by Piper Stone
I hadn’t even thought about the possibility. What if some of the women who’d been captured were merely plants performing a duty? I allowed my mind to shift over the various cases, the often-inaccurate evidence that had been obtained.
And informants who’d been caught lying.
A lump stuck in my throat. What if I’d been played all along?
Greson sighed. “Are you a spy, lovely little human?”
“No, I am not, but you have no reason to believe me. I’m certain you have tests you can perform in order to tell whether or not I’m lying.” I had no idea in truth, but it felt damn good to stand up to him. I had to find out what he was made of. “Then again, maybe humans are smarter in every way.”
He allowed his fingers to continue exploring, moving down my neck. I’d expected his next move, the firm grasp around my throat but as he moved his thumb back and forth across my lips, I noticed a true vulnerability about him. “I have no doubt humans are very intelligent. They are also forgiving as they hunger to find true love. That is a weakness, one that I suspect many of your enemies have used against you all these years.”
“Love is never a weakness, Greson. Love is kind and joyous, amazing and earth-shattering.”
“And love is also very painful, devastating for so many.”
His poignant words were said with such deep emotion. “You mentioned that you have few females to choose from. Have you ever been in love?”
Greson smiled although it waned almost immediately. “Only once. As a warrior, love is not a question or a choice. I am committed to being a soldier, commanding my team.”
“That sounds very lonely.”
“All I ever wanted to be was a commander of my own ship. There is no room for anything else.”
I wanted to pull away but found his intensity far sexier than I’d realized before. “So you keep saying as if trying to convince yourself.”
“Our life is vastly different than that of humans, but in truth, I envy you.”
“I thought you hated humans in every way,” I said in a mocking tone.
He laughed softly. “I commanded a ship in an entirely different galaxy. I have been away for years. My lack of knowledge created my own dissention and what you would call animosity. I have done vast research on humans and would love to visit Earth. Your world must be exquisite in every way.”
“Earth is indeed beautiful and the Malzeons had a hand in helping humans rebuild so much of what had been lost in several wars. We are lucky to be thriving again.” I hadn’t thought of Earth in that manner in truth for a while. Perhaps every Earthling had simply taken it for granted. How sad.
“I was not a part of that decision-making process, I will admit. I do remember my father being against helping your kind. He believed you were... barbaric, I believe is the word. That’s why when asked to accept a human form upon return, I admit that I was incensed.”
“Why were you asked? That doesn’t make sense to me, but I see the majority of Malzeons maintain a human form.” As soon as I asked the question, his eyes flashed. Whatever reason, it was damning to their race. I was already forming my own opinions.
“There are aspects of our life that you have not been made privy to. That will change. Knowledge is power.”
I wanted so much to ask why but I knew that without Draze being in the room, Greson would say little. He actually cared about Draze, although it was easy to tell that the brooding commander didn’t feel the same way in the least.
“What happened between you and Draze? There’s so much anger and hatred.”
His eyes darted up to glance into mine as he slipped his thumb past my lips, taking a deep breath after doing so. “Nothing for you to worry about.” He pressed his finger in deeper until I reared back, forcing his hold to disengage. He issued a slight growl, although unlike before, this time there was no animosity. He had a playful side it would seem.
“I disagree. Whatever fractured your relationship is the very reason you were put together in the first place. The question is why?”
Greson took a glance at the sky. “I have been lucky enough to visit several planets in distant galaxies, but even though some of their cultures and landscaping were beautiful, they weren’t home. I missed this place terribly, although everything is very different now.”
“Have you always lived in this bubble?”
He seemed amused as to my choice of the word. “This... bubble has been our protection from our enemies, but we were not always forced to live inside. There was a time that we lived in beautiful villages near bodies of water. The forest was much more expansive then and there were flowers of every kind. So beautiful and fragrant. We were happy and prosperous.” A dark cloud moved across his face.
“Your planet is dying. Isn’t it?”
This time, he pulled away, taking several steps backwards, still staring out the window. “When I left, the skies had yet to fall into blackness. There were even some days we could almost see blue sky.”
“What’s going on?”
“The short answer is gas. The volcanic substance under the crust of our planet is toxic, much more so than the volcanoes that you have on Earth. They began fissuring into our atmosphere long ago. At first, the scientists were able to contain it, but they didn’t understand just how destructive the situation was already. Things got out of hand quickly.”
“That’s why you remain in human form. A protection.”
He attempted to smile then closed his eyes, shifting his weight as if uncomfortable. “Yes, but it wasn’t the case prior to my departure. I am still... getting used to this form.”
“Is it working?”
“I am no scientist, Casey, but from what I’ve heard since my return, no.”
“That’s why you made a deal with Earth.” Having the truth revealed put everything into perspective. “You made the damn deal with us, promising and delivering nutrients and minerals, even plants and flowers to our fucking planet so you could take it over!” I sidestepped him as soon as he reached out, moving around a piece of furniture. As if I could stay out of his grasp for long.
