Unicorn Valley (Box Set)

By Lena Austin

Lionel, one of the last Unicorn Valley Gryphons, is forced to choose his mate from among other shifters. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with the Werebitch Teema, who has a few needs and demands of her own.

Lionel’s foster brother Brolly falls for a shape -- and gender -- shifting Immortal, and Shadow, the future Unicorn Herd Stallion, loves an Elf.

As if things couldn’t get any stranger, their mercenary Unicorn uncle Jamir is falling in love with both Moontyger and the Dragon Li Chin -- at the same time.
Not everyone loves everybody in Unicorn Valley, but they try.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Apr 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9780367001179

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Unicorn Valley

Lena Austin

All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2021 Lena Austin

BIN: 03670-01172

Second Edition

Formats Available:

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Mobi/PRC

Publisher:

Changeling Press LLC

315 N. Centre St.

Martinsburg, WV 25404

www.ChangelingPress.com

Editor: Katriena Knights

Cover Artist: Angela Knight

Adult Sexual Content

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Table of Contents

Unicorn Valley

Gryphon’s Heart (Unicorn Valley 1)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Epilogue

Stallion’s Heart (Unicorn Valley 2)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Healer’s Heart (Unicorn Valley 3)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Moontyger’s Quest (Unicorn Valley 4)

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Epilogue

Lena Austin

Unicorn Valley

Lena Austin

Lionel, one of the last Unicorn Valley Gryphons, is forced to choose his mate from among other shifters. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love with the Werebitch Teema, who has a few needs and demands of her own.

Lionel’s foster brother Brolly falls for a shape -- and gender -- shifting Immortal, and Shadow, the future Unicorn Herd Stallion, loves an Elf.

As if things couldn’t get any stranger, their mercenary Unicorn uncle Jamir is falling in love with both Moontyger and the Dragon Li Chin -- at the same time.

Not everyone loves everybody in Unicorn Valley, but they try.

Gryphon’s Heart (Unicorn Valley 1)

Lena Austin

The last of a dying race.

If his line is to survive, Lionel must produce cubs to carry on his family name. But even in Unicorn Valley, a haven for magical creatures of all kinds, Lionel cannot find a Gryphoness.

Although it goes against his principles to mate outside his own species, Lionel must convince the beautiful shapeshifting Werewolf sorceress Teema to bear his cubs.

But Teema drives a hard bargain -- although she lusts after the handsome Gryphon’s body, she’s after a loftier prize -- she covets his heart!

Chapter One

There would be no mate for him.

Lionel brooded on that ugly fact from the ledge outside his nesting cave. It was good to be home where the air was clean and the pulse of magic strong, but that didn’t change the fact that he would die, alone.

He folded his long, bare legs until he achieved the meditative pose his foster mother taught him. However, instead of meditating, he put his elbows on his knees and rested his chin in his hands. The loneliness threatened to overwhelm him.

Now there’s a dejected fellow! The familiar voice eased the ache of loneliness. Lionel turned to see his foster brothers Brolly and Shadow make the final few feet of climb to the ledge where he sat. After a lot of masculine back pounding, Lionel invited his brothers inside. They sat on great cushions made dusty by the long months of disuse, but no one cared.

No luck in finding a Gryphoness, old pal? Brolly’s human form was of a brawny young man with brown hair and twinkling brown eyes full of mischief.

Lionel shook his head, and felt his shoulders droop with despair. Brolly put a comforting hand on his arm. Shadow looked on sympathetically, his horn knob flashing silver in the morning light.

Lionel shook his golden brown hair out of his eyes. No, no luck. It was horrible outside our magical home! You’d think in the sky, and as high as I fly, I’d be safe. He pointed to a wound on his shoulder. They’ve become more proficient with their arrows than your father estimated. Everywhere, the evidence exists Gryphons once were Outside, in statues and artwork on cloth they hang from their homes. He pounded his fist into his hand in frustration. But no real, live Gryphons anywhere!

Brolly put his hand on Lionel’s clenched fist. Will you let me look at the wound? As a healer, Brolly was always courteous enough to ask if his help would be accepted. It was perhaps the sole serious thing about him.

If you insist. I packed it with the herbs you gave me. It shouldn’t need healing. Lionel forced himself to stillness. I did miss the familiar tingle of a decent healer, I must say. The arrow came out of nowhere. I swear it! Humans are everywhere! Like ants! I almost was a pretty Gryphon trophy or rug for the wall! He shuddered and remembered how close the arrow came to his vulnerable chest.

