Zaureth Awakened: 11.5 (Enigma) Read online

  She cried out with the first sensation of an orgasm that pulsed to life near his ever-moving tongue. It rippled through her abdomen, feathering outward until her back bowed off the bed.

  Tiny aftershocks of what remained of Amy’s orgasm continued to pulse inside her until her eyes slid closed in ecstasy.

  Zaureth held her tightly against his mouth, his hot tongue soothing her flesh until the last tremor subsided.

  Amy exhaled a shuddering breath, her thighs opening to give Zaureth some air. “I want you inside me.”

  Zaureth rose up onto his knees, glancing down to give Amy an unfettered view of what he could see.

  “I always want inside you.” He gripped himself, backing up enough that the head of his shaft rested against her opening.

  Amy held her breath in anticipation of his entry.

  The feel of him pushing inside her, stretching her, filling her, brought a rush of sensations that triggered the beginnings of another climax.

  She wanted him deeper, to bury himself so far inside her she could forget, even for a moment, what they would soon face.

  A low growl rumbled inside Zaureth’s chest. “Do not think of such things, my heart. Concentrate on me…only me.” He pushed in deeper.

  Amy locked her feet around his hips, gripped his muscular arms, and pulled him down on top of her.

  Zaureth snarled her name, his hips rolling forward to penetrate her again and again.

  The stretching sensation, coupled with the pressure of his thrusts, sent Amy spiraling toward the abyss once more.

  She tightened her legs, meeting his downward strokes until her body flew over the edge and into another mind-blowing orgasm.

  “I love you,” Zaureth rasped, his voice barely a soft growl in her ear.

  Amy’s throat closed, making it impossible to speak.

  Their minds suddenly connected, and everything he felt—every emotion and every sensation—poured into her with a force that spawned another climax.

  Their release happened simultaneously, taking Amy to a place only possible when in her mate’s arms.

  “I love you too,” she mentally sent back as the feel of Zaureth’s warm, wet seed bathed her insides.

  Chapter Three

  Zaureth left the catacombs after making love to his mate a third time. She’d been insistent on round four, but Zaureth feared causing her pain. Though she had a ravenous appetite when it came to lovemaking, she seemed to forget their size difference. He had no doubt she would be tender on the morrow, even if she wanted to deny it.

  He entered the great hall in search of King Klause, only to find him rolling around on the floor with Arcanum.

  Zaureth cleared his throat. “My king.”

  Klause chuckled without taking his gaze from his grandson. “You think I am not aware of your presence, healer? I sensed your intentions long before your arrival.”

  With a contrite nod, Zaureth clasped his hands behind his back. “Of course, Sire.”

  Klause lithely rolled to his feet, swinging Arcanum up into his arms. He kissed the toddler’s ruddy cheek and handed him off to Rauneca. “Will you return him to Hauke? He is in the training room.”

  The young Bracadyte female nodded before accepting Arcanum’s squirming form and disappearing into the hallway.

  Klause motioned to a chair and then took a seat at the head of the table. “What brings you here, my friend?”

  Zaureth sat in the seat his king had indicated, his thoughts on the visions he’d recently had. “I wanted to speak with you about the Arkadians.”

  The king’s eyes narrowed. “You have news of them?”

  “Not in the conventional sense,” Zaureth murmured, holding the king’s gaze. “Something big is coming, Sire. Something we are not prepared for.”

  The king continued to watch him, a muscle ticking along his jaw. “You mean war.”

  “Aye,” Zaureth quietly responded.

  Klause blew out a breath. “When?”

  Zaureth didn’t blink. “I cannot say exactly when, but I can feel their approach, and I fear that we are nearly out of time.”

  A look of anger flashed in Klause’s jade-green eyes. He slammed his fist down onto the table top. “Cowards! This is not the Bracadyte way. We do not slither through back entrances unannounced and attack where females and children reside!”

  Zaureth gave the king a moment to gather himself before speaking. “I think it best that the humans residing here, retreat to the surface until this is over.”

