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Authors: Michelle Howard

Tags: #Romance, #Fantasy, #Science Fiction, #Two Hours or More (65-100 Pages)

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BOOK: The Overlord's Heir
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Though raised a
warrior, Vaan enjoyed the softness of the affection she brought to his life.
Her random kisses, the slight caress of her hand down his arm in passing and
the gentle smile she always wore when their glances collided were saved for
moments when he questioned the changes in his life. Those precious memories
reminded him that he’d come out by far the winner in a battle that could have
destroyed him.

Blinking the tears
away, Mikayla reached up to untie the knot in his hair which she continually
refused to let him cut. The black mass fell below his back.

Stroking slowly,
her hands ran through the length. Pleasure danced in her eyes from the act.
When she tugged lightly, he bowed his head so her mouth could touch his. He
noted the distraction for what it was and allowed her to have her way.

Mikayla’s wet
tongue swiped against his lips and Vaan willingly parted his own. Their tongues
tangled and he eagerly brought her as close as her belly would allow. Needing
more, he lowered his hands to cup her overflowing breasts. Softness greeted him
and Vaan could not prevent his groan. Bed play in her current condition had
been limited but he would accept whatever pleased Mikayla, for he was sure to
reach release in her arms.

“Kiss me. Again,”
she murmured against his mouth, her voice gone husky.

Vaan licked her
bottom lip and managed not to flinch when she nipped in return. Behind her
fangs, Mikayla possessed venom sacs which could produce the deadly poison
sakar. His Warlords thought him brave to share in the Raasa affection known as
kissing. Argan once warned Vaan that Mikayla could kill him in their bed
accidently. Vaan kept such dire predictions from Mikayla. She would think him
insensitive.

Vaan eased away
from her tempting mouth and frowned. As Overlord, it was his way to lead and
protect but with his mate, he’d learned that listening got him far more in the
way of rewards.

“You understand my
reasons, yes?”

Her green eyes
blinked open. Passion blazed forth and Vaan missed her answer in his haste to
kiss her again.

“Yes.” The word
feathered against his lips then his mate sucked his tongue into her mouth and
Vaan could only groan deep in his throat from the rippling sensations tickling
his spine.

When they parted,
he murmured against her lips, “I would take this to our bed, mate.”

The corners of her
mouth tipped up and her fangs flashed as she agreed most enthusiastically. Vaan
swept her up in his arms. Squeals followed the laughter tickling his ears.

“I’m too heavy for
you to carry, Vaan.”

Her giggling protest
was met by his feigned grunt as Vaan carefully lowered her to the blankets of
their bed. A small woman to begin with, Mikayla’s weight was nothing. Not
concerned with rushing, he removed his chest harness and placed his sword among
the clutter of Mikayla’s jewelry on the side table.

 “I love you,
Vaan.”

“You as well,
mate.”

In a matter of
minutes, Vaan removed his clothing and climbed in the bed to cradle his mate
against his bare chest. He inched up the material of the night dress to her
waist then caressed her warm, silken skin beneath. Sliding his fingers upward,
he tugged on a stiff little nipple.

Mikayla sucked in
a breath, her startled eyes on his. This was a pleasure not to be ignored. The
nipples of her breasts had developed with her growing belly. Beautiful dark
brown discs that were incredibly sensitive. Vaan brushed a thumb over the nub
and Mikayla gasped, her head falling back as she broke eye contact.

“I need not ask if
this pleases, my mate.”

Her moan shot
straight to his groin and if possible, Vaan’s toqa hardened further. Yes, his
mate was a delight and much worth the teasing he took from his men for her odd
behavior.

Mikayla ran her
hands across his chest and drifted them lower until she gripped his firm length
in her snug hands. Vaan’s hips jerked of their own accord.

Her smile glinted
with wicked intent. “And I need not ask if this pleases
you
.”

“It pleases me,”
he murmured and thrust into her shifting fingers. Back and forth he rocked,
allowing each stroke to build his momentum. Her other hand reached out and
tugged on his wrist until he released the plump softness of one breast.

