupped underneath her armpits, urging her sit up. Something warm fell around her shoulders. She felt disoriented. Lying against the strong arms holding her in place, Val’s voice came into focus. “Try not to move too much. You are going through the change. We got here in time to medicate you so that you will feel very little pain, but you must remain still.” Shana looked around at all of the brothers there in the small room. Cal and Jax laughed as they walked around Lucian. Their amusement delayed them from releasing his restraints. Lucian’s angry shouts echoed throughout the room, causing several of the brothers to grimace. Cal simply laughed even harder. “Perhaps instead of taking lessons from you before I find my mate, I shall seek consultation from Shana. She has figured out how to best you, warrior.” “You won’t be laughing when he gets free, brother. You’d best remember that. He’s in the warrior’s rage, and you two idiots are feeding it.” Dar. Always the calm voice of reason. She saw the grin he was trying really hard not to display.
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Jax walked over to Shana. “It is truly amusing now. You have brought a new energy and amusement to our lives when we needed it most. Thank you.” “Release me now or so help me gods I will kill you all where you stand!” Lucian rattled the restraints holding him in place. Shana watched in shock. The restraints hadn’t appeared to be that strong. It was then that she noticed the material that they were made of. It was sentient. It must be reinforcing its strength to keep him in place. “Release him, please,” Shana pleaded softly, looking around at the brothers. They had all visibly paled when his anger increased. She struggled to stand and release him; Val held her in place. “It is best if he remain where he is. He is in a warrior’s rage. He will calm down once he sees you are fine. Should we release him now, there is no telling how he will react. We shall remain here for the duration of your change.” Dar’s statement seemed to make sense, but Shana reeled at the thought of her perfect night with Lucian being ruined. She felt distress growing inside of her. Panic set in as she looked around the room at the brothers. “She is distressed. This cannot happen during the change!” Lucian screamed in anger. “Then calm yourself, warrior. It is your fault she is distressed. She is fearful for you,” Val stated firmly, walking over to Lucian. “I shall release you now. Do not think our shared blood will prevent any of us from stopping you should the need arise. We are going to help with your rage until it is at a level you can control.” Lucian nodded his head and looked around the room. “Please do not shame me further in front of my mate by keeping me away from her in her hour of need.” Shana watched Val release his restraints. She saw Jax and Cal back a bit farther toward the exit, like they wanted to flee should the need arise. Lucian glared at them. “You two I shall hold accountable on the testing grounds soon enough.”
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They nodded, visibly relaxing. Lucian ran to her side, gently replacing Cam’s presence. “Are you okay, Lucian?” Shana heard his soft laughter in her ear. “I should be asking that question to you.” “I’m sorry. I didn’t know I was changing. I didn’t know or I wouldn’t have --” Lucian cut her off with a tender kiss to her lips. Shana moaned into his mouth, trying to deepen the kiss, only for him to pull away. “Now is not the time, Shana. Once the change is complete, we will have eternity together should you wish it.” Shana felt pain coursing through her body, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as she had expected. They must have some serious drugs here, she thought. The brothers all found somewhere to sit in the small room of the cabin. “Thanks for coming you guys, but really. You can get lost now,” Shana stated looking around. “I’m afraid we cannot do that. Lucian is still raging.” Shana found the statement amusing since Lucian softly stroked her hair, raining down kisses on her face. He began singing softly in her ear. “When a warrior feels powerless or at a severe disadvantage, his body enters a state of rage that can rarely be controlled until the reason for the rage is expended,” Dar began. “It is how our warriors do battle so easily. He entered this state just now, seeing your need and being unable to get to you.” “So it is their fault for teasing him?” “No, he entered the rage before we arrived. Jax and Cal sensed it from the castle. That is the only reason we are here,” Val added. “Then why is he so calm?” Dar glanced around the room. Shana followed his glance. It paused on Jax and Cal. Their heads rested on the wall behind them with their eyes closed. Dax and Van had their heads down; it looked like they were sleeping.
