Jeanine Berry - Ailunnean Shapeshifter 1 - Destiny Earth(extasy)(lit)

VIP免费

2024-12-19 0 0 194.08KB 39 页 5.9玖币

侵权投诉

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the

permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic

editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your

support of the author's rights is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the

author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living

or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Destiny Earth

Copyrightã2003 Jeanine Berry and Judy Russell

ISBN: 1-55410-007-0

Cover art and design by Martine Jardin

in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is

forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

Published by eXtasy Books, a division of Zumaya Publications, 2003

Look for us online at:

www.zumayapublications.com

www.Extasybooks.com

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Dedication

To my husband, Pat, who taught me how crazy and wonderful love can be. ~ Jeanine Berry

To my darling Art: Thank you for all the joy you've brought into my life. ~ Judy Russell

Chapter One

“Our race is doomed. We’re stagnating, and we’ll perish if we stay on Reatar.” Norrath je Zakee fixed

his companions with a steely gaze. The clear silver-blue brilliance of idealistic passion pulsed through his

aura. “Someone must lead our people out of this hiding place and back into the galaxy.”

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Etaoine je S’henhess stared at the visionary and philosopher with mounting excitement. Her own

natural radiance brightened, casting a rich amber glow over the images of the goddess Adoru sporting

with her lover Inne painted on the walls of Norrath’s home. She’d longed to escape Reverlore for many

starturns. She wanted to see the stars that shone far above her. Instead, she’d spent her life trapped in

the underground city where her people cowered in fear of an enemy that might have perished eons ago.

Norrath’s strong features blazed with his zeal. Bare-chested, he wore a soft sarong around his

muscular hips. He stood with his feet spread and his arms folded. “I believe I know the way for us to

leave this world.”

Etaoine gasped. Norrath sounded like a man in the throes of the Final Madness, the fatal paranoia

that struck the residents of the underground cities without warning. It was the result of living in a cage.

Entire cities had fallen when the madness swept through their populations, leaving death and destruction

in its wake.

“How?” she demanded. “We’re trapped in Reverlore. The exit tunnels are rigged with bombs.”

Norrath shifted his attention to the strikingly beautiful woman who occupied the chair to his right. A

flowing gossamer gown of pale yellow trimmed with silver clung to her slim figure, emphasizing her full

breasts and dark nipples. “Why don’t you explain, Quintannah?”

With a lithe grace that befitted one of Reverlore’s greatest artists, Quintannah je Mowbry rose to her

feet and glided to Norrath’s side. To Etaoine’s surprise, the older woman made no attempt to hide the

deep rose of love shining in her aura. Instead, her light golden skin flushed as she studied Norrath with

unconcealed longing. Then she turned her attention to Etaoine and Teilar je Ruthmea, the final member of

their small group. The four of them, gathered in secret in Norrath’s apartment, were the only ones in the

city bold enough to seek a way to escape from their luxurious prison.

Quintannah twirled a lock of flaming red hair around her index finger and looked from Etaoine to

Teilar with sorrow in her luminous silver gaze. “I am ashamed of our once great race. We Ailunneans

consider ourselves highly evolved because of our ability to transform matter to energy and shapeshift, but

we deserted our heritage to run like cowards from our enemies—from those who wanted to enslave us

and exploit our ability. Now our race seems content to live life in a safe burrow, abandoning our majestic

destiny.”

Norrath nodded. “Quintannah and I are proud that at least two young people in this city want to

know freedom again.”

Quintannah’s face took on a faraway look. “Our ancestors fought a terrible war with our enemies and

suffered despair when our home world was destroyed. They feared our whole race would be killed. I

can understand the terror that drove them to flee to this forsaken corner of the galaxy and hide below the

surface. But we cannot live hidden on Reatar forever. As Norrath so truly said, our race is dying.”

Etaoine cast an excited glance at Teilar and saw his sharp-featured face burned with exhilaration. Was

it possible they could escape Reverlore? The city lay buried far beneath the icy surface of a desolate

planet. Moreover, the tunnels out of it were honeycombed with deadly traps. Any escape attempt was

fraught with dangers. She admired her fellow priestess for her determination to find a way to freedom.

Quintannah shook off her reverie. Hope shimmered in her gaze as she fixed her attention on Etaoine.

“A few years ago when I was the God’s Mate during the Mayavore Festival, I sensed something in the

mind of the high priest. I didn’t realize its importance at the time, but now I believe it might help us.”

