Honor Bound Read online

  “Frivolous gesture, my backside,” Miki murmured, her appetite suddenly gone.

  Sera peered around the kitchen door. Seeing only Miki, her friend dashed over and sat in the seat Vaan vacated. “You must tell me how it was.”

  Sera’s eyes gleamed. Assa and Vera hurried out, checked for any sign of the Kabanians and joined them. The women were gazing at her excitedly.

  “How what was?” Miki wondered if she’d missed something, coming down late this morning.

  “The sex,” Vesa pressed, ever the bold one. “Is his toqa large? Did he fill you with pleasure?”

  Miki moaned and buried her face in her hands. She should have known.

  “They are big and fearsome but I like it.” Assa added, “I think.” And then all three giggled.

  Of course they could giggle. They had not lain under him for the whole five minutes it took for the event to take place.

  “I think I expected it to take longer.”

  Assa placed both hands over her mouth and laughed. Her eyes danced with mirth. “Are they different from Raasa in the bed?”

  Different how? Did they pound on the females soft parts and leave them aching? Yes, but Miki would not shame her mate. She’d said enough. “Not much different. I must head out to the courtyard. The training will take place to test our males and groom them for our defense. It fits that I be present.”

  ***

  As soon as she walked out, Miki wanted to head back in but too many witnessed her approach. The Warlords fought with brutal intensity. She plastered a smile on her face and made her way to stand by the other women clustered together. She cringed from the sound of flesh smacking flesh but forced herself to watch. It lasted hours. She could see why they’d won all their skirmishes. They showed no mercy as they attacked and retreated. Even Miki could tell the Warlords were not fully engaged, yet her men still suffered.

  Vaan stood to the side, head tilted in thought with brows lowered. His gaze never strayed from the Warlords battling her guardsmen and the other Raasa males. Some started with swords while others chose hand to hand combat. It didn’t matter. Her people did not fare well and spent a lot of time on the ground. Tesai nursed a black eye and busted lip. He’d finally stopped stepping in the ring and joined others who stretched out on the ground moaning. Five Raasa stood on the side with Argan, speaking to them. They were deemed worthy enough to train as fighters.

  “Halt,” Vaan called out and every eye flew to him, Miki’s included.

  Long black hair streamed down his shoulders from the cord holding it back from his face. She admired the flex and pull of his back as he headed toward the ring. His leather pants cupped his round buttocks and she wished she’d been able to see him clearly the night before. His skills in the bed may be lacking but there was no denying her mate’s body rivaled all the men present, including the Warlords.

  “Kavan, you will guard Mikayla while I practice.” His men groaned aloud and some looked downright ill.

  Miki was stunned that he’d noticed her arrival. Not once had he glanced in her direction. The Warlord Kavan looked like he wanted to protest but he bit back the complaint and stormed over to stand beside her. Mikayla flinched away but he never glanced down at her.

  “Balal, you will stand down.”

  “Yes, Overlord.” The Warlord who’d winked at her during the circle, moved back from the fighting about to commence and stood on Miki’s other side.

  She realized the women had disappeared when the warriors approached.

  Vaan unsheathed the large sword she’d only glimpsed. A mighty weapon capable of severe damage by the man wielding it. “Tolan, you will stand first.”

  “Yes, Overlord.” Warlord Tolan entered the make-shift ring bravely and unsheathed his sword.

  Vaan eyed him and then nodded. “You will protect Mikayla when I can not. You will provide for her if I am not able.”

  “Yes, Overlord.”

  Vaan struck swiftly, his sword swinging out in a slashing pattern. Tolan managed to block in time but took several steps back to defend his position. Vaan didn’t allow him time to adjust. He moved into Tolan’s space, their blades striking again and again.

  Within minutes of the fight, sweat soon dotted Tolan’s face. Vaan pushed his advantage until the Warlord stumbled. “Yield,” he cried out in defense as Vaan’s blade descended toward his vulnerable neck.

  Vaan stepped back without another glance at the defeated warrior. “Ramar, you are next.”

  The Warlord didn’t hesitate to join Vaan in the ring. “I would make amends, Overlord. First blood.”

