by Gabby Dark
“The water’s still warm from the shower. Let’s get this cleaned so you don’t catch an infection.”
He said nothing as I pulled him straight into the bathroom and toward the sink. We sat down on the bath bench and I unwrapped the cloth from his forearm. After examining it thoroughly, I realized that the wound had healed instantly as if by magic.
“What the…?” I mouthed.
“See? I told you. Heals quickly.”
I shook my head. “They said Zunatorians can self heal rapidly, but I had no idea…that is some sci-fi level stuff right there.”
He chuckled. “It’s our DNA. We’re not entirely invincible though.”
“Then be careful when you go out to work again. You scared me.”
“Would you like to come with me this time?”
I nodded.
Zark gently stroked my hair back from my face. “But first…” His fingers glided down my neck and across my shoulder. He leaned in to kiss me on my shoulder. My skin was still damp from the shower. His mouth felt exquisite on me. His breath tickled my skin and goose bumps rose up on my flesh. I was wet the instant his tongue made contact with my body.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about you. The way you look. The way you taste. The way you moaned when you came.”
I panted, breathless and pliant from his touches. “I feel the same. I know you said you wouldn’t breed me, but I want you, Zark.”
We shifted together on the bench until our bodies touched and kissed.
“What pleases you also pleases me,” he whispered, and then trailed his kisses downward until they landed on my neck.
I lifted my chin and gave myself to him as he tongue my throat. My towel fell away from my body at some point, but I didn’t care. Zark kissed his way down my center, grabbed my hips, and pulled me near the edge of the bath bench. He propped one of my feet on the sink next to us and lowered himself to the floor. He mumbled something in his native tongue and then lashed my clit with his generous tongue. He ate like a ravenous beast, sucking on me and thrusting his tongue in and out of my sex, drawing from the juices that collected there.
“Oh, Zark…please…” I moaned, lifting my hips to meet his tongue.
“Come again for me, sweet Freya. Let me hear you come for me,” he moaned against my clit.
My body quaked and out of nowhere my climax rose like the wind and then warped through me like a tornado. He was still stroking me softly in the aftermath.
I lifted myself up and kissed him. Our tongues danced together. I tasted my lust and suddenly knew why he was addicted.
“I want to please you.” I tugged on the string holding his loin cloth to his waist.
“You already have. My seed spilled the moment I tasted your sweet honey.”
His words caused my pussy to clench and my clit to quake with need. “I want to know what you taste like,” I said, sliding off the bench and kneeling down between his thighs.
He was bigger than I remembered. His cock was exquisite perfection. The head was large and bulbous. At the base of his cock, there was an extra layer of flesh resembling a cuff, or a kuvak, as they called it. The woman at the dorms had told me that during a mating, the men would increase in width and the cuff would rise, locking the woman in place to ensure the seed entered the womb. I trembling just thinking about it and my cream leaked down my thighs.
I ran my tongue gently around the head. Zark released a strangled moan. His gaze met mine and he watched as I picked up his cock and sucked it into my mouth as far as it would. He tasted like cinnamon and nutmeg and a robust spicy scent all rolled into one. I moaned as I took him again and again to the back of my throat. I almost gagged from taking too much of him in. He pulled back, dragging his turgid shaft against my eager tongue.
His balls tightened against my fingers. I felt the moment his kuvak rose. He got so excited that he got up from the bench coming to a standing position as I worked my mouth over his cock. I grabbed his thighs and sat back with my legs folded under me. He threaded his fingers through my hair and fucked my mouth the way I longed for him to fuck my pussy.
He tried to pull back, but I took even more of him in my mouth.
“I will spend my seed if you don’t stop,” he groaned. “Freya…” he moaned.
I moaned in return as my greedy pussy clenched, aching for more than emptiness. He growled into the open room, letting go of the tension he held inside. When Zark came, his seed was abundant. He flooded my mouth. There was so much seed that some even leaked from my lips and down my neck. He pulled his erection out and I swallowed, licking my lips. He kissed me and we tasted each other.
I felt his hard-on pressing against my belly. I thought he’d take me right then and there on the bath bench, but he pulled me into the shower with him, pushed the release button, and pulled us both under the stream.
He turned me around and pressed my front against the glass enclosure and then pressed his chest to my back.
“I could take you now, Freya. I could ravage you right this instant,” he said, rubbing his hardness between my ass cheeks.
“Please,” I begged. “I want it.”
“I’ve never spilled my seed for any other woman, Freya. Just you,” he whispered against the back of my throat.
“You’re a virgin too,” I uttered the statement as it dawned on me.
“Yes, and I know I’m very fertile. Nature demands that I mate and breed. Our fates are intertwined. It’s why I’m drawn to mate with you. If I take you now, you’ll be pregnant by morning.”
“I—ah….” I was cut off when he brought his hand around and fingered my clit. The sensation was like feeling a vibrating pressure there.
He rubbed gently, but with purpose. At the same time, he rocked his massive erection against my backside. I came undone in his hands under the shower stream. He let go once more, while holding me, declaring to never let me go.
