by Ivy McAdams
He may not be the exact specimen I’m normally attracted to, but holy cow, he’s hot. On a scale of one to why the hell are we still at this party?, Kovak’s an eleven.
But he’s also sweet. And I love the way he watches me, especially when the other men get close. The way his arm slides around my back to hold me by my waist.
It’s attentiveness I’ve never experienced before.
It warms my heart as much as my body.
Well, almost as much.
Every time I catch his eye, his energy field vibrates against mine and I love it.
It’s hard to stay focused on finding the apprentice and my answers when Kovak walks so close to me.
A pair of warriors wearing large headdresses swoop over to us and offer us plates of food. It smells amazing, and I take my small platter with a smile.
“Thank you.” I even do a small curtsey―I have no idea why. I’m feeling good.
The men beam at me as they leave to hand out more food. Kovak moves up along my side, tucked in just behind my hip.
“You’re doing great,” he whispers into my hair.
Between his body moving in on my ass and his breath on my neck, my knees are a little wobbly.
“Thank you,” I say over my shoulder, leaning back and trying to soak up as much of him as I can.
He puts a hand discreetly around my waist and moves us toward the central fire. I let him lead me along, because, hell yeah, I’m glad to have a little alone time. I’ve been itching for it ever since the party started. Would it be most inappropriate if we sat over here and I tested the thickness of the leathers in his lap?
We’ve just reached the benches near the flickering blue flames when a group of villagers spot us and head over.
Are you freaking kidding me?
I let out a little sigh as the big silver men flock over like I’ve opened a bag of potato chips on the beach.
“Good evening, Gem-ma,” “You look beautiful tonight,” “We’re honored to have you,” rumbles at me like a wave of testosterone as the men gather.
Some of them smell good. Some are quite handsome. I can feel their excited energies like their tails are wagging―which thank goodness, they are not. But none of the pulsing auras are anything like Kovak’s.
His must be special. One my body responds to instantly.
I smile a little at the thought, then do my best to focus as Kovak introduces the others. They file in front of us like kids in line at the ice cream truck.
There’s one with blue hair. Another that is huge―a giant in the land of giants. One with ridges along his scalp. One with gold rings around his neck. One that’s strapped down with weapons, like we’re not just hanging out at a party. Maybe he’s a bodyguard?
Most of them can’t keep their eyes on my face. I know I have a rocking outfit that accentuates my boobs, but holy cow. Up here, guys.
One of the fellows even runs his tongue over his teeth as he stares, tail flicking and hands flexing on his hips.
Either I’m a bombshell in the land of the Kutarians or these pheromone flowers really work.
Or, you know, I've been dropped in a village full of sex-deprived men.
It’s a little overwhelming, but I try to keep my smile on and my eyes open. Paying attention and being friendly is the only way I’ll make new friends. If only the shaman’s apprentice were in line too, perhaps I could speed things along.
“That smells delicious,” the next warrior in line says as he stares at the untouched platter in my hands. “Have you ever had plaxa?”
It's like a strange alien pick-up line. No, I don't frequent this bar, and of course, I've never eaten plaxa.
I open my mouth to say so, but the male behind him speaks up.
“She may not have eaten it, but she sure knows how to spread its essence.”
Kovak’s energy jumps, brightening as the next guy in line―one I actually recognize―peeks out at us. The big alien with the scar on his face was in our rescue party, or our abduction party, depending on what time of day you ask me. He was also on the hunt with us yesterday.
The other men gathered stop to stare at him too.
The warrior grins. “She showed the Captain the proper way to accept a little paint.”
Kovak laughs. It’s a deep, rich sound that turns me into butter.
Hurry, someone else say something funny.
“That she did,” Kovak says. “I know you’ve unofficially met before, but this is Gemma. And this is my second-in-command, Drek.”
Drek has a plate, unlike many of the other men that have come through. He pops a piece of meat into his mouth. “I did, and I’m glad to meet her again.”
We exchange nods of greeting.
The next warrior in line simply sidesteps Drek to wave at me. He’s definitely moved into my personal bubble.
“You’re even more beautiful up close. And you smell…” He draws in a long appreciative breath. “...just divine. Would you mind if I…?”
He sidles in closer to me, his tail whipping back and forth.
Kovak stiffens.
“No need to crowd her, Ghauk.”
He peers up at the Captain, and his brow furrows slightly, a sharp challenge on his face. Then the haze seems to clear from his eyes.
“Excuse me,” he mutters as he leaves.
Kovak’s chin tilts up as he watches him go, then he steps closer to me, tugging at a piece in my hair.
What the hell?
I frown up at him until he pulls the purple flowers loose and tosses them aside. “Stupid witchery things.”
Drek snorts in amusement as Kovak drops back again, and I can’t help the chuckle in my throat.
I forgot about the pheromone flowers. What a pain in the ass. Although, finding that they bother Kovak brings a surprising wash of comfort through me.
Who knew I liked my big platinum men with a tinge of green?
