by Luna Hunter
“A female scientist is unheard of,” Koryn says.
“On our world, yes, but I’m starting to think we’re not as infallible as the High Command tells us we are.”
Koryn laughs. “Is this the same General Vinz I fought side-by-side with on Cotonia VI? The one I rescued from the jaws of a Ygg? Or have you been replaced by a clone?”
“Those were the days,” I smirk. “Honor and glory to be had for all. Ancient history at this point.”
“Agreed.”
I close my eyes, and thoughts of Jillian invade my mind. The way her dark, thick curls cascade down her back. The way her curvy hips sway when she walks, the legs that would fit perfectly around my waist.
“I’ll deliver the message to Dr. Archer myself,” I tell Koryn.
Jillian is hard at work, her eyes glued to her screen. It’s almost a crime to disturb her, but she’ll want to hear this, I’m sure.
“You have a message from Earth. It’s your brother,” I say.
She looks up from her screen, shock registering on her face. “Michael? Why?” she asks, her voice pitching up. “What’s happened?”
“I don’t know, the message is for you. Come, follow me.”
I lead Jillian back to my quarters. My personal com is secure. Far away from Dimtri’s prying eyes. A few clicks later the entire room comes alive with the holo-message.
9
Jillian
The familiar face of Michael fills the room. Something’s changed — he seems older. It’s like a decade has passed since the last time I saw him. His sandy-brown hair has already got a streak of gray in it. I rack my brain and realize it’s been months since I last sent him a message. I’m such a lousy sister.
“Hi sis,” he says, and I can tell from his voice that it’s bad news. I clasp my hands in front of my mouth, silently screaming. I can’t take this suspense. “I tried to call you, and they told me you were on a Zoran ship, headed to Exon Prime. Something about an intergalactic exchange. Can’t ever stay in one place, huh?” he says with a lopsided grin. “A note would have been nice, sis.”
If I had more than a minute to think before the Zorans whisked me away, I would have sent one. I want to yell this at his holo-image, but it would be pointless.
“I hope this message reaches you. I hope you stay safe, and know what you’ve got yourself in to. I know you always come out on top, though.”
“Come say hi to aunt Jillian,” he says, and seconds later the most adorable little kid pops up on his lap. Claire, my niece. Oh, how she’s grown! She’s already a little person. I want to reach out and stroke those cute little cheeks of hers.
“Hi auntie,” Claire says. It’s the first words I’ve heard her say, and I can’t contain myself any longer. Big fat tears roll down my cheeks. I miss her so much.
She’s got a wide, innocent smile like only toddlers can have, blissfully unaware of all the trouble in the universe. Her hair, as brown as Michael’s, is pulled into a lopsided ponytail.
And that’s when I hear it.
Her cough.
“Claire’s sick,” my brother says. “I’m afraid she’s caught it. The cough.”
My worst fear comes true right in front of me. My little niece, the most perfect, innocent little thing on the entire planet is sick with the very disease I’ve tried and failed to cure for over a decade. The illness I gave ten years of my life to, that I sacrificed family and relationships for.
And for what? Where has it gotten me?
I’m unable to protect the ones I love, and lightyears from my home and my brother.
“I thought you should know,” Michael says. He sighs deeply, and a cold silence envelops the room. “I don’t know what else to say. Love you, sis. Goodbye. Wave goodbye, Claire.”
Claire waves the most adorable little wave — and then the feed cuts out, and the room is once again cloaked in darkness. Tears streak down my face, and I’m shivering uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry,” Vinz says. I’d completely forgotten he was in the room with me, and I nearly jump in surprise. He places his firm, strong hand on my shoulder, and I’m grateful for the heat and comfort he provides.
A part of me resents him for having taken me on board, far away from Claire, but at the same time, he feels like the only ally I have on this dark, cold ship.
Him and Kelly.
