Now, she was waking up with a massive headache, painful eyes and the memory of her current nightmare fresh in her brain. Wiggling the fingers trapped down against her sides, Maggie felt the leash that Hix had placed on the cot.
“Oh, Bodhi.” The whisper sounded as pained as it felt to utter those words. Looking around the room, she wished there was a way for her to know what time it was. With being knocked out during her abduction, there was no telling how long she had been on the Verge ship. She was exhausted but couldn’t tell if it was the physical or emotional exhaustion taking its toll on her.
She was also starving.
Other than the little bit of water from Hix, she hadn’t eaten or drank anything since she was grabbed. It wasn’t unusual for her to skip meals when preoccupied with her jewelry making but her body was telling her this was a longer fast than she was used to. The growling of her stomach was loud in the barren room, sounding pitiful as it dragged on and on.
A thump outside of the door to her room alerted her that someone was prepared about to enter. Fearing the worst but hoping for the best, Maggie held her breath, waiting to see who it was.
Maggie let out a whoosh of air when she saw it was Hix. Holding a small black box in his hand, he walked into the room followed by a large silver box that seemed to be hovering behind him. The moment it cleared the door, Hix quickly scanned his palm to close the door.
“What’s that?” Maggie asked out loud, her voice breaking the silence.
“This is how I am going to get you aboard the shuttle.” Hix began unbuckling the straps holding her down.
“Ouch, fuck damnit shit.” Every single inch of her body ached as Maggie sat up slowly. She had no choice but to lean heavily against the hand he placed behind her back for support.
“I am sorry for your pain, but we must move quickly if we want to avoid detection.” Hix picked up the leash and passed it to Maggie. “We are going to use the biocrate to sneak you aboard the shuttle leaving in a few short hours.”
“Wait, what time is it?” Maggie asked and eyed the silver box that looked like a large cooler with blinking lights on the end.
“It is the middle of the night,” Hix answered while he began pressing buttons on the illuminated panel. “I had to wait for the corridors to clear before coming here. The only warriors awake are the newer recruits assigned to security. Luckily, I was able to find a hover cart to use as transport.” When Hix pointed to the long black slab underneath the silver box, Maggie realized it was literally just as it sounded. Hovering silently above the floor, the cart easily held the crate as if it were on wheels.
“Ignore the bottles,” Hix instructed, casting her a quick glance. “I am using them to barter with the one helping us when we land.”
She nodded, appreciating the lengths he was going to in helping her.
When Hix opened the crate, Maggie was surprised to see a pack of what looked to be supplies and a blanket placed inside. Her heart warmed a bit at the small display of comfort Hix had provided. When he first introduced himself, Maggie’s gut had told her it was okay to trust him. Now, considering all that had happened, she was happy she had followed her original instinct.
“Will I be able to breathe in there?” she asked. Her nerves were beginning to rise as she viewed the confined space he wanted her to hide in. She never considered herself claustrophobic before, but she also hadn’t been asked to climb into something the size of a small coffin either.
“The biocrate is engineered to stabilize what it contains,” Hix answered as he pressed buttons on the panel.
“I don’t understand,” Maggie slowly stepped over the side of the container. Her hips and knees ached from being restrained for so long.
“The crate adapts its internal environment to sustain its contents. Both temperature and oxygen levels adjust depending on what it is programmed to hold.”
Lowering onto her haunches, Maggie tested the space. “You’re sure I won’t suffocate in here?”
“I am positive.” Hix placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “You will be put to sleep shortly after I close the crate.”
“Wait, what?” Maggie squawked as she debated climbing right back out.
“The crate will administer a sleeping agent inside that will usher you to sleep for the duration it is closed.” Hix pointed to the panel that he had been fussing with earlier. “Do not be concerned. I will monitor your bio reads on the med pad linked to the crate. It will alert me if there are any changes in your vital signs.”
