FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Teela and Bruik - Bells

For those living within the Hearth below Basikal city, it was a night like any other. The hour was late, the children had been tucked into their nests and were dozing peacefully. The adults were either lounging about and talking in hushed tones, or curling up in the arms of their partners to sleep.

The great cavern was quiet, only the odd burst of laughter ringing in the air. The looms were silent, the lanterns snuffed, and the guards settled in for the long night shift. The great Mana crystal embedded within the massive stalactite that hung over the pool in the center of the Hearth flickered and grew duller with each passing moment.

But there was one part of the Hearth, a small cave tucked away in one of the side passages, where there was a flurry of activity.

"How do I look?" Teela asked, examining herself in a piece of broken mirror, her voice easily betraying her nervousness.

Dawn sighed heavily as she ran the soft brush through Teela's back fur. "For the hundredth time, you look wonderful."

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Is my hair alright?"

"Your hair is fine."

Teela took a shuddering breath, smoothing down the front of her long skirt. "Good.... Good..."

"I don't know what you are so nervous about." Dawn sighed again, moving around to brush Teela's midriff fur that her shirt left exposed. "It's all pretty straight forward."

"Yes, except for two problems." Teela grumbled. "One, he's not like any male I've ever met."

"Every male is different, but there are some fairly consistent traits you can rely upon. One of them is that when they see a beautiful woman who is eager to mate, they tend to be eager to reciprocate. It's not that hard, no pun intended of course."

Teela gulped as she set down the piece of mirror. "That.... and I didn't really tell him why I wanted him to come."

"Oh..." Dawn raised an eyebrow. "Yes, that might make things... more complicated."

"You think!"

"Hey, watch your tone." Dawn scolded, waving the hairbrush at Teela. "You may be the high priestess, but you better watch yourself or you'll find yourself brushing your own damn fur."

Forcing down the urge to snap back, Teela mumbled an apology, her face turning brighter red than before.

"So why didn't you tell him?" Dawn asked, returning to her brushing.

Teela's ears drooped, "I mean... I wanted to.... but I couldn't think of how to... put it."

Dawn shook her head, returning to her brushing. "I wouldn't worry. Easterner or not, he's still a male. Once he gets one sniff of you in heat, he'll have his pants down before you can blink."

"Well.... There is one other thing."

"Spirits give me strength, what now?"

"I've never really... done this before.

"I know that." Dawn glanced at a small yellow flower held in a glass decanter on the floor beside her.

"Right, but..." Teela shook her head, trying to clear away her doubts. "What about you, how did your first time go?"

"Oh it was a nightmare." Dawn scoffed. "It was my first heat, so I was as scared as I was horny. Of course Sprig was so damn excited he didn't know what to do with himself. He ended up hurting his back and leaving me with bruised hips, not to mention making a mess of my fur."

"Great..." Teela moaned, suddenly feeling very foolish as she looked down at herself.

"It'll be fine." Dawn smiled, taking Teela's hand in hers. "You aren't a teenager anymore, and neither is he. Just... take it slow, do what comes natural, and don't worry if it hurts a little bit at first."

"Hurts!" Teela squeaked. "I didn't know it was supposed to hurt!"

"Oh for-" Dawn climbed to her feet and cupped Teela's face in her hands. "Will you calm down?"

"Easy for you to say, you've had what, three children?"

"Five."

"Five children! You know what this is all about, and I don't have a clue!"

Dawn tilted her head, "Don't have a clue- woman you've delivered babies! By the Spirits, you delivered two of mine!"

"Yes! I've been there for the final part, not the beginning part."

Between the heat burning in her nethers and the panic in her brain, Teela suddenly felt very dizzy.

"'Final part'." Dawn chortled, "That's a laugh."

"DAWN!"

Dawn held up her hands. "Alright alright, listen. This is not such a big deal. Just relax, breathe deep, and let nature take its course. Big strong man like that, chances are this isn't his first time, so just let him do the work. Lie back, open your legs, don't use your claws, and enjoy yourself."

Dawn's words made Teela blush even more.

"Besides-" Dawn's voice softened as she gently brushed a few strands of hair away from Teela's face. "You're doing this for Alwyn, remember."

"Our baby... is going to be so beautiful..."

Teela closed her eyes, focussing on the memory of Alwyn's hand touching her where their child would grow. She could feel the heat within her, the primal energy surging in her loins and filling her blood with fire.

"You alright?" Dawn asked, gently stroking Teela's face.

Teela nodded. "Yeah... yeah I think so..."

"Good. Now, I have something for you."

Dawn stepped away from Teela and stepped over to the large nest of soft pillows and blankets arranged in one corner. She picked up a bundle of red fabric and returned to Teela.

"Here."

