Rise of the Shadow Warriors (19 page)

***

Argan fought to catch his breath as Shaina draped herself over his chest. His hands smoothed down the contours of her sweat-slicked back, strands of red hair snagged his fingers. Shaina shifted, sliding her legs between his and Argan’s chest swelled. He had to admit the surging emotion he felt around this woman was love. When he observed Balal and Vaan with their mates he could not have imagined the scope of his affections for the woman he’d one day share his life with.

Tenderness, love, and most especially worry rolled over him one after another. How did his fellow warriors handle the wildly changing feelings? Argan wanted to keep his arms around her and assign a guard to follow her every step. Fear gnawed at his gut should something happen to her.

“What are you thinking?”

He tipped his head back to view her face. Shaina’s eyes glowed with the after effects of her pleasure. A drowsy smile played about her full lips.

“I must protect you at all cost,” he admitted.

Shaina pushed up, using her forearms to prop herself on his chest. He ignored the pinch of pain from her elbows on his bruises.

“I don’t need protection, Argan. I can protect myself.”

“I would not have you come to harm.”

Before he could guess her intentions, she leaned up and kissed him. His lips parted in pleasure at this gesture he had once eschewed. Vaan should have knocked him on his ass for his teasing of the Raasa’s unusual affection. It was the Kabanians who had it wrong. Kissing was the greatest thing ever created.

Shaina’s tongue stroked his one last time as she pulled back. Argan’s hands clenched on her hips to keep her from moving completely away. With a tug, she broke free and climbed from his lap. Argan sat up slowly.

“With Mandok out of the way, we’ll have to deal with Ivak at some point as well,” she said

Argan reached for his leathers and slid them on. He grimaced at the uncomfortable fit since his toqa twitched at the sight of her naked backside while she bent to pick up her discarded clothing.

“It is safe to believe he pushed Mandok into his actions.” Argan planned to deal with the elder warrior not Shaina. Ivak was a danger to his bride and needed to be removed.

Shaina sighed as she walked past him. “Yes.”

Argan followed her into their bedroom, thankful someone had removed the headboard. Probably Justan who would have understood the importance. Shaina kept her gaze turned away from the sight of their bed flat on the floor. She twisted her hair into a knot on top of her head, loose strands of red falling about her face. She disappeared into the cleanse room before returning with a large drying cloth and a smaller cloth, both in a bright shade of yellow. Argan waited as she puttered around the room. He listened with half an ear, distracted by her naked curves on display. When Shaina dropped the items she’d collected on a chair and slid on a white sheath which skimmed her thighs, he groaned.

“Do you want to go to the steam waters with me to bathe?”

Argan choked at the visible evidence of her hardened nipples poking through the sheer gown. She wished him to bathe with her. The more he thought on it the more it pleased him. “Together?”

Shaina laughed. “Of course. If we hurry we can get one of the smaller caverns and it will only be us, since the pools are much smaller than the open bathing area.”

Open? Argan had no chance to protest as she gathered her things and headed for the door without awaiting his response. Was she truly going to walk through the corridors dressed as she was? Where any could see her? Was it not enough all could view her rounded buttocks in her revealing leathers? This he would not allow.

“Bride.”

She untied the leather door curtain, not glancing back. “Yes?”

“Shaaaina,” he gritted out, crossing his arms over his chest.

When she finally faced him, he raised a brow. “Do you go as you are?”

Her gaze dropped to her barely clad form, then returned to his. “What’s wrong with this?”

Had she no idea truly? Because she asked the question innocently, he answered in truth. “My bride’s body should not be seen like this by others.”

Silver eyes narrowed. “Oh, really? What shouldn’t they see?”

He stumbled over the obvious answer, sensing dangerous undercurrents but unable to decipher why. He waved a hand at her. “You are exposed.”

Argan knew he should have kept the words to himself when she issued a low growl and stomped out the door. He had a second of stunned surprise that she’d disobeyed him before charging after her.

“Shaina!” He roared but she continued down the corridor, stomping all the way.

Argan chased her but after a quick look over her shoulder, Shaina took off running. Argan stopped in his tracks. Disbelief held him immobile. Some of her people in the corridors watched her go by then glanced at him in curiosity.

