Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vonna Harper
The warlike Malar have won. The Zebede are vanquished. The Zebede pri
nce has
no choice but to hand his youngest daughter Saarah over to the Warrior-God Dagen
.
Dagen, weary from years of fighting, takes possession of Saarahs lush young body.
He will not abuse his captive, no Warrior-God would do such a thing.
But he knows
how to reach through her defenses and will teach her to revere and honor him. Sa
arah,
however, is no passive prisoner. Passionate and strong-willed, she has needs tha
t wont
be denied.
As lust turns to passion and passion turns to intimacy, Dagen and Saarah begin t
he
tentative steps of a journey neither expected to travel, sharing parts
of themselves
theyd never expected to reveal.
War Prize
ISBN 9781419924248
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
War Prize Copyright 2009 Vonna Harper
Edited by Sue-Ellen Gower
Photography and cover art by Les Byerley
Electronic book publication October 2009
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and used
WAR PRIZE
Vonna Harper
War Prize
Chapter One
The Malar have proven themselves as foes worthy of the greatest respect. Perhaps
we should have known how difficult defeating them would prove to be when they fi
rst
arrived. If wed had the wisdom of hindsight, I truly believe we would not have ra
ised
our weapons against them. However, the past cannot be changed. We can
only look
into tomorrow.
Grateful for the oversized wooden chair that had been provided him fo
r the
surrender ceremony, Malar Warrior-God Dagen studied the Zebede prince w
ho stood
before the assembled fighters from both nations. The prince, second-incommand,
appeared to be in his early sixties, making Dagen wonder whether he
had the fire
necessary to rule once the ancient king died. One thing about being
a Warrior-God,
Dagen would never be required to assume responsibility for an entire people.
Hardly, he reassured himself behind tight lips. Instead, his value lay
in his
willingness to put his life on the line, a willingness that was about to be rewa
rded.
The Zebede bow before superior strength, the prince went on. We surrender to
it. And as proof of that surrender, we turn our most valuable citizens over to t
he Malar.
For the seasons they intend to remain on what was once our land alo
ne, ownership of
those possessions belongs to the Malars.
The princes voice had rung strong throughout the ceremony that had beg
un with
the laying down of all Zebede weapons, but now the older man faltered, and even
from
this distance, Dagen saw his eyes darken.
The Malar have three Warrior-Gods. I now invite each of them to step forward and
accept their reward.
Although hed known this moment would come, Dagen wished he could stay
where he was. Instead, he positioned his battered body on weary legs
e sure, the
expression slipped away to be replaced by anger. Yes, shed fight if she could.
And in the fighting, shed learn.
Learn to worship him.
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War Prize
Chapter Two
A sensation shed never experienced before stole over the base of Saara
hs throat
and flooded her bloodstream, but she forced herself to concentrate on the man st
anding
over her. Although shed often seen the Malar warriors from a distance,
that hadnt
prepared her for being this close to one of the enemy. No matter ho
w fervently shed
promised her father that shed accept her new role in life, could she?
The arrogant beast who called himself a Warrior-God was staring at he
r breasts.
Studying them as if he had every right to them.
He does, she reminded herself. The thought weakened her, and for a m
oment she
thought she was going to collapse. But she was royaltys youngest daugh
ter. She
wouldnt shame her family, she wouldnt! Straightening her spine, she glar
ed at her
new master with his thick, unruly red hair and harsh jaw until he l
ifted his gaze from
her breasts to her eyes. Remaining silent took most of her self-contr
ol. Why had he
come to the surrender ceremony wearing only a leather garment that covered him f
rom
belly to thighs? His chest was too broad and sun-darkened, his arms the most mus
cular
shed ever seen.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noted that her masters two compani
ons were
placing collars around her friends necks. The faint locking sounds made
her shudder.
Between that and her useless arms, panic was only a breath away. Much as she wan
ted
to stare at her father and force him to acknowledge her, she didnt.
Whatever his
regrets, hed have to deal with them on his own. She had enough to handle herself.
As the moments ticked past, she began to wonder if her master was d
eliberately
holding her in this strange suspension of locked gazes and silence. S
he couldnt read
anything in his deep-set gray eyes. Maybe he felt nothing. Was that
what it took for a
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Vonna Harper
Malar to succeed as a warrior? He had to be devoid of all emotion? If so, hed nev
er care
about her.
After too long he placed his big, warm, rough hands around her upper
arms and
drew her to her feet. Much as she hated admitting how dependent she was on him f
or
out the word bitch, she longed to slap him. The Zebede see sex as a natural funct
ion,
she told him, careful to keep emotion from her tone. Much as a boy
or girl learns to
swim, they learn everything thats necessary about fucking.
Then youve had many partners? Maybe more than you can count.
As if shed tell him that! What does it matter?
It does! He jerked on the rope again. Im not interested in well-used goods.
Despite her alarm, she slid closer to him to make breathing easier. And even as
she
gripped her forearms, she imagined attacking him with all her strength. Damn the
man
for being what he was, powerful.
I spread my legs only when I have strong and positive feelings for t
he man who
wants me to do so, she said. When I care what he thinks and feels.
And how thick and long his cock is?
The question nearly made her laugh. Men were such fools when it came
to their
tools. They thought all a woman needed to see was length and breadth before begg
ing
to have that length and breadth buried in her.
Hardly, she said. Then she held up three fingers. Here is thickness. As for
how
deep a cock can travel in me, it doesnt matter.
Genuine surprise gave his features a humanity she hadnt seen before. N
o longer
was she simply staring at a fighting force. Hed become a man, an ind
ividual. But as
intriguing as the change was, she knew not to let it distract her. He took that
moment to
haul her even closer via the hated rope. With no choice but to ackn
owledge his far
superior strength, she felt herself going back in time to when hed la
shed her elbows
together.
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War Prize
She was his.
Much as she hated the very idea.
If you dont want a cock buried deep inside, it is because Zebede men dont know
what theyre doing, he told her. Either that or your body is flawed.
On the brink of retorting that her body served her well in all the ways that cou
nted,
she remained silent. Somehow shed gone from massaging her arms to tightly grippin
g
the nearly transparent gown shed been forced to wear. Challenging him
to satisfy her
in ways that approached the pleasure she experienced from stimulating
herself might
put him on the defensive, but did she want that?
No. The last thing she wanted was a relationship with him, especially one revolv
ing
around sex. Unfortunately, thats what defined their relationship.
No response? he asked. That said, he released the leash and closed his
fingers
around her upper arms. Despite her attempt to resist, he hauled her
so close that his
features blurred. His breath on her hair and forehead made her shiver
. One thing I
insist on knowing, Saarah. When I take what by law and treaty is mine, will you
fight?
In other words, will you see sex as rape? From the moment her father had informe
d
her of her role in the peacemaking, shed been trying to answer that
very question.
Shed come to the only conclusion she could. She just hadnt believed her master wou
ld
care.
No, she whispered.
Why not?
I know whats expected of me. And your expectations.
Then you
Do what you want. I wont try to stop you.
But its not what you want.
19
Vonna Harper
That doesnt matter. She spoke as much for herself as him. Im a Zebede. I need
my people to be proud of me. Whatever it takes for peace to exist between our pe
ople, I
will do everything I can to ensure it.
He muttered something that might not have been words. Still holding h
er against
the body that was even more solid than shed thought, he slowly ran h
is hands down
her arms. Reaching her wrists, he again placed her hands behind her,
holding them
there with a single hand.
That left his other hand free to gather up the nothing fabric. Bit
by bit, he brought
the hem higher. When it reached the join between legs and buttocks,
she struggled to
keep her eyes open. If she closed them, she might lose the determination to rema
in the
independent woman shed been this morning.
But she couldnt stop him, and that was the hell of itthe hell and anticipation. He
r
body was already awakening, and her mind was on the same journey, leaping ahead
in
countless ways. That, coupled with her awakened nerves, left her unabl
e to harden
herself against his assault.
His fingers grazed the underside of a buttock. He lifted it then let
it settle back in
place. Something you need to think about, he muttered. Ive been without a woman
for a long time. My needs
Then do what you need to, she retorted around a hot knot in her thro
at. Get it
over with.
It? Is that how you think of sex?
You dont care, I know you dont. You, like all men, dont think beyond y
our
cock.
Again muttering something she couldnt understand, he leaned over her. Although
she hated herself for giving way before him, she couldnt stop herself
from arching
away from his greater size. They remained so close, she couldnt begin
to dismiss his
presence. Between his heat and the powerful fingers around her wrists, she was a
lready
20
War Prize
forgetting what it meant to be a separate human being. To her shock, her nipples
were
hardening.
