Tiefling Boyfriend: Loker (complete)

The letter comes abruptly, but we’ve seen its like before. Kisska has been called on by many of the royal families ever since helping to deliver Queen Imani’s baby. It was because of her that Kisska was called for by the Rakshasa Royal Family, helping Mythri through her difficult pregnancy with Princess Damini. Now, Mythri is calling Kisska back to help deliver her third child. 

“Right in time for festival season too,” Kisska sighs as she packs. “It’ll be eventful for sure.” She looks back at me as I ready the birthing kit with new supplies. “Isn’t the fireworks maker supposed to be going down there as well?”

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end. I look up at her and frown, stiffening my shoulders as I prepare to go on the defensive. “How would I know? I’m not the one hanging out with those people. Ask Zahbi!” I slam the kit shut, and Kisska flinches.

“I was just asking,” Kisska says slowly. “Is that tiefling still bothering you? Papa said if he saw him sniffing around again, he would...”

I keep my back turned to my sister, afraid she will see my expression. “That tiefling is too afraid of Papa to actually do anything!” I glance over my shoulder at her. “He’s just like an annoying stray cat you feed once. He keeps coming back yowling and crying.”

“I’m just saying - be prepared to cross paths with him and his team.” Kisska shuts her trunk. “We may all end up being on the same ship headed across the Cobra Strait. “

I suck in my bottom lip and begin to chew on it. I’ve been keeping a secret from my family, especially my dad, for a while now. A few weeks ago, our good friends Pix and Hemi rented out Pix’s cabin to a group of fellows who make fireworks. Among them is a tiefling named Loker, who seems to have become infatuated with me. At first, he was kind of annoying, but the more I see of him, and the more we talk, the more I like him.

The relationship has progressed rather quickly after a few rounds of beers. I’ve always been able to hold my alcohol well - a gift from my father’s side - but that night I grew drunk on Loker’s attention. We ended up having sex in the storeroom of the bar. It was unusual behavior for me, but I had to admit that it was one of the best orgasams of my life. Loker was quite possibly the best sex I ever had. I’ve never had a man go down on me so excitedly before, and he didn’t let me go until he saw my eyes roll back into my head.

Ever since, Loker and I have kept our relationship a secret. Not because he’s a Tiefling or anything - the problem is my dad, Papa Rogan. He’s protective of all his kids, and anyone caught sniffing around them usually pays for it. I’m not ready to introduce Loker to my dad, so we’ve decided to enjoy the secrecy of it.

That evening, after Kisska and I get our things ready, I sneak out of the house to meet Loker by the shore of the lake off the Cobra Strait, hidden far back into the woods. It’s a popular spot for kids and locals, but at night, it’s the sort of place for hookups. There’s a small cave by the lake that floods during spring, and becomes exposed in mid-summer. I’ve been using it since I was a teen, and when Loker and I needed a place to run off to, it was the first place I thought of. We would go there for some privacy, and if we feel particularly randy, we fuck outside on the smooth boulders.

Loker is waiting for me as I arrive, his lantern resting on the ground while he skips rocks across the lake. He turns to look at me and a smile spreads across his face - one that makes my heart race like a rabbit’s.

“There’s my queen.” He extends his hand out to me as I approach, placing it around my waist. “What kept you?”

“Packing.” I place my hand on his cheek, kissing him as he drops the remaining stones from his hand. “Kisska and our team have been called to Rakshasa Country to assist Queen Mythri with the birth of her third child.”

Loker’s blackberry tongue darts across his lips. “Lucky you. You get to spend the rest of your summer in the royal palace.” His hands wrap around my waist and knead into my lower back. “You’re living my dream.”

I press up close to him, savoring his smell - clean and soft, with a slight hint of musk and sweat. I love to taste him, bite him, and feel his skin pressed against mine. “We leave on the next ship out of the Cobra Strait. I know you and your friends were going to be leaving soon too. On the same ship, by chance?”

Loker grins and wiggles his brows. “I think we may just be trapped on the same boat, my queen.” He kisses me again, his elegant fingers descending to squeeze the cheeks of my ass. “We’ll have to find a new place to fool around, won’t we?”

“I think my sister is onto us.” I press his back against the boulders of the cave, placing my hands on either side of him. “We’re going to have to be careful.”

