"No, I don't," Tani said. "I'm sorry, Steel."

"That's all right," Steel said, setting his plate aside and reaching for her. "It's enough to know that something good will happen, though I think we should keep this to ourselves for now. I don't want to get people's hopes up when we have no idea what will happen, or when."

Tani settled herself on Steel's lap and ran her fingers along his thick braid. "Agreed," she said. "Now tell me, Ganzorig Khaan, why do you wear a top knot, and none of the other Khun do?"

"Because I am King, and the others are not," he said. "Do you object to it?"

"Oh no, not at all," Tani said. "It makes you look exotic."

"And exotic is good?" he asked, his voice deepening as his hands traveled up and down her back, stroking her lightly.

"It is," Tani said. "Of course, erotic is better, but a girl takes what she can get." Steel chuckled softly as he tightened his arms around her and stood up, an amazing demonstration of his sheer strength.

"Where are you taking me?"

"You'll see," he said as he crossed the living area of his cave and entered another cave through an entrance at the back that was just as large. Tani had seen his sleeping chamber before, just once, when he'd showed her around on an earlier visit. But this chamber looked nothing at all like the one she'd seen before.

The walls were covered with heavy draperies in a deep dark blue that matched the night sky. The floor was covered with thick blue carpeting that looked so soft she itched to sink her feet into it. The bed itself was round, enormous, and covered in rich navy velvet with lighter blue pillows and sheets. Round globes that hung from the ceiling provided soft, gently flickering light that did a good job of imitating candles. One corner was sectioned off for the bathroom and Tani wondered if he'd made changes there, as well.

"Where did all of this come from?" she asked.

"My parents purchased all of this, and other items, over a period of a few years in preparation for my brother's marriage," he said.

"He was married?"

"No," Steel said. "He hadn't even found a woman he wanted to marry, yet. They were just being...prepared. It's all been in storage, unopened, unused, going to waste. I decided that you were the perfect reason to drag it out and put it to use."

"You did, did you?" she asked archly as he set her on her feet. She kicked off her shoes, pulled off her socks, and sighed at the feel of the thick carpet sinking beneath her feet.

"You like that," he said.

"Absolutely," she replied. "It feels delicious against my bare feet. I haven't felt anything this soft in I don't know how long. Maybe ever."

Steel smiled as he went down on his knees in front of her. "I'm not sure I can believe that," he said, placing his hands at her waist, then running them down over her hips.

"Why not?" she asked a little breathlessly when he reached for the zipper on her pants and began to lower it very slowly.

"Because I've felt your skin," he said, leaning forward to kiss the narrow expanse of her stomach that he'd just bared. "There's nothing softer in all the Thousand Worlds, I'm certain of it."

"Now, that's just not true," Tani whispered as he began tugging her pants down her legs. When they reached the floor he held up one hand, and she took it, bracing herself as she raised one foot out of the fabric, then the other. He tossed the pants aside, then reached for the band of her panties and ran his fingers lightly along the seam where the elastic met her skin.

"Are you calling me a liar, Princess Tanjelia?" he asked, slipping his fingertips beneath the elastic.

"I am, indeed, Ganzorig Khaan," she replied, her voice trembling. "Your lips are far, far softer than my skin."

He lowered her panties slowly, kissing the soft mound of red gold curls before helping her step out of them. "I don't think I can agree with that," he said in a deep, husky voice that caused her skin to pebble.

"If they weren't, they wouldn't feel so soft against my skin," she said, then gasped when he slid one hand between her thighs and stroked her lightly.

"You're so wet for me, Khalute," he said, withdrawing his fingers. Then he placed them in his mouth and sucked them clean. "And so sweet."

Tani's knees buckled, but Steel caught her before she could fall. He rose to his feet and set her on the edge of the bed, then began taking off his clothes. Tani removed her own top and bra while watching as he bared his golden, muscular body. He was so beautiful that she couldn't stop staring at him.

"I can't quite decide what I like best," she said. "The way you look, the way you sound, or the way you smell."

"The way I smell?" he asked, arching a brow at her as he tossed his shirt aside and moved to stand in front of her, his hard cock so heavy that it pointed down at her, swaying as he moved.

"Oh, yes," she said, reaching out to caress the hard muscles of his thighs, her eyes glued to the throbbing temptation of his erection. "From that first morning when I woke up on the Stray I've had to fight the urge to wrap myself around you so I could just breathe you in."

"That's interesting," Steel said, his voice rough as he reached down to stroke his aching shaft. The way her eyes followed his hand as it moved from the base of his cock to the tip, then back again, made him groan.

"Interesting?" she asked in a whisper that blew warm air over the head of his cock and sent a shiver up his spine. A hot, erotic fantasy flashed through his mind, forcing him to lock his knees and squeeze his eyes shut to hold back his orgasm.

"What was that?" she asked. He shook his head. If he tried to tell her, he'd come. She studied him for a long moment. "Do it," she whispered.

His eyes widened as he looked down at her in surprise. Her cheeks were flushed with desire, her eyes heavy lidded, her mouth open just enough for him to see the tip of her little pink tongue. She leaned forward and pursed her lips, then blew hot air over the head of his cock, reminding him of his fantasy. Steel groaned again, but didn't take his eyes off of her. She couldn't really know what he was thinking, could she?

"Please, Steel," she said, her voice hoarse with a need that matched his own. "Do it."

He searched her eyes for a moment, uncertain. Then she leaned forward and licked the head of his cock with a long, hot swipe of her tongue, and his body gave in before his mind could stop it. He began stroking himself with purpose, squeezing on the upstroke, his eyes fixed on Tani as he masturbated inches from her face. When his strokes grew faster and harder she opened her mouth and offered him her tongue, erasing any lingering doubts he had about her knowing what he wanted. His hips arched, the head of his cock touched the hot tongue on display for him, just as he'd fantasized, and his pleasure intensified. Tani's hands went to his hips and she hung on tightly as his cock slapped against her tongue and lips with every stroke, faster and faster. The sight of her sweet face tilted up, mouth open wide and waiting for his come, was the most purely erotic sight he'd ever seen. He shouted as his orgasm exploded within him, refusing to let his eyes close as he aimed his cock into her hot little mouth and filled it with come. The sight of her lips and tongue covered in his seed was so hot, and so exciting, that his entire body shuddered hard, causing him to shove the head of his cock into her mouth. She immediately closed her lips around it and sucked while he continued to stroke himself until he'd given her all he had. She released him, then lapped at his cock with long, gentle strokes of her tongue, easing him down from his orgasm.

When she looked up at him and licked lips that were red and swollen from his cock, he immediately began to harden again. He picked her up so suddenly that her eyes widened in surprise, then closed as his mouth came down on hers. He thrust his tongue deep into her mouth, tasting himself, which hardened him even more. He lifted his mouth from hers and stared into her eyes. "I love the way your mouth looks and tastes right now," he said.

"What do you mean?" Tani asked breathlessly as he settled into place between her legs.

"Red and swollen from my cock, and tasting of my come," he said, then smiled when her eyes closed and her back arched in response, pressing her wet heat against him in a silent plea. "Every time I look at you, I'll remember you kneeling before me, your mouth open wide and waiting for my come." he whispered, a thrill of excitement racing through him at the thought.

Tani shuddered uncontrollably and he smiled again, pleased that her reaction matched his own. Her eyes opened when he reached down between them and guided himself into her. She was so hot and so ready that it was easier for both of them when he pushed into her tight channel, stretching her in one long, slow thrust until he could feel the tip of his cock pressed against her womb, filling her completely. He paused to give her a moment, but she wasn't having that. She lifted her legs, hooked them around his hips, and arched her back, needing more.

He immediately withdrew, then plunged in again, sensing that she needed it hard and fast this time and determined to give her anything and everything she wanted or needed. He pounded into her, surprised to realize that he had to hold back his own orgasm after the one he'd already had. But the feel of her delicate muscles squeezing his shaft, the smell of her desire as it flowed around him, the sound of her soft whimpers as she strained toward her own climax, had him at the edge and fighting not to fall over. If he came before her, he didn't think he'd be able to forgive himself.

Tani's head twisted side to side on the bed, her whimpers growing more desperate by the moment. He reached down between them, found the hard nub of her clit, and rubbed it gently between his fingers. Her body tensed and strained, but it wasn't enough. He grasped it more tightly and she shuddered. He smiled, pinched it harder and gave it a tug. Tani threw her head back, her pussy tightening around his cock so hard when she climaxed that for a moment, he couldn't move. He increased the pressure on her clit, intensifying her orgasm. She screamed and his voice joined hers as he came, instinctively pushing his cock as deeply as he could before giving her his seed.

Their orgasms eased, but neither of them moved as they continued to pant for another minute or so. As much as he wanted to remain connected to Tani, he forced himself to withdraw and roll to his side so that he didn't crush her with his weight. She rolled with him, settling her head on his chest and snuggling against his side. He brushed his fingers along her shoulders, then rubbed the thick, silky strands of her red gold hair between his fingers. He'd come to love her short, wayward hair. It suited her somehow.

"That was intense," she said after a few minutes, raising her head to look at him as she spoke, a tiny smile on her lips.

"Deliciously so," he agreed after making certain that there was no indication of regret in her eyes or body.

"I had no idea," she said.

"No idea of what?"

"No idea that I had a submissive streak," she said. He smiled. She was a very private person with most people, but with him, and herself, she was straightforward and surprisingly honest.

"Does it bother you?" he asked.

"Not at all," she said. "Should it?"

"I certainly don't have any complaints."

"Neither do I," she said with a shrug. "I am who and what I am, Steel. Although, I have to say that while it's exciting sexually, I don't think it extends beyond the bedroom."

"I agree," Steel said, catching the tiny line of worry between her brows before she hid it. "This is new for me, as well, Tani. One thing I'm sure of is that I've no need or desire for a submissive little thing to follow me around doing whatever I say. I've discovered that I like strong, decisive women with a penchant for sharp blades and a heart so big that I don't know how anything else can even fit in her tiny little body."

"Oh yes?" she asked archly. "Did you have any particular woman in mind?"

He sighed heavily. "Unfortunately, no."

Tani squealed indignantly, then climbed on top of him. "Just for that, I'm afraid I'm going to have to make you suffer."

"Oh yes?" he asked, copying her inflection. She smiled wickedly, then slid slowly down his body, her hard nipples grazing his skin, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake. Steel wasn't sure he was capable of another round until her hot mouth closed over his soft member and it immediately responded. He wondered if he should stop her, then rolled his eyes at himself at the idea and relaxed. As long as he remembered not to fall asleep before taking her back to Astra's cave, there'd be nothing to worry about.

Chapter 9.

"Dirk, no," Drya said firmly, wishing she'd left Dirk in the cave sleeping rather than toting him up to the mesa so early in the morning so she could get in some target practice. Ever since he'd been attacked, she hadn't been able to make herself leave him for more than a minute or two at a time. "You aren't old enough to shoot a hand laser."

"I'm not a baby," Dirk argued. "I'm a big boy, Gunji Tani thaid tho."

"Gunji Tani also said you must be older to learn to shoot. You have to start with learning how to throw rocks at a target."

"But I already throw good, Grandma," he whined, looking over at the two teenage girls who were currently shooting hand lasers at targets. "I could thoot better than thoth girlth if you let me."

"Dirk, I'm not going to argue with you any more. You know the rules and that's that."

"You're juth being mean cauth you like girlth better," Dirk pouted.

"You need a time out, Dirk," Drya said tiredly. "Go sit over there by the basket and think about what Gunji Tani or Steel Khaan would think if they saw your behavior right now."

Dirk's eyes widened. Grandma was right. They wouldn't think he was a big boy if they'd heard him talking back to Grandma. He hated time outs, but this time he didn't argue. Instead he went over to the basket and sat beside it, knowing that Gunji Tani, Steel Khaan, and the other adults he looked up to so much would all be ashamed of his behavior. He glanced at the basket of laser guns the women had carried up to the mesa to use for target practice, then deliberately put his hands behind his back.

"Don't you touch that basket, Dirk," Drya warned him. He puffed his lower lip out and gave her his most hurt look. It had been wrong of him to argue with his grandmother who took care of him and loved him since his mother and father had been killed by the dirty Nomen. He knew that. But he would never sneak behind her back. That would be like stealing, or lying.

Drya nodded, then turned around to take her turn at the practice targets. Dirk watched the women for a few minutes, then began to grow bored and sleepy. He was thinking about lying down when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head slowly, then froze in shock and fear.

Tani sat alone before the fireplace in Astra's cave, her weapons spread around her, sharpening stone in hand, thinking about the news she'd shared with Steel and Astra just half an hour earlier. Learning that her parents would arrive the following day, and Nica's ICARUS ship the day after that, should have been an enormous relief to her. But it wasn't.

Astra had immediately leapt to her feet and gone running to the women's cave to share the news. Steel hadn't displayed quite as much enthusiasm, but he'd seemed happy too, and left shortly after Astra to tell the men. Tani sat staring at the flames while she finished her coffee, chastising herself for being hurt by Steel's reaction. He had every reason to be happy that help was finally arriving for his people, and she was, in truth, happy for them as well.

