Ava sat deathly still. Zekke stood like a predator about to pounce, slow and focused. The testosterone in the room was thick enough to choke them all. Jamison placed a hand on the back of Ava’s neck, his eyes trained on Zekke. “Is everything okay, Ava?”
She could see death glaring in Zekke’s eyes. His fangs grew longer, and his top lip curled. A low growl escaped. Ava swallowed hard. “Yes. Thank you.” She looked up at Jamison. When he dragged his eyes from Zekke and looked at her, she gave him a half-smile and said, “Can you give us a few minutes?”
His gaze swept back from Ava to Zekke. “I don’t like this, Ava.”
“Just a couple of minutes, Jamison.”
With his eyes focused on Zekke, he said, “Fine, but if you need me, I’ll be right outside.”
She smiled. “Thanks.” He squeezed her shoulder, shot Zekke a death glare, and then quickly left the room.
Rage marred Zekke’s face as he stood there. His eyes swept past her to the doorway and back. “Who was that?” he growled in a low voice.
Feeling emotionally raw and a little mean, especially after the consort comment, she used the situation to her advantage. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her. With a wave of her hand, she casually said, “Oh, don’t worry about him. He’s just my consort.” She frowned. “If I leave with you, I can bring him, can’t I?”
Zekke took a step forward and towered over her. Through gritted teeth, he said, “Lucky for him, I know that Earth females do not have consorts. Otherwise, he would be dead right now.”
Ava swallowed hard at the anger glaring from his eyes. She was tired. Confused. She had been since escaping his ship. “I’m tired, Zekke. Just go.”
Remembering the knife she stole, Ava pushed up from the cot, stepped around him, and retrieved it from the chest of drawers. She extended it to Zekke, handle first. “This belongs to you. Please take it and leave.”
Zekke’s eyes landed on the knife. His long fingers wrapped around the handle. When his eyes met hers once again, he said, “I am not leaving you here.”
Ava took a seat on the cot. She heaved a defeated sigh and decided on another tactic. “Are your brothers happy?”
Zekke lowered himself to the other cot. His eyes found hers. “Yes.”
“Do they have consorts?” She couldn’t imagine any woman allowing her man to have a mistress, and she really hoped to make him see reason. This was a deal-breaker for her, even if she had to live the rest of her life in misery, always wanting him.
“No. Their mates demanded they give them up.” Zekke crossed his arms and scowled.
“And what would their lives be like if one of them decided to take a consort?”
He sat in silence. Ava could see every possibility running through his mind. It was then she realized how much of a military man he really was. Forming scenarios, calculating outcomes. He finally met her eyes and said, “Their human mates would be heartbroken and leave. Chloe would probably kill someone in the process.” Ava waited in silence. His face softened. “I understand what you are saying…”
“Listen, I don’t know you. You don’t know me, and yet you expect me to give up everything just to be with you. And you won’t do the same.”
“Maybe a compromise, then.”
“What do you propose?” Her heart soared with hope. She desperately needed him, and in more ways than one. But she schooled her features and showed none of it. If he would only meet her half way, she was willing to try.
“We are here to help Earth. Stay with me. I’ve heard that when a true mate is found, they will want no other.”
“We can get to know each other first?” He nodded. “If you decide you still want consorts, then know that we are finished. I don’t care how badly it hurts me, I will leave.”
“There are no females on my ship.”
Ava swallowed hard. This was a huge step, and she risked getting her heart trampled at the end. But what if it worked out? This was a life-changing decision. At least he’s giving me a say in this. Another thought hit her. “What about my squad?”
“What about them?”
“Would you leave your soldiers shorthanded in a war? Just abandon them?”
“No. And even though I know you are capable, it goes against everything in me to let you fight the Tureis.”
She didn’t want to fight anymore, she was physically tired and mentally exhausted. But she wouldn’t be selfish. “What do you propose?”
