Araman's Aria Read online

  Araman lifted his head as she caught her breath. He lowered the stream of the water to over her buttocks envying the water sliding down the crease of her cheeks. He followed the trail with a finger. He felt his concubine quiver under his curious touch as he aroused the secrets she hid.

  Her legs widened of their own accord at his fingers’ touch as they slide along the pathway of the water in the bare slit of her perfect bottom. He brought the jet stream of the showerhead to spray the entire split at the top of her thighs.

  Brea shuddered at the feel of the jet stream against her clit. It made her want more of his touch and tongue. Her body arched against the spray as it tantalized and teased the growing ache for his entry.

  Araman smiled at the gasp that crossed her lips followed by a soft groan of pleasure as the water hit the most intimate places of her body. She thought her knees would give way when the spray hit the top of her smooth mound to her hidden bud. Araman caught her around the waist and turned her to face him.

  His lips caught her wet ones and savored the sweet honey taste of her mouth. Brea caught his bottom lip in between her teeth as he tried to draw back. His eyes opened gaze into her green ones glazed with gold hues. Araman’s mouth pulled into a smile releasing her hold.

  He lathered up his hands and took his time in painting her body with the soap. He could feel the hardening of her nipples as his hands covered her breasts. She pressed into his hands as they cupped and gently massaged.

  Brea’s chest ached as his hands left to fill with suds. The passion promised in his eyes when she looked up at him through her lashes caused her to shudder. She saw her own reflected in his silvery blue pupils.

  His hands glided onto her hips and turned her around so her back was to him. Araman chuckled to himself as her body rested against his as he soaped her stomach. His hand slowly inched downward. She let out a soft cry as his hand dipped in between her legs.

  Araman bade her to face him as he reached for the sprayer to rinse her off. He watched as the beads of water rolled off the tips of her breasts. He flicked his tongue, catching the droplet and sending a wave of flames through her as he lowered his weight onto one knee.

  As the water crashed against her nub she felt her legs cave. Araman’s strong hands guided her to sit on him sidesaddle allowing him access to all her pleasures. His lips sought hers in a brief demanding kiss. A hand lowered to between her thighs and pushed them apart.

  There he found the base of her fountain. Araman stroked and teased fanning the fire throughout her body. Each time his fingers struck her chord, bursts of shock waves trembled through her. Each caress was threatening to send Brea over the edge.

  Araman, feeling her heat increase, stood her up in front of him. She closed her eyes, placing her hands in his hair and drawing his face into her belly. His tongue connected with her skin and danced his way to where Araman could no longer wait to taste her sweetness.

  A moan filled the stall as his tongue found her tiny bulge nestled between the folds of her softness. Brea was invaded by lightening bolts of fire with each rub of his velvet tongue. His finger found her slit wet and hot, begging for release.

  “No,” ripped from her throat as Araman began to insert his finger inside her. She tried to move away but his firm grip held her.

  “Hush Concubine.” He reassured her in a gentle voice while still not freeing her from his intrusion. “Your body will know the difference between my finger and my cock.” Araman lowered his mouth to her lower lips. “I need to know, my little concubine if you taste as sweet as your kisses promise.”

  He suckled her as his finger teased her slit. Her body responded to his siege by wanting more, craving more, needing more of him. Brea’s mind was lost in the sea of sensations her entire being was cast into. The more warmth he induced the more she could feel the build up of the fire raging in between her thighs.

  Araman slipped two fingers inside and gently swirled around the smooth swollen walls as his mouth hardened her nub. With a quick motion he startled Brea by lifting her off her feet and placing her on her back.

  The depth of the fire raging inside her deepened the harder he sucked on her bud. She could feel her body contort as it readied to release. A scream tore from her throat as crashing waves of hot molten sensations ripped through her body.

  Araman drank from her nectar as she climaxed and shuddered beneath him. Brea, his exotic little concubine tasted far sweeter than honey as he fed from her. His tongue licked and tugged, encouraging her body to expel more as she gave into the tidal waves of her crescendo.

