An Immortal’s Guide to Tarth

Genre: Sci Fi, Space Opera

When an immortal relocates to the Tarthian Empire, where should they go first?

What places should they avoid?

More importantly, who should they avoid?

A tongue-in-cheek look at what relocating to the Tarthian Empire would be like for the immortals in books by Kayelle Allen. A bit of fiction, written in a non-fiction way, the book offers guidance from Joss Avaton, one of the immortals.

She provides dire warnings about who not to cross, and what to do about pesky Mundanes (namely, those annoying humans), and who among the Chosen is not to be trusted.

The role playing game of Peril is spelled out, with downloads for character sheets and rules.

Includes a who's who among the immortals, and stats of the players, with never before revealed secrets about Luc Saint-Cyr, Pietas, and others.

♥A must have for fans of the Tarthian Empire series. This handy guide will inform, entertain, and provide peeks behind the curtain.

A LitRPG / GameLIT handbook featuring the game played by immortals, Peril.

Greetings, Fellow Immortals

Welcome to the Tarthian Empire. This book is a guide to the people, places, and possibilities you'll find here. A list of immortals and their roles in Peril is also included. All Sempervians are welcome here. This will be your home away from home. To those immortals who have joined us in our glorious exile -- please know you are our honored guests. We are pleased to share the bounty of the Empire with you.

I'm Joss Avaton, your guide. A little about me. I'm telepathic (which most of us experience and understand), and a scripter, which means by touching you I can discern your abilities and gifts. Contrary to popular belief, scripters cannot tell your past or your future. We can only tell about your present: what gifts you possess now.

So that neither of us has any illusions, I will tell you up front that I am serving Penance. For those of you new to the game of Peril, that means I lost a game and must pay for it. In my case, it was a technicality, and the gamers in my session had nothing to do with my loss. I lost by my own mistakes, and take full responsibility. The gamer opposite me (Nanchonta) I would trust with my life, and have, many times. However, I would carefully watch the lead player in my support team (Akaghe) and never turn my back on him. Not for one moment. He is not based in the Tarthian Empire, for which I'm thankful. But enough about the past. I'm here to help you in your future with us.

While we are more than glad to welcome a fellow immortal into the Empire, you should be aware that the relationship between Mundanes (mortals) and ourselves is not an open one. To that end, let's dive straight into the ironclad rules.

The Mission

Our mission is to protect mortals not only from other immortals, but also from themselves.

Rule Number One: This Book is for Immortals Only

By order of Pietas ap Lorectic, Lord of the Immortals, Marauder, Soul Ripper, Slayer of Innocents, Hound of Hell, you are ordered to set aside this book if you not immortal. Put down this book, walk away, and no one will get hurt. Should you decide to disobey this directive, that assurance is void.

With that warning in mind, you may proceed at your own risk.

Rule Number Two: Immortals Don't Exist

Of course, immortals do exist. The fact that you are reading this book proves that. We are referring to what the non-immortal Mundane population thinks. They (other than the Chosen) are never to know of our existence. The rule regarding how much to reveal is simple: nothing.

We do not discuss immortality.

We avoid any mention of immortality.

If asked directly if we are immortal, we lie.

There are no exceptions to this rule.

The answer to "Why can't we tell them?" is also simple: BPSS (Because Pietas said so). If you don't know who Pietas is, we refer you to Rule Number One.

You will no doubt find yourself exasperated by the sheer number of Mundanes present in the Tarthian Empire, especially humans. Which brings us to Rule Number Three.

Rule Number Three: Live and Let Live

By order of Pietas, humans and other people groups may not be killed for sport. That does not mean you can't annoy, manipulate, and use them for your own purposes. However, the rule about killing is strictly enforced. You can be banned from the Empire for killing even one Mundane. Justifiable homicide must be proven in Mundane courts as well as before the throne of Pietas.

We must coexist here and the worlds in the Tarthian Empire are filled with these creatures. They farm, raise fish, cattle, sheep, and other animals used for food, create cities, technology, transport, and other items which we find useful and helpful. Since we take full advantage of these things, it behooves us to let them exist. Therefore, the golden rule is "Live and let live."

We cannot stress strongly enough the need to remember the golden rule when it comes to humans. They tend to bring out the worst in us, so guard yourself against rash behavior in their presence. Pietas does not permit a "temporary insanity" defense. I know this chafes. You must learn to deal with it.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

Jawk, Tales of the Chosen

Jawk

An MM Sci-Fi Romance with secrets, risk, possession, heady whiskey, male strip shows, and a shower in zero-gee.

