Savage Planet Embrace, page 7
part #1 of Savage Planet Series
The wave of their energy was breathtaking to Daniel. He took it all in, savoring this moment. A blast of emotion came from Prime Cassian, prompting Daniel to look at him. Prime was stoically proud, utterly controlled. Not a flick of tail or ear showed the depths of Prime Cassian’s feelings. But Daniel knew.
Prime Cassian felt his attention and looked at him, face and body still, eyes shimmering. Prime Cassian spoke deeply. Meaningfully.
“Thank you, Daniel.”
Prime Cassian nodded formally and respectfully. His hand swept out toward the room gallantly.
“You may lead us in.”
Daniel took his cues from Prime Cassian and, imitating his proud, formal demeanor, walked forward into the room. The cheers and stomping died down into a more toned-down burble of conversation all around them.
A stunningly beautiful Lio Nessa walked toward them. She was dripping with jewels, which were her only clothes except for a small shimmery gold drape of fabric between her legs and a long flowing cape of the same fabric attached to her shoulders with golden chains.
Tiny chains attached her sandals to her feet, wrapped around her lower legs like glittering ribbons of gold. Gold outlined her eyes, brightened her lips, covered her nipples, and shone around the rims of her ears.
When the regal Lio Nessa stopped in front of Daniel, the announcer introduced her with quiet authority.
“Oriela Coron’Rial, Lio Crown High Nessa, Ruler of Lio HomeWorld, treasured granddaughter of Lio High Nessa Vicari of Pride Bon’Rial, this is Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel, Honored Nel of Lio High Nessa Katohna Bon’Fiel, treasured daughter of Lio High Nessa Akelah Bon’Fiel, First PrideChoice of Prime Cassian Bon’Fiel Pargen’Fiel of Lio Fleet Khalina in Galaxy Sunastrana, Prime Son of Prime Mezere Pargen’Fiel, beloved of Katherine Bennett Pargen’Fiel.”
To Daniel it all sounded like, “Blah, blah Lio. Ruler, blah blah. Daughter, name, name, Daniel, more meaningless names, daughter, blah-blah, treasured granddaughter, blahdy blah, Prime son, blah, Katherine, blah.”
He listened intently. Although most of the announcer’s words were meaningless to him, he heard the way she said things and understood the emphasis she made on family ties.
Hmm. Seems like family connections are important here. I didn’t hear my folk’s names.
Daniel and those with him bowed respectfully, but it bothered him. He wanted his parents’ names with him on this planet, even if they could not physically be there.
Before anyone could speak, he turned to the announcing Lio Nessa, speaking quietly.
“Ma’am.”
Her eyebrows rose in surprise.
“Yes?”
Daniel could fancy things up too.
“Please make note I am the treasured son of Lauren and Lukas Shaw of SpacePort Arata in Galaxy Avecorastrana.”
They looked at each other for a long moment, neither of them looking away for even a second. He did not sense aggression in her energy, but he had surprised her, making her assess him deeper and wonder about him.
Yeah, lady, you wonder. And while you wonder, respect my parents.
“Noted, Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel, First PrideChoice of Prime Cassian Bon’Fiel Pargen’Fiel, treasured son of Lauren and Lukas Shaw of SpacePort Arata in Galaxy Avecorastrana.”
This time she bowed to him, and he nodded, then turned back to the beautiful ruler of the entire world he lived on and wanted to be a part of.
Shit. Blank, stay blank.
He swallowed deeply and waited to see what would happen next.
Lio Crown High Nessa Oriela assessed him with cold gray eyes, as sharp as diamonds. He felt the shrewdness and depth of her perception and wondered if she had a gift like he had.
“How interesting you are, Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel, treasured son of Lauren and Lukas and, I dare say, even more deeply treasured by Bon’Fiel Pride after your uncommon, bold display.”
Stomps, roars and shouts came from his right and scattered throughout the room, but he kept his attention on the most important person in his world at the moment, the dangerous and beautiful Crown High Nessa. His escort stayed a silent bulwark of support.
She flicked her eyes to the announcer Lio Nessa, who responded by going close to Crown High Nessa Oriela.
