by Hope Hart
“You chose to be here for this meeting,” he says. “I will not risk your safety.”
It hurts that I’ve lost Varian’s trust. That he thinks I’d risk Harlow’s safety. There has never before been a woman on either the King’s or Queen’s Guard, and he had to be convinced to let me compete for a spot. By letting Jackson goad me into attacking him in public, I’ve completely undermined my own credibility.
Harlow rolls her eyes. “That’s ridiculous. Eve is the best guard we have!”
Aww. I’m not, but it’s nice to have Harlow as a cheerleader.
Varian is silent for a long moment, and then he turns to me.
“Tell me why I should not remove you from the Queen’s Guard immediately.”
Korva stalks forward, and Varian turns, showing him his teeth.
I glare at Korva until he stops and then get to my feet.
“I made a mistake, and it won’t happen again. I should never have let Jackson push me into losing it like that, and I understand that it undermined my professionalism. However, I don’t believe you’d be asking me that question if I was Blake, or Rob, or Nathan, or Vazta. If they did the same thing, you’d be clapping them on the back or giving them pointers on their form.”
My voice is bitter and I sigh, holding up a hand as Harlow snorts beside me and Varian’s horns straighten. You can always tell a pissed off Arcav by their horns, and Varian’s look lethally sharp.
“I apologize. That was snarky. But I don’t believe that if it were a male who lost control, you’d immediately be threatening their job. Not with all the growling and man-chest beating I see around here.”
I sigh. “Sorry, snarky again.”
Harlow cracks up beside me. “Quit while you’re ahead,” she advises me.
Varian is unamused.
“Prior to this, your work has been exemplary. Until this trip to Earth, I had never heard a bad word about your judgment.”
I grit my teeth. Someone has been talking. My money is on Blake. That asshole.
Varian stares me in the eye, and I feel like I’m in slow motion, watching my career go down the toilet. Korva steps up behind me and places a hand on my shoulder, and at this moment, I do need his support.
Varian turns to Harlow, who is still on her feet, a warning look on her face as she stares at him. He sighs and then turns back to me.
“You are suspended for two weeks,” he says, and because I’m watching so closely, I see the slightest panic in his eyes at Harlow’s shocked gasp. “During this time, you will determine whether you can handle the rigorousness of a position on the guard. If you cannot, we will find you a position elsewhere.”
I swallow over the lump in my throat.
“What the hell, Varian?”
“I must show that she has been punished, mate. You should be appreciative that she has kept her position.”
Harlow looks like she’s about to start breathing fire. I lean over and give her a hug, holding on valiantly even as I feel a tiny hand or foot hit me in the stomach.
“It’s okay,” I say my lips numb. “I need to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Korva
Eve looks as if she is in shock, her face pale and her eyes wide. She is walking as if sleepwalking, and I grab shoulder, pulling her out of the way as she almost walks into a wall.
I shoot Varian a killing look over my shoulder and he simply stares back, his gaze returning to Eve before a contemplative look crosses his face. Harlow is white-faced and silent by the window, and I nod, satisfied that Varian will soon be suffering, even if his mate’s wrath is nothing compared to the pain I can feel radiating from Eve.
I’m silent as we walk through the palace. At one point, Blake appears, and I bare my teeth at him, guiding Eve down a different corridor so they do not have to cross paths. His brow lowers in what might be concern before his face clears and he nods at me.
I do not know what made me go to the training center today. When I was first released from captivity, I would occasionally watch Eve teaching the human females to fight. I told myself that being near the human females was a good way to keep the insanity at bay. In reality, my eyes were always glued to Eve, her strong arms, curved rear, and the grin that regularly crossed her face.
I have not seen that grin in some time.
It took everything in me not to kill the human male. I still itch to make him pay. But Eve would be upset with me. I will not forget that she allowed me to provide support when she was facing Varian. She may have thought that she did not need it, but the way she leaned into my touch said otherwise.
This interest that I have in her is dangerous. I do not wish to be the one to put more sadness in her eyes, which is the only likely outcome. When I have completed my work, my mate will return, and I would never insult her by spending time with another female.
And yet, I can’t stay away from her.
I steer Eve toward the passenger seat of the pod and navigate it toward her house.
“How do you know where I live?”
“I know everything about you.”
She laughs, but it’s hollow. “Stalker.”
I shrug, and within a few minutes we’re landing near her small home. I do not appreciate that she lives alone out here, but I can respect her need for privacy, since I also require time to myself.
Eve gets out of the pod. Some of the color has returned to her face, but she still looks tired and drawn.
“Do you want a drink?”
“No, but I will see you inside.”
Usually, that would lead to a smart comment about the dangers she might face during the few steps between the pod and her front door, but today she simply nods and moves toward her home.
I hold back a snarl. I do not like that she is sad and withdrawn. Once again, I fantasize about killing Varian and painting his desk with his blood.
Then I sigh as I picture Harlow, slumped to her knees and screaming as her mate dies. I’ve felt that agony and would not wish it on anyone. Especially a female who has been kind to me. Besides, in her current condition, Harlow likely wouldn’t survive Varian’s death. So I will continue to lose myself in fantasies of removing his head from his shoulders and kicking it across the room.