He laughed. “This feels like we are negotiating a peace treaty.”
She grinned. “Maybe we are.”
He blew out a deep breath that sounded like victory for her. “We will give your squad translators so we can communicate and can coordinate our efforts. Is that satisfactory?”
Yes, it is! She wanted to shout for joy and cry at the same time. Those were terms she could live with. With a slight nod, she agreed.
He engulfed her in his strong arms, and she didn’t resist. She just soaked up the much-needed comfort and prayed it worked out as she wrapped her arms around his waist. The relief washed through her, taking away the pain and fear that had plagued her while they were apart. With his arms around her, she knew she was home. She just prayed it lasted.
Chapter Eleven
Zekke
Clarity hit like a punch to the face. With her in his arms, he never wanted to let go. As long as he had her in his arms, he didn’t need consorts. How could he have ever considered keeping them around? The intense feeling that encased his body was unlike anything he’d ever experienced, and he wouldn’t give that up.
When she stepped back, he entwined his fingers with hers and smiled. “I’ve missed you,” she finally admitted. He squeezed her hand in reply. “I need to talk to Jamison, though. Explain things. Can you wait here while I talk to him?”
The change was instant. His soft face suddenly became serious. Focused. “Why?” When the other male had come bursting in, Zekke could see the possessiveness in his eyes, in his actions.
“I never told him—any of them—what really happened when I went missing.” She pleaded with her eyes for his understanding. He was not a patient or understanding male. Earlier, it had taken all his restraint not to draw his sword and smite his rival where he stood.
He didn’t like it. Not at all, but he wouldn’t risk losing her again. Not now. Against his better judgement, he said, “I will wait for a short time, and then I’ll be out. Hurry.”
“Thank you.” The relief was easily heard in her voice.
His eyes followed her as she rushed from the room, closing the door as she left. Zekke snarled to himself and quietly muttered his distaste. He should be at her side, protecting her. Instead, he was following her lead.
Zekke’s head shot up when he heard shouts through the door. “No! You are not going with them!”
“Jamison. Listen to me. I want to go!” she pleaded, hoping he could understand.
Zekke jumped to his feet and yanked the door open, almost ripping it from the hinges. He stalked up behind Ava and placed a hand on her shoulder while his eyes bored into Jamison’s. “Everything all right?” he asked, holding the male’s hard gaze.
Ava glanced over her shoulder at him. “Yes, it is,” she said and then looked back to Jamison.
“Ava…” he started and then clamped his mouth shut.
“Jamison, I’m sorry.” She softened her face. Hurting Jamison was the last thing she wanted to do. “I want to go with him.”
His eyes glanced back and forth between the two, and then to the rest of the squad, standing around listening. “You lied to me,” he said quietly.
“I didn’t…” but she knew she had. “I just didn’t tell you everything.” That was an understatement.
“Fine,” he said.
“Zekke will provide you and the others with translators. The Azziarins want to work with you to defeat the Tureis.” At his defiant look, she continued, “Don’t do that. You know it’s a good idea to work together. Please, Jamison.” When he bare
ly nodded, Ava said, “Good.” She then turned to Zekke and asked, “Do they need to visit the ship, or…”
“We can bring the translators here.” Not sure he could trust the human males, he didn’t want them on board his ship.
As everything calmed down, Zekke sent orders for the healer to bring the equipment. Everyone was milling around, all still leery of one another, when a voice cut through the low murmuring. “Ava?” Zekke turned toward the sound and spotted a red-headed female heading toward them.
He stepped in front of Ava, who quickly stepped around him. “She’s my friend.”
Kim’s eyes sheepishly slid to Zekke and then back to Ava’s. “Is this him?” Kim looked happy and a little cautious.
“It is.” Ava smiled. “Zekke, this is Kim. Kim, this is Zekke, the one I was telling you about.”
Zekke leaned down, letting his lips skim her earlobe as he whispered, “You told someone about us.” Goosebumps dotted her neck and arms. Ava shivered with desire.
