Aykeetan

by Harpie Alexander

  She slips a digit in her mouth, making it very wet. I’m not sure where this is going. My eyes narrow as I watch her like a hawk. “Come closer,” she asks as she leans in towards me, our faces almost touching.

  My instincts are blaring, but she’s puckering her lips for a kiss and the temptation is too great. My eyes close as we seal our lips together. I notice movement to the side of my head, but I’m distracted by the sweet taste of her mouth against mine.

  A wet suctioning sound slops through my ear as she jams the finger, she previously sucked, in there. “Ugh, I pull my head to the side, away from the kiss and her finger. Vrakking disgusting.”

  “Pay back,” she says and sticks her tongue out at me.

  I shake my head several times, tapping it with my palm to get the moisture out, but its vrakking stuck. “You watch your back, mate of mine. A hunter knows how to bait his prey.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jane

  I’ve made my decision to leave the only real home I’ve ever known. It wasn’t easy, but ultimately staying here isn’t safe anymore. Not after my abduction or both of us getting attacked by Dr. Shaw, and while he’s being questioned as we speak, we still have no idea how far this operation goes.

  There could be many other people in power abducting and abusing humans for the sake of science or money. Earth isn’t safe, and we don’t have the manpower or the information to stop it.

  I also worry about how I would explain my newfound health to my friends, especially after I already sent out my goodbye letters. That would be awkward. I can’t live two lives, one with my mate and one as plain old Jane. My mind is made up.

  Leaving Earth is a small sacrifice I can make, so I can be with my mate to ensure our safety at the same time. I’ve done everything I could here. My family’s no longer here, I’ve finished school, and while I never made any money off my art, who knows what could happen on Ay’Kea’Terra.

  Deciding what I wanted to bring isn’t hard. Clothes, my grandma’s recipes, art supplies, knitted blankets, my mother’s hairbrush, my father’s watch, my grandfather’s favorite carving tool, photo albums, and of course our family portrait. I pack what I can into my luggage and bring the rest downstairs. My mate did all the heavy lifting by carrying it outside for me.

  Several months back I had written up letters and left them at the post office. I prepaid and stamped them. In about two months from now, when I assumed I was going to be dead, they will be automatically be delivered to my friends. It’s the best closure I could give, and I’m really glad that I had that set up when I was still in the hospital. I wouldn’t have been able to do it now.

  “Can you give me a few minutes?” I ask my mate.

  “Anything for you, my love.”

  Stepping back into the house and closing the door behind me, I leave my mate on the porch and take a moment of silence. Then I go through each room and think of all the wonderful memories I’ve had here.

  The kitchen has the most memories. I remember learning to prep, cook and bake delicious meals with Grandma. She taught me the difference between chopping, mincing and dicing. I was an expert with veggies before I was a teenager. One year she caught Dad and I sneaking a piece of his birthday cake that we made. She didn’t have to say anything. Her scold said it all.

  I remember the last day we had breakfast here, together as a family. Dad was cooking the bacon and pretended to only save one slice for my mother and I to share. We were not happy until we found out he was pranking us yet again.

  As I walk into the bathroom I’m blasted with the last memory of my parents.

  “JANE, HONEY, IF WE don’t brush these curls now, they’re going to be such a mess later,” my mother said with a calm voice, even though I could tell she’s discouraged. “I don’t know why your curls are such a mess, mine are never this difficult to brush!”

  “Do I need a rescue team to come save you two?” my father asked from the kitchen. “Breakfast is ready, so if you guys are hoping to get any bacon you might want to come out now, before it’s all gone.”

  I leapt out of the stool and dashed for the kitchen, ignoring my mother’s pleas from behind me.

  I FEEL SAD, BUT I’M glad that I have this memory to hold to. One last get together before things went sour.