“Korva?”
I blink, and Eve is frowning up at me.
“Are you sure you don’t want a drink or something?” I begin to nod, and then change my mind. I have not been inside Eve’s home, and I am curious to see what it will reveal about her.
“I will drink with you.”
She frowns up at me as if she can’t quite understand me and then shrugs, opening her door.
She gestures at the small sitting room and I wander, choosing not to question the need I have to understand every part of her.
“What’s this?”
Eve walks back into what the humans call a ‘living room’, two glasses in her hands and a bottle in the crook of her arm. She places them down on the table and moves closer. I hold my breath, well aware that enjoying her scent is dangerous.
“That’s a sword. More specifically, it’s a Charlemagne Sword- also known as Charles the Great’s sword. This is just a reproduction, but it’s the exact specifications of the original.”
I pick it up, marveling at the feel of it in my hand.
“Humans use these?”
“Not anymore. Now, most people just collect them for fun. I’m a bit of a weapon’s geek,” she gestures around the room, where she has more intriguing pieces on display.
I lay down the sword and move closer to a long wooden table against the wall.
“What are these?”
“Throwing knives. These are just for display— see how ornate the hilts are?”
I nod, and Eve raises her sleeve, showing me a black band around her wrist, more knives tucked inside.
“These are much easier to throw and much more accurate. Still, a throwing knife is never going to kill someone— especially considering most aliens seem to have much thicker skin tha
n us humans.”
I’m fascinated despite myself. This woman is a warrior.
“In that case, why do you carry them?”
She shrugs and pushes down her sleeve, moving toward her gel sofa.
“They can be useful. Throwing a knife at someone is a good way to distract them. Make them flinch, and you’ve bought yourself a couple of seconds. It’s also a good way to piss someone off, which can make them sloppy. And if someone gets too close, they can be used for self-defense.”
I stare at her for a moment and then nod again. Instead of moving to the gel chair, I sit beside her on her sofa, watching as she pours us both a drink.
“Whiskey,” she says, clinking my glass with hers. “Cheers.”
I take a sip and raise a brow as she laughs at my expression. No one laughs like Eve. It’s rare to see it, but when she does, she throws her head back, seemingly delighted with life.
Her laugh quickly ends though, and I mourn the loss as she frowns, contemplating her drink.
“I don’t know what to do with myself.”
“You could take a vacation.”
“A vacation?”
I sit back and eye her. “Why not?”
She shrugs. “I’m not really the vacation type.”
“Now could be a good opportunity to see what other paths are available to you in Arcavia.”
Eve stares at me over her drink. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Maybe you could think about other options.”
“I worked my ass off to be on the guard, and you think I should just give it up?” She frowns at me and then her eyes widen. “You’re pleased that I was suspended, aren’t you?”
I frown at her. “Of course not.”
“Don’t lie to me. You may not want to be with me, but you’re like an overprotective bear.”
Not want to be with her? If only.
“I will not deny that I am pleased that you are out of harm’s way, if only for two weeks. But I am sad that you are unhappy about it.”
She looks at me for a long moment.
“I think you should go.”
I nod and stand. “Thank you for the drink.”
She says nothing as she gets to her feet, and I’m suddenly, unreasonably furious.
I growl. “What is this need that you have to put yourself in danger?”
“I’m not in any danger,” her voice is hard. “I follow Harlow around and make sure that no overeager humans get too close when they’re asking for autographs.”
“Don’t lie to me. You swore an oath to protect her to the death. Does your life mean so little to you?”
“No. Her life means so much. Get out.”
I rub my horn, suddenly intensely frustrated. This is not what I intended— to make Eve even more upset after such a difficult day. Her face has turned purple in places, the bruising stark against her pale skin, and I curse. I should have taken her straight to the medi-center. The look in her eyes tells me this suggestion would not go well, so I try a new tactic.
“You still owe me dinner.”
Her mouth drops open, and her tone could freeze fire.
“Excuse me?”
“That was our deal. I do not kill the human, and you have dinner with me. You don’t seem like the type of female to renege on a deal…”
She glares at me defiantly, and suddenly I’m moving without thinking, my hand moving to the back of her head as I pull her toward me and take her mouth. It was Eve who taught me to kiss, and Eve’s lips I think about constantly, even when working in my lab.
Eve bites down on my bottom lip. Hard. It simply spurs me on, and I’m suddenly desperate for her, every muscle in my body aching for release.
“Hate you,” she mumbles against my mouth but gives in, softening against me.
Triumph shoots through me, and then I’m pulling my mouth away, just long enough to slice a claw through her shirt and undergarments.
She blinks up at me, shocked as her breasts suddenly pop free and I groan. Her breasts are as perfect as I remember. Small but plump, perky, and pear-shaped. I lower my face to her breasts, basking in the feel of her smooth, warm skin. She sighs as I taste her right nipple, flicking it with my tongue, and then she moans as I scrape gently along it with one fang.
“Oh my god…”
I grin against her and move my hand to her waistband.
“Wait, don’t rip these.”
