by Eden Ember
Bought by the Alien Warrior Elgan
A SciFi Alien Warrior Romance AARAN BARBARIANS Book 2
EDEN EMBER
EVE LAIRD
Cover by Eve Laird
Copyright © 2020 by Eden Ember & Eve Laird
All rights reserved.
This work of fiction is intended for mature audiences only. All characters represented within are eighteen years of age or older and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This work is property of Eden Ember & Eve Laird, please do not reproduce illegally.
Contents
About the Aaran Barbarian Series
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
AARAN BARBARIANS
About the Authors: Eden Ember
About the Authors: Eve Laird
About the Aaran Barbarian Series
For an Aaran warrior, there’s only one thing stronger than their will to defeat the Zeta Empire and that’s the primitive hunger that can only come from finding their fated mate. None imagined that the sweet whisper of love could exist in the midst of so much violence and death. Perhaps that’s exactly where it’s needed most.
Join the valiant, brutal and fierce barbarian warriors as they discover just how much stronger love is than hate.
Chapter One
Diamond
I breathed deeply, focusing on the slow rhythm. It was always the same: mentally, I’d try to prepare myself for the whatever work would come along as I walked along the back streets. I learned that the best way to survive was to do whatever I had to when I first escaped the ship and found myself in the middle of Gael.
It didn’t take long to figure out exactly what that entailed.
As a Terran, I had an edge over the other females. The clients viewed me as exotic, something different to experience. I’m not proud of what I do, but at least it means I can eat and have a roof to sleep under… for the most part.
The lights from the shops illuminated the different folk who walked by. It was a diverse spot: the ethereal Nath’ri with their black, inky eyes - I believed they were telepathic, the barrel-like, furry Ohanga who fought savagely between themselves for no apparent reason, and the myriad of different beings in between. I scanned the sight in front of me, my eyes darted every few minutes to the hidden alley way across the way, making sure my escape route was still clear. If a Kwobus was in the area, I would long gone. Only a few of us remained in Gael now. Most species ran from them. It was the best survival tactic.
I’d already noticed his pale blue eyes watching me from the far side of the street. I’d heard enough about his kind to understand that the favor would be as enjoyable for me as him - at least that’s what the others had told me. The Aaran’s were rare visitors to these parts, but always welcomed.
I tried not to smile when he gave Myerha a grave expression and a slight shake of his head. She was always too quick to approach an unfamiliar face - too desperate. From the corner of my vision I felt his eyes on me again, and I prepared myself as he made his way closer.
So… my first customer of the evening would be an Aaran.
He spoke, his voice deep. “I am Elgan. What is your name?”
“Hi.” I replied. I never asked for names and neither did the customers. He was new to all this.
His brow furrowed before he continued. “I am honored to meet a Terran, especially in… these parts.”
Yeah, Gael hadn’t been the first place I wanted to be, but runaways don’t always get to pick where their escape ship ends up. Nevertheless, it was far better to be working on the side streets in Gael than a slave on Arenthia.
A dry laugh escaped me before I could hold it back. He may be new to this, but he was still a paying customer. I forced a smile. “It’s your lucky day then, Elgan.”
I trailed my gaze over his body, craning my neck to look up into those light blue eyes. They were dazzling, even in the dim light.
“Do you have somewhere in mind?” I asked, before giving him a sly smile. “Or we can go somewhere quieter… I have a place.” He was every inch as muscular and enticing as the others had said Aarans were. Godlike.
“I do not want to rut with your body.” he said, taken back. “I approached you because I wanted to meet you.” He stood prouder. “I only mate with those who wish it. Not for a transaction.”
Ah. I groaned. A time waster. One of those guys who wanted to sweet-talk you into bed rather than accept what this was: sex for money. It wasn’t rocket science, and I’d learned long ago that sex and love did not mix.
Besides, sex and money were both actual things. Love? That was a fairytale.
I resented the implication that he would not want me. I may not have chosen to be a slave, or have to runaway, but if he thought what I did was allowing someone else to have power over me now? Well, fuck him.
But I knew he’d still have money, and Myhera would expect me to contribute to her rent if I was to sleep on her couch again, so I gave him one last chance.
“Look big guy, whatever you wanna do, I’m more than ready for what you have.” I teased. “But I’m working here. I’ve got no time for freebies - no matter what I’ve heard about Aarans.”
With that I pouted my goodbye, flicked my mane of curls as I turned, and sashayed away. If he followed, I’d earn. If he didn’t, at least a potential customer approached from the distance. A Varian, I assumed, by his size and shape. Given that he was wearing a large hooded cape, the only true giveaway he was Varian was the glint of his teeth in the street lights. Those serrated teeth made me shudder, but I’d avoid those. Damn, they had the roughest hands that ever clawed at my skin. There’d be nothing I could do to avoid them… but I needed to earn.