Before Kovak can wave away any of the other men, big booming drums pick up a beat nearby. A couple flutes and horns join in. I glance back at the platform to find that musicians have set up there to play, and warriors begin to gather and fall into a dance.
Kovak looks over at me with a perk of his brow, and I smile at him. I have no idea how to dance to their music, but I’m confident he can teach me.
But before he can open his mouth, a huge warrior with a scar across his chest taps me on the shoulder.
“Dance with me,” he grunts.
I’m not sure if this is the typical Kutarian request or if he just has bad manners, but I try to remember that I’m here to make friends. Be friendly. Dance with the brute.
I hesitate only long enough to glance out at the rows of dancers already assembled. I can handle a group dance. I’m not totally without rhythm.
When my eyes fall on the shaman’s apprentice among the dancers, my heart stops.
Bingo!
“Of course,” I say sweetly.
The savage practically drags me out there.
Chapter 15
Kovak
I take another deep, slow breath, willing my temper and my flaring blood to slow and calm.
It’s not that she is dancing with the others. Dancing is what we do at celebrations, even if she’s outnumbered twenty to one. That part is a little disconcerting, but I can handle it. They’re not touching or anything. Just performing mirrored movements across the dancing plane from one another.
She’s pretty good at it too. Look at those hips, that smile. Wow.
I frown, trying again to focus.
What bothered me was that she smiled so light and pretty to him and went off without even looking back at me.
The fellow took her plate, handed it off to me, and whisked her away. Like I wasn’t even standing here.
My nerves grate as I set our platters aside and meander closer to the dance circle. A few others are hovering on the edge with me, but not many. Most of the tribe is in there.
I should be.
Not acting like a c
onfused youngling with raging energies I can’t control.
Gemma switches partners again as they go through the motions. This time with the Shaman’s boy. She dances even closer to him, whispering in his ear.
The edges of my vision blur red as my blood burns hot. I can't help the low growl in my throat.
They’re hardly even dancing now, the two of them standing and pretending to move their limbs about as they talk.
My hands clench when she doesn’t switch partners when she’s supposed to. The Shaman’s boy is still talking to her. He looks small and meek, young and confused. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I don’t like the extended conversation.
I want to throw him up over my shoulder and escort his bony ass out of her ceremony.
But I'm trained for self-control. I can handle this. Even if it's affecting my nerves even more than facing off against a giant Thunder Jaw or being on the battlefield with bloodthirsty stagni.
I just need to be strategic.
To remember that I am a Kutarian Warrior Captain. And Gemma is mine.
Sent from the gods to speak to my energy and help me save the Kutarians.
A small, determined smile sets on my face as I stride toward the dancing line.
Gemma and the boy have finally separated and she’s moving and twirling again, a beautiful smile on her face. That amazing spirit glowing from within her does a number on me. Spurs my blood. My cock aches for her.
I slip in line nearby, just in time to dance opposite of her when the music shifts again.
She comes out of her final spin, and her face lights up when she sees me.
“You’re good at this,” I call over the music, giving her my best grin.
She positively glows, and I could eat her up. My tongue travels over my teeth, remembering her delectable taste.
When we come together, my hands reach out to brush along her forearms. The dance moves don't include touching, but I can't help it. And she doesn't seem to mind. Her eyes are hazy, eyelids lowered a fraction in a sexy look that tightens my groin.
The music winds down and I pull her in closer. Near enough to smell her and feel the heat from her body.
“Are you doing okay out here?” I ask gently, trying to put the image of her and the Shaman boy out of my head.
“I’m fine.” Her purple eyes are large and searching.
“Of course. I just don’t want you to feel overwhelmed.”
She smiles, her cheeks darkening slightly as she bumps my hip with hers. “Thanks. It is a little like being a cat in a dog park.”
Cat in a dog park? I narrow my eyes, but she only shakes her head with a chuckle.
“Nevermind. More like prey in a herd of predators.”
Ah, that I understand. And the fact that she feels that vulnerable stirs a new frustration inside me. I contain it with a deep breath. It’s pointless to be angry.
But I can save her.
“The gawking and sniffing around probably isn’t going to get any better I’m afraid. All the warriors who came to meet you will likely fight for your hand.”
Gemma grimaces and tucks her hands behind her back. “All of them?”
She looks good like that. Vulnerable. Like she’s waiting for me to sweep her up and carry her off to my bed.
“The men are hungry for families. Women. They’ll be eager for at least a chance.”
She looks around the square. I follow her eyes to the other Kutarians gathered. Kaami, Waella, and their mates and children on one side. A few other warriors talking amongst themselves. All the others are bachelors or widowers. All hungry for love.
Her cheeks pale.
“Of course they’ll have to fight me off first.”
There’s a growl in my voice that I hope doesn’t frighten her, but her eyes only get brighter.
A sly smile crosses her face as she leans in closer. “Not being selfish now are you?”
My chest rumbles as my hands slide further up her arms, hooking my fingers behind her elbows to draw her in closer. “I am. I’m not big on sharing.”
