Was it because she was human? Or was it because Zameer was holding onto her hand?
Sara noticed he hadn’t let go and appreciated it; these two made her nervous. She seemed to have something towards Zameer and him showing the slightest affection to anyone else had to be infuriating for her.
It was clear they weren’t going to be bosom buddies anytime soon.
They were walking along the corridor to Zameer’s quarters when Zameer finally spoke.
“It wasn’t that bad now, was it?”
Sara grunted.
“King Deva seems nice enough. But Queen Tiria…she was cold.”
“She’s cold with everyone. It’s not just you.”
“Everyone?”
“Mostly against females. I think she believes they’re going to usurp her and take her place.” Zameer shrugged. “That’s how she became King Deva’s consort.”
Sara grunted. No wonder Tiria was paranoid.
“What goes around comes around.” She murmured.
“She is a bit like Lady Macbeth, even right down to fretting about blemishes she thinks she’s got.”
Sara blinked.
“I didn’t realize you’d read Shakespeare.”
Zameer winked. He had never winked at her before.
“I told you I wanted to learn.”
“I know he’s one of Earth’s biggest and best playwrights but he’s not exactly the easiest person to read.”
“I learnt that pretty quickly. I got the gist of it, though.” They reached a tall grey door with a touchpad at the side. Zameer put his hand on the pad, which flashed green and back to blue and the door slid open.
“Here we go. This is my ‘humble abode’ as you would call it. For this month, I’ll see about getting your handprint scanned so you can come and go as you please.”
“Thank you.” Sara stepped inside and stared in wonderment. “Wow. This is twice the size of my apartment.”
And that was just the open-plan living room and kitchen. It looked like a millionaire’s home back on Earth. The whole place has a rustic feel about it, reminding her of a cabin in the woods she and her parents had vacationed in when she was a kid. It was warm and inviting.
Not what she had been expecting at all.
She turned to Zameer, who was watching her expectantly. She smiled.
“This is beautiful.”
The smile that lit up his face was worth it. He seemed pleased that she liked his home.
“This has everything here. Including a washing machine.” He winked. “So you won’t need to moan about sweaty clothing.”
“That will be a relief.”
Sara plucked at her shirt. They could survive space but she was starting to feel a bit smelly, even with daily showers.
Zameer led her across the living room and opened another touchpad door. It slid open to reveal a bedroom with a huge bed with black silk sheets. Everything in it looked like a normal apartment bedroom back on her home planet. Just slightly bigger.
Sara loved it. She turned to Zameer.
“Is this your room?”
“No, this is the guest room for you.” Zameer pointed as a door across the space. “My room’s over there. The bathroom’s in between.”
“You don’t want me in separate quarters?” Sara blushed. “People will talk.”
“Let them. It’ll be easier for me to know where you are. There are some here who don’t like Humans and there might be…problems.”
“So this is more for my own protection.” Sara grunted. She shook her head. “Nice of you to tell me that when I’m finally here.”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” Zameer approached her and took her hands. “It just means you need to stick with me for a while until they get used to seeing you, that’s all.”
Sara couldn’t help but smile. Zameer was a warrior. He came from a warrior planet. Yet the whole time they had known each other, he had shown himself to be a gentleman, kind and generous towards her. And affectionate. Sara had noticed that Zameer had been touching her more since they left Earth, as if he was free of some restraints.
She realized that she liked it; it had been a while since any man had shown her any sort of affection. Zach had been the last one and had left a nasty taste in her mouth. With Zameer it was different; electricity made her skin tingle in a way it never had with Zach.
She liked it.
Sara braved herself and pushed up onto her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. She blushed and smiled at him as she went back on her feet.
“Thanks.”
Zameer was looking at her strangely. Sara felt heat pool in her belly. She had never seen him look at her like this before. It was strangely empowering. Erotic. He looked like he wanted her.
Zameer’s hands tightened on hers. Then he tugged her closer. Sara found herself leaning into him as he gently cupped her jaw and kissed her.
She had been expecting a warrior’s kiss, deep and passionate, taking her breath away. It was soft and gentle, almost a chaste kiss. But there was anything chaste about the way his body pressed against her, one particular part of his body prodding her in the stomach.
He wanted her.
It still took her breath away.
Zameer pulled back, swallowing back a gulp. He was breathing heavily.
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”
He didn’t look sorry. Sara grinned and tugged his head down.
“I’m not sorry.”
Then she kissed him. She showed him how she wanted to be kissed, running her tongue along his lips until they opened, her tongue diving instead.
Zameer groaned and pressed her hard against him, his hands going everywhere. Sara trembled and clutched at his head, desperate for more. She felt like she was drunk and needed a fix.
Zameer was going to be more addictive to her than she realized.
After a delicious age, Zameer pulled back against, this time slower and with more reluctance. He sighed heavily, his arms still around her.
“I need to speak to the king about something first. I won’t be along.” He slowly drew his arms from her, kissing her forehead. “Make yourself at home.”
