by Astra Lynne
"What are you thinking about so deeply," Ellenaki asked, startling Amelia from her thoughts. Amelia half smiled at Ellenaki before taking her seat at her desk. She knew they both knew full well what, or rather who, she was thinking about.
"You'd think I would have enough to keep me busy," Amelia answered.
"Your judicial representative will be here today," Ellenaki mentioned, taking her own seat at the table.
"You want to know something ironic," Amelia asked. "I never so much as got a speeding ticket on Earth. I have come light years and galaxies away and now I'm facing the death penalty with the warrior who saved my life because some racist thug hit ME."
"I don't think it will come to that," Ellenaki soothed.
"Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact it's happening in the first place."
Ellenaki lowered her head. She knew and she expected there would be some issues, some derision, but that was before the Scincidian's involved themselves. They were a war hungry, savage species bent on ravaging Earth for their own profit. To her, and to many, it was disgraceful. The Scincidians involvement had only served to organize an already polarizing issue, bringing out the worst in some and sparking a rebellion. Words had failed Ellenaki of late. She didn't know what to say to Amelia to pull her from her funk. She had hoped getting to work on her Ambassadorship would have been a welcomed distraction, but Amelia usually spent most of the day staring out of her apartment windows at the Hive below and researching Mari-Ursian culture through her communicator. For her part, Ellenaki tried to assure her the judicial council would see reason, but as the days passed, and reports of more rebellions came in, that hope was hard to maintain. Amelia was no fool. She knew the guards stationed outside of her apartment were not just for her confinement, but her protection.
One of the Warrior Guards announced the arrival of Amelia's judicial representative. "Are you ready," Ellenaki asked. Amelia took a deep breath and nodded. She had gone over that day a thousand times in her head hoping to remember something, anything that could help Mattaki. She was as prepared as she would ever be. Ellenaki signaled for the guard to show the representative in. "Do not be troubled, Amelia. I am still hopeful logic will win out."
"I hope you are right."
"She usually is," the representative said, walking in with purpose and smiling fondly at Ellenaki.
"Aradegi? I cannot believe it," Ellenaki replied, embracing the man warmly.
"You two know each other," Amelia asked.
"Yes, we are old friends," Aradegi answered, not taking his eyes off of Ellenaki. For her part, Ellenaki seemed equally glad to see him. Amelia could not help but assume there was an attraction between the two of them. He seemed taller but thinner than Mattaki, and his skin was a much deeper magenta than anyone she had met thus far. Though he kept his Nacresscence covered beneath a dark tunic, Amelia could tell it glowed a bit brighter. She knew she would have to get the full story from Ellenaki later.
"I apologize, I am Aradegi, your judicial representative," he said, breaking his gaze at last and holding out an awkward hand in greeting to Amelia. Amelia gently turned his hand sideways and gave it a shake. "I apologize, the hand….shake, is not our custom," he explained with a smile. "Shall we sit?"
"Of course, please," Amelia motioned towards the table.
"Perhaps, I should leave you two," Ellenaki began gathering her things.
"No, please stay Ellen," Amelia pleaded using the name of her friend she used on Earth. "
"Yes, please stay. I would very much like to speak with you when we are done." Aradegi smiled. Amelia blushed at the obvious inference in his voice, as did Ellenaki.
Aradegi asked Amelia what she remembered from the day. He seemed to believe her when she told him she wasn't even aware Councilor Urak was at the lodge. She explained she was distracted by an argument she and Mattaki had, then as she stalked away she was caught by a vine and then the world went dark. She only learned later she had been attacked when she awoke at the Hive.
"Tell me what you and Mattaki argued about." Aradegi urged.
"Is that necessary?" Amelia blanched at the thought of admitting she was angry because Mattaki spurned her advances.
"I will not know until you tell me," Aradegi surmised. "Some arguments are much more distracting than others."
"Well," Amelia began clearing her throat and summoning her courage. "I had eaten some fruit that had an unexpected reaction."
