by Eden Ember
“Yeah.” her words were softer than I’d expected, and her gaze still focused on the vast space outside the window. “The void out there is totally empty. Yet it’s also crammed full of life. So many stars, so many worlds full of people; but they’re all so far away.”
I moved beside her. Her gaze never left the window, mesmerized with the view of space. I was enthralled looking at her. A floral scent of something she’d used to bathe in filled the space between us. Light, delicate, feminine. It reminded me of the flowers and herbs my grandmother had grown before they had burned her farm down.
Beneath her halo of springy curls, her ebony skin almost glowed from the reflections of the glass. Her eyebrows raised as her deep copper eyes scanned the view of the quadrant. Her lips opened in awe of a view I’d taken so much for granted.
My cock appreciated the sight of her and her scent, it stiffened at the mental image of her looking at me with the same intensity as I’d enter her. My mind filled with dark thoughts of having her right there, her legs wrapped high around me as I pounded into her against the thick cool glass. Imagined muffled moans of desire rang in my ears.
The memory of Allegra’s disapproving expression from last night reminded me that despite my desires, I was a male of honor. I needed a distraction because my cock wanted to prove very much otherwise, repeatedly, in the viewing deck.
“Is this your first time on a ship?” I asked. “Were you born on Gael?” It seemed impossible, but a stark reminder that made it clear how much we were strangers to each other.
“Oh no,” She gave a dry laugh, tearing her gaze away from beyond the window and up into my eyes. “I was born to a slave on Arenthia. Lived there until about two years ago.”
My jaw clenched. I’d heard how slaves became pregnant on planets like Arenthia; and I also heard what happened to young women born to those slaves.
Despite already having to lift her gaze up to meet mine, somehow she still jutted her chin out a little. The defiance was thick in her voice. “Then I found my way onto a merchant transporter. I’d no idea where it was going and it didn’t have a nice viewing deck like this. Not one that a runaway like me was able to swagger onto at least,” she shrugged. “Three months later, they stopped somewhere that wasn’t an outpost station. I made my way off the ship… that’s how I ended up working on Gael.”
Something changed in her again, a slow smile creeped across her face, the defiance replaced with something else. “Let’s not worry too much about history.” She gave me a sultry pout. “We’ve got plenty of time for that.”
Diamond’s fingers danced their way up and down my bare arm. Their movements sending shock waves through my body, the sensation was foreign to me. I stiffened again and bit back the desire to claim her mouth, those full, wet lips, with mine.
“I’ve got a lot to thank you for.” she whispered, “A lot to make up to you.”
The words didn’t register with me but her hand had made the journey downwards, making a quick jump onto my abdomen and then lower.
“Let me repay you.”
The words were as cold as the icy wastelands in Arka. Repay? Repay?
I stepped back in shock.
“Repay?”
“Shh…” she whispered, starting to unbutton her overalls. She gave her shoulders a quick wiggle and then she was bare chested in front of me.
“Isn’t this what you wanted?” she pouted, her hands cupping her own breasts.
Well, it was, but not like this!
“I do not wish to mate with you as a transaction.” The words left me without permission.
I willed my eyes not to focus on her soft breasts; nor the enticing sway of her nipples as she rubbed them in her own hands; nor how she writhed at from her own touch.
The temptation was too much. It was torture. Pure and utter torture.
Sweet, soft and delicious torture that I had to resist.
“Get dressed.” I hadn’t intended my tone to be so sharp, and she hadn’t expected it either if her the confusion on her face was anything to go by.
I turned, forcing my legs to walk me as far away from her as possible: I would not lay with a female because she felt obliged.
“Well if I’m not here to fuck, why did you bring me?”
The words stopped me dead. I heard the soft padding of her footsteps as she approached me. I turned towards her, expecting her to have covered herself again, but the sight of her ample breasts once again filled me with unhelpful thoughts. She was standing in the middle of the viewing deck now.
“I don’t want to fuck you.” I said, using her words, and pleading with myself to just leave because saying it out loud only made it harder to stay honorable. Part of me really, really wanted to fuck her: hard and fast, slow and deep, every and all ways possible. To take her and claim her as my own, before another Aaran dared to try.
“That’s twice you’ve turned me down.” she reasoned. “And besides, you’ve already paid.”
A grunt pushed that comment away, I’d told Allegra to offer credits if it was necessary, but not to imply it was for Diamond’s services. I’d address that with Allegra later.
“There’s been a misunderstanding. I did not, nor never will pay you to mate with me.” I said the words as gently, crossing the distance between us in just a couple of steps. As delicately as my thick fingers allowed, I lifted the material of her shirt back over her shoulders and back over her bronze skin.
Her breath hitched as I spoke.
“Never?” uncertainty was thick in her small voice.
“No.” I said, trying and failing to re-button her clothes.
“Does my body displease you?” a flicker of vulnerability shone behind those brown eyes now focusing on the floor between us. I decided in this light the mix of brown and gold made the most beautiful copper color.
The color reminded me of a warrior goddess from the old stories. Wild and ferocious when needed, but as vulnerable and needing of love as each one of us were when she was hurting.
