by Liz Paffel
“Even without the Queen’s brother to accompany you?”
She hoped that Brandon would recover fully, but she had no idea if his body would metabolize and store the nutrients efficiently or if the alien substance he’d inhaled was lingering in his body, waiting to tamper with his system again. She couldn’t say if or when he’d be ready to return to the city. “I guess I’ll have to figure something out.”
“You are being foolish.”
Maybe she was. She was scared to watch more footage of the city, scared of what she might see. Things would progress until the violence imploded and the situation reset. When it did, the people would need medical care. She’d given up her apartment when she found out she was being Summoned by the Axxeon. She got rid of everything she owned. The hospital where she did her work had been destroyed by fire. The pit of her stomach went hollow.
“You know what, Quixx? You go ahead. I’m going to the medical unit to check on the patients. Just in case.”
She turned, but he grabbed her arm. “You no longer desire to accompany me. Why?”
Priya rolled a shoulder.
“Was it something that I said?”
Maybe. Maybe not. It was more a niggling feeling than anything specific. Her heart was telling her to wrap this up before it decided to get involved.
“Please,” Quixx said softly. “I know that I am difficult, and perhaps I will accidentally cause offense. But I do not wish to offend you. If you tell me what I did incorrectly, I will ensure that I do not do it again.”
Her lower lip trembled, her body suddenly aching to be in his arms. Letting out a rush of breath, she stepped into him and looped one hand around the back of his neck, bringing him down to her level. She caught his eyes. A muscle jumped in his left cheek, his skin going hot--so hot--beneath her hand.
Lifting onto her tippy toes, she pressed her lips to his, taking him fully and without hesitation. His flavor burst full and delectable on her tongue, her hand gripping him wherever she could get a good hold. He groaned with an urgent growl, pulling her into him and supporting her with a hand on her lower back until every inch of her body pressed against his.
She felt so small and delicate against his tall, muscled body. His warmth seemed to envelop her, as if drawing her in and wrapping her up. Keeping her safe. Protected. Trembling, she fought the urge to wrap her legs around his and work up his body until she was anchored around his hips. Tilting her hips in, she gasped at the long, thick rod pressed against her abdomen. How fast could she rip his pants open?
Smoothing her palm against his firm torso, she worked it lower, eager to feel the rigid cock in her hand. Quixx tensed and lightly grabbed her wrist. The gentle squeeze of his strong fingers against her wrist bone broke the spell. She pulled away, cheeks heating. What the hell was she thinking?
“I—I, um. I’m…”
“Your taste is exceptional,” he whisper-growled. “I would like to continue this exploration; however, I have work to attend to first.”
“Humans take lovers, too,” she said as she trailed a finger over his lower lip. “Sex without attachment is very common for us.”
“You are tempting me.”
Head swimming, she wasn’t sure how to respond. Words wouldn’t come. Could she enter into sex with Quixx and not get tangled up? Things were different with him. The doors to her emotional center would not remain closed. Stepping fully away from him, she ran her hands down her dress. He seemed to realize the moment was over, too.
“I’m, um, going to check on the patients. And Yawnlit.”
“Priya.” Quixx threaded his long fingers into her hair, the rough pads rubbing against her scalp, causing tingles to burst in all directions. “You will stay away from the Nozing prince. Allow Yawnlit to care for him.”
She shook her head a little, hoping to clear her thoughts. “He’s showed no sign of needing medical attention.”
He pulled her in close again, his expression hard as stone. “This is not a request. It is a command that you will follow. The Nozing are genocidal killers who have stolen the very lifeblood of my heart. The prince will not think twice about killing you, given the chance.”
The sudden protectiveness and domineering tone of voice brought her fully back to the moment.
His thumb traced across her lip. “Promise me that you will listen to my order.”
“Like a good little pet?” She was joking-not-joking. The lines were blurred. Hell, the lines were drunk at the moment. She didn’t know where they stood.
A flicker of a smile crossed his lips. “If you prefer to become my pet, I will not argue against it.”
Oh, he was good. But she couldn’t get roped into the strangest seduction of her life.
“I’ll be careful around the prince.”
“No! You will stay away from him completely. His kind will not take another life from me. Promise me.”
The strong, independent woman inside her took a couple steps to the side. He wanted the sense that he was protecting her in some way, then she’d allow him to think that he was. Just like she’d wanted one little taste of him. It gave her a sense of completion… though she desperately wanted more. No, they could have these little things because soon, they’d be parting ways forever.
She placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “I promise.”
Chapter Eleven
He was not an intelligent being.
Allowing Priya to kiss him had been a monumental mistake. His body was strung with sexual need like never before. He couldn’t stand still, couldn’t control his thoughts from the feel of her lips on his and her small, soft hands reaching for his cock. How he’d wanted her to take it, caress it.
Yiiy, he didn’t realize how long it had been since he’d had release. Now that she’d awakened the desire to a level he’d never before known, it would take all his will to keep from going to her to cure the lust. She wanted him too. He’d absorbed the longing rolling off her body and savored the flavor of desire from her lips.
