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The Seduction of Seleste

from the world of the mating season

You Are Never Alone

Chapter 49

After his discussion with Enayape, Keme joined Honiahaka and the captain in the stern and informed Honiahaka that they should postpone their search for the sea wolves. Honiahaka didn't seem at all surprised that Enayape might have been a fugitive and confessed that he had been prepared to postpone the journey himself.

"But I can only wonder," said Honiahaka thoughtfully, "what's to be done with Enayape if we don't return her? I don't feel it's my place to decide. After all, Keme, you and Taigi and Gosheven are the ones she hurt directly. Seleste as well, for that matter --"

"And you just feel uncomfortable deciding someone else's fate," Keme finished wisely.

Honiahaka smiled sadly. "You are right. Though I suppose I'd better get used to it. When we return home, I'll be doing this sort of thing every single day." He sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck. "To think," he said, turning to face the sea, "I'll be going back to rule alone. Things were so much easier when I had Kota at my side."

Keme exchanged worried glances with the captain, who was watching Honiahaka sympathetically. It hit Keme for the first time that Captain Hakid knew Honiahaka: he had probably borne the young chief on occasion in his travels. For that reason, he should have known Kota as well.

"You are never alone," said Captain Hakid graciously. "Young majesty."

Honiahaka smiled fondly at the captain. "Thank you, Captain Hakid. Keme and I will excuse ourselves below deck. Please keep a watchful eye on the prisoner."

"Aye, Chief Honiahaka," Captain Hakid returned and bowed.

As Keme went with Honiahaka below deck, the sun chief said, "Captain Hakid is the brother of Captain Haroo - the captain who died with my search party. Telling him the news of his brother's fate . . . and bearing responsibility for that fate . . ." Honiahaka sighed miserably. "And on top of that, Galilahi is Haroo's daughter."

Keme gave a low whistle. "Heavy hangs the head . . ."

"Thankfully, I only have to wear a crown during ceremonies. But the figurative crown is always there."

They entered a cabin, gloomy with candlelight, to find a pair of bunk beds standing against opposite walls. Talisa was relaxing on a bottom bunk while Seleste gazed out the round window, her long pale mane flowing down her narrow back. Both females looked up when Keme and Honiahaka entered through the curtain.

Talisa sat up on the bed. "Where have you two been? Sel and I thought you might have gone crazy and had a threesome with Captain Ha." When neither of them laughed, Talisa's face darkened. "What is it? Is it Enayape?" She shook her head. "You should have given her over to Iyira after what she did. She could just as easily do it again to us."

"That's what I thought," Keme said, "at first." He sat on the bottom bunk opposite Talisa and bowed his head, pushing both paws back through his mane.

Honiahaka went to a table at the end of the room, where their dinner had been placed. One glance told Keme that Seleste and Talisa had already eaten. Empty wine glasses and plates covered with bread crumbs told the tale of their meal. Honiahaka pulled up a chair and started filling a plate from the various platters. Keme's stomach growled: he smelled the fish, biscuits, broccoli covered in spicy cheese . . .

"At first?" Talisa repeated sharply. She stared at Keme, waiting for an answer. Her suspicious eyes went to Honiahaka. "Lemme guess . . . Enayape batted her pretty lashes at you two, and now you're ready to forget everything she did."

Honiahaka shook his head. "It's not as simple as that."

Talisa rolled her eyes. "It never is with you, Honi. I'm eager to see what you'll do back home once your tail is in the fur-back throne. Will you flake every time some criminal sheds a phony tear?"

"No," Honiahaka joked patiently and buttered a slice of bread, "only real tears."

Talisa snorted. "That's not funny! If Tahki was brought before you in chains, you'd demand her head."

"Luckily," returned Honiahaka, "you have already brought it to me. Though I never asked you to do something so foolish as to face her alone --"

"Foolish?!" Talisa snapped incredulously. "I did that for you! Tahki threatened you! If I didn't kill her --" Talisa halted and bit her lip.

Honiahaka smiled at her. "And I'm grateful, Talisa. I could show you how grateful later tonight, if you would like."

