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!

Forever Love: Antonello Brothers – Immortal

Immortals Rule the Empire

Rule the Tarthian Empire as an immortal

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Forever Love

Izzorah has always been a Kin, part of a human-like race of fierce, rugged felines. Now he's a brand-new immortal too. When he learns the truth about his fiancé's immortality—and his own—the familiar world he knew vanishes. He must undergo a hunt designed by the immortal king. Fail and he's cast out, away from the man he loves. As if that's not bad enough, Luc is also the king's ex, and the king refuses to part with anything—or anyone—he once possessed.

Luc served the king with his whole heart, until the man destroyed an entire world. Allow this monster near his precious Izzorah? Not in a million lifetimes. But if they run, Luc must abandon the mortals he loves and protects. The king has summoned immortals from around the galaxy to hunt Luc's beloved. The only way out is through, so Luc must teach Izzorah every dirty trick he knows. Izzorah must win.

Fair? Never. But accept the challenge they must—and pass it— because for their love, even immortality won't be long enough...

Excerpt

The young hero is a newly made immortal named Izzorah, who's a Kin, a feline-human race with catlike eyes and ears, fangs, claws, and the ability to purr. He and his soon-to-be spouse, Luc, are standing at the door, saying what I call a never-good-bye. You know the type; someone's leaving and you keep trying to let them go but then they say this and you say that... Luc and Izzorah do not want to part even for a minute.

---

Luc braced one hand against the open door, body to body with his lover. "You look like you need one more kiss."

"No, kahmay t'hahr, lord of my heart." A purr rumbled in Izzorah's chest, and he tilted his head. The late afternoon sun streamed through the door, lighting his glorious green eyes. His pupils altered, widening like a cat's, until only a rim of emerald remained. He focused on Luc's mouth, then shifted his gaze back up. "I need a lot of kisses."

Cupping a hand beneath Izzorah's chin, Luc leaned in. Lips almost touched lips. "Is that all you need?"

"Do we..." Color bloomed in Izzorah's cheeks. "Is there time?"

"I should have left an hour ago, but with you, I want one kiss after the other." And instead of walking through the door, he captured Izzorah's mouth once more.

His lover arched against him, arms around Luc's neck. When the kiss ended, Izzorah drew back, sliding gentle claws through Luc's hair, then down his chest.

Luc's skin tingled from the erotic touch, the raging heat of his inner beast eager for release. He refused to allow his fiery nature the control it craved. As much as he desired another hour with Izzorah, duty called.

After another quick kiss, Luc stood up straight. "I'd better go before you drag me back inside and make me do more than kiss you."

Izzorah sputtered a laugh. "Oh, make you, did you say? I don't know anyone who can make Luc Saint-Cyr do anything he doesn't want to. I think you want that without me doing a thing."

"That's too right for words." Luc caressed Izzorah's face. "I love you, Rah. And your cute little cat ears."

"You're trying to distract me, calling me a cat. I'm not a..."

Luc stroked one of Izzorah's ears between fingers and thumb.

"...um... I'm... Ooh, yes, like that..." He rubbed against Luc's hand.

Continuing to play with Izzorah's ear, Luc smiled. "Is it working?"

Izzorah arched his back, pushing that ear into Luc's touch. "What?"

With a chuckle, Luc released him. "Distracting you."

"No. I'm not a cat. I'm Kin." Izzorah rubbed his head beneath Luc's chin.

"Rah." Luc pulled back. "You just marked me, didn't you?"

Izzorah looked up at him through dark lashes. "I am yours, lord of my heart, but I want other Kin to know you are mine."

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!

Surrender Love: Antonello Brothers – Immortal

Immortals Rule the Empire

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Audiobook

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Surrender Love

An immortal alpha male. An illegal, near-blind rock musician. Twelve thousand years' worth of dirty hidden lies. And a galaxy full of secrets...
Luc is the most powerful man in an intergalactic empire of 22 planets—but he's alone, life after life.

Izzorah survives by hiding both his illegal status and his blindness for fear of banishment.

Luc's immortal blood can heal Izzorah's sight—but what will it take to heal Luc's heart?

Luc might risk violating the highest law among the immortals by sharing his blood, but that means revealing what he is, and risks baring every damning secret, every twisted fact, and twelve thousand years' worth of dirty hidden lies.

With no guarantee their love can survive that kind of truth...

Includes bonus short story FORBID MY HEART (link inside the book)

♥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 is just what you've been looking for. Bonus points if you prefer your love scenes with only a hint of steam.
♥Includes a free story and links to a full universe of other stories with these characters.

Tropes include: Age Difference, Bad Breakup, Coming Out/Closeted, Cultural Differences, Famous/Not Famous, Hurt/Comfort, Rescue, Interracial Relationship, Wide-Eyed Innocence

Excerpt

Luc and Izzorah sit side by side, with Izzorah leaning against Luc's chest while Luc confesses his failures with a previous lover. Izzorah is not only listening, he's also using his gift of kahlah to interpret the scents related to Luc's emotions, because he wants to understand.

---

"You didn't know what to do when he left, did you?" Izzorah played with one of Luc's buttons. "Should you forget him? Try to win him back?"