“That’s not the case, Casey. We had no idea at that time we wouldn’t be able to save our planet. Whatever you’ve heard isn’t the truth. Our king is an honorable man. Of that I assure you.”
For some reason, my anger was riled again or maybe self-preservation. Almost as soon as I lashed out, I regretted the words.
“An honorable man. You take females as slaves so you can breed with them. That’s a real truth for you. How about another? You plan on killing our race. You have no desire to follow through with your side of the treaty. My God. I was a fool to think what I found matters, that I could maybe save our world from being annihilated.”
Greson took long strides, almost able to grasp my arm. He pulled back, hesitating before speaking. “That’s not the case at all. I know it.”
“How the fuck do you know that if you’ve been away for several years? You came back to a planet where the light has been taken away, your people forced to live as another species. Why would you not think that perhaps the great king has laid plans for moving to Earth?”
He took a deep breath, his eyes turning into several shades. I could see confusion and anger in them. Then his entire body began to shudder, the ground beneath us rumbling exactly as it had the night before in the forest. Within seconds, he had me in his grasp, fisting my hair and dragging me against his chest.
“That can’t be true.” His voice was altered, deeper and strangled as he attempted to take several deep breaths.
I pushed hard against his chest, horrified as the sounds of bones cracking filled the airspace around us. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he began to transform before me, but his eyes were riddled with such sadness.
The growl he emitted was one of disbelief and pain. Anguish from losing someone he loved. Terror of what was going to happen to his planet and people. And denial that he’d been lied to. He lowered his head, crushing his lips over
mine. As much as I wanted to fight him, to get away from the creature he was becoming, I couldn’t. I was drawn to him for some inexplicable reason, the need to be close to him overwhelming.
The kiss became a passionate roar, a moment of white-hot electricity entirely different than what I’d experienced with Draze. He was on fire, his body reaching a scorching temperature as the transformation process continued.
He held me tightly against him, grinding his hips against my stomach. The feel of his throbbing cock beating wildly was crazy, maddening and I was enraptured by the moment. Our tongues entwined, his domination increasing.
He raked his hand down my back, cupping my bottom and lifting me off my feet. The wretched sounds continued, muscles stretching and tendons popping. I wrapped my arms around his neck, intertwining my fingers in his long hair, more aroused than ever. My nipples ached, pushing hard against the rough material as the scent of him filled me entirely, sliding down my legs and curling my toes.
Our teeth gnashed together, his command increasing. God, I wanted him. I wanted this. I was insane, crazy from the thought alone, but the connection was far too powerful.
When he finally broke the kiss, he pushed me into a deep arc, dragging the rough pads of his fingers down my neck. I heard the ripping of material as he tore apart the shirt, issuing guttural sounds seconds before engulfing my nipple into his mouth. His teeth were sharper and the moment he bit down, a wave of pain and pleasure mixed together to the point I was blinded, unable to think in any manner.
Massive hands held me and even though I had my eyes closed, the weight of them, the feel of his fingers digging in my skin left me tingling all over.
Greson ripped apart the rest of the shift and moved his hand between my legs, his fingers pushing past my delicate folds. “Mine. Mine. Mine.” His words were almost garbled from the huskiness in his voice. He was pitting what he felt for me with Draze. Whatever they’d endured before had torn them apart.
I was suddenly thrown into a moment of sheer ecstasy as he thrust one then two fingers inside, pumping erratically. “Oh, oh, oh...” I struggled to see him, to see all of him as he truly was.
“Stop!” the dark voice bellowed from behind us. Draze was angry, furious that Greson was touching me in any way.
I sucked in my breath and the second I was able to look at Greson, I was shocked. There’d been no real transformation at all.
Greson licked his lips, lowering his gaze toward me and slowly easing me onto my feet. “For another day, female.”
Draze walked further into the room as I pulled away, yanking the shirt around me. I could see how incensed he was, his eyes reflecting a quick glance at his very soul as well as his brutal, unforgiving needs.
Hunger.
Possession.
Obsession.
They were both enthralling and terrifying at the same time.
A full minute ticked by as the two men glared at each other.
“We must talk prior to any continuation.” Draze moved toward one of the chairs, sitting down in a commanding manner. And the way he’d said the words was as if our combined passion was nothing more than a requirement to be fulfilled.
But I knew better.
“The human believes that our king is going to invade Earth, killing every human,” Greson stated. He raked his hands through his hair and walked toward the window.
Draze pointed to the other chair, refusing to back down until I’d followed his order.
I did as he required, my entire body shivering. “What is the truth, Draze? Only you seem to know exactly what is going on. You have a clear line of communication with the king and my conversation with Greson has been fascinating.”
He shifted in the seat, finally leaning forward, snapping his head in Greson’s direction. His tone was demanding. Harsh. “What did you tell her?”
“The truth. That our planet is dying and that I believe King Lorowerd had no intention of invading Earth, or at least not at first. But things change. Our dying planet is a damn good reason.”
The two men shared another telling look between them.
“Please tell me. What is really going on?” I asked, the tension still increasing.
“What do you know about the New World Order?” Draze asked after taking several deep breaths. At least his tone was softer, less accusatory.
