Delivered by the Defender (Kindred Tales)

Slowly, he nodded.

“Which makes it easier for a Kindred to slide his shaft deep in her hot, wet little pussy. That way he can fuck long and hard and spurt his seed deep in her hot little cunt to bond her to him forever.”

His voice was a low, lustful growl and his piercing blue eyes never left hers as he spoke. Just the way he was looking at her was making Selena feel hot all over. She was very aware of the fact that her nipples and pussy were fully on display with nothing but the thin platinum chains and the crystal suction domes to hide her. Her pussy felt achy and hot and she couldn’t stop wondering what it would feel like if she straddled the big Kindred’s lap right this minute and slipped his thick shaft inside herself.

Is he really talking about bonding me to him? About making love to me and Claiming me the way Tolern Claimed Jess?

“Ah, Empress the Third—you are too much for us! We must retire to our private quarters where we can fuck you in peace!”

The Emperor’s voice rudely interrupted the sensuous moment Selena had been sharing with the big Kindred. She looked to the head of the table, only to see the Emperor struggling to his feet with the aid of two black and gold liveried servants.

Empress the Third was already standing and waiting for him. There was a satisfied smile on her sharp, pretty features that made Selena think of the old saying about the “cat who got the cream.”

“Come, Your Highness,” she purred, hooking her arm through his, as the servants finally got him to his feet. “Let us go to the royal bedchamber and I’ll let you put the little monarch in any hole you desire.” She winked at him. “Or all of them, if you wish.”

They sauntered off together and in the meantime, Empress the First and Empress the Second wiped the corners of their mouths and rose as well. Giving each other long-suffering looks, they left the dining hall together.

As soon as the Emperor and all three Empresses were gone, everyone else started getting themselves together to depart too. Selena looked around, frowning.

“That’s it, then?” she asked Valen. “Dinner is over?”

“Once the Emperor is gone, it’s considered rude to linger,” Valen explained. “Er…little one, I’ll need to put that away now,” he added, looking down to where she was still loosely grasping his cock.

“Oh!” Selena pulled her hand away as though she’d been stung. “I’m so sorry, Valen—er, Master. I, uh, wasn’t thinking.”

“I don’t think either one of us was, there for a moment,” he said, sounding grim, as he tucked his still-hard shaft away. “Come, I think it’s time we left the palace. I must have at least a little time to prepare for my deposition tonight.”

“All right.” Selena nodded and let him help her up from the cushion she was seated on. But she couldn’t help wondering if maybe—just for an instant—the big Kindred had been thinking about Claiming her after all.

26

What’s wrong with you? Talking about Claiming her, like that? Valen asked himself as he led the little Elite through the palace, towards his own residence in the Ambassadors’ Square. You know you can’t have her! Even if she doesn’t run screaming when you bare your fangs to bite her—even if she somehow turned out to be your fated mate—you could never Claim her. Remember your vow!

The vow had been easy to keep for so long. For years he’d been bitter about what had happed with Ka’leesa—so bitter he hadn’t even looked at another female. But damn it, he’d never expected to meet someone like Selena. The curvy little Elite had gotten under his skin and Valen had no idea how to stop thinking of her—stop wanting her.

She was silent as he led her to the richly appointed town home he had bought when he found out that he would be spending at least half his time here on Ma’shorka Centra. It was one of a row of stately old homes that lined the far end of Ambassador’s Square. Valen had decided there was no point in continuing to live out of hotels when such a substantial portion of his work put him here, so buying a good home within the palace grounds made sense. Plus, it wasn’t far from the High Court, where he argued most of his cases.

Inside, they were greeted by Balfore and Pashmeena. The Ma’shorkan couple served as Valen’s butler and maid, taking care of all the household business so that he could concentrate solely on work.

He hadn’t liked the idea of hiring domestics at first, but it soon became evident that it was a necessity here on Ma’shorka Centra. No client would consider hiring a Defender without the proper social protocols in place, and so he had advertised and found the little old couple who made excellent attendants—mainly because they kept quiet and didn’t bother him while he was working.