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Her words brought a hush to the group. To be the God’s Mate was a great honor. The chosen

priestess coupled with the High Priest Rith je Loirun on the massive altar in front of the Temple. The

people of Reverlore watched and applauded as he took her in a variety of ways, his long shaft throbbing

with power, his being aflame with the healing energy shooting into her core. The entire city, even those

who no longer believed in the god and goddess, still turned out for the annual ceremony. The crowd

delighted in watching young people coming of age shapeshift for the first time. Even more popular was

the group B’rath that followed.

“During the mating, the bond is so intense that our minds touch and we share a vision from the

goddess.” Quintannah’s eyes grew wide as she remembered that mystical moment. “When I touched

Rith’s mind, I learned something he may not have wanted me to know.”

“I hope you’re not planning to tangle with the high priest.” Teilar leapt to his feet. A stormy red

brilliance shot from his golden skin. His yellow locks, worn long in the current style, curled around his

broad shoulders.“The priesthood opposes any attempt to leave Reverlore. Rith must not learn of our

plans. He already pays us too much attention.” His lips pressed into a tight line as he turned to Etaoine.

“I’ve seen the way he stares at you. He wants you.”

Etaoine lifted her head, flinging her long white hair over her shoulder. Her sheer orange gown glittered

with her angry movement and her aura changed to tempestuous lavender. “I’m a priestess of the

goddess. I come of age this year, which makes me eligible to become the God’s Mate. It’s no surprise

that he might look at me with interest.”

Teilar’s face darkened. “Do you think it’s only because you are beautiful that he’d pick you for God’s

Mate? The man’s no fool. He knows we’re trying to escape this damned place. If he can touch your

mind during the ceremony, he will confirm his suspicions.”

Norrath scowled and raked his fingers through his silver hair. “By the goddess, we can’t just wait here

and die. We must act, and soon.”

“With luck, we can.” Quintannah’s quiet statement reclaimed their attention. “Rith is a proud man.

During our mating, he opened his mind to me so I could see his power—and I saw more than he

intended. He knows how to navigate past the explosives in the tunnels. I didn’t realize the importance of

this at the time, but now I do. If Etaoine could mind link with him, we might learn how to bypass the traps

and reach the ocean. The city of Errock lies hidden beneath the ocean, and the starship is somewhere in

Errock.”

Etaoine’s eyes widened. How could she possibly guarantee the high priest would choose her to be the

God’s Mate?

“Is it possible to learn enough during the mind link to navigate these tunnels?” Teilar arched his brows,

his skepticism obvious.

“Yes.” Quintannah’s golden skin burned brighter. “But Etaoine must go deep into his mind.”

A proud confidence stirred in Etaoine. Despite her youth, her skill in establishing a mind link with her

partner during lovemaking was already well known. She could read Rith’s thoughts, and learn the safe

route through the tunnels.

Teilar read her intention in her eyes. “No!” he shouted, balling his hands into fists. “This is your first

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

shapeshifting. Afterwards, you should lay with the one who will be your bonded sexmate. Let someone

else be the God’s Mate.”

Etaoine stiffened and glared at Teilar. ”I haven’t chosen my bonded sexmate yet, as you well know.

And the choice of the God’s Mate is up to the goddess. We must hope I will be given this chance, if

Adoru favors our plans to leave Reatar.”

“But—but—” Teilar flushed, his golden skin turning bronze with anger. “—you must choose your

bonded sexmate before the festival.”

Etaoine exchanged a glance with Quintannah. She often confided in the older woman about her

problems with Teilar. Etaoine looked forward to her first shapeshifting at the Mayavore Festival, and

even more to the B’rath, the incredibly sexy ritual afterward that would restore the energy drained by the

shift. Teilar would make a great bonded sexmate—if only he would ease up on his determination to win

her love.

By tradition the sexmate relationship should be a pragmatic one—a congenial sexual partner you

could trust to be there when you needed to mate and restore your energy. An emotional relationship, if it

turned destructive, could block the flow of the life-giving rema energy during the B’rath.

It was no secret that Teilar wanted to be her bonded sexmate, and more. Although Ailunneans were

free to enjoy sex wherever they chose, Teilar was a jealous and possessive man. He was also passionate

and creative. She shivered with pleasure at the memory of their lovemaking. The B’rath would add a new

dimension to that pleasure. Teilar was a problem, but a problem she found hard to give up.

Returning to the present with a shake of her head, Etaoine reached out to touch Teilar’s shoulder.

Tender concern tugged at her heart. He cared about her more than anyone ever had. Despite his

unfashionable jealousy, his anxieties about their safety were legitimate. Rith was a powerful man.

Guilt shot through her. It was not necessary to love one’s bonded sexmate, but would it be that

difficult to love Teilar? He was gorgeous, sexy, and a marvelous lover. What a cruel irony it was that in a

culture that no longer believed in committed love, both of them were seeking a true lovemate, yet could

not find it in each other. Or, at least she couldn’t find it in him. Despite his heart-stopping good looks,

despite his skill in bed, despite his loyalty to her, Etaoine did not love Teilar. Her heart never sang in his

presence.