When we were done, he turned me around and kissed my lips. “Get dressed and meet me outside. Wear boots, not slides. We’ll visit the market for a bit and then I’ll show you where I spend some of my time.”
I smiled without saying a word. He grinned and left me elated and hopeful for our future.
Our future.
Hmm, where had that thought come from?
It wasn’t a thought at all. I was actually envisioning a future with Zark.
Chapter Fourteen
Zark
* * *
The next morning, I was preparing to start my rounds of the day when I heard a series of short vibrations on the ground just outside the podhouse. I had visitors. I slid the shutters aside and looked out the window to see a messenger of the King walking up my path. He had two others with him.
I put down the bread pan I was holding and quickly walked out the door.
“Hvit’zark, we need to speak to you at once,” Zedron said. He cocked his head at the door, meaning to get inside my podhouse.
“My woman is resting inside. You and your men will not wake her.” I pointed to a spot by the tree and the three messengers followed me there. “So, why are you here so early this morning?”
“Your Majesty and the Prince sent us,” Zedron replied, handing me a sealed message.
I frowned, fearing the worse.“Where are they?”
“Don’t worry. They’re fine. Neither could leave their posts as they have guests in the meeting hall. The Aurraks are here. You may have already heard.”
“Yes, I’ve heard. What message did King Crencik send for me?”
“They’re in the final stages of trading with the ambassador. Your Majesty would like to know if you will accompany the commander they brought with them to the outer lands. They wish to view it. They’re not that many of them. Just two dozen I believe.”
“For what reason do they wish to view our lands?”
Zedron cleared his throat. “He did not tell me directly. Perhaps you should read his note. But, there are talks that they’ve offered up their architects to help us
with environmentally-stable construction of shelter on the new settlement.”
I rubbed my chin and looked off in the distance at the top of the hill where the King was certain to be holding meetings with ambassador at this very moment.
“Hmmm. I wonder what they have traded to come to such an agreement.”
“The Aurraks wish to mine our crystals, of course. However, they are the greatest builders in all of the galaxy. We do need their expertise, don’t you think?”
Truthfully, if the King had come to this decision, I trusted his wisdom. There was no way I would refuse.
“Give me some time to gather some more scouts to go along with us.”
“Shall I return tomorrow to retrieve your answer and the status?” he asked.
I nodded.
When I parted from the scouts, I broke the seal from the note.
* * *
‘Hvit’zark, son of Braddlk,
By this time, you will have reunited with your mate after an unnecessary lengthy separation. I know that sooner or later I will have word that you will be a father. You’ve questioned my prophesies before and I am sure you will continue to question them in the future. You are your father’s son after all. At least we can agree on one thing now-your destiny involves more than you think. Your new mate will convince you of that and I’m sure she’ll do a better job of it than I have.
As for the matter at hand, I need your help. I need someone to spearhead this new project. I need a leader who will question everything. You’ve found workable land for us to settle on and now it is only fair that I offer you healthy compensation. You will need a bigger podhouse for your future family. Thus, you will need more land. Accept my gift of land of the equivalent of three lots on the new settlement and direct funding from me for the podhouse of your choice.
You are running out of time and space, brave son of Braddlk.
In good faith,
Your Majesty, Crencik’
* * *
My fingers were trembling by the time I finished reading the note. As I thought back to everything that had transpired over the last few months, I had no reason to doubt the King. And I had no doubts that Freya would be my lifelong mate.
I entered the podhouse to find Freya still asleep on the bed, curled up under the blankets. She tossed twice and whimpered before finally settled down and, seemingly, drifting off into a deeper slumber.
I continued to prepare breakfast quietly so as not to wake her. I was just about done mixing the ingredients for our breakfast bread, when I heard her mumbling something incoherently.
I turned around to find her talking in her sleep. She seemed disturbed. Maybe she was having a nightmare. All of a sudden, she sat up in the bed, eyes wide with shocking awareness.
“Aurora!” she called out.
I rushed to the bedside and held her steady. Her gown was damp with sweat. By all the tossing and turning she’d been doing, I should’ve known that something was wrong.
“Doxinide,” she whispered, panting.
“Freya, I’m here. What’s wrong?”
She looked at me. “I remember what happened now. I remember how I was captured. I escaped the settlement. Rebels found me. After learning that I’m North’s daughter, they injected me with doxinide.”
“Doxinide?” I shook my head.
“It’s a poison that causes memory loss.”
“We should alert your nurse about this,” I said.
“I know. Yes, we’ll tell her, but first, I have to speak to Aurora.”
“Okay.” I swallowed, pain washing over me from seeing Freya in so much anguish.
“Please. I have to find her.”
“Don’t worry. We will.”
Chapter Fifteen
Freya
* * *
It was late when Zark came home that evening, but I knew he would be out later than usual doing a job that he’d just been assigned. I needed time to process the flood of memories and emotions anyway. They seemed to return in waves. I suddenly understood why the women despised me and I didn’t blame them one bit. I knew it would take some time, but I wanted to prove to each of them that I wasn’t the equivalent of my father. I was also done hiding in my own shell. I wouldn’t be a hermit crab anymore just because I was afraid of what someone thought of me.