But just because securing the waterway here has separated Malar men fr
om their
women, he said, doesnt mean I dont know how to get ones attention. Ive h
eard
women scream in delight.
Other women, not me.
Is that why you were chosen to become my slave? Because you will lie
there like
the dead while I fuck you? Youll feel nothing?
Ask the men whove come before you, she retorted and then silently curse
d
herself for not swallowing the words.
Youre a bitch, a whore? Taking on any man who fills your palm with coins?
Of course not! Too late she realized he had to be taunting her.
Hmm. Perhaps just those with enough coins to make it worth your while.
Think what you will.
Oh I will, my little slave. Just as Ill take what I want. Your only
say in whats
about to happen is whether itll take place on the ground with the sun beating dow
n, or
on my bed.
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Vonna Harper
Chapter Three
His so-called bed consisted of a blanket thrown over what she assumed was a pile
of leaves and other ground debris. Much as she recoiled from the notion of submi
tting
there, she was even more opposed to placing her back on the ground.
Oh yes, her back. Men were such unimaginative beasts. All they thought about was
their selfish needs. It never occurred to them that their female part
ner might want
something else.
Youre not answering me, he said as he helped her straighten. To her discomfort,
he continued to restrain her hands. Whats your preference?
I told you, just get it over with. But not with rocks grinding into my spine.
Shaking his head, he released her and stepped back. Knowing he was studying her
was disconcerting, but she gave back as good as she was getting by
staring at him in
return. The longer she was in his presence, the more his body made its impact on
hers.
Thinking to give him less of her to gape at, she started to reach for her
gowns hem in
preparation for covering her legs again.
Dont, he warned. You arent going to be wearing it much longer. In fact He
folded his arms over his chest. Take it off.
Accustomed as she was to a mans sometimes awkward fumbling, shed assume
d
hed handle that chore. Fine. Whatever he wanted. Glaring at him, she gathered up
the
abundance of fabric and hauled it over her head in a quick, no-nonse
nse move. She
started to drop the garment to the ground only to reconsider because this was th
e only
thing she had to wear. Nostrils flared and teeth clenched, she
lly folded it and
placed it just inside the shelter.
That done, she faced him square-on as if her nudity was of no
rn. When he
silently returned her stare, she took hold of the rope dangling
the collar hed
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War Prize
placed around her neck. What about this? Maybe you wont see me as naked
carefu
conce
from
as long as
Im wearing it.
Oh youre naked enough, all right.
Wincing, she had no choice but to admit shed asked for the comment. Shed b
een
so darned focused on proving that she could stand up to him that sh
ed neglected to
think through the ramifications of removing her clothes. She suddenly felt, not
exposed
so much as revealed. Granted, she couldnt do anything to change her bodys contours
.
Her breasts were what they were, her waist small and hips designed f
or childbearing.
Her pubic hair was fair and sparse in contrast to the dark mane on
her head and left
little to the imagination. And even with her legs now together, she
suspected hed
caught more than a glimpse of her sex lips. In sharp contrast, the
lump beneath his
shorts left nearly everything to the imagination.
In there. He pointed at his shelter. On the bed.
Caught between relief because he was obviously in a hurry, and knowing thered be
no putting off the moment, she did as hed ordered. Kneeling while kee
ping the stupid
rope out of the way was awkward, and what did she care if he noticed?
Instead of immediately crawling in after her, he took his time removi
ng the belt
holding his knife. She half expected him to keep the weapon with him, but he lef
t it in
its sheath and placed it on the ground. Next came his sturdy boots,
followed by his
shorts. Under that he wore a simple piece of something that included
a pouch for his
cock and straps that went around his waist and thighs to keep the p
ouch in place.
Zebede men sheltered their organs beneath bulky strips of cloth that
sealed their
precious parts against an inner thigh. She couldnt decide which contraption made
the
most sense.
Her mouth dried as he began working the strap down over his hips, and when his
cock popped free, she was hard-pressed not to gasp. As for not stari
ngwhat did it
matter? Whether this was the largest cock shed ever seen was unimportant. It belo
nged
23
Vonna Harper
to a man who, along with his fellow warriors, had bested her people
at nearly every
shed do
her people proud.
And once hed spilled himself in her, shed find a way to clean her channel and rid
herself of his residue.
You dont have to do anything beyond opening yourself to me, he told he
r. All
need for movement lies with me.
In the past, shed relished meeting a man shove for shove and gasp fo
r gasp.
Granted, shed never come from straight sex, but giving the man what h
e wanted was
enjoyable for her, and once he was done, it became her turn, often with the mans
help.
As Dagens possession, she could hardly ask.
How complicated things had become.
Again studying her in that way of his that had her wondering whether he could se
e
her thoughts, he ran both hands up her legs. Starting with her ankles, he slowly
covered
what felt like every inch of her. His palms glided over her shin bo
nes while she
breathed through flared nostrils, and sparks in her pussy fed off eac
h other. When he
reached her knees, he took what felt like forever touching his finger pads to ev
ery inch
of bone. Concerned he might press against a nerve, she tensed.
25
Vonna Harper
Relax, he said. I know what Im doing.
But I dontknow what youre doing, that is.
A womans bones are so much smaller than a mans, yet theres strength the
re.
And health. Youre healthy, arent you?
Y-es.
Rocking forward, he increased the pressure on her knees. Now there wa
s no way
she could free her legs. Do you have children?
No. Not yet.
Why not?
I want them but with the right man.
Hmm. To her relief, his fingers slid off her knees. Then they began t
raveling
again, closing in on her thighs now. From what I understand, the Zebe
de embrace
sex, he said. There are few constraints against exploring various partne
rs, even
among couples who have pledged themselves to each other. Accidents must happen.
Her hands started sliding out from under her, compelling her to lock her elbows
to
keep from falling back. Are you
Asking why you havent gotten pregnant, yes. Youre a handsome woman.
Handsome was what her people called a woman who could work the land
from
daylight to night. Although she considered herself strong, her short stature and
slender
build left her ill-equipped for a life of physical labor.
Why havent you gotten pregnant? he demanded.
What do you care?
I dont want our time together to end with us knowing we can never tr
uly walk
away from each other. Again his fingers pressed into her flesh to fee
d unwanted
flames. I too want children, but not with you.
Of course not, she threw at him. I know my body well. Ive always been able to
tell when its my fertile time.
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War Prize
Hmm. And when that happens
I dont have sex.
The man coming inside you, you mean. What about other forms of, ah,
enjoyment?
Damn him for insisting on this conversation! It depends on the mood Im in. If Im
so inclined, Ill let my partner touch his tongue and lips to my puss
y. Other times I
might prefer his hands. Or, if Im feeling generous, Ill make everything about him,
with
me giving him pleasure.
Frowning a little, he shook his head. And what if, like now, the man is in charge
?
So thats why hed looked disgruntled. Her talk about what she wanted fr
om sex
ran contrary to his belief in himself as the great and powerful warrior. A man is
never
truly in charge, she said, deliberately taunting him. Ask any woman. Sh
ell tell you
how easy it is to get a man to do what she wants. Determined to po
und home her
point, she stared openly at his cock. Thats your weakness. An insistent
cock robs a
man of his mind.
You think so? What about this? He slid his hand off her inner thigh then cupped
her sex. When a womans pussy demands to be filled, she forgets the word no.
The meat of his palm pressing against her clit nearly ended her ability to speak
. Her
lips tingled, and she could no longer feel her arms.
What is it, Saarah? No answer for me?
Of course, she ground out. Or there would be if I considered you impor
tant
enough. Just because the treaty called for you and me to
You talk too much. Eyes flashing, he planted the hand not between her
legs
against her chest. A sharp shove and she fell against the crude bed. More than ti
me for
you to be quiet.
Before she could let him know she had no intention of listening to his nonsense,
he
grabbed her legs and pulled her toward him so his knees now pressed against her
inner
27
Vonna Harper
thighs. She didnt need to shift her gaze from the ceiling to what she could see o
f herself
to know hed spread her even more than shed been just moments ago. The strain in he
r
thigh muscles left no doubt.
Arms over your head, he commanded. Stretch them.
What was the line between obedience and independence? How much could he take
from her and how much of her self-will would remain? And even more important, ho
w
could she answer her questions with his palm hard against her pussy
important chest of his consumed her, the air shed worked so hard to pull into her
lungs
whooshed out. Lightheaded, she went in search of what to do next, bu
t all she found
was the place hed taken control of. Not thinking, she tightened her i
nner muscles
around his finger.
Damn you!
