SAJENA
RAIN LASHES myskinas Istepintothecourtyardofmyhouse,abladeclutchedinmyhand for all thegooditwill do The wardprotectingmyhome,family,andbusinessfromthemoreunsavoryelementsofthisSeannaCityneighborhoodflickersin timetothegaslampspostedoutsidetheboundariesofmyfamily’sproperty.
“North,” Leislah says sharply, my younger sister’s voice coming from where she perches on the roof of our three story brownstone “Atleastadozen”
There'salwayssomeactivitythistimeofnight theoccasionalfootstepsorclopofhorsehoovesorthecreakingofacarriage butnowIhearotherthings.
Shoutsandgroanscomingcloser,thebrightclashofmetalonmetal.
“Gobackinside,”Itellthefemalewhoexitsthehousebehindme.
Mymotherignoresmeasshecomestomyside,herhandonherheavilyswollenbelly.Ontheroof,Leislahhissesatsomeone, Sydneeprobably Sydneewantstofight,whichshocksnoone,butshe’sstillachild IglanceatEslana,mymouththinandmybrowspinched “There'snothingyoucandohere”
InFaeterms,sheisn'tmucholderthanme apaltrycentury;we’repracticallysisters Shebeganbreedingyoung,andI’mthe secondeldestofmymother’swealthofdaughters.
“You’renowarrioreither,”shesays,“andnohighlevelmage.Ifthewardbreaks,whatcanyoudo?”
Noneofusarewarriorsormages,despitetheknifeinmyhandandthemagicpoolinginmycenter.Ihaveenoughtutelageand skill to protectmyselfand mysisters fromcommonrogues and footpads, butlike mymother and manyAeddannari females descendedfromthedreadnoughtsurvivors,I'mahealer.Allofmypower,allofmytalentandenergytiedupinthatonething.
Thatweaknessstingsaswewaitbehindthephysicalbarrierofourstonewallandthemagicalbarrierofourward,listeningto thefightcomecloser
Iwhirl,grabbingmymother'supperarm,allbutshovinghertowardsthefrontdoor
“They'rerightoutsideourgates Securethegirls”IwishHonoriawashere We’resocloseinagewemightaswellbetwins, butshemadeherchoiceandweallabidebyit.
Eslanafollowsmyinstructionthistime.Ihavethatlastminuteofwarningbeforemywardbreaks.
Idoubleover,gaspingatthebacklash,thepunchofdeliberatepowerburstingthroughthemagicalprotectionsandtearingthem downasiftheyarenostrongerthankitchencurtains
Mypersonal glamour dissolves around me, the magic thatpowers iteateninthe backlashofmyward breaking Mysisters’ glamourswillhavebrokenaswell;nowwe’reallvulnerable.
ThegatesburstopenandIhaveachaoticfewsecondstoassessthesituation.OrcsandFaefillmycourtyardandIretreattomy frontdoor,barringitwithmyback,mybladereadythoughmyjawisclenchedtokeepmyteethfromclattering Thebacklashis painful,atremblerunningthroughmylimbs.
Noone’snoticedmeyet.
Theyfight,theAeddannariandtheUthilsen.Idon’tthinkthisisanattackonmyfamily;thefightersaren’tinterestedinmeat all.Oneither side they're toowell-armed,toowell-dressed,andtoowell-fedtobe commonthugs.Besides,inthis territory ruledbyLordCythroOakHorde,therearenoarmedOrcswhodon'tservehim.
Who are the Fae? Coho or Pike Street? Either is a disaster if they notice me now; I’mfrantically attempting to raise my glamourbutit’sliketryingtolightasoakedmatchinthemiddleofarainstorm.
Grippingmyweapon,mygazeflitsbetweencombatantswhenamassiveOrcwarriorstepsthroughthenarrowholewheremy gateoncestood
Hells Hehastobeoversixandahalffeet,toweringovertheotherOrcs,andnoneofthemaresmall
He moves with surprising grace despite his formidable size I freeze, my heat pounding in my mouth in instinctive dread AeddannariFaemalesaretall,lithe,andstrong,butUthilsenOrcsarebatteringrams,brutalinbattle.
Those broad muscled shoulders workunder his white dress shirt odd attire for anOrc and the hand wrapped around the handleofhisaxisbigenoughhecouldeffortlesslycrushachild’sskull Ormine Ican’tletthismalegethishandsonme
Hesnarlsanorder inaguttural roar,butIhear noreal anger;Ihear steel,command WhenheswingsanaxtoengageaFae wholeapstowardshim,Iseedeath.
One of the girls shrieks, thenthe upstairs window slams shut. It draws attention; a Fae male breaks off fromthe fight and dashestowardsme
“Yedyah!”HeusestheoverlypolitetermforanunknownfemaleFae
Ibraceforafight
“Yedyah,”hesaysagain,hisgazesharpashereachestowardsme,“whyareyouhere?Come,I’lltakeyoufromthisplace”
Take me frommyhome Take me to his Lord, whoever his Lord is, who will find out I, mymother and sisters live under glamourasHumanwomen,nomaleoverseeingus.
No.
Iliftmybladeinresponsebeforehecantouchme.There'snode-escalatingthesituation;he'saFaewarrior,I'maFaefemale andinhismindanyinstructionhegivesmeImustobey
“Yedyah?”Hisvoicerisesonasharp,takenabacknote
“Iwon’tgowithyou Leavemyhome”
Few AeddannarifemalesonthisplanetwoulddreamofdisobeyingadirectinstructionfromanAeddannarimale Mymother saysitwasn'tlikethatonourhomeplanetsoronthedreadnought,butahundredyearsofwarandongoingconflictafter,plus theneedtogrowournumbersandmaintainthepowerinourbloodmeansthemalesturnedonus,subjugatedus,andcontrolour wombs.Theoneortwotimeswetriedtofightback,wefailed.
ShockthatIliftedaweaponagainsthimcrosseshisface,andamomentlaterhisexpressionflattens. “Ifyouchoosetobeanenemy,Iwilltreatyoulikeone.”
IfI'mnotobedient,hemeans,thenI'manenemy.Buthe'sawarriorandI'mnot,andhe'sgoingtowin.Theonlyquestionisifhe intendstosimplyrestrainme,orifhe'sgoingtokillmeforsteppingoutofmyplace
Heattacks,disarmingme Cryingout,Istumblebackasbrightpainbloomsinmymouth Hishandisaroundmyarm
“No!”Ishout,strugglingashedragsme ButI’mweaker,lessertrained,andIonlyhavedesperationonmyside
Across the courtyard, the Orc snaps his head inmydirection It’s notmore thana second, butour gazes meet His is cold, focused,butnotcruel notuntilhisgazeflickerstomycaptor.Hestills,blooddrippingfromhisax.
“Helpme,”Isay,morepleathancommand,tryingtodigmyheelsintotheroughstoneofthecourtyardasI’mdraggedacross.
“Please.”
ThewarriorholdingmyarmshakesmeandIstumble,tripping.TheOrcwalkstowardsus,andIunderstandforamomentwhy my people fear his on the battlefield; a predator stares at me. My stomach sinks; if I looked Human I could count on his protection.I’mFaethough,anaturalenemy.
ThedooropensbehindmeandmymothershoutsjustasthewhizofanaxfliestowardstheFaewarrior,whothrowsmetothe groundwithasnarlanddefendshimself.
Iroll to the side as lightflares againstthe Fae warrior's back. Ithas to be a charmbecause Mother can'tuse healingmagic whilepregnant,muchlessdefensivespells
TheFaemaleisdeadamomentlater,dropletsofhisbloodsprayingmyface
Flippingtomyfeetasecondlater,IgrabthebladeIdroppedandshoveMotherintothehouse,slammingthedoorclosed,and trynottoslipinthegrowingredpuddle.
