44. Kitaro

Chapter 44

Kitaro

W inter came in the months when Tatsuki, Mitsuki, and Jaega were away in Galinor, fighting against the snake shifters who had risen in rebellion over the dethroning of King Decius in Shadron. Without having to worry about running into Kitaro's unpleasant and pugnacious oldest brother, Vanra's stress all but disappeared. He was having the time of his life being spoiled by Kitaro in the lap of ultimate luxury.

The snow piled high in the gardens as more drifted down from the gray sky. Kitaro had taken his shifter form but shrunk to the size of a baby dragon, no bigger than a large dog. He playfully bounded and chased Vanra, pouncing on the human after he slipped and fell onto his back with a laugh. Kitaro sat on Vanra's chest, nuzzling his chin affectionately while receiving a hug. Vanra continued laughing as they cuddled. He had never felt so free to have fun before.

Kitaro shifted into his human form without warning. It resulted in him pinning Vanra against the snow. He couldn't resist stealing a heated kiss before suggesting, "Perhaps we should move this inside. You are shivering."

"Getting warmer sounds great," Vanra agreed. He accepted Kitaro's outstretched hand to help him stand up before following him into their room.

Once they had arrived, Kitaro's true intentions became clear. "Let me help you out of those wet clothes."

Instead of using his magic, he took his time stripping Vanra out of his clothes. The human returned the favor, leaving them both naked and aroused.

Kitaro embraced Vanra with one arm while using his free hand to cup his flushed cheek. He indulged in a passionate kiss that continued to build as they backed toward the bed. When Vanra's knees hit the edge of the mattress, he paused long enough to get onto it. He scooted back to give Kitaro room to join him.

Positioning himself over Vanra, Kitaro trailed teasing kisses along his neck. His hand traveled downward, caressing the human's tan skin.

Vanra shivered as Kitaro's chilled fingers wrapped around his cock. "So cold!"

Kitaro chuckled as he stroked the mage's erection. "This should warm us right up." He kissed down Vanra's chest, continuing to arouse him with tantalizing touches with his claws. He followed the faint happy trail of dark hair that led down to the human's cock. Kitaro toyed with it using his tongue before letting it slide deep into his mouth.

Vanra let out a prolonged moan when Kitaro's wet warmth surrounded his most intimate area. He carded his fingers through Kitaro's long hair, luxuriating under the oral attention. When Kitaro teased him with his fangs, the human arched up with a gasp of pleasure.

Kitaro played with Vanra's balls as he rumbled around the length in his mouth. The human pushed deeper with a needy noise. It frustrated him they couldn't do more because they were in limbo until they got their answers from Satsuma about whether Vanra could stay in the past or had to return to his own time in the present. He desperately wanted to feel all of Vanra and mate with him, but it was too selfish when centuries could separate them.

Vanra came while crying out Kitaro's name. It made Kitaro rumble in pleasure as he licked him clean.

The human smiled coyly with flushed cheeks. "Is it my turn now?"

Before Kitaro could accept, a loud knock made them freeze. "What?" Kitaro growled at the person on the other side of the door.

"King Tatsuki has returned from his military campaign. He has requested your presence at once," a servant announced.

Kitaro took a calming breath before speaking again. "You may tell my father that I will attend to him at once."

"Understood." The servant retreated.

"Father has the worst timing," Kitaro groused.

Vanra took Kitaro's erection in hand. He teasingly stroked it as he offered, "I could?—"

Kitaro stopped his hand from continuing. "While I would love nothing more, I must visit Father now. We both know that he is not a patient man."

"But I feel bad that you have to stop there."

Kitaro stole a final kiss. "You can make it up to me later."

Vanra stretched with a sexy moan. "Hurry back."

Tearing himself away from Vanra was hell, but Kitaro had no choice. If his father demanded an immediate audience, he would have to deal with the scent of his youngest son's sexual frustration.

Kitaro made quick time arriving at his father's austere quarters. He bowed upon entering. "Welcome home, Father."

"We have returned victorious," Tatsuki proudly announced. He gestured for his son to join him by the roaring fireplace. "Those treacherous snake shifters never stood a chance at defeating us."

"Congratulations on your successful campaign."

"It was not merely a success but a triumph. We won with no loss of life on our side. Vanra's strategy was of sound logic."

Kitaro couldn't wait to tell Vanra about the praise. "I am very glad to hear it. He will be pleased to know that it saved our soldiers."

"He should be proud. As a result of our victory, we have decided to hold a banquet in celebration."

