Page 29 of Restoring the Ngozii

So, what I’d love is to make amends, to build a relationship between us, and perhaps even become allies in a universe filled with strife. I’m opening my planet to those who need it, the children Kari mentioned will be welcomed with open arms. I hope you will feel the same of me. I am still your daughter, your sister, and my heart is filled with the hope that you’ll be able to see past my transgressions to allow me in your lives. Family is important, even if it’s complicated.

If you choose to ignore this letter and only allow Kari to mediate my relationship with those in charge of the teens, I understand and do not blame you for that. What I did was… unforgivable. However, I am quite fond of Kari already and would love for us to find a way forward. Whatever your decision, I’ll be waiting.

All my love,

Tavionna

With yet another heavy sigh, his head drops as the letter hangs between his knees. Even his tail is heavy and drooping over the edge of the bed. Leaning close, I wrap an arm around his shoulders and press my forehead to his temple, hoping he appreciates my love and support. I won’t push him on this, if they choose together to keep their distance, that’s okay.

“Whatever you choose to do, I support you. I promise,” I whisper in his ear and squeeze him a little tighter.

Dropping the letter, he wraps an arm around me and pulls me into his lap, causing me to straddle him as my skirt rides up. His forehead presses to mine as he takes a deep breath. “Answer me this, Kari. What of Xenshay? He was a plague here in this village. How do I know he isn’t one to theirs?”

Cupping his cheeks, I force him to look me in the eyes. “Xenshay is quite a changed man, you heard his apology for yourself. Do you really believe he only said that as a ploy? I can assure you, he didn’t. He’s not only mated to Tavionna, but to Seuke as well. They’re a unit. He’s mated to two outsiders, the purist in him is gone if he can handle that.”

I chuckle, and he nods in agreement. “I suppose you’re right. We’ll discuss with Father soon and see what we can agree upon. Until then, you’re not leaving this bed or my arms until I’ve had my fill of you. I promised myself this is where you would be when I got you back, everything else can come later.”

His lips sear to mine as he presses me tightly into his chest, pulling the air from my body. As his arms constrict around me, I feel his growing arousal against my core and grind against him in reaction. My name is growled as his lips lift from mine for just a moment before he’s attacking them once more. One arm lifts me as the other pulls at his pants, untying the front and releasing him to me.

His free hand slides along my thigh, raising my skirt as he pulls me closer before gently sliding himself into me. We both moan at the contact, and I’m still surprised by how quickly I grow soaking wet for this man. His hips swivel as he leans back, allowing me to use his shoulders for leverage as we grind into each other. Hands squeeze my hips, guiding me faster, harder, as he penetrates deeper, hitting just the right spot to build me up quickly.

When I scream out my release, my body refusing to cooperate, he moves my hips as he needs, drawing out my orgasm and soaking his new pants. Not that he cares as he pushes me up, biting at my breasts and licking my chest, up my neck to my lips where he shoves his tongue into my open mouth as I pant for him. His tongue caresses mine in the same pattern as his cock inside me.

I shiver and quake around him, totally lost to the feel of him as he pushes us both closer to what we need. He presses on my hips, grinding me harder against him as he moans with me until we’re both coming undone. My fingers wrap around his hair, pulling his head back as he jams himself into me as far as he can, the pain a delicious contrast to the twitching of his cock in my g-spot.

As he relaxes, he falls back, taking me with him as we pant for breath. I lay on his chest, his arms around me as he smooths my hair back from my cheek.

“Don’t even think about moving, Princess. I’m nowhere close to done with you. That was just the first round.” When I lift my head, he winks at me, his jaw clenching in challenge.

“Round one of how many, exactly?” I pant out, raising an eyebrow.

“As many as it takes for you to remember where you belong. Who you belong to.”

I huff out a breath in laughter, mumbling, “As if I could ever forget,” before dropping my head to his chest. I’m quickly rolled onto my back, his hips rolling into me as he hovers above me, staring down at me with a fierce expression.

“Was that a challenge? Because I’ll make you forget about everything else but me.” He pins my hands above my head in one hand while ripping my top off and tossing it aside with the other.

“Vahru!” I scold him before he shoves two fingers into my mouth, silencing me.

“You have more clothes, now suck. We’ll stay here as long as it takes, Princess.”

Once again, he rolls his hips, emphasizing his surprisingly still hard cock within me, and my eyes roll, a groan vibrating my throat as I suck on his fingers like my life depends on it. If he thinks punishing me with orgasms is a punishment, he’s dead wrong, but who am I to say no?

Chapter 20

Xenshay

Walkingthroughthecaves,my mind wanders as my feet carry me on, finishing up my duties before going home to my priestess and mate. A smile crests my lips as I think about all that’s happened, what sort of future we have to look forward to now. Because of Kari and her ridiculous crew, we’re going to be thriving here, living the best life these people have seen in centuries. To be a part of that, it makes my heart swell with a joy I thought I’d never feel.

My smile widens as I once again think about how incredibly fortunate I am to have been given a second chance at life. I may always regret the actions of my past, the way I hurt Willa, my mother, Kari and Vahru, but I’ve done what I can to fix that. I’ve asked forgiveness, and I’ve given it to myself, as well. I’ve found peace within me and am becoming a better man, ruling a new colony of people with a compassionate hand alongside my mates. I can’t think of a better way to give back to the universe after being a blight in it than to do good for others.

The pyre for the man who passed before they found a cure was beautiful. Not quite as eventful as Nafeesa’s as the goddess didn’t appear to us, but her light lit the pyre as it did before and the man rose to meet her in the sky, that’s what truly matters. Vee did a great job in handling the mourners, saying exactly the right things to assure them that his future, and theirs, is bright and beautiful.

Rounding the corner, I enter the sick cave to find it over half empty, those who’ve gotten most of their strength back having gone to their home caves to be with their families. I help administer more tea to those who need it, steady those trying to walk, and gather more towels and water for all. The dirty laundry is collected to be washed by those whose task it is in the morning.

Finally having finished my tasks, I walk through the caves to check on everyone, make sure all is well for the night before I return to my own room. As I finally walk through the beaded curtain, listening to its gentle clacks behind me, I realize the room is empty. I’m the first here. My eyes catch on the jewels and other pretty things that Vee often wears hanging together across the room, and I walk over, admiring them one by one.

A gentle breeze seems to swirl around me for a moment, causing me to inhale deeply of the familiar scent that sends me back to my childhood. It can’t be…

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