TheOrcmalegives measingle,assessinglookbutdoesn’tapproach.“Guardthedoor.Don’tdropyour weaponagain.”He speakswithanuppercasteCityaccentratherthanthebrokenGaitheantheolderUthilsendeliberatelyuse,butIdon’tmakethe mistakeofthinkinghe’syoung.
HeturnsbacktothemainfightandheandhiswarriorsmakemincemeatoftheremainingAeddannari.InclosequartersOrcs willalwayshavetheadvantage ButsomeoftheFaeflee
Damnit “They'regettingaway!”Ishout
Nodoubtmypeoplenoticedbothmeandthedeathofmywouldbecaptor They'llreportittotheirLord,andmyhomewillbe visitedsoon.
IneedtheUthilsentokillmypeople.
My...rescuer...turnsandstalkstowardsme.“Whereisthehealer?”
Heblocksmysightofthecourtyardashecrowdsmeagainstmyfrontdoor,nottouchingmebutstill closeenoughthatit’sa deliberatethreat
There’snowheretogosinceIrefusetoopenthefrontdoor,andIcranemyneckbacktomeethisgaze
He'stall,broadshoulderedandheavilymuscledlikeallOrcwarriorsbutinsteadoftheleatherpantsandboots,acrosssheath ofweaponstheonlyadornmentonascarredchest,thismaleisin...
Trousers,tomatchthetailoredwhiteshirt.Thecutandfabricarebothquality,andifhisclothingisn'toddenough,hishairis anotherclue
It's short, for an Orc Unbeaded and unbraided, brushing above his shoulder blades, framing a face with a strong jaw and elegantcheekbones.Hisnosehasbeenbrokenatleasttwice,andthehintofabeardaddsroughness.
“Yedyah,”hesays,voiceadeep,sharprumble,“whereisthehealer?”He’sscanningthecourtyardforaHumanwoman. Fearpartiallysealsmylips.Hethrewtheaxtosaveme...maybe.Ormaybemyshoutdrewattentiontothefoe.
Hemustseeitonmyface.Hecloseshiseyesasecondandwhenheopenthemagain,thepredatorisgone.
“Iwon’thurtyou,”hesays,voicegentler,takingastepback.“Mywarriorisbleedingoutandwon’tmakeittomyhouse.”
Ilowerthebladeclutchedinmyhand,realizinghemadenomovetotakeitfromme.I’mnofool,andIknow whothismale mustbe
“LordOakHorde I'mthehealer”
Hisgazesharpensashescansmyface “ThehealerisaHumanfemale”
“Iamthehealer”Irepeatitslowly,becausehemustknowthatIcan'tlietohim “Thisismyhome,andhasbeenforthelast thirtyyears.Iwilltreatyourkin.Ourtitheiscurrent,”Iadd,mostlytoremindhimthatmyfamilypayswellfortheprivilegeof operatingourbusinessinhisterritory
Hiseyesnarrow,gazetravelingdowntopauseontheblade.“Youarethehealer.”
Mytempersparks,thoughIkeepmyvoiceeven.We’restrayingclosetosoundingridiculous.“That’swhatIsaid.”
Faecannotlie.We'recursed,oratleastIconsideritacurse.Alongwithmyentirebloodline,thepointedearsandunderglow skinthatmarksmeaswhatIam.
Enslaved ChainsIcan’tbreakbecausethey’rebuiltintomyDNA It’snottheworstthingaboutbeingaFaefemale
Thefrontdooropensagainandmystubborn motherisatmyback,herhandonmyshoulder IstranglethewordsIwanttosay Hisgazegrazesherbeforereturningtome;Ihaven’tlookedaway.Ican’t.
“LordOakHorde,”shesays,herliltingvoiceassweetashoney,withjustenoughauthoritytopingtheinstinctsofmalesfroma matriarchal culture used to obeying females. “Please bring your injured. We will tend to life threatening injuries first. Refreshments?”
Becauseifpeoplearedyingandthere'sbloodandentrailsalloverthefloor,weFaemuststillhavewineandteaandsweets.
OakHordeturnsawayandgivesorderstohiswarriors,hoistingoneoftheinjuredbeforehefollowsbehindme.Ileadthem around the side ofthe house to the entrance ofour apothecarywhichhosts a small infirmary. Myears prickatthe sound of several pairs offootsteps, some witha cadence indicatinginjuries Theydon’tcomplain, these Orcs Ican’tresistglancing overmyshoulderathim.Ourgazesmeetforasecond,tangling,thenwe’reinsideandIgesturetoOakHordetolayhismaleon thescrubbeddownworktable
He complies, glancingaround Shelves of herbs, supplies, tinctures and what not line the walls, the scents minglinginto a ubiquitousherbalaroma.Thereisalockedcabinethisgazelingerson,butitonlycontainsourpoisons.Theplaceisneatand clean,acottuckedinthecornerfornapsorpatientswhoneedtorestbeforereturninghome.
“Layhimdown Washyourhands”
“Youneedabiggertable,”OakHordesays,anoteofhumorinhiscalmvoice
Ibusymyselfwithcuttingawaythemale’spants “Wedon’tgetmanyUthilsen Some” We’renotatrueinfirmarybutwetreatemergencyinjuriesandotherailmentsforthoseintheneighborhoodwhocan'tafforda realdoctor.
IglanceatOakHorde,whowatchesmymotherretrievesupplies,herprofessional eyeskimmingthefourwhotrickleintothe workroom.ShebeginsatriageasItreatthemalebeneathme;hisinjuriesarelifethreatening.OakHordeshiftsnexttomeandI freezebrieflyfrominstinct.
“IsaidIwon’thurtyou,”hesays,voicestill aquietrumble.Iwonder ifhe’slearnedtospeaksogentlybecauseofhissize. “As you say, this apothecary has been in my territory for at least three decades. I’d like to know how you’ve remained undetectedbyyourpeople”
“I'mahealer,notakiller Iwon'thurtyourmale There’snoneedtothreatenme” Ispeakthroughteethgrittedwitheffort;mymagicis barelybeginningtorecover fromthebacklash Icanuseit,butit’s like punchinga freshbruise over andover while bleedingout.Ihave todrainone ofmytworeserve stones,andit’s still barely enough
“You’reAeddannari”
“Whichyoudidn'tknowuntilfiveminutesago Nowbequiet”Ican’tworkwithhimexpectingmetorespondtohisquestions Icanbarelyworkwithhimatmyback,toweringoverme.
Henodsandstepsback alittle givingmemoreroom.
As I work, I listen. Mymother, after triagingand doingwhat she canwiththe use of hands and skill, arranges for tea and snacks Her sweet, soothingvoice fills the roomand Ilether work, knowingfull well whatshe's doing Uthilsenmales are subservienttotheirfemales,butthey'realsoprotective.There'ssignificantspeciesdislikebetweenOrcsandFae,butthetwo ofusarehealersandfemale,andwe’velivedpeaceablyinhisterritory,paidhistithe Wemaybeabletosalvagethesituation
ImaybeabletotalkOakHordeintolettingusstayandintokeepingour identityasecret,ifbysomemiracletheAeddannari
I SAVEthemale’slifethentendtothosewhoneedmorethanstitchingorbonesetting. “I’mbillingyoutripleforthis,”Imutter.
“Yourworkiscompetent,”hesaysatmyback.“Wemaycometoadifferentarrangement.”