Loker’s brows arch. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about her.” His hands rub up my back again. “I think she will be busy with other things.”

I frown at him. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about a pure white pearl of an angel,” he chuckles. “My friend Kaboom is smitten with your sister.”

“Is he?” I press my body against Loker’s, letting my breasts rest on his chest. “That could be what Kisska was talking about.”

Loker bites his lip. “Can we stop talking? As much as I want to pick your brain, I want suck your clit even more.”

“Your way with words is astounding, darling.” I grab him by the frilly collar of his shirt and pull him into the cave, taking the lantern along with us. Inside I see that Loker has already prepared a blanket and pillows, and there are candles lit on the stones, dripping wax onto the floor. 

I tie my hair back as Loker begins to undress. As I am getting the leather string around my hair, Loker kneels in front of me. His dark blue skin shimmers in the candlelight, making him look like a statue made of sapphire. His hands slide up my thighs, going under my skirt. I watch him, chewing my lips as his hands go further, pushing up my skirt. He kisses my legs, my thighs. His head disappears under the fabric, and I feel his horns brush against my belly. 

I pull my skirt up so I can see him as his lips kiss over my mound. His eyes open, looking up at me with an eerie glow. I reach down, stroking his hair and moving it from his face. His tongue darts out, slipping between my folds. I whimper softly as his tongue finds me, pressing into my clit and swirling around it.

I step away from him and lay down, removing my skirt and lying back as Loker slips between my thighs. His hand strokes gently up my body until his fingers slowly wrap around my throat. I shiver at his touch, loving the way his skin and rings feel against my skin.

His other hand brushes me, opening me up as his tongue slides over me. His long fingers press against the plumpness of my mound, and the tip of his tongue swirls around my thick clit until his lips press around me and suck. His fingers tighten around my throat, and I let out a lusty moan. Loker’s chuckles vibrate through me, making my body awaken for him.

“That feels so good,” I sigh. “That fast little mouth of yours is good for something.”

Loker opens his lips with a laugh. “You say that every time, my queen.” He sinks his fingers inside me, twisting them in a way that stirs me up. “I can’t get enough of this beautiful sight.” He dips back down, kissing my clit before sucking on it again.

I cry out, and a surge of pleasure ripples through my body. I groan out a laugh and buck my hips so I press closer to him. “You still haven’t told me how many people you’ve had to go through to get this good.”

He lifts his head again. “Don’t worry about that number, when number one is right here.” He spears me open with his fingers again, watching as my nectar starts to drip down his hand. “All others before you were practice. I consider you my gold medal.” He presses his lips against me, moaning as he toys with me.

His fingers tighten around my neck again, and I squeeze my thighs around his head. I pant furiously, my back arching further and further away from the ground. I don’t make a sound when I come - my body speaks for me. It jerks and spasms, crushing Loker just a little. As I ease back down to the ground, Loker pulls away. His chin is soaked and his grin is smug.

“I love the way you do that.” He licks his lips. “I almost came myself.” He kisses his way up my body, nuzzling his cheek against my breast before pressing his warm lips to my neck.

“Why didn’t you?” I chuckle.

Loker laughs as his lips brush against my ear. “Because I wanted to save it for you.” His tongue traces the line of my ear. 

I wrap my leg around his thigh as our lips meet. I grab onto him, raking my fingers down his back as he moves into place. Being half-orc and growing up around Orcs, I’ve seen some impressive cocks in my time. Big ones, thick ones, but when I say that Loker’s blows them all out of the water, I mean it. He’s not the biggest I have taken, but there is a curve to his shaft that makes him really something. The bulging underbelly gives him some girth, but the curve is what I love. As he slips inside his glans rubs up against that sensitive spot inside me. It makes me weak to everything he does to me. The only thing I don’t allow Loker to do is release his seed inside. Instead, I have him spurt it somewhere else, anywhere he wants, really.  It’s just precaution.

I stroke my hands down his chest as he sweats, the candlelight making each droplet glow. I pull him down onto me, pressing our bodies together as rapture flows through me. Loker quickly pulls out, replacing his cock with his fingers before he erupts on my belly. We scream out our pleasure, our release.

Loker lays down beside me, catching his breath as our skin cools. I stretch as my body turns to liquid, glowing from Loker’s touch. I feel sated for now, but I will grow hungry for him again sooner than I care for.

