Chapter 17
Han stared at the library ceiling–head back on the couch. A tribute sat at his feet, but his hands sought no satisfaction from her.
A loud voice interrupted Han’s thoughts. “One week.”
Han lifted his head.
“In a week, I’ll finally get what I want.” Gideon patted Han’s shoulder. “You could be more excited. You’ll finally be getting a bride.”
“About time too!” Chamberlain puffed out cigar smoke as he entered and sat down.
“No need to look so smug, Chamberlain. We both know Sera is your selection.” Gideon walked to the window and looked out. “I heard she’s already acting like she owns the place.”
“Stop listening to the riff-raff, Gideon. I’ve heard that you are so far up Geand’s ass that you’re protecting his insides for hibernation.”
“I’ve made solid business partnerships!” Gideon slammed his hand on the end table.
“You’re destroying your lineage! At least Sera will produce offspring from our race.”
“Enough!” Han moved to the wet bar and poured himself two fingers of liquor, throwing it back in one shot. Then he poured another. And another. Finally, he offered his guests a drink.
“I noticed your home looked less populated. I’m glad you’re taking your responsibility seriously.” Chamberlain swirled his alcohol before taking a sniff. “I hope you are at least enjoying them before they are sent out. There are a few I would like.”
“You know the customs, Chamberlain.” Sera stepped into the room. “They all must go, one way or another.”
Han remained at the bar, wishing the alcohol would make him drunk.
But it wouldn’t.
“I brought you a snack, Gideon.” She snapped and pointed her fingers toward Han’s father. “I didn’t know you were coming, Chamberlain, or I would have prepared another.”
“I’ve brought my own. She’s getting scrubbed as we speak. Just found her.” He licked his upper lip. “Can’t wait.”
Han sighed and emptied the bottle into his glass. He turned–and that’s when he saw her.
Lilly.
Lilly kneeling on the floor at his father's feet.
His father caressing her hair in long, languid strokes.
Like a pet.
His beloved.
The being that owned his heart and mind. The being that bore his mark. The being that would bear his children.
His.
Han squeezed the glass in his hand as he watched Gideon stroke Lilly’s cheek.
“So delectable. So beautiful.” Gideon bit his lip. “What a treat.”
Han shattered the crystal, a shard slicing his palm. With lightning speed, Han grabbed a towel from the bar before he could bleed.
“Han, what happened?” Sera appeared at his side.
“Han?” Han gritted his teeth.
“I’m sorry.” Sera took a step back.“Master.”
“Oh, lighten up. She’ll be your wife soon.” Chamberlain gestured back and forth between the two with his cigar. “It’s about time you did away with the formalities.”
“I’ve made no selection.” Han threw the towel on the bar, broke the seal on a new bottle, and poured another glass. He took a deep breath before taking his seat.
“See!” Gideon waved his drink toward the minister. Then, he grabbed Lilly’s chin and looked into her eyes. “Your master is a smart man.”
Han bent forward–his elbows resting on his knees, his hands fisted. The slave at his side leaned in and rubbed herself along Han’s leg, moaning audibly. He straightened and glared at the girl. With gritted teeth, Han pulled his flattened hand back and prepared to strike.
“Don’t be so harsh, Jun. I love that slave’s responsiveness.” Gideon pointed at Lilly. “You take this creature. We have yet to see you drink from her anyway.”
There she was, the intoxicating other half of his soul, scantily clad, crawling across the carpet of his home. The sway of her hips, the bounce of her breasts woke the creature inside of him.
Han smirked and licked his lips.
But he would not take her, here, now, in front of others. Her pleasure, her submission was his alone.
Oh, how he wanted her.
Oh, how he had missed her.
Her amazing eyes were still hers, despite her guise as a tribute. And her eyes spoke volumes. He saw love, growing desire.
Hunger. For him.
She focused on him, something no slave would do. Then bit her bottom lip. The other slave crawled past Lilly, glaring. But Lilly didn’t falter in her course.
She only stopped when she reached Han’s side.
Lilly gently grazed the side of Han’s leg before taking a seat beside him on the floor. The warmth of her body brought Han instant comfort. He reached down and began stroking her silken tresses.
“It took a while, but she finally accepted her fate.” Sera sneered, examining her nails. “You should be able to enjoy her now.”
Han stopped his motions and grabbed Lilly’s jaw, turning her to face him. He bent forward and pressed his nose into her hair, inhaling. With small nibbles, he slowly, meticulously bit the edge of her ear before his heavy breath caused her to shudder.
"Oh, I will definitely enjoy you."
Chamberlain shifted, adjusting his seat while he stared at Lilly. “I heard Echard Whiteshadow doubled down on his ‘no vampire’ allies despite all your attentions.”
“The man is an ignorant animal.” Gideon patted his lap, and the tribute crawled into it. “He could triple his worth by combining our resources. But he won’t budge on his werewolf pride. He won’t even see me.”
Han clenched his jaw. All of his planning had failed so far. Han leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Soon after, Han felt a gentle rubbing on his temples. Small circles pulled the tension from his head, and he opened his eyes. Lilly smiled down at him, stopping her movement.
A slight growl left Han's lips as he pulled Lilly down, straddling his hips, facing him. He undid his belt, then pulled down his zipper, and settled Lilly over his rock-hard member–his silk underwear the only barrier between them. She gasped when he pressed up, rubbing his thumb over the highly sensitive mark high on her thigh. Her eyes went wide, and Han smirked. Lilly threw her head back and snuck her fingers up Han’s coat sleeve. She grabbed onto Han’s forearms, and Han groaned, pushing up again.
This play continued as Lilly moaned and bucked. Han enjoyed every moment until he could stand no more. With one hand still on her hip, he pulled her top to the edge of her nipple and traced along her skin with his fingertip.
Then he bit down.
And drank.
The warm fluid coated his tongue, throat, stomach. He never realized how hungry he was till he tasted Lilly.
Lilly sighed and trembled as her orgasm washed over her, dropping her head forward onto Han’s shoulder.
Han pressed his nose into Lilly’s hair. He breathed heavily onto her neck. “You’re in trouble.”
Lilly turned to look at him, her eyebrows furrowing.
“Let her pick a bauble.” Gideon wiped the blood from his chin and waved his hand toward Sera. “I think that one deserves something too, Jun.”
Han kept his gaze on Lilly. Her flushed cheeks and her heaving bosom further tempted him.
But not now.
“Fine. Pick a bauble.” Han sat up and waved Lilly off.
Lilly grinned, and Han cocked his head to the side as he put himself together.
A loud grunt pulled everyone’s attention. Chamberlain held his new flaccid cock in his handkerchief as he shook it. “Where’s my damn tribute?”
“She’s coming.” Sera turned to Han. “Are you sure, Master?”
“You heard me.”
“Yes, my lord.” Sera snapped her fingers and pointed to the floor.
Lilly hesitated, then got down on her knees and crawled out the door behind the other tribute,
As they exited, Chamberlain’s new slave appeared in traditional attire. She walked confidently across the room, swaying her hips, and sat on Chamberlain’s lap as he patted it. “Finally.”
The young women’s scent filled Han’s senses. Pure, soft, distinct.
And Han smiled.