Hix knelt beside the box, and his eyes locked on hers, causing butterflies to take flight in Maggie’s stomach. When he reached over to cup her cheek in his large hand, she couldn’t help but close her eyes and tilt into the contact.
“I will keep you safe, Maggie.” Hix traced her lower lip with his callused thumb as she stared back at the man she was trusting with her life.
“I know,” Maggie whispered. She shook her head and looked down at her lap. “I trust you.” As the words escaped her lips, she realized exactly how much she meant them. Right now, she trusted no one more than the man in front of her.
“Good,” Hix said softly as he pulled his hand away. His cheeks flushed red at her words.
“Are you blushing?” Maggie asked, unable to keep the smile off her face as she teased him.
“I do not know. Am I?” Turning to fully face her, Hix tilted his head as he stared at her.
With him this close to her, Maggie saw brown flecks weaved into the green of his eyes. It wasn’t until her hand touched his chin that Maggie realized she had been reaching for him. Cupping his jaw, she scratched her nails lightly over Hix’s short beard.
“I didn’t realize Phaetons could grow facial hair,” Maggie said offhandedly.
“Why did you think that?” Hix raised his brows in question in an adorably confused expression.
“I don’t know.” She shook her head and felt silly. As she began to pull her hand away, Hix surprised her by placing his hand over hers to keep it in place.
“I like your touch,” Hix said, and to Maggie’s surprise, Hix turned even redder with his confession.
“I like touching you,” Maggie shrugged and traced his sharp jawline. She was rewarded with a smile, and, this time, was not fazed by his sharp canines. On him, they were sexy and reminded her of the teenaged obsession with her old Anne Rice novels.
“Maggie…I would like nothing more than for you to continue your exploration but right now we need to get moving.” Hix stood next to the crate, placing his hips at eye level to where she was sitting.
Maggie’s eyes were glued to the erection pushing against the flat front of his leather pants. The size of the rod underneath made her shiver with desire and apprehension.
Holy. Shit.
“I apologize. I am unable to stay flaccid the longer we are together,” he admitted.
Realizing her mouth hung open with desire, Maggie snapped it closed. “I don’t mind at all,” she said quickly before she realized how bad that sounded. “I mean…it’s okay. You know… natural responses and all that jazz.” Deciding to shut her mouth before she made more of a fool of herself, Maggie bit her lips closed.
“Now, it is you who is blushes.” Hix smiled and traced her blush with the back of his finger.
Maggie wrinkled her nose and playfully swatted his hand away. “Pfft.”
“Once we are safely away from here, I will show you exactly how lovely I find that particular shade of pink across your cheeks.”
Maggie could only sit in stunned silence at his words. Why did her mind automatically turn everything he said into something really dirty?
I wouldn’t mind him turning my cheeks pink one bit.
“That is good.”
“Did I say that out loud?” she whispered, mortification slamming into her.
“Yes, but do not worry. I plan for you to fully enjoy yourself,” he said confidently.
“Really?” Maggie squeaked out, her nipples coming to hard poin
ts at his words alone.
“Of course.” Hix squatted back down so he was even with the crate. “First, we need to get off this ship. Are you ready?”
Maggie nodded before he had finished asking the question. “Absolutely.”
“Lean back and close your eyes,” he instructed. “When you wake, we will be safe from here.”
“Promise?” Maggie whispered and started to pant slightly as her anxiety rose.
“I promise.” As he began to close the lid, Maggie flattened her palm against the top, halting his progress. “What?”
“Kiss me,” she blurted, unable to stop herself.
“Kiss you?” Hix parroted back, showing surprise at her request.
“There’s a chance we might not make it, right? I mean…if this is the end I’m not going to the grave with regrets.” Maggie rambled and felt beyond idiotic saying it aloud.
“I have no problem accommodating that request. In fact, it may assist in relaxing you,” Hix moved his hand back to grip the base of her neck. “So long as you realize this will not be our only kiss.”