Brolly’s brown hand was over the arrow wound in a flash. Now, that’s a vile thought! Brolly’s distracted voice still held a measure of disgust. I’m sorry you’d no luck, brother mine. The warm tingle of Brolly’s healing gift ceased, and Lionel breathed a sigh of relief. The constant ache was gone.

Why must I be one of the last of my kind? Lionel complained. He studied the talons on the end of his hand. I need a mate, damn it. Not only just to ease a lusty moment, but I’m one of the last Gryphons here in the Valley. I must make cubs if Gryphons are to survive. He looked around his shabby nest cave. A female made all the difference between a place to sleep and a home. In his mind’s eye, he could almost see it. A nesting Gryphoness purring, games of Pounce and Tumble with the whistling laughter of Gryphlets, and the proud joy of flight lessons.

You’re handsome enough to get a Gryphoness, too, if there were one available, put in Shad, in the low tones of his kind. All Unicorns were soft-spoken, but vicious fighters when need arose. The fact is, Lionel, you must choose a mate from outside your own race, Shad pointed out, his voice earnest. A filly or Vampire bitch won’t suit. Fillies produce single offspring, and Vamps tend to throw too many females.

I don’t want a filly, old friend. You can keep them. I don’t want an herbivore cluttering up my nest growing plants to eat. The very thought makes me shudder!

Shad chuckled. In truth, a Werewolf bitch is best since they’re prolific enough to produce litters.

But I want a real Gryphoness! The purity of my line…

Won’t continue without a mate, Feather Wit, Shadow interrupted sternly. As you well know, what form you are, you become in all ways.

Brolly jumped in. All she’d need to do is stay in Gryphoness form until she gave birth, Lionel. You know that.

Lionel grumbled, then sighed. You’re right. I’m stooping at shadows. I must find a female willing to give up her form for me. That is difficult enough. He grinned at Shadow. I will look among the Werewolves first. I would prefer a carnivore.

Shadow manifested three glasses of wine that floated near the hands of his brothers. Brolly and Lionel grabbed up their wine glasses. The sparkling pink stuff slid down Lionel’s throat like liquid gold. He toasted his elegant brother in appreciation. May I find a bitch, queen, or flirtatious filly who can love me enough to fill my cave with joy.

That shouldn’t be difficult, Brolly murmured into his goblet. Since any female can be bitch, queen, or flirtatious while they bat their lovely eyes at us and make us simpering idiots. The brothers roared with laughter at that truth.

Unbidden, the face of Lionel’s foster sister Teema rose to his mind. Teema was a Werebitch, and a finely formed one. If only he could find one like her. She was everything he’d find desirable in a mate. Teema was not merely attractive and a master sorceress, she was also his dearest friend. They’d shared many a fine hunt in the forest.

Brolly drained his goblet in one gulp. Goddess knows there’s plenty of Werebitches in my pack to go around. Finding one to warm your bed won’t be hard, if you can find one to like your feline attributes. You’d best discuss this with Mama Kella. She won’t do more than suggest a few good candidates. It seems rude not to go to your own mother, but Nin-Kaa looks at this too coldly for my taste. I’d rather hunt my own prey, thanks. Brolly, who never stayed still for long, stood and paced the length of the small cavern and back.

I must say, I agree with Brolly, Shadow added. His face was apologetic. Nin-Kaa would insist on you mating with whichever filly… excuse me, bitch is most magical in nature, shove her at you, and expect you to win her over to the idea. Kella will at least let you do your own wooing.

Lionel nodded. What you say is true. The Gryphon way is to choose a mate based on who’d produce the best cubs. Like Brolly, I wish for more than a cold bedding for procreation.

Kella, who kept track of all her adopted children and healed half the Valley, knew more of where to hunt for a mate than any other. She’d understand his need for a life-mate as well as a mother to any cubs he might father.

Lionel sighed privately to himself. You’re both right. I need to talk to Kella. Want a ride down, Brolly? I know you don’t fly.

Hell, yes! One of these days I’ll find a flying form I can master. Brolly was beside him in a flash.

Shadow nodded, walked to the cliff edge, and changed into his eagle form. Lionel relaxed into Gryphon form and let Brolly mount him just in front of the wing joints. Once Shadow leapt off the cliff and caught a thermal, Lionel snapped his wings out and soared. He could’ve carried more than Brolly’s weight, but it was difficult to leap up from a standing position on the ground. This way, he rode the same thermal as Shadow.