  My mother always brushed my hair in the bathroom after bathing. Sometimes, if I asked her to, she would braid it as well. When I turned twelve, she showed me how to use makeup for the first time. My father was mad. He said that I was beautiful without make up and I didn’t need it. There was no argument, they loved each other too deeply for that. They simply agreed to disagree.

  All those nights we stayed up very late at night and watched movies in the living room. No distraction was the rule. No phones, newspapers, magazine, nothing. It was family time, and if you broke the rules, you got to clean the house the next day. I loved family night because I always got to stay up way past my bedtime.

  I remember one time we all had a sleep over in here. Everyone toppled over each other because we stayed up too late and everyone was too tired to move to their beds. I got to skip school the next day.

  I think of my grandfather and all the hard work he put into making this cottage a home. He taught me about nature, the different kinds of trees, ones good for carving and the ones good for building. He loved to carve and made new furniture for the house whenever Grandma decided she needed a change.

  Memories of my dad pour in. He was always so supportive of me. He knew I wanted to be an artist long before anyone else, and always pushed me to be the best I could always be. Without his support, I’m not sure if I would have made it through college. Even though he was long gone by then, it was always the kind words he had said that would ring through my mind whenever I needed it the most.

  I feel as if my life is coming to an end, but not physically, mentally. I’m leaving behind my past, and everything that made me who I am today, in exchange for love. I don’t know what life will be like on the other side of the universe, but I’m going to do my family proud. I suspect that even if they were here today and knew everything that has happened, they would still want me to go.

  “I thought I was going to see you all so soon, but fate had other plans for me. I’m ready to live my life now, and I wish you could all come with me, but you can’t. Instead, I’m taking a small piece of you each, so I can always remember you. I love you and I’ll never forget. Maybe one day we can see each other again,” I say quietly while tears stream down my face. I grab a tissue from the bathroom and blow my nose.

  With all my belongings packed and my goodbyes said, I walk through the front door and onto the porch for the last time in my life. I grab my mate’s arm. “I’m ready.”

  “I know you are. You’re strong, my love. I know you’ll love Ay’Kea’Terra.”

  He pulls me into his embrace, providing me with all the warmth and comfort I need. Just because this is the right decision to make, it doesn’t mean it’s easy for me, and he understands that.

  The wind picks up speed and I can see the ship touch down from a distance. It’s massive and sleek with a vibrant metallic color and a design that screams futuristic.

  “Wait! I have one more thing I need to do. I’ll be right back.”

  I run down my driveway, pulling out the letter I’ve written for Matt, and toss it in the mailbox, letting it stick our halfway, so he thinks it’s a return. I didn’t go into much detail, but I thanked him for being a great courier man, and always spending an extra moment to chat with me, even if I wasn’t quite in the mood for it.

  “There. Now, I’m ready.” I murmur as I head back up and meet my mate.

  We walk towards the ship now that the wind has died down and I can see where I’m going since my hair no longer flings in my face. For the first time in a long time I’m excited about the direction my life is going. This ship is going to take me into space and to a new planet. I plan on enjoying every second of my journey; how many people can say they get
to do what I’m about to?

  I reach for my belongings, but my mate already has it in his arms and over his back. I can barely see his skin. He’s like a walking pile of stuff and it’s funny.

  I burst out laughing. “You look ridiculous. Let me help some.”

  “No,” he grunts as we walk towards the ship.

  I can tell he feels responsible with the hard-set lines on his jaw and the slight frown. This isn’t his fault though, but if it makes him feel better to carry my belongings onto the ship, I’m not going to take that away from him by complaining.

  I already know where we’re going. To the cabin we spent our first night and subsequent week together. The thought is enticing, sleeping together in a soft comfortable bed. I hope they haven’t washed his sheets from before. They smelled so strongly of him and I couldn’t help but breathe his scent. Tonight, I hope that I can have a little spicy instead.

  My mate dropped my clothing off in our cabin. It turns out the sheets were cleaned while we were away, but no matter, he’s been very close to me since our bonding ceremony anyways. I doubt the smell of him will ever truly leave my nose.