  Miki didn’t know what the Warlord’s words meant but Vaan did not like them. Annoyance flashed across his features before his lips flattened into a straight line and he nodded.

  “You will protect Mikayla when I can not. You will provide for her if I am not able.”

  “Yes, Overlord.” As soon as the last word left Ramar’s lips, Vaan attacked.

  This time the fight lasted longer. Ramar seemed determine to provoke Vaan to a frenzy. Her mate maintained his composure and the two exchanged strike for strike. Vaan countered every move Ramar made with a dismissive twist of his sword. Ramar rushed forward but Vaan danced back and thrust out, their swords meeting with a loud clang. It looked as if Vaan merely toyed with him.

  Frustration boiled in Vaan’s opponent and Ramar lashed out. “Please, sire. I would make amends.” Ramar’s sword moved left, then right, forcing Vaan to engage further.

  Vaan raised his guard and went so far as to smirk at his man as he calmly blocked each of Ramar’s strikes. Ramar cursed, his fighting became frantic and then Vaan moved low, his hip twisted to the side, avoiding the edge of Ramar’s blade as he brought up his own, gripping the hilt with both hands and slid his weapon back smoothly.

  Ramar cried out and when Vaan straightened, his sword down by his side, a thin stream of red ran across the Warlord’s belly.

  To Miki’s shock, Ramar laughed and bowed low. “My thanks, Overlord.”

  The other matches went along the same vein with the Warlords demanding first blood and Vaan accepting. Each man walked away with a wound of some sort and a ready smile. By the end, sweat covered Vaan’s torso, yet he didn’t appear winded from the ruthless sessions. In fact, he seemed oddly energized, his black eyes intent on match after match.

  Balal, who’d she completely forgotten during her absorption with the spectacle taking place leaned down and murmured, “you will want to find somewhere to hide after this, little Raasa. He will soon fall into Fenal and when there is no one left to battle, he will turn to bed play.”

  Miki had no idea what this meant but the Warlord’s warning sounded dire. The thought of bed play alone when she still ached below from Vaan’s attention made her nervous. It didn’t help that Kavan must have heard and chuckled.

  Her eyes darted around at those gathered. Twelve men on one side, each paying no heed to the injuries they’d received. The courtyard flowed over with Raasa who managed to stray over and witness the concentrated brutality acted out in front of them. Full attention stayed on the last Warlord left to compete with Vaan. All that remained was Argan. Based on their interactions, this War Lord meant the most to Vaan. “I would make amends, Overlord. First Blood.”

  “No.”

  Miki’s stomach spasmed and she was glad she hadn’t finished her morning meal. Vaan eagerly fought all of the others. She couldn’t decipher the meaning behind his current refusal.

  She tugged on Balal’s arm to get his attention. The fool grinned. “Yes, my lady?”

  “Miki,” she corrected and pointed at Vaan and Argan glaring at one another. Neither moved from their fighting stance.

  Balal looked appalled. “No, my lady. I can not address you so familiar.”

  Miki blew out a breath. “Fine, but explain what’s going on. I don’t understand first blood.”

  Balal offered her a slight bow. “First Blood is a sign the warrior is open to the Overlord striking to draw blo
od if he sees an opening. Overlord Vaan is our best fighter and no man is his equal on the battle field but this is merely practice. Our Overlord does not like us injured in these sessions.”

  None of it made sense to her. “Then why First Blood?”

  “To make amends, woman,” snapped Kavan, his rough tone interrupting their conversation. “The Overlord is displeased with us for our actions during the Circle of Honor yesterday.”

  What? Impossible. Miki frowned. Her mate was doing this over some imagined slight to her? Only Kavan’s blade nicked her. Why were the others making amends? Her chest tightened as she pondered the meaning behind it. The sensation continued until she rubbed the pained area.

  Balal shot an ugly look at Kavan. He pulled Miki closer to his side and answered her unspoken thoughts. “A woman need not eat all the bread in a circle. Only a bite is needed to acknowledge the trust she bears for the warrior offering. All knew this yet chose to force you to eat after it was clear that you sickened by the fourth one.”

