by Liza Probz
“Your mother is right,” Nojan said, moving close to put an arm around her. “If they know your lineage, then it’s not much of a leap to think they may be keeping tabs on your mother in the hopes of catching you.” His expression was gentle as he handed her the visor.
Mayra stared down at it, suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. It wasn’t fair. She’d gotten her first taste of family, and now she had to go, apparently to hasten the coming of the apocalypse. And I thought slavery was bad. Now I have front-row seats to the end of the universe.
Her mother drew close, lifting her chin to unite their gazes. Mayra was again struck at how similar their eyes were. And she was saddened that the knowledge of the woman’s hard life had aged her beyond her years. “I will never forget you. And one day, when this is all over, you can come back to me.”
“Mother.” Her voice broke on the word, and she lunged forward, but Nojan held her back.
“I’m sorry, angel, but we should be going now. The longer we’re here, the greater the chance of being found out.”
Mayra struggled against his hold so Nojan picked her up. “A little help, dear?” he said, motioning toward the visor in her hands. Her mother plucked it out of her grip and placed it on Mayra’s face.
“Be safe, daughter. Come back to me.”
Then Nojan was sweeping through the tent, out the flap, and back out into the bustling marketplace.
“Gods damn you, Vartik bastard,” Mayra said, squirming in his arms. “Put me down.”
“And risk you running back? Not likely.”
“If you’re really so worried about being found out, don’t you think it’s a tad suspicious, you carrying me around like a sack of flour?” she hissed.
Nojan grunted, then paused long enough to put her feet on the ground. He wrapped an arm tightly around her waist, pulling her close. “Let’s get back to the ship.”
The return journey through the crowded streets was a blur. The flashing lights and hoarse-sounding hawkers were of no interest. In her mind, she was reliving the event that had just unfolded in the ratty old tent that stank of incense.
Before she realized it, Nojan was sealing the ship’s door behind him. “I’m going to get us off the surface immediately,” he said. “And after that, I’ll set a course for Vartik. We’ve got to get this book to the lab. I’m beginning to think this whole thing is a lot bigger than I had thought.”
Yanking off the visor, Mayra dropped into one of the chairs and watched as he pushed buttons on the console, her thoughts a million miles away. Come back to me, her mother had said. And Mayra would. If she had to fight her way through the Battle of the End to do it, then so be it. And the only way to get the ball rolling, so to speak, was to unlock her full powers and learn to use them.
The sooner the better. If I really am being hunted, I want to be able to see them coming.
But she wasn’t even certain how to unleash her powers. Sex had been suggested, and it seemed likely as she’d experienced the vision about her mother not long after Nojan had taught her how good kissing could feel. Then after the shower, she’d been able to pinpoint her mother’s location in the colonies. It was time to see if losing her virginity would find her the power to see the future.
“Nojan,” she said softly, standing up and moving behind him. “Is it a far journey to get back to your planet?” She smoothed her hands over his shoulders as she spoke.
“Not too far,” he said. “Around thirty hours or so.”
“Good,” she purred, leaning down to plant a kiss against his jaw. Now that she had her focus, Mayra didn’t want to waste any more time. Although she was well aware of her own hideousness, she realized that he hadn’t turned her away before now. And even if this was all part of an elaborate con on his part to break her in as an oracle, it didn’t matter. He could never look her away again, as long as he was willing to go through with it once.
She felt as if a sword was being thrust into her chest at the thought. Mayra realized how much she’d come to admire Nojan, how much she wanted his kindness and his protectiveness to be genuine. If he did take her virginity as a plot to unlock her powers for his own benefit, it would crush her emotionally. But the stakes were too great to risk delaying.
If he crushes me, it will hurt worse than anything I’ve experienced until now. But I will not let it destroy me.
Her hands stroked up his neck, her fingers burying themselves in his hair. “I think I have an idea of how we can spend that time,” she whispered into his ear.