He pulls me to my feet and wraps his arms around me. I feel his hot breath on my neck, his hard muscles pressing against every fiber of my body. “You are freezing,” he growls as his hands rub my back.
I am so stupid. I wasted my entire life. I’ve barely dated. All my life it’s just been work work work. I thought it all served a higher purpose. I was so certain I would be the one to save humanity. I considered men a distraction at best. I was a fool.
No more.
I look up at the tall, brooding alien towering over me. His clear blue eyes are filled with desire — for me. This general, who commands an army, who could destroy worlds, desires me.
I’m not worthy. I’m a failure.
“It’s not your fault,” he says as if he could reach my mind. Can Zorans do that?
“It is,” I cry. “I should have done something, I should have found a way. There must be something I overlooked, some mistake I made.”
His fingers tilt my chin up so that I’m staring into his azure eyes. “Hush,” he says. “I will help you. You have my word.”
With that he leans down and plants his lips against mine. I kiss him back, forgetting the world around me, for a brief moment forgetting every other thing in the world except for his firm lips and skilled tongue. He growls into my mouth as his hands pull me close. I melt in his arms, all the pain, frustration and loneliness fading away as I surrender myself to him.
His hands, as big as baseball gloves, cup my cheeks, and I feel every inch of him against my hip. Every rock-hard, throbbing inch of him.
I want him. Now.
My lab coat falls to the floor, followed a second later by my dress. Vinz’s gaze is filled with pure, unbridled lust, and my core thumps for him. Without effort he lifts me and carries me to his bed.
His sheets are as soft as silk. He sheds his body-hugging armor to reveal absolute perfection. I’d already gotten a quick peek at his goods before, but now I stare, unashamed and unabashed at his pure, naked glory.
He is the most perfect man I’ve ever seen.
He pounces on me like a predator, crushing me underneath him, and I couldn’t be happier. He kisses my neck, dragging his teeth downwards, all the way, until he’s right between my legs. I try to close them, but he forcibly pushes them open.
“I want to taste you,” he growls before dragging his tongue right across my seam. I tremble with pleasure as he kisses my lips as if it were my mouth, his expert tongue exploring every part of me. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. He’s as skilled in the act of love as he is in war.
My breathing quickens as his tongue caresses me, finding my thumping clit. He flicks his tongue against my nub, and I quiver in response, soft, quick moans involuntarily escaping my mouth.
His fingers enter me, hooking me, touching my center, and everything comes together. Wave after wave of pleasure overwhelms me, one after another, increasing in intensity until the most powerful orgasm of my life rocks me to my core. My vision turns to stars and time slows to a standstill.
There’s only me, the black sheets, and a Zoran general between my legs.
“Holy shit,” I gasp, my chest heaving up and down with every breath. “Where did you learn how to do that? How did you know?”
Vinz climbs up, his pulsing member pressing against my seam. He presses his lips against mine, our tongues intertwining. “Your body told me,” he grins as he pushes my knees up to his chest.
I look down at his massive cock, the head pressing against my lips. With one powerful thrust he enters me. I throw my head back, crying out in pleasure. I’m more filled than I’ve ever been before, as if he’s touching eve
ry last atom of my being.
I push my hands against the plane of his chest, his silver muscles glistening with sweat. One of his hands grabs the back of my neck, while the other holds my breast. He builds a steady rhythm, and I feel his member swell up inside of me.
He kisses me hard, moaning my name into my mouth as his hot seed fills me.
He collapses on top of me and kisses my shoulder. I wrap my legs around him, burying myself inside his large frame. I want to disappear in there and never leave. He gently strokes my hair as I cuddle up against him, his heart beat soothing me. I close my eyes a second and before I know it I drift off to a deep, relaxing sleep.
I awake the next morning feeling totally refreshed. I yawn and stretch my arms and legs out. Strange, my own bed isn’t this big, nor this comfortable…
“Good morning,” Vinz says, his smooth voice startling me. He stands bedside in his naked glory as he hands me a cup of coffee. “I believe this is what humans traditionally consume in the morning.”
