Belly of the Beast Warren Thomas (e novels for free .txt) 📖

you so much,” she whispered throatily in his ear, while slowly raking her nails across his muscular chest.

            She kissed his cheek and nuzzled his ear, before sticking her hot, wet tongue into that same ear. Then one of her hands slid quickly down his belly and plunged into the milky waters, seizing him.

            “Raven! NO!” he cried, twisting half around in an effort to escape her.

            “Don’t fear, Tane!” Quinn called from beside the pool. “I’ll save you!”

            An enormous wave washed over Tane, followed by the feel of Raven being torn from his back. He heard her squeal, then another splash.

            “Ha! I did it!” Quinn declared. “I saved my innocent friend from the dragon woman.”

            “But who will save you?” Raven asked as she pounced on the half-elf.

            Tane laughed, now that he wasn’t the object of Raven’s lecherous attentions. Quinn had the most wonderfully surprised look on his face just before she wrapped her arms around his neck and bore him beneath the water. They came up an instant later, with Raven already laying a determined claim to Quinn’s lips. He struggled, but even Tane could see it was at best half-hearted. Within a dozen heartbeats the half-elf wasn’t even trying to stop Raven.

            “Doesn’t look like Quinn wants saving,” Armin observed with a wide grin.

            Their hands were beginning intimate explorations of each other bodies. Tane was surprised no one complained, though a few were frowning at them.

            “I can’t believe I tried to fight her off,” Tane said. Watching his two friends slowly moving into a position that could only result in sex, he felt his face burn and throat tighten. He was such a fool. Now Quinn would reap all the benefits of Raven’s insatiable carnal appetite. “I must have temporarily lost my mind.”

            Joelle chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. “It’s better this way, my friend. Much better. I think Quinn is better able to handle someone like Raven.”

            “She would have eaten you alive, boy,” Armin said, though still grinning.

            Raven let out groan of unadulterated pleasure.

            “I know,” Tane said wistfully, and they all laughed.

Chapter 38

            The night was as cold as any Nizar had known, and wetter than most. He wryly recalled when he held the belief that any land so blessed with rain had to be paradise. Now all he wanted to do was return to his native desert, to feel its hot sun and dry winds on his skin.

            “At least I’m out of that Godsforsaken forest,” he muttered, glancing about to ensure no one was within hearing distance.

            It was still early, barely an hour past sundown, and the streets of Kestsax were teeming. Many of those moving about were heavily armed soldiers. From overheard conversations he knew the survivors of the forest battle had been given time off to relax and enjoy themselves. A poor reward for what they suffered, but one that might aid him in his mission.

            Stepping deeper into the night shadows, he pulled the dagger and spoke the prayer. As commanded, the dagger pointed toward Tane’s position. It hesitated, though, alarming him. But there was nothing he could do, for the rain was washing the blood away. When it stopped raining the blood would dry and flake away anyway. Soon, maybe even by morning, the dagger would be useless to him. And to add insult to injury, the swordsmith was safely behind the guarded gates of the Stone Dragon Garrison.

            “Damn you, Taliope,” he muttered under his breath. He had thought himself so clever when he tricked the defenders atop the city walls into lowering a rope to him, but the Goddess of Chance quickly spoiled his victory by hiding the swordsmith inside the strongest, and most heavily warded, garrison in Kestsax. “I will enjoy desecrating Your temples most of all, and shall celebrate Your ultimate defeat with true gusto.”

            For a moment he wavered. Should he remain there, hoping Tane Kyleson would leave the safety of the garrison? Or should he return to the Forest Haven Inn? A hot meal was more enticing than the prospect of standing for hours in the cold rain.

            I have to be vigilant. I must have faith in my Divine Master, Nizar thought, setting his jaw firmly. He will find a way for me...

            He froze in place, not even daring to take a breath. Could it be? Had his prayers been answered?

            “Yes!” Nizar said, black eyes intent on the woman sauntering out the gate.

            It was her, the raven-haired woman who marched beside Tane Kyleson. She had traded her uniform for white blouse, red breeches, and black thigh boots under a red woolen cloak, thrown back over her right shoulder, but she was the one who marched with the swordsmith. She was the brazen vixen who had stripped away his veil as she marched past. And she was all alone.

            You shall pay for shaming me, harlot, he thought as she grew nearer. A dozen different schemes filled his head. Through you, I will capture your comrade. I will force you to betray him, and then sacrifice you to my terrible God afterwards.

            Nizar watched her walk past. Never had he seen a woman so full of herself. Never had he seen a woman so shamelessly sure of her own sex appeal. The harlot wasn’t walking so much as strutting. And she winked at every man to make eye contact with her, and pinched two others on the rump in passing.

            Shameful.

            As a former thief and cutpurse, Nizar could discern a dozen men and two women just within sight who were looking for just such prey. She didn’t seem to notice, and acted as if she owned the street. Several covertly moved to intercept her in a darker, less populated section of the street. Nizar saw no way to save her, and felt bitterness starting to well up once again.

            Then she turned into a rowdy tavern and vanished.