by A. R. Ford
Our first serious conversation took place the day after Zanzi thoroughly embarrassed her. We sat on the balcony eating a late dinner. Gracie was stunningly beautiful in a simple Dalaakian silk gown. Blonde curls shimmered in the light. She ate with gusto and grace. Her body craved nutritional food as it recovered from the procedure.
“Would you care for a glass of wine?” I lifted a glass filled with the heady liquid.
“Yes, thank you,” Gracie murmured. She took a sip, then sighed. “It is very good.”
“Tell me more about your life on earth.” I crossed my legs beneath the table, thankful that it obscured the clear evidence of my desire for her.
“I grew up with both parents happily married. My father was an engineer. My mother was a schoolteacher. No brothers, or sisters. I had plenty of cousins, and a fairly large extended family. My mother died unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm when I was eighteen. My father was the best parent I could ask for. He helped me make it through the grief of losing my mom.” She sipped the wine while glancing at the setting sun.
“I am sorry to hear you lost your mother at such an early age. Your father sounds like a good man.”
Tears misted her eyes at my words. “He was. I lost him a couple of years ago. Heart attack. I think it was the stress of working such long hours for his employer that did it. We were never close to my mother’s family. They were very strange people who met on holidays, or special occasions, but rarely spoke between those times.” After knuckling away the moisture gathered in her eyes, she continued talking. “My father’s family forgot I existed after he died. I struggled on my own before finding the job with Desmond Lorrie. I thought it was a blessing when in all actuality, it was a curse.”
“My assassin is at your disposal, Gracie. I meant what I said.” My voice dropped to a low growl tinged with the fierce protectiveness I felt for her. I reached for her hand. She willingly accepted the warmth of my fingers intertwined with hers.
“I do appreciate your offer, Zayn.” She giggled unexpectedly. “I have wondered what would happen if someone shouted to the world what Desmond is doing. He started managing investments for some of his clients. I noticed some oddities with the situation while doing the books. He was taking their money to support his lavish lifestyle. I should have known to keep quiet about the irregularities. Less than a month after I mentioned it to him, I was arrested for embezzlement. He made it look like I was taking the money all along.”
I thought about the implications of conducting an undercover investigation on a planet where my mate was treated poorly. The risk was too great regardless of how much I wanted to help Gracie expose her former employer. I vowed to think of another way to address the injustice before returning my attention to her. “Your father’s family, do you see them at all?”
“Not since the funeral. It is as if I don’t exist. I had a few good friends, but other than them, and a cactus, I have no one.”
“You have me.”
Gracie came to stand at my side. “Thank you for that. It means more than you can ever know.”
She hugged me unexpectedly, her head nestling against my shoulder. I pulled her onto my lap, only to laugh at her squeal of surprise. “What shall I do with you now that I have you?”
Her fingers stroked along my jaw. She hesitated, a hitching breath preceding the statement that left me speechless. “Anything you would like.”
It took a few seconds to gather my composure. “I would enjoy tasting you, mating with you. Keeping you flat on your back all night is something I look forward to. I am not certain you are ready.”
“I think I am ready,” she murmured. A finger trailed along the skin of my chest exposed by the open neck of my shirt. “From what I have seen, Lonusians resemble humans in many ways. Except for your eyes, fingernails, toenails, and your stature. You aren’t hiding a tentacle in your pants, are you?”
Her question broke the tension. I laughed uproariously before setting her at ease. “There are no tentacles. Lonusians are very much like humans in many ways. Especially where sex organs and conception are concerned. The only drawback is that all of our females are infertile.”
“How did that happen?” Gracie looked away, teeth tugging at her lower lip.
“Years before my parents were born our society evolved into one that craved things at any cost. Our ancestors did not care they were polluting our planet by the incessant need to prove worth through possessions. They fell into the bad habits your people did centuries ago. It was not until the Lonusian birth rate began falling dramatically that they conducted studies to find the cause. Some toxic chemical they created caused it all. My mother was one of the last females on Lonus to give birth.” Zayn’s face grew somber as he shared the story.
“That is so sad. I am sorry this happened to your people.”
“We now use clean energy only. Much testing is required before new compounds are released for use in our world. We have overcome the sins of our fathers.”
“Have you tried to have a child with one of your females?”
“Never. You are the only female I have desired in this way.” My comment caused Gracie to squirm on my lap. “My mother and father ruled this world as king and queen for years before my birth. A faction that wanted to assume control assassinated them when I was a few years away from becoming a man. I ruled in their stead, but was required to prove my worth to the masses through duels and active combat experience in some of the more volatile areas of this world. I have been designated the warlord ruler of Lonus. To assume full control as the uncontested monarch, I must have an heir. Without an heir, anyone can challenge my rule.”
“How would you decide who is the ruler if someone contests your claim to the throne?”
Gracie’s genuine curiosity was only one of the qualities that endeared her to me. I answered her questions honestly. There was no room for dishonesty as we sought to learn more about one another. “A fight to the death. I have no fear of a duel. There are few, if any, warriors who could defeat me. I must maintain control to protect my people. Other rulers would exploit them, resort to violence to reinforce their laws. I will not see that happen.”
