Page 44 of Asmodel

Izzy nodded and thanked her with a soft tone, lowered herself onto the dark nest, and sat cross-legged. Her light-brown eyes were wide as she watched Dahl.

Asmodel stood with his hands behind his back and faced the young pardalion. He didn’t sense the question made her uncomfortable, so he waited.

The female tilted her head and looked up at him. The long fur on her tail floated as it swayed back-and-forth on the dusty floor. “Centuries ago, we all lived in relative peace at Panterion Prime.” Her whiskers fanned out as her eyes became distant. “But there was unrest among the common folk, the zaltrixan. They felt the ruling class—” She placed a padded paw over her heart. “—the pardalions were cruel and prejudiced against them.”

“Wait.” Izzy leaned forward. “Are you saying you’re from royalty?”

Dahl nodded. “Yes.” She nodded toward the praetor, nestled between two females with his eyes closed, sporting a lazy smile. “As a matter of fact, Praetor Vorlok is a direct descendant of Elio-Ferix, the last emperor of CeluriaVO.”

“What happened?” Izzy laid two fingers across her mouth as she asked the question.

“I guess what happens to all dictators who overstep their authority.” Dahl shrugged. “There was a revolt. And since the zaltrixan have always had the majority population, they overthrew the pardalions and exiled us, hoping the wild animals would slaughter us.”

A smile creased her snout, while her ears stood upright and forward. “But we fooled them. Eilo-Ferix had made contingency plans and created this cave system in case of an emergency. This place”—she waved an extended claw from her paw— “is fortified to not only withstand any attack, but they installed a sensor shield around this mountain that repels all attempts to discover us.”

Her laugh came out with a hiss. “The zaltrixan don’t know where we are, and I’m sure it frustrates them to no end.” Her whiskers drooped as her eyes lowered. “I believe that’s why they are so determined to wipe us out.” She stared with firm resolve at Asmodel. “I think they are cowards because the thought of anyone from the royal houses still existing is too much for them to bear.”

“Oh, that’s so sad.” Izzy wiped away tears that made her beautiful eyes bright.

Asmodel cleared his throat. He’d experienced firsthand how it felt to be a slave to an unrelenting monarch, but he could sympathize with the descendants of that dictator who had nothing to do with their ancestors' actions. “Rest assured, Izzy and I will do our utmost to make sure nothing happens to you and your people.”

Dahl’s smile was winsome. “Thank you.” She put her paws together and gave a slight bow. “May Solithar guide your path.”

It was easy for Asmodel to pick up the rest of the scikvak blessing from her. “And bless you with the ability to illuminate the mysteries of life presented to you.”

“Yes. For you as well.” Dahl glanced at Izzy sitting on the floor. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask anyone here.”

With one last look at Asmodel, she turned and gracefully sauntered away.

Asmodel watched her join a small pod of females, who greeted her with laughs and playful hisses. He turned to Izzy. “May I?” No way would he presume she’d be comfortable with him sleeping next to her on the first day they met.

Her shy smile had all the warmth and welcome any man could wish for.

Izzy’s heart raced, and her hands were clammy. She looked around the niche Dahl assigned them, the small alcove welcoming in its intimacy.

Most of the pardalions settled inside the cave were already asleep.

Taking a deep breath, she nestled into the plush fur and sighed. The warmth seeped into her skin and helped calm her careening emotions.

Asmodel asked if he could join her.

She smiled. “Yes, please.” Scooting back, she patted a place next to her. The luxurious bedding under her hand encouraged decedent images of snuggling with the mesmerizing man standing above her.

With surprising grace, he lowered himself and sat cross-legged in front of her.

He brought his alluring scent she’d thought she only dreamed about. Catching her breath, she inhaled his musky aroma, layered with a sharp spice. Nibbling on her lower lip, she glanced at him. “Do you need anything? Would you like me to ask someone to bring you anything?” She looked over his broad shoulder to see if she could catch someone’s attention.

“Bella.” Asmodel cleared his throat and gently grasped her hands in his. “There isn’t anything I need besides being here with you.”

He brought her hands to his tempting mouth and placed a light kiss on the back of each one. She stared into his dilated eyes and watched a roll of sweat trickle down his temple. The man said and did such suave things, but his body belied his attempts to disguise his nervousness. That made her spine of steel loosen. Maybe he was as surprised about their instant attraction as she was.

“Asmodel.” Izzy sighed and gripped him back. She cocked her head and took in a deep breath. “Are you as attracted to me as I am to you?” Heat flushed up her neck and blazed across her cheeks.Oh lordy. Where did that aggressive woman come from?

His warm smile was full of mischief. “I have to admit, I’d be more comfortable talking about anything else.” He lowered their clasped hands to rest on his knees.

His unique eyes with their browns, greens, and gold held her spellbound.

“But I’d like nothing better than to explore what we have.” His head tilted. “Would you?”

---