  He rose above Brea as her body gave into one last quake before subsiding into sheer satisfaction. When she opened her eyes, his blue eyes were smiling at her. Her heart skipped a beat as he reached up and brushed aside a wet lock of gold hair. Araman gave her nose a quick peck before rising to stand.

  “Come on Concubine. We must attend a formal occasion. Delegates have arrived and we are part of the greeting committee.” He helped her up with one hand while grabbing a warm towel to dry her off with.

  Araman pushed her out the door sending her to the sleeping area to ready herself for the evening. He closed the door behind her and stepped into the shower which had resumed its normal shape and spot on the wall.

  “Shower. Cold,” he ordered hurriedly and the water began to spray.

  Chapter Four

  The room fell to a hush when the Commandant entered the room. All eyes turned to the intimidating couple. The women admired Araman while the men licked their lips at the sight of Brea.

  Araman dressed in his all black dress uniform. The jacket’s collar like that of a Terrian priest’s sat at the bottom of his neck drawing the female scrutiny of his broad chest. A single line of one-carat diamonds was embellished just below his shoulder on the tailored jacket. Each gem representing a deed of heroism during a battle or mission. No buttons held the coat closed, only hidden clasps aided the female eyes to roam freely with appreciation.

  Narrowing his eyes at his peers, Araman held his elbow out to Brea who slipped a delicate hand in the crook. Her pale green eyes accentuated by the shimmering iridescent coppery colored material, clinging softly to her curves. Her black hair was intricately woven in a herringbone plait down her back that was held in place by black diamond studded hair bands.

  Brea’s glance swept the room surveying the situation. She could feel the dislike of her as it permeated the air. Women were holding themselves in disdain of her as the Commandant led her into the room.

  Santari grinned as he approached his superior. “You do like to make an entrance.” His sienna eyes revealing the laughter he was containing.

  “Brea, this is Commander Santari my first.” Araman introduced putting an arm about her waist and drawing her protectively closer.

  Santari clicked his heels together and gave her a curt nod.

  “Well Brea.” He lowered his arm. “You are certainly by far the loveliest of wives here.” His reddish brown eyes glanced over challenging his Commandant’s frigid glare. “The reason,” Santari snapped over to her side and took her arm tucking it safely into the bend of his elbow with a pat. “I am your husband’s first is I am able to tolerate and assess his mood swings.”

  Santari led her from Araman’s grasp and over to the bar. Araman followed behind with his mood souring more by the moment. He had brought his concubine into the sharks’ tank and they were beginning to circle.

  Brea, sensing his mood, stepped back from Santari, removing her hand. She gave him a polite smile before moving back beside Araman. She felt his strong hand glide along the base of her spine and place itself firmly on her hip. She felt him relax only a little.

  “Where are the delegates?” Araman asked dryly looking around. His eyes rested on a woman slowly making her way towards them, stopping to idly chat with other guests with her eyes on Araman.

  She could have been considered beautiful despite the pale sickly look of her skin from lack of sun. Her fine features hardened by the
venom pumping in her veins, adding years to her looks. Her brassy blond hair was swept up in a coil outlining her head.

  “They have been detained by a hostile outbreak. It seems Oleander has managed to, as the Terrians put it, ‘piss off another one’. This time they may have bit off more than they can chew.” Santari turned to the bar and held up three fingers to the mechanical server behind the counter. “Calvites are not a clan you toy with.”

  “They have engaged Calvior?” Araman shook his head. “They make much better allies than enemies. What could they gain by this?” He rubbed his chin. “What is Oleander thinking?”

  “Who knows?” Santari turned back with two glasses. “Maybe it’s their time of the month.” He remarked handing a glass to Brea.

  As her hand reached for the stem, it was slapped away. “Concubines do not eat, drink or speak in the company wives.” The woman haughtily informed her taking the wineglass from Santari.

