The Delta's Daughter Chapter 304

TAWNY

It had been several days since the coup. Arik and his men left the following day, more than half the prisoners were released after being questioned and the council was set to put the treacherous Lords on trial for their crimes against the kingdom and the crown.

Mason, thank the gods that be, made a full recovery. The effects of the Nightshade had lasted a few days, but thankful he opened his eyes and smiled at me. Then made fun of me when I cried tears of relief.

When questioned about Lord Maydor’s death, I’m ashamed to say Crimson covered it up. Stating that Maydor died due to his injuries caused on the battlefield. I was even more shocked to find out Gillian was not his biological daughter, but his niece. The daughter of his brother, who died, and Maydor took her mother as his wife - thinking she was going to have a son.

Tomislav and Gillian had been getting closer, building a friendship and bond over their loathing of Maydor. Tomislav even offered to take the fall for Gillian’s crime, but it was unnecessary as Crimson had already ordered the guards that were present to keep their mouths shut.

Which they would have anyway because anyone loyal to the crown wanted Maydor dead. Besides, I couldn’t think of too many people who cry over the loss of that asshole.

Things were starting to calm down and with the help of the supporting Lords, the kingdom was being managed as well as the Clowders that were left without a leader.

The future was starting to look bright again. Except, my positivity was crushed when a Gillian mind-link me to say I had an important call from Hunji.

I hadn’t heard from him since his unexpected visit several months ago, bringing Tristan ScarClaw with him. Crimson followed me to my office where I snuggled onto his lap, not being able to keep our hands off each other, as we picked up the call putting it on speaker phone.

“Hunji!” I greeted my old friend and mentor cheerily. “What do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

“Tawny,” He breathes out, his husky voice vibrating through the line. At one point the sound of his masculine voice would make my knees go weak, now, It had zero effect on me as my hand traced the outside of Crimson's thigh. “The Clan Mansion was attacked last night,”

I balk at the tension in his voice, “Shit Hunji, what can we do? Is everyone alright? Ria?” I ask about my friend in desperation, still flabbergasted by his revelation.

“They only lost a few men. Ria and Xander are fine. Morgan killed Finn’s mate… but that’s not why I’m calling.” He paused after revealing the witch he had fallen in love with had killed her brothers' mate and I could almost taste the apprehension in his voice with is next words. “I need to tell you something about Crimson.”

I look at Crimson who mirrors my look with a frown. “What about Crimson?” I say holding a finger up to my lips, to tell Crimson to be silent.

“I think you should come home, Tawny. It’s not safe for you in Cambiador.”

I’m confused, a little shocked but mostly pissed, “Why the change of heart Hunji?”

“I don’t trust Crimson. What he is.”

“And what do you think he is?” Nobody outside of Cambiador, except Tolba, knew what Crimson was. Unless word had spread that quickly.

“He’s a Skinwalker. A shifter that can change forms. Chakor has been posing as Tobias here in the Kodiak Kingdom as well as in Riocht.” Hunji begins to explain.

“I thought Chakor was a trusted friend?” I’m sure when he was here, and he retold his story there was no mention of Chakor being a bad guy.

“You are not listening Tawny. Crimson isn’t what you think he is.” I feel Crimson's hands tighten on my waist as Hunji starts to berate him.

My defenses rise. He doesn’t know what Crimson is and he couldn’t be further from the truth of the type of person he is. For the first time ever, I’m angry at Hunji. And so hurt that he is saying these things. I look at Crimson and peck his cheek. His eyes are glazed over with doubt and his hands that have my waist in a vice grip begin to tremble.

“All I’m saying is… I’m not there to protect you, he has the same eyes as Chakor and even if I do like the were-cat – I don’t trust him.”

“Hunji, have you not spoken to Lamia and Mathias?” I ask trying to keep the agitated note from my voice.

“I’ve been here in the bear kingdom for a while. We were meant to leave today, but we managed to catch a few of the attackers. I wanted to stay for interrogation. Why?” He finally asks.