She wished he would stop loving her. They never spoke of his strong emotion, but she saw the

yearning in his eyes, read it in his rose-hued aura when he looked at her. She dreaded the day when he

would ask for a lovevow, and she must refuse.

She’d made a solemn oath before the altar of the goddess to make that most sacred of bonds only

with her true lovemate. A bonded sexmate was one thing, requiring only a reliable partner for the

necessary sexual rituals after shapeshifting. But a true lovemate...that was something deeper, something,

someoneshe still hoped to find.

“We must learn how to get through the tunnels to Errock or we do not stand a chance.” Norrath’s

words shattered her thoughts. “If you aren’t chosen as the God’s Mate for the ceremony, is there any

chance Rith might perform the B’rath with you after you shapeshift?”

”That’s the duty of the bonded sexmate,” Teilar said through stiff lips.

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

“True, but we must make an exception for a higher cause.”

“I’m sure I could seduce him if necessary.” Etaoine shot an angry glance at Teilar. He was becoming

too temperamental.

Quintannah put a gentle hand on her arm. “It will be dangerous but pleasurable. Rith is a fantastic

lover.”

Etaoine squirmed in her chair as an image of the high priest’s muscular form flashed though her mind.

Tall, broad-shouldered, his shaven head gleaming, he exuded raw masculine passion that made her

insides quiver with anticipation. “If Rith knows the secret, I’ll find a way to lure him to my bed.”

Determination surged through her. They must find a way to reach the stars.

“In the meantime, we’ll continue to try and find our own way through the tunnels,” Quintannah said.

“Perhaps I can recall more of Rith’s thoughts and if not…”

“I’ll find out during the festival next handweek,” Etaoine promised. Lifting her chin, she gave Teilar a

hard look, daring him to disagree. The longing she saw in his eyes sparked her simmering temper. Why

did he continue to want so much more than she could give him?

Ignoring him, Etaoine drew Quintannah aside to question her about Rith. If she were chosen as the

God’s Mate, the lovemaking would be intense, and it would take all her skill to penetrate the high priest’s

cunning mind.

Norrath rubbed his hands with pleasure as he surveyed the two women. “If you can wrest the secret

from Rith, we’ll owe you an eternal debt of gratitude.”

“In the meantime we must continue our efforts,” Teilar snapped. “I say we meet in the tunnels

tomorrow to search for a safe route.”

“Certainly. We will not give up.” Norrath’s expression hardened. “We were once a great people. We

will be again.”

Chapter Two

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

Holding Teilar’s hand, Etaoine walked through the deserted streets in the lower section of Reverlore.

Once this part of the city had swarmed with busy people. Reverlore’s population had dropped drastically

over the eons. Now the stone buildings stood empty and the automated machinery that had once built the

city lay covered in dust.

The system of tunnels that connected all the underground cities began at the far end of the lower

section. Etaoine tried not to let depression grip her as they made their way through the ruins, but the light

of her aura dimmed anyway.

Teilar glanced at her and squeezed her hand. “Don’t let this place get you down. Our people will rise

from these ashes on a new world.”

“If we can find a way to reach it.”

“The starship exists.” Teilar’s eyes flashed. “With the goddess’s help, we’ll discover a safe route

through the tunnels to the sea.”

Etaoine turned to Teilar, grateful for his confidence. “I pray every night for our success!”

“Success at what?”

Rith’s voice made them jump. Etaoine was the first to recover. She whirled around to face the priest

who had come up behind them. His intelligent eyes glittered with suspicion, and she knew she must divert

him. An explanation sprang to her tongue. “Finding interesting artifacts. We’re exploring.”

He regarded her with skepticism. Curving her soft pink mouth in a devilish smile, she countered with a

flirtatious flutter of her eyelashes. She let her hips sway as she moved closer to the priest. Her gaze

wandered in frank admiration over his muscled shoulders and broad chest. His head was shaved bald in

the style of the priesthood, and he wore a white robe edged with gold in honor of his high station.

She pouted at him. “The lower city is an interesting place to walk while I get in condition for the

Mayavore Festival. When I appear before the goddess, I want to honor her with a beautiful body.”

The priest grinned as his gaze rested on her alluring curves. “You have no cause to worry on that

account.”

Etaoine smoothed the filmy fabric that covered her hips and breasts. The almost transparent cloth

clung to her golden skin and left little to the imagination. Lust flared in the depths of Rith’s probing silver

eyes, and for the first time she dared to hope that he desired her.

