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Giving Alaric a coy smile, I knead his dark, toned shoulders and am rewarded by a flare of heat in my Stud's brown eyes. "Mmm, good point," I purr. "For example…who knows what we can accomplish together?"

Alaric's gaze smolders. His voice drops low. "Excellent question, Kitten. Why don't we find out?"

Chapter Four

"Question," Alaric murmurs. His fingers twitch on my inner thigh as he nibbles kisses along my jaw.

"Answer."

"Do you like pain with your pleasure, kitty-cat?"

My stomach flips with excitement. "Mmm, sounds delicious."

"Good. You'll like my friend Fallon. Don't be fooled by his sweet babyface; he's a damn menace. The most cheerful little sadist you'll ever find."

I glance at the centaur Alaric indicates. Fallon is a flaxen chestnut with a round, innocent expression and blond curls. I think he's shorter than most centaurs, but it's hard to judge because he is currently speaking to the massive black-and-white stallion and looks like a child by comparison.

"Who's the big guy?" I whisper to Alaric.

He laughs softly. "That's Jethro. Biggest cock in the whole herd. It's like he's swinging a fucking tree under there. Don't worry, Kitten. He's not getting that weapon anywhere near your little hole without my permission."

As Alaric speaks, a party attendant approaches us. She deposits two jars on the table behind me, flashes a quick smile, and strides away.

One jar is enchanted lube. The invention of that substance was a literal life-changer for my profession. It facilitates penetration, eases pain, reduces risk of injury, speeds up post-sex healing…and negates refractory periods. Thanks to its magical properties, I may be orgasming all night far beyond my body's normal capacity.

I pick up the other jar curiously. "What's in this one?"

"Paint."

"…Paint?"

"Paint," Alaric confirms brightly. "Every stallion who puts a load in you tonight will add a tally on your ass. How many of us do you think you can take, Kitten?"

Electric desire sizzles down my spine. "That's up to you, Stud," I reply smugly, setting down the jar. "I can go all night."

Alaric's amused expression and twitching lips tell me that was too much bravado. Sometimes the sassy brat act is a delicate balance.

"Don't think I've forgotten that you're a centaur gangbang virgin," he remarks. "The bench can be overwhelming when you've got stallions on all sides."

"I can handle it."

"I'm sure you can. I just want you to remember that my job is to take care of you tonight. I'm not going to just fuck you and fuck off. No matter how many others are touching you or waiting for their turn, I'll be right by your side. I'll watch you like a hawk."

"Awwww. You're cute."

Alaric snorts. It is sweet of him to say, but I don't need reassurance. I'm not relying on Alaric to look out for me. My safety is my job. No matter how much bravado I feign, I will tap out if I need to.

The ripple of excited murmurs passing over the room alerts us that King Idris has appeared. The Centaur King still looks more regal than anyone else despite being as naked as the rest of the herd.

As the king quietly speaks to his attendants, Alaric's eyes sparkle with mischief. "If you promise to be a good kitty tonight, I'll share one more cup of tea with you. Trust me — this one's piping hot."

Of course that's his offer. I laugh. "Sure. What's the tea?"

Alaric brings his lips next to the shell of my ear. "I know why the king isn't fucking toniiiight."

The words are whispered in singsong like a playground taunt. Alaric's grin is the uniquely self-satisfied expression of knowing something no one else does.

"Ohhh, that is good tea." I'm not nearly as invested in King Idris's life as my colleagues, but it'll make for a fun carriage ride tomorrow when I tease them with this knowledge as smugly as Alaric is now.