  Embarrassment flared. She’d not meant to be so obvious.

  “Make amends?”

  “They are ashamed, my lady. Their actions were a reflection of the Overlord. He is all that is honorable and has never demanded of us more than he is willing to give of himself. When you asked to add a touch of Kaban to your True Union, Overlord Vaan showed his respect and honor for you by demanding the circle. A woman’s gift of trust is precious. By harming you, the trust was abused and made it possible for you to doubt that he can keep you safe. The Overlord’s bride should always feel safe. Especially, if she is surrounded by his most trusted Warlords. Now he proves to you that he will keep you safe even from his Warlords.”

  Blessed One. Miki blinked rapidly to dispel the tears forming in her eyes. She’d sensed the importance of the ceremonial ritual but in no way comprehended its weight. But Vaan had and now demanded that his Warlords see the error of their ways.

  “We will not do this Argan.” Vaan’s voice brought Miki’s attention back to the two men.

  “Why won’t Vaan allow Warlord Argan to apologize for his actions?”

  Balal shifted his stance and worried the hilt of his sword. “They are too evenly matched. If the Overlord were to allow First Blood, he would need to fight harder for an opening to draw on Warlord Argan. It could result in a severe injury.”

  Argan twirled his sword in a taunting motion at Vaan. He wore a smug smile. “If you do not allow me First Blood, I will be forced to follow your little Raasa everywhere she goes for the opportunity to make amends. Do not punish me so.”

  Vaan glared. “I should but I will not.” His eyes searched the crowd until he caught sight of Miki for the first time since he’d started fighting. His black eyes glittered and she knew why men pissed themselves when faced with him in battle. He lifted his chin in her direction and she flushed, ducking her head low.

  “Armor up,” Vaan ordered. “I will accept First Blood.” He pressed two fingers to his throat. His lips moved but no words came forth.

  Miki stared in amazement as a bluish green armor spread from her mate’s throat and down his torso. He braced his legs apart, sword held loosely before him.

  Argan’s mouth broke into a wide pleased smile as he raised his sword. “My thanks, Overlord.” A similar blue green armor poured over his skin starting at his throat and not stopping until his torso shone bright with the covering.

  “You will not thank me this even tide.”

  Miki listened to the Warlords excited murmurs. Her people appeared as confused as she was. But she recognized this. “The coccar armor.”

  Balal grinned ear to ear. “Yes.”

  “It survived the deep sleep? Many wondered.”

  “This will take a while,” Balal predicted, avoiding her question.

  Kavan growled low in his throat but Miki paid him no mind. It was clear by their every interaction that the Warlord did not like her. She didn’t understand why Vaan didn’t force him to fight first. Instead, he chose to send him by her side knowing of the dislike. Thus far, not many of Vaan’s actions made sense to her.

  Her untrained eye noted the ease with which the men battled one another. Their skill obviously on the same level. As the two men circled, she kept her eyes on Vaan. Argan attacked and Vaan responded. Steel met steel and the men dug their booted heels in the dirt, finally separating with a mighty thrust from Vaan.

  Argan grinned and launched another assault, his sword swinging with power. Vaan blocked it with a simple thrust, turned into a spin and slammed the flat of his blade against Argan’s thigh. “Too easy, Argan.”

  The Overlord smirked and Argan retreated. “Impressive move, Overlord.”

  Vaan didn’t respond, his eyes steady on his adversary. Argan recovered and renewed his assault. His every strike spoke of precision. Vaan extended his arms, holding the sword with both hands and slashed left then right in rapid motion. Argan backed away, his feet peddling as he met the onslaught of Vaan’s controlled fury.

  Balal’s prediction proved true. It took over an hour but Vaan finally managed a cut on Argan’s forearm. The armor was a wise precaution. She’d never seen two people fight as aggressively as they did. Several times, she’d inhaled sharply for fear they’d truly hurt one another. All under the guise of practice.

  They broke apart immediately when Argan’s arm bled. Both men reeked of sweat. Their hair soaked and tangled about their shoulders. Vaan’s length remained pulled back in a tail but strands stuck to the sides of his face. His armored chest heaved from his exertion.

