Page 64 of King of Serpents

“I feel this,” he whispered, her tail hooking around her. “But hearing you say the words elevates you to an even greater position in my heart. It is something I did not even think was possible. I did not believe that there was a world of new and deeper feelings I could experience as a mated male. And yet you surpass every expectation. And this is why I can say with all honesty and sincerity... I will destroy any threat that comes to you. So, for the shinara’s sake, stay put,” he chuckled, drawing laughter from her in answer.

“Fine, since you put it that way,” she teased. She arched as his extruding sant rubbed against her mons and belly, stroking the arousal within her. “Then you better give me a goodbye kiss before you go anywhere.”

And he did. His mouth and tongues teased her, drawing her pleasure rapturously. And when he filled her with every roll and snap of his pelvis, sinking his sant deeper into her, she felt something new and primal stir within her in response.

He would kill to protect her... but it is a good thing he could not see inside her head and see what sort of hell she would unleash for him. He would definitely keep her tied up far away from the shinara then. She bit back a giggle that quickly turned into a moan as his thrusts quickened, and her thighs tightened around him in response as she rocked against him, taking the heavy, thick length of his sant into her. Meeting him thrust for rapturous thrust.

If any of those females tried anything with her mate, or did anything to hurt him, then there would most definitely be hell to pay. Being born and raised non-gratas at the edge of a swamp never prepared her for this kind of life, but her mother didn’t raise a fool, and she was a quick learner. And one way or another she was going to make sure that she was the bitch on the brimstone throne collecting dues.

Chapter 45

Therxian was wary. The banquet to celebrate the seasonal marker of the returning rains came upon him unexpectedly. Such celebrations were large affairs among the Vehal—who lived above ground—but he had no memory of it being on occasion of note in the shinara. Or if it was, then it was only celebrated among the females, and juvenile males were excluded. He certainly did not doubt the possibility. Regardless, it was not the banquet itself that made him wary, but that he was once again thrown into the great throne chamber with the females of the court, their eyes watching him in a way that seemed significantly more predatory than before.

Though it put him on edge, he had to privately admit that it was truly an accomplishment, especially given that they were by no means subtle with their interest before.

“The atmosphere in the palace these days is like being thrown into the desert to feed the fazthal.” Therxian looked over to discover that an elderly female, her scales bone-white with age, squinting at him with a wry smile. “You must admit they look ready to start gnawing at any moment,” she added with a booming laugh that drew stares of disapproval from many of the matriarchs.

Therxian smiled, some of the tension he had been subconsciously holding easing from him. “It had not escaped my attention,” he admitted in a low voice. “But I do not think everyone appreciates your observation, Matriarch.”

She huffed with a clicking laugh. “I am too old to care about such nonsense. I never did nest any males, just a pair of daughters, but that must have been Shangla being merciful on me or toward them, because I do not tolerate this nonsense. I have been saying for revolutions that the way we parade the males and treat them like lesser members of our society is indecent. More than that, it is shameful.”

A reluctant chuckle escaped him. “Do not say that too loudly, or else you likely will be ostracized from the council,” he murmured.

“It would not be the first time,” she huffed. “I stirred things up more than once and have been reprimanded more than I care to remember because of my opinions. I was the disgrace of the mother-line until they realized that I had so thoroughly corrupted all my age-mates among my relations and the younger nestlings that they did eventually cease punishing me. They have all passed into Shangla’s embrace now, naturally, but my entire mother-line now has quite the reputation among the noble families.” She clicked with amusement. “Fortunately, I am not the only one around here with some common sense.”

“Matriarch—” he began.

“Do not ‘Matriarch’ me. First of all, I know the risks I take with having my views, but it has never changed a thing about me over the revolutions, and I am not about to change now. I also have the sense not to say them too loudly. Second, I turned over the Goyu mother-line to my daughter—much to the relief of many in my family who think I am a bit too outspoken for the safety of our line—so I no longer have that particular burden. I am Gorgona, but seeing how some of the females would have heart failure if you dared address me that way, you may call me Elder Goyu.”

“Elder Goyu,” he murmured respectfully, his gaze drifting among the crowd of females feasting together with their mates and offspring. “You mentioned that others share your opinion. Do you happen to know which mother-lines are in agreement with you?”

Her gaze brightened on him, her mouth curling. “I see that cunning. You remind me of my dear Waena in his youth.”

“Then you are a female who knows quality,” Therxian teased. “When did your esteemed mate pass into Shangla’s arms?”

A bark of laughter erupted from the elder, startling him. “Pass?” she chortled. “He is not passing anything except the dessert table. He is right over there, heading toward us. He needed to excuse himself. As you know, the inner waterways do not work so well when we get to our age.”

Therxian’s gaze drifted over to the long, ornate table where an elderly male, more gray than white with hints of faded blue still remaining in places, moved around it with only a passing glance before turning his attention their way. The male did not tense, but he did not linger by the table either. He came directly toward them with a fond smile for his mate.

“Cease trying to scare the male, Gorgona,” Waena rumbled as he joined them. He leaned in to brush his cheek against his mate’s before straightening to smile fondly down at her. “I can feel your eyes boring into me while I was passing all the delicacies. I should be rewarded later for my restraint.”

“Hush, old fool,” Elder Goyu laughed as the male’s gaze shifted toward Therxian and regarded him with a faded, but steady, glowing green gaze.

“Ah yes, Therxian. Zathexa nested so many males that I never could keep her brood straight, and you do have a look similar to the youngest Slengral, but I see the size, broadness, and raw strength of your father in you. Vaoon was labeled a Vaheliska for his size and the magnitude of the power he contained, but he also possessed formidable willpower and discipline. A good male, a great hunter, and an effective consort. His death was a great loss, but I have no doubt that you possess similar character.”

Therxian faltered, uncertain how to respond as emotion welled up like a strong current through him, bottomless and without gentle eddies. He swallowed sharply and inclined his head. “I shall endeavor to live up to expectations.”

Elder Goyu smiled and warmly patted his arm. “We have faith in you.” She sighed and looked over at her mate. “Of course, I did have such high hopes for Slengral. Recall that delightful family of his, Waena? That little human was a sweet and adorable thing. They were so devoted to each other.” Her gavo flattened. “Naturally, the council ate them alive.” Her gaze shifted back to Therxian earnestly, the multitude of beaded strands over her chest clattering as she swayed. “We were so relieved to hear that she survived.”

“The Vehal received her... and her mates,” he confirmed.

“Good, good,” Elder Goyu murmured. “But now you were asking about the noble families.”

Waena glanced at her curiously. “What about the noble families?”

“Therxian was asking me which of the mother-lines held similar positions in regard to our social system.”

Waena’s face darkened. “If you are inquiring about that, you are certain to find yourself swimming in difficult waters.”