The Unveiling (D'Shar Men)

Chapter Twelve



Rivka rolled on to her side, desperate to find relief from the heat emanating from her body. She'd stripped down to nothing and still suffered. Her thighs rubbed together, and she brought her hands up to cup her breast. She squeezed them and moved her hand down to pinch the beaded nipples. A lusty moan slid past her lips. Her body came off the bed. A wave of pleasure swept over her. Warm liquid flowed onto her thighs, soaked the sheets beneath her. Rivka slid one hand between her legs in an attempt to ease the ache of her swollen *. One rub of her thumb and she was crying out, rocking her hips in search of more stimulation. She abandoned the nipple play and moved her hand down to join its twin, teasing her entrance with her middle finger as she continued to rub her stiff nub. With one glorious thrust she was knuckle deep inside her slick channel, pumping hard. I need more. She added another finger, and another, placing her feet on the bed to gain leverage. She worked her hand, wishing it was Bastien's hard length. Her mind might loathe him, but her body craved his like an addict who needed a fix.

The thought of the muscular General with the earthy scent and large calloused hands set her off like a grenade. She cried out, moving faster, trying to stretch out the tidal wave of sensations. She rode out the orgasm to the end, collapsing on the bed. She went to leave and cried out when the pulse between her legs began again. I can’t continue on like this. She'd been away from Bastien for a week. No amount of meditation or mixture of calming herbs was going to save her. It was time to face him. After the way she left things she'd wanted to draw it out as much possible. Make him suffer. It wasn't like her. It was petty and mean, but she'd be damned if he didn’t deserve a little taste of his own medicine. A whimper left her lips as the intensity began to build again in her p-ssy. Rivka reached over to the drawer beside her bed and pulled out the black box that held one of her most prized toys, a pink and white INA 2, LELO vibrator. She removed the lid and pulled out the five-inch piece of heaven. The two-in-one piece stimulated from the inside and outside. She slid the piece home, hit the high speed button and clamped her teeth down on her lower lip to keep from screaming.


Her body arched off the bed, and nectar flowed like a fountain. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head, and her body convulsed like she was having a seizure. Overly sensitive, she was forced to remove the toy. Tonight, this insanity ends. I'll arrange a meeting and tell him this is strictly physical. I won't allow myself to suffer, but I could never respect myself if I folded like a stack of cards because The Purge finally wore off. I was lonely, but I was never desperate. Rivka caught her breath and moved her sluggish body up from the bed. After cleaning her toy with a special solution and placing it back in its home, she showered, dressed, and placed the call to the house she'd been dreading.

"Hello," a deep masculine voice said.

"Hi, can I speak with Bastien?"

"Sure, give me a minute to locate him."

I should hang up. The memory of writhing in the bed, unable to fulfill the needy ache that had made its home inside her flashed in her head. Or not. A click sounded in her left ear.

"Hello?"

"Bastien—"

"Rivka," he whispered. The breathy sound sent a chill up her spine.

"Yes, we need to talk, tonight."

"You're feeling The Wanting symptoms too?"

"Yes." The word tasted like ash in her mouth. She'd never felt so conflicted in her life. Just keep it physical. "I have some things I'd like to say, but I'd like to do it in person."

"When and where do you want to meet up?" he asked.

"Tonight, the Martini Bar on First Street and Main."

"I know it. Is seven okay?"

"Can we make it sooner?" she asked.

"Six?" Bastien asked.

"Perfect."

"I'll see you in an hour."

"See you then," she said.

The sound of his voice had chased away some of the anxiety. The tightness in her chest eased. A part of her was excited to see the man chosen by fate to be her perfect match. There was so much she didn’t know and wanted to ask, like why the hell he took The Purge in the first place. Rivka rose from her position on the bed and swayed and stumbled. She sat back down on the bed heavily and inhaled and exhaled as the vision descended upon her.

The world around her had a hazy quality, as if fog had settled over the area. She turned to examine her surroundings. She was in an ornate palace. The large dome-shaped ceiling above her head was painted a deep blue with constellations and stars painted in bright splotches and swirls of white and yellow. Three black, sphere-shaped metal lighting fixtures hung in a row. Rivka peered down at her clothing and gasped. She was glad in white gown that hugged the curves of her body and belled out, brushing against the floor. On her arms she wore gold bands that symbolized royalty. Was this a vision, a prophecy, or a coded message?