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“Jax and Cal have entered his mind and are using their gifts to control his rage as best they can. It is very taxing on them. Dax and Van are attempting to use their gifts of transference to supply them with added mental strength. Forcing your way into a warrior’s mind is not an easy task at any time, but especially when he is enraged.” Shana paled hearing Dar’s words. Was Lucian really this dangerous? She shuddered, wondering what would have happened had they not been here. Then again, it was her fault for restraining him in the first place. “This is all my fault. I don’t want him to be hurt, and I don’t want them to be hurt either. Isn’t there something I can do?” Shana wiped away the tears streaming down her face. She really hated crying in front of these men yet again. She was tired of feeling so powerless and weak. “Do not blame yourself, Shana. Your distress will only cause added issues to my brothers. They can read your thoughts through Lucian right now. You need to remain calm so that they do not slip.” Cam’s tone was clipped. He paced the floor in front of his twin. It was clear from his jerky motions that no one was about to get close to his brother without having to deal with him first. “Why is he pacing like that?” Dar cleared his throat then replied, “Any time we use our powers, we are vulnerable to attack by our enemies. It is extremely doubtful they are near because we would have sensed them. The gods tend to monitor how we use our powers when we are together and expending a great deal of energy.” But why would the gods care that they were using their powers? Were the princes in danger because of how they were helping Lucian? “It is the gods’ responsibility to destroy any of the princes that may overstep their boundaries or use their powers for personal gain.” She sighed in relief at Lucian’s soft words, his fingers trailing up her arms.
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“I feel so bad for this happening.” She tried to remember Lucian’s mind was not his own while his hands continued to roam her body. “You are not to blame. Mistakes happen.” Lucian wound his arms around her and began a slow, gentle rocking motion that instantly calmed her. “Lucian’s thoughts are not his at this point, Shana. My brothers have had to lock his communication down,” Dar stated. “Does this happen often?” “Never to Lucian off of the battlefield. He is legendary among our people for his ability to control his rage. He rarely even enters it in battle,” Cam barked as he continued his pacing. “Will he be okay?” Shana couldn’t imagine Lucian injured. He exuded strength and power at all times. She wanted to help him in some way. She gasped in shock when she looked in the corner of the room and saw Taro casually leaning against the doorframe like he belonged there. The brothers on guard braced themselves, standing protectively around their other brothers and Lucian. Taro’s laughter could be heard easily over their angry shouts. “Ease off. I am here in an unofficial capacity. I felt the power being emitted and am simply curious. Twice in one day is a record the gods never expected,” Taro stated, his gaze on Lucian. Shana watched him silently assessing the situation. He knew the futility of asking for specific details. Hostility came from the brothers, yet Taro made no move to leave. He clearly intended to remain. “You should leave before I get upset.” Val stated angrily, his movement brought him in from of Taro. “Do you honestly think you could battle a god and survive it, Prince Zan A’Mar? Your powers are great, but ours are equally substantial.”
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“So you are a god?” Val’s question stunned Shana. Didn’t they know what he is? Was he a god? Shana silently assessed Taro. Taro laughed. “You know we are not allowed to reveal who is or isn’t a god in the hall. Some of us are gods. Some of us are merely oracles and assistants. Do you really want to push the issue and discover for yourself?” “I’m so confused,” Shana whined. Her head begin to throb. All she had wanted was one night with Lucian. All the tests, twists, and turns that had gotten in the way pissed her off. She wanted them to end. “There is no need for distress, Shana. Until the princes are mated with the chosen females, they cannot ascend their thrones. The power to rule over the planets remains with the gods in the hall. It is not something we care to handle. It is far too much work,” Taro stated. Shana watched him walk over and sit down in front of her. Crossing his legs, he smiled and continued his explanation. “No one is invincible, not even the gods. It would take a mighty force to destroy them, but it is possible. To protect the gods as they protect the planets, we have filled the halls with all the oracles and extra servants to mask who the gods truly are. It is for everyone’s protection.” “No one outside of the hall knows who is a god?” Taro laughed. “Actually, no one in the hall even knows who anyone else is other than themselves.” “Interesting way of dealing with security,” Shana commented. She imagined the fate of so many planets and people would be taxing on anyone. Safety measures ensured harmony. “We rarely leave the hall, for obvious reasons. And we don’t mingle with the commoners, even the royal ones, often. But today’s flow of power from the princes was the first we have ever felt. It distressed many in the hall. Some saw it as a sign of hope that the
