V'hor's Nestmate

by Michelle Howard

  Rydak spoke again before Vee could respond. “We have to keep

  Eva safe. I have no desire to explain to Torkel if something happened and we were to return without her.”

  Vee stared at Eva’s shivering form. Without the kisses they’d exchanged he still would have made sure she got to Enotia safely. With them and the growing knowledge of who she was to him, there was no way he was letting Eva out of his sight.

  Nothing was happening to her on his watch.

  Chapter 12

  Eva sat on a soft cushioned lounger while Vee and his friend huddled together having an intense conversation. At least she assumed it to be intense by their fierce countenance as they spoke rapidly and too low for her to hear.

  They’d been doing this ever since they arrived at this new location. Sighing, she turned away and grimaced at the tiny room. It was cleaner in some regards than the other place, but smaller and lacking a kitchen nook. The sole bed was narrow and shoved against one wall.

  “Eva?”

  She glanced up when Vee called her name. It took two tries, but she managed to croak, “Yeah?”

  Her voice sounded scratchy to her own ears. Probably due to all the screaming she’d done earlier. At least she was marginally calmer.

  “How’s your arm?”

  He’d bandaged it earlier. “Not bad.”

  It burned like acid, but she wasn’t about to complain since she was still breathing thanks to him.

  “Bane’s going to stay with us tonight and help guard the perimeter.”

  Guard the perimeter? Were they still in danger? “Do you think someone will try to blow us up again?”

  Vee shook his head and strode toward her with a familiar determined stride. He squatted to his heels in front of her and took one of her hands in his. The rough rasp of the skin to skin contact had her pulse stuttering. “I don’t think that’s a concern, but I do have reason to believe this has something to do with my fight tonight.”

  She sneaked a glance at his bulky friend who was listening to every word. White lines swirled through his black pupils. Not human for sure. The web strings he’d shot out of his hands earlier would have cemented the fact without the freaky eyes, but Eva didn’t have it in her to be surprised about much any more. “Is he a fighter too?”

  Vee’s mouth twitched. “He’s one of the best fighters I know. And a good friend.”

  Her shoulders slumped in relief. “Are you okay?”

  She realized through their harried dash to safety he could have been hurt too. Patting his shoulders and upper arms, Eva didn’t see any bruises. In fact, he didn’t have a single scratch. She reached to caress the strong line of his jaw, but he jerked back.

  “I am fine.” He squeezed the hand he still held then stood up. “Rest. I need to go over a few things with Bane. I’ll find food for later.”

  The rush of adrenaline was fading and hitting with the force of a fist to the stomach. Something she was now very familiar with thanks to Mannid. Eva made her way to the tiny bed and its abundance of thick brown blankets. Then another thought slammed to the forefront. She spun around. “Is it safe? What if—?”

  “You will always be safe with me, Eva.” Vee assured her with a swiftness she appreciated.

  Kicking off her shoes, she settled on the top of the covers. Someone had tried to blow them up. The reality of what could have happened sent a shudder rolling through her. Exploding buildings, slave trade. It was all too much.

  A short respite would be nice. Her breath hitched. The kiss she and Vee had shared right before the world went to hell was exactly what she’d needed.

  She stared across the room at his lean frame as he once more spoke with his friend. The problem was she wanted more. More kisses. More touches.

  Everything, Eva concluded. She wanted everything and not just for reassurance. Smothering a frustrated sigh, she wrapped her arms around her bent legs and propped her chin on her knees. What would happen next? After Vanquish had his match where would that leave her? He claimed she was free, but what did that really mean. Could she leave? Where would she go?

  Going back to Earth wasn’t an option since the SP contract specifically said participants couldn’t return. She’d have to follow through on making her new life on a strange world among aliens. She had no money, no friends and no way of knowing what to do next.

  The prospect was intimidating. Taking a deep breath, Eva decided to focus on what she could do. Number one was figuring out a plan for her survival and how to get out of here.

  ***

  “This is beyond sex sharing. You care about her,” Bane stated.

  Vee hissed out an angry breath and turned his attention from Eva to his friend. “What?! I have not sex shared with her.”

  He wanted to. More than anything, but the mission came first.

  “She said no?” Bane’s tone was incredulous. “At Vanquish’s place with the shock bombs exploding, it was clear she trusted you. I thought it was because the two of you...”

  He trailed off and Vee shook his head. “It would not be fair under the circumstances.”

  Bane cleared his throat. “Uh...and the nesting thing? Is it under control?”

  “No.” His nesting instinct was screaming at him to make Eva his, but he’d do it when both of them had clear heads. Whether she accepted would depend on her.

  “Is it a problem?”

  Vee thought for a moment before answering. “No.”

  Tone unchanged, Bane clarified with a deep frown, “Will it be a problem?”

  Probably.

  “Wanting her hasn’t changed.” If anything the urge had increased and Vee refused to lie about it. After a quick glance at Eva, he lowered his voice to continue. “The drive to protect is still there as well, but I can manage. We need to stop Mannid and Grutak from getting the shipment of bliss out. That’s the priority right now. I’ll deal with the personal aspect of this assignment later.”