"Hello?" Her words echoed off the walls, with silence her only response. She lifted her dress up and walked across the white stone flooring that told her she was in space. The particular stone could only be harvested in the galaxy where Tagget had been located so she had to be there or in the home of someone wealthy enough to have it imported. As she made her way into the hall a sense of urgency hastened her footsteps. Her body seemed to know where she needed to be. She ran down a narrow stairwell she guessed was for the servants and ended up outside once again on her way to the beloved garden that afforded her peace. This time it was day and she was headed for a different destination, the maze of tall, green shrubbery in the far right quadrant. She weaved her way deeper inside the confusing pathways to the heart where he waited. His dark hair fell over his forehead and covered his eyes. He was clad in a pair of leather breeches and a cream-colored shirt he kept open at the collar.

Her heart filled with joy, and he looked up to meet her gaze. His pale yellow eyes pierced her soul and stood out against his light green skin. He opened his arms, and she ran to him. He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his slender waist, hooking her feet together as he supported her, devouring her lips with a hunger that made her entire body catch fire.

"Are you sure no one saw you leave?"

"Everyone is at the celebration."

"Yes, the one I'm supposed to escort you to. We can't stay here too long."

Her happiness plummeted.

"I know. I wish we could come out in the open."

"They'd kill me."

"Why? It's my choice."

"Not with a man like me. You're too important to be the wife of a mercenary soldier with little to his name and no royal blood in his veins."

"You’ve protected our people a million times over. They say without you we would have lost the Great War."

He smiled at her and shook his head.

"If I were to falter and fall in battle, another would pick up where I left off. I'm expendable."

She covered his thin lips with her fingers.

"Not to me."

She blinked rapidly as she was brought back to the present. They'd spoken in an ancient dialogue not commonly used anymore, and the Great War had been eons ago. Who is this man, and why do I keep dreaming about him? The only common link she could think of was Bastien. Was this a relative trying to sway her opinion on the military man? It wouldn't be the first time she'd seen interference from those beyond the grave. It's going to take a lot more than some fuzzy moments with your true love to fix what's broken between Bastien and me, tall, dark, and handsome.

****

Bastien arrived at the coffee shop fifteen minutes early, nervous and unsure what to expect. He'd snagged a table at the back of the bar. What will she say? How am I going to keep my hands off her? The sound of her soft voice on the phone had him ready to take her into his arms and eat her whole. He'd been a beast to work with for the past week, driving his men like a slave master. Not that they complained, he gave one hundred and ten percent himself. He avoided Phelan as much as possible, not wanting to put more stress on his plate. The run through of the ceremony was set for next Friday, and with the grand event next Saturday the house had exploded into chaos. Decorators were in and out, along with seamstresses and bridesmaids. I’ll be glad when all of this is over and I can focus on me. He felt like a man trying to kick a habit. Every second of the day he thought of Rivka, wondered what she was doing, wearing, and talking about.

The stress was so bad he'd started having dreams that made no sense. Bloody battlefields he knew he hadn't been on and images of a petite woman with skin the color of milk chocolate and green eyes. The love that poured from her was almost tangible. Yet, he didn’t know her name. He thought it might be a side effect from The Calling but seeing as how Rivka was the expert, he'd kept his questions to himself. The moment Rivka stepped into the room the atmosphere changed. His ever-present headache dissipated. The irritation eased. Her legs went on for miles in the black skirt and knee high, black lace up boots, and an off-the-shoulder white sweater. Her neck was long and graceful. The bare flesh made him think of caramel. She reached the table, and her scent hit him full force. Light, floral, and laced with ample amounts of pheromones. It was intoxicating. He curled his fingers around the edges of the chair as she sat in the seat across from him.

Her hair was a glossy mane of midnight colored curls he wanted to bury his hands in.

"Hi." His voice sounded subdued and shaky.

"Hi. Let's cut to the chase. I think we're both under enough strain now as it is."

"Agreed."

"Both of us are miserable. The Wanting symptoms will only continue to worsen, and neither of us can afford to be off our game. Especially not know. You have the hunt for Tavel, and I have my duties as Star Maiden, until a new one is appointed. We have to come to some sort of agreement."


His eyebrows rose. This was the last thing he'd expected her to say.

"Don’t think this is a change of heart. It's me being logical. I refuse to let either of us suffer needlessly. That's not who I am, and despite my anger, I'm not completely jaded."

"How do you want to proceed?" he asked.

"Frequently." She licked her lips, and her hair melded from black to a deep red. "Whenever and however we can manage it."

Her voice was honeyed seduction, whiskey laced with a dash of something sweet. His cock went rock hard. Her eyes dilated, and her nipples pressed against the fabric of her shirt. He bit back a moan and cleared his throat. Was this some sort of a test? If I resist temptation I pass, if not I'm a scumbag? We're connected for the rest of our lives, so I need to get this right.