Teela unwrapped the fabric, revealing a collection of delicate golden bells sewn to a long leather sheath, decorated with links of golden chain.

"What is it?" She asked as Dawn lifted them from the fabric.

"There are called 'tahetzi mahgra ten' in the western tongue. It roughly translates to 'bells of plenty'."

Teela's voice wavered slightly as Dawn stepped around to her rear. "And what are they for?"

"Well, I'll show you."

"What are you- EEEEEEP!"

Teela's tail stuck straight out like an arrow and her toes curled as Dawn fastened the leather sheath around the base of her tail.

"They're used by some of the tribes to indicate a female is single and is ready to mate." Dawn explained as she worked. "The bells are to represent both female and male elements. I'm not sure what they represent for females... but I do have a guess about what they might represent for males."

"I see." Teela nodded quickly, her voice quavering as Dawn's proximity to her rear quickened her heartbeat and made the fire in her nethers burn even brighter.

"My mother wore these when she lived on the surface, as did her mother, her mother, her mother, and her mother before that." Dawn paused, counting on her fingers. "That would be my... Great..."

"Your great great great grandmother."

Dawn chuckled, "That was fast... Then again, I guess you are the bloodline archivist."

After what felt like an eternity, Dawn stepped back. "There we are, lovely!"

Teela turned to look at herself, the bells tinkling merrily around her rear.

"Well?" Dawn pressed. "What do you think?"

Teela's face was still bright red, but she couldn't help but smile as the bells jingled each time she swayed her hips.

"Thank you." She smiled, reaching out and clutching Dawn's shoulders. "I appreciate all of this."

As the two embraced, a Hearth guard arrived at the cave entrance.

The young woman bowed her head. "High Priestess, the surfacer is here."

"You're bringing him here through the back passages, correct?"

"Yes, he'll be here shortly."

Teela nodded. "Thank you. Just make sure to treat him with utmost respect."

"Speaking of back passages..." Dawn spoke up as the guard left. "I've heard tell that some males... covet such things. I... would not advise it."

Teela tilted her head, "What are you talking about?"

"Just remember, there is only one sure way to make a baby."

Teela stared at Dawn, "I don't understand I-" As realization hit her, Teela's face once again turned a bright crimson. "By the Spirit's woman, that is horrific!"

"I told you I don't recommend it!"

"What, in the name of Nora, would possess someone to even think of such a thing!"

"Taboo perhaps? Either way, listen, it's alright, I'm sure it'll be fine. Don't even think about it."

Teela took a series of deep breaths to calm herself. "Alright... I'm alright..."

"Here." Dawn reached up and gently slid the yellow flower into Teela's hair. "Now, just relax."

===

Bruik's eyes darted back and forth as his escort led him through a narrow passageway. The Guards sent to meet him had insisted on blindfolding him for part of the journey, but had otherwise gone out of their way to be polite. Still, Bruik's nature refused to allow him to drop his guard.

He had been in the Hearth once before, carrying Shani Chariot to her prison after the final battle of the Chariot Rebellion. Between caring for their wounded and trying to figure out what was happening, the Hearth had been in a panic that day. It was almost surreal to see it so calm. No panic, no fear, no wails of pain and loss, just the gentle sounds of sleep.

The guards ahead of him stopped at the entrance to a cave, covered by a thick grey curtain.

As Bruik stopped, a female Basitin pushed the curtain open and stepped out into the hall. Her fur was an odd rusty brown, her white hair and azure eyes revealing her Western heritage.

"So... you must be Bruik," the female purred, looking Bruik up and down, her tail gently waving back and forth. "Hmmmmmmm."

"Ma'am?"

The female stepped forward and nodded her head. "I am Dawn, pleased to meet you."

Bruik returned the polite nod. "Bruik. the pleasure is mine."

"Well... Let's hope it's not ALL yours."

Bruik raised an eyebrow. "I don't follow."

Dawn didn't reply, instead pulling the curtain aside and gesturing for Bruik to enter.

With a final respectful nod, Bruik stepped forward and entered the cave.

As soon as Bruik stepped inside, his eyes widened. Teela stood before him, her face bright red, her hands folded in front of her. She wore a beautiful white skirt that came within a hair of touching the ground. A light blue vest-like garment crossed her chest, revealing her midriff and neck, bound by a single golden clasp just above her chest. A beautiful yellow flower was stuck in her hair, just above her left ear.

For Bruik, the obsession with appearances of so many people made little sense. The sheer effort and expense, for something so trivial. In fact, all relationships, of any kind, confused Bruik. He did understand the notion of pleasure, of taking comfort from the physical attributes of a partner, but the accompanying emotions seemed to cause far more problems than they were worth. Loyalty, fealty, dedication and honour, those things he did understand, those had codes and rules, but love and affection escaped him. For Bruik, marriage, love, even sex, didn't just hold little appeal, they simply didn't exist to him.