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brothers were finally beginning to embrace their destiny. Interesting that each time we felt it, it revolved around you.” “You may now leave since you know the reason. We wouldn’t want to sully you with our presence, Taro,” Cam stated bitterly. He continued pacing in front of his twin. Shana looked over at the four brothers deep in concentration and saw their faces lose color. That was not a good sign, she thought. She had seen that happen to Gitana a few times when she had expended too much energy. How much longer would they be able to last? “Ah, but I find it so much more interesting how Lucian’s rage flowed out of control in the first place. Why is that, Shana? Were you that good for your warrior? Perhaps I should sample you myself.” An angry growl came from Lucian. He launched his way forward toward Taro. He had been calmly touching Shana, unaware of anyone’s presence other than her. Something felt odd to Shana. Taro tried to seduce her. She looked at him curiously as his gaze flowed over her body. The brothers controlling Lucian’s mind all cried out in agony. Cam cursed and the other brothers fought to help contain Lucian. Taro merely smiled, goading Lucian. “Now, where were we? Oh, yes. You were going to tell me how he became enraged.” Taro’s calm sensuous tone shocked Shana. The brothers continued to hold Lucian back. Shana looked over at Taro and stepped closer. She needed to speak with him privately and find out why he was acting so strangely. “Isn’t there some way that you could help to calm Lucian since you are the reason he is like this now?” Taro laughed and stepped closer to Lucian. He tried to launch himself at Taro; the brothers held him firmly. “Actually, he was enraged when I came here. That is even more interesting to me than anything else. The infamous Lucian lost control. But, in answer to your question, there is
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nothing I can do. It is forbidden for us to intercede in such matters. We merely dispose of problems that are uncontrollable. It is their job to deal with this, Shana, not mine.” Even she could read between those lines. He would have to destroy Lucian if the princes failed to calm him. She stepped in front of Taro and shoved him hard. “Then leave! You may not be able to intercede, but you are interfering and making the situation worse. Why would you do this? Does it make you feel good to destroy people? Is your life really that dull? I thought you cared about me.” And to think she had felt sorry for this man earlier. She wished she had just one of Gitana’s powers. She stared him directly in the eye, daring him to continue his goading. His eyes weren’t the same topaz color they had been earlier. She stepped closer to get a better look. Just when that realization hit her, she felt a powerful surge of energy radiating through the room. A flash of immense light filled the small cabin. Shana heard the princes cursing. Even Dar swore loudly. What was going on? Shana focused in the corner of the room where the brothers looked. Fiona stood there with her arms raised up at her sides. Her eyes glowed with the same bright, white light that filled the room. Suddenly, all the light slammed past her and encircled Taro. The princes all began shouting and running over to Fiona. They yelled in a language she didn’t understand, but they sounded equally confused. “This man is not of us. I read Shana’s mind from the castle, and sensed her confusion at the change in his eyes and the sensual tone in his words. I do not know who this man is claiming to be, but once I read him, I sensed death. I sensed our enemy. Can you all not feel it? He reeks of demons, and this is why Lucian became so upset. He could sense it in his rage, but has been unable to radiate his thoughts to you.”
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Shana spun around, seeing the man that so closely resembled Taro visibly battling whatever Fiona encircled him in. She watched the petite woman rise from the floor and glide over until she levitated in front of the light she held him with. “What is your purpose for being here, enemy of our people?” Whatever Fiona was doing, Shana heard the cry of the man before her. The compulsion to answer grew strong, radiating throughout the room. “Who are you? They didn’t tell me about you!” The voice sounded so evil it sent a shiver of fear through Shana. She felt Lucian’s arms around her, heard his growl in her ear. The princes holding Lucian in place mentally were visibly paler than before, but their eyes were now open. Even their twins had left their side to stand beside Fiona. “The one you clearly were not aware of. The one you shall die not being able to tell your leader of. Again, I demand you tell me your purpose for being here.” There was an angry hiss from the center of the light. “I was sent here to destroy the female behind you. We have discovered her identity and know she is the catalyst for bringing a chosen one to your midst. I am to destroy her before you retrieve the chosen one.” Shana gasped. These evil beings intended to kill her. “Are we to assume others have been sent to destroy the chosen one?” “Yes, a legion of us was sent to scour Earth for power surges. Once she uses her powers, she will be destroyed. It is too late for any of you to save her.” His evil laugh sent even more fear through Shana. “Then you underestimate the princes. Now you must die.” Shana watched Fiona turn her attention on the princes in the corner of the room. “It is Lucian’s right to destroy this enemy. Release your hold on him so he may use the rage within him as it was meant to be used.”