Letting her guide
him, Vaan almost exploded when she placed his hand right on her moist toque.
Wetness drenched his fingertips.

“Vaan.”

Her sharp cry was
all the direction he needed. Vaan stroked softly against her bud while pumping
into her stroking fist. Soon both of them were gasping for breath, her delicate
pants matched his harsh exhales.

“I am close,
Mikayla,” Vaan warned, having learned his lesson many cycles ago that his mate
could be devious if he did not see her needs met during their bed play.

“Yes, yes, yes.”
She gasped and her release spilled onto his fingers at the same time Vaan let
go and felt his seed pour forth.

Trembling from the
force of his release, he still managed to curve around her body and mold her as
close as her belly allowed. Mikayla slid her arms around his waist and rested
her head on his chest.

“Can this trip
wait, Vaan?”

He stiffened. “I
have waited too long as is.”

Just when he began
to worry for her silence, she said, “I can go with you.”

Vaan snorted and
tucked her head under his chin. He could imagine such a journey and it made him
wince. “It is not safe for you to travel with our youngling so close.”

He waited for her
to continue the argument but instead the soft snuffles she made when asleep reached
his ears. Vaan cradled her close at peace for the moment. Tomorrow would be
here soon enough. Mikayla’s weight shifted and her thigh climbed over his hip,
her arms tightening their hold. If he could protect her from harm, he would but
Vaan worried that something was coming outside his reach. Something that would
shift his entire world.

Chapter 3

 

     Cool morning
breeze slid over Vaan’s bare chest. For once, the blazing heat of the day was
delayed by the gathering gray clouds overhead. Quiet conversation mulled around
him while those present waited for the small group traveling with Vaan to
depart. The stable master Wessel led out the last of the mounts for their
group.

Falal’s brown coat
reflected a healthy sheen as the animal jumped around in excitement on its
powerful hind legs. Wessel took a firm hold on the leather leads and Falal
playfully pawed his short forelegs in the air dislodging Wessel’s grip. With a
cocky toss of its black mane, the animal trotted over to Vaan and butted its
triangular head into his chest.

Waving Wessel off,
Vaan tightened the strap of the saddle on the antsy hapfe and swatted the
animal’s hindquarters. The bi-pedal mount settled immediately. All of Mikayla’s
hapfe were trained well. Her man, Wessel, did a great job with them.

     Merik and Eatan
slid smoothly in the saddle on their respective mounts. Vaan gave Argan final
instructions, although his gaze remained on the front door of his home. Mikayla
had still slept deeply as he dressed to leave so he’d brushed his hand over her
face lightly when he leaned over the bed to murmur his farewell in her ear. She
didn’t stir.

     “Vaan, she
will be fine.” Argan gave him a knowing look.

     Vaan focused.
“What?”

      “Your mate
will be fine and greeting you with pleasure upon your return.”

      Vaan shook
his head. “I am acting like a woman ever concerned about the feelings of
others.”

     Argan
laughed. “A woman’s love is known to bring the finest warrior low.”

     Vaan didn’t
want to be brought low. He wanted things to remain as they were with his mate
pressing her kisses to his lips and welcoming him in her arms at every turn.

    Thinking of
this, Vaan signaled Ramar to mount the last animal and waved Balal over to his
side. Kavan remained in the hall in case Mikayla got up and decided to come
down.

     “You have
need of me, Overlord?”

     “I would
share knowledge with you to assist with your problem.”

     Balal’s frown
signaled his lack of comprehension. Vaan could not believe he was about to
speak the words. He indeed had picked up womanly mannerisms. Argan’s expression
revealed his interest in Vaan’s words as well.

     Vaan pulled
on the tail of his hair in frustration. “The Raasa ensure pleasure for both
parties during bed play.”

     Now Balal’s
frown morphed to confusion. Vaan cleared his throat and continued. “The males do
not consider it acceptable for the women to lay still.” Argan’s mouth parted. Heat
burned Vaan’s cheeks but he forced the next part out. It needed saying. “The
women receive pleasure in the act from the male’s efforts.”