Warning: Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.
Possible Triggers: cheating

Easy mission. All Jawk has to do is seduce Luc, the most powerful man in the empire, and then betray him.

Jawk spies on the enigmatic man, known empire-wide as the Harbinger. Undercover as a waiter in Luc's favorite haunt, Jawk gets a break when Luc seeks to hire him for a one-night ménage with his current lover, Wulf.

Jawk agrees, and things go well until Wulf and Luc fight, and Jawk is dismissed. He must get back in the man's good graces.

When Luc seeks to make Wulf jealous by taking Jawk on a long trip, the means to gather intel is too good to pass up.

But meanwhile, a forbidden dalliance between Wulf and Alitus tests the bonds of trust between immortals and their Chosen humans.

The elicit affair threatens to rupture the eons-old alliance forever, and subject every last immortal to risk...

Tropes include: Age Difference, Cheating, Billionaire, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity, MM Romance, Genetic Engineering

In this scene, Luc and his lover, Wulf, are about to begin a session with Jawk, a Kin male. Kin have pointed catlike ears, slashed pupils, and small fangs. They can smell emotion. The three are alone in a room reserved for sensual play.

Excerpt

"Wulf." Luc folded his arms. "Would you like to kiss Jawk?"

"Yes, Master." He moved a little closer.

The Kin curled his fingers and released his claws, but sheathed them again and glanced at Luc. A light dusting of velvety skinfur gave him a golden glow. In this lighting, he looked like a feline angel about to throw his might over to the devil's side. He reached for Wulf.

"No, Jawk. Do not touch him yet."

A growl rumbled in his chest like an angry purr, but Jawk made fists and lowered his hands.

"Stand still. Allow Wulf to kiss you."

The Kin shut his eyes and swallowed, his breathing raspy.

"Kiss him, Wulf. No tongue yet. Do not touch him anywhere other than his lips."

"Yes, Master." Hands behind him, Wulf leaned up and tilted his head to press his mouth into Jawk's. The Kin's ears went down and out--a sign of surrender.

Luc touched the tip of his fingers to his own lips, imagining Wulf's butterfly-soft kiss. Jawk's groan of desire reflected his own. The Kin flexed his hands the same way Luc did.

"Open your mouth, Jawk. Kiss him, Wulf."

Wulf tilted his head as he leaned up to press his mouth to Jawk's. The Kin groaned, the sound ripe with longing. His quick breaths sounded loud in the open room.

Luc chewed his lip, aching for the feel of Wulf's tongue in his own mouth. Stroking deep, tasting of honey and raw lust. Wulf's mouth locked in passion with his, submitting to his kiss, returning it with feverish desire...

"Stop!"

Wulf jerked back. Both he and Jawk glanced at Luc and then stepped away from each other, heads down.

Luc covered his mouth, had to turn his back until he could gain control. He forced himself to swallow twice, slowing down his reactions, slamming one fist into the other hand in an effort to stay focused. Controlled. Sane.

He shut off the nagging thoughts in his mind and turned back. Taking a seat, he motioned Wulf to the other.

Luc leaned back, letting the Kin stare from one of them to the other. The uncertainty on Jawk's face made a good gauge of his concern over what they'd make him do.

Wulf remained silent, head bowed, hands folded in his lap, a smile playing about his mouth. Luc laced his fingers together.

Time to let Jawk earn his keep.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

Alitus, Tales of the Chosen

Immortals Rule the Empire

Rule the Tarthian Empire as an immortal

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Books in this series include Wulf, Alitus, Jawk, and the Complete Tales of the Chosen.

Alitus

Erotic MM SciFi Romance with forbidden love, voyeurs, an arranged pairing, and a lover whose simple touch addicts.

Warning: Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.

Possible Triggers: cheating

As a Better, an enhanced human, Alitus is forbidden the comfort of touch—his pheromones are addictive. But how long can he deny his heart?

Ordered by the Empress to find out if the lover of a friend is having an affair, Alitus investigates. As Minister of Imperial Intelligence, Alitus has access to every camera and remote in the empire. Which is a problem, because Wulf's affair is with Alitus.

Isolated and under scrutiny, he keeps his affair with Wulf secret. They say cheaters never win and winners never cheat. But when you're addictive and no one may touch you, sometimes you have to break the rules.