Talisa looked away, and Keme could tell she wanted to smile but was holding back. "Shut up, Honi," she said at last.

"But how will I explain?" Honiahaka said playfully, but he frowned thoughtfully and took a bite of bread. "All play aside, something must be done about Enayape. I was as eager as you to see her punished for her crimes, Talisa. Actions have consequences. And what better way for her to learn from her mistakes than to face punishment? After what Keme has told me, I believe she can learn and become better for it."

Talisa's cheek dimpled in an unconvinced smirk. "Alright, I'm listening."

"But that's just it," Honiahaka said. He frowned dismally and paused over his meal. "I haven't the vaguest idea what to do with her."

"The first thing we need to do," Keme said, "is find out if her story is true - if she's really an innocent fugitive from her tribe."

Seleste laughed derisively. "Innocent? That's not the word that comes to mind when I think of the pain I went through because of her." She stood at the window, her arms folded, her eyes dark with anger.

"I'm sure Keme meant in the sense that she was wrongfully exiled," Honiahaka said gently.

Seleste's face only darkened. "I know what he meant."

Keme stared at Seleste. It was unlike her to harbor this kind of a grudge. She was like Honiahaka in the sense that she was always giving others second chances, that she was always willing to forgive, to tolerate, to give the benefit of the doubt. But where Enayape was concerned, Seleste seemed to be giving nothing.

Keme glanced at Honiahaka and Talisa and could see that they were just as surprised.

"Sel . . ." Talisa said slowly, as if she was lost for words.

"It's not just me she hurt," Seleste said and her lip trembled. "She hurt my friend. She hurt Gosheven! And . . . she hurt our child." She looked across at Keme, and she suddenly looked so small and sad, he wanted to hold her. He was glad when she sat beside him on the bed. He kissed her head and she rested it on his shoulder. Her fingers twined sadly with his as he wrapped her tight in his arm.

"But you don't know that it was mine," Keme said gently. "To be honest, Seleste, I'm relieved. It could have been one of those slavers' pups. Or one of those bastards from the wastelands."

"I wanted it to be yours," Seleste whispered. "So badly . . ."

"But why?" Keme demanded miserably.

"At first . . . I was s-scared," Seleste admitted. "I've never had a pup before! But as the days went by, I started to want it. I started to want it to be yours . . . because then you'd stay with me. And we'd be happy."

"Oh, Seleste . . ." Keme said wearily.

"It's true!" Seleste said. "You aren't going to stay with me. You're afraid I'll get with your pup - you're going to leave!"

Keme couldn't stand it when her eyes glittered with tears. He held Seleste close and shushed her as she sobbed, not knowing what to say. He looked beyond the rise of her pale mane to see Honiahaka and Talisa watching them sympathetically. He suddenly wished he had told one of them about his vision. It was getting very burdensome, keeping what had occurred to himself.

"You're right, Seleste," Keme said. "I'm a miserable bastard. I could get scared and leave you at any time. All this is new to me - being out in the world, it's so new, I feel like my head is spinning. And we're on this journey, and so much is happening, and I'm scared for you all the time --"

Seleste looked up at Keme, tears in her eyes.

"Scared because . . . because I have a very good reason to think that we are going to wind up going our separate ways," Keme said. "Please don't ask me, just trust me," he added before Seleste could question him. He wiped away her tears with a gentle finger as he said, "I want you to remember this. A good friend once told me, he said 'Keme, whenever you feel alone, remember it's not true. You are a part of everything, and everything is a part of you. When I die, I will go back into the earth. My essence will be in the very trees that stand silent as you pass. I will be there and all who have gone before me. You are never really alone.' "

Keme was glad when Seleste smiled. Her eyes shone bright with admiration, with love. "Who said that?"

Talisa, who had been listening with an absent smile, tilted her head thoughtfully. "It . . . kinda sounded like Zaldon."

Honiahaka said nothing. He smiled at Keme and they both knew: Keme had just quoted Askuwheteau.

"What did you have in mind about Enayape?" Seleste said, and Keme was glad she was willing to change the subject: he didn't think he could stand all the crying much longer. He watched in amusement as she wiped away her tears with the same dignity and grace Gosheven had demonstrated. "You have an idea, I can tell," she said.

