“All right,” Khalon said with a laugh. “Off with you two. Go make mischief elsewhere.” He brought Riley in for a passionate kiss. When he pulled back, he waggled his eyebrows. “Come, my Prince. We have our own mischief to make.”

  Riley laughed, then shifted into his beautiful golden tiger form, the only one of his kind in the Soldati realm. He leaped toward the east gardens with Khalon in his tiger form quick on his heels. Toka hopped and pounced, his brush wagging happily as he darted about with Rayner bounding after him. They ran into the south gardens, through the colorful, sweet-smelling flowers. Toka shifted, rolling onto his back beneath one of the many cherry blossom trees. He laughed as Rayner flopped down beside him. Unable to resist, Toka scratched Rayner behind his ears. His fur was so soft. Rayner chuffed and closed his eyes in contentment. He shifted back to his human form to steal a kiss.

  Toka beamed up at him before a thought occurred to him. He ran a finger down Rayner’s jaw, his smile turning sinful. “Darling.”

  Rayner’s eyebrows shot up, his eyes filled with amusement. “Oh, darling is it?” Rayner stole another kiss. “What does my foxling want of his darling?”

  “A bath. With you.”

  Rayner blinked. “A bath with me?” His eyes became hooded with lust. “I think that can be arranged.” He stood and helped Toka to his feet, then pulled him close against him to murmur in his ear. “And after we bathe, I thought perhaps you might allow me to claim you.”

  Toka gasped. He stared up at Rayner. “Really?”

  Rayner nodded. He lowered himself onto one knee and placed a fist over his heart. “Will you be at my side as my mate?”

  Toka’s eyes widened, and he launched himself at Rayner, who laughed when they toppled over onto the grass, Toka landing on him.

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes! Nothing would make me happier.” Toka kissed Rayner everywhere. His lips, his jaw, his brow, his chin, and the tip of his nose. “I love you, Rayner.”

  “I love you, Toka.”

  They hurried into the castle and rushed up the steps to the royal wing and down to Rayner’s bedchamber, where Rayner ran water in the large bath. The room was warm, sunlight filtering in through the two arched windows. Rayner stopped kissing Toka long enough to prepare the bath. It smelled and looked heavenly, with white flower petals floating on the water’s clear surface. They helped each other undress, and Rayner led him down the steps into the heated water. Toka groaned at how good it felt. Toka picked up the sponge on instinct, but Rayner laid his hand over Toka’s. His smile stole Toka’s breath away.

  “Let me. Please.”

  Toka nodded and let out a sigh of contentment as Rayner bathed him. Nothing had ever felt so incredible. Well, maybe one other thing, but that would come later. Rayner stroked and caressed Toka as he washed him. He planted little kisses on Toka’s shoulders, on his neck and temple. When Toka was clean, he took the sponge from Rayner.

  “My turn.”

  Rayner looked uncertain, and Toka tilted his head. “What’s wrong?”

  “The scars… they’re horrid.”

  It was then that Toka realized Rayner had not had his back to Toka since he’d undressed. His heart squeezed, and he cupped Rayner’s face.

  “My love, you have always been and always will be the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. Your body, no matter its state, will always be loved by me.” He took the sponge from Rayner’s hands and came to stand behind Rayner. The freshly healed scars were many. The scabs had fallen off, leaving raised, discolored skin all over his back. Toka placed the sponge over Rayner’s back and squeezed the warm water over him. Rayner shivered, and Toka was extremely gentle when washing him. Then he placed a tender kiss over the marks.

  “You are a fierce warrior, my love. Your body is one I cherish and will always look upon with great pride. As should you.”

  Rayner turned, his eyes bright with emotion. “What could I possibly have done to be so blessed?”

  Toka kissed Rayner’s lips sweetly. He finished bathing Rayner, and when they were done, they dried each other. Rayner escorted Toka into his bedchamber, and Toka caught his reflection in the mirror. He walked over and stood before it, admiring the marks on his arm. Him, a foxling Soldati? “I still can’t believe it.”

  Rayner wrapped his arms around Toka’s waist and nuzzled his temple. “No one deserves it more, my foxling Soldati.”