“Kolby Crimson is not a Skinwalker.” I look at Crimson who nods his head, an indication that I could tell him. “He’s a Grimalkin.”

There’s silence. A long, drawn-out silence. One that has me adjusting my position on Crimson's lap.

“Hunji?” I finally say wondering if he was still there. I hear him clear his throat. “He’s also my mate.” I drop the last part on him and can tell by the sharp intake of breath and the slow release it was a huge surprise to him.

“Goddess be Tawny.” I hear him swipe a hand over his face, his palm brushing against stubble. “Grimalkins are as rare as Skinwalkers. Maybe even more so.” He finally says.

No apology. No questions. Just that. Hunji is not one for words, but I expected a little more from him. Maybe an outburst, a growl, or something. Instead, he says “Who else knows he’s a Grimalkin?”

“The whole of Cambiador and Tolba, the were-cat Pride.” I supply.

“You need to contain this information for as long as possible.” He was right, the fewer people that knew, the better. It’s only a matter of time before word makes it out of Cambiador and around the continent.

“Yeah, too late. Cat’s out the bag on that one,” I casually deadpan.

This is not the time to laugh, but come on! All this is just too much. I think I have finally snapped. Fed up with all the fun being sucked out of my life. Everything was doom and gloom and I was honestly fed up with it.

It was mid-afternoon and I was done dealing with… shit.

“He’s a good man, Hunji. You know this. And he can be trusted. I trust him if that holds any weight.” I don’t want Crimson to be seen as somebody he isn’t. Sure, we got off to a rocky start - shit happens. But I also got to know Kolby Crimson in the meantime. Who he is - what he stands for. And there is nothing about my mate that could be seen as anything less than upstanding, kind, caring, and a true leader. He’s tough when he needed to be and fierce when he had to be. And only cruel when it was necessary.

“This is who we were talking about when I came to visit?” His voice is back to being tight, annoyed, and mad.

“Yes, A lot has happened since then. But believe me when I tell you, Crimson is as good as they come. Just ask Lamia and Mathias.” I tell him, hoping he hears the truth.

“Lamia and King?”

“Did they not tell you they were out here?” I tap my fingers on Crimson's thigh, confusion settling in. “They know what Crimson is and a hell of a lot more too.” Maybe there is a reason they didn’t say anything to Hunji, but I couldn’t think of one.

“They didn’t.” He grits out. “Look, Tawny. I’m sorry I laid that on you but when I saw Chakor’s eyes and they had a crescent shape just like Crimson's. With the attacks up here… I just worry about you.”

I swallow the formed lump in my throat. All the agitation and anger left my body. I know he has my best interests at heart. “I’m a big girl Hunji, I can take care of myself.”

Hunji chuckles on the other end, “I know you can take care of yourself, but a big girl?”

“Fuck off!” I tell him, the air lighter between us, once again, the tension shattering with our joking.

“Are you going to New Moon for Tala’s crowning?” Hunji asks me.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the realm,” I tell him. The crowning is only a few short weeks away. Four to be precise. “Will I be seeing you there? Maybe meet this famous witch of yours?

“Yeah, I will be there. Not sure how long I will be staying in the Kodiak Kingdom. Abner Brooks, who I don’t think you have met has to go back to the council. Tobias is heading out for Riocht tomorrow and Rhett is on his way here as we speak.”

We talk for a few more minutes, Crimson sits silently until I slap the table.

“Well, Lamia can tell you all about the Skinwalker children. Me? I’m going to go get shit-faced with my friends and then fuck my mate until the sun comes up.”

I stand from a slack-jawed Crimson’s lap. “I’ll type up a report by the end of the week. Keep you informed. But I’m done adulting for the night.” Hunji lets out a low growl from the other end of the line.

