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CHAPTER TWELVE

Visla

When I woke up the next morning, Khol was gone. The memory of what we did the previous evening was not. Although everything was sore, my body stilled hummed in satisfaction.

I pulled on my overdress over my head and went to peek out the door. I fully expected Khol to have guards at my door, but I didn’t see any. In fact, everyone walked about with purpose just as if their lives hadn’t been interrupted by the introduction of a new king and his new laws. We’d gone from a human-led settlement to one led by a Tirizar king commander who had a fearful reputation in a matter of days.

Excited to get started on the design for a crown, I closed the door and started the shower. The hot steam felt heavenly against my tight muscles and I couldn’t resist touching myself. There was no doubt that I was in heat. Although it didn’t happen often, when it did happen, I found release in pleasing myself until the phase passed. But was this a phase or had I started something with Khol that I’d always crave.

I stopped thinking and closed my eyes. Visions of Khol’s well-endowed cock took over me as I stroked myself to orgasm.

SHORTLY AFTER MY SHOWER, I had just peeked in the icebox to put something together for a small meal to start the day when Khol returned. He knocked once and pushed himself inside holding a crate of fresh food from the market.

I smiled. “You’ll make sure I won’t have a reason to leave the hut, won’t you?” I joked.

“I promised I’d bring you what you needed.” He plopped the basket onto the table.

“Thanks.”

Khol wasn’t wearing his warrior armor anymore. I stood back and glanced at his new tunic, taking in the design. One thing was evident, he seemed to favor loin cloths more than loose pants. He even sported new boots-handmade with strips of the finest leather.

“Someone went shopping,” I said.

“It was a gift from a citizen. I couldn’t decline. One of her sons was part of my horde. He died a warrior’s death during our time in Quarth. Two of her grandsons want to join my horde when they come of age.”

“You have more admirers in Dretis than I thought.”

He cocked his head to the side. “What does that mean?”

“Given your reputation, I initially thought there’d be more resistance. Then again, Magdul wasn’t that well-received either. You’re nothing like Magdul. You’re unique.” I let my gaze roam across his body. My attraction to him seemed to heighten arousal all over again, further proving that Khol may have been the one to activate my heat phase to begin with.

“Is that a compliment?” he asked, grinning.

I smiled and close the gap between us. “What do you think?” I used my fingers to trace a path down his bare chest, landing on his belt. His muscles felt like granite against my fingertips. The scales on his skin were sleek and soft. “Magdul wasn’t strong like you. I imagine he had none of your traits.” I traced his huge biceps and led my finger over his arm bands and down his wrists. “I don’t want to talk about Magdul…”

He took both my hands in his and threaded his fingers with mine. “After you have breakfast, I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise?”

He nodded.

“Well, what is it?” I asked.

“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise. Now let’s take advantage of this fresh breakfast feast and I promise to let you in on my secret.”

I grinned. “Or maybe I’d like to take advantage of you. Again. And again.” I pressed his chest and pushed him down into the chair. “It’s so true what they say about a Tirizar hordesman. You are completely irresistible.”

Khol licked his lips. “My pheromones may be attracting you, but you’re also in heat, little kitten. We’re irresistible to each other.”

“And yet, you came,” I said, touching and admiring his arm bands.

He glanced up and looked into my eyes. “I did. I must depart the colony soon on a planned mission. I don’t want to be robbed of my time with you.”

“How soon?”

“Two days.”

I frowned. “I’ll miss you, but you are a king and leader of your horde. I bet your people are looking for you now.”