     He could tell
he stunned his Warlords with the information. In this, the Raasa also differed
from Kabanians. Vaan’s people believed bed play existed to get youngling and
that only men received release from the act. Mikayla had showed Vaan differently.

     “You speak
truth, Overlord?” Balal’s eyes couldn’t get wider.

     “If you ask
Assa, she will agree I speak only truth.”

     Argan waited
until the dazed Warlord ran off to do just that before announcing. “This
explains why the other warriors travel to the village of Luall looking for
females.”

     Many female visitors
frequented Luall from other countries. The tiny village consisted of several
races selling and buying wares. His warriors had a good chance of running into
Kabanian women there as well. If his Warlords treated a Raasa female in the
manner they treated a Kabanian woman then Vaan was certain many nights were
spent alone. Thinking on it, Vaan could not recall if Argan had expressed an
interest in any female since their awakening and second chance at life. Vaan
would pay closer attention to his friend upon his return. Something was amiss.

     “Ah, she
comes now.”

     Vaan glanced
over his shoulder when Argan spoke. At the sight that met his eyes, his heart
thumped faster. Moving quickly but not quite running, Mikayla hurried down the
front stairs with Kavan pulling on her arm in an attempt to slow her down.

     Vaan crossed
the yard with large strides and met them half-way. Mikayla leaped into his
arms. “I’m sorry I was not accepting when you mentioned your journey yesterday.
I love you, Vaan. Travel safe and come back to us.”

     Vaan wrapped
his arms around her waist and buried his face in the midnight silk of her hair.
Peace. She brought peace to him and never would he let her go. He pulled back
to stare into her beloved face. “You are a good mate and our youngling will be
blessed with you as a mother.”

     Her smile
blinded. She stroked the long tail of his hair with one hand as she was wont to
do. “Hurry back.” her other hand rubbed a comforting circle over the skin of
his bare back.

     Vaan relaxed.
All was indeed well. “If you need me, have Argan send a messenger.”

     Mikayla
stepped back and Vaan reluctantly allowed her to move away from him. “Don’t be
silly. Eran will care for me. I also have Balal and Kavan.”

     Vaan hoped he
hid his flinch. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and turned to the waiting
hapfe before his mate’s tender look could change his mind. Saran implied
urgency in Vaan coming to Kaban. His brother would not call for him if the
matter were frivolous.

    “Wait.”
Mikayla grabbed him by the pant leg as he prepared to mount. “Not Falal. Take
Hapani.”

     Vaan puzzled
her request. While his mate could not ride, Mikayla requested Wessel to bring
Hapani into the compound gates for a visit each day. She favored the hapfe,
having raised it since birth. “You are sure of this?”

     She tucked a
loose midnight strand of hair behind her ear and Vaan once more experienced an
overwhelming wave of love for her. His mate and his youngling. “Hapani is the best.
I trust she’ll bring you home safely.”

     Was there
ever another who loved him this fiercely? If so, Vaan could not recall. “I will
care for her well, Mikayla.” He signaled Wessel to return Falal to the stables
and bring out Hapani.

     His other Warlords
waited patiently. They had long since become accustomed to Vaan encouraging her
whims. With a swift change of the saddle, he took his seat on the spirited
Hapani. Vaan nodded at Argan and then glared at Kavan, hoping the Warlord
understood his subtle sign to watch Mikayla closely. Balal would succumb easily
to her manipulations so he counted on Kavan’s level head. His Warlord nodded
sharply, accepting the responsibility.

     Tolan raised
the wooden cross bar. It rose slowly upward until the competent Raasa, Serel, stationed
at the top of the walkway latched it, allowing the only point of entrance that
surrounded the compound to open. Vaan led with utmost haste, his Warlords on
his heels. Already, he wished he could postpone this trip. Mikayla’s anxiety
fed Vaan’s own and he wanted nothing more than to stay to see his son birthed
safely.

