by Sue Lyndon
“It is my opinion that our guards should’ve been conducting such blood tests to verify the identities of Tarrkuan brides long ago. You need not feel guilty, little human. Now, come, I would like to return to my ship before the streets become more crowded.”
School was still in session and most businesses hadn’t closed yet for the day, so there were few people walking the streets. But those who were out kept staring at Kazzon and Caylee, likely because he had a possessive arm around her, not to mention the questions the suitcases he was holding probably generated. He realized the sight of a Tarrkuan-human couple walking around a dome-city was probably unusual, but he quickened his pace and urged Caylee to walk faster.
He wanted her back on his ship, in his quarters, away from this dome-city and the family who had brought her pain. And yes, he wanted her alone, all to himself.
They hadn’t been mated for a full day yet, but already she was growing on him.
Chapter 19
Stars streaked by in a constant blur of white lines set against the black vastness of space. The ship had just jumped to hyperdrive and the floor hummed faintly beneath Caylee’s feet.
How strange that she felt more relief than wariness right now. While she’d been aware of a growing chasm between herself and her family—not just with her parents, but her brother, too—she hadn’t expected such an indifferent reaction to the news of her leaving.
She’d thought they would cry and spend every second of her last day on Earth with her, and she’d also thought they would be angry with Kazzon and perhaps have some harsh words for him.
But oh how she’d been wrong.
Maybe she’d been deluding herself this whole time.
They’d hugged her goodbye before leaving for work and school, but their hugs had felt awkward and stiff. She wished she could pinpoint a reason, a precise event that had occurred to cause this growing distance, but she honestly couldn’t find one.
The chasm had happened so gradually that she hadn’t realized what was going on until it was too late. She glanced over her shoulder at Kazzon. She barely knew him, yet he’d shown her more warmth during the last twenty-four hours than her own flesh and blood had in years.
He approached her with a glass of sparkling water. At least she assumed that was what it was. She accepted the drink with a quick murmur of thanks, then brought it to her lips. She took a deep drink, savoring the slight fruity flavor of the beverage. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was until that first sip.
“So, it takes six weeks to reach Tarrkua?” she asked. That was how long it took the Zenallia to navigate from Earth to Kazzon’s planet at least, but she didn’t know if the Corrannelia was able to travel faster.
He nodded. “Yes, however, I have just received orders to retrieve a fellow ambassador from planet Xollnax. It is not far out of the way, and it will only add an additional two days to our travel time.”
“Why do you have to pick this ambassador up? Is something wrong?” Her heart raced with excitement and nerves. She’d never heard of a planet called Xollnax, though she knew Tarrkuans weren’t the only aliens in the universe. But humans had little contact with aliens beyond the Tarrkuans, as Earth didn’t have much to offer. She didn’t blame the other aliens for staying away from a largely barren planet whose people lived in climate-controlled dome-cities.
“The TEC600 reactor that powers his ship has malfunctioned and it’s important he returns to Tarrkua very soon, as he is due to speak before a special session of Parliament regarding Tarrkuan-Xollnaxian relations.”
“What is Xollnax like?”
“I’ve been there once.” His tone was clipped, and his gaze turned cold. Caylee fought back a shiver. “It’s a beautiful planet, but a dangerous one. You will not be permitted to leave the ship during our short stop there.”
Her stomach twisted. “I understand, Xerr.” Her spirits sank, though, because for a brief moment the prospect of exploring an alien planet had filled her with a sweeping sense of adventure. As far as she knew, no one from Earth had visited an alien planet aside from Tarrkua. But at least she would still technically be visiting the planet, even if she didn’t set foot on the soil.
As if reading her mind, Kazzon said, “We will land on a high platform and you’ll be allowed free roam of my ship while I collect Ambassador Stonnas, which means you’ll be able to gaze out all the viewscreens and get a better look at the planet.” The coldness in his gaze faded and she sighed with relief to see a glimmer of warmth return to his huge dark eyes.
