Fertile: A Dark Sci-Fi Reverse Harem Romance

by Piper Stone

  We’d been lucky to find another abandoned house. While there was no remaining food, the shelter would give us temporary solace from the horrific weather conditions.

  She stood watching the snow continuing to fall, the light level waning. She’d said very little since her rescue, but I could tell how affected she’d been.

  What she’d said of the abduction had been more of a lure, preying on Alex’s single weakness.

  The love of her sister.

  “We’ll rest here for the night.” I moved closer, sensing her confusion and sadness. “There should be decent weather tomorrow.”

  “She was betrayed like everyone else.” When I said nothing, she tipped her head. “My sister.”

  “Meaning?” While Ashley had said little, her story had been detailed enough. She’d been ordered by the soldiers to perform a duty or be killed. The command? Lure her sister into a trap.

  “Love can coerce you into doing many things, unspeakable acts that you’d never consider otherwise.”

  “What your sister did was heroic. She saved your life,” I whispered, easing her around to face me. I wasn’t a compassionate man, nor was I used to dealing with the kind of heartache that I could tell she was experiencing. My emotions had died along with my fiancée. But this woman had sparked something, awakening the urge for family and love once again.

  Sadly, I doubted I could give her what she needed and deserved. At least I could protect her.

  For now.

  Blinking, several tears slipped past her lashes even though she was struggling to rein in her emotions.

  I brushed the tips of my fingers through her tears, the simple move creating a wave of adrenaline.

  She nuzzled against my hand, purring noises slipping past her lips. My hunger surfaced, a longing that had everything to do with the woman standing in front of me and not the damning serum that had altered the course of our world.

  “Gunner told her he loved her. She’d met him years ago and thought him lost. You see, when she was captured by the soldiers when our parents were killed, she was actually able to spend time with Gunner when he was a prisoner. They were like a lifeline to each other at the time. Did he ever tell you about that?”

  “Gunner never spoke about his time in prison.”

  “Ashley was used. She had no idea what they were planning on doing. They didn’t need to threaten her. She would have gladly had her life taken for mine, as I would have for her. She honestly believed she was going to help bring me to safety, aided by a big brawny huntsman that she’d long ago fallen in love with.”

  I pulled her close, placing both hands on either side of her face. “Her responsibility to her family mattered more than her love for him.”

  “Love.”

  Something so foreign to me. “At least you have your sister back.”

  A smile lit up her face as she nodded, a moment to reflect on being able to see a beloved family member again. Then it clouded over. She clung to me as she spoke. “We were three hundred yards from the house when that bastard took me, knocking me to the ground. Ashley was shocked, even trying to fight him then. All I could think about was getting back to you and to the others. You’ve become my little family.” A laugh bubbled to the surface.

  I allowed her to talk, even as the same vile anger I’d experienced daily ravaged her eyes.

  “The asshole kept saying that there was no one coming to save me, that you were worthless and had betrayed your own country. I knew better. That was the moment I realized how much I loved you.” Her eyes opened wide, as if saying the words out loud again was a mistake.

  The warm feeling in my heart was rare. I brushed my thumb across her cheek, my balls tightening. “You are such a beautiful, bright light. I don’t know if I can truly ever love as you need, but I’m going to try.”

  “All of you are very special, even though Rock likes to hide behind his own tragedy.”

  I cocked my head, curious as to what she’d learned.

  “Rock told me about his wife and baby girl. I can’t imagine the horror he’s lived.”

  I was surprised that Rock had said anything.

  “He also said that you were a man to be respected, one of great honor. He admires you greatly.”

  Taken aback, I had no idea what to say. “Rock is difficult, but you’re good for him.”

  “All four of you have been unexpected,” she said, laughing. She toyed with my shirt, her fingers winding around the material. “I was worried you were going to die. There was nothing I would have stopped at doing to protect you.”

  I kissed the top of her forehead, my loins aching with the kind of blinding desire that refused to be denied. “You are very skilled with providing medical care.” As I eased back, I couldn’t seem to let her go. “You painted a cross on the bed with the knife. Why?”

  “Ashley did. She sliced her own arm out of anger. Her way of defiance given she was told you were a monster. Gunner fed her full of lies, some she actually believed.”

  “Only days ago you called me a monster and the truth is, you’re right and you should still be very afraid.” I pulled away, taking a step backward. “You need to get your rest now.”

  “Please don’t go, Scorpio. I was wrong, but you allowed me to see the real man inside. You’re one of the finest men I’ve ever known, Jacob.”

  Hearing my real name for the first time in years, I was thrown, images of my former life racing into my mind.

  “Diesel told me everything. Dr. Jacob Canton. Brilliant scientist and caring surgeon before you were imprisoned and brutally beaten for your crime. The single crime being your love of the human race, an emotion you still carry with you like steel armor wrapped around your heart. The same man who attempted to protect a young girl from the same real monsters who’d captured and caged hundreds, thousands of young women and men against their will.” She walked closer. “That’s the same man I’ve fallen in love with. Maybe for all the wrong reasons. Maybe because I have no choice, but my heart doesn