Unwelcome

by Annalise Alexis

  “All I know is he’s some rich, fat Blurg hybrid who owns a big compound on Xalta. Now let me g—”

  Ren slams the smuggler’s head down. “Where on Xalta?”

  “Shit, I don’t know, man. Look, I’m not into that, okay? I sell stolen weapons, not people.”

  “Yes, but you sat by, watching such atrocities take place, and did nothing to assist those being held against their will. You are just as guilty as those who took them.”

  The smuggler’s mouth sets in a grim line. He tilts his head toward Leandra. “Reach in my pocket...”

  “Oh, gross. Seriously?” Leandra’s eyebrows practically jump off her face. “You’re asking for a hand job before you die?”

  Ragar’s grip tightens, and Vakoro quickly spits out the rest, fumbling his words. “No! There are keys in my pocket—and a passcode. I won a ship off a group of Grulians and I don’t need it. You can have it, just don’t kill me.”

  “You think I would spare your life for a ship?” Ren’s eyes narrow, and he straightens to his full height. Leandra backs up slowly.

  “No! It’s not a bribe or anything, just a show of, eh, good faith. Haven’t checked it out myself, but the guy said it had ultra-drive features and some other high-tech shit. Just take it. I swear I won’t say another word. I’ll disappear, and you won’t ever see me again.”

  Ren looks at Ragar for a moment, then back to the smuggler. Vakoro buckles, convulsing on the ground as Ren rips through his recent memories. I don’t hate the idea. We do need another ship, especially if we’re going to house all the rescued Illusians, but I have a hard time believing anything a guy like him has to say.

  “He tells the truth. The ship is docked a mile from ours. I have called Sol to scan it for signatures and trackers.”

  My mouth falls open. “You believe him?”

  “No. I trust no one but you. However, his mind is untainted and his memories ring true. He won the ship as he says.”

  “All right. Let’s go. It’s cold as hell.” Leandra cups her hands, blowing on them. The smuggler’s arms flop awkwardly as Ragar releases them to remove his own shirt. Vakoro tries to get up, but Ragar steps on him as he holds out his shirt. Leandra’s gaze lingers on the warrior’s bare chest for a long moment before she wraps the material around her shoulders. It seems she’s learned how futile arguing with an Illusian male is.

  “What about him?” I nod to the smuggler under Ragar’s boot.

  “Leave him,” Ren says as Ragar uses his knife to cut off the idiot’s right thumbnail.

  Vakoro screams, “Shit! What was that for?” He continues to whimper, trying to cradle his hand. Leandra pales as Ragar shoves the bloodied fingernail into his pocket for safe keeping.

  Ren offers Vakoro a tight, patronizing smile. “Insurance. Now Ragar can find you anywhere.”

  “Can Ragar really track him across the universe?” I ask Ren as we walk hand in hand toward the ship.

  The right side of his mouth curls up slightly. “Not to the extent I led him to believe.”

  “You lied?”

  “I do not lie. Ragar cannot track him through space. Only with his nose to the ground can he seek out his target.”

  “Oh, gotcha. You made him sound scary as hell.” I crack a smile as the planet’s rocky black soil crunches under my feet.

  “He is. As am I, to all but you.”

  I swallow hard. Sweet mother of all things holy, he’s hot.

  Leandra and Ragar argue behind us. She certainly isn’t scared of him, and they sound like an old married couple. The two of them need to get it on already.

  “Have you ever been to Xalta before?” I ask, staring up at the purple glow overhead. Magera might be a shell of what it used to be, but the violet glow given off by its atmosphere is beautiful. I pause, eyes lingering on the sky once more, and Ren stills beside me. We stand there for several moments in silence, enjoying the colorful sky.

  “Xalta is a blood planet. I would never go there without a strong purpose.”

  “A blood planet? What’s that? Is it red or something?” The oxygen converter on my nose starts to beep, and Ren pushes it twice. He guides me forward with a gentle hand on my lower back.

  “No. That is the name we use for planets without a set of established laws. They operate based on the principle of kill or be killed, and with enough currency, you can obtain whatever you want.”

