ALIEN CHIEF

A SCIFI ALIEN ROMANCE (ALIEN INVASION)

HONEY PHILLIPS

Copyright © 2023 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover by Kasmit Covers

Edited by Lindsay York at LY Publishing Services

Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

L illie drifted casually towards the edge of the ballroom, carefully avoiding eye contact with any of the well-dressed crowd assembled there. She’d spent half her life in government circles, and she knew how to make a discreet exit.

When she reached the curtains framing the window embrasure, she paused for a quick look back. Her twin sister Leslie was still excitedly discussing the latest in organ transplants with a group of five males—three Vulfar, a Fradarian, and a Maltan. Of the five, Lillie was willing to bet that only the Fradarian was actually interested in the medical aspects of the discussion. The other four were far more interested in her sister as a very eligible female.

She and her sister were the youngest daughters of T’lan V’randrr K’rlonlys, Planetary Commander of Earth, and they had both grown up feeling the weight of that title. It certainly didn’t hurt that her sister was very pretty. They were supposed to be identical twins, and in some ways they were—they both had pale, almost silvery skin and their mother’s short, curvy figure—but looking at her sister had never been like looking into a mirror. She was more aware of their differences than their similarities—the way Leslie’s eyebrows quirked up, giving her a thoughtful look, and the softer curve of her lips. Her sister’s eyes were a darker green, and her hair a smooth, wavy mass rather than her own flyaway curls.

But it wasn’t just their looks that differed. Lillie had always been more outgoing, stepping between her shy sister and the rest of the world. She preferred going out with their friends, while Leslie would rather stay home with a book. Leslie was also far more trusting and innocent, and Lillie would never let anyone hurt her.

The habits of a lifetime urged her to return, to protect her sister, but over this past painful year she had learned that Leslie’s innocence was actually a very effective defense. It also helped that T’pral, one of the Yehrin bodyguards that her father had insisted accompany them to Vulfar, was standing behind Leslie, arms folded and glaring suspiciously. No, her sister was safe enough. She didn’t need Lillie, just as she hadn’t needed Lillie since they arrived on this godsforsaken planet a year ago.

Lillie smoothed her hand down the side of the dress, feeling the message in her pocket crinkle as she did. Her eyes suddenly burned, and she started to slip through one of the windows leading out onto the balcony. As she did she saw Nisani, the Vulfar ruler, frowning at the same group she’d been watching. Nisani was big and gruff, but he was not unkind and it was unusual to see such an obvious sign of his displeasure. Normally his lashing tail was the only hint of his emotions.

Once again she was tempted to intervene, but Enseg came up to Nisani before she could decide and the ruler focused on his senior advisor. She sighed and reached for the handle again—“Where are you going, Miss L’llie?”

T’vedo, her own guard and personal nemesis, loomed up next to her.

“Outside. To get a breath of fresh air, if that’s all right with you.”

“Alone?” he asked suspiciously, and she sighed.

“Yes, alone. I don’t have any secret assignations planned.” Unfortunately.

“I will escort you.”

“Please don’t. I just want some time by myself.”

She wasn’t particularly hopeful—T’vedo took his duties very seriously—but after a far too discerning look at her face, he nodded.

“I will remain here and make sure you are not disturbed.”

“Thank you.”

She finally made it through the tall windows and out onto the balcony. A stone balustrade surrounded the balcony, and she leaned against it as she looked out into the night. Sardis, the capital of Vulfar, was a thriving metropolis. The lights of the city spread out across the valley, but the palace was tucked at the base of the surrounding mountains, enclosed by extensive grounds, and all she could see directly below were the colorful lanterns decorating the gardens. A cold wind swept down from the mountains, and she shivered in her thin gown. Her human side was sensitive to the cold, but she wasn’t yet ready to return to the ballroom and pretend that everything was all right.

Instead, she slipped between the decorative plantings that separated each balcony from the next. They looked impenetrable, but one of her early suitors had shown her the sheltered enclosure behind them. She settled into the space, sighing with relief as the bushes blocked the wind, and touched her pocket again. The shadowy darkness behind the bushes was too deep for her to read the notice, but it didn’t matter. She remembered it well enough, even though she’d had little time to do more than glance at it before Leslie came dancing into her bedroom to get ready for the party.

We regret to inform you that you are not qualified to continue in the medical training program.

She hadn’t been surprised. At the six-month review she’d barely been passing, but she’d managed to convince everyone—except Leslie—that it was because she had been too excited and distracted by being on a new planet to really focus. They believed her—why wouldn’t they? Even her own family tended to think of her as the flighty twin, and not without some justification. She’d always been impetuous, and that, combined with her rebellious streak, had led her into more than one unfortunate situation over the years.

Under other circumstances, she would have been relieved by the notice. She’d hated almost every moment of her studies. It wasn’t the endless hours or the amount of memorization required—she didn’t like those but she could handle them—but she hated the actual practice of medicine. She hated the fact that people were sick or hurt. Leslie saw it as an opportunity to help others, but Lillie couldn’t get past their present pain. She couldn’t review them analytically, and she had failed.

She dashed angrily at the tears on her cheeks. Crying never helped. The real question was what was she going to do now? Her father would inevitably demand that she return home. If she did, she knew that Leslie would insist on going with her, even though her sister was excelling in her studies. But although she could probably talk her way around her father eventually, the thought of remaining on Vulfar with everyone aware of her failure wasn’t particularly appealing either—but if it were the only way to ensure Leslie’s happiness, she would stay. She was gloomily considering that depressing future when she heard two people emerge on the next balcony over.

Formal robes rustled as her neighbors moved to the edge of the balcony and began a low-voiced conversation. It sounded like two males, most likely Vulfar. Thanks to her Yehrin side, she had excellent hearing, but she was too lost in her own troubles to pay much attention until she caught the name Okami.

Okami? The Vulfar clan chief was a close friend of her older sister’s mate and, truth be told, had been at least partially responsible for her decision to pursue medical training on Vulfar. From the moment she first laid eyes upon him, she’d been attracted to him. Not long after they arrived on Vulfar, he’d asked her out and she’d accepted. Another ill-advised decision.

He’d escorted her to the Festival of Light. The festive occasion meant that they could go masked and cloaked and not have to worry about anyone recognizing them. They danced and drank and, perhaps inevitably, ended up at the small house he kept in the city. She had expected and even anticipated that he would kiss her. Instead, he had taken her out into his tiny courtyard garden and they had talked for most of the night. He had an acerbic wit which amused her and a somewhat cynical view of the world. But he also shared the same deep loyalty to his family and the same unquestioning sense of honor as her father and his warriors.

When he regretfully announced that it was time to return to the palace she’d agreed, but before they left she kissed him. It had been intended as a simple thank you for a delightful evening, but as soon as their lips touched, the attraction that had been simmering between them burst into flames. She’d been half-naked and panting, trying desperately to unfasten his pants, when he suddenly stopped kissing her and took hold of her hands.

“It is too soon.”

“No, it’s not.”

The warmth in those bright blue eyes made her breath catch, even as he shook his head.

“Yes it is. I intend to take my time and woo you properly.”

Instead, he’d escorted her back to her rooms, kissed her gently, and never called her again.

She hadn’t seen him for well over a month, and when they finally ran into each other, he was escorting a Maltan female—a very tall, slender Maltan female—to whom he was extremely attentive. She told herself that the ache in her chest was nothing more than wounded pride and proceeded to flirt outrageously with another Vulfar warrior. Since then she had done her best to ignore him, but he almost inevitably showed up at every social gathering she attended. She did her best not to notice him, but she was still far more aware of him than she would like and at the sound of his name, she couldn’t help edging closer to the next balcony.

“Okami won’t be a problem,” the first voice said.

“Are you sure, Dobai? His fighting skills are quite impressive.”

She suspected that the rustle of robes indicated a shrug.

“Perhaps. But warrior skills only go so far. He’s too busy indulging himself to pay attention to royal affairs. Didn’t you see the vid of his activities last week?”

The other male laughed, and Lillie winced. Okami had decided to celebrate the Water Festival by climbing to the top of the ceremonial platform, then diving into the Holy Lake. It was an impressive display of physical strength—except that he had been naked at the time. And the whole event had been caught on camera. Lillie was quite sure she was not the only female who had replayed the unfortunately censored video more than once. She also knew that Nisani had been irate about the entire thing.

“I saw it,” the other man responded. “A prime example of why Clan Rida is unsuitable to rule.”

“Exactly. I suspect Okami is not even interested, but if he does feel compelled to take over while Nisani is indisposed, we will have no trouble handling him.”

“I hope you’re right. It is time for some changes. Now let us return to the ball. I have my eye on a certain female.”

“Not one of those Yehrin-human aberrations, I trust?”

Fortunately the other male’s laugh was loud enough to conceal her indignant gasp.

“Of course not. Not that I would mind fucking one of them, or even both. I bet they scream deliciously.”

She clenched her fists as the pair moved away. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard the sentiment. The Vulfar and the Yehrin had had a contentious relationship for many years, at least partially encouraged by another race—the Quatarans—who were selling weapons to both sides. The two races had been at peace for five years now, but it was hard to overcome the lingering prejudice. She was also well aware that many Vulfar still regarded humans as a primitive species.

Her failure to complete her medical training would only confirm that impression, she thought ruefully, but the conversation she just overheard seemed more important than her personal troubles. Why did they seem so sure that Nisani would be indisposed? She moved closer to the edge of the bushes, trying to peer through the thin screen of vegetation to see if she could identify the two males who had just been speaking. Instead, another male emerged from the bushes on the other side of the balcony and her heart skipped a beat. Okami.

The light from inside the ballroom spilled out over the balcony, clearly revealing his handsome, rugged face. His big muscled body was equally visible since he had chosen to wear a traditional warrior outfit—an outfit that consisted of a short white kilt, along with an elaborate belt and harness bristling with ceremonial weapons. It was acceptable for the occasion, but the fact that it left a good deal of his body uncovered made her wonder if he had chosen it deliberately as a reminder of his latest escapade.

He stared thoughtfully into the ballroom, but then his tail twitched. His ears pricked up, the tips emerging from his golden mane as he turned his head. Bright blue eyes focused unerringly on her hiding place.

“You can come out now, princess,” he drawled, fangs gleaming.

CHAPTER TWO

“I ’m not a princess.”

Lillie scowled at Okami as she emerged from the bushes, and damn if his body didn’t immediately respond to that adorable attempt to look fierce. Her face had fascinated him from the first moment he’d seen her. It wasn’t simply because she was so beautiful but because of the variety of expressions that played across her enchanting face, clearly revealing all of her emotions from her current annoyance to the dazed passion of their one disastrous encounter.

Off limits, he reminded himself and forced a lazy shrug.

“Close enough,” he drawled. “Considering your father’s position.”

“Then your brother’s position must make you a prince,” she said with a triumphant smile on those pretty red lips.

The reminder brought his own scowl. Yes, Nisani was the ruler—not only of their clan but of all twelve Vulfar clans—but he refused to share any of those responsibilities with Okami. His brother took everything on his own broad shoulders and refused to let anyone assist him, especially not his younger brother.

“I’m no damn prince.”

“I have to admit making a naked spectacle of yourself isn’t exactly royal behavior,” she said sweetly, and he barely refrained from wincing.

Nisani had been furious, although not enough to lose any of his famous control. His sisters—all three of them—had been much more outspoken.

His middle sister Anai had been the worst, striding into his rooms the next morning and throwing open the curtains to reveal a far too bright and early morning. He glared at her and tried to pull the covers over his head. She sat down on the bed next to him and yanked them down again.

“Why did you do it, Okami? You keep saying you want Nisani to give you more responsibility and then you do something like that. How can you expect him to take you seriously?”

“I don’t,” he growled. “But since he’s never going to let me help him anyway, what’s the point of pretending? He made up his mind a long time ago that I lacked the essential qualities of leadership.”

Anai sighed. “You know that’s not it. He thinks it’s his job to look out for you—for all of us. Our father drilled that into him from the time he was born and Mother went along with it.”

“I’ve never understood why. She raised you, Anai, and Shemai to be strong, independent females.”

“But you were her baby,” Anai said teasingly, then took his hand. “I don’t think it was that. She knew how much it mattered to Father to feel as if he was protecting us and how important it was to him to know that Nisani would do the same. By allowing him to focus on Nisani, she gave you the freedom to grow up without that pressure. Do you really regret that?”

No. His brother’s life had been a continuous regimen of lessons and training under their father’s loving but extremely critical eye, while he’d been free to have his own adventures.

“I suppose not. But I did grow up, and Nisani doesn’t seem to realize that.”

“I told you to be patient.”

“I’ve been patient for the past five years. Most of the time,” he added when she raised a brow.

He did try, but his frustration tended to boil up, especially when extended periods of being on his best behavior didn’t change anything with Nisani. His latest escapade had been the result of Nisani’s refusal to let him handle a proposed trade agreement.

Anai sighed again. “I’ll try and talk to him again. But please, stay out of trouble in the meantime. You know he’s always more tense than normal when we start getting close to the annual council meeting. Now brush your mane and join us for breakfast.”

She tweaked his ear the same way she’d done when he was a cub, then skipped out of reach when he growled. Still, he’d obeyed and gone to breakfast. It had been a mistake.

The family breakfast was a tradition his parents had started. Because their evenings were frequently occupied with social and political events, they all shared a morning meal instead. His father had frequently been up for hours at that point, but he would take a break and sit down with the entire family. Nisani had followed the same tradition, at least as far as welcoming his sisters and brother whenever they could join him. But this morning he had been far from welcoming, his stern silence worse than an actual reprimand. After Anai had tried for the fourth time to draw them both into conversation, she threw her napkin down on the table and stood up.

“I’ve had enough of this crap. You two need to talk to each other—and that includes you, Nisani. Sitting there like a statue doesn’t help anyone.”

Nisani sighed as she stomped out of the room, not quite slamming the door behind her.

“She’s right. We should talk.”

“So you can lecture me?”

“Of course not. You’re an adult.”

“If you recognize that, why won’t you let me make the trade agreement on Xathar?”

“Because I do not trust them. Every time we meet with them, there’s a mysterious accident and someone gets hurt. I don’t want it to be you.”

He sighed, some of his anger subsiding.

“Perhaps we should stop trying to meet with them.”

Nisani rubbed his head, his face weary. “We don’t have a choice. The appearance of diplomacy is the only thing keeping us from out-and-out war. And another meaningless war benefits no one.”

“Then don’t fight,” he suggested. “Blockade the planet instead. No one leaves, no one arrives, Including trade goods. I hear they’ve developed quite a liking for Cradon liquor and Maltan spices.”

“Blockade the planet? That’s sure to start a war.”

“Is it? You know that’s what the Yehrin do when they take over a planet. I’m not saying you should go as far as landing troops, but now that the Xatharans understand the benefits of being part of a wider universe, I doubt they’ll be happy to be confined to their planet.”

Nisani tilted his head, and began to laugh. “An interesting idea. I will bring it up at this morning’s meeting.” He hesitated, and Okami waited for him to extend an invitation to join the meeting. Instead, Nisani only pushed away his plate and rose.

“Just try and stay out of trouble, Okami. Please.”

At the time, the worried look on his brother’s face had made him ashamed rather than angry, but his annoyance began to return over the next few days, especially when Nisani sent a curt message ordering him to attend tonight’s ball.

Which was why he had chosen to attend tonight wearing traditional warrior’s attire. The outfit had been extremely popular, especially among the females present. The stiffness on his brother’s face had convinced him that he’d gotten the point, but he felt ashamed rather than triumphant. Since he was too stubborn to leave, he’d ended up on one of the balconies instead, only to hear Dobai talking to another male, or more accurately plotting with another male. He looked back into the ballroom, but neither one was in sight. Lillie followed his gaze.

“Who were those two, and what were they up to?”

“I don’t know both of them, but one of them is from Clan Fuchon.”

“Isn’t that the clan that was conspiring with the Quatarans to keep the Yehrin and the Vulfar fighting each other?”

“You know about that?”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“In case you’ve forgotten, they tried to kill my sister and her mate.”

“And me,” he pointed out. “But I didn’t think you were told.”

A mischievous smile lit her beautiful face. “As if they could keep it a secret from me. I’m very good at figuring out what’s going on. And I don’t like what I just heard. You should let your brother know.”

“Let him know what? That Clan Fuchon thinks I’m worthless?”

“I was thinking more about the fact that they seem to think that he’s going to become ill.”

“He’d just laugh—he’s never ill.”

She sighed. “Would he even consider the possibility that they were conspiring against him?”

“Not on the basis of one conversation, especially since I was the one who overheard it and he knows I don’t have the best history with them.”

“That’s right. You were promised to the chief’s daughter, weren’t you?”

“Yes. I was a fool.”

“If you’re expecting me to argue, you’ll be disappointed,” she said tartly, but he saw the sparkle of humor in her eyes. “So you’re just going to dismiss it?”

“No.” The conversation had made him uneasy as well. “I intend to investigate.”

“How?”

“I think it’s time for a hunting trip. Clan Fuchon has the best game preserves on the planet.”

“And they won’t find it suspicious that you suddenly show up in their territory? Especially given your history with them?”

She had a point.

“Perhaps I could gather some friends together.”

The idea did not appeal to him. His more responsible friends would want to know what was going on, and his drinking buddies wouldn’t be capable of discretion. She tugged thoughtfully on her lower lip, and he had to fight back the impulse to pull her hand away and press a kiss to the mistreated flesh. His tail twitched, and he barely managed to stop it from reaching for her.

Her face suddenly brightened and she gave him a radiant smile.

“I have a wonderful idea. It solves both of our problems. We’ll pretend that I’m your promised mate and that you’re sweeping me away for a romantic weekend.”

Yes. His cock stiffened in instant and overwhelming approval of the idea, and nothing could have prevented his tail from circling her waist.

CHAPTER THREE

A s soon as Lillie made her suggestion, Okami’s tail came up to circle her waist and tug her closer to him, close enough that she could feel the ridge of his erection against her stomach. Her own pulse fluttered, but then he stepped back with a horrified look.

“Absolutely not.”

That stung more than she had expected, and she glared at him.

“Why not? You did an excellent job of pretending to enjoy my company before.”

“I do—did—enjoy your company, but it’s not that simple. The press will have a field day, not to mention my brother and my sisters.”

“And my father,” she pointed out. “But don’t worry, that’s not what I had in mind. We don’t have to make a formal announcement. I’ll tell Leslie, of course.” And hope that she believes me. Neither one of them had ever been very successful in keeping secrets from the other. “We’ll just slip away for a few days.”

“I’m not taking you with me.”

His jaw was set in a stubborn line, but his tail had curved around her waist again. She put her hand around it, stroking the fluffy tip before he could pull it away again.

“Don’t you see? It gives you a perfect excuse to be there. No one’s going to question why you want to spend some time alone with your promised mate. And I’m sure that some of them will be convinced you’re also proving to that wretched female that you’re no longer interested in her.”

“Of course I’m not interested in her.”

The appalled look on his face was a relief. She had sometimes wondered if that was why he had refused to pursue things with her. Not that she had the slightest interest in actually resuming the relationship, she told herself.

“I have no desire to prove myself to anyone,” he said stiffly.

“Of course not, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use other people’s misunderstandings to make things easier.”

The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. It would get her away from the capital and her sister’s too-perceptive gaze long enough to figure out what she wanted to do. Not to mention that after a year of what felt like nonstop studying, she was ready for a change. As annoying as Okami might be, he was also a lot more entertaining than her fellow medical students. He started to shake his head, and she gave his tail a persuasive little squeeze.

“Just think about it. It really makes perfect sense.”

“This is a bad idea,” he muttered, and she grinned. She was very familiar with the sound of an exasperated male giving in.

“It’s not a bad idea,” she promised, stroking his tail again. “We’ll go away for a few days and see what we can find out. If we discover something, then you can tell your brother. If we don’t, then hopefully in the meantime some other scandal will have occurred to occupy the press.”

“We will not be doing anything,” he said firmly. “You are coming to divert attention and that is all. Do you understand me?”

“I understand,” she said, giving him her best wide-eyed innocent look.

He frowned, obviously not convinced, but before he could reiterate his point, T’vedo appeared in the open doorway. Although he was frowning, he didn’t seem surprised to see either one of them. Neither did he make a direct reference to the fact that she was no longer where he had left her or that she was alone with a Vulfar warrior.

“The banquet is about to begin. Are you ready to go in?”

She shuddered. Based on what Leslie had told her earlier, they would be sitting with Shemai, one of Okami’s sisters. Unfortunately, she also happened to be one of the professors at the medical university and Lillie had no doubt that Shemai was already aware of her situation. She had no desire to face her even though she was sure to be sympathetic.

“Would you tell my sister I’m not feeling very well? She’s not to worry, but I drank too much of the limox punch and I decided to go lie down.”

His frown deepened, but he nodded.

“Wait here. I will inform her and then return to escort you to your quarters.”

“There’s no need for that,” Okami drawled. “I will accompany Lillie back to her rooms.”

Fierce Yehrin eyes met innocent Vulfar blue.

“You do not intend to attend the banquet either?”

“No, but there’s no need to tell my brother. I’m sure he will be relieved rather than anxious.”

T’vedo hesitated, then nodded.

“Very well. I will be there shortly to check on you.”

Although he was speaking to her, the comment was clearly intended for Okami, and he shook his head as T’vedo stalked off.

“What does he think I’m going to do? Ravage you in my brother’s palace?”

“I’ll tell him he doesn’t need to worry. You prefer to do your ravaging in your little house in town.”

She had intended to sound flippant, but instead it came out bitter and perhaps the tiniest touch regretful. The short time they had spent together in his tiny house had been the most passionate encounter she’d ever had—including the ill-advised loss of her virginity to one of her college friends. It hadn’t been Sam’s fault. He’d been sweet and gentle and… human. After a lifetime around Yehrin warriors, she had expected so much more. Okami had delivered all the fiery intensity she’d longed for, but then he dumped her. Perhaps she should have gone for shy and dependable rather than passionate and unreliable—although even now her body pulsed with remembered arousal. His nostrils flared, then he growled and started to reach for her, but she took a quick step back and peered into the now empty ballroom.

“Looks like the coast is clear. You don’t need to accompany me.”

“Of course I’m going to come with you,” he snapped, and after one look at that determined jaw she didn’t bother to argue.

But neither did she speak to him as they trekked back through the formal areas and into the family quarters.

Lillie and Leslie’s presence in the palace had been one of the compromises they had reached with their father. He didn’t trust the security in the medical university, but when Nisani offered to host them, he had reluctantly agreed that the palace should be safe enough. Since it was only a short distance from the university, she and Leslie had occupied adjoining rooms in the palace since they’d arrived on Vulfar.

Unless they kick me out now that I’m no longer a student, she thought gloomily, although he didn’t really expect that to happen. Her father demanding that she return home was a much more valid fear. And if she went, Leslie would insist on coming with her.

“What problem?” Okami asked suddenly, interrupting her troubled thoughts.

“What do you mean?”

“You said this trip would solve both our problems. What is your problem? Why are you so anxious to leave?”

She couldn’t bring herself to tell him, even though from everything she’d heard, he had no reason to judge her. His own educational career had been less than stellar. Instead, she shrugged.

“It’s the end of term, and I’m ready for a break.”

“Don’t you have plans with your sister?”

She hoped he didn’t see her wince.

“She’s planning to go to the south island with several of her friends from school—”

“What’s wrong with that? Sun, sea, surfing. Sounds great.”

“To begin studying for next year,” she finished.

He gave an exaggerated shudder and she couldn’t help smiling, but then his gaze intensified as they came to a halt outside her door.

“This is the only reason you wish to accompany me? To escape scholarly pursuits?”

“Yes,” she said as firmly as possible.

“Hmm.”