“It has nothing to do with your body.” I whispered back. “If we are ever to mate… and I wish it, it will be willingly. Not for coin.”
She swallowed, before giving a small nod and blinking back what I’d assumed might be tears. They had advised me that Terrans, females in particular, had the potential to display many emotions with tears. Why exactly she was trying to hide them was beyond me and I didn’t trust myself to ask. Somehow I’d already upset her enough for one day.
“I would like us to get to know each other.” the words came slowly as I tiptoed around them. “We do not have to fuck for that. At least, not yet.”
She rewarded me with a glimmer of a smile.
“You intrigue me.” I admitted. “I want to know everything about you.”
“What do you expect from me?”
“I expect nothing.” I shrugged. Knowing she on the Torq Runner was enough. Here, she was safe.
“And I’m supposed to…”
“Gandrox expects everyone to work. I’ll ask Allegra to teach you how to help with the work she does. As someone on board this ship, having shelter and food, I believe you know the concept of No Freebies.”
Others had viewed Diamond’s arrival on the ship either with significant interest or as fuel for gossip. Some had assumed I had bought Diamond for distraction and as a plaything. It had been no secret that she had worked on the streets of Gael before coming onboard the Torq Runner.
I had asked Allegra to take care of her for the first few days, so Diamond get her bearings on board without being overwhelmed. I would respect her space and I had hope that when she was ready, we’d speak. Diamond had enough males making demands of her in the past. And that past was behind her now. I would wait for her.
It had taken every fiber of my body to stand back as she disappeared into that alleyway with a Varian. They were the vilest of creatures. The regret I carried for that decision would haunt me for the rest of my days. I should have been closer, I should have kill
ed him the second he dared to lay his hands on my Diamond.
She had been tough. Tougher than most, and quick witted enough to get away before he harmed her. She was already in the distance when I slit that bastard’s throat. Whether I’d ever tell her that I killed him or not, made no difference. It was too little, too late. I should have protected her.
That deep, darkest part within me continued to taunt me. I should have taken her offer: given her the credits and taken her to my chambers. I should have thrown her over my shoulder and taken her back to the Torq Runner as soon as I laid eyes on her. That’s what I’d wanted.
All the truths of the universe were hidden to me, but I was certain of one: I knew that Diamond was mine, she was my fated. But whether that meant anything to her was unlikely.
Chapter Three
Diamond
Elgan insisted on walking me back to the canteen where he’d asked Allegra to meet with us. It took a brisk walk for me to keep up with Elgan’s slow stroll. The ship appeared much, much bigger than the transport I’d stowed away on. And cleaner.
It had taken all my strength not to squeal like a three-horned hog the first time I’d seen a ferunwal on that ship. It had been large enough to be a cat, and when I’d approached it, an enormous ball of fur lying in a corner, that’s what I’d thought it had been. Only when I got close enough to reach out to touch it, did I realize what it was with its sharp rodent teeth snapping at me. I’d been too distracted by my new surroundings then and let my guard down. I thought I’d found the one creature on that ship that was more hungry and frightened than I’d been. Turned out it was as ready to lure me in before attacking me, using my kindness as weakness the same as any other living being.
I glanced to my left, where Elgan’s proud chest hid everything else in that direction from view. I just didn’t understand. He was a virile a male, yet he’d refused me twice now.
What male refused sex?
I’d had time last night to think about our first conversation and I was certain that offering myself to him was what he’d expected this morning. It was always what they expected… or demanded. I had control of what happened to my body now.
I wasn’t against the idea of being with him. It shamed me to even admit to myself how my body reacted to being near him. Curiosity and desire had filled me and I’d gone along, only for him to push me away.
I’d looked like a fool when he refused me. Caught off-guard yet again.
Whatever game he was playing, I didn’t understand the rules or how to win. How long would he consider me interesting enough to keep me on this ship? So far, I’d figured out that his game was to appear physically attracted to me but refuse me, claiming he wanted to get to know me.
At least we’d both agreed on that: I didn’t know him either.
That’s how I realized his attraction to me couldn’t be real. if he’d decided he wanted my body, then that was all he wanted - except he wanted to play some power game.
Maybe he was one of those who preferred a female who was less willing. No, that didn’t feel right. They preyed on quiet females who worked as bakers, or servants, or cleaned the houses of the wealthy. I glanced up towards Elgan again: shoulders back, head held high. No. He held himself with pride rather than the arrogance that rapists had. I’d had the misfortune to cross enough of them in my past to sense which the males to truly fear.
Perhaps he was telling the truth? It seemed unlikely.
If he even so much as breathed any of that “Fated Mate” shit, I’d be off this ship faster than a fully paid debt collector. If Fated Mates were real, then I wouldn’t have earned a single coin on Gael.
So far, at least, I’d ate well, been given somewhere warm to sleep, and no one had demanded any favors from me. Elgan had, despite my attempts otherwise, treated me with nothing but respect. That was more than I could say of my time on Arenthia or in Gael. I’d need to keep myself useful to stay here for a while longer. I’d help with whatever tasks Allegra had for me, but what use would I be on a ship except to keep the males entertained?
