Love's Beguiling Healer Read online

  The mother was a tortoiseshell Felys, the father a tabby.

  Tera decided the best thing to do was gain the parent's confidence, so she admired the kits, but spoke to the parents, explaining what she wanted and why.

  The parents were quite happy, especially when she took an interest in them all.

  From the visit, she got samples of blood, hair, nails, skull measurements, facial measurements, and a bite on the thumb from the tabby kit.

  From the next family, she got the same, except for the bite. Instead, she got a scratch on her inner forearm from a feisty little ginger, gold and white kit. After that, she gave up all attempts of getting the samples, and instead got Rilla and Marx to take the samples from the kits, while she recorded the details from the parents. The only things the Felys kits liked her doing, was the skull and facial measurements—as long as she was careful not to get too close to the sharp little teeth, which started to give her little love bites while they purred in bliss.

  Denyon brought them some lunch, and she didn't see Illam again that day, which was probably a good thing. But she did get to meet Illam's two sisters and their families. Unlike Illam, his sisters were shy, but friendly.

  They worked late into the afternoon before finally stopping the visits. Tera chronicled the samples, showing Rilla and Marx how to do it, so they could help. After getting samples of everyone, she wanted to concentrate on the runts, which she was keeping until last.

  By the end of the day, Tera now knew that the Felys kits started to lose their fur when they turned six years of age, and by the age of eight, the only fur they had was the hair on their heads.

  Denyon invited them to share dinner with his family, and they finally got to meet Tabitha, Lysie's aunt, a happy cream, white and blue Felys, who was plump and motherly, and adored her grown kits, including the adopted siblings of Lysie. There was still five of her family living at home. They were a happy group, confident and friendly.

  Tabitha was full of questions about Lysie and her health, concerned about the unborn kits, and fussed around Tera and Wylin. It went a long way to making them both feel at home.

  Tera went to sleep that night with a smile on her face, hot golden eyes and a throaty voice in her memory.

  And heat low in her belly.

  Well, you couldn't win them all.

  * * * *

  Illam moodily walked through the dark forest. His hormones weren't calming down, and heat still sizzled in his blood. Tera's scent clung to him, drowning him in spicy sweetness. Tantalizing him. His skin felt hot. He twitched irritably, finding himself jumpy. He'd abandoned his shirt, for it had felt confining.

  He should have cooled down by now, but it hadn't happened. Ever since he'd faced Tera on the verandah of the healers’ hut and breathed his promise into her ear, he hadn't been able to tamp down the flame of desire.

  He also found himself almost stalking through the forest. Stalking what? There was nothing to stalk.

  Yes there is. And she's in that house right down there.

  Grabbing the lowest limb of a tree, he pulled himself up easily. With lithe movements, he moved up higher, until he was perched on a thick limb and gazing down the slope to the house below him.

  The house Tera was sleeping in. He even knew which room was hers. The light was off, and he could imagine her lying in that big bed, all alone. Her hair would be spread out over the pillow, her nightgown possibly twisted up around her waist.

  Leaving her partially naked.

  Her skin would be silkily soft. Illam closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Silky soft, bare for his touch, warm and inviting. He could just about taste her on his tongue as he rasped across her soft belly, finding the dip of her belly button, licking lower...

  A deep growl issued from his throat. It rumbled up, low and hungry. His nails dug into the branch and he scored the bark. His hair slid over half of his face as he dipped his head down and stared at the darkened glass of the bedroom door. In the dimness of the night, his eyes glowed hotly.

  Heat pulled at him. The urge to mate, the instinct to claim a mate ... the compulsion to mark his mate.

  To mark Tera.

  There was no shock, no hiding from his own feelings, thoughts, and needs. His own instincts led him unerringly to drop from the tree branch, land lightly on his feet, and run through the forest directly to that beckoning glass door ... and the female who slept within.

  His female.

  His makit.

  No other scent filled his senses but that of Tera. It invaded, filled, and soaked. It drugged him as surely as if someone had put something in his drink.

