by Ava Ryant
“Why did this happen?” Alexa gritted out. They had never had anything close to a riot before. All disputes that couldn’t be dealt with verbally were handled in the arena, in which there were rules to fights and a Ref to halt things if it got out of control. Ryker stiffened and Justine paled at her question.
“I am responsible. You left me in charge and I failed to keep order. ” Justine said tightly and Alexa could tell that Ryker was dying to disagree, only her warning glance held him back.
“I had a disagreement with one of the Shifters. I thought I could handle it. Things escalated and…” Justine trailed off, obviously reluctant to continue. Alexa looked at Ryker, waving him to speak, she wanted the full story.
“I heard the disagreement between them and disliked his tone. I stepped in and...went for his throat. My beast took over and before I knew it, we were ripping through the wall and there was a mob.” He confessed and Alexa closed her eyes. This was a shit storm. There were several serious breaches of protocol on all sides.
Ryker was just as guilty as the others in the fight and Justine well...she had just admitted to appearing incompetent when dealing with the Shifters. That had to sting her pride. But Alexa knew this was mostly her fault. The Shifters were already tense with the Laren visit and rumors would be running amok in the colony after what happened yesterday, Alexa didn’t even want to know what was being spread on the grapevine. However, she did know that all that speculation would do was compound the problem of Shifter instability. Now she was facing the consequences of her inaction, she could have called an assembly and made some sort of announcement. All the while making it clear that there was a very clear chain of command in place and that the Laren were not invading or whatever. She would need to take decisive action now to ensure this didn’t happen again.
“This can’t happen again.” She said to herself, coming to a decision.
“An example will be made. Call a mandatory assembly in the arena for tonight, make sure all security shifts are covered. I will issue a public Reprimand to those in the brig and to you, Ryker. All the rioters will be assigned two weeks confinement to their quarters and scut work for six months as punishment, as well as a formal chastisement on their records. I swear if anyone steps out of line again, I’ll personally kick their ass and they will be shipped back Earthside for a disciplinary hearing.” Alexa said in a fierce tone and she saw grim looks all around. She waved them out and they left in silence.
Ryhs stepped close behind her, his hands coming up to her shoulders and rubbing them. She moaned, as soothing warmth spread from where he kneaded the knots in her neck. It eased her muscles and Alexa knew this was more than just a physical massage, her body relaxed and melted into his touch. That warmth soothed her as nothing she ever felt before.
“You are stressed.” He said with concern, his thumb pressing in on a particular painful spot that made her gasp.
“What is that…?” She groaned and heard him chuckle softly behind her.
“Our bond is strengthening, I can soothe you with my touch now.” He whispered as Alexa closed her eyes to the heated pleasure of his touch.
“It feels nice.” She moaned. They stood like that for a while before she found the courage to ask.
“How bad did it look? What happened.” She wasn’t sure why she was asking him, why she trusted his judgement or why she was showing her anxiety to him by asking.
“It did not look bad at all.” He answered.
“Oh, really?” She said sarcastically with a snort. That was doubtful, the Laren had just witnessed the Shifters in full-on beast mode rioting through the Colony. It was a disaster, everything she had been trying to prevent during the Ambassador’s visit.
“Yes. It is obvious your people are volatile and aggressive, as they showed themselves to be today. But it also showed them to have extraordinary abilities and you to be a truly commanding presence.” He said and she heard the honesty and sincerity in his voice. It made her feel...warm...and...pleasant inside. His words of approval and support made her stubborn resistance to him melt. Not good.
“Do you really think that? About me?” She asked and turned around to see his face.
“I would not have said so, if I did not think so.” He said and she sighed as that melting sensation spread.
“What about the other Laren?” She asked concerned. He gave her a smirk.
“Just send some ice cream to the ship and I’m sure all will be forgotten.” She laughed.
“I’ll do that.”
_________________________
The arena was dead silent, the stands filled with colonists. Normally the arena was restricted to Praesidio but she opened it to all the colonists. It was important that everyone saw this. The rioters stood in a line on a raised platform at the center of the arena. A spotlight shown down upon them, highlighting them in the darkness. They were being projected on massive vis screens behind them for all to see. Their bodies were stiff and their faces solemn.
Ryhs stood in the darkness off to the side with Anabel and Justine watching as she went one-by-one and read aloud the charges against them and issued each of them a scathing set-down as the public watched. It was a humiliating and humbling spectacle. That was the point. It gave her no joy to do this. In truth, she loathed it but that didn’t change the fact it must be done. Rioting could not be allowed and an example had to be made. When she came to a stoic Ryker, she could hear the audible gasp in the crowd as she issued his chastisement. She kept her face stern and somber throughout. When it finally ended she spoke directly to the crowd.
“Rioting, fighting or creating a disturbance outside the arena is strictly prohibited. I understand that everyone is tense with the Laren delegation visiting but that is not an excuse to disregard the Code of Conduct we all live by. Everyone here understood that this colony would be the welcome center for Alien visitors and accepted that before they took a place here. If now you are regretting that decision and wish to return to Earth that will be arranged. However, until that time no one will be allowed to cause a disruption to this colony. Furthermore, I want to assure you that I take this colony’s safety very seriously and our Alien guests have shown no signs of being hostile.” With that it was over.
Chapter 11
“More.” She moaned as Ryhs’s mouth danced over her throbbing clit, barely touching her. He delighted in torturing her. His tongue was wicked and very inventive as he licked her pussy like he couldn’t live without it. Like it was his favorite ice cream. Alexa grinned at the thought. A long finger entered her, stretching her, making her toes curl with pleasure as he moved it in and out of her center. She pulsed around it, her pussy contracting and she exploded in ecstasy.
“Ryhs!” Alexa screamed, head falling back, breath coming hard.
“My Spark, you taste divine.” Ryhs whispered in an awed voice, kissing her thigh before kneeling above her.
“Kiss me.” She whispered pulling his head down to meet her lips. He tasted of her and it made her moan as their tongues danced together. She loved kissing him. It was consuming and maddening all at once. Her hands roved over his chest, touching the Metallics on his collarbone, they were flashing brilliantly under her hands as Ryhs groaned.
“Your Metallics, they’re so beautiful.” She said reverently, her fingers graced over them once more. The texture of the Metallic’s were hard, almost like metal scales that smoothed out over his creamy-silver skin. They flashed ever brighter as she continue to touch and examine them. He moaned again.
“Are they sensitive?” Alexa asked curiously.
“They are attuned to your touch.” He said with another groan as she leaned up and kissed them. Aching, burning with need, her clit was throbbing and she wanted him. Desperately.
“Take me, now.” Alexa moaned, wrapping her legs around his waist, urging him on.
He aligned his cock with her entrance and she felt him push inside her. She moaned with pleasure and….
Woke up panting. Alexa sat up
in bed and groaned. Her body was throbbing and needy. She was covered in sweat and it took all her willpower not to simple get up and go to the guest suite and finish what her dream had started. Stupid-fucking-Mating-Call. It was driving her mad. She got up, completely frustrated, it would be asinine to try and sleep in this state. She needed to...move. Alexa glanced at the clock. It was 3:47AM. Fuck it. She was going to the gym, even if she had to carry Ryhs’s sleeping form through the air. She needed to run. Maybe he wouldn’t even wake up?
Alexa stood and quickly changed into her exercise clothes, pulling on her running shoes. Going out into the hall and directly to Ryhs’s door, knocking softly. She was surprised when the door swung wide open and Ryhs’s panting form stood there, wide awake. His torso was naked and she stared, she couldn’t help it. He was stunning. His lean body was toned and muscular, his shiny Metallics ran parallel along his collarbone, making her hands itch to touch them.
“I was going to go to the gym.” She said lamely when they just stood there, staring at each other.
“The gym?” He said confused.
“Yes, I...need to run. Exercise.”
Alexa fidgeted under his intense gaze. She tried not to stare into his eyes. They were a beautiful swirling mass of blush pink and dark rose.
“If that is your wish, then we will exer-cise.” He said the word like he was puzzled by it but he turned and she watched as he blatantly stripped off his sleep pants and went to the dresser. Alexa stared, frozen in shock, a wave of heat flushing her body. His naked body was pure temptation. Physical perfection. His Metallics shining in the light, his toned body making her thoughts drift back to her dream. They roved down his form until they landed on his...cock. Oh my God. That was the only thought in her head as she gawked. His Metallics surrounded his groin, highlighting its impressiveness. It was...thick...and long...and...were those ridges? They were. She stared at them in shock. How would that feel inside her? Stop. Don’t think about that, Alexa!
They walked silently through the empty residential area, her mind was still reeling with the sight of his…his...well...him. They entered the two-story fitness center filled with exercise equipment. Alexa saw that there were two other night-owls in there, but she paid them no mind as she got on her favorite treadmill and powered it on. Ryhs copying her actions, watching her intently. She put in her ear buds, pushed play on her workout music and began to run. Her mind shutting out everything else, her body moving by rote. Alexa saw in her peripheral Ryhs running next to her with ease and grace, his fit physique a work of art. Her insides quaked as she forced herself to look away. He had surprised her last night.
First being so...sweet, giving her a massage and easing her stress with his touch. Then later that night, he had helped her review the documents for the proposed Alliance in her apartment while they ate dinner and of course, ice cream. He had been honest and forthright and not what she thought. It made her doubt everything she assumed about him. Alexa didn’t know what to think anymore and that made her feel off-kilter. Then, he had stood silently by and watched as she delivered the reprimand in the arena and comforted her afterwards.
* * * * *
Alexa walked through the silent colony, the passersby giving her uneasy looks before glancing hurriedly away. She tightened her lips and fought a grimace while keeping a steady pace, Ryhs by her side. Never before in the colony had a public Reprimand been given, even on Earth it had only been used a few times. In the Praesidio, respect and honor meant a great deal. It was the foundation they were built on. After the invasion the Praesidio were regarded as saviors. Heroes. With that came a sense of responsibility. The entire Praesidio Corp would be feeling the shame and guilt for what happened. This reflected badly on them, the colony and...on her. She was Chancellor and ultimately everything that happened here was her responsibility. As they say “the buck stopped here.”
They made it to the apartment, entered and she stood; back straight and stiff with tension, staring out the darkened window unseeingly. A heavy weight on her chest making it difficult to breathe. Arms wrapped around her from behind and she...sagged against him. That feeling of suffocation lifting as warmth flooded her.
“I am sorry you had to do that, my Spark.” Ryhs whispered near her ear.
“Me too.” She whispered back.
* * * * *
Returning back to the apartment after running until her legs felt like noodles, she was covered in sweat and felt so much better. She looked over at Ryhs’s relaxed form curiously. He didn’t look like he had broken a sweat or exerted himself much at all.
“Do the Laren sweat?” She asked curiously. His gaze hit hers and swept down her body, his Metallics flaring for a moment as he studied her intently. Her nipples tightened and her body longed to lean against his.
“No, we do not secrete fluids when we exert ourselves. Our bodies have an internal thermal system that moderates our body temperatures as needed.” He said with amusement as she scowled at him. Of course they did.
“Although I must admit your sweat covered body is quite...tempting.” His husky, melodic voice sounded out and her body responded. Shivering as heat spread out from her now aching pussy. She forced herself to ignore it, taking a deep breath to calm herself.
“I’m going to clean up and then we can get breakfast before our meetings resume with the delegation.” Alexa said as she rolled her eyes and left him in the hallway, going into her bedroom.
After eating breakfast they resumed the meetings with the Laren. To say they were...hesitant and wary around the colonist’s was an understatement. The Laren were very good at keeping their emotions under wraps, from their expression you would never be able to tell their feelings but their bodies were tightly wound. They were expecting more trouble. Alexa fought a grimace and tried to soldier on through the negotiations but it was slow going. Some of the Laren delegation seemed to delight in trying her patience.
“You can not even control your own populus what makes you believe you can secure a embassy for our people. Beside we should discuss the safety concerns your...Shifter citizens present on this Colony. If you expect Coalition members to visit here, then you must secure…”
“La’Rianne Sian, I assure you that the situation has been taken care of. There will be no more incidents.” Alexa gritted out for the third time. Seriously this female was annoying. Going on and on about yesterday's incident and the safety concerns it presented to the Coalition. I mean she got it, okay? They were primitive primates and a danger to society - yeah - she was in a sarcastic mood today. It didn’t help any that her body literally ached, she was so turned on it was starting to wear on her.
“I’m sure you think so but…” and there she went again. On and on while Alexa felt her eye start to twitch with agitation. The other Laren listened silently as they went back and forth over this yet again. Right when Alexa thought she would break and really cause a disturbance in order to get this female to shut-the-hell-up Ryhs put his hand on her back and a calming balm flowed out from his touch, making her body instantly relax. It didn’t help her irritation but it did give her much-needed patience a boost.
“La’Rianne Sian!” Alexa said in a commanding tone. Her “Chancellor’s voice” as her sister called it, was sharp and fierce and caused Sian to finally quiet.
“Let me make myself perfectly clear. The incident yesterday was an anomaly. If you feel unsafe please feel free to stay on your ship for the duration of your visit. I, however am inviting the rest of the Laren crew to explore the colony common areas if they so wish.” Alexa announced with a false smile. She had been giving it some thought, Ryhs had suggested the idea in private to her about letting the other crew members off the ship to explore since the Laren visit was taking more time than had initially been expected.
“What a wonderful suggestion. I know several crew members who would love the chance to explore and interact with the colonists.” La’Ronne Marq, the Cultural Attaché, interrupted what she was sure would be another complain
t from Sian with a small grin.
“Many are eager to have some more ice cream. The tubs you sent over last night were received very enthusiastically amongst the crew. They wish to visit the shop of ice cream.”
Alexa looked at the golden and copper haired Laren male across from her, his eyes swirled a pretty cherry pink and chocolate. He was gorgeous of course - all Laren were - but he had an air of...danger about him. A hidden something. He looked at her with a serene face full of intensity and focus and Alexa had the feeling she was being studied. Like a bug. She didn’t much like it. She would need to keep her eye on this one. Ryhs stiffened next to her and she saw him and Marq exchange an intense glance full of warning. What was that about?
“I’m glad they enjoyed it. I’m sure the crew will find the ice cream parlor just as delightful.”
“Then it’s settled. I will speak with the crew and we will setup a schedule with your security officer.” Ambassador Lyric interjected again jovially when Sian opened her mouth to speak and Alexa smiled cheerfully at him.
