Rookery Cove: The Keythong’s Blaze Read online

  Chapter 7

  Okibi stirred, hunger of the ordinary kind making her stomach growl. She stretched, wincing a bit when her right knee groaned. She lay there next to Branimir’s thick, firm body and mentally replayed the most intense sexual experience she’d ever.

  His body was perfection, no doubt. His cock was just to her liking, too, long, weighty, and broad. When he’d linked with his lover, though, things had turned remarkable. Okibi could have tapped into their connection -- she was an adept telepath -- but she’d been too afraid of what she’d hear or feel, to do it.

  Regardless, she’d felt the power of the other in Branimir’s mind. His cock had throbbed inside her, becoming like granite buried deep, his unforgiving length only spurring her body to excrete more pheromones and her sex to flood with need.

  Okibi choked on a moan as she recalled Branimir’s possession. He’d been rough, yet gentle, making certain she was pleasured by every thrust, every withdrawal. The grip of his hands, the touch of his mouth, it was as if he saw inside her and gave her everything she wanted and couldn’t ask for. She’d meant what she said. She was well and truly fucked.

  With a muffled sigh, she rolled away from him and onto her back. Instinct told her the next phase in the mating process had already begun. Kokugen Nenshou was more than estrus. It was literally a burning time.

  The Kokugen Nenshou was both an intense drive to have sex, as well as the only time a phoenix could mate. Okibi could reproduce anytime, though the urge to do so was maddeningly powerful during her heat, but Kokugen Nenshou was the only path to a life pairing. As long as the second phase of the ritual wasn’t initiated, the urgent compulsions went away for another twenty years and that was that.

  The second stage, called Charenji Nenshou or Burning Challenge, was uncharted water for Okibi. She’d never allowed a lover to trigger it, but with Branimir there’d been no stopping. The intensity of her orgasm had roused the phoenix, setting off a chain reaction that had to be followed through to the end.

  Charenji Nenshou consisted of her partner or partners battling Okibi to prove they could be mate to a phoenix. The Charenji was a test of fighting skills, both defensive and offensive. The art of war was an instinct buried deep in the core of a phoenix, and a partner must be able to fight.

  If I don’t tell Branimir what’s happened, maybe I can get through the next ten days intact. As soon as she thought it, she was ashamed. Okibi’s honor wouldn’t allow her to lie, regardless if it was by omission. I really nailed it when I said I was fucked.

  Her stomach grumbled again, but Okibi’s appetite was gone. Thinking about the third stage of Kokugen Nenshou would do that to anyone. The idea of turning your lover into a giant hunk of charcoal was quite unappetizing.

  Fennikusu Setsuzoku. The Phoenix Link, the last step. If it went right, an irrevocable bond formed. If it went wrong, the phoenix would burn the male or males trying to become her mate, leaving only a charred corpse and ash as testament to their life.

  And no two potential mates have ever survived Fennikusu Setsuzoku, which is why we’re monogamous. The voice in her mind that lured her into dark fantasies and dreams spoke up in a seductive tone. If they both survive, you can have them. The phoenix will have chosen them and it won’t be denied. True words, but they didn’t offer her any respite. Her family, her people, wouldn’t be able to refute what happened, but she’d probably be shunned, leaving a black mark on an untainted name.

  Her belly cramped and Okibi rolled fully away from Branimir. She was too awake now to ignore her need for food, and her thoughts continued to move onward. Worrying wouldn’t get her anywhere. It was too late for worry now anyway. If Branimir didn’t know the intricacies of phoenix mating, he would soon enough.

  Irritation tried to get a foothold in her mind, but Okibi pushed it aside. The griffon had been straightforward from the get go, honest in his intention to find a queen and a mate. Yes, he’d neglected to tell her of his sexuality up front, but she couldn’t fault him for it. Instead of trying to find someone to blame, Okibi accepted her responsibility for the path this relationship, for want of something better to call it, was taking.

  Slowly she sat up, careful not to wake the sleeping man beside her. She turned her head, opening her eyes to day’s early light, and simply watched him. His breathing was deep and even, his longish hair falling across his forehead. She felt the stir of desire in her stomach, but there were other feelings rising, too. She wasn’t in love with Branimir, but she could be very easily.