  Being a Jutak meant making tough choices and this might be his toughest choice yet. A part of him insisted he take Eva somewhere safe first. That was his instinct talking. Usually his training as a Jutak would override his nature. In this case, his Serpine training supported his instinct and he was fighting both with sheer will alone. It was like being pulled in two separate directions all revolving around opposing duty.

  “I never thought you’d fall so quickly for a female. Serpines are known for being ruthless and emotionless. Perfect killing machines with an eerie level of calm. Next to Kyele, I’d say you’re the most controlled one on the Teams. You’ve come along way until recently, Vee.”

  Vee scoffed and pointedly stared. Kyele was controlled unless his Chosen and their son were threatened. Bane chuckled and leaned back against the wall. “It’s only been two days and you’re different. I saw the look on your face in the stairway. You seemed calm on the outside. Only someone who knows you well would have realized the difference. As soon as she was stuck on the one side, your eyes changed—became more green and dilated. Then the way you held her after was telling.”

  “And?”

  His friend grew grim. “Be careful, Vee. Emotions change everything.”

  Having no response for that Vee grabbed his laser from his pack, checked the cell was fully charged and stepped out of the room. “I’ll take first watch.”

  Leaving Eva with Bane in the room took a huge effort. Despite the nesting instinct telling him to go be at her side, Vee checked the perimeter twice then dropped to his haunches outside the door to keep watch. They only had a few hours and then he had to get back to The Pit.

  The door opened behind him and he glanced up at Bane’s glaring visage. “Get in here. I’ll take watch. You need to be as rested and focused as possible for your fight.”

  Vee didn’t protest the truth and stood. Bane clapped him on the shoulder as he slid by and into the room. He closed the door and Eva shoved blankets aside. Her wary face did something to him, the lost expression in her eyes more than he could stand.
Vee found himself crossing the room to sit beside her.

  He brushed a finger over the softness of her cheek. “Still doing well?”

  “As well as can be expected considering.” Her expression tightened. “I have no home, no husband and no money. In light of your home exploding around us, I’m a little embarrassed about my crying jag earlier. I’m good now though. I just had to pull myself together and work out a plan.”

  Her bravery after all she’d been through was admirable, her will strong. Forged by the circumstances thrust upon her more than likely or maybe she’d already possessed the core of strength. Many in her position would have folded, but Eva was here and doing her best.

  Against his better judgment, Vee slid her onto his lap. When she immediately curled into his chest, Vee knew he was officially done. She was his. Nestmate.

  At last he’d found his nestmate. As if he’d had any doubt with the way he behaved around her. No Serpine male could deny what his body knew. Searing happiness pierced Vee’s chest. He’d waited years never thinking such a blessing was due him.

  Surrendering to the inevitable didn’t necessarily mean violating his Jutak oath. It just meant he had to be wiser. Pressing a quick kiss to Eva’s temple, Vee murmured in her hair, “I promise I will see you safely from here. You won’t have to worry about a place to go. I’ll make everything right for you, Eva.”

  It was a vow.

  She straightened and faced him, her hand going to his jaw to hold his gaze on hers. Lips pinched together, her brows formed a fierce scowl. “I’m not stupid you know. Something else is going on. Your friend Bane watches me funny and when you were talking together at the other place it was like you were listening to another voice.”

  Of course she’d notice. Vee caught her hand up in his and expelled a loose breath. “Eva, there are things I can’t discuss right now.”

  “Then when?” She tugged her hand free and struggled to get up then paused as if another thought occurred. Her hips settled on his slowly stiffening cock. “If this is some elaborate scheme...”

  “It’s not,” Vee stated firmly. He didn’t want her to have reason to question his motives. The problem was it involved more than just him. His entire team depended on each member maintaining their secrecy. “You’re right that there is more. I can’t share it all. Not yet. Give me a little longer, Eva.”

  The look of disappointment on her face was more than he could handle.

  “Why should I? Someone set bombs in your home! For all I know your secrets could put me in more danger.”

  He flattened his lips to hold back his denial of such a ridiculous notion, but having her with him had placed her in danger. “I’m sorry you were hurt when I promised to care for you.”

  She paused as if to say more, but slumped like she’d lost all her steam and on a sigh said, “No, I’m sorry. It’s not really your fault. You’re not responsible for me.”

  She was wrong. His nestmate would always be his responsibility. Admitting such truth at this time might send her running scared. “Don’t discount your appeal.”

  Her nose crinkled in the most beguiling way. “You don’t know me to judge any appeal I might have.”

  Vee shrugged, the beginnings of a smile curling his lips. “I know enough, chupaja.”

  “Hmph.” She waited a half-beat then said, “The translator tells me everything you say except chupaja. Does it have a meaning?”

  Humor rumbled unexpectedly in his throat. They’d had no problem in understanding one another so far. He was surprised it had taken her so long to ask. Cradling her in his lap, Vee moved to prop his back against the wall. “Because I use Standard for the most part. It is similar to the English language on your Earth. Sometimes I revert to my native tongue which is giving your translator trouble. Serpine is a fluid language, but some words have no definition. Chupaja is a way to describe our females.”