Keme lifted his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Well, it's so rare that you do," Seleste teased and laughed when Keme playfully wiggled a finger in her ear.

"Yes," said Talisa and crossed her shapely legs one over the other, "do tell already. All this giggling and flirting is distracting. You two don't stop it and I'll pin you both on that bed."

"I wouldn't mind some entertainment with my supper," Honiahaka joked.

Seleste went beet red. "Stop it, you two . . ."

"Ah, but you like it," laughed Talisa. She nodded at Keme. "Spit it out, Super Boy."

"I just . . ." Keme looked at Seleste thoughtfully. "Back at the cabin, Seleste was able to see into the past just by touching things. At first I thought it was because she was carrying my child. But now . . . I'm starting to think Seleste has some kind of natural magical abilities."

Honiahaka lifted his brows as if intrigued. "Really now?" He set down his glass. "What makes you say that?"

"Well, a chief doesn't marry just anyone, right? He has to marry from a family high in society. Wolves who use magic are given high status in society. So, Seleste . . . who was your mother?"

Seleste twisted her fingers and stared at her lap. "Daddy - Father never spoke of her much," she admitted sadly. "My sisters told me she died giving birth - her and the pup died together. She was father's favorite wife. He was never the same after."

"I'm sure he wasn't," Honiahaka said sympathetically. "My father often spoke of a time when Misae was his happiest. It was around the time you were born, when your mother was still living."

"Your mother could have been village shaman," Keme said to Seleste. "You could have some natural abilities --"

"Keme," Talisa said wearily and shook her head, "I don't know what Enayape told you, but wolves aren't born with magic. We learn it. It's a skill. Only mythical creatures are born with it - foxes, shemales --"

"Yes, mythical," laughed Honiahaka and took a bite of bread.

Talisa rolled her eyes. "The point is, wolves aren't born with magic."

"Enayape said the sea wolves are. So she lied to me. I'm so surprised," Keme said sarcastically.

"Well, now just wait a minute," Honiahaka said and waved his paws. "Enayape could have been telling the truth. After all, before I met you, Keme, I would have thought many things were not real that are - that the foxes were a myth, that shemales were a myth as well. Your family spoke a great deal of Sylas, but because I had never seen him, I always thought he was a powerful sorcerer that they simply called a fox. The same goes for Nontikmah, who was often called Queen of Foxes among the sun wolves after she saved Zaldon. Sometimes, the greatest sorcerers are given the honorary title Fox."

Talisa nodded. "Your father used to call Zaldon Master Fox," she said to Honiahaka.

"But after everything that's happened," Honiahaka continued, "I'm ready to believe the moon is just a cheese wheel in the sky."

Keme laughed. "So Enayape might have been telling the truth. Which leads me to believe that Seleste was born with some kind of magical ability. She might be able to touch Enayape and tell if she's lying. Maybe she'll see a vision of Enayape's past."

They all looked at Seleste, who shook her head. "I don't know," she said, "I haven't had any weird visions since we left the cabin. But I can try."

When Keme and Honiahaka had eaten, the four of them returned to the deck to find Enayape tied to the masthead as before. The same bored guards stood either side of her. Captain Hakid seemed to have retired to his cabin, and Galilahi was at the wheel, her great breasts high between her strong arms.

"Maybe this was a bad idea," Keme said suddenly.

Talisa laughed. "But it was your idea."

"Exactly," returned Keme, and Talisa laughed again. "I just . . . last time Seleste bled from her ears. Then she passed out. I don't want that to happen again."

"Not that I'm not just as concerned for Seleste's safety," Honiahaka said, "but that could have happened because she was pregnant. Many shamans do not use magic when pregnant for that very reason."

"Whatever we decide, it's ultimately up to Seleste," Talisa said firmly. "She's the one who's doing it, after all."

"I'm not afraid," Seleste announced. "I want to know the truth."

"The truth," whispered Enayape. She stared dismally at the deck. "Is that what you come for? Touch me then, frost wolf. You will find it."