  Heart beating double-time, his blood thundered through his body. Nostrils flaring, he looked at the glass door. It wouldn't be locked. No one in the clan locked their doors or windows, knowing they were safe.

  It would open for him.

  Some little part of him was tapping away at his subconscious. What are you doing? She's not a Felys!

  No she wasn't. And he didn't care. He was suddenly tired of fighting himself, impatient with denying his needs. He burned for Tera. His body was taut, his staff hard and throbbing. Blood sizzled through his veins. A surge of need seared through him. The primitive urge to mark and dominate beat inside him hedonistically.

  Growling low, he placed his hand on the door.

  He had to have a taste of her. Now.

  In one lithe move he pushed the door open and slid into the room, dropping silently into a crouch on the lush carpet of her bedroom. A quick glance showed that her wooden bedroom door was shut, enclosing them from the corridor of the house and into this room. Together. Alone.

  The light was off, but he had no trouble seeing her. Lying beneath the thin cover, her slim figure was a tempting shape. Her breasts rose in deep, even motions as she breathed.

  Stealthily he moved closer, his footsteps silent, his movements deliberate. Stopping beside the bed, he watched her.

  Soft lips parted slightly, she sighed in her sleep. Thick tresses trailed over the pillow just as he'd imagined, and he reached down and picked up a lock, bending down to bring it to his nose. Inhaling deeply, he sucked in her scent.

  It stirred his passion, making the flame of desire flare brighter.

  Laying her hair back down, he trailed his fingertips across her cheek, finding her skin as smooth as satin. He lightly traced her lips, so soft and plump and rosy.

  She stirred slightly, and he stilled, watching to see if she awoke. When she remained asleep, he nuzzled her gently, drawing in her scent, delighting in her warm skin against his lips and the tip of his nose.

  Turning her head away, Tera unwittingly left her throat vulnerable to him. Lightly, he slid his tongue along the smooth length. Her pulse beat against his tongue, and he resisted the urge to suck at it.

  The night breeze slipping through the window called to him. Called to the feral that was prowling restlessly through his subconscious. Calling him outside. Luring him.

  Just as he'd lure Tera to come out to him.

  He blew gently on the damp path he'd left with his tongue, then fastened his mouth to her throat and purred deeply.

  She started to stir again, stretching and murmuring in her sleep.

  He had her now.

  Illam gave her a hard, fast kiss, then with a graceful speed, he slipped through the dark room and out the glass door, leaving it ajar. Dropping lightly to the verandah floor in a crouch, he lifted his head and listened.

  Yes, he could hear her now. The bed covers rustled, and then he heard her yawn. Muffled footsteps sounded, and then her scent hit him hard. Hard enough to send the heat in the pit of his belly flaring brightly, flickers off fire running beneath his skin straight to his shaft.

  Moving back into the darkness, he purred low in his throat.

  "Hello?” Tera called softly, pushing the door open. “Is anyone there?” She stepped out onto the verandah, her hand at her throat and a puzzled expression on her face. She licked her lips. “I must be dreaming,”
she muttered. “Suns, what a dream, though."

  Walking outside, she rested her hands on the verandah railing and leaned forward, lifting her head to breathe deeply. Her movements were slow, sleepy, and unconsciously sensuous. Softly rounded breast thrust against the satin fabric of her nightgown as she arched back and stretched.

  Lifting one hand, she thrust the heavy fall of her hair back over her shoulder, before dropping it to rest on the rail again. Turning her head, she looked towards Illam's house.

  "I bet you're asleep, snug in your bed, while I'm over here having outrageous dreams about you licking me."

  Moving up behind her noiselessly, he laid his hands on her shoulders and whispered throatily, “No, I'm right here."

  With a gasp of shock, she swung around to stare at him. Standing so close, he could see the paleness of her irises and the reflection of the dim light from the partial moon in her enlarged pupils.

  "Illam?” Her cheeks flushed. “How long have you been standing there?"

  "Long enough to hear you talk about a dream.” His voice was low, a mere breath of huskiness as he moved closer, crowding her back against the railing. “Licking, wasn't it?"

