With his hands at her waist, he lifted her upright, planting her well-spanked behind on his thigh. She sucked in a breath when her heated skin made contact with his leg.
Not so immune after all.
Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright, shining with unshed tears.
Obstinate, sprite.
He knew mating with one from outside their world would be a challenge, and he welcomed it, but he had no idea she would be so intractable. Somehow, she had learned to bottle up her emotions, something he would not allow between them.
Several golden locks had come free from her hair ornament, and he brushed them off her face. He stroked fingertips down one cheek to her jaw, and angled her face up to his. Despite his gentle touch, she remained aloof, and oh so stubborn.
“A tree that does not bend tends to break under the stress, little one.”
“If you’re done,” she said, raw emotion roughening her voice. “Am I permitted to go to bed now?”
“We are through, so you may. I have to leave for a while to see to business. Will you be all right alone?”
She sniffed, but it wasn’t from crying. “I’m not a child, although you obviously think otherwise.”
“I don’t see a child when I look at you. Quite the opposite, in fact. I see a beautiful responsive woman, who is mine to teach, provide guidance to, and protect.”
“And punish when I get out of line.”
“It is our way. And despite your protests to the contrary, your body doesn’t seem to mind.”
Her cheeks filled with even more color, but she ignored his observation.
“Your way sucks, Kerr.” She got up and walked toward the hall, where she stopped without turning. “Are there other clothes besides this gown?”
“I’ve arranged for daytime attire to be delivered in the morning. We’ll see to a full wardrobe when I get you home. As I told you earlier, we have limited resources aboard ship. We weren’t expecting—”
“Hostages? No, wait, the correct term would be prisoners.”
He rose and put his hands on his hips, his blood heating with exasperation. “You didn’t learn a thing just now, did you?”
“On the contrary, my burning, tingling behind has learned something profound — my place in your world. May I borrow something of yours to wear?”
“What is the need before morning?”
“To sleep in…”
“Why do you insist on wearing clothing to sleep?”
“Warmth, modesty, comfort.”
“I will keep you warm. Until I return, the bed will regulate your temperature to your comfort. As far as modesty, that doesn’t exist between bonded mates, and as to the last, I don’t see how clothing that binds and restricts could be considered comfortable.”
“I’d rather sleep alone and with clothes, thank you.”
“We sleep bare and together.”
“By your decree, Maxime Princep?”
“By my preference, and it is not up for further discussion.”
“Why am I not surprised by that?”
She turned and walked on silent feet down the hallway.
* * *
As he entered his suite, he made his way to her side in the dark, his gait slow, his thoughts heavy after the nightly briefing with his leaders. Not all of it was bad news; most of the new warrior mates reporting that things were progressing well.
All except Ram.
His usually unflappable, composed captain had been brooding, silent and shifting restlessly throughout the meeting, clearly agitated.
When they adjourned, Ram practically leapt from his chair to get out of the room. He and Trask had looked after him, concerned.
“I tried to talk to him,” Trask had said. “Hoped he would take some friendly advice…”
“His female looks the least biddable,” Kerr added.
“With good reason.” Trask frowned. “Lana said Eryn was one of their guards, a trained warrior. Female or not, a soldier would balk against being conquered and made to submit. Lana says she is very proud, and it stings being the only warrior captured. She evidently stayed behind to help an injured comrade as she fled. The reason she was caught is an admirable one.”
“What does that say about the other guards who got safely away, and left their charges behind?”
“Not much,” Trask had grumbled. “One of our warriors would give his life before letting those he was charged to protect be taken.”
“Since she shows some of the traits we value, bravery and dedication to duty, she should make Ram an excellent mate — if he can break through. And I thought Eva was stubborn.”
“Problems with your fair-haired lieutenant?”
“Nothing I won’t overcome.”
“I have no doubt our Princep will prevail.” Trask chuckled, openly amused. “But she suits you well. You would be bored without a challenge, I think. My Lana predicts she will keep you on your toes. She knows your Eva well, and says she is as intelligent as she is beautiful. Although a good soldier, she says Eva wasn’t afraid to speak her mind when she saw a better way or wanted to right a wrong.”
“I have had a taste of all of these inclinations already. What else does she say about Eva?”
“That she’s stubborn, as you’ve no doubt encountered, but also tender-hearted and a devoted friend. Her loyalties are boundless and if you cross one of her friends, watch out — she’ll come after you.”
Kerr was smiling as he finished. “Anything else?”
“Yes. That she will make a wonderful queen and mother to your children.”
He scoffed at the word queen. “They are fascinated by rank and title.”
“It is their way. Something else my mate keeps talking about is a civil joining as though it is stronger and more regarded than a physical bond.”
“Eva called it ‘marriage,’ but there is also something called divorce that dissolves the bond with the stroke of a pen.”
“Such nonsense. How is a bond formed with no more than a few words and a piece of paper supposed to keep a pair together for eternity? No wonder their world is a mess.”
“Eva and your Lana were close?”
“Something she called ‘BFF’s’.”
“Pardon?”
Trask chuckled. “Best friends forever.”
