Start
'reysu examined the bleeding gash down his twin's back and frowned.
"Zyelenyi isn't going to be very happy about this..."
A'lestrel hissed irritably, wincing.
"Fuck that. I needed the hunt."
The last assignment, to resolve a civil insurrection on §fld˜na, had been exhausting for them all. The natives hadn't welcomed outside interference: had the planet not been so strategically important the Empire would have left them alone to sort out their own mess. Under the circumstances, however...
They'd all been injured, though not badly, but more worryingly A'lestrel had arrived back on Vejiitasei in a highly charged emotional state, anger, frustration and - to Zyelenyi's alarm - a wholly uncharacteristic self-loathing roiling in his mind. He'd hustled the prince to the med lab, then spoken with the Ssii'iin, soliciting the High King's help in establishing what had happened. Zha'haabron had spent some time with his youngest hostling, eventually confirming that the §fld˜na-nin were able to induce such emotions in susceptible sentients. It was the first time they'd come up against the talent, but now they knew, they could guard against it. Zha'haabron would help the prince develop the most efficient method of shielding. But in the meantime, he needed to get out and work off some of his pent-up tension...
Zyelenyi had given the team downtime, and 'lestrel had headed off through the snow to the coast - followed, much to his disgust, by 'reysu and Za'rayne. But both Zyelenyi and Zha'haabron had insisted he have someone with him, just until he was recovered, and especially in this weather, since he wasn't as cold-resistant as the other hybrids. They'd stay back, not interfere, but they had to be within range. Just in case...
The massive armoured glider had struggled and fought, slashing at the prince viciously as 'reysu sat on the beach, closed his eyes and tried not to feel what was happening out over the sea. Powerful as he might be in ki terms, 'lestrel wasn't physically that strong, but he insisted on hunting using only his physical abilities. It worried them all, even though they knew 'lestrel was aware of his position and importance and was unlikely to really jeopardise his own safety. But the hunt had to be real, otherwise it just wasn't satisfying.
It was fortunate that Hyoujin medical technology was so efficient.
This time he'd escaped lightly. Apart from the gash down the length of his back, he only had minor cuts over his arms and chest. Arriving back with the glider dangling from one hand, the prince had dropped his prey on the frozen beach then dived into the sea before they could stop him, resurfacing shivering violently but with the wounds cleaned. 'rayne had draped a drying cloth around him, then seen to butchering the glider while his twin examined the slim blue back.
'reysu sighed, fingers gentle against the bleeding wound.
"It's rather deep. Must hurt."
'lestrel slumped, shivering, sitting cross-legged on the sand and rubbing at his face. He was, 'reysu felt, exhausted, but finally calm.
"Compared to what they did to my mind, it's nothing."
'reysu hugged him carefully.
*I know, zk'viss. We're all grateful for what you do.*
'lestrel leaned into the embrace, eyelids drooping.
*Let's go home.*
'reysu glanced at Za'rayne, who nodded, bundling the glider remains into his arms.
*Do you want me to carry you?*
A'lestrel shook his head - then reconsidered. Fighting the glider had really tired him.
*It might be best.*
'reysu chuckled and kissed his forehead, gathering his twin to him.
*Come on then, zk'vils! Let's get you to Vinas...*
Vinas kept the prince at the medcentre overnight - not that he really needed to stay there, but a little peace and quiet wouldn't do him any harm, and the Feeodoreean preferred to have him healed - and properly warm again - before letting him face Zyelenyi.
For once A'lestrel didn't object - but then, thought Vinas, watching as the prince fell asleep, lying on his stomach to avoid disturbing the dressing healing his back, this assignment really had been a hard one. He'd have to speak to the head of the corps, the damn Saiyan didn't seem to realise how much such experiences affected the prince. Not that 'lestrel made it any easier on himself, of course. The young hybrid insisted on pushing himself right up to the limits of his endurance - and Vinas would prefer to forestall the collapse that would inevitably come unless he learned to pace himself...
'tiisaan stretched and lay back against Lento, smiling happily, and Tion handed him a warm beaker of Zh'leet's famous glop. From the cushion opposite Cene, draped in a loose crimson robe against the heat of the dwelling, accepted a small glass of rallsiah, raising it in a toast.
The Mid Winter Performance had been stunning. And her costumes a triumph. The requests for the loan of her services to offworld academies had already started coming in...
Riiki's long slender tail stroked her cheek as he nestled up behind her, kissing her shoulder, sleek naked body heated with the exertion of his dance. She wriggled and pulled slightly away.
"It's too hot for that, estum."
He chuckled, long graceful fingers fondling her nipple through the fine fabric of her robe, and she flushed. More than five years as a treasured member of 'tiisaan's 'court' and she was almost used to the open affection - and physical caresses - of her extended family... His erection pressed firmly against her lower back as he nuzzled her neck.
"Are you sure, sinam?"
She moaned quietly as his tail slipped under the hem of her robe, tickling over her groin, and leaned back against him, arms reaching back to wrap around his neck.
"Can we go somewhere cooler?"
He kissed her cheek, nodding, then lifted them both from the cushion, glancing at 'tiisaan.
"You don't mind?"
The dancer gazed up at them, attention somewhat diverted by Lento's hands stroking inside his excuse for a bodysuit, and shook his head.
"You don't have to ask, you know that..."
Riiki grinned.
"I like to think I have some manners..."
