by Rena Marks
“This is the perfect view,” he groaned, his large hand caressing her buttocks. She wiggled for him, trying to tempt him inside.
“You’re pink and swollen,” he said. “It’s so sexy.”
She knew she was spread wide, so she wriggled again, rather impatiently.
“Beautiful,” he said. “A beautiful pink flower. Mine.”
“I am yours. Always,” she said, her focus on him. Suddenly something dawned on her. “Hey. What happened to the bitch?”
He looked around, surprised. “Maybe she left? I guess I forgot about her. Imagine that.”
Shala smiled. That woman held no power over him. She tilted her pelvis upward, and the enormous head of his cock parted her swollen folds and plunged into her warm passage.
He grunted and paused. She was opposite—she moaned long and hard. The feeling was wondrous. He held still, as if savoring it.
“Feels so good, doesn’t it?” she asked.
“Too good.” His voice sounded strangled. “I’m trying my hardest not to come.”
“You can come,” she said, squeezing her inner grip around him as hard as she could.
He gasped, and pulled his cock from her. She was about to protest when he plunged in so slowly again, making her feel every inch.
She bucked back, finding her rhythm with his. She rocked slowly, gently, but at the end thrust, she ground her rear into his pelvis, trying desperately to ease the savage ache of lust deep inside her. She was barely aware of the feel of his balls as they gently slapped against her body, tingling her clit. He breathed hard as he pleasured her, and she was ready for every glorious minute of it.
White hot need raced through her womb. A band of sheer lust tightened the walls of her sheath, wanting to hold him as he fought to push in and pull out. She could feel her climax building, harder and higher she climbed. And then it all exploded, convulsing through her body in throes of internal heat and passion, constant waves that went on and on, intensifying as he shouted and spurted sizzling-hot seed into her.
When her body calmed, he slowly lowered her to the ground, covering her body with his. They lay together, still connected, still watching the workers in the fields around them.
“That was amazing,” Serepto said, as he nibbled on her earlobe. “Are you ready to get back?”
“Yes.”
He lifted off her, pulling out carefully. She sat up, adjusting her skirt from where it was twisted. He grabbed a handful of grass to wipe her thighs.
“Next time, we should prepare better,” he said ruefully. “I never thought it would come to this.”
“My fault,” she laughed. “If I’d have worn panties, we could have used those.”
He groaned. “I’m going to pop erections every time you walk by in a skirt, wondering if you’re bare underneath.”
She shrugged on her tank top as he dressed. Then they stood, and began to walk back the way they came. As they stepped off the travelator, Shala noticed the one-eyed woman across the street, watching Jax.
“There she is.”
She walked right through her.
Serepto smiled.
“She’s worth nothing. She has no value. Nothing.”
“I agree.”
He clasped her hand in his, and led her through their city to the point at which they’d entered.
“Program end,” he whispered, and everything fell away.
It made her a little sad.
“We’ll come back often,” he said. “Eventually you’ll learn to love me, even if you can’t remember loving me.” His grin was teasing and she realized in that instant, he would be so easy to love. Just as she must have once before.
Chapter Eleven
After they showered, Serepto headed to the main hull to relieve the person who navigated the ship. He walked Shala to sick bay, leaving her there at the front entrance. She watched his firm ass as he walked away, blushing a little when he turned and caught her. She decided she liked this new level in their relationship.
A lot.
She entered sick bay, waving at Orion who was in the tiny office at the side. One of the small bays had a light on, so she knew that was the one that housed the Cyborg.
Ghost’s body from the neck down was covered in a see-through plastic film that acted as a band-aid, keeping dust and germs out while her torso healed. She had thick black stitches running every which way, some crossing each other—like a treasure map. Small pieces of bandage were placed over her female parts for modesty. Her eyes stared straight up at the ceiling, not even acknowledging that someone entered.
“Ghost?” she whispered. “I’m Shala.”