The aroma of the warm, fresh brew makes my toes tingle, and I graciously accept.
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact I actually spent the night with a Zoran general. I wonder how Tobias would feel about it. He did tell me to ‘advance human-Zoran relations’ after all, and boy, did I!
“This is the real stuff,” I say, sitting up straight. “Where did you get this?!”
Vinz chuckles. “We are carrying tons of it on board, to take back to Exon Prime. I commandeered a small supply, as I thought you might want some. I take it that it is to your liking?”
“This stuff is unaffordable,” I say, taking a deep whiff of the dark goodness. The repli-coffee they have on the Vonnegut is inferior in every shape, way and form, but it’s all I can afford. I send most of my paycheck to Michael, so I have to pass on some luxuries. I take a sip of the coffee, savoring every second of it.
“How is it?”
“Heavenly,” I answer, letting the caffeine course through my system. I feel my head clear already, and with that new ideas, and new worries, arise.
Claire. I have to save her. No matter what it takes.
I clear my throat. “Last night you said you’d help me save my niece. Did you mean that?”
Vinz sits down on the edge of the bed. He cups my cheek in his hand, his thumb gently brushing me. “Of course,” he says. “You are my mate. Your clan is my clan now.”
His words fill me with warmth — with a slight tinge of worry. His mate? My clan? These Zorans aren’t afraid of commitment, that’s for sure! Don’t get me wrong, I loved every single thing about last night, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to be a Zoran General’s mate quite yet. I don’t intend to spend my days as a trophy wife aboard a war vessel, going from one intergalactic battle to the next, exploring the universe… okay, maybe that doesn’t sound too bad.
Vinz stands up and pulls me to my feet. “Come, let us shower,” he says as he leads me to his private bathroom. He gets under the powerful water beam, and I take a moment to admire his jaw-dropping physique. Water droplets cling to every inch of perfectly sculpted muscle, and I have the urge to lick them all right off his taut body.
I join him under the hot rays, pressing my naked form against his. He wraps his big arms around me, and I feel instantly safe once more. No one in the universe could harm me now.
I stand on the very tips of my toes and kiss him, my tongue brushing against his bottom lip. He growls in return and lifts me right off my feet, and I wrap my legs around his waist. His engorged member presses against me, and a moment later he’s deep inside of me. He pushes me up against the wall, his hands holding me up as he pounds into me. I scream in pleasure, and his growl matches me in volume. I feel his member swell up immensely before he unloads himself inside of me.
He rests his forehead against mine as he regains his breath. His chest heaves with every intake, and I rest my hand against it, feeling his beating heart.
“Are all Zorans as good as you?” I ask with a smirk.
The corners of Vinz’s mouth curl up. “You’re my first,” he says.
“You’re lying,” I say. “Impossible!”
“Zoran women are extremely rare nowadays,” he says. “It’s one of our biggest secrets. Ever since the last cycle. It’s strange.”
I wonder if our physiologies are compatible. It might mean I could find a cure for Claire. On the other hand, it also meant I could get pregnant! Our bodies definitely fit together perfectly. I nuzzle his neck, planting small kisses on his jawline. I never want this moment to end.
“You’re a natural, then,” I whisper.
“I will give you a vial of my blood so you can analyze it,” Vinz says. “Dimtri cannot know. All of your equipment is being monitored. You need to be very careful.”
I nod. “Yes. Thank you, Vinz. I know you didn’t make this decision lightly. Thank you for trusting me.”
Vinz places a soft kiss on my upper lip as he lowers me down. “You are my mate now,” he growls. “I trust you with my life.”
As much as I’d like to stay in Vinz’s bedchamber for all eternity, we both have jobs to do. He draws a small vial of blood and hands it to me when we are both dressed.