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Fiona’s hand gently pulled her out of Lucian’s arms. “I am sorry if this frightened you, Shana. It was never my intent for you to see my abilities. I merely wanted to be considered a friend to you. But you are family now, and I refuse to hide from family.” Shana looked at Fiona then to the princes. Her thought earlier was true. Fiona was somehow related to the princes. Their sister perhaps? “Yes, I am their baby sister. They protect me far too much and underestimate me because I am a woman, not a warrior.” Shana saw the irony in that line of thinking, since Fiona had probably saved them all. “Outside would be best. I do like my retreat intact.” The calm tone in Dar’s voice spoke volumes. He clearly didn’t anticipate Lucian having any trouble with the invader. Shana’s pulse raced, her fear for Lucian thrust itself into the forefront of her mind. They fully intended for him to battle this thing, and he didn’t have the powers they all had. “Do not doubt the abilities of your warrior, Shana. He is the fiercest of us all.” Shana nodded her head, simply trusting what Fiona said. She watched in fascination as an invisible force thrust the door open and shoved the stranger outside. She felt Val’s arms holding her firmly, and saw Lucian pop out of the room. Shana screamed out angrily, trying hard to get to the door. She needed to watch for herself. She wanted to make sure Lucian was safe. “It is best if you remain inside. You could distract him.” Shana relaxed slightly. There was a certain truth to Dar’s words. She didn’t like it, but he was right. She heard the screams through the walls of the small cabin and tensed with each one. The four brothers that had been inside Lucian’s mind were being consoled by Fiona, who clearly annoyed them with her presence. She heard Fiona’s soft laughter as she teased each one. “I think I could actually kick your ass right now.”
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Shana saw the flash of light before she actually saw him. Taro. This was the real deal. She knew it instantly when she saw his bright topaz eyes scanning his surroundings. His eyes widened; he was staring at Fiona. Fiona turned around, sensing the new presence. She immediately launched the same intense light she had earlier straight at him. Shana heard the laughter coming from Taro. She watched him push his arms outward. Fiona’s light bounced back and wrapped itself around her. “What the hell are you?” Fiona sounded confused. The brothers all surrounded her, but chose to say nothing as they glared over at Taro. “I was about to ask you the same thing, sweetheart. I came here to get Shana’s help with a little situation at Paradise and felt the unusual energy force. I knew it did not belong to one of the princes. And here I find you. Who are you? You possess a power not meant to be wielded by our people.” “I am none of your concern. Release me, Taro, or suffer the consequences.” His eyes widened, clearly shocked she knew his name. Shana watched the scene unfold before her. A new air of mystery surrounded Fiona. Taro didn’t know who she was, and believed she possessed unusual powers. What was the royal family hiding? “How is it you can read my mind so easily?” Taro’s voice, filled with confusion, was low and sensual in tone. His eyes roamed over Fiona. “I’m sorry, was it supposed to be hard? There really isn’t much there to deal with, you know.” Shana smiled at Fiona’s sarcasm followed quickly by Taro’s loud laughter. The energy immediately dissipated. “Perhaps we should call a truce?” Fiona smiled and looked at him. “That is best.”
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Taro nodded, his eyes on Shana. “Your warrior has made quite a mess outside. I suppose I will have to ask for the princes to assist me at Paradise. Your warrior isn’t going to be in a cooperative mood, I’m afraid.” Shana tensed. There was no noise coming from outside. She turned around in time to see Lucian enter the cabin. His long black hair and clothes were dripping wet. Stains of black covered his clothing, but it was clear he had attempted to clean himself up before entering. Relief washed over her and she ran into his arms, wrapping herself around him. She kissed his neck thankfully. “Never again do I want to go through that, warrior.” Lucian’s soft laughter filled the room. “I could say the same thing to you, tigress. Do not ever approach someone you have sensed is dangerous again. I fully intend to punish you for that stupidity.” He had known she knew it wasn’t Taro and had approached him anyway. It had been a stupid move on her part. Val stepped forward and stood in front of Taro. “Do you care to share with us the original purpose of your visit?” Taro shrugged his shoulders, looking around seeing half of the princes resting. “It appears you are all exhausted enough. I can take care of this matter myself and just not tell anyone” She heard Dar clear his throat and grab Fiona’s arm. “It is clear that everything is under control here now. It is best if we all depart.” “Is anyone going to tell me what happened?” Taro’s question caused the princes to tense slightly as they looked over to their sister. “It isn’t anything you need to worry about,” Val stated firmly. He stood before Taro, staring him directly in the eye. “Well, I would beg to differ.” Shana tensed in Lucian’s arms. The two men glared at one another.