  Toka’s smile faded, and he turned in Rayner’s arms. “I’ve only ever been a servant.”

  “That doesn’t mean it’s what you must remain. Khalon does not appoint new warriors so freely. He’s done so now because he believes you, Toka, have brought the Soldati great honor. You’re part of the court now. Find your calling, and it will be granted. There’s plenty of time for you to settle into your new role, and I will be at your side every step of the way.”

  “I am grateful to Khalon for this position. Now I am worthy of you.”

  Rayner smiled down at him, eyes filled with adoration. “My foxling, you have always been worthy. Whether you’re a servant or a Soldati warrior, my love for you remains the same.”

  “Will you show me how to fight with a sword?”

  Rayner threw his head back and laughed. “My darling, I will show you anything you desire.”

  “Anything?” Toka grinned wickedly, and ran a finger over Rayner’s chest. “How about you show me how a Soldati warrior claims his mate?”

  With a playful growl, Rayner scooped Toka up in his arms. Toka laughed giddily as Rayner carried him over to the bed, dropping him down onto it with a bounce before he rounded the bed and leaped onto it, making Toka bounce when he landed on the mattress. Toka laughed, his giggles soon giving way to soft moans when Rayner descended on him with an onslaught of kisses. He licked at Toka’s lips, seeking entrance to Toka’s mouth, and Toka quickly obliged. Their tongues dueled as they hungrily explored each other’s mouths, tasting and sucking. Rayner moved away long enough to fetch the supplies, and Toka could barely contain himself knowing what Rayner was about to do. He gently pushed at Rayner and rolled onto his stomach.

  Rayner chuckled. He leaned in to murmur in Toka’s ear. “Are you eager for me to claim you, my foxling?”

  “Never stop calling me that,” Toka pleaded. “I will always be your foxling.”

  “Always,” Rayner agreed. He placed a pillow beneath Toka’s hips, and Toka was all but vibrating with anticipation. How long had he dared to dream of this, of being mated to Rayner, being claimed by him? He felt the sharp sting as his entrance was stretched, and he welcomed the burn. Rayner, always so gentle, pushed in slowly until he was buried deep inside Toka. He lay against Toka, mindful of his weight. “This will hurt, my darling.”

  “It will be worth every drop bled.”

  Rayner kissed his skin behind his ear, and Toka shivered. He moaned as Rayner began to move inside him, slowly pulling out, then sinking back in. Toka fisted the bedsheets; the feel of Rayner’s body pressed against his was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Soon he was panting, his toes curling as Rayner’s movements quickened, his hard, thick length driving into Toka over and over.

  “Rayner,” Toka gasped, thrusting his hips against the mattress, the bed moving beneath them as Rayner snapped his hips, the sound of their skin slapping together music to Toka’s ears. Rayner’s warm breath tickled Toka’s shoulders, and he gasped in anticipation. “Claim me, Rayner. Make me yours.”

  Rayner’s hips lost all rhythm, and Toka cried out at the sharp pain as Rayner’s fangs pierced Toka’s flesh between his neck and shoulder. He smelled their blood as Rayner’s fangs transferred his blood into Toka’s body, sealing their bond. The pain was great, and he flinched when Rayner’s fangs retracted, but his body would heal quickly. Rayner sank inside Toka once more, sending a jolt through Toka, and he cried out Rayner’s name as his release barreled into him. He squeezed his body, and Rayner’s muscles tightened, coating Toka’s passage with his release. Rayner snapped his hips twice more when the light building inside Toka, a warm familiar glow, one he knew belonged to Rayner, swirled and spread then burst through Toka’s mouth. The room flashed white before the glow subsided. Toka’s body ached in the most delicious way.

  Rayner rolled off him, landing on his back beside Toka. He was breathless, but he turned onto his side to face Toka, his handsome face etched with concern.

  “Are you all right?”

  Toka smiled lazily. “I have never been more all right.” Toka noticed the five thin black bands around his wrist, the last one resembling a tiger stripe. He could barely contain his grin. “Your mark.”