  All of my other belongings were dropped off in the cargo hold, where they will be safe until we reach our destination. Ay’Kea’Terra. I realize that I don’t know much about the planet. Either way, I’m going to find out soon.

  I sit on the bed and think about how this is going to be one hell of an adventure. Going out into space and visiting a whole new world. I’m trembling with excitement, but I’m also nervous. I have no idea what awaits me.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Aykeetan

  I’m so proud of my mate. She’s decided to leave the only place she’s ever known, fighting for her freedom and safety, and choosing me over the comfort her small life provided. I know she will always miss her old life, but I believe she will thrive in our new home.

  “Hun, tell me about your home world.”

  I hoist her up and scoop her into my arms. Her breasts attack my face, but I ignore them. I spin her around in circles and she giggles. I love how care-free she’s becoming.

  She’s still in my arms when I sit on our bed. She tosses her legs to the side and wraps an arm around my shoulder. My mischievous minx nips my nose. So, she wants to play?

  “Hmm, you want to know about my home world. I don’t know, I’ve never been there.” I’ve played this game with her before and it doesn’t end well for me, but I love the fire that will burn in her eyes once she realizes what I’m doing.

  “What? Why are you always trying to fool me?” She rolls out of my arms, onto the bed and snatches a pillow before repeatedly smashing it against my chest.

  “Oomph, that hurts,” I cry out, feigning pain as I double over.

  “Liar!” She continues to smash me a few more times over my back, neck and face.

  I steal the pillow from her and toss it over my head. She thought she could beat me with a pillow. I’ll show her! I’m a fierce hunter, and once I have eyes on my prey, there’s no turning back. Grabbing her hips, I pull her over my lap and swat her bottom. She moans, but I’m not giving her any treats. I pick her up and toss her on the bed. She bounces and pouts her lips.

  “I was going to talk about home, but you’ve wounded me. I must go see Dr. Dushaad before my injuries get worse!” I can see she enjoys our little game, because she’s smiles.

  “I did no such thing! Come here big guy.” She draws circles in the bed with her palm, motioning me over to where she’s lying on her side.

  “There just like that,” she says as I lay down next to her, massaging my scalp. “All better, yes?”

  “Mmm. Your magic hands can heal wounds. The doctor will want to harvest your magic for science.”

  She swats my back as she laughs. “Come on, be serious, Aykeetan. Tell me about your home. I know I’ll be with you, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have fears. This is new territory for me. I have no idea what to expect.”

  “Well...my home is beautiful. It’s not ruined by technology like Earth, and it’s not run by greedy humans trying to make money. My people live simple lives. We raise our livestock, grow our own crops, build or own homes. We don’t rely on currency, but rather trade goods with others. We aren’t primitive and we do have technology, but we don’t worship it like humans do.

  “We worship our gods, who provide for us when we are in need and guide us when we are astray. My love, there’s nothing to fear in my home. I promise.”

  “And your family? What if they don’t like me? I’ve already lost one. I don’t think I could bear being rejected by yours...”

  Cupping her face in my hands, I force her to look at me. “Jane, my love. You have nothing to fear. My family won’t reject you. They will rejoice in our union. They wait in their home as we speak for our return. They will love you. How could they not?” I explain as I play numerous kisses all over her face.

  The ship makes a rumbling sound as it makes its exit through the atmosphere and orbit. If my mate realizes that we’re taking off, she doesn’t make an inclination. I decide not to tell her, not yet at least. She needs some time to adjust, and then I’ll break the news to her.

  We stroll down to the mess hall, taking our time. It’s going to take a few Earth weeks to get to Ay’Kea’Terra. There’s not much to do on a spaceship unless you are crew member, so I’ll have to keep my mate occupied until we reach home. I’m sure we can find plenty of things to do. I know she still needs to finish that painting.

