by Jaylee Davis
She anchored her fists on her hips. “Why isn’t it making me sleepy now?”
He huffed softly. “The effects can’t be duplicated by mechanical means. You have to be there.”
“That’s amazing.” She did a double-take between him and the screen. “So you’ve never brought anyone here to sleep with you?” He shook his head, but his expression turned wary as soon as she pointed toward the open doorway. “Have you used that bench thing before?”
“Not that one.”
“You’ve used them.”
“Of course. I’m D’Lyrian. I learned to use the coupling bench as soon as I matured. How else would we find our mates?
She wandered to the bed and flopped down onto her butt. How else indeed?
“I’ve attended many formal gatherings and diplomatic functions on your world, and I’ve discovered that our ways are quite different when it comes to selecting a mate. Unlike humans, unmated D’Lyrians couple often, and with as many different partners as possible. Normally, a male mounts a female from behind. There’s no kissing or tasting involved. The main purpose for the coupling bench is for intimate pleasure. A couple will use it if they believe their scents might be capable of blending. If it happens, the male will instinctively bite his female to mark her. For him, the taste of her blood seals the mate bond.”
“You’ve tried that with other women, or females?”
“A few, but none took my scent. It’s not a common occurrence. Once we find the right one, it’s a cause for celebration. Even though we’re from separate species my crew is happy for us, Bethany.” He sat beside her and placed a hesitant hand on her thigh.
It trembled. He’s as nervous as a…cat. She touched her bite marks. They weren’t as sore as they had been, but their significance confused her.
“You bit me so that means we’re mated now. Isn’t that what you’re telling me?”
“Yes, Bethany. You’re mine. I love you,” he added.
He’d said the three magic words again, the ones she desperately wanted to repeat despite her insecurities. Was the meaning the same for him? The whole idea seemed absurd. She waged an inner battle with herself. To her way of thinking, instant love wasn’t possible. She’d had an abusive, cheating ex-fiancé that proved how ridiculous it was to think people fell for each other at first sight. It’s only greed or lust. On the other hand, Vren was an alien, not human. There wasn’t a single thing she could think of that he might want from her, except maybe her. Their differences shouldn’t come between them. There had to be some common ground. She lifted her gaze to his hopeful one.
“I love you too, but I’m afraid you’re going to break my heart by coupling with some other female. I can’t be with you if you’re going to—”
“Never!” he interrupted. “You’re mine, Bethany, my mate. I’ve searched for you my entire adult life. Please try to understand. I’m overjoyed and relieved to finally find you. I’ll never couple with another female. It’s physically impossible, but I wouldn’t even if I could. There’s no need. I only want you.” He seemed more than sincere, almost frantic in his insistence that she believe him. “Stay with me,” he urged and embraced her. “We can be together on my ship or I can resign from the fleet and live with you on your planet.”
Yep. Frantic. There was no doubt in her mind that he meant every word he said. His blatant desperation melted her heart. She leaned toward him to bring their lips together. His response shouldn’t have surprised her, but it did. He released her and scooted away. For her, it was the perfect moment for a passionate kiss, but he obviously didn’t agree. No sex, no kissing, absolutely no intimate encounters were allowed in bed.
He jumped to his feet and stepped away from it before he turned to look back at her. Bethany immediately bowed her head in embarrassment and folded her arms at her waist.
“I’m sorry. I only wanted to kiss you, but I forgot,” she muttered.
“Bethany, I want that too. Please come here.”
She glanced up in time to see him extend his hand. She took it, and he pulled her toward him—away from the off-limits bed. Once again he embraced her, and their lips met. At first, his kiss was tender, but it turned heated in seconds. She wanted it to go on forever, but he ended it with a reluctant-sounding growl.
“I have a confession to make. It’s not something I’m proud of, and I hope you’ll forgive me and never speak of it to anyone.” He let her go and took a step back.
“What is it?”
“That night in your bed when you asked to see my sex—”
Bethany groaned. “I’m so sorry,” she blurted. “I shouldn’t have forced you to do that. I didn’t understand.” Would her humiliation never end? She’d all but forgotten about the “penis” incident.
“I know you didn’t, but I shouldn’t have been able to relax that way. What I did was shameful.” He lowered his gaze to stare at the floor. “You affect me in ways I don’t understand.”
“Well, maybe that’s good. We could compromise on some things.”
His shoulders drooped as he shook his head. “Not on this. Sexual acts aren’t allowed in a sleeping area. It’s a perversion, and offenders can be punished.”
“You’re not a pervert.”
“I hope not.” He sighed. “There are many ways for us to compromise, but not on this.”
“It’s okay. There’s always the bench or the floor.”
He looked at her and grinned. “The floor? You’re an amazing female.”
She batted her eyes. “Naturally. I’m you’re mate,” she declared before she turned and ran out of the bedroom.
A sexy growl told her he followed close behind. She stripped out of the robe in time to toss it at him before he caught her. It hit him square in the face. The sound of ripping fabric was cut short by a deep voice that seemed to come out of nowhere.
“Captain, you have an urgent message from Commandant Tram. Please acknowledge.”