“It is a heavy burden to carry, Zayn.” Gracie took my hand in hers. She held it while I continued.
“For my people and the good of Lonus, I would give my life. Perhaps another day we can discuss the history of my people.”
“I would enjoy that,” she replied.
Our conversation ended there. It was one of many conversations between us over the days it took for her to regain her strength. At the end of that time I felt secure in the knowledge that Gracie was a suitable mate. She would be a good mother to our children.
The second phase of acclimation would proceed with that knowledge.
*****
I took Gracie for a tour of the palace when she regained her strength. It was not as ornate as earthly palaces. Utilitarian was the word one could use when describing it. However, it served its purpose well. Half of the second floor contained my bedroom, a sitting room, and my personal study. The other half contained guest rooms, and a library. Several full bathrooms resided on both floors. A wide hallway separated the two areas. Massive doors with guards stationed outside kept prying eyes, or would-be assassins, from entering my royal chambers.
Gracie held my hand as I led her down the massive, curving staircase to the first floor. The first floor contained a foyer, sitting rooms, a ballroom, a meeting room large enough to hold dozens of my people, a commercial kitchen and dining hall. Gracie oohed and aahed as we explored.
She greeted each staff member with a smile and bright, “Hello, how are you?”
Observing each reaction to my human led me to believe my people would accept her.
“I wanted to show you a special place.” I tucked her hand into the bend of one arm. The royal garden could be reached only through a secret passageway on the first floor. Gracie followed without question. She gasped, a hand going over her mouth, when she sa
w the ornate gardens and fountains.
“It is exquisitely beautiful!” she whispered.
I observed her as she walked along the stone-paved paths. She paused at each bed of flowers to admire exotic blooms not found on earth. The heady perfume of the garden drew bees and birds much like hummingbirds found on earth.
“What are those?” she asked as a brightly jeweled bird sipped nectar from a blossom before flying in spirals and disappearing from sight.
“Qinzod. They can be aggressive if they think you are threatening their supply of nectar. Peaceful if you leave them alone. Males are the brightest jewel-tone colors, while females have a paler pastel coloring. At night, they congregate in the trees here and sing. It is like nothing you have ever heard.” I approached while describing the birds. Gracie gazed up at me, dark lashes fluttering. A rush of heat filled my groin when her teeth worried her bottom lip.
“They are beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you, little one.” The back of my hand brushed her cheek. A groan nearly escaped when Gracie pressed a kiss against the center of my palm.
She took a step closer, her body brushing against mine. Electricity sparked between us with that simple touch. “Are we acclimated?” she whispered.
“I would hope so.” My words came out in a burst of laughter. “Why do you ask?”
“You have been kinder to me than any person I have known, except perhaps my defense attorney. You are caring, gentle, and treat me as if I matter. Thank you for that.” Her arms encircled my waist as her head came to rest on my abdomen.
“I should thank you, Gracie. I have never enjoyed a female’s company as much as I have yours. Is there anything you want to know? Anything I have not told you that might prevent us from meshing perfectly. I am an open book.” My fingers stroked through her silky curls.
“Mmhmm,” she replied. Luminous green eyes held my gaze. I could swear she hypnotized me--not that I minded. “I wondered if you ever intend on kissing me. Is that even a thing on Lonus?”
No words were needed to answer her question. My mouth crashed down on hers with all the pent-up need and frustration of a lifetime. Being close to Gracie only intensified the need. Her lips were velvety soft beneath mine. A groan rumbled in my chest when I found her mouth open, tongue seeking mine. Fingers tangled in her hair, I devoured the human female who lit a fire in my blood like no other female could. She nipped my lip when I pulled away. Pupils dilated, eyes half open, her breasts heaving--all combined to cement my resolve to make her mine.
Gracie cried out when I picked her up. She giggled and blushed when guards and servants glanced in our direction before immediately returning their attention where it should have been.
“No visitors regardless of who, or what their purpose is,” I growled at the guards stationed at the doors of the antechamber to my quarters.
“Yes, sir!” the guards said in unison. My word was law on Lonus N88. I would use it to my advantage this night.
I tossed Gracie on the bed once the doors closed and locked behind us. She pulled the gown over her head before throwing it on the floor. Naked save for a wisp of silk and lace, she had no clue how badly I needed her. I undressed fully, grinning at her gasp of surprise when my nude body came into her view.
As I knelt between her outstretched legs, I asked the one question I prayed would be answered with a yes. “Do you still wish to mate with me?”
“Gods, yes!” came the purred response.
The wisp of silk covering her treasures separated beneath the savage pressure of my hands. Silken thighs parted from the gentle pressure of both hands on her knees. She whined when my breath painted glistening labia with lust. My tongue stroked from back to front. Her cry and fingers curled in my hair told me all I needed to know. My mate wanted me.
A thick finger forced its way inside her smoldering core. Pumping it as I licked and sucked at her sex, I growled appreciatively as her hips bucked against my hand. A second finger thrust inside her depths forced Gracie to stiffen. Her hand caught my wrist. I sensed she needed time to adjust. I gave her that, and more. After dozens of licks and suckling kisses, combined with the movement of my fingers, she came undone with a strangled cry.
