How is it possible to ache this much and not be the one in training?

I sat down on the central room floor and raised the floor mat's brace to recline and stretch out. It was little more than a low padded wall protruding from the floor, but at this moment, it was exactly the support my back required.

I rechecked the monitors linked to my wristcomm to confirm that the boys were sleeping.

Finally...

This afternoon's training session was a blur. My muscles spasmed like I'd spent the last four hours treading water.

I glanced at the little wooden staves on the floor beside my ankle.

They did well today but fuck, are they willful. Crazy Wolf, especially. He has much of Eh'kt in him.

And then there was Raven Tide.

My chest rumbled with a hearty chitter.

The pup went to bed covered in bruises from smacking himself so many times with his polearm. I had no idea a Zhaguai could be both clumsy and graceful at the same time.

Eh'kt's U'la'ke Liege skull stared back at me from the far end of the main living room.

It would be another hour until my Zhaguai mate returned home.

During these last two cycles, he and Lost Coyote had begun devoting significant time toward finding a solution that would allow razkurs and our offspring to fight U'la'ke.

A worthy endeavor.

However, I was still perplexed as to how my black-scaled mate managed to perform his duties as my Adjutant around his designated daily blocks for training the boys and still have time set aside for this new hobby.

Mounted on the wall beside Eh'kt's most prized trophy sat the skull of a Wind Shrieker, Mourning Crow's most recent Dread kill.

An Elder...

My pulse intensified at the revelation of our family overflowing with so much honor.

It was not surprising for Mourning Crow to take this rite of passage. If not for being preoccupied with caring full time for our sucklings, I suspect she would have gained the rank several cycles earlier.

Then my mate's other divulgement popped to the forefront of my mind.

Heat radiated off the crimson tips of my quills as I relived the argument that ensued immediately after.

Three days ago, when Mourning Crow returned from her summons, she informed us of Oru's edict, and then my mate came clean about her covert communications with my bearer.

Furious didn't come anywhere near describing the level of betrayal I experienced when she copied me on the entirety of their exchanges.

My chest thrummed as the evening replayed in my mind.

.

"The answer is simple!" I couldn't stop myself from shouting.

To my horror, the expression on my mate's faces proclaimed that they did not agree.

Even Eh'kt, with a bearer who had absolved all paternal connections, stood against me.

The two spoke of their deceased sires.

Eh'kt, shortly after the birth of our pups, delved deeper into his sire's achievements to share his lineage with our offspring better, only to unearth a plethora of records containing his sire's repeated requests to his bearer for involvement in his rearing from the moment of his conception.

His bearer denied physical access but agreed to formal updates of his rearing.

"I will never know the reason my sire took such a strong interest in me over his many other offspring," Eh'kt's words cut into me like poison-dipped stilettos. "That answer will forever be lost to me."

Meanwhile, Mourning Crow had a similar justification with the added jab that Peleon was an Ancient as well as a proven mentor.

Then she had the nerve to suggest we ask Raven Tide and Crazy Wolf directly how they felt about it.

"They are pups!" I was half roaring with each syllable. "We are the adults entrusted with their safety!"

"Eh'kt," I had to get through to them. "You know this is the correct course of action!"

But Eh'kt's eyes spoke that he was of a different mind. Then he alerted us that the boys were listening and hiding behind a corner.

We had no choice but to assure our pups that it was safe to come out and join us in the kitchen.

"We want to meet Gamma Peleon," Crazy Wolf squeaked as he clung tight to his brother.

I could only kneel before them and hold them, to prove that they had nothing to fear from me.

They knew of my brother, Tharu, loosely through a small household shrine Mourning Crow constructed, in the tradition of her father's tribe.

But I had never revealed the entire story to my sons.

I wasn't ready.

They were so small but they were Zhaguai. It was wrong not to prepare them for the path that lay ahead.

Eh'kt and Mourning Crow crouch at my sides, assuring me that they understood my sorrow and that they would never force me to do anything I wasn't willing. They would support my decision no matter what I chose.

I carried the boys to a softer and more private location in our home and told them the story of how my brother saved my life and everything terrible that happened after.

When I returned, my mates were already in bed.

"The wound from Tharu still bleeds," was all I could tell them. Then they embraced me and consummated their unconditional devotion.

.

I raked a hand through my quills and felt my muscles ache anew.

Perhaps a soak in the hygiene chamber is in order.

I couldn't imagine what the process was like for a single person. Many females reared pups every day. However, none of them ever claimed that was easy.

I was fortunate to endure and take turns with two other parents, but Mourning Crow did expose a critical flaw in our strategy.

Neither Eh'kt nor Mourning Crow were raised by invested mentors.