  Rayner sighed. “Now you really have to keep me.” He laughed when Toka pounced on him. His body protested the movement, but Toka didn’t care. He was too happy. Rayner held him close, and Toka closed his eyes, releasing a contented sigh.

  “Tonight you are the first of your kind, and by tomorrow the realm will be awash with tales of the foxling Soldati.”

  Toka smiled as he met Rayner’s proud gaze. “The foxling Soldati. I like the sound of that.”

  “Me too.” Rayner kissed him sweetly. “My brave and beautiful foxling Soldati.”

  Want to know what happens with Ezra and Segreti? Read on for, The Soldati General, book three in the Soldati Hearts series.

  THE SOLDATI GENERAL

  SYNOPSIS

  A powerful, yet awkward, Soldati healer. A retired Orso general. A plot to kill the king. A secret that could destroy them all.

  The Summer Solstice Festival has arrived in the Soldati realm, and guests from all over flood the kingdom to join the festivities. But the excitement is shadowed by rumors of an Orso plot to kill the king. Now Ezra and the Soldati council must protect Khalon’s secret—and stop a conspiracy that could destroy the Soldati and the human world they protect.

  As Ezra and General Segreti explore their growing affection, a dangerous game begins, but are they the pawns or the players? Can their hearts survive the final checkmate?

  CHAPTER ONE

  “I can’t believe you’re going through with this.”

  Ezra sat in quiet observation as his prince paced the study. He hadn’t seen His Highness so unsettled, but then Riley Murrough had been human once and quite prone to fretting. It took time for Riley to grow into his role as the Soldati Prince, but once he’d embraced it—truly accepted his destiny—it became apparent to all that the young man would be as great a ruler as their king. Riley was a kindhearted soul, yet fierce when the occasion called for it. Ezra understood why his prince was upset. Riley had lost his heart to his mate quite some time ago.

  “My love, this is your first Soldati Summer Solstice Festival,” Khalon replied, rounding his desk to step before Riley and halting his pacing. He pulled Riley into his arms and lifted his chin so their eyes could meet. “I want you to enjoy yourself.”

  Riley let out a huff. “How can I enjoy myself when it’ll be the full moon?”

  Khalon’s expression softened, and Ezra frowned down at the open letters on his lap. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on a single word since Riley interrupted his council with Khalon, upset that Khalon had not cancelled the festivities, which were due to start in less than a week’s time. Royal guests would arrive as early as this evening.

  Logically, Riley’s argument was sound. Every full moon, Khalon lived as a mortal man, unable to shift into his great Soldati tiger form, making him susceptible to wounds, pain, and human frailty. This was the price he paid to have Riley returned to him by the great priestess after Riley sacrificed himself for Khalon and the Soldati. As it happened, this year’s Soldati Summer Solstice Festival fell on such a full moon, meaning the castle grounds and their kingdom would be filled with all manner of creatures from various realms. This in turn made Khalon’s argument sound, as he now reminded his prince.

  “This festival is more than a few days of revelries. Not only is it part of our heritage, but it’s important to our citizens. It allows them the opportunity to spend time with their monarchy and those who protect their world, to feel connected to the Soldati and rejoice with us. It invites them to celebrate our realm and all it has accomplished. It’s also the largest festival of the year. The villagers count on it to sell their goods.”

  “I get that,” Riley said. “But you have enemies out there, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce. Queen Verity confirmed it. There are Orso hidden within her kingdom who are still secretly loyal to that bastard Pavoni.”

  “Love, you know I’m well aware of this threat. We suspected as much after Pavoni’s death, remember? Which is why Queen Verity allowed our spies to roam her kingdom in search of these traitors.”

  “Yes, but they still haven’t all been found.”

  “They will be,” Khalon assured him. “Besides, you are Saugur. Should our lives be in danger, you’ll be the first to know.”

  Khalon spoke the truth. Riley was not only a Soldati prince, but the only living Saugur— a Soldati prophet, a rarity among their kind. Any threat to their realm or the human world they kept safe from demons would be seen by Riley.

  “Trust in me.” Khalon placed a kiss on Riley’s brow. “I’d never allow any harm to befall you.” He brushed his lips over Riley’s. “I love you, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect what we’ve built together.”