Chapter 4

 

      The day
dragged by slowly. Vaan’s absence put a pall on Miki’s evening. Feeling no
reason to go to bed early, she stayed in the dining hall long after the meal
ended. Her people sought their beds and a few of the Warlords formed a circle
in front of the fireplace playing a cubed game.

     With a sigh,
Miki wandered over. The Warlords folded back the thick woven rug to reveal the stone
floor beneath. Marin, a quiet Warlord in comparison to Vaan’s other men, held
two red cubes aloft. “Watch and weep.”

    “Just take
your play, Marin,” Argan growled from his kneeling position on Marin’s right.
He tossed his shoulder length braid over his back and nodded at Miki.

     They played a
Kabanian game she’d witnessed before. Marin shook his hands and the cubes
tumbled on the floor in the space they’d cleared. A loud cheer went up and
Carog pushed Marin on the side to pick up the cubes. “Move over. You are as clumsy
as a tarka wolf pup.”

     The men
laughed and Miki felt a smile curve her lips. “I want to learn.”

     Kavan
stiffened behind her. “Absolutely not.”

     Balal sighed.
“She will cry, Kavan. This you know.”

     The men
exchanged a look. Miki blinked back the start of tears and frowned. She wasn’t
that emotional. “I won’t cry if the men say no.”

     Argan smirked
and moved over from his squat. “Bring her a chair, Balal. You will save us all
the trouble.”

     Grateful she
would not be expected to kneel or sit cross-legged on the floor as they were,
she accepted the chair and sat. For a brief moment, Miki thought about going to
bed instead but refused to succumb to the loneliness. The men bantered back and
forth and soon Miki sat in the midst of the jovial circle. The game they called
Dilek seemed simple in theory but ended up much more difficult in practice.

     Argan paired
her with Kavan, a master at the game, while Balal offered instruction. A
muffled groan went up from her partner after she rolled. Miki studied the painted
stone cubes. One landed moon side up and the other showed stars and two moons.
A win, if her strategy paid off.

     “Uh, oh
Kavan, you will be milking teets all summer less the next roll go in her favor.”

     Once more
jokes and laughter exchanged among them. The Kabanians came from a mild clime
making the year long heat of Raasa the subject of many complaints. Kavan’s
misery would be hard felt if he ended with the outdoor task of milking the
animals used to provide meat for the compound.

     Carog handed
Miki the cubes. “My lady, Argan and I lead the match. If your roll is bad,
Kavan gets farm duty.” They all snickered and Carog’s wicked gold eyes glinted.
“But if you lose, what is your consequence?”

     Miki chewed
her bottom lip. She hadn’t considered. “A wager?”

     Carog gave
her a cocky grin. “It is the fun of Dilek after all. How do you wager?”

     Miki thought
for a moment. What would be of interest to Warlords? She needed to offer
something they’d want. Then she knew. “If I lose I will have Cook prepare meat
pies and custards for a week at each evening meal.” The Kabanians loved meat
while the Raasa preferred vegetables and fruit. The cook’s meat pie had turned out
to be a favorite though she didn’t prepare it often due to the time involved in
making it.

     Carog’s jaw
dropped and Balal let out a huge whoop.

    “Forgive me,
my lady, for wishing you a lack of success,” Argan said in a calm voice though
his dark eyes twinkled.

     Miki shrugged
her shoulders and grinned. She hated meat pie and had no plans to lose. Shaking
the cubes in her hand, she winked and let them go. They all held their breath as
they watched the cubes roll and tumble to a stop. Both cubes showed moon side
up.

     “By the
Hills,” Kavan gasped then jumped to his feet and pumped his fist in the air.

     The others
groaned while Kavan came over and rubbed Miki’s belly. “No milking for me.”

     Miki had
never witnessed him so enthused. She laughed as her youngling responded with a
kick. Kavan paled and pulled his hand back quickly. “My apologies.”

     Still smiling,
she placed his hand back. “It’s the youngling’s kick.” The Warlords waited as
eagerly as Vaan for the birth but rarely did they touch her belly though they
eyed her with fear and fascination as her stomach expanded. Another thump met
Kavan’s palm and he slid his hand away, offering Miki a formal bow of thanks.
She and Kavan had formed a friendship of sorts after their ordeal together several
months ago when Thenl sent warriors to attack her. The quiet Warlord had saved
her life and she would forever be grateful.

