Forsaken

by Cyndi Friberg

  After responding to Kotto’s message each evening, Raina spent several hours researching Rodyte agriculture. One week on the ship had proven she didn’t know much about what Rodytes liked to eat. Other than their mates, of course. The wicked thought sent heat curling through her body and made her heart ache. Was this continual longing a side effect of the mark Kotto had left on her or was it just her body’s way of reminding her that she’d already found her mate?

  Her mate. A permanent partner. Someone with whom she would build a future. The possibility wasn’t nearly as disconcerting as it would have been the week before. When one was inside the moon, renovating a sustainable food cave for a band of rebel aliens, it was hard to find anything surprising.

  By the time Bandar dismissed the workers on day seven, anticipation had made Raina nearly giddy. They’d moved all the supplies into one storeroom so the other two could be scrubbed and the shelves reinforced. She locked the full storeroom and turned around, preparing to leave the area. But as she approached the main entrance, the doors parted for Raylon.

  She fought back the immediate surge of disappointment. She’d hoped Kotto would come rushing to her side, desperate for their separation to end.

  “Hi.” She tried to sound more enthusiastic than she felt.

  He started to speak then his eyes narrowed and he moved closer. “When was the last time you saw him, touched him?”

  They both knew who he meant, but the implied accusation shifted her right back into defensive mode. “In the conference room seven days ago. Kotto promised he wouldn’t touch me and he hasn’t. We’ve exchanged messages, but they weren’t even interactive.”

  His lips pressed into a disapproving line, but she saw frustration not accusation in his eyes. “I need to touch you to be sure. Will you allow it?”

  “Of course.” She waited until he looked into her eyes to add, “I’m not intentionally sabotaging you. I know how important this is.”

  “And yet all you think about is him.” It wasn’t even a question. They both knew it was true. He raised his hand slowly, giving her plenty of time to turn away. His warm knuckles brushed her check and followed her jawline down to her chin. Then he stroked her bottom lip with his thumb as tension pulsed between them. “The only reason his scent would still cling to you after seven days is because you don’t want it to fade. We might be genetically compatible, but it’s obvious you’ve made your choice.”

  Rather than deny it or give him false hope, she lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry. This is no reflection on you. I just—”

  “Want Kotto.”

  She nodded and he lowered his hand. “Then go to him. I wish you all the best.”

  She looked up to make sure he was sincere, then her heart fluttered and she could no longer fight back a beaming smile. On impulse, she rocked to the balls of her feet and kissed his bristly cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered then rushed from the jungle to search for her mate.

  * * * * *

  Kotto tore off his uniform top and stuffed it into the recycle bin. After scrubbing under his arms and washing his face, he retrieved a fresh top from the closet. That was as far as he got when the visitor chime sounded.

  “Raina Solano to see you, sir.”

  Raina? What was she doing here? Didn’t she realize Raylon would expect equal time with her now? “Let her in.” It was dangerous to be alone with her. He wanted to see her, touch her, claim her so badly, he wasn’t sure he trusted himself. He struggled into the shirt as he waited for the door to open, but had only secured the top fastener when she flew across the cabin and into his arms.

  “Oh Kotto.” She pushed to her toes and kissed his mouth. “I missed you.”

  Unable to resist such an enthusiastic welcome, he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He took control of the kiss as she released the fastener on his uniform top and tugged the garment off his shoulders. “You shouldn’t be here.”

  She raised her head and smiled at him. “Your scent still covers me. Raylon said—”

  “You’ve already seen him?” Jealousy stabbed into his soul, but he did his best not to let it show.

  “Yes. He said the only reason your mark would survive our separation is if I wanted you and only you.”

  Everything within him shouted with joy, but he needed to hear the words before he acted on the implication. “Did he accept your choice?”

  “He understood that it was pointless to pursue me, so he released us to be together.”

  “Is this what you really want, to be mine and mine alone?”

  She squeezed him with her legs and caressed him with her warm hands. “I’d think that much was obvious. I’m not being exactly subtle here.”

  “Say it, Raina. I need to hear you say it.”

  “I want you and only you.” She took his face between her hands and reinforced the claim with a passionate kiss. When their mouths finally parted, she nipped his bottom lip and added, “But I desperately need a shower before we play.”

  “I think that can be arranged.” He carried her through his bedroom and into the utility room. Though larger than any other bathroom on the ship, the area was still compact and functional rather than decorative.

  They quickly undressed each other, leaving their discarded garments in a dirty heap on the floor. The shower enclosure wasn’t really big enough for two, but they didn’t care. They clung to each other as the cleansing mist rained down upon their bodies. Their mouths moved hungrily and their hands never stopped exploring. They washed each other with the same breathless urgency. Kotto was anxious to spread out on his bed where they could take their time and learn every contour and texture of each other.

  He wrapped her in a large drying cloth as she stepped out of the shower. Gods she was beautiful, so delicate and feminine. “Do you understand what’s about to happen?”

  She laughed and a pretty flush crept across her cheeks. “I’m not a virgin, Kotto. I know where everything goes.”