But that didn't stop her from wondering what the future held for her. She loved Steel, of that she had no doubt. She even believed that they were meant to be together. But she didn't know if he felt the same way about her. Steel had shown every sign of caring for her during their time together. He was protective, and attentive, and he'd told her that he adored her and that he admired her. But he'd never said he loved her. Even more telling was the fact that, although they spent a good part of every evening together in his cave, in his bed, he was always careful to make sure she returned to her own bed in Astra's cave for the night. He'd told her, more than once, that if she spent a full night with him, the Khun would immediately assume that they intended to marry. He'd made no secret of how much he wanted to avoid any assumptions of that sort.

Tani finished her breakfast, cleaned up the dishes, got dressed and gathered her weapons to clean and sharpen while she thought about the situation. Maybe it was time for her to tell him how she felt, she decided. If he felt the same way, that would be glorious. On the other hand, if he didn't feel the same way, well, her parents would be here tomorrow, so she could just leave. Like she'd told Astra, she really had nothing to lose.

Satisfied with her decision, she'd just finished cleaning and sharpening her swords when the sound of excited voices reached her. She got up, waking Wily who'd been sleeping on her shoulder, and stepped out onto the ledge.

"Tani," Astra said reaching the ledge at the same time as Tani, the fear and worry in her voice a clear enough warning that something was wrong.

"What is it? What's going on?"

"The Nomen are coming," Astra replied, her lips white with fear. "They'll reach the valley any moment now."

"Where's Steel?"

"At the armory," Astra said.

"All right, get back to the women's cave, tell everyone to arm themselves, and then put the children and the weakest women in the back cave, just like we planned, all right?"

"Yes, of course," Astra said, making a visible attempt to calm herself.

"Good," Tani said, giving her friend a gentle pat before turning back toward the cave entrance.

"Tani...," Astra began, then hesitated.

"Go, Astra," Tani said. "No, wait. Take Wily with you." Wily mewled his objections, but Tani was firm this time. "You go with Astra and help her watch over the children, Wily."

Wily nodded his head reluctantly before climbing onto Astra's hand. She put him on her shoulder, then turned and hurried away. Tani ran inside for her weapons and left the cave while still tying the shuriken pouches to her belt loops.

She paused to look down into the valley below where the battle had just begun, and smiled. There were only about forty Khun warriors down there so far, but her ears had no trouble picking up the sounds of dozens of men arming themselves in the caves above her. She wasn't sure they'd be needed though since there were only about thirty Nomen down there.

Cake, she decided, relaxing. After many long days of working with the men on their battle skills, she had complete confidence in them. Though they hadn't recognized it in themselves, it hadn't taken her long to realize that the men were natural warriors, as were most of the women. All they'd needed was someone to teach them, and help fine tune some of their rapidly developing skills.

There was no need for her to go racing down there. In fact, it would be best for the men if she stayed back. The one thing they needed most was confidence in their growing abilities, and this battle would give them a good start.

She continued watching for a few more moments, then nodded to herself, satisfied that the Khun were making quick work of the Nomen. She turned and began making her way across the face of the cliff toward the women's cave. She was almost there when Astra came running out, looked around, spotted her and started talking as she ran toward her.

Nomen. A whole bunch of them. Coming down the side of the mountain way at the other end where no one was looking. The women were standing by the targets that were set up right against the mountain and didn't see them at all. He opened his mouth to scream, but it died in his throat when one of the Nomen fired a gun into the small group, and Ruya fell to the ground.

Dirk wanted to take a hand laser from the basket and shoot the Nomen for being so mean to Ruya, but Grandma had told him not to touch them and he'd already gotten in enough trouble for one day. He watched the Nomen as they shoved and pushed and hit the women, including Grandma, and took all their guns away. Dirk saw blood on Grandma's lip and decided that this time, he had to break a rule and accept the punishment for it later. He reached into the basket and grabbed a hand laser really fast, then slid it into the back of his shorts and tugged his shirt down over it.

He continued to sit there, his heart pounding too loudly in his chest, until one of the Nomen finally saw him and ordered him to get up. He got to his feet and started crying on purpose, like he was a baby and not a big boy at all. He ran to his grandmother and wrapped his arms around one of her legs, then fell silent so that the Nomen wouldn't notice him any more. Grandma's hand pressed gently against his shoulder, and he squeezed her back, but didn't dare tell her about the hand laser. Then one of the Nomen picked Ruya up and the rest ordered them to follow them to the far end of the mesa, then start climbing.

"Astra, please, slow down," Tani said, not understanding a word she was saying.

"There's a group of women and children up on the mesa doing target practice," she said.