Shadow immediately changed back into his Unicorn form as soon as they’d landed. His silver horn nodded once. I just got a mind call from the Herd. Brolly, there’s a birthing. We’re needed. Let us know what happens, okay? Brolly hopped off Lionel immediately.

Relieved, Lionel nodded and changed to his human form. You wouldn’t be able to stop yourself from making jokes, I know. Go, and do good healing. I’ll tell you what happens when you return. He grinned. You’ll tease me then, I’m sure.

Brolly laughed. You never will get rid of that Gryphonic syntax when you are nervous, will you. Then he changed to his lupine form. He set off at a lope with Shadow trotting beside him.

Lionel watched them go with relief in his heart. He loved his brothers, but they did not feel the urgency he did. To Lionel, this was serious. As a stallion, Shadow wouldn’t mate for life, and Brolly didn’t wish to settle down with a life-mate yet.

* * *

Lionel padded up the slope, winding through his foster mother’s garden. Kella’s garden was extensive, but Lionel had the usual Gryphonic disregard for plants. Well, except catnip, but it was a secret vice. He shouldn’t be affected by it, considering his eagle attributes, but his feline body craved it all the same. Teema kept his secret, grew it for him in the garden, and claimed it was for tea.

As if his thoughts summoned her, he saw Teema first when he stepped into the cavern. He’d time to register Kella and Nin-Kaa both were there before Teema dropped her tray, heedless of the crash, and ran to hug his neck, squealing, Lionel! You’re home!

Lionel sighed and purred at the welcome he’d longed for.

* * *

Hiya, Purrbox! she whispered.

Hiya, Furface, he purred for her ears alone. You’ve no idea how much I’ve missed you. Meet me after I visit with Kella. Usual place.

Teema nodded against his neck and released him. I’ll bring catnip, she offered. It delighted her to hear him purr as only Gryphons did, even in human form. What was it about the Gryphonic purr she found so sexy?

He seldom used his human form, but his sleek catlike grace made her go into heat any time he was near. His human body was slim in the hips and wide at the chest, to accommodate his enhanced wing muscles. His skin tanned to reflect the tawny brown of his true coat, and his brown-gold mane of hair was shoulder-length. She shuddered with lust and lowered her eyes. Because he was uncomfortable with clothing, he wore nothing more than a loincloth, as he did right now. He stepped regally away to greet Nin-Kaa first, then Kella, while Teema cleaned up her mess. It was her day in the kitchen, so she repaired the cups with a small bit of magic, and went to get more tea for Lionel.

She made short work of getting tea for Lionel, and hoped his visit with Kella wouldn’t take long. They hunted together often, and she’d missed that. What was more, he could fly! Oh, how she longed to fly, but it was the one skill she couldn’t master. No avian form worked for her. After she served Lionel his tea, she eyed his wing muscles across his chest with envy and a secret lust. Teema no longer counted the number of times she sat on a cliff edge and felt the wind in her face while she watched Lionel and the others fly.

I knew you’d understand, Kella, Lionel agreed.

It is true you must acquire a mate, Nin-Kaa asserted. I could…

No, thank you, Mother, interrupted Lionel. It is a certainty I must woo and win a Werebitch. Kella is right about that. Still, which one? How do I go about it?

Teema bobbled her own tea mug over that remarkable statement. She sat, ready to serve more tea or other refreshments at a moment’s notice.

Kella grinned, and showed her fangs. That, Lionel, must be up to you.

Nin-Kaa was as regal as ever, and put out from being denied the privilege of choosing Lionel’s mate, even Teema saw that. I must insist you choose from among Kella’s brood. Only they have magic strong enough.

Lionel growled for a moment. Then I choose Teema to ask to become my mate.

Teema sprayed tea and choked, since Lionel spoke just as she sipped. She’d decided she could placidly listen to this cold discussion over something so passionate as the choice of a life-mate, since it was no business of hers. W-W-What? she sputtered helplessly.

Lionel turned his magnificent golden eyes in her direction. You’re as near a perfect choice for a mate as is possible. You’re a Werebitch, and therefore can produce many offspring, for one. Second, we get along well enough. Third, you’re a sorceress.

White-hot fury rose in Teema before she thought about it. And you’re an ass! she shouted. Without making a conscious decision, she waved her hand and Lionel was a donkey, with wings. I’m not a toy you may pick up and claim! I have feelings! She swept from the cavern and ran for the hills to the north in a towering rage.

