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  Taming a Raven

  Kathleen Lash

  After technology fails the Governance, Gage is sent to fetch a raven tracker to locate the president’s abducted son. He acquires her from a warm, arousal-scented breeding bed.

  Reina is captivated by every aspect of the battle vessel Raze, and the handsome, foreboding general who commands it. To accomplish the mission and keep her clan safe, she must trust and serve Gage.

  As Reina deploys her powers to aid the Governance, Gage learns that control ing and taming his raven requires more than he first imagined. Military protocol is forgotten as he uses her sexual hunger to teach trust, restraint and control. Her ultimate wil ingness to submit could mean the difference between life and death.

  Reader Advisory: There’s a short scene of F/F pleasure—watched by our hunky hero, of course.

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Taming a Raven

  ISBN 9781419922428

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Taming a Raven Copyright © 2009 Kathleen Lash

  Edited by Jaynie Ritchie

  Photography and cover art by Les Byerley

  Electronic book publication November 2009

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Taming a Raven

  Kathleen Lash

  Dedication

  To al the women I know personal y and professional y who selflessly share their special talents, intel igence, loyalty and humor on a daily basis without ever contemplating repayment.

  Acknowledgements

  Thanks to Jenny S. for unending support, availability, critiques, friendship and most importantly, for her contagious laughter and uncanny sense of humor. To my husband for his unconditional love, humor and bravery. To Sharon and Lynn, who are forever more than sisters. Also, thanks to Jaynie Ritchie for her quick responses and expert editorial assistance.

  Chapter One

  Materna Nakita of the Raven Clan proved to be more hindrance than help in Brigadier General Gage Ryker’s quest to obtain aid. He glared at the older woman, not to impose his authority, rank or the severity of the situation, but simply because it came natural y when displeased. Even the title, Materna— mother—irritated him.

  “Materna Nakita, I’m here under the direct order of President Evan Deacon. You must surrender a raven to me within the hour or your clan wil no longer fal under the protection of Serenity Governance.”

  He recognized her comprehension by the slight tremor in her lips and subtle stiffening of her body. Until then, she’d offered the barest in hospitality and her condescension in dealing with someone of his rank was utterly deplorable. If her clan denied the Governance, the entire planet of Haven would become prey to any and every form of abhorrent creature known in their solar system.

  “You have the authority to condemn an entire planet because of my reluctance?” she asked.

  “I do. Haven receives protection only because of your smal clan. The others here hold little value and contribute insignificantly to the overal strength of our worlds. My request’s reasonable, and the raven you provide would fal under my care. I’m not known for neglect of borrowed objects. She’l be safe.” The middle-aged woman stared at an opposing wal as her hands folded in her lap. The gray hair woven throughout the black coil gathered on top of her head seemed severe against her delicate face. Accompanied by the plain black floor-length dress, he decided her appearance appropriately portrayed the inner woman. She appeared stern, exacting, unmovable and without the manners to even look at him as they spoke.

  “As you’ve pointed out, General, our numbers are smal . Most ravens are my age or older. Because the Governance required use of us so often, and for so many years, we neglected our breeding. Our young are unsuitable because they lack complete schooling. Too, their senses aren’t ful y developed.

  Your president promised us a time of peace to rebuild.” She relayed her change in demeanor by a reasonable tone of voice.

  He heard the slightly hostile inflection when speaking of the president. He wondered at its origin but wouldn’t digress. “Your services are needed because Major Blaize Deacon is the man we search for.”

  Her gaze final y met his and he witnessed the dawning. A bit of color left her face. “It’s the president’s son who was taken off world and I’m obliged to fetch him. We’ve exhausted standard resources, and Deacon’s impatience at having the major back resulted in the order to use a raven.” The terms were nonnegotiable but she appeared to calculate the unavailable options. When she stood, he fol owed suit. He dwarfed her by at least a foot. She crossed her arms as if final y feeling the chil surrounding them. “I’l accompany you, General Ryker.”

  “Your offer’s generous,” he said, barely control ing annoyance at her reluctance to provide that which he sought. “But my instructions are clear. I’m to receive a lady raven in her prime. You’re two decades beyond and have earned the title Materna. Your place is here to bring up the young, not to once again test your skil s as a tracker.”

  Tears fil ed her eyes accompanied by an expression clearly relaying hatred. Admirably, she kept the leakage in check and didn’t push the threadbare control on his impatience. Need it always be so cumbersome dealing with those born female? He’d been double damned having to negotiate with a raven. He wondered at the odds he’d make it back to his vessel in the predetermined amount of time. He doubted they’d be very favorable.

  “There’s only one who’s of age and has lessons learned.”

  “Then I must have her immediately.”

  “Lady Reina’s in season and to be bred. Her obligation to the clan’s been delayed long enough.”

  “I’m sorry for the lady. Certainly you understand if I leave the planet without her, your fate is sealed.”