Aradegi and Ellenaki both gave her a puzzled look before glancing at each other. "It was, Eanab berries," Amelia added.
"I see," Aradegi gave a small smirk. "And this made you feel…..amorous."
"Yes," Amelia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Mattaki reasoned it was inappropriate and it angered me." Amelia covered her face with her hands, humiliated. "I don't know what came over me. It was the berries," she pleaded.
"Do not be embarrassed," Aradegi soothed. "I must know as much as possible to help you. I understand in your culture, you and a legal representative would be bound by confidentiality. It is no different here."
"Well it upset me. Especially because he had lead me to believe that he would welcome, my uhhh, my advances." Amelia wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole.
"Was he inappropriate with you before?" Aradegi frowned.
"No! No nothing like that, it was just something he said. He said we were 'fated'." Instantly, the entire energy of the room changed and she sensed the shock and wide eyed looks passing between Ellenaki and Aradegi. Both shook their heads in disbelief. At first, Amelia thought she must have gotten it wrong or the communicator translated it incorrectly.
Aradegi stood and paced. "Are you certain Mattaki said you were fated?"
"Yes."
"Do you understand what this means?"
"Well I know what the communicator has told me." Amelia glanced between Ellenaki and Aradegi.
"That’s a very antiseptic explanation," Aradegi continued. "To be fated is a sacred, primal attraction and need to be with one's fated mate. I doubt humans have anything remotely similar?" He looked to Ellenaki who merely shook her head. "It would explain why he reacted as he did." Aradegi and Ellenaki exchanged knowing glances.
"Not exactly," Ellenaki began. "It's not very common to have a fated mate among Mari-Ursians. It may be difficult to make anyone believe it's possible to be fated to a human."
"I see," Amelia replied tersely. Though it was a difficult argument to have, she didn't like thinking how the Mari-Ursians looked down on humans. Even those who supported the Reaping, considered Humans as lesser beings, or at the very least of a lower class.
"Still, it is something to consider if Mattaki's defense should stall." Aradegi crossed his fist over his chest in salute and gathered his tablet. "I am on my way to visit with Mattaki."
"Right now?" Amelia stood and took a step towards Aradegi. "Do you think I could see him?"
"I do not know if that would be wise," Aradegi answered.
"Just for a few minutes," Amelia pleaded. "I feel so responsible. I just need to see him. Please."
Aradegi looked from Amelia to Ellenaki. "I will see if I can arrange it. After all, I know what it is to be away from someone so important to you."
Chapter 17
It took 3 long cycles for Aradegi to arrange for Amelia to see Mattaki. The Judiciary insisted on them both being interviewed yet again, just to ensure their stories did not change once they were able to talk to one another. She paced nervously in front of the door, mentally willing it to sound. She could not wait to throw her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was for getting him into this whole mess. How could they be eating berries in a canopy of light in one moment and facing death in the next. She wanted to apologize, to kiss him, to feel his warmth emanating through her once more. She had never felt this way for anyone ever before. She was hopeful and terrified all in one. Was it love she felt for Mattaki? Surely it couldn't be. Love needed time, didn't it? What she was feeling was all new to her. She felt
like she was trying to stop the Universe from playing a colossal joke on her by giving her the possibility of love right along with the possibility of losing it before it could begin. She couldn't think about that right now, she reminded herself again. Right now, she just had to concentrate on making sure the trial was successful and proving Mattaki's innocence.