  Talking with him yesterday had been fun, freeing, and natural. He was an animated conversationalist, his orange eyes dancing with humor, his gorgeous mouth smiling often. He moved his hands when he spoke, not in an audacious way, but in the way of someone whose mind works faster than their tongue.

  “He’s beautiful, isn’t he?”

  Chapter 8

  Instead of jumping off the bed and blasting the owner of the smoky whisper, Okibi drew a deep breath and held her anger in check. She knew who spoke. She suppressed the sensual shiver those quiet words evoked, instead focusing her energy on slowing her pounding heart and squashing the sudden burst of nervousness in her abdomen.

  Turning to face the voice, she bit her tongue to stop a gasp. Viktor was light where Branimir was dark, and dark where he was light. He had a golden mane of hair, thick and long, hanging well past his shoulders. It framed his square, craggy face, making his amber fire eyes glow. They were orange, too, though unlike Branimir’s. Their color was muted, dappled with mystery and filled with shadows. This man was dangerous in a way most men wanted to be and were not. Okibi couldn’t hide the erotic shudder this time. His aura alone seduced her. Here was a man who would best her.

  Though Viktor’s face was as bold and sharp as Branimir’s, it was obvious he’d seen the rougher side of life. A scar bisected his left eyebrow, his nose crooked slightly to the right, obviously broken at some point and not perfectly reset. The fullness of his lips drew her gaze, their lushness so obviously sensual when the rest of his features were hard, unrelenting.

  “I’m nowhere near as attractive, phoenix. There is no reason to let your eyes linger.” He’d pulled one of the kitchen chairs to her side of the bed. Slowly, he unfolded his length and stood, reaching his hands over his head to work out the kinks of a long sit.

  Okibi stopped herself from saying he was wrong, she had every reason to linger. Her impulse to soothe him, for that was what it was, disturbed her. She didn’t know Viktor. What reason did she have for wanting to make him feel better? She disregarded the impulse and continued taking in the man before her.

  Though not quite as tall as Branimir, Viktor still stood a good six inches taller than she. And while he wasn’t as tall, he made up for it in breadth and sheer mass. His shoulders were wider, thicker, the muscles bulging as he worked out the kinks in his back and chest. His musculature was the same over his entire body. She could see the bold definition of his chest beneath the simple blue T-shirt he wore. Her tongue darted out and wet her lips when she caught the impressions of his tiny nipples through the fabric.

  Trying hard not to make a complete fool of herself, she tracked her gaze onward. Down his powerful legs, to his feet, and then back up. She blinked several times when she passed over his groin. Yes, Okibi, that is one very hard, very BIG cock you detect behind that denim. She swallowed hard and stood up herself, hoping to hide both her interest and her embarrassment by fully revealing her wares, so to speak.

  “You are stunning.”

  Okibi looked straight into Viktor’s eyes, pleased to see arousal burning there. She held herself still and let him look his fill, feeling the fire inside grow as the seconds ticked past. She felt his gaze, the slow movement of his eyes over her skin as vivid as fingers and flesh. Her nipples pebbled when he stalled on her breasts. Her skin flushed and her breathing grew rapid. She sensed the unfurling of her nether lips, the slickening of her pussy. Blood rushed to her sex, bringing her clit to vibrant life, making it hum
with need. She fought not to press her thighs together to ease the ache building between them.

  When he grunted, she moaned. Perspiration beaded on her forehead. She curled her fingers into the palms of her hands, trying to control the sudden urge to reach out to him. She watched his nostrils flare and when his eyes met hers again, the impact was primeval. Hunger exploded and she growled. He bared his teeth, shining white against the deep pink of his lips.

  Viktor stepped toward her and broke the spell, somewhat. Realizing she was on the verge of fucking a man she’d just met shocked her into action.

  “Stay there.” His body tensed until she thought he’d break, but Viktor stayed where he was. His alluring eyes narrowed and he gave her a dark look.

  “You won’t have us both then.” Viktor kept his voice low, but his contempt and anger couldn’t have been clearer.