  Klause pinched the bridge of his nose. “And what of my grandchildren? Are they not half human as well?”

  Zaureth considered Hauke’s, Vaulcron’s, and Naura’s offspring. “We do not know the extent of the young’s capabilities, Sire. If we are forced into the Gulf…”

  The king held up his hand. “Say no more. I will speak with my children about finding a safe haven for their young until this is over.”

  “President Pratt would likely be our best option,” Zaureth responded.

  Klause nodded, determination settling in his eyes. “You have given this some thought, I see.”

  “I have had to, Sire. If I am to trust a surface dweller with my mate’s life, it will be no less than the president himself.”

  The king’s gaze softened slightly. “I had not thought about your mate, Zaureth. My apologies. Of course, she would need to go above as well.”

  “It will not be easy for me to entrust her life to another,” Zaureth confessed. “But I have no choice. We will need every able-bodied warrior in Aukrabah for what is coming, and that includes me. I cannot protect Amy and fight alongside my brothers. She would weaken me. And I—”

  “Say no more,” Klause interjected, waving off Zaureth’s attempted explanation. “I will call a meeting with President Pratt.”

  Less than an hour later, Zaureth, Tony, Thrasher, Vaulcron, Hauke, Gryke, and Braum accompanied Klause to the entrance of Aukrabah.

  The human military had recently erected a main hub for direct communication between Klause and Pratt.

  Everyone entered the large room, some flanking Klause while others hovered at his back.

  The king, wearing a sharkskin vest, shorts made from the same material, and a long, gray, regal cloak, stood facing a large screen on the wall in front of them, with President Pratt’s somber face looking back at him.

  “King Klause,” Pratt acknowledged, his gaze glancing around at the half-dozen Bracadytes crowded in the room before settling on Aukrabah’s leader. “I’ve been informed of the urgency of this meeting. What can I do to assist you?”

  Zaureth listened as Klause filled Pratt in on everything they’d discussed earlier in the great hall, ending with, “Will you help us?”

  Pratt motioned to someone outside the view of the screen and then remained quiet until the sound of a door closing broke the silence. “How many Arkadians are we talking about, here?”

  Klause glanced at Zaureth, who stood at his right.

  “Nigh of five hundred,” Zaureth rumbled, holding Pratt’s gaze.

  Several growls vibrated throughout the room. Not that Zaureth could blame them; it angered him beyond words as well.

  Pratt steepled his hands beneath his chin, his attention locked on Zaureth. “Do you know where these Arkadians reside?”

  “I do,” Zaureth responded, curious as to where Pratt’s thoughts were headed.

  The president leaned back in his chair, shifting his attention to Klause. “Then we nuke them.”

  Klause watched the screen without blinking. “I do not understand this word.”

  “He means obliterate them,” Tony answered for Pratt. “As in blow them from the face of the earth.”

  Zaureth’s stomach tightened in disbelief.

  Apparently Klause didn’t appreciate the president’s remark either. “You would destroy innocent children?”

  Pratt paled. He quickly sat forward, a contrite look on his face. “I meant no offense. To be honest, it didn’t cross my min
d that there would be children involved. Please, accept my apology.”

  Klause’s shoulders visibly relaxed. He nodded once and then said, “As you know, we have a small number of land walkers dwelling in Aukrabah. There are also human children born to some of our own Bracadytes. They would need shelter during the war that is coming.”

  “And you would like for me to take them in,” Pratt finished for him.

  The king nodded. “I—we would not trust their safety with another.”

  Pratt glanced around at all the somber faces in the room. “I will send transport immediately. Have everyone ready at the entrance to Aukrabah by sundown. And don’t worry, I’ll keep them safe.”

  “Thank you,” Klause stated, his voice loud and clear. “I will not forget your kindness. If ever you find yourself in need of my help, do not hesitate to call upon me.”

  The president remained silent for a moment, as if considering the king’s words, and then murmured, “I just may do that.”

  With a quick nod, Klause pivoted on his heel and made his way through the crowd gathered around him.