And yet, standing in the entrance of the cave, looking at Teela, even Bruik felt something stir in his chest. Despite his limited understanding, Bruik knew he looked upon a thing of great beauty.

Teela gestured for Bruik to enter. "Come in."

Closing the curtain behind him, Bruik stepped into Teela's quarters. He noted the sound of two pairs of footsteps moving off.

"The female and one of the guards, which means one guard is still outside."

As he stepped inside, Bruik paused for a moment. There was a scent in the air, something vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

Teela's quarters were lit by many candles, set in jars all around the perimeter of the room, the light soft and low. The flickering shadows only served to make Teela seem even more beautiful, like some eldritch creature of myth and story.

"Can I get you something?" Teela asked, shifting from foot to foot. "Tea perhaps? Or water?"

"No, thank you."

"Very well." Teela knelt down on one of the soft cushions on the cave floor, gesturing for Bruik to sit on the cushion across from her.

As Bruik sat, he noticed the Teela was not wearing any ankle bindings. Though Bruik truly did not understand his countrymen's fixation on ankles, the sight of Teela's bare ankles made his heart flicker in his chest.

"You uh... you know why I called you." Teela began, obviously working hard to keep her voice steady.

"I believe I have a general idea, yes."

"Good," Teela nodded. "Very good..."

"How is Shani Chariot?"

Teela's ears twitched in surprise. "Shani? Oh, uh... She's fine, still recovering. The infection has been mostly purged and the corrupted flesh done away with. She is out of danger."

"Good. The General will want a report on her condition. Shall we go and see her?"

"Wha-no! She's in no condition to see anyone!"

Briuk tilted his head. "Then... What did you wish to discuss?

Teela's face grew even redder. "Well I... I had rather hoped to discuss... what we talked about in the Manor."

Again Bruik tilted his head and Teela sighed with frustration. "When I suggested that... Perhaps you might... Father a child for Alwyn and I."

Bruik sat in stunned silence. Before going to the Hearth, Bruik had compiled a mental list of forty nine things that he expected Teela to wish to discuss with him, in order of most to least likely. Asking him to father a child had not been on that list.

Mistaking Bruik's shock for contemplation, Teela reached up and pulled the yellow flower from her hair. Reaching out, she took one of Bruik's hands and pressed the flower into his palm.

"This is... an ancient tradition." She explained, closing Bruik's fingers around the flow. "Every member of the Hearth receives one of these on the day they pass the initiation to adulthood. It is meant to symbolize our innocence in the eyes of nature. To give this bloom to another is... to offer oneself"

Emerging suddenly from his trance, Bruik shook his head. "Wait, you mean, you want me to..."

Teela's face burned crimson as she frowned. "You want me to say it? Fine, I am offering you my... virginity."

Bruik was well and truly stunned. The only word he could say was the only word that rang in his mind.

"Why?"

Teela's frown deepened. "Like I said, I want to have a child, and I want you to be the father."

It was at that moment that Bruik recognized the smell that had been tickling his nose since he entered Teela's chambers.

"You're in heat."

Teela nodded, the mere sound of Bruik saying the words sending a rush of warmth into her stomach, her heart fluttering.

"But the mating week isn't for months."

"Our cycles aren't nearly as regimented as those of your surface females." Teela shifted in her seat, resisting the urge to grind her thighs together in search of some relief. "For us, it happens when it happens."

Again, Bruik couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Why?"

"I assume you are asking why you?" Teela looked away, her tail thrashing about uncontrollably. "You're strong, you're healthy, and you remind me of Alwyn. That... and you're really the only male she approved of before she died."

"Y-yes but..."

"We had this conversation before! In the Manor?! Don't you remember?"

"I thought you were joking."

The moment he spoke, Bruik regretted the words. While interpersonal relationships were very much a mystery to him, Bruik had managed to develop some instincts over the years by observing others. The moment the words left his mouth, he knew he had made a mistake.

Instantly, the look of embarrassment on Teela's face was replaced by a look of hurt.

"I wasn't." She growled, the fur on her shoulders rippling. "We may not be as prudish and uptight as you surfacers when it comes to sex, but we don't treat it lightly!"

Bruik bowed his head. "Of course, I apologize, I misspoke. I merely... I am surprised to say the least."

"Look, it's simple." Teela crossed her arms, embarrassment replaced by indignant anger. "I don't want a mate, I don't want a husband, I don't want a relationship. All I want is for you to give me a child. After that, you never have to see me again."

Teela's words stirred up a feeling in Bruik that he didn't quite understand. Something very old, very deep, and very painful.

"But why me? Why not someone from the Hearth?"

