Rout of the Dem-Shyr (The Ascendant Series) Read online

  It’s your Day of Life celebration, too, Dem-Shyr, she thought, reaching for the fastenings of his tunic. Others may wish to ignore that, but I refuse to. We were born on the same day, at the same time, under the same star. We’re fated to be together. That deserves celebrating.

  He held her gaze as she bared his chest. This is a risk, he warned.

  We live every day with risk. If we were still on Earth, we’d be celebrating with my college friends, enjoying some drinks and having a good time. I don’t see why we can’t enjoy ourselves at least a little just because we’re on our home planet.

  She didn’t have to convince him any further. He took over for her, disrobing in swift, efficient movements that made her lips turn up at the corners. There was no denying he was just as excited about this daring tryst as she was. Even if his body didn’t betray him, she could read his thoughts loud and clear.

  As he finished undressing, she made sure the door was locked, then led him into the water. She noticed his gaze move to the tray of cleansers on a nearby ledge and recalled some of the stray thoughts he’d had while watching the Wrym bathe her.

  Do you want to wash me? she thought.

  Yes.

  She smiled and lifted her chin towards the ledge, silently encouraging him to get the cleansers he’d need. Then she waded to the waterfall in the center of the bath so she could douse herself. Ty moved the cleansers onto a floating tray and brought them to her in the waist-high water. She closed her eyes and presented him with her back as he poured some hair cleanser into his hand. Slowly and tenderly, he worked the cleanser into a lather. His fingers felt wonderful as they massaged her scalp.

  He repeated the scalp massage with the conditioner after she had rinsed the cleanser from her hair. The experience was both relaxing and arousing at once. By the time she finished rinsing her hair, her entire body was tingling and craving more of his touch.

  Blinking water from her eyes, she watched him pour some of her body cleanser into his hands. He obviously didn’t intend to use a cleansing cloth. Pleasurable heat flushed through her as she met his gaze.

  May I? he asked.

  She moved to a shallow, chaise-like seat built into the water and settled on it. Please.

  His sexy smile made her breath catch. He started by washing her arms and sides, making her fight back laughter a couple of times when he reached ticklish spots. From there, he moved down to her legs, rubbing his soapy hands over each foot, calf, and thigh in a sensual massage. As it had been while he washed her hair, his touch was relaxing. It also made her ache for him, especially when he neared the junction of her thighs.

  But he didn’t linger there, instead lifting her from the seat so she once again stood in front of him. He paused to get more cleanser and then moved behind her again. His strong hands glided along her neck, across her shoulders, and down to the base of her spine, massaging as they went. When his hands slipped down to cup her backside, she couldn’t stop a moan from escaping.

  “Do you like that?” he whispered.

  The sensation of his touch combined with his breath against the side of her neck had her knees feeling like they were going to give out. The ache he’d caused in her lower body was now agonizing.

  I do. Please, Ty.

  He slowly caressed her, dipping taunting low before working back up again. She wanted to shout in frustration. He chuckled as he placed a string of kisses along her shoulder.

  Put your arms around my neck, he instructed.

  She was too worked up to question him. Her arms went up, her fingers twining in the hair at the nape of his neck. She felt every ridge of his muscular chest and abdomen against her back. An even harder part of him pressed against her hip.

  Her thoughts fled as his soap-covered hands slid around to her breasts. Pleasure hit her like a blaze of searing heat. As he glided his calloused fingers over her highly sensitive body, sounds left her throat that should have embarrassed her. She was too caught up in the incredible sensations he was producing to care, though.

  You have to be quiet, Ma’jah, he thought, his lips brushing the pulse in her neck.

  She couldn’t respond as he applied the slightest pressure to her nipples. Every rational thought escaped her head. Her body wanted only one thing.

  Let me help with that, he said. And his right hand slid lower.

  She didn’t even hesitate to shift to give him better access. He had to help her alleviate this agony. Had. To. She thought that the shameless begging words might have even left her lips, but she was too incoherent to be certain.

