The Quest III: Return to Volter Read online

  Pain and heat flashed through her. Oh! Oooh!

  Dominating her with his superior strength, he thrust up into her, devoured her lips with his mouth, and rained delicious, stinging blows onto her behind. Timing each blow with the hard, hungry upward thrust of his cock into her, he quickly drove her to the edge of a climax so intense, it left her gasping and crying and moaning as it washed over her with the force of an unstoppable tidal wave.

  She surrendered, allowing herself to happily drown, feeling his lovely, thick seed shooting deep into her body. Gods of the Mountain willing, she would soon bear his cubs. The thought alone was untold bliss.

  When she woke later, she found Ayanni kneeling beside her, wiping her forehead with her hand. “Wynter? Are you all right?”

  She lay still for a moment, feeling her face burn as she remembered what had happened in the hut in the dark of the night in Totter’s arms. He had coupled with her and driven her nearly insane with pleasure and pain. He had been so big and thick, his cock had felt as if it were forever stretching her channel…or pussy as he had called it at one point. Pussy. The word conjured up thoughts of something deliciously forbidden. She liked it. “Yes…” She sat up slowly, disappointed that Totter was not there. “My sire? Is he all right?”

  Ayanni’s lips tightened and she glanced away. “Your sire is fine…but he is no longer in Volter.”

  Wynter frowned, closing her eyes and reaching out with her mind. He was in Volter. She could feel him…just as she could feel that Totter was close by. But clearly Ayanni believed Slayer had left Volter. This must be part of the plan to win Ayanni back of which Slayer had spoken.

  She sensed Ayanni’s sadness. She opened her eyes and put her arms around Ayanni. “Do not fear, Mother. He will return.”

  “He will not…and even if he does…it will not be to see me. It will be to see you. And even if he wanted to see me when he returns, I will not have him.”

  “You have borne much, Ayanni. The Gods of the Mountains have not brought you and my sire together again just to cause you misery. You must believe that it will be all right and it will.”

  They clung to each other, crying softly for different reasons. Wynter knew Ayanni sobbed for what she thought was the loss of Slayer again. Wynter herself sobbed for the loss of Meka and for the pain she sensed in both her parents. And for her secret fear that either Seeker or Hunter would prevent her and Totter from being together. Having met Slayer and felt his regard for her, she knew he would not stand in the way of her happiness. And she knew that for her to be happy, she would need to be with Totter.

  “It will be all right,” she promised. “For us both.” The Gods of the Mountains willing.

  * * * * *

  He will have to be punished.

  No, sire, I will not allow it.

  Totter stood in the forest far from the hut in the presence of Hunter and Slayer with his head bowed, waiting to hear his fate for daring to have coupled with a female of the royal house he was sworn to protect. As he tried to appear humble and contrite, his thoughts lingered on his night with Wynter and the tight and sweet wonder of her unmated pussy—given so freely and generously to him. Memories of her driving her warm, moist pussy down on his cock, made him hard.

  The choice of his fate will not be yours, Slayer, Hunter thundered.

  Totter could sense his fury. Although he felt certain Slayer sympathized with his feelings for Wynter, Hunter was soon to ascend the throne and his will was law. Despite Slayer’s protests, Totter knew he was going to be banished from Tern Terra and maybe even dispatched. Although he regretted having disappointed Slayer, he could not regret coupling with Wynter and taking the gift of her pussy.

  I respectfully disagree, sire. Wynter is my offspring and she values Totter.

  Slayer, this is a situation you should not have allowed to go on. Now it falls to me to rectify your mistake.

  No, sire. It does not fall to you. Wynter is my offspring and I will have nothing done to Totter that she would not wish. She values him…as do I. I will allow nothing adverse to happen to him.

  Slayer’s defense of him on Wynter’s behalf, surprised and humbled Totter. Still, he knew Slayer was too much in awe of Hunter to continue trying to defend him in the face of Hunter’s wrath. And in truth, he had behaved disgracefully in coupling with Wynter and deserved whatever punishment Hunter deemed appropriate. Having tasted the delights of coupling with Wynter, he would die but with one regret, he could not couple with her again.

