I’ve always tried to dwell on the positives instead of the negatives, so I told myself I didn’t mind being sent back to my room alone every night because when I woke up I could head straight to the garden. I loved getting my hands dirty, seeing plants thrive and blossom as I learned to care for them. When they saw my love for growing things, the palace gardeners took me under their wings. I even had a tiny plot all my own, where I planted a handful of seeds they gave me, all different varieties. I rushed out every morning to see if anything new had sprouted, as proud of each leaf unfurling as I would have been to watch a baby learning a new skill each day.
Only one thing kept me from embracing my new life. I was worried about my crew, feeling guilty because I lived a life of luxury in the palace while they were being held captive until I produced an heir to the Naxian throne. One evening I worked up the courage to broach the topic with Jalen.
“My lord.”
He glanced up from the vando board, holding a tiny warrior figure in his hand. He’d been about to capture my general. “Yes?”
“I’m concerned about the welfare of my crew. Crino tells me they are safe and well, but it would mean a great deal to me to see for myself.”
He got a wicked gleam in his eyes that sent a delicious shiver through me. “You say it would mean a great deal to you?”
“Yes, my lord.” I lowered my head, did my best imitation of a submissive female.
“Do everything you are told to do tonight. Please me willingly, without argument or punishment, and I will have you taken to them tomorrow.”
“Really? That would be great!”
“Fetch your tail. Put it between your teeth and bring it to me. On your knees.”
Oh, sweet Goddess! Just hearing him say those words sent a bolt of lust rocketing through me. I walked across the room, conscious of his eyes on my naked ass the whole time, and bent over to pick up the tail in my mouth.
* * *
The next morning, as I sped over the treetops in a transport cruiser, I was still purring. He’d treated me like the tamina he insisted on naming me after, making me crawl on my knees to him, put my head down and arch my back with my ass in the air so he could insert the tail. Then he tugged on it while I sucked his cock. He stopped me before he came, made me lie on the bed and spread my legs apart so he could lick my pussy and tongue my clit. He said I wasn’t allowed to come until he gave me permission and I’d be punished if I did.
I was quivering and moaning by the time he got on his knees over me and shoved his cock in my mouth. I ran my tongue over the head and sucked hard. He groaned, rammed two fingers into my pussy and ordered me to come for him. I exploded as his cum spurted down my throat.
My clit throbbed as I relived the scene in my mind and I had to pull myself together as the transport craft slowed to a stop. To my surprise, we were in the garden of a walled compound on the edge of the city, instead of at the crash site. For some reason, I’d pictured my crew being held prisoner in the ship.
There were several two-story buildings on the grounds, beautiful stone structures similar in design to the palace, but on a much smaller scale. The door to one of them opened and my first mate Deena ran out.
“Captain, it’s so good to see you! We’ve been so worried.” She pulled me into a tight hug, murmuring in my ear. “Everyone here has been so kind to us. We have you to thank for that. They told us you volunteered to mate with their prince to save our lives. I hope he doesn’t treat you badly.”
I thought back to Jalen’s tongue flicking my clit until I wanted to scream, warning me I wasn’t allowed to orgasm without his permission or I’d be spanked. I couldn’t very well confess how much I loved his domination. “It’s difficult at times, being forced to mate with him. But as your captain I do what I must do for the good of my crew.” Even as I said it, I hoped the Goddess wouldn’t send me to the seventh hell for such a terrible lie.
I spent all day with my crew. My friends. Deena, our climatologist, couldn’t stop talking about all she’d learned exploring the planet with her gorgeous Naxian guard by her side. Marin, an expert in biodiversity, had been working with their scientists to find out why the shimba were dying out.
“It took me awhile to get the Naxians to accept my help,” she said. “They couldn’t believe a female might have knowledge useful to them. I’m using equipment from the lab on our ship to run biometric gene profiles on shimba volunteers. They’re a sweet and gentle race that never wanted to allow technology to change their simple way of life. But they’re willing to do anything to assure that their children’s children will live long and healthy lives on Naxos.”