I swallowed back the bile that threatened to rise in my throat, took a deep breath and gave him my brightest smile. “Hey, baby.” I purred. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
He grunted his nod towards the alleyway just behind me. That should have been my first warning that this wasn’t one of my usual Varian regulars.
“Too close to sidewalk.” He grunted. “We go there.” he pointed further along the alleyway. I moved towards a doorway, behind several crates and a pile of trash. We were far enough away from disruption, yet still close enough to the sidewalk so I could make an escape if needed. As he came closer, the hairs prickled on the back of my neck.
I saw his grim stare filled with lust and fury, it filled my entire vision in the scant distance between us. Varians were known for fighting and fucking, and he looked like he wanted both.
He seized my wrist before fisting a handful of Varian coin into it. “Look. I pay.” he spat, as his other hand undid the front of his trousers. “Now, you suck.”
“No need to be so fucking rough.” I huffed, rubbing my wrist after I’d slipped the coins into the secret pocket in the hem of my shirt.
“You suck, now.” his low tone was insistent.
“Yeah, yeah. I suck now, baby.” I soothed, slowly trailing my tongue over my lips. “Which one do you want me to lick first?” I teased.
“You take both, now!”
He grabbed the back of my head and pushed me to my knees. I already knew the way I landed on the coarse grit had skinned them. That would cost him extra.
He pulled my head back enough so my eyes had to meet his gaze. “You suck both now.
I watch your mouth. No tricks.” His slackened grip allowed me the movement to lean forward.
If I could’ve taken both of his yellow cocks in my mouth together, I would have. I tried. But they just wouldn’t fit. Even trying to hold them both as they writhed in my hands like fish made it difficult. So, instead, I focused on one. I wrapped my lips around it, making all the noises I expected he’d enjoy as my tongue circled his girth. He’d forget about wanting this two-at-once thing soon enough. Besides, one at a time meant twice the pleasure for him… twice the work for me.
He rewarded me with an irritated groan before a shooting pain ripped across my scalp as he yanked at my hair. A yelp escaped me as he pulled me upright again, I reached to where he’d grabbed my hair, only for him to choose that moment to slap my cheek with the back of his hand.
His other hand found its way around my neck. “I pay. You swallow or…” The threat in his tone was clear enough without continuing, or the quick squeeze of his fingers. “Or I punish.”
Myerha’s bubbly laugh echoed into the distance. We were so far from the sidewalk that even it’s dim light was gone. Hidden behind these crates, it would be a quick and violent end. Unless he chose it to be a slow and violent end.
“I sw… sw… swallow.” I stammered, fear prickling me to the core.
He pushed me down into the corner, between the crates and the wall, one hand around my throat, the other corralling both of his bulging cocks towards my mouth.
He’d destroy me and kill me. I imagined my body laying here, left to rot and becoming food for the rodents.
Fuck this.
Adrenaline coursed through my veins and before I realized what I’d done, I bit down hard of the first thing forced into my mouth.
His iron grip released from on my throat and later, when I’d think about it, I’d still gag from realizing I’d taken a bite clean out of him. I spat the vile morsel out of my mouth and ran fast in the only direction I could.
But that direction led away from the sidewalk and into the darkness.
I ran anyway.
A few side streets later, I’d disappeared into a crowded square. Folks of all species joined together in celebrating and their joyful expressions dropping to shock or disgust as I met them. I ran further, circling around for another hour before trying to get to Myerha’s apartment. She wouldn’t be back until the second sunrise. I would be safer there, at least for a little while. I could wash away the thought of him there too.
As I neared Myerha’s place, the sidewalk grew quieter. I scanned the faces, my feet stopping as another Terran came into view. I was aware of every Terran who lived in a ten click radius of this place. Only a few other Terrans lived here and she was not one of them.
Whoever she was, she stood beside Myerha’s door and gave me a knowing smile.
I squared my shoulders, ready for a fight. I’d already defended myself from a Verian tonight, so defending myself against another Terran would be nothing.
For some reason, a pang of loyalty to another of my species tugged at my gut - how could she have had the misfortune to end up in Gael too? Healthy looking, well-fed; it was unlikely she wanted to work.
“I’m Allegra.” she beamed when I came close enough, reaching a hand out to greet me.
I didn’t touch it. “Uh, huh?” My eyebrows raise in question.
“You spoke with my friend earlier.”
“Oh? I really doubt that a pretty thing like you is friends with any Varian.” I tried to brush past her. “But if you’re…”
She held up her hand, “No. Elgan’s not Varian.” she said, a confusion passed over her. “He’s Aaran.” She stood on her tiptoes, reached her hand into the air. “Big blue guy, about this high?”
The time waster.
“Oh, him.” I let out an exasperated breath. “I’ve had a shit night. I’ve not got time for a guy who’s looking for free trials.” I air quoted around the words. “No matter how nice he asks.”