"Didn't you hear me? I don't want a mate, I just want a child." Teela hunched her shoulders, unable to meet Bruik's gaze. "Everyone down here knows each other, and most of the time I like it that way, but for this... I want this to be private. I was hoping this would be less awkward."

"Well that didn't work out." Bruik thought to himself, though he dared not say it.

"With Alwyn gone, I'm worried that anyone I mate with might think that gives them some power or influence. I can't have that, not now, not when we are still trying to recover from the battle."

"I can see the wisdom in that."

"Besides... the Hearth could use some new blood."

Bruik nodded. "Understandable."

"So," Teela looked back up at Bruik. "Can we just do this?"

Bruik was quiet for several minutes, before reaching out and taking Teela's hand.

"I am flattered." He said carefully, pressing the flower back into Teela's palm. "Truly, I am. You are a gorgeous female, and whatever male you choose would be lucky beyond compare to spend even a short time with you. But I do not think I am that one."

"But... why?"

"To tell you the truth, neither women nor men have ever interested me."

Teela shook her head, "I don't understand."

"I..." Bruik looked down at himself. For the first time in a long time, the brand that had been seared into his lower back began to burn. Though he gave no outward sign, old memories roared through his brain like a tempest, his skin crawling and writhing beneath his fur.

"I don't know," he lied. "It just... never has. Mating, relationships, marriage, I've never had any interest. Even when I was a child, I never felt any of it, it never made sense to me."

Bruik forced a smile. "You deserve someone who can give you what I am... incapable of giving."

"Don't you understand? This is exactly what I want! No mate, no relationship."

"I just..."

Teela reached out and grabbed his hand, "Bruik, please, I am asking you for this one favour. You are healthy, strong and unattached. Your seed, that is all I ask of you."

Bruik's breath caught as Teela's words touched something that made his mind recoil, like a hand placed on a hot stove. He felt a strange fear building within him, though he knew not from where it came.

"I'm sorry." he said at last, pulling his hand free of Teela's. "I simply cannot. Please forgive me, Teela. I mean no offense."

"I see." Teela uncrossed her arms. For a few moments she was silent, but then softly began to chick. "Figures... the one male I've ever been interested in, and he's more of a prude than even the rest of his eastern surfacer brethren."

"I'm sorry."

"No... No it's alright." Teela sighed and climbed to her feet. "This was a foolish idea. I should have told you before I invited you. I didn't mean to waste your time."

"Not a waste at all, it is a pleasure to see you again."

A smile crossed Teela's face. "You know, I never properly thanked you for saving me at the manor."

Bruik bowed his head, "Think nothing of it my lady."

With some caution, Teela stepped forwards and wrapped her arms around Bruik, squeezing him gently.

"Friends?" she asked.

Bruik's breath shuddered a little, his palms sweating as Teela's touch made his skin recoil and twitch. It took real effort for him to reciprocate her embrace and smile. "Friends."

Teela stepped away and bowed her head. "Well... this has been an... Embarrassing evening. Goodnight."

As Teela turned, the bells on her tail jingled. The sound echoed in the cave, stopping Bruik mid step. Immediately Bruik spun around, his eyes wide. As Teela bent down to blow out a trio of candles, Bruik caught sight of the bells on her tail.

In an instant he was no longer in the hearth, but back in a cage, backstage of the circus that had bought him after he'd been ripped away from his mother. His back burned from the whip his trainer had used to punish him for even the slightest misstep. His fingers ached at the memory of the ringmaster's wooden rod striking him every time he failed to perfectly perform one of his tricks. His legs burned with the memory of sitting, curled up, for hours, sometimes days, in a cage that was too small.

But amongst the filth, the smells, the pain, there was a familiar sound... the gentle ringing of bells.

"Bruik.... please... help me..."

"Kaniya..."

Teela turned, "Did you say something?"

Bruik said nothing, he was completely frozen in place.

Teela stepped forwards, "Bruik? Are you alright?" But still there was no response.

"Bruik?! Bruik!" Teela reached out and grabbed Bruik's cheeks. "Snap out of it!"

Breaking free of his trance, Bruik met Teela's eyes. A geyser of emotion and feeling ripped through his body, threatening to overwhelm him. There was only one thing that made sense to him.

Teela stiffened as Bruik surged towards her and pulled her into his arms. Before she could say anything, he leaned in and kissed her, deeply and passionately. Her eyes widened for a moment, before slowly sliding closed, a moan rumbling up her throat as she eagerly returned Bruik's kiss.

A pulse of warmth ran from her loins through her entire body, making her tremble and shake.

"I take it, you've changed your mind?" She moaned as Bruik released her from the kiss, pulling back to stroke her cheeks with her thumbs.