Encouraged and distracted by his curse, she turned her head to the s
ide. His eyes
hadnt rolled back in his head, but neither was he focusing on anything. Either th
at, she
amended, or he could no longer think with anything except his cock.
She clenched
down again.
Fuck it! Stop.
29
Vonna Harper
You dont like? she asked, still pulling on her hair.
Makes me wantdo you have any damn idea how long its been since Ive
You already told me, she threw back at him. Tension carved harsh lines along the
sides of his neck. If you dont want me doing this, she gripped his thumb with every
bit of strength in the opening to her womb, then get out of me.
Silence, slave!
She might have shrunk before his outburst if his mouth hadnt sagged o
pen. No
longer trying to hold him inside her, she struggled to relax so shed
be ready for
whatever he had in mind. But finding calm in the middle of the storm that was Wa
rriorGod Dagen was impossible.
Ill teach you, he said, and flattened his free hand over her belly. Tea
ch you to
resist.
That hadnt been resistance. Instead shed mindlessly tried to suck his thumb even
deeper into her.
Rolling her head to the other side did nothing to improve her view of this man w
ho
called himself her master. A moan pressed against her clenched teeth,
but shed be a
fool to put any more power in his handsone of which had claimed easy ownership of
the part of her anatomy she had the least control over.
Was this what their time together was going to be like? Hed insist on commanding
her in every way possible?
Somewhere between scared and excited, she licked dry lips and released
her hair.
Because he hadnt given her permission to move them, she kept her arms over her he
ad.
Staring at something behind her, he lifted his hand off her belly an
d closed it
around a breast. His fingers ground against heavy, swollen flesh, and her nipple
pulsed.
Ah, she moaned. Ah.
Im hurting you?
30
War Prize
Yes, she wanted to throw at him. Yes, damn it! Instead, her back arched as if of
fering
became bits and pieces like shattered and melting ice. She couldnt feel her lower
legs or
arms. So much was centered around her pussy, heat bordering on fire.
Heeding the animal cry inside her, she struggled to lift her buttocks. For a mom
ent
she succeeded in offering her sex to him. Then weight and weakness assaulted her
and
she fell back, panting.
What is it? he asked. Have I exhausted you?
If it wasnt for his question, she might not have noticed that hed rel
eased her
breast. Already the summer air was drying the moisture hed deposited on her. Then
he
released her other breast, lightly slapping it as he did. His features remained
blurred.
Before she could decide whether to answer him, he slipped out of her and dragged
her even closer, lifting her buttocks up and onto his thighs as he did. Not thin
king about
what she was doing, she bent her knees. Suddenly she realized she co
uld no longer
draw a deep breath.
Distracted by the pressure around her neck, she dismissed her master and brought
a hand to her throat. The leash hed hooked to her collar was caught under her, an
d the
collar now bit into her windpipe. She yanked on the leash until the
tension let up and
then filled her lungs.
Sorry, he muttered. I should have noticed.
Yes, you should have.
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War Prize
She waited for him to remind her that she was hardly in a position to criticize
him
in any way. Instead, he shrugged, confusing her. More blinking cleared
her vision in
time for her to see his smile die.
Do you think Im funny? she asked.
Funny? Hardly.
Then what?
If Im thinking anything, its that you talk too much.
With that he ran his fingers over her inner thighs. Mewling like a
newborn tiger,
she dragged her nails from his elbows to his wrists. Instead of shak
ing her off as she
thought he might, he continued his sensual assault. Heartbeat by heartbeat, she
lost all
interest in trying to stop him. Her body wanted one thinghim.
And when he ran a knuckle over her sex opening, she had all she co
uld do not to
beg.
Youre so wet, he announced unnecessarily. So ready.
Driven by instinct, she went in search of his cock. Finding it, she cupped a sha
king
hand around what proclaimed him a man. So are you, she managed. Hard.
Let go.
He was her master, and she needed to obey him. Instead, she ran her fingers down
his length, memorizing everything she touched before releasing him. Tha
t done, she
cupped her breasts with both hands. Waited.
His knuckle teased her clit, jolting her. A heartbeat later the touch
ended. Then
before her system registered the change, something else pressed against
her labia.
Gathering herself as best she could, she concentrated on what she cou
ldnt see. The
somethinghis cock, of course.
Not just his cock but his fingers as well, separating and spreading her, clearin
g the
way for entrance.
Tell me, he commanded. Is it your fertile time?
33
Vonna Harper
Say yes. Save yourself from No.
Good.
Catching her with a single thrust, he plowed deep and hard. The sensitive tissue
s at
her opening barely registered the delicious pressure before her channel filled.
Her mind
overloaded then cleared. Penetration had happened so fast. Hed given her no chanc
e to
enjoy a slow surrendering of self to him.
Eyes burning in disappointment, she nevertheless went in search of tha
t elusive
moment when her body lost control and everything felt incredible. But
he came at her
so hard and fast, grunting with each thrust, his fingers grinding into her hips
as he held
her in place. Her body shook and shivered under his assault, and ben
eath her palms,
her breasts shimmied.
His fierce energy rejuvenated her. Wondering if she could ride that e
nergy with
him, she pressed her knees against him. If anything, her attempt to
connect with him
pushed him farther into that place where a man is aware of nothing
except his body.
Caught between fury and envy, she focused on him. Hed become a wild
animal, his
breath hissing and muscles straining. Perhaps she should be afraid hed
push himself
beyond human endurance, but shed lain with enough men that she underst
ood he
needed and wanted one thing from life.
More times than she could count, he powered into her. Then he either pulled so f
ar
back that they nearly lost connection, or withdrew only a little before hitting
her again.
Her body couldnt keep up with his pace. In awe of him, she hugged h
er breasts and
struggled to remain in place. His cock came at her, came and came a
nd came, ripping
into her in countless ways. She didnt want to be anywhere else or do
ing anything
except this one thing. Shed been created for sex. They both had.
Close, near the edge, her tissues screaming and a powerful force crawling over h
er
sex. Desperate for her just-out-of-reach explosion, she ground her palm
s against her
breasts.
Aaah!
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War Prize
Alerted to the sound that could mean only one thing, she silently cursed him. Ev
ery
muscle in his face and neck stood out, his eyes threatened to burst
from their sockets,
and his cheeks flushed.
Aaah!
Inside her his cock shuddered. One disjointed jerk followed another as
liquid heat
flooded her, drowning her in disappointment.
Damn you, damn you! she silently chanted. But even as she railed because hed foun
d
the release she was denied, a part of her was glad for him. At thi
s moment it didnt
matter that he was the enemy. At the core he was a man whod risked
his life for
something he believed in, and as such, he deserved his reward.
Deserved her?
35
Vonna Harper
Chapter Four
Profound weariness closed around Dagen. Hed already separated himself from his
sex slave and now lay on his side, fingering the lead fastened to h
er collar. If he
remained like this, hed soon fall asleep, something he almost never allowed himse
lf to
do during the day.
The war between the Malar and Zebede was over, and an uneasy peace
had been
established. As a result, he no longer needed to see himself solely
as a Warrior-God,
giving rise to the question of what he had become.
A man satiated, he reminded himself. He couldnt remember the last time hed had
sex, long enough ago that man-pressure had built up until hed had no control over
the
explosion. History had taught him that hed soon want to fuck again, but his back
was
sore, and that might change things.
He was getting old.
Too tired to argue the point, he turned his attention from the rope
to the dark
leather around a slender throat. His possession was on her back and
staring at the
ceiling, probably so she didnt have to look at him. One graceful hand was splayed
over
her pale belly. The other trailed over her mons. Her legs were sligh
tly spread, giving
him a glimpse of the place where hed lost himself.
His eyes closed, and his breathing lengthened. The fingers on the rope relaxed.
No
longer ordering himself to stay awake, he turned what remained of his
mind to trying
to remember what theyd said to each other. A sex slave well-versed in
her role
wouldnt have spoken except in response to questions or orders, but Saa
with the hand he wasnt holding, she fastened a bold gaze on him. You
truly dont
understand a womans needs? You think all she should concern herself wi
th is the
mans?
Determined not to give her a response she might twist around, he set
tled for a
shrug.
What I need isnt important to you? she asked.
I didnt say that.
Not in words, but didnt it occur to you that coming as quickly as you did would
leave me wanting more?
I thought you wanted nothing to do with me.
Her sigh was equal amounts of exasperation and resignation. I dont know how to
say what you want to hear.
Releasing her arm, he stretched out but kept his head turned so he could study h
er.