“Thank you, Xerr. I would like that,” she replied with a smile, touched by his thoughtful gesture. “When will we arrive on Xollnax?”
“In fourteen days.”
“Why is the planet so dangerous?” she asked, then finished the last of her drink.
Kazzon took the empty cup and set it aside. He gave her a funny look, as if he were considering whether or not to answer her question. Finally, he said, “There are many deadly animals on Xollnax, as well as dangerous plant life.”
“How could plants be dangerous?” she asked, trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. She didn’t think Kazzon had a sense of humor, but perhaps she was wrong and he was telling a joke, or at least trying to tell one.
“There are numerous carnivorous plants on Xollnax. In fact, Ambassador Stonnas’ predecessor was devoured by an erollozz tree. The branches of the tree grabbed him and shoved him into its mouth—the trunk of this particular type of tree opens like a mouth to reveal over a thousand razor sharp teeth.”
Caylee covered her mouth briefly as her eyes widened. She shook her head as the shock of Kazzon’s revelation washed over her. She peered at her new husband and worry for him clenched in her stomach. That could’ve easily been him. What if he’d been appointed as an ambassador to Xollnax and had accidently walked too close to one of their deadly trees? She shuddered at the thought.
“But worse than the trees and vicious animals are the Xollnaxians themselves,” Kazzon said in a warning tone. “They are a violent people who constantly fight amongst themselves, and females on Xollnax are treated poorly. Tribes frequently conduct raids to capture females from their rivals.”
You captured me.
She almost said it but stopped herself just in time. She didn’t wish to anger Kazzon, but she found his proclamation that females on Xollnax were treated poorly to be a bit hypocritical.
Females on Tarrkua didn’t have many rights. She would forever live under the authority of her husband, a huge male who could punish her whenever he liked, whether or not she agreed with his reasons, and whether or not she submitted.
“It is time to get ready for bed,” he announced.
Despite herself, the sight of his eyes darkening with lust caused her insides to flutter. Just as the warmth started pulsing between her thighs—she knew he expected her to share his bed tonight—she stepped away from him and headed for the bathroom.
“I-I’m just going to take a quick shower,” she said, praying he gave her the privacy she so desperately sought. She needed a few minutes to gather her thoughts. After closing the door, she waited a few seconds to see if he would barge inside, but to her relief she only heard his footsteps as he went into the neighboring bathroom.
She sighed with relief and sank down on the chair that rested beside the tub. Thank goodness his quarters contained two large bathrooms. They wouldn’t have to take turns or share at the same time, the idea of which made her uncomfortable. Though his quarters were large, and he would no doubt occasionally leave in order to speak with the pilots or perhaps the guards who traveled with them, she found herself relaxing just a little at the knowledge that she would be afforded some privacy, some precious alone time.
After taking a quick shower, she donned a silk robe but didn’t bother putting on an actual nightdress or pair of pajamas. The look in Kazzon’s eyes had made it quite clear what would happen once they were both ready for bed.
She took a fortifying breath and slowly opened
the door.
Kazzon stood in the center of the room, stark naked, the overhead lights bathing his massive muscular form in a golden hue. His cock stood fully erect and his gaze was black as the open space outside the viewscreen, dark and mysterious.
Her mouth went dry and tingles affected her all over. She paused in the doorway and could only stare at Kazzon. The sight of him, so huge and naked and proud, took her breath away.
He crooked a finger at her and his deep voice soon reverberated across the room.
“Come here, little human.”
Chapter 20
A quick breath drifted from Caylee’s lips as she inched forward. She took a another small step, then paused, her face flushing. Her gaze swept down to Kazzon’s center and she promptly glanced away. Despite her hesitation, he scented the stirrings of her arousal, a sweet but pungent feminine aroma that floated on the air. He took a deep inhale and crooked his finger at her again.
