The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(3)

Rayner let his head rest against Toka’s, and Toka used the underside of his tunic to gently clean Rayner’s hand. He tucked Rayner into his trousers before tucking himself away, his cheeks burning at the knowledge of what they’d done. Toka couldn’t help his smile, and when he looked up, he found Rayner watching him, his eyes sparkling brighter than any diamond. His smile was wide and just for Toka.

“Thank you.” Rayner brushed his lips over Toka’s. “Would you—”

A fierce roar echoed through the woods, and Toka gave a start, his heart beating wildly. It was Khalon. He giggled at Rayner’s deadpan expression when he spoke.

“I swear it’s as if he knows I’m enjoying myself.”

Toka gave Rayner a playful shove. “Go on. Your king summons you.”

“Oh, I see how it is,” Rayner teased, drawing Toka into his strong arms. “When he’s being a pain in the backside, he’s my king, but when he’s being magnanimous, he’s our king.” Rayner growled and nipped at Toka’s neck. The scoundrel.

Toka couldn’t help his laugh. “You are a rogue of the worst kind, sir. Charming foxlings with that handsome face and naughty smile. Having your wicked way with them in forests only to leave them pining for your touch.”

Rayner paused. He looked worried as he studied Toka. “You don’t really believe that, do you? That I have my wicked way with other foxlings?” He brushed his fingers down Toka’s jaw. “I promise you, you’re the only foxling I desire.”

Toka smiled sweetly, and he cupped Rayner’s cheek. He stood on his toes to give Rayner’s lips a tender kiss. “I know I’m the only foxling you desire.” His smile turned mischievous. “However, the rest is true. You’re handsome, have a naughty smile, you’ve had your wicked way with me, and I’ll most certainly be pining for your touch the moment you step away.”

Rayner licked his bottom lip, his amber eyes glowing with a familiar fire. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to make certain I don’t leave you without my touch for very long.”

Toka pressed himself against Rayner, took Rayner’s hand, and placed it to his backside. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Oh, but I see I’m not the only one who’s wicked,” Rayner said with a groan. Another roar resounded through the woods, and Rayner sighed. Their king was not the most patient man. Rayner took Toka’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. “Until our next encounter, my foxling.”

Toka nodded, watching Rayner turn, then break into a run, as sleek and graceful in his human form as he was in his feline body. Rayner changed into his tiger form and stopped to look over his shoulder with a chuff before running off. Toka placed a hand to his rapidly beating heart, unable to believe what had happened. He could barely contain his grin. For the first time in centuries, he felt… so wonderfully happy. It was foolish to think he and Rayner could have a future together, and yet his heart was filled with so much hope.

Rayner was a Soldati warrior, second to the king in position and power. He was known for his loyalty, fierceness, and bravery. Yet many were surprised when they encountered him, taken aback by his roguish nature. Toka’s heart soared at the mere thought of Rayner. He was kind, warm, and playful. Never arrogant or spiteful. Rayner was great in stature, nearly as tall and strong as their king, though not as muscular. He had a leanness to him. A catlike quality befitting a Soldati warrior. Few refrained from swooning at his feet when he smiled. He was clever, sharp, and quick-witted.

As one of Khalon King’s trusted council and part of his Soldati court, Rayner was respected and desired. He was also notorious for his dalliances. Toka paid no mind to Rayner’s liaisons, for he could never allow himself to fall into false hopes. Their fiery passion may have burned bright from the moment they laid eyes on each other, but he and Rayner could never be. Toka learned to accept Rayner’s many admirers. Rayner was always honest, and his guests never stayed the night. Toka had seen plenty of them leaving Rayner’s bedchamber before dawn, never to revisit again. Toka was not so na?ve to believe Rayner did not have certain needs. He was filled with such passion.

Yet when Rayner flirted with a potential bedmate, it was different from when he flirted with Toka. His smile never reached his eyes like it did when Rayner smiled at Toka. He never brushed his fingers down their jaw when he whispered in their ear, or slipped a hand around their waist as he nuzzled their temple. He never inhaled their scent, never took his time touching, caressing, murmuring sweet words. They were never called “his.” So much had changed around them in the last year since their prince’s arrival. Was it possible Rayner felt more for Toka than lust?

As Toka strolled through the forest on the outskirts of the castle gardens, he warned his heart not to get carried away. Rayner was a Soldati warrior, and a powerful one at that. Born with wealth and prestige. Toka was a servant. Not that Toka was ungrateful. He knew how lucky he was to be serving the Soldati king. It meant he was protected by Soldati law. He would never be mistreated, struck, or taken advantage of.

Throughout the realm, Toka was treated with respect, as not doing so would be a slight against the king himself. Being a servant of the Soldati was an honor and privilege, one either passed down from generation to generation or personally granted by the Soldati king. Toka’s mother had served Khalon’s mother, and now as a male foxling, Toka served Khalon. It was why Toka’s word was above those of the other servants. His position had been further elevated when Khalon gifted Toka’s services to Riley Murrough, the Soldati prince. Riley was the only one of his kind in the Soldati Realm, not merely for being a prince, but having golden-blond hair—now with a black streak, thanks to his mate’s claiming. He was also a Saugur, a Soldati prophet. There had only been one other in the history of the Soldati.