Kerr tilted his head and regarded his childhood friend. “It is fitting they should be mated to us.”
He’d left Trask with a clap on the back, liking everything he had heard. As he’d made his way back to his suite, Kerr hoped to find Eva sleeping; he wasn’t up for more sparring with her at that moment.
Instead, he wanted to lie beside her and simply hold her, breathing her in, and strengthening the bond, imprinting on her in the old ways as she was on him. Already attuned to her, his thoughts were consumed by her, the need to be with her building within him even during their brief separation that evening.
Staring down at her now, he watched the slight rise and fall of her chest. It was a subtle movement, but he knew she slept soundly from the soft rush of breath through her lips. Every once in a while she would sigh, a sound so sweetly erotic, it stirred him fiercely as did the sight of her loveliness in his bed.
“Night lights on,” he said low, so as not to wake her. Immediately, a faint glow illuminated the room. He folded his tall frame onto the edge of the bed. In sleep, her brows gathered slightly as if she dreamed. He couldn’t resist lightly stroking the tiny creases and smoothing them gently with the tip of one finger. She responded and relaxed under his touch.
For a long while, he sat watching her, taking in the pale luster of skin that appeared pearlescent in the low lights, her hair, tempting his touch where it lay in a thick, golden wave across his pillow. She lay curled in a ball on her side, her hands tucked under her chin, holding the covers snugly around her shoulders, lips parted slightly, the dark sweep of her lashes standing out against her slightly pinkened cheeks. She looked as innocent as a child, but he knew well her alluring c
urves, and the way her eyes could flash with anger, the determined tilt of her chin an early warning sign of her defiance. He knew too her gentle capitulation, despite her resistance, when he roused her desire, these things all female, his female.
His mate.
Kerr breathed in, trying to stave off the near constant arousal he felt for her. He was exhausted, though, and she needed rest after he’d used her thoroughly and often during the past few days. Battling fatigue, he quickly stripped down to his skin and climbed in next to her. She didn’t stir as he looped an arm around her waist and pulled her back against his front. Nor did she respond when he turned his face into her hair and inhaled his own scent. The feel of her, sweet, warm and soft in repose, comforted him as he tried to relax and let go of the multitude of concerns laid at his feet by his people, if only for a short while.
Thinking of the days and weeks that lay ahead — and potentially bringing many more new females into their world — he prayed for an easy transition. Perhaps not easy, but he’d settle for uneventful, because truly, nothing about his mate had been easy. Though he’d had a head start with Eva, he was only slightly further along than many; less so than Trask, yet not nearly as far to go as Ram.
Frequent and repetitive joining was the key to strengthening the bond. With Eva, that had actually been the least difficult part. And he couldn’t stop thinking about her, needing her now even though his body needed sleep.
His hand swept over her form beneath the linens, stopping when he encountered more cloth, not the silky texture of skin he’d expected. Propping up on an elbow, he lifted the covers, his lips quirking at the sight of one of his tunics. Eva with her small rebellion, was defiant as ever, despite the multiple punishments.
Settling back beside her, he rolled her closer, easing up the hem of his pilfered garment. Bunching it up at her waist, he ignored that his ever-present erection brushed against the warm curves of her bottom, his hand finding a comfortable home around the curve of one breast. He’d address her disobedience in the morning, perhaps with a good hard fucking since spanking wasn’t having any effect. Or maybe he’d do both.
He smiled. Definitely both.
After deciding on a course of action that would result in both of them being well-satisfied, he promptly fell into a tired, but contented, sleep.
Chapter 10
The next morning, they were transported from the space dock hovering miles overhead to the planet’s surface. The first sight of Kerr’s home through the large glass paneled shuttle was breathtaking and revealed a vividly colorful world as different from Earth as she could possibly imagine. The binary suns in the sky shone pink through the purplish hues of Primaria’s slightly thinner atmosphere, the latter the likely reason behind her shortness of breath, as well as the slight dizziness.
“You’ll adjust in a few days,” Kerr had assured her as he encircled her waist to steady her as she leaned over him to peer out the window, thoroughly floored by the beauty before her. The capital city where Kerr lived sat in a valley surrounded by the foothills of towering, snowcapped mountains in the distance. Instead of the brown brush and the dry, dusty drought conditions she was used to at home, the hills were a brilliant green, bright yellow, and vivid pink that shimmered brilliantly in the sunshine. It was beautiful.
“The hills and mountainsides look… fluorescent.”
“They are. Ever since the meteors bombarded the planet, they absorb the sunlight during the day and glow throughout the night.”
“What lies beyond the mountains?”
“Mining towns and villages. Beyond that is the North Sea. To the south is more mountainous terrain, snow-covered year round and at the southernmost tip, an uninhabitable snow cap. Only the northern half has temperate climates which are livable year round.”
“Flying over the ocean, I noticed the water was purple.”
“Of course, what other color would it be?”
Her smile faded, more proof of how different their worlds were. Quietly, she took it all in, sharing worried glances with Lana, Brenna, and Mailynn who stood beside their warriors, looking as freaked out as she felt.