Complicating matters, the empress reveals her immortality, and requires Alitus to prove his loyalty. Her test throws him straight into Wulf's arms, right in front of the empress and Wulf's lover. Hiding what he and Wulf are to each other has taken discipline and denial.

Now, it will take a miracle...

Tropes include: Age Gap, MM Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Genetic Engineering, Secret Society, Happy For Now, Cheating

In this scene, after a harrowing day, Wulf meets up with his secret lover.

Excerpt

Wulf let himself into the apartment he'd leased to L Givens and double-locked the door. He didn't need to turn on the lights. Although she'd brought in her own furniture, the layout remained the same, and he could find his way around blindfolded. He pulled off his shoes and set them aside to protect the new white carpet. He'd had it installed last week, which was the least he could do, considering he'd been the one who'd ruined it. Who knew body paint could do so much damage?

Emptying his pockets onto an antique table in the foyer, he shrugged out of his jacket, hung it on a chair, and headed for her bedroom. When he opened the door, the heady scent of peaches wafted to him. Candles lit the sumptuous bedroom, illuminating the warm, inviting colors. It was a woman's room, soft, appealing, yet strong.

At the foot of her bed stood a serving cart draped with linen. A silver bucket of ice held an open bottle of his favorite black vodka, and to one side, a single martini glass with a white chocolate truffle inside. Picking up the bottle and glass, Wulf followed a trail of petals from L's ornate iron bed to the open bathroom door.

There, in a tub of bubbles, lounged his blond and beautiful lover.

The sight of Alitus Vivaldi made Wulf's breath catch. Damp and curling, tendrils of Alitus's pale hair clung to his jaw and throat. His face looked innocent, but the ocean-blue gaze was far from it.

Wulf bit hard into his lower lip and fought the carnality threatening to overwhelm him. He almost broke the fragile glass stem. "Hi."

"Hi." With a faint blush, Alitus rested his head against the tub. The bathwater's steam rose around him.

Leaning against the doorjamb, Wulf released a long breath, and stilled himself. "It was so hard tonight, seeing you at the palace and having to pretend you weren't the most important person in the room."

Alitus gave him a lazy smile, and trailed a wet fingertip along the edge of the tub. "Same here."

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

Wulf, Tales of the Chosen

Wulf

Lust. Power. Forgiveness. Rich dark chocolate, enough champagne to fill a claw-foot tub, tantric sex, and the consummate skill of a master of pleasure.

Warning: Contains tantric sex. Not for readers of "clean and sweet" romance.
Possible triggers: Blind character, memories of death of parent

Luc is the one man Wulf swore he'd never trust again. Trusting Luc got Wulf's father killed.

So how can the man expect trust? But to survive, it's all or nothing, and the enigmatic Harbinger's legendary power makes him the most feared person in the empire. This man is Wulf's best hope.

If only Luc wasn't so damn dominant and so damn hot...

For the Harbinger, saving Wulf is a simple matter of asserting his will. Luc's ties to the Thieves' Guild grant him access anywhere. He can protect Wulf without difficulty.

Until Luc brings Wulf home for safekeeping, and discovers the real reason for the threats. Protecting Wulf has not only put his and Wulf's lives at risk, it's also risked the life of Luc's teenaged son.

This is beyond protection, now. To the Harbinger, this is personal...

Tropes include: Age Gap, Ancient Conspiracy, Billionaire, Death of Parent, Enemies to Lovers, Genetic Engineering, Hurt/Comfort

In this scene, Luc has brought Wulf to the penthouse Luc calls home. The previous night, though there was a definite sexual attraction between them, Luc refused to act on it, unsure how Wulf felt. This is the next morning, in Luc's exercise room.

Excerpt

Luc pushed himself to complete one more set of crunches. He'd done four sets of forty already, and needed one more set in a different position. When finished, he stretched out on the mat and let himself rest.

The slow fans overhead cooled his damp skin--he'd forced himself to sweat. The erotic dream he'd had about Wulf still lingered in his mind despite the torture he'd put his body through this morning.

Curled up in bed, Wulf's head on his shoulder, they watched a game on Imperinet. Neither cared who won; it was the male camaraderie that mattered. Lovers who were friends first. While the crowd cheered, their kisses grew deeper, longer, until Wulf pulled him down on top of him and submitted to—

The pounding drums in the background music changed, and Luc rolled over and got up, heading for the weights.