  Placing one hand on the railing to maintain her balance, she laid the other flat on his bare chest as he leaned closer still. “What are you doing?"

  Her palm against the heat of his skin was cool, but it didn't dim the fire that blazed beneath the surface. “What do you think?” His voice was a low, rough purr. Laying one hand against her hip, he gazed down at her.

  She swallowed, her eyes large as she stared up at him. The heat generated between their bodies threatened to engulf him, and it took all Illam had to simply stand there and allow her to absorb his nearness.

  But one thing he knew was how to play careful. How to bait, cajole, and watch for sharp claws. He watched her now, every sense on the alert for a sharp rebuff, or an encouraging movement. The kind he'd get from another Felys.

  "I think you're out of your mind,” Tera replied, her voice steady, but her trembling hand betraying her disturbance. “You're taking a risk with Wylin sleeping inside."

  "I never let a risk stop me from taking what I want.” He dipped his head lower, his gaze dropping to her lips.

  "Oh, come on.” She gave a nervous, breathy laugh. “You don't even like me."

  "I want you."

  "Want and like are two different things entirely.” Her voice this time was a little tart, and her hand on his chest was resisting him.

  He fixed that by the simple motion of taking her wrist and lifting it to his lips. Locking his gaze with hers, he slowly opened his mouth and rasped his tongue across her sensitive inner skin.

  She shivered and gave her wrist a tug. “You're mad."

  "I'm feral.” He moved suddenly, pressing himself full length against her, catching her off guard. “I'm hot with wanting you.” His voice ended in a growl of need.

  Her body was warm and soft, her curves fitting against him perfectly.

  "And you think I'm just going to let you have your way?” She had to grab his waist to stop herself tipping backwards over the rail, frowning when he grinned, his teeth a flash of white in the darkness.

  Placing his hands on either side of her on the rail, he leaned forward, forcing her to hang onto his waist or overbalance.

  "You're being a pain, Illam,” she hissed.

  "I like the feel of you hanging onto me.” He lowered his head again, allowing his breath to brush across her cheek. He inhaled her scent. “You smell so good. Spice and sweet all at once. You inflame my senses."

  "Illam—” She stopped on a gasp as he slid his lips to lightly touch against hers.

  He stayed still, his lips resting lightly upon hers, their breaths mingling. Silence continued as they simply breathed together. It was intimate, a sharing of an essential element of life that seemed to bind them together in that one touch.

  Crystal blue eyes held a hint of desire, and he felt the pebbling of her nipples against his chest. Laying his palm against her hip, he slowly inched his hand up her body in a caress that lingered and molded all at once, feeling his way up her body.

  Tera's eyelashes swept down and her breath caught as his hand slipped beneath her breast and rested against her chest below the swell. His knuckles were snugged beneath the swell of her breast, and every breath she took nudged the top of his hand.

  He felt every touch shiver through him in a delicious, hot sweep.

  Slowly he turned his hand until he was cupping the underside of her breast reverently, holding the soft globe, more than aware of her vulnerability, and the tenderness of her flesh.

  Still they were both silent, the sounds of the night fading as they were encompassed in the shared, intimate moment.

  Instead of gripping his waist, her palms were flat against his skin, and in gradual moves so tiny that he was guaranteed not to break the intimacy, he straightened slowly so that instead of using him to hold her upright, she was standing straight on her own, but still pressed against him. Her hands were now free to slip around his waist, her palms smoothing against his skin.

  He purred low, his breath trembling through his body and caressing her lips.

  "Illam,” she whispered.

  And as soon as her lips parted, he angled his head so that his lips fitted perfectly to hers. She sighed into his mouth, and he reciprocated, purring deeply, slipping his tongue in deep to taste her. Taking his time, tracing the silkiness of her mouth, the hot depths, and the slick essence.

  He felt as if he could drink from her forever. Her flavor filled his mouth, and when he swallowed, it was as though that very honeyed sweetness seeped into him. Now he wanted more. Now he was ready to lead her a little further on.