  “Marianna!” An older raven appeared in a long, black gown. A heavy shawl was wrapped around her slim shoulders. Nakita said, “Please escort the general to the breeding chamber. It’s necessary for Lady Reina to accompany him as a tracker.”

  “But, Materna…”

  He watched and felt the nonverbal exchange before the older woman bowed her head and extended her arm for him to proceed. He thought tears to be maddening but found he’d gladly suffer them any morn—every morn—than endure the atrocious, penetrating screech of their kind. He’d been warned they could communicate in such a fashion and hoped he wouldn’t need to experience it.

  “General,” Materna Nakita said before he left, “she’s not a borrowed object. She’s a woman.” His words cast back at him as if he were a youngun caused his patience to falter. Such audacity! “As you wish, Materna,” he replie
d with a menacing grin. “But there’s a world of difference between how I relate to something borrowed and a woman who needs bred.” After picking up the smal satchel he’d brought in anticipation of acquiring the raven, he fol owed the elder materna through a large wooden door.

  Frustration appeared to be on his list of experiences that morn because she required two steps for each of his. They walked down wide hal ways in the ancient stone structure with the sound of footsteps echoing. The lower they descended, the cooler and denser the air became. He slowed his breath to accommodate the change in climate. The wave of dizziness eventual y left and his head cleared.

  The hal became darker with torches occasional y lighting the way. He noticed the many hieroglyphics in the stone. Carved images of battles long past were depicted. Great birds hovering over the bodies of men al owed him a clear interpretation of how the clan viewed males. He’d need to be a bit more cautious. Barbarism most certainly stil dominated them.

  Smoke, dampness and the chil ed air made him wonder how any of the clan survived. Their lifestyle was less than modest. Why would they choose to live without so many basic comforts? The planet’s rich organic trade items could easily be exported.

  The breed stemmed from medieval times, their colony discovered when the galaxy was in its infancy. He ventured little had changed on Haven over the passage of time. The backward planet, mired in custom, legend and superstition, stayed the course, purposely remaining an uncivilized little mistake yet to be wiped out by more technological y advanced races. Haven and the Raven Clan invariably angered him. To him, the lack of technology suggested either laziness or ignorance. He detested both.

  The deeper into the structure they went, the more il at ease he felt. At six feet, five inches, he found it necessary to duck under some of the arches to enter the next section of tunnel. Glad for the warm, dark blue uniform stretched tightly across his body, he could barely fathom why the president sent him to such a place.

  He’d fol ow orders and obtain the woman. She’d probably spend the entire journey toying with an automatic door or some other fascinating technology. Perhaps he’d find use for her in the mess. Certainly she’d understand how to cleanse plates and utensils. How could a woman reared in such an environment provide anything superior to that on board the Raze?

  The materna slowed until he walked beside her. “Do you know of our customs, General?”

  “I have ful knowledge of the tactical capabilities of your kind, Materna. Schooling of such was mandated at a time when ravens were used extensively as the Governance grew in power.”

  “Because of your age, I assume you’ve never personal y worked with a raven?”

  “No.” And damn it, he’d be the first lucky bastard to do so after many years of simply relying on superior training, instinct and advanced equipment.

  How fortunate.

  Final y coming to stop before a large wooden door at the corner of an antechamber, she stepped to the side. “Please remember, Lady Reina is much more than a tracker for you. She’s a precious life source for our kind.”

  He managed to school his features, conceal the irritation and offered what he could. “The mission is obviously critical. My presence and demand for one of you should relay as much. Trust I’l see to her, Materna. Now I must insist we proceed. Time is running out.” He placed his hand on the huge brass knob.

  “I’l summon the others when you enter. Don’t speak until you’re alone with our lady. To do so could cause an attack, and to have such beautiful eyes snatched from your face would be a pity.”

  “I mean her no harm,” he replied, blood surging from the threat.

  “As you’ve said, but those within have spent a great deal of time in her preparation. Focus your attention on Lady Reina only. Don’t make eye contact with the others, don’t speak, and above al , don’t touch her in their presence. Remain stil until I cal them away. They’l eventual y obey.” He refused to dal y further and swung the heavy door open wide. Three long strides took him wel into the chamber before he stil ed, al owing his eyes to adjust to the dimly lit room. Six naked women surrounded a high table covered in furs. They focused on something he couldn’t yet see. Their unbound, glorious black hair swayed as they moved. He became instantly mesmerized at the sight, sounds and scent of the overly warm place. Typical y not caught unaware, he wondered what he thought he’d find in a breeding chamber.

  He heard a sound or, more precisely, felt the raven’s cal , which gained the attention of the women. First one then another turned hesitantly toward the door. They watched him with wide, feral eyes, holding no color because of the expanse of their pupils. He remembered to look beyond them to the table, seeing them only with peripheral vision.