Eh'kt scavenged for survival and beat the odds of surviving the orphan's dormitory while Mourning Crow made significant efforts to not unintentionally pass along the bad habits she gained in Thorngate.

I was the only member of our triad who was familiar with the traditional training process from birth to Dread... and Peleon was my primary reference.

Sure, my sire played a role, but only with any significance after the loss of Tharu.

I had faced many trials in my lifetime, but this was a challenge I could not fail. My sons' lives depended on it. However, my greatest terror was seeing the other side of my bearer's tactics.

"Rough day," Mourning Crow unlatched her red and black armor as she strolled in and joined me in the central living room. Her ears flapped in the direction of the boy's bedroom, confirming that they were sleeping as she snuggled in next to me.

"Mmm..." I grunted in agreement and kissed her. "Emerging bloodlust is like igniting a Zhaguai's blood on fire. The scent of anything vulnerable sends them into a frenzy. They'll make great warriors, but only if the three of us manage to survive the exercitation."

Mourning Crow giggled and stroked my bare chest.

"On the plus side," I chuckled. "Their lack of coordination makes it easy to beat them into submission without ever touching them."

"It's a good thing they heal quickly."

"They'll be up and ready to make me beg for mercy before the sun rises," I smiled into my mate's warm, pale eyes. "However, do not mistake my fatigue for regret. I admit, the task is revealing to be much more taxing than expected, but I remain firm in my desire to take the lead in their training."

"I never doubted it," Mourning Crow flicked her fingertips along the short quills on my chest. "Just remember, there's no shame in asking for help."

I growled, knowing full well what she meant, but Mourning Crow's long slender ears were wagging back and forth as she spoke. She was intentionally poking a raw patch to rile me up.

"I can say no," Mourning Crow clutched her arms around my torso. "There's still time. Groon's dreadnought doesn't leave for three more days. I can refuse the trial and stay here and help with the boys."

Like Eh'kt, I disliked being parted from our mate and suspected Mourning Crow's apprehension for leaving had more to do with facing the Graven without her triad.

"We each have our role in setting an example for our sons," I raised her chin. "You have received a directive from our Supreme Elder. You must rise to the demand and show our sons the true shape of honor and sacrifice."

"Even if I'm on the opposite side of the universe?"

"All of Jahaa will see you," I leaned in and tasted her mouth. "You will not be alone."

"It still feels like we should make the most of it before I go," Mourning Crow flashed me a devious grin.

"Hmm...but perhaps we should wait."

My mate splayed her ears quizzically.

"I've never mated with an Elder before," I stroked my claws above her exposed right breast, on the pectoral where the prestigious brand would soon rest. "It's rumored they are exceptionally skilled."

"Oh?" Mourning Crow pressed her lips to my neck, then my chest, and proceeded to work her way downward. "Perhaps I should look into upgrading as well."

"I'm certain, one day," I sucked in my breath when her lips crossed the threshold to my lap. "We will find you someone of sufficient age and merit."

"I suppose anything is possible," Mourning Crow coaxed my cock out with two fingers and her little pink tongue. "Given enough determination and patience."

I hissed from the sting of my pelvic sheath's slit being abruptly stretched to its limit.

Mourning Crow was never shy about expressing her affection for us within hearing range of our sons. For razkurs, bonding, including the sound of it, was something you shared with everyone you cherished.

Though Eh'kt and I did insist that sound dampeners be installed around ours and the boys' bedrooms. Not to conceal our mating. Zhaguai mate openly during the Convergence and our pups were born with ears capable of listening in on our internal organs.

It was simply a necessity so as not to wake them after bedtime. Also, Crazy Wolf was prone to singing loudly in his sleep.

"I can't wait until our mate returns home," I stroked Mourning Crow's taut pale shoulders.

"M-niether can I," my mate glanced up at me with the bright red head of my dick in her mouth.

I rolled my head back, basking in the warmth of her spirited suction.

I stand corrected. This is exactly the support that my entire spine and soul required!

Mourning Crow was on her knees beside me, but I was utterly under her thrall.

Her fingers slid up and around my rigid nodules, while her slender pink tongue massaged under my sensitive, engorged crest.

My hand drifted down her back and over her ass, and then under her loincloth, where I inserted a finger between her slippery lower lips.

"You always know precisely where to touch," I thrummed enthusiastically.

Mourning Crow cupped her palms around my girth, squeezing and swirling, as she worked her way up, before rotating the grip of her lips whenever the two met.

She was fast and smooth, and flicked the undercarriage of my shaft at exactly the correct moments.

"Fuck, mate," I clicked almost incoherently. "You'll make me cum so easily."