By the time I left, my suspicions were confirmed. The High Priest, that conniving old bastard, would never have put any of us to death. He’d simply found a way to manipulate me into doing exactly what he wanted without any risk that I’d object.
* * *
“I really should not say, my lady.”
“Oh, come on, Aya. No one else will tell me the truth.”
We were alone in my quarters. I’d finally gotten the temple maiden to sit down with me and have a cup of drao. That’s what Aya called the bitter dark liquid she brought me along with my meals. I was pumping her for information about my mate’s shadowy past.
“It’s true he took a mate before you. Lady Giala. Everyone in the palace loved her. She was so sweet. He’s never been the same since...” Aya stopped abruptly. “I must speak no more of this,” she whispered.
She rose and hastily gathered together the remnants of my midday meal. I’d been busy out in the garden all day helping one of the palace’s gardeners transplant starflower seedlings so I hadn’t come in to eat until late afternoon.
“It is nearly time to begin preparing you for your mate.”
“Please, Aya, stay here and finish your drao. I don’t want to get you into trouble but I really don’t need your help.” I smiled gently to take the sting out of my words. “The truth is, I’d like a little time alone.”
I did need time alone. Time to decide how I’d bring up this topic with my mate. Ever since I’d arrived at the palace, I’d been hearing whispers about a female who preceded me. But no one would come out with the truth. Where did she go? Did Jalen get rid of her because she wasn’t submissive enough? Had she been banished because she couldn’t produce an heir? Maybe I was wrong about the High Priest and he’d ordered her to be tossed into a sacrificial volcano.
I needed to know what had happened to her, in case the same fate awaited me. Our evenings together had become a series of sex games, teasing and tormenting each other. Some nights he’d win and demand that I make him come with my hands or my mouth. I did it willingly, reveling in the power I had to turn him into a raving beast, even as I yielded to his mastery. Other nights, he’d make me lie on the bed, then pin my hands over my head while he drove me wild with his tongue. I knew it was only a matter of time before I let go of my stubborn pride and begged him to ram that magnificent cock deep into my dripping wet pussy.
But it wasn’t just the sex. Over the last few weeks, I’d gotten to know Jalen. He had a keen mind and a quick wit, along with those wickedly arousing moves. He cared deeply about his people and wanted to be a just and kind ruler.
I wanted answers... because I feared I was falling in love with my mate.
Chapter Nine
She knocked on the door, punctual as usual. A remnant of her military training? Whatever the reason, it was one of the things I admired about her.
One of many things. She wasn’t meek and mild like the Naxian females. Her fiery spirit made it a pleasure to spend time with her, even when I wasn’t lusting after her body. She was intelligent and witty. I’d even found myself discussing military strategy with her the other night, after she finally beat me in a game of vando. No one had beaten me in vando since I was a lad.
It wasn’t blind luck on her part. I’d been struggling to stay one step ahead of her for days as she mastered the finer points of the game. She
earned my respect with that victory. I felt a sense of pride. My mate had a keen mind, which boded well for any offspring we might produce.
Of course we wouldn’t be producing any offspring unless one of us relented in this contest of who could be more stubborn. I’d already decided tonight would be the night. I’d bring her to the brink, teasing her with the head of my cock, and find some way to save face as I rammed it into her.
I’d been fighting it for weeks, but I had to acknowledge the truth. I’d fallen in love with my mate.
* * *
“Enter.”
Even after all these weeks, his deep voice still sent delicious shivers down my spine. I’d folded my gown and laid it outside the door, ready for me to slip it on when he sent me back to my own quarters.
We hadn’t spent a night together yet. After driving me wild, and then having me suck his cock or jack him off, he always sent me away. But I vowed this night would be different. I was tired of playing games. I wanted to be royally fucked by my mate. Be in the arms of my lover when I awoke in the morning. If it meant giving in and begging him to take me, that’s what I’d do.