  They came toward him and stopped when close. He remained motionless as their hands touched and explored. One snatched the leather band across his forehead. He waited as she ran fingers through his longish hair. She seemed most fascinated by it. The fragrance of the room became more intense. His heart quickened as blood stirred. A woman’s scent. The heady smel of arousal came from the hands touching him.

  Palms ran over his chest and arms as a third raven approached and crouched low. She stroked and caressed his legs, giving a thorough examination. She forced him to shift slightly by applying pressure to the inside of his thighs. He accommodated her by separating his boots. The raven wasted no time taking his bal s to hand before rol ing the weight and applying pressure to the sac. The exploration wasn’t entirely unpleasant for it’d been a while since he’d received such attention. As she measured his length, hums of discovery and approval resonated from her throat.

  Another of the women responded to the materna when she cal ed. Four of them surrounded him and only two remained the short distance away. He could final y view that which he’d been focused on. Lady Reina.

  His lady lay on her back against the furs, her wrists and ankles bound. One of the women kissed Reina’s long, thick nipple before drawing it between her lips. His mouth watered at the sight. His lady appeared most affected by the attention. Needy little moans and sighs escaped as she twisted and undulated between the furs and the juicy mouth at her breast.

  The fabric covering his cock stretched as blood hastened and brought it to life. Murmurs and verbalizations of encouragement came from the ravens pawing him. Hands roughly smoothed over his ass as long, aggressive fingers traced between his legs. His bal s were squeezed as hot breath penetrated the fabric over his cock. His hands fisted as he tensed. The woman behind him pul ed his ass cheeks apart to explore through the fabric. He should not move. The hands upon him and the sight of the squirming lady upon the furs made it hard to do so. A shril cal from the materna caused a set of wandering hands to abandon his legs. A raven left the room. Cal ing upon his military training, he slowed his blood and calmed himself.

  Lady Reina’s back arched and as she strained against the bonds, her plump breasts thrust upward. Her ribs were outlined through delicate flesh as she thrashed about, causing her exquisite breasts to sway enticingly. Dark areolas surrounded wonderful y thick, pointed nipples. With the rest of her skin so pale, he imagined it’d taken much licking and sucking to darken and shape her so erotical y.

  A woman settled her hands on Reina’s inner thighs, forcing her legs as wide as the restraints permitted. Reina’s hips twisted urgently as she moaned. A thatch of black hair framed the top of her sex, but below that, her swol en lips were hairless and pink. Moisture glistened on the flesh and he already knew how enticing the aroma was. It lingered on his uniform where the ravens had touched.

  Using her thumbs, the woman spread the puffy lips apart. The dark-haired beauty leaned down, opened her mouth and presented her tongue. He stifled a groan but couldn’t stop the reaction of his cock. It lengthened and twitched as his mind conjured what the raven would taste between Reina’s thighs.

  The tongue settled high and wiggled. Lady Reina struggled and cried out as her pelvis came up from the tightening of her ass cheeks. She
was drawn farther apart and the woman servicing her kissed, licked and nibbled before sucking the lady’s clitoris between her lips.

  Lady Reina convulsed in what appeared to be a massive orgasm as she bucked and thrust. Wet sounds fil ed the room, accompanied by long moans from both women. An uncontrol ed spasm shot up from his bal s as pre-cum leaked. She lifted her head off the bed and looked down between her legs.

  “Ugh, ugh, oh,” she whispered.

  Soon Reina struggled, clearly trying to bring her knees together. Had she become too sensitive? Could she require a lighter touch just then? Or something much deeper.

  His mind took control of his thoughts. Take her. She needs a thick cock thrusting inside. I bet she’s tight and would love being stretched. He imagined her arching in pleasure as he fucked and pumped her ful and then thought about how those thick nipples would feel between his fingers as he pul ed and pinched and sucked them in his mouth, against his tongue to lick and nibble. No!

  He attempted to slow his raging pulse and make his subconscious sleep. In thirty-five years, he’d borne witness to and experienced many pleasures of the flesh. Nothing compared to the vision before him in the humid confines of the arousal-scented chamber. Caught up in the raven’s pleasure, he scolded himself as he closed his eyes to regain focus. He was a man ful -grown and knew better than to get lost in musings. He’d simply been il -prepared for the sight of the long-limbed erotic beauty spread out. Restrained. Prepared.

  The last two ravens reluctantly left his lady, stopping to peruse him, to touch and bring their faces close to his crotch. His body remained stil but his mind raced as he quickly reviewed basic information about the clan. He lacked knowledge on their mating rituals and wondered what brought about this unusual situation. The restraints accompanied by many mouths and hands could be required if the ravens lacked an innate sexual appetite. It would also explain their diminished numbers if breeding was not instinctive. It could also be as simple and archaic as old customs. Whatever the reason, the moment of thought afforded him clarity and he pul ed his mind back to the reason he stood in the breeding chamber. The mission.