Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 80903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80903 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 405(@200wpm)___ 324(@250wpm)___ 270(@300wpm)
But the common denominator, gleaming under the rainbow light, was the cage. Silver, gold, black chrome—each husband had one encasing his cock—a blatant symbol of ownership and control.
At the far end of the room, on a dais of purple crystal, sat Empress Shatezarra. She was draped in sheer lavender silks and reclining indolently on her throne. As always, a concubine knelt between her spread thighs, his head bowed in diligent service. The soft, wet sounds of his tongue were audible in the hushed room.
Braze walked a half-step behind Kaitlyn, showing her respect while remaining close enough to protect her. She could feel the tension in the leash… the coiled readiness in his large frame. She could also feel the key to his cage, which rested between her breasts—a cool, constant reminder of what they were doing together.
What were they doing together, though, she wondered? Was he really as eager to submit as he seemed? Did he really want her to dominate him? It certainly seemed so, and it felt like a wish come true. If only they could finish this mission and get out of here, the two of them could explore the new dynamic that seemed to be growing between them.
Kaitlyn couldn’t wait—but first she had to get the Love Vine.
The Empress’s eyes were like chips of amethyst, tracking their approach. A slow, speculative smile curved her lips and she tapped her concubine on the head, prompting him to sit back and wipe his mouth.
“The Ambassadress from Earth and her Kindred Protector,” a servant in golden livery announced. “Brave survivors of the Kriver incident!”
A murmur rippled through the court. All eyes were on them, and specifically, on Braze.
“Come closer, my dears,” the Empress purred, beckoning with a lazy hand. “Do not be shy—you have much to be proud of.”
They approached the dais. Kaitlyn dipped into a curtsy and Braze went to one knee, his head bowed, the leash going slack in her hand.
“We are so very pleased with you both,” the Empress said, her voice dripping with honeyed condescension. “You put on an excellent show last night—both in the banquet hall and in the bedroom. The bravery, the violence, and the subsequent tenderness. Truly riveting entertainment.”
Kaitlyn kept her face carefully neutral, but inside she was fuming. Entertainment. That’s all they were to these people.
But it wasn’t just anger she felt—the Empress’ words sent a hot flush creeping up her neck. She’d forgotten, in the terror and intimacy of the night before, that every moment in the Black Diamond Suite was being observed. The thought of unseen eyes watching Braze kneel before her to taste her—and then, later, watching her explore him—made her skin prickle with a mix of shame and defiant pride.
“And you, mighty warrior,” the Empress continued, focusing on Braze. “You acted where my own guards failed! Such strength. Such loyalty.”
She clapped her hands once, sharply. A servant scurried forward bearing a velvet pillow. On it lay a heavy medallion on a thick silver chain, shaped like a snarling beast’s head.
“This is a token of our Royal gratitude,” the Empress said. “The Medal of the Crimson Claw—bestowed for valor far beyond the call of duty.”
Braze didn’t move until Kaitlyn gave a slight tug on the leash.
“You may accept it,” she murmured, since he seemed to be silently asking permission.
The big Kindred rose and stepped forward, allowing the Empress to lift the medallion and place it around his neck. It settled beside his leather collar—a symbol of honor against the symbol of bondage.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he rumbled, his voice perfectly respectful, but Kaitlyn could hear the underlying stiffness. It seemed to her that her Protector didn’t like submitting to the Empress. Maybe he only wanted to submit to her—to Kaitlyn. Could that be true?
“You are most welcome,” Shatezarra said, her fingers lingering on the medal, then trailing down to brush the leather of his collar. “You know, I need males like you. Loyal. Fierce. Effective. My own guards proved useless in the crisis last night.”
Her amethyst eyes lifted to Kaitlyn’s, sharp and calculating.
“So, I have a proposal. I am prepared to grant your request. You may take a cutting of the sacred Love Vine back to the Kindred Mother Ship.”
Hope leaped in Kaitlyn’s chest, swift and bright.
“Oh, thank you, Your M—” she began
“On one condition,” the Empress interrupted, her smile turning razor-thin. “You leave this magnificent creature here with me. To serve as my personal guard. And, of course, as my concubine.”
The words landed like a physical blow. A wave of pure, possessive fury swept through Kaitlyn so violently she actually saw a red haze at the edges of her vision.
Her fingers clenched around the leash handle, the braided leather biting into her palm.
Mine. He is MINE. And fuck you if you think I’d ever give him to you!