Chapter 209 Chapter 208
With a low exhale, Xenon pulled the robe over her, the fabric trembling in his hands. “You make me forget who I am,” he murmured, the confession swallowed by the forest. “And for once, I don’t know if that’s a curse or mercy.”
Shifting into his tiger form, he curled around her, warmth enveloping her small frame as he kept his vigil, half man, half beast, entirely hers.
When she awoke, it was time to head back to the palace. It was already late afternoon, and soon dusk would be making an appearance. Rayena seemed hurt by the knowledge—time really did fly when one was having fun. She glanced at him with sparkling eyes. “I loved this time with you. Let’s do it again soon.” She muttered, her voice soft.
“Definitely,” he answered, kissing her forehead. The butterflies in Rayena’s stomach went on a rampage, and her cheeks warmed, heart racing. Piggybacking her once more, Xenon half-shifted, and they sped back home.
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The full moon was upon the shifters’ realm once again. Werewolves of all kinds had succumbed to their most primal nature on a night like this, and in the harem it wasn’t any different. Female werewolves had all left to find a male to keep them company during their heats, including Lady Ysolde. However, this time, she wasn't happy with the development at all.
Even as she had her orgasm and lay on the bed, panting for air, body sizzling with pleasure, her mind was far, far away. Her partner, Dorian, noticed her going stiff and immediately furrowed his brows. “What’s wrong? Did I not do it well?” he asked, caressing her slick body while she curled into herself, gritting her teeth.
“Nothing…” she mumbled, shifting away from him. Dorian stiffened, his expression hardening.
“This behavior is unlike you. Tell me, what’s wrong?”
Ysolde sighed, turning to look at him. “The king has told me he has no plans of making me queen, after all these years of preparing and waiting. I feel so pained,” she mumbled.
“That’s horrible news. Did he say why?”
Ysolde snarled then, eyes flashing with rage. “Oh, he doesn't need to. It’s because of that vile human he has with him!” she grated through clenched teeth.
“Human?” Dorian repeated, confused.
“Yes, he chose her over me. I should have gotten rid of her when I had the chance!”
Dorian scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You shouldn’t bother yourself with her or the king.” In a lowered voice he added, “I hear the king will be impeached soon and they will be putting a new candidate on the throne. The new ruler might just decide to make you his queen.”
“Why is the royal council impeaching the king?” Ysolde asked, sitting up on the bed, ignoring her nudity.
“For his refusal to take a mate and have an heir. It’s been a century already; nobody sees a future with him anymore, not even the wild tiger clan where he hails from. He has an ultimatum: produce a mate and heir before his time runs out, or he’ll be removed.”
The wheels in Ysolde’s head began to turn. “What if he fulfills the condition before the ultimatum runs out?”
“Well, he would no longer be impeached, but I doubt it would be possible. The time is too short.”
Ysolde swallowed, hope and despair igniting in her heart. She still had a shot at being queen, even if it wasn't with the male she was initially betrothed to. There was just one problem. “What if that human makes it possible? She could be his destined mate.”
“A human? The king’s mate? That’s preposterous!”
“It is possible, Dorian. At this point, anything is. Isn’t the condition for him to sire a child?”
Dorian thought deeply. “You’re right; she might pose a threat if she ends up pregnant with his child. We may have to get rid of her.”
“We have to get rid of her. We need to,” Ysolde stressed. “As long as she’s there, she’ll continue to be a deterrent.”
Dorian glanced at her, taken aback by how passionate she was about this. A dark glimmer veiled his eyes and his jaw twitched. “I’ll speak with my people. The necessary precautions will be taken so this ‘human’ doesn’t pose a threat." He glanced at her. "You know her name, right?”
“Yes, it’s Rayena.”
“Good. I’ll take it to heart.”
For the first time since Ysolde arrived at his residence, she smiled—an evil, uncanny smile. Finally, there was a way to pay him back for the humiliation she’d suffered. If the king wouldn’t make her his queen, no one would.
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In the King's chambers, Rayena and Xenon lay tangled up together, exploring each other's body under the cover of the full moon. Xenon didn't succumb to a rut like she had feared, but that didn't make him any less ravenous. It mirrored the same desire she felt for him, as she was already liquid, craving for himself to be inside her.
"You're so perfect... " He groaned as he nibbled on her ears, his hands already parting her thighs and finding just how soaked she was between them. A savage growl tore from his lips, and Rayena shuddered when she felt his fingers tease her sensitive folds.
She mewled, hips arching up to meet his seeking hands.
"Why do you feel so perfect?" He groaned, rubbing against her clit. Rayena mewled, eyes rolling to the back of her head as she arched her spine.
"I.. Don't.. Know." She stuttered, digging her nails into his shoulders. He scooped up some of her essence, bringing his fingers to his tongue and licked it clean.
A deep rumble started in his throat. "Delicious." He darted between her thighs once more, sinking a finger into her warm, wet heat.
Rayena moaned, sensations racking through her. She ground against him, seeking more friction. Xenon curled his digit inside her, stroking her sensitive walls while she cried out her pleasure.
"Oh... Yes..!" She choked out, body trembling against his. Xenon pistoned in and out, watching her face transform into one of perfect bliss, before carefully inserting another finger. He clenched his jaw as she spasmed around him, his cock straining in his briefs, eager for that kind of treatment..
"Like that?" He growled, his voice painfully rough. She bobbed her head shakily, more wetness spilling out of her and coating his palm. Xenon groaned as her scent wrapped around his nose.
He thrust a third finger, curious to see just how much she could take, truly stretching her.
"Oh.. " She moaned as he continued to thrust into her, her hips jerking to match his movements, her insides already tightening, endlessly sucking him in deeper. She was at the brink of her orgasm.
"Come for me, sweet." He gave the low command, and ber body shook as the first wave hit. He held her through it, till every muscle in her body slackened, exhausted sighs spilling from her lips.
He pulled his fingers and licked it clean, but his hunger only burned worse. "Not enough. Need to have more."