“Really?” Just the thought of future kisses was enough to make her tingle in unladylike places.
“Maggie, this is only the beginning.” Hix slowly lowered his face closer to her own, giving her plenty of time to pull away if she were dumb enough to do so.
Closing the distance with a quick shift forward, Maggie met his lips with her own. Opening her mouth, she was more than happy when Hix accepted her silent invitation and plunged his tongue inside. Sighing with pleasure, Maggie felt his kiss all the way down to her toes. When Hix tugged the hair at the base of skull, she moaned and wiggled in his grip.
Hix pulled away quickly, and the separation made her stomach sink.
“I’m sorry—” she began, mortified that a simple kiss had turned her into a puddle of goo.
“Do not be sorry. Be prepared to do that again the moment we are free.” Hix nudged her back onto the pack, and she found it worked well as a makeshift pillow. “You will be asleep in seconds. When you wake, we will be in the Pleasure Sector.”
“Okay,” Maggie whispered. Still tasting him on her mouth, she slid her tongue over her lips again to lap up whatever trace he left behind.
Hix began to close the lid above her, only breaking eye contact when it was fully lowered.
Chapter Nine
Hix studied the screen on the side of the biocrate, anxious to see that all was well regarding his fragile human who rested inside. The crate should have given him her bio readings by now considering how long she had been inside.
Hix cursed softly as he started to pace back and forth in the small room. The idea that Granger may have grabbed a damaged crate made his chest feel tight as he waited for the readouts to light up the dark screen.
As the feeling settled behind his breastbone, Hix took several deep breaths, hoping to dispel the unwelcome feeling. Increasing the speed of his pacing, he added a few jumps into his actions in an effort to loosen the uncomfortable tightness.
The tech that the Verge used did tend to malfunction more often than not. What were the chances that Granger delivered a damaged crate to his quarters instead of a fully functioning one? Would it be able to sustain her body in stasis for the duration of the trip to the Pleasure Sector? What if the oxygen generator wasn’t working properly and Maggie was suffocating while he simply stood there staring at what was now her coffin?
Even as he acknowledged how crazy it sounded, the mere idea of that scenario was almost too much for him to handle. In fact, the longer he thought about it, the more his stomach began to ache, stopping Hix in his tracks.
That was odd.
Skrammon warriors were known for their ability to be fearless, even in the direst of situations. In the past, Hix had walked calmly into situations that others had hesitated when presented with.
Normally, he was a rock. He was unshakable.
Hix looked down at his hands. Turning them over, he studied his palms closely. The callused skin was not only glistening with moisture, but also shaking slightly. If members of the Phaeton council were to see him now, they would question his ability to perform as a Skrammon should. A weapon would slip right out of his grasp if he were to try to hold one right now.
“You are being ridiculous,” he muttered to himself. Curling his hands into fists, he couldn’t stop thinking of there was something wrong with the biocrate.
He relaxed as the panel flashed, displaying Maggie’s vitals. Crouching down in front of the crate, Hix studied the information being relayed. Everything appeared to be normal although the system had detected a higher than average heart rate for someone in stasis.
“I wonder why…” he muttered.
Hix tapped the screen, requesting more information regarding that particular number.
“Heart rate may be elevated if subject is excited, anxious, angry, stressed or suffering from an infection,” Hix read out loud.
Scanning the screen to check her temperature, he was able to cross the possibility of an infection off the list. That meant it was one of the other factors that was most likely contributing to her higher than average heart rate.
Guilt settled over Hix as he watched the numbers fluctuate on the panel. His poor little human was most likely suffering from a mixture of anxiousness, stress, anger or excitement. With a few careful clicks, he minimized the screen, displaying her vital signs. It would be unnoticeable to the others as long as they didn’t pay too close of attention to the crate.
Everything was going to be fine—he couldn’t imagine what would happen if it wasn’t.