Seleste blinked as if taken aback. ". . . frost wolf?"

Enayape looked at Seleste and smiled. "I can _sm_ell it on you."

Seleste swallowed angrily at what was clearly a derogatory remark.

"You don't shut up," Talisa warned, "and you'll be smelling my fist in your face."

"Talisa," Honiahaka scolded softly.

"Frost wolf," Enayape repeated. "Daughter of the Crystals. Daughter of the Guardians. My tribe sails across the world. Even to the sea of ice. I know you."

Seleste stepped closer. "What do you know?" she said derisively. Before Enayape could answer, she closed her paw over her face.

Everyone gasped as Seleste jolted. A bright light snaked over her body, her teeth clicked in her head, her eyes rolled back to their whites. It was as if lightning had struck her. Enayape started to laugh, her eyes alight, wild with glee as Seleste shuddered with pain. Seleste's screams intensified, rising above Enayape's laughter, and all around them, the sailors were shouting.

Keme knew he was the only one who could stop it. He grabbed Seleste and pulled her away. Just touching her left searing burns bubbling on his palms, but he didn't let go: had anyone else touched Seleste, they might have died. Her small paw fell from Enayape's face, the light dissipated, and both females fell limp - Enayape in her binds and Seleste in Keme's arms.

Keme's heart was beating a mile a minute. Everyone around him was shouting, panicking, but he could only see Seleste. She was so limp and still and he didn't think she was breathing. He laid her quickly on the floor, and after hesitating, he pinched her nose and breathed into her lips until she choked up air. Her eyes fluttered open. She smiled weakly at Keme - then drifted off again.

Keme gathered Seleste's slender body and carried her quickly below deck. He had tucked her in bed in their cabin when a sailor entered to tell him Enayape was dead. Enayape was dead. The words sent a stab of pain to Keme's heart. He had pitied Enayape, had wanted her to redeem herself, to start anew, and . . . she was dead. He questioned the sailor further to discover that Honiahaka and Talisa were calming the chaos up on deck, for the crew seemed to believe Enayape had defied her manacles and had murdered Seleste. When Keme confirmed that Seleste was well and alive, the sailor hurried upstairs to impart the news.

"Keme . . . ?" Seleste whispered weakly.

Keme was sitting on the bedside, holding her paw. "I'm here," he answered. "Don't talk. Sounds like it hurts."

"I killed her . . . it was . . ." Seleste coughed. "She forced me."

Keme's ears pricked forward. "What?"

Seleste swallowed as if it was indeed painful to speak. Her mane was frayed and frizzy. He smoothed it down, and she caught his paw and looked in horror at the burns on the soft pads. Keme quickly pulled his paw away.

"You're hurt," Seleste rasped miserably.

"Don't worry about it," Keme told her.

Seleste frowned. "Like hell I w-won't --!" She coughed again, and Keme cautioned her to stop speaking.

"She was telling the truth," Seleste whispered. "About everything. She felt so terrible for what she'd done, she wanted to die. Sh-she hurt me, forced me to defend myself. Somehow, she knew I could kill her."

"Yeah," Keme said, frowning. "I guess you have powers after all, Daughter of Flakes."

Seleste laughed weakly. "Frost."

"Yeah. Something like that. You have any idea what it means?"

Seleste shook her head against the pillows. "No idea at all."

Keme scowled miserably. "She tricked me. She wanted me to bring you to her so she could force you to kill her." He pushed his paw back through his mane. "Oh god."

"You didn't force me to go to her. I could have said no." Seleste pulled herself upright and insisted she was fine when Keme cautioned her.

"I'm just glad you're alright," Keme whispered and climbed into bed with her. Seleste snuggled against him as he pulled the cover up over them. He smiled when she nuzzled her head just under his jaw. It always seemed as if she fit perfectly in his arms. As they cuddled under the sheets, Keme thought he heard Honiahaka enter, but the sun chief left soon after. Probably to give them a moment alone.

"You know . . ." Keme whispered after a content pause. "I love you, Seleste. That's why I have to leave you."

"I don't understand," Seleste said miserably.

"I'm protecting you," Keme said. "Trust me."

