Project: Adapt - Found: A Space Fantasy Alien Romance (Book 1)

by Jade Waltz

  I watched as he brought his thumbs to his face. A long, thin, black tongue slid out of his slit of a mouth. It had three little grasping ‘fingers’ at the end. My mouth fell open in awe as I watched his tongue lick at my tears. At the first taste, his tongue ‘fingers’ grabbed his thumbs like mini hands, greedily attacking the salty water of my tears.

  I could feel myself become aroused by his display.

  My heart sped as moisture pooled between my thighs. Between Xylo pressed against me from behind and my new wicked thoughts about how that tongue would feel between my legs, desire to take them both to the bedroom and complete the bond with Odelm filled me. Odelm seemed oblivious as he focused on licking every salty drop from his thumbs.

  I squeezed my thighs together trying to ease my arousal.

  I felt Xylo lean forward and place his lips by my ear, their downy fuzz tickling my earlobe.

  “I am not against those thoughts, but I believe we should get something in you first.”

  His phrasing did nothing to extinguish my arousal.

  My hunger could wait.

  Letting his hands drop, Odelm smiled at me. “Even though I hate to see you cry, your tears are delicious.”

  Xylo pulled his lips away from my ear and leaned his head against mine. “That is not the only delicious thing.”

  Shock flooded me at their open discussion about how I tasted—with Kaede still present in the room.

  “Now, that’s something I’d like to hear more about,” Kaede called out from the door.

  My arousal vanished as my face flamed in embarrassment.

  With a choked sound, I yanked myself away from Xylo and fled to the bathroom. I couldn’t believe it. What had happened to the shy, polite males I’d first met? I grabbed a hand towel from the sink and soaked it in cool water, then wiped at the remnants of my tears, allowing the damp towel to cool the heat in my cheeks.

  A noise sounded behind me, and I pulled the towel away from my face, looking into the mirror. Xylo stood just inside the doorway with a worried look on his face.

  “I am sorry I embarrassed you, Selena. I do not know what came over me. Chalk it up to my excitement to have a new nestbrother combined with the aroused thoughts coming from you. I forgot we had company. This is all new to me too, but I promise to pay more attention in future.”

  I dropped the towel on the sink and crossed to Xylo, wrapping my arms around him. Lowering my head onto his soft chest, I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath, allowing his sweet herbal scent to calm me.

  “Everything’s changing so fast. I feel like I’m going with the flow, but sooner or later, it’s all going to hit and overwhelm me, and everything I’ve built around me will come crashing down. I’m scared, Xylo. And I don’t want to pull you, and now Odelm, down with me.”

  He wrapped me in his arms and held me close.

  “You are doing so well and have adjusted to so much. I am in awe of your strength. Selena... allow your nestmates to help you, and if you fall, we will be there to catch you. You do not understand everything you have given us—”

  “Including giving me a second chance, Selena. Let us give back even a fraction of what you have given us. Even with only the court bond, my own mental shields feel stronger. I do not understand it, but it is yet another thing you have given me I want a chance to deserve,” Odelm interrupted from the doorway.

  A deep, rumbling laugh rolled from Xylo. He beamed.

  “It gets better once the bond is permanent, nestbrother.”

  “How so?”

  “Selena has a natural shielding ability. We noticed it even before we opened her escape pod—not even the princes could read her. Once I bonded with her, the bond thread allowed me past her mental shields. And once we made the bond permanent, her shields seem to have... extended to me, helping me maintain my own. Strengthening them. It is remarkable and seems to be getting stronger. I do not need to continually maintain my mental shields around others—unless they are more powerful.”

  The admission startled me, and I glanced up at Xylo.

  “Really? I do that?”

  Xylo lowered his head to meet my gaze, his pupilless teal eyes sparkling with the excitement of scholarly discovery.