The woman was complex when he didnt want that, full of layers and, m
uch as he
didnt want to admit it, intellect. If hed gagged her, he wouldnt have
to listen and
think and try to respond, but if he had, he wouldnt know about her complexity whe
n
knowledge might be vital to his peoples future on Zebede-land.
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War Prize
Dont concern yourself with trying to respond the way you believe I want you to.
If I was your betrothed or maybe your husband, what would you tell him?
About what?
Dont! You know what Im talking about.
Shed been studying him, but now she turned her attention back to the
ceiling. I
didnt want your cock inside me, at least my mind didnt. However, my b
ody doesnt
care that our people have been enemies. My body is a simple thing,
wanting only
pleasure.
Which I didnt give you.
She didnt answer, leaving him with no choice but to ponder where his words had
come from. The more he thought about what had taken place, the more he had to ad
mit
that the sex theyd had had been all about him. Shed only been a convenient vessel,
as
had countless women before her.
You arent denying what I just said, he went on. That surprises me.
Still not looking at him, she fingered the collar hed placed around her. Im trying
to understand what Ive become. Needing to learn what pleases my new m
aster and
what might anger him and cause him to punish me.
Punish, no. Think of right now as a time of peace between equals. Fo
r these
moments, were both free to be honest.
Free? She wrapped her fingers around her collar. Honest? Hardly.
What are you afraid of? he snapped. Me or yourself?
Why would I
Dont answer my question with one of your own.
Sighing, she turned onto her side and faced him. Even with her hair sliding over
her
features and hiding them, she fascinated him. I want my body to be m
ine. I hate
of his control over her. On the tail of that admission, she struggled to pull he
r attention
off her confused responses to his punishment of her. But whether she dug her nai
ls into
her throat or pressed her hands against the sides of her head in an
attempt to distract
herself, her focus remained locked on the Warrior-Gods fingers.
He had her! Even if she managed to free her breasts, hed only capture and control
her in some other fashion. Sooner or
uld do
what he wanted them to.
Sit up.
She blinked him into focus. His
ts, holding
her down.
How? she asked while vowing not to
You could if your reason was strong
one simple thing. If you dont, youll spend the night staked outside, naked.
Instead of the horror and outrage he must be anticipating from her, her minds eye
filled with a vision of her lying spread-limbed while Malar warriors
stood over her.
Some might crouch and fondle her breasts. Others would position themselves betwe
en
her legs and press their toes against her too-available sex. The most
inventive might
kneel in the space created by stakes and ropes so they could run their fingers o
ver her
41
Vonna Harper
labia and clit. Encouraged by gasps and cries she had no control over, theyd push
into
her. One finger would become two followed by three. And theyd fuck he
r like that,
although perhaps theyd only tease and torture with slight, infrequent p
ressure along
her pussy walls.
Shocked by her thoughts, she struggled to sit up. Dagen released her, allowing h
er
to complete the act. But she was trying to decide what to do with
her legs when he
caught her around the waist and dragged her hard against his thigh so they sat s
ide by
side but faced in opposite directions. Shed barely reconciled herself t
o what he was
doing when his too-strong hand pressed against her larynx. The collar
biting into her
forced her to lean back. She stopped herself from falling by bracing
her arms behind
her. Wary, she watched him while trying not to.
Equals and yet not, he said unnecessarily. Strength for strength, only m
ine
outstrips yours.
What are you saying?
Pointing out the obvious because it pleases me to do so. He planted a hand over
her mons. Theres nothing soft about me. You need to understand that.
Her sex channel, uninterested in her unspoken warning, warmed. Too-telling juice
s
gathered. She had to find a way to hide her reaction from him, but how?
Maybe it didnt matter.
Do you know what it means to be a Warrior-God?
How can I? Agitation sharpened her voice. Im a woman.
Indeed you are, my slave. Indeed. And knowing that pleases me.
His fingers hadnt moved since claiming her mons, allowing her to delud
e herself
into believing he didnt intend to do any more than that, but a single twitch of a
single
finger ended the insane thought. She didnt breathe as he began a slow
, hot journey
from there to her sex. Bit by bit he claimed more and more of her,
closed in on her
hungry opening. Her head roared, and her throat felt as if it were
on fire. The arms
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War Prize
behind her trembled but not simply from the effort of supporting her upper body.
Her
legs threatened to cramp, and no matter how fiercely she fought the need, she co
uldnt
keep them still. A groan clogging her throat, she started to bend her knees.
Did I give you permission? he demanded. His features impassive, he ligh
tly
slapped her pussy with the palm of his hand. A jolt she felt all t
he way to her womb
shook and further ignited her. A groan escaped. He slapped her again,
making her
squirm. Straighten your legs and keep them spread.
Even as she silently cursed him, she embraced what shed just learned
about her
master. He hadnt abused her. Quite the opposite, the punishment hed inf
licted had
awakened a need for more treatment just like that. She was his slave, unable to
oppose
anything he did.
Unwilling to try.
Waiting for his next move.
Does that make you feel powerful? she asked when she trusted herself to speak,
looking pointedly at his hand. At the same time, she obediently straightened her
knees.
The space between her legs widened. Assaulting a defenseless woman?
Is that how you see yourself, defenseless?
He lifted his hand as if to strike her again, then as her muscles
tensed in
anticipation, he pressed his palm against her pussy. A finger, the middle one pr
obably,
headed toward her ass. Heat from his hand engulfed her, first flooding her outer
tissues
but swiftly spreading through her channel.
Her head fell back. Despite the strain in her neck, she lacked the
strength to
straighten it. Her arms shook. A fine tremble ran from her thighs to her calves,
her feet
even.
Tell me to stop. Press your legs together. Throw yourself at me and
tear at my
throat, bite me. Otherwise, I intend to explore you.
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Vonna Harper
All he cared about was her sexual responsiveness? If his hand wasnt where it was
and her body didnt hum in anticipation of what she refused to put a
name to, shed
hate him.
Do it, she managed. Whatever you intend, just get it over with.
With you loathing everything I do?
No.
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War Prize
Chapter Five
When he didnt repeat himself, she summoned the strength to lift her head. After a
quick glance in his direction, she vowed not to look at him again b
ecause he was too
dark and big, too hard. Yet even as that hardness chilled her veins,
she embraced the
sensation. Traditional sex had always left her wanting something differ
ent. Shed never
been able to put a word to what that something was and had shied away from revea
ling
her frustration to anyone.
Today, alone with a powerful enemy, she wondered if he might hold th
e answers
shed long searched for. Even if he didnt know what she was after, could he supply
it?
Determined to seize something, anything of him, she lifted her buttocks off the
bed.
The strain in her thighs soon forced her to settle back again, but
in that time hed
separated her sex lips and slipped in. His finger barely penetrated, teased and
promised
only a little.
Sighing, she again pushed herself up. This time she managed to hold her position
a
little longer. Afterward, her legs continued to tremble.
I dont understand you, he muttered. You shouldnt want this or anything to do
with me. Deepening the invasion, he curled his finger so his nail kissed the top
of her
channel. Why do you?
Ah! Does it matter?
Yes, but maybe not right now. So my cock in you means nothing to yo
u, does it?
And yet youre welcoming my finger.
She was on the verge of insisting he was wrong when a fresh wave o
f heat raced
through her veins. Gasping, she closed her eyes. Before hed interrupted her attem
pt to
satisfy the hunger awakened by his sexual use of her, shed known it
wouldnt take
45
Vonna Harper
long for her to reach a climax. All shed needed was a few moments d
evoted to selfpleasure, her experienced fingers pressing against the so-receptive nub.
But hed robbed her of that, damn him, pulled her away from completing the heady
journey, with his questions and possessiveness.
Only he hadnt won, not by half because he was the one with a used-up cock while
hed left her with everything on fire. All it would take was something
, his fingers or
hers, teasing her clit and tension would flow out of her.
Her clit. Either he was ignorant of a womans most sensitive place or
he was
deliberately robbing her of what hed experienced by concentrating on her sex chan
nel.
Mentally shaking her head at his ignorance or cruelty, she rocked for
ward. Now that
she no longer needed her arms for support, she wasted no time reachi
ng for the hard
and waiting nub.
Eyes resolutely shut, she struggled to ignore the rough hand in the
way. She
managed to work her hand under his and had just touched her clit when he yanked
her
hand away.
What are you doing? he demanded.
What you cant. She tried to twist free.
And that is?
The need to come up with a response distracted her from the clawing hunger. Then
it returned, hard and even hotter. Not giving a damn what he thought, she deeply
bent
her knees. Her free hand slipped between her legs. Belatedly she realized his ha
nd was
no longer on her. Wallowing in the sense of freedom, she deftly sepa
rated wet, loose
and sensitive flesh. Her clit, hard and ready, waited.