  His hunting instincts were on full alert, taking in the pliancy of her body, her soft moans of encouragement.

  Still kissing her deeply and languidly, he moved back from the railing, and she followed, drawn by his hand on the small of her back, and his other hand at her breast. He stopped after a couple of steps, using his lips to settle her, his touch to soothe her. And when he had her mindlessly kissing him again, he moved to the step leading off the verandah.

  Still kissing her, he grasped her waist and lifted her off the verandah, placing her feet in the grass. When she gave small start of surprise, he lifted his lips only enough so that the minutest space was between their lips. He raised his eyes, locking their gazes together, and saw the desire blazing in her eyes.

  The feral roared back to life inside him, the tender touches and kisses searing away beneath the heavy-eyed desire in her eyes.

  His mate wanted him as much as he did her.

  Without saying a word, he slid his arm around her waist, his hand resting on the curve of her bottom, and pulled her into the shadows of nearby trees, away from prying eyes, and out of earshot of her bodyguard.

  If she screamed, Wylin would hear her. Tera probably would scream, but Illam was going to ensure that no one would hear her.

  Once in the shadows of the tree, Illam swung Tera around abruptly, and pressed his chest to her back. In quick moves, he slid his arms beneath hers and cupped her breasts, thumbing her nipples, while at the same time pressing his mouth to her throat, giving her sharp little nips that he immediately laved with his tongue.

  She shivered in his arms, her small hands slipping behind to grip the backs of his thighs. Leaning back against him, she angled her head to give him better access to her throat. Husky moans were already escaping her, and it was fuel to the fire filling him.

  Thrusting his thigh between her own, he shifted her legs, spreading them wide. Flattening one palm against her stomach, he kneaded her with his fingers while trailing his other hand down her side. Then slowly he drew her nightgown up her legs until he had it bunched at her waist and trapped beneath his palm.

  The whole time he continued to nip and lick the side of her throat, and press hot, open-mouthed kisses on her skin. When she turned her head to seek his lips,
he caught her mouth in a kiss that was ravaging.

  The flesh of her thighs was satin smooth beneath his questing hand, and he trailed his fingertips up the sensitive inner skin of her thigh. Unerringly he found the moist centre of her body, the heat a tangible sensation to his hand.

  The scent of her arousal was strong in the air, and when he inhaled it, the headiness of it shot straight to his staff, which throbbed urgently, pressing against the confines of his pants.

  But he wasn't ready yet.

  His palm pressed flush against her, his finger sinking through the protective curls until his skin was against the skin of her womanhood. Tipping her head back against his shoulder, Tera's eyes drifted closed, her breath coming in moist gusts of longing and passion.

  The moistness of her flesh matched the moistness seeping from the tip of Illam's manhood. The heat of her flesh was the heat of his. Every tremor that shook her went through him.

  The feral wanted her now. The Felys waited. Ingrained instincts fought, and as always, one took over.

  Illam rubbed his palm against her, his middle finger slipping between the protective folds of her labia to slide against the seam of her body.

  She arched back against him with a gasp, her lips parting as soft moans of desire spilled forth.

  He looked down at her face, the way she bit her lips to try and contain the cries that threatened to spill from her. Her body arched, hips pushing her womanhood against his hand.

  Deliberately, he ground the heel of his hand against her clitoris, making her cry out. He smothered the cry with his own mouth, swallowing it.

  Her tongue slashed through his mouth as she desperately sought release. She devoured him with her mouth, as he teased her with his hand and fingers.

  When his seeking middle finger found the entrance to her body, he played with the hot, moist opening, running his finger around the opening, slipping the tip of his finger in and out and drawing her moistness across her clitoris.

  "Do me, Illam,” she whimpered harshly into his mouth. “Now!"

  He growled low in his throat, the blood pumping hard in his staff. He thrust against her buttocks and felt her press back against him. Only the material of his pants protected her from his invading body. Instead, his finger invaded her, sliding deep. Jocat! She was so tight!