  “Yes, you do. I have never read of a species with the raw ability to shield naturally, especially not one that can extend that gift to others. Usually, any shielding ability is secondary to some other primary telepathic ability. But you lack either empathic or telepathic abilities. It has been fascinating to see how similar our bond is to other Circuli—yet is so much more.”

  “She does that?”

  “Yes. I do not know if it is a human ability or if it is some adaptation from the experiments the Yaarkins performed. There is a lot about Project: Adapt that is still unknown. Not that it matters. Selena is ours, and I would not want any other.”

  For the first time, I truly felt like I belonged.

  Both males accepted me for who I was and cherished what I brought to our bond. I was certain we would have misunderstandings—we were different species with different cultures—but we were learning to be open with one another. We were kindred spirits. We could make this work. I felt the first stirrings of hope and excitement for our future together.

  I could see myself falling for both of them.

  I sent another prayer to the Stars and the Fates—they certainly seemed to be watching out for me thus far.

  My stomach growled, pulling me from my thoughts, and I chuckled with embarrassment. My nestmates looked at me with concern.

  “Let us get something in you,” Xylo suggested. “When was the last time you ate?”

  I laughed. “You’d think I hadn’t eaten in days, but I had lunch with Odelm before his performance. Before I passed out, and he had to carry me here.”

  “I am sure this is pregnancy-related. It takes a lot of energy to meet the needs of the offspring growing inside you. Let us get you something to eat—and see if Kaede is still waiting for us in the common room.”

  As we reentered the room, I spotted Kaede sitting on the couch with his legs up, working away at his personal armband. He glanced up, gaze roaming across the three of us before it settled on mine.

  “Everything okay?” His melodious voice was laced with worry.

  I smiled, pleased to see proof Kaede cared. He’d waited to make sure I was okay but had allowed Xylo and Odelm privacy to check on me.

  “Yes. Everything’s okay now... but I’m hungry.”

  I checked the time on my wristband.

  “Looks like we missed the regular dinner hour. Can we still go down and get something to eat at the café?” I asked with concern.

  “Of course, it is always open,” Odelm replied.

  Xylo and Odelm each slid a hand in one of mine. I stole peeks up at them as we walked. They both seemed happier, proud, more confident. I smiled to myself, relieved they clearly felt they were getting as much out of this as I was.

  I let my guilt and worry go, excited for our future.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Selena

  Throughout our meal, I observed Odelm and Xylo’s interactions. They were animated, all resentment or strain seemed to have dissolved. I wasn’t sure whether their happiness was simply having a clan, a nestqueen, or if it was me specifically—most likely a combination of the two. Ultimately, it was about finally finding a place where they belonged.

  They spent the entire dinner devising a schedule to ensure I would never be alone.

  Xylo warned symptoms of my pregnancy would get worse before I delivered. Odelm changed his performance schedule to the hours between lunch and dinner, so I could study quietly in the café while he performed. I was thrilled they were working so well together and knew it was because they cared. So, I kept my mouth shut at the heavy-handed protection, shaking my head at them with a laugh.

  Resting my hands on my stomach, I watched Kaede.

  He was silent, simply observing the three of us. Once in a while, he would
type something into his armband, but there were no random comments. He didn’t try to take over the plans, claiming his right as my Head of Security. It was strange—he hadn’t ever seemed to do much for someone supposedly in charge of my safety. I hardly saw him. I wondered whether he simply felt there wasn’t much to do on the secure ship, or if he was using alternate means to track me and keep me safe. I certainly recalled his invisible drones...

  At that moment, he raised his head, visor turned toward me, catching me watching him. I hastily turned toward Odelm, trying to act as if I hadn’t been studying Kaede.

  “Odelm, when were you planning to move in? Isn’t that an important tradition once you form a courting bond? Unless, of course, you don’t want to. I mean, you certainly don’t have to... I don’t want you to think...”

  I cut off my embarrassed babbling and grabbed my drink. I couldn’t believe I had just assumed... With all the changes, all the upheaval, my heart felt raw.

