Page 28 of Wings of Desire

The mention ofukolistsends a shiver down my spine, but I maintain my composure even as my heart pounds in my chest. Her next words give me a semblance of hope. “These other-worlder’s could be a threat to us if they return for their fallen comrades. I will send our finest warriors to their camp along with Sire Dakath as dignitary,” she says, pausing, carefully choosing her next words. “If they refuse to aid us, then they will be seen as part of this rebellion.” Slowly she ascends to the throne once again, her long silk robes dragging along the stairs. “The time for patience is over. Let us see to it that the Krel understand their place.”

Once she has seated herself again, she points among us to Nharon and I. “You both will be part of this mission. Xakirasas you have been the one to bring to us the knowledge of what transpired, you will help fetter the other-worlder’s to our side. This will be your greatest honor, and as anarcanil, once you have proven yourself in this mission, I will allow you to find a mate of your choosing. I believe that is more than fair.”

Each word drives a spike into my resolve. My body tenses as my breathing hitches in my throat. Anxiety and dread assault my senses, but I hold on to the thread of hope that perhaps Echo’s people will collaborate with theKugitauri’sdemands.

There is nothing I can do to refuse her commands. To do so would mean death and not just to me, but possibly to Echo as well. To help lead against her kind would betray everything he loves.

Bowing once again, I maintain a steady voice. “I will carry out your will with precision. But I ask... what if the other-worlders misunderstand you as the enemy? They are innocent and unarmed without magick.”

As I lift my gaze to theKugitauri,her eyes narrow, hertusnavritwitch in irritation. “If they side with the Krel, then they will have chosen their fate. Mercy is not a luxury we can afford.”

“I understand myKugitauri,” I say firmly, even though conflict somersaults in my guts.

As I leave the chamber, the weight of my mission bears down on my soul like nothing ever before. The corridors feel like prison walls, closing in around me. I must return to Echo to warn her of what’s coming. I bid farewell to Nharon and inform him that I will meet him at the glade in the next moon. I’ve decided to fabricate a story where I must gather the hunters and obtain authorization from my squadron leader, even though it’s a lie.

The moon’s end

My wings tremble from exertion as at last I descend into the glade of elder trees. The thick canopy cast the area in perpetual gloam, a sanctuary hidden for my hunters and me. For the last few moons,otokiand I have sought refuge here. Here among my hunters, we have found comradery, allowing us both to let go of our fear and only live.

Now this sacred space feels nearly tainted by the weight of what was to come.

Landing softly on a moss-covered branch, I sense Echo moving inside our makeshift dwelling. I hear the subtle gasp she makes as she plods on unsteady feet toward the vine covered door.

“Xakiras!” Once I see her face, the leaden weight in my stomach lifts and my heart leaps into my throat. Her voice is the most wonderful sound to behold. The look upon her face as her eyes twinkle and light up just at my presence sends a throbbing straight to my cock.

“Kukali, I have missed you,” I murmur, closing the distance between us to envelop her in a tight embrace. The familiar scent of her sweetness and musk fills my senses, so I allow myself the time to revel in it.

Echo pulls back from me with concern deep in her eyes. “What did she decide?”

Swallowing hard, I force myself to maintain the façade that I am unconcerned about theKugitauri’scommand. “She wishes me and the hunting party to welcome your people.” I hesitate to say more until I hear her response.

Echo’s eyes fill with uncertainty and gives me a bittersweet smile. “There’s more, isn’t there?” She swats at my chest playfully, even though her eyes betray her.

“TheKugitaurihas ordered an assault on the Krel and if your people do not agree to becoming our allies, then we are to destroy you.” Despite feeling anxious, I am able to maintain a steady voice.

Immediately her hands cover her gasp and her eyes glitter with unshed tears. It destroys me to see her this way. “No.”

“We must somehow persuade them,” I say, tipping her chin upward to look me in the eye. “War is inevitable, regardless of our desires, and our only solace is aligning ourselves with the right side.”

Echo grimaces, inhaling a shuddering breath. “We’ll have to work together to make them understand who’s really the enemy,” she replies, her eyes flaring in confidence. “We have time to come up with a plan.”

A sense of relief washes over me as I see my mate, emboldened by working as a team to create a life worthy of sharing. Together we can help our people defeat the Krel and it will ensure I keep my mate safely protected for the rest of our lives.

Gently, I brush my lips against hers, teasing at the seams with my tongue. “Otoki,we have six weeks to plan, but for now, I wish for something slightly more entertaining.”

“Don’t you want to tell the others?” she asks breathlessly. I see a longing, lusty haze cloud over her eyes, and I chuckle at her undeniable desire for me.

My arms wrap around her waist, jerking her to me tightly. “There is nothing I desire less than to speak to them at this moment.” My lips ghost along the shell of her tiny ears. “I wish to fuck you until you cannot stand, and your throat is so hoarse that tomorrow you have trouble speaking.”

“Xakiras!” She chides me though with the tone she has, I know it holds no bite.

Scooping her up in my arms, I carry her inside our tiny dwelling, effortlessly tossing her onto the cot I made from leaves. Echo lets out a little grunt, beaming a smile from ear to ear, showing her dull square teeth to me.

“I am going to rip your smock off.” I lean down toward her face, my hands already making quick work of it. “Then you are to ride me. Do you understand?”

Echo obediently nods her head as my hands gather her smock around her waist. “Good girl.”

Once it’s free of her shivering body, I make haste to taste every inch of her plush body. Kneeling beside her, I start at the innermost corner of her thighs. My fingers dig into the flesh, and I adore the way they sink into her skin. I plant soft kisses up her legs until the potent scent of her pheromones hit me in the face. Its scent is pungent and delectably unique to my mate, and I want it dripping from my face.

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