  “Oh. So, that would make it the perfect place to keep a stolen female...” I tighten my grip on his hand. “Do you think the new ship will get us there faster?” I let my mind wander, imagining what it might look like. Amina’s going to be so happy. I can’t wait to tell her. The mated females, too. I’m sure they’ll enjoy more privacy. The thought of having a bigger bed for Ren and me to stretch out on makes me giddy. Our current one is so small, he barely fits, and with me, there’s little room to get creative. I really want to try this one position, where the guy takes your legs and...

  Feeling a small tug on my arm, I realize I’ve stopped walking, and Ren gently guides me toward the ship. Right at the edge of the metal ramp leading up to the hatch, he cocks a brow, his eyes so black, they blend into the dark around us.

  “What’s wrong?” I’m nearly knocked over as Amina pulls me into a huge hug.

  Naya quickly follows, apologizing. “Amina! You should not embrace her so casually!” Amina ignores her and continues to hold me tight. “I am so excited, Ajayla! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Confused, I look to Ren for clarification. He smiles.

  “Amina,” I say with a laugh, “not that I don’t enjoy hugs, but what exactly are you thanking me for?”

  She pulls back and begins jumping up and down. “The new ship! I’ve already packed most of my things, and I can’t wait to see my room.”

  What? That fast? How’d she even know?

  Pouting, I turn back to Ren. “Aw, man. I wanted to tell them. Who spoiled my surprise?” All three of them look at one another and then back at me. Amina breaks the silence. “You did, Ajayla.”

  “Wait, what?” No, I didn’t. We just got here...

  Ren leans in to whisper in my ear. “You accessed the bond. And the image of the ship is not all you sent…” I turn pink as Leandra walks up behind me.

  “What’s up? Why’s everyone outside? Are you people not cold?” She groans, rubbing her arms. Ragar stalks past us all with a massive erection. As Leandra notices, she whirls toward me. “What the fuck is that? What’s happening?”

  “It’s nothing, I just made a mistake. I’ll explain later.”

  Ren wraps his arms around my waist and guides me inside. As soon as Leandra clears the hatch, he grunts and tries to shove a hand up my dress, but he can’t reach. Growling in frustration, he grabs a handful of the bulky cloth and turns me around.

  “Hmm...can I help you with something?” My lips curl into a smirk as he yanks the material up past my knees and slides two fingers inside me. Sensation explodes across my skin as his icy cold fingers curl deeper, finding my g-spot.

  “Too many wretched layers,” he complains, then presses me into the wall near our room. His dick is impossibly hard against my leg as he scrapes his teeth along my jaw bone. “Fuck,” he curses, yanking my dress back down just as Illaria comes sauntering down the hall with Xandria in tow.

  “Illaria, Xandria,” Ren greets them, his voice strained. “I trust you are finished gathering your things.”

  “Yes, Acia Ren. We just wanted to thank you for your generosity.” Xandria bows her head in a show of respect, and Ren nods in approval. Illaria, noticing the attention, pushes in front of the other female and grabs his arm. “Yes, Aren. Thank you so much.”

  I zero in on the touch.

  Is she rubbing his arm? Oh, hell no. I’m so sick of this bitch.

  “Enough!” I snap, grabbing a handful of Ren’s dick through his pants. “This is mine. Get the hell over it. Stop with the touching and the sighing. It isn’t happening. He’s mated, chosen, decided, whatever else you want t
o call it. Just accept it already and move on!” Illaria hisses, and rears back, ready to spring. “Not clear enough for you?” I forcefully shove my hand down his pants, careful not to expose him. “This. Dick. Is. Mine. Touch him again, and I’ll rip your fucking arm off.”

  Xandria hits her knees. “I would never, Aciana.” A scarlet blush sweeps across her cheeks, and she trembles.

  “Oh, I know that. It’s this one,” I point to Illaria, “who is too mental to figure it out. This is your last chance. Do it again, and I’ll have Ren ship you off to the deepest reaches of space where I won’t have to deal with you again.” Illaria’s chin drops in response.

  Oh, you don’t fool me, bitch. I don’t buy that submissive act for a second.

  “Neither do I,” Ren whispers through our bond.