Loker moans and parts his lips. “Twenty-eight.” 

I open my eyes and look at the shadows dancing on the ceiling. “Hmm?”

Loker rolls onto his side, propping his head in his palm. “I have had twenty-eight practice dummies before you.  Thirteen men, fifteen women,” he says with a proud smirk. “Does that bother you at all?”

“Which do you like more?” I ask teasingly. 

His grin becomes a mischievous smirk. “Depends on the person, but I like you the most.” He trails his fingers down my body. “Do you have a number you want to share?”

I chuckle and look up at him. “Four men, two women.”

Loker whistles. “Way to make me sound like a whore.”

I giggle and sit up to kiss him. “I like a whore.” I push him down and move on top of him, rubbing my wet, sensitive parts against his thigh as I kiss him over and over. 

“I’m a downright slut for you, Mika,” he growls. “I want to be your toy.” He nearly bursts out laughing.

I lick his neck, tasting his skin. I love the way he smells after sex, sweat mingling with soap. “You’re lucky I like you.” I sit up on top of him. His expression sweetly softens. His hands wrap around me, stroking every inch of skin he can reach. I shiver.

“You’re so beautiful, Mika.” Loker’s voice drops to a whisper. “Your soft green skin, your dark lashes, your tusks. I love you.”

I jerk and move away from him. “You what me?” I blurt.

“I’ve never said that before,” he laughs breathlessly. “At least never… never first.” He cups his hand over his mouth.

“I didn’t hate it.” I murmur. “It’s just I never expected it.”

Loker looks at me, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. “We agreed that this wouldn’t...” He stops himself. “Mika, I love you, and I fucking mean it.”

I smile nervously. “You can’t help it. You’re a little stupid.”

Loker cups his hand around my cheek. “You’re my queen,” he whispers. “I don’t need the royal palace when I have you.”

I gaze into his eyes, meeting his kiss with a hunger I thought was satisfied. As we fall into each other again, it's different. This slow passion is different from all our embraces before. We take our time, and he whispers the sweetest things against my skin. As the rapture courses through my veins I feel him start to pull away from me.

“No!” I gasp. “Stay! Don’t leave me.” I cling to him, holding him close. I kiss him, moaning into his mouth as heat erupts through my veins. Inside me he’s warm, and each pulse of his heart makes it grow hotter. 

“I love you, Mika,” he moans into my ear. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I whimper. “Loker.” I kiss him again.

He remains inside me. I feel his heat flood through me as glossy pearls of his fluid drip out. “I want to see this.” Loker pulls away and dips down, licking me clean until I beg him to stop. We make love once more before falling asleep in each other’s arms. 

In the morning, Loker walks me back into town, buying me breakfast from the bakery and snuggling up to me while I eat the warm pastry. I feed him bites, both of us giggling and happy. That is, until I hear someone clear their throat.

We turn to see my mom and dad standing there, ready to go into the bakery to get fresh bread for the day.

“Well,” Loker breathes. “This was fun.”

I frown and step forward, holding Loker’s hand tight in mine. “Mama, Papa, this is Loker. We’ve been seeing each other for about a month now.”

My father’s nostrils flare as he looks down at Loker. “He’s petite.”

Loker squeaks and nods his head. “I am that, sir. Mr. Rogan, I...” He instantly turns his attention to my mother, looking for some sort of sign in her big brown eyes. 

My mother smiles. “He’s very handsome. I’ve heard some of the girls in the clinic talking about him.” She extends her hand. “You’re working with that nice fellow making the fireworks, right?”

Loker accepts her hand and shakes it, surprised to find her grip is tender. “Yes ma’am. Kaboom and I have been friends since childhood.”

My father’s lip curls. “Where at?”

Loker meets my father’s gaze with his own unwavering stare. “Slystall, sir.”

“Slystall.” My father cracks his neck. “Rather rough town.”

“It was,” Loker says with a nod. “But my mother raised me well and taught me the importance of treating the one you’re with properly.”

My father glares down at him silently.

“You do know that Mika is going to Rakshasa Country very soon, right?” My mother interjects. “We’re having one last family dinner tonight. You should join us for it.”

“He knows,” I say quickly. “He’s going as well. He and his friends are going for the festival season there to sell their fireworks.”

“So, you two will be going together then?” My father rubs at his chin as he glares down at Loker. “You do know we have a ritual here for choosing our mates, right?”