Iknowwhatthatmeans,andIgrimlybitebackaretort.Eitheraretainer,orserviceaspartofourtithe.Eitherway,itmeansin futurehe’llkeepaneyeonus ThewayIfeelhiseyesonmybacknow
Or doeshemeanan arrangement? We’reinhisterritory,hecanclaimanyfemalehewants He’sstandingahairtooclose, hisattentionahairtoofocusedonme.Iforcethetrembleoutofmyfingers.
“Hushnow,”Imurmur astheyoungestonehisseswhenIstitchhiswound.Hishair islongandtousled,afew braidswoven tightagainsthisscalpindicatinghisbattleexperience “Bestrongandyoucanhaveacookie”
Hepokesouthisbottomlipthroughatangleofhair “Whatkindofcookie?”
“Sweetspicetarsiroot”AtraditionalUthilsencookieSydneeeatsbythebarrelfull
MymotherhandshimawrappedbundleamomentlaterandhetakesitwiththearmI’mnottending
“Thank you, yedyah,” he says, lowering his gaze as if my mother is the dominant female in the room It’s cute they use Aeddannaritermsratherthantheirown.Suchmanners.
She pats his headas Ideclare himonthe mend.As Istand,Ipress myhandtomytemple;I’mdizzy,butIcan’tfail here or OakHordewillhaveareasontopunishus
“Giveyourthankstothehealer,Druith,”OakHorderumbles,hisvoicetooclosetomyear,theheatofhisbodyjustbrushing myback.
“Thankyou,” the boysays meekly, mouthfull. That’s all he is, a big, dangerous boymunchingoncookies made to reward children.Involuntarily,somethinginmesoftens,maybebecauseI’msousedtosisters.Alittlebrotherwouldhavebeennice.
Iwave himawayand tend to another. The youngones reallyare sweet. The elders are gruffer, thoughno one is outwardly disrespectful.NotoneOrcoffersaharshword,notonetouchesusortriestoleavetheconfinesoftheinfirmary.They’remuch betterbehavedthanFaewouldbe.
ThoughIwonder ifthat’s more because their Lord stands behind me, arms crossed over his chestas his gaze bores into my back Eslanaoffershimteaandcookies,whichherefuses,tellinghertositandrest shedoes,afterrequestinghisassistance tolowerherselfinthechair.
“You'vebeenveryhelpful,Lord,”shemurmurs.“Mythanks.”
Isigh.She’sflirting.Shehasnodignity,thoughreally,she’stryingtogetonhisgoodside.
“Sajena,”mymothersays,concerninhervoiceasIstaggerawayfromtheworktable.
Myknees buckle butstrongarms catchand lower me into a chair. I'mdizzy, hearingmush, butsomeone shoves a cup oftea underneathmynoseandwrapstheirhandsaroundminetohelpmeholdit
Whenthe weakness and nausea clear, I've drunkhalf the tea OakHorde crouches infront of me, his brow
studiesmyface.Ifhethinksmyskintoneindicateshealth,Ihavenews;Ican’tgetanypaler.
“Good,”hesaysasIsip.Dark,inscrutableeyeswatchmebutthecurveofhismoutharoundhistusksisalmosttender,thegrip ofhismuch,muchbiggerhandsgentle.“Canyoueat,orwillfoodmakeyousick?”
Ishe ishe taking care ofme?Inodslowly,andletitbe.That'sagoodinstinct,onemymother andIwanttoencourage?I glanceatherandshegivesaserenesmile.Theedgesofhereyescrinkleasifthesmileisgenuine,butit’shermask.Sheturns towardsawarriorwhospeakstoher,andbeginsfussingoverhim.
“Mymotherneedsrest,”ItellOakHorde,myvoicehoarse.Hestillhasn’tmoved,holdingmyhandsasifhehasnothingbetter todothanensureIdrinkmytea “She'llgivebirthanydaynowandshe'stired”
“Nonsense,”Eslanasays “I’mnotweary,andthesefinewarriorsrequireattention”
She'slayingitonabitthick
IlookatLordOakHordeagain,who’sfrowning.“Yourfaceisbruised,”hesays,anedgeinhisvoice.“Canyoutendyourown injury?”
Oh.HemustmeanwheretheFaewarriorhitme.“It’sfine.Itwillhealonitsown.”
Hegivesmealonglookandpresseshislipstogetherasifsuppressinganinstincttoargue.“Asyouwish,yedyah.ThoughI’m concerned”
“It’sjustabruise”
“Nomalewithanyhonorbruisesafemaleifsheisnotanenemy”
Meetinghisgazeagain,Iflexmyfingersbeneathhis;myhandsarenaturallycoldbuthisarewarm,thatheatseepingthrough myskin.
“Butifshe’sanenemy,thenshe’sfairgame?Ourpeopleareenemies.” “Iwillnotliftahandtoyou.”Hisvoiceissoft,eachwordprecise. Lookingatourclaspedhands,hisdwarfmine.Handsthatcould Itry,andfail,tostopmythoughts,uneasyattheirdirection. Handsthatcouldwraparoundmythroat,orcompletelycovermybreasts.Handsthatcouldeasilyspanmywaistandliftmeso I
Hisnostrilsflareandheinhales,hardchestexpanding.
Iforcemymindtothinkaboutthecurrentpredicament,feelingheatinmycheeks.
OakHorde’sexpressionisinscrutable,butnotunkind.Hedoesn’trespond;waiting.
“Thenwewillnotbeenemies,”Isay,tryingtoinjectlightnessintomytone.
He leads his people,rules his territory.He killedfor me as he shouldsince he broughtthis trouble tomyhome inthe first place.Hiskindnessisn’tweakness.WhatIfeel,whatIshouldn’tfeel,beginstowellup.Completelyunexpected.Notentirely unwelcome.
Butcomplicated.Definitelythat.
Iglanceatmymotheragain,uncomfortableandsomethingelse.Hishandsarewarmaroundmine,andI’vemadenomoveto gethimtoletmego.Ishould.Ishouldtell himtoletmego,but...aLordwhodefers toafemale?Is kindtoher insteadof punishing?Evenifhe is anOrc,withtheirpredilectionforobeyingtheirfemales,thisisoddbehavior SoIdon’tpullaway,becausehe’sLordofthisterritoryandifhewantstoholdmyhands,noonecanstophim “I’mtired,”Isay
Henodsandfinallyreleasesme,settingasidetheteacup.IstandcarefullytoensureIdon’talmostfaintagain.
“I’dliketoreturntobed,ifthere’snothingelse?”Mykneeswobble.
LordOakHordeslidesanarmaroundmyback,pullingmetohischestasifhe’sdonesodozensoftimes.Myheadcomestohis shoulder,andhe’swideenoughIcancompletelyrestmybodyagainsthis,andstillhaveroomoneitherside.
Gods,hemustdestroyhislovers.
“Restagainstmeifyouwon’tsit,”hesays.
“Whenwillyouleave?”
Mymotherinhalessoftly IfhewereaFaeLord,I’dbepunishedfordismissinghim,butOakHordeonlyassessesme “Yedyah,” he begins, then stops as if taking care with his words “You can’t remain here if your goal is to maintain your independence.”
Anothermalestepsnexttohim.“Twoescaped.They’lltakewordofthefemalesbacktoPike.Theywatchedthepaleoneraise bladetoherkin,andallheardhercryforhelp.”
Pike.
Iclosemyeyes Heisworse,farworse,thanCoho
“Youunderstandtheproblem,”OakHordesays,stillholdingme Hebeginsalong,slowstrokeupanddownmyspine
Shuddering,IrestmyforeheadagainsthisshoulderbecauseIamthattiredandhedoesn’tseeminclinedtoletmego Hisscent fillsmynostrilsasmybodyslumpsagainsthis.
He’sbold,foranOrc.Theydon’tnormallytouchafemaleofanyspecieswithoutexplicitpermission.Nomalehaseverheld melikethis.
He’soneoftheThree.Meadowland,Seacliff,OakHorde,therulersofCoho,Pike,andOakHordeStreets,SeannaCity’snotso undergroundworld.
He’s one ofthe Three and therefore too dangerous to dallywith. To want. But Irecognize the unfurlingheat inmycore as yearningfortheillusionofstrong,masculinearmsthatholdmewithoutdemandingmysubservienceinreturn.
“We’velivedundetectedatpeaceinyour territoryfor threedecades,”mymother is saying,andagainIhavetomakemyself focus I’mdrainedfromhavingtohealwithouttimetorecoverfromthebacklash “Weunderstand ifImaysay betterthan you.”
WhenIopenmyeyes,OakHorde’sattentionisonher middle.“Whereisyour male,Mother?”Hestiffens,hisarmtightening aroundme “And Sajena’s?”
ThenoteinhisvoicehasmewonderingwhathewoulddoifIgavehimaname,andalocation Eslanasmiles “It’sjustusgirls Sajenahasneverpaired”
Ikeepmyexpressionneutral thoughIwanttoaskher whatshe’s doing,admittingthatwe have noprotection andimplying thereare more ofus.
“Nowarriorguardsthishouseandapothecary?”Hepauses.“Howmanylivehere?”
Histonedemandsananswer,andIcan’trefuse.“Therearefiveofus.Mymother,myself,andmysisters.” OakHordeblinks,staringdownatme.“FiveAeddannarifemales?Allunderglamour?” “Yes.”
“Inmyterritory.”HeglancesatEslanaagain,hislipstightening,expressiondarkening.“Theirfathers?” Shelowersherlashes.“Whocansay?Inanycase,noneoftheirfatherswilltroubleyou.Theydon’ttroubleme.”
I’mnotcertainanyofthemknowtheirdaughtersexist.I’mnotcertainifmymotherdidn’tjustkillthemall. “Isee,”hesays.“Thisisacomplication,andthiseveninghasalreadybeenmoreinterestingthanIlikeatmyage.Youcan’t stayhere,anyofyou.”
“WHERE DO YOU SUGGEST WE GO?”Iask,shiftingsoI’mpressingagainsthimagain;Ican’thelpit. Fromthemomenthishandstouchedmine no,fromthemomentIcalledouttohimandhisgazemetmineandhecameforme Iwantedhim
I’veknownhimanhour
I’veheardofthefemalesofmypeoplebondingquicklytoamale,butthis quicklyisrare Ridiculous
“Wepayyourtithes,wecausenotrouble,”Isay,forcingmymindtofocuspasttherisingpanic “We’reanassetandyouwant toforceusoutofyourterritory ”
“Isaidnothingaboutforcingyououtofmyterritory.” He lifts a handandbrushes a talonalongmycheek,alongthe bruise I haven’thealed Hiseyesflarewithanger “Youwillallcomewithme Ican’tleaveyouhere,andIdon’thavethewarriorsto spareaspermanentguardsonyourhome.”
“Isthatanorder?”Iask.
Hetiltshishead,expressionquizzical.“It’snotarequest.Ifyouhadcometomewithyoursecret,thiswouldn’thavehappened tonight.”
It’sagentle,almostcoaxingrebukebutitstillstings.Hisdispleasurestings.Ilashout.“It’sourfault?YousoundAeddannari.”
OakHordestiffens Oneofthewarriorscoughs
“Mymotherisabouttogivebirth Weneedto ”
“Ourglamourbroke,Sajena,”mymothercutsmeoff “Pikewillsendwarriorstoretrieveusandiftheybelieveyouractions led to anyofthe deaths inthe courtyard, youcould be executed. Theywon’tnecessarilykill yourightaway.” Her smile is wintry.“Notuntilthey’vemadeyoubirththeirchildren.”
Ifeeltheblooddrainfrommyface.Iknewthat,ofcourse,buthearingitaloudisdifferent.Inthatsmileareallthesecretswhy mymotherhidherselfandusfromherpeople.
“Thatwon’thappen,”OakHordegrowls.“You’reinmyterritory.Thirtyyears,asyousaid.You’remine.”
Almost,Ishudder.Thosewords.Hehasnoideahowthosewordsaffectme.
“Sajena,”mymothersays,givingmeapiercinglook. Ispeakinourlanguage.“Icannot Icannothelpit.”
OakHordeglancesbetweenusbutdoesn’tinterrupt. Shesighs.“Sitdownandeatsomething.Youarenotyourselfwhenhungryandtired.”
Sheleavestheroom.
“Bringsomeofthat,”OakHordesays.“Sitdown.Listentoyourmother.” HeunderstandscommonAeddannari.Ofcoursehedoes.
Awarrior theyoungoneItended picksupaplateofcookiesandsandwichesandbringsitover.Hehesitates,thenbowsto
me,holdingitoutalittleawkwardly.
“Yedyah,”hesays.Isheblushing?Istareathim,asamusedasIcanbeinthissituation. “It’sforyou,”heprompts.“Eat.”Hepauses.“It’sgood.” “Yes,Iknow.”
His blushdeepens atmyindulgenttone.Itake the foodandsit,the Orc Lordhoveringatmyside as Ibegintoeat,his arms crossedoverhischest
“Willthisbeenoughforthetripback?”OakHordeasks “Ifyoufaint,Iwillcarryyou,but ” “Iwon’tfaint”
“Aeddannarifemalesaredelicate”Hisvoicerisesonthelastword
“We’renotdelicate,”Isay,eating,makinggrimplans Mysisterscan’tstayhere “We’resubjugated,andtherearen’tmanyof us.There’sadifference.”
There’salongpause.“Pikewillnowknowthere’sanenclaveofAeddannarifemalesinmyterritory,aswe’veestablished.” Istill,lookingupathim.“AreyouatwarwithPike?” “Iamnowconsideringit.” Aterritorywar.Igrimace.
Hisdarkeyeswatchme,watchtheplateofdisappearingfood.Then,shockingmeagain,hecrouchesatmyfeet.
“Icanprotectyou,yedyah,youandyourmotherandsisters,butyouhavetocooperateoritwon’twork.”
“WhydoyouthinkIwon’tcooperate?”
Awrysmilecurveshalfofhismouth.“Yougreetedyourownkinwithasword.Ithinkyouaretoousedtoyourindependence nowtocooperatewithanymalesoeasily”
“IntroducehertoAartagh,”theboymutters “She’llreallylearnthemeaningofcooperation Theoppositeofit,Imean” “YouledPike’swarriorshere”I’mangry,blindinglyangry,thoughIkeepmyvoicelowandmyexpressionneutral Myanger isathim,atmyself,atbiologyIcan’tchange.
Hisgazeissteady,thoughIseetheflashofthepredatorunderneath.“WhichiswhyI’llprotectyouandyourfamily.Butyou’ll havetoremaininthecompounduntilweknowyou’resafe,orPikeisdead”
Struggling, Itryto remainreasonable Until Pike’s dead, rather thanuntil he forgets, because immortals forgetnothing “My patients?”
“Youaren’ttheonlyhealerinOakHorde.”
Istand. “I’mthe onlyone who will heal themwithoutextractingFavors theycan’tpayor takingmoneytheydon’thave!” I shakemyhead,havingtoprythewordsofrefusaloutofmythroat “No,Ican’tgo Buttakemymotherandsisters” Hesaysnothingasthere’sapatteroffootstepsdownthehall,andthentheworkroomdooropens Mysistersenter,followedby mymother.
Leislahstalksinsideandthoughshe’sinalongbrownskirtandahighneckedblouse,shewalkslikeshe’sarmed.She’stwenty years myjunior,her father havinggiftedher withsunsethair andangryeyes as well as the smatteringoffreckles across her darkgold-brownskin.Herearsarepointedlikemine;weassumeherfatherisFae.
“Well,ain’tthissomehorseshit,”shesays.“Itoldyaweshould’vesetthewardtokilloncontactatnight.”
The Uthilseninthe roomlookat her withvarious expressions of amusement and respect. Of course, theylike bloodthirsty females.IglanceatOakHordeundermylashes.Doeshepreferhertome?I’mquieter,andnotthesweetquietmymotherhas perfected.
Taiyahhidesbehindher,theyoungestofuswithperpetuallypink,roundcheeksandhoneybrownhairintwomessybraids,her
ambereyeswide,herbottomliptrembling.
“Orcs,”shewhispers.
“Theywon’thurtyou,”Leislahsays,impatient.
“Orcs,”myothersistersays,inacompletelydifferenttone.
ShepushesaroundLeislahandTaiyah.We’dglamouredhertolooklikeathirteen-yearoldHuman,aboutherequivalentage. She has no natural glamour ofher own;Uthilsendon’toftenpass magical gifts throughtheir bloodlines, and Fae-Orc mixes tendtotakeaftertheOrcparent.
Wedon’tknowwhoherfatheris,butIknowthatperiodoftimebeforemymotherfellpregnantI’dneverseenhersohappy.Or sosadonceshe’dfinallycuttheliaisonoff.
Sydneeturnstome.“We’regoingtothecompound?”
“Yes.”
Shegrins
OakHordestareshardatherlightgreenskinandcurlydarkbrownhair She’sclearlyhalf-Uthilsenwithoutherglamour This maybeanunanticipatedproblem.
OakHordeturnstome,catchingmyhand.“Whoisherfather?”Obviouslyhedoesn'tthinkMotherwillanswer,andhe’sright.
“Idon’tknow.Beforeyouaskmymother,it’shighlyprobableshedoesn’tknoweither.”
Eslanaarchesabrowatme,butsaysnothing.
“Nomaleamongmyownwouldabandonababeifheknewsheexisted,”hebitesout.
Thistime, I saynothing.
“I’mnot leavinganyof youhere,” he says, his voice sheddingthe soothingqualityof before. It’s smoothwiththe kind of determinationthat signals anend to his indulgence His fingers tightenaround mine and he turns to face me fully, stepping closer,loomingoverme.
“Isthereevenroomforallofus?”Iask.
Heshrugs.“Thehouseisbigenough.”
I’veseenitinpassing.Oneoftheoldmanors,threestoriesandwithabigredporch,surroundedbytreeswhichIassumehide moresentries Thewhitepaintislonggone,replacedbywoodenpaneling ThegrounditsitsonwasoncethreeCityblocks I’veneverbeenpastthegates,bristlingwithOrcwarriors.
Itiltmyheadback.“I’veagreedyoushouldtakemysisters.Ihaveresponsibilitieshere.”
Leislahsnorts.“Don’tlisten.ShehopesifshestaysbehindtoletPikecapture‘er,he’llforgetabouttherestofus.” OakHorde’sjawclenches.“Isthattrue?”
Mysilenceisanswerenough.IshouldslapLeislah,butI’ddothesamethinginherplace. “No,”OakHordesays.“Yourwillingnesstosacrificeyourselfis,uh...admirable,butnotnecessary.”
“Willyouforceme?”
Thehunterbehindhiseyesisrestless,staringmedownasiftomakemegiveway.“There’snoneedforyoutodietoprotect yourfamily You’retired,asyourmothersaid,andmakingashorttermdecisionwithdevastatinglongtermconsequences”
Ialmostsigh He’sright Mymotherfacesme,asinscrutableandsilentastheotherOrcs “Thereareotherconsiderations,”Isay “Whatarethoseconsiderations?”heasks
Ihesitate,thenswitchtoadialecthe'sunlikelytoknow,glancingatLeislahtoincludeherintheconversation
“Mother,willheclaimhostprivileges?”Mybreathingcatches.
“Ifinditveryunlikely,”Eslanasays,eyesnarrowonmyface.“He'sanOrc.It'snottheircustomtoexpectanofferofflesh.”
“Hehas ruledhis territoryfor almostacentury,”Leislahsays.“Heknows our people’s customs.Hemightbeinsultedifwe don'tatleastmaketheoffer.Wedon’twanthimtothinkwebelievehimbeneathus.”
Iagree “Leislah,you'realmosttooyoung”
“Almostdoesn'tcount”
Eslanapursesherlips “Idon’tthinkitwillbenecessary”
“Why?”Iask
She doesn'trespond and it’s the same silence thatdescends whenever we aska questionshe feels she can’tanswer;usually aboutwherewe’refrom,whywe’rehiding.
“I’ll maketheoffer first,”Isay.“Ifheprefers oneofyouwewill deal withitthen.”Ihesitate.“Ithinkhe heknows,or at leastfeelsit Hehasn’tstoppedtouchingme,likehe’sFaeandwantstoencouragethestrike”
“Yevserayya?”Leislahsays,eyeswidening
I almost cringe at the word Love and I use the word colloquially that strikes like lightning and binds you to your “beloved”.
Nowarning.Nochoice.
WhatAeddannarifemalesfearaboveeverything,becauseitwillbindustoourworstenemyifitstrikes.
“Ifyoufeelyoumustmaketheoffer,”Eslanasaysafteramoment,“Iwon’tstopyou.”Sheturnsaway.“Asyousaid,thepoint islikelymootsinceyourefusetoleavehisarms”
Istart Ihadn’trealized;hisarms are aroundmeagain “Healer?”hesays,voiceinmyear
“Youhavetocomewithus,Jena,”Taiyahsaysinasmallvoice “ArethereotherOrcessesthere?”Sydnee’savidstareboresintoOakHorde “Wecanlearntofightforreal”
“Thereare,andyoucanmeetthem,”Isay,rubbingmyface “I’llgo”
It’snotasifIcan’tfigureoutawaytosneakpastafewlumberingUthilsenguardstogoseemypatients I’llneedtogetword toHonoriaaswell.Wecan’tsimplydisappear.
ItakeadeepbreathandwhenIexhaleit’stooshaky.OakHordemakesasoothingnoisedeepinhisthroat.
“Easy,yedyah,”hesaysinagentlerumblethat must beamask,likemymother’ssmiles.“Letmeshoulderthisburden.You’ll feelbetterinthemorning”
Iwonderwhatit’sliketobeabletotellblatantlies
CYTHRO
“YOUR NAME IS JENA?”IaskonceI’vesettledthefemalesintoacoach
Theypileontoonebench,theyoungestgirlssittingontheelders’laps SuppressingtheneedtodragtheFaefemaleintomylap takeslongenoughthatsilencedescends,noonewillingtobreakit.
They’velivedinmyterritorypeacefully,causingmenotroubleandpayingtheir tithes.Iowethemmyprotectionfor leading their kin to their doorstep. Tonight I’d taken warriors to patrol my territory, hunting whoever has been behind a rash of kidnappingsofunregisteredmagicusers We’dfollowedtheAeddannaritotheapothecary’svicinity,andnowIwonderifthe Faehavebeenhuntingthesefemalesallalong.
Sherefusestolookatme,heatstaininghercheeksasshestaresoutthecoveredwindowofthecoachasifshecanseethrough cloth,herhandscurledintofistsinherlap
Fear? Tension? Or like me,is she bracingherselfagainstthe needtotouchme,the wayIneedtotouchher? Iknow whena femalewantsme.Ialsoknowwhenshe’sshyingfromit. Ishouldletitbe.
Themotherglancesatherdaughterandsighs.“HernameisSajena.I’mEslana.”
Shegivesthenamesoftheothergirls.TheOrclingisSydnee,andthat’sanissueIwilldealwith.OrputCaisartothetaskof findingthe girl’s father IfIdetermine he knowinglyabandonedthe babe,there will be consequences She’s one ofours We don’tabandonourkin.
IsmileatSydnee,whoseeyeswiden,andshegrinsback.She’syoungforherage,anillthinginthisCity.IfshehasnofatherI canfind,I’lltakeoverherrearingmyself
Sajena’sdistressswimstothesurfacewhensheglancesbetweenmeandtheOrcling She’sprotective,themothercalculating Theymustbestrongandcannytohavesurvivedindependentlyforsolong.Aeddannarimalesaredegenerateswhocontroland abusetheirfemales.
“Whenwearrive,”Itell Sajena,glancingatEslanatoincludeher,“I’ll introduceyoutomysecond,Aartagh.She’ll apprise youofthehouseholdsecurityandyoucandiscussneedsforyourstay.”
“Afemaleisyoursecond?”theOrclingdemands.SheturnstohermotherasifshesuspectsI’mlying. Leislahwatchesmewithdaggersharpgreeneyesthatwilldevastatesomepoormalewhenshe’solder,andtheyoungestlooks scared.
“TheUthilsenaredifferent,”Eslanamurmurs.“Manyoftheirfemalesholdpositionsofauthority.” Sydnee’seyesbrighten.“DoesAartaghfight?Willsheteachme?Iwanttoholdanax. ”
Iapproveofherspirit,whichtellsmemuchaboutthemother.Theolderfemalessigh,LeislahsharingalookwithSajena. “Youdefendedyourhomewithablade,”IpointouttoSajena
“Notwell”
Thereisonlyoneresponsetothattoneofvoice.“Yousurvived,andyourenemydidn't.Sowellenough,Iwouldsay.”
“Sheshouldlearn,Jena,”Leislahsays.“She’smoreOrcthanFaeanyway.Itusuallyhappensthatwaywhenwecrossblood.”
Idiplomaticallyrefrainfromspeaking. I’mLord ofmyterritory, aye. One ofthe Three, aye. No one crosses myrule inmy territoryandlives...butthesearefemales.
Onedoesn’tcrossthemandexpecttosurvivelong,orhappily Besides,AartaghwilladoretheOrcling,whichmeansI’mnow outnumberedinmyownhome.
Thissituationwillrequirestrategy.
“Ifitpleases you,”Itell Sajena,“Aartaghcaninstructtheyoungling.Anyofyour sisters whowanttolearn.Females should knowhowtoslitathroat,orcutoffamale’s ”
Eslanacoughs.
Leislah smiles and I make a mental note to watch her. I’ve seen that kind of smile on a battlefield before someone I underestimatedstabbedmeintheback.
Sajenaalsosmiles.
Istill.Thesmileissmallandgrimbutgenuine,andherthinlipsrelaxintosoftpillowsashereyeswarmtoasummersky,the sharplinesofherfacesoftening.Sheisn’tlikethefemalesofmypeopleatall,butshe’sstrikinginherway.
Toostriking.“Canyoureplaceyourglamour?”Iask.
Eslana and Sajena exchange a glance. “I’mdrained. Inthe morningI can. Mother cando nothingwhile she’s pregnant. My sisters...havenotlearned.”
Shemeanstheydon’thavethepower,butsheavoidsadmittingaweaknesstheonlywayshecanwhileremainingtruthful.
The strainofdepleted magic is inSajena’s eyes. Whenthe fightwiththe Fae broke the wards protectingthe apothecary, as soonasIsaw her hunchedover,glaringatusthroughher loosewhitehair,I’dknownthebruntofthebacklashhadfallenon her
Butshe’dstoodherground,foughtagainstthemalewhotriedtokidnapthenpunishherwhensheresisted
The thought that there’s onlySajena to protect a gravid female and three youngleaves me enraged, and worried Eslana is foolish;sheshouldn’thavehadsomanychildrenwithoutafewmalestoprotectthem,orafemale’scircleotherthanhereldest daughter
“Assoonasyoucan,replacetheglamours,”Isay “Canhegetthroughyourwards?”
“There’salwaysafirsttime”
AartaghemergesfromthehouseasIjumpoutofthecoachandstepbacksothefemalescanexit Ifmysecondwasn'twatching, Iwould hold outa hand to aid Sajena, butit’s obvious her desire is to projectstrength. Ido assistEslana, because evenan Uthilsenfemalerequireshelpwhileshe'sthisheavilypregnant
“Willyousettlethefemalesinthequartersoftheirchoiceandseethattheyeatifthey'rehungry?”IaskAartagh “It’slate,soa debriefcanwait.Thelittleonesneedrest.”IglanceatEslana.
Wehavenofemale’scirclebecausetechnicallywe'renotaclan,buttechnicalitiesdon'tmattersomuchandIwon'tinterfere withtheirbusiness Aartaghgivesmeasharpnod,andgesturesattheothers Istepback,leavingtheminherhands Sajenaturnstome “I'dliketospeakwithyoubeforeIretire,ifthat'spossible” Hervoiceissharpbutshe'scourteousenough,bowingalittle It'snotnecessary Uthilsendon'tforcethesekindsofgesturesof respect;mostofthemarefalse.
IglanceatAartagh,whonodsagreement.IlooktoEslanaagain,butit'sdifficulttoimagineherasmySajena'smother.There's abrittlenessinherunderthelayersofcultivatedsweetness
“Don'ttaketoolong,Jena,”Eslanasays.“Youneedresttoo,andwhateverproblemsyouthinkyouhavetosolvecanprobably waituntilthemorning.LordOakHorde,ifyouplease.”
“Gowiththem,”SajenatellsLeislah.“I’lltrynottobetoolong.”
“Come,”Isaywhensheturnsbacktome.Shenodsandfollowsmeintothehouse.
Capo waits inmyoffice Aartaghhandles mywarriors, butCapo handles mybusiness Rightnow his ruthlessness is hidden underablandexpressionandastackofpapershecarries,includingathin,refurbishedtabletthatcostmeasmallfortune.Like me,hepreferstheHumanstyleofcasualbusinesswear,whichmakesthemortalsthinkwearecivilized.
He gives Sajena anassessinglookthroughhis round spectacles. I’mstill not certainif they’re a prop, or if he is actually nearsighted “LordOakHorde”
Ialmostsnort Usually,hecallsmeboy Hebelongedtomyfather first Hewon’tsayanythinginfrontofanAeddannari she mightinterpretasdisrespectthough.
“WefollowedasquadofAeddannaritotheHearthroseblock.”IflickmygazeatSajena,whostandsstifflytotheside.“They weresearchingforsomething”
Hegrimaces,understandingmysilentmessage “We’lldiscussthiswhenyourbusinessisdone”
WhenheleavesImakeSajenaadrink,gesturingtothechairinfrontofmydesk Iwonderwhatshethinksofthisglimpseofmyhome,myprivatespace Thedarkwoodpanelingandrefurbishedwoodfloors There's little furniture in the roomother than the sideboard where I keep my liquor, the desk, and the chairs. I'mtoo big; furniture is justmore things for me toruninto Myonlyconcessiontothe wealthmyfamilyhas builtover generations is the richlycoloredburgundyrugonthefloor,ofIcarianmake.
Therearenowindows.Ifsomeonewantstoassassinatemeoneday,itwon'tbetheeasyway.
She sits onthe edge of her chair, backramrod straight. “I appreciate your hospitality. It's not myintentionto stretchit any furtherthanneeded,andifIcancometosomearrangementwithyourhouseholdstaff,I'llcontinuetocareformysistersonmy own.”
Idownmydrinkandresistpouringanother.ThisistheopeningsalvoofanegotiationIdidn’taskfor,andisn’thowIwantthe remainderofmyevening dawn togo.
“Mystaff’spaidtotakecareofmyhousehold,whichincludesyouwhileyou'rehere.”
Sajenaopenshermouth,probablytoprotest,andIsettlebackinmychairandstareather “Negotiationsareunnecessary I’m notAeddannari.”
Shesighs.“Ofcourse,LordOakHorde.”
“Didn’tIjustsayI’mnotFae,Sajena?AddressmeasCythro.”
Shemakesaface,butcatchesherself. Ialmostlaugh.“Whatdoyouwanttodiscuss?”
Her gaze is onmyface, steadyand sharp as she studies me, butanother blushcolors her skin, givingme a clue where this conversationisgoing
“Iwanttosetthecostofyourprotection”
I'mnotamalewithatemper,usually “Isaidyou'remyguest IbroughtdangertoyourdoorstepandIoweyouadebtforthat” “Wewould'vebeendiscoveredsoonerorlater”
The tensionItryto keep atbayheightens The gruesome fates ofthe females who catchPike’s attentionare onlyone ofthe reasonsIwanttoseehimtakenout.
Thethoughtofhersufferinglikethat...myjawclenches.“Butnottonight,ifitweren'tforme.”
Sajena still hasn'tblinkedandher nervousness is palpable thoughitbarelyshows onher face.She's a healer,she musthave
learnedtocontrolfear.Idon'twantherfear.WhatIwant
Isetmydrinkdown.
Likeshedidintheinfirmary,Iwanthertosurrenderintomyarms.Totrustmetocareforher,toacceptmyprotection. Hellsdamnit.
“Ifmymother,whoissoontohaveanew child,andmysistersandIaretostayhereundertheprotectionofyourhousehold, eatingyourfoodandsleepinginyourbedsand fromtheconversationbetweenmysisterandAartagh utilizingyourwarriors fortraining,thenIoweyousomethingintrade.”Herblueeyesdarken.“IfyoutrulymeantoprotectusuntilPikeisnolongera threat,thatcouldbeyears.”
Theurgetosmilesurprisesme.“Idon'tmind.Thegirlsseemspirited,andtheOrclingshouldbearoundherpeople.”Isteeple my fingers “There's room in the house, and in the morning you'll see that the grounds are extensive enough for play and exploration.”
She shakes her head. “No, Lord OakHorde. The burdenof debt will swinginyour favor, and if I know somethingof your people,thenyouknowsomethingofmine”
Isnort,pickingupmydrinkanddowningituntilIrealizeit’sempty Damn “You’rekindtoremindme Fine Idon'twantan Aeddannariwhobelievestheyowemeadebtlivingundermyroof.Ivaluemyneck.Whatdoyoupropose?”
Sherisesslowly,pushingthechairback,herhandtremblingforamomentbeforeshecontrolsherself.“Therearemyskillsasa minorhealerwhichIcan'tbargainwith,asitwouldbeyourrightasahosttocallonmeforsuchlabor”
Whatinthehellsisthisfemalethinking?Iclenchmymusclestokeepstill
Shestraightenshershouldersandwalksaroundthedeskandkneels
Everyinstinctinmesharpensatthedelicatefemaleatmyfeet,offeringherself
She can be yours Take her
Iswivel the chair,creakinga warningI’mnotlikelyto heed,and face her “Whatis this, girl?” Myfingers flex,and Iforce themtorelax.
Sajenalowersherhead,loosewhitehairfallingdownhershouldersandtouchingthefloor.Ihopeshedoesn’tsaywhatIthink she’s
“Anofferofflesh,LordOakHorde”
Damn ThesemotherfuckingFae
“IfyouweremydaughterIwouldputyouovermykneeandspankyou”
SHE JERKS BEFORE GOING STILL. “No. If you were a Fae Lord and I was your daughter, a spanking would be the mildest punishment Mostwouldconsideritareward”
Areward
OnlycenturiesofdealingwithAeddannarikeepsmystomachfromcurdling Iknowshe’sright “Ishouldfeelinsulted”
I’mannoyed I don’t; I thought I was a better male What I feel is hot, raging need Her scent, her blush, her courage and competence hervulnerability.Thecombinationwouldfellanymale.
Sheliftsherhead,temperinhereyesbeforeshevisiblyreinsherself.“Mybodyisaninsult?AmIrepulsive?”
“Youknowthat’snotwhatImeant.”
“Insult isnotthewordI’duse.Icancountonhalfahandthenumberofmaleswho’vehadwhatI’mofferingyou.”
Andthat’sthenumberitwillstay,addingonlyonemore.
Mycontrolslipsanothernotch.ItbeganunravelingwhenIcuppedherhands,coolanddelicateundermine,hereyesstartled.. andsomethingelse
Lost Hungry
“Getoffyourknees,girl”Ibaremyteeth,notbotheringtohidemyannoyanceatthiscomplication “That'snotapriceI'lltake, notinreturnforprotection.That'snotmyway.”
“Iknow.That'spartofthereasonIoffered.”
Someofmyagitationfades.Inherroundaboutway,she'srevealingshefeelssafewithme butnotsafeenoughtonotmakethe offer
ItakeSajena’shand,tuggingherupandyankingsharplysoshestumblesintomylap Sheslipsanarmaroundmyneckasshe drapesherselfacrossmythighs.Iresignmyselftomybodydecidingmyfate.I’vefuckedfemales,quickencountersmeantfor themutualfulfillmentofphysicalneed,butnotsincemywifewaskilledduringoneoftheincessantterritoryskirmisheshaveI takenatruelovertomybed.
NotsincethenhaveIwantedto.Notlikethis.
“Tellmeaboutthisoffer,”Isay,stalling.
Thecolorinhercheeksdarkens,andsheavoidsmygaze.Modesty,notduplicity.“It’ssimpleenough.Idon’tneedtospellit outforyou.”
Holdingher,I'mremindedthatIfailedtoprotectmywife,thewayIfailedtoprotectSajenabybringingafighttoherhomethat destroyedheranonymity;there’sareasonthey’rehiding.AndIbreakmyfastwithanAeddannarifemale?Onewhosepresence couldcauseaterritorywaratatimewhenmystrategyistolullPikeintocomplacencywhilewehuntforawaytoendhim?
Thisisapissnomenallypooridea,asmysonwouldsay.
“Youhavenofemale’scircletoguideyou.”
Sheshrugs,peekingatme.She’snotasmallfemale,butinmyarms,she’stiny.“Ihavemymother.”
“Sheagreedtothis?”Idemand.
“Thatisn’tthewordI’duseeither.”
No, I shouldn’t take advantage of this thoughthe sparkdeep inme is readyto burst into aninferno. Fromthe moment her glittering,desperateeyesmetmineinthemoonlitcourtyard,firstasshedefendedherself,andsecondasshepleadedwithme forprotection,IknewIwantedher.
Laterwhenshehealedmywarriors,hervoicebriskbutherhandsgentle...there'smuchtoadmireinthehealer. Ikissherforehead,tryingtoremindmyselfsheisn’tinapositiontobargainwithstrength.
“Irefuse,Sajena.”Igripherchingently.“Idon’tcoercefemalesintomybed.” “Icametoyou.”
“Outofperceivednecessity.”Irespectherforsteelingherselftodowhatshemusttoprotectherown,but Herbreathbrushesmyear.“IfIsaidIwantedyou?”
Mybodyreacts;Iwanttobiteherchin.“You’restrayingclosetotellingalie,healer.”
Sajenatearsher chinoutofmyfingersandshifts,straddlingme,slidingbotharmsaroundmyneck.Mycockisalreadyhard andIbitebackacurseatthefriction,unmovingbeneathheropenthighs “Idowantyou,”shesays
Herscenttellsmethisistruth Icantaste,Ijusthavetosetasidemybetterjudgementandliftherontomydesk,thenfeast “Youprotectedmeinthecourtyard,andafter,youtookcareofme Noonehaseverdonethatbutmymother”
“Careful,female You’regivingyourselfaway”
“Youdon’tbehavelikeaLord Yourfemalesdon’tfearyouatall”Sheaddsthislastinasoft,baffledtone;shedoesn’tmean toinsultme.
“I’mnotFae,”Isay.
It’stemptingtoteachheralesson.Ifsheplayedthisgamewithanyoneelse,itwouldendbadlyforher.
Hergazetracesmyface.“You'rehandsomeinyourway.MymothertookanOrctoherbed,andshehadmuchtosayaboutthe experience”
“Is thatwhyyou’ve come here? For the experience?” There’s curiosityand the glimmer oflustinher eyes Now, myanger rises.“Iamnotoyforabored,frightenedAeddannarifemale.”
“No.You’reoneoftheThree.Onlyavery,veryfoolishfemalewouldplaygameswithyouuninvited.”Sheturnsherlipstomy ear,undulatingsohercoregrindsagainstme “Inviteme”
Myfather’sancestors,it’sacommandIwanttoobey Myhandssettleonher waistwithoutwaitingfor mymindtomakethe rightdecision.
“Howfarareyouwillingtoplaythisgametonight,Sajena?”ItightenmygriponherwaistasIgoontheoffensive.IfIcan’t convincehertheofferisn’tnecessary,maybeIcanfrightenherintorescindingit.“Willyouletmespreadyouonmydeskand feastbetweenyourthighs?”
Sheinhalessoftly,thepulseinherneckfluttering.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant.” Igrindmyteeth.Thatbackfired.“IfIwanttostripyouandbendyouoverandshovemycockineveryopeninguntiltheentire housecanhearyouscream?”Igrabthebackofherneck,lettingmytalonsprick.“You’veneverhadanOrc.Itwouldpainyou, Sajena”
It’salie Iwouldn’tfuckheruntilshewassowetfromherorgasmsthatthediscomfortofmyentrywouldbenothing “Please,”shewhispers,prideandfocuswarringacrossherface.
Her pupils are dilated and whenIinhale, Iscentno fear spoilingher musk. Her bodydoesn’ttremble as she leans into me.
Thereissomethingoddabouthow easilythisfemaleissuccumbingtome.Almostasif...butthathappenssorarelyoutside theirownspecies.
“Whatdoyouwantmetodotoyou?”Iask,mywillcrumbling.Sheturnsherheadtolookatthedesk.Iforceherbackaround tomeetmygaze.“Tellmewithwords.”
“Iwanttofindreleaseonyourtongue.Iwanttofeelsomepartofyouinsideme.”
“Why?”
“Youprotectedmeandofferedcomfortwithoutanythinginreturn.”
The softwords are tinyhammers and Irealize whatmustbe happeningto her. AnAeddannari female who’s never knowna male,neverhadmaleprotectionoracknowledgement;she’sstarving.
Sighing,Isay,“Irejectyourbargain,butI’llgiveyouthepleasureyouseek.”Iwait.
Afteramoment,shenods.“Notabargain,onlypleasure.”Herlipscurvethoughhereyesarestillgraveunderthegrowinglust. Makingadecision,IliftherasIstandandsweepahandacrossthedesktoriditofthefewitemsonthesurface,thenlayher down.
TodayIwillnotbeagoodmale.MaybeIneverwas,ifIsuccumbsoeasilytowhatIshouldnot.
Straightening,Irakemygazedownherform.WhenImeethereyesagain,sheslowlyliftsherhandstotheloosecollarofher blouseandpullsitoverherhead.
Iinhalethroughmynostrils,staringatherbaretorso.Long,slenderwithatinywaistandflatstomachasifshehasn'thadtime toeatrecently.Nothinghearty,nothingtogiveheranaturalroundnessafemaleshouldhave.Ifrown,butthosethoughtsvanish whenshecupsherbreasts;small,round,palerosenippleshardeningtoapeak.
“Takemyskirtoff,”shesays.“Iwantyoutoseewhatcouldbeyours.”
She'stryingtomanipulateme she'snotbotheringtohideit,butthefemalesofmyownpeopleareequallyasdirect. “That'sacommandfewmaleswouldfight,”Isay,hearingthewrynoteinmyvoice.“Butdon'tthinkyoucancontrolmewith pleasure,Faefemale”
Shesmiles,amockinggleamenteringhereyes “Ofcoursenot,Orcmale You’retheconquerorhere I’monlyyourprize” Igrowl.Dangerous.Ofcoursesheknowsexactlywhattosaytopushmealongthepathshewantsustowalk.
“Whatareyouafraidof,Lord?It’safewmomentsoffreelygiven,freelyreceived,pleasure.Iintendnothreattoyou.”
Ichuckle ather slipperyphrasing, and slip myfingers into the waistband ofher skirtand yankitdown, whippingitoffand tossingtheclothintothechair.
“You'reyoungifyouthinkIbelieveyourcleverlies,yedyah.”
Next are the loose undershorts and she’s fullynaked, longlimbs draped over the desk, a fluffythatchof hair coveringher mound
Myheartpulsesinmymouth;Iinhaleherscent,almosttastingheronmytongue.IfIwereyounger,Iwouldn’thavelastedthis long.Shewouldalreadybescreaming,herthighsclenchingthesidesofmyhead.
Iplace myhands under her knees, liftingher legs so her feet are flat onthe desk. I pushthemapart to reveal the pinkness betweenherthighsandeveryinstinctinmethatcomesfromalineofwarriorswhoreveledinspillingthebloodofherpeople focuses.
Thisismine.
IcantakeitifI’mwillingtospringhertrap. Liftingmygazetohers,Iponderthedilemma.
Shefrowns,delicatebrowspullingdown,andshrugs.“Stopfightingme.This,”shegesturesdownher body,“isyour dueas
Lord.Nottoofferwouldhavebeenaninsult.”
“YouareveryAeddannari.”Thisisn’tafemaleIcanfeastonandwalkaway.IfItakewhatsheoffers,I’llgivehermythroat.I alreadyfeelthepull.
But she is Fae; if she’s beneath me it won’t matter if I bare my throat. She’s already given me the key to conquering her; kindness,comfort...thecockIscentherrisingcravingtotake.
Shemustunderstandtheteethofthistrapwillsavageusboth. Slowly,Ikneel,almostsmirkingwhenuneaseflashesacrossherface.
“Whatareyoudoing?”shedemandsinhersoft,hiddensteelvoice.
“Whatyouwant.”Igrabheranklesandyankherforwardsoherhipsareontheedgeofthedesk.“I’mgoingtospearyouonmy tongue.”Itightenmygriponherankles.“I’mcuriouswhatnameyou’llscreamwhenyou’recoming.Ifit’sanynamebutmine, I’llgiveyouthatspankingIpromised.”
Herchestisrisingfasterwithherbreathing,herpupilsblownout.“I justalittle uh...” Ismile. Finallyshe’s beginningto understand where she’s erred. She’ll understand better after I’ve tasted her. Still, there’s roomformercy.
“Youcanstillwalkawayunscathed,yedyah.Iwon’tbeangry.” Herexpressionhardens.“Givemewhatyoupromised,Orc.We’llseewhoisunscathedintheend.” Ihopethere’snoprophecyinherbloodline.