Nojan stood, moving to take her into his arms. “What’s your angle, angel? You were upset a moment ago. Now you’re like a kitten rubbing against my leg to be stroked.”
Mayra shrugged a shoulder, blinking wide eyes up at him. “I’m just finishing what you started in the shower. But instead of an hour, we’ve got thirty. That should be long enough to get up to some trouble.”
Nojan laughed. “Oh, it’ll be trouble, all right, if it’s with you.” He bent to place a kiss against her forehead. “I’m extremely titillated by the offer, little one, but I can’t help but think your desire is being forced. Why don’t we talk about what just happened?”
“Why talk when we can fuck?” she asked, mentally cringing at the words. But a beat later, she was no longer embarrassed. As she ran her hands up his broad and muscular chest, she realized that he would be the ideal male to initiate her into the pleasure between a man and woman. What had happened in the shower was amazing. She could only imagine what it would be like if they had a bed beneath them.
Nojan growled, his eyes flashing red. “Little girl, you’re playing with fire. I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you. If you keep teasing me, you’re going to get burned.”
“Burn me,” she purred, placing one of his hands on her breast. “I want to feel your heat.”
His head swooped down, his lips seizing her in a searing kiss that left her breathless. “Is this what you want, angel?” he asked, then nibbled her bottom lip. “You want me to consume you?”
Her head fell back, her bones turning to jelly. “Until only ashes remain.”
He picked her up and hurried them both the few steps into the bedroom. Nojan was gentle when he set her on the bed. “Are you sure you want this?”
Mayra nodded. She was sure. So much had happened that her very identity was in doubt. Everything she’d known in her life was changing. It was time for her to become the person she was destined to be.
“I want it to be you,” she said, running a finger along his jawline. “I know you will be gentle.”
“I’ll try, precious,” he said, capturing her hand and planting a kiss on each fingertip. “Although it will be hard. You’re such a delectable little treat, I want to gorge myself on your flavor.”
Mayra smiled, his words making her insides glow. He covered her body with his, taking her mouth again and lavishing such seductive kisses upon her that she felt as if she were floating in a warm sea, the waves licking at her body. Nojan kissed down her neck until he met the edge of the tunic. He began tugging at the braid she’d wrapped around the tunic and growled in frustration.
“Although we could have some fun with this later, right now it’s in the way,” he said.
Mayra untied the braid and unwrapped it, then yanked the tunic over her head, leaving herself completely naked. She loved the way his eyes filled with longing, loved how they traveled over her body in a way that made her feel cherished.
Careful, she warned herself. Don’t fall in love with him. He’s using you, remember. And you’re using him.
She was using him to unlock her powers and keep her safe for long enough to learn how to use them. Mayra couldn’t let her emotions distract her. She would enjoy their coupling, but she wouldn’t let her heart get involved.
“Sheer perfection,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.”
Mayra bit her lip, fighting back tears. She wished he would stop saying things that she knew couldn�
��t be true. Maybe they are, an inner voice whispered. Maybe he truly wants you.
She wished she could block out the inner voice as well as his. That voice hinted at a desire deep inside her to have something real with Nojan. He was so strong, so gorgeous, she couldn’t help but be attracted to him. But it went deeper than that.
When he held her, she felt safe. She felt wanted.
When she was with him, she felt like she was worth something.
Feeling worthy was an entirely new experience for her. And an extremely dangerous one in this instance. It wouldn’t take much to surrender her heart to this beautiful warrior.
But unrequited love was just another kind of slavery, she realized then. This was the first time in her life that she had a chance to stand on her own. She had to—
All thoughts were driven out of her head when his mouth touched her breasts. “Ah, gods,” she moaned as he sucked her nipple into his mouth. Her fingers clutched him, pulling him closer. “Please don’t stop.”