I’m almost vibrating with impatience as she steps out of her pants, and she seems to come back to herself, frowning up at me.
“We shouldn’t be doing this.”
I frown back down at her. “But we are.”
I take her back in my arms, shoving my palm under her underwear and moving my finger through her wetness.
She gasps as I nibble at her breast, one, two fingers sliding into her cunt as my thumb flicks her clit.
“Korva…”
So tight. So hot. So wet.
“That’s right,” I growl. “Only me. Only ever me.”
Distantly, I wonder what I’m saying, wonder why the hell I seem to be staking a claim on this small human, when every move I make is for another female.
But after centuries of a life that was black and white and grey, there is suddenly color when I’m with this fiery, incredible female.
She groans again and I stroke faster, and then suddenly slow. I want to bury my face in her cunt, make her writhe and curse and moan. But that’s for later. Right now, I want her to come when I’m inside her.
Eve curses up a storm when I pull away, and almost against my will, I feel a grin tugging at my mouth.
She stares at me. “You have a beautiful smile.”
I pick her up, sitting on the sofa with Eve on my lap. After so many months of waking up hard as steel, Eve’s name on my lips, she’s finally back where she belongs.
And I may not let her go.
She finds me, hard and hot, and we both groan as she seats herself, sliding down until she’s straddling me, my hands clasping her rear. She gazes up at me, and for a moment, a look of such vulnerability comes over her face that I pause, stroking her hair back from her face and pulling her close so I can take her mouth again.
Eve reaches up and grabs my horns, and I growl, desperate. She seems to know how sensitive they are, because she laughs, stroking her hand over them.
Her new position has put her breasts right near my face, and I take advantage. Now I’m the one laughing while she moans helplessly, writhing against me as she snaps her hips.
“Korva…”
I thrust against her, pulling her down, and then I nibble and suck along her neck, feeling her clench on me.
Bliss.
Mating with Eve is nirvana. I don’t ever want it to end. She’s digging her fingers into my shoulders, the tiny pain spurring me on, and I mark her neck with my mouth.
I feel her quivering on top of me and close my eyes, feeling my balls tighten as the pleasure shoots down my spine.
Eve is going crazy above me, and I reach down, flicking her clit. That is all it takes, and I grit my teeth as she howls, clamping down on me until I see stars. I come with her, and I’m cursing even as I experience more pleasure than any other time in my life.
We’re both gasping, and Eve slumps on top of me, warm and sated. I close my eyes, resting, and within a few seconds, she’s asleep.
Chapter Nine
Eve
I wake in a strange bed.
What fresh hell is this?
I reach for my blaster and it’s a reassuring weight in my hand as I sit up.
“I suggest you place your weapon down.” Korva’s voice is amused, and I stare groggily at him, even as Brin steps forward, frowning.
My mouth drops open as I give Korva a death glare.
“You took me to the fucking medi-center?”
Korva shrugs, obviously unrepentant, even as Brin tuts and peers at me.
“Your face is looking much better. You had a fractured cheekbone and
multiple contusions on your hands and face.”
I gape at them both and then horror hits me.
“How long have I been here?”
“Two days.”
“Two days?”
I’m so mad I’m trembling, and I throw the blankets off me as I swing my legs over the side of the bed. No wonder my bladder is bursting.
“You will thank the healer for his treatment,” Korva instructs, and I see red. I take a deep breath, counting to ten. He has a point. It’s not Brin’s fault that Korva is a high-handed control freak.
“Thank you, Brin.”
Brin smiles at me. “You are most welcome. Now, I gave you a nutrient treatment while you were asleep and kept you under for a little longer so you could rest. But your body is desperate for you to slow down.”
“Well, it’s going to get what it wants for the next two weeks.”
I get to my feet and sway slightly as the blood rushes from my head. I hiss at Korva as he moves to help me and grit my teeth as I realize I’m wearing jeans and a tank top. No bra, and no knives.
Korva changed my clothes while I was out.
His head will roll for this.
At least he wasn’t dumb enough to leave me without my blaster. I stroke it as I stalk out of the room, ignoring Brin as he attempts to hold back a grin.
Good work staying away from Korva, Eve. Way to stay strong.
I groan, ignoring Korva as he keeps pace beside me. If there was one mistake I absolutely shouldn’t have made, in a long list of bad decisions, sleeping with Korva was that mistake.
Korva is silent beside me, and that annoys me even more.
“What the hell do you call this shit?”
He raises an eyebrow, his horns straightening slightly. One of them has a chunk missing, and I hate myself for finding it cute.
“You were unconscious. I thought you had a concussion.”
Instead, I seem to have fallen into a sleep deep enough that he couldn’t seem to wake me. The thought sends panic through me. I don’t sleep. I stay awake most nights, staring at the ceiling. Occasionally, I nap for a few hours, and then inevitably, I’ll sleep for days whenever I end up healed. Korva managed to dress me and then somehow drag me— a chronic insomniac— into the medi-center without me waking up? The only answer? Somehow, deep down in my subconscious, I trust him enough to fall into that kind of sleep when he’s near. I instinctively knew that he would protect me so I could heal and recover.