I am so fucked.
Daniel silently bowed respectfully again to the announcer Lio Nessa, keeping his expression tight and controlled. Crown High Nessa Oriela flicked her hand and three other Lio Nessas came forward, escorted by three hulking, handsome Lio Nels.
Crown High Nessa Oriela gestured at the newcomers.
“This is some of my family.”
One of the Lio Nessas was a tiny thing who was very pregnant.
Daniel’s tight expression cracked as he looked at her cute bulge of a belly. She grinned widely back at him, showing adorable little fangs.
A warm smile bloomed on his face as he enjoyed the content buzz of her sweet energy.
“You look happy.”
“I am.”
The tiny Lio Nessa nuzzled Crown High Nessa Oriela, who petted her belly in affection. Daniel relaxed. This hard-as-nails leader who loved her family intensely would not harm him for loving his family too.
One of her Lio Nels enfolded the little Lio Nessa into his protective embrace as Crown High Nessa Oriela turned back to Daniel.
“Will you share air with me, Honored Nel Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel?”
Gasps sounded around the room at her question. He nodded, recognizing the tremendous honor this was from the reactions of those around him.
Crown High Nessa Oriela took his neck in a firm, decisive grip, placing her bejeweled forehead against his. Her fur was soft, the jewels on her forehead hard but warm from her body heat. He felt a hint of claw in her grip, but he stayed relaxed.
He gripped the back of her neck gently, but firmly. Energy flowed smoothly through them in an easy arc from where their palms connected to the other. Daniel experienced a sensation of coolness in its wake.
The Crown High Nessa had a woodsy scent and a sharp, unforgettable energy pattern that was honest, strong, and true. He could respect this being. He felt her affection toward him.
Crown High Nessa Oriela pulled back.
“Welcome to Lio HomeWorld, Honored Nel Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel, treasured son of Lauren and Lukas Shaw of SpacePort Arata in Galaxy Avecorastrana!”
She kissed him gently on the forehead where their foreheads had touched. Again, the room erupted in stomps and roars as she and her entourage sauntered away to speak with another group.
Rhythmic music resumed, and most turned back to their conversations.
High Nessa Katohna pivoted, regarding Daniel with surprise and respect, then glanced meaningfully at Prime Cassian.
“Very… interesting!”
“Yes, it was.”
Prime Cassian leaned close to his quiet bodyguards.
“Raaida and Rahimi, be invisible, but do not leave him. Claws will be out for him.”
The Lio Nessas nodded, gave Daniel a reassuring pet on each shoulder, then melted into the crowd.
High Nessa Katohna led them forward, ready to introduce Daniel to the Prides.
Daniel took a sniff of the ribbon, soothed by its scent.
He leaned toward Prime Cassian as they walked in measured strides toward the edge of the huge circular room.
“Am I in trouble? Did I do something wrong for the Pride?”
“No, Daniel. You were authentic and perfect, which is why your blessing will anger the status seekers among us. You are competition.”
“Status seekers?”
“Yes.”
“I call them assholes.”
“This is an insult?”
“Well, yeah. It is.”
“But ass is delicious.”
Daniel barked a laugh. He gaped at his Lio companions, all of whom, including High Nessa Katohna and Twylah, were nodding in agreement with Prime Cassian. Travar licked his lips.
“I wouldn’t know, Prime Cassian!”
“Ah. There’s no rush to such pleasures.”
Daniel felt himself blush to the roots of his hair in a raging bloom of color.
“I’ve embarrassed you with my honesty. I must do this frequently to get such a beautiful color!”
There were chuckles.
Travar spoke up.
“The Honored Nessas made me consume a bite of ‘muffin’ once. I think she called it a ‘banina muffin.’ It was disgusting! We can call status seekers ‘Muffins.’”
Daniel compressed his lips so he wouldn’t laugh out loud again. Disbelief and humor colored his words.
“You want to call assholes ‘Muffins?’”
Travar protested.
“No! Such would insult tasty ass! We can call status seekers ‘Muffins’ because they are too sweet and are insubstantial and fluffy. Mean people leave a foul taste in our mouth.”