'tiisaan chuckled, then groaned as Lento's fingers slipped into him, scratching lightly at the barbs.
"... have fun..."
Cene gasped as Riiki shoved her against the wall, tail looped around her wrists holding them high above her head. A low fire burned in the hearth - more for effect than anything, neither of them needed the extra heat - spreading a warm red-gold glow through the room and gilding the strong, sleek body, the shaggy deep red mane of her Saiyan. She shivered, and made to speak, her words cut off by the sensuous warm lips possessing hers. She moaned, pressing herself to Riiki yearningly.
He pulled back a little, smirking, teasing as she tried to renew the contact.
"My snowflake... my little fiery snowflake..." he brushed a kiss over her mouth. She caught his lower lip in her teeth, biting gently, and he chuckled.
"Passionate snowflake..."
"Shut up and get on with it..."
He smirked, sweeping her up into his arms then tossing her onto their sleeping platform, falling lightly on top of her, pinning her to the fine fabric of the bedding, tail looping back around her wrists. He shifted to straddle her thighs, balls pressing against her nub as she raised her hips. He slowly opened the fastening down the front of her robe, sliding a hand inside and feather-brushing a nipple. She whimpered and glared up at him.
"You are a complete arreppo, you know that?"
He licked an exposed nipple.
"Why, thank you!"
She wriggled vainly.
"It's not a compliment!"
He bit gently at the nipple, then smirked up at her.
"You think insults will persuade me to fuck you sooner?"
She groaned, eyes closing, the heat in her groin slowly becoming unbearable. Riiki's inkei was rigid and weeping, and she could feel the trembling in his body as he forced himself not to simply take her.
The estum loved teasing her...
He eased the robe completely open, gaze roving over her lean pale golden body, the disordered golden hair, the hungry glittering in her dusky golden eyes... unable to wait any longer he took a deep shuddering breath and shifted too fast for her to move, thrusting into her hard and fast as she shrieked and came, bucking up against him, back arched, trembling. Ignoring the ripping of her robe's fabric as she wrapped long legs around his hips, gripping him tightly to her as he aroused her again, skin beads sliding over hot, willing flesh.
By the time he'd forced the fourth climax from her willing body he was shaking, his control failing. Hands gripping hers as his tail eased its way into her smaller entrance, he rammed home over and over again, teeth gritted, eyes slitted, coming copiously as she orgasmed once more. Dropping heavily onto her body he sighed, drained and exhausted and blissfully happy. She nibbled his ear.
"You're squashing me."
He chuckled tiredly and kissed her brow, rolling onto his side and pulling her with him.
"Heh, whoever said romance was dead?"
Back in the main room 'tiisaan smiled at the sounds coming from Riiki's room - then gasped as Lento took his inkei deeply into a hot wet mouth...
Korena glanced up from her desk in the foyer of the Princess' suite of rooms; Pasunippu smiled down at her.
"I've brought over the information her highness wants."
'rena leaned back and eyed him disdainfully.
"You could have had a courier bring it."
He lowered his eyes, colouring very slightly.
"I preferred to make sure it got here safely, Captain."
Korena nodded and held out her hand.
"I'll take it to her."
'nippu handed her the package, taking longer than might have been expected to release his hold.
"It's near noon. I was wondering... if you might care to take midday meal with me?"
The warrior snickered derisively.
"No, I don't think so."
He bowed his head briefly, expression neutral, and turned to leave.
"Very well, Captain."
Korena watched him walk away, his long sleek tail swaying hypnotically, frowning to herself. It would never do for the Captain of the Oujo's guard to be seen fraternising with a Thinker, no, indeed not...
But she had to admit that Pasunippu was rather... fetching...
'reysu moulded himself to his bondmate's back, one hand and a long strong tail cupping the slight swell of Le'leen's abdomen protectively. 'leen wasn't very big yet, the twin hostlings not at the *communicating* stage; their sire was eagerly looking forwards to being able to *speak* to them. He still couldn't quite believe that his bondmate had agreed to host them...
But Le'leen had been adamant, even before his last shizun. He wanted to conceive, wanted to host their offspring. Although he had coaxed a promise out of 'reysu that next time it would be his turn to host, which had bemused the family no end: 'reysu adored hostlings, but had always been very squeamish about the idea of carrying his own. What would happen when the occasion arose would be interesting to see.
In the meantime, Le'leen was working pretty much as normal, although Vinas was keeping a close eye on him. Though so far there'd been no problems: Le'leen was healthy, and comfortable. It boded well, especially after the problems Za'jau had had.
'reysu slid gently into his bondmate as Le'leen stirred, tail wrapping around his bondmate's hips. He peered over his shoulder, smiling sleepily.
*Zk'aida...*
'reysu kissed him, then eased him over onto his hands and knees, one hand over a slim hip, the other fondling his erection. Le'leen gasped and bucked his hips, back arching to make himself more accessible as his bondmate powered slowly in and out. They both had to admit that they rather enjoyed the protein influx part of hosting - especially since Le'leen had become much more sensitive after he'd conceived...
Zyelenyi was keeping a wary eye on Le'leen too. He knew how much his top team loved their work, even the less pleasant aspects, and expected to have to force the Zasshu to slow down. At least he could call on Leteetza - or Ti'aasaan - to help if 'leen refused to listen. But that was for the future. Right now he was busy assessing the latest request for membership to the Empire, from the king of a youthful world called Maurilla...