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“It is best if this discussion take place at another time. There are more pressing needs that must be addressed, and you will not get an answer from anyone other than me when I am ready to give it.” Shana had to admire Val. She knew there was no way she would go toe to toe against Taro. Gitana may actually have some trouble standing up to this man after all. She laughed picturing that. Her sister needed a warrior strong enough to make her feel like a woman. Val could certainly do that. Taro nodded. Whatever the reason, he didn’t seem to want to press the issue. “Very well. Go tend to your weakened brothers. And lock whoever she is up back where you’ve been hiding her from us all. You all will be leaving for Earth in the morning, I trust?” “That is the plan. We are trusting you to ensure events such as these do not occur while we are away.” Taro laughed. “I’m actually hoping that they do. I’m a bit jealous that I arrived a little too late to kick my own ass. But Lucian clearly did a good enough job at it, as would be expected of our mightiest warrior.” Val approached her. His hug surprised her. “Be well. The next time you see me, I will have your sister with me.” “Then I wish you well, warrior. You will need it. She is quite stubborn.” Val smiled. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Shana blinked, surprised to see them all depart immediately. Lucian laughed in her ear. “Did you not want to spend this night alone with this warrior?” “I can think of nothing better.” “I must warn you that I am still in a warrior’s rage, and the princes have released their hold. I can control it to some extent, but I will not be able to be gentle this night.” “Bring it on, warrior.” She kissed him hungrily, showing him the need she had for him.
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Shana moaned at Lucian’s response to her kiss, and his arms looped around her. A growl filled the room when he rose, bringing her with him. He threw her down onto the bed then he was there on top of her. He kissed her hungrily. Her body went into overdrive while his hands moved all over her body. She cried out when Lucian entered her. She tried to turn Lucian over so that she was on top. She wanted to be in charge. He responded with a low growl of warning. He drove into her harder, both of his hands holding her body in place exactly how he wanted it to be positioned to meet his cock. She moaned, running her hands all over Lucian’s body. He took her harder and deeper with each powerful thrust. She heard his growls in her ear, and knew that he was still in a warrior’s rage. He intended to use the remaining rage he felt claiming her. There were no gentle strokes or caresses. Lucian’s hands rubbed, squeezed, pinched, and lightly slapped their way around Shana’s body making her come again and again on his cock. She felt him surge each time, hearing the growl of satisfaction he emitted. He remained unmoving inside of her for a moment, clearly giving her time to calm her breathing. Then he began moving inside of her again. Shana was now facedown on the waist-high bench in the corner of the room. Lucian had restrained her, testing them to make sure she couldn’t get free. She moaned wondering what he had in store for her. “I miss you talking to me, warrior. This tigress wants to hear your voice more than your growls right now. Tell me what you are going to do to claim me. I do not wish to stop you. I only want to hear you say it. You know how your voice excites me.” Lucian’s only response was teasing nibbles and bites coursing down her exposed back. She felt a warm liquid of some sort being applied between her ass cheeks. Then the same warm liquid was being generously applied to her wet slit, emitting a loud groan from her.