The guards did not bother to use the doorbell, choosing instead to march in and line up three to each side of the entryway, nearly knocking Amelia over in the process. Aradegi entered first and guided her to the side with a gentle, yet firm grip on her arm. For what seemed like a small eternity, Amelia waited without breathing for Mattaki to walk through the door. When at last he appeared, Amelia started to run into his arms, but Aradegi tightened his grip on her arm in silent warning. It was then she saw the glowing lights surrounding Mattaki's wrists and ankles. She reasoned it was some sort of restraint and her heart broke all over again. She couldn't bear to see him confined like some sort of animal when he had done nothing wrong. Why couldn't they see that, she wondered. Mattaki, despite his confinement, nodded and smiled at her, his Nacresscence glowing bright at the sight of her. He looked fit despite the bags under his eyes, no doubt the result of worry and lack of sleep. Amelia knew the feeling well these last few cycles. His gaze never left her, even as one of the guards snatched his wrists to free him. Amelia smiled and bit the corner of her bottom lip to keep from crying. Her heart swelled, knowing she had never been so glad to see anyone ever in her whole life.
The guards turned sharply in unison and filed out of the apartment without a word. When he was satisfied they had left, Aradegi released his hold on Amelia and gave her a slight bow of permission to go to Mattaki at last. She didn't waste another moment and ran the short distance to him, leaping into his arms. Mattaki lifted her up and buried his face in Amelia's neck, breathing her in as he had wanted to do for what seemed like the eternity they had been apart. At that moment, there was nothing else in the universe but the two of them. Tears burned at the back of her throat, choking the thousands of apologizes she had intended to make.
The sound of Aradegi clearing his throat interrupted their reunion for a brief moment. "My apologies old friend," Mattaki said somewhat sheepishly setting Amelia down.
"There is no need for apologies," Aradegi replied. "But perhaps the two of you would prefer some privacy." Amelia could feel the heat and color rising in her cheeks at Aradegi's suggestion, but it was short-lived as Mattaki took her hand and lead her down the hall of her dwelling and to her bedchamber in long, deliberate strides.
Once inside, Mattaki entered a code on the entrance Amelia guessed was some sort of lock. Though it was only Aradegi, their current situation did not allow for any chances or surprises. For an awkward moment, neither of them said anything. Amelia could feel her stomach turning with nerves. Though she had thought of nothing else in the cycles since this all began, it was all different now that they were together.
"I am so sorry, Mattaki," Amelia whispered, unable to stand the silence another moment.
Mattaki crossed the distance between the two of them in a single step. In one fluid move, he circled her waist with his arm and pulled her tight against him. "Sweet Amelia," he said, breathing in her scent again as if he were reminding himself he had not forgotten it. "It is I who should apologize to you. I should have tried everything in my power to stop you. I should have kept you there in the canopy until the berries wore off and claimed you as my own with your full consent."
Amelia's took a ragged breath and grabbed Mattaki's arms to steady herself. She could feel warmth radiating between them, but this time she knew it was desire more than some fated mate alien business. She wanted him and she was tired of analyzing the rights and wrongs of the whole situation. They may not have a future if the trial did not go well, but they had the here and now and that was all that mattered.
Mattaki caressed the curve of her neck with the backs of his fingers remembering the softness of her skin. He could feel her pulse quicken beneath his touch as he pressed his forehead to hers and nuzzled her face with his own. Amelia's breath quickened with anticipation as Mattaki teased the sensitive flesh of her bottom lip with his thumb. Despite herself Amelia whimpered as her entire nervous system went on full alert from Mattaki's touch.
Mattaki reached behind her and closed his fist around the long red hair he had seen so many times in his dreams, pulling her head back firmly to expose her neck to his mouth. He could see her pulse quicken beneath her soft pale skin there and wanted to feel it against his tongue. He brought his mouth down close to her neck, so close Amelia could feel his warm breath against her skin, setting her on fire. "Amelia," Mattaki growled in the curve of her neck and shoulder sending shivers down her spine. How many nights had she lain awake dreaming of this moment and now here they were. She couldn't help but think this might actually be the one and only time the two of them could be together. With the threat of the judicial review hanging over their heads, and the even bigger threat of capital punishment if Mattaki was found guilty, they could be torn apart forever at any moment. She could feel the tears burn the back of her throat again. Don't cry, she willed herself quietly, choosing instead to melt into Mattaki's chest.