Loker turns to him with a timid expression that he quickly screws into a brave face. “Sir, I am fully aware, but you’re absolutely terrifying and I can’t keep my thoughts straight. Let me just say I think your daughter is wonderful,  and I understand why you’re so protective. I would certainly want the best for her as well.” He gulps as my father’s eyes narrow. “I will do whatever it takes to earn your respect, sir, but I have Mika’s, and that’s what matters most to me.”

I squeeze his hand. “It was good seeing you this morning, but we have other things we want to do.” I tug his arm. “I’ll see you at home.”

“Wait,” my father growls. He steps out from behind my mother and comes close to Loker and me. “Is he coming to dinner or not? We need to know.”

I nod. “He will.”

My father grins, and I feel Loker flinch. “Good. Your brothers and I will be waiting.” He turns and goes into the bakery with Mama and Loker lets out a breath.

“He’s huge!” Loker blurts. “I thought he was going to step on me.”

“Nah, those boots are relatively new. He wouldn’t do that just yet.” I put my arm around his waist. “You did wonderfully.”

“I don’t remember what I said. I kind of shit myself there for a second.” Loker slowly lets out a breath. “Did I agree to dinner?”

“It’ll be fine. My mom, Kisska, and baby sister will be there. My big brother Abor is a cupcake. He likes anything pretty, so he’ll love you.” I give him a soft kiss. “But my brother Bazlum is another story.”

Loker frowns at me. “What’s he like?”

“He’s ten and just got his first battleaxe,” I say with a grin. 

Loker smirks at me and gives me a kiss. “I love you. I’d suffer a thousand ten-year-olds with weapons if it meant you’d be waiting for me.”

I smirk at him. “That’s good to know.” I smile proudly as we walk together. “No more sneaking around. You OK with that?”

“Oh, we can still sneak around,” he says with a grin. “I’m not worried about that part. I’m kind of excited. Now, the two of us can snuggle all night and wake up together.”

My heart runs like a rabbit again. “Well, that would be nice.”

The dinner goes well, although not without my father giving Loker a long talk on the back porch. Loker seems shaken after the conversation, but at least he’s in one piece. I always assumed my dad would challenge anyone me or my siblings started dating seriously to a battle.

Things happen fast after that. Kisska and I finish packing for the trip, as well as helping Zahbi, Tysh, and Yasa prepare for the journey. 

“I’m more excited about festival season,” Yasa sighs dreamily. Having grown up in Rakshasa Country, she knows everything about it. We met her a few years ago when Queen Imani gave birth. Her parents are spice traders, and Yasa herself is an expert cook. She found out Kisska and I travel a lot, so she joined us and has been with us ever since.

“How long has it been since you last attended?” Zahbi asks.

“A few years, but I usually worked then. My family would set up a cart and sell special blends or surplus plants.” She walks beside me as we go to find our cabins.

“Won’t you be rooming with your new beau, Mika?” Tysh chimes in. Tysh is a Gnoll, one of the many refugees who fled Culuweth during Bethsabe’s reign. She’s been training under Imani’s husband, Mateo, in designing and making clothing, but decided to join Kisska, Tysh, and me to have a safe journey to Obresh, so she could travel from Cobra Strait to Culuweth when Nadeem took the throne. Tysh ended up becoming fast friends with us, and set up a shop in Obresh. She loves to travel with us, making clothes for babies, and buying new fabric wherever we go.

“Oh that’s right, the Tiefling,” Tysh says with a smirk. “Zahbi is sharing a room with Susilo. Will you be doing the same?”

“There wasn’t enough time to plan for that, I’m afraid,” I scoff. “Unless Kisska and Loker’s friend Kaboom want to room together.”

Zahbi gets a look on her face that shows even through her thick glasses that she’s perplexed. “I think Kaboom likes Kisska. At least, that’s what Susilo was telling me the other night.” She says this like it’s something she wasn’t supposed to say.

“When did they meet?” I ask in alarm. “She hasn’t said anything to me!”

Zahbi shrugs. “ I only know what Susilo has passed on. But Kaboom said he ran into her one night. Susilo says he’s been twitterpated ever since.” 

Yasa looks cross. “Twitterpated?” 

“You don’t say that in Rakshasa Country?” Tysh asks. “It means you’ve become enamored with someone. Love at first sight.”