  He has coupled with a daughter of the royal house of Seeker. Even now, she may already be with his cub. Seeker will be furious. He must be punished, Slayer!

  I will not allow it, sire.

  Totter raised his head slightly and saw the two royals facing each other. Both were big and regal, both holding their heads in a manner that showed their individual determinations.

  You will not allow it? Are you challenging my authority, cub? Hunter demanded.

  She is my offspring and I demand the right to act in her best interest, just as you have always acted in mine. She values him and I will not have her made unhappy. Totter is loyal and brave and worthy of Wynter if she so desires…and she does.

  Slayer moved to stand in front of him. If there is to be any punishment, it is my right as Wynter’s sire to determine that and I determine that there will be no punishment, sire. She values him and I will allow no unjust punishment to be visited upon him.

  Unjust? Hunter tossed his head angrily. You are implying I am unjust?

  No, sire, I am not. You are both my sire and my future sovereign. I value your opinion and bow to your judgment and will in all things…save anything that would harm my cub. Any punishment to Totter would harm her. Do you wish to make her unhappy, sire?

  Totter waited for the explosion from Hunter. To his amazement, Hunter inclined his head slightly. I will yield to your authority as Wynter’s sire in this matter, Slayer, but see that you do not challenge me again, Hunter warned.

  Slayer bowed his head. You are my sire and my sovereign. I seek opportunities to serve and obey you, not to challenge you, sire. Forgive me.

  There is no need to ask for forgiveness. You are within your rights to do whatever is necessary to protect your cub’s happiness, just make sure you do not challenge me again, Slayer. I will not make any more allowances.

  Thank you, my lord, Slayer intoned.

  Hunter growled in annoyance and turned to face him. And you, elder offspring of Toren, get out of my sight. And thank the Gods of the Mountains that my cub was brave enough to stand up for you otherwise you would be meeting your makers in the Misty Place for having dared touch a daughter of the royal house of Seeker.

  Totter hesitated and then lifted his head, meeting Hunter’s gaze. My lord Slayer honored me with his defense of the indefensible. I have erred in my duties. I stand ready to receive whatever punishment you deem necessary, my lord, Hunter.

  No! Slayer used his big body to bump him. Do not be overly noble, Totter!

  Hunter sighed. My lord Seeker will not be pleased when he learns of this.

  Then why tell him?

  Totter watched as Hunter stared at his cub.

  Are you suggesting I lie to him?

  No, sire. I am only asking why he must know? Especially if Wynter is not with cubs?

  He has a right to know all matters affecting Tern Terra and he will not be pleased.

  Then my lord Seeker will have to learn to cope because I will not have my cub unhappy even to please him, Slayer said.

  To Totter’s surprise, Hunter inclined his head, looking pleased. Well said, Slayer. You are indeed her sire. No one must be more important to you than your elder offspring. Hunter tossed his head. Now both of you, leave me.

  What of my lord Seeker, sire?

  Just as you have done verbal battle with me in your cub’s behalf, I will battle in your behalf to my sire, Slayer.

  He will not be pleased.

  No, he will not and I will not have my cub
made unhappy. Seeker will just have to understand that my first obligation and loyalty is to you, my cub. You need concern yourself with this no longer. It is my obligation and privilege to prevail upon him in this matter on your behalf. You are my elder offspring and only surviving cub. No one will be allowed to make you unhappy. Not even my sire.

  Thank you, sire.

  Hunter brushed his head against Slayer’s. It is my right, duty, and privilege to ensure your happiness, my cub. I have no greater obligation or pleasure.

  Slayer bowed his head and turned. Come Totter.

  Bowing his head in Hunter’s direction, Totter followed Slayer, his mind abuzz with questions. Would he be allowed to remain with Wynter? The thought that she might be with his cubs, took his breath away and humbled him. He could hardly wait to see her…touch her…and fuck her again. He recalled her slamming herself down onto his cock. Or have her fuck him.