Mattaki caressed the curve of her waist slowly down to her hip and pulled her tight against him. He could sense her desire growing with every touch. How long had he spent alone in his confinement taking himself in hand as he imagined her this way? He wanted to take her slowly and show her his great affection for her, but he could feel his desire threatening to overtake his self control. "Mattaki," Amelia gasped. He pressed a finger against her lips to silence her. There would be time for talking later. With an exhale of breath and the last of his restraint, Mattaki bent and claimed Amelia's mouth with his own. His tongue darted in and out of her eager mouth, caressing her tongue in ways she had only dreamed of until now. Every neuron she had fired off all at once. She felt the warmth from Mattaki's body coursing through her hotter and stronger than ever before. When Mattaki released her from his kiss she could scarcely catch her breath. His eyes, those deep intense eyes she had seen in her dreams, held her in such a way she didn't know if she was scared or more turned on than she had ever been in her life. Maybe it was a combination of both.
Mattaki moved her backwards with long, graceful steps towards her bed. His Nacresscence burned in sweet agony against his skin, and satisfying himself inside of her was the only thing that would sooth it. With a deft hand he unfastened the top of her tunic above one shoulder. The soft material draping over her even softer skin drove him mad with desire. He could feel his cock, hard and pulsing against the restraints of his clothes. Amelia reached up and grasped the top of her tunic as a reflex. With any other man, she always felt somewhat awkward being exposed for the first time, but somehow, she realized, she did not feel that way now. If anything she wanted to be exposed, vulnerable and naked in front of Mattaki. It was liberating, empowering and erotic. She reached for the other shoulder buckle of her tunic, but Mattaki stopped her. "No," he growled so close to her.
"No," Amelia asked, confused that he would stop her.
Mattaki shook his head and repeated "No, you are mine to discover. I will do this."
Amelia could feel her cunt leap to life even more so with Mattaki's possessive words, her wetness growing with each stroke of Mattaki's hands against her bare skin. She wasn't supposed to like a man taking charge of her, being possessive and dominating her was she? But she did. In the deepest part of her soul it was exactly what she wanted it. She wanted him to want her and desire her with the intensity she felt from him. It turned her on and made her hot in ways she had only fantasized about in the past. In a quick move Mattaki swept the gossamer fabric from her other shoulder and exposed her breasts. She liked the way she felt being exposed to his eyes. She liked the way he growled low in his throat at the sight of her.
Mattaki lifted his hands to cup her soft breast. They were fuller than a Mari-Ursian woman's breasts.
Paler. He brushed his thumb over her tight pink nipple, barely touching the skin, causing a ripple of heat to pulse throughout Amelia's body. She gasped and rocked back on her heels. Mattaki grabbed her by the waist and pulled her tight against his hard, muscular body to steady her. She could feel the outline of his hard cock against her leg and she clenched her eyes thinking of having it inside of her. He bit the soft flesh of her bottom lip and caused her gasp again. "You like this," he asked, his voice deep and husky.
"Oh God yes," Amelia answered, barely able to catch her breath.
Mattaki smiled and pushed the fabric all the way down until it pooled on the floor around her feet, exposing all of her to his wanting stare. He bent and licked Amelia's taunt nipple, first one and then the other, trailing a line of fire with his tongue between her breasts. His hands caressed down the delicate curve of her back and across the firm roundness of her ass and down to her thighs. With a quick move, Mattaki lifted her and pushed her back onto the bed, exposing her even further to his eyes. Amelia didn't care. She wanted him to look at her. She scrambled back on the bed and propped herself up on her hands. Mattaki feasted on the sight of her. He watched her as he began undressing. Pulling off his tunic and tossing it to the side. He liked how she looked on his body with admiration and desire. He began unbuckling the straps of his pants. With each movement Amelia's eyes widened with anticipation. She ran her hands along the length of her thigh and it drove Mattaki nearly mad. At last he freed his engorged cock from its restraints. "Oh, wow…." Amelia whispered.