The broken woman turned her eyes to look at her. She had a haunted look on her face, as if she’d been recalling her time on Zeta. “Hi.”
“Are you doing okay? Is there anything I can get you?”
“No. I’m fine.”
Shala pulled up a chair to sit in. “You must be bored silly.”
“I’d rather be that, than continually relive things in my mind.” Ghost shrugged, and then winced. “I’m just waiting for my cyberbiotics to kick in. I received a transfusion to speed things along.”
“Was it from Rush or Blade?”
“Both. They fought over who would be the donor. Cyborgs stick together. There are so few of us left.”
“There might be some more of you soon. Did anyone tell you they retrieved parts?”
“Yes, but that seems like a long shot.”
“It is. Until you consider that our AI—Artificial Intelligence—actually grew their own bodies. I’m sure they can combine their technology with the Cyborg technology. You have the best brains available, including Orion’s.”
“Orion. Is he the Zetan?”
“Yes. He’s half. But he’s also Terran. Remember that.”
She nodded.
“Is he…single?”
“Yes. So is his brother, Tian. Why?”
“I wondered. Orion avoids me and when he’s forced to deal with me, he’s so unemotional. I thought perhaps he had a wife back on your planet.”
“Orion unemotional?” Shala knew she sounded puzzled. “No, not compared to the real Zetans. He’s completely loving.”
A slight shiver was Ghost’s response.
“I was held by them, too. They rescued me and realized the Zetans had you by the amount of security focused at the experimental hospital. It’s where they bring other species,” Shala said.
“I’m lucky.”
“We all are. But I want you to know you’re not alone. The planet we’re returning to, it’s full of captives. There are also species of people who broke away from other planets. We all live in harmony.”
“We have our own planet. Though it’s more of a hideout.”
“Now you can have two.”
Just then the doors slid open.
“Shala. There you are.” Orion placed his arm around her shoulders, so she slid hers around his waist.
“You did good, warning the guys down there. I’m glad you were on watch.” He kissed the top of her head.
Ghost looked puzzled.
“Shala was also a prisoner of Zeta. She had overcome her fears to watch over Blade and Rush. She actually saved Rush and Blade by warning them of incoming guards.”
“It was nothing. I was safe on the ship, watching the scene through Rush’s eyes. But I noticed on a camera we’d tapped into that the guards were incoming. I knew from the layout of the building they were heading straight toward Blade and Rush.”
“It takes a lot of strength to overcome fear,” Ghost said, with a glance toward Orion. His arm tightened on Shala.
Something was going on that she just couldn’t place. With a nod toward Ghost, he said to Shala, “I’ll see you for dinner tonight. We’re closer to home than we thought, so we have a direct course.”
“No Zetans coming after us?”
“No. They’ve completely lost us.”
Then he was gone. “Wasn’t he going to c
heck your vitals or stitches or anything?”
Ghost shrugged. “I guess not.”
“Okay, what’s really going on?” Shala asked.
Ghost sighed. “I thought he was maybe…interested. He was my hero. I woke from my constant pain to find him protecting my torn body. His touch is always tender when he stitches me. But he seems to hold me at arm’s length. I thought he was unemotional, but I see now that’s not true. I haven’t looked at myself. Maybe I’m ugly now.”
“You’re not ugly,” Shala gasped. “I’m sure Frankenstein would find you hot.”
A small grin touched Ghost’s lips.
Shala continued. “I think it’s something else. The last time I was captured by Zetans wasn’t very long ago. I lost my memory, but not everything. Only the remembrance of my mate, Serepto. But when I saw Orion for the first time after the abduction, I startled. I’d forgotten how Zetan he looked. Maybe he’s afraid to scare you with his features now. He can’t help how he looks. He just never had to think of it before, not on a planet where he blended so well. Here, he’s out of place. We liken his features to the enemy.”