Elgan’s communicator beeped on his arm.
“Allegra has been held up.” he stated. “You will meet with our Commander. He will inform you of your duties.”
“Will I be working near you?” Despite myself, a pang of worry tugged at my gut that I might lose the one male ally on board.
“No.” I hoped I heard regret in his tone. “I am the Chief Navigator. It takes many years before we allow even our most junior apprentice in my area.”
He stopped walking, turning and lowering himself to my height. “It would be inappropriate for an untrained Terran to be afforded special privileges.”
“Oh.” I nodded.
Elgan’s communicator beeped again, this time with an urgent high pitched tone. The soft expression he’d given me turned to ice as he read his message.
He gave me a lopsided smile. “Besides, if we were to come under attack, you would prove too much distraction for me.”
He gave me a slow bow. “I am needed. The canteen is the third door on the right, just ahead.” Elgan pointed even though I had recognized the door from breakfast. “If you are hungry, please eat whatever you wish. Gandrox will be there soon.”
His communicator sounded another fevered beep. “I must go.”
I had to do my best not to gasp when I took in the scene that awaited in the canteen. A dozen Aaran males had been chatting among themselves, and they all turned to look at me as I walked in. A dozen pairs of those luminous blue eyes watched me.
I walked towards an empty table, the noise of my chair squeaking as I pulled it out to sit down echoed in the enormous room. I tried to ignore how my feet didn’t touch the ground in the Aaran-sized furniture.
Allegra had only said that they helped in the war against the Zeta Empire. I’d learned enough in my life to know that massive warrior type males, like Elgan and these guys, often worked in places where things got… aggressive. They certainly weren’t Gorloll merchants.
Allegra had seemed happy, healthy and here on her own free-will. She’d even gone as far as saying she’d found a mate here. So against my better judgement, for now, I believed that they would not harm me. I hadn’t noticed slave quarters on the ship, nor had I seen any obvious slaves either held captive or working on board. If they were intending to sell me as a slave, then I would have expected to see a lot of others also who looked as out of place, like me.
The only sounds came from the distance where the cooks were cooking: their inaudible chatter and the sizzling of something being fried. Whatever it was, it smelled delicious as the scent wafted through the air. The Aaran males around the tables, however, barely even breathed.
“What’s wrong guys? Never seen a Terran female before?” I asked to fill the silence even though Allegra was Terran. Were we the only ones? I’d make it my business to ask her later. “Ain’t you all got work to be doing or something?”
“The female is correct.” His voice was deep and full of the authority that only came with years of leading other males. “Attend to your duties.”
A few short moments later the canteen was empty, save for the huge, blue Aaran male now sitting opposite me.
“Well that was impressive.” I said, trying to ignore his glares. Their obedience was instant and respectful. Not one of them so much as mumbled a groan of dissent. I’d listened because it told me as much about Gandrox as it did them. Of the entire ship, Gandrox was the one I’d have to ensure I’d please if I wanted to stay on board when the time came that Elgan tired of me.
So this was the Commander of the Torq Runner.
“Thanks. But just so you understand, I didn’t need rescuing.”
“From my men or from the Varians who would have torn you limb from limb?” His keen eyes studied me.
“I’ve kept myself alive so far.” I shrugged. “And in one piece.” I leaned forwards, placing my elbows and stretched my hands over towards him. “I’m guessing that’s something you’ll
want to check for yourself?”
He stood, “Allegra had duties for you to work on the Aid Team,” A sneer appeared on his lips. “But I can see you are too… distracting to work on the same deck as my Mate or the males who work with her.”
His mate? Allegra might have mentioned her mate’s name, but it hadn’t registered with me. She didn’t say she was mated to the Commander of the fucking ship.
Gandrox’s mouth formed a grim line as he tapped furiously into his comms device.
“You’re fortunate we hold Elgan in such high regard. It is only because he wishes you to be aboard that is stopping me from throwing you out of the waste disposal shaft and into the void.” He paced. “My mate has shown you nothing but compassion, Elgan has shown you nothing but respect. Yet you repay both of them by tempting the other males on board and throwing yourself at me. Do you have no self worth?”
I swallowed, hard. For the second time within an hour I was willing away the tears that threatened to spill.
“I’m sorry.” I said softly. It was obvious that I’d offended him. Actually, I’d offended them all. Everything was so different here.
“You will work in the Engine room with Jules.” His bright blue eyes gave me an ominous look.
“You will remain on Level 4 at all times. At least there are no males there. I assume you do not intend to offer your services to the other females?”
I bit back my response, thinking better of it.
A quiet beep came from his comms. “Remain here, Jules will show you to your station. She’s on her way now.”
With that he gave me one last dismissive look before placing his hands flat on the table, leaning towards me.
“I strongly advise you to consider your behavior and whether you feel it is worthy of the friendship already offered here.”
Jules popped her head around the door of the canteen and greeted me with a breathless smile. It may have only taken a few minutes for her to arrive, but every second of that had filled me with regret. I’d wanted to ensure I stayed on board for as long as I could, but I’d almost managed to get thrown off.