I remember how Kisska and I had been talking while packing, when I thought she had me figured out. Maybe she was just asking about Kaboom, and not about Loker.

Before the boat departs, I find Loker on deck waiting for me. He scoops me up in his arms and gives me a dramatic kiss. 

“What was that for?” I scoff. “We’re leaving on the boat together. This is no goodbye.”

“Very true, but it doesn’t hurt now, does it?” He releases me and tilts his chin up. “Let’s say you and I go find our own private heaven for this journey.” He winks. “Then we’ll mark our territory.”

I cock my brow at him. “Had to try,” he says with a shrug. 

I take his hand in mine. “How big is your cabin?”

“Big enough for the two of us. Why do you ask? Kaboom is in it right now, and as much as I like the guy, he’s just a friend. Family, really.”

“No,” I grunt. “I’m asking if it could fit an extra bed.”

Loker’s brow pinches. “I still don’t get what you’re saying, my queen. Do you want to put a bed in the room with me and Kaboom? It’ll still be awkward.”

I roll my eyes. “No, you fool, just listen and stop making jokes.”

Loker grins. “That’s gonna be hard.”

“Yeah, yeah, just like you.” I swat his arm. “Has Kaboom mentioned anything about my sister?”

Loker thinks for a long moment. “I do know he ran into her the other night. And when I came back from dinner at your place, he was asking me a lot about your family. He seemed interested in Kisska.”

“So they have met,” I murmur. I give Loker a smile. “I was thinking, if Kaboom and Kisska were OK with it, we could get them to share a room, so we could have a room.”

Loker pouts. “I don’t know. As much as I would love that, Kaboom can be pretty shy. I wouldn’t want to push any buttons, and I’d hate to be selfish so soon on our trip.”

I fiddle with the buttons on his coat and pull him close to capture another kiss. “Yeah, I guess. Kisska can get nervous too. We should start looking for our own little spot.” I pull his hand, leading him around the deck. “You know, you never told me what my dad said to you the other night.”

“Aren’t you nosy?” Loker chuckles. “Not much to tell. Your dad just gave me a heart-to-heart, and we traded our stories.”

“What did you say to him?” I ask.

Loker’s eyes dart around to locate a shaded corner of the deck. We walk under it and he presses me against the wall. “I told him the truth, of course. I was too terrified to even think of a lie.” He slips his fingers under my chin. “I told him about my mom, and growing up in Slystall. Told him about my sugar daddy when I was young, then about the pretty dancer I left him for.”

I place my hands on Loker’s hips, tugging him towards me. “So, my dad knows about your thirteen-fifteen split?” 

Loker nods. “Yup. Seemed pretty OK with it, but he was concerned. Asked me if you were just going to be a number. I told him that, yes, of course you were a number.” He holds up a single finger. “Number one.”

I smirk at him. “Wow. Cheesy even for you.”

Loker’s laugh is soft. “He said that too.” He ducks his head down, pressing his forehead to mine. “I told him you were different to me, and how I felt secure when I was with you. I didn’t need to worry, I just had to hold you and I knew.”

I move my hands around, slowly letting them sink into his firm rear. His tail twitches, and the corners of his mouth perk up. “What did he say to that?”

His blackberry tongue darts over my lips. “I can’t remember with your fingers in my ass,” he purrs. “You’re giving me ideas and it’s been a few days since we were able to indulge in those ideas.”

I grin up at him. “The ship hasn’t left port yet. I’m sure the rooms will be empty for a while. We can at least take advantage of that.”

Loker grins. “Let’s go to mine. Kaboom will be worried about our firework stock, so he’ll be with it until the ship leaves.”

I kiss him hungrily, grabbing the base of his tail and tugging hard. Loker bites my lip then licks my tusks. “You know what that does to me.”

“Gets your dick hard.” I tug his hand, leading him back towards our cabins. We go into his, where there is just one big bed at the back wall. We tumble onto it, clawing at each other like animals. We rip off our clothes, tossing them wherever the fates will. We’re rushed and hungry, straining for each other’s touch. I’m on top of him, sucking his cock while I straddle his face. Just as I start to get into the moment, the door opens.