Her eyes flicker as she slides up against me. “Are you sure? I seem to remember you being quite the giver.”
Oh, gods, I can hardly contain the possessive groan in my throat as I run my hands down her back, grabbing handfuls of her succulent ass.
She hums appreciatively against me as she grazes a hand up my torso and ribs.
“I’d share the world with you, my match,” I whisper. “But I don’t intend on sharing you with anyone else.”
That soft little hand slides beneath the bone adornment resting on my chest, teasing my skin.
“Good,” she breathes, and her eyes are so bright and intense on me that I can barely hear the music and crowd any longer. “I don’t want any other warrior.”
My cock jerks and can no longer wait on my pleasantries. It is hungry now.
I put my hand over hers on my chest and wrap our fingers together. Then I slide around her and stride toward the edge of the square, her hand in mine.
I’ve got to get her home now. Before I make a horrible scene in the middle of her party.
It’s not that kind of celebration.
She follows after me with a cute, airy giggle, and I groan.
I need her now.
Gemma
Stumbling into Kovak's hut is so different than any other after-party I've been to. There's no kicking off shoes and grabbing for buttons. He's half-naked already.
As soon as the tent flap falls shut, his hands are all over me. On my ass, up my back, in my hair. They’re so strong and possessive. I can’t get enough.
His lips capture mine in a kiss that steals my breath, and he feasts on me like he’s famished.
It’s the best meal I’ve ever had.
We nearly trip over the small table just inside the entryway, but he catches me around the small of my back and I feel like a rescued damsel in distress. Again. Only this time I’m far from distressed and I can’t wait for him to treat me like his damsel.
He pins me against the table, pressing himself to me from thigh to chest.
His energy courses hot and vibrant around me, and I could get lost in it alone. It thrums a low purr that’s like music to my ears.
“You have no idea how horrible that celebration was,” he rumbles against my lips, fingers tugging on the long braids behind me.
When I tilt my face up, he dips his head to press his mouth against my throat. Those luscious lips scald me and send a shiver through my muscles.
“Horrible?” I try to activate my brain enough to latch on to what he’s saying.
He hums low in his throat, vibrating my skin.
It tickles and heats me up all at once.
“Horrible. I barely made it through,” he growls. “And those stupid flowers.”
He sinks his four sharp teeth into the muscles of my neck, and it sends an electric jolt through my body. It pings off every corner it can find as heat surges low in my core and I let out a throaty moan.
He groans around my neck, and holy shit, that’s even better.
“It was so hard not to put my hands on you out there in the square,” he murmurs against my skin when he finally releases me.
His voice is rough, chopped. Like he’s fighting to keep it under control.
It’s hella sexy.
I pull back just enough to look down into his fierce green eyes, then run my tongue over my teeth, giving him a short, suggestive bump of my eyebrows. “Maybe you should have.”
His eyes flash and I can feel his cock jump against me.
“If I’d allowed myself to do that, I may not have been able to stop.”
Oh yeah, that’s what I want to hear.
I move my hips against him, a slow and seductive roll.
His body tenses.
“I’m sure a well-trained warrior like you could have handled it.”
This time I shimmy a little, breasts pressed into his chest. My nipples are hard beads against his bare s
kin.
His breath falters and his hands release my hair, sliding down my body. They’re rough, hungry. I lean into them as my eyelids flutter.
“I did my best, until now.” The carnal edge in his voice is delicious and loaded with promise. “Now you’re mine, and I’m going to make you scream for me.”
My lips part in surprise.
Hell yeah. Bring it.
When his mouth takes mine this time, it's rough and demanding. Possessive. I give it everything it wants.
He slides his hands down my ass, lifting me off the ground and tucking my legs around him. We bump the table as I settle around his waist. He’s lodged in tight between my thighs, bumping and rubbing that pulsing cock up against all my best parts. They’re hot and tingly, ready to grab at him at first chance.
As he steps away from the table, he breaks from my lips just long enough to fiddle with something behind me. After a heartbeat, a low light fills the room. The glow of green fire dances on the leather walls, and it accentuates his eyes when they meet mine. They positively gleam in the light.
He moves to the bed faster than a gazelle, and we hit it in a mix of kisses and hands. My palms move up his chest, testing his smooth skin and moving over his taut nipples. He groans into my mouth and I touch them again.
His hands find my breasts and do the same, tweaking the nipples through my silky top. Each little pinch sends warm wet washes through me.
But it’s not enough. This top’s got to go.
I shift my position, my strong legs rolling him to the side so I can sit up. He watches me from among the furs as I feel for the ties behind my neck.
I have no idea how the hell the girls fastened this thing to me, and after a couple seconds of running my fingers over odd clasps and knots, Kovak smiles and sits up too.
His big fingers slide over my shoulders and into my hair, working the knots himself. In just seconds he’s freed them and the smooth leather loosens and falls. He unwraps the top and tosses it aside, eyes instantly going to my nakedness.
“Thank the gods for a little firelight,” he says with a playful growl.
He can look all he wants as long as he put his hands on them.