At the touch, a shiver ran through her. Self-absorbed, she increased
the pressure,
rolling her pelvis upward as she did. She didnt know whether her eyes
were open or
closed, didnt care. Neither could she put her mind to the man next to her. Shed wa
ited
long enough, weathered as much of the storm as she could. Pressing even more fir
mly
on the spot responsible for her greatest pleasure, she rocked from si
de to side. Her
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War Prize
world went no further than climbing the hot and wonderful mountain le
ading to
release.
Barely able to swallow, she curled to the side. Her increased access
to her pussy
allowed her to bring her entire hand into play. For a while she was
content to rest her
fingers along her slit, but soon demand had her on the move again. Pressing and
letting
up only to press again, she reveled in the thick juices flowing from
her. She loved the
smell of her arousal, the feel of swollen flesh, the quick spasms. By tightening
and then
relaxing her cunt muscles, she kept herself on the edge. Balancing he
rself between
control and loss was exhausting, yet she relished the effort.
What are you feeling?
Angered by the interruption, she turned her head away. A sense of ur
gency
quickened her movements as she stroked and teased. Dagen had pushed his fingers
into
her, but he didnt know where her most sensitive nerves were or the perfect amount
of
pressure, the absolutely right tempo. She did.
There, on the brink again. Feeling as if her head might separate itself from her
body,
she quickened her pace. The pads of her fingers ground into her labi
a, trapping her
climax and prolonging anticipation at the same time. Every muscle thre
atened to
cramp. Muscles and nerves were on the brink of dissolving. Shed melt, boil maybe.
What are you feeling?
Not caring what she did or didnt say, she slipped her middle finger
into her hot
slit. The others continued to press and promise. Wonderful. Everything good.
Better than when it was my cock?
Different. Under my control.
And that makes it better?
Eyes squeezed tight, she extended her middle finger. Once it was buried to its b
ase,
she wiggled it. At the same time, she stopped grinding her finger pads against h
er sex
lips until the circulation was restored. Blood pulsed through her there.
47
Vonna Harper
Not better, she whispered hoarsely. Perfect.
Throwing herself fully into her climax, she likened the sensation to reaching th
e top
of a waterfall and then diving into hot, churning water. She started
to shatter, gave
thought to trying to pull herself back up so she could extend her p
leasure only to
surrender.
Falling. Tumbling over and over. Going faster and faster. Screaming in
joy and
release. Her fingers lightly beating her pussy. Juices all but exploding from he
r. Loving
her body and knowing nothing else.
Feeling as if there was nothing to her except her cunt didnt last lo
ng. Still, as
Saarah swam back into the real world, a part of her remained in lim
bo. She was more
than relaxed. She didnt care about anything except savoring the afteref
fects of her
climax. Granted, the days heat made her skin prickle, and she was thirsty, but it
would
be awhile before either condition mattered enough for her to try to do something
about
them.
She lay with one arm across her breasts and the other covering her
bush. A bit of
moisture had dried at a corner of her mouth. What, she wondered in a disjointed
way,
did the man whod claimed her think of her now? Maybe hed insist on taking her back
to her family.
Interesting.
Dagens deep voice scraped at her nerves. What is?
Watching you climax. Ive never done that before.
Unable to think of anything to say, she ran her forefinger along her
clearly said he wanted the truth from her. She could evade or respond with a que
stion
of her own, which would undoubtedly anger him. But for reasons she m
ight never
comprehend, she wanted to be honest.
I thinkmen and women must be very different when it comes to sex, she began.
Men need time to recover, maybe because it takes their bodies a while to create m
ore
cum. They lose all of it in a single act, while women
While women what?
Her mouth opened but then closed. Certainly hed had more experience th
an she
did, so shouldnt he be explaining certain things to her?
Are you going to finish? He tightened his fingers against hers.
I dont know how to. Every time I have sex, it is different. I feel
something I
havent before.
What was it like when you and I fucked?
Quick. Over too fast, at least for me.
When his expression narrowed, she tensed, thinking shed angered him. It
was
exactly what I wanted, he said.
His larger fingers forced hers far apart, prompting her to pull free.
She was still
wondering why hed let her when he reached out and unfastened the leash hed tied to
her collar.
Go on, he said. What more did you want?
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War Prize
How long had they been together? In some respects it felt as if the
yd just become
aware of each others existence. At the same time, shed revealed things to him no o
ne
else knew, and shed let him watch her push herself over the edge.
For it to take longer.
It? A mans cock in you, you mean?
Yes. She couldnt quite meet his gaze.
But mine didnt satisfy you. You had to
I know. But maybe if Id been ready, my pussy wet and receptive Frustrat
ed
because she didnt know how or if she should continue, she ran her hands through h
er
hair. She felt restless, not simply wanting to see if she could coax another cli
max out of
herself, but needing to reach for something she barely comprehended. I
dont know
why I said what I just did. Fucking is never enough for me.
His brows furrowing, he reached out again, resting his hand on her thigh this ti
me.
At least youre able to accomplish what you need on your own.
What was thatempathy, sympathy maybe? Unnerved, she studied his darker
flesh against hers. When shed learned of her fate as a temporary sex slave, shed t
ried
to prepare herself for a nightmare, and although it could turn into
one, she felt
compelled to make the most of the openness between them.
Yes, she admitted. I was. But it isnt the only thing I want. To always
have to
rely on myself for I cant help wondering why I cant get what a man d
oes from
fucking.
Hmm. What do you think a man does when theres no woman to fuck?
By way of answer, she looked pointedly at his hands.
Exactly. A grin flashed. Which is why your pleasuring yourself didnt shoc
k
me.
But you said youd never seen
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Vonna Harper
I havent taken advantage of any possible opportunities, but maybe I sho
uld.
Watching you was more than illuminating. It was arousing.
Their conversation kept swirling around them, changing a bit but always basic
ally
the same. Talking about sex kept her from having to look ahead and
made it easier to
ignore her still-sensitive and possibly still-receptive pussy.
Does hearing me say that embarrass you? he asked.
For a moment she couldnt think what he was talking about. Then she remembered
his confession about self-pleasure. No more than this must embarrass yo
u. She
indicated his now full erection.
He shrugged then cocked his head. Faint sounds reminded her that there was more
to this world than his shelter. The warriors are returning, he said unnecessarily.
52
War Prize
Chapter Six
If forced, Dagen wasnt sure he resented the intrusion or was grateful for it, may
be
some of each. Although he was expected to greet his warriors and sel
ect several to
begin the journey back to Malar-land to inform the rest of their peo
ple of the peace
treaty, he put off standing. Truth was, he wasnt sure he could get t
o his feet without
help.
The sounds grew in volume, male voices, wagon wheels, horse hooves, a
ll part of
his world and life. Hed never wanted anything other than this existenc
e. Hed been
trained for it and little else. He was a Warrior-God, born and raised for battle
.
Only the Malar didnt need any battles fought today so what was he go
ing to do
with his tomorrows?
Oh, he knew the answer or rather a partial one. Hed begin training those who came
after him, letting them learn from his wisdom and experience.
But when he wasnt teaching
What do you want me to do? his sex slave asked.
He blinked her into focus. She was pointing at her discarded gown, h
er other arm
over her breasts.
No. He started to shake his head only to stop because a back spasm t
hreatened.
They know what you are and what took place between us.
Her lips thinned, but although she was obviously upset, she didnt argue. Then, to
his relief, she crawled on hands and knees to the shelters farthest corner and tu
rned her
back to him. He took advantage of her position by maneuvering onto his knees, bu
t as
he started to stand, his back gave way. Biting down a cry, he crawl
ed toward the
wooden box that served to store most of his belongings. Teeth still grinding, he
forced
53
Vonna Harper
himself upright. He should have rested his back today instead of fuck
ing! If he hadnt
been burdened with a sex slave
But he had, he acknowledged with a look in her direction. She looked
so young, a
girl, while today he felt old.
Dont leave, he ordered as he reached for his garment. I dont know how l
ong
Ill be occupied, but I want you here when I return. And you arent to speak to anyo
ne.
Yes, Master.
Hed begun their relationship all wrong. Why had he let her speak, let
alone
pleasure herself, when he should have exerted his control over her?
Walking slowly and carefully, he left the shelter and headed toward h
is men. His
back prickled, but whether it was because she was watching or because
his spine was
loosening a bit, he didnt know. It didnt matter. He had to get throug
h the meeting
without letting anyone know their Warrior-God wasnt invincible.