He must gather his thoughts after my abrasive declaration, “Before we hang up, I’m sorry I got the wrong idea about Crimson. If you believe in him, that’s good enough for me. I swear to the goddess though, if he hurts you in any way-"

“I would never hurt her!” Crimson growls, unable to stay quiet any longer. That must have been his breaking point because his hands wind around me and he pulls me impossibly close to him. His shoulders slanted in, blanketing me.

“Crimson.” Hunji exhales. “You heard everything?” Crimson makes a gravelly noise in the back of his throat. “Understand I am just looking out for her. Nothing more, nothing less.”

The tension is back. “You worry about your witch. I’ll worry about my mate.” Crimson growls at him through the phone.

Hunji replies with; “Fair enough.”

“I’m done talking Hunji…” I lean over and press the button, effectively hanging up on Hunji. Only then do my shoulders truly relax and I melt into Crimson.

“Shit, that was… fucking hot Kitten. Hearing the way you want me to take you until the sun comes up.” The fire in his words creeps over my skin. His hands skirt my hips from behind. Just his touch takes my breath away.

I gasp when he pulls me down, back onto his lap. His length straining beneath the fabric of his pants.

“He didn’t seem surprised about Grimalkins.” Crimson's soothing voice cuts into the heady silence in the wake of talking to Hunji.

“He didn’t, did he.” I ponder, “Then again, there isn’t much that surprises that werewolf.”

“Do you think he knows what I am?” Crimson asks after a beat or two.

“There’s no telling,” But if I had to guess, Hunji probably knew more than he was letting on. Either that or he was processing the news. If that were the case, then I would probably get a call back sometime this week.

Crimson groans when I grind my ass against his hard erection.

My mate wants me as much as I want him.

*****

CRIMSON

I was hoping for a little action after Tawny brazenly told Hunji she was going to fuck me until the sun comes up. Unfortunately, she meant just what she said and left me with an aching cock. While she rounded up our friends and a few bottles of liquor and a jug of orange juice.

Tawny poured us all a shot, giving Gillian a shot of orange juice. I wondered what that was for. Now I know. Ever the thoughtful Kitten.

She raises her glass, “Here's to us. To you, to me, to the baby kitten growing in Gill’s belly. To Wyvern on keeping shit together the past few days. And… to Mason, who I’m really glad didn’t die.” She downs her shot.

Mason laughs, “I’m really glad I didn’t croak it either,” He follows her actions, knocking his shot back too.

He still looked a little on the pale side and know Mason’s body would be forever scarred. He had healed remarkably well, considering he came back from the almost dead. He still had a ways to go and Tawny had reduced him to desk duty while he still recovered. Thankfully though he was making a full recovery. He was important to my little Kitten, therefore important to me. And I can’t deny the impact he has had on Cambiador since being here.

Mason has been invaluable to the growth of our kingdom, especially our army. He may not have liked me at first, but he was looking out for Tawny, and I can't fault him for that. It took a while but he had become my friend too, he was part of our growing family.

“To my second chance mate,” Tristan says, drinking his. “To our little bean,” Gillian says, drinking her juice.

“To our future King and Queen,” Wyvern contributes.

I’m still holding my glass, staring at the clear liquid. Each has said a toast. It was my turn, yet I was lost for words. I look around at our friends. Some old and some new.

“To, having people believe in you,” Tomislav says, making all our heads crane to the entrance of the parlor we gathered in.

Gillian stands and pours him a drink, handing him the small glass. “I’ll drink to that,” She says and Tomislav tips his drink back. “Join us, brother.”

Even though it turned out Tomislav was not Gillian’s brother, but rather a cousin, she was raised as the daughter of Lord Maydor. She and Tomislav had been working things out and decided to keep the idea of being siblings and split Lord Maydor’s property.

I finally know what I want to toast to. So I stand and prompt Tawny to refill everyone's glass. When she is done I raise mine and before speaking meet everyone who is gathered in the eye. “We are the most unconventional group of shifters if I have seen one. But in the past months, we have been thrown together. Whether it be for promises, fate, misdirection, loyalty, friendship, and whatever else. Above all, we have become family. We have worked alongside each other, supported one another through thick and thin and some very, very, difficult times.”