Vren dropped the robe and rushed to his office. Bethany followed close behind. He leaned over his desk and punched a button.
“Go ahead, Thoren.”
“It’s private. I’ve already sent it to your terminal.”
Vren took a seat in front of the view screen before he looked at her. “This is a live communication. Stay where you are or Tram will see you.” He smiled, but it looked more dangerous than pleasant. “I don’t share,” he added and then tapped a button on his desk.
Oh yes. Dangerous. Bethany pretended to be a statue as she listened.
“Commandant! It’s good to hear from you.”
“I doubt your sincerity, but I’m glad you’ve recovered. I feared the worst.”
Vren shrugged. “I’m relieved to be back. I was told you had an urgent message.”
“Yes, but first I want to congratulate you on your mating. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
“Thank you, sir.” He glanced at her. “I’m sure she’ll be honored.”
Bethany raised her brows and mouthed a silent, What? He smirked and looked back at the screen.
“Vren, I know you’re only cleared for light duty, but there’s an important meeting taking place in a few hours at the NASA spaceport. All the high-ranking Alliance ambassadors and Earth’s government leaders will be in attendance. They’re expecting us to be there.”
“Why would they want me to attend? I just woke from hibernation, and haven’t reviewed all the reports.”
“Because they know you’ve recovered, and I insist that you go.”
Vren snarled. “You told them I was awake!”
“Of course. You’re a hero. Our ambassadors believe it might boost public opinion if the humans could see you, and Earth’s leaders want to shake your hand. You and your mate are celebrities. Is she feeling well enough to accompany you?”
“No!” Vren shot her a quick look, and she shook her head. “She’s still weak,” he lied. Bethany stifled a laugh and almost choked.
“That’s a shame.”
“Does the entire p
lanet know of our mating?” Vren looked as if he might explode.
“No. Settle down. No one knows, not even our ambassadors. Everyone thinks she’s on your ship to recover in safety. They understand how dangerous it’d be for her right now on the planet. However, NASA security has interrogated the human prisoners. It won’t be long before the leader of their group is captured. Once it’s safe for your mate to return to the surface, I’m sure the NWG will make a formal request. Earth is our newest member. They’re still suspicious of our motives, and they want to know if she’s being held against her will. You should prepare.”
“I have an idea that might help,” Vren said thoughtfully.
“Good! We don’t have much time. Meet me at the spaceport in an hour, planet time.”
“Yes, sir.” Vren touched a button on his desk, then slammed his fist down right beside it. He stared at her for a few seconds before he reached for a different control pad near the screen. “Thoren, send Nouri to my quarters. Tell her to bring the supplies I requested and wait in my office.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Vren, I don’t need a babysitter. I can stay here until you come back.” She hated that he had to leave so soon. They hadn’t had much time together, and there were so many things they needed to discuss.
“I must go, but I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He stood and came around the desk to give her a quick hug. “Nouri isn’t here to watch over you, love. She can explain about my species and help you contact your friend. Ask her anything. While I’m gone, I think it’d be a good idea for you to talk to your friend, Shelly. Maybe you could let her know you’re safe, and that you wish to remain on my ship?”
Bethany nodded in understanding as she thought about his suggestion to call her friend. It was a good idea. Shelly was probably worried sick, and would be relieved to know she was okay.
“You do want to stay with me, don’t you?”
His question slammed the brakes on her train of thought. “Of course I want to stay! How can you even ask that? Remember, we’re mated!”
He grinned. “Good answer. Come to the bath with me. I’ll teach you how to control the hydro-sonic unit, but we must hurry.”
Chapter Eleven
Bethany wandered around the main living area, hardly paying any attention to the furnishings as she waited for her visitor. She’d already tripped several times on the hem of the too-long robe Vren had found for her after their shower. He’d left moments ago, and despite her insistence that she could wait for him all alone, she looked forward to having some company.
A soft knock alerted her before the door separating Vren’s office from the living room opened. The attractive young woman who stood in the opening looked nothing like Bethany had expected. She certainly wasn’t D’Lyrian and she wore a uniform.
“Hello, I’m Nouri,” she said as she stepped into the room. “I can tell you’re surprised by my appearance. I’m Sauren.” Bethany was struck speechless when the newcomer dropped the packages she carried, and did a three-hundred-and-sixty turn. “You can tell by my blonde hair, blue eyes and how human I look.” She laughed and wiggled her butt. “Plus, I don’t have a tail.”
Apparently, Nouri had a delightful personality or she was completely nuts. She couldn’t help but laugh along with her. Bethany stretched her arms out to the sides and performed the exact same turn.
“Hi, I’m Bethany, I’m human and I don’t have a tail or any clothes.”
“It’s an honor to meet you,” Nouri responded before retrieving her packages. “I’ve brought clothes, but you’ll have to grow your own tail. Supply was fresh out of those.” She grinned and tossed the largest bundle to Bethany. “These should fit. Salla gave me your measurements.”
“Thank you.” The package was lighter than she’d expected. Instead of opening it, she sat it on the closest table.