  * * * * *

  Sleep eluded Ayanni for most of the night and when she woke just before the rising of the sun, she found two shemoras, in humanoid form outside the hut. Both tall, fit, bowed to her. They introduced themselves as Casea and Atona. Atona took the water carrier from her hand. “I will attend to this, my lady.”

  It felt very strange to have two such regal Carnivores addressing her as lady and refusing to allow her to do anything. For the first time in many long seasons, there was nothing for her to do. No fishing. No washing. No plantings that would require her to spend nearly the entire sun rising on her knees. She felt as if a burden of immeasurable proportions had been raised from her shoulders.

  She had the entire day to do just as she liked. That had never happened. Even before she was forced to survive on her own, there had been fishing and plantings to do with her mother. But now, she was free. To do…nothing. Sun rise after sun rise. She took a moment to savor the realization that her time of toiling in the sun was past. No more worries about how she could continue to provide the nourishment Wynter needed. No more worries about Wynter’s safety when they were apart for she would be accompanied by a Carnivore who was prepared to die for her if need be.

  After she had refreshed herself, she checked on Wynter, found her sleeping soundly, and stepped outside the hut. With no chores to attend to, she could do something she had missed for many long seasons, have an early morning swim.

  Standing across from the hut, watching her was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. He was tall and muscular with sun-kissed tanned skin, long, thick, curly blond hair that cascaded around his broad shoulders, and green eyes as incredibly beautiful as Slayer’s. His chest, wide and deep was bare and covered with a mass of fine hair. His only covering was a loincloth that ended just below his groin, barely covering what she could clearly see was a rather large, although flaccid cock.

  She could see the outline of it along one muscular leg. She found that she could not look away. For the first time in her life, she felt a sexual stirring for a male other than Slayer. Filled with shame and guilt, she ripped her gaze away and fled in the opposite direction towards the water.

  “My lady. Wait. Please.”

  Heart hammering, she turned to find him running easily towards her. “What is it that you require?” she asked, forcing herself to look at his handsome face.

  He reached her and went down on one knee, his head bowed in submission. “My lady, the Gods of the Mountains have looked upon me with great favor.”

  His voice was deep. “Who are you?”

  “I am your humble servant, my lady.”

  “What are you called?”

  “I am Shadow, he who will follow, guard, and protect you.”

  Who would protect her from the shameful lust she felt in his presence? She had to clench her hands into fists at her side to stop them from reaching out to stroke his hair and shoulders. She was distressingly aware of a powerful desire to toss off her dress, lay on her back with her legs parted, and have him thrust deep and long into her mating chamber until he filled her with his seed, as Slayer had done.

  Her face burned as she realized how…unnatural such thoughts were. She had coupled with Slayer, the love of her entire life, not one sun rising past. How could she want this Carnivore in humanoid form so much?

  She wet her lips, almost trembling with need. What was she to do?

  Almost as if he had read her thoughts, he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “I am here to serve in whatever capacity my lady wishes,” he said, his voice a deep, soft burr.

  “I am going swimming,” she told him, looking away.

  “I will accompany you.”

  With him walking at her side, she made her way to the place at the river where she enjoyed swimming. She stood on the bank, staring into the serene green depths. When alone, she swam without clothing. But that would not be possible in the company of this strange, handsome Carnivore who excited her passions as only Slayer had. Slayer. Thoughts of him made her mouth dry and her heart ache. He had been gone less than a sun rising and already she missed him.

  She would probably never see him again. Tears pricked her eyes. She sucked in an aching breath and raked her hands through her hair. How was she supposed to forget him yet again? How could she live without him? She had been a fool to send him away. Without him, what would life have to offer her now that Wynter had taken a mate of her own and would soon no longer need her?

  She gave an angry shake of her head, tugged her dress over her head, and made a running dive into the water. She dove deep and swam under water, enjoying the riot of color and life in the river before she had to swim up to the surface for air. As her head broke the surface, she heard a splash. Shadow swam towards her, his green gaze catching hers.