Daniel chuckled.
This is great!
“Got it. Gold-diggers and jerks are ‘Muffins.’”
Prime Cassian pushed Daniel to the left with his tail, focusing him to follow High Nessa Katohna.
“Now we work the room and show you off!”
Sarcasm dripped from Daniel’s words.
“Oh, joy.”
“See how much you can learn from those you meet. I look forward to your insight.”
“You want to know what I think about people?”
“Very much so.”
Daniel turned to High Nessa Katohna, who glanced back at him nodding.
He grinned.
Okay! This is a game-changer.
It switched his perspective. Instead of being a bug under their microscope, they would be in his sights. Maybe this could be fun!
Chapter 11
Commander Ferrand
Commander Ferrand Bon’Fiel watched Bon’Fiel Pride’s newest Lio Nel with undisguised interest and complete focus. He was a beauty. Wavy dark brown hair, close-cropped on the sides and back, longer on the top, trim beard and mustache, lightly covered with human fur across his chest and down his torso.
Ferrand got glimpses of pale golden skin here and there as he was introduced to each Pride one by one, nodding respectfully, his body moving with solid masculine grace. Ferrand knew Twylah had designed those garments to torture him.
Bon’Fiel Pride would be last introduced and the most welcoming. He and his Coalition Brethren would welcome Daniel quite warmly. He peered over at his Brother of the Heart, Leándre, who was standing back and to the side of Aubrey.
Léandre, too, admired Daniel, but also watched Aubrey’s rapt expression with obvious delight as she worked her position in the room to keep eyes on Daniel. Leándre had already Declared for her, it would be his and Jovian’s turn tonight.
Ferrand sought Jovian. He was in his usual corner, tucked into the curve of their Pride’s assigned area for the Presentation, but instead of being buried in his tablet working on projects, his focus was on the new Bon’Fiel Honored Nel too.
Oh, yes, Daniel is the one.
Ferrand quietly commed his Second-in-Command. His private holo-comm indicated by a slight shimmer beside his right eye. He activated the holo-comm with a specific squint of his eye, chose her by an extended glance at her contact symbol on the tiny shimmering screen and waited for connection.
Sec. Comm. Savani was the Lio Nessa, taking care of things at Bon’Fiel PrideHome while he was with High Nessa Katohna and Prime Cassian in the Capital.
“Commander.”
“Savani, we will stay longer than expected.”
There was a long pause.
“I’m watching the feeds.”
Presentations were broadcast live throughout the Galaxy to the Lio as a whole without commentary. Beings made up their own minds on how to interpret what occurred at the events. He knew Daniel was already making a stir and things were just getting started.
“It’s the Bon’Fiel Honored Nel, isn’t it?”
“Most definitely.”
He watched Daniel, then turned to observe a fully entranced Aubrey.
Ferrand was feeling predatory, heavily influenced by his beast-nature, which he usually had no problem controlling. It was his definitive confirmation. Aubrey was finally being Called to Mate.
“Will you Dance and Declare?”
Ferrand growled low, prompting uncomfortable glances and subtle and not-so-subtle movement away from where he stood casually against the wall, arms crossed.
“I’d say, ‘Yes.’ You’re not fooling anybody. We all know you have a hard-on for Aubrey, and not because she’s Shaktah.”
Shaktah. Yes, she had the scent sparking males to rut and females into season, her scent-covered blankets and used clothing coveted among the Lio Nessas needing help to conceive. And Aubrey was utterly blind to it, simply accepting the always-new clothes and linens.
In so many ways, she trusted. In so many other ways, she did not. Her sweetness of character drew him deeper than her scent ever would. Aubrey was a woman who needed the depths of love he had to give, and in return, she brought life and color into his regimented existence.
He stated the obvious in stark truth.
“I love her.”
“Does she know?”
“She knows. She hasn’t been ready to hear it. Makes it too real and she’s afraid. Our Honored Nel changes things.”
There was another long pause.
“Is she ready now?”
Ferrand gazed at his sweet, strong and vulnerable beloved Honored Nessa.