  Eva sighed again, letting her weight rest on him and stroked his chest. Tingles followed in her wake as she absently petted him. It took extreme effort not to roll them over in the bed and press his aching loins to her flesh.

  “But how does it describe your females? You have to be thinking of something when you say it.”

  Since he’d never been asked, Vee thought before answering. It meant a variety of things. He tried to put it in a perspective she’d understand. “Serpine males are attracted to strength. Females give the appearance of delicacy, but beneath it is a solid core. A hardness under all the soft which has a sweet appeal. We call the essence of it all chupaja.”

  Eva snickered and Vee’s heart tumbled in his chest at the sound. “So it means strength, delicate, hardness, soft, sweet.”

  Vee’s lips curled. When said that way it probably didn’t make a lot of sense. “Trust me, it is the highest compliment. An endearment.”

  “I wish I’d met you before Mannid. I would have selected you if you were in the Singles Program brochure. Although the venom poison thing could be a problem. Not a deal breaker, but something we’d need to figure out.”

  An invisible band squeezed around Vee’s chest. He had no words to say. Her admission tore him in two.

  Bane, Uri, the others on his team—they’d had relationships. Not just sex sharing with a paid worker. Vee hadn’t allowed himself the luxury. He’d been trained in the sensual arts on Serpine, his Matire bringing in females from off world to specifically ensure Vee could please a nestmate when the time came while maintaining his secret.

  That experience and the ones he’d initiated a few times through the years afterward were completely different from having Eva voluntarily rest in his arms. He didn’t have to pay her to let him hold her. She was warm, lush, and giving. How did he explain having his needs met in this simplest of ways?

  He couldn’t. Instinct rose, the urge to succumb completely to his nature a driving force that froze the breath in his lungs. He craved it in a way only another Serpine would understand.

  “Can we stay like this until your fight?” she asked in a drowsy murmur.

  Vee ran his hand down her back, did it again as he sensed her muscles easing. “Yes. It’s no hardship to hold you.”

  She snorted, but didn’t speak.

  No hardship at all. Vee tipped his head back to stare at the cracked ceiling and wondered how fast he could return to Serpine after they took care of Grutak and Mannid.

  Chapter 13

  Hushed voices caused Eva to blink her eyes open slowly. Dingy walls came into view along with the vague smell of smoke. Memories flooded back, including the one where she’d been running from explosions. Eva jerked upright and found herself alone in the single bed. She must have drifted off in Vee’s arms while they’d talked. The two men whispering across the room broke off and faced her wearing matching blank expressions.

  She spotted the brush sitting out and grabbed it, eager to set her hair straight. Taking her time, she separated the mass piece by piece giving it a thorough brushing. The sudden silence caught her attention. Eva cleared her throat. “Hey.”

  “Greetings.” Vee had changed into a pair of aged gray leather pants. A short sleeve thin shirt stretched snugly across his chest in a darker shade of gray. The faux hawk was also back and it lent his rough countenance a sexy, yet deadly edge. “I’m glad you woke.”

  “Sorry. I don’t know why I keep sleeping.”

  His mouth hitched up in the corner on one side, sending all sorts of silky shivers down her spine. “You’ve been through a lot. Your body’s telling you to recover.”

  Probably right. Eva stood and swiped at the wrinkled pants jumper she’d been so excited to wear. There were tears and snags at the knee from where she’d fallen. It was definitely ruined. “I should change.”

  Vee eyed her from head to toe as if taking visual inventory. Whatever he saw must have convinced him. “It will have to be later. I’m already running late.”

  At this point, Eva didn’t care. She smelled like she’d been in a building while it blew up. Literally. “Th
at’s fine.”

  Vee gathered his pack, stuffing things in as he spoke. “There’s a cleansing room at the arena for fighters. I can sneak you in. Be warned the waters cold.”

  Being clean was all that mattered. She glanced around feeling the need to do something instead of standing. His friend Bane continued to watch her. Nothing about his actions or mannerisms had been threatening toward her, but his size alone intimated he’d be a dangerous person to get on the wrong side of. Eva pointed deliberately at the burly blond giant. “What about him?”

  “I need to be at The Pit for prep and to have my presence noted for those placing late bets. Bane’s going to be close by during my fight to keep an eye on you.” Vee slid two knives into the top of his black boots as he spoke, the action smooth and methodical. “You’ll sit in the guest section again. Understood?”

  Eva hoped her trust wasn’t misplaced. She was essentially putting her life in his hands and all because he promised to look out for her when this was over.

  No. She was lying to herself. Eva believed in Vee because he hadn’t given her reason not to. His kisses and concern for her spoke louder than any promise ever could. “Alright. I’ll stay in the guest section.”

  Vee crossed to her and teased a finger down her bare arm. “A little longer, Eva. You’ll know everything soon.”

  She could do that. She could hang on a little longer. It didn’t hurt to make her feelings clear though. “Don’t let me down, Vee.”

  He kissed her forehead and whispered, “Chupaja.”

  Thinking of his broad definition of the word lightened her heart and had Eva smiling as they left the rental. “Damn right I’m strong, hard, soft, sweet and delicate.”