  “I mean the bond.” He framed her face and guided her gaze to his. This was important. He needed to be sure she understood their options. “We can just have sex. It will feel incredible and help ease this ache, but it won’t satisfy for long. Or I can claim you. I’ll anchor the link between our minds while our bodies are joined. That’s the way it’s supposed to be between Rodytes.”

  “That will make us soul-bonded mates?”

  He nodded. “It’s the first step in that process, but it takes more than once for the link to solidify. You would still have weeks, maybe months, to change your mind, depending on how often we do this.”

  “Can we share our emotions without anchoring the link?”

  Trying not to let his disappointment overwhelm the moment he just nodded.

  She smiled up at him, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “Don’t look so devastated. I want the link as badly as you do. But doesn’t Irron need to start the transformation procedure before our link is formed? He was grumbling about Bandar and Ashley jumping the gun.”

  With a shaky smile he pulled her into his arms. “I’d forgotten all about that.” He released a tight laugh. “How selfish of me.”

  She snuggled against his chest. The drying sheet pooled around her ankles as her breath warmed his skin. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “If you’re still considering participation, I guess this will have to be a trial run.”

  “Or several trial runs.” She grinned. “I’ve needed you for so long, I doubt I’ll be satisfied after only one try.”

  “Then I’ll keep trying until you beg me to stop.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out into the bedroom. The area felt cool after the humid closeness of the utility room. She tensed in his arms as they neared the bed. He nuzzled the side of her neck and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

  “I know babies aren’t an issue without a soul bond, but what about STDs? I know I’m clean.”

  He nipped her jaw then lowered her feet to the floor. “The immune system
of a Rodyte is capable of eradicating most diseases. And whatever our biology fails to destroy our medi-bots neutralize.”

  “That must be handy,” she muttered.

  “You’ll know soon enough. I’m pretty sure medi-bots will be part of the transformation procedure when and if we decide to participate.”

  She seemed pleased by his answer. “I’m glad we’re both clean.” She glanced away before she admitted, “I don’t want anything separating your body from mine.”

  The hushed confession sent desire spiraling through his body. He swept her into his arms again, kissing her deeply as he placed her in the middle of the bed. His dominant nature surged as he crawled on top of her. She wasn’t the only one who had been aching for the past seven days. It was all he could do not to shove his cock deep inside her and stake his claim right then and there.

  Her legs parted, making room for him between her thighs, but she wasn’t ready for him. Not really. He arched over her, skimming her nipples with his chest as he caught her wrists and drew her hands over her head. “Don’t touch me.”

  “But I want to, I need to touch you.”

  He tightened his fingers around her wrists and made his voice snap with authority. “Not yet. I’ve waited too long and I want you too badly. I’ll let you touch me all you want next time.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.”

  Gradually, he released her hands and breathed a sigh of relief when she kept her arms positioned as he’d arranged them. He brushed his fingers along the underside of her arms then along her sides. She wiggled and twisted, obviously restless. Her nipples were already beaded, but he needed to see them even more tightly peaked. And more importantly, he needed to know that his mouth had produced the response in her body.

  He kissed his way down the side of her neck, pausing every so often to enjoy an especially soft patch against his lips or drag his teeth across her skin until she gasped. She was so wonderfully responsive, so surrendered to the pleasure. He took his time and learned her sounds, exploring until he discovered every sensual trigger along the way.

  Finally his mouth reached her breast. He circled her nipple with the tip of his tongue then caught the stiff peak between his lips and sucked. She arched, groaning in wonder as her body responded to the firm suction. Already a beguiling flush was spreading across her chest and along her neck. Would her entire body turn rosy and warm by the time he finished with her? He couldn’t wait to find out. Maintaining the progress with his fingers, he moved his mouth over to the other side. She gasped then shivered as her other nipple received the same treatment.

  Her scent grew stronger, more evocative as her arousal built. He kissed his way across her abdomen, his hands moving to her hips. “Your skin is so soft. I want to rub my entire body against you.” As if to prove his point, he pressed the side of his face against her belly. But her scent drew him onward, downward and he was helpless to resist.

  “Kotto.”

  She sounded uncertain, so he looked up and into her eyes. “You liked this before.”

  “And I’ll like it now. I’m just not sure I can wait.”

  “Then don’t.” He lowered his head and pressed his lips against her mound, surrounding himself with her scent. “Let go.” He traced her with his tongue, greedily absorbing her taste. “See how many times you can come.”

  He shifted her pelvis to the perfect angle then caught the back of her knees and spread her legs. She tensed for a millisecond then accepted his sensual challenge and let go of her inhibitions. He teased her folds, gradually parting the slick flesh until he found her opening. Soon, very soon now he’d feel these snug walls caress him, embrace him, as only his mate could.

  She pulled her knees toward her chest and rested her feet on his shoulders. This freed his hands, so he made no objection. He circled her opening until she lifted against his mouth, then he pulled back and slid up, teasing her clit instead.

  “Oh!” She tensed, heels pressing down on his shoulders as pleasure burst inside her.