  “I love you too,” Riley murmured, wrapping his arms around Khalon’s neck. “And I trust you.”

  The two kissed in a passionate embrace, their love for each other evident in their growing desire. Ezra dropped his gaze to the letters in his hand. Outside of Rayner and his foxling mate, Ezra had never seen mates possess such need for each other. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. Having a mate was something he did his best not to think about. No sense wasting precious time on something he was not destined for. As far as Soldati went, Ezra was considered somewhat of a paradox, and he’d resigned himself to an immortal life without a mate. Not that he’d ever secretly desired one. He was far too scholarly for such fairy tales.

  This had to be the longest kiss in the history of kisses. Were they even breathing? They had yet to come up for air. Oh dear. Now they were moaning. It wasn’t his place to leave without being dismissed by his king, but his king seemed to have forgotten he was in the room. Ezra coughed lightly into his fist, and the two gave a start.

  “Holy shi—pwreck.” Riley gave a breathy laugh. “I forgot you were there. No offense.”

  “None taken,” Ezra replied, smiling warmly at his flustered prince.

  “Forgive me.” Khalon smoothed down the front of his tunic as he quickly stepped behind Riley.

  “Perhaps we should continue our meeting at a later time?” Ezra suggested politely.

  Khalon glanced at Riley, no doubt taking in his flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips before nodding fervently. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you. I’ll call for you.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty.” Ezra stood and bowed. “Your Highness.”

  “Thanks, Ezra.”

  Ezra left the room, closing the door behind him. He smiled at the distinct click of the lock. His heart swelled with joy for his king and prince, both of whom deserved the love they found in each other. Khalon was far less irritable these days, and how could he be? Riley was a beacon of light, quite literally. His Soldati prince soul pulsed a bright white glow that at times could be seen—but was mostly felt by all. He radiated warmth, love, hope, and goodness. Riley’s powers were still somewhat of a mystery, but with each passing day they learned a little more.

  Now that his meeting was postponed, Ezra had some spare time. Perhaps he’d fetch a book and do a little reading in the garden. That sounded lovely. As he headed for his chambers, he scanned his bookshelf with his mind’s eye, pondering which story he’d lose himself to this time. The castle bustled with activity as everyone prepared for the festival. Servants, staff, and Soldati warriors dashed about, some decorating and readying guest chambers while others arranged meals, refined schedules, or discussed festival events.

  Ezra maneuvered around the swift and deft foxling servants, mindful not to get in their way. He risked getting trampled on otherwise. Foxlings had served the Soldati for generations, each position one of honor and prestige. Soldati servants were treated with great respect and protected by the king. The Soldati realm would not have flourished without them, and thanks to Toka, a former foxling servant bestowed with the title and position of Soldati, the law stating servants—and anyone else, for that matter—could not mate above their station had been removed from Soldati law.

  Stepping into his chambers, Ezra stopped cold at the sight of the Soldati Eye floating in the center of the room rather than nestled on the black-and-gold velvet pillow where it should have been. The all-knowing Eye flowed through Ezra, offered knowledge and visions of warning, though not on the scale of the prince’s prophecies.

  When the former Soldati king passed his crown on to Khalon, the former king and his entire court left for another realm. After centuries of fighting demons, they had earned the right to live out the rest of their immortal lives in peace. This left the Soldati Eye to pick a new voice. And it had chosen Ezra.

  Being the voice of the Eye of the Soldati brought with it great power, new dangers, and a heavy burden, but Ezra had accepted the role with pride. With an entire army of Soldati to choose from, many of whom were renowned warriors, the Eye had honored Ezra with its power. Of course, at the time, Ezra had been unaware of exactly what that would entail, or the effect it would have on his personal life—the price he paid for such power. Regardless, to let down the Eye would be to let down his realm. For the longest time, Ezra believed the Eye to be a tool, a magical relic bestowed upon the Soldati by the Goddess since their creation. Lately, he’d begun to question whether there was more to the Eye than he’d originally believed. The blasted thing seemed to have a mind of its own, prone to all manner of mischief.