Page 36 of Blood of the Fallen
Fingers caressing the length of my thigh, he cupped my bottom and pressed his hardness against my center. A vision of his naked body flashed before my eyes, my mouth going dry as I remembered the thick length of him. I knew the anatomy of things, but I never imagined it could feel this way.
Desperate for more of him, my hands slipped under his vest and explored the expanse of his strong pecs and the undulating length of his abs as they reached his waistline. There, I stopped, not daring to go any further.
“You taste like honey,” he rumbled against my collarbone, tongue lapping along its length.
His hands were exploring, moving from my waist and traveling upward. Slowly, almost shyly, his right hand cupped my breast. As it rested there for a paralyzed second, I thought I should push him away, tell him this was out of place. Inappropriate. But if I’d thrown away everything the Academy had taught me, why not also these prudish prejudices?
I said nothing.
A moment later, his thumb was tracing circles over my nipple, making it go hard and causing something wet to well up between my legs.
This… this was the delicious ecstasy I’d been willing to give up?! This was what celibacy would’ve deprived me of? Something else to add to the list of crimes the Academy committed against its students.
Not shy or reserved anymore, Kall pulled down the collar and kissed what little of my chest he was able to expose. As he made a rumbling sound deep in his throat, he pinched my right nipple, while his mouth moved further south, kissing over the fabric of my tunic until he reached the left one. His hot breath filtered through, causing my skin to tighten with a shiver.
I was lost in the delicious moment, willing to spend hours exploring. That was until his hand slipped under the waistband of my leggings, and I jolted away from him, heart pounding.
He stood drunkenly for a moment, blinking in confusion. When his intoxicated expression returned to normal, he looked alarmed. “I’m sorry! Did I go too far? I didn’t mean…”
“No, no, it’s fine. It’s just… I’ve never…” My cheeks were on fire from both shame and his caresses.
“I’m truly sorry, I didn’t…” He cleared his throat. “I promise to go slow.” He seized my hands in his, those eyes reaching deep inside my soul. “I’m in no rush, Sheela. I’ve been waiting for you all my life, and now you’re here. That’s all I care about.”
CHAPTER 14
Thedayofthefirst trial arrived too quickly, and I wasn’t prepared—not that if I’d been given another few days, weeks, months, years would’ve made a difference. I would need a lifetime to become a proper shifter. So it was all the same. I would either sink or swim. Only one thing was for sure, I would give it my best.
An hour before the appointed time, I walked to a secluded patch of forest. The sun was starting its descent, painting the sky in amazing colors. I warmed up my body, following a routine of stretches and exercises that jump-started my system. My heart pounded, partly from my exertions, but mainly because of nerves.
It wouldn’t do to compete while nerves racked my body. I would not be able to focus, and I needed to be in full control in order to have a chance. It would take nothing less to defeat my opponents, especially Desna, who, from the way the other four participants talked about her, was the real contender.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, I closed my eyes, determined to regain my calm. Some of the initiates at the Academy used to say I had ice in my veins. Captain Silex had taught me that attitude and confidence went a long way, and today, not all that the Academy had taught me would be useless.
When it was time to go, my eyes sprang open. I had cleared my mind of all thoughts, focusing on my breathing, and managed to slow my frantic heartbeats.
Chin held high, I walked back into the camp. A moment later, the entire pack was gathered around the large campfire in the center. Charred pieces of wood from last night’s fire sat in the middle, and a pile of fresh logs rested on the side, ready for Nosh’s cooking.
Adults and children alike stood in silence, inquisitive eyes roving over the contenders, including three others besides Desna and me. Everyone, even the children, had small painted designs on their faces, while my four opponents wore streaks of blue paint, slashing across their cheeks.
“You don’t even know the proper way to do things, city rat,” she spat, glowering at my unpainted face, which was yet another thing that marked me as an outsider.
I ignored her, determined not to lose my hard-earned calm. I focused on the crowd. Nirliq was among the spectators, standing next to her father, a man of over fifty, who walked with a marked limp. He’d thanked me for saving his daughter, and though he seemed grateful enough, I could tell he didn’t like Nirliq’s friendliness toward me. I couldn’t blame him. Val had threatened her because of me. My presence had drawn danger toward the pack and had sent us on the run.
The Chieftess came out of her wigwam and stepped into the circle. She wore an elaborate outfit, weaved with threads of all colors, something far more ornate than I’d ever seen her wear. Her dark hair fell in two braids over her shoulders, framing her stern expression and blue-painted cheeks. Two old women, their faces wrinkled and weathered-beaten, walked behind her in similar outfits.
Ila stepped to my side. “Where were you?” she asked, leaning close to whisper in my ear. She sounded as if she’d been worried, but there was no reason for her to be. The blood curse would’ve never allowed me to run from this onus.
“I was warming up,” I answered.
Quickly, she pressed three fingers at either side of my nose and dragged them toward my cheekbones.
“Now,” she said, “the last touch.” She winked and stepped back, wiggling her blue-smeared fingers at me. I returned her smile, grateful for her thoughtfulness.
Kall, Maki, and Novuk were the last ones to join the circle. They stood shoulder to shoulder, wearing nothing but buckskin pants. Their feet and chests were bare and every inch of skin was covered in white paint. Over that, intricate patterns of red adorned their muscular torsos, and rough lines of the same paint cut across their eyes, making them look almost feral.
“Our triad has come to me, your Chieftess. They demand a leader. They are strong and yet incomplete without an alpha. Their instincts crave a female alpha that can provide balance. Only one of our females can tame their unbridled strength and guide them true. Only one of our females can direct their raw strength, ensuring the preservation of our pack.
“It is why we assemble here today with those who offered their blood and bowed to compete for the honor of leading Kall Oonossa, Maki Yapam, and Novuk Kupi.” As the Chieftess called out their names, each took a step forward and beat their chest with a closed fist.