I crawled upward over her body, lowering my head to kiss her. “I need you, little one.”
Her cool hand grasped my shaft. She froze, eyes wide as she felt the enlarged nodules along the top of my shaft from the crown to the base. “Are those piercings?” she gasped.
“Lonusian males are designed to provide the ultimate stimulation for their mates. The nodules are for your pleasure.” A low growl ripped from my throat when she guided my member into position to the entrance of her body. “We will go slowly.”
I had no desire to hurt her. Lonusian males are massive in every way. I knew human males were much smaller in comparison. With that thought in mind, I eased forward, eyes rolling back into my head at the sheer ecstasy of coming into contact with my mate’s core for the first time. She cried out when the head of my member breached her narrow entrance. I soothed her with kisses and caresses until she encouraged me to continue.
Slow, sinuous movements of my hips brought the tip of my member against her womb. Sighs of pleasure blended with whining cries. A strawberry nipple begged to be suckled. Gracie’s body bowed off the bed when I drew it into my mouth. The rhythmic pulsations of her core milked my shaft. She lay breathless, eyes closed, cheeks rosy. Completely fulfilled, just as I had hoped would be the result of our first coupling.
“Gods ... That, that was mind boggling,” she panted. When she finally caught her breath, she peered up at me. “You did not ... enjoy it?”
“I wanted to ensure your pleasure before I took mine, little one.” My mouth consumed hers before trailing kisses along her cheek and jaw. “Twice I have pleasured you. Is our mating satisfactory?”
“It’s more than satisfactory, Zayn,” she whispered. “I demand you take your pleasure.”
“If you insist, little one.”
The furious pace of my thrusts brought a shriek from my mate. She writhed beneath me, fingers digging into my shoulders. A feral groan of need came as my hands held her hips. The slightest adjustment angled them perfectly to ensure she found her pleasure, yet again. Her tongue gathered sweat from my chest and arms. She nipped and keened and writhed—all while impaled on my shaft.
A long while later, my roar of completion was followed by her whimpering cry of release. Throughout the night, I reached for her. We were not content to lie together sleeping. There was too much pleasure awaiting us to rest. Before dawn, we both collapsed, exhausted and fully sated. I held her against my body, a grin lifting the corners of my mouth when she kissed the center of my chest.
My human mate was perfection. I knew with certainty once would never be enough with her.
I found it impossible to remain away from my mate’s side for long. If an important meeting with the council pulled me away, I returned immediately afterwards. I found it impossible to fight the overwhelming need for her once in her presence.
Although I ensured her pleasure first, I found it impossible to hold back afterwards. She never complained. Even when I demanded too much, she never denied me. Our bond strengthened more with each passing day.
Introducing Gracie to officials in the government occurred at a ball held to celebrate the fact I had found a mate. Gracie wore an emerald silk gown. Her hair was pulled into a chignon with kiss curls accentuating her temples. A simple gold bracelet bearing my insignia graced one wrist. I presented it to her before the ball. Every eye fell on her as she stood by my side.
Dinner preceded the ball. Gracie grasped my wrist as the meal began. “I feel horrible for not knowing Lonusian. Is there anyone who could help me learn?”
“Zanzi and I will teach you.” Pride in my mate grew. She was more than I had hoped for.
During the ball she murmured the appropriate responses to every guest. She swayed gracefully in my arms with each dance. By the end o
f the evening I knew she was accepted by every person attending the ball. Perfection.
There was just one problem. My mate needed to enter estrus before I could sire an heir. According to Dr. Ohnasi, it would take a few months for the genetic transformation to be complete. Six weeks had passed since her arrival. Time to seal my claim on the monarchy was running out. I could only pray her estrus would begin soon.
Chapter 7: Gracie
Life passed in an idyllic haze. My feelings for Zayn grew deeper with each passing day. His compassion and devotion made him the perfect mate. I knew I loved him, but dared not say the words. Saying those words in the past to the two boyfriends I had known spelled the death knell for the relationships. I could not stand the thought of losing him.
Zanzi took me under her wing. Some days when Zayn was called away to address important matters regarding his kingdom, she took me out to see the capital city. Hovercraft provided transportation. Even the subway system operated through the use of massive trains of hovercraft. There were no power plants to generate energy.
“I will show you the solar and wind fields one day when we have more time,” Zanzi announced as the hovercraft moved through the center of the city. “We harness natural sources for our energy needs.”
“Can we go today?” My voice was hopeful. I wanted to see more of the world.
“Not yet,” Zanzi replied. She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Zayn has requested that we visit a seamstress to have a wardrobe made for you. He really has taken a liking to you.”
“Clothes? He doesn’t have to do that. Is there some place I could buy a few things?” Then, it hit me. I came to Lonus with no credits in my possession. “That isn’t necessary, really. I have a few things I can wear.”
“Zayn insisted.” Zanzi leaned closer, the vertical pupils dilating and constricting as she searched my face. “He specifically requested that you have a custom wardrobe, dear. Relax and enjoy it.”