Bruik didn't answer. Instead he leaned forward and bit Teela's neck, his sharp teeth just barely digging into her skin. Teela moaned low and long as Bruik moved his teeth up and down her neck, his low, primal growl causing her to quiver like jelly. She was unable to stop herself from rubbing her thighs together, sending fresh waves of heat through her body.

With almost frantic insistence, Teela pulled Bruik towards her bed, a soft nest of pillows and blankets. Her hands worked quickly to try and release the clasps holding Bruik's shoulder plates. After a moment's frustration, Bruik's armour tumbled to the floor, along with his cape. His belt was next, his sword dropping to the stone with a loud clatter.

As Teela tried to undo Bruik's pants, Bruik turned his attention from her neck to her ears. Teela's toes curled, her knees quaked, and her whole body shook as Bruik nibbled gently on her ears. Her breathing turned to rapid panting, her breath hot as she gripped Bruik tightly, unable to stop herself from digging in with her claws.

Teela dropped down onto the pillows as Bruik released her ear. His movements were almost frantic as he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Teela's breath caught in her throat at the sight of his muscular chest, crossed with dozens of long scars. Normally such a thing would be of little interest, just another reminder of the brutal nature of the surfacers. But now, staring up at her intended mate, Teela felt an intense rush of arousal at the sight of a strong, healthy, rugged male, towering over her, ready to breed her.

Teela let out a surprised yelp as Bruik took hold of her loose skirt and pulled it off in one smooth motion. She wore no undergarment, her lower body laid bare before Bruik's eyes. Between her long, toned legs, the warm, moist folds of her sex glistened in the candle light.

The scent of Teela's arousal increased ten fold with her skirt removed. The rush of pheromones further added to the haze in Bruik's brain, almost making him dizzy. Exactly what force was driving him now, even he didn't know.

Releasing the final clasp around his waist, Bruik dropped his britches to the floor, followed quickly by his undershorts. Free of the confines of his shorts, Bruik's shaft, already fully erect, thrust proudly from his groin. The long, red rod of flesh throbbed and twitched as if it had a mind of its own.

Teela stared, a tiny whimper escaping her lips, at the sight of Bruik's member. She had seen many male organs before, even erect ones. But of all that she had seen, Bruik was easily the largest. For a moment she genuinely considered calling the whole thing off, but the combination of lust and determination kept her going.

Tossing aside the last of his clothes, Bruik dropped to the cushions. Eagerly Teela spread her legs as Bruik positioned himself. Her chest heaved as Bruik gently brushed his nose across her groin, taking a deep breath of her intoxicating arousal. Her toes curled and she moaned in desperate frustration as hot, moist breath breath rolled over her already quivering sex.

Bruik made his way up his partner's shuddering body, his claws gently tickling her flesh as he explored her form. With a single deft twist, he released the clasp holding her shirt, the fabric falling away to reveal her breasts.

For those living in the hearth, nudity was a fact of life, and on its own was not sexual. It was natural, free, allowing the hearth members to appreciate the flow of the great river of life that flowed through all things. Besides, nudity was relative, after all the private areas were obscured by fur, with only the slightest hints of what was beneath.

As Teela's breasts were exposed, Bruik found himself fascinated with them, drawn to them by some long forgotten instinct. He gently cupped the soft, warm flesh in his hands, his thumbs massaging the delicate pink nipples that had emerged from beneath the concealing layer of fur. Teela groaned, her hips bucking uncontrollably against Bruik as he massaged her breasts, made extremely tender and sensitive by her heat. His touch ignited a flurry of memories of the many times she'd made love with Alwyn.

Then, a very new sensation rolled through her as Bruik lowered his head to her breast and began to suckle. Teela gasped for breath, as she threw her arms over her head and writhed, her claws tearing great gashes into one of her pillows. Heat pulsed through her, she was ecstatic, tormented by intense frustration.

"Please!" She wanted to scream. "Please end this! Please, just breed me!"

Her mind was such a rush that she barely noticed when her tormentor gave each of her nipples a final flick with his tongue before shifting upwards. She managed to take a deep, shuddering breath, before Bruik clamped his mouth over hers in a fiery kiss. Their tongues met and began exploring one another.

As he kissed her, Bruik's hand drifted down, his claws lightly tracing Teela's throat, to her heaving chest. His hand danced slowly between her breasts, across her muscular belly, to her quivering mound. A desperate moan rang out Bruik's fingers slipped between her legs and gently slid across her delicate pink lips.

For a moment they separated, staring into each other's eyes. There was a split second of clarity, a realization of the insanity of the situation. But both had come too far, Teela's instincts had taken over and Bruik's mind was filled with the sound of bells. Nothing but the bells.

Bruik's hand shifted to Teela's heaving belly, forcing her down and holding her still. He shifted his hips, positioning himself at her entrance, his tip lightly brushing against her slick heat.