"Stop thinking about Wulf." He loaded up sixty pounds of free weights and gripped a set in each hand. Today was his day for focusing on his shoulders, back, and forearms. He faced the mirrored wall, adjusted his grip, and lifted.

Wulf chose that moment to enter the workout area, dressed in nothing but hot pink shorts and white gym shoes.

The weights sailed out of Luc's hands and clunked the floor with a thud.

Dancing out of the way as they rolled toward him, Wulf flashed him a smile of perfect white shiny teeth and warm rosy lips. His eyes sparkled with merriment. He put one foot on the closest weight and stopped it.

"Sorry, Luc. Guess I startled you."

"Startled me?" Luc chased down the other weight. "I almost threw these things through the wall."

Luc bent over to pick up the weight near Wulf's foot, and had the treat of rising to see the entire length of Wulf's muscled leg. For a man with dark hair, Wulf's leg hair was more like golden fuzz. What would all that soft hair feel like beneath his hands? Against his mouth? In contrast, Wulf's ripped abs and tanned chest were smooth. Did he shave? Did he shave anything else? Luc finally reached the top of Wulf's body and his gorgeous, clean-shaven face.

The man was grinning; obviously aware Luc had taken his time feasting on his half-bared body.

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

The Antonello Brothers – Immortal Series

When a life-threatening accident nearly kills Izzorah, the thought of losing him is too much to bear. Luc breaks the highest law among immortals and saves him by a transfusion of blood.

But instead of a simple cure, Luc's blood triggers a latent power, and an ability no one expected. Could his precious Izzorah be Luc's forever love?

One thing is certain. Once Luc sets his mind to a thing, what Luc wants, Luc gets. But to claim Izzorah's full surrender, Luc must first offer his own...

♥If you'd like a cuddly cinnamon roll hero who purrs, and an alpha male who has met his emotional match, these MM Sci-Fi Romance books are just what you've been looking for. Extra points if you prefer your love scenes with only a hint of steam.

Surrender Love

An LGBTQ MM Romance featuring an alpha male surviving a bad breakup, and a cinnamon roll hero who longs to shelter him.

Every lifetime, Luc breaks the rule: Never fall in love with a mortal. But with this man, it could be forever...

Being dumped broke Luc's heart, but public humiliation crushed it. Online betting programs placed odds on how long it would take the wealthiest man in the Empire to find a new romance. He was betting on never.

When Luc signs to represent Izzorah's band, the desire that flares between himself and the catlike alien is instant and irresistible. But to yield means becoming vulnerable, and sharing secrets far too painful to reveal.

Izzorah's ability to smell every emotion means Luc can hide none of his feelings. The sole thing Izzorah desires is to have a male warrior to love, a forbidden coupling on his homeworld. So he makes a sincere wish that if Luc is his warrior, the man will rescue him.

When an accident occurs, and Luc donates blood to save him, what else can it be but Izzorah's wish coming true? It's clear that Luc is too hurt to surrender his trust, even though he longs to be loved.

So Izzorah decides that no matter what obstacles he faces by coming out, he will put aside his fear and focus on Luc's need. Because as sure as the sun rises each day, Izzorah was made to be the shelter of Luc's heart...

Read everywhere

Support me by buying direct https://payhip.com/b/ehfmU

Bonus - Forbid My Heart

Free short story - available only inside Surrender Love

When one lover tells the truth, the other must decide whether to bare his heart and be open, or to forbid it...

Izzorah's lover pledged to take him back to his homeworld, but the fact that they're gay could cause their death by the Kin Pride Council. His heart tells him to trust Luc, but his fear is real. He snuggles up to Luc, seeking comfort.

Because Luc is immortal, he has the perspective to understand his lover's concerns but not worry. Izzorah's unreserved trust and respect make Luc long to wipe out any shadow of trouble or sorrow.

He would turn the Kin homeworld upside down to protect the man he loves, but without revealing what he is, how can he convince Izzorah that he can?

(Link Inside Surrender Love)

Ring of the Dragon

Ring of the Dragon is book 1 of the Heart of the Immortal King series, but timewise, happens directly after (and because of) Surrender Love, and just before Forever Love. For the best reading enjoyment, I recommend reading them in that order.

An Immortal Science Fiction Romance Saga

For millennia, Pietas and Cyken fight side by side, the immortal king and his general. Light and Shadow share every battle, as well as a fierce and passionate love.