“I said, ‘come here.’ Don’t keep me waiting, little human,” he said, though his tone wasn’t very stern. “Do you want to end up over my knee again?” He lifted an eyebrow at her in question, waiting for her to move. Part of him hoped she would resist, if only so he might redden her bottom once more. His cock hardened at the memory of how she’d squirmed and pleaded while he punished her, before offering her submission and accepting those final smacks without complaint.
Caylee gave him a wary look but soon approached. Just as she reached him, she lowered her head slightly and murmured, “Sorry, Xerr.” Those two words, spoken so sweetly, stunned him. Because he saw no hint of black mist around her face. In his experience, it was rare for a person to apologize and truly mean it. To witness Caylee’s sincerity in the smallest of murmurings brought him hope for their mating union.
He placed a finger beneath her chin, guiding her gaze to his. “Why the hesitation?”
She licked her lips and swallowed hard. “I didn’t expect to find you naked already, Xerr. You caught me by surprise.”
He sensed there was more to it, but he didn’t press her. Instead, he leaned down to capture her lips in a slow, tender kiss that drew a soft moan from her. When he pulled away, her eyes were glazed over with desire and her lips remained parted, as if she were begging for another kiss.
But he guided her to the bed instead, his need for her all-consuming. A deep primal instinct compelled him to take her again, over and over, until she was dripping with his seed just like last night.
“Remove your robe. I expect you to come to this bed naked from now on, Caylee.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she reached for the fastenings on the robe. With a quick flick of her wrist, she tugged the garment free and the fabric drifted to the floor to pool around her feet. Her long wavy hair was brushed out, and when she moved to kick the robe away, her golden locks shifted over her shoulders, nearly concealing her breasts, but not quite.
He swept her hair back and tangled his fingers through it. Then, with a firm grip on her locks, he guided her onto her hands and knees.
A shudder traveled through her body, but she obediently got in the position. When he pushed down on her lower back, she seemed to know what he required of her and arched her back immediately, resting her head low on the bed, right between her hands. Her fingers curled into the bedcovers and she released a shaky breath.
He finally let go of her hair and settled himself behind her on the bed. As he sank into the tightness between her thighs, he decided this was his favorite position to take her in, when she was on her hands and knees with her bottom lifted high in the air, all her intimate secrets revealed to him, her slick pink folds and snug puckering hole on display.
Tiny whimpers drifted up from her as her insides clenched around his shaft. He grasped her hips and set a rapid pace of plunging in and out of her, unable to take it slow. He needed her fluxxing now. Later, he would claim her in a more leisurely manner, take his time tasting her and loving her, but in this moment, he needed to satisfy the burning desire that raged within him.
His balls impacted upon Caylee’s clit with every rapid drive. He could feel the nubbin swell larger and larger as the slickness between her thighs increased. She was soaking wet for him, and her whimpers and moans drove him mad with lust.
Nostrils flaring, he growled and pummeled her harder, and harder still.
She gasped a few times before crying out as her release finally hit her. When her insides clamped down around him, her muscles contracting under the force of the orgasm tearing through her, he couldn’t hold back any longer.
With a roar, he emptied himself into her depths.
She remained in position even after he pulled out of her tightness, and he took a moment to revel in the sight of his seed escaping her folds to trickle down her inner thighs. Panting breaths escaped her.
He ran his hand up and down her back, delighting in the softness of her skin. She was so beautiful with her golden locks spread about her head in a haphazard manner, and her bottom lifted to reveal her privates while his seed leaked out of her.
Lust gripped him anew, but he didn’t sink inside her just yet.
First, he wanted to hold her.
He turned her over and got her settled onto her side, then he curled up behind her and draped an arm around her. After sweeping her hair out of the way, he feathered kisses upon the back of her slender neck. A dreamy sigh left her, and she eventually tangled her legs with his, allowing their bodies to entwin.
“Are we going to sleep now?” she asked.
“Not yet. Not until I’ve had you at least one more time, little human.”