  Desperate for a closeness they’d yet to share, he eased into her mind. Possessive hunger urged him to anchor the link, to bind their energy and align their souls, but he stubbornly held back, keeping the link light and temporary.

  Her orgasm was fading, but he felt her contentment and the affection warming her heart. He drew in a sudden breath. He hadn’t realized her feelings for him had already grown so strong. She still appeared uncertain so much of the time. This felt too much like spying, so he gradually expanded the link, allowing his emotions to flow into her mind as well.

  She gasped. “I can feel you.” One of her hands stroked his hair, the caress so sweet he didn’t reprimand her for touching him.

  I can feel you too. And I can see you, and taste you. Hoping to draw her back into the moment, he caught her clit between his lips and carefully sucked on the ultrasensitive nub.

  A soft cry escaped her and then she shivered, but her distraction didn’t last long. Can you hear all of my thoughts? How long will this last?

  He raised his head and smiled at her. “How long would you like it to last?”

  “Don’t tempt me.” She moved her hand back to the bed above her head. “Irron would kill us both and you know it.”

  Parting her folds with his thumbs, he leaned down and circled her clit with his tongue. Right now all I care about is you.

  Her second orgasm hit almost as suddenly, but he felt the entire progression this time. She tensed, back arching, then firm spasms rippled along her inner walls. As the last spasm passed, he slowly pushed two fingers into her silky core. She cried out again and another set of tremors tightened her body around his fingers.

  That’s right, love. Come for me. He slid his fingers in and out while his lips and tongue adored her clit, driving the pleasure higher.

  “No more. Please. I need you inside me.”

  I am inside you. He curved his fingers to intensify the pressure. He wanted to drive her to the point where nothing else mattered, not her pride, not her modesty, just her demanding hunger for her mate. Say it, Raina. Tell me what you need.

  Raina knew what he wanted her to say, but the words caught on her tongue. She’d already begged like a sex-starved fool. Wasn’t that enough?

  But his fingers kept on sliding and his mouth, oh God his mouth! She rocked against his hand, concentrating on the steady rhythm of his fingers. Tension coiled inside her, making her pant as the urgency escalated.

  She was almost there. Her inner muscles clenched and lights sparked in front of her eyes. One of her legs slid down from his shoulder and her heel dug into the bed. She pushed up against his mouth, forcing his fingers deeper.

  With a wicked chuckle, he raised his head and stared into her eyes. You don’t come again until I’m inside you. Now stop being so stubborn and say it. Tell me what you need. His mouth was free now, but the command sounded even sexier inside her mind.

  Your cock. Whispered mind to mind, the word sounded intimate and naughty rather than crude. It made her bolder. Push your cock deep inside me. Please.

  “Happily.” He surged up along her body, catching her knees with his elbows. His cock found her opening and their gazes locked. “You are mine and mine alone.” He pushed into her slowly, driving the breath from her lungs as he filled her inch by blissful inch.

  Wrapping her legs around his hips, she pulled him even tighter against her, taking him deeper. “You are mine and mine alone.” She accented the claim by tightening her inner muscles.

  His hands slid up her body, briefly cupping her breasts before continuing their ascent. He found her hands and entwined their fingers as he slowly pulled back. She loosened her legs, easing her hold on his hips and allowing him to move. His thickness stroked her inside as his chest rubbed against her breasts. She was surrounded by him and filled with him and she had never felt anything so wonderful.

  Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as if the universe itself had stopped to watch their first joining. His energ
y flowed through her mind as his strong body moved over and into her. Hunger, longing, and fierce protectiveness, his emotions were easy to identify. Each burned with an intensity she could never match.

  It was humbling to be so desired. It made her wild, determined to offer him more, to surrender herself more completely. She lifted her head, briefly pressing her lips against his, hoping he’d follow her back down. He did. His mouth sealed over hers and his tongue pushed into her mouth, but this wasn’t what she’d had in mind. She wanted to kiss him, needed to actively participate rather than just respond.

  He wouldn’t stop kissing her long enough for her to take control, so she tightened her lips around his tongue and sucked on him in an unmistakable parody of an even more intimate act. He groaned, his body shuddering as his mind registered the sensations.

  Are you trying to kill me? He sounded breathless and tense.

  She smiled inwardly and continued the sensual slide up and down the length of his tongue. Then let me kiss you. Or better yet, let me touch you. She tugged against his restraining hands.

  Next. Time. His hips sped, each stroke now deep and hard.

  His desire blasted into her mind, reigniting her smoldering hunger. She gasped, inadvertently releasing his tongue. He flexed his arms and arched his back, taking his face just out of reach. He needed this. His dominant nature wouldn’t be satisfied unless he was in control.

  But tenderness wove through his aggression. He shared his emotions freely, showing her how much she meant to him and all the ways he wanted to please her. The contrast made her dizzy. How could such ferocity also be so gentle?

  Each of his steady thrusts dragged his shaft over her clit and sent sparks zinging along her nerve endings. The pleasure sped across their link and echoed through his body. She drew her legs up along his sides, offering him a longer range of motion. He didn’t hesitate. Pulling nearly out with each stroke, he maximized the slide and the impact as his pelvis met hers.