“I’m a communications specialist on Explorer and I also serve as the cultural advisor on all our first-contact missions.” Nouri smiled and took a seat. Bethany chose one nearby. “Before his shuttle left, the captain told me to contact your friend for you. She’s at the NASA spaceport and is on her way to the operations complex. Thoren will notify us when they’re ready, and you can use the comm-unit in the captain’s office.”
“Will I be able to see her on the view screen the same way Vren did when he spoke to the commandant?”
“Yes.” A slight frown tugged at her lips. “Even though it’s a secure connection, we’re quite certain your conversation won’t be private. NASA and your government will be listening to every word you say.”
“I won’t tell anyone that we’ve mated. Vren thinks we should keep it secret for now, and I agree.”
“I’m not here to tell you what or what not to say. That’s up to you. I just thought you might want to know. It’s probably wise to keep your relationship hidden for now.” Nouri took a deep breath and exhaled with a pleasant sigh. “The other reason I’m here is to explain some of the differences between humans and D’Lyrians. There are a few, especially the anatomical ones, but those are obvious. It’s the social ones you have to watch out for. Things like…don’t let the males dance close behind you, and don’t pull on their tails or they’ll think you’re inviting them to couple with you. And if the two of you are separated for a couple days, you’ll cry during your sleep, and he’ll be irritable and want to fight with everyone.” She giggled. “Sometimes it can seem as if you’re lost in a Geldorian dragon forest while blindfolded. I’m here to help you along.” She settled back in the chair. “So, do you have any questions for me?”
Even though Nouri had already shared some good information, Bethany had tons of questions, but most of them could wait until Vren returned. This was her opportunity to ask the difficult ones, the ones she dreaded.
“Vren says he’ll never be with another woman. Is that true?” She held her breath.
“That’s very true. A mated male will never couple with another female as long as his mate is alive. He won’t cheat on you. I believe that’s the human expression?” Nouri cocked her head.
“Yes.” Bethany exhaled a huge sigh of relief. For some reason, she believed her visitor without question. “He said he’s coupled with a lot of females in his life just to find a mate. How many?”
Nouri chuckled and shook her head. “There’s no way to tell. They don’t keep track of their encounters, but trust me, there’s been too many to worry about counting.”
“What?” Bethany’s stomach twisted into a giant knot.
The Sauren woman reached out to pat her arm. “It’s normal for them, just as it’s normal for human females to refuse to couple with every male they meet. Your mate is a strong, attractive warrior. He’s probably been with a great many females, including most of the ones on this ship, but that’s in the past. It’s a social activity for them, one your species might compare to recreational sex.”
“That’s just…” Bethany was too shocked to even continue.
“The urge to mate and reproduce is powerful for all species. D’Lyrians have a high sex drive, and they’re extremely prolific, since every pregnancy produces a set of twins. Unmated males and females aren’t fertile until they find their mates and bond.”
Vren was fertile now? Oh, god! She hadn’t seriously thought about getting pregnant, and since sexually transmitted diseases had been wiped out years ago by newer medical treatments, it hadn’t occurred to her to worry about catching anything from him either. Bethany did a quick mental calculation. She wasn’t due for her next birth control shot for a month. She’d always wanted a child or two, but now didn’t seem like a good time to start a family.
“Is it even possible for us to have children?” A brief look of pain or perhaps sorrow crossed Nouri’s face after Bethany asked the question.
“Extremely doubtful.”
“Because we’re so different?”
“I believe so. My mate and I have been trying for many years. At first, we were hopeful, but not anymore. I’ve
been unable to conceive.”
“I don’t understand,” Bethany said.
Nouri leaned forward and tugged at her uniform collar to reveal a bite mark near her shoulder. Except for its smaller size, it was an exact match to the one Vren had given her. Eight puncture wounds.
“My mate is D’Lyrian, and he’s an engineer on the ship. His name is Chez.” Nouri smiled. “That’s one of the reasons I know so much about them.”
“I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings.”
“No need to apologize.” She shrugged. “A few of the mated pairs have children on board, and I visit the learning center almost every day to watch them play. They’re adorable. I’d be happy to take you with me any time, if you’re interested.”
“Sure. I’d like that.” Not only did it surprise her to learn there were children on the ship, she actually looked forward to seeing them. It was hard to imagine a miniature version of Vren.
“Excellent.” Nouri beamed. “You know, our males aren’t eager to discuss some of the things we might be curious about. I think they just want to protect us from anything that might hurt us, whether it’s physical or emotional. So if Vren seems reluctant to answer your questions, please don’t ever hesitate to ask me anything.”
Bethany didn’t hesitate. “Why won’t they have sex in a bed?”
“Oh,” Nouri’s eyes widened. “He hasn’t told you?”
“He explained some, but not much. We just don’t. He said it was perverted.”
“It’s extremely taboo for them. I suppose it makes sense if you’re a D’Lyrian. They like to sleep together, and most of their homes have one large bedroom for the entire family unit. Can you imagine having sex under those conditions, especially when there are several adult males and females in the bed? If it were my species, a fight would surely erupt.”
“Mine too,” Bethany agreed with a chuckle.
“Years of evolution have made them the way they are. It’s so ingrained they don’t question the reasoning. Sleeping and coupling are their two most enjoyable passions, but they don’t mix them together.”