He leaned closer, his nose brushing beneath her ear as he inhaled. Damn. Why did that one simple gesture send arousal flooding through her body? She didn’t need to look down to know that her nipples were thrusting against the thin cloth of her gown.

“I should warn you, little kareta. I always know when you’re lying,” he whispered, his warm breath caressing her ear, and she shivered.

He lifted his head and stepped back, once more the arrogant, mocking prince as he gestured at her door.

“Now that the princess has been safely delivered to her tower, I will go and find some other entertainment.”

“Fine,” she snapped, then stopped with her hand on the bio lock. “Wait a minute. We should talk about—”

A burst of laughter made her look up as a couple raised by the far end of the corridor. They seemed more interested in each other than in them, but she sighed and swung the door open.

“You’d better come in so we can make plans.”

“At your command, princess.”

He swept her a mocking bow before following her inside, immediately raising an eyebrow.

“This is your room?”

“Of course it is. Is there something wrong with it?”

He stared around at the uncluttered bedroom. She’d had half the furniture removed. A big canopied bed remained, now draped in white silk, plus a neat dressing table and an even neater desk, and two chairs in the window embrasure. The windows were also framed in white silk, a soothing contrast to the pale blue walls.

“No. It’s just very… serene. Is your sister’s room the same?”

“Not at all.”

She laughed and opened the connecting door. Her sister’s room was a riot of color and texture. Her desk overflowed with paperwork that spread all the way to her dressing table. Books were strewn everywhere—piled on every available surface, stacked in front of the windows and next to the bed, with even more volumes half-open on the bed.

“It looks chaotic, doesn’t it? But Leslie knows exactly where everything is,” she said fondly.

“I must admit that I’m surprised. I expected your room to be more feminine. That didn’t come out right,” he added hastily, but it was too late.

Her eyes narrowed as she stalked towards him.

“I’m sorry that you don’t think my room is girly enough, but I like it this way and I assure you that I am every inch a female.”

By the time she’d finished speaking, she was poking his chest with her finger. One of the few outward signs of her Yehrin heritage was her nails—not quite claws, but short, black, and sharp. He winced as one of them drew blood and then his expression changed, turning fierce and passionate. She met his gaze just as challengingly, and he groaned.

“Gods, Lillie. I have absolutely no doubt that you are female.”

Then he kissed her, with the same hungry intensity that she remembered. Her rational side tried to protest, but it was too late. His musky scent was still familiar even after all these months. Desire swept over her, and she met his kiss just as passionately, her small tongue dueling with his much larger one as her body went up in flames. He groaned again and yanked her higher until their heads were level, his hard chest a delicious friction against her aching breasts as his tail went around her waist and a big hand cupped her ass. His other hand cupped her breast, and she pressed against it with a needy moan, no thought of denial in her mind as he fumbled impatiently at her gown and—

“Ahem.”

He had her back on her feet and tucked behind his body almost before she registered the sound.

“I see that you have returned Miss L’llie.”

T’vedo’s dry voice brought reality flying back. She hastily straightened her gown, grateful that her skin would reveal only the faintest hint of pink as she tried to step back around Okami. His tail was still wrapped around her waist, and for a moment she didn’t think he would let her go. But then he released her and stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender.

“As you see. She is safe and sound, and if she is not perhaps entirely untouched, she is most definitely unharmed.”

Biting down her irritation at the mockery in his voice, she gave him a sweet smile, then dug her small claws in his arm as she turned to face T’vedo.

“As Chief Okami so graciously pointed out, I am quite unharmed.”

T’vedo’s eyes flicked from her face to Okami’s, and she held her breath. The last time he’d found her in a similar situation, he’d almost killed the human involved. To her surprise, he only glared at both of them.

“We will talk in the morning, Miss L’llie.” He transferred his glare to Okami. “I will wait outside while you say your good nights.”

“Why do you have to act like that?” she asked crossly, as soon as the door closed behind T’vedo. “You’re lucky he didn’t take his sword to you.”

“And he’s lucky he didn’t try,” he said, baring his fangs, then he sighed. “You’re right. I have the uneasy feeling that I owe him an apology.”

“What about me?” she demanded.

He smiled at her, a startlingly attractive smile, all the more so because she believed this one to be genuine.

“Oh no, princess, I’m not going to apologize to you. You wanted me every bit as much as I wanted you.” The smile vanished, leaving him unusually serious. “I’m really not sure this trip is a good idea.”

“Yes, it is,” she said immediately. “The fact that there is an… attraction between us will only make our pretend mating appear more realistic.”

Now that she had a chance to escape the palace, she wasn’t about to let it slip through her fingers. And even though she suspected that Okami was likely to break her heart, she wanted this time with him.

“All right,” he said finally, and she breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ll be back to get you in the morning. Early.”

She nodded, and he frowned at her.

“You are going to do what I tell you to do when I tell you to do it, do you understand me?”

She plastered her best innocent look on her face. “Of course.”

He shook his head, then bent down next to her ear again.

“Remember, I know when you’re lying.”

A hot, rough tongue swiped the sensitive area beneath her ear, sending a streak of excitement straight to her still swollen clit. And then he was gone.

She heard him exchanging mild insults with T’vedo as she collapsed down on the edge of her bed. He definitely knew how to keep her off guard. A slow smile covered her face.

But two can play at that game.

Now all that remained was to convince her sister that Okami was her promised mate—but she couldn’t tell their parents yet—and by the way, they were going away for a romantic weekend in the country. A conversation that she suspected was going to be considerably more difficult than her conversation with T’vedo.

CHAPTER FOUR

A  delicious musky scent teased Lillie’s nose. Okami. She’d been dreaming about him all night—or at least during the small part of the night when she’d actually slept.

As she’d suspected, the conversation with Leslie had not gone well. Her sister’s eyes were far too discerning, and she was clearly aware that Lillie was troubled about something and not telling her the entire story. The more Lillie tried to evade her questions, the more difficult the conversation became. She finally held up her hand in despair.

“Leslie, please. I just can’t talk about this now.”

“Not even to me?”

The sorrow in her sister’s eyes almost broke her heart, but she knew that if she told Leslie about medical school, her sister would be on her way to withdraw the next day.

“Please, can’t you trust me?” she asked softly.

Leslie bit her lip.

“Are you really going away with Okami because you want to?”

Since Leslie had been the recipient of most of her rants about him, Lillie couldn’t blame her for doubting her motives.

“Yes,” she said firmly.

It was true—even if she ended up with a broken heart, she wanted to go. Leslie must have felt her sincerity, because she sighed and nodded.

“All right. And you’re sure I can’t tell Mama and Daddy?”

“God, no. I’m not sure which would be worse—Daddy arriving with a fleet of warships or Mama with a fleet of wedding planners.”

Leslie shuddered, and gave her a rueful grin.

“All right. I’ll keep your secret, for now. But you’re going to have to tell me all about it.”

“I will,” she promised. Although I doubt there will be much to tell, she thought with an unexpected pang of regret.

Leslie frowned again, but Lillie ignored it and gave her sister a big smile.

“Now what do you suppose one takes on a romantic trip to a game preserve?”

The diversion was successful. Leslie immediately pulled out her tablet and began to investigate. It was the early hours of the morning before they finished packing her bag, and it seemed as if she’d only just fallen asleep—to dream of Okami.

In her dreams he had kissed her—all of her—but his mouth kept returning to that spot beneath her ear that drove her crazy. She could almost feel his tongue now, hot and rough and wet… Wet! Her eyes flew open to find him lying on the bed next to her, his tail wrapped snugly around her waist. He gave her an innocent look as he raised his head from her neck.

“I did say early.”

“With your lifestyle, I assume that meant noon,” she muttered, uneasily aware that her hair was in a tangled mess around her head and her nightgown was slipping down over her shoulder.

“How little you know about my lifestyle. Sometimes I don’t even bother going to bed at all, or at least not to sleep.”

She couldn’t help scowling at the implication, and he laughed.

“Have I ever told you that you look like an irritated kareta when you get that expression?”

The kareta were native to Vulfar—small fluffy animals, generally regarded as the equivalent of Earth bunnies.

Her scowl deepened.

“Of course, I find karetas adorable,” he added softly and brushed his mouth against hers. Before she could decide how to respond, he sat up, smacked her ass, and climbed out of bed.

“Time to go.”

“Now? I don’t think Leslie is up yet.”

“That’s the point. If you’re anything like my sisters, you’ll end up crying all over each other and she’ll never believe you really want to come with me. That is, if you still want to come?”

“I do,” she said, scrambling out of bed. As much as she hated to leave without saying goodbye, she suspected he was right.

It wasn’t until she stood up that she remembered that her nightgown was not only silky, it was very short and very sheer. Despite her Yehrin heritage, she had the uneasy feeling that her cheeks were turning pink as he ran an appreciative gaze over her body.

“My, my. This pretend mating definitely has some advantages.”

Her usual quick tongue deserted her, and for a moment she could only stare at him. When his grin widened, she straightened her shoulders and gave him her sweetest smile.

“Since it’s only a pretend mating, I know you’re not interested in touching me. So I don’t have to worry about doing this.”

She yanked her nightgown over her head and flung it at his startled face before turning and stalking into the bathroom.

OKAMI GROANED as he buried his face in Lillie’s nightgown, still warm and sweet from her body. When he’d let himself into her room, he’d suspected she would still be sleeping. He’d intended to startle her awake. Instead, he’d been captivated by her beautiful face, soft and innocent in sleep. So innocent that he almost slipped away again.

But contrary to what he had let her believe, he hadn’t spent the night in frivolity. Instead, he’d considered his options and reluctantly decided that she was right. A pre-mating trip was the perfect cover for his investigation. Of course that didn’t mean he couldn’t tease her, but considering that he was now standing here with only her nightgown in his hands and the memory of her lush naked body walking away from him, he thought she’d won that round.

His sisters seem to take an inordinate amount of time to get ready for anything, but she returned surprisingly quickly. Her dark hair had been smoothed back into a flattering braid, but he much preferred it wild around her face. She was dressed in what she no doubt considered a practical outfit. Didn’t she realize that the pants made of woven blue fabric clung lovingly to the curves of her thighs and the lush roundness of her ass? The simple green shirt reflected the green of her eyes, and although it wasn’t form-fitting, nothing could completely hide the ripe swell of her breasts. His cock jerked again, pressing painfully against his pants, but he did his best to ignore it.

“That was fast.”

She laughed. “It used to take me a lot longer, but when I went away to college I discovered that the quicker I could get ready, the longer I could sleep. And I always wanted to stay in bed as long as possible.”

“A sentiment of which I heartily approve.”

He had discovered during their brief time together that when she was embarrassed, the tiniest hint of rose appeared on her cheekbones. It was there now, and she quickly turned away, straightening the covers on the bed, those damn pants perfectly framing her magnificent ass as she bent over the bed. He had to drag his gaze away before he gave into temptation.

The cool serenity of her bedroom still intrigued him, because it was such a contrast to her exuberant personality. He’d even wondered last night if a maid had been responsible, but considering the quick, practiced movements with which she made the bed, he was sure it was her own doing. But exploring her mysteries would have to wait. Right now, they needed to be on the way.

“No communicator,” he said as she picked hers up. “Unless you want someone tracking, nagging, or following you.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

She sighed and put it back down.

“Good girl. How long will it take you to get ready to leave?”

“I’m already packed.”

To his shock she gestured at a small suitcase, barely larger than the pack he had assembled for himself.

“That’s all? The last time my oldest sister Sanshi went on holiday, she required an entire flyer for her luggage.” She had insisted that it was because of the children, but he knew better.

“That’s it, and you can thank Leslie for that. She assures me that everything can be mixed and matched to create twenty-four different outfits, appropriate for every situation.”

“Does that include another of your charming little nightgowns?”

“It includes a very sensible pair of pajamas that can also serve as a base layer if the weather is cold,” she said primly.

“Cold? Where we are headed, you are far more likely to be too warm rather than too cold. You may end up sleeping in nothing at all.”

There was that touch of rose again, but she lifted her small chin defiantly.

“Then I’ll be sure and keep my bedroom door locked.”

“I’m very good with locks,” he murmured provocatively as he picked up her suitcase. “All they need is the right touch.”

Rather to his disappointment, she only laughed and shook her head.

“You have a line for everything, don’t you?”

“When you’re the insignificant second son, you learn how to deflect attention.”

His voice came out unexpectedly bitter, but she only nodded.

“You do the same thing when you’re always in the spotlight. The right comment always directed attention away from Leslie—or at least it used to.”

“It does no longer?”

“She no longer needs it. She’s in her element here.”

“And you are not.”

It wasn’t a question, but she nodded anyway.

“And I am not.” She lifted her chin again and gave him a determined smile. “But who knows? Perhaps a game preserve is where I belong.”

“Perhaps,” he laughed.

He opened the door, and came face to face with her scowling bodyguard.

Fuck. His informant had assured him that the bodyguard did not usually arrive until later in the morning. One look at that grim face assured him that their escape had suddenly grown significantly more complicated.

CHAPTER FIVE

L illie sighed as she looked at T’vedo’s scowling face. How did he do this? He had a distinct knack of showing up at the worst possible time, at least from her perspective. Although, as with her unwanted suitor, he did occasionally get it right.

“Good morning, T’vedo.”

“Good morning, Miss L’llie. Are you going somewhere?” he added with a pointed look at her suitcase.

She knew the stubborn set of his chin and his unquestionable sense of honor all too well. She had no choice but to give him her cover story as well, even though he was no more likely than Leslie to believe her. She took Okami’s hand, and his tail instantly curled around her waist.

“Yes. Okami and I are going to be mated, but we wanted some time to ourselves before the official announcement.”

“Mated?” A big hand tapped ominously on the hilt of his nanosword as he studied them. “When you say before making the announcement, I assume that means that the planetary commander and his consort have not been notified?”

Oops. When T’vedo started referring to her parents by their titles, he was seriously annoyed.

“That’s right.”

“That is unacceptable.”

He started to march off down the hall, but she grabbed his arm first. He could have removed it as easily as flicking away an insect, but she knew he’d die before he hurt her.

“T’vedo, please listen to me. You know what my life is like. You’ve been there through all of it—through all the gossip and the whispers and the press and the photographs. I finally managed to escape that, or at least most of it, here on Vulfar. But as soon as my parents find out, you know what will happen. I just want a little time, a few days alone with my promised mate before everything gets crazy again.”

He looked down at her pleading face, sighed, and his hand came up to cover hers even as he glared at Okami.

“Do you swear on your honor that you will not permit her to come to harm?”

“I do.”

Okami’s vow emerged with unexpected solemnity, and she shot him a startled look before smiling up at T’vedo.

“Thank you, T’vedo. You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“I expect I do. Your sister knows?”

“Of course.” She gave him a shaky smile and gestured at the suitcase. “You know I can’t pack like that.”

Humor flickered in his eyes before he nodded and stepped back.

“Very well. You have four days. Make the most of it.” He glared at Okami. “And if anything happens to her, your death will soon follow.”

“That will not be necessary—I will already be gone.”

Once again Okami sounded unusually solemn, and T’vedo nodded. She rose up on tiptoes and kissed his leathery cheek.

“Thank you,” she managed to say before Okami pulled her back against his side and began towing her down the corridor. T’vedo shook his head but let her go.

“Tell Leslie not to worry,” she called back over her shoulder. “Everything is going to be fine. I’ll be back soon. Can we please slow down?” she demanded as Okami showed no sign of lessening his pace.

“No,” he growled. “We need to get out of here before you end up kissing every male in the palace.”

If she hadn’t been trying to catch her breath, she would have given him an astonished look. He almost sounded… jealous? Of T’vedo? That was interesting. But she was too out of breath to think about it now. She pushed the notion to one side and concentrated on matching her steps to his.

Fortunately, he came to a halt a short time later in a deserted corridor, and she gave him a confused look.

“Why are we stopping here?”

He grinned, his usual good humor seemingly restored.

“Because I have many secrets, little kareta. Watch and wonder.”

After a quick look around, he pressed one of the ornamental moldings. A section of the wall slid aside to reveal another passageway behind the wall—a very dark passageway. She gave it an uneasy glance, then squeaked when he tugged her inside and closed the door behind them.

“Where are we?” she whispered.

She hoped she didn’t sound as panicked as she felt, but Okami must have heard something in her voice because he tugged her closer, his tail wrapping around her waist. Burying her head against his chest, she took deep comforting breaths of his musky scent.

“The palace is riddled with secret passages and escape routes and panic rooms.” His deep voice was a soothing rumble above her head. “Almost every ruler has added on to them, although I don’t think Nisani has—or if he did, he didn’t trust me enough to tell me.”

The edge of bitterness in his voice distracted her from the panic that still threatened.

“Why wouldn’t he trust you? You’re family.”

“That doesn’t mean—”

A soft glow appeared at the base of the walls, enough to illuminate the narrow passage, and she breathed a sigh of relief before realizing she was still clutching Okami. She started to take a step back and his arm tightened for a brief second before he let her go.

“I’m almost sorry the lights came on,” he murmured provocatively, but she knew he was only teasing her.

“I… I don’t like the dark.”

“Why not?”

The question was sympathetic rather than critical, and she shrugged.

“I don’t know really. Maybe my eyesight is normally so good. I can usually see if there’s even a tiny bit of light. Total darkness scares me.”

She’d never admitted that to anyone before, although of course Leslie knew, but there was something about the intimacy of the dim passageway and the lingering warmth of Okami’s embrace that allowed the confession to escape.

“I should have warned you,” he said, taking her hand and setting off at a much more sedate pace. “The lighting is part of the defense system. It won’t come on until it recognizes my family’s genetic signature.”

“The family that can’t be trusted?”

He sighed. “I shouldn’t have said that. My relationship with my brother is… complicated, but I’d never do anything to harm Nisani and he knows that.”

“Of course he does,” she said indignantly. “To betray your family would be to betray your honor.”

“What a very Yehrin comment.” He grinned at her as they started down a set of narrow, twisting stairs. “But then your families seem to be much smaller. I have dozens of aunts and uncles and cousins, and there are quite a few of them I wouldn’t trust any farther than I could throw them.”

If he only knew how accurately he spoke. The Yehrin had struggled for a long time to produce children, especially female children. The fact that her parents had three daughters had only added to the attention lavished on them, especially her and Leslie.

“Is the rest of your family involved in political matters?”

“Not really, although my cousin Bubta likes to go around bragging about being related to Nisani and trying to use it as an excuse not to pay his bills.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yes. He’s a slimy little borag. His father, my uncle Forradi, is a decent male—he’s one of Nisani’s advisors—and even he has washed his hands of Bubta.”

They reached the bottom of the stairs, and he paused in front of another blank section of wall, his head tilted and his ears pricked. Then he nodded, pushed another concealed switch, and the wall slid aside to reveal a vine-shrouded opening with the palace gardens beyond. Relief swept over her as she followed him out into the open air.

“Better now?” He smiled down at her, his tail gently stroking her hand.

“Much better. Now what?”

“I keep a small flyer in our private hangar. With any luck we won’t encounter anyone else and our departure will go completely unnoticed.”

She could understand avoiding the press, but sneaking out of the palace seemed a little excessive. An uneasy suspicion made her frown.

“Did you tell your brother we were leaving?” she asked.

“Of course not.”

Before she could demand an explanation, he came to an abrupt halt.

“But it appears that our luck has run out.”

She followed his gaze to the hangar built into the palace walls. One of the sets of doors was wide open, and a Vulfar warrior came striding out.

“My uncle Forradi,” he murmured. “We’ll just have to brazen it out.”

He put his arm around her shoulders, staring down at her like a besotted male as he led her over to the hangar. He acted as if he didn’t even see his uncle until the other male greeted him.

“Good morning, Okami. You’re up early,” Forradi said dryly, but there was an affectionate note in his voice. He was an older male, streaks of white in his dark mane, but he still had the powerful build and good looks of a much younger male.

“An unfortunate circumstance,” Okami drawled, relapsing into his spoiled prince persona, and she realized it was the first time he’d spoken like that since they met on the balcony. “But we didn’t want our plans to be interrupted.”

“Plans?” Forradi raised an eyebrow as he looked over at Lillie.

She snuggled against Okami’s side and gave him an adoring smile.

“Clan Chief Okami is going to take me flying,” she said breathlessly.

“I see. Okami, may I have a word with you?”

“We are in rather a hurry…”

“This will only take a moment,” Forradi said firmly.

“Very well.” Okami gave a dramatic sigh, then looked down at her. “Why don’t you wait in my flyer, my jewel? It’s the big blue one.”

“You won’t be too long, will you?” she pouted, giving him a wide-eyed look.

“Nothing could keep me from your side. Now be a good girl and hurry along.”

He smacked her ass and pushed her gently in the direction of the flyer. She fought back the impulse to glare at him and obeyed, swinging her hips defiantly as she went.

The landing steps were down and as soon as she climbed on board, she hurried to a window to peek back out at Okami and his uncle. The older male was clearly lecturing him, although he looked worried rather than angry. Okami had assumed a bored expression but when Forradi finally stopped talking and let him talk, he gestured at the flyer with a lascivious smile.

Forradi tried again, then clearly gave up, shaking his head as he walked away. Okami looked after him for a second, then bounded over to the flyer and joined her with a cheerful grin.

“I think I convinced him that I’m only interested in having my way with your delightful little body.”

“Gee, thanks. Was that really necessary?”

“Of course.” He settled into the pilot seat and smiled at her again. “It’s much better than him thinking I’m taking you into enemy territory.”

Enemy territory. She hadn’t thought of it that way before, but she refused to let it daunt her.

“Do you think he’ll tell anyone?”

“If you mean the press, no. If you mean my brother…” He sighed. “Probably. So sit down and fasten your harness so we can get out of here before he finds out.”

She hesitated for a moment. The cabin was equipped with several comfortable chairs and a small couch, all upholstered in dark blue velvet, but instead she chose the co-pilot’s seat. His tail brushed her hand before he turned his attention to the controls.

He sent a brief alert to the control center, ignored the outraged response, and then they were airborne, the palace dropping away rapidly behind them.

“Now are you going to tell me why you didn’t tell your brother we were leaving?” she demanded. “And why you were so anxious to leave before he found out?”

“Because, my little kareta, my brother gave me very strict orders to stay away from you.”

CHAPTER SIX

W ell, damn. Okami hadn’t really planned to tell her that, even though he should have realized the question was inevitable. He saw the confusion on her expressive little face, quickly turning to a frown as she realized the implications.

“Is that why you disappeared on me?” she demanded.

He’d escorted her back to her room after their evening together, already planning their next date. He hadn’t even made it out of the palace before Zord intercepted him. Zord was a big, silent male, the captain of the palace guards, and one of his brother’s few friends.

“Nisani wants to see you.”

“Now? It’s three o’clock in the morning.”

“Now.”

Zord’s tone was unyielding, and he’d considered him for a moment. Despite the other male’s size he thought he could defeat him—but all that would accomplish would be annoying his brother and delaying the inevitable.

“Fine,” he snapped, then gritted his teeth as Zord gestured for him to go first, clearly suspecting that he would run off if Zord turned his back.

Nisani was waiting, dressed in training shorts, and clearly annoyed.

“What the fuck are you doing, Okami?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Do you realize you’re playing games with Planetary Commander T’lan’s daughter?”

“I am not playing games, and I know damn well who she is—her sister is mated to one of my closest friends.”

“Even more reason why you should know better. We’ve only been on civilized terms with the Yehrin for the past five years. Too many of our people—and theirs—are still looking for opportunities to resume the previous hostilities.”

“I assure you my intentions are strictly honorable,” he said stiffly.

Nisani sighed and sat down, his anger disappearing and leaving weariness behind.

“It doesn’t matter. T’lan entrusted his daughters to us. Having any type of relationship with them would make it appear that we are betraying that trust.”