"Umm—we don't have to rush thing—"

"I didn't think you'd be the kind of man to beat around the bush," she said. A smirk curved her delectable lips upward. His jeans and his throat grew a little tighter.

"I'm not. I'm trying to show you respect. Isn't that what women want?"

"What I want is you to f*ck away the all-consuming ache that's settled into my p-ssy.”

Her wicked words made his jaw drop. What was a Star Maiden doing with such a dirty mouth?

"Did I shock you?"

He nodded, not trusting his voice.

"Good. You should keep in mind you know nothing about me. I wasn't a saint while you were off fighting battles. I enjoy receiving pleasure as well as giving it, and I have no qualms about speaking my mind and making sure I get what I need."

"And I get no say in this?"

She leaned in across the table. Her sweater slid farther down her left arm, and his gaze ate up the expanse of fresh skin exposed.

"Are you telling me you don't want to f*ck me, Bastien?"

His cock twitched, and he shook his head to pull away from the spell she'd cast. "No."

"Then I don't see the problem."

"I want more than that, Rivka."

"Funny, your actions say differently." Her words were like a slap to his face as The Purge reared its head once more.

Bastien reached across the table to cup her right hand in his. "I'm sorry, Rivka. I never thought about my mate when I did that. I made the decision when I was seventeen, young, ignorant, and trying to live up to large expectations." She opened her mouth to protest, and he shook his head. "I'm not saying that excuses anything. I'm just telling my side of the story. I'm not a malicious person, and none of this was intentional."

"No, but it doesn’t change the end result, does it?"

"No."

"Enough of the maudlin, I've got an itch to scratch and you're just the Shar to do it. I wonder if you can take orders as well as you give them. I know you want to make amends and go on to live happily ever after, but right now I don't have the answer to the questions I see burning in those brown eyes of yours. So let's stick to the short term. If you want to make me happy now you'll indulge me and take away this pain threatening to claw me from the inside out."

Her lips formed into a line, and he saw the strain behind the bravado. Bastien gave a nod. He'd do things her way—for now. It was fun sitting back and allowing her to drive, gave him a chance to figure out who she was.

"Give me five minutes and then follow." He waited until the clock ticked down to the exact second, stood from the table and made his way to the back of the dimly lit hallway. Rivka's fragrant scent was like a homing beacon, becoming stronger the closer he got. His cock was painfully swollen, and his emotions were balanced on a razor's edge. Was this some ploy to play with his emotions? A way to get a little payback in on the man who'd wrought so much pain without a second thought? What would she do when he got there? The not knowing was an unexpected instrument of seduction. By the time he reached the bathroom door he'd placed all the cameras in the hall on loop with his powers and scanned the area for signs of other people. The coast was clear.

Bastien opened the door and a ball of warm, wanton woman pressed against him. He hit the door with a thud. Rivka clutched his collar and pulled his head down.

"This first time I want it rough." Her lips were fire. He moaned as she plundered his mouth with her tongue like a pirate ransacking a ship. Instinct kicked in. Bastien slid his hands under her skirt, cupping her high, firm ass. No panties, f*ck. Is she trying to kill me? He lifted her up, and she wrapped her boot-clad legs around him. The pert nipples straining against her shirt teased him. A growl rumbled in his chest. Her skin was silky smooth, and the juices flowing from her p-ssy soaked the crotch of his pants.

"You're exquisite—and so wet and hot."

"Come inside me and see how much better it can feel." The husky purr of her voice was the only goading he needed.

"Whatever Rivka wants—"

She patted him on his cheek. "Smart man, we might just get through this yet." A ghost of a smile flitted across her lips, and for a moment he forgot to breathe. How had he been linked to this beautiful creature? Even wrapped around him and using language that would make a lesser man blush she was regal. Rivka reached down to grasp the swell of his jeans.

"I think someone wants to say hello."

He lifted her higher and fumbled with the zipper, and together they shoved his pants down enough to let his shaft spring free. He rubbed along the path of her moist lips, and they both shook.

"Don’t tease, that's my job."

His chuckle died in his throat at the feel of her warm hand wrapped around him, guiding him inside her. Tight, slick walls molded around him like a glove. An animalistic snarl was ripped from his belly. He gripped her hips and spun her to change their positions. Mine. Claim, mark. Thuds filled the room as he thrust inside her balls deep over and over, penetrating her womb with rough strokes. Rivka dug her nails into the skin of his back. A stinging pain signaled the breaking of skin.

"Yes, mark me!" he said.

"Harder, Bastien."

The sound of his name on her lips incensed him. He tilted her hips, found a spot that made her body jerk.