* * * * *
Accomplishing what he needed to had taken longer than hed hoped becaus
e, like
him, his men were unsure of their roles now they no longer needed to prepare for
battle
or keep an eye on the enemy. Some, particularly the youngest, were e
ager to avail
themselves of Zebedes females, and hed had to make it clear that altho
ugh possible
relationships could be explored, force wouldnt be tolerated. A rape cha
rge could
destroy the still-fragile peace between the two peoples. Beyond that,
he and the other
senior warriors had laid out the groundwork for erecting more permanen
t structures.
At least the physical labor would keep the men busy.
Thered been no sign of the two other Warrior-Gods whod been granted sex slaves.
If he could rise from the bed he shared with his possession and do what was expe
cted
of him, so could they. However, reminding them of their duties would
have to wait
until he saw them. In the meantime, Saarah waited for him.
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War Prize
Slowly walking toward his shelter, he pondered what else he might fin
d to do to
put off rejoining her. Hed erred in the way hed allowed their first coupling to pl
ay out.
He, a warrior, knew better than to give the enemy any freedom. Granted, she wasnt
as
much of a foe as the Zebede men had been, but neither was she an equal.
Because of the shadowy shelter interior, hed nearly reached it before
he spotted
her. She was no longer crouched in the corner where hed last seen her but was sit
ting
back a little from the entrance where she had a decent view of what
was going on.
Neither was she naked.
Holding his back straight, he ducked just enough to enter. You disobeyed me, he
said in a tone he usually reserved for intimidating the enemy. I expressly forbad
e you
to get dressed.
You were gone so long.
I forbade you.
She hadnt stood, which meant she had to tilt her head to meet his g
aze. Standing
over her fed the sense of power he needed. Just the same, it was g
etting harder to
remember that he wanted to put her in her place.
I know you did, she said, her hands folded on her lap and reminding
him of
where else shed placed them and what shed done with them. But I was t
hirsty. I
spotted the barrel where the Malar store their water. I couldnt bring myself to g
o to it
exposed.
Instead of pointing out that her gown wasnt much better than being nu
de, he
shrugged. From what he could tell, shed done more than just get a dr
ink because he
could no longer smell her women scent. Hed lost his erection soon aft
er leaving her,
but looking at her had it stirring.
Blessed but she was beautiful! Her beauty might one day fade from th
e years or
hard work, but right now she struck him as flawless. Just looking at her thick m
ane of
hair made his fingers itch to caress its richness. The collar did nothing to hid
e her long,
graceful neck. Her shoulders were wide for a woman, but instead of m
aking her less
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Vonna Harper
feminine, they stood as the perfect contrast to her gently rounded hips and long
, strong
legs. Maybe most of all, her shoulders and arms drew his attention t
o those full, firm
breastsbreasts meant for a man to massage and tease, worship even.
He wanted her. Now. Under him. Sobbing in pleasure and surrender.
Him satisfying her.
Forcing cry after cry from her.
Hearing her whimper his name and thanking him for taking her where no man had.
Turning his back on the unsettling creature whod crawled under his ski
n, he
studied what he could see of the encampment. The two men who cooked for the Mala
r
were around the large metal pot used for soups and stews. A fire burned under th
e pot,
and they took turns dropping food into the pot. The rest of the tim
e they stood as far
from the fire as they could. Although he could tell her that dinner
would be ready
before long, he didnt bother. Surely shed been watching the cooks at work. Besides
, he
didnt want to talk to her about anything.
Youre upset about something, she said. Is it me?
Putting effort into it, he shrugged.
It is me, she continued. You believe I had no right to disobey you.
You arent the only thing on my mind.
Theres trouble with the treaty? Has there been
No, not that thats your concern, slave.
A mix of emotions he told himself he didnt understand or care about transformed
her features. Then what is it? she whispered.
Believing he was about to remind her of her place, he fully faced her. As he did
, a
jolt ran through his back, but he commanded his legs to take him to
her. He stopped
when only the width of a hand separated them.
Youre in pain, she said as she stood.
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War Prize
No Im not, he nearly said, but he couldnt bring himself to lie, especially since s
hed
noticed something his companions hadnt. Its nothing to concern yourself with.
What caused it? she pressed. If our fucking
Hardly!
Then what?
What was it hed told himself a little while ago, that he should have
forbade her
from talking? Unfortunately, it was too late for that.
If you were a warrior, youd understand, he said.
You were injured?
Her look of concern tore a hole in his determination to keep certain things from
her.
How did it happen? she pressed running her fingers over his forearm. Wa
s it
during a fight with a Zebede warrior?
Her question nearly made him laugh. Hed fought so many battles that i
t was
nearly impossible to say which, if any one, had done the damage. It
doesnt matter,
slave.
Dont call me that! she cried, her fingers digging into him.
He pulled her off him, but instead of releasing her wrist, he contin
ued to hold it.
Although she struggled, he had no trouble pulling her against him. Controlling h
er this
way filled him with power and allowed him to all but dismiss his aching body.
I can call you whatever I want, he pointed out. Surely you understand that.
Moment by moment, agitation slipped from her. In its place bloomed re
signation
and confusion. She was no longer confronting him, if indeed she ever
had. Rather, he
sensed she was trying to come to grips with the change in her life.
It occurred to him
that that was how he felt about his vulnerable body.
I have no reason to be cruel to you, he said, surprising himself with his honesty.
Although he relaxed his hold on her wrist, he kept her against him
so their heat bled
57
Vonna Harper
together. If I am, it will only jeopardize the peace between our people. Still, t
he Zebede
need to see me in control.
Just as mine need to see you treat me with respect and gentleness.
To his amusement, they nodded at the same time. Ours is a complex relationship,
he admitted. One it will take a long time to define.
Maybe as long as your people are here?
Perhaps.
Studying his hold on her wrist, she nodded again. But first theres the
matter of
your back.
It needs rest, thats all.
Oh? Then tell your cock.
Before he could think what he might say, she slid closer so they st
ood face-to-face
with her belly hard against his organ. Letting go of her, he waited to see what
she might
do next. After a moment, she rubbed her hands down her hips, looking unsure.
What is it? he prodded. Maybe not as bold as youd like me to believe? You can
speak of a cock but not know what to do with it?
She pursed her lips. Its not that, entirely.
Then what?
I dont know whats expected of me, what will please or displease you.
Much as an unexpected breeze made a hot day tolerable, everything hed
been
thinking about today no longer mattered. He felt younger than he had
in a long time
simply because a woman, this woman, was putting him first.
Then do what you are certain will please me, he said and thrust his pelvis at her.
Youre sure? Your back
Will be all right. Hopefully.
Looking doubtful, she slid her hand between them. Instead of grabbing
him, she
ran her knuckles over the aching organ. His breath snagged.
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War Prize
What? she asked. Did that bring you discomfort?
Hardly. Theres nothing wrong with that part of me.
But other places?
For someone whod just proclaimed she didnt know what to say or do, sh
e was
stepping boldly into dangerous territory, or rather into a subject hed
never discussed
with anyone.
I know a few things about loosening tight muscles, she whispered, makin
g him
wonder if she could read his mind. My parents are stiff at times, particu
larly early in
the morning. When theyre in pain, I kneel beside them and kneed and
lightly rub
where they tell me to. Before long, theyre able to move without disco
mfort. If you
want, Ill do that for you.
The thought of her light, warm hands on his spine made him sigh. Hed
been
wounded a handful of times but had always been able to tend to his
wounds himself.
The idea of turning that responsibility over to someone else should h
ave been foreign,
but hed already had a taste of what she was capable of.
Feeling as if he was standing at the beginning of a path hed never taken, he curs
ed
himself for not knowing what to do. From childhood, he existed to se
rve the needs of
the Malar people. Putting himself before others had never occurred to
him. He risked
and sometimes sacrificed. Those things were expected of him and as su
ch had paved
the way to his becoming a Warrior-God.
But today wasnt about his people. For the first time in his life, co
uld he think of
himself?
And the small, beautiful creature standing before him?
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Vonna Harper
Chapter Seven
Dagen lay on his stomach with his forearms supporting his head. He s
till wore
what shed come to think of as his uniform. His head was turned towar
d her, making
her suspect he intended to make sure she didnt try to injure him. Sh
ed tended to her
parents enough times that her fingers knew what to do, so why wasnt
she already
running them over the muscles roping his spine?
Because he was a man, the enemy, her master.