  Without speaking, almost as if they were in tune with each other, they turned, and swam towards the other side of the river. It had been a long time since Ayanni had been free to swim more than a short distance. Halfway across, she began to tire. Before she could falter, Shadow dived under the water and came up underneath her. She sighed, wrapped her arms around his body, pressed her cheek against his shoulder, and relaxed her body.

  Easily bearing her weight, he swam towards the riverbank. As they entered shallow water, she slid off his back. He rose and lifted her in his arms. Her lack of embarrassment confused her. Wyman had been bottom mating with her for many seasons and yet she had not lost her shyness with him. Why did she feel so easy and sufficient with Shadow?

  He stood still, looking away as she slid her dress over her wet body. She wrung as much water out of her hair as she could before heading back to the hut. She made a determined effort not to look at him. The water glistening on his tanned skin aroused her. Everything about him seemed to arouse shameless passion in her.

  They didn’t speak as they started the journey back. As they neared the hut, she heard the sound of many tools and angry cries from the animals in the forest. She glanced at him.

  “It is your new dwelling. Lord Hunter has received permission from Lord Donoun to erect a new dwelling for you and Wynter and your shemoras. Would you like to see it?”

  She nodded.

  They followed the sounds and arrived at a clearing not far from the hut with a view of the river. Many Tern Terrains in humanoid form were at work on a large frame that would surely house more sleeping areas than Ayanni had ever seen. She turned to look at Shadow. “Are you sure this is it? It is so…big.”

  “You are she who bore the future ruler of Tern Terra. It is not permissible for you to be housed any longer in such humble dwellings. This dwelling will provide six separate sleeping areas, three additional separate areas, and two inside bathing areas. There will also be a separate sleeping area in the back for me and Totter so that we may be close at all times.”

  Ayanni stared in amazement. She had never expected to live in such a place. But it would be so lovely to have Wynter living in a dwelling that had more than one area and a tiny opening with which to look out at the surrounding forest.

  “Does the location
please you, my lady? I have orders from Slayer to ensure that everything is to your liking.”

  “Yes. This is a very good spot.”

  He inclined his head slightly. “Slayer will be pleased that you are pleased.”

  “Will he? How will he know? He’s left us again,” she said bitterly.

  “Forgive my impertinence, my lady, but he has only tried to do what would make you sufficient. He said you wanted him to leave. So even though it made him very sad, he left. But I am here now and I will do everything and anything to ensure that you are sufficient. There is nothing I will not do for you, my lady.”

  They gazes briefly locked. A tingle of desire shot through her. She turned quickly and headed back to the hut. He fell into step beside her. When she arrived back at the hut, she found Wynter and Totter, in humanoid form, outside the hut talking quietly.

  Wynter ran to fling her arms around Ayanni’s neck. She was kissed and warmly hugged. “You are wet. You’ve been swimming?”

  “Yes.” She stroked her hand down Wynter’s hair. “And you? Are you sufficient?”

  Wynter’s lips trembled and her eyes filled with tears. “I am going to miss Meka so much.”

  Ayanni hugged her. “I did not know her, but I know she was noble and brave and I too will miss her.”

  Wynter sighed and drew away from her. To Ayanni’s surprise, Wynter approached Shadow and embraced him. They kissed each other’s cheeks. Ayanni cast a quick glance at Totter. Wynter’s warm greeting did not seem to upset him.

  “Mother, Totter and I are going to talk to the prides. They are grieving and missing Meka. If it is all right with you, we will spend a few nights with them.”

  Ayanni hesitated. Even in humanoid form, Totter was as huge as Shadow. The thought of his coupling with her slender daughter was still not something she was comfortable thinking about. Yet Wynter was happier than she’d ever seen her.

  “I will sleep close to her, but not with her, my lady,” Totter said quietly. “I give you my oath as the elder offspring of Toren, honored to be among those who guard Seeker, sovereign of Tern Terra.”