"Please." Teela moaned desperately, clutching at Bruiks back. "Please, do it!"

Slowly Bruik pushed forward, his tip sliding inside the slick, warm passage with ease. The feel of her twitching flesh against his sensitive tip made Bruik shiver, he wanted her and he wanted her now. As soon as he was satisfied that he was in position, Bruik gave a powerful thrust.

A mixture of a yelp and a gasp erupted from Teela as she felt nearly a third of Bruik's throbbing member push inside of her. A sharp stinging radiated through her groin, but it was dulled by the glorious tingling that accompanied it. Her already sensitive flesh had been made even more delicate by her heat, allowing her to feel everything, every pulse of Bruik's heart, every twitch of his powerful muscles.

On his second thrust, Teela felt Bruiks member slide deeper, penetrating deeper than either Alwyn's fingers or her own ever had. The virgin flesh pulsed with excitement, the fresh nerves singing a song of ecstasy within her mind. Finally, on his third thrust, Bruik buried himself to his hilt, his orbs gently brushing against Teela's mound.

The sensation was unlike anything Bruik had ever felt. He was inside someone, warmed by her, gripped by her, moistened by her, and then gently massaged by her as she began to grind her hips against his. His primal instincts taking over, Bruik began to thrust, long and slow. His mouth fell open slightly as he moaned, the exquisite heat and pulsing of Teela's vaginal walls setting his nerves aflame.

Teela's legs wrapped around Bruik's hips as he drove into her. Her eyes rolled back in her head as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Everything else was forgotten, the only thing that mattered was the intense pleasure, and the relief it brought.

Soon, Bruik began to thrust harder and faster, his teeth gritted and his eyes squeezed shut from the effort. Each thrust filled him with warmth, and elicited a loud moan from Teela. But something was missing, something important.

Teela's eyes flew open and she whimpered slightly as she felt Bruik pull away, his member sliding out of her.

"What are you-"

She yipped as Bruik took hold of her hips and rolled her over, her rump raised in the air while her shoulders were still on the pillow. The bells jingled merrily as Bruik lifted her tail and easily slid back inside of her, eliciting a fresh round of moans. Bruik bent down, wrapping his arms around Teela and holding her close against him, one hand on her belly, the other clutching her breasts.

Each grinding thrust made Teela shiver and gasp, her moans louder and higher pitched than before. The animalistic nature of the position should have made her blush, but instead it filled her with powerful ecstasy. She was being bred, like an animal, and it felt so good. To make things even better, each thrust brought Bruik's orbs brushing up against her sex, the wet, hot fur tickling her clit. Teela shivered uncontrollably, her body totally taken with the rhythm of Bruik's movements, and the waves of pleasure crashing over her.

As the ringing of bells filled Bruik's mind, he felt a gathering build up in his loins. His toes curled, his legs trembled, he felt his penis begin to twitch inside Teela, his muscles tensing out of control. Letting nature take over, with a guttural growl, Bruik surged forward and bit down on the back of his mate's neck, binding himself to her as Basitins had done since the birth of their race.

Bruik's teeth on her neck sent Teela over the edge. With a howl, she felt her entire body quake as the most powerful orgasm she had ever felt raged through her, every muscle of her body clenching and quivering. Her sex pulsed and rippled around Bruik's member, coaxing, begging him for release.

With Teela cumming hard against him, Bruik gave one final thrust, burying himself to his hilt. His cock pulsed as he too felt the powerful rush of an orgasm roar over him. Jet after jet of hot cum erupted from him, flooding Teela. He panted hard, his whole body trembling as he pushed deeper with each pulse, trying to deliver his seed as deep into the receptive female as he could.

Teela felt Bruiks warmth moving through her, his seed searching out the egg that would grow into her first child. In that moment she felt so vital, so natural, more alive than ever before. It was bliss.

Both Teela and Bruik collapsed onto the pillows, exhausted. Bruik wrapped his arms around Teela's waist, holding her close, his member still buried deep within her. Their chests rose in unison, both trying to catch their breath as the heat and pleasure faded.

As the haze of pleasure faded, Bruik's mind began to race. He'd acted so purely on instinct, listening to nothing but the rush of emotion that had flooded him at the sound of the bells, returning to the reality felt as if someone else had been living in his body. He wanted to apologize, but the satisfied smile on Teela's face made that feel inappropriate.

Teela's breathing and heartbeat slowly returned to normal as she relaxed, feeling the heat in her loins subside. The burning ache was still present, but vastly reduced. Her biological urge had been satisfied, and would fade quickly once her child was truly conceived.

With a long, happy sigh, Teela rolled over, Bruik sliding out of her. "I'm glad you changed your mind."