“Maybe.” Ghost looked determined. “I should call him if I have nightmares, since he’s acting doctor and all. What do you think?”
“Umm, yeah. That’s a good idea.”
Ghost’s eyes gleamed, more alive than she’d seen her yet. “I mean, he’s so protective of you. Placed his arm around you. If I was a bit more needing of his affection, I imagine he’ll probably give it.”
Shala couldn’t help but grin. “I imagine so. How long are you in sick bay?”
“Probably until we get to your planet.”
“Maybe you’ll be in a lot of…ghost pain.” She grinned. “And once we’re on the planet, it makes sense for you to be close to Orion’s room so he can keep an eye on you. In case you need attention. Or…even Tian’s room. His brother. He has the same medical training as Orion.” She winked. “Tian’s a treat for the eyes. Probably will cause a bit of a caveman jealousy to roll through Orion.”
Ghost broke into a huge smile. “Will it? How convenient,” she murmured.
“Don’t tell him Tian calls him the Big O,” Shala grinned.
“Good Goddess.”
Both women giggled, and Shala slipped her fingers into Ghost’s. From her time in captivity, she knew touch was important. Even if the bonehead Orion didn’t remember.
* * * * *
A week later, the ship descended onto the planet of Apleadian.
“We’re home,” Echo said.
Orion turned to Ghost, who sat next to him. “Stay near my side, please. I don’t want you pulling stitches. They’re not yet healed. Do they itch?”
Shala couldn’t hear the response, as she was too busy thinking he sounded like a mother hen. Serepto rolled his eyes, making her giggle.
“Let’s disembark,” Jax said loudly, making everyone cheer.
The rest of their people on the planet greeted them as they always did. Music blared and the smell of barbecued food flooded the air. Clapping ensued as they descended the steps.
Several of the Protected came upon her, including her old friend Kristeeah. “Are you well? Tian told us of the horrors you faced.”
“I am fine now. I was rescued. Again,” she smiled, catching Serepto’s eye. Together they sat under one of the trees. “It’s beautiful here,” Shala said, eyeing the streamers the Protected placed to hang from the branches. It looked like a wedding about to happen. “Did you do this?”
Kristeeah nodded. “Thank you, Serepto. We love your gift.”
The crazy man had the audacity to blush. “They were nothing. Simply streamers.”
“The material is of exceptional quality. See how gossamer thin they are? They absorb the sunlight, and glow to reflect it when the sun goes down. We have been fascinated for many nights since that last trip, when you gifted us.”
Shala didn’t know that he’d slipped the Protected such finery. She studied him out of the corner of her eye. For the first time, she realized how deeply she must have fallen in love with him. There was a depth to him that came naturally. Yes, the Protected were cared for, but this pleasure went above and beyond their needs.
Off in the distance, drums began to beat.
“What’s that?” Jax asked.
“Pleans,” Tian said, approaching his mother and Orion and hugging them tight. “They’ve taken to bringing us gifts. Usually those fruits that only grow at the top of the trees. Once here, they start sniffing the air as if they’re hungry. They stay for the meal, and then disappear.” He gave a wide grin. “You’ll love these creatures,” he said, turning to Ghost. “They’re the natives to the planet. They especially love Arian and have probably been watching for the ship to land.”
Shala hoped she was the only one that noticed Orion’s possessive look when Tian spoke to Ghost.
“I’m Tian, by the way. Arian’s favorite son.”
Ghost smiled, flipping her white-blond hair over her shoulder. Her skin, as pale as it was, suddenly glowed. Her hazel eyes appeared a more golden color, and her dimples deepened.
Orion caught his breath, whereas Tian continued to babble.
Just then, Malaya—who’d been on guard duty—cut through the crowds with a half dozen tiny Plean women in tow. They carried huge baskets of fruit on top their heads. They were much more relaxed with being inside the walls of the village now, as evidenced by the way their tails snaked gently back and forth. They wore makeshift dresses of burlap bags, apparently given to them by Tian. Normally in the winter, the Pleans wore furs.