Sara didn’t want him to go. She reached for him again. But then Zameer was gone. Sara hadn’t even seen him move.
How did he do that?
There were things she could do while Zameer was gone but Sara didn’t feel like doing any of it. She was getting confused. What was happening between her and Zameer?
He was becoming affectionate, almost loving with her, something she hadn’t expected from a warrior. And while she had wondered what it would be like to be intimate with him, she still wasn’t sure where it would leave them. Was this a one-time thing? Or was there something more?
Sara scolded her thoughts. Her research said Zameer’s kind didn’t do one-time things. But he wasn’t mated. This could be anything.
She blamed Zach for making her distrusting of all males.
She needed a different perspective of it. And Sara knew just who to talk to.
Retrieving her iPad from her bag, she sat cross-legged on the bed and called her father. Neil was a practical man; he would understand.
This wasn’t the sort of thing a daughter would necessarily ask her father but Sara wasn’t about to ask Fiona about it. Her mother would probably freak out and demand an exorcism.
It didn’t take long for Neil to answer. From the background, he was in his apartment. His greying hair was wet and he was wearing his sweats. Evidently, he had just finished his laps. Sara grinned. She was glad to see him.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, you. Did you touch down safely?”
“We did. Zameer’s taken me to his quarters and he’s now going to speak to King Deva about something.”
“So you didn’t kill each other? I know you hate enclosed spaces.”
Sara laughed.
“No, we didn’t. And he didn’t suck my blood either.”
Neil chuckled.
“I didn’t think he would. Your mother’s still harping on about that.”
“Serves her right for being so stupid.” Sara bit her lip. “Dad, I think Zameer likes me. And…I don’t know what to do.”
“Why not? Don’t you like him back?”
Sara couldn’t answer. She could only nod. Neil sighed.
“Oh, Sara. Do you remember researching about Abisons and their mates?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Well, have a recap and think about it. Then see what you want to do about it.”
Sara remembered everything about her research when it came to Abison. And she had been told about Abisons and their mates by Zameer himself. At the time she hadn’t thought much of it.
Now she wondered how much of it he was actually meaningfully saying to her.
“You think I might be his mate?”
“Just see where it goes, Sara. There’s no harm in exploring what might be there between you.” Neil made a face. “Just don’t tell me the details. I’d rather not know.”
Sara giggled.
“I wasn’t planning on it.” She paused. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too, honey.”
Neil blew her a kiss before he hung up.
#
Zameer needed to talk to Deva. While you couldn’t really stop an Abison when they found their mate, they still needed to notify the King about it.
Zameer wasn’t entirely sure why but it had been around as long as he could remember. Pretty much since Tiria became Queen; his parents said they never had to ask permission. It was something Tiria had brought in.
Zameer wondered if it was for everyone or specifically for him.
Deva’s guard summoned him from his room while Zameer waited in the throne room. He was dressed for sleep, his chest bare with his bottom half clad in silk black trousers. His body could have been made out of stone. He blinked in surprise as Zameer bowed at him.
“Back again, Zameer. Have you had a fight with Doctor Jones already?”
“No, Your Majesty.” Zameer straightened up. “I have something important to discuss with you.”
“Ask away.”
That was easier said than done. Zameer had been trying to figure out what to say on the way over and he still had no idea what to say. So he went for the blunt, something he hadn’t done in a while.
“Sara is my mate.”
Deva blinked. He looked taken aback.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that. Are you certain about it?”
“Very.”
If Zameer hadn’t been sure before Sara kissed him, he was now. And he was itching to get back to Sara. He was eager to get her into bed and underneath him. The thought of her naked made heat lick his body. His trousers felt very tight.
Deva was still looking surprised.
“You were adamant that you would never find your mate.”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting my mate to be human.”
“Does she know about it?”
“She knows about the mating process of our planet but I don’t think she knows about us. But there is definitely something between us, Deva.”
Zameer was comfortable addressing the king less formally when it was just the two of them. “I asked her father if I could have a month to seduce her on Abison and see what happens. He allowed it. If she doesn’t return my feelings, I’ll let her go back to Earth.”
That didn’t sit well with him. Letting his mate go would tear his heart out. But Zameer wasn’t about to force someone to be with him. From the look on his face, Deva knew it, too.
“That will be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do.”
“I know.” Zameer swallowed. “But if Sara wants it, she’ll get it.”
He would do anything for her. Deva knew it. They had known each other a long time.
“And you want my blessing.”
“Out of respect for you, Your Majesty, seeing as Sara is Human.”
“Then you have it. Your father was one of my best scientists, you’re a good friend and Doctor Jones seems like a good female for you.” Deva shrugged.
“I can’t deny you much.” He gave Zameer a pointed look. “Just don’t break her heart. I don’t want to have to send you away because she left in tears.”
Zameer grinned and bowed.
“Trust me, I have no intention of doing that.”