  “I didn’t say that. I don’t know you, Viktor.” His body jerked as if she’d hit him and Okibi’s pussy clenched. Just saying his name brought the hunger flooding back, into both of them she suspected. Distract yourself, Okibi. She tried to think of something, anything, and Manx popped into her head.

  Oh, shit. I have to let him know Viktor is here, or he’ll flip. Overjoyed at the chance to pull herself out of the downward spiral her conversation with Viktor had taken, she searched out Manx’s energy, surprised to find him back on the island.

  Manx, Branimir’s second in command is on the island.

  I know. If I weren’t so busy with my Frau, I’d have already been there. Do you need me? Okibi wanted to say yes, but she couldn’t. It was cowardly and unacceptable.

  No, I’m good. Congrats on finding the Frau. She interjected true warmth into her words, happy for Manx. I can handle them.

  I’m sure you can. If you need me, just call.

  “Fantasizing about me?”

  The arrogant words severed Okibi’s connection to Manx. She clenched her jaw and glared at Viktor. “Not hardly! More like saving your dumb ass. You do know the Master of the Hunt protects this island as well? And neither of us particularly cares for surprise guests. I was letting him know you were here. I don’t want you here, so you should be thankful I even told him. He enjoys fresh fowl.” She quirked an eyebrow at him, and he smirked.

  “You want me, don’t deny it.” The words slipped from his lips, soft in strength yet carrying an enormous weight. His eyes flashed, and the flame Okibi tried to ignore flared back to life, growing hotter, spreading through her body, uncontrollable.

  “I want anything with a cock.” She looked at the bold proof Viktor had straining his jeans. “You’re pleasingly endowed, I must say. Is all that for me, or for your lover on the bed? Do you only fuck men?” The antagonistic hiss was unlike her, but Okibi couldn’t stop it. I’ve lost my fucking mind!

  Viktor’s jaw clenched and irritation colored his features. Instincts long dormant awoke deep within and Okibi struggled to control them. She wanted to push him further, to break his control and force him to attack. Shit, I wish my parents had explained this Charenji phase in more detail!

  “You know this --” he cupped his erection through his jeans and a part of Okibi melted, turning into a pile of wanton goo, “-- is for you alone. The Charenji Nenshou has already started, hasn’t it?”

  “Obviously!” She spat the venomous word. “Too much of a coward to come to me on step one, eh? So sad, you don’t know how to use the weapon between your legs!”

  Okibi was mortified by her words. She wanted to clap her hands over her mouth, but her body wouldn’t comply with her brain. The phoenix was awake and gaining control over Okibi. So while her humanity writhed with embarrassment and indignation, the firebird dug deep and added kindling to the fires of lust and rage. She wanted a fight, and by the look on Viktor’s face, she might just get one.

  Chapter 9

  Viktor could not believe what had just come out of Okibi’s sexy mouth. He went from unsure of where he stood with her to incensed, in a split second. His hands curled into tight fists at his side, he closed his eyes, and he calmly counted to ten in his head.

  He took into account the fact that the challenge stage of her mating cycle had begun and drew strength from the knowledge that if she didn’t find him appealing and worthy partner material, she wouldn’t be provoking him.

  “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that, phoenix.” He opened his eyes and looked her over once more. She was a little more muscular than he preferred. Her breasts were perfect, though, the strange shade of her areolas and nipples a beacon in the expanse of creamy exposed skin. They looked as if they were burning, and coupled with the sheen of perspiration on her body, he wondered if they were.

  Her face was lovely, her eyes fascinating, her body lithe yet lush, and her smell hypnotic. Images, the sounds of her supplication, filtered through Branimir, had been enough to bring him to orgasm in the middle of the Council of Advisors. He’d never been so overwhelmed in his life. Viktor had been embarrassed by his reactions, furious at his loss of control, and determined to get to Rookery Cove as quickly as possible.

  Remembering how Branimir had felt buried balls deep in her cunt sent a flash of jealousy through Viktor. Honestly, he didn’t know who he was jealous of, Branimir or Okibi. Which only pissed him off more. He rumbled, unconsciously. She laughed, a sarcastic, demeaning sound.

  “What’s the matter, griffon? Worried you won’t measure up to my lover? He was spectacular.” The barb struck deep and Viktor lunged for her.