But, torn apart by Pietas's rage, Cyken ends their relationship. Though the king seeks forgiveness and reunion, Cyken refuses.

When Cyken falls in love with another and wants to seal the relationship in an eternal bond, Pietas takes on a quest, traveling to a dangerous world where he has no power or significance, seeking an item Cyken desires.

If he succeeds, it might bring Cyken back. Or drive him even closer to his new love.

Pietas must try, for one thing he knows: He cannot face eternity without a shadow to balance his light...

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Forever Love
For their love, forever isn't long enough.

Izzorah is a Kin, a human-like race of fierce, rugged felines. When he learns the truth about his fiancé's immortality--and his own--the familiar world he knew vanishes.

He must pass a test designed by the immortal king to reveal gifts and weaknesses. Pass and he's accepted into a warrior society he wants no part of. Fail and he's cast out, away from the man he loves.

As if that's not bad enough, his lover is also the king's ex, and the king refuses to part with anything--or anyone--he loves.

Fair test? Not in this immortal lifetime...

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Support me by buying direct https://payhip.com/b/k5YIj

Complete Set Antonello Brothers: Immortal

Alone for centuries, Luc seeks mortal lovers to hold the loneliness at bay, but unlike himself, when they die, they don't come back. When his latest mortal lover falls in love with another, Luc steps aside. Will he never find his own forever love?

Izzorah, a young Kin male, comes into Luc's life, and the outlook brightens. This catlike alien reads Luc's emotions as if they were written on his face. Instead of fleeing from Luc's pain, Izzorah presses closer, offering solace.

When a life-threatening accident nearly kills Izzorah, the thought of losing him is too much to bear. Luc breaks the highest law among immortals and saves him by a transfusion of blood.

But instead of a simple cure, Luc's blood triggers a latent power, and an ability no one expected. Immortality. Could his precious Izzorah be Luc's forever love?

One thing is certain. Once Luc sets his mind to a thing, what Luc wants, Luc gets. But to claim Izzorah's full surrender, Luc must first offer his own...

♥If you'd like a cuddly cinnamon roll hero who purrs, and an alpha male who has met his emotional match, this MM Sci-Fi Romance book bundle is just what you've been looking for. Extra points if you prefer your love scenes with only a hint of steam.

♥Includes a bonus book and links to a full universe of stories with these characters.

Read everywhere

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join me on Ream Stories!

For Her Only

Immortals Rule the Empire

Rule the Tarthian Empire as an immortal

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l7v7o9

Review this book at no cost - join the Review Team
https://kayelleallen.com/review-team

Read this and all the other books on Ream Stories

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Support me by buying direct https://payhip.com/b/ufO6Q

Where to buy

Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/ab-for-her-only

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◆Formerly published as For Women Only

Books in this series include At the Mercy of Her Pleasure, For Her Only, Her Crystal Clear Truth, the Complete Antonello Brothers Box Set, and a bonus story "Her Hidden Truth."

For Her Only

Kin ambassador Fawni Ruh visits the capitol planet of the empire and meets security expert, Khyff, a human. A death in her family forces Fawni to return home, but she can't bear to part with Khyff and takes him along. Her family demands she cast out the human, or abdicate her future rule.

When Fawni searches for an alternative, she stumbles upon Khyff's secret. The cover-up, if exposed, will betray her world to its enemies, and bare her family to open shame. Her duty is clear. She must shun this human. Yet how can she leave Khyff to suffer in the darkness that binds his heart?

To save his brother, Khyff must seduce and then betray an alien ambassador whose people devastated his family.

Hatred for the aliens burns within him, but unless Khyff learns to embrace the past, faces the demons he swore he'd forget, and finds a way to forgive, his brother will die.

But how can he hope for a happy ever after, when his hidden truth is her people's hidden lie...

Tropes include: Forced Proximity, Feminist Sci-Fi, Rescue, Redemption, Found Family, Wounded Hero, Alien Heroine

After a brief misunderstanding, Mehfawni tries to get Khyff to relax, and suggests a bath.

Excerpt

Khyff slid down in the oversize tub and leaned back into Mehfawni's arms the way she'd requested. He eased himself into her embrace, his head against her shoulder.

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Isn't that better?"

"Mmm." It was nice having her hands slide across his wet skin. So far, she'd never touched him with her claws extended. So far.

"Close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Easy, Khyff." She stroked her hands down his arms. "Relax. Lie back. You don't have to be afraid. I promise, nothing will happen to you that you don't like."

