“Would you like me to turn around? You could see all of me then.”
Marisa growled as she yanked her clothes off. “You arrogant, son of a....”
Two warm hands grabbed her waist as she brought her shirt over her head. Trapped part in the material and part in fear, she stood still. “Don’t move, Doc. Something’s close.”
Images of the eel flashed in her head as Bradi eased her shirt off. Fearing what might be stalking them, she gave little thought to her nudity and turned to face him. Bradi slid his hands down her torso, causing her breath to catch, before settling on the tops of her shorts.
“We should get you out of these so you still have dry clothes tonight.”
“I thought that something was close to us.”
“It is,” he said with a sly grin. He positioned his hand over his groin before moving to touch her.
She began to protest, but stopped when her gaze flickered down his tawny chest. She gapped when she saw the size of his cock. “My gods!”
It twitched and she jumped. Bradi laughed as he bent down before her. In a flash, he had her shorts around her ankles, and his face directly level with her pussy.
His eyes flickered closed and he swayed slightly. Fearing for his health, she touched his shoulder. “Janelle?”
“Mmm, you smell so good ... good enough to eat. Can I taste you, Doc?” His blue eyes locked on her and she knew that she should be appalled by his lewd comments, but she wasn’t. She was turned on.
* * * *
“I want to run my tongue over you and lick your sweet cream. Allow me this pleasure, please.” Dipping his face forward, Bradi nuzzled in between her legs. She smelled so good, a mix of vanilla and his scent. There was little doubt in his mind that she carried his child.
The harder he concentrated on her scent, the more he found it mixing to match his own. He’d never given much thought to having children, not because he didn’t like them, but because he never thought he’d be able to impregnate anyone. Genetics was funny when it came to were DNA. The recipient had to be a match for the seed to take and the chances of that were so rare that he’d all but given up hope.
Bradi parted Marisa’s folds and ran his tongue out and over her clit. She bucked against his face and he laughed softly. He’d always thought her to be so stuffy, so conservative that he could hardly believe that she was as wild as she was and his.
Mine? Where the hell did that come from? She’ll never accept me--not when she finds out what I have done, and what I truly am.
Bradi pushed the thoughts of rejection out of his head on concentrated on Marisa. Her legs trembled with each flick of his tongue and he sensed it right before they gave out on her. Grabbing her quickly, he eased her to the ground. He parted her legs and buried his face in her pussy. She tasted every bit as wonderful as he thought she would and more. He’d never get enough of his wife.
My wife.
The words weren’t ones he’d thought would ever apply to him. In all the time he’d been alive, Bradi never once pictured himself married, tied to one woman. Now, as his tongue skated over her velvety folds, lapping up her cream, he couldn’t imagine life without Marisa in it.
She slid her fingers into his hair and his chest tightened. This time, Marisa was fully awake and knew that it was he, not Pete before her, yet she seemed every bit as willing as she had in the POD. Could that mean that she felt the same for him as she did Pete? Did she love him, too?
Easing his finger into her tight channel, Bradi marveled at how wet she was. He wanted to slip his dick into her and let her body clench around him as he rode her, but he needed to see to her happiness first. Thrusting his finger in and out of her tight channel he smiled as she began to pant. “You like that, don’t you, baby?”
“Mmhmm,” she groaned.
“Tell me that you like it, Doc. Tell me that you like it when I touch you. Tell me that you want me buried deep in you. I want to hear you say it.” Bradi needed to hear the words fall from her lips. He needed some sort of reassurance that she felt something for him. The feelings he had for her were like nothing he’d ever felt before.
Marisa shifted slightly. “I ... I like it when you touch me, Bradi. And, I want you. Gods, I want you!”
Flicking his tongue quickly over her clit, he stopped to suck on it. Marisa came with a jolt, wrapping her legs around his head and crying out. The beast within him rose rapidly to the surface and he knew that he’d never be able to fight it down on his own. His claws shot forth, and his incisors let down. The rippling on his back indicated that fur was only seconds away and he knew that he had to get away from her fast. Pushing off her, he turned and rolled into the water.
Warm water greeted him upon his descent and he welcomed its aid. The beast within him struggled to be free, but he held it at bay--barely. Only Marisa could make him lose his hard-earned control. Only she seemed to be able to leave him in a permanent state of guard against shifting. If touching her brought about the change in him every time, then she’d soon learn what he truly was. A monster. An animal. A liar. The father of her child and her husband.
Breaking the surface, he glanced around for Marisa. She was gone. Panic welled in him as he climbed out of the water. “Doc?”
When she didn’t answer, he didn’t stop to dress, he shifted quickly into panther form to track her better. Catching her scent, he ran toward their campsite. He scanned it quickly for threats and when he deemed there was none, he shifted back into human form.
“Doc?”
Glancing around, Bradi found her lying by the fire with her back to him. Her curves were accented by the soft fire glow and he knew in that moment that he’d never be good enough for her. She deserved a saint, not an ass who left her lying on the edge of the water without so much as an explanation. Guilt swept over him as he realized that she’d taken his diving into the water as another sign of rejection. He walked slowly over to her and sat down next to her naked form.