“It’s nice to meet you, Zekke.” With a mischievous grin, Kim turned to Ava and said, “You weren’t kidding. Can I have one?” Ava laughed and just shook her head in amusement.
Ava
As the shuttlecraft drew closer to the Triumph, Zekke held her hand. When they landed, he escorted her out. A smiling Rhett met them in the cargo bay.
“Commander.” Rhett bowed slightly.
“Rhett,” he acknowledged and then glanced at Ava. “Ava, this is my second in command. Rhett, this is Ava.”
“It is nice to see you again, Ava.” She remembered him from before. He seemed much more amiable than the others.
“Thank you,” she smiled. Now that she wanted to be there, everything looked different. She glanced around the room with different eyes. The huge cargo bay held several different shuttlecraft. Gray metal coated the entire space from floor to ceiling. She was eager to explore the ship now that it was an adventure instead of a kidnapping. A decision she prayed she could live with later.
“Would you like me to show you around?” Zekke was trying, so she would do the same.
“I would love it.”
Hand in hand, they walked down the corridor. Everyone they passed glanced at her and at their joined hands. A few sniffed the air. She made a mental note to ask him about that later.
When a door slid open, the first thing she noticed was a large view screen with Earth displayed in the center. It was amazing to see earth from space. As she walked toward it, she didn’t notice the silence of the room, nor the stares as everyone tracked her every step.
Zekke placed a hand on her shoulder, breaking the trance. “What do you think?” he asked.
“It is beautiful,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m looking at it from space.”
“You will get to see many more worlds as we travel to and from Azziar.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Does that mean I get to go where you go? You won’t leave me behind?”
“That’s exactly what I mean. I do spend some time on Azziar, but I prefer my ship.”
Her gaze returned to the screen. “I could get used to this,” she said in awe.
“Good.” He took her hand and spun her toward him. For the first time, she noticed everyone staring. Embarrassment raced up her neck and face, making her blush. “Are you all right? Do you need a healer?”
The concern in his voice made her blush even more. “No, I’m fine.”
“If you are sure,” he said cautiously.
Rhett stood beside another male. He looked familiar. As she scanned the room, they all looked similar. Same hair color, eyes, and skin tone, but different musculature, height, and hair styles. As sexy as they all were, she didn’t feel the attraction for any of them that she did for Zekke.
“Ava,” Zekke said, getting her attention. “This is Tullan, my head of security.”
Now she remembered. He was with Zekke when she was kidnapped. “Nice to meet you,” she said.
He smiled. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Come, I’ll show you the observation room, the dining hall, and we even have a gathering room where the males relax and share a drink.”
“Like a bar?”
“No. A gathering room.” She smiled at his confused look.
“As much as I want to see everything, I’m very tired. Can we do it later?” The tiredness worried her somewhat. Every day that passed left her with less energy. In her heart, she knew something was wrong. She still held hope that it could be a passing virus, but in the back of her mind, she fretted.
“Of course,” he smiled down at her. “Let me show you where our quarters are.” She didn’t miss the fact he said our quarters.
Everything was just as she remembered. She stared at the bed as memories tumbled through her mind. A red blush splashed once again across her face and neck.
“Why do you do that?”
She slowly tore her gaze from the bed and turned confused eyes to Zekke. “Do what?”
“Turn red. It is most curious.”
“It is called blushing. Humans do it when they are embarrassed.”
“What could you be embarr…” his eyes followed her gaze. She was staring at the bed. He closed the distance and pulled her to him.
His hard shaft pressed against her belly. All thoughts of rest were forgotten as desire flooded her body, and she melted against him. Trying to think through the lust-filled haze, she breathlessly said, “I thought we were going to get to know each other.”
His lips barely touched her ear when he said, “We are.” He skimmed her neck with light kisses. “We will.” Another light touch to her jaw with his lips. “I need you, Ava.”