  Before the two men could react, Brea backhanded the woman, causing the glass to fly out of her hand and shatter against the wall. She grabbed a twig-like arm and slammed her on her back in one fluid motion. Brea was crouched with her weight on one foot and a leg outstretched beside her. One hand pointed at the pale yellow throat like an arrow’s head and the other pulled into a fist by her side. Brea’s eyes intently watched her opponent’s next move. Insipid brown pools stared back at her in fear.

  Santari blinked at the tiny woman crouched and poised for killing. Now he understood what had happened to his superior’s showering room. He took a large gulp of his wine before looking over to Araman with a grin he could not fight.

  “What in the frigg did they send you?” Santari asked highly amused.

  Araman bent down beside the woman who was too terrified to move.

  “Some wives Amelia, are not fit to eat, drink, or speak in the company of mine.” He took Brea’s threatening hand in his and urged her up then over to stand beside him. “She is Shinwa, and you are warned,” he said as Santari scooped the woman off the floor and set her on her feet.

  Amelia’s lips curled into a snarl. “I will inform your General of her assault on my person.”

  “Stow it.” General Herse ambled up behind her. He removed the cigar from his mouth. “I saw and heard what happened. Remove your assaulted person from my presence, I have more pressing matters.” The cigar was replaced in a wry grin. “Never liked her.” Herse winked to Brea when Amelia slithered away.

  “Commandant, I have no desire to take you away from the lovely young lady’s side but.…” Santari rushed in between Araman and his concubine to steer her away.

  “I feel much better now, knowing that you’re at my side to protect me.” Santari put her hand on his arm. Brea, despite herself, let a tiny laugh bubble up. “It’s hard for a good looking officer like me. Women constantly beg for my attention.” He explained as he led her away.

  Araman flung a look of disgust towards his first.

  “Don’t worry. He will protect your little female.” The General said before ordering a drink.

  “Yes but, who will protect her from him.” Araman uttered dryly following the General into a side meeting room for privacy.

  The general drained his glass and set the empty container on the long dark table surrounded by chairs. He cleared his throat.

  “I intercepted a message on my way here by an underling delivering it to you. The Novena delegates have been taken hostage by Oleander. The squabble with Calvior was only a ruse devised to screen their kidnapping. The Novenian Prime Ruler has asked our help as we are closer and within range for a retrieval.”

  “Why?” Araman asked with his blue eyes staring out into the night sky from the windowed wall.

  “That we don’t know. The Regency has not made any demands as of yet. Your orders Commandant are to retrieve the delegates. I want you on this mission. Assemble a team. Have Santari issue a call to arms alert. Our Regent does not want to be caught off guard.” Araman gave a curt nod and moved towards the door.

  “Oh and Commandant,” The general stopped him, “please try to refrain your concubine from pulverizing the wives. Consider yourself chastised.” Araman did not miss the hint of delight in the general’s tone as he left the room in search of Santari and his concubine.

  “I thought the shower was attacking me.” Araman heard Brea’s soft voice in the corner. He looked over at Santari, laughing at Brea standing in the middle of a group of giggling women. Araman could see by the clasping of her hands that she was ill at ease with the sudden interest.

  Brea looked up seeing Araman head towards them and broke out into a wide smile at his handsome figure nearing. Her heart fluttered at the tender look when his eyes met hers. Her gaze dropped to the floor as the women separated for Araman.

  “My apologies Lyra, I have state matters to attend to. We must leave.” He leaned into her and whispered. “Do you wish to come with me?” She slipped her hand into his nodding her head. She had quickly grown tired of the topics of hair and clothing to discuss upon recognizing she would never have anything in common with these women.

  He glanced up to Santari. “I have orders.”

  Araman turned to the women. “Regretfully Ladies, Brea and I must bid you good night.” He gave them all a sultry smile as he guided Brea away. His blue eyes cast their direction to Santari who gave him a nod setting his glass down on the counter and followed them to the elevator.