But first, I needed to find out what secret he was hiding.
“My lord.” I bowed my head slightly, but not before noting the gleam of lust in his eyes as he ran his gaze up and down my body. I’d prepared with special care tonight, rubbing scented oil all over so my body gleamed in the soft glow of the crystals studding the walls and ceiling.
He looked damn good too. He’d gone back to the jungle look—his naked bronze body covered only with a skimpy loincloth. I ran my eyes over the powerful muscles in his chest and arms and felt my pussy get wet. I loved how strong he was, how incredibly turned on I got when he grabbed me and held my wrists while he tongued my clit until I screamed.
He waved a hand to the table where the game was normally set up. Tonight it held a crystal decanter and two glasses. “Please, sit.”
I took my seat and crossed my legs slowly, making sure he got a shot of the goodies.
He filled both glasses from the decanter and handed one to me. “Did you have a pleasant day?”
I took a sip and my eyes widened. Whoo! This stuff was even more potent than rana fruit. Was my prince trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me? I certainly hoped so.
“Pleasant enough. I did hear something surprising though. Apparently you had a mate before me. I believe her name was Giala?”
His hand froze with the glass halfway to his mouth. “Where did you hear that?”
I took another sip before answering. I had to be careful. I didn’t want to get Aya into trouble. “I don’t remember. It could have been from anyone. There are often visitors from outside the palace touring the gardens. I think they seek me out on purpose, so they can tell their friends they’ve met the alien.” I gave a little laugh. “So, is it true?”
“Yes, it’s true,” he replied, his jaw clenched. “I do not speak of her. And neither will you.”
There it was. The high-handed manner that instantly pissed me off. “Why not? Wait—don’t tell me. Let me guess. She had a magical hoo-ha. Once you dipped your dick in it, you were bewitched. Now no other female is good enough for you. What did she do, break your heart when she ran off with the royal masseur?”
He set his glass down and went to the window, staring out into the darkness.
“She died.”
Talk about feeling like an asshole. I’d spoken without thinking again. He must have really loved her. I could see memories of Giala still brought him pain. No wonder everyone avoided speaking of her.
I did the only thing I could think of. Went to the bed, bent over it. “Go ahead,” I said over my shoulder. “Spank my ass. I deserve it this time.”
He never said a word. Just came up behind me and started whaling on my backside. Pouring out all the grief and anger and pain he’d stored up inside.
I fisted my hands in the bedcovers and took it. Every whack eased a little of my guilt and gave me an excuse for the tears pouring down my face. No wonder he never cuddled me. Never wanted to get too close. He was still in love with her. I’d been competing with a ghost.
I let out a muffled sob and he stopped.
“I’m sorry. I should not have done that. I hurt you and I didn’t mean to. It’s best if you leave now.” He turned away, heading back to the window.
I twisted and grabbed his arm. “Please. Don’t send me away. I know I’m not her, but... I love you. Please. Let me make you forget your pain, just for a little while. I beg you, my lord—fuck me. Fuck me hard.”
He looked down at my hand on his arm. For a moment, I was afraid he’d shove it away. Instead, he took it and brought it to his lips.
That was the last tender moment we shared.
It was as if he finally let himself out of his cage. Set aside the iron control and gave in to raw lust. His eyes blazed as he lowered himself onto the bed over me. Shoved my knees apart, grabbed his cock, and brought it to my pussy. He held my gaze as he slid into me, one hot hard inch at a time.
Oh, sweet Goddess! I’d waited so long for this. I wrapped my legs around his waist. “Oh, yeah. That’s it. Fuck me, baby.”
“Still trying to take control, little tamina? It’s time for you to shut up,” he growled.
His mouth captured mine, plundering, claiming, as he rammed himself in to the hilt. I shuddered and dug my heels into his ass, grinding my mound against him with every thrust. His mouth crushed mine and I reveled in his savage attack. I’d waited so long. Spent so many nights dreaming of his cock pounding into me.