I look up to see Kaboom standing there with a stunned look on his face. My face prickles with embarrassed heat. Then Kisska appears in the doorway, and the look on her face is runs the gamut of emotions. Confusion, horror, bewilderment, anger - and all of a sudden she snickers and bursts out laughing. She walks out, cackling as she goes.

“I am so sorry!” Kaboom hurriedly shuts the door, then locks it behind him as he follows Kisska.

“Why was she laughing?” Loker whimpers.

I sit up and move off of him so he can rise. “I haven’t felt that level of humiliation since Abor showed my bloomers off to the whole square!” I clap my hands over my face. “I can’t believe they saw me like that!”

“It’s not the first time Kaboom has seen me like that.” Loker sighs as he puts his arm around me. “Nothing to worry about. Everyone gets caught at least once in their lives. But seriously, why the hell was she laughing?”

“Kisska does that when she’s really nervous.” I pull the blanket around me. 

Loker kisses my neck and cheek, gentlying biting me. “He locked the door, at least. If you feel like it, I’ll finish you off.”

I turn and meet his kiss. “And what about you?”

“I’ll get off knowing you’ve had your fun.” He strokes his tongue over the sharp edge of his teeth. “Lay back. Let me take care of you.”

I stop him and kiss him. “Give me a minute. I’m still in a state of shock.” I move into his lap and wrap my arms around him. “You’re not even hard right now.”

He strokes his hands up and down my back. “I would get there. Once I taste you, that’s enough for me to erupt.” He plants small kisses on my shoulder. “Just the thought of you from the other night makes me weak. My pearls dripping from your dark forest. It makes me drool.”

I close my eyes as I stroke down his back. “It felt good, too. I like having you inside me when you come.”

Loker shivers, his tail twitches from the tip all the way down. “Say it again, my queen. Press your lips to my ear and say it.”

I trace the tip of my tongue around his ear. “I want your big blue cock to come inside me.” I sputter and giggle, pressing my face into the curve of his neck.

Loker growls, grabbing my hips. “Yeah, you like that?”

I lift my head, laughing and kissing him between breaths. “I can’t say it like that. But I did love when you came inside me. It felt so good keeping you there while I came too.”

Loker’s teeth catch his lip and he moans. “I like knowing I can make you come, make you moan.” He looks at my chest, my belly, his cock poking up between us. “It gets me excited more than anything when I’m between your thighs and you’re getting wetter and wetter.” His slips his hand down between us, rubbing my clit. “Knowing that your pleasure comes from me is an intoxicating power.”

I touch his face, gliding my fingertips over his lips. “You’re not the only one. When you slip inside me, the first moan drives me crazy.” My lashes flutter as his fingers sink inside me. “I love the way you taste when I kiss you and bite you.”

“You’re so perfect, Mika,” he moans.

I wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him as his fingers churn my desire into a froth. “I want you now,” I moan. 

“I know,” he smirks. “I like hearing you say it, though.” He pulls me up, then lowers me back down so I am pierced by him. The wonderful curve of his cock feels twice as good in this position. I grind my hips, rolling them so he stirs inside me. I kiss him, and he grabs tight around my hips, shaking me and using the bounce of the bed to thrust up inside me. We’re pressed so close together it’s hard to breathe, but I can feel him twice as much. 

Once his seed is buried deep within me, I let loose a wild cry, one he silences with his kisses. He lets me rest before slipping between my thighs, licking me clean and making me thrash against the sheets as the afterglow turns into a consuming fire. His smug smile makes me weak, and I pull him towards me so his weight is pressed into my body.

“Apologize to Kaboom for me,” I say as we get dressed. “I don’t think I’ll be able to look him in the eye for a while.”

“Don’t worry about him,” he chuckles. “He’s just as embarrassed, I assure you. It’s your sister I’m worried about.”

“You shouldn’t worry about her either. It’s just a weird situation to walk in on, that’s all.” I look up at him, his shirt billowing open and his hair mussed and soft around his face. I smile up at him as my heart races. “You look beautiful right now.”

He glances shyly towards me. “You know, I’ve heard a million people say I’m handsome, but I’ve never felt it the way I do when you say so.” His smile is a perfect blossom. “I still think you’re the most beautiful.”

“I love you too,” I whisper to him.

“Glad you caught that.” He pulls me into his arms and buries his face into my hair. “In Rakshasa Country, after your work with your sister is over, you and I can find a place to rent for a few days. Just the two of us. No sisters, no Kaboom, no worries. Just us alone.”