As much as he wanted to dismiss Nisani’s words, he couldn’t completely ignore them.

“Not even if she is my mate?”

“Not even then.” His brother looked down at his hands, an unexpected note of sadness in his voice. “I know she is a beautiful, desirable female but she is forbidden.”

“Desirable?” he growled. “Are you interested in Lillie too?”

Nisani looked appalled.

“Of course not,” he said immediately, and Okami believed him.

“But…”

His brother looked at him, and for just a moment he let the mantle of power slip away and allowed Okami to see him as just another male, as his brother.

“Please, Okami. I don’t need any more complications right now.”

He had been asking his brother to let him help for as long as he could remember. How could he refuse him now, no matter how much his heart longed to explore this fragile new relationship with Lillie?

“Very well.”

He’d left his brother’s rooms feeling as if a hole had opened in his chest, but he hadn’t contacted Lillie again. The next time they were at the same social event, he let her see him flirting with another female and did his best to ignore the look of betrayal on her face. The female hadn’t interested him—no female had interested him since they’d been together. Despite his promise, he’d been unable to stay away from her completely. And now here they were, together for the next few days—although considering the way she was glaring at him, he might be lucky to survive that long.

“Why the fuck did he do that? Tell me, is it my Yehrin side or my human side that he finds so distasteful?”

“What are you talking about? What difference would that make?”

“A lot to some people. You heard what those bastards on the balcony said about me and my sister.”

Despite her anger, he could see the sparkle of tears in her big green eyes and he couldn’t help himself. He released her harness and pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms and his tail around her. She pushed halfheartedly at his arms, then sniffed.

“Nisani would never say or think anything like that,” he said gently. “He holds the highest regard for your father.”

His voice must have betrayed him because she stiffened, then glared up at him.

“My father? I should have known. Let me guess—did he tell him to keep all males away from us? Is that why I never get to the second date with anyone?”

Actually that was because of his influence, but he decided now was not the time to mention it.

“He only said your father had entrusted you and your sister to his care.”

She sighed, some of the tension leaving her body.

“Why did you go along with it? I thought you… liked me.”

His arms tightened around her. “I did—I do. But Nisani never asks me for anything. How could I refuse him?”

She sighed again.

“God, families are complicated. I suppose I might have done the same thing if Leslie had asked me to.” Her lips suddenly curved. “I thought she liked you, you know. I was all prepared to be noble and self-sacrificing and let her have you.”

“You mean she doesn’t like me?” he asked with mock offense, and she laughed.

“She likes cadavers much more.” A small hand suddenly slipped up over his shoulder and tugged gently at his mane. “But then she’s never had the pleasure of kissing you,” she whispered.

Her eyes sparkled up at him, her pretty red lips parted, and he couldn’t resist. He kissed her, trying to keep it slow and soft, but she refused to let him. Her sharp little nails dug into his shoulders as she teased his tongue, and he gave in, kissing her with the passion he’d tried to suppress for the past year. He’d slid his hand under her shirt, his fingers brushing the heavy weight of her breasts when the communicator squawked.

She jumped and sat back, that hint of rose on her cheeks, as he sighed and opened the channel.

“Okami, what the hell—” His brother’s voice roared through the speaker.

Instead of responding, he flicked another switch, sending a rush of static through the com channel.

Lillie gave him a wide-eyed look.

“You aren’t going to answer him?”

“What purpose would it serve? He’s only going to order me to return, and I have no intention of doing so.”

“You could try explaining.”

“He’s even less likely to believe me now.”

Was this episode going to be the final blow to his already strained relationship with his brother? As much as he hated the idea, it would be worth it if it kept Nisani safe. But perhaps he should at least try and keep to the spirit of Nisani’s request.

He couldn’t quite bring himself to push Lillie away, but he didn’t kiss her again. Instead, he settled her into his arms, resolutely ignoring the lush curve of her ass cradling his erection, and tucked her head against his neck.

“You should rest. It’s a long journey, and you said you didn’t sleep much last night.”

“I would have had more sleep if someone hadn’t crawled into my bed at an ungodly hour of the morning,” she muttered, but she snuggled against him.

His cock jerked at the reminder, and he suspected she must have felt it because she giggled.

“Sleep, little kareta. I have to concentrate on flying.”

He’d already switched to auto-pilot but he still intended to keep an eye on the controls - partially because he wanted to make sure they weren’t pursued, but mainly because he didn’t intend to take any chances with her safety.

She didn’t argue, and it wasn’t long before he heard her breathing deepen into sleep. He’d never held a sleeping female before, and it was at once frustratingly arousing and surprisingly satisfying. He adjusted her position, trying to relieve the strain on his aching cock, then settled back to keep watch.

CHAPTER SEVEN

O nce again Lillie woke up surrounded by Okami’s scent.

This is becoming a habit, she thought, but an undeniably pleasant one. She was still cradled in his arms, her head resting on his broad shoulder. At some point while she slept, her hand had ended up inside his shirt. His skin felt like suede, soft against her fingers, despite the hard muscles beneath it. His tail was wrapped around her waist with the tip nestling in her cleavage, and the unmistakable ridge of his erection was lodged beneath her ass.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep, but the sky outside the flyer was starting to darken. Had he been erect the entire time? Impressive. She yawned, stretched, and deliberately wiggled against him.

“Little temptress,” he murmured in her ear, his tail brushing tantalizingly against her taut nipples before he lifted her onto her feet and smiled at her. “But a temptress with bad timing. We’re about to arrive.”

“Really? How long was I asleep?”

“Almost six hours. That’s Clan Fuchon territory ahead.”

She couldn’t believe she’d slept that long—or that peacefully. And that he’d held her the entire time. If only…

A sudden lump appeared in her throat, but she turned and peered through the window in an effort to distract her wayward thoughts. Other than a brief vacation during the last break between semesters, she’d only seen the lands around the capital. Although more rugged than the North Carolina mountains where she’d grown up, they’d felt very much like home, and she was hoping for something a little more exotic this time.

Below them, a huge savanna spread out to the horizon, the long grasses turning gold in the fading light. A clump of tall trees, their trunks a dark red color that reminded her uneasily of dried blood, dominated its surroundings. Small lights, also with a reddish glow, hung amidst the branches, the only sign that the area was inhabited.

“They live in those trees?”

“This is the main village, although there are other settlements scattered throughout the plains and more around the edge. Don’t worry, princess, it’s not quite as uncivilized as it looks.”

He sounded amused, and she glared at him.

“How many times do I have to tell you that I am not a princess?”

He gave her an unexpectedly serious look.

“Under the circumstances, I think it would be best if you stopped denying it. It’s for your own safety,” he added when she started to object. “As I said, this is hostile territory. While I don’t think they would do anything really stupid, it wouldn’t hurt to remind them of your position.”

“Does that mean you’re going to be the spoiled prince again?”

“Of course, but one besotted with his beautiful promised mate. So besotted that he didn’t hesitate to bring her here when she expressed an interest in seeing him hunt. Her wishes are far more important than any little issues in the past.”

“Little issues like being imprisoned in a Quataran mine for three years?” she asked dryly.

A shadow crossed his face before he shrugged.

“Exactly. They thought I was a gullible fool then—I doubt it’s changed.”

“Then they’re the idiots.” Okami might be many things, but he was not a fool. His tail had somehow ended up around her waist once more, and she squeezed it as she gave him a teasing smile. “But I intend to take full advantage of your supposed infatuation. Maybe I should make you carry me everywhere so that my delicate feet don’t have to touch the ground?”

Before he could respond, the communication channel squawked. This time Okami responded arrogantly but politely, and after a startled silence at the sound of his name, he was given permission to land. He touched down on a clear area at the base of one of the trees, and she realized they were considerably larger than they had looked from the air. The base of the tree in front of them was easily fifty feet across. An immense wooden stockade stretched from one trunk to the next, looking like something out of an ancient monster movie. Just what kind of game did they hunt here?

Suppressing a nervous gulp, she reached for her bag, but he shook his head.

“A princess never carries her own luggage.”

She rolled her eyes but followed him to the door. He preceded her down the stairs, and as soon as she stepped out of the flyer, he lifted her into his arms.

“I didn’t really mean it,” she laughed, but he bent his head and nuzzled her neck.

“We’re being watched.”

His breath teased her ear, and she shivered.

“In that case…”

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. For a brief second he responded, but then his body stiffened even though he kept his mouth on hers. She nibbled teasingly at his lips, although she too heard someone approaching. Neither one of them paid any attention to whoever had joined them until a male cleared his throat.

“Clan Chief Okami? This is an unexpected… pleasure.”

The male’s tone indicated that it was anything but, but Okami finally raised his head and smiled.

“Ah, my old friend, Radeti. How nice to see you again.” Okami’s tone was just as insincere. “And to be back in these refreshingly natural surroundings.”

She could see the other male now, a dark-furred Vulfar a few years older than Okami, dressed in the same type of kilt and shoulder wrap that Okami had worn for the ball except his was woven from practical dark cloth—and the weapons were clearly not ceremonial.

“If you had notified me that you intended to visit, I would have arranged a more formal reception.”

The male was clearly speaking through gritted teeth, but Okami waved a nonchalant hand.

“No matter. I am sure something can be arranged. But I was telling my mate last night—”

“Your mate?” Radeti interrupted, giving her a startled look.

“Now, pookie, you promised not to tell anyone until I had a chance to tell my daddy,” she giggled, and smiled at Radeti. “It’s not officially official yet.”

“I’m sorry, princess. I just can’t wait to tell everyone.” Okami gave her an apologetic kiss, then turned back to Radeti. “As I was saying, I was telling Lillie about my last hunting trip here and she was very impressed. She said she wanted to see me hunt, so here we are.”

“He’s such an amazing warrior,” she sighed, trying not to roll her eyes. “Just the thought of watching him in action gives me shivers.”

She gave a little shiver as she spoke, making sure her breasts quivered enticingly. Not surprisingly, Radeti’s gaze focused there for a brief second, and equally unsurprisingly, Okami growled. Radeti coughed and quickly looked away.

“You’d better come inside.”

When Okami nodded and followed, still carrying her, Radeti frowned.

“Is your mate unable to walk?”

“Of course not. But I’m not going to put her down on the dirt.”

“You’re so sweet, pookie.” She giggled again, genuinely amused by the disgusted look on Radeti’s face.

“Oh, and you will arrange for our luggage to be delivered to our rooms, won’t you?” Okami added casually.

From the way Radeti stiffened, she suspected that it was rather like asking one of her father’s senior warriors to act as a bellhop, but Radeti only nodded as he opened a door concealed in the stockade wall. Despite the seemingly primitive appearance of the wall, the door opened smoothly and silently, and she caught a glimpse of metal beneath the wooden surface.

The inside of the compound was startlingly different from the dry plains surrounding the trees. Paved pathways wound through banks of lush vegetation and more of the reddish lights sparkled overhead. Overhead, wide wooden walkways connected the trees in sculptured curves, and she could hear the burble of water cascading over rocks. It was undeniably beautiful, but the red light gave everything an eerie glow and she found herself gripping Okami’s tail where it was wrapped across her stomach.

“I will take you—” Radeti began.

“My usual quarters will be fine. You do still maintain a Royal Suite, don’t you?”

There was a thread of warning beneath Okami’s arrogant tone, and she saw Radeti stiffen again.

“Of course, but I thought that you would prefer to meet with Chief Seji first.”

“Later, later. My mate is tired from the journey, and I wish to give her a chance to rest.”

“You’re so thoughtful, pookie. Isn’t he thoughtful?” she asked, giving Radeti a wide-eyed look.

He nodded reluctantly.

“Of course. This way.”

He led them to another concealed door, this one in the base of one of the trunks. It opened into an enormous open space, and she realized the whole base of the trunk was hollow. She barely had a chance to look around before he escorted them into an elevator and sent it upwards at a stomach-churning speed. They emerged on a wide wooden porch in front of a graceful arched doorway. Radeti opened the door to reveal a spacious living area furnished with beautifully carved wooden furniture piled with dark jewel-toned cushions.

“Your quarters. Shall I send a maid to assist your mate?”

“Later. You may go, Radeti,” Okami drawled.

She was almost positive Radeti growled, but he nodded and left. As soon as he did, she burst into laughter.

“That was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Did you see his face?”

Okami didn’t look quite as amused.

“I don’t like the way he was looking at you.”

She rolled her eyes.

‘Don’t be silly. You told me to act this way. Now put me down.”

“I’m not sure I want to. Pookie?”

His hand squeezed her ass, and she felt her clit pulse in response.

“It’s a very affectionate term on Earth,” she said breathlessly.

“I don’t think I believe you.”

His hand was still gripping her ass, harder now, and she was tempted to push against it.

“It’s better than kareta, anyway,” she muttered, and his intense look faded.

“Does that offend you, kareta?”

“They just look so… helpless.”

He laughed.

“No, they’re not. They may look soft and sweet, but not only do they have sharp little claws hidden beneath their fur, they’re very intelligent and difficult to catch.”

His eyes were warm with amusement, but also something more and her heart skipped a beat.

“Oh,” she whispered. “In that case, I’ll allow it.”

“Good little kareta.”

His mouth was back on her neck again, licking it with that wonderfully rough tongue as he finished speaking, and she gave into temptation, pushing her ass against the hand still gripping it. He growled softly and she felt the faint scrape of his fangs against her neck. Her nipples tingled as excitement raced through her body. Her fingers tightened in his hair and—

“So it is true. You are back.”

The low, seductive voice made her jump, and Okami tensed as he slowly put her back on her feet. A Vulfar female leaned gracefully against the open doorway and Lillie didn’t need to see Okami’s face to know that this was the female who had betrayed him.

“Hying,” Okami acknowledged, confirming Lillie’s suspicion.

“Surely you’re not surprised to see me? After all, we are old friends.”

The female didn’t even seem to notice Lillie, her gaze focused solely on Okami, and Lillie took the opportunity to study her.

Hying was beautiful, she admitted reluctantly, her tall, lean body clad in the female equivalent of the traditional warrior outfit. A short white tunic barely reached the top of her thighs, accentuating long, muscular legs. An ornate belt circled her waist, and a corresponding harness crossed between small, pert breasts. Unlike Radeti’s clothing, her outfit was clearly designed for show, but it was undoubtedly flattering.

She suddenly felt extremely underdressed in her jeans and tee. And short. Hying was easily a head taller.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your little pet?” Hying drawled, and that seemed to snap Okami out of his shock.

“I’m surprised you need an introduction,” he said arrogantly. “Since she is the daughter of Planetary Commander T’lan, most people are already familiar with Princess Lillie.”

“That’s all right, pookie.” She gave Hying a wide, innocent smile. “I know it’s harder for people to remember things as they get older.”

“What?”

Ignoring Hying’s outraged gasp, she gave Okami an adoring look and giggled.

“And I’m not his pet, I’m his mate. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“So that fool Radeti was right,” Hying snapped.

Okami raised an eyebrow. “Of course. Why would you doubt him?”

“I didn’t think your tastes were so primitive.”

Lillie bit back her first response and forced another giggle.

“Oh, I don’t know. I think most males like things a little primitive, don’t they, pookie?”

“In your case, absolutely.” He pulled her closer. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Hying, we have things to discuss.”

Hying glared at both of them before suddenly smoothing her face into a complacent smile.

“I suppose all males have to get those impulses out of their system. I’ll see you at dinner, Okami.” She prowled to the door, her tail swishing seductively behind her, and left.

“What the hell is she doing here?” she demanded.

“She lives here.” Okami paced to the windows and back. “Nisani exiled her, but her mate claimed there was no proof. In the end, he agreed to let her remain here.”

“Her mate?”

“Oh, yes. Clan Chief Seji mated her and took over after her father died. I just hope he doesn’t know she came to see me.”

“You know, you might have mentioned this before we came.”

“You sounded as if you understood the situation.”

“Apparently not all of it.”

She sighed and joined him at the windows. Night had fallen, but the lights scattered throughout the branches provided enough illumination for her to see people on the balconies and walkways surrounding them. Most of them were wearing the traditional dress, but a few were in modern clothing like Okami was wearing.

“So now what?”

“Now we get ready for what will undoubtedly be a long and unpleasant dinner.”

“In that case, I hope Radeti actually did arrange for our luggage to be delivered.”

She had no intention of appearing at a formal dinner in her jeans, especially with Hying present.

“I’m sure he did. He is very efficient.”

As he spoke an inner door opened and a young female appeared, dipping her head nervously.

“I’m Bala. Radeti sent me to assist the lady.”

Lillie bit her lip, suddenly reluctant to leave Okami, but it might be helpful to do a little investigating of her own. Bala gave her a shy smile, and that decided it for her.

“Thank you, Bala. I’ll be right with you.”

She hesitated, then reached up and gave Okami a quick kiss. “Behave yourself while I’m gone, Pookie.”

“And you, my little kareta,” he said, patting her butt as she turned away.

From the quickly hidden smile on Bala’s face, she was sure the girl had seen it, but she just shook her head and followed Bala into the next room.

CHAPTER EIGHT

A s soon as the door closed behind Lillie’s delicious little body, Okami groaned.

Fuck. What the hell was Hying playing at? He’d known she was here, but he’d assumed she would stay away from him—or at least that Seji would ensure that she did. Did she really think she could play him for a fool a third time? He’d been young and foolish the first time, barely out of his warrior’s training and flattered by a beautiful older female paying attention to him. He’d been neither as young nor as foolish the second time, but he had genuinely hoped that she could give him a reason for her behavior.

To his relief any hint of his original attraction to her had disappeared. Lillie was far more desirable in every way.

Too desirable, he thought, remembering the taste of her neck beneath his fangs. He’d been within seconds of giving her a mating bite and that absolutely would not do. They were here on a mission, and he needed to focus on that, not her fascinating brain or her delectable body or her wicked sense of humor. Resolving to keep his distance, he went off to make his own preparations for dinner—but his resolve quickly faltered when she came dancing into the living room to join him a short time later.

“Where did you get that?” he growled.

She rolled her eyes.

“My luggage mysteriously disappeared. Fortunately, Bala found this for me. What do you think?”

“I think I should lock you in this room,” he said seriously.

What had the maid been thinking? Lillie was dressed in the traditional outfit, but the tunic that seemed so athletic on a Vulfar female looked entirely different on her small, curvy body. The soft material skimmed her generous curves and revealed far too much of her deliciously bare legs. And the weapons harness crossing between her breasts only accentuated their luscious fullness. She’d even pulled her hair up into the classical knot, leaving her neck bare and tempting.

“Don’t be silly. Bala assured me it’s perfectly respectable. Don’t you think I look nice?”

He couldn’t resist the hopeful look in those big green eyes.

“You look good enough to eat. And you know it,” he added when she laughed.

“My mother always told us to use whatever weapons we had.”

“I doubt that’s what she had in mind.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Oh, you’d be surprised. Mama knows how to get what she wants.”

“And you, Lillie? Do you know how to get what you want?”

“Not always.”

Her smile suddenly faded. Before he could ask, she shook her head.

“But for tonight, let’s see if I can get what you want—information.”

That was definitely not the only thing he wanted, but he forced himself to nod. The door alert chimed and he opened it to find Radeti waiting.

“I came to escort you to—”

Radeti’s mouth dropped open as he saw Lillie, and Okami had to dig his claws into his palms to stop himself from ripping the other male’s eyes out. He suspected it was going to be a very long night.

His suspicion proved correct.

The banquet was served on a wide platform set high among the branches of the largest tree. Torches ringed the platform, the flames flickering gently in the breeze that wafted in from the savanna, carrying the scents of grass and wildlife. They were seated on low, padded benches and the food presented on huge woven platters. Everything was designed to mimic the way their ancestors would have feasted—but of course their ancestors hadn’t had access to the smokeless fuel lighting the torches or the elevators discreetly concealed behind a woven screen as an army of servants dashed to and fro.

By the end of the second course, half of the males present were clearly in Lillie’s thrall. He couldn’t even accuse her of flirting. She was simply wide-eyed and enthusiastic, exclaiming delightedly over everything from the food to the flowers adorning the low tables. Even Chief Seji seemed reluctantly charmed, much to Hying’s disgust. She made several biting comments, but Lillie either ignored them completely or returned an equally barbed comment accompanied by her sweetest smile.

The seating was designed to promote interaction, and more than one male came over to speak to him on the flimsiest of excuses, and then spent the entire time ogling Lillie. The only thing that kept him from completely losing his temper was that she seemed oblivious to their attentions. She continued to play the part of a doting mate, giving him adoring looks, offering him choice tidbits, and touching him whenever possible. It was both charming and extremely frustrating.

His original intention had been to lounge carelessly behind her and pretend to be amused, but after the third male came over to speak to him on the weakest of pretenses and barely managed to drag his eyes away from Lillie, he changed his mind. He was supposed to be a lovestruck male, after all. He might as well act the part.

He growled at the next male who approached—and anyone else who looked at her for too long—and kept a possessive arm and tail around her for the rest of the never-ending meal. She didn’t try to move away from him. Instead, she had a disconcerting tendency to wiggle her ass directly against his cock every time she bent over to get food or leaned over to speak to someone. He was quite sure the little devil was doing it on purpose.

“If you don’t stop doing that, you’re going to get more than you bargained for,” he growled softly after one particularly frustrating set of movements.

She just gave him the same wide-eyed innocent stare she’d been using all evening.

“Anything you say, pookie.”

Chief Seji who, between the influence of the potent Cradon liquor and Lillie’s equally potent charm, had mellowed considerably by this time, leaned forward curiously.

“What is this pookie?”

“Just one of the animals back on Earth,” she said innocently, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was lying. “They’re big and strong and very vicious, but they have the softest fur, just like my pookie.”

“I see. What a charming nickname.”

Seji leaned back with a somewhat regretful look at Hying. Unfortunately she saw it as well and flashed her fangs at Lillie with a condescending smile.

“I find such things rather childish, but then you are very young, aren’t you?”

Lillie just smiled.

“Okami says I’m the perfect age. Old enough to understand what he wants and young enough to keep up with him.” Her smile was replaced by an anxious look. “Are you sure this banquet isn’t too much for you? I know my mother often retires early from these long evening events.”

There was a moment of charged silence, and he saw Hying’s claws flex. He tensed, preparing to push Lillie behind him, but Seji grabbed Hying’s arm.

“It’s very kind of you to be so concerned about my mate,” Seji said firmly. “But I’m sure she wishes to remain and enjoy the company, don’t you, my dear?”

Another pregnant silence, and he saw Seji’s hand tighten on Hying’s arm before she finally nodded.

“Of course I will remain at your side.”

“How nice of you,” Lillie murmured, her eyes still sparkling dangerously, and he quickly changed the subject.

“I hear that the grazza herds have done well this year.”

Seji responded, and the conversation turned to the upcoming hunting trip. Not long after that, the meal finally came to an end and an area was cleared for dancing. Normally he quite enjoyed dancing, but these were traditional dances where the partners changed frequently. He lasted for exactly one dance, but watching Lillie laughing as she tried to follow the music, escorted by a series of males who were all too eager to help her with the unfamiliar steps, tried his temper to the breaking point. He hauled her out of the circle, tucked her firmly under his arm, and reluctantly went to bid Seji good night.

“Are you up past your bedtime?” Hying asked.

“Oh, no. But my pookie has promised to show me some new moves. Dance moves,” she added innocently after a moment of startled silence.

Seji’s lips quirked, and he bowed his head.

“It has been a true pleasure meeting you, Lillie,” Seji said, then frowned at him. “Come and see me tomorrow. I think we should talk.”

“Very well.”

Radeti escorted them back to their room, bowing courteously as he left them. Even the dour warrior seemed to have fallen victim to Lillie’s charm, and he glared at her as soon as they were back inside.