  It would certainly be handy to be able to sense things from them as they could from me. I couldn’t detect a thing though I had tried. It made me feel we weren’t on even terms. It was disconcerting.

  Odelm’s hand gently lifted my chin, making me face him. His eyes traced my face.

  “Selena. I am sorry. I did not mean to make you feel vulnerable. Of course, I wish to move in with you. I just got wrapped up in plans to ensure your health and safety. In my excitement, I forgot to register myself to your clan and list you as my nestqueen. I have a lot of instruments and belongings stored in my cabin and will need to enlist some help to move them.”

  “I think there are several empty spare rooms in the suite. Take one as yours, there should be plenty of space.” I turned to Xylo for confirmation. “Right? I hadn’t really explored much yet and wasn’t around when you moved in, but I think there’s a lot of room?”

  Xylo nodded over my head at Odelm. “Yes. I put my personal belongings in one of those rooms, and there are plenty of others empty, especially since I left most of my research in my office at the infirmary.” He glanced at his wristband. “There is still plenty of time to register and move before bed.”

  “Really?”

  “Certainly. I can help, and I am sure we can find a few others willing.” Xylo peered over at Kaede. “Would you keep Selena company while we move Odelm's belongings? If it gets too late and she grows tired, you can take her back to the suite for bed. I do not want her to lose any sleep waiting on us.”

  Kaede closed his armband screen and nodded. “No problem. Happy to help out.”

  “Okay, let us get moving before it gets too late. You can fill out the registration form along the way and contact the princes about the change.” Xylo gestured to Odelm, and they slid out of the booth.

  I watched my two nestmates leave the café as Kaede slid back into the booth, settling in Xylo’s previous spot on my right.

  Leaning in, he whispered, “I’m glad we have a few moments alone. I wanted to talk to you. Is everything okay? I can have you off this ship before anyone would notice.”

  “What? What are you talking about?” I shifted away in shock, placing my drink carefully on the table, then eyed him. “Kaede, I am now permanently bonded to Xylo and court-bonded to Odelm. Why would there be something wrong? Besides, their connections would allow them to find me, no matter where I went.”

  He rested his elbow on the table, propping his head on his hand, visor aimed at me. I felt the weight of his gaze. It made me uneasy to be subjected to his scrutiny while being unable to see his face. It was hard to read him without being able to see his expressions. I only had his voice to judge his moods, and sometimes, his tone did not match his words. It was confusing.

  Sitting there next to me, silently observing, I could feel him trying to decipher what I’d said.

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “Of course, I don’t wish to go anywhere. Everything is fine. Well, if you discount the fact I’m pregnant by some mystery male who doesn’t want me to know who he is—someone you work for, by the way. And that I don’t know precisely when I’m due. And that when this ship arrives at CEG HQ, I have no idea what will happen to my children and me. But both Xylo and Odelm are treating me well if that’s what you’re asking. And why the hell would you wait until now to offer, when it would have been more logical days ago?”

  “The Aldawi trusts this crew. The Circuli have been faithful to them. Given all the uncertainty and danger, my client wants to make sure everything’s worked out and taken care of before you arrive. My latest reports indicate it may be more difficult than we thought to protect you.

  “You and your cubs will need to be registered with CEG as citizens in order to be given the standard IDs and credit scanner. But since you’re human—and Earth is gone, nor was it ever an official member of CEG—you will need to declare yourself citizens of another species. Preferably the Aldawi, since your cubs will be at least partially of that species. That will cause an uproar in CEG, which my client is trying to prevent. It’s taking him longer than he thought it would.

  “We both believe Master Scholar Xylo is capable of caring for you and your cubs, and I feel like you are pretty safe on this ship, but I worry whether you are happy. And I worry we will arrive before my client is ready. If need be, I’m prepared to move you to our escort vessel and get you away from here for your safety. Until my client’s ready for you to get there.”