  She laughed again, easily side stepping him. Viktor whirled, claws bursting from his nail beds as his animal instincts rushed to the surface. Strong arms wrapped around him, locking at the front of his chest.

  “I’m not hers. Not yet.” Viktor tried to break free, but Branimir tightened his hold, bringing his body flush against Viktor’s. The strong, thick press of Branimir’s cock against his hip calmed Viktor, set lust free to override his anger. Soft lips caressed the shell of his ear, hot breath bringing his cock to painful life. He called back the beast, and wrapped human hands around Branimir’s forearms.

  “Bran, it’s good you awoke. The Charenji Nenshou has begun.”

  Remind me what that means. It’s hard to think with you so close. I’ve missed you, Viktor. Branimir’s presence filled Viktor’s mind and he smiled, inside.

  The Burning Challenge, the part of the phoenix mating ritual when potential mates must prove themselves in battle. It’s not about controlling her, but about proving ourselves as warriors. We don’t have to beat her, but we do have to achieve a draw.

  I knew she was spoiling for a fight. I thought she’d already gotten to this point. Branimir’s curiosity, and the sarcastic lilt in his tone, only made Viktor want to smile harder. His lover never took anything completely seriously and he was constantly reading and learning, his thirst for knowledge unquenchable.

  Maybe you aren’t as charming as you think.

  Charming enough. I got you, didn’t I?

  You can’t count me, I wanted to fuck you since we came into sexual maturity. You’ve got a great ass. Branimir was the only one who could bring out the playful side of him and Viktor loved him more for it.

  “Stop doing that, damn it. I can feel you talking to each other and it’s pissing me off!” Viktor had almost forgotten Okibi. He felt Branimir’s focus shift to her and his followed.

  “Feel us? Well, that’s something we didn’t know. So you aren’t just pyrokinetic, but you’re telepathic as well.” Viktor let Branimir talk, sure if he opened his mouth she’d spew another cutting remark.

  “I’m so much more than that. Wanna see?” Viktor felt Branimir tense around him. There was something dangerous in her eyes.

  Next to them, the bed began to shake. The heavy wooden frame trembled like a dry leaf in the autumn breeze. The shaking grew more violent, the mattresses leaping from the bed and hurtling into the wardrobe. The heavy piece of furniture exploded as if the bedding were made of stone and not feathers. Viktor lifted an eyebro
w, impressed but refusing to let her see it.

  She’s fucking telekinetic. Awe and wariness filled Branimir’s comment.

  Interesting. I think we need to distract her before she decides to toss us into the wall.

  What do you suggest?

  Viktor smirked inwardly. He had an idea, though it was treacherous at best. Get on your knees, Branimir. Let’s see if she likes to watch.

  Branimir loved the idea, a lot, if the jerk of his cock and the desire pounding into Viktor were any indication.

  “I told you to stop that!” The bed’s empty frame stopped rattling as her scream tore through the house, tearing books from shelves, sending dishes clattering to the floor to shatter, and making Viktor and Branimir stumble. Viktor saw fire glow in the depths of her black eyes. He yanked Branimir’s arms from around his waist, pulling his lover to stand in front of him. Her fury set Viktor on fire, bringing his darkest desires to stunning life. Here was a woman who could take his savagery and give it back without shying away.

  Her rage wasn’t out of control. It was hard, merciless and completely focused. He watched Okibi physically seethe and felt his balls draw up and his cock throb with excruciating need. She was breathtaking in her fury and Viktor rejoiced.

  This woman had darkness in her. It called to him. She was strong, powerful and beautiful. But she understood the cold, calculating mindset of a true warrior. She wouldn’t flinch in battle. No, Okibi Rowe would kill without a second thought. Looking more closely, Viktor recognized the taint of ending a life clear in the icy glare of her eyes.

  Without breaking eye contact, Viktor put his hands on Branimir’s shoulders, and shoved him to the floor. She growled and he bared his teeth. He brought his left hand to the button of his jeans, and watched her black eyes track the motion. With a flick of his thumb, the clasp released and the large crimson head of his cock surged from the opening. He unzipped the fly, tugging here and shifting there, completely freeing his “weapon” to Okibi.