#
That had gone on better than he expected. Zameer had half-expected Deva to refuse as Sara wasn’t Abison but he had readily agreed. Zameer didn’t really need to ask for his blessing but he felt he should get it. There was probably an unwritten rule somewhere that said inter-species couldn’t mate.
If Deva couldn’t find it, Tiria certainly would. She was determined to make sure he stayed alone as long as possible. Zameer wasn’t stupid; he knew that Tiria was saving him.
He just wished she didn’t make it so obvious. It was a miracle that Deva hadn’t noticed it already but it would only be a matter of time. Even then Zameer was sure Deva wouldn’t do anything to Tiria; he loved her too much.
Too bad the love wasn’t returned. Tiria didn’t know what she was missing with the love of a good man behind her.
Zameer left the throne room and made his way back to his apartment. He was eager to see Sara again. But as he was passing Tiria’s chambers, her door opened and Tiria stepped down.
Her hair was loose down her shoulders and she was wearing a robe that was so sheer, he could see straight through it. All she wore under it was a scrap of lace that could have loosely been called panties. She gave him a smile.
“Zameer. Can we talk?”
Zameer didn’t want to talk. He didn’t want to be alone without a witness. But then he remembered what he had inside the room. He was covered if Tiria tried to turn it back on him. He bowed.
“Yes, My Lady.”
Tiria’s smile widened and she went back into her chambers, Zameer following behind. He left the door open a crack and stayed near the door. He wanted a quick escape and no theatrics. Tiria liked to be over-dramatic with everything she did, even when declaring her all-consuming love.
Zameer had seen that happen to him once before. And he hadn’t been too happy at having the Queen of Abison fall to his feet, begging for him to take her to bed. That had been before he set up the camera in her chambers, just for personal protection.
If she tried to claim anything untoward happened, he could prove otherwise. It would probably get him into trouble with Deva for ignoring the wishes for no cameras in the royal chambers but Zameer wasn’t about to leave himself unprotected.
Tiria wandered near her huge bed, glancing over her shoulder at him.
“How was your journey back? It must’ve been boring with a Human on board.”
“It was fine.” Zameer ignored the jab. “We got along well.”
Tiria frowned.
“Why is she here? How did she manage to get you to bring her along?”
“It was my idea, My Lady. I thought she deserved a break from work. She accepted.”
“You invited her here?”
“Yes.” Zameer didn’t blink. “She’s my mate, My Lady. The King’s given me his blessing to mate with her once she’s aware of it.”
“He’s what?” Tiria shrieked.
Her face had gone white. Zameer knew she would react badly and kept himself from running to her when she collapsed into a sobbing heap on the floor.
Tiria wailed loudly, banging her fists on the floor like child having a tantrum. It was almost comical. Finally, Tiria stopped crying. She looked up and glared at Zameer.
“I can’t believe you’re to be mated to a Human!” She spat. “That’s disgusting.”
“How is it disgusting? We’re the same species, we speak the same language and we like each other. Add to that she’s my mate and we’re made out to be compatible…” He spread his hands at her. “What’s disgusting about it.”
“She’s Human!”
“So what?
She’s my mate and I want her in my life.”
Tiria looked like she was floundering. She stood, her robe falling open and off one shoulder. She put her hands together and hurried to him pleadingly.
“But you shouldn’t get yourself tied down to a Human. They get so boring after a time. You can’t have one as a mate.”
Zameer shrugged.
“I’ll take my chances, My Lady.”
He didn’t really care what Tiria thought; he just hoped she would leave him alone now. But from the look on her face, Tiria was only just getting started.
“How about making an arrangement?” She suggested. She sounded almost desperate.
“Arrangement?”
“Arrangement on the side. Nothing says you can’t be looking for…comfort…elsewhere when you’re mated.”
Tiria shucked off her robe and it pooled around her feet. Zameer turned and focused on the wall. If the king came in now and found his wife standing naked before one of his soldiers, he would be furious.
He swallowed.
“My Lady, you know perfectly well when someone’s mated, they don’t look at another female. That would be both impossible and immoral.”
“So what?” He heard Tiria’s heels clip across the floor. “Just don’t mate with her. Please!” Zameer flinched when she touched his back.
“I love you, Zameer. I always have. And I won’t allow you to mate with a Human.”
Zameer growled. That sound alone had Tiria jumping back, her hand falling away. He made his way towards the door.
“You won’t allow me to be mated because you want me for yourself?” He snorted.
“You don’t love me, you just want a possession. I won’t do it to either of our mates. It’s not fair to Deva or Sara.”
“Why not? Deva wouldn’t even notice. He barely visits me anymore.”
“But I would. I’m not that cruel.” Zameer opened the door and glanced back, keeping his eyes behind her shoulders. “And he’s already given his blessing for me to mate with Sara, if she’ll accept me.”
He didn’t bother to bow; he was too shocked by her bizarre actions to do so.
The Warrior's Proposal (Celestial Mates Book 7) Page 4