  “I’m not leaving them. Honestly, I feel like I know both Xylo and Odelm better than you. And with my bond to each of them, I trust them more, too, Kaede. I’m still struggling to get a handle on you.

  “They won’t endanger me—it goes against their species’ very instincts. If anything happened to me, they would know. I’ve been afraid to ask what would happen if a bonded male's nestqueen died, but I know it can’t be good after hearing about what a severed male goes through. So, even if I hadn’t begun to build something special with them, I trust they’ll do everything in their power to keep me safe. No, that diminishes what I feel with them, something my soul yearned for throughout my captivity—companionship, friendship, and acceptance. I know it’s too early for love—and let’s be honest, all I know of love is what I’ve read—but I’m content with the friendships I’ve built with them both.”

  I turned away from him and reached for my drink. Kaede’s black-gloved hand covered mine, stilling me.

  “Selena. You don’t understand how much it hurts to hear you trust them over me. I’ve sacrificed so much to help find you. I was the one who located the Yaarkin ship and hacked their systems. I was the one who helped launch the attack—though you escaped before we could rescue you. I invested so many years searching for you, and I volunteered for this mission. I wanted to be the one to escort and protect you. Please keep that in mind when I’m trying to explain things or ask you to do something. My only concern is for your wellbeing—and that of your cubs.”

  Shock ran through me at his confession. “You’ve known about me all these years?”

  A heavy sigh escaped him. “Yes. My client knew you existed and sent me to locate you. When the Yaarkin War ended and you hadn’t been located, we knew there must be at least one more Yaarkin ship in our galaxy, but I couldn’t find it. They’d recruited pirates and mercenaries, who dip into the black market to protect them and hide their location. According to the records we found on the ship after you escaped, the Yaarkins were trading time with the pleasure workers for protection and allowing their ship to be used as a base for black market dealings, and making a profit in the meanwhile. Word spread and unsavory sorts traveled great distance to sample the Yaarkin pleasure slaves. All of this while hiding in plain sight since unlicensed mercenaries and pirating are illegal in CEG space.”

  As though just becoming aware he still held my hand, he yanked his away as if burned. I eyed him a moment before taking a sip of my drink.

  “What are you telling me, Kaede? What do you want? It almost seems you’re as
king me for obedience because of all the years you helped your client search for me.”

  Kaede jerked, then reached to take both my hands in his own. I could feel his burning gaze through his visor.

  “No. No, Selena. I want to prove myself to you. I may not have some mysterious mental connection with you like Xylo and Odelm, but I want you to trust me. I want us to be friends. That and your safety are all I’ve wanted since I learned of you, eight—almost nine—years ago. Just tell me what I need to do for this to happen,” he begged.

  My eyes traced from his visor to his pointy ears and his curving horns.

  “I want to see your face.” I pulled my hands free and held one up to stop his protest. “It doesn’t need to be here, it doesn’t even need to be right now, but I want to see the man behind this mask. You don’t have to show me the rest of your body—I know how important hiding your identity is to you—but I need to see your face. I need to get a read on you, see your facial expressions. I keep wondering what you are hiding from me.” Placing one hand over both of his, I added, “But also know, Kaede, I’ll keep your secrets. I won’t say anything about what you show me to others.”

  I watched him and waited for his answer.

  I knew this was a major decision for him, but I needed to know. I needed to feel I understood him before I could trust.

  A sigh escaped him as he nodded. “If this is what you need to be able to trust me, okay. But not here, there are too many eyes, and not at your suite where anyone could walk in at any time. Will you come to my cabin?”

  I nodded in return with a small smile. “Right now?”

  “Why not? We’re finished eating and not expected anywhere.”

  Kaede assisted me up and out of the booth, and we made our way to the topmost floor, where both our cabins were located. He walked on my right, and I could feel him looking at me nearly the entire way.