“I could get you a room at the palace with me,” I offer.

Loker shakes his head. “No. As much as I have dreamed about that, I want you more.” He takes my hands in his. “So, what do you say?”

“I think I can manage.” I lean in to kiss him again. “Do you think we’ll survive such a thing?”

He chuckles. “I hope so! Maybe we can learn to control ourselves.”

We leave the cabin and go down to the mess hall to get food. While we’re there, Kaboom comes in with Abashi and the two of them sit with us. Kaboom is awkward at first, but soon we all start talking about our plans once we arrive at the Rakshasa Port. 

“Listen.” Kaboom clears his voice. “I talked it over with Abashi and Embry, and both of them have agreed to let me bunk with them.” He swallows the nervous tremor in his voice. “So, you two can have the cabin to yourselves.”

“Really? Won’t the three of you hate that?” Loker scoffs.

Abasi chuckles. “I think we can manage, I’m used to sleeping in dogpiles back home, and Embry can sleep through anything.”

I glance over at Kaboom, my face prickling with embarrassment still. “My sister will have that whole cabin to herself, though. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind sharing it. There’s already two beds in it.”

Kaboom shakes his head. “Oh, I couldn’t intrude on her like that.”

Under the table, Loker squeezes my knee. “Won’t the two of you only be in there for sleeping?”

“Well...” Kaboom seems torn. “I suppose so. But still...” His voice catches in his throat.

“I’m sure Kisska wouldn’t mind,” I toss out, following Loker’s lead. “And it would be much better than having to dogpile, as Abasi said.”

“It’s up to her. I won’t push anything if she’s not sure about it. Like I said, it’s fine if I stay with Abasi and Embry. The trip across the Cobra Strait is not a horribly long one. And if things are bad I can sleep on the floor.” He’s speaking fast and nervously.

Loker’s smile is one of attack. I’ve seen it quite a few times when I’ve opened my thighs for him. “What? Do you like her or something?”

Kaboom starts coughing. “What?” I don’t...” He takes a long drink from his cup, gulping it down. “That’s not funny, Loker.”

Loker grins like a fat cat. “You like Kisska, and who can blame you? She comes from an extremely attractive family.” He glances at me and winks. “It would be a shame for such a lovely woman to go to waste on just anybody. A half-unicorn such as yourself would be perfect for her.”

“Oh, would you shut up?” Kaboom grunts.

That evening is the first time Loker and I share an actual bed together, for the full night, and with no worry about running in the morning. As I lay down in bed Loker curls up beside me. I come up to his back, wrapping myself around him.

“I hate sleeping alone,” he murmurs. “Even when I was little, I would crawl into bed with my mom.” He chuckles softly. “At night, sometimes, I got afraid.”

“What were you afraid of?” I murmur.

“Promise you won’t laugh?” He rolls over so he can face me. “I was afraid of my father.”

I furrowed my brow. “Did he do something to you?”

He shakes his head. “I’ve never even met him, only heard stories about what my mom said. She told me he was in a world underneath ours. That he was a massive, powerful creature, something she couldn’t comprehend, yet knew all at once.” He presses his forehead to mine. “She said she saw him in the darkness of that place, and I grew terrified of the shadows under my bed.”

“All kids are scared of that,” I giggle.

“But I had reason to be,” he whispers. “As a tiefling, I mean.” His eyes glow in the dark. “I didn’t want to see the underneath. I didn’t want to go there, and yet part of me was from there.”

I kiss him softly, brushing my lips over to his cheek. “I won’t let you go there. No one can take you.”

Loker chuckles. “I know. I just wanted you to understand. If I get clingy at night, it’s because that part of my childhood still lingers inside me.”

I watch his eyes in the darkness, their amber glow like a candle about to go out. “That’s OK. We all get scared of something.” I wrap him up in my arms. “What’s important is that we find someone who not only accepts those fears, but protects us from them as well.”

Loker’s arms tighten around me. “I love you, Mika.”

“I love you too.” I bury my face in his hair, breathing in his scent and melting into the bed as his body grows warm. His tail wags under the blanket, slowly stilling as he falls asleep. I stay awake awhile longer, listening to him breathe as well as the water outside. I drift to sleep, thinking about how happy I am to be here, and how much I owe my sister for just this one night.