A bit late for that. Mehfawni skimmed her fingers across his brow and pulled back his hair. That felt good. He settled more into place.

"You like that?"

"Mmm."

She toyed with his hair, drawing it back from his face. He rubbed his nose.

"You have such cute little ears." She traced the outside edge of one. "I grew up learning to read people's ears, but humans are a total mystery to me. Your ears don't move at all."

"The better to hear you with, my dear."

Fawni stopped stroking him. "Ah fay?"

He turned his head toward her voice. "It's a line from an old fairy tale."

"What are fairy tales?"

"Children's stories. Make-believe stories that teach a lesson."

"Kin have these. We call them drahee. The word drah means story. When you add ee to a word, it means little." He felt the vibration of her voice. "Tell me one of your stories. The one about ears."

Khyff stretched into the hot water, resting his arms along Mehfawni's legs. Her furskin made her smoother than a human female. His slid his palms across her shins and down around her calves.

"This young girl goes to visit her grandmother, who's sick."

Mehfawni's breath warmed his ear. "What's wrong with her?"

"Who?"

"The grandmother."

"I don't know, Fawni. It's part of the story."

"Oh." She nuzzled his ear. "Go on."

"Anyway, the girl has a large basket with books in it and--"

"Books? You mean printed ones like Kin use? Not the pretend kind you humans read on your debit bracelets."

"Uh...I guess so."

"Why is she carrying around heavy books? Aren't the books on debit bracelets easier to read? I think I'd prefer those myself."

Khyff leaned away from her so she could see his face. "You're supposed to listen to the story, Fawni. It doesn't matter what format the books are in. It's just something for her to carry for the sake of the story. It could have been food or some other thing."

"Oh." Her ears went out. "Sorry."

"She's taking the books to her grandmother, I guess so she'll have stories to read while she's in bed recovering. On the way, she meets an android who offers to carry the heavy basket, but the girl says she doesn't need help. This makes the android angry, so he--"

"I thought androids had controls to prevent anger."

He trailed his fingers along her thighs. "They do, but this android must've been broken or something. Anyway, he takes a shortcut to the grandmother's house, lifts the sick old woman out of her bed, and puts her in a closet."

"In a closet? Why doesn't she get back out?"

"She was sick, remember?"

"Yes, but she could have opened the door and crawled. How sick was she?"

Khyff took a deep breath. "May I continue?"

"Go on. Sorry."

"The android changes form and makes himself look like the grandmother."

"This is a very odd story, Khyffy. When does the ear part happen?"

"I'm getting to that. The girl sees right away that her grandmother looks different and asks why her eyes are so bright. The android realizes he forgot to change his eyes and says, 'The better to see you with, my dear.' And then the girl says, 'Grandmother, your ears are too big.' And the android thinks maybe he's not good at changing form and says, 'The better to hear you with, my dear.'"

"Most peculiar. What does she do next? Does she ever find out it's the android?"

"Patience, Fawni." He rested his hands on her shins. "By this time the girl is suspicious and says, 'Grandmother, why are your fingers so long?' and the android says, 'The better to grab you with, my dear,' and then he grabs her!"

Khyff seized her ankles, and Mehfawni jumped and squealed, then burst out laughing. They both chuckled.

She tugged a lock of his hair. "And what happened to the girl?"

"The android's owner burst in through the door at that moment. He aimed a remote at the android and powered him down. Then he got the grandmother out of--"

She made tsking sounds. "I do not like this story, Khyffy."

"What?" He leaned his head back against her. "Why not?"

"It would never be told on Felidae."

He sat up and twisted around to face her in the tub. "Why not?"

"A male rescuing a female?" Her laughter sounded like a cat hissing. "Not believable."

"What's so unbelievable about that? Humans have told that story for hundreds of years. Maybe even thousands."

"Humans, yes." She covered her mouth and laughed some more.

"How would the Kin tell this story?"

"It would be a boy taking the sick grandfather food to eat, not books to read. And instead of a mean android, we would have a kweeoh eat the grandfather and then dress in his clothes and await the boy."

He twisted his mouth. "Oh, like that would ever happen. Kweeohs are twice my size. The boy would have to be blind not to see it wasn't his grandfather. And that would be way too violent for kids. We have the android scare the girl."

"Kin females would not be scared of an android."

"You jumped, didn't you?"

Characters mentioned on this page might be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

~ Copyright ©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

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Category: Kayelle Allen

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