  Then his fingers slid over part of her that made her want to scream. In her mind, she did.

  Ty!

  He didn’t stop, thank Yen-Ki. His left hand teased her breasts as the fingers of his right hand stroked her where she most needed his touch. Her head fell back as the excruciating pressure continued to build.

  Kiss me, he thought.

  She did, tilting her head to the side and parting her lips, eager to taste him. The combination of his deep kiss with the unbelievable things he was doing to her body completely undid her. Ecstasy overwhelmed her. His kiss muffled the sounds she made as his fingers moved against her to extend her pleasure.

  Her arms slid bonelessly from around his neck as the last tremors faded. Ty continued to hold her so she wouldn’t sink to the bottom of the tub. His lips brushed against hers again and again as she slowly drifted back to him.

  After a couple of minutes, she turned in his arms and reached for the cleanser. Mmm. That was amazing. Now I want to wash you.

  Ah—

  No arguing with Ma’jah. Now, over to the chaise. You can rest your head on the edge so your hair doesn’t get wet.

  His jaw worked briefly as he considered arguing. Whatever he read in her thoughts or expression had him turning and lying obediently on the chaise. She took a moment to appreciate his remarkable physique, and then she got to work.

  She decided to start with his chest and abdomen. His body was as hard as hers was soft…as large and powerful as hers was petite and feminine. She found it all a delightful contradiction. His muscles flexed beneath her hands, his breath drawing in sharply when she touched sensitive areas. His thoughts and feelings flowed through her, swiftly rekindling her own desire.

  As he had done, she moved from his upper body to his legs, washing him with the pressure of a massage like he had done. She noticed that he held his breath as her hands made their way up his thighs. She had seen that he was aroused before, but he was clearly near the brink now.

  And even though his mind was blank, he was begging to be touched.

  Seeing the look in her eye, he thought, Kyr…

  “Mmhmm,” she murmured, allowing her hands to run along the length of him.

  Oh, God.

  She smiled at his thought and low groan. Her hands explored him in a way they’d never had a chance to before. She felt him desperately trying to cling to his control while she indulged her curiosity.

  But before too long, he got up from the chaise. Her eyes widened.

  Disobeying me, are you, Dem-Shyr?

  Yes, Ma’jah, he thought as he lifted her in the water to kiss her. I want to be deep inside you.

  Oh, was all she could think as he wrapped her legs around his waist. Oh, my. Oh, yes. Now.

  He broke the kiss as he started to enter her. She wanted to close her eyes in ecstasy, but she forced herself to look into his eyes until they were fully joined.

  I love you, TaeDane, she thought. You’re the better part of my soul.

  His silver eyes flashed with emotion. His forehead touched hers.

  I love you, too, KyrVawn.

  She kissed him. It was what they both craved: connection with each other.

  He began to move inside her. His hands worshipped her body as she clung to him. Their love for each other spiraled along with their pleasure. Building, building, building.

  Until at last, they were one.

  Chapter 10

  Ty
held Kyr afterwards. They both trembled from the magnitude of what they had just experienced. It far exceeded anything they had ever done together.

  What was that? she thought.

  She tilted her head back and looked at him with wonder. Her star blue eyes glowed with residual energy. He glanced up and caught his reflection in the mirror by Kyr’s prep area. His irises were glowing, too.

  I don’t know, he admitted.

  He couldn’t even try to reason out what had just happened. Their connection had extended beyond the physical. Beyond even the mental. She had touched him in indescribable ways…etched herself into his being.

  Kyr’s power was growing. He knew that what they’d just done together had been heightened by her abilities as the Ascendant. What would it be like when she was at her most powerful?

  She reached up and touched the side of his face, coaxing him to kiss her. He was happy to do so, but he kept it tender rather than passionate, knowing the Wrym were anxiously awaiting the word to return to their duties. His time with Kyr had come to an end.

  Soon, we’ll be together publicly, she assured him as he carried her to the waterfall so she could fully rinse herself. You’ll become the Faire-Amanti. This has just solidified that we’re meant to be together. You know that wouldn’t have happened between me and just anyone.

