The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts 2)

"My love, you have always been and always will be the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. Your body, no matter its state, will always be loved by me." He took the sponge from Rayner's hands and came to stand behind Rayner. The freshly healed scars were many. The scabs had fallen off, leaving raised, discolored skin all over his back. Toka placed the sponge over Rayner's back and squeezed the warm water over him. Rayner shivered, and Toka was extremely gentle when washing him. Then he placed a tender kiss over the marks.

"You are a fierce warrior, my love. Your body is one I cherish and will always look upon with great pride. As should you."

Rayner turned, his eyes bright with emotion. "What could I possibly have done to be so blessed?"

Toka kissed Rayner's lips sweetly. He finished bathing Rayner, and when they were done, they dried each other. Rayner escorted Toka into his bedchamber, and Toka caught his reflection in the mirror. He walked over and stood before it, admiring the marks on his arm. Him, a foxling Soldati? "I still can't believe it."

Rayner wrapped his arms around Toka's waist and nuzzled his temple. "No one deserves it more, my foxling Soldati."

Toka's smile faded, and he turned in Rayner's arms. "I've only ever been a servant."

"That doesn't mean it's what you must remain. Khalon does not appoint new warriors so freely. He's done so now because he believes you, Toka, have brought the Soldati great honor. You're part of the court now. Find your calling, and it will be granted. There's plenty of time for you to settle into your new role, and I will be at your side every step of the way."

"I am grateful to Khalon for this position. Now I am worthy of you."

Rayner smiled down at him, eyes filled with adoration. "My foxling, you have always been worthy. Whether you're a servant or a Soldati warrior, my love for you remains the same."

"Will you show me how to fight with a sword?"

Rayner threw his head back and laughed. "My darling, I will show you anything you desire."

"Anything?" Toka smiled wickedly, and ran a finger over Rayner's chest. "How about you show me how a Soldati warrior claims his mate?"

With a playful growl, Rayner scooped Toka up in his arms. Toka laughed giddily as Rayner carried him over to the bed, dropping him down onto it with a bounce before he rounded the bed and leaped onto it, making Toka bounce when he landed on the mattress. Toka laughed, his giggles soon giving way to soft moans when Rayner descended on him with an onslaught of kisses. He licked at Toka's lips, seeking entrance to Toka's mouth, and Toka quickly obliged. Their tongues dueled as they hungrily explored each other's mouths, tasting and sucking. Rayner moved away long enough to fetch the supplies, and Toka could barely contain himself knowing what Rayner was about to do. He gently pushed at Rayner, and rolled onto his stomach.

Rayner chuckled. He leaned in to murmur in Toka's ear. "Are you eager for me to claim you, my foxling?"

"Never stop calling me that," Toka pleaded. "I will always be your foxling."

"Always," Rayner agreed. He placed a pillow beneath Toka's hips, and Toka was all but vibrating with anticipation. How long had he dared to dream of this, of being mated to Rayner, being claimed by him? He felt the sharp sting as his entrance was stretched, and he welcomed the burn. Rayner, always so gentle, pushed in slowly until he was buried deep inside Toka. He lay against Toka, mindful of his weight. "This will hurt, my darling."

"It will be worth every drop bled."

Rayner kissed his skin behind his ear, and Toka shivered. He moaned as Rayner began to move inside him, slowly pulling out, then sinking back in. Toka fisted the bedsheets; the feel of Rayner's body pressed against his was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Soon he was panting, his toes curling as Rayner's movements quickened, his hard, thick length driving into Toka over and over.

"Rayner," Toka gasped, thrusting his hips against the mattress, the bed moving beneath them as Rayner snapped his hips, the sound of their skin slapping together music to Toka's ears. Rayner's warm breath tickled Toka's shoulders, and he gasped in anticipation. "Claim me, Rayner. Make me yours."

Rayner's hips lost all rhythm, and Toka cried out at the sharp pain as Rayner's fangs pierced Toka's flesh between his neck and shoulder. He smelled their blood as Rayner's fangs transferred his blood into Toka's body, sealing their bond. The pain was great, and he flinched when Rayner's fangs retracted, but his body would heal quickly. Rayner sank inside Toka once more, sending a jolt through Toka, and he cried out Rayner's name as his release barreled into him. He squeezed his body, and Rayner's muscles tightened, coating Toka's insides with his release. Rayner snapped his hips twice more when the light building inside Toka, a warm familiar glow, one he knew belonged to Rayner, swirled and spread before it burst through Toka's mouth. The room flashed white before the glow subsided. Toka's body ached in the most delicious way.

Rayner rolled off him, landing on his back beside Toka. He was breathless, but he turned onto his side to face Toka, his handsome face etched with concern.

"Are you all right?"

Toka smiled lazily. "I have never been more all right." Toka noticed the five thin black bands around his wrist, the last one resembling a tiger stripe. He could barely contain his grin. "Your mark."

Rayner sighed. "Now you really have to keep me." He laughed when Toka pounced on him. His body protested the movement, but Toka didn't care. He was too happy. Rayner held him close, and Toka closed his eyes, releasing a contented sigh.

"Tonight you are the first of your kind, and by tomorrow the realm will be awash with tales of the foxling Soldati."

Toka smiled as he met Rayner's proud gaze. "The foxling Soldati. I like the sound of that."

"Me too." Rayner kissed him sweetly. "My brave and beautiful foxling Soldati."