He licked her breasts one at a time, cupping them with a gentle pressure and slowly running the flat of his tongue over them. Then he paid exquisite attention to her nipples, licking and biting and sucking at them until she wanted to scream in pleasure.
“Oh, angel,” he murmured against her skin, “you have no idea how hard you make me. My cock is aching to be inside of you.”
Mayra shivered, unable to help herself. “Then what’s taking you so long?”
Nojan chuckled. “You think I’m going to rush this? You’re out of your mind, little one.” Then he was kissing his way down her belly, lower and lower, until he reached the apex of her thighs. He stopped there, breathing heavily. She could feel his breath on her.
“I’ve never seen anything as erotic as this,” he whispered, pushing her thighs open and staring at the center of her womanhood. Then he planted a kiss on her.
Mayra shifted, pulling herself up the bed. What was he planning? Surely, he couldn’t mean to—
He grabbed her thighs, pulling her back toward him. And then his mouth was on her, and her eyes rolled back in her head.
Mayra couldn’t imagine anything feeling this good. His kiss was gentle, exploring hidden depths of her that had never been explored. “Oh, Nojan,” she moaned, holding on to his shoulders. “What are you doing to me?”
“I’m tasting you, precious. And you taste divine.”
Mayra had never considered that couples might taste each other. And with how heavenly this felt, she didn’t understand why they couldn’t do it every hour of every day.
His tongue circled her sensitive nub, setting her legs to shaking. Then she felt his finger there, pressing into her. It was uncomfortable at first, a foreign feeling, but he went slow and continued to lick at her nub, relaxing her.
“You’re so tight,” he murmured. “I don’t know how I’ll ever make you ready to receive me.”
Mayra remembered how large he was. In the shower, she’d barely been able to wrap her hand around it. And now, the thought of that massive member pushing inside of her was disconcerting to say the least.
His finger moved rhythmically in and out, in and out, while his tongue made magic on her clit. Soon, her hips were rising off the bed to meet his thrusts, and he picked up speed. “That’s it,” he crooned, then began to push another finger in.
She felt stretched but not uncomfortably. And the way he was licking her brought on a rush of moisture. When he sucked her clit into his mouth and drew hard, Mayra bucked off the bed, launching into a surprising climax that came over her like a sudden storm.
“Good girl,” he said against her skin. “Now, one more.”
Mayra moaned. He couldn’t mean it, could he? Surely, she was ready now. But those fingers were insistent, driving into her, and his tongue continued its explorations.
“You taste sweet like honey. I’ve never tasted anything like it.” He moaned against her, licking with abandon. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of it.”
His words, coupled with those delicious and devilish motions, were driving her to the brink again. Nojan added another finger and nibbled on her clit, and once again, she was flying over the edge into orgasm.
“Perfection,” he breathed, leaning back on his haunches to lick his fingers. “I think you might be ready.” He stared down at her, his eyes hungry but with a certain restraint. “I want you to be certain. There is no going back once we start this.”
Mayra nodded. They’d come this far. She wouldn’t back out now. She had to feel what came next. She only prayed that she could hang onto her heart.
Chapter 20
Nojan looked down at her and realized he was lost. If he took the final step, there truly would be no coming back. He was already in love with her. He could admit that now. But if he plunged into her sweet heat, he would be hopelessly addicted.
Letting her go would be beyond impossible.
Fuck it, he thought. I’ve got enough siblings to carry on the family line. I don’t mind bucking tradition if that means I can keep my little Mayra. I would do anything to have her by my side, and that includes fighting my own family.
“I want you to be certain,” he said, staring into those magnificent eyes of hers. “There is no going back once we start this.” Those words were true on multiple levels. Not only would he not be able to hold back his desire once he slipped inside her, but he also would never be able to let her go. Although she might not understand that truth yet, she soon would.
Mayra nodded. “I want this. Please.”