  Zaureth followed suit, as did the rest of the members of Aukrabah.

  Klause waited until they were a safe distance away before speaking. “I want all humans and children gathered together and taken to the entrance by sundown.”

  “Fiona will refuse to leave,” Gryke practically growled, moving to the king’s left side. “She will demand to stay and fight.”

  The king slowed his steps, turning his head to meet Gryke’s gaze. “Do you think she can handle herself against the Arkadians?”

  “I am not certain, Sire. Fiona is a warrior, but she is no match for a Bracadyte.”

  Klause briefly paused before picking up his pace once more. “Then she will go to the surface with the others.”

  Zaureth glanced at Gryke, noticing the look of uncertainty on his face. “She will not go, will she?”

  “Not likely,” Gryke muttered in a low voice. “She will fight me on this. Of that, I have no doubt.”

  Thrasher suddenly appeared in Zaureth’s view, trailing close to Gryke’s back. “Then let her stay and fight. She nearly kicked Syrina’s ass in a hand-to-hand combat.”

  “Nearly is not good enough,” Gryke practically sneered. “I cannot not risk her life for this war. I will not.”

  Thrasher clapped Gryke on the shoulder. “Understood, big guy. Understood.”

  Chapter Four

  Amy stepped from the shower, reaching for the big, fluffy towel hanging nearby.

  She quickly dried herself and then wrapped her hair in a smaller towel she’d placed on the sink.

  Dressing in a pair of jeans, a soft pink T-shirt, and running shoes, she dried her hair as best she could and then brushed out the tangles.

  Though she couldn’t see Zaureth enter the room, she could sense him.

  A smile turned the corners of her mouth up. “Hello, my mate.”

  Zaureth stepped in close, enfolding her in his powerful arms. “You smell incredible, little one.”

  Her body quickly came alive. “As do you, my gentle giant.”

  He kissed the top of her damp head. “I cannot make love to you again.”

  Amy moved in closer, pressing her body firmly against his. “Are you sure?”

  A low growl rumbled inside his chest. “You do not play fair, mate.”

  The feel of his erection pressing against her chest told Amy all she needed to know. Zaureth could no more resist her than she could him. “I want you.”

  Zaureth tightened his hold on her. “There is no time, my love.”

  That was an odd thing for him to say, Amy thought, bringing her hand up to cup his large shaft.

  A groan echoed throughout the bathroom. “Amy…”

  Amy inwardly smiled, backing up a step to unzip her jeans. She stepped out of them, taking her underwear down with them.

  Once her shoes were removed, she quickly discarded the cumbersome jeans.

  Zaureth was on her before she could reach for the hem of her shirt.

  He abruptly lifted her into the air without warning, growling his next words. “Put your legs over my shoulders.”

  Amy brought her knees up and draped her legs over his massive shoulders.

  The feel of him moving across the room could be felt a second before the cool wall of the bathroom pressed against her T-shirt covered back.

  And then he lifted her higher, aligning her aching center with his warm, talented mouth.

  He nuzzled her with his face, moving his lips over her again and again.

  Amy leaned back against the wall, anticipating what would come next.

  She didn’t have long to wait.

  Zaureth opened his mouth over her and sucked her swollen flesh deep inside.

  Amy moaned, lifting her hips to press herself more firmly against him.

  The feel of his hot, wet tongue lashing her most sensitive nerve endings sent Amy to a place she never wanted to return from.

  She bucked against his face, unable to get close enough. Her hands flew to his hair, gripping him with an urgency she couldn’t control.

  He suddenly entered her mind. “Come for me, Amy. I need to taste your passion.”

  Amy quickly spiraled out of control. Zaureth’s words, coupled with his amazing tongue sucking on her sensitive bundle of nerves, was too much to take.

  A scream ripped from her as she unconsciously ground against his ever-moving mouth.

  Her orgasm was swift, exploding inside her with its intensity. Wave after wave of indescribable sensations seized her abdomen, taking her breath as well as her control.