* * *

It took a bit of time for Kella to stop her howls of laughter and turn Lionel back to his usual form, while Nin-Kaa looked puzzled and Lionel demanded in mind-speech to know what he’d said. Between chortles, she explained. Teema is a Werebitch. They’re an exceedingly passionate people. Unlike Gryphons, who choose their mates with calm deliberation, Werefolk choose their mates with emotion.

Ahhh! Nin-Kaa rumbled, and her feathers slicked down. We’ve insulted her. She turned to a thoroughly confused Lionel. Will you allow me the right to apologize and speak with her?

Lionel merely nodded. He’d been so positive Teema would agree to such a simple solution and his logical reasons for naming her, he was still stunned. His mouth hanging open, he watched his mother stalk to the entrance, spread her wings, and take off.

I’m sorry, darling, Kella said without looking contrite in the least. I shouldn’t laugh. Your being the most beautiful and magical of Nin-Kaa’s brood earns you no favors this time. You must woo Teema if she is your choice, and you must do it with passion. You’ll need to convince her heart, not her head, that you want only her.

I do want Teema. How do I convince her? Lionel craved to go into a full Gryphonic display, but he knew better than to do it in Kella’s home. The last time had resulted in several pieces of broken furniture, one ripped rug, and a scorched butt.

Kella knew her foster son well. She shook a finger at him and pointed to the cavern entrance. Don’t you dare transform and unfurl those wings in here! Go home now, and think about it, before you ruin my rug again with your talons. I don’t want to give you another mage bolt on your tail. Shoo!

Lionel knew better than to argue. Kella’s hair may’ve faded from fiery red to ginger and gray, but she was still a bloodthirsty Vampire sorceress with no mercy for her recalcitrant offspring -- fosterling, adopted, or of her body.

Oh, and Lionel? Kella called when he reached the entrance.

Yes, ma’am?

Take a bath. You stink, and her nose is more sensitive than yours. Now go cool your temper and think.

Thoroughly chastened, Lionel took off.

Chapter Two

Teema stormed up to her favorite cliff side and plopped down, still muttering under her breath. Idiot! You don’t confuse logic and emotion. They’re mutually exclusive, you brainless Gryphon!

She stared down at the handful of catnip she’d snatched up on her way out the cavern entrance. And even though I’m so angry at you, what do I do? I pick catnip for you anyway. She sighed and shook her head. That’s telling on me, isn’t it? The heart always wins over what the head says.

She put her chin on her knees and put her face into the wind. My head says that I should run deep into the forest and submit before Aahz. I’d have the pups I so desperately want before the year was out. She shuddered in revulsion. But I don’t love Aahz. I love you, you feather-covered oaf. I want you to cover me and make me submit. Why can’t you just do that, instead of wrapping it all up in ugly bloodlines and cold logic?

She could imagine it so well, she cast an illusion before her. A magnificently naked Lionel, golden and strong, snatched the miniature Teema onto her toes and kissed her. He ripped the clothes from her body with one stroke of his sharp nails until she wore nothing but a few shreds. Teema, hot and willing, spread her legs, and straddled his erect cock, begging for what he could give with her body.

The illusion-Lionel threw her on her back in his nest-bed and dove on top of her, giving Teema no chance to change her mind. She could see the tiny Teema cry out when he entered, not in pain but in ecstasy. Lionel ignored the clawing scratches raking his back while he used her ruthlessly. Both Teemas shuddered with need, longing for release.

Lionel withdrew and flipped the writhing Teema on her stomach to use her as any good Werewolf might. He took what was his while the miniature Teema clawed the sheets of his nest to shreds and screeched silently. Her whole body moved with the force of Lionel’s plundering as she fought to remain on her hands and knees. Lionel roared his pleasure without sound and Teema shuddered beneath him, accepting his hot semen deep within her while she cried out with her own ecstasy.

Aching and on the verge of tears, Teema dispelled the illusion.

She heard the thunder of wings, and remained where she was, with her knees tucked under her chin, on the edge of the cliff. Lionel wasn’t about to get an apology out of her, no matter how he blustered and displayed. He’d get the bundle of catnip she held if Teema decided he’d groveled enough.

I’ve come to apologize and talk with you, Teema, rumbled a feminine voice with a Gryphonic accent.

Teema looked up into the dinner-plate sized eye of Nin-Kaa. Why do you want to talk to me? Why do you wish to apologize? You weren’t the brainless oaf I turned into an ass.