"I tried making him jealous by having an affair with a Kin male named Jawk." A tinge of lavender and bitter nutmeg sparked, showing Luc's regret. "What a pointless attempt that was. I doubt anything I did would have kept Wulf from leaving. He was already in love and we were finished." Luc faced Izzorah. "Pardon me for rambling. I shouldn't have burdened you with that."

"No, you needed to tell it. You're glad it's over, but it still hurt."

"It did. I tried telling myself it wasn't happening. That I didn't love him anyway, but--" Luc stopped. "I did. Wulf and I lived in the same house but led separate lives. It was pitiful, the way things ended. No final conflict. No big blowup. More like air leaking from a balloon. I let him go. Gave him my blessing. Then moped because I was alone. I was pathetic."

"No. You'd never be that. Breakups are a kind of death. The loss aches. Slowness doesn't make it less painful."

"True." Luc's focus made Izzorah's mouth go dry. But then the man smiled, and it warmed Izzorah's soul. Luc leaned his head against the wall. "You have incredible insight. And you're right about the pain. With you, I'm at peace. Last thing I need is to fall in love with another heartbreaker. I'm hoping you don't turn out to be that, because it's too late."

The truth was in Luc's scent, a faint smell of sweet grass, along with fresh linen, showing respect. The mixture meant what Luc felt surprised him.

"I don't understand." Izzorah understood all right, but Luc needed to admit it to himself. That was in his scent too. And Izzorah wanted to hear the words. "Too late for what?"

"Too late for me to turn back. I've already fallen for you."

Izzorah scooted closer to Luc. "I promise."

Luc shifted a bit, allowing Izzorah to fit against him. "Tell me what you mean by that." He looked down.

Holding Luc's dark gaze, Izzorah smiled. "That I'll be what you need."

"Will you, now?" Patience and amusement eddied through Luc's scent in an appealing mixture. With one hand, Luc stroked Izzorah's hair and then he coiled a strand around one finger. "Suppose you tell me what you think that is."

Izzorah curled up against Luc's chest and wrapped one arm over Luc's waist. "A shelter for your heart."

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!

Ring of the Dragon: Heart of the Immortal King

Ring of the Dragon

For millennia, they fight side by side. Now one king faces a lonely quest.

As Light and Shadow, King Pietas and General Cyken share every battle, as well as a fierce and passionate love. But, torn apart by the king's rage, Cyken ends their stormy relationship.
When General Cyken falls in love with another man, Pietas undertakes a perilous quest on the dangerous world of Felidae to prove he is the better choice for Cyken.
If he succeeds in his quest, it will either bring Cyken back, or drive him even closer to his new love.

Pietas must try, for he cannot walk into eternity alone.

He must have a shadow to balance his light...

Tropes include: Antihero, Bad Breakup, Badass Hero, Bisexual Romance, Cultural Differences, Famous/Royalty in Disguise, Forced Proximity, Interracial Relationship, Unrequited Love

Pietas is on his own fretting over whether Cyken will like what he sees, and depending on his android bodyguard/servant to fill him in. In the recording below, voice actor Zachary Johnson captured the angst and arrogance of Pietas beautifully. Note: Zach is reading a slightly different pre-edited version.

Excerpt

Pietas should have left his hair down instead of having it tied back. He reached up, but stopped short. He couldn't lift his arms far enough to remove the elastic tie without aggravating his old injury. Pushing beyond the normal ache left him in pain for days.

He could ask for assistance, but what kind of king was so indecisive he couldn't decide how to wear his hair?

As Cyken was so fond of saying, "Not happening, Pietas." Up it stayed.

Besides, to Cyken, outward appearances meant nothing.

Then why change clothes three times? This was ridiculous. Pietas lived in uniform. He ought to have worn that.

Made this meeting more formal. King and subject.

But no, Pietas had opted for casual. Relaxed and inviting.

"Stand there and don't move. Be patient for once in your life. Stop fussing. You look fine. You will not look in the mirror. You will stop worrying. Hold your head up, keep your shoulders back and ignore the pain. You can do this. You will do this."

The silence dragged on his nerves.

Oh, what was the use? Cyken would still find him lacking.

Where was the man? Why wasn't he here yet?

The entrance opened, but it was only Uurah.

"Where is he?"

The android bowed. "His ship is docking."

Pietas did a slow pivot. "Presentable?"

"On the viewscreen, he appeared to be wearing a suit, my lord. Quite presentable."

Tightening his jaws, Pietas showed him a toothless smile. "Thank you ever so much. Now, how do I look?"

For millennia, they fight side by side. Now one king faces a lonely quest.

As Light and Shadow, King Pietas and General Cyken share every battle, as well as a fierce and passionate love.

But, torn apart by the king's rage, Cyken ends their stormy relationship.

When General Cyken falls in love with another man, Pietas undertakes a perilous quest on the dangerous world of Felidae to prove he is the better choice for Cyken.

If he succeeds in his quest, it will either bring Cyken back, or drive him even closer to his new love.

Pietas must try, for he cannot walk into eternity alone.

He must have a shadow to balance his light...

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

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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...

Read everywhere

Support me by buying direct https://payhip.com/b/oMIY0

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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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

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Review this book at no cost - join the Review Team
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Where to buy

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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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Tag Archives: Kayelle Allen Characters

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