  Vaan accepted the congratulations of his Warlords in the form of hearty slaps. Several Raasa also tapped his shoulders in acknowledgment before running out of reach in case he chose to retaliate.

  “Mikayla.”

  She jumped, not expecting him to call for her. Balal grabbed Miki’s arm and dragged her away. His rapid pace had her skipping as he headed straight for the hall. “What are you doing?”

  “No time, my lady. You must allow him time to come down.”

  He burst through her front door and passed a startled Assa whose arms were full as she began to lay out the evening meal.

  “Come down? Who?”

  “The Overlord. He has started Fenal.”

  Miki had enough. She dug her heels in until Balal tripped. “Stop. I have no understanding of what you speak.”

  “Mikayla!” Vaan’s roar kept him from answering. Balal looked unnerved.

  He muttered a curse under his breath.

  “What is it, Warlord Balal?”

  “I am sorry, my lady.” He bowed low to Miki and stepped away as Vaan entered that hall.

  The door banged against the wall. Black eyes centered right on Miki. Blessed One. What had angered him so?

  Chapter 8

  The deep breathing technique did nothing to stop the stirrings of Fenal. His fight with Argan drove him over the edge and heated his loins. Vaan wanted his mate and he would have her. Thoughts of anointing their joining filled his mind. He followed them into the hall and headed straight toward his mate with heavy steps.

  Blood pounded in Vaan’s chest and his heart thudded loudly. All steered from his path. Her servants squealed at his approach and scattered. He ignored them. He ignored the fragrant aroma of the food displayed on the table. The rich scent of the meats could not compete with the fires burning through him. Nothing mattered but reaching Mikayla.

  She watched him with widened eyes but he sensed no fear. Good. He did not want her frightened of him. Vaan swept her up in his arms and continued to the stairs. “Vaan!”

  No one tried to stop him. His own warriors took seats around the large dining table to consume the abundance of food and drink present. They paid him no mind.

  Mikayla beat on his shoulder but he ignored her, taking the steps two at a time. He had to have her and nothing would stop him from burying himself deep in her toque. He kicked the door closed behind him and lowered her to her feet. She sprang away and headed for that inf
ernal window.

  Vaan slammed the lock home on the door. He unclipped the buckle on his weapon harness. “Undress.” The green tunic and tan leggings flattered her figure but he wanted it off. Now.

  “We should talk, Vaan.”

  He liked the sound of his name on her lips. “Bed play now, talk later.” He removed his thigh sheath, lowered his leathers and toed off his boots. His coccar induced armor faded, leaving him completely bare. She stared wide eyed at his naked form.

  Vaan puffed up. Women admired his physique and it was good his mate enjoyed his body. He crossed the room and pulled her from the dangerous window. Only then did he breathe easy. He pulled her green tunic up and she batted his hands. “Stop. We can’t have sex now.”

  Battle rage pushed his arousal higher. His toqa hardened further and curved along his belly. “You will only need lie still for a moment. I will be quick.”

  She gasped but Vaan removed her tunic and tossed her on the bed. “You can’t be serious.”

  She said that a lot. Vaan was ever serious. He worked her leggings down her kicking limbs. “I have need of you, Mikayla.”

  He threw the leggings on the floor and took a moment to admire her form. His mate was beautifully made. He stroked his hands over her firm breasts. The golden globes were smooth all over with no darker colored protrusions of flesh. “Do you not nurse your young?”

  His question surprised her enough to cease her struggles. “Nipples will form when I grow round but they are not for suckling. Raasa babies are born with milk fangs. They feed on grinded fruit in a bottle. It provides all the nourishment they need until their formal teeth come in and they can chew vegetables.”

  Vaan grunted and moved his hand down her torso to rest on her belly. “My youngling will grow strong here.”

  She arched away but the move only brought her entire body in contact with his. When she settled back on the bed, his gaze strayed lower. The lips of her toque were clearly displayed. Lack of hair gave him an unobstructed view. He touched the smooth skin and scented her woman’s musk. Vaan could wait no longer. He fingered her slit to confirm her entrance and aligned his hips to hers.