“Shaina!”

Her light laughter filled the tunnel. One dark-haired warrior paused, eager gaze staying overlong on Shaina’s curved rear as she raced ahead. Argan’s temper snapped and he charged after her making sure to slam the Olak’din against the cavern wall for daring to stare at his bride. The man’s head hit with a satisfying thump.

Shaina took a sharp right as Argan closed in on her. He burst through the cavern where she’d disappeared and the humid air hit him immediately. Shaina spun on her heels, a wide grin on her face. “That’s what happens if you try and tell me what I can wear.”

He wanted to strangle her. Anyone could have seen her. “You will not do that again.”

She stood before him, defiance in every line of her body. Her nipples clearly visible through the material were hard nubs taunting him.

“I’m going to bathe. You’re welcome to join me.”

And with that, she pulled the sheath over her head and tossed it to the ground before climbing into the shallow end of a rocky pool filled with water. Steam rose from the surface attesting to the heat. Shaina chose a spot and sunk beneath the water until only the top of her shoulders and head remained visible.

Chapter 23

Shaina allowed the hot water to ease her tension and strained muscles while she waited. Argan stared from the opposite end, chest heaving. She ducked her head so he’d miss her playful grin. The Warlord really didn’t like her manner of dress. She wondered how Kabanian women had any fun if their men didn’t let them fight or dress the way they wanted or have good sex. Shaina leaned back against the lip of the pool and closed her eyes. She was glad she wasn’t Kabanian.

The distant plop of clothing reached her ears. Shaina’s lips curved when the metallic clang of a sword hitting the ground followed. Water splashed around as her husband slid into the bath with her.

“I should punish you.”

Her grin widened but Shaina didn’t open her eyes as he eased behind her until she sat between his opened legs. The water reached her shoulders soaking the ends of her hair. Argan’s fingers teased the damp strands.

“Will anyone come in?”

Ever the warrior. Shaina opened her eyes and glanced behind her. She winced at his puffy eye and the bruise on his forehead. “No. They’re usually done by this time of day.”

“Good.” His wet hands rose from the water and cupped the mounds of her breasts. “I believe you owe
me
amends.”

Shaina gasped as his thumbs tweaked her swollen nipples. “What did I do?”

Argan rested his chin on her shoulder, breath pebbling her sensitive flesh. “What have you not done?”

Shaina wanted to laugh aloud at the accusation but Argan’s thick shaft prodded her buttocks and she shifted to better feel the hard length. He groaned in her ear as his hands drifted slowly beneath the water, down her torso then her waist. When they neared the apex of her thighs, she tensed and waited. Argan stopped as well.

“Touch me,” she said, spreading her legs in invitation. Sex with Argan exceeded her imagination but sometimes her warrior husband needed encouragement to touch her freely.

The heavy weight of one palm rested on her lower belly while the other disappeared slid between her legs. Shaina held her breath until she felt the first tentative brush of his fingers. She arched up into the stroking caress, arms rising to entwine his neck. Her fingers buried into his silky hair as she rocked against his hand.

“More, Argan.”

Thick fingers parted her folds and the feather light touch on her center set off a chain of explosions. The arm around her waist clamped tight holding her through her release as he continued to rub her delicate bud until Shaina collapsed in his arms with a low cry.

“Your pleasure is a sight to behold,” he whispered before lifting her limp body and turning her around until Shaina sat astride his lap.

When his shaft twitched against her soft mound, she smiled like a drunkard. “I really like making amends.”

Argan’s eyes widened, then he snorted and curved his arms around her hips pulling her close. “It is something I am beginning to note.”

Shaina cupped water in her hand and dribbled it onto his hair, turning the black layers into a slick cap. Argan tipped his head back toward the ceiling to keep water from running into his face. She leaned forward and snagged the soap and cloth she’d brought from the ledge behind Argan. “We’re supposed to be getting clean.”

“You distracted me.”