Nin-Kaa chuckled in the trilling way of Gryphons. The brainless oaf is my son, and Kella has explained to us what you found offensive. I’m sorry, my dear, that we seemed heartless. Especially since that bundle of catnip in your hands tells me you do love the brainless oaf. Nin-Kaa sat down beside Teema, her one visible eye winking.

Teema looked down at the catnip in her hands. There was no sense hiding it now. Yes’m. I do love him, she sighed. I’ve been hopelessly in love with him for years. That is why I repeatedly refused to rejoin the pack. Aahz is a fine pack leader, but I’m… She shrugged. Uninterested is perhaps the best word. Teema looked down at the pack lands, easily visible from the cliff. It was so dark and peaceful there among the trees. Why wasn’t it home to her?

Let me see if I understand. You can correct me if I am wrong, no? Nin-Kaa put her beak into the wind and breathed deeply. First and foremost, you want the emotion of love, if you can get it. Passion, if you can’t. Correct?

Teema nodded. Yes, I do. Mama Kella has taught me love matters most. Moreover, I am a Werewolf. At a minimum I expect desire before I lift my tail for a male, but I’d rather get love. It was so strange to have a conversation on this subject with Nin-Kaa. It was so clinical and orderly, it was as if they discussed not emotions but response patterns in prey animals.

Ah! That can happen, I think. There is more than this, no?

Lionel wants kittens, doesn’t he? Teema put her chin back on her knees.

Cubs, yes, he wants those. I think he is wanting fatherhood very much. Nin-Kaa turned her head and caressed Teema’s cheek with the tip of her beak. Your solution is simple. If you are not objecting to cubs and wish to attract Lionel, you must become a Gryphoness. You will have his passion at minimum, possibly his love, and his cubs, if you desire them.

Teema jumped to her feet still clutching the catnip. I want him to love me for myself, not a form I can become!

Nin-Kaa didn’t move, but she gryph-grinned and her eyes gleamed. Ah, but he is male. He thinks first with his groin. You attract him first, win his lust, and his heart will follow. Why do you think Gryphon males are called cocks, hmm?

Teema stood there in shock. Such a word never passed Kella’s lips, yet the truth was there. The humor of it bubbled up until she laughed. Is that how you wedded Ayshen? she giggled.

Ours was an arranged marriage. Our population is too small for love matches. Nevertheless, I was determined that Ayshen would care for me. I snuck away from my parents’ nest and flew aerobatics. He did not resist me, she purred. He strutted, and displayed while I pretended disinterest. When he could stand it no more, I allowed him the privilege of my body. Nin-Kaa chuckled and they shared a look of feminine mystery. You must do something similar. Lionel already favors you, since you were his sole choice, and spoken without thought. Now we must see to it you win his lust. You must become a Gryphon and fly.

I’ve never mastered an avian form, Teema sighed.

We are not truly avian, my dear, Nin-Kaa pointed out, and stood. Take a good look. Four feet and fur, like a feline, begin it all. Your natural form has four feet and fur. Start there. We must work on wings and a proper Gryphon face once you become feline. Gradually is the way.

Teema studied Nin-Kaa’s form from chest to tail. Feline, I may manage. Let me try. She relaxed into her usual gray lupine form, with tail wagging. What have I got to lose? she mind-spoke. After but one failure, a gray-brown lioness stood where a wolf once stalked.

You are an unusual color, but that is to the good. Do not change that, Nin-Kaa said with satisfaction. Walk around for a moment, and feel the grace of movement.

Teema walked carefully away from the edge, and then with more surety. Oh, my! Everything flows from one movement to the next. Oh, this feels so good! When she stopped and returned to Nin-Kaa’s side, her purr rumbled and matched Nin-Kaa’s own purr. The bundle of catnip tempted her nose, but Nin-Kaa swatted gently at the catnip, and put it between her paws.

It would make you drunk right now, my dear. We’ve too much to do to indulge. We will celebrate with it after you have wings and a beak to resist it. Now let us start with the wings. Try on your own first. It is better if you do it without me transforming you.

It is no wonder Lionel likes it. I can even smell it from here. Yes, let me try first.

The first attempt wasn’t a good one, or the second. The third was very close indeed -- enough that they decided a small bit of Nin-Kaa’s magic would finish the job. My little bit of help will see to it you experience and know the shape of a Gryphon. You will be able to do it again thereafter.

A small flash of magic passed between them. Teema immediately felt the difference. Her wings, once heavy, were lighter,