“You were going to be the death of me,” he announced.

“Oh, don’t be silly. I had so much fun.” She smiled up at him—her true, happy smile rather than the provocatively innocent smile she’d been using all evening. “And I learned so much.”

“You did?” he asked skeptically.

“Of course I did. For one thing, if someone here is plotting against your brother, I don’t think it’s Seji. He has enough problems of his own to worry about.”

She wandered over to one of the windows and threw it open, smiling as the breeze drifted in.

“What problems?”

“I’m pretty sure that Alsai and what’s his name? The heavyset male with the scar?”

“You mean Fuwad?”

“That’s the one. I think they’re conspiring against Seji, or rather they want to join forces, but they hate each other too much to actually come up with a plan.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “That wouldn’t surprise me. No one likes Fuwad, but he’s always been ambitious. What else did you learn?”

“I don’t trust Catron. He’s always smiling, but he’s horrible to the servants and I think he has a sadistic streak.”

“No, I’ve never trusted him either.”

“And I’m pretty sure that Hying is having an affair with Sullmat,” she added.

“What? You can’t possibly know that.”

She shrugged. “I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. I saw the way he watched her—and the way he glared at you.”

“At me? He has nothing to worry about from me.”

“Good.” She bared her blunt little human teeth at him. “I’d hate for Seji to wake up next to a dead mate.”

He laughed. “My fierce little kareta.”

“You better believe it.”

“I have to admit, I’m impressed. How did you figure all that out?”

“We spent a lot of time playing in our father’s office when we were little because he liked having us around. It took him a long time to realize that I was paying attention to what was being said.”

“What about your sister?”

“Oh, she knew what was going on as well, but she was usually more interested in her puzzles or toys.” She grinned at him. “He would send us away when things got too serious, but I learned that as long as I seemed to be innocently playing with my toys, he tended to let us stay longer. Of course Mama knew what I was doing.”

“I’ve never had a chance to spend much time with your mother. I look forward to talking to her.”

“I’m sure she’d love to talk to you.” Her eyes sparkled up at him. “Mama has always appreciated a handsome male.”

He shook his head in mock sympathy.

“Your poor father.”

“Daddy knows that Mama is completely devoted to him, although he does get a little growly sometimes,” she added with a reminiscent smile.

After this evening, he found that completely understandable. He’d never spent any time with Lillie’s mother, but he encountered her enough to know that she was a small blonde with her daughter’s effervescent personality. No wonder her very forbidding Yehrin mate was never far from her side. If he and Lillie were truly mated, he was quite sure he would behave the same way.

“Oh, look, the lights are going out.”

Lillie leaned further out of the window as the lanterns hung throughout the compound began to go dark. Light still shone from some of the windows, but many of them were already shuttered. He nodded.

“They do it every night, so they can still see the stars.”

She followed his gaze up to the glittering blanket of stars now visible in the sky above them and gasped.

“How beautiful.”

They stood in silence for a moment looking up at the stars, and then she turned and gave him a slow, seductive smile.

“If all the lights are off, that must mean it’s time for bed.”

CHAPTER NINE

L illie punched her pillow and flipped over to her other side, scowling into the dim room. Between the change in time zones and her extended nap on the plane, she wasn’t the least bit sleepy. And although Okami had agreed that it was time for bed, unfortunately he’d meant alone. A set of bedrooms was located on either side of the living area. He had chosen the one next to hers, but the door connecting the rooms had remained firmly closed.

Irritating male.

She was quite sure that he wanted her—his erection had been quite obvious every time she brushed against him—and she was equally sure that his growly, possessive behavior was not entirely an act. But despite that, he had escorted her to her bedroom, showed her how to set the lights to a faint comforting glow, and then turned to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“To my own bed in my own room.”

“But why? Did you think they’ll expect us to stay together?”

“Not all mated couples share a room,” he said calmly, but his tail lashed back and forth behind him.

“They do when they have been all over each other all evening.”

“I believe you were the one who was all over me, princess.”

She glared at him.

“It felt as if you were pretty damn glad about it.”

He sighed, and the arrogant look disappeared.

“Lillie, I am trying very hard to do the right thing here. This isn’t a real mating. It can’t be,” he added softly.

The regret in his voice convinced her to stop arguing. She nodded, and he left without another word. Damn, why did this have to be so complicated? When they had been alone together earlier, when she’d felt the prick of his fangs against her neck, she had known he wanted to give her a mating bite—and she’d wanted him to do it. But then his evil ex had appeared, followed by an evening full of political maneuvering. She wasn’t surprised that he’d remembered his promise to his brother. She couldn’t even say that Nisani was wrong. Her father would not take the news well, but he would calm down eventually and as long as he thought she was happy, he wouldn’t do anything too irrevocably foolish.

And she thought she could be happy with Okami—but as tempting as the idea of being mated to him might be, she still had to find her own way forward. If she wasn’t going to be a doctor, what was she going to do?

She sighed and turned over again. As she did, she thought she heard a voice coming from the room next door. Was Okami talking in his sleep? She heard it again, and this time it sounded distinctly feminine. Her fists clenched. Did he have a female in there? If he did, he was going to regret it.

She slipped out of bed and padded quietly across to the door connecting their rooms, listening intently. Yes, there it was again. Definitely a female’s voice—and one she was sure she recognized. Scowling, she threw open the door.

Her stomach clenched as she saw that her suspicions were correct. Hying was in his room, although at least she wasn’t in his bed. The pair were standing by the window. Okami had his arms crossed, frowning down at Hying. She had her hands on his arms, leaning into him as she gave him a pleading look.

“Get your fucking hands off of my mate before I cut them off,” she snapped.

Hying didn’t even flinch, just leaned closer to Okami and smirked at her.

“He likes them there.”

“No, I don’t. For the last time, Hying, what information do you have concerning my brother?”

“Get rid of her and I’ll tell you.”

“That’s never going to happen. And since you’ve done nothing but waste my time since you arrived, I think it’s time for you to leave.”

“But, Okami…”

“You heard him,” she growled. “Get out of here and leave us alone.”

Hying laughed derisively.

“Who’s going to make me? You?”

“Gladly.”

She pulled out her knife and flicked the blade open. Hying’s eyes widened for a moment before she recovered her composure.

“Your weapon is as small and unimpressive as you are.”

“It may be small, but it cuts just fine.”

“But I’m sure you won’t need to demonstrate that tonight. Leave, Hying,” Okami ordered, pushing Hying away as she snarled.

“You’re going to regret this.”

“The only thing I regret is ever becoming involved with you in the first place. Now leave.”

She looked from his unyielding face to Lillie’s knife, then shrugged.

“You’re going to regret this,” she repeated, but she finally left, her tail lashing angrily behind her.

Lillie waited until she heard the outer door shut, then focused on Okami.

“It’s not what you think,” he said immediately.

“I think she showed up in your bedroom just like she showed up in the living room earlier, told you she had valuable information, and tried to seduce you.”

“All right, it is what you think. I had no intention of letting her seduce me, but I did want to know if she had information.”

“Did she?”

He sighed. “I honestly don’t know. I think it’s possible, although I don’t believe she ever intended to share it with me.”

Still annoyed by the encounter, she gave him her sweetest and least sincere smile.

“Then maybe you should have let her seduce you.”

“What?” he growled.

She shrugged a casual shoulder. “Sometimes we have to make sacrifices.”

“That’s why you’re standing there with a knife in your hand after you threatened to cut her hands off?”

She blinked innocently. “I was just trying to act the part.”

“Oh, really?” He prowled towards her, and her heart started to pound. “So you really wouldn’t mind it if she put her hands on me?”

“She already did, didn’t she?” she pointed out.

He was still coming towards her and she backed up a step, but she’d misjudged the position of the door and found herself with her back against the wall as he came to a halt in front of her. He reached for her knife, and she let him take it. Never taking his eyes off of her, he closed it and tossed it aside.

She started to object, but then he traced a delicate claw along the neckline of her nightgown, watching as her nipples beaded beneath the thin silk.

“I see you found your luggage.”

“Bala found it,” she whispered.

“Just so you know, princess, if I ever found you in a similar position, I would not bother to threaten the male—I would eliminate him.” Her breath caught as his tail swished back and forth across her upper thighs. “But that isn’t going to happen, is it, my little kareta?”

His eyes were glowing and her pulse thundering in her ears, but she couldn’t resist teasing him.

“I don’t know. What if he had valuable information?”

He growled and yanked her up into his arms, lifting her up against the wall as he kissed her and she instinctively wrapped her legs around him. His naked chest was warm and hard, and she moaned as it made contact with the swollen bundle of nerves between her legs. God, she liked his kisses—powerful, intense, demanding. She buried her hands in his hair and dragged her nails across his scalp, encouraging him. He growled again and squeezed her ass, pressing her needy flesh more firmly against his chest. He slid her lower, low enough that she felt the throbbing bar of his erection between her legs.

“Oh, yes.”

He kept kissing her, even as he slid her slowly back and forth across the thick ridge. His tail slid under her short nightgown, curling up to tease her aching nipples. He groaned, the sound vibrating against her. His hand tightened on her ass, and the slight, delicious sting of his claws pushed her over the edge and sent her flying. She shuddered helplessly in his arms as he murmured soft words of praise until her body finally calmed and she recovered enough to smile up at him.

“Mmm. Thank you.”

“I believe I’m the one that should be thanking you.”

“I’m fine with mutual thank yous,” she said solemnly, and felt him laugh. The sleepiness that had evaded her earlier crashed down over her, and she snuggled into his arms as he stepped away from the wall.

“Don’t you dare try and put me back in my bed,” she warned, trying to sound fierce despite the exhaustion stealing over her. “You obviously need me to stay here and protect you from wandering females.”

“Yes, my kareta,” he said obediently, even though she felt his laughter reverberating against her chest again. “Now go to sleep.”

OKAMI SETTLED A SLEEPING Lillie more firmly against his chest and frowned into the darkened bedroom. He’d told her the truth—he didn’t think Hying had intended to tell him anything—but he suspected that she had more on her mind than seduction. It was possible that she intended to ask for his help with whatever she was plotting, but it was more likely that she intended to use him as a pawn. Again.

Perhaps he should have played along until he found out what she wanted, but the thought disgusted him. He might be calling his relationship with Lillie a pretend mating, but it didn’t feel like an act. He would never betray her like that. But he needed to figure out how to turn it into a real mating—hopefully without destroying his relationship with his brother in the process.

Had his brother been overreacting, or was the situation with the Yehrin really that complicated, he wondered, unable to prevent a pang of resentment. Nisani’s life would be a lot less difficult if he would allow Okami to assist with more of his duties, even the strictly ceremonial ones. He knew how much time those duties occupied—and how little Nisani enjoyed them. But he still insisted on doing them himself.

Okami couldn’t deny that they were important, but he also suspected that Nisani was obsessed with continuing to do everything that their father had done. He tended to forget that his mother had been at his father’s side. He shook his head in confusion.

His father and his brother both treated their mother like she was a delicate flower who had to be sheltered at all costs. They didn’t seem to realize that a woman who had raised three strong and independent daughters, not to mention his own stubborn ass, was not the helpless female they believed her to be. She appeared with their father whenever he would let her, and even when she wasn’t with him, she was busy with her own activities and visiting schools or libraries or women’s shelters. She was very careful not to intrude on what his father considered his duties, but she managed to accomplish a great deal of good in her own quiet way. The entire planet had mourned for three days when she died from a stupid disease she had ignored until it was too late.

His father had never recovered. That was when Nisani became the face of the royal family, long before their father died less than two years later. Perhaps it was that tragedy which had made Nisani so determined not to choose a mate of his own. He’d never said that, of course, just that he was waiting for the right female, but even their very determined sisters had given up on trying to convince him. Of course, his sisters had given up on him as well. His oldest sister was the only one who knew that his reticence was not merely due to his previous mistake. He had wanted the right female—the female who was now snuggled trustingly in his arms. Which brought him back to his earlier dilemma.

It might take time to convince Nisani about his sincerity, but he had absolutely no compulsion about using his sisters to aid in his efforts and he knew they would be more than willing. And if he could convince Nisani, the only remaining hurdle was Lillie’s father. Perhaps they should make a trip to Earth. Planetary Commander T’lan might not be susceptible to his charm, but he suspected that Lillie and her mother could convince him.

If they did take such a trip, they would have to have separate cabins, he decided as she shifted in her sleep and the soft weight of her thigh brushed tantalizingly against his cock. He was wearing sleeping pants, but the thin material did little to separate them, just as the thin silk of her nightgown was a minimal barrier between her hard little nipples and his bare chest.

She moved again and he gave her a suspicious look. He wouldn’t put it past the tempting little kareta to torment him this way, but her breathing was still deep and even. He sighed and used one hand to tuck her head tighter against his chest and the other to grab a handful of her delicious ass to hold her little body in place. His tail curved around her waist and up into the warm valley between her breasts.

She sighed, warm damp breath blowing across his nipple, and his cock jerked. He took a deep breath and started reciting the names of his ancestors.

Under the circumstances, it wasn’t surprising that he eased himself out of bed as soon as the sky began to lighten outside the window. She mumbled a protest but he nestled her back amongst the pillows before brushing her mouth with his. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she gave him a slow, sleepy smile before drifting off again. Her nightgown had slipped down far enough to reveal one rosy peak, hardening in response to the cool morning air. He gritted his teeth, resisted the impulse to touch her, and pulled the covers back over her shoulder.

Nisani had better fucking appreciate what he was doing for him. He grabbed his clothes and went into the living room to dress, then left her a note before stomping off to meet Seji.

Radeti scowled when he appeared, but he took him to the outside balcony where Seji was eating breakfast. Okami was ready to take his frustrations out on the clan chief if the other male challenged him in the slightest, but Seji simply gave him a tired smile when he joined him.

“I didn’t expect you to be up so early.”

His voice was amused rather than mocking, and Okami shrugged.

“A very common misconception.” He hesitated. Seji really did look tired. “Would you like me to come back later?”

“Not at all. Have a seat.” Seji gestured at the chair on the other side of the table. “I enjoy company for breakfast, but I rarely have any.”

“Breakfast is always our family time,” he said without thinking, and a shadow crossed Seji’s face.

“I have not been so blessed.”

“I’m sorry,” he said sincerely. As annoyed as he was with his brother right now, he couldn’t imagine life without him or his sisters.

Seji shrugged.

“Who knows why the gods choose our paths the way they do? Perhaps I’m being punished.” He hesitated, picking up a piece of silverware and flipping it between his fingers. “I’m going to say this one time and one time only. If you repeat it, I’ll deny it. But I want you to know that I was not responsible for either your incarceration or the partnership with the Quatarans.”

“Why have you never—”

“A clan chief is responsible for his clan’s actions, no matter what the circumstances.” When Okami opened his mouth, Seji shook his head. “The subject is closed. Do you like coffee? We have it imported from Earth, and I find I quite enjoy it.”

“As do I.”

Seji poured him a cup, and they ate in silence as birdsong filled the trees. A distant roar from the savanna seemed to bring Seji’s thoughts back from wherever they had traveled, and he raised an eyebrow at Okami.

“I understand you are here because you wish to go hunting?”

The question could definitely be taken two ways, but for now he chose the more innocent option.

“To be perfectly honest, no, but if my mate wishes to see me hunt, then I will hunt.”

A genuine smile crossed Seji’s face. “Your mate is a delightful female. I can understand why it would be difficult to refuse her.”

He did his best to accept Seji’s comment as the compliment it was clearly intended to be, but his claws flexed. Seji must have seen them because he laughed.

“You do not need to worry. I chose my path long ago.”

“Sometimes paths change.”

Seji met his eyes directly.

“Not for an honorable male.”

He sounded so resigned that Okami couldn’t help but sympathize. Would he have felt the same way if he had actually become mated to Hying? Seji appeared so much older he had forgotten that only a few years separated them.

“But sometimes the gods choose to change one’s path.”

“Perhaps.”

The conversation turned to game trails and hunting. The sun was well above the horizon when he finally rose. He was sure that Lillie would be awake by now. And probably getting into trouble, he thought ruefully. Although if she weren’t awake, he would be more than happy to wake her.

“I enjoyed our conversation,” Seji said as he rose. “I will tell Radeti you are welcome if you choose to return. And feel free to bring your mate. Hying never arises before the noon hour.”

“Thank you. I may do that.”

Lillie had made it obvious last night that she was a good judge of character, and while he thought she had already decided in Seji’s favor, he would be interested in her opinion. As he turned to leave, Seji put his hand on his arm.

“While you are hunting, you would do well to be wary of Dobai.”

Seji moved away as soon as he finished speaking, clearly unwilling to continue the discussion, and Okami nodded.

“Thank you for the advice.”

He hurried back to his quarters, a dour Radeti easily keeping pace with him, already anxious to see Lillie. But as soon as he entered their rooms, he knew she wasn’t there.

CHAPTER TEN

L illie wandered restlessly over to the window and wished for the hundredth time that she’d brought her communicator with her. This was the longest she had ever gone without talking to her sister, and she missed her desperately. Not to mention that she would have really appreciated Leslie’s cool, logical perspective about Okami’s mercurial behavior.

She had assumed that after their passionate encounter the previous night they would wake up together again. Instead, she’d woken up alone. At least he’d left her a note, although all he’d said was that he was meeting with Seji and that she should stay out of trouble—which was almost enough to make her go looking for it.

Instead, she’d gotten dressed and prowled moodily around the living area, trying not to think about Okami and to come up with a solution to the end of her medical career.

Maybe I could just get a job here on Vulfar.

The idea appealed to her—she could stay with her sister and hopefully continue to see Okami. She could probably even continue to live in the palace. There was only one little problem: the actual job. Her undergraduate degree was in Earth History which would be useless on Vulfar. And her one year of medical school certainly didn’t make her qualified for a medical position.

And then there was her father—not only would he have to approve of any job she found, her theoretical workplace would also have to accept a Yehrin warrior brooding in the background. Which meant even something like becoming a bartender was strictly out of the question.

She was still turning over possibilities when Bala appeared with a breakfast tray.

“Good morning, Lady Lillie.”

“Just Lillie is fine.”

The girl gave her a shy smile as she put the tray down, then headed back to the door.

“Do you have to leave?” she asked impulsively. “Can you stay and keep me company?”

“Of course. I was assigned to serve you. I am at your command.”

“I’m not commanding you to stay. I just thought it would be nice to have someone to talk to.”

Bala’s eyes widened. “You want to talk to me?”

“Why not?”

“I’m just a servant.”

She laughed. “You know, I was a maid once.”

“Really?”

She’d been in her second year of college, and she’d wanted an actual Earth type job. She’d managed to sneak away from T’vedo long enough to apply. The manager had been more interested in her breasts than her falsified qualifications and hired her on the spot. The job lasted exactly one day before T’vedo tracked her down and found the manager trying to trap her in the linen closet. He’d knocked the man out, returned her to school in unyielding silence, and then did not let her out of his sight for a month.

“It didn’t last long,” she admitted. “And I don’t think I was very good at it. Do you like working here?”

“It’s a great honor,” Bala said, but there was a distinct note of doubt in her voice. “My parents are very proud.”

“Do they live here too?”

“Oh, no. They live on the edge of the plains in a regular town. Only very wealthy and important people live here. And their servants, of course.”

Interesting. She’d assumed that most of the clan lived in the village.

“But they choose to live here rather than in your other towns?”

“Of course. We are closer to our ancestors here.” Once again there was hesitation in Bala’s voice. “Would you like me to show you around?” she added.

“I’d love that. I’ve never been in a tree village like this before.”

“They don’t have them on your planet?”

“Most of the trees aren’t big enough, although we do have some individual houses that are built in trees. We even had one when we were little girls.”

Bala’s eyes widened. “You did?”

“Yes. My father and T’chok, one of his warriors, built it for us.” She grinned at the girl. “It was probably the safest treehouse ever built, complete with weapons platforms and a command deck.”

“I suspect Chief Seji would have done the same, if he’d had a daughter.”

“He and Hying don’t have children?”

Bala’s face dimmed as she shook her head. “I think most of the clan have given up on a direct heir at this point. It’s such a shame. I’ve always admired him. No matter what you might have heard, he is a good male.”

“I believe you,” she said quietly.

The girl gave her a grateful smile.

“Did you enjoy your treehouse?”

“We did. Especially after we painted it pink.”

“Pink?”

“They had painted it a nice, sedate grey.” She shook her head at the memory. “We were so disappointed. So Mama bought pink paint, and she and our older sister helped us paint it. You should have seen Daddy’s face when he came back.”

“He was angry?”

She laughed. “Appalled is probably a better word, especially since it was a very bright pink paint and all four of us were covered with it by then. But he could see how excited we were so he just sighed and helped us finish.”

Without getting a single speck of pink paint on his pristine black uniform—until he was finished painting and Mama hugged him. Bala nodded.

“He too sounds like a good male.”

“The very best.”

The girl hesitated, then asked shyly. “And your mate is like him?”

A sudden lump appeared in her throat. She suspected that if Okami had been involved, the treehouse would have been pink to begin with and probably covered with polka dots or anything else his daughter wanted. Dammit. Now she was getting sentimental about a theoretical treehouse for a theoretical daughter.

“He is also a very good male,” she said firmly, even though her voice felt a little shaky.

“You have been very lucky.”

“Yes, I have.”

Another hesitation. “You are not bothered by his previous… involvement?”

“With Hying? Of course I am, but mainly because of the way she treated him. I’m sorry if this offends you, but she is not a good female.”

“No, she’s not.” Bala took a quick look around and lowered her voice. “My mother says she’s made a play for every male in the clan. Although, to be fair, that was when my parents were visiting and she kept asking my father to repair things in her quarters. My mother didn’t like that at all. Neither did my father, but it is difficult to refuse the clan chief’s mate. Not that he would ever betray my mother,” she added hastily.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t. But enough about her. Tell me more about the village.”

The girl nodded enthusiastically and filled her in on the background as Lillie finished her breakfast. As soon as she was finished, Bala jumped up.

“I’ll show you the Meeting Hall first. It’s in the center, below the feasting platform where the banquet was held last night and it’s very impressive.”

Bala was correct. The space occupied the entire width of the trunk, with only tall arches around the edge to support the weight of the top of the tree. Then Bala led her through the rest of the village. It really was a fascinating place and it didn’t take Lillie long to realize that there was a considerable amount of technology disguised behind the traditional facade—everything from the metal supports concealed within the massive trunks to the computer screens disguised as leaf framed mirrors.

It’s a theme park for wealthy adults, she realized. They sat on their elaborately rustic furniture, cooled by carefully concealed air conditioning, eating expensive fruit that had been carved into delicate flower shapes, and pretended they were living like their ancestors. She couldn’t really blame them—it was a beautiful place and they’d provided every comfort—but something about it made her uneasy.

As they explored she was also aware of how many people watched her, but then she’d spent her whole life knowing that she was under observation. As always, she smiled and waved and asked lots of questions. Her curiosity was genuine, even if she chose to deliver it masked in guileless innocence. They were a few disdainful sniffs and an occasional quickly masked sneer, but on the whole the people were friendly enough.

The worst was an older warrior who almost bumped into them outside a small restaurant. He scowled at Bala.

“Watch where you’re going, you stupid girl.”

Lillie didn’t recognize him but did recognize his voice, and she was sure he’d been one of the men talking on the balcony. His gaze moved from Bala to her, and she also recognized that combination of lechery and disgust.

“I heard we had a… human visitor.”

He said it as if she were some kind of vermin and she saw Bala bristle, but she gave him a cheerful smile.

“A half-human and a half-Yehrin visitor.”

His mouth twisted as his eyes crawled lasciviously over her body. She was wearing a pair of wide-legged silky pants and a matching sleeveless tunic, but the way he looked at her made her feel naked.