The smell of meat and vegetables drifted around her, but although her
stomach
growled, she couldnt put her mind to eating, not with the Malar Warri
or-God next to
her. Even stretched out like this with his cock hidden, every part of her body w
as aware
of him. She didnt want to feel so overwhelmed, wanted back the resent
ment that had
seen her through his placing the collar around her neck. She certainl
y didnt want to
care about his back.
Or did she?
Giving up on trying to find her way through her confusion, she shook
her fingers
until they tingled. Then, holding her breath, she laid her hand flat
over his shoulder
blades.
As a child, shed thought her father the strongest man on earth, but his muscles h
ad
never been as hard as what waited just out of her reach. Holding her breath, she
closed
her eyes, but not being able to see him did nothing to calm her nerves. If only
she had a
few more moments in which to gather her courage, but if she didnt st
art massaging
him, hed guess what was going on with her, if he didnt already.
Reminding herself that she was a Zebede, a princes daughter, she pressed down. It
was like trying to penetrate warm and living rock. Changing tactics, she began g
liding
her fingers from the sides of his neck out to the end of his shoul
ders. As she did, she
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War Prize
rolled her finger pads over his flesh. She didnt hurry her movements but concentr
ated
on reaching nerves and muscles. Maybe she was wrong, but it seemed a
s if he was
breathing more rapidly than earlier, and wasnt he pulling air deeper into his lun
gs?
It was the same for her. No matter whether she rubbed his tendons o
r buried her
fingers in the hollow above his collarbone, she had to keep reminding
herself to slow
her breathing. After rocking back on her heels, she trailed her finge
rs from his neck to
his shoulder blades. Leaning over him made it impossible for her to look at his
face, but
it was easier to concentrate on what she was doing this way. Because
of who he was,
shouldnt his skin be as rough everywhere as his hands were? Obviously
not, as
witnessed by the sleek flesh covering his sides, which she kept study
ing even as she
lightly worked his shoulder blades. Even when she moved from there to his spine,
she
wondered what shed encounter if she had the courage to touch his armpits.
Distracted by a sudden desire to laugh at the insane notion of tickling him, she
was
slow to remind herself that right now was about hopefully easing whatever was wr
ong
with his back. Shed placed herself at a right angle to his body, whi
ch made reaching
across him difficult, so she slid around until her hip pressed agains
t his and she was
facing his head. Knowing he could no longer stare at her should have
made her feel
more confident, shouldnt it, but maybe not as long as her body responded to his.
Placing her thumbs on his spine, she spread her fingers over his rib
s. Then she
leaned forward and applied a little more pressure. She pressed and re
laxed, repeating
the movement over and over while warmth ran up her arms and across the back of h
er
neck. Her nipples hardened and became so sensitive she cursed herself
for not having
removed her garment, because no matter how far forward she leaned, th
e material
continued to abrade her breasts.
Shed been slowly working her hands up his back, and when she reached
his
shoulders, she continued kneading. Mindful of the nerves running at th
e base of his
neck, she kept the pressure light. Doing so meant she had to reach ov
er his body with
her hip tight against his. Her breathing snagged then started again, and her che
eks felt
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Vonna Harper
flushed. Although, maybe, she could get herself under control by backi
ng away from
him, she concentrated on sensation.
Thoroughly massaging his neck and shoulders took a long time, but her
fingers
knew what to do, which meant she didnt have to concentrate on her task. Instead,
her
mind absorbed her bodys responses. Her arms tingled all the way up to her shoulde
rs.
Even more exciting, heated energy slid down her back before flaring over her but
tocks.
The same heat fed her sex until she was compelled to press her legs together. Do
ing so
flooded her thighs and belly with lightning.
A masculine sigh distracted her enough that she was able to put her
mind to
beginning the journey back down his spine, and concentrated on what h
e must be
experiencing. But after a few moments, her own body took over again,
demanded full
attention.
Inch by sensual inch, her fingers roamed the masculine body laid out before her.
It
didnt matter whether her fingertips ran over muscle or bone, her breas
ts and pussy
absorbed the contact. In her mind, Dagen was no longer a Warrior-God
but simply a
man, powerful and vulnerable rolled into one. His essence had flowed
into hers to
challenge her sanity, pucker her nipples, tighten her belly, and cause her pussy
to flood.
Risking a great deal, she dove into the dangerous fantasy of his hands on her. N
ow
she was the one stretched out on a formless bed, only she lay on h
er back with her
breasts and sex exposed. Her hands were over her head and her fingers laced in h
er hair
where they couldnt stop him from whatever he chose to do to her.
He knelt just as she had done, and a hand blanketed a breast while the other res
ted
between her legs. He made no attempt to massage her but seemed conte
nt to simply
claim her. In the fantasy shed spun around herself, neither of them spoke, a
t least not
with words. There was no need because their ragged breathing and her
helplessly
twisting body said everything. She needed, not freedom, but for him t
o move beyond
simply touching her. Yet even as the hand over her breast caused swe
at to form there,
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War Prize
she reveled in the masculine pressure. The same pressure trapped her labia and c
lit and
life hummed through them.
Her temples pounded, and although she struggled to close her eyes, they remained
open to remind her that he wasnt touching her after all. And, she reluctantly rem
inded
herself because to do otherwise was foolish and dangerous, he might never. She w
as his
slave and possession. Today she existed only to serve and service and pleasure h
im.
The collar seemed to tighten around her neck, and as the pressure in
creased, she
dove back into what shed been creating for herself in an attempt to
dismiss the
pressure. In her well-painted dream, he no longer simply proved ownership of her
but
had given himself a task she only partly understood. How could it be
otherwise with
her legs spread and bent and him settled into the space hed created?
What are you doing?
With a mental shake, she broke free of the dream and focused on Dag
en or rather
what she was doing to him. Somehow her hands had found their way be
tween his
garment and his waist. Not only that, shed reached the swell of his buttocks.
Im sorry, she muttered and pulled free. I didnt mean
You didnt?
I wasnt thinking.
You werent?
Before she could decide what, if anything, to say, he slowly rolled over. His er
ection
strained against his shorts to put her in mind of a wild thing seek
ing freedom. He
snagged her wrists and placed her hands on his belly. Do it, he comma
nded.
Remove my shorts.
Was it just his words that had her shivering, or had glancing at th
e no-nonsense
mound been responsible? I thought you wanted me to
My back is no longer your concern. Remember who you are and do what
I
command.
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Vonna Harper
His order nearly made her laugh, because at the moment she wasnt sure
of her
name let alone anything beyond hot need. At least enough remained of
her mind that
she managed to slide her fingers from his belly to the tie. Hed secu
rely knotted the
rope, and she bent a nail dealing with it. Once shed freed it, she
stared at what shed
accomplished and tried to swallow.
After a moment, she remembered what he wanted her to do next but couldnt make
herself move until he lightly slapped her thigh. Determined not to look at him,
she took
hold of the waistband and drew it down, but only a little because t
he material was
trapped under him. He arched his back, lifting his ass off the bed
to help her, then
settled down again. Maybe she was mistaken but wasnt that a moan?
With another tug, his cock sprang free, and her throat dried. Her ha
nds were
sweating, and her fingers dug into the waistband. When they started a
ching, she was
forced to concentrate on relaxing her grip.
back again and bent his legs a little. Climb onto me.
For a moment she couldnt make sense of his command, but studying the
rod
jutting up from his hard body told her what she must do. Dagen, her
master, wanted
sex again. It was her task, her obligation to supply the necessary pussy to allo
w that to
happen.
Swallowing down disappointment that went far deeper than today, she yanked off
her garment and straddled him but remained high on her knees with hi
s cock not
touching her sex. After bracing herself by placing a splayed hand on
his chest, she
threw back her head and ran her other hand along her labia, separati
ng the soft,
drenched flesh and exposing the entrance that was all he cared about.
His hands
bracketed her waist, and his forearms rested on the front of her thi
ghs. Resolutely
looking straight ahead saved her from seeing his expression, and she worked at k
eeping
her own neutral.
His hold on her tightened, and he pulled down, making her wonder if he suspected
she was stalling.
Shed get the sex over with, please him so maybe they could get somet
hing to eat.
Then after hed fallen asleep, shed work her body into release as shed
done so many
times.
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Vonna Harper
Her teeth clenched against tears and need, she lowered herself onto h
im. Shed
never taken a man like this before, on top instead of caught under his weight. L
ooking
down at Dagen while his cock stretched and invaded and warmed, gave her a sense
of
power. At the same time, she felt trapped by him and happily skewered.
With a hand still on him for balance, she gripped a breast and threw back her he
ad.
Sweat stained the hollow between her breasts and clung to her sides
and belly.