I pull Tawny into my arms, and look down into her bright yellow eyes, “To family.” I toast and knock the harsh liquor back. Not once taking my eyes off my little Kitten.

We talk for a while, we laugh a lot and the tension of the past few days fall away as we each enjoy the company of our new family. This little idea of Tawny’s to let loose was a good one.

I drink a few more shits and let the effects of the alcohol take over and relax me. As I look around, I know, there is nowhere else I would rather be. No one else I would rather call family than the people surrounding me at this moment.

When it starts to get late, I nudge Tawny and send her a mind-link, I’m getting much better at handling the dynamics of how this works and keeping other people out of my head. *You made me a promise earlier and I don’t want you too drunk*

She gives me a sly smile, her hand gliding over my chest and into the opening of my button-down shirt. “I did make you a promise and I fully intend to follow through” Her words were sultry, her eyes glazed with lust and my cock comes to life from the way her pink lips parted and her tongue runs over her bottom lip.

I clear my throat. I stand pulling Tawny up with me. “Night,” I say and with impatience, I pull Tawny behind me and head out of the room.

A series of whoops and whistles rings in our ears and a few kinky comments. Our family laughs at us because they know exactly what is going down when we leave this room.

When we reach the top of the stairs, I hoist Tawny into my arms and head in the opposite direction to her room.

“Where are you taking me Crimson?” I see the slight crease in her brow, wondering why we're not heading to her suite.

“You’ll see.” I grin excitedly.

Before all the shit went down with the Lords forming a revolt, I had started, with Tristan's help, re-designing Papa Armand's suite. Tristan and I were in mutual agreement that Gillian, for all her good, had shit taste in décor.

The contractors finished up yesterday and I have been dying to reveal our room to her. She knew what I had been doing, or at least I was thinking about remodeling the room. I’m not sure if she realizes that I actually followed through, but no matter, She would find out in less than a few seconds.

She bites her lip as I pull up outside the door. “Open the door, Kitten,” I husk, desperate to get her in there, to undress her and worship her.

I’m carrying her in my arms, one arm wrapped under her legs, the other around her back. Her arms leave my neck and she leans twisting the door handle and pushing the door wide open.

I carry her in and the smile that graces her beautiful dark features is everything to me. “I love it!” She exclaims wriggling free and hopping out of my arms to explore the suite.

She quickly explores the room, squealing when she walks into the bathroom, “It’s so big!” I hear her say.

I palm my rock-hard cock and call out, “It’s not the only thing that’s big!” Her head pops through the door frame, her eyes trained on my crotch.

Like a stealthy cat, she sways toward me. Hips sashaying, eyes sharp with want, and a look that would bring me to my knees. Except, it’s she who drops to her knees in front of me. Her hands quickly popped the buttons of my pants and slid them down to my ankles.

Pulling my engorged cock from my briefs, her dainty hands stroke me. The feeling sparks a tingling through my body and I quake with anticipation. The hot sensation of her tongue swiping over the head of my cock has me groaning with pleasure. “Suck it, Kitten. Suck good and hard.”

She purrs and wraps her lips around me. My hips buck feeling the back of her throat and my coiled hand reaches out, wrapping her short hair in my fingers. I look down as she looks up. Our eyes met and locked.

I’ve already marked her three times, yet my fangs grow, poking over my bottom lip, the feeling of her warm mouth sucking on me, brings out my primal side. I fist her hair tighter and start fucking her mouth hard. She purrs again, the vibration shooting straight to my balls that cease up ready to explode. “Fuck, I love watching you suck me off!” I growl before releasing my seed in her mouth.

Like a good girl, she swallows it down, licking me clean in the process and my cock grows hard again, at the sight of her tongue lapping at the swollen head.