“Marisa?”
She didn’t answer. He leaned over her and found her eyes closed and her breathing shallow. She’d fallen asleep. He couldn’t blame her. They’d had a hell of a last few days and she’d not eaten. The pregnancy probably contributed to her fatigue and he couldn’t fight the urge to lie down next to her. Spooning her body with his, he held her tight as sleep took him as well. “Sweet dreams, wife.”
Chapter Six
Marisa glared at Bradi’s back as he walked ahead of her. They’d been walking all day and she was exhausted. Giving into her aching body’s demands, she sat on the forest floor.
Closing her eyes, she tried once again to get her embedded med chip to work. “Scan body for signs of infection.”
The chip clicked on and then instantly fizzled out.
“Doc?”
Peeking out of one eye, she growled when she saw Bradi standing close to her. She lay back on the ground and didn’t care what crawled on her. She was tired and needed to sleep.
“We can’t stop here. It’s not safe,” Bradi said, touching her leg lightly. “Are you going to talk to me? This silent treatment is getting old.”
He was right. The last time she’d talked to him was by the bathing pool close to five days ago, and it had been hell staying silent. “Fine. What is it you’d like to talk about? Care to tell me how you always seem to know when something is stalking us or how you know so much about this planet?”
Bradi grew still and she gave him a fake smile. “That’s what I thought. I’m tired, Lieutenant Commander, and I need some sleep. I’ve contracted a bug on this planet you seem to be such an expert on and all I want to do is go home.”
“You need to eat.”
The thought of eating turned her stomach. “I can’t. Every time I put something in my mouth, it comes right back up.”
“Gee, if we only knew a healer,” he said wryly.
She sat up fast and glared at him. “Say what’s on your mind, Janelle.”
Touching her cheek, he gave her a wide smil
e. “You’re even more beautiful when you’re angry.”
Stunned by his words, she turned her head. “Well, considering I only have you to keep me company that must mean I’m drop dead gorgeous all the time, since you pretty much have me in a permanent state of pissed off.”
“Yes, you are gorgeous all the time,” he said, as if that cleared up everything.
She was too tired to argue with him anymore. Her body ached and her stomach was in a knot. Sinking back into the forest floor, she closed her eyes. “Please, Bradi. I need to rest.”
“I know, honey.”
Marisa wasn’t sure if it was the please or the use of his first name, but he’d finally agreed to let her rest. When his arms pushed under her, she let out a yelp. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
He smiled down at her as he lifted her into the air. “I’m carrying you. I told you that it’s not safe to stop here and I meant it.”
Rolling her eyes, she pushed on his chest. “Put me down. I’ll walk.”
He pulled her closer to him, allowing her to take in his manly scent. “I kind of like holding you and you’re right--you need to rest.”
Opening her mouth to protest, Marisa stopped when she saw the muscles in his neck moving. Fire shot through her body and she had the craziest urge to slide her tongue over the beating pulse in his neck. Wanting to lick a man all over wasn’t a feeling she was used to, and it scared her. Pride made her want to walk, but fatigue and fear were in control now. Unable to fight it anymore, she laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. She’d never admit it to him, but she kind of liked that he was holding her, too.
* * * *
Bradi ran with Marisa in his arms. It was better that she slept. It meant that he could shift partially and travel faster. He kept a close eye on her to monitor her sleeping. The last thing he needed was for her to wake up and find him covered in a coating of black fur and his eyes glowing yellow. Somehow, he didn’t think she’d take too kindly to that.
He’d spent five days trying to think of creative ways to tell her that she carried his child and was his wife in the eyes of his people. Nothing seemed to be good enough and regardless what he decided to do, he knew he’d lose her.
Marisa was out of his league.
That wasn’t acceptable. The fierce need to protect her, be near her, provide for her and love her was all consuming. He knew he’d never be able to let her go and that in the end, she’d undoubtedly demand to leave.
* * * *
Nina Janelle moved with a grace most human women didn’t posses. She stopped in front of Pheebes, a trusted warrior among her guards. “What was so urgent that you needed to pull me away from my duties?”
“Forgive me, my lady, but I bring news that I think you should know.”
She motioned for him to join her in her office. “Tell me this news.”
“A group of my men, the panther pard, were returning from a scouting mission on the edges of the red sea and encountered an outsider.”
“An outsider, really?” Nina’s interest was piqued. They kept close tabs on the number of outsiders they permitted on the planet. Aside from the group that had arrived two months ago with her brother-in-law, they hadn’t had any outsiders here for more than a few hours in decades. “Go on.”
“Yes, my lady. At first they assumed the woman was alone, and they were starved for....” His eyes shifted downward. Nina knew the sexual cravings that the men had were great, yet she discouraged them from seeking fulfillment from anyone other than their chosen mates. To do so would mean certain death and not many risked that. Pheebes’ admittance to the men being horny spoke volumes for the severity of what he was about to tell her.
“Go on.”
“The men cornered her and immediately noticed that she bore the mark of one of our own. Thinking that she could be the mate of one of Stegian’s men, they inspected further. She was with child, and they claim that she was covered in the scent of....” He stopped and stared at her.