Her skin was sleek and cool compared to my own, which was hot and jagged.

So much for bathing...

However, historically, my mates savored the flavor of my musk.

"Don't stop," I struggled to keep my eyes open.

Mourning Crow nodded cutely and tucked her hair behind her long soft ears.

It felt like my internal organs might break loose from my chest and fly away at any moment.

FUCK!!!

Something popped and gave way, but it wasn't me!

Mourning Crow had pushed down and let me enter her throat.

I roared as every muscle in my body stiffened.

"Mate!?" My thoughts solidified into quivering gelatin.

The rush!

This was the first time she had ever attempted this with me.

Her throat relaxed around my swollen head and mast, but all of her was tight and slippery.

"Yes! Mate," my claws pinched hard into the floor mat. "Open for me."

I was worried I might harm her, but I didn't dare make an effort to stop her.

The little noises her throat made put an electric charge through my quills. They differed from Eh'kt's, singular and intimate.

"Vohx, yes," I exhaled through my fangs. "Take me!"

She knelt over me and repositioned between my legs to face me then she pressed her lips down.

Shit! That was a much better angle!

She bounced and let every inch of me rub the roof of her mouth and those wondrous unseen ridges hidden within her neck.

"How are you even doing this?" My intoxicated brain warbled between giddy and wary.

I couldn't fight the profound urge to rock my hips.

"I don't want to hurt yo-,"

Mourning Crow looked up at me and caressed my thighs.

"Fuck, don't listen to me," I slumped my head and settled my gaze on her face.

Eh'kt spoke of her eyes the most whenever I would command him to describe the sensation while our mate was swallowing him whole.

She was locked on me, intense and brilliant.

Then her hands descended to cradle the heavy bulge of nerve endings below.

I roared again, rattling the small trinkets tied to some of our mounted trophies.

The grind of her little claw tips teasing and tugging at the small rolls of knitted skin constricting below made me light-headed.

"My sac, yes!"

Her nose pressed against my belly as she licked the thin folds of my stretched and poked the tip of her tongue lower.

I wanted her to continue, but the pressure was building.

"I can't take it," I whipped my long quills to suppress unwanted impulses. "Let me fill you."

Mourning Crow continued sliding up and down, faster, speeding up to the pace my mate knew I preferred.

"Don't stop," I panted between labored breaths. "I must."

My hilt was slicker by the second with each bounce of her supple lips. She winked at me and sucked in deeper.

"You feel so good!"

Everything around and within me was condensing.

Mourning Crow reached out and held my hand. She knew, unlike Eh'kt, I couldn't hold still unaided.

Her fingers folded into mine and I squeezed.

"Mate," my voice trembled and my quills scrunched tight with exhilaration.

She poked her claws into my hand and I understood the meaning.

I let go and she sealed her lips tight to catch me.

.

.

I was prone on the floor, with Mourning Crow licking up the last few drops of me.

Suddenly, my mate's ears perked up and swiveled toward the front door.

"Is it?" I grinned.

Mourning Crow smiled wide, nodding and squinted.

I rolled up and hopped to my feet.

The familiar jiggle of Eh'kt's black armor echoed from the hallway.

"Just in time!" I jaunted up to greet him.

Eh'kt froze as he entered the room, undoubtedly inhaling the remnants of what had just transpired.

Then, before he had time to scan the room, I flipped him over my shoulder and laid him flat out on the ground.

Eh'kt growled but hovered in confusion when Mourning Crow leaned over him and kissed him upside-down.

"Good, you're early!" I let go of his shoulders and stepped back. "We've been waiting for you as patiently as we were able."

Mourning Crow eased in, crawling over his head first while unclasping his armor as she kissed her way down and pinned him in a sixty-nine position.

She licked and teased his sealed sheath while his black-scaled hands explored her tummy and thighs. He had a front-row seat to her wet insatiable pussy.

"Don't keep her waiting," I stalked around the pair while kicking Eh'kt's armor aside.

He laid there writhing on the floor with that lovely black vein running up his neck in full view and throbbing.

Eh'kt roared, it happened so fast. The second he got hard, our mate put all of him down her throat.

The awe of it made my blood rush.

I knelt behind Mourning Crow, stroking my hand on her ass, this time unclipping her belt and loincloth.

Eh'kt growled; he was so ravenous to taste our mate. He hooked his thick black claws around her hips and opened his fanged mouth wide, pulling our mate to his tongue to taste her slick, dripping cunt.

"Enjoy it, mate," I thrummed to Eh'kt. "She did the same to me just a moment before you arrived."

Eh'kt lifted Mourning Crow up and stared at me with his eyes wide in delight. "Truly?!"

