Page 24 of The Bride Auction

My pussy clenched around his cock with his words, milking it. He ground his hips against mine, pushing himself in as far as he could, his balls slapped against my ass cheeks. A low tingle spread through my lower back, and I gave myself over to the orgasm screaming his name as I came. He thrust himself twice more before I felt his cock swell and fill my pussy with his essence.

Chapter 16

Renick

Three weeks to the day after our bonding ceremony, Ivex burst into my private living quarters, ceremonial robe in his arms. “What are you doing at the table?” he asked. “It’s your installation day and you’re not ready!”

“I’m calming my nerves,” I said, twirling my spoon in a large mug of corul. “Want some? I made plenty.”

“Corul? Sure. Why not? If you’re not concerned about getting to your own ceremony on time, why should I care?” Ivex plopped in the empty chair Summer usually occupied. “Are you ready for today?” he asked.

I shook my head. “Not in the least. I don’t have a choice. This is my destiny. I can only hope I’m as good at the job as father. I still have so much to learn. At least Mother is willing to help.”

“And you have Summer by your side.”

“True.” I broke out into a smile at the thought of my mate.

“Speaking of Summer, where is she? I haven’t seen her all morning.” Ivex asked. “She’s spent a lot of time on the patio absorbing nature. We’ve talked a lot in the last few weeks. You’re a lucky male, Renick.” He brought his mug of corul to his lips, taking a tiny sip. “Her words, not mine.”

“She went into town with Mother. They said something about a girl’s morning, whenever that means.” I had no idea, but if it made Summer happy, then I supported her.

Four successive beeps blasted from Ivex’s wrist communicator. “I’m needed for some other last minute preparations. Comm me if there’s anything you need.” He clapped my back. “Good luck today, brother. Better you than me.” he said with a smirk.

“Thanks,” I muttered. “Figures he’d leave me to clean the mess he left behind on the table. How anyone makes a mess while not eating, I’ll never know.”

I took my time preparing according to the ancient rituals ingrained in me since childhood. While I wasn’t even sure I was the right person for the job, I would do everything in my power to make sure the ceremony was perfect.

Careful not to crease the robe, I carried it outside to the patio on a hanger. I rested it on a piece of sheeting on the massive table that would be used for the gathering after the ceremony. I glanced at my communicator. Arik would be here momentarily to take Summer, my mother, and me to the ceremony.

“Renick! There you are.” Arik burst through the double doors, his fur matted against his skin. “Where’s Summer?”

“She’s getting ready.”

“Your mother sent me to retrieve Summer and escort her here. She’s not in your wing.”

“She should be.” I furrowed my brow.

“Have you seen her?”

“No, not since she left this morning.”

Arik shook his head. “Well, go check for yourself. I didn’t see her.”

“She might be in the bathroom.”

“I called, but no one was in the bathroom.”

“Maybe she was showering and didn’t hear you knock?” I suggested.

“Can you check? I’d feel uncomfortable.” Arik wiped his mane. “I don’t need to see her in a state of undress.”

“Renick,” Ivex called.

I glanced between Arik and my brother. “I have to see what Ivex needs. Could you look for Summer again? I’m sure she’s there. Sometimes she gets lost in her train of thought. Maybe she’s taking a nap?”

Doubt filled Arik’s face. “On it.” Arik bounded off, and I went to see what my brother needed.

Ivex had just handed me the minute-to-minute itinerary for this afternoon when Arik came flying back through the doors.

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