Bruik felt dizzy as feelings and emotions ran through him. Bruik tried to take a deep breath to calm himself, but he couldn't seem to get enough air. His heart began to race, his pulse roaring in his ears.

Still caught in her post-coital bliss, Teela didn't notice Bruik's distress at first. But as he began to shake, his breathing fast and shallow, she rolled over to face him. "Bruik? Are you alright?

Suddenly he felt so much more than he ever had. It was as if a dam had broken, a current of feelings so long forgotten and repressed ripping through the barrier. He couldn't think straight, he couldn't breathe, the emotions threatened to sweep him away. Sorrow, pain, loss, yearning, love, regret... so much regret.

Noticing the haunted look on Bruik's face, Teela tilted her head. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

"What? Oh... no..."

"Do you regret this? You know, I really don't expect anything of you."

Bruik couldn't find the words to answer. He raised a hand to his forehead as he was struck by a splitting headache. Air, he needed air.

Teela's eyes widened as Bruik suddenly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. His shoulders shuddered, as if he were about to start crying, his breathing fast and erratic.

"What's wrong?" Teela cried, Bruik's sudden change frightening her.

"I'm sorry." He mumbled, burying his face in Teela's chest, holding onto her as if clinging to a branch in a raging torrent. He didn't know what else to do, other than hold Teela as tightly as he could.

Teela felt a powerful flash of fear. To see this strong, powerful warrior, trembling and shaking in her arms, filled her with a deep sense of dread. Genuinely uncertain of what to do, Teela did the only thing that came naturally to her.

"It's okay." Teela crooned, copying the tone she had heard so many mothers use over the years as she gently stroked Bruik's hair and ears. 'Shhh, it's okay. It's all okay..."

"Kaniya..." Bruik's breath shuddered as memories, the things he had tried so hard to forget, rose up from the depths of his mind. "What I said before... Kaniya. I... I..." Bruik's squeezed his eyes shut, "Nora forgive me..."

"Shhhhh, it's okay." Teela repeated, gently stroking Bruik's ears to calm him. "You don't need to talk, it's okay."

Bruik shivered, fighting to catch his breath as Teela gently stroked him. Bit by bit, her calm voice and gentle touch began to douse the panic racing through him. He was still dizzy, filled with feelings he didn't recognize, or know what to do with, but at least the cacophony was slowing, giving him a chance to catch his breath.

What instinct it was that made him start speaking, Bruik didn't know.

"Kaniya was... the only one who was ever kind to me..." Bruik managed, his voice coming in short gasps. "She was a keidran, a canine... In-in the circus that bought me. "

"B-bought you?"

"My mother and I... We were captured and sold as slaves by human soldiers..."

"Spirits... How old?"

"I was... I was seven. I spent two months in a cage before I was sold. I never saw my mother again..." Just saying the words felt like razor wire being dragged across Bruik's tongue, but he couldn't stop.

Releasing his tight grip on Teela, Bruik looked up and met her eyes. The look that she gave him, the gentle compassion mixed with confusion and fear, felt like a knife to his chest.

"I was with them... for nine years... Kaniya was bought a few years after me. She was a dancer... she wore bells... like yours. She was... the only beautiful thing I had ever seen... She was the one point of light in that ugly, dark hole..."

Bruik's ears pressed back against his head, tears building at the corners of his eyes. "Nora forgive me...."

"What happened?" Teela urged, as much curiosity as concern driving her to ask.

"Kaniya she... She was going into heat... They wanted to breed her and sell her pups as slaves." Bruik shoulders began to shake again. "She was so scared... She begged me to help her... I was old enough by then... I could have done it."

Teela's eyes widened. "She... wanted you to mate with her? But that..." She paused for a moment. "Of course... With your seed... there would have been no life, but her essence would have been spent."

"I couldn't." Bruik moaned, tears of shame streaming down his cheeks. "I wanted to be a Basitin! I couldn't just mate! No matter what they did to me... I still had my pride! They could beat me, whip me, humiliate me, play with me, but they couldn't take away what I was! I... I couldn't! Not even to save her!"

Bruik trembled, his hands clenched so hard they bled. "She begged me... I wanted to help her, but I wouldn't let myself... I wouldn't sacrifice my pride..."

"Oh Bruik..."

"She cried for days after they bred her. They hit her so hard, again and again... but she refused to dance... she refused to move. She wouldn't even look at me." Bruik's body was wracked with sobbing as he wailed. "She died! I killed her! She took her own life rather than have her children be slaves! When they carried her body out... she was still wearing the bells that used to tell me she was near, that everything would be alright."

"I'm so sorry." Teela whispered, holding Bruik close to her. ""You poor thing... You've held this all inside for such a long time."

As he spoke, Bruik felt as if he could feel the poison leaving his veins.