Upon landing, Eva and Kerr exited first. A wave of fresh air greeted them as they walked down the ramp and stepped onto solid ground. She inhaled deeply, something she did whenever she left the recycled, staleness of a ship behind. Tipping her face up, she soaked in the rays of the twin suns shining bright in the odd, but beautiful lavender sky.
A tug on her hand, made her realize she’d paused to soak it in. He didn’t comment, simply grinning, clearly pleased to be home as he took her hand and eagerly led her a short distance out of the landing port and into town. Eyes wide, darting curiously all around, she marveled at the immaculate streets and the gleaming buildings, made of white stone swirled through with blues, yellows and black, like marble back home.
As they moved deeper into the city, crowds of people gathered, staring unreservedly as they passed. Kerr didn’t appear to notice at first, but with eyes upon her every move, she felt out of place and moved in closer to his side. As she rubbed up against him, he glanced down and then around them.
“They are no doubt fascinated by your light hair and skin. None have seen anything like it before. It will take them some time to adjust to seeing you and the other new mates.”
When a child pointed and called out, “Look momma, the new prima is a sprite!”
Startled, Eva glanced up and found Kerr grinning back at her. He winked, adding, “The name suits you.”
He slid an arm around her waist and hurried her along. At the end of the street, her steps dragged as they approached a massive stone structure with an ancient Roman flare: carved columns, tall archways, and row upon row of windows in the upper stories, as well as terraces, lots of them. It was stunning, as well as overwhelming, especially when they climbed the two dozen steps to a set of tall, ornately carved double doors flanked by uniformed guards in Kerr’s color — deep royal red. She stopped climbing, hanging back.
Kerr stopped immediately and turned, looking down from the step above her, adding height to his already imposing frame. “Don’t you want to see your new home?”
Tilting her head back, way back, she took in the four stories and high, vaulted roof far above his head. “You live here?” she said in a thin, strained voice. “It’s like a… castle. I thought you said you weren’t a king?”
“Where does your leader reside?”
“The White House.”
He raised a brow as he glanced at the white stone façade, then back at her.
“We have that in common at least. You should feel right at home.”
“I didn’t live there. I’ve never even been to the capital. I’m at home in a tiny eight-by-ten compartment on a ship — or an eight hundred square foot apartment.” As she took in the arched windows and intricately carved consoles near the roof and at the corners, she heard voices that drew her gaze to the inquisitive faces staring down at her from several of the windows. “I feel like a sideshow at the carnival.”
“I’m not sure what that is, but ignore them. Advance word has spread that I have taken a mate. They are merely eager to get a look at you.”
Once inside, a double line of people waited with bright smiles and keen glances. An older, bearded man in the long white robe of an elder stepped forward, beaming. “Kerr! Congratulations on a most bountiful hunt.”
“Uncle,” he replied with a broad smile, as he moved in to greet the man. “We have indeed been blessed by the Maker. Let me make known to you Eva, our new Prima, my bonded mate.”
The older man also closed in with arms wide. At first, she thought he was going to embrace Kerr, but he stepped past him and swept her up into a bear hug so tight it nearly knocked the wind out of her lungs.
“Long we have waited for this day, Kerr’s mate. May your union be blessed with a male heir and a dozen daughters.”
“Your warm welcome is robbing her of breath, Uncle Aylan,” Kerr said, pulling her from th
e man’s exuberant embrace.
“Yes, yes, so sorry. Wouldn’t want to crush her on the first day at her new home.” He chuckled, his teal and gold-flecked eyes alight with happiness. “The others, nephew. When will they arrive? I have had hundreds of requests for expedient testing.”
She frowned, not understanding what Aylan meant.
Kerr shook his head. “I’ll brief you about the others after I get Eva settled.” With that, he placed his hand on her back and guided her through the throng of people. The two dozen men — and several women — bowed and greeted Kerr as they passed. There were also a few exclamations of “Maker be praised,” but he didn’t stop until they reached the end, turning to address the group.
“We will have an official welcoming in a few days to celebrate. You will meet your new prima then. Until then, we must give her time to adjust to her new home.”
A cheer went up amongst them even as Kerr turned her and rushed her down a wide corridor to a set of steps in the rear of the huge mansion.
“Who were they? Family?”
“Some, yes, but most are workers here in the capital. Come.” He started up the staircase and she tried to keep pace, her mind awhirl with questions.
“What did he mean by hundreds of requests for testing? I thought that was done on the ship.”
“I will debrief him after I get you settled.” His vague response came at the same time they reached the second floor landing. “I’ll give you the full tour later, but the basic layout is first level-public offices, second level-common areas with the kitchens and dining hall, and some apartments for capital staff. The third floor has rooms for family and special guests. And on the top level is our residence. We have roof access where you’ll find a garden and a fully operational hothouse with a wide variety of flowers and vegetation. You’ll find my uncle there most days. He has a fascination for gardening and a knack for getting the most fragile of seeds and sprouts to grow.”
“On Earth we call that a green thumb,” she said, practically vibrating with excitement at the thought of a rooftop garden.
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