With a groan, he leaned in and captured her lips. She moaned against his mouth, and he wondered if she could taste herself on his lips. Their tongues tangled as he positioned himself between her thighs. Delaying a little, he began to rub his cock against her lips, up and down, up and down, teasing her, feeling her moisture spread to his dick.
Her head began to thrash and she let out a pitiful mewl. “Please!”
Her begging drove him into a haze. “I’m sorry, precious,” he whispered, “but this is gonna hurt. I’ll do my best to minimize the pain, but that’s the way it is. It will only hurt this once, and I would take the pain from you if I could, but afterwards, I promise to bring you nothing but pleasure.”
Her eyes were closed. He hoped she’d heard him. He would be as gentle as he could, but the pain was inevitable. Slowly, so slowly, he began to press into her.
Mayra’s eyes opened wide. “Oh. It can’t fit—”
“Shh.” He kissed her gently, using every ounce of restraint he possessed. “It will. I promise, but you must relax.”
Her breathing sped up, and little wrinkles appeared in her forehead. She was tensing up, not relaxing. Nojan ground his teeth in frustration. She was already so tight he was having major problems holding still. His brought his fingers up to begin circling her clit again, teasing her, until he could feel her relaxing around him.
He began pushing in again slowly, all the time his fingers rubbing her nub. After a moment, he reached the barrier of her virginity. This is it. No going back. Seizing her lips in a fiery kiss, he thrust, bursting the barrier and seating himself fulling inside her.
She screamed into his mouth and he paused, waiting for her to adjust. He could see tears welling in her eyes and they battered against him like a hundred fists. I will make it up to her. I will make it all worth it.
He decorated her face with tiny kisses, his fingers rubbing, relaxing, until he could feel her hips start to move of their own accord. It was only then that he began to thrust again, gently at first, until her hips were rocking in time. Then he plunged inside her with abandon.
“Nothing has ever felt this good,” he groaned against her neck. “You’re flawless inside and out.” Then he lost the power of speech.
She was so tight around him, so wet and warm, that he knew he wouldn’t be able to hold on. He’d never had this problem with women before, but no woman had ever aroused him like the fair Mayra could. Thrusting again, he knew it wouldn’t be
long before he was spilling his seed inside her rapturous perfection. But before he did, he had to bring her once more to the peak of pleasure.
“I want to feel you squeeze around me,” he whispered into her ear, then nibbled her lobe. “I want to know what it feels like to have your pretty pussy come on my cock.”
Mayra moaned at his words and he knew she would be close. His fingers picked up their pace, circling her clit. He bent his head to capture a nipple with his mouth and she cried out. “Please never stop.”
He thrust harder, then moved his fingers rapidly back and forth while sucking hard on her nipple.
“Yes!” she screamed, her hips flying off the bed, and then he felt her inner walls trembling against him.
It was too much, her climax on his cock. It squeezed him with such delicious intensity that he lost control. Driving himself in deep, he released his seed with a long, low groan.
He rolled off of her, pulling her into his arms and breathing as if he’d just fought one of the man-sized wild cubs on his planet. They were playful beasts, still children, and they loved to ambush Vartik men and tussle with them for fun. He’d used to consider them his favorite sparring partners. Not any longer.
“You were amazing,” he said, planting a kiss on her nose.
“Takes one to know one,” she said, her eyes closing from exhaustion.
He laughed. Turning his head, he studied her face. It was flushed, glowing, and he thought he might never see anything that lovely in all his life.
“Well,” he said after a moment. “Do you feel any different?”
He was dreading what she might say. Was she a full oracle now? Did she no longer need him? Or, perhaps worse, had she not enjoyed what had just passed between them as much as he had?
It turned out that he had no reason to fear her response because she didn’t make one. Mayra was already fast asleep on his shoulder. Nojan smiled, feeling content. He’d just had the single most erotic experience in his life with his idea of the ideal woman, and now she was resting peacefully in his arms. If there was a Heaven, he imagined it felt very similar to this moment.