I convinced myself... that I couldn't. I cut off and killed that part of myself... so I would never feel it again. And it worked.... right up until I heard your bells..."

Teela's shoulders slumped, "So it was me... I awakened all of this..."

"This isn't your fault," Bruik said, sensing Teela's thoughts. "The Chariot girl stirred up some unpleasant memories. I suppose I should have known that this would all come back to me someday. I just... I wasn't prepared..."

"Still... I didn't mean to hurt you." Teela looked down at herself, gently touching her belly. "This was supposed to be a moment of joy..."

Teela blinked in surprise as Bruik reached down and placed his hand over hers on her stomach.

"It is a moment of joy." Bruik said softly, squeezing Teela's hand. "I was able to help you... and maybe... maybe gain a little redemption..."

"You don't need redemption. You didn't do anything wrong."

"But-"

Teela pressed her free hand against Bruik's cheek. "You did nothing wrong. Even if you had helped her... it would have turned out the same way. The slavers were to blame, not you."

Bruik's lower lip began to tremble and his shoulders to shake.

"It's okay." Teela said softly as Bruik began to sob. "I'm here, you're okay."

===

"High Priestess? Teela? Are you there?"

Teela's eyes flew open at the sound of Dawn's voice outside of her chambers. She started to sit up, but an arm around her waist stopped her. Bruik lay behind her, holding Teela in his arms, his breath tickling the fur on the back of her neck.

They had talked for hours, long into the night, even after the candles had burned out. Bruik's pain remained, but at least he had eventually been able to fall asleep, a look of peace on his face.

Before Teela could separate herself from Bruik, the curtain slid aside and Dawn stepped inside.

Noting Bruik's presence, Dawn whispered, "It's going to be morning soon. If you want to get him out before everyone else is up, you might want to hurry."

"Alright, thank you."

A smile crept across Dawn's face, "So? How was he?"

"Dawn!"

"Come on, I won't tell anyone. Was he good?"

"Will you get out!" Teela hissed, trying not to disturb Bruik as she shooed Dawn away.

"Alright, alright. But you had better hurry."

As Dawn left, closing the curtain behind her, Teela sighed and relaxed against Bruik's body. For a moment she was tempted to simply go back to sleepShe'd had no one to share her bed with since Alwyn had died, and hadn't realized just how empty it felt to sleep alone.

Teela jumped a little as she heard Bruik murmur.

"Is she gone?"

Teela"You're awake?!"

Bruik released Teela and sat up. "I would be a very poor bodyguard if someone knocking didn't wake me up."

Teela sat up as well, blushing as she bashfully covered herself with her arms and tail.

"I'm glad you got some sleep," She said at last. "I suppose... you have to go."

"I do." Bruik nodded.

Teela couldn't help but feel a pang of regret as she noted that much of Bruik's stoicism had returned, his tone flat and free of emotion.

Noting Teela's sadness, Bruik smiled and brought a hand up to touch her cheek. "I want to thank you... for what you did."

"You aren't... angry?" Teela asked.

"No..." Bruik shook his head, smiling softly. "I should have faced what happened a long time ago. A warrior, especially a basitin, is supposed to face their enemies... even if it is their past."

"Is that what you are? A warrior?"

"I... I suppose so." Bruik raised an eyebrow.

Teela reached out and gently pressed her hand against Bruik's chest. "It just seems that perhaps... you might be more than that. You protected Alwyn and I, you protected General Silver. You held all that guilt inside because you failed to protect someone you cared about."

Teela raised her head, staring into Bruik's eyes, "It seems to me... you're a protector at heart."

"Warriors can protect things."

"True, but a warrior would see his village burn if it would allow him to see victory. A protector sacrifices everything, even himself, to meet the needs of others."

Teela looked away, her face turning red as she fiddled with her hair. "I've had my fill of warriors... but maybe... having a protector around wouldn't be so bad."

Bruiks suppressed the urge to gulp. "Are you... asking me something?"

"Not right now..." Teela forced herself to look back at Bruik and meet his eyes. "But... maybe sometime."

"I... I think I might like that." Bruik leaned in and kissed Teela on the cheek. "But I thought you didn't want a mate."

"I don't. But..." Teela smiled, "But I could use a friend."

Both Teela and Bruik leaned in and wrapped each other in their arms. There was no passion, just two wounded souls comforting one another. For a few moments at least, their pain was forgotten, their minds turned to a brighter, happier future, both for them, and for the life growing inside Teela.

End of Part 1

If you like this and wish to support me, please consider supporting my Patreon. Or just visit for more stories and art:https://www.patreon.com/theauroranarchive

And for more stories and artwork, visit the Auroran Archive Subreddit:https://www.reddit.com/r/TheAuroranArchives/