Page 86 of Theirs to Crave
Zafett appeared beside me, offering his hand.
The Teterayuh and Svestrix must have finished their negotiations while we talked. Now, everything was packed away, and I craned my neck, watching with awe as the huge bodies of the Svestrix slipped into the trees like they were weightless.
“Go home, Estrayuh?” Zafett asked, when I didn’t move.
“Yes,” I said, putting my hand in his. Home. Doluna. He helped me to my feet, where I was immediately surrounded by the warm bodies of Litha and Revik.
Home.
Chapter 25
Estrella
The soft padding of feet woke me, and I blinked my eyes open in time to see Litha’s flowing tail slip out the doorway. The light that seeped around the door hanging was weak, so I yawned and snuggled back into the cushion. Not morning yet. She probably just had to pee.
Sleep eluded me. I kept thinking about the day before.
Not about the surprising existence of giant snake people, that would have been entirely too rational. Instead, a constant slideshow of little moments flitted through my thoughts, keeping me awake.
The satisfaction in Litha’s posture as she’d led me through the jungle. The way her ass had flexed, brushing against the backs of my fingers with each step.
Zafett’s growl when Shane had gotten flirty, and my own seed of jealousy watching Litha and Kashka embrace.
Revik keeping me from an embarrassing cultural faux pas—while also turning it to his own advantage, the cad. Himscooping me up halfway home when I began to flag, cradling me in his arms like I was a treasure.
The way they’d cared for me, attending to my wants and needs without a hint of resentment. Like it was a pleasure, rather than a burden.
As they always did.
It occurred to me that it was very quiet in the bedroom. My three tended to purr in their sleep, which was both unbelievably adorable and about as soothing as a white noise machine. But there was no thrum now, and no breathing either. Did theyallhave to pee? Or was it later than I’d thought?
I got up, stretching and wrapping my knife around my hip as had become habit. Revik didn’t like it when I went out unarmed.
My fingers had just brushed the door hanging when I heard the first moan.
I clapped a hand over my mouth, spun, and pressed against the wall, straining my ears.
Another moan, deeper this time.
¡Carajo! Dios mío, they weren’t.
They were.
My breath was hot against my fingers. I squeezed my thighs together, clenching my pelvic muscles hard as I listened to the wet sounds of friction outside. My core quivered, the wave radiating up my spine, making me arch.
Someone snarled. I froze. There was the rushing, scraping sound of running, then a gasp—Litha, I thought, my nipples hardening—followed by a pair of growls.
I remembered Zafett’s reaction to me that first day, when I thought he might eat me. Remembered the flash of Revik’s claws as he pinned him after. Felt my body rise at the memory of Litha’s strength as she hauled me up.
My fingers trembled as I pulled out my knife. The blade was so sharp. I sucked in a breath as I dragged the point up my thigh, knowing I’d be covered in red welts when this was over, and not caring.
The growls were farther away now. I held my breath, not wanting to miss a single sound. My head started to spin and I closed my eyes, imagining it was me running through the jungle, the three of them hunting me.
A choked noise, a thud, and a long, unsteady moan.
They’d catch me. Surround me until I could see nothing but them, feel nothing but their need. Pick me up and crush me between them, their hands gripping, claws piercing.
I ran the knife over the sensitive skin of my belly, drawing in a sharp breath at the sting. I twisted the knife, pressing hard enough to feel the tip bite against my skin.