It was a mistake. He should have pushed her away immediately, yet nothing had felt more satisfying and complete than having her in his arms.
With a frustrated grunt, he turned his handheld scanner to the wall in front of him. Engineering had comm'd him with the news that the breach in the oxygen filtration room appeared able to be fixable, though depending on the ice conditions, the repair may not hold satisfactorily. He'd ordered the team to begin their repairs, then began making a meticulous sweep of the interior himself. The internal systems scanner should have detected the impending weakness in the wall before the ice breached. What else had the system scanner overlooked?
The idea that something else could go tragically wrong for his people was unthinkable. They had already been through so much. He had to believe that better things were to come for them. It filled him with hope that a new planet would be found to support and nourish his people. He was ready to do whatever it took to ensure his people did not suffer anymore, even if it came at a great personal cost. There was always a chance he would not make it back from B-2 Delta. He’d meant what he’d told Priya about not desiring a mate or offspring to leave behind.
A strange feeling tickled inside him. He rolled one shoulder as if he could rid himself of it, but it only came back stronger.
Maybe the words he said with so much resolve were not completely true.
He’d grown to believe he would have a mate and offspring when he was older and had proved himself as a warrior, and a provider. And as an Axxeon who was loyal to his King. He’d done those things and it had backfired so explosively. Being loyal to his former King had resulted in painful devastation. He swore he was not worthy of a female.
Yet, the more time he spent with Priya, the more he was reminded of things he denied himself.
Lust. Conversation. Laughter. And, connection.
He did not make connections easily with others, but he could not deny how easily he desired spending time with her, talking to her. Simply sharing a meal.
>
“You must stop these thoughts,” he growled to himself.
Yes, he must stop this at once. He didn’t know how to put his interest away when she was around, but he needed to sort through it before he did something against his vow to remain alone and seek redemption for his failure.
Realizing he’d been staring at the same five inches of wall, Quixx returned to his work. He finished one sector and moved on to another. Engineering was already making a sweep. He checked one more location and that was it. Everything had been checked. The hour was late, and though his body was not craving sleep, he knew he must at least lie quietly and attempt rest. Not knowing what lie ahead demanded that he recharge as completely as he could.
There were other ways to recharge.
The thought startled him in how harshly it crossed his mind. His groin tightened, a tingle going over his body. He could not.
He would not.
She had said that humans take lovers, too. The thought hadn’t left him since she’d said the words. It was something to be explored. Maybe, the answer to quelling the need they shared for the other. He turned toward her quarters.
Priya would surely be in bed by now. She would not welcome company this late in the evening. Humans were soft in their need for consistent sleep, and he had heard that human females were especially foul if they did not achieve enough of something called, ‘beauty sleep.’
She was beautiful already and no amount of rest would make that more or less.
No, she would not welcome his company. His mind repeated it over and over, yet his feet moved steadily to her quarters until he was standing outside her door. He had the authority to let himself in. His chest swelled at the thought of walking in, and seeing her smile in welcome, her arms opening to him. The way mates would do.
Raising his hand to the door, he hesitated before knocking. He never hesitated. What was happening to him?
The door swished open. Wide eyed, he looked at Priya standing in the doorway as if she’d known he was there. Her eyes were heavily lidded as if she’d been asleep, her face smooth and soft. Her body was wrapped in a large brown blanket.
“I heard you coming down the hall.”
He arched a brow. “But I am silent when I walk.”
“Not as silent as you think you are, big guy. What’s up?”
Quixx made a quick, rash decision. “Come with me.”
He did not wait for her response as he snagged her wrist and pulled her out of her quarters. She made an annoyed sound but followed him without complaint. A soft, relaxed warmth radiated off her, raising his suspicion that she’d been sleeping. She could not have heard him approaching her quarters, so what woke her? Did she somehow know he was coming for her?
He shook off the ridiculous idea and led her to a wide doorway. He used his comlet to buzz them inside. Lights bloomed as they stepped inside.
“I’ve been here before,” she said with a glance around. “I didn’t even get a drink, though.”
Quixx observed as she took in the hologram of an Irish pub. One of their programmers had suggested the hologram as it seemed to be a popular theme of bar goers in this city. He could not understand the appeal of the dark wood, low lighting and strange bursts of music coming from a trio of musicians in the corner. There was some sort of human sporting event involving a small white ball and wooden stick broadcast on a corner screen, and a flashing sign showed a menu sporting a copious array of alcoholic drinks.
The whole atmosphere irritated him. But since this was the intake room for the Summoned females to meet with the Axxeon warriors—presumably a relaxed, familiar environment--he decided Priya may enjoy the ambiance. She had been here with the last group of Summoned women, but her assistance had been needed in the laboratory with Queen Alora, so she’d been excused from the Pairing.
Thank all the galactic Gods.
“Why did you bring me here, Quixx? It’s got to be like two in the morning.”
“I wish you to teach me how to earn a woman’s favor.”
Her eyes made an arch before she looked at him. “So, you want to win over the Senator’s daughter, after all?”