  We reach the mess hall and even I’m surprised. The entire room is filled with delicious meals and deserts and there is a pile of gifts on one of the tables.

  “Congrats on your recent mating,” the males yell out.

  I almost double over in laughter, because this doesn’t fit their personality, definitely not something they would pull off by themselves. And then I see a small human, smiling in the corner. She’s the one from the rescue operations. Ah, now it make’s sense. She must have bullied Rasheed’s crew into this. I must say, I’m impressed, and by the looks on my mate’s face, she is too.

  As soon as she spots the other human, she rushes over to her, leaving me alone during our party.

  I make my way over to one of the crew mates sitting alone. “I assume this wasn’t your idea?”

  “If you’re looking for who’s responsible, you need to talk to Vashawn or Dushaad.” Sulhawn laughs out.

  I haven’t had much of a chance to get to know Sulhawn, but that’s because he’s typically in the belly of the ship, elbow deep in grease, fixing something.

  “Really? I didn’t think this was their thing. You caught both of us off guard. Sneaky. They could make excellent hunters.”

  “Well, the true master behind it all is that one,” he says, pointing to the tiny human. “Sabrina is her name. I’ll let you in on a little secret, you’d find out sooner or later anyways.” He glances around as if to check to make sure no one is listening to his gossip. I’m intrigued so I lean in as he whispers. “That human has those two wrapped around her fingers. Vo'Sharitah do not share, but word is they are a trio.”

  Now that is interesting despite it not being my business. I do recall Vashawn and his scowl on the night of the rescue, and Dr. Dushaad was in a bit of a mood the last few times I saw him. I knew he was keeping his emotions on a tight leash, but a true hunter can see the beasts that lay beneath.

  “Jane, Aykeetan, you are the guests of honor please,” Vashawn gestures our way.

  The human Sabrina doesn’t follow my mate, she carefully watches from the sidelines. I suspect she’s still getting used to everything. Having another human around will be good for my mate, and the company my mate provides could help Sabrina too. I avert my eyes from the human as I pick up the sound of growling across the room. Its Dr. Dushaad. I wave to greet him and to show him I’m not interested in his human.

  Jane and I meet up where Vashawn has called us over. “It’s so good to see another mating. Back home we celebrate, and
we,” he gestures to male’s in the room and Sabrina, “thought that since you were not on your home world, we would have a celebration for you.”

  “That’s really sweet, thanks guys.” My mate beams, greeting everyone with a smile and a wave.

  We spend our meal eating and enjoying conversation with many of the ship mates. My mate occasionally wanders off to check in with Sabrina. It’s good, she needs her woman-talk, as my mother would say. No men allowed.

  There’s alcohol, but I refused to allow my mate any.

  “But why? It’s a celebration. Our celebration.”

  “Because my love, at this very moment, you could be with child.”

  “Pfftt. I know it only takes once, but you would have to have some potent seed since we only just mated.” She laughs before her face drops. “Is your seed potent?”

  It tempts me to play our game. The one where I pretend not to know what she’s talking about and she fights me like a beat from the Deep. Instead, I whisper in her little human ears, “Shall we ask the doctor?”

  Her eyes widen and I follow her gaze as she looks between me and Dr. Dushaad who’s still scowling in the corner.

  “Maybe another time. He doesn’t look in a good mood.”

  “Nonsense.” Hooking my arm around her back, I drag her with me as we cross the floor to the other side.

  “Greetings, Dr. Dushaad.” His face is still scowling, and I’d help him remove it, but since I understand his predicament, I will let him keep the ugly look he’s portraying...for now.

  “Greetings. Congratulations on your mating.” He says slowly.

  My mate watches silently.

  “Thanks. So, we are here about Jane. We want to know if she is carrying younglings.”

  As if the gods pulled the scowl from his face themselves, he immediately stands up, puffs out his chest and smiles. A distraction is what this is for him, something to take his mind off his problems.