     The men all
rose and stretched. Balal stood by her chair to help her to her feet as well. “It
is time for you to rest.”

     Miki started
to protest but her sudden yawn caught her off guard. Exhaustion began its slow
curl up her back and the thought of her bed sounded perfect. Standing, she
turned to face the Warlords and gave them each a warm smile. “Thanks for
letting me play. Tomorrow, I’m telling Cook to prepare meat pies as a goodwill
gesture for teaching me such a wonderful game.”

     A loud cheer
went up as they thumped their fist against their chest until Miki laughed and
waved off the extensive thanks. At the stairs, Kavan held one of her arms and
Balal the other.

     “I’m fine,
you know.” Neither paid her heed and Miki admitted to relief for their help. At
the top of the stairs, she had to pause to catch her breath. Both men waited
patiently at her side.

     Miki massaged
the ache in her back and winced when the youngling took the moment to roll and
press against her bladder. Her pains continued to worsen. She should speak with
some of the older women. This did not seem normal.

     “Mikayla?”
Balal placed a hesitant hand on her shoulder. His brow hiked in question.

     “I need the
bathing room.” Which meant a return trip down the stairs.

     Twin flags of
red seared Balal’s cheeks. Kavan cleared his throat and avoided her gaze. Miki
sighed and turned to head back down. The process took longer because Miki
stopped every few feet to breathe through the pain in her stomach. Once the men
walked her back upstairs and had her settled in her room, they made haste
disappearing.

     Miki changed
into her sleeping gown when a knock sounded at her door. “Come in,” she called
unable to face the thought of rising from bed and crossing to the door.
Fortunately, she didn’t use the locking mechanism Vaan insisted on having installed
when they joined.

     Assa bustled
in with a steaming mug in her hand. The aroma of a honey scented tea reached
her nose. Miki sat up in bed with the covers bundled around her waist and
grimaced. “I hate honey.” Always had. The sweet taste unsettled her stomach
before she carried and worsened now.

     Her friend
ignored her and forced the warm mug in Miki’s hands. “Cook says it will ease
the pains.”

     Miki accepted
the drink and sipped. Its flavor settled on her tongue with a sticky texture
that made her want to gag. “How does Cook know?”

     Assa sat on
the edge of the bed and patted Miki on the leg. “All have watched you struggle
the last few weeks. Your time nears.”

     “The Ba’asi
says two more weeks.” Resisting the urge to empty the contents on the floor, Miki
finished the drink and handed back the mug.

     Assa looked
doubtful and pursed her lips. “The Ba’asi has not seen you recently. When does
he return?”

     Fatigued
dragged at her limbs and Miki’s eyes grew heavy. As awful as it tasted, perhaps
the tea worked after all. She felt better already or at least she no longer
felt the nagging pinches of pain in her stomach. “He’ll be back three days
before the birthing.”

     Assa leaned
forward and hugged Miki. Her belly made for awkward moves and both women ended
up giggling. Assa brushed back her long black hair and winked at Miki. “I’m
glad you’re having the youngling though I must rethink my own thoughts of
family.”

     Her words
made Miki curious and her eyes popped open. “Does Balal have any say in this?”

     Humor faded
from Assa’s face and her green eyes tipped down. “Warlord Balal spoke to me
this morning about bed play.” Fangs worried her bottom lip before Assa
continued. “He said I was foolish to expect pleasure from the act.”

     Settling back
into the covers, Miki snorted at the familiar words. “I should have Vaan speak
with him.”

     “He says the
Overlord explained to him but that I must accept he is Kabanian.”

     When tears
welled in Assa’s eye, Miki sympathized. She reached out and gripped Assa’s
hands. “It will work out.”

     Her friend
smiled tremulously. “You should rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

     Miki wanted
say more but sleep overcame her.

BOOK: The Overlord's Heir
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