  Sure, he thought. At least, it had better not.

  She grinned and rolled her eyes before stepping under the water. He left her there, walking out of the tub and using her drying cloth to rid his skin of all moisture. Her singing reached him as he started to get dressed. It was a sound he loved to hear.

  Was she right about them being matched? About him becoming the Faire-Amanti? He knew the Guardians were against it. They always had been. In their minds, Kyr would be matched with a Vawn, and that was that. He’d listened to them make plans for their daughter since she became old enough to warrant such discussions, comparing and analyzing the various Vawn who might suit her as a match.

  Of course, not once did Kyr’s happiness enter into their consideration.

  If he was being honest with himself, he had a hard time believing that the Guardians would be swayed in their decision. But Kyr’s confidence and optimism did give him hope. If anyone could change their minds, it was her.

  As he finished putting his boots back on, Kyr got out and used the same towel he had. She dried herself off and wrapped herself in a robe, then gave him the go-ahead to let the Wrym inside. He paused with his hand on the door handle and met her gaze.

  Thank you for that, Kyr.

  Her smile tugged at his heart. You’re welcome.

  He opened the door at last, stepping back to allow Zasha, Heshi, and J’li to rush inside. The peaceful interlude was definitely over. They wanted to get Kyr ready for the celebration to come, and she had taken more time on her bath than they anticipated. Kyr’s thoughts when the Wrym mentioned that had him shifting his stance. She inadvertently revisited what they had just done.

  Sorry, she thought, smiling as Heshi pulled her over to the vanity to get started on her hair and makeup.

  Ty mentally shook his head at her, but he was glad to see her so happy. He couldn’t help but worry that the lighthearted emotion flowing through her would be short-lived.

  His attention turned as Gren strolled into the room. Why aren’t you at the entrance? he thought.

  We’ve got four other Mynders standing there now, Gren answered. I was bored. Besides, I thought I’d drop by and see if you know what the hell you’re doing.

  What are you talking about?

  I’m no fool. I’ve got eyes. I see how you two look at each other. I’ve also got a nose. You sure smell a hell of a lot sweeter than you did before you were in here alone with Ma’jah.

  Ty frowned. I’ve been standing in this bathing chamber. Of course I smell like the scented water. The whole room does.

  That might fly with everyone else, but not with me, Dem-Shyr. I was trained to look for signs of anyone doing to Ma’jah Kyr what you two obviously just did.

  Discomfort and no small amount of fear had Ty looking away from Gren’s copper-colored gaze. And just what is it you think we did?

  Judging by the slightly damp ends of your hair and the bit of foam stuck to your right earlobe, you either had sex in the water or you jumped in to save Kyr from drowning. Since your clothes are dry—if somewhat wrinkled—I’m betting on option one.

  Ty reached up to touch his earlobe and found the incriminating foam. A curse almost made it past his lips. Gren’s eyebrow lifted, telling Ty that the heated words had gotten through in thought, anyway.

  Gren—

  Look, Ty, Gren interrupted, forgoing all formality. You and I both know that I understand what you’re experiencing. We also both know that this won’t end well.

  The thought had Ty looking back at Kyr, who was chatting cheerfully with Zasha as the Wrym applied her makeup. She looked up in the mirror and met his gaze. The look she gave him had his heart stuttering and his gut twisting.

  Does she know the extent of what you’re both risking by doing this? Gren asked.

  Ty shook his head. He hadn’t been able to tell her the full truth.

  This time, it was Gren who issued the curse. Ty, you’ll be lucky if they decide to bypass the public humiliation and just sterilize you both privately. You’ll both be imprisoned for the rest of your lives. You’ll never be allowed in the palace again. You’ll both be marked.

  The pain in Ty’s gut worsened as Gren voiced all of the possible consequences the Guardians would impose if they discovered that Kyr had given her virginity to someone other than the Faire-Amanti. He wasn’t ignorant of those consequences—far from it. But in the heat of his desire for Kyr, all of the risks had faded into insignificance.

