Page 204 of Split or Swallow

The last one was before my lifetime.

That was a surprise to her, especially considering how sexual the basilisks were. She figured they were having hive orgasms frequently.

Caspen sat up, pressing his lips to hers.

Do not be afraid.

Tem pushed him back down.

I’m not afraid.

She splayed her hands flat on his chest so she could center herself as she rode him. The hissing was steady but didn’t grow louder, and Tem allowed herself to relax. They were here for her, after all. Why shouldn’t they see what she could do?

Her first orgasm built gradually. Tem didn’t mind taking her time when she knew there would be many more to come. She paced herself deliberately, savoring the way Caspen felt inside of her. His eyes were black with lust, and Tem wondered fleetingly whether watching her fuck Bastian had triggered his possessive side, turning him on even more. Nothing would surprise her at this point; it had done something similar to Tem.

Just when she was close, Caspen grabbed her waist, lifting her and turning her so she was riding his cock facing the opposite direction. Tem gasped at the sudden change. A moment later his hands went to her hair, pulling it back over her shoulders and exposing her breasts. Tem understood he wanted to display her—to show her off to the basilisks surrounding the bed. She watched them as they watched her, enjoying the way their eyes traced over her body.

One of the basilisks stepped forward. He extended his hand, reaching for her face.

Caspen? What’s happening?

He wants to touch you.

Should I let him?

That is up to you. Say the word and I will tell him not to.

Her answer came easily:

No. Let him.

Tem watched the basilisk as he brushed his fingers gently along her jaw. When he stepped back, another took his place. Basilisk after basilisk approached her, touching her briefly—never lingering—almost as if they wanted nothing more than to confirm that she was real. They touched her face, her hair, her lips. The men were strong and assured, the women soft and tender. Occasionally a hand would dip to her breasts, but every time that happened, Caspen let out a low growl, and the basilisk would retreat.

Tem was close to finishing. The mere thought of doing so in front of all these people only made her want to more. She wanted to show them how good she was at this—how well Caspen had taught her.

The basilisks were still touching her, one after the other. With a jolt, Tem recognized the next basilisk in line.

Rowe.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

In a split second, Caspen was upright. His chest hit Tem’s shoulders as his arms wrapped around her waist, halting her motions and pulling her tightly against him.

He should not be here. The ritual is only meant for my quiver.

The crowd parted for Rowe as he approached the bed, his eyes never leaving Tem’s. The suite was silent: any hissing had stopped completely. Behind her, Tem could feel Caspen’s temperature rising. She prayed he wouldn’t transition while he was still inside her.

Rowe stopped at the foot of the bed. He raised his hand slowly.

Caspen’s grip became even tighter. The room was so quiet Tem could hear her own heartbeat galloping frantically against her ribs. Rowe’s eyes flicked to Caspen’s. They stared at each other for a long moment, and Tem knew they must be speaking with their minds.

Rowe’s gaze slid to her.

Tem stayed perfectly still as he brushed a single fingertip under the bottom of her chin, tilting her head toward his. When her neck was fully arched, he paused.

“She takes you so well,” Rowe whispered.

Caspen wrapped his fingers around her throat, yanking her away from his grasp.