“Trust no one except me and Koryn,” Vinz says. “I fear Dimtri has infested my ship.”
I nod. “And Kelly,” I add. She’s my tribe.
“Of course.”
I plant one last kiss on his tasty lips before smoothing my curls as best I can. I march out of his quarters, doing my best to appear professional, though I fear I haven’t quite mastered that yet. Every Zoran I pass stares at me, as if I have I’m sleeping with your boss tattooed on my forehead, and the vial burns a hole in my pocket.
Oh well. I don’t care what anyone thinks. Things are finally looking up!
“Where have you been?!” Kelly hisses when she sees me. “I was worried sick, and Koryn wouldn’t let me leave my room!”
I float into the lab, still on cloud nine. I’m absolutely brimming with energy. I can’t hide the permanent grin on my face, and Kelly quickly puts two and two together.
“I know that look,” she says. “You didn’t!”
“Keep it down,” I say as I look over my shoulder. “The whole ship doesn’t have to know. But yes.”
“Ohmygod, you have to tell me everything,” she whispers excitedly. “And don’t spare me the details!”
“Later,” I say as I flash her the vial. “The good news is that I have the sample we need. The bad news is that Claire is sick, so we’re running out of time.”
Kelly nods. Her jovial look disappears when she sees I’m dead serious. “We’ve got this, Jill. Trust me.”
“I hope so, Kell. I really hope so.”
“Dr. Archer, could you spare me a moment please?”
Senator Dimtri’s slithering voice makes my heart jump right into my throat. I turn on my heels. He’s standing in the doorway, flanked by his guards on either side. He’s truly the last person I want to see right now.
“I was hoping I could speak to you in private for a moment. I’m terribly curious to hear how your research is going.”
“Of course,” I say, doing my best to keep my voice from trembling. Behind my back I quickly pass the vial to Kelly, who slips it into her pocket.
I don’t have a moment to warn her to keep it secret before Dimtri’s guards approach me and escort me out. Their stern faces, coupled with Dimtri’s unfriendly smile, gives me a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Right this way, doctor…”
10
Vinz
I pace through the halls of my ship with a spring in my step. My mind keeps drifting back to Jillian, and my pulse increases every time it does. I can’t get her thick, brown curls or her curvy thighs out of my thoughts for even a second. Our bodies fit together so perfectly, it is as if we were made for each other.
Now that I’ve had a taste of mating, I never want to do anything else. Everything life has to offer seem
s a little duller compared to the ecstasy we both can achieve in each other’s arms.
I never thought I’d find a mate, and I certainly never thought it would be a human, but Jillian is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. She’s perfect in every way. Intelligent, fierce, funny, caring. How wrong I was about humans! I’ve never felt better in my entire life than when I’m with her. Not even the adrenaline of a won battle compares.
The High Command is wrong about other species. They regard everyone as a threat, they manipulate the entire galaxy to amass more wealth, more power, more of everything, while our people suffer. Is it ever enough? Will they ever be sated?
I have no idea how things are going to go from here on out, but I do know that I won’t allow her to leave my side. Dimtri, the High Command, the Emperor — they’ve got another thing coming if they think they can take my mate.
If this leads to war, then so be it.
I know my men have my back. I know the other generals support me. I will fight to the end of this world for my woman.
Dimtri has called for me, but for the first time in a long while, I don’t dread the meeting. There’s nothing that could ruin my good mood.
Or so I thought.
“General,” he says. “I’ve heard you and the good doctor have gotten to know each other quite well.”
He is sitting behind his desk, having commandeered Koryn’s office. It’s one the many slights I’ve had to endure on his trip. His knowledge of what happened between me and Jillian surprises and annoys me, but it doesn’t change anything.
“My business is my own, Dimtri. Why have you called me?”
“On the contrary, Vinz. Your business is my business, as are the humans. I have some information you might be interested in.”
With a flick of his wrist his monitor turns on, and I recognize the image instantly.