“Perhaps you should tell me what else I’m missing, female.”

It was clearly an opening and a better female would no doubt have accepted it in order to discover his plans. She was not that female.

“I’m afraid I don’t have time to chat. I have to get back to my mate. You must know Prince Okami?” She clasped her hands together with a soulful expression. “Isn’t he wonderful?”

The male’s glare was hot enough to set fire to the surrounding trees, and she didn’t wait for him to respond. She gave him a cheery little wave and subtly urged Bala to move.

“Bye now!”

It wasn’t until they were around the corner and out of sight that Bala gave her a shocked look.

“I can’t believe you did that!”

“Did what?”

“Walked away from Dobai. He’s one of Chief Seji’s senior advisors.”

Hmm. If that was the type of male the chief listened to, perhaps her positive opinion of him had been misplaced. But she didn’t want to distress Bala so she only shrugged.

“I wasn’t impressed. And if he’s one of the senior advisors, why wasn’t he at the banquet last night?”

Bala hesitated. “I heard there was some trouble with Lady Hying. But it was only a rumor,” she added quickly.

Lillie didn’t doubt it for a minute, but she didn’t pursue the matter. They resumed their walk in silence.

“Are you really a princess?” Bala burst out.

She started to deny it, then remembered Okami’s warning.

“We don’t use that title, but my father has a very important position.”

“I heard he was a Planetary Commander,” the girl whispered, her eyes enormous.

“Yes, he is.”

“But he’s the same male who built your treehouse?”

She couldn’t help smiling. “The very same.”

“No wonder you can do whatever you want.”

“It’s not that simple, Bala. I can’t deny it has its benefits, but it has disadvantages too. If you were interested in one of the males in the village, what would you do?”

“Maybe ask him to go out for a drink. Or maybe to go for a walk.”

“If I tried to do that back on Earth, there would have been people waiting to take pictures of me. And at least one guard a few feet away at all times.”

“At all times?”

“Pretty much. Although I can be very sneaky.”

Bala smiled, then nodded thoughtfully. “I can see that might not be much fun. But it might be worth it just to tell Dobai off.”

She took another look at the pretty young girl.

“Does he bother you?”

“N-not really. It’s more the way he looks at me. And the things he says.”

Lillie found herself fingering the knife concealed in her pocket. It would have given her great satisfaction to stalk back to that bastard and cut off his balls, but she had to remember there might be more at stake than just his lechery.

“You should talk to Chief Seji,” she said firmly.

“The clan chief? Me? I couldn’t.”

“You said he is a good male. A good leader is concerned about all of his people.”

“Maybe,” Bala said reluctantly.

“Definitely.”

She didn’t press the matter anymore, but she decided that if Bala wouldn’t speak to Seji, she would. Her enthusiasm for the tour had waned, and when she suggested that they return to her quarters, Bala readily agreed.

Unfortunately, they returned to find a scowling Okami pacing the living room.

“Where the hell have you been?” he barked.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

O kami knew he’d made a mistake as soon as he spoke. Lillie’s chin went up and the little serving girl’s mouth dropped open.

“Thank you for the tour, Bala,” Lillie said calmly. “I’ll see you later.”

“Do you want me to stay?” the girl asked. She was clearly nervous, but she remained until Lillie shook her head.

“No, I’m fine. But thank you.”

The girl gave him a suspicious look, but left.

“Where were you—”

“You can’t talk to me—”

They both spoke at the same time, then Lillie sighed and folded her arms over her chest. The position only accentuated her luscious breasts, and the resulting rush of arousal did nothing to ease his temper. Ever since he’d returned from meeting with Seji to find her gone, he’d been pacing the living area trying to decide if he should raise an alarm.

“Where were you?” he demanded again.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but Bala was showing me the village.”

“Not my business? Of course, it’s my business—you’re my mate.”

“Your pretend mate,” she snapped, and that only inflamed him more.

“If I make it real, will you stop scaring the life out of me?” he yelled.

Her expression suddenly changed. “You were worried about me?”

“Of course I was worried about you. In case you’ve forgotten, we are in enemy territory. Even if they aren’t plotting to overthrow my brother, they still hate my clan.”

“I don’t think they hate me,” she said calmly. “At least not most of them.”

“It only takes one.”

Ignoring his muttered response, she put her small hand on his arm and smiled up at him.

“I did leave you a note.”

“Back soon? What kind of message is that?”

“About the same as Going to meet Seji. Stay out of trouble.”

He knew she had a point, but he didn’t want to admit it.

“Don’t be mad. Can’t we kiss and make up?”

Fuck yes. Somehow his tail was back around her waist and she tugged teasingly on the tip. Another wave of arousal washed over him.

“No,” he said stubbornly. “And you shouldn’t be wandering around alone wearing such provocative clothing.”

“Are you insane? The only part of me that isn’t covered is my arms.”

“And your neck,” he pointed out. That soft, beautiful neck that made his fangs itch. The only thing that would make such a display acceptable was if it were adorned with his mating bite. “You should cover it.”

“If you think I’m wearing a turtleneck in this heat, you are sadly mistaken. You’re lucky I’m wearing long pants. The warrior tunic was much more comfortable.”

He suppressed a groan of the memory of those smooth, silky legs beneath the hem of her tunic.

“And that cloth is too thin,” he added, deciding he might as well voice all his complaints at once.

“No, it’s not. You can’t see through it anywhere, and it’s not as if I’m naked underneath it.”

“You’re not?” His thoughts started to a halt.

“Of course not. I’m wearing a bra and panties.”

“You mean the mating garments you were wearing when we were together?” The memory of those provocative scraps of material had haunted him ever since. Who was she wearing them for now?

She rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated.

“They are not mating garments. They are underwear. I swear, I sometimes think that Earth is the only planet in the universe that understands that concept.”

“You’re wearing them now?” he asked, ignoring her.

“Of course. See?”

She pushed the waistband of her pants down far enough to reveal a thin strip of lace across one luscious white hip. Then she tugged her tunic up high enough to reveal her breasts covered with the same material, lifted and offered like a bounteous feast to his waiting gaze. He groaned and without conscious volition, covered them with his hands, his thumbs stroking the taut peaks clearly evident beneath the thin lace.

“Mating garments,” he said firmly as she gripped his forearms and swayed into his touch.

“That’s not what they are intended to be,” she muttered, clearly distracted by his hands. “Oh, God, that feels good.”

He adjusted his grip, rolling the tempting little morsels between his thumb and finger as his tail curved around her ass and pulled her closer. Her nipples grew red and swollen from his attentions, and the temptation was too much. He yanked her tunic over her head but left the tantalizing mating garment in place as he lifted her higher, closing his mouth around a tempting peak.

She cried out, her sharp little nails digging into his shoulders

“Harder,” he urged as he licked his way from one delicious bud to the other. He wanted her marks on him.

She obeyed, urging him on until she cried out, her body rigid in his arms and the sweet scent of her arousal flooding the room. He was frantically looking for the nearest horizontal surface when the door alert chimed.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

He threw her tunic back down over her head and stalked to the door, praying that his pants were tight enough to at least partially conceal his raging erection.

“What?” he snarled, snatching the door open.

The serving girl was waiting outside, her eyes enormous as she backed up a step. Even though she was clearly afraid, she looked past him into the room, and then her mouth twitched in a quickly hidden smile. He followed her gaze back over his shoulder. When he had thrown the tunic over Lillie’s head, he hadn’t paid any attention to details like armholes. Only her head emerged, her hair disheveled as she glared at him and tried to work her arms free, looking every inch the adorably fierce little kareta he called her.

He knew he should go to her assistance, but the interruption had brought back a modicum of restraint. There had to be a training facility somewhere in this godforsaken village.

“I’m going to train,” he growled and stalked away.

His temper wasn’t improved by hearing both females burst into laughter behind him. Neither did it help when Radeti tracked him down at the training facility and advised him that there was to be another banquet. This time a formal modern affair.

“Why?”

“The chief’s mate ordered it. She said it was customary before a great hunt.”

Radeti’s face was as stoic as ever, but Okami had the distinct impression he was not happy about the gathering.

“Very well.” He debated his options for a moment, then reluctantly added, “Would you do me the favor of advising Lady Lillie about the event and informing her that it will require modern dress?”

He hated the thought of sending another male to their quarters. The fact that Radeti instantly agreed didn’t help, but the older male reminded him of Zord and he suspected that Radeti had the same rigid sense of honor. He would have gone himself, but until he worked off some of his pent-up sexual frustration, he didn’t think he could resist the temptation to continue what they had started. And if having three sisters had taught him anything, it was that females wanted time to prepare for such occasions.

There was no shortage of willing training partners, and although the first few clearly assumed that he was a spoiled little city prince, they quickly learned their lesson and the rest of his matches were wellsuited.

The only exception was Fuwad. His reputation as a dishonorable male was well earned, and Okami wasn’t surprised when he began their match by trying to knee Okami in the balls. He managed to evade the blow as some of the onlookers protested.

Fuwad snarled. “Since Chief Okami clearly appreciates primitive females, I assumed he preferred primitive rules.”

Okami growled and attacked. Fuwad was a dirty fighter and he liked to use his weight against his opponents, but Okami was faster and he’d been trained by the best. Both of them were bleeding by the time Okami pinned Fuwad to the mat, his arm behind his back.

“You will apologize for what you said about my mate.”

“Never.”

He yanked the arm higher, and Fuwad thrashed beneath him.

“Apologize,” he repeated calmly.

Fuwad growled again, but they both knew that Okami could easily break his arm.

“Sorry,” he finally muttered.

“Thank you for the apology.”

He rose to his feet and swept Fuwad a mocking bow. As he turned to leave, he heard a warning cry behind him and whirled around to find Fuwad struggling against two males who were clearly restraining him.

“Attacking from behind? Not even primitives sink that low.”

He turned and stalked away, his tail lashing behind him. Radeti joined him as he headed back to his quarters.

“I came to tell you that I delivered your message.” He coughed. “Lady Lillie asked me to tell you that she will be sure to dress appropriately.”

He groaned, and Radeti’s lips twisted briefly before he changed the subject.

“I witnessed your last match. Fuwad is a dangerous enemy.”

“He will not be the first.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Radeti said dryly and gave him a penetrating look. “But you’re not quite this spoiled prince you appear to be, are you?”

“I never was.”

Radeti bowed his head in acknowledgment, and they parted ways. Okami headed back to their quarters, hoping that his beautiful, tormenting mate had actually remained there this time. She had, but she was not alone. Three other females, plus an additional servant, filled the living area.

“There you are, pookie.”

Lillie rushed over to meet him and pulled him into a kiss. He was sure it was for the benefit of their audience, but he would never pass up a chance to kiss her and took full advantage of the opportunity. She responded just as eagerly before stepping back, pink tinting her cheeks. He kept his tail around her a moment longer as all the females present sighed, then released her.

“Isn’t this wonderful?” she beamed. “These kind ladies heard about the banquet tonight and came to make sure I had something suitable to wear.”

Based on the sparkle in her eyes, he was quite sure she wasn’t as enthusiastic as she appeared to be, but he nodded agreeably.

“Very kind. Of course, you will look lovely in whatever you wear.” Another collective sigh met his words. “But since you are occupied, perhaps I should leave you to your guests.”

Since her back was to the other females, none of them saw the exasperated look she gave him, but he had to fight to hide his smile.

“You should seek out my mate, Chief Okami,” Lady Illani suggested. She was a quiet older female who had been very kind to him on his previous visits, but he couldn’t decide if there was more to her suggestion than simple courtesy.

“An excellent idea. Thank you.”

He bowed his head, kissed Lillie again—just long enough for her to soften against him—and left. He had no doubt that Lillie would be successful in winning over the other females.

CHAPTER TWELVE

L illie bit back a sigh as Okami left, then pasted a dreamy smile on her face as she turned back to her guests.

“He’s so thoughtful.”

“Indeed,” Lady Vixal said in a disparaging voice. “Did he remember to provide you with the appropriate jewelry for the occasion? My own mate is always so thoughtful about these things that I suppose I’m spoiled.”

Lillie gave her her sweetest smile. “I’m afraid not. He’s so attentive that we haven’t been apart long enough for him to do any shopping.”

Lady Illani hid a smile, clearly understanding the implication of her words, but Lady Vixal only looked confused. Perhaps it was just as well. She wasn’t trying to create enemies even though she’d disliked the other female immediately, her condescending tone arousing all of Lillie’s worst instincts. Like the other females she had brought a dress for Lillie to try on but not only was it a dreary black, it had long sleeves, a high neck, and would have covered her completely.

When she’d suggested gently that it might be a trifle large, Vixal had waved a dismissive hand.

“Marta will make any necessary alterations.”

Marta, a stern-faced older female who appeared to be her servant, did not seem thrilled at the idea. Lillie couldn’t tell if her dislike was directed at her or at her mistress.

“That’s very kind of Marta,” she said softly.

Vixal looked astonished.

“It’s not kind of her. She’s my servant—it is her job.”

The flash of resentment in Marta’s eyes before she discreetly dropped her gaze answered Lillie’s question.

The other two ladies had also brought clothing. Lady Bellati had offered her a dress in a very pretty shade of green but so covered with ruffles and lace that Lillie would have looked like a ball of green fluff. Since Bellati was wearing a similar gown, Lillie decided that it was a misguided attempt to be kind rather than deliberate sabotage. Illani had brought the only gown that she actually liked—a simple slip dress in pale pink silk.

“But it’s so plain,” Vixal complained.

“Perhaps, but Lady Lillie is so young and pretty that she doesn’t need any embellishment,” Illani said, smiling as sweetly as Lillie had earlier.

Since Vixal was wearing a far too elaborate outfit, jewels glittering at her throat and neck, the implication was clear, but once again the barb seemed to escape Vixal.

Lillie hid her own smile, carefully avoided committing to a dress, and offered her guests refreshment. They stayed for what seemed like an eternity before Illani gently broke up the party.

“I’m sure we all need time to prepare for the banquet.”

Lillie gave her a grateful smile, then sighed with relief as the other females left, leaving her alone with Bala.

“Which one are you going to wear?” the girl asked.

“I don’t know. The green is too much, and while the pink one would suit me best, it does seem a little plain. Okami would probably like the black one,” she muttered, remembering their previous argument.

She picked up the dress as she spoke and for the first time noticed that a thin inner layer lined the heavy fabric. The sheer material gave her an idea and she turned to Bala with a triumphant smile.

“Can you sew?”

“A little,” the girl said doubtfully.

“That should be enough. This will be more of a surgical strike than a major operation. The dress only has to last for one night.”

Bala still looked skeptical, but she nodded obediently and they set to work.

Okami came back a short time later, looking oddly thoughtful, but she shooed him away again. He shook his head, but he left, promising to return in time to escort her to the banquet. By the time he came back the second time, everything was ready. He went to change while Bala helped her into their creation.

“You look beautiful,” Bala breathed.

“I think it works,” she agreed, then giggled. “And I did give Okami exactly what he wanted.”

She was wearing the pale pink slip dress that Illani had given her, but she had removed the inner lining from the black dress and layered it on top. Because the slip dress was so close to the color of her skin, the sheer black overdress created the tantalizing illusion that she was naked.

She’d also woven pale green ribbon from the third dress into a wide waistband that accentuated both her hips and her breasts. There had been enough of the lining material to create long, fluttering sleeves, but the final touch was a long strip that formed a combination of headscarf and veil. The combination made her eyes look enormous and drew attention to her mouth every time she spoke. She was completely covered—but in the most provocative way possible.

“Do you think he’ll approve?” Bala asked nervously, and Lillie giggled again.

“I certainly hope so.”

She thanked Bala again and sent the girl on my way before going to join Okami, her pulse already racing with anticipation of his reaction.

He did not disappoint her.

He was looking extremely handsome in the formal Vulfar uniform, the deep blue color matching his eyes. The uniform clung to his muscular body, but the tight-fitting pants couldn’t completely conceal his immediate reaction to her appearance. He gave her a stunned look, then prowled towards her, his tail lashing furiously.

“Absolutely not.”

“Is something wrong?” she asked innocently. “You said you wanted me covered from head to foot and I did exactly what you told me.”

“That’s not what I meant! You look as if you’re naked.”

“But I’m not.” She widened her eyes. “I didn’t even put on my underwear since you thought it was too provocative.”

He groaned, his fist clenching in the sheer fabric covering her shoulder.

“Don’t tear it,” she said quickly. “I’m also wearing this because it’s a diplomatic choice.”

“How is it diplomatic? Because every male who sees you will fall at your feet?”

She couldn’t help appreciating the compliment, but the only reaction she really cared about was the look on his face.

“No, it’s because all three females brought me clothing. I simply combined them into one to avoid any hurt feelings,” she said piously.

“Lillie,” he groaned again, his hand flexing on her shoulder.

Each time he did, she felt the slight prick of his claws against her skin and she swayed towards him. She would have happily ignored the banquet and spent the evening exploring the passion between them, but then the door alarm chimed.

His hand tightened again as she waited breathlessly, but then he released her and stomped to the door.

“I’m going to rip out this damn thing,” he muttered as he went.

Radeti was waiting outside, also dressed in formal Vulfar uniform, an impressive array of medals on his chest. She knew that he and Okami butted heads, but she’d immediately felt comfortable with the stern warrior who reminded her so much of one of her father’s friends.

Radeti started to speak, then looked past Okami and saw her. His mouth actually dropped open, the look of shock the most expression she had ever seen on his face, although he quickly resumed his usual stoic mask.

“I came to escort you to the banquet.”

“We’re not going,” Okami growled.

“Don’t be silly, pookie,” she said cheerfully as she joined him at the door. “We can’t possibly insult our host by not appearing at the banquet, can we, Radeti?”

“It would not be received well,” Radeti agreed.

“Then you need to change,” he growled.

“No. I dressed exactly the way you requested and the dress is perfectly appropriate, isn’t it, Radeti?”

Poor Radeti. He closed his eyes for a second, then nodded.

“It is very becoming.”

Okami growled again, but she ignored it and took his arm. Despite his annoyance, his tail immediately came around to circle her waist.

“Don’t worry,” she said soothingly. “I’ll stay right by your side.”

“You’d better,” he muttered, but he put his hand over hers and gestured for Radeti to precede them.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

L illie leaned closer to Okami as they arrived for the banquet. This one took place in a formal dining hall, complete with gilt-encrusted chairs, floor length tablecloths, and elaborate flower arrangements. It was an impressive space, but it could have been any of the hundreds of similar functions she’d attended. Only the windows that circled the room, left open to the breeze from the savanna, gave any indication as to their location. She much preferred the treetop platform from the previous night.

The reactions to her outfit were exactly what she had anticipated. Hying was furious and Vixal almost as outraged. Bellati seemed genuinely touched that she’d added the green ribbons to her gown, and Illani’s gaze was both admiring and amused.

“For one so young, you play this game extremely well,” she murmured to Lillie as Okami turned to greet someone—without relinquishing his hold on her hand.

She shrugged and grinned.

“I grew up in political circles, but my mother is the true expert.”

“I think she’d be very proud.”

“I think she would be too,” she agreed, but her voice shook as a wave of homesickness washed over her.

She missed Leslie, and she missed her parents. As soon as they were back in the capital, she was going to have a long call with them. Okami gave her a concerned look, but she managed a reassuring if somewhat watery smile.

A short time later they were seated with Chief Seji at the head table. The food was good, but it could not have been considered an enjoyable meal. Hying was seated to her right and kept delivering vicious little verbal jabs. Seji did his best to keep the conversation going, but Okami was too busy glaring at every other male to respond. Fortunately, Illani stepped into the breach.

Halfway through the meal she began to feel strange. The room felt unnaturally hot. She’d removed the veil in order to eat, but now she flung back the headscarf as well. Okami’s eyes immediately went to the white line of her throat, now framed by dark fabric, and his fangs appeared. Arousal surged through her body, leaving her dizzy and even hotter. Her nipples felt like burning pebbles, thrusting against the silk underdress, and she found herself tilting her head, offering her neck for his bite.

Hying gave an outraged gasp, and even Illani looked concerned.

“Would you care to accompany me to the ladies’ room, Lillie?” she asked.

“No, she wouldn’t,” Okami growled and yanked her chair closer to his.

She slammed against the hard muscles of his side and her body went up in flames. Her clit was a swollen, throbbing pulse between her legs, and her nipples ached so badly she started to lift her hands to her breasts in a desperate attempt to relieve the ache. Okami intercepted them, pulling her onto his lap, and only his firm grip on her hip stopped her from writhing against his erection.

“Kareta, what’s wrong?” he murmured, enfolding her in his arms. The tight grip helped but it wasn’t enough. She needed him inside her.

“I don’t know,” she managed to gasp.

Her clothes felt too tight, too confining, separating her body from her mate’s, and she tried to rip them away, but once again Okami grabbed her hands, pressing them against his big muscular chest. Yes. Her nails flexed, digging into those powerful muscles and he rose to his feet, carrying her with him.

“My mate is indisposed. We are returning to our quarters.”

She had a brief moment of clarity, enough to feel a wave of shame as she saw the faces watching her. Both Seji and Radeti looked concerned, Hying delighted, and Illani worried. She buried her face against Okami’s neck, but the soft suede of his skin against her mouth sent her into another spiral of arousal. She nipped at his neck, wishing she had fangs to sink into the muscular column.

By the time they returned to their quarters, even his strong grip wasn’t enough to keep her still. Her body was on fire. Arousal burned painfully through her veins. He carried her straight through to his bedroom but as soon as he put her down, she started ripping at her clothing. Her nails scratched her skin, but the hot sting only added to the heat tormenting her. She started to sink her nails into her now naked breasts, but he swore and caught her hands in his again.

“Fuck. You’re burning up. You need a medic.”

“No, don’t leave me. Just make it stop.”

He hesitated, but then his mouth closed over a swollen nipple. As soon as it did, a climax washed over her, so intense that her body shook, but she barely had time to draw in a relieved breath before the hunger returned.

“More,” she demanded.

“You are ill, my kareta. You need a medic.”

“I don’t. I need you. Please, Okami.”

She moaned as the arousal intensified again, her nipples so swollen that even the air in the room burned.

“Please,” she begged, and he obeyed. His mouth on her other breast brought her to climax just as quickly, but it took a third and fourth time before her brain cleared enough to be aware of anything other than the burning need.

“What’s wrong with me?” she whispered.

“I don’t know,” he said grimly. “Can you wait for just a moment while I go and send for the medic?”

She nodded, but as soon as he left the room, her body went up in flames again. She ripped off the rest of her clothes and when he returned a moment later, she was on her hands and knees presenting herself to him. A distant part of her mind was appalled, but this was Okami and she trusted him to take care of her.

“Help me, Okami.”

“Fuck,” he groaned as he came over to the bed. “The medic is coming. Can you hold on until she gets here?”

“I… I don’t think so.”

She reached for the tormenting ache between her legs, but once again he stopped her. She cried out, her hips thrusting helplessly, desperate to be touched.

“You’re so red and swollen. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You… won’t.”

It was growing harder to gather her thoughts enough even to beg, but then he slid a thick finger through her folds, sending her into another painfully intense climax. It still wasn’t enough. He flipped her over on her back, but before she could protest, his mouth closing over the hard nub of her clit, that rough wonderful tongue licking her through one, two, three climaxes. Each of them helped, but her empty channel begged to be filled.

“I need your cock.”

He muttered a curse against her oversensitive flesh and then he filled her, not with his cock but with a satisfyingly thick finger. He scraped delicate fangs across her still swollen clit and sent her flying into a climax that seemed to last forever, leaving her limp and shaking when it finally ceased.

Her head cleared enough to realize that something was horribly wrong, but she could still feel the fiery burn lingering at the edge of her consciousness.

“Are you back with me, my little kareta?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Do not thank me for taking advantage of your condition.”