Mourning Crow made little confirmation mumbles while nodding her head up and down with Eh'kt's rigid hilt still lodged deep in her mouth.

Our poor black-scaled mate winced from the jostle of the bobbing.

"There's no escape," I laughed as he squirmed. Eh'kt makes the most tempting noises when he gets flustered.

Then I lined up my cock with Mourning Crow's sweet little slit and thrust myself in.

"Fuck, you make her so wet and tight!" I groaned and slammed her rear into me until I hit bottom.

Eh'kt hissed from below as his tongue swished eagerly against us while I fucked Mourning Crow.

I would forever treasure the gift my mate gave to me earlier, but riding her and making her moan was my favorite!

...well, there was one thing that eclipsed everything else... that would have to wait till later.

Eh'kt's claws kneaded into the backs of my thighs as I kneeled over him. His tongue was wild, and I pondered dropping hints that he should pierce it.

Or maybe I should invest in my own body jewelry?

I timed my thrusts to coincide with Mourning Crow's dives

From Eh'kt's breathing, I knew he was on the verge and ready to burst.

"Not yet, Eh'kt!" I pounded harder, knowing full well he was trapped beneath us and being forced to taste every stray dribble.

But our mate refused to take my teasing laying down. He took hold of my sac and squeezed.

"Fuck," I buckled and sped up.

I may have been the largest of our triad, but Eh'kt was skilled at every inch of me and Mourning Crow.

The vice grip sparked electricity through my nervous system.

I folded over and bared down into Mourning Crow, roaring and cumming into and all over her.

That fucker always knows exactly what he's doing!

I pulled out laughing.

"You did that on purpose," I eased back and sat on my heels.

Eh'kt growled wickedly and lapped up my seed from Mourning Crow's opening with his flat-forked tongue.

Very well...

I got up and repositioned between Eh'kt's legs, taking a moment to move Mourning Crow's hair from her face.

Beautiful...

I spread Eh'kt's legs and let him hear me chitter, because he was completely vulnerable.

But when I reached out, Mourning Crow pushed my hand away.

She raked her claws hard into his abdominal short quills and took hold of his buttocks.

Eh'kt yowled and thickened and almost lost control of his pacing.

"Oh, our mate can be just as cruel!" I chucked. "Here, I'll help."

I left Mourning Crow to her work and instead used my sharpest claw to slice a thin blue line along Eh'kt's inner thigh.

He cursed and jerked to attention, only to be pounced on and forced to the brink inside Mourning Crow's throat.

Glistening white streams trickled from her lip as Eh'kt huffed and swayed his ass.

Mourning Crow let him go and then took a long, much-needed breath.

I leaned in and kissed her, then scooped her off Eh'kt and held her in my lap.

"She tastes like you," I spoke to Eh'kt while nuzzling our mate.

"So do you," Mourning Crow snickered at me.

Eh'kt sat up and scooted in close. Quickly, before she noticed, just like he and I had rehearsed.

It was a razkur mating position. Not many of them complimented Zhaguai anatomy, but according to Eh'kt's research, this one could produce the results that we sought.

Both males would sit facing and flush to one another with their legs interlocked and their cocks pressed tight together.

"Mate," I and Eh'kt lifted her up. "We're going put you down and enter you at once.

Mourning Crow flickered her ears and squirmed within our arms.

"But we're not going to move," Eh'kt pulled her face to his and kissed her forcefully. "You're going to make yourself cum."

"And when you arrive," I licked the sweat from her shoulder. "We're not going to stop."

Mourning Crow's ears went up and her cheeks pinked flush.

"We're going to fuck until you scream and pass out," Eh'kt snaked a single black quill around her neck. "To make sure that you sleep thoroughly all through the night."

The razkur's ears twinged, and she fidgeted with a hint of worry.

"Trust us, mate," I pecked her cheek and nodded to Eh'kt

Then we lowered her down and made sure she couldn't escape.

.

.

.

TRANSLATION:

U'la'ke/Abura = alien cat species that are mortal enemies of the Zhaguai. Have stinger tails with paralytic venom. Known as "The Felija" to humans. They live in large Prides. Lieges are biggest and are both sexes with large manes and thirteen tails. AlSO: a sacred predatory species that shares a symbiotic relationship with the Razkurs.

Abura = a sacred alien cat species that is a specific strain of U'la'ke born on Menthla that shares a symbiotic relationship with the Razkurs.

...

Thank you for reading.

Please remember to Click the Star ⭐⭐⭐ (Vote) to help others discover this story. Wattpad counts votes for each chapter.

And as always, comments are most appreciated.