Shaina smiled and resumed her seat. Water drops clung to his eyelashes and her heart melted. The wet ends of his hair curled about his face. He no longer looked like a man capable of killing without thought. Instead of the brutal Warlord who drove fear into the hearts of his enemies, Shaina saw the man she loved. Argan liked to pretend his manner was unyielding, without give. Or maybe he wasn’t pretending with others. Shaina liked the softer sides of him all the more for the tenderness he displayed when they were alone.

She paused to see if she was saddened by Mandok’s death but her emotions remained steady. Shaina had no regrets for Argan killing the warrior.

Pleased with her thoughts, she scrubbed her husband’s chest pretending cleaning him was more important than the insistent throb of the length sliding between her slick thighs. Each time she rocked back to reach his waist or rose up to wash his shoulders, Argan groaned. At one point his head bowed forward and he started to pant.

“You tease.”

Shaina reached down and stroked him before placing the tip of him at her entrance. “No teasing.”

“Now, bride. I need release, now.” His eyes glittered down at her.

Shaina balanced on her knees and lowered herself as every inch of him glided through her core. When she was seated on his lap, Argan’s grip tightened at her waist. “Move as you did before. I would see your pleasure again.”

His words stoked the flames of her mounting desire and Shaina used her hands on his shoulders to increase her pace. She took huge gulps of air when Argan’s mouth nuzzled her breasts. He hesitated, moist air crinkling her nipples. Would he do it? Shaina leaned forward begging silently. To her relief his lips enfolded the tip of one turgid bud and sucked.

“Argan. My Argan.”

He worked the swollen tip while Shaina rode him harder and harder, each slam of their hips rocking together and splashing water everywhere. His head lifted but only to switch breasts and her right nipple tingled as he tongued the bud before repeating the strong sucking.

“Oh, Helsa! Yes!”

Argan released her with a plop and straightened. Eyes of deep midnight stared, his teeth clenched as he demanded, “Give me your release, Shaina.”

Shaina screamed as his upward thrust hit her at the right angle and she came. Argan roared his pleasure seconds later. Shaina slumped forward and kissed him.

“I never want to lose this,” Argan breathed against her mouth.

“Then I get to wear what I want,” Shaina joked, leaning on his chest.

“Never.”

***

When was the last time someone had teased him so effortlessly? Nothing came close and yet Argan never considered protesting.

He liked it.

He liked that his bride didn’t fear him as many women did. Even the Raasa female kept their distance while treating the other Warlords with more warmth. Argan ran a hand over the red curls about Shaina’s face. A face that he hoped to see each morning tide when he woke.

 “Tell me about you.”

“You know the important things,” he said, shifting with discomfort at the change in topic. Shaina twisted in his lap until she sat once more between his legs, her back to his chest.

Shaina speared a glance over her shoulder, meeting his eyes. Water flowed around them creating ripples on the surface. “I want to know you, Argan.”

She already did. “You know me better than any other woman.”

“Tell me something that has meaning. If I died today or tomorrow at least I would know that.”

His heart stopped. Argan could not imagine his life without her. “The thoughts you have are dark ones.”

Shaina turned and traced a finger around his wet nipple. “I want to know. Give me something.”

He cleared his throat and tried to give her the answer she sought though it would open old wounds for him. “My father killed my mother.”

Her entire frame stiffened. “What?!”

Mouth agape, she stared at him. Argan tapped his finger against her lips until she closed them. “Tis not a pretty story.”

Her eyes smoky dark, Shaina pushed up further, sloshing the steaming water. She sat cross ways on his lap and ran a hand through his damp hair. “I want to know anyway. Don’t keep this from me, Argan.”

Argan sighed, knowing she had the right of it though he wished they weren’t in the midst of bathing and touching one another. He had planned for the fun she brought to bed play to last longer than what it had. “She slept with another warrior in their bed and my father walked in.”

Her eyes remained steady on his. Argan hurried to tell the tale, wanting it done. “He loved her. My father. If she had told him she held affection for another he would have let her go. Kabanian relationships are temporary more often than not.”

Argan looped a wet curl around his finger and continued. “Her lover sought to fight my father and when my father lunged forward to stab him, my mother leaped to his defense and his blade drove through both of them.”

Tears filled her eyes as Shaina hugged him. “Thank you for telling me.”