Her body quivered involuntarily. Goosebumps covered her arms and neck. The light kisses to her ear and neck made her breath hitch. “I have missed you,” he whispered in her ear, the warmth of his breath causing the same reaction as the kisses.
Still a little guarded, she knew that if this was to work, she had to give, too. All or nothing. A lesson she learned a long time ago. “I missed you, too,” she said honestly.
When he lifted her into his arms, she wrapped both legs around his waist. His hard shaft pressed against her core, causing sensations to shoot through her body. Oh, God, she needed him.
She sucked and bit his lower lip, needing more contact. When he growled, she grinned, loving the fact she could elicit such a response. He came down on top of her, and using both hands, he ripped her shirt down the middle, exposing her lacy bra.
“I love this,” he said as he flicked the bra strap. “It’s a temptation that leaves me wanting more.” Her tore the straps, letting the bra hang down, exposing her breasts.
“Zekke!” It came out in an excited, breathless whisper when he sucked one dusky peak into his mouth. Her hands wove through his hair as his tongue lavished her taut nipple. “Oh, God! That feels so good,” she moaned. With a pop, he moved to the other breast and gave it the same attention.
Raining light kisses down the valley between her breasts toward the waistband of her BDUs, Zekke flicked open the button. She raised her hips, letting him slide them down. “I love this, too,” he said as he tore off her matching lace panties. “I love this patch of curls that hides your entrance.”
“Take your clothes off,” she said, needing to see him again.
“As you wish,” he stood. Holding her gaze, he slid the black jumpsuit down until he stood naked in all his glory.
Ava raised herself up on her elbows and licked her lips. “I don’t think I can wait much longer.”
“I want to taste you first,” he said, as his hands spread her thighs, giving him access. One swipe of his tongue had her groaning with want. Zekke licked and nipped before plunging his tongue deep inside her moist channel. “You taste so good…” he said as he fucked her with his tongue. Before she came, he pressed his thumb against her sensitive nub.
Ava screamed as she clutched his hair. It had to hurt. Her hips bucked with every swipe of his
tongue. Blinded by her intense orgasm, she could only gasp as sensations of pleasure saturated her.
Crawling up her body and with one hand under her thigh, he hitched her leg up and around his waist, opening her up to him. He surged forward, his hips working overtime as he set a punishing pace. Ava’s nails dug into his shoulders, and she gripped him tight. “Oh, God, Zekke!” she cried when another release exploded around him. Her core clenched tight around his shaft.
Zekke
The feel of her soft body underneath his was incredible. For the first time since she had disappeared, everything felt right. When her core clenched around his shaft, he knew he would soon follow. Holding himself deep inside her, he grunted with every pulse as his release flooded her tight channel.
Lying next to her afterwards was a balm to his battered soul. The mating fever was not very well understood. He’d heard only rumors from times past. He knew that it affected each Azziarin differently. The effect it had on Jakke was different than the way it affected Dazz. Even Risshi believed that Mara was his true mate.
They lay there facing each other. “That was great,” she said with a smile. With one finger, she traced each scar on his chest. He liked the feel of her hands. “How did you get these?”
Of all the things she could’ve asked! He’d never told anyone what had happened. His brothers had tried several times to pry the information from him, but he held his memories close. Something of this must have shown on his face, because she coaxed, “Come on. You said we would get to know each other.”
“I haven’t told anyone.”
“I can keep a secret.”
He looked deep into her big blue eyes and could see her need. She wanted to know him, and she was trying. Something inside him shifted, and for the first time in a long time, he took a chance; he trusted her. “It’s not really a secret,” he started. “After the Tureis attacked my planet, I hunted down the ship responsible for my mother’s death, killed the Captain, and destroyed the ship. These scars are trophies from the fight.”
Zekke: A Scifi Alien Romance (The Azziarin Series Book 5) Page 10
