The Unveiling (D'Shar Men 2)

"I don't know about anyone else, but I'm gonna call it a night," Kade said. "I have a lot to think about."

"I think I'm going to stay here for the night," Mars said. His voice was softer than normal, a toned down version of his normal boisterous, witty demeanor.

"Since Bast is taking care of our guest, I'm going to head over to my wife."

They all parted ways with another round of thank yous for Rivka. Bastien swallowed hard. The day he'd hoped to dodge had finally come. He felt raw and stripped down from the heart to heart with his parents. His tongue felt stuck to the roof of his mouth as he led her down a number of hallways to the front door. Rivka remained silent as she followed, her eyes trained on the floor. Her brilliant white hair morphed to a brilliant red that told him he should proceed with caution. What do you say at a time like this? Hi, my name is Bastien. I like spicy food, shooting guns, and I'm your mate. It sounded lame, even in his head. He opened the front door, allowing her to walk out first as he cleared his throat.

"Is this where you bring up the subject of The Wanting?" she asked.

"Yes?"

"I have plenty to say on the subject, and I'm a big girl who can handle whatever you throw my way, so don't worry about breaking it to me gently."

"You're frank. That’s good."

"Hmmm, I wouldn’t be so sure."

Her words intrigued him. "Really?"

"Oh yes, there are two things I've dreamed of doing the day I found my mate."

"Do tell," he said as they came to a halt beside her car.

"It's more of something I have to show."

Her eyes were glossy with passion. The pheromones she'd begun to excrete tickled his nose and weaved a spell of desire. She batted her lashes, leaned in, and inhaled. "You smell delicious, like a Havken pastry filled with the sweetest Tisen fruit." Rivka rose on her tiptoes, leaning closer. The swell of her breast brushed up against him. Her mid-sized pebbled nipples pressed into his shirt, teasing him. He craved skin-to-skin contact. Bastien muffled a moan, eyes glued to the lips that curved into a wicked smile. She wrapped her slender arms around his neck and pressed her lower body into him. A roll of her well-formed hips, and he was hard, pressing into her cleft. Her heat seared him through the layers of clothing. She licked his lips, and his breath hitched.

"Mhmm. You taste even better than you smell." She twined her fingers in the hair at his nape, pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his. Heat spiraled through him. She traced the shape of his mouth with her tongue before she slipped inside. It was more than a kiss. She took possession of his soul with every swipe of her tongue and caress of her lips. She pulled away, and he was breathless and dazed. Smack! His hand flew up to clutch the right side of his face, where pain exploded.

"No amount of hormones could make me forget the suffering, loneliness, and pain you've inflicted. Right now I don’t even want to hear your lame excuses. I want you to sit here and think about the pain you've caused the one person you were meant to love, and ask yourself this question—was it worth it?"

He opened his mouth to speak, and she shook her head violently.

"No, this is my moment. You've made me wait for thirty-five long years. Now, it's your turn." Anger and hurt crashed into him like a ton of bricks. Her words haunted him as she got into her car and drove off. How can I start to repair the damage I’ve already done?

Chapter Nine

Tears trailed down Rivka's face, blurring her vision as she drove. It should have felt good to leave with the last word. She'd waited a long time to deliver that speech and well-deserved slap. Instead she felt deflated and depressed. Should I forgive him because he was the General? Understand that he'd given his all to a cause greater than himself? Logical perhaps, but her heart wouldn’t allow her to give in so easily. He owed her a debt, and she'd be damned if she didn't collect. He could have her body, the chemicals would see to that, but he'd have to work his ass off if he ever intended to possess her heart and her soul.

She swiped away the tears, angry at her weakness. Now is not the time to break down. I need to be strong and resolute in my decisions. I owe myself at least that much. By the time she reached her dwelling she was completely drained. The last dregs of her energy were used to carry her body to the bed where she collapsed, still clothed. Rivka kicked off her shoes and allowed sleep's sweet embrace to take her down into the darkness where pain couldn't follow.

Moonlight caressed her skin like a lover's fingertips. The sweet smell of the succulent, pink blossoms of the star flowers made her smile. She lived for evenings like this when she was free to bask i

n her element and wait for him. As the princess she was supposed to be a symbol for her people. Able to control the weather and give predictions she was "protected" almost twenty-four hours a day. It left her feeling caged, controlled, and bored, until he came along and saw the woman behind the legend. She pulled her cape tighter around her body, sticking to the shadows as she crept to the arch where they often met when he came through this area. As the commander of a powerful mercenary force, her lover was away more than he was around. His current assignment and sibling status to her lead protector, Peri, kept him close. When she reached the arch and spotted his familiar silhouette her breasts grew heavy. Hot, sticky nectar flowed between her legs. The fragrant musk of his pheromones made her center throb, and she took a deep breath, filling her lungs with his scent. His head snapped toward her, and she knew it was having the same effect on him.

He came toward her like a lion stalking his prey. Her stomach flipped, and she took a step back. A giggle formed before she spun and he gave chase. She dodged his lunges, running around the Crisna trees with their brilliant yellow leaves. She was tackled by the pink pond that reflected the full moon.

"I caught you, my love."

"Ahh, but that was what I intended." She caressed the planes of his face, drinking in the sight of his strong jaw, dark hair, and piercing hazel colored eyes. He pressed his lower body close, and she felt the thick length of him against her.

"It's been far too long since I've been inside you, love."

She spread her legs wide, eager to be one with the man who meant everything.

"I count the hour until I can be with you again. I long for the day when we can leave our positions behind and simply be free."

"Once your younger sister comes into power I'll take you away from this place." His hands crept up inside her dress, and she shivered.