The locks on the door rattled and Zark’s large figure crossed the threshold.
“Zark. Finally. You’re back.” I hurried to greet him, taking a couple of the bags from him to set down on a table near then entrance.
“Yes, I’m back.” He stepped back to look at me and smiled. “Your skin is glowing. You’re happy?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
He slid his hand behind my neck gently and then lowered his lips to kiss my forehead. “You’re okay with your memories?” he asked.
“There’s nothing I can do about them now. My memories may have been gone for a little while, but my intentions and what motivated me were always there. I knew I didn’t want to return to Earth before and now I know why.”
“I’m glad you’re content,” he said.
“And look?” I held up the threading tool used to alter and design tunics. “I finally figured out how to use this thing. I tried for days at the dorms but couldn’t stay focused.”
He took the knotted fabric from me and took a look. “Good. You’ll need winter robes soon.”
“I bet.” I looked at the cloth bags filled with supplies. “You went shopping. You said you’d take me again the next time you went.”
“I know you enjoyed yourself the other day in the market. I’ll make it up to you. But first, I have a surprise for you…at least I think it’ll be a surprise.”
I chuckled. “What is it?”
“Come outside. There’s someone waiting to see you.”
“Who?” I mumbled, just as he opened the door and led me outside.
“I searched for your friend today. Aurora. She is mated to Vaxar. When I told her you wanted to see her, she insisted on coming right away…”
Zark’s voice trailed off as I walked down the path. Standing next to her huge warrior mate was Aurora. Recognition set in instantly on her face and she left Vaxar’s side to meet me halfway.
“Freya,” she exclaimed, hugging me and then stepping back to look at me. “Oh, God, it’s really you.”
“Yes, it’s me. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“Me either,” she squealed.
I swallowed. “Are you not mad with me?”
“About what?” She searched my face.
“I have my memories now.”
She frowned. “I wondered about that. I suspected that was the case. You were so distant. I thought maybe you were mad because I ran off when the bombs hit our settlement back on Earth.”
“No.” I shook my head. “I can never be mad at you.”
“I totally abandoned you,” she said. “We made a promise to always stick together. You told me that one day you’d free me from servitude…and I didn’t have the will power to stick around. I chose to leave…”
My eyes began to water. “Aurora, I’m so very sorry—”
“Ssh, no apologizing for things that were beyond your control. I know how your father treated you. I know he threatened physical punishment when you acted out. He was always so angry whenever you spoke out. I remembered you always did and then one time…you just stopped. Something bad happened I think. You didn’t want to talk about it then,” she said, and then turned away.
I grasped her hands in mine. “My memories come in waves, but you must be right. Every time I think of him, my father—I want to vomit. If the only thing I remember from my time on Earth is you, I’ll be happier…I think.”
“I’m happy to have been your friend. We were friends even though I was your handmaiden. I never would’ve made it in that settlement if I weren’t with you. Our fates are tied now, Freya. They were tied before too. You and I, we’re going to be friends forever.”
I sighed
and my heart warmed to her comforting words. If she only knew how much relief she brought here today. I looked straight into her eyes—violet eyes that reminded me of the most fragrant lavender and said, “I’d like that, Aurora. I’ve needed you more than you probably need me.”
“We need each other,” she replied.
I hugged her close. At that moment, I caught a glimpse of our warriors standing side by side staring down the path at us. Vaxar was just as tall and solid as Zark. The men were similar, and the only difference was the ǔre beneath their skin. Aurora’s warrior was an empath which was revealed by the bright red hue of his aura.
She pulled back and reach out to take my crystal pendant in her hands. She covered it with her palm, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. When she opened her palms again, the clear crystal pendant radiated with a emerald color in the same hue as my eyes.
I gasped. “How’d you do that?”
She grinned. “I just did. Nothing’s impossible now, Freya. Nothing at all.” She winked.
Astonished by her talents, I picked up the crystal and in that moment, another memory came to me. One of my mother. She was beautiful with auburn hair and green eyes just like mine. She was a teacher. She loved her job immensely, and she brought a bright smile to every child in her classroom. But when she came home from work, she always called me the light of her life.
Suddenly, something dawned on me and I shot my gaze back up to Aurora. “It’s true.” I leaned in and whispered, “You’ve inherited your father’s powers. You can manipulate matter.”
Aurora looked away shyly.
On Earth in our colony, she would’ve been condemned for having the blood of a male witch running through her veins. It was something she kept quiet about and never mentioned, but it worked. Soon, many people forgot which family she came from and how she came to be indebted to the governor.
“Yes,” she replied. “The gift has always been there. It is no secret—not from Vaxar and not from anyone here. I’m not censored or chastised. I’m not treated like a freak of nature. I’m not afraid anymore of what and who I am. Yet, I’m not as powerful as my father was. I try not to do too much these days. I have to save my energy since I’m growing a little one now.”