  “Well that made for an interesting party.” Santari commented with a hint of sarcasm stepping beside Araman in the lift. “What happened to the delegates?” He asked more seriously.

  “Oleander decided they needed to make a detour.” Araman answered as though he was tired of the conversation already. He leaned over and pressed a flat silver pad closing the doors.

  * * * *

  The screen quietly slid back into its place inside the desk as Araman compiled the information garnered that night into a file for General Herse first thing in the morning. He left the folder on his desk as he went in search of Brea.

  “Do you ever have rain?” Brea asked him when he found her outside staring at the night sky. She was leaning against the tree.

  “We have a rain season. It’s not for a few weeks yet.” He came closer. A faint hint of her spicy scent taunted his nose. He stretched out a hand and placed it above her on the trunk of the tree using it as an anchor.

  Araman’s eyes found hers lowered to the ground as he watched her shyness take over. His free hand reached out caught a lock of hair in his fingers. The soft spiral curled around his finger as if it had a mind of its own.

  “I am sorry for my behavior earlier.” Brea’s lilting words floated up to him.

  “Hmmm.” Araman was still distracted by her hair. He was now contemplating the blue black of her hair. He dropped the tress and straightened up when he realized what she was saying.

  “I was chastised for your actions.” A lazy smile crossed his face. His head dipped to hers. “Punishment,” he whispered in Brea’s ear, “will happen.”

  She nodded. “I understand.” She said seriously clasping her hands. Brea’s back stiffened.

  Araman drew back and stared at his little concubine in disbelief. A chuckle broke from his lips as he shook his head at her, putting his hands to his hips.

  “Brea.” Her name sounded more like a caress. The use of it drew her expression up to meet his. She did not see any anger in his eyes, only amusement.

  “Tell me something?” Araman asked. “How are you here?” She looked at him puzzled. “How did you get caught? You were to train an army in warfare. You destroyed my shower room in under a lunar minute. You laid a woman flat with one move.”

  “A weapon was pointed at Beebles, so I stopped fighting.” Brea answered understanding his meaning.

  “I see.” He rubbed his chin with long lean fingers. “Why have you not fought me?”

  “You have given me no cause to fight you.” Her tiny shoulders pulled into a shrug. “Besides you are m
uch larger, and stronger. To fight you, I would have to learn about you first. Your weaknesses and other disadvantages of your nature.”

  Araman gave her a suspicious look. “And have you?”

  Brea glanced up to see his expression darkening. It pleased her a little inside that he did not like the idea of her sizing him for battle.

  “No.” She said honestly. “You are an overbearing, dominate male in a position of authority that has not dealt with matters of the heart.” She did not see his scowl. “But your heart is a kind one although for a man who leads that is not allowable. You must be hard and strong at all times.” The assessment was quietly spoken.

  Araman’s pheromones in his body stirred as her scent surrounded him. The feeling was beginning to become too familiar when he was around her. He was standing torn between crushing her body to his to prove just how strong he was or not moving. He chose the latter wanting to know more.

  “You are too honest for your own good.” Araman told Brea.

  “To tell untruth would begin the decay of the heart chakkra. There are times when I must choose my words carefully.” She explained. “It is the way of the web within, of all Shinwa.”

  “Why have you not tried to escape and return to your home?” Araman moved closer to the tree and leaned a shoulder against it with his arms folded.

  “I have not felt the need to.” Brea said. She smiled at his puzzled look. “The Shinwa are a difficult people to learn about.”

  “So teach me.” He sat down on the grass resting his back against the tree. Araman patted the spot beside him, inviting Brea to sit. “I am curious about you.” He said when she sat down. “You are so accepting of your situation that it makes me wonder if you are a mole for Oleander.”

  “The Shinwa do not make for very good spies, Commandant. If we cannot tell an untruth then secrets will be revealed. Our society is very open. We do not have militant leaders or armed forces to preserve us. We do not have weaponry. We are a people of a gentler path.