As the numbers increased yet again, it was obvious his idea to distract her with kisses hadn’t worked as well as he thought…
* * *
As Hix was closing the biocrate, Maggie was torn between a mixture of emotions.
Worry, fear, sadness… arousal.
All of those feelings took their own turn coming to the forefront, her stomach somersaulting as each one took a spin.
She was a teensy bit claustrophobic, but the anxiety of being trapped in a box seemed insignificant in comparison to everything that had happened. Surprisingly, the kiss Hix had laid on her was overshadowing almost everything else.
Maggie didn’t know what it was about him, but when he was near her, it just felt right.
Especially that kiss.
Maggie sucked in a breath as her nipples tightened into hard points as she recalled how amazing it was. Squirming as much as the small space allowed, she couldn’t ignore the slick wetness that had dampened the panties she was wearing. Taking in a few deep breaths, Maggie tried to calm her out of control libido. Wet undies and diamond hard nipples, while distracting, only managed to make her that much more uncomfortable.
Breathing deep, Maggie focused on all her energy on trying to relax.
“Just breathe, Mags,” she ordered herself sternly, ignoring the fact that her body was screaming at her to masturbate. “It’s not like there’s enough room in here anyways. Just. Breathe.”
Dear Lord, how long was it supposed to take for the crate to put her to sleep?
“Maybe it’s bro—” she trailed off, succumbing to the drugged air as it enveloped her.
Wearing her favorite bra and panties, Maggie licked her lips as she stared at a shirtless Hix.
Within the blink of an eye, Maggie went from simply staring to touching. Running her hands up and down his back, she moaned and arched at the feel of his mouth nipping the sensitive skin of her neck. As she arched farther back, Hix let out a low growl into the exposed curve.
It was amazing. Every single part of her body shivered in anticipation of where he would nibble next as he rubbed his nose and cheeks up and down the column.
When he moved from her neck, Maggie moaned in protest. “Please, I need your mouth on me…”
“In just a moment, my love.” Hix leaned up to flash her a sexy smile, and she shivered at the sight of his sharp canines. “I have so much m
ore to explore and not enough time to do it in.”
“Hurry,” Maggie panted, parting her legs to invite him into the cradle her body offered. “It’s been so long.”
“Not as long as I have waited for you,” Hix groaned into the pillow over her shoulder as he settled in the space between her legs. “You feel amazing…and perfect. Amazingly perfect.”
Maggie snorted out a laugh. “You’re amazingly perfect too.” Lifting her hips in a slow grind, she had no shame when she bumped against the dick straining to escape his breeches. “How about we be amazingly perfect together?”
“I cannot let you go,” Hix murmured against her jawline as his hands worked to free himself from his pants.
“I didn’t ask you to,” Maggie shot back. The mere idea of being separated from him dampened the mood a bit before he bit her nipple through the lace of her bra. The points of his sharpened canines pressed around the sensitive areola as he covered the tip with his mouth.
Letting go with a pop, Hix jerked his chin at her underwear. “Take those off.” As she moved to quickly follow his instructions, Hix pulled his massive erection free from the placket on the front of his breeches.
“Holy—” Maggie froze at the sight of the beautiful monster with which Hix had been blessed. More than average, he had the length and girth many women only dreamed about.
“Off. Now,” he bit out. His jaw clenched as he stared down at her.
Maggie sprang into action. No longer caring about how it looked, she wiggled and kicked until her panties were down to one ankle. With a flourish, Maggie swung her leg out and sent the lace flying.
“Do that again,” he demanded, his tone deeper than it was just moments before.
“Do what?” Maggie asked, unsure what he was talking about.
“That thing with your leg.” Hix tapped the leg she had flung open seconds before, nudging it the direction he desired.
“You mean this?” Maggie opened her legs as wide as possible, her core flashing wetly at the man kneeling at the end of the bed.
Warriors of Phaeton: Hix Page 6