They chattered excitedly when they saw Arian, who stepped forward to greet them. The tiny Pleans hugged her like a long-lost relative, their heads only reaching her chest.
Shala noticed Orion stepping closer to Ghost and explaining the relationship between Arian and the Pleans. How Arian had rescued them and removed a parasite from their throats that kept them from screaming, or even speaking, during an alien abduction.
Turning his head to give Shala a wink, Tian spoke to Ghost again. “We’ll get them a couple baskets of food to take home for the journey. I’m sure the rest of their tribe is waiting just around the trees to descend upon the barbecue.”
“It seems like you have a lot of fun on your planet,” Ghost said wistfully. “We could use these lessons.”
Orion lowered his voice, whispering into her ear. Ghost had to huddle closer to hear.
“Finally. For such a smart guy, he’s figuring it out,” Serepto whispered in her ear.
Shala giggled. “Figuring what out?”
“How to get her closer physically. And how to get her to pay more attention to him than his adversary.”
“It’s a skill that comes naturally for you,” she said.
“No, I had to figure it out also. You’d think he’d have paid closer attention.” His eyes narrowed. “Though, I had no adversaries. No one would have dared.”
“You got that right,” she said.
“You were different back then, Shala my love,” he said. “You don’t remember, but I had to frequently fight you off.”
She burst out laughing. “You lie! I probably avoided you like the plague.”
“No, I swear. You were fascinated with me.”
Shala was barely aware of Tian watching them closely, as she giggled happily. No matter that she couldn’t remember, life was good now. At this moment.
“Shala,” Orion called. Both he and Ghost were watching her.
“Mmm?”
“Do me a favor? See the Plean to the right of Arian?”
Shala saw the tiny creature. Her face was pinched, and she stood with one foot in front of the other, as if she favored a leg.
“I think she sprained her ankle. You know they still don’t trust males. Do you feel like showing her how to wrap an ankle for support? I know we probably can’t explain to them to keep off it, but maybe we can minimize further damage, and relieve her pain.”
“Of
course,” Shala murmured. She knew the Pleans would allow her to wrap the ankle. She’d been with Arian, removing the parasites from their throats.
Orion tossed her a roll of wrap, and Serepto walked her to them, standing back with Malaya so as not to frighten them. Shala smiled at the injured creature, and then pointed at her foot. The Plean chittered away, and Shala sighed, not having a clue as to what she said.
Arian laughed. “Let me show her how to sit.”
Jax brought her a chair, and Arian sat in it, holding her left foot up. The Pleans watched her movements carefully. Then she stood, and moved the chair behind the injured woman. Very slowly, the woman sat, then grinned when the chair stayed put. The other two with her giggled hysterically.
After giving them some time, Shala sat cross-legged in front of the woman. “May I?” she asked softly. Very gently, she placed the injured foot onto her lap, aware of the creature stiffening.
“She’s wary, but she’s allowing it,” Arian murmured.
Shala slowly wrapped her foot and ankle. When she was almost done, the Plean began chittering to her comrades.
“She’s probably telling them how much better it feels,” Arian said.
Although the binding material clung to itself, Shala still tucked the end into another strip to hold it securely.
“There,” Shala said, setting her foot on the ground again. She stood, and held out her hand to the woman to grasp. When the Plean slipped her hand into hers, Shala could feel how tiny the bones in her hand were compared to hers. She wondered if this was how Serepto felt when they held hands. She carefully pulled her upright, and the woman smiled. She hugged Shala, apparently trying to translate how much better her ankle felt.
“You did good,” Serepto whispered. Shala stepped back a few feet to settle against his chest, watching the Pleans as they communicated excitedly. A couple of the AI brought their baskets of fruit back, this time filled with other foods. Then, as quickly as they’d arrived, they were off, lifting their baskets happily and waving.