Nina nodded her head. “Of who, Pheebes?”
“Of Bradiainn.”
“You are mistaken.” Stegian was an evil vampire sorcerer who had terrified her people for over a hundred and fifty years. Nina could believe that he was behind just about anything. She could not and would not believe that her brother was back.
Pheebes shook his head. “No, my lady. My men say that a large black panther surged forward and challenged them for the woman. Do you think he has been sent by Stegian to try to kill you and your sister?”
Nina’s eyes widened and her heart raced. As much as she didn’t want to believe it was true, she’d seen her own father turn against his family. Bradiainn had been banished from the planet by her father due to his rumored involvement with Stegian. If it was true, and he was back, he was a threat she didn’t want to imagine coming up against alone. “Tell no one of this. Organize a party of five men. Bring extra horses. We shall set out in an hour. If Bradiainn is here, we shall find him.”
Chapter Seven
Marisa snuggled in next to Bradi and tried her best not to get aroused. It was hard considering their close proximity. She’d also found that although she was tired all the time and had little ability to keep anything down, she was horny as all get out.
Bradi leaned over her and grabbed another piece of the fruit he called satunie, but looked and smelled like mango. “Here, eat.”
Her stomach turned. “I can’t.”
“Doc, honey. You have to eat something. The ba....”
“The what?” she asked waiting for him to finish his sentence.
“The bug you have won’t get better until you add food. You can’t expect your body to get better when you are living off water and air only.”
She laughed softly at the irony of the fighter giving the doctor advice, but knew that he was right. “Tell you what. I’ll make you a deal.”
“I am listening.”
Biting back all of her better judgment, Marisa continued. “Give me what I’m craving and I’ll eat your damn fruit.”
“What are you craving?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
There was no doubt in her mind that he was going to make her say it. She rolled her eyes and swatted his chest lightly. “You.” She reached down and cupped the bulge in his pants. “This.”
Bradi growled and rolled her onto her back. For a moment, she thought she saw his eyes flicker to yellow, but when he stared out at her from blue orbs she knew she’d been mistaken. “Do not toy with me, Doc.”
“Me, toy with you? Please. You’re the one that runs away from me every time we get close.” She shifted under him as he pushed his hips into her. “Listen, I know that I’m the last person that you wanted to be marooned with and I know that I’m not like your other girls, but I need....”
He dropped his lips down and kissed her quickly. “No, you are not like my other girls at all.”
The harsh reality of his words hit her and she pushed at him to get him off her. “Off, Bradi. Now!”
He looked hurt as he rolled onto his side. “What did I say?”
“Like I didn’t hear it enough growing up ... like I need you to rub it in.”
Bradi blinked as he tried to wrap his arm around her. She pushed it off and glared at him. “You know, my stepmother never once hesitated to tell me how unfortunate I was when it came to looks and with my condition she said that I’d be lucky to ever catch a man’s eye.” She let her gaze go hard. “I wasn’t blessed with enormous breasts and extra long legs. I get that I’m not a supermodel or a Bradi groupie. I don’t need to be reminded by you that I don’t stack up against all of your bimbos.” Marisa tried to get to her feet, but Bradi seized hold of her and pulled her to him.
“I don’t know what the hell your stepmother was on that made her think you were inferior in any way, baby, but she was wrong. Dead wrong. I didn’t sit by gritting my teeth every time I saw Pete put his arm around you for no reason, lady. I think you are the sexiest w
oman I have ever....”
“You think I’m sexy?” Marisa asked, pulling him toward her. She didn’t wait for his answer. She took control of his mouth with her own and moaned.
* * * *
Bradi was too shocked to do anything other than kiss her back. Marisa’s mood swings puzzled him, but he knew the reason for them. Tracing circles around her warm tongue, he let his fantasies take control and he pictured her waiting eagerly by the door of their home for his return with their child in her arms. It drove him on, fueling his already overwhelming sexual desires.
Running his hands down her body, he slid his fingers into her shorts and cupped her cleft. Marisa bucked against him and bit lightly at his lips. Easing his fingers into her tight body, she began to cry out. He used his thumb to rub her swollen clit and continued to assault her neck and face with kisses.
“Doc,” he whispered, a confession of love closer to falling out than he’d have liked. “You make me crazy.”
Marisa’s body wiggled beneath his touch and her cries of passion coincided with her sheath squeezing around his fingers. Knowing that she was coming by the touch of his hand left his hard cock oozing precome with anticipation. The need to take her was strong, but he wouldn’t push her. When she was ready to let him make love to her, he would--again and again.
He pulled his wet fingers from her body and brought them to his lips. Marisa’s eyes widened as she watched him lick her cream from them. Seeing the excitement in her eyes, Bradi put a finger near the edge of her mouth, daring her to taste herself. When her full lips slid over his middle finger, he nearly came on her stomach. She sucked softly and he couldn’t help but moan.
“Do you like that?” she asked softly, a hint of mischief in her green eyes. He hoped it meant that she wanted more.
“Let me make love to you, Doc.” It was impossible to mask the desperation in his voice, so he didn’t even try. His heart stammered in his chest when she shook her head no.
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