  You’d never see her again, Gren thought.

  Above all, that would be the worst punishment. Ty didn’t know how he’d survive it.

  He met Gren’s gaze. His friend was aware of the dangers of loving someone other than a person chosen for him. Even when the other person wasn’t the Ascendant of Alametria, the consequences of that love could be unimaginably painful.

  Look, Ty. Just be more careful, okay? I’m not the only one with eyes and a brain around here.

  After a moment, Ty nodded. He knew the discussion was over. The weight of it, however, would remain with him.

  When the Wrym moved Kyr to the closet to get her changed for the celebration, Ty left her in Gren’s care so that he could go and check all of the security protocols for the event. He used his abilities to do surface scans of all thoughts from people in the immediate area, but didn’t discern any malice. His first stop was the kitchen where the food was being prepared. Sem was the Mynder in charge. It didn’t take long to find him. He sat at a table on one side of the large, bustling room, eating something.

  “Is that pizza?” Ty asked as he approached his cousin.

  “Yep,” Sem replied, lifting the half-eaten piece to show it off. “I got hooked on it back on Earth, so I asked Fehma here to make me some. Isn’t she a sweetheart?”

  The Wrym in question smiled in their direction before she went back to organizing bite-sized food on a tray. Ty wasn’t surprised that Sem had charmed a female into doing whatever he wanted. Some things never changed.

  How is everything going down here? Ty thought.

  Sem shrugged and took another bite of pizza. It’s been hectic since I got here after Ma’jah’s training, but I haven’t picked up on anything. If the poisoner is here, he or she is more skilled than I am at masking their thoughts.

  That was frustrating to hear, but again, Ty wasn’t surprised. There had been no sign of the person who had poisoned the food served to Kyr and Guardian Shaya after the audience with the V’larians. Even with Ty and all of his most trusted Mynders scanning the palace, the investigation had gone nowhere. Ty didn’t have any idea how the person continued to evade detection. The best he could figure was that they had left the palace. It was poss
ible that it had been a one-time attempt.

  His gut told him otherwise, however.

  “Save some room,” Ty said, grabbing the second slice of pizza on the plate in front of Sem. “You’ve got a lot of food to sample.”

  “Hey,” Sem grouched as Ty bit into the pizza, but he didn’t try and get the piece back.

  Ty headed out, listening as Sem went back to flirting with Fehma. He had a feeling the slice of pizza would soon be replaced.

  The rest of his security check resulted in nothing unusual. All of the Mynders he had selected to stand guard during the ceremony were in place and ready for the guests to arrive. They all reported that things had been uneventful so far. No one who hadn’t been approved had entered the ballroom where the celebration was being held.

  Still, Ty walked through the space himself. He studied the layout and décor with an assessing eye and open mind. Outside of the overwhelming explosion of purple flowers filling the room with scent and color, he found nothing concerning.

  He headed back to Kyr’s chambers while the first of the guests made their way into the ballroom. Strains of music followed him as the celebration faded into the distance. He stopped at his own bedchamber to change and groom himself, which took little time at all. Then he walked the rest of the way to Kyr’s chambers. The same two Mynders who had been outside her doors that morning still stood there, awaiting his command.

  Any news? he asked.

  No, Dem-Shyr, they both replied.

  Nodding, he entered the chambers. Gren and LuexDane stood inside. They gave him brief greetings as he checked in with them and learned nothing had changed since his departure.

  Except Kyr, Gren thought as Ty drew to an abrupt halt.

  “Hello, Dem-Shyr,” Kyr said, rising from the chaise in her lounging area.

  “Ma’jah.”

  He had no idea how the word made it out of his mouth. His eyes were glued to her body. The filmy, dark purple gown she wore barely covered her breasts. Narrow shoulder straps held two scraps of fabric that crossed her chest, left her midsection bare, and flowed into the floor-length skirt. Thin, light-purple ropes of gems crisscrossed over her waist and naked back, offering the illusion that she was more covered than she actually was.