"Trust you blindly? Do I have a choice?"

Keme sighed.

"What do you think a relationship is, Keme? You help each other. You're a team. If I wanted to be coddled and protected, I'd still be with Ahote."

"But we can't even have a relationship," Keme said miserably.

"Perhaps we could if you were honest with me. Keme . . ." Seleste cupped his face and peered at him earnestly. "Whatever it is, tell me. And we can face it together."

Keme sighed and took her paw from his face. He squeezed it gently in his fingers. "That's just it: if I stay with you, we aren't going to be together."

Seleste stared at Keme. ". . . what!"

Keme laughed. "I know. It sounds stupid."

"Yes," said Seleste at once. "It does. The way I see things, nothing can stop us being together. If we really want it."

Keme touched Seleste's lips tenderly. "I want that more than anything in the world."

Seleste kissed his fingers. "Then stay with me."

"I . . ." Keme blinked miserably to see the warm love in Seleste's eyes. They were destined for tragedy. After his vision in the Mirror of Pavati, he was certain of it. But he remembered Aren's words and suddenly felt foolish for his fear. Wasn't it better to have Seleste for the brief time that he could . . . than never at all?

"You?" said Seleste playfully and tangled her fingers in his.

Keme laughed. "I'll try," he said at last. "I'm just so scared . . . of losing you."

"Oh, Keme," Seleste whispered sadly and suddenly kissed him.

"When Aiyana died, I didn't think I could ever love again. Then somewhere along the way, you grew on me."

Seleste laughed. "Keme. Such the romantic!" she teased.

"Aren't I?" Keme whispered back. He frowned, and he saw Seleste color up when his fingers carefully touched between her thighs. "Does it hurt here?" he asked anxiously.

"Your fingers . . ." Seleste frowned sadly. She took Keme's paws, and after concentrating a moment, he saw a light pulse between their tangled fingers. He could feel his burns healing, and when Seleste let him go, he looked at his paws to find them whole again.

Keme stared in amazement at his fingers. He didn't notice the knowledge that clicked in Seleste's eyes, nor the way she stared at him afterwards.

After a moment's reflection, Seleste laughed sadly. "If only I'd known I had powers before."

Smiling warmly at her, Keme put his fingers between her thighs again. Her lips parted when he slipped them into the warm sheath nestled between. "Better?" he whispered. Seleste gave him a trembling kiss and whispered against his lips, "Better."

Keme kissed her as his fingers continued their massage, and it wasn't long before her fluids were sliding down between her soft lips, perfuming his fingers in her musk. He put his fingers in his mouth and sucked them.

"I never get tired of tasting you," he whispered.

"I never get tired of being tasted."

Keme's heart leapt at the fire in her eyes. It was clear she wanted more than his tongue, and it became even clearer when she closed her small paw on his cock. She had never touched him there before, so hungrily, so eagerly. But her small fingers worked him until he was throbbing hard. She smiled when he moaned.

"Seleste . . ." Keme whispered miserably.

Her eyes peered into his steadily. "Make love to me, Keme."

Keme looked at her and suddenly didn't care anymore. To hell with it. To hell with the Mirror of Pavati. When was the last time he'd felt the wet warmth of her walls closing around him? Her trembling little thighs . . . her breasts crushing against him as he moved inside . . .

Keme suddenly pulled Seleste close, and pulling her leg up on his hip, he sank inside. He moaned as he slid in. She was so wet and hot and squirming around him. He heard her cry out as he pushed his way in and he slowed down, but she shook her head and clung hard to him, begging in a whisper that he keep going.

Keme held Seleste close and let the sweet smell of her mane rise against his nose as he made careful love to her. She whispered soft cries as his hips moved in rhythm against her, whispered that she loved him, whispered that she loved the strong wall of his arms around her. Looking down at her, she seemed so small and sweet and fragile, he didn't want to let go. He didn't want it to end. But it ended when he came. He pulled out before he had come inside, and was glad to see Seleste was just as weakly satisfied. He gathered her small body in his arms, and she laughed when he whispered, "Let's do it in Honiahaka's bed!"