He stepped into her, filling with satisfaction as her expression turned dark and needy. “No, human. I wish to win over you.” He slid a hooked finger beneath her chin and lifted. “Tell me how to convince you to let me take you home.”
Her lips parted in amused surprise. Silence pulsed between them, as if she had forgotten how to speak. A breath stuttered from her lips. “You remember what that means, right?”
His thumb trailed to her lower lip as he recalled how bold her flavor had been on his tongue, how sweet and hot and addictive.
“Yes.”
A variety of emotions played across her attractive features. He worried she might deny him, that perhaps his request would offend her. Yet, he couldn’t stop the need to experience what else might ripple through his body—and heart—if they touched in the way of mates.
“I’m surprised. I thought you didn’t find me attractive.”
He did not know how to respond. She arched her eyes with a roll once again. “I’m joking, Quixx.”
“It is not appropriate for me to find you beautiful. Yet, I do.”
Her lips turned into a small O. “Wow, well, this is definitely how you start winning a woman over. Come here.”
Taking his huge hand in her small one, she led him to the bar. The music fell as she took a seat on a tall stool with golden legs.
“The first thing you’d do is—move down a little bit. There you go—so, you’d lean against the bar and pretend to be watching the baseball game. And then you’d give me a couple sneaky glances.”
He put his palms on the shiny dark bar top and leaned into his arms. It felt awkward, as if his rear was jutting out unnecessarily. “Sneaky glances?”
“Like this.” Priya looked at the television screen, then pushed hair behind her ear while giving him the barest glance. Her eyelids fluttered, fanning her lashes and then she quickly diverted her gaze downward. His brow fell. It appeared to be a totally feminine move.
He mirrored her movements, first looking at the screen. Then, tucking a chunk of his blue hair behind his ear, he cut her a blazing glance and moved his eyelids stiffly up and down before looking away.
She burst into laughter. “You don’t have to… you don’t have to tuck your hair or bat your eyelashes. Oh my God, I’m sorry but that was awesome.”
He didn’t understand her amusement on his behalf, but he enjoyed her laughter.
“Let’s try again.” She composed herself and retraced her steps. First looking at the television, then sliding him a steady, confident gaze which she pulled away when he met her eyes. “See? You’re drawing interest from me by looking. If I sneak a glance or two back at you, then you’ll know I’m interested, too.”
“Enough with the glancing. What happens next?”
He moved closer until her knees pressed into his outer thigh. “You’re breaching the personal space boundary a little quickly.” Shifting on the stool, she let the blanket shift a little. His mouth went dry to see her shoulders were bare. “The next thing you’d do is offer to buy me a drink.”
He swallowed, drawing his gaze from her skin. “A container of intoxicating liquid?”
“Alcohol. Yes. Unless, of course, she wants a soda or sparkling water.”
Humans. So many choices for everything. No wonder they were such a stressed little planet. “Which would you prefer?”
“If this was a real bar, I’d have a dark beer with a whiskey chaser.”
“This hologram is tactile and substantive. You may have your drink.” He rapped his knuckles against the bar top and a bartender appeared out of thin air. Quixx repeated her order and the hologram disappeared into a revolving back door and reappeared with a beer bottle and a shot glass, setting them down before her with a clink.
“You’re kidding.”
“I do not—”
She picked up the beer. �
��I know, I know. You don’t kid.”
“What is next?”
“I’d sip on my beer while you make small talk. Ten seconds after you open your mouth, I decide if I like you or not. If I do, I toss back the shot.”
“Does that signal your readiness?”
She shrugged. “I do it for me. It’s my signal to myself. I prefer a strong drink before sex.”
Quixx watched her put the beer bottle to her lips and tip it back. A drop of dark ambler liquid cling to her lower lip as she set the bottle down. He swallowed hard again as his solarderm began to heat.
“Does not alcohol inhibit the mind and inspire you to do things you may not otherwise do?”
“That’s right.”
“Why do you wish to numb your brain? Should you not be free to enjoy the act without help from alcohol?”
She drew her hand away from the beer bottle as if it were suddenly flaming hot. Her expression fell as she drew her lower lip between her teeth and quickly released it. “You’re right. Sometimes I numb myself because I want to feel closeness and intimacy, even though I know it’s with some random man who really doesn’t care about me. Being slightly drunk helps me pretend that he does, if only for a little while.”
He didn’t fully understand the context of her words, but he understood enough to realize that she was looking for a connection in a human male that she had yet to find. How dare the men she had been with not fully care for her and ensure her that she was desired and precious. As a mate should.
None of those males had been her true mate. His pulse picked up. None of them had been strong enough to fully claim her. He looked down at her from his full height. That ends this moment.
The thought shook him. But it was true. He wanted her to know she was desired and safe and precious. He wanted nothing more than to help her feel the closeness she so craved. The why didn’t matter. Only that she received her deepest desire. “Tell me what is next.”
Her chest rose heavily up and down. The blanket slipped a little more, fully revealing the delicate line of her collarbone and the creamy dusk of her skin. It fell an increment more, showing off the expanse of her chest and subtle rise of her full breasts. He hadn’t considered… that she might be naked beneath the blanket.