Chapter 21
Caylee awoke in Kazzon’s arms. She sighed to herself and relished the feel of the warm covers, coupled with her mate’s hard body next to hers. She felt comfortable and protected, which was strange considering that she hadn’t known him for long.
And he had forced her to marry him…
She considered what she might be doing right now if she hadn’t left New Leesburg. She might be at work, or perhaps headed home to her empty house. Or maybe on her way to visit her parents, perhaps to try to talk her brother into leaving his room. Her stomach dropped at the prospect.
Did it make her a bad daughter or a bad sister if she didn’t miss her family that much? Leaving had almost felt like a relief. She wondered if her father had moved out already, or if her mother had somehow forgiven him. She supposed she could call them via a video comm in a few days to find out, but for now she wanted to enjoy the growing physical distance between them, the lessening of the pressure she’d felt to fix all their problems.
She couldn’t very well be expected to solve their rampant issues when she was thousands of light years away. Soon she would have a family of her own and she was determined to make the best of it, even if she hadn’t initially wanted to leave Earth and become a Tarrkuan bride.
Though Kazzon still intimidated her a bit, she was starting to really like him. She’d been aboard his ship, bound for planet Xollnax, for five days now, and she couldn’t deny that she enjoyed his company. Everything about him drew her in, from his enigmatic dark gaze to his deep rumbling voice, as well as his spicy yet masculine scent. She inhaled deeply, nuzzling her face close to his hair.
He stirred in his sleep but didn’t rouse quite yet, and she took the opportunity to admire him while he slumbered. The same serious expression he always wore while awake made him appear as though he were deep in thought, but his slow, steady breaths revealed he really was sleeping. He had long, dark eyelashes that matched his pitch-black hair, and they fluttered now and then, making her suspect he was lost in a dream.
She couldn’t help but wonder just what he was dreaming about.
Her insides fluttered as she continued admiring her new husband. She could still scarcely believe what had happened—that a big Tarrkuan ambassador had caught her slinking about the shadows after curfew in New Leesburg, forced her to his spaceship, and decided he would marry her practically on the spot
.
Well, he’d claimed the Allocators had assigned her to become his bride, but she suspected there was more to the story. Had he requested her as his wife? More flutters rose inside her as she contemplated this possibility.
She would never forget the first moment she’d laid eyes on Kazzon, staring at her from across the street, his dark gaze piercing straight through her. At least that was what it had felt like at the time. Though they hadn’t exchanged any words during this first encounter, the experience had left a mark on her. She’d rushed back into the bakery, needing to hide, because she was certain he’d gleaned all her secrets just from the brief looks they’d exchanged.
His eyes opened and immediately fixed on her. She flushed and glanced away, embarrassed that he’d caught her gawking at him. Her face heated and she made to get out of bed, but he grabbed her arm and drew her closer, until he had her nestled tightly in his embrace.
“Good morning, little human.” His lips brushed against her earlobe and she shivered with anticipation. Sometimes, Kazzon claimed her in the mornings just after he awoke.
“Good morning, Xerr,” she replied, lowering her gaze to his chest.
He tangled his legs with hers and a soft sigh escaped her. How glorious it was to laze under the warm covers, her naked body pressed to her husband’s. Her heart raced and flutters rose in her tummy. Would he claim her before breakfast arrived?
A knock sounded on the door, dashing her secret hopes of an early morning quickie. The same servant who’d been delivering all their meals entered the room a second later, pushing a cart that held several covered trays. The delicious aroma of cooked meat and freshly baked sweetcakes soon filled the room.
The tall, skinny Tarrkuan male, who was dressed in an all-white uniform, nodded briefly at Kazzon before he set all the trays on the dining table. He pushed the cart against the wall, gave Kazzon another nod, and quickly departed the room. All the while, Caylee watched and kept the covers tucked up to her chin, even though the servant hadn’t glanced her way once.