"Shit yes!" The sound of their skin meeting was music to his ears. The low lidded, out of control look on her face made him feel a million feet tall. If the only thing he could have was her body he'd ruin her for anyone else.

"Only I will ever make you feel like this, Rivka. Do you understand that?" Bastien wound a hand in her hair and tugged. She hissed. A wicked smile appeared on her face.

"Ditto, General." She leaned in quicker than a human eye would've tracked and bit down on his pulse point. The possessive gesture drove rational thought out the window. The bloodthirsty spirit of his ancestors took over as he pinned her to door.

"BA—"

He placed a hand over her mouth, cutting off her high-pitched squeal as her p-ssy put his dick in a strangle hold. Her body arched upward, and his balls drew up tight. The tension gathered in his spine gave way as he spilled inside her. Her muscles continued to spasm, and she milked him dry. He pulled out reluctantly. Fifteen minutes had passed easily, and they were in a very public place. The sight of his cum running down her inner thighs gave him a sick sense of satisfaction and the urge to fill her all over again. Rivka's legs lowered to the floor, and she slumped against the door, limp and satiated. Her cat that ate the canary expression of bliss and contentment made his chest swell with pride. Bastien ran his hand down her body, cleaning her with his powers. He felt a pang of regret as he removed his seed and helped straighten her clothes. With the sexual tension solved the awkwardness between them returned.


"Nicely done, General D'Shar."

"If we weren't in a bar we'd be doing it again."

"Mhmm, promises."

"Trust me," he looked down at his half arousal. "I could deliver."

Rivka glanced down.

"Good, because right now what I need is plenty of this." She reached down to give him a firm squeeze before they separated. Her words were a pinprick to an inflated balloon as they drove home her feelings about The Purge. They were on her terms until she said otherwise, and right now things were strictly physical.

"You leave first, and I'll follow behind you in a few."

"Okay, I'll be at the table." She unlocked the door and walked out as if nothing had happened. He took a minute to compose himself. It wasn't every day you had the best sex of your life, and came to the conclusion you could fall in love for the first time with said person in the span of fifteen minutes. Right now we'd be on the fast track to happy if … No use regretting choices made long ago. I need to earn her trust.

Resolve firm, Bastien stepped out of the restroom and took a seat at the table in the corner. The sun had set while they were gone. A blue candle had been set out in the middle of the table and lit. It flickered and cast shadows across Rivka's face. After a lifetime of war and battle it felt wrong to be paired to Rivka. She was so untainted and stood for all the things he'd given up on long ago, love, family, and innocence. His hands were dirtied by blood and death. He was lucky she wanted his touch at all. Yeah, well, it's all she wants from me, so I guess that evens out the balance. My price to pay for all the destruction I've caused.

"Where do we go from here?"

"I was thinking my place."

His pheromones surged, and she bit her swollen bottom lip.

"That's a smell a girl could get used to," she said in acknowledgement of his response.

"Before we leave, let's have a few drinks. The bar is known for its Martinis." She waved a waiter over and offered up a genuine smile that light up her entire face. In this moment it was easy to see she was the embodiment of love, hope, and spirituality. Will she ever look at me that way? Jesus, pull yourself together, man. You've survived the bloodied battles, and near fatal injuries. The return of your feelings and a woman aren't going to kill you. Still, The Wanting was strong, and he craved not only her body, but also her heart and soul. Acceptance had to come or he'd end up rocking in a corner somewhere being spoon-fed because he'd lost it. It was enough to make him think about going through The Purge another time. Not that he could ever consider it seriously after the pain he'd felt from her. He was locked onto this path come hell or high water. He just hoped they could meet in the middle.

"Where are you right now?" Her voice brought him back to the present.

"What?"

"You were a million miles away."

"Just trying to figure things out."

"That'll take a lot more than a quickie in the bathroom."

"You want to point me in the right direction?"

"I can't tell you what I don't know, can I?" Rivka downed the rest of her drink and set down the glass. "However, I can tell you if we don't get out of here in the next few minutes we'll be taking a trip to the bathroom. My body has waited a long time to experience this and it seems to be kicking the mating process into hyperdrive." She furrowed her brow, and he could see the strain around her violet-colored eyes.

"Then let's go." He stood, tossed money on the table, and offered her his hand. He held his breath as she eyed it like a snake. Then she took it and relief flooded through his system like an adrenaline shot. In time this could be fixed. Her hand fit into his perfectly. It was a graceful hand, with long fingers, and short rounded fingernails but they possessed a strength hidden by her beauty. Her skin was soft and delicate. It was a tiny show of trust, but it gave him hope for the future.