Those were always popular with the warriors after a long campaign. "That sounds like a splendid idea. Your army will surely be grateful."

"Has anything happened while we were away that we need to be apprised of?" Tatsuki asked.

Kitaro shook his head. "All was well." It was better than that because of Mitsuki's absence, but he neglected to mention that.

"Excellent." Tatsuki steepled his fingers as he looked at his son. "Soon, you will begin making preparations for your own journey."

The reminder made Kitaro's stomach sink. He chose his words carefully. "What if Vanra were to stay in this time permanently?"

Tatsuki tilted his head in acknowledgment. "It may be the case that will come to pass. You will know more after your trip to Satsuma's. Then, you can plan accordingly."

"If Vanra wished to stay in this time, would it not be better for us to forego the arduous trip?" Kitaro fervently hoped he could get his father to agree to them not having to go .

Tatsuki's answer was swift. "No, it is not allowed."

Kitaro struggled with his disappointment. "Why?"

"Because the Fate Power is involved in Vanra's arrival in our time. Sophina is a force far greater than us. Satsuma must be consulted on what is best. Therefore, you both will make the trip."

Kitaro's heart broke, but he tried to disguise it. There would be no way of getting around his father's insistence that they make the long journey to visit the ancient and all-knowing owl shifter, Satsuma. "Understood."

"Upon your return, we will plan based on Satsuma's recommendation. Should it come to pass that Vanra is to stay here in this time permanently, he will continue to stay with us until the end of his days."

The reminder of Vanra's limited human lifespan heaped more pain onto Kitaro's bruised heart. But he owed his father gratitude. "Your continued generosity toward Vanra is deeply appreciated."

Tatsuki's expression softened. "We are not unfeeling to your plight, son. Vanra continues to intrigue us as well. We would also prefer him to stay in this time, but if fate has bigger plans for him, it is not our place to interfere."

Kitaro didn't know which part of his father's comment was the most surprising. He wasn't sure how to respond, so he bowed his head respectfully and said nothing.

"You should be able to leave within the next month," Tatsuki continued. "The weather will still be cool, but it should not be too much for Vanra to handle."

The younger shifter struggled to control his rising panic at the thought of losing Vanra so soon. He could barely make himself say, "Understood."

"We will see that proper arrangements are made for you both," Tatsuki told him. "All will be ready in time."

"Thank you, Father. As always, I appreciate your assistance and guidance in all matters."

"We hope for your sake that Satsuma says Vanra is to stay here," Tatsuki said. "However, you must prepare yourself for the possibility that she may not."

The possibility of her saying he had to return to his era made it hard to breathe. Kitaro could only nod.

"You must think about what you will do should she say Vanra must go home. You cannot follow him through the monument."

"I fear being sent to a different time than him too much to risk trying my luck with Fate's Gate."

Tatsuki's expression turned sympathetic. "We do not say these things to be unkind, son. We merely wish for you to be prepared for all possibilities."

It was a rare show of softness from his father. "Your concern is appreciated."

"We know you will do what you must when the time comes."

"Indeed." Kitaro didn't know how he would ever prepare his heart for losing Vanra to the future. Although they would hopefully be reunited, the idea of waiting an unknown number of years without him was enough to make his dragon roar in agony. He wished not for the first time that Vanra would tell him the specific year he was from, but the human mage had insisted it would put too many things at risk for them. Kitaro had no choice but to agree.

"You would be wise to counsel Vanra on these matters as well," Tatsuki suggested. "If you struggle with these issues, it is highly likely that he is the same."

Kitaro nodded in agreement. "I shall be sure to do so."

"Good."

"Is there anything else, Father?" Kitaro needed some time to process his feelings before returning to Vanra's side.

Tatsuki shook his head. "No, there will be nothing further for now, son. Go forth and be well."

Kitaro stood up and bowed deeply. "I appreciate your wisdom, Father. Thank you for your time and continued guidance."

The shifter monarch smiled fondly at his youngest son. "We are grateful that out of all our children, you have always been the one who seems to value our words the most."

"You will always have my utmost respect, Father," Kitaro promised. "Mitsuki, if nothing else, has set a good example of what not to do."

Tatsuki's lips quirked up in amusement. "Yes, our eldest has a terrible predilection for not listening to us. Mitsuki would be wise to learn from you."

"We both know he will never do that willingly," Kitaro joked.

"Alas." Tatsuki waved his hand. "Thank you for the warm welcome home, son. You are dismissed. Go be with your ward."