Disconnected from everything except fucking and being fucked, she stare
d down at
him. His eyes dark with emotion she wondered if shed ever fully under
stand, he
returned her gaze.
Ill do what needs doing, she heard herself say. That way you wont risk damage
to
This is really what you want to do?
Instead of responding with words, she closed her sex muscles around t
he warm,
strong invasion. His nostrils flared, and he tightened his hold on her thighs, m
aking her
shiver. Distracted, she briefly let up only to squeeze his cock with all her inn
er strength.
Does that answer you, Master? She slid her hand up his chest and then
leaned
forward, taking his cock with her as she did.
inkling why shed ceased her up and down movements and was contracting
and
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Vonna Harper
relaxing her vaginal muscles, she repeatedly stroked him. His lids dro
pped, and his
mouth sagged in the way of a man utterly focused on himself.
The more intently she studied him, the longer she caressed his cock,
the less she
resented her flawed body. It wasnt his fault that she couldnt come thi
s way. Shed
pleasure him, and in the effort, her sex would hum and anticipate.
Telling herself she was content, she put everything she had into mass
aging him
with her pussy. Her sex muscles were young and strong, albeit unaccustomed to do
ing
so much work. Always before the man had put out the most effort, but she was on
top,
sweating and grunting, her nails digging into his flesh and his against her hip
bones.
No, not just there.
After a shake of her head, she turned her attention to the masculine hand workin
g
its way over her mons. Spurred on by the slow invasion of her cunt, she rocked b
ack.
Keep going, if you can. He arched toward her, driving his cock deep. M
ake us
both burn.
Burn? In flames was more like it.
Instead of correcting him, she filled her lungs and concentrated anew. His cock
had
become part of her, a gift from master to slave. Shed demonstrate her
gratitude by
muscle-stroking him. She wouldnt stop until either he came or her body shattered.
She was wondering if it was possible to die from fucking a man when
her body
shuddered. Not comprehending, she struggled to determine what had happe
ned. His
fingershe didnt know or care which onepressed against her clit.
Slow down, he commanded. I almostdamnation Im too close.
You dont want
Of course I do. But not alone.
Not alone.
She needed to cry, but ruled by the fear of vulnerability, she fought her tears.
Doing
so separated herself from her body. By the time she trusted her self-control, sh
e realized
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War Prize
she had gentled her attack on him. Without her knowing it, hed moved
the hand that
had been on her hip around to her buttocks. He kneaded her there, t
he sensation
stimulating and calming at the same time.
In absolute contrast, there was nothing calming about what he was doing to her c
lit.
The first time, hed simply pressed against what she thought of as her
sex button, but
hed changed to a motion that rocked her clit one way and then the other, never le
tting
up or giving her a moment for recovery.
Faster and faster, pressure growing, explosion threatening.
Lightning strikes. Jolt after jolt lapped at her, mini-climaxes maybe.
Desperate for
the ultimate, she rolled forward and back, taking his cock with her but no longe
r caring
about its needs. This was all about her, climbing and clawing upward, grinding a
gainst
his hand.
Ready? he asked.
Ioh shit, shit.
He started making meaningless grunts. They vibrated throughout her, pus
hing at
her nerves and forcing cries and groans from her. Even as she dove into her clim
ax, she
knew she was drowning.
Dying maybe.
It worked.
What did? Saarah asked.
Getting you to climax while I was inside you. I wasnt sure.
Instead of thanking this man who was her master for granting her something shed
believed was impossible, she lay on her back beside him and slid her hand over t
he soft
hairs protecting her cunt. Sensitive as her sex was, she didnt dare t
ouch it. Neither
could she summon the courage to touch him. Her world was still fragm
ented and her
body done in.
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Vonna Harper
You arent saying anything, he said. Is it because you didnt want that to
happen?
No, no. It was
What?
Tell him. Be honest. Spectacular.
Thats all, just spectacular?
What do you want me to say?
I dont know. What just happened is new to me too.
Much as she wanted to drift off, she lifted herself onto her elbow so she could
study
his expression.
I never thought something like this was going to happen, Saarah, he we
nt on.
When you were given to me, all I thought about was that the ceremony
represented
the end to warand that I had a sex slave for a while. You were a
body. Thats all, a
body.
You were more than that to me. You represented power and proof that my people
had lost. I hated you.
But you dont anymore?
No.
Why not?
A lot of reasons. She should hide behind silence, should remind herself
of the
collar around her neck, but how could she with memories of his gift
swirling around
her? Not only that, his body was everything to him, and yet hed turned it over to
her.
Today didnt turn out the way I thought it would.
What did you expect?
For you to act like a Warrior-God, but youre human.
On the tail of a sigh, he nodded. More so today than usual. Thank y
ou for what
you did. My back feels better.
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War Prize
Im glad, but it might not last.
Then youll have to give me another massage, if you want to.
He didnt have to ask. As her master, he had a right to command.
What are you thinking? he asked.
Of all the ways youve surprised me, she admitted. Your consideration of me.
I didnt think that was going to happen. Smiling, he ran his forefinger
over her
breast. Or that youd care about me. I thinkif I hadnt sensed your compa
ssion, I
would have never told you about my back.
Just as I wouldnt have said anything about mymy unique needs when it comes
to sex.
I like unique. Closing forefinger and thumb around her nipple, he gentl
y pulled
her toward him. Knowing Ive given you something no other man has fills me with a
kind of power Ive never felt.
Although she could have pulled free, she lowered herself onto his che
st. Her
flattened breasts tingled, and when he started sliding his hand over
her spine, she
retaliated by nibbling the base of his throat.
Im not going to want to give up that power, he said, his words vibrating against
her lips. Thats why the collar is going to stay, so everyone will know youre mine.
Hmm. But if I bit you here, she lapped where shed been nipping, how wo
uld
you explain the marks?
He slapped her buttocks. Id tell them that youre a wild animal in need
of more
training.
Fantasizing about what he had in mind caused her to lose track of what theyd been
saying, but maybe he didnt care because he was still lightly tapping
her ass. A man
interested in conversation wouldnt do that, would he?
The training might take a long time, she pointed out. Then, keeping time with his
assault on her, she turned her head and ran her tongue over his ear.
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Vonna Harper
Yes, he hissed, it will. How do you feel about that?
What do you mean?
That we arent really slave and master, surely you understand that.
I do, she admitted. But what are we?
How can I answer when I never expected something like this to happen?
One
thing Im sure of, youve become a vital part of my world.
Thank you for saying that. Just as youve become the most important per
son in
mine. She wondered if hed picked up on the emotion behind her admissio
n. I feel
overwhelmed, and excited.
Not scared?
No. Dagen, I wouldnt have admitted what I just did if I didnt complete
ly trust
you. You believe me, dont you?
Of course. And your trust means everything to me.
His hand, quiet now, was still on her buttock and testing her ability to concent
rate.
Placing her forearms on his chest for support, she straightened so sh
e could study his
features. Someday, maybe, shed look at him without feeling as if she was about to
fly.
Today, however, that was the last thing she wanted.
Id like you to meet my family, including my father. What you saw of him isnt the
whole, loving man. Turning me over to you was terribly hard for him. He
Did what he had to, just as I always have.
Dagens tone left her convinced that he wanted to tell her a great de
al about
himself, reveal layers she wouldnt have suspected existed if they hadnt
shared their
bodies and more.
She opened her mouth to encourage him to begin when he placed his h
ands on
either side of her face and drew her down toward him. Even as her nipples harden
ed in
anticipation of an embrace, his mouth touched hers. The contact was s
oft, sweet,
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War Prize
tentative and sure at the same time. Giving herself up to the moment
, she breathed in
the scent of him and absorbed his taste.
A kiss, simple and complex, lips against lips while her heart beat in
time with his.
Not caring if he realized she was crying, she opened her mouth a little. He did
the same,
and when he slid his tongue between his lips, hers met it.
Lovers. Today. And tomorrow.
75
About the Author
Of course Ive time-traveled to the ancient Everglades, infiltrated bondag
e
strongholds, done wilderness search and rescue, and spent a night trap
ped in a
workout gym with Mr. Universe. How can I possibly write about something I havent
experienced?
Although I love telling readers that, the truth is much more mundane. In my day
jobs, Ive been a commercial pilot, brain surgeon, worked as a white-water river g
uide,
bee keeper, snake charmer and garbage collector.
And if you buy all that, let me pitch the bridge I have listed on eBay.
The author welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email
address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
Discover for yourself why readers cant get enough of the multiple award-winning
publisher Elloras Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visi
t EC
on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will lea
ve you
breathless.
www.ellorascave.com