  “Illaria, gather your things and move them to the new ship. You are to remain in your quarters until further notice. Naya will deal with your punishment. You,” he yanks me closer, “come with me.” I know that tone, and the command in his voice hits me right between the thighs.

  Hoisting me over his shoulder, Ren carries me to our room and throws me on the bed before yanking off his shirt and starting on his pants. Meeting him in the middle of the room, I launch myself on top of him, hugging his waist with my thighs. His massive erection sits in between my ass cheeks and teases my entrance.

  Oh, no you don’t, buddy, you’re way too big.

  Ren grunts and shoves me against the wall. “Do it again,” he commands, gripping my thighs.

  “Do what?” I grab the back of his head and pull his mouth to mine roughly.

  “Claim me,” he growls, palming my breasts. His tongue swirls around in my mouth, tasting me, reminding me of all the wonderful things it can do. I wrap my hand around the thick shaft and squeeze it, hard.

  “This is mine,” I say, milking his length. He deepens the kiss and bucks his hips.

  “Again.”

  I snag his bottom lip between my teeth. “Mine.”

  He groans and wraps both hands around my hips. Pushing us off the wall, he turns, lifts me up and–mid-air—impales me.

  “Ah!” I cry out, clenching around him. Pain and pleasure and an exquisite burn. He slams me down over and over, using only his brute strength to balance me, until I moan in release. Throwing us on the bed, he pulls out and roughly scrapes his tongue up my opening, drinking in my arousal.

  “And this,” he bites down on my pleasure point, “is mine.” I scream—the action sending me over the edge for a second time. Pushing into me again, he pumps in and out furiously until he’s done, leaving me a sweaty, panting mess. I don’t think I’ve ever screamed that loud in my life. There’s no way everyone didn’t hear that.

  Well, if Illaria didn’t get the point before, she sure will now.

  Chapter Ten

  Ren

  Jayla’s hair spreads out in a tangled mess on my pillow. Despite our tight travel window to get to Xalta, I leave her to rest while I ensure the ship’s security. Her body needs to recuperate. The way she claimed me in front of Illaria, the fire in her eyes as she grabbed what is hers, makes my dick stiffen anew. I did not anticipate it. She is fiercer than any female I have ever met.

  I cannot wait to get off Magera. The stink of desperation is thick in the air, and I have no taste for it. Jayla does not know the history of this planet, nor the similarities many planets outside of the Universal Community share. They are decimated, ravaged, picked down to their bones. She has not seen it. Has not felt the sticky scent of fear and blood coating her nostrils. I worry she will not hold onto her innocence much longer. She received a taste with the knowledge her human brethren are involved in our attempted subjugation, but she has no clue how far the degradation goes.

  Rumors abound that the council in charge of the Universal Community has sanctioned war crimes. Even supported genocide. But no proof ever been found. It was not my battle, not a war I was prepared to fight. That was before. Before I saw those pieces of shit giving orders. Repeatedly beating and torturing the Haug into submission. The Inokine are livestock. A group of feeders and breeders that follow their instincts to fuck wherever their noses lead them. They could never have come this far without a group of forward thinkers. It is an oversight I will not repeat.

  “Acia, you will not believe it!” Sol’s voice penetrates the quiet solace of my walk. Running toward me, he stops and points to the new ship. “She is something, yes? Come inside. You will be pleased.” Giving my dick a squeeze as I adjust it in my pants, I attempt to calm myself. My blood still boils for Jayla. That female will be the death of me.

  Appraising the exterior, I run my finger over the sleek, black panels that cover its triangular shell. They vibrate at my touch.

  “They respond to heat, Acia. This nanotechnology can autoregulate and constantly adjust no matter the exterior temperature. The harsher ice planets are completely within our reach now. This is a good find.” Sol continues to follow behind me. “You have not asked me about the best part…”

  I clasp my hands behind my back and sigh. Games. Everything is always a game with this male. Turning toward him, I raise a brow.

  “Okay, okay. It has a Xerlian communication board.” I narrow my eyes, waiting for further explanation. I do not know the significance.

  “According to my sources, they are the most advanced available. That means, if the others have access to a comm—no matter how primitive—we should be able to reach them via satellite. You would not need to meditate, Acia!”

  “Have you assessed this function?” I ask, curious if he has based his excitement on facts or assumptions. I have no time for the latter.

  A smile pulls at Sol’s lips. “Mandru and Elias give their greetings and are waiting for a full briefing. I have yet to contact the others. I seem to have misplaced the log of their last reported frequencies, but…” he scrambles to finish as I growl, “I can almost guarantee it is with the rest of my things.”

  “You will find it, then you will contact the others. I expect an update on each faction by tomorrow.” I say, stepping up over the threshold. “And Sol,” I turn back, “well done.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Jayla

  I startle awake as something cold rubs against the side of my neck. “Ahh!” Reaching out, I seek stability as my fading dream leaves me off balance.

  “Do not fear, Skara. I am here.”

  Ren.

  His familiar scent wraps around me, and I instantly relax. “You let me fall asleep?” I scoot forward, seeking the warmth of his arms.

  “You were so peaceful. I dared not disturb you.” Ren brushes the hair off my forehead and presses a kiss to my lips.

  “Is it time to go?” I sit up, fumbling around for my comm watch. The band has been broken for over a week, but I still reach for it every morning. A sense of dread creeps in. Rett. Sterling. There are still thousands of email messages I need to sort through. I almost don't want to know what else I might find.

  “Yes, I have come to retrieve you. This ship has already sold.”

  “Well, that was quick.” I throw my legs over the side of the bed and gather my discarded clothes.

  “You will need this. The oxygen levels on the new ship are still well below what you are used to. It is in the process of regulating the air.” Ren clips a new oxygenator to my nose after I pull my shirt over my head. What if it’s defective? I guess the makeshift nose ring isn't all that bad. If I get stuck wearing it all the time, I can deal.

  Ren narrows his eyes and runs a finger along my jaw. “I would not risk your safety by traveling on a subpar craft. It is capable. However, Sol continues to go outside to view its exterior and forgets to close the hatch.”

  “He's excited, huh?” I smile. Sol is definitely...different.

  “Yes. As are the females. You will see why. Come, Skara. The others are waiting.”

  I follow Ren through the now spotless hallways and marvel at the sterility of what was once their home. It wasn't
something I would have ever described as warm, but it still felt like them. Now, there’s nothing but barren walls and pristine floors.

  I shiver as I walk down the exit ramp for the last time. “This place feels, I don’t know. Empty.”

  “Good. Then Nexx completed his task sufficiently. He and Rivan were assigned to wipe it clean. Remove all traces we ever existed.”

  “Damn. I didn’t realize how much work it takes to stay hidden.” I lean into him as we hike toward our newly acquired shelter. The sky above us is beautiful. Lights reminiscent of the Aurora Borealis on Earth ribbon through the sky in various shades of violet and light blue. Tilting my chin, I soak up the image. This is the first time I’ve been on another planet, and even if the reason behind our travel isn’t exactly pleasant, I’m here all the same. Letting my gaze fall slightly, I stare at the light’s reflection in Ren’s eyes. It’s beautiful. He’s beautiful.

  Damn, he gives me all the feels.

  “I will stop at nothing to protect what is mine. What is ours. We cannot stay hidden forever. When the times comes, and the veil of our truth is lifted, we will taste our vengeance.” The pale blue of Ren’s irises is swallowed by black as he stares at me. “I will locate a place for us to live safely, my Aciana. I swear on my honor. My people will find rest once again.”

  A very cheery Amina is rocking back and forth on her toes as Ren and I amble up to the ship’s entrance. I glance up at Ren, and he smirks, then flattens his expression quickly.

  Well, that’s suspicious.

  “Ajayla!” Amina smiles, grabs my hand, and yanks me inside. This thing is impressive. Rows of shelves line the antechamber walls, filled to the brim with decontamination equipment and emergency supplies. The walls are white with clean lines, and the floor a reflective black.

  Amina presses her hands to the floor. “It is warm, Ajayla—auto adjusting to the temperature we desire. No more cold feet!” Her brown locks bounce against her shoulders as she jumps up and down. Seeing her so happy gives me the warm fuzzies. “And look,” she points ahead of us, “there is an additional room to leave your shoes and other dirty items of clothing. Now we will have less to tidy. The males can leave their soiled things here.”