I opened to him, submitted to his will. Let him take us both higher with every thrust. When his body tensed, I clenched my muscles around his cock and felt his hot cum spurting into me.
The orgasm tore through me. Hit me like a tsunami, sweeping me away on a crest that grew steadily higher until I couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe. Could only feel.
I came back to his arms wrapped tightly around me, to his voice whispering in my ear. “My tamina. My love.”
We made love twice more that night, the last time slowly. Tenderly.
He took my hand and led me to the window as dawn broke over the mountains. We sat side by side, taking in the beauty.
“I need to tell you about her,” he said, breaking the silence. “About Giala. She was my mate, but you’re wrong about the rest. Our mating was arranged by our fathers not long after we were born. I was fond of her, but I never loved her. Not like I love you. Giala was sweet but meek. She didn’t have your passion. Your fire.”
He took a deep breath and went on. “The reason people do not speak her name is because they know how guilty I feel. You see, I caused her death. She never liked hunting but she liked displeasing me even less. I got her to come with me into the jungle early one morning. I perched her in a tree to watch while I stalked a harudu.”
He turned to me, his eyes bleak. “I heard the scream but I couldn’t get to her fast enough. There was a snake in the tree. Harmless, but it startled her. She jerked away from it and fell. Broke her neck. She died in my arms.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Come here.” He patted his lap and I snuggled into his arms. “I’ve been punishing myself ever since. Turning away from everyone who cared about me, rejecting their love and support. I’ve wanted you since the day I found you in the jungle. But I was afraid.”
“Afraid?”
“I’ve faced wild beasts with only a knife in my hand, climbed mountains, stared danger in the face. But you, tamina—I knew if I fell under your spell I’d lose my heart to you. And if any harm befell you, I couldn’t bear the pain. So I pushed you away. Refused to mate with you, even though I couldn’t resist having this luscious body in every other way.”
He’d been stroking my back while he talked but he began caressing my breasts. Sliding one hand lower to dip between my legs. I felt his cock swelling against my bare bottom.
“Again?” I teased. “You really are a wild m
an. You’ve had a pet name for me, and I’ve had a secret one for you. Tarzan. It’s from a story back on Earth about a boy lost in the jungle and raised by a family of apes. They look a bit like your shimba, only bigger and scarier. But unlike the shimba, they have no written language or civilization as we know it. He was raised by wild creatures.”
I ran my fingers through his hair. “The first time I saw you, you were naked except for that loincloth. Big and bronze—a gorgeous hunk of man flesh.”
“You mean this man flesh?” He pumped his hips up, so I could feel his erection.
“I hadn’t seen that man flesh yet, but yes. Anyway, that’s who you reminded me of. Tarzan the jungle man, raised by wild beasts. A savage.” I ran my tongue down his neck, nipping gently with my teeth when I reached the hollow above his collarbone.
He made that low rumbling sound in his chest that sent shivers down my spine. “I become a savage when I’m around you. I love your fiery spirit. It makes conquering you so much more fun.”
He’d given me the perfect opening. I could use his own words to make my point. I opened my mouth to deliver a stirring speech on why he needed to change the way females were treated on Naxos—and shut it again.
This wasn’t the moment to challenge him, not to mention the entire system on which his society was based. There’d be plenty of time for that later. Maybe I’d start by bringing up the topic the next time I beat him in vando. After all, the first rule of military strategy is the same as it is for a successful relationship. Choose your battles wisely.
The hand between my legs was busy. Stroking my clit, sliding one finger inside me.
“So I am your Tarzan. I like learning these Earth terms.” He gave me a wicked grin. “Tarzan wants to fuck you...” He stopped suddenly, shook his head. “I was so determined not to fall in love with you, I refused to even learn your name. That’s why I called you tamina. I can’t very well keep doing that for the rest of our lives. Please, tell me, my love—what is your name?”
Alien Alphas: Twenty-Three Naughty Sci-Fi Romance Novellas Page 46