“I intend to be in top physical condition, so I can enjoy the ritual to the fullest.” Reaching out, she

traced a long slim finger along his hard jaw line. Her body emanated an alluring scent that made

Ailunnean males sniff and swell with attraction. “You haven’t forgotten I’m coming of age, have you?”

A sheen of sweat appeared on Rith’s forehead. “I remember. I’ve been counting the days.” He

flashed a lazy grin full of sensual promise.

With an angry grunt, Teilar put a possessive hand on Etaoine’s arm. “Etaoine and I were enjoying a

solitary walk. We’re fascinated by ancient history.”

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

“Are you? That’s strange in one so young.”

Teilar stiffened with anger. “I’m no youngling. I made my first shapeshift five sunturns ago.”

“Then it is strange you haven’t taken a bonded sexmate yet.” Rith glanced from Teilar to Etaoine,

speculation plain on his face.

Etaoine scowled at her old friend and twisted free of his grip. She shot an apologetic smile at the

priest. Rith’s power seemed to roil up around them like a menacing black cloud. His gaze hardened with

scorn as Teilar’s face flushed.

Instantly, Etaoine felt sorry for Teilar. Possessive love was considered uncouth. The tradition of taking

a lovemate was almost forgotten. His transparent affection for her had earned him Rith’s distain, yet she

harbored the same secret wish as Teilar—to have a lovemate.

Teilar met the priest’s contemptuous stare. “Who I select for a bonded sexmate—and when—is my

affair.”

Rith nodded, even as his mouth quirked in a derisive smile. “Certainly. I only hope you are not waiting

under some misguided notion of seeking a bonded sexmate who rouses special feelings. A pragmatic

arrangement is best. Emotions can confuse a relationship, and the bonded sexmate may desert you when

you need her most. But then, you’re young and foolhardy. You must learn to control your emotions

before they destroy you.”

“Why you arrogant, slimy—”

“No, Teilar, you should heed the words of the priest.” Etaoine tugged at his arm.

Teilar’s aura flared and a muscle in his cheek twitched. “I expect to have a bonded sexmate for this

year’s ceremony.”

Etaoine tried to hide her dismay. Teilar wanted her. She darted a glance between him and the priest.

Teilar’s jealousy grew with every passing handweek. Now it threatened to erupt in front of the priest. In

his anger, Teilar might give away too much.

Etaoine studied Rith. Almost sixty years old, he was in the prime of his sexual power and renowned

throughout Reverlore for his lovemaking skills. She’d heard excited whispers about the length and breath

of the instrument concealed beneath his robe. As he spread his legs and braced to face Teilar, she

couldn’t help but notice the bulge pushing out the thin fabric of his sarong. Her blood heated as she

imagined lying spread open on the high altar before festival crowd with Rith above her, thrusting between

her legs.

She stifled a groan of anticipation and shook off the titillating fantasy. She needed to intervene before

Teilar and Rith started fighting over her. With a smile, she touched a finger to the priest’s chest. A spark

of energy leapt from him to her, and she shivered as her whole aura flooded with light. Heat blazed up

her arm and her loins stirred with passion. This man was dangerous. Perhaps she had underestimated

him.

“We’ve established what we’re doing here. Why are you in the lower section?” She fluttered her

lashes and gave him an innocent, questioning look.

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

文档加载中……请稍候！
如果长时间未打开，您也可以点击刷新试试。

下载文档到电脑，查找使用更方便

5.9 玖币 0人已下载

立即下载 VIP免费下载

摘要：

Thescanning,uploadinganddistributionofthisbookviatheInternetorviaanyothermeanswithoutthepermissionofthepublisherisillegal,andpunishablebylaw.Pleasepurchaseonlyauthorizedelectroniceditions,anddonotparticipateinorencouragetheelectronicpiracyofcopyrightedmaterials.Yoursupportoftheauthor'srightsisappr...

展开>> 收起<<

Jeanine Berry - Ailunnean Shapeshifter 1 - Destiny Earth(extasy)(lit).pdf

共39页,预览8页

还剩页未读，继续阅读

声明：本站为文档C2C交易模式，即用户上传的文档直接被用户下载，本站只是中间服务平台，本站所有文档下载所得的收益归上传人(含作者)所有。玖贝云文库仅提供信息存储空间，仅对用户上传内容的表现方式做保护处理，对上载内容本身不做任何修改或编辑。若文档所含内容侵犯了您的版权或隐私，请立即通知玖贝云文库，我们立即给予删除！

Jeanine Berry - Ailunnean Shapeshifter 1 - Destiny Earth(extasy)(lit)

相关推荐

开通VIP享超值会员特权

作者详情

相关内容

热门标签

举报选择: