He glanced towards the nearest animal that was currently flicking their freakishly long tongues out to collect water from the small lake, a small smile tugging on his mouth.
“They’re known as Estran.”
“Estran?” I tested the word on my tongue. It didn’t seem that difficult. “They kind of remind me of our horses. And frogs….” I shuddered involuntarily. “But let’s not get into that.”
“They make you uncomfortable?” He inquired studying me.
“Just a little.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ll be fine, honestly. I just need to get used to the sight of them. Anyway, I really like this,” I gestured to the open landscape around us.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it wasn’t safe to go too far out from the villages. We weren’t as protected like the Settlement because we don’t have walls surrounding us in all directions,” I explained, “A lot of people died in the beginning when the villages were first established.”
He frowned, eyeing me speculatively. “Were there not men to protect the people?”
I snorted. “No. Most of the people living in the villages were cast off from the settlement because they were just another mouth to feed. As if the Settlement would spare a precious resource more than they had to. Hell, the villagers are essentially free slave labor—forced to work their fields and keep them fed!”
He looked completely appalled at that tidbit of information. “That’s barbaric.”
“I agree.” I sniffed, feeling my heart wrench in my chest as I began to relive old memories. “We had to take what little pay they offered for the work. It’s not like anyone had the means to make it otherwise.”
“Were you a farmer?”
I shook my head. “No, thankfully. I was a barmaid. It wasn’t much better though. I probably would have been treated a lot better if I had been though.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just that some people couldn’t handle their liquor well or know to keep their hands to themselves.” Feeling him tense beside me, I placed a reassuring hand on his bicep. “It’s old news.”
After a moment, he muttered, “They should be more respectable.”
“Well, it kind of goes with the business, Alek’dar.” I sighed, murmuring, “It’s a bar. People go there to get drunk so they don’t have to deal with their sorrows.” To be honest, I wasn’t all that angry about it anymore. Sure, in the moment I would be pissed. But those situations were few and far between. I had more issues out of those who downed a cup or two too many than someone getting handsy. I shook my head and to change the subject, asked, “Anyway, do you know how much longer it’ll be before we reach the Settlement?”
He shook his head. “We will probably load up shortly.”
I glanced up at the sky making a note of the position of the sun as to how much time was likely to have passed since we’d left. “It won’t be too late, do you think?”
“It just depends,” was his cryptic reply.
“Well, you’re no help,” I remarked, scrunching my nose at him. He blinked at me to which I broke out in a playful grin.
After a moment, he returned it, though it was a bit more predatory than playful. Feeling my heart leap into my throat, I bounded away from him a giggle escaping me. He didn’t allow me to get far before he was pulling me into his arms; a playful grumble reverberated low in his chest.
Feeling a bit breathless, I turned in his embrace so I was facing him. I reached around to hook my arms around his neck nestling my cheek against his.
I was safe there in his arms.
I felt… loved.
I could feel my heart swelling with emotion. All this time… he’d been calling me his beloved and I hadn’t known.
“Alek’dar,” I mumbled.
“Yes?”
“Thank you.” For everything. For being just what I needed.
He pulled back to look into my eyes, and instead of answering the obvious question in his, I gave him a smile, pulling out of his arms. Without hesitation, I turned and raced for the caravan, laughing over my shoulder. “Race you back?”
***
Alek’dar
I accompanied Mallory through the village as she flitted about greeting everyone that called out to her. It set me on edge when it appeared that all of the townspeople of the village came out to see us pass through and on towards the Settlement.
I had made the decision to pass through her old village when she’d first asked about going back. Partially it was a test of her loyalties and the other to allow her the peace of mind to say her goodbyes when she’d been denied that previously due to the harati.
She had already dropped off her letter with the postal service, fretting about her sister for a moment before someone distracted her.
It wasn’t my first time passing through this village, but being on the ground was a vastly different experience from the aerial views.
The poor state of the buildings were more obvious from ground level than they had been in the air. I could feel my anger growing. The fact that any leader allowed their people to live in such hovels was despicable.
I kept my face in a neutral mask to keep from showing any discomfort or displeasure. I had no intentions of causing a panic from a stormy look or two.
Rather than dwell on it for now, I turned my attention back to my bride. She’d made a few purchases so far, though nothing questionable.
I would have to lead her back to the caravans soon but allowed her to linger just a bit more. I was unsure of when she might be able to return so thought it best to let her bask in the familiarity of her people while she could.
Chapter Twelve
Mallory
Upon entering the Settlement, I made a beeline for the Council’s office to see if they might have any updates on my sister. Alek’dar and the others seemed a bit preoccupied with the delivery, so I didn’t have much trouble giving them the slip.
When I spoke to the receptionist, she handed me a notice from the Council’s office. I was taken aback after glancing at the contents. A bill stating I owed them hundreds of thousands of credits for the gene therapy treatment my sister was going through.
I could feel my hand shaking as anger surged through me.
I barged into their office for an explanation. They were startled upon spotting me striding through the doors.
“You have some nerve, Miss Delour,” Councilman Collins growled upon spotting me. I bristled at his tone.
“What?” I narrowed my eyes at him, unsure where the hostility was coming from.
Councilman Jones inquired softly, “Where have you been, Mallory?”
“What do you mean? I’ve been with the Striss this whole time.” I glanced at the two men, unfolding the paper I’d received from the receptionist. “Why did I just get this bill from the receptionist?”
“Because we aren’t running a charity.” Councilman Collins snarked, sneering at me.
“I’ve done as you asked!” I pleaded, feeling desperation kicking in. “You can ask Alek’dar.”
“It’s already too late.” Councilman Collins replied with a smirk. I felt my chest beginning to tighten.
“This isn’t what we agreed to.” Unshed tears blurred my vision.
He shrugged. “You can’t just disappear and expect us to think you haven't backed out.”
“But I didn’t!” I shouted, unable to control my volume as my desperation flipped on its head, anger and adrenaline rushing through me.
He stood abruptly, slamming his hands down on the desk. “So you say!”
Councilman Jones interjected, “Now, now-”
“Clearly I didn’t! I came with the caravan for heaven’s sake! This better be taken care of, or so help me…..” I trailed off, unable to think of a good enough threat to make them follow through.
“It’s too late. You should have notified us sooner.” He rounded his desk closing the distance between us.
“And how the hell was I supposed to do that
? Walk?” I demanded.
We all knew that was off the table. And not because of the distance, but rather the dangerous creatures eager to make a meal out of a defenseless young woman.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s not up for debate. Kindly leave,” he instructed, waving towards the door behind me.
I glanced at Councilman Jones who’d been silent for most of the exchange, pleading with him. “Jones, you can’t just let him do this.”
“Now, Miss Delour….”
“Please. If your relationship with my mother ever meant anything to you, don’t just let him get away with this!”
That wasn’t the right thing to say if the reddening of his cheeks was anything to go by.
Councilman Jones was a married man, and his relationship with my mother was anything but innocent. I might have thought so once upon a time, but I wasn’t a stupid little girl anymore. I learned a lot of things about my mother that I used to see with rose colored lenses, but with age that faded into reality.
She had sold herself to feed us and keep a roof over our heads. Jones had been one of many men to visit her. He was one of her more frequent visitors, coming well after her mother had lost her appeal with age.
Hell, there was a high possibility that he was Stephanie’s father. And considering the fact that he still came around on occasion even after she died left no doubt in my mind that he might have thought so too.
“Now that is enough out of you, young lady,” he crowed, rising from his seat.
“You can’t just go in the-” the secretary’s muffled voice started but was abruptly cut off by the door opening.
I let out a sigh of relief upon seeing my husband in the doorway. “Alek’dar.”
“Aashra.” His eyes were soft as he studied me.
“Thank heaven's that you’re here.”
I moved to stand beside him, slipping my hand into his. I spotted Qui’da and another male standing just outside the doorway before turning my gaze back towards the councilmen in front of us. “Can you please explain to these men that I’ve been with you this whole time.”
He turned his gaze from me to Jones who sank back down in his seat then to Collins who had become a quivering mess under his gaze. “Are you questioning her words?”
“I…” He swallowed hard glancing back and forth between Alek’dar and myself.
I sniffled, waving the notice in my hand in front of him. “They’re trying to go back on their word and make me pay for my sister’s treatment.”
“You will fix this,” he commanded.
“But….”
A low growl was building in his throat as he took a step towards Collins who hastily took a step back to keep the distance between them. Not that there was much to be had in the small office. “Before I am forced to resort to violence.”
“But you didn’t notify us-”
“It is not my responsibility to keep you informed. My bride has complied with the terms set for her. You, too, shall uphold your end of the bargain, or you will face the consequences of going back on your word.”
And with that he turned his back on them, grasped my hand and pulled me out behind him as he left their office.
Chapter Thirteen
The flight home was much shorter, and we were back in no time at all. It gave me another perspective to think about in terms of distance between my old home and my new one. On foot, it definitely took a whole hell of a lot more time.
Huh.
My mind was racing from the confrontation I’d just had with the councilmen, and I was worried about them upholding their end of the bargain. I was fairly certain that they would do anything to keep the Striss from backing out of the deal.
Unsurprisingly, things were silent between us on the journey home. I wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not, honestly. To be honest, I was kind of a nervous wreck on the inside. I’d already felt somewhat guilty for ditching Alek’dar, but now he had to intervene on my behalf and show the Council the light to keep their end of the bargain.
When we were in the privacy of our home, I would make it my first task to apologize for my omission--not telling him about the deal I’d made to save my sister. I couldn’t handle it hanging over my head and pretending it didn’t happen.
When we neared the landmarks that I knew signified home, I was a bit confused because the dwelling looked completely different.
“Alek’dar?” I breathed full of wonder.
“Yes?”
“What’s going on?” I asked as he landed just outside of the door. There was a door!
“I had some changes made while we were gone.”
Some changes, my ass! It looked completely different with all of the changes that had been done. Stepping inside, there was almost a visible change in temperature. It was warmer!
“Oh, wow!”
“You like the changes?” He followed me inside, a small smile tugging at his mouth.
“Yes!” I exclaimed, twirling around with wonder. Oh! He was such an amazing partner; I couldn’t imagine how I’d been so lucky. And if anything it only made me feel guiltier. Unable to hold it in any longer, I said, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the terms of my agreement.”
He glanced at me, though his eyes were dark and unreadable. “I am not mad, Mallory.”
Shaking my head, I wrung my hands nervously eyeing him. “Still. I feel kind of bad for not telling you....”
“Aashra-”
I flung my hands down, “No. It’s stupid…. But I came into this for the money. My sister has a disease that was slowly stealing away her mobility. She was going to be wheelchair bound soon because I couldn’t save up enough for the treatment.”
“Mallory….”
I continued on as if he hadn’t spoken in the first place because if I didn’t get this out now, I didn’t know when I would—if I ever did, “But I’m glad I did it. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met such an amazing man like you,” I confessed, whispering, “And to be honest, I think I might just be falling in love with you.”
If I wasn’t already drowning in love for him.
***
Alek’dar
At her admission I fell silent.
To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what I should say to that. While I had feelings for my human mate as well, I wasn’t used to being open with them regardless of whom they might be for. Though, this was the first time I’d ever felt anything like this for someone.
Mallory was one in a million, and I wouldn’t trade her for anything in all the known worlds.
And because I couldn’t not say anything, I murmured, “Aashra, I couldn’t ask for anyone more perfect for me than you.” I could see her eyes watering with unshed tears as she closed the distance between us, rising on her tippy toes and placing a kiss on my lips.
I instantly pulled her into my arms, feeling her almost melt into my heated embrace even as I placed her on the tabletop, nestling between her thighs.
I could feel myself growing almost instantaneously hard with want for her.
Her human clothing was a major inconvenience at times like these, and I had to refrain from tearing them off of her. The first and last time I tore her clothing, she ripped into me over it afterwards and it wasn’t an experience I wanted to repeat even in the heat of the moment.
Rather than wait for her to strip, I bunched up her skirts around her waist. Impatience ate at me as I shifted my sarong, pushing it down my hips to free my cock. Brushing my tongue against her bottom lip, I guided myself into her with my free hand, placing the other at the base of her spine.
I groaned as I sank into her moist sex, shuddering as I felt her inner walls clenching at the sudden intrusion of my cock. Her cries were like music to my ears as she clawed at my back, bucking her hips to match my thrusts.
Fuck, she felt like the heavens.
I could die knowing the satisfaction of being buried in her sex.
I grasped at her thighs for more leverage before brushing my finger
s against her sex, my fingers circling the bundle of nerves settled there. The resulting stimulation caused her wails to get louder as she climaxed, her walls desperately milking me.
I chased her climax with my own spilling my seed deep in her sex.
Chapter Fourteen
Mallory
“How did you find me anyway?” I asked when I had finally caught my breath.
The thought had bothered me for a while but I’d never really had the courage to ask him how he’d found me. I definitely wanted to know since I now knew that he hadn’t been in contact with the council for a while.
“What do you mean?”
“For the harati,” I murmured.
He scoffed, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Do you honestly think we do not keep watch over your people?”
To be honest, I hadn’t thought that. “I….”
Watching me slide off the end of the table, he continued, “When my brother notified me that they had a candidate in mind, I took a brief leave to watch and make sure that she--you would be a good candidate for my bride,” he informed me, hand cupping my cheek. “Because of that, I already knew about your sister, aashra.”
I pulled away, putting a little distance between us. “I’m not sure how I feel about that honestly.”
Frankly put, it was creepy. To know that he’d been watching me for some undisclosed amount of time. How the hell hadn’t I—or anyone else for that matter—noticed him? Was their technology really that superior to keep them from being detected?
Hell, while our village was essentially destitute, we still had some defenses in play that should have picked them up.
He frowned at my reaction, “What do you mean?”
“Well, humans don’t just stalk people like that. It’s a crime,” I inform him, crossing my arms.
“I’m not a human,” he gently reminded me.
“True,” I agreed.
It didn’t make it any less creepy, but I tried to push it to the back of my mind. I couldn’t change it now. And it wasn’t like I’d noticed or anything.
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