LW Browning - Krystile Warriors 01 - Warlord's Honor by LW Browning Page A

guiding her. Claire hugged him and ran her fingers through his hair. She breathed him in.
    He removed the gloves from his hands and lifted her chin to look at her. His touch on her face flooded her with his feelings and emotions. She shook with the power of them. Koda’s emotions were strong. Suddenly she could not read him. 
    "I want you to think about this experience and what you have learned."
    She nodded her head.
    "Think if you enjoy being touched as I have touched you."
    His words filled her with panic. "No, I do not want anyone else to touch me. I cannot bear it."
    He frowned and tilted his head slightly. "I do not share, girl. Tell me what else troubles you."
    Claire sighed. "I am not supposed to do these things. It is forbidden. How can I ever return to the MX Facility after I have broken so many rules? They will punish me. The MX are watched and..." she trailed off.
    He stroked her hair with one hand. "No harm will come to you. You are under my protection. No one will question me."
    Claire did not know how Koda could protect her after she left this place, but tilted her face up to see the sincerity in his eyes. He lowered his great blond head to kiss her. She had no more room for thoughts of anything other than Koda. When the kiss ended, he pulled a small bag from behind him. "Face down, this will take the soreness away."
    She liked being held in his lap, but she moved to the pallet and lay down. Her body relaxed as he massaged the oil into her muscles. Koda’s hands were big and strong and warm on her skin. His touch was gentle as he worked. The ache in her back and legs melted away. She had never been touched like this.
    Soon, their bodies joined in shared passion. Later, they lay in each other's arms while sleep pulled her into downy softness and Koda stroked her hair.
    Above them, the night sky filled with the brilliance of another meteor shower.

CHAPTER FIVE
    A fter the camp was broken, Koda pulled her up behind him on the paccar. She was beginning to learn some of the customs and ways of this culture. Despite her clumsiness and lack of knowledge of their society, she was feeling a little more comfortable with these people. She continued to have flashbacks from the lovemaking, but it was easier to maintain her control and not project her feelings.
    Var rode beside them. He was one of the scarier looking of the warlords. His features were angular with one long scar that ran down the side of his face. Many smaller scars showed on his arms and chest. Claire felt Var's distrust of her, but she read enough of him to know he had trusted few in his life.
    At midmorning they met a group of mounted warriors. Koda and his warlords greeted Tribal Chief Kurt.
    After they dismounted, Koda leaned down to whisper to her. She stepped back just a bit when he came closer to speak to her. His gesture was intimate and something inside her moved. Her core was... How could he do this to her?
    "I would have you use your gift and tell me later as much as you can about the emotions of Kurt and his warriors," Koda said.
    "Of course, Warlord Leader," she said. 
    Koda smiled at her and she wondered if he knew how his presence affected her. He said something to Osiria, before he and Kurt walked to the other side of the trail to have their meeting.
    Osiria and Claire found a tree apart from where the others sat. They were close to the stream and cool under the shade of the tree. After taking a few moments to ground herself, Claire looked out across the open field on the other side of the trail where the warlords gathered with the rising peaks of mountains as a backdrop. She opened her mind to the males who were gathered to talk.
    The emotions of Warlord Kurt were open and honest. The tribal chieftain was very pleased with whatever information Koda shared with him. She read strong agreement, support, and trust between them. The males liked and respected each other.
    Claire concentrated on Kurt's warriors. She closed off everything else