“Ready or not…”
“Here you come?”
“It’s my hope, Savani. My sincerest hope.”
He wanted his dreamed-of family, longed for the deep connection of his mates and hoped his heart, and the hearts of his Coalition Brethren Leándre and Jovian, would be healed by their Honored Nessa and Honored Nel.
“We’re good here, Boss. Thanks for letting me know.”
“You’re going to get everyone in the PrideHome to the feeds, aren’t you?”
“Abah-sah knows, yes! We won’t miss a second. Make your move, Commander. We cheer you!”
He sighed deeply, then voiced his deepest fear, next to losing Leándre and Jovian.
“They could refuse. We could be Bereft.”
“Not a chance, sir. For Abah-sah’s sake, Leándre teaches other Nels how to MateDance! With your beefcake and Jovian’s intellect, you’re undeniable!”
“Beefcake? You’ve been learning terms from Vivian again, haven’t you?”
“Absolutely!”
He could hear her crunching on a snack.
“Snacks? Already?”
“Oh, yeah!”
Her mouth was full as she said, “We are ready for the show! Go get ’em, sir!”
He heard roars and stomping in the background in a show of support. His eyes heated and pricked with emotion at their display. He thanked Abah-sah every day for being adopted into such a loving Pride.
Commander Ferrand growled out, “When I’m ready, I’ll make my move.”
She laughed.
“Yes, sir! Enjoy!”
He grinned to himself as she disconnected, and the shimmer near his eye dissipated.
Ready or not…
He stood straighter and stalked over to Jovian.
Chapter 12
Jovian
Jovian Bon’Fiel, adopted from the disgraced and disbanded Bon’Ocal Pride, flicked his thick, wavy golden mane over to the side in a practiced move, a habit since childhood. The wild waves covered the chink in his ear.
He flashed briefly in memory to when Commander Varushka Bon’Tecol had sliced the top edge of his ear, High Nessa Klavdiya Bon’Tecol in front of him, watching in stone-faced judgement of his Pride. They healed the mark open as a reminder to him and others of what had happened. As if Jovian could forget.
He shook his head, a physical reaction to his disturbing thoughts. To observers it would be simply another strange thing he did. He gave up caring what those outside his friends and Pride thought ages ago.
His gaze locked on the newly introduced Honored Nel Daniel Shaw Bon’Fiel. Daniel had chosen well. Bon’Fiel Pride was a generous, loving, boisterous lot. Jovian was thankful they adopted him into their midst when he needed them most. They would do the same for Daniel.
Jovian flicked his gaze over to Aubrey, who couldn’t take her eyes off of Daniel either. He grinned. She had not once been interested in an Honored Nel. Léandre was right, she was being Called. And so were they. Anticipation swelled within him.
Jovian had returned to the Bon’Fiel Pride and his Coalition Brethren Commander Ferrand and Léandre from his last Prowl right before she arrived. Her damage matched his damage. Her rage echoed his, and they bonded as they healed. She fascinated him with her unexpected perspectives, her quick wit, and keen mind.
Jovian loved Aubrey deeply. He knew she loved him too, despite her fears. She had bonded to his Coalition the instant they met and had never looked at another.
Jovian allowed himself to think of her sexually for the briefest time and felt heat ripple up his spine. He slammed the door on those thoughts with iron control. He did not want to meet his Honored Nel Mate with an extruded shaft bulging through his shendyt.
Jovian didn’t want to scare the new Honored Nel or surprise Aubrey with a side of him she hadn’t seen before. There would be time enough to introduce her and their mates to all he had learned about sensual pleasure, but not yet. He concentrated and kept his swelling erection inside its sheath.
Jovian turned his gaze back to Daniel, who seemed like he was meeting an old friend, an Honored Nel recently announced to the Bon’Torzal Pride. Prime Rukhan was keeping the small, pretty Honored Nel close.
Prime Rukhan had a possessive air about him which was unusual. Jovian made a note to watch this social development in his tablet. He had spent much time with Prime Rukhan and had not sensed this thread of connection. It was interesting.