Allegra cocked her head to the side. “Elgan’s a respectful guy. He’s not looking for any favors. He would like to get to know you. Just to talk.”
“Why?” I asked, growing impatient. I had a horrible evening that I wanted to wash it all off me.
She stepped closer. “I can see things aren’t exactly great for you.”
“That’s not your concern.” I bristled. My reflection caught my eye against the chrome of a small transporter that drove past.
No wonder those folks tried to avoid looking at me earlier. Purple Varian blood stains ran from my chin down onto the top of my shirt.
“I can take care of myself.” I wiped at the stain on my shirt, but it would never come out.
“How about a more permanent job?” she asked. “One that pays better, but without the Varian blood.”
“You wanna buy my time for your Aaran friend?”
“Something like that.” Allegra said. Her brown eyes looked into mine. “Onetime offer. We’re leaving now. But if you come with me, I promise you’ll be safe, well fed, decently paid and won’t have to do any favors you don’t want to.”
Tempting, so tempting… and unlikely to be any more dangerous than here. Yet trusting anyone, never mind a complete stranger did not come easy to me.
“Why?” suspicion clawed at me. “Why me and why now?”
“He likes you.” Allegra gave me a slight smile. “And I trust his gut.”
She glanced behind me where the Varian guards stood, “And I’d guess it’s in your best interests to disappear from Gael for a while.”
She had a point, Varians took any slight as a question of honor and they killed for it. They hadn’t noticed us yet, but only time before they did. They’d hunt this quarter until they found me.
I guess I had two choices: stay here and face the Varians idea of justice, or go with the well-fed and healthy looking Terran who claimed I would be safe.
Chapter Two
Elgan
The comms device had barely flashed before I answered it.
“We’re on board.” Allegra gave a satisfied smile. “I’ve shown Diamond to some empty chambers where she can get washed and eat a decent meal.”
“Good.” My shoulders relaxed just a little.
“Was she hurt?” I asked. I wanted to know and yet I still despised myself for not rescuing her from the Varian in time.
“Not that I saw and I doubt it… Probably a little damaged pride, and a ripped shirt.” Allegra winced. “She’s tough, she’s learned how to handle herself.”
“I wish to see her for myself, to make sure.” the urge to be near her was all but unbearable.
“About that…” Allegra started. Her impassive expression told me everything.
“Do you think I wish to mate with her after everything that happened to her tonight?” I had always prided myself as being an honorable Aaran and her assumption implied she thought I was anything but.
“Well, you asked me to ‘buy’ her.” Allegra’s eyes shunned the camera on her comms.
“I wish to welcome her to the Torq Runner and tell her she is safe.”
I heard Gandrox speak in the distance, his shape just about visible in the distance, behind her. “Allegra, he would not impose or force himself.”
She nodded. “I understand that,” Allegra looked at me through the camera. “Elgan, I believe you wouldn’t. But I’d give her a little time in case she thinks that’s what you’re expecting. What I mean is… she hasn’t had the best experience of males. I’m going to call on her later, make sure she’s got everything she needs.”
That sounded reasonable, I nodded. “You are wise, Allegra. Please tell Diamond I hope she… um…” I broke off my sentence. What did I want her to say?
Allegra gave an easy laugh, “I’ll tell her you were asking about her, and that you’ll speak with her tomorrow. I’ll message you in the morning, we’re meeting for breakfast.”
“That would be acceptable.” I hesitated for a moment. “And thank you, Allegra. You are a
female of worth.”
Gandrox’ voice returned. “We are both in agreement, Elgan.”
A giggle came from Allegra, “Gandrox! Stop!”
It was time to disconnect the call.
“Good night to you both.” I said and ended the call. Somewhere within me, I ached for the companionship of a relationship like Gandrox and Allegra’s. Would that be possible for us? I’d never witnessed Gandrox so contented and at ease within himself as he’d been since Allegra came into his life.
Allegra had been more than understanding and never once judged me or my choice of mate.
The following morning, I’d dressed in my best uniform and sat in my room. Time crept along slowly until I received a message from Allegra. Diamond and Allegra had ate breakfast together and Diamond was on the viewing deck. I would meet her there and take the opportunity to introduce myself formally, then I’d show her some of the more important parts of the ship.
As I’d expected the viewing deck was empty, save for Diamond. Everyone aboard had their duties to carry out - as would Diamond once she settled in. Her silhouette formed a curvy outline by the window, as she gazed out into the vastness. She hadn’t moved when I came in, so I assumed she hadn’t realized she had company.
“It is a magnificent view, isn’t it?”
She jumped at my intrusion, but recovered, attempting to hide the reaction. She still held onto a little of the tension in her body, her soft curves poised, ready to fight if the need arose. Not even the oversized overalls Allegra had given her hid that.
I hated that she’d felt any need, consciously or not, to be ready to defend herself against me of all people.