  She lost all thought, all sense of reality. Still, Zaureth sucked on her.

  The feel of the mattress brought her back to reality.

  She suddenly found herself lying on the corner at the foot of their oversized bed.

  Zaureth opened his sight to her, giving her an unfettered view of herself splayed open before him.

  He held her ankles in his big hands, holding her open for his gaze.

  “Relax for me,” he rumbled, inching ever closer.

  The head of his erection touched her, appearing overly large against her small opening.

  He pushed forward, allowing his shaft to glide through her slit, obviously wetting the tip.

  “Tell me if I hurt you.” He stopped at her opening, spread her ankles apart a little more, and eased forward.

  Amy watched in wonder as the swollen head of his erection slowly entered her.

  Breathing through the pressure of him penetrating her, she gripped the sheets and lifted her hips.

  The feel of his enormous shaft sliding deeper elicited a groan of satisfaction from Amy. She would never tire of being possessed by Zaureth, her love… her mate.

  Once seated as far as her small body would allow, Zaureth stopped.

  Just as Amy was about to force him to move, she felt it. Heat radiating from his shaft, pulsing with energy.

  Her breath caught at the sensation. She’d felt his powers through his tongue and even his hands. But this—this was unlike anything she could have imagined.

  The energy grew, vibrating and pulsing within her, until Amy could do nothing but sink into the mattress, a boneless mass of euphoria controlled by Zaureth.

  He began to move, slowly at first, never taking his gaze from their connected bodies as the energy coming from him increased.

  Zaureth thrust deep, the vibrating heat seeming to touch her womb.

  Amy’s entire body locked up in an uncontrollable orgasm that spiraled her into an abyss where nothing mattered but Zaureth and the unbelievable power he gifted her with.

  The connection she had with him began to fade, and darkness seemed to close in on her.

  She couldn’t speak, move, or even breathe.

  Zaureth controlled her, mind, body, and soul.

  The last thing she heard before reality slipped away and darkness overtook her was Zaureth’s powerful roar of completion.
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  * * * *

  “Amy?”

  The sound of Zaureth’s voice laced with concern reached Amy’s unconscious mind.

  Her eyes fluttered open to darkness, though she felt Zaureth’s breath on her face.

  Had she fainted? “Zaureth?”

  “Are you all right, my mate?”

  Her vision suddenly returned. She could see herself through Zaureth’s eyes, feel his regret.

  Amy reached up and cupped his face. “Please don’t regret what happened between us. That was the most incredible feeling I’ve ever felt.”

  “I did not harm you?”

  Amy softly laughed. “Of course not. I had no idea that something like that was even possible. Why have you been holding back with me?”

  She didn’t need to see Zaureth’s face to feel his blush.

  “To be honest,” Zaureth whispered, “I had not thought myself capable of such a thing. I do not know where it came from, but I could not stop it.”

  Amy pulled him down to her until his cheek rested against her own. “Don’t ever stop it, my love. Nothing we’ve ever done could compare. It was amazing!”

  Zaureth lifted his head and softly brushed his lips against hers. “You lost consciousness.”

  She smiled in response to his worry over her orgasmic journey. “It was a good thing, Zaureth. An incredible thing. Something I will always want. In fact, I’m ready to do it again.”

  Pulling back, Zaureth rumbled low. “There is no time, my love. We cannot tarry any longer.”

  Sadness and anxiety returned with a vengeance. “When you said soon, I didn’t know you meant now.”

  He kissed her again. “The human president has made arrangements for the land walkers residing in Aukrabah to meet with them at sundown. Some of the children who carry the Bracadyte blood will go as well.”

  “Sundown? How much time do we have?”

  “Less than an hour,” Zaureth replied in a soft, haunting voice.

  Amy could tell by the feelings Zaureth emanated that he wasn’t happy about her leaving either.

  But he was right. She couldn’t stay in Aukrabah during the war. She would get Zaureth killed.

  Attempting a smile, she leaned up to kiss his lips but ended up brushing her mouth over his chin instead. “I have terrible aim.”