“Do they even matter? I know they are positioning themselves for becoming rulers of the world, but they are few in number. And if you have no plans on keeping the treaty, what I believe would have no bearing any longer.” I sat back, curling my legs under me, my heart racing.
“Tell her the truth, Draze. If we are to perform our duty, she has to know everything,” Greson hissed.
Draze’s upper lip curled but he finally nodded. “It is true that our planet is dying. Both Greson and I were just told of this.”
“But you already suspected,” I added.
Another nod was following by the larger alien rubbing his face. For the strong man, one who only showed anger the majority of the time, I gathered a sense of the same grief and bitter anger that I’d felt with Greson. Both men were torn apart.
“King Lorowerd finally admitted that the scientists will not be able to stop the effect of the gas coming from the very depths of our planet, eating away at all our resources. We will all be dead, even behind this protective glass, within eighteen months.” Draze allowed the words to be fully understood.
“And there’s nothing that can be done?” I asked, my voice quivering.
“Our scientists have tried everything. However, the king’s treaty made with Earth was not something he was or is willing to break. Yes, the Malzeon race certainly needs to find another home, but first, we must find the people who are betraying us. The king is finished with inciting war. At least I pray that is the case.”
“Betraying you. What are you talking about?” What he’d said didn’t make any sense to me.
Draze took a moment before answering. “While our king did not provide details, there is a belief that someone is out to allow our world to be destroyed.”
“Possibly another one of our enemies, a species that we thought became extinct during a vast war one hundred years ago,” Greson added.
“What does that have to do with the end of your world or the treaty?” I couldn’t understand what either of them was getting at.
“We aren’t certain,” Draze said quietly.
“But you have an idea. Don’t you?” I demanded.
“Do not raise your voice to me, human!”
I held my breath as Greson said something to him in their own language, forcing a grumble from Draze as he jerked to his feet, walking toward a cabinet in the corner of the room. “Our king is honorable.”
“So I’ve heard from both of you. The question remains, what do you want from me?” I continued to shiver, watching Draze as he appeared to be pouring three drinks. I could only hope the liquid was some form of alcohol. I was sick to my stomach, every nerve on edge.
“Tell me, little human, why were you arrested?” Greson asked. “That may be of importance.”
“For crimes against the State. While I don’t know this for certain, my belief is for gathering information regarding the New World Order and the minions who work for them. They didn’t like that I was snooping into their business, making waves with a group called the Dark Resistance.”
“The Dark Resistance?” Greson repeated.
“A group of dissidents who do not buy into the new government hold,” Draze answered. “They are growing in numbers and considered powerful. A possible threat. They are also not fond of the Malzeon race.”
“Yes, and in those numbers are very prominent people who I believe have been murdered by the same thugs who arrested me.” I could tell the information I’d given was an eye opener.
“Then what King Lorowerd said could be true,” Greson muttered. “Someone wants our planet to die, our people to perish. We have truly been betrayed.”
“
This other race you mentioned?” I asked, trying to understand the complexities.
“Possibly, but we have many enemies, other civilizations we’d fought over centuries. Or it could be someone very close to all of us.” After hissing, Draze brought the drinks, giving me a stern look as he handed me a glass. “Drink this slowly. Much more powerful than anything on Earth.”
I accepted, holding the glass in both hands.
“How do you know this?” Greson asked.
“I investigated several murders in my capacity as a detective. I started connecting them a period of time after a prominent doctor was murdered, rumored to have been taken to the auction. Your auction. When I saw her bloodied body, I knew that wasn’t the truth, but I certainly had no trust of the Malzeon race. I had no idea whether you were working with the New Order.”
Draze remained standing. “The women selected for the auction are merely criminals. This has been an exchange in practice since the treaty was signed.”
“What if that’s not the case? What if the New World Order wanted to shut them up by sending them away?” I asked before taking a sip. The warm liquid was soothing, a taste unlike anything I’d ever experienced. “But they would talk. Wouldn’t they? They would tell you what’s going on.”
“Maybe they’ve tried,” Greson huffed. “Remember, pets are not given credence. They are living out their sentence in our world and nothing more.”
“Then we need to know if any of them have more evidence than I do,” I insisted.
“What information do you have?” Draze asked commandingly.
I swallowed another sip then took a gulp, almost immediately feeling a slight buzz. By telling them everything, if my father was right in his beliefs, I would likely be killed. I had no other choice. I felt as if something major was about to occur.
“You must trust us, Casey. This is very important. Our people deserve a chance at life.” Greson eased next to me, taking my other hand into his. “We are not your enemy. That I promise you.”
“Greson is right. We have to work together in finding the truth.”
I thought about their plea, realizing they were suffering in several ways. Could I trust them? I had to follow my instincts. “My father was a scientist. Evidently, he was a part of the team when you came to Earth. He didn’t believe that you were friendly, certain of the fact that you would eventually take over Earth, killing every human. He was also working on other projects, but I don’t know what they were. He was very secretive. But I have his notes from his work before he was... killed.”