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Shana gasped when she saw the two sentient-created dildos Lucian removed from the cabinet in front of her. He had already reapplied the sentient material to her nipples and clit before bringing her to the bench. He raised her head up and kissed her, his tongue demanding her immediate response. She held nothing back from the kiss, hoping Lucian understood she would take whatever he gave her and beg for even more. She saw the confusion on his face as he pulled away from her. She trusted him fully. It was such a liberating revelation Shana couldn’t help but want to savor the moment. “What’s wrong, warrior? Are you surprised this tigress still wants you? Do you think you aren’t man enough for me simply because you went into a warrior’s rage around me?” Shana heard Lucian’s growl of warning. “I’m hurt that you didn’t think I’d figure this out, warrior. You wish to scare me. You want me to stop trusting you, because you don’t trust yourself to be warrior enough to protect me. You are all that I need, Lucian.” “You lie!” Lucian claimed. Shana cried out loudly, and he slipped the sentient dildo into her wet slit. She gasped when the other one gently circled her other hole, then she felt him sliding it in. The lubricant he had applied heated her skin as her body adjusted to accommodate it. She writhed around on the bench as all the sentients came to life at the same time. She looked up at him with half-hooded eyes. “If you do not believe me, take us to Paradise and I will state the same thing within its doors. I accept all of you, warrior, and welcome your rage and need. It is a part of you. I want to have all of you inside of me. Come closer to me so you may fill me fully with what I want most.” She relaxed against her restraints and watched a puzzled Lucian prowl closer to her. His hands wrapped inside of her hair then she met his gaze as he thrust his cock into her face. He was daring her to be stupid enough to take it into her mouth. She was fully at his mercy now, and the realization made her even wetter.
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Shana opened her mouth and took the length of his cock into her mouth. Lucian’s growl filled the room and he thrust into her mouth. She sucked hungrily on his cock, wishing she weren’t restrained so she could touch it. She sucked Lucian’s cock hungrily. The sentients inside of her began to slowly move. They fucked her in the same rhythm that she sucked Lucian. She sucked him deeper and thrust her mouth in a faster tempo. The sentients matched her movements. Shana came hard when he surged in her mouth. She stifled her groan of satisfaction, felt the sentients match her hungry mouth on Lucian’s cock. He pushed his way into her mind and she relaxed, allowing him full entry into her thoughts. She begged for more from his cock. She knew whatever Lucian gave her mouth would touch her elsewhere. Lucian groaned, and thrust harder and deeper. Shana felt all of her holes being pounded at the same time. It was too much. She focused hard and sent the emotions she felt at that moment straight into his mind. She wasn’t sure if it would work, but she wanted to try. He exploded in her mouth, his loud growl filling the room. She licked his cock before he pulled it away. He removed the sentients from her body. She tried to suppress her whimper. He had given her body so much pleasure, but she still wanted more. She wanted to remain connected to him. Shana felt tears pool in her eyes as Lucian carried her to the bed, laying her down on it. He kissed her ever so gently. Her warrior was back. She clung to him and kissed him hungrily, silently welcoming him back with her body. “Tigress, do you ever get enough?” His teasing voice whispered in her ear while he positioned his body around hers. “I was just meeting the needs of my warrior.” “This warrior is shamed by his actions this evening. It should never have happened.” “It is more my fault than yours.”
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“I’m proud of you for meeting my demands so willingly and embracing the dark side of my warrior ways. You are truly a tigress.” Shana giggled. “Does that mean we can play a bit more on the bench? I’m thinking it would be even more fun if my warrior fully participated. I kept hoping I was going to get a good, firm spanking.” Lucian groaned. “Be careful what you wish for because I fully intend to punish you for that foolishness I saw earlier.” She had wished for paradise and found more than she expected. She didn’t know how long these feelings between she and Lucian would last, but she knew she’d enjoy every moment.
Cara Carnes Cara Carnes discovered her love of writing early in life, as most writers tend to. At the age of 11, she typed up a love story and happily mailed it off to Harlequin. Anxiously awaiting her acceptance letter and fat advance check, she dutifully listened to her mother and grandfather as they instilled in her the lessons key to her writing today. By the time the hand-written rejection letter arrived, Cara knew that someday she would be writing the stories that she loved. Most importantly, she had learned two key fundamentals from her mother and grandfather: always expect the unexpected, and know you can do anything you set your mind to. Cara's love for the written word found a home in erotica romance. Wanting to bring fantasies to life on the pages of her books, she enjoys crafting characters that sizzle on the pages and burn their way into your heart. While she loves all genres of romance, erotica will always have a special place in her heart because Cara believes true romance doesn't stop at the bedroom door. Cara is a native Texan and currently resides in Austin. When she isn't absorbed in her characters, she enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with family and friends. Cara would love to hear from you. You can contact Cara at
[email protected]