Holding her released the hurt he didn’t realize he still had from his youth. “I would do anything for you my bride. Have you not yet learned this?”

Her mouth moved against his chest as she placed a damp kiss there. Argan cupped the sides of her face and held her steady as he kissed her lips softly.

Shaina’s gaze sharpened. “Just so you know, Warlord, this isn’t temporary.”

Argan swallowed past the thick lump in his throat.

“And your father? What happened to him?” She asked when he pulled back.

This was harder to share. Argan had greatly admired his father as a fellow warrior. “He died in battle under Thenl’s command while I was in a deep sleep.”

Her brows crinkled. “Deep sleep?”

She shifted and laid her head on his chest, palm over his heart where it beat steadily beneath her fingers.

Argan cleared his throat. “A warrior named Thenl betrayed Overlord Vaan but Vaan’s mother managed to exchange the poison intended for us with Raasa venom which put us in a deep sleep for three years until Mikayla discovered our resting place and awakened us.”

Her hands glided over his chest as she tipped her head up to face him. “Mikayla is a Su-Su with the Raasa, the one he mated? Will the Overlord ever return to Kaban? ”

“Yes and no. Raasa mate for life and never would Vaan leave her.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, my Queen.”

Argan jumped, shoving Shaina behind him as he reached for his dagger on the ledge all in one smooth motion. The Shadow warrior blanched as the blade flew past his face. He stumbled backward and Shaina called out. “Alin!”

Shaina thumped Argan’s back but he kept one arm at her waist, holding her behind him to hide her unclothed body.

“Turn,” he ordered the shaken warrior. As soon as the youth presented his back, Argan reached for a towel and tossed it toward Shaina.

She gripped the edges, glaring at him and swiping wet hanks of hair from her face. Water dripped down her chin where he’d apparently pushed her under to shield her.

“What is it, Alin?” Shaina asked.

Still facing the wall, Alin called out. “A representative from the Aerilians has arrived.”

Color drained from Shaina’s face.

Her reaction brought out Argan’s protective instincts. Keeping an eye on Alin, Argan asked Shaina, “Who is it?”

Her lips firmed. “No one important.” To Alin, she raised her voice. “Send him away. The Olak’din will not deal with Aerilians.”

“The Overlord and his men are approaching as well, Queen Shaina.”

Not taking his gaze from the youth in case he turned, Argan commanded, “Leave us.”

Alin sidestepped his way toward the entrance and left without glancing their way.

Argan faced his bride. She wrapped her arms around his waist and ran a foot along the back of his leg. A wicked smile curved one corner of her lips. She didn’t appear concerned that her warrior had caught them without clothes in the aftermath of bed play. “Such a tough warrior.”

“Warlord,” Argan corrected with a frown as they both moved to rise from the water. “We will talk of this, Shaina.”

Her shoulders slumped but he heard her mumble, “I prefer husband.”

His toqa jerked to attention and Argan turned away to hide the surge in his arousal as he gathered his clothes to get dressed. Shaina laughed behind him and Argan’s mouth twitched in a reluctant grin. Her humor would always make him want to smile but he wanted to talk with her about this visitor she seemed to wish to avoid. He also needed to speak with Vaan.

***

Shaina answered his questions with reluctance when they reached their rooms.

“How many enemies do you have?” Argan asked in frustration. Why was he not aware of this new threat to his bride?

Shaina shrugged. “I wouldn’t exactly call the Aerilians our enemies, we no longer aid one another.”

Again, she avoided telling him a key point. “But why do they no longer aid the Olak’din? They were allies for years and knew of your existence.”

“Because,” Shaina snapped, going around him as she dressed in leathers and a vest. She kept her back to him as she pulled on the clothing and buckled her swords around her waist.

It required patience and a firm hold on his temper but Argan did not lash out. “Shaina if there is something I need know to help, best you tell me now.”

The threat meant nothing as she ignored him. Argan crossed the room to her and grasped her arm to force her to face him. It was there that he caught the glitter of tears. Taken off guard, he faltered. He hadn’t seen her cry since Mandok’s destruction of her bed and Argan liked it even less now. “None of that,” he murmured, pressing a thumb to her cheek and catching the wet trail. “Tell me.”