His expression looked anguished, and she reached for his hand, doing her best to ignore the surge of desire when their skin touched.

“I am thankful. Your touch helps so much.”

The door alert chimed, and he gave her a worried look.

“That will be the medic. Can you hang on until I return?”

She nodded, even though she could feel the heat beginning to lick at her body again. She clenched her hands in the sheets and did her best to smile.

“I can.”

“Good girl,” he murmured and covered her with the sheet.

Even the brush of the soft fabric made her nipples start to throb, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to remain still.

There was a brief murmured conversation in the other room, and despite the rising fire, she caught the word drug. A distant memory tried to surface, but it was swept away by another surge of unwilling arousal. She clenched her fists and refused to give in to it as Okami reappeared, accompanied by an older female with a kind face.

“I’m Ishta. Let’s see what we can do to help you out, my dear.”

She tried to respond, but only managed a needy moan as the medic bent over and placed a cool hand on her forehead. Murmuring soothingly, the medic ran a scanner over her body. She hummed thoughtfully, then pressed a hypospray to Lillie’s arm. Blessed coolness rushed through her veins and she sighed with relief. The burning arousal was still there, but it was muffled, buried beneath a soft, cool blanket. Even her hearing was muffled, and when Okami spoke he sounded impossibly distant.

“Will that cure her?” he asked anxiously.

“Okami,” she whispered, reaching for him, breathing a sigh of relief as his hand closed over hers.

“I’m afraid not,” the medic said. “It will help ease the symptoms, but it will not eliminate them. And given her unique anatomy, I do not want to give her too much.”

“What do I do if it flares up again?”

“Then ease her, just as you have done. You are her mate, are you not?”

Lillie whispered her agreement and squeezed weakly at his hand. His tail wrapped around her wrist as well, and she was beginning to drift off when she realized he was still talking.

“So you think she was drugged?”

“Given the rapid onset of the symptoms, I believe your suspicions are correct. Unfortunately, I have no idea what was used.”

Drug… symptoms… heat…

“Spanish… fly,” she whispered, and Okami’s hand tightened around hers.

“What’s that, love?”

“Earth … insects.” The cloud was beginning to drag her under, but she tried to hang on long enough to get the words out. “Similar Vulfar… medical school.”

The water closed over her head.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

O kami swore as Lillie’s hand went limp in his, and he gave the medic an anguished glance.

“Did what she said make any sense to you?”

Ishta frowned. “What did she mean by medical school?”

“She and her sister have just completed their first year at the medical university in the capital. Did the other part make any sense?”

“Perhaps. She may have meant that the Earth insect she mentioned had a similar effect to one of our native insects.”

“Do you remember which one?” he asked eagerly, and she gave him a rueful look.

“My first year of medical school was a rather long time ago. But I still have my materials—I’ll see what I can find.”

“But what do I do until then?” he demanded.

“Exactly what I said. Ease her as much as possible. Try to give her fluids every time she wakes. I don’t want her to get dehydrated, and I’d prefer not to start an IV unless absolutely necessary.”

Ishta headed for the door, and he immediately panicked.

“Where are you going?”

“To do some research. Unless I find something, you can help her more than I can. I’ll check on you later.”

The door closed behind her with a hollow sound and he swore, then hurried back to Lillie’s side. She slept for the next few hours, although she grew increasingly restless as the hours passed. She seemed a little easier when she was in his arms, so he wrapped her in a sheet and carried her to the big chair in front of the windows, leaving them open to let the evening air help cool her heated skin.

Radeti appeared midway through the first hour, a grim look on his face.

“I took Lady Lillie’s glass in order to scan the contents, but it has disappeared.”

“Whoever did this is going to pay,” he growled.

“Agreed. Chief Seji wanted me to assure you of his complete and open support.”

There was a slight but unmistakable emphasis on the word open, and Okami understood what the chief was saying. This was not an instance in which he would allow the clan to protect whoever was at fault.

“Thank him for me,” he said shortly. He was grateful, but until Lillie was well, her health was all that mattered.

“Of course.” Radeti’s eyes went to Lillie’s face as she moaned. He would have snapped at him, but his gaze was fatherly rather than lustful. “She is a very special female. I hope she recovers quickly.”

He bowed his head and was gone.

Not long after that, the door alert chimed again.

“Unless you’re the medic, go away,” he yelled.

The door opened anyway to reveal Lady Illani. She smiled at his expression.

“Don’t worry. Radeti has mounted a guard outside your door. I was only able to talk my way past him because my sister sent me.”

“Your sister?”

“Medic Ishta is my sister. She said she told you to keep Lillie hydrated, and I know it can be difficult sometimes to get a patient to drink.” She brought the basket she was carrying to his side and began lifting out bottles. “Cold tea, jimson juice and paayta sap, carbonated water, and plain water flavored with suma leaves.”

“Thank you,” he said sincerely. “I thought of tea, but I did not want to leave her long enough to make it. The others never occurred to me.”

“Would you like me to make some hot tea as well before I go?”

“No, thank you. I hope that she will sleep for several more hours and it will be cold by then.”

“Not for her, Okami, for you,” she said gently. “You need to keep up your strength as well.”

He wanted to argue but she was right. He hesitated, and then nodded.

“Thank you.”

She bustled off to the small kitchen area and returned a short time later with a pot of tea, a big plate of sandwiches, and a bowl of fruit.

“I have left soup as well. Remember what I said. You can’t help her unless you are strong.”

Under her watchful eye, he drank some tea and took a few bites from a sandwich. She nodded approvingly.

“Good. Now if you need anything at all, just call me,”

And then she too was gone.

Apparently she was right about the guard because no one else came to disturb them. A few hours later, Lillie began to stir, twisting restlessly back and forth. When she tried to touch herself, he grabbed her hands and used his mouth instead.

After the climax washed over her, she blinked up at him for a brief, lucid moment, and he managed to get her to drink a glass of juice before she drifted off again. The periods when she was awake lengthened, but although she never grew as frenzied as she had been originally, he still had to use his hands and his mouth to ease her symptoms.

He was still not entirely convinced that he was doing the right thing, but every time her eyes cleared, she thanked him and begged him not to stop. She also begged him time and time again to claim her, but that he would not do until he was sure her mind was totally clear. He resorted to sucking on her neck, carefully masking his fangs. Even though those kisses clearly aroused her, they also seemed to soothe her. He only hoped she wouldn’t regret it when she saw the marks on her skin. The imprint of his mouth covered not only her neck but her breasts and the delicate skin of her thighs. The primitive side he couldn’t entirely suppress growled its approval at the signs of his possession, but his conscience tormented him.

IN THE EARLY hours of the morning she grew increasingly restless and he breathed a prayer of thanks when the medic returned.

“I have a solution,” she announced. “Or at least I hope I do. She was right—there is indeed a native insect which can cause such symptoms, mimicking a similar one on Earth. And there is a well-known antidote.”

“But?” he demanded, hearing hesitation in her voice and she sighed.

“The antidote has not been tried on human or Yehrin anatomy. All of the individual components are fine but the specific combination has not been tested. While I believe it is safe, I can make no guarantees.”

Lillie moaned and he looked down at her. Her skin was paler than usual, her lower lip swollen from where she had bitten it, and it was growing increasingly difficult to ease her suffering without causing further pain to her exhausted body.

“If she were your daughter, what would you do?”

“I would give it to her,” Ishta said firmly.

“And you will remain with us?”

“Of course.”

“Then do it.”

Once again she bent over Lillie’s small body with a hypospray. There was an almost inaudible hiss, then Lillie’s entire body shuddered, and went still. Panic roared over him before he realized that her breathing was slow and even. Her restless movements had ceased.

The medic ran the scanner over her again, then gave him a triumphant smile.

“It appears to be working.”

“But you won’t leave.”

It was not a question, but she nodded.

“I will stay with both of you.”

She settled into the chair next to his and began telling him amusing tales about her time in medical school. He paid little attention, focusing on his mate instead. When an hour passed and Lillie continued to sleep, Ishta made another pot of tea and bullied him into eating and drinking before resuming her tales. Her voice was low and soothing, and Lillie’s steady breathing comforted him. He didn’t realize he’d drifted off until his eyes flew open and he saw sunlight creeping across the floor.

“Okami,” Lillie murmured and he looked down to find her eyes open, a sleepy smile on her lovely mouth. “Why are we sleeping in the chair?”

“Thank the gods,” he whispered, and kissed her.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

L illie winced when Okami’s mouth met hers, and he immediately drew back. She gave him a puzzled frown. Why did her mouth feel so sensitive? Not just my mouth, she realized as she started to sit up. Her whole body felt stiff and tender in the strangest places. What had happened last night? She tried to think, but the last thing she remembered was showing Okami her dress. After that, it was all a confused blur, although his face was always there.

“How are you feeling, my dear?” a pleasant voice asked, and she suddenly realized that they were not alone.

The female’s face looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t remember meeting her. She tried to tug the sheet wrapped around her higher, then winced again as it tightened across her sensitive breasts.

“I feel so strange. Did I have too much to drink last night?”

Her Yehrin metabolism meant that she rarely got more than tipsy, but perhaps there had been something unusually potent at the banquet.

“It wasn’t how much you drank but what you drank,” Okami said grimly. “You were drugged, my kareta.”

“I was?”

She tried once again to remember but everything was still a blur. And then she had a sudden, embarrassingly clear memory of begging him to fuck her. She could remember being desperate for him, but she couldn’t even remember where they’d been—or if anyone else had been present. She hid her face in her hands.

“Oh my God. What did I do?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” the medic said firmly. “You were subjected to a very powerful drug. Fortunately, your mate recognized that something was wrong and brought you back to your quarters so he could take care of you.”

“Thank you,” she said fervently, but he looked even grimmer.

“Now just let me give you a quick scan.”

The medic ran the scanner over her body, then nodded approvingly. “Excellent. I want you to spend the rest of the day taking it easy. Sleep if you can, drink lots of fluids, and try to eat a little something. I suspect you will heal quickly.”

“I usually do.”

“Excellent.” The medic rose, then shot a quick glance at Okami. “I will ask Radeti to keep the guard on your door so that Lillie can have some peace and quiet in which to recuperate. And now I will bid you both good morning. I’ll come by tonight to check on you.”

The female smiled at them again, picked up her satchel, and left.

“A guard? Just so that we aren’t disturbed? Is that really necessary?”

“Yes,” he said firmly. “I’m not sure that you understand what happened. This wasn’t an accident or a random occurrence. You were deliberately drugged. I was right there when it occurred, but I didn’t even notice.”

She could hear the anguish in his voice but she refused to let him blame himself.

“Apparently, I didn’t either,” she said tartly. “Which is pretty embarrassing since I just told you how good I was at noticing what was happening around me.”

She could only imagine what T’vedo would have to say if he ever found out about it. How many times had he lectured her about paying attention to her surroundings? Unfortunately, she’d been more interested in teasing her mate than worrying about the other people at the table. At the table….

“It had to be someone close to me, did it not?” she asked slowly. “Maybe even sitting next to me?”

“The thought did occur to me, especially after I realized that you had been drugged. Radeti is investigating.”

“Do you trust him?”

“I do.” He almost sounded surprised. “He’s a grouchy bastard, but I believe he has a very rigid sense of honor. What do you think?”

“I agree with you, I’m just not sure how far he would go to protect a member of his clan.”

“He very deliberately told me that Seji has promised an open investigation.”

“Good.” The word was followed by a huge yawn, and Okami immediately looked guilty.

“You should not be worrying about such things. The medic told you to rest.”

“I suppose you’re right.” She reached up and cupped his cheek, her heart aching at the exhaustion on his face. “But only as long as you rest with me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. I don’t remember very much yet, but I remember that you were always there with me. I still need you.”

His expression lightened, but he tensed again when he rose carefully with her in his arms and she couldn’t hide her flinch.

“Perhaps a bath would help ease your discomfort,” he suggested.

“Maybe later. Right now, all I want is my mate and our bed.”

She could tell he wanted to argue, but he simply carried her through into the bedroom and very carefully settled them into the bed. He didn’t offer to unwrap her from the sheet, but given how sensitive her skin felt, she didn’t insist. Instead, she snuggled into his arms and fell asleep almost immediately.

Judging by the angle of the sun when she woke, she must have slept for several hours. Okami was still asleep but she didn’t try to wake him. She studied his face, frowning even while he slept. She sighed.

More of her memories had resurfaced while she slept. She remembered asking, no, begging, for him to claim her, but he hadn’t. Was it because he still didn’t believe they could have a future together? She no longer had any doubts about the matter. She loved him and she couldn’t imagine anything better than being his mate. Even the thought of remaining on Vulfar didn’t disturb her. Her sister would be here for at least the next few years and she was sure that her parents would visit. Of course, her father might have his doubts…

I’ll ask Emlan for help, she decided. Her older sister’s mate was good friends with Okami and even more importantly, her father valued his opinion. And if that didn’t work, she’d pull out the big guns and ask her mother to work on him. Her father had never been able to resist her.

Of course, this all assumed Okami was equally convinced that they were mates.

I need to talk to him, she thought, but her courage suddenly failed her. It had obviously been a difficult night for him. Maybe it would be better to give him a few days to recover. Maybe she should wait until after the hunt. The hunt!

She gasped, and he was instantly awake.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I forgot about the hunt. You were supposed to go today.”

He gave her that familiar exasperated look as his body relaxed.

“You nearly gave me a heart attack. Do you seriously think I’m concerned with the hunt now?”

“Well, it is our cover story.”

“I know, although I’m no longer sure it’s necessary,” he said slowly. “But Radeti told me they had rescheduled it for the day after tomorrow so I suppose we’ll have to stay long enough to attend. That is, as long as you’re feeling up to it.”

“I feel better already,” she said truthfully. “But that bath sounds like a good idea. I feel very… sticky.”

“Of course.”

He rose immediately and lifted her into his arms. She considered telling him that she could walk, then decided not to bother. He seemed to enjoy caring for her, and she was still feeling a little shaky.

The bathroom they shared was one of her favorite places in their quarters. A huge wooden tub was set to one side, constantly refilled by a trickle of hot water that flowed down the outside wall. Tall, narrow windows formed the rest of the wall, but the bath had been positioned in such a way that no one could look in on them. Vines laden with tiny sweet-smelling flowers trailed from the ceiling, and she had already grown accustomed to those dark blood red leaves.

He set her gently on her feet and went to check the temperature of the water. As soon as his back was turned, she let the sheet drop. He seemed oddly hesitant with her, and she wanted to make sure that he still found her desirable despite her outrageous behavior. He turned back towards her, and for a second the familiar hunger flared in his eyes, but he quickly wiped it away and her eyes filled with tears. He immediately came to her side, but he still seemed reluctant to touch her and a choked sob escaped.

“Lillie! What’s wrong? Do I need to send for the medic?”

“Am I so r-r-repulsive?” she stuttered.

“Repulsive? Never.” He finally put his arms around her, although they were far too tentative for her liking.

“Then why don’t you want to t-t-touch me?”

“I always want to touch you, kareta, but I can’t stand the thought of hurting you.”

“Why would your touch hurt me?”

He sighed, and gently turned her around to face the mirror on the opposite wall. Oh. Her usually pale skin was covered with red marks. They ringed her breasts and her mons, and peppered her inner thighs. The most prominent set was a chain of circular marks that ran from just below her ear to the top of her shoulder. She touched them with a cautious finger, then shivered. An appalled expression crossed his face.

“I’m so sorry, but I had to do it to help you. You begged me to touch you, but I never wanted to hurt you.”

“It doesn’t hurt,” she said slowly, trailing her finger down the entire chain.

“It doesn’t?” He clearly didn’t believe her. “I saw you flinch.”

“I wasn’t flinching. It feels… exciting,” she said, repeating the gesture.

Her nipples tightened in response, harder and redder than she had ever seen them. She touched one experimentally, but while she felt that surge of excitement, it was undeniably tender.

“Okay, maybe my breasts need a little more time to recover,” she admitted, and he groaned.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me? I know I shouldn’t be aroused, but you look so beautiful like that.”

He had a point. The way she was cupping her breasts was undoubtedly provocative, but the genuine hunger in his voice erased the last of her fears and she smiled at him as their eyes met in the mirror.

“Then why don’t we see if the bath can help me heal?”

“We?”

She gave him her widest and most innocent smile.

“Of course. You wouldn’t want to leave me alone in that big old tub in my fragile condition, would you?”

He laughed and shook his head, but he quickly discarded his pants. His cock was as hard as ever, but when she reached for it, he intercepted her hand.

“Just a bath,” he said firmly.

“Of course.” Then she peeped up at him from under her lashes. “And maybe a little very gentle washing?”

“Perhaps,” he said, and carried her to the tub.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

D espite Lillie’s teasing, Okami managed to keep their bath time innocent—or at least mostly innocent. He did end up washing her, but despite the temptation of her beautiful body, wet and slippery beneath his hands, he only lingered the tiniest amount over her delightful curves.

“Such a gentleman,” she murmured when he lifted her out, but it didn’t sound like a compliment.

“At least until you are fully restored to health.”

“I feel much better.”

He believed her. As he gently patted her dry, he could see that the marks he’d left were already beginning to fade. He told himself he was not disappointed that the signs of his touch would fade so soon.

“Sleep, rest, and eat,” he told her. “Doctor’s orders.”

She sighed but wrapped herself in a long silky robe and followed him into the living area.

“I guess I am a little hungry,” she admitted. “I think I made a fool of myself before the banquet was over.”

“You did not make a fool of yourself.” He retrieved the sandwiches Lady Illani had prepared from the cooler and brought them to her. “Lady Illani brought these for you.”

“She’s very kind.” She took a bite, then gave him a curious look. “Did you go and talk to her mate yesterday? What is he like?”

“Annoying,” he muttered, then shook his head. “He was also very kind, but he likes to talk. He told me more than I ever wanted to know about village life, the best time to plant spring grain, how his grandfather made cider, and the correct type of fuel for long range starships.”

“That sounds… interesting, but I wonder why Illani thought you should talk to him.”

“I’m not entirely sure, but one of the stories he told me from the clan’s history was a legend about an ancient king who became mysteriously ill from a wasting sickness.”

“Indisposed,” she murmured, and he knew she was remembering the conversation they had overheard.

“Exactly. Curraci said that the king became ill from eating the meat of two fowl.”

“That doesn’t sound very helpful.”

“I agree, but he eventually got to the point, which was that the fowl had been fed a poisonous grain—a grain that was not dangerous to them but which caused the king’s illness.”

She tapped her lips thoughtfully. “I think I remember something from one of the textbooks. Not about a king or poisoned fowl, but about one of your native plants having a damaging effect on the nervous system. But the book indicated it had been eliminated.”

He smiled at her.

“For someone who claims to have failed, you remember the material you learned very well.”

A shadow crossed her face. “I’ve always had a good memory. It wasn’t that side of things that bothered me, but I had a hard time handling people who were sick and in pain. Leslie could focus on the fact that we were trying to help them, but I was too overwhelmed by their present suffering. I used to hide in the cleaning closet and cry.”

“My poor little kareta.”

He was sitting in the chair next to her, but he couldn’t resist the woebegone look on her beautiful face. He reached over and lifted her onto his lap, hugging her with his arms and his tail. She didn’t object, snuggling against him with a tired sigh.

“Would you like to return to bed?”

“Not yet. I’m still thinking about Curraci’s story. Do you think he was trying to imply that someone in this clan is planning to do the same thing?”

“I don’t know. I tried asking him directly, but he simply gave me a blank stare and started talking about female fashions in the fifteenth century.”

She laughed and patted his chest.

“He does sound annoying. And I must admit, telling you that story seems a little too coincidental, even though I’m not sure how it’s relevant. We should talk to your sister when we return. Shemai has done a lot of research into the medicinal uses of native plants.”

Her words reminded him that their time together would soon be over. Even though he had decided to try and win Nisani over, how long would it take? And would his brother try to keep them apart?

No. He wouldn’t allow that to happen. As soon as they returned, he was just going to tell Nisani that they were together and deal with the consequences.

Perhaps she’d also reminded herself because her hand tightened on his chest.

“Let’s go back to bed,” she whispered.

“Are you tired?”

“A little. I want you to hold me.”

He gladly obeyed and she fell asleep in his arms. To his surprise, despite the soft warmth of her body and the frustrating ache of his cock, so did he. When he woke the second time, her small hand was wrapped around as much of his cock as she could reach, stroking it gently from the wide base to the angled head.

“Lillie,” he groaned, putting his hand over hers. He knew he should pull it away, but he couldn’t make himself do it.

“Hush. You spent all of last night helping me. Now it’s my turn.”

A better male would undoubtedly have argued, but he readily admitted that he was not that male.

She had pushed his sleeping pants down his hips, and now she raised her head to look at him. His cock jerked at her wide-eyed admiration.

“Mama made sure we knew about human anatomy and Yehrin anatomy, but she didn’t think to teach us about Vulfar anatomy.”

“Is it that different? Never mind, I don’t want to know,” he added hastily and she laughed.

“Let’s just say I think you’re perfect.”

“Perfect?”

“Mmm. Long and thick, especially right here.” She gently squeezed the base of his cock where his knot would emerge and he groaned. “And I like the way the tip is angled. It makes it easier to do this.”

Before he could stop her, she bent down and fastened her mouth around him. Her small mouth couldn’t take much of him, but he’d never felt anything as exciting as the hot, wet suction of her mouth, her soft little tongue eagerly exploring him. His balls tightened as electricity streaked down his spine, already on the verge of coming after the endless frustration of the previous night.

“If you keep doing that, I won’t be able to control myself,” he warned.

She looked up at him and smiled, the most wonderful, sweet, seductive smile.

“Good,” she said, and took him deeper.

He roared as his climax swept over him, exploding helplessly into her pretty, willing mouth while she gulped eagerly at the seemingly endless pulses of liquid heat. She kept him there until he was completely drained, then licked away the last few drops before smiling at him again.

“That was fun.”

He erupted into laughter, pulling her back up into his arms before drifting off to sleep once more.

THE NEXT TIME Lillie woke it was early afternoon, and Okami insisted that she eat and drink rather than resume their previous activities. She pouted, but agreed. They returned to the living room, but although she climbed back into his lap as soon as she finished her meal, they only talked. Not of their current situation but simply of friends and family and the places they had been. She told him about her treehouse, and he told her about the time Nisani let his sisters “decorate” him.

A comfortable silence fell as the sun began to set and they watched the falling rays gild the blood red leaves, but the quiet only made her more conscious of the big, powerful body beneath her. She stretched experimentally but only the slightest lingering ache remained. He groaned when she moved and she felt his cock stiffen beneath her so she did it again.

“Wicked little kareta,” he muttered.

“You don’t like that?”

“I like it a little too much.”

“Hmm.” She pushed her robe down off her shoulder to reveal her breast, back to its normal pallor except for the faintest trace of red around her nipple, already beading in the evening air. She liked seeing it, liked knowing that his mouth had been on her.

“What are you doing?”

“Just checking. Look…” She brushed the taut peak with her finger, then tugged on it, squirming on his lap. “I’m not sore any longer.”

“That’s good.”

His voice sounded strangled, and she hid a smile as she let the other side of the robe drop free, leaving her bare-breasted in his lap.

“I should check both of them,” she said solemnly, repeating the process.

His eyes remained fixed on her hands, adding to the arousal now coursing through her system, but it still wasn’t as thrilling as when he touched her.

“Now it’s your turn,” she said cheerfully.

“My turn? What do you mean? You’ve already checked.”

“But I can’t lick them or suck on them.”

“I don’t think that is necessary.”

She gave him a wide-eyed look. “Don’t you want to make sure I’m all better?”

“Lillie,” he groaned, but he was still staring at her nipples.

“You were willing to help me last night. Can’t you help me today when I can… appreciate what you’re doing?”

She cupped her breasts, offering them to him, and he stopped protesting. He bent her back over his arm, his mouth closing over her nipple, shockingly hot and wet. It was even better than she remembered, and she clutched his head, scratching his scalp and pulling him closer. He growled and sucked harder, letting her feel the edge of his fangs, and a quick, unexpected climax swept over her. She cried out, and he immediately lifted his head, leaving her swollen nipple glistening in the cool air.

“I knew I shouldn’t have listened to you,” he muttered, his face worried. “Are you all right?”

“I’m wonderful,” she sighed.

His finger gently stroked around her exposed nipple.

“But your skin is red again.”

“Mmm. I like it that way.”

Blue sparks gleamed in his eyes, but she couldn’t read his expression.

“You do?”

“I like knowing that you made it that way, that you left your mark on me.”

The fire in his eyes intensified, and he dragged a careful claw across her other nipple.

“In that case, perhaps we should ensure these pretty breasts have matching marks.”

“Definitely,” she agreed, and sighed happily as his head descended.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“D o you know how to ride?” Radeti asked, and Lillie sighed.

He had come to see them the previous afternoon, to see if she felt well enough for the hunt. She would rather have remained in their quarters happily exploring each other’s bodies—at least as much as Okami would permit. He’d refused to actually penetrate her, although they’d come dangerously close. He’d also yet to truly claim her as his mate, although he spent so much time kissing her neck that the redness never faded.

She suspected that his brother’s request was still holding him back, which meant the sooner they returned to the capital the better. Which also meant they needed to get the hunt over with, so she’d told Radeti she was fine.

“I will make sure that everything is prepared.” He hesitated, then sighed. “Unfortunately, our investigation into who drugged you has not been successful. Without the actual substance there’s little evidence.”

“You know Hying is to blame,” Okami growled.

“I agree, and so does Chief Seji, but it is difficult without proof.”

“So he’s going to cover it up after all?”

“No. He will not speak out against her, but he is sending her to one of the outlying villages.”

Okami looked shocked. “He’s exiling her?”

“The official reason is that it’s for her health.”

“I see.” Okami hesitated. “I doubt he would welcome my company, but when the time is right, please tell him that there is no ill will between our clans.”

Radeti nodded and left, returning a few hours later to collect them for the trip to the hunting camp. Chief Seji had not accompanied them as they climbed into the long motorized vehicles. The camp had been rustic but comfortable, and she hadn’t realized until this morning that they would be riding animals to the actual location of the hunt. Okami had explained that mechanical vehicles frightened away the prey, then left her in Radeti’s charge as he went to join the hunting party.

Now she gave the dousas—the riding animals—a suspicious look. They were rather like a cross between a horse and a camel with long, thin legs and wide, flat feet but compact, muscular bodies beneath shaggy orange coats.

“I’ve ridden horses back on Earth, but they aren’t this tall.”

“They’re very docile,” he assured her. “That’s why they’re used for hunting. They don’t panic easily around predators.”

“If you say so,” she said doubtfully, and he laughed.

Radeti clearly enjoyed being out on the savanna—he was more relaxed than she’d ever seen him—but his confidence helped reassure her. She let him help her up onto the dousa’s back. The saddle felt surprisingly familiar, and the dousa simply stood patiently as she settled herself.

“I guess I’m ready.”

Radeti nodded, leaping easily onto his dousa’s back, and they set off. The sun was barely above the horizon, the air still cool and fresh, and she found herself enjoying the ride more than she’d anticipated. Although she was sorry that Okami wasn’t with them, Radeti proved to be a surprisingly pleasant companion. He pointed out the small signs of life that were so easy to miss on the apparently deserted plains—a tall insect mound the same color as the grass that surrounded it, a tiny bird’s nest perched on top of a long stalk, and the network of trails used by the native marsupials.

Although the savanna seemed flat from a distance, it was a deceptive impression. The land rolled gently, and it was difficult to see too far in any direction. They were headed for a higher area, downwind from the proposed hunting site, where they could watch the event. The land opened up in front of them and Radeti nodded with satisfaction.

“Excellent,” he said softly. “A female and four bucks. Okami will have a fine selection.”

Puzzled, she followed his gaze but saw nothing.

“Where?”

“Over there at the base of that rise. The female just lifted her head.”

At first she still didn’t see anything, but then a flicker of movement caught her attention and she saw one of the kyru. For some reason she had assumed that they would resemble one of the big game animals found on Earth, but the kyru weren’t animals, they were massive reptiles, so massive that…

“Oh my God, are those dinosaurs?”

“I don’t understand the reference.”

She gulped and shook her head, now aware of the whole pack. The mottled colors of their scales blended with their surroundings, making them difficult to see until they moved, but now that she knew they were there she was able to make out more details. They had thick, powerful hindlegs and tails. Their forelimbs were shorter, but their upper feet were equipped with vicious looking claws. Long, narrow heads with formidable jaws were perched above thin necks, swiveling constantly to survey their surroundings.

“He’s going to hunt one of those?” she asked, her stomach churning. “With a knife?”

“At your request,” Radeti said dryly.

“No! I don’t want him to.”

She looked around for Okami, intent on telling him not to go, but Radeti put a hand on the reins on her dousa.

“It is too late, Lady Lillie,” he said quietly. “It is now a matter of honor.”

She’d heard that enough from her father’s warriors to understand the futility of arguing.

“And I have to watch, don’t I?”

“I am afraid so.” His lips twisted. “Or at least appear to watch. If you would prefer to close your eyes, I will let you know when it is over.”

“No,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “If he has the courage to hunt them, then I should have the courage to watch.”

Even though her heart was in her throat the entire time, she couldn’t help admiring the grace and precision of the hunt. The males moved quickly and efficiently, first distracting the pack, then cutting off the chosen specimen. Okami approached from downwind, blending into the grass until he was close enough to pounce, launching himself at the kyru’s back. The kyru roared, trying to throw him off, but Okami held on as the animal thrashed. She saw green blood splatter and another roar, and then the kyru crashed to the ground.

“Is it over?”

“Yes. It was an excellent kill. Now we simply need to stop the others from circling back and trying to feed on the corpse.”

“They eat their own dead?” The thought horrified her almost as much as the hunt had done.

He shrugged.

“Resources can be scarce on the plains. Their larger cousins have vanished. Perhaps the kyru survived because they conserved resources. Do you wish to inspect the kill?”

“Absolutely not,” she said firmly, then hesitated. “Unless it would bring dishonor to Okami?”

Radeti actually laughed.

“No. A delicately bred female is not expected to appreciate such things.”

“Just to sit back and admire the results?”

“Exactly.”

He obviously appreciated the humor in the discrepancy, but she didn’t feel up to challenging societal expectations at the moment.

“I’ll stay here.”

“I will let Okami know,” he promised and rode off to join the other males.

A very short time later, Okami came bounding over to join her. He had green stripes from the kyru’s blood across his forehead and cheeks and was clearly in an excellent mood.

“You obviously enjoyed yourself,” she said tartly, and he laughed.

“By which I infer that you did not.”

“I was worried about you.” She raised her hand when he started to speak. “And don’t you dare tell me how you’re a great warrior and were perfectly safe the entire time. I’m allowed to worry.”

“Yes, kareta,” he said meekly. “But I did know what I was doing.”

She sighed and shook her head.

“So what happens now?”

“We take the meat back to camp, and there will be a huge feast where everyone will drink far too much and tell outrageous lies about their own past hunts.”

“You’re going to eat it?”

“Of course. No honorable warrior would ever waste a kill.”

“I suppose not. But don’t expect me to eat any of it.”

“On the contrary, you will be presented with the heart—it is a great delicacy.”

His eyes were sparkling and she was quite sure he was teasing her, but then his expression changed to one of horror.

“Get down,” he yelled as a kyru leaped out of the underbrush.

Its claws missed her, but they raked down the dousa’s back and the animal screamed and reared. The scream echoed in her head as she tried desperately to hang on, then it crashed back down to the ground and started to run. Okami grabbed the reins as it hit the ground, and somehow he managed to swing himself up behind her.

“Crouch down over her neck,” he ordered as he looked over his shoulder and swore.

The kyru was behind them, moving with astonishing speed, the distance between them diminishing rapidly.

“Can it outrun us?” she whispered, her heart pounding.

“Maybe, especially with the dousa losing blood.” He flashed her a fierce grin. “Don’t worry, kareta, I’ll protect you.”

He reached for the knife that had been sheathed at his belt, then swore again.

“Your weapon is still with the kill, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Now listen to me, Lillie. I’m going to swing down and take care of the kyru. You just keep riding, straight back to the village.”

“I am not going to do anything of the sort. Without a weapon you need someone to distract it.”

“No.”

“Yes. I’m not leaving you, Okami. I love you.”

He groaned. “And I love you too, but this is not the place to discuss it.”

She shot another glance over her shoulder and decided he was right. The kyru was still gaining, although not as rapidly as before, and she saw a streak of green on its chest.

“I think it’s wounded.”

“You’re right. So there’s no reason for you to worry.”

“You’re a terrible liar. But maybe this will help.”

She fumbled in her pocket and pulled out her knife. It looked extremely small and useless but Okami greeted it as gleefully as if it had been one of her father’s nanoswords.

“Even better. Now remember, just keep—”

The dousa stumbled, collapsing to one knee.

“Looks like we’re staying together after all,” she said, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

The kyru was only a short distance behind them, but it too had slowed.

“With any luck it will go for the dousa first. You hide in those grasses and I’ll take it from behind. Please, Lillie,” he added desperately when she hesitated. “I’ll stand a better chance of killing it if you’re not distracting me.”

He was right. She nodded and ran for the patch of long grass at the base of the closest hill. Throwing herself behind it, she immediately turned to watch. Okami had moved away as well, his fur blending in with the terrain.

The kyru had slowed, although she couldn’t tell if it was because of its injuries or because it sensed a trap. The long head swiveled around, sniffing the air as it gradually approached the wounded dousa. It was almost to the animal when it stopped and its head went back up. She watched in horror as it turned in Okami’s direction. He might stand a chance attacking it from behind, but a direct attack against those vicious claws would be suicide. He needed a distraction.

Her heart pounding wildly, she rose to her feet and yelled.

“Here I am. Over here!”

The head swiveled in her direction, disturbingly intelligent eyes focusing on her, and her knees threatened to give out. It took a step in her direction, and then Okami attacked. He leaped on the kyru’s back just as he had done with the earlier kill. The kyru roared and the two of them crashed to the ground, disappearing in a cloud of dust. She was afraid to get any closer, afraid to distract Okami. All she could do was watch and pray.

An agonized yell, and then the dust began to settle. The kyru was clearly dead, but she didn’t see any sign of her mate.

“Okami,” she whispered, and then she saw his tail flick, half-hidden beneath the kyru.

She raced over and helped push the kyru away to reveal her mate—scratched and exhausted, but smiling up at her.

“Oh, thank God.” She burst into tears.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

O kami gathered Lillie into his arms, stroking her hair as she cried, taking his own comfort in the soft warmth of her body. He’d thought his heart would stop beating when she stood up and yelled at the kyru. But her distraction had worked. Brave, foolish little mate.

“I’m not sure if I should spank you or kiss you,” he murmured against her hair.

That brought her head up, and she managed a watery smile.

“Definitely kisses.”

“Because you love me?” he asked, his heart pounding.

Would she change her mind now that they weren’t in immediate danger?

“Yes. And because I love kissing you. But maybe not here.” She cast an uneasy glance at the dead kyru. “Radeti said they eat their dead.”

“They do, and we should move on.” He raised her hand to his lips. “You know I love you too, don’t you? You’re mine, Lillie.”

He’d almost lost his mate—he refused to deny it any longer. Nisani would just have to deal with it.

“I know,” she said and grinned at him. “But you can tell me again once we’re away from the dead dinosaur.”

“The what?”

“Never mind.” She let him pull her to her feet, then clutched his arm. “Look, the dousa is back on her feet.”

“Perhaps her injuries are not as great as I feared.”

They weren’t, but the dousa was clearly weakened and he doubted she would be able to carry either of them.

“I’m afraid we’re in for a long walk back.”

“Walk? You don’t think the rest of the party will come looking for us?”

“They probably would—if they knew where we were.” He hesitated. “There was another attack at the same time, and I’m afraid they may have lost track of us in the confusion.”

“Then I guess we walk,” she said cheerfully.

He didn’t share her enthusiasm, even though he didn’t say anything as he took the dousa’s reins in one hand and clasped her hand with the other. The savanna could be dangerous at the best of times and their supplies were extremely limited. At least the water pouch and small pack of trail rations were still attached to the dousa’s saddle.

They walked for several hours and Lillie never complained, even though he could tell that she was tiring. When the sun reached its zenith, he insisted that they rest for a while in the scant shade of one of the scrubby desert trees. They each had a mouthful of water and half a protein bar, and then she fell asleep in his arms. He stayed awake to keep watch and consider their options.

“If I remember correctly, there is a game blind ahead,” he told her when she woke up. “It’s a little out of our way and I can’t guarantee that it’s still there, but if it is, it will provide shelter for the night.”

She looked at the empty plains surrounding them and shivered.

“I think it’s worth taking the chance.”

“I agree.” He hesitated. The game blind was still a good distance away and although Lillie was doing her best to keep up, they weren’t moving very quickly. “Let’s see if the dousa will carry you.”

“But she’s hurt.”

“Don’t worry. If it’s too much for her, she won’t move.”

She gave a reluctant nod. “I suppose. But if she can carry one of us, we should take turns.”

“It’s not necessary. I’m capable of matching her speed.”

She frowned up at him but she didn’t argue. He hugged her and went to rouse the dousa. The animal had rested placidly in the shade next to them, and now she made no objection when he lifted Lillie onto her back, careful to avoid her injured flank. They set off slowly, but he gradually increased their speed until the dousa was moving at her normal pace while he loped along next to her.

He headed for where he thought the game blind was located, hoping his memory had not betrayed him. The low rays of the afternoon sun began to slant across the savanna, and he was just about to give up when he spotted the top of the blind.

“There!” he cried triumphantly, and she smiled down at him.

The blind was a square tower perched amidst a small cluster of trees. The bottom of the tower was enclosed with slats and would provide a safe place for the dousa to spend the night. The top was accessed by a ladder and was little more than an empty space with louvered shutters on all sides, but it had a small heater and a few mismatched pots and utensils. A wide bench that served as both bed and seating ran along one side.

“I think this will work, don’t you?” he asked.

“Right now it looks like the finest accommodation in the world,” she assured him, sinking down onto the bench with a tired sigh.

“Fit for a princess?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’ll get the dousa settled and see if I can find a water source. With this much vegetation there should be something.”

There was—a small sandy waterhole that refilled itself slowly but consistently. The space beneath the blind had obviously been used to shelter a dousa before and contained an old bucket. He filled it at the waterhole and fastened it to the wall before removing the animal’s saddle. He refilled the water pouch, then carried everything up the ladder.

Lillie had opened the shutters and was watching the sun set over the savanna, the low sun turning the grasses golden and spreading layers of rose and purple along the horizon.

“It’s so beautiful,” she murmured when he came up behind her and put his arms around her.

“I know. We used to come here when we were children, and I always enjoyed it.”

“You mean Clan Fuchon weren’t always your rivals?”

He shrugged. “All Vulfar clans are rivals to some extent, but no, there wasn’t any outright hostility. Hying was the old chief’s daughter. Both of our parents were happy about the match—or at least my father was. I don’t think my mother ever liked her.” He bent down and nuzzled the tempting curve of her neck. “She would have loved you.”

“She would?”

“Of course. You’re smart and funny. You have a kind heart and a warrior’s courage. And you are very, very beautiful.”

Rather to his surprise, she didn’t smile at the compliment. Instead, she sighed.

“Not that smart.”

“What do you mean? I’ve never met anyone quite as skilled at reading people.”

“I mean I flunked out of medical school,” she burst out. “I told you that was the problem I was avoiding by coming here with you.”

“A distaste for medicine doesn’t mean that you’re not intelligent. You must know that.”

“I suppose. But Leslie is so good at it and I want her to stay with her studies.”

“Why wouldn’t she?”

She turned around in his arms, but she didn’t look up at his face. Instead she focused on one of the buttons on his shirt.

“I thought my father would make me go back to Earth, and if that happened, she would go with me.”

“You are not going back to Earth. At least not unless you want to and not without me.”

“But aren’t you needed here?”

“I’d love to be needed, but Nisani is determined to do everything by himself.”

“Then he’s an idiot.” She suddenly giggled. “Maybe we should run away and leave everyone to try and carry on without us.”

“A tempting idea, but you’d never leave your sister, would you?”

“Not for long. And you wouldn’t leave your family either.”

“I suppose not. But since your sister is happy studying medicine and you are happy with me, that works out.” He smiled at her. “You are happy with me, aren’t you?”

“Very. In spite of dead dinosaurs and being drugged and dealing with your obnoxious ex.” Her eyes glowed green in the gathering darkness. “I think I deserve a reward.”

“What would you like, my kareta?”

“Claim me, Okami. Make me your mate.”

Arousal rushed over him so quickly he felt dizzy, but he forced himself to breathe, even as he brushed his thumb against her neck.

“A Vulfar bites his mate when he claims her.”

“The Yehrin do as well.”

“But you have pretty human skin, pale and soft and delicate.”

“Then the mark will show up even more.”

He shuddered, a fierce, primitive pride filling him at the idea that everyone would see his claim on her.

“You are sure?”

“Oh, yes.”

She lifted her arms in silent invitation, and he pulled her shirt over her head, leaving her wearing the enticing mating garments. He ran his finger along the lacy edge.

“I told you these were mating garments.”

“I guess they are now,” she whispered breathlessly. “Do you want me to leave them on?”

“No. I want nothing between us.”

She reached behind her back and the garment slipped away, revealing the full beauty of her bountiful breasts. The pants and undergarment were next, leaving her naked and glowing in the last rays of the setting sun.

“Now you,” she demanded, and he eagerly obeyed.

She gasped, then trailed her fingers lightly down his cock.

“You’re very large.”

“Thank you,” he said solemnly, and she laughed. “Are you worried, kareta?”

“Not at all. I know this is going to be amazing.”

The trust in her eyes humbled him, and he bent his head and kissed her. Despite the urgency filling his body, the kiss was slow and sweet and tender. There was no rush. There was only the two of them and the empty plains and the fading light of the sun. Time seemed to stop as he kissed her, as he caressed every inch of her silky skin. She urged him on with soft cries, her own hands exploring him just as thoroughly. When her cries grew urgent and demanding, he turned her back towards the windows, to face the wide expanse of the savanna and the even wider expanse of stars glittering overhead. He gripped her hips and slid slowly into the impossibly hot, tight fist of her cunt. She quivered around him, and he had to pause, already on the verge of climax.

“Okami!”

“I’ve got you, love.”

He bent his head to her neck, tasting the sweetness of her skin as he began to move, slowly, carefully. His tail curled around her waist, helping to support her as his pace increased. Her hands clenched on the window frame as she rocked back against him, her movements increasingly urgent.

He shifted his grip enough to brush against her clit and she came with a wailing cry as he sank his fangs into her neck, his own climax rushing over him as the sweet taste of her blood filled his mouth. The base of his cock expanded, his knot locking them together as seed rushed from his body in hot, endless pulses.

She was his. Forever.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

L illie’s body sagged, her knees too weak to support her, and Okami immediately wrapped his arms around her to hold her up. Their bodies were still locked together, his cock filling her, that last swollen stretch almost too much to bear. But then he licked her mating bite, and she instinctively tried to clench her muscles as excitement streaked through her. They both groaned.

“Why… why are we locked together like this?”

“To hold you in place while you accept my seed.”

By the sound of his voice, he liked the idea.

“Okami, I’m on birth control—Mama insisted.”

His hips rocked forwards a little, and the pressure of his knot against the inside of her clit had her quivering on the edge of climax again.

“Of course, little kareta. But our bodies were formed long before such things were possible.”

“You mean we’ll always be locked together like this afterwards?”

“Oh, yes.”

She decided she didn’t mind. She liked being wrapped in his arms and feeling so close to him.

“For how long?”

“It depends. If I simply hold you and you manage the impossible feat of not arousing me further, perhaps five to ten minutes.”

“And if not?”

“It can last a very, very long time,” he growled.

The tip of his tail curved round to tease her breasts as he slid his hand down her front, hovering just over her exposed clit. He pressed down, very gently, but even that slight touch, combined with the pressure of his knot, sent her tumbling into another climax. He groaned as her channel convulsed helplessly around the swollen flesh and seemed to grow even larger inside her, extending her climax until she was barely capable of talking, let alone moving.

Somehow he managed to get them to bench without setting her off again, then tucked her in his arms, stroking her hair and praising her. When they finally separated, he used some of the water he’d collected to bathe her gently.

“Are you uncomfortable?” he asked as he ran a damp cloth between her legs.

The contrast between the cool cloth and the lingering heat from their mating made her shift restlessly.

“No. I want more.”

“Insatiable little kareta. But we must give your body time to adjust. You are very small.” He sounded as if he were talking more to himself than to her.

“It’s adjusted. And needy.”

“Perhaps just a little something to help.”

He pushed her legs apart and replaced the cloth with his tongue, rough and perfect against her sensitive flesh.

“Does that help?” he murmured against her clit.

“Less talking, more licking.”

He laughed and obeyed.

The evening meal consisted of the other half of a protein bar and a few sips of stale water. The hard bench was their only bed, and between it and their insatiable need for each other, she had almost no sleep. By the time the sun rose, she was hungry, exhausted, and happier than she’d ever been in her life.

LILLIE’S sweet body was perched on top of him, his cock locked inside her, when the golden light of sunrise filtered into the shelter. He sighed.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to leave soon,” he murmured.

“I suppose,” she agreed. She yawned and stretched, the movement making his body tighten.

“Which isn’t going to happen unless you remain still.”

“I’m not sure that’s much of an incentive.” She grinned at him. “What do we do now?”

“I want to return to the capital as soon as possible. We’ve been here much longer than I planned.”

“I know. I hope Leslie isn’t too worried. I know T’vedo is not going to be happy. I just hope he hasn’t sent a message to Daddy.”

He groaned. “That is a guaranteed way to make my knot subside.”

“Really? Even if I do this?”

She slipped her hand back and teased his balls, and he almost exploded again. He grabbed her hands and lifted them over her head, but that only stretched her out across his body, her luscious breasts pressing against his chest, and he groaned again. Everything about her aroused him.

“I have a feeling that we’re going to spend half our lives this way,” he said, not entirely sure he was exaggerating.

“I don’t mind.” She kissed the hollow of his throat. “But I do want to see my sister so I’ll be very good and keep perfectly still.”

She didn’t quite manage it, but he eventually subsided enough to pull free. He brought more water, and she washed quickly and pulled on her clothes while he gave the dousa water, then they set out.

The wounds inflicted by the kyru were healing nicely, and both he and Lillie started out riding. He slipped down as soon as the dousa began to show signs of strain, but they made decent time. They stopped again during the heat of the day, and he thoughtfully inspected the empty sky.

He hadn’t been surprised that the attack of the other kyru had thrown the hunt into confusion and no one had come looking for them the previous day. He was surprised that there was still no sign of a search. Even if no one had been aware of their original path, they would obviously head back to the village. He couldn’t believe that Seji, or even Radeti, thought he and Lillie would simply disappear into the desert.

But even after they started moving again, there was no sign of anyone looking for them.

Night was falling by the time they saw the immense bulk of the tree village in the distance and Lillie gave a relieved sigh. The dousa had been struggling, so she was walking at his side.

“I’m so ready for a hot bath and a comfortable bed.”

“Last night did not please you, little kareta?” he teased.

He expected her to respond the same way, but she stopped and looked up at him.

“It was the best night of my life, Okami.”

“And mine, my mate.”

He stroked his thumb gently over her mating bite. Her eyes immediately grew heavy and she swayed towards him, but it would be foolish to stop so close to the safety of the village. He tucked her under his arm and kept walking.

An hour later they finally approached the stockade wall, but just before they reached it, a figure emerged from the darkness. He thrust Lillie behind him and tightened his grip on the knife before he recognized Radeti.

“I’ve been watching for you,” Radeti said. “Both of you.”

“Then why didn’t you send help?” he snapped.

He couldn’t regret the previous night, but his mate had been in danger.

“I couldn’t. It wasn’t until after the kyru attack that I realized that both of you were missing. And by then, the situation had become complicated.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Chief Seji has fallen ill.” Radeti gave him a grim look. “I suspect he’s been poisoned, and he’s not the only one. There’s been an outbreak of sickness across the planet over the past few days—and the rumors say that includes your brother.”

Lillie clutched his hand as his heart skipped a beat.

“Nisani? What’s wrong with him?”

“I don’t know. No one’s talking. But you need to get back there as soon as possible.” He hesitated. “Dobai has taken charge. Not surprisingly, Hying’s exile has been rescinded and he’s given orders that no one is to leave.”

“Then why are you helping us?”

“Partially because you’re the one person who couldn’t possibly have been involved—you’ve been out on the plains the entire time. But also because I think you’re needed back at the capital. I’ll take you to your flyer.”

“Thank you,” he said sincerely.

“Don’t thank me. I still don’t like you. But we are a warrior race—we achieve victory through battle, not through poison and sabotage. Any male too weak to make a direct challenge does not deserve to rule.”

“Agreed.”

Keeping tight hold of Lillie’s hand, he followed the other male. His flyer had been moved outside the stockade, concealed amongst some bushes.

“I must return and check on Chief Seji,” Radeti said quietly. “I wish you luck.”

“Thank you.” He hesitated. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Find out who is behind this.”

“I will do my best.”

Radeti faded back into the night, and Lillie curled up in the seat next to him as he sent the flyer skyborne.

“Do you think this is all related?”

“Yes. And while I don’t think either Radeti or Seji knows what’s happening, I think someone in Clan Fuchon does.”

“Like Hying?”

“Possibly. It wouldn’t surprise me if she knows about it, although I doubt it’s her scheme.” His fingers drummed on the instrument panel. “I wonder if I should have stayed and tried to find out more.”

“No. You need to check on your brother.”

“I suppose you’re right. You should get some sleep.”

“Can I sit with you?”

“Of course.”

She joined him, just as she had done during their original flight, and also like their original flight, she was soon asleep in his arms. And yet so much had changed.

CHAPTER TWENTY

O kami reached the palace just before daybreak, slipping quietly and—he hoped—unnoticed into the family hangar. His hopes were not met. As soon as they stepped down from the flyer, T’vedo was waiting for them. The fierce old Yehrin warrior scowled so fiercely at Lillie that if his concern hadn’t been as obvious as his anger, Okami would have challenged him.

“That is the last time I am letting you out of my sight—” T’vedo began.

“No, it’s not.” His voice was hard enough to startle the warrior into looking at him. “We appreciate your concern, but Lillie is my mate and I am responsible for my safety.”

“I can be responsible for my own safety,” she said indignantly, but they both ignored her.

“Your mate? Does Planetary Commander T’lan know?”

“Not yet.”

T’vedo glared and put his hand on the hilt of his nanosword.

“In that case—”

“It doesn’t make any difference,” Lillie said quickly. “I hope Daddy will be happy for me, but Okami is my mate and I am his L’chka. Nothing anyone says or does will change that.”

The old warrior hesitated, then bowed his head.

“Very well, but you must tell your father.”

“I will, as soon as—”

“You’re back.”

Zord stalked into the hangar, anger radiating from his body.

“I came as soon as I heard. How’s Nisani?” he demanded.

“You should never have left—”

“Enough. Tell me about his condition.”

It wasn’t until shock flickered over Zord’s face that he realized he had sounded exactly like his brother and his father before him. Zord bowed his head.

“My apologies, Chief Okami.” He cast a quick look at Lillie and T’vedo. “The situation is somewhat complicated.”

“You may speak freely in front of my mate and her guard. I trust them with my life.”

“Mate?” This time the shock was more pronounced, but Zord recovered just as quickly. “There was an explosion in the private quarters, accompanied by an unknown gas. I escorted Nisani to the safe room myself, but when I returned, the room was empty.” He hesitated, looking over at Lillie. “Lady Leslie was gone as well.”

She swayed, all the color draining from her face, and he put his arm around her, glaring at the other male.

“Leslie?” she whispered, then shook her head, clutching his arm. “She’s alive, I know she is. I can still feel her. But we have to find her.”

“We will,” he promised, stroking her arm soothingly with his tail, then frowned at Zord. “Why does everyone think my brother is ill?”

“Not long after the incident, we started receiving reports that several clan chiefs had become ill.”

“Like Chief Seji,” Lillie said softly.

“I met with your sisters and we decided that an unwell ruler was better than a missing one,” Zord said. “Anai has been monitoring the situation. Our people are concerned but not unduly alarmed. I have been searching for Nisani, but the necessary secrecy has complicated matters.”

“What are you going to do about the council meeting?” T’vedo asked, and Zord sighed.

“And that has been the other issue. As you know, the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. We moved to have it postponed, but all of the new acting clan chiefs voted to continue.”

He frowned. “Who is going to preside in Nisani’s place?”

“Enseg offered,” Zord said, not quite hiding a smile when Okami groaned.

He believed that his brother’s chief advisor meant well, but he was not a tactful male.

“I had intended to ask Forradi to take over,” Zord added. “But now that you are here, that won’t be necessary.”

“Me?”

“You are next in line.”

“I have no intention of replacing my brother,” he snapped.

“Only until he is found,” Zord assured him. “This is the best way you can help him.”

He looked down at Lillie and she gave him a tiny nod. They were right.

“Fine. I want a report of all the matters to be discussed at the meeting, along with Nisani’s position on each of them. Bring it to Nisani’s office immediately,” he ordered. “I also want backgrounds on all of the new members of the council and how they are related to the ones who are ill. Ask my sister to join us as well.”

“Anyone else?”

“No, just the four of us and Anai. The closer we keep this, the better. I also need to know everything you’ve done to look for Nisani. And Lady Leslie, of course.”

“Yes, Chief Okami.”

Zord strode off without another word. Okami could see why his brother valued him so highly.

“You want me to join you?” T’vedo asked, frowning.

“Yes. I’d be willing to bet that you are aware of every piece of gossip that makes its way through the palace. That could be useful.”

“He does,” Lillie agreed, smiling at her former guard. “I never managed to get anything past him.”

“You did this time,” the old warrior said, frowning at her mating bite. “But unless you want everyone knowing you are back, you had better be inside the palace before daylight. I will disguise the flyer and then join you.”

“How are you going to… Never mind, I don’t need to know. Come with me, kareta.”

IT WAS LATE the following night when he pushed aside the last report and sighed. He was as ready as he could possibly be.

Lillie came over and curled up in his lap. She’d been with him the entire time, absorbing the same reports and putting the pieces together with that sharp little mind of hers. He’d sent the others away a short time ago, thanking them sincerely for their help. Zord had produced all the information he’d requested—except the location of his brother and Lillie’s sister. Anai had filled him in on some of the more complicated relationships between clan members that he hadn’t known about, but even she’d been surprised by how much T’vedo knew. He suspected that if someone had so much as sneezed in the palace within the last year, T’vedo could have told him when and the color of his handkerchief.

Did Nisani have the same level of support, he wondered, or was he so intent on being in control that he didn’t ask for help?

“Do you think Shemai will be successful?” Lillie asked softly.

In spite of his attempt to keep the meeting secret, his other two sisters inevitably found out. Sanshi swept in long enough to lecture him about leaving, order him to find Nisani, and then burst into tears when he introduced Lillie as his mate.

“As soon as this silly business is over, I’m giving you the biggest mating party this city has ever seen,” she told him, wiping her eyes.

She hugged Lillie, then hurried off as he stared after her in abject horror. Lillie laughed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll talk her down.”

He had no doubt that she would and gave a sigh of relief. Both Anai and Shemai were equally delighted that he was mated, although neither one of them seemed as surprised as he would have expected.

Lillie had filled Shemai in on everything they knew about the possible connection between the mysterious illnesses and the story Curraci had told him. She’d nodded thoughtfully and promised to investigate.

“I don’t know,” he said now. “But if anyone can find an answer, it will be her.”

“I wish Leslie were here to help her,” she sighed.

“Are you worried about her?”

“I feel as if I should be, but somehow I’m not. I’m sure she’s all right—I just miss her.”

“If Nisani is with her, he will protect her.”

“I’m sure he will.” Her smile turned mischievous. “How much sleep do you need before the council meeting?”

“All the sleep I can get,” he said solemnly.

“In that case, I’d better tidy up.”

Ignoring his protest she climbed out of his lap, but she only bent over the desk in front of him, busily arranging papers as her luscious ass swayed back and forth in front of him. He grinned and slid his hand up under her skirt, softly stroking the silky skin until he encountered a thin band of lace. Unable to resist, he pushed her skirt higher to reveal her delicious ass, the delicate provocative strip of lace disappearing between her full buttocks.

“You’re wearing the mating garments.”

He tugged on the thin strip, knowing that it would press against her clit, and she moaned.

“I keep telling you they’re only underwear,” she said breathlessly.

“Does that mean you’re not interested in mating?”

He kept tugging on the strip as he waited for her to answer him. Instead, she leaned forward over the desk, turning her head to one side so he could see the mating bite. As always, the sight added to his arousal, and he leaned closer, nipping at the tender flesh. She pushed back against him with an eager cry.

His restraint vanished. He freed his erection, yanked the lace to one side, and slid inside the hot, tight sheath of her body. She cried out again, milking his cock as she convulsed around him, but he didn’t pause, bending down over her as he kept thrusting, his mouth going unerringly to the mating mark. She pushed back against him as he swiped his tongue over it and every muscle in his body tightened. He bit down, his seed erupting as her blood washed over his tongue and his knot expanded, locking them together in an exhausted, satisfied tangle.

Completely drained, he collapsed back down in the chair with her, her body still quivering around his as he stroked her soothingly with his tail.

“All of your papers ended up on the floor,” she murmured eventually.

“Does that mean you’re going to bend down and pick them all up for me?”

“Oh no. That would only mean you spend the rest of your life knocking things off your desk just so you could watch.”

He couldn’t argue.

“I love you, Lillie.”

“I love you too.”

“And you’ll be with me tomorrow?”

“Always.”

She smiled up at him over her shoulder, and he discovered he was completely exhausted after all.

DESPITE THEIR LACK OF SLEEP, Lillie looked radiant as she stood next to him the next morning, using the viewing panel built into the back of the council chamber.

The large round room was divided into fourteen sections. His family occupied the section directly in front of him, while six additional sections occupied each side. The entrance to the chamber and the guard station comprised the final section. Each clan was only allotted one formal representative, but they were allowed to have additional members of their clan seated behind them.

Five of the twelve seats were now occupied by new representatives. He seriously doubted that it was a coincidence that most of the representatives who had been replaced had been loyal to his brother. Directly in front of him, Enseg officiously cleared his throat.

“Since Ruler Nisani is indisposed—”

“Since my brother is indisposed, I am here in his stead,” he said smoothly, entering the chamber with Lillie at his side.

Enseg’s eyes widened at the sight of her before turning and frowning at him.

“I have no such instructions.”

“You don’t need instructions. I am next in line.” Just saying the words aloud made his chest ache, but he refused to let his concern show. “I will preside over this gathering until my brother can join us once more.”

“It’s his right,” Salma agreed, shooting Enseg a disapproving look. The gruff chief of Clan Gradai didn’t mince words. “Now sit down and let him get on with it.”

Enseg sputtered but obeyed.

“Any other objections?” Okami drawled.

There were a number of sideways looks, especially in Lillie’s direction, but no one else spoke up, not even any of the new members.

“Very well. The first item on the agenda is the trading partnership with—”

The doors opened again and relief flooded him as Nisani strode through them. His brother didn’t look sick at all. He looked strong and healthy—and annoyed, glaring around the council chamber until he saw Okami. His mouth relaxed and he nodded.

“Nice to see you, brother.”

“Leslie!” Lillie suddenly gasped from behind him, and he realized that her sister had entered the room as well, standing quietly at Nisani’s side. Lillie raced over to her, and the two sisters clung to each other, laughing and crying at the same time. Before Okami could follow his mate, Nisani gently shepherded both women over to their section.

He started to stand so that Nisani could take over his chair, but his brother shook his head.

“I’m sure that you are more than capable of running the meeting. Please continue.”

Shocked, he stared at his brother. Nisani gave him an encouraging nod, no sign of doubt on his face. His initial shock was followed by an immense feeling of pride.

“Are you sure?”

“I am.” A smile curved his brother’s lips as he looked over at the two sisters, whispering frantically to each other. “I’ll watch over them—although I suspect it is a far more challenging job.”

He was sure his brother was right, but satisfaction filled him—he had his mate at his side and his brother at his back. As he turned back to face the other clan chiefs, he paused for a second, taking note of the various expressions to analyze later, then called the meeting to order once more.

“As I was saying, the first item on the agenda is…”

EPILOGUE

O ne year later…

OKAMI WALKED into his office and sighed. Even though he and Lillie had spent the past ten days on a ceremonial visit to Fradar Five, his desk was already piled high with paperwork. He’d had much more pleasant plans for the day, but at breakfast Lillie had announced she was going to see her sister this morning. Since he was alone, he might as well work.

He’d managed to at least sort through most of the pile when the door opened and Lillie danced in, shaking her head in mock sorrow.

“What a pathetic sight. A spoiled prince hard at work.”

“It is pitiful, isn’t it? You should come and comfort me.”

He held out his hand and she came immediately, giving him a quick kiss before settling into his lap and smiling up at him. His eyes went, as they always did, to the mating bite on her neck. Even after all this time, the sight never failed to delight him. But then everything about his mate delighted him.

“I’m surprised you’re back so soon. I expected you to spend more of the morning with Leslie.”

“I would have, but she has an exam coming up and she has to study. I would say poor Leslie but she enjoys it so much it’s hard to feel sorry for her.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Not even the tiniest bit. I’d much rather work with you.” She accompanied him almost everywhere and usually managed to charm even the most antagonistic warrior. “Oh, and I spoke to Shemai. All the paperwork for the medical foundation in your mother’s name is now in place. I’m going to start working with her on the first fundraising event this week.”

“I just hope we’ll be here long enough for you to organize it before Nisani sends me off again,” he sighed. “Why did I ever volunteer to assist him?”

She smiled up at him, her beautiful eyes warm with amusement.

“Because he needs you—and because you love it, in spite of your complaining.”

Before he was forced to admit she was right, there was a knock on the door. She started to get up, but he used his tail to keep her firmly in place. He had no intention of putting aside his mate just because someone insisted on seeing him.

“Come in.”

Zord entered bearing another tray of paperwork, his usually stern face amused by Okami’s groan.

“I take it back. Go away.”

Zord ignored him, placing the basket in the middle of his desk.

“Nisani would like to see you later today, since you didn’t make it to breakfast.”

There was a hint of censure in Zord’s voice, but Okami gave an unapologetic shrug. They had returned late the previous night, and although he’d intended to get up and join Nisani, Lillie had been delightfully warm and willing in his arms.

“We were planning to have lunch in the garden,” Lillie said diplomatically. “Perhaps he could join us if that’s convenient.”

“Thank you, Lady Lillie. I believe his schedule will permit that.”

Zord bowed his head, gave him a reproving look, and left.

“I should never have given up my house in town,” he grumbled. “It’s too easy to find us here.”

Nisani had been insistent that he and Lillie should live in the palace, even going so far as to refurbish a complete set of apartments with a private garden for them. He might still have refused except that he knew Lillie wanted to be close to her sister. When his brother pointed out that Lillie would also be safer within the palace, he’d stopped fighting it.

“You know there are a lot of advantages to living here,” Lillie said, giving him an innocent look.

“Like what?” he asked suspiciously.

“Like when Mama and Daddy come to visit next month, they can stay in the palace visitor’s quarters instead of our spare bedroom.”

“Your father is coming back again so soon? I barely survived the last time.”

With a good deal of encouragement from Lillie’s mother, T’lan had accepted their mating, but he’d also made it quite clear that he’d destroy Okami if he ever hurt his daughter.

“Oh, stop it. Daddy wouldn’t offer to train with you if he didn’t like you.”

“Offer to train sounds so much nicer than trying to kill his daughter’s mate.”

Her eyes danced. “He’d never do that. He promised me he wouldn’t cause any permanent injuries.”

“How reassuring. Maybe I should ask Nisani to send us on another trip after all. Somewhere far away.”

She laughed but then looked down, all of her attention suddenly focused on the fastening of his shirt.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

“Why not?”

“Why don’t we go out in the garden before someone else shows up?” she asked instead of responding.

He gave her a suspicious look but had no real objection. Keeping her in his arms, he rose and carried her out through the long windows into the lush garden that formed the center of their apartments. They spent as much time as possible there, and he carried her to one of their favorite places, a trellised arbor overlooking the pool. The lush flowering vines that climbed the trellis made it feel like a private outdoor room.

“Now,” he said as they settled into the cushioned swing. “Tell me what’s going on.”

She went back to playing with his shirt.

“I told you that I saw Shemai this morning.”

“Yes?”

“It wasn’t just about the foundation.”

His heart skipped a beat.

“Tell me nothing’s wrong,” he demanded.

She gave him a startled look, then smiled.

“Oh no, it’s nothing like that.”

“Then what is it?”

“You know how I’ve been feeling even more… enthusiastic than usual?”

Since they’d spent most of the journey back from Fradar locked in their cabin, he’d definitely noticed but he’d had absolutely no objections.

“When I realized, I started worrying that maybe I was still having some side effects from being drugged.”

“Oh, kareta, why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to worry as well.”

“You’re my mate. Of course I’m going to worry, but you should still tell me. My mother didn’t want anyone to worry about her and then it was too late.”

She gave him an apologetic look. “You’re right. I should have told you.”

“But you’re not ill?”

“Not at all… but we won’t be going anywhere for the next six months or so.”

She took a deep breath.

“Because I’m pregnant. With our daughter.”

The ground actually seemed to tremble beneath his feet.

“Pregnant?” he whispered.

“Yes. And since human pregnancies last nine months and Yehrin pregnancies last six and Vulfar are usually seven, Shemai wants me to stay close so she can monitor me.” She gave him a tentative smile. “I’m not even sure why I’m surprised. Emlan got pregnant while she was on birth control. You don’t mind, do you?”

“Mind? I couldn’t be more delighted. I love you, Lillie.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but her smile was radiant.

“I love you too.”

He pulled her closer and his hand hovered over her stomach, almost afraid to touch her, then gave her a horrified look. “All that time we spent together on the ship didn’t hurt the baby, did it?”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“Of course not. Shemai said that the additional hormones in my system are why I’ve been so aroused. I want you to touch me. I need you to touch me.”

She took his hand and placed it firmly on her stomach, then drew it slowly up to cover her breast, arching into his grip. His cock stiffened into instant aching hardness. He tugged lightly on her nipple and she moaned. He started to lower his head to feast on the tempting little bud, then hesitated.

“And you’re sure this isn’t going to hurt the baby?”

“Of course it isn’t,” she said impatiently, trying to pull him closer.

“Then I am at your service, princess.”

A very long time later he stared up at the vines overhead, his extremely satisfied mate snuggled against his side, making plans for the next few months. He would have to make sure that Lillie got plenty of rest and didn’t get swept up in her various causes. They would need to convert one of the bedrooms into a nursery and increase their security. He needed to let Nisani know they wouldn’t be traveling, and he couldn’t wait to tell his sisters, and…

He started to laugh.

“What’s so funny?’ she mumbled sleepily.

“Just thinking. I’m very much looking forward to asking your father to help me build a treehouse. A pink treehouse.”

Her delighted laughter filled the quiet garden before he drew her into his arms once more.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading Alien Chief! It’s so much fun telling the stories of the second generation in this series - especially when Lillie and Okami are so perfect for each other! And now that they’ve found their happily ever after, it’s time to find out just what’s been happening with Leslie and Nisani - and who’s been plotting against him!

Whether you enjoyed the story or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon – reviews are one of the best ways to help other readers find my books!

As usual, I have to thank my readers for coming on these adventures with me - I couldn’t do it without you!

And, as always, a special thanks to my beta team – Janet S, Nancy V, and Kitty S. Your thoughts and comments are incredibly helpful!

Alien Ruler is up next!

Can a protective alien warrior save a fragile woman from his enemies - and his own desperate need?

Nisani has been denying his desire for Leslie since he met her, but when they’re stranded together in the wilderness will his rigid control finally fail?

Click here to order Alien Ruler!

And as a special bonus, Alien Selection tells the story of the first encounter between a Yehrin warrior and a human female!

Click here to receive a free copy of Alien Selection!

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OTHER TITLES

The Alien Invasion Series

Alien Selection

Alien Conquest

Alien Prisoner

Alien Breeder

Alien Alliance

Alien Hope

Alien Castaway

Alien Chief

Alien Ruler

HOMESTEAD WORLDS

Seven Brides for Seven Alien Brothers

Artek

Benjar

Callum

Drakkar

Endark

Frantor

Gilmat

Cosmic Fairy Tales

Jackie and the Giant

Blind Date with an Alien

Her Alien Farmhand

KAISARIAN EMPIRE

The Alien Abduction Series

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

Cam and the Conqueror

Deb and the Demon

Ella and the Emperor

Faith and the Fighter

Greta and the Gargoyle

Hanna and the Hitman

Izzie and the Icebeast

Joan and the Juggernaut

Kate and the Kraken

Lily and the Lion

Mary and the Minotaur

Nancy and the Naga

Olivia and the Orc

Pandora and the Prisoner

Quinn and the Queller

Folsom Planet Blues

Alien Most Wanted: Caged Beast

Alien Most Wanted: Prison Mate

Alien Most Wanted: Mastermind

Alien Most Wanted: Unchained

Stranded with an Alien

Sinta - A SciFi Holiday Tail

Exposed to the Elements

The Naked Alien

The Bare Essentials

A Nude Attitude

The Buff Beast

The Strip Down

Horned Holidays

Krampus and the Crone

A Gift for Nicholas

A Kiss of Frost

Cyborgs on Mars

High Plains Cyborg

The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg

A Fistful of Cyborg

A Few Cyborgs More

The Magnificent Cyborg

The Outlaw Cyborg

The Cyborg with No Name

Treasured by the Alien

Mama and the Alien Warrior

A Son for the Alien Warrior

Daughter of the Alien Warrior

A Family for the Alien Warrior

The Nanny and the Alien Warrior

A Home for the Alien Warrior

A Gift for the Alien Warrior

A Treasure for the Alien Warrior

MONSTERS

Monster Between the Sheets

Extra Virgin Gargoyle

Without a Stitch

Sweet Monster Treats

Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today bestselling author Honey Phillips writes steamy science fiction stories about hot alien warriors and the human women they can’t resist. From abductions to invasions, the ride might be rough, but the end always satisfies.

Honey wrote and illustrated her first book at the tender age of five. Her writing has improved since then. Her drawing skills, unfortunately, have not. She loves writing, reading, traveling, cooking, and drinking champagne - not necessarily in that order.

Honey loves to hear from her wonderful readers! You can stalk her at any of the following locations…

www.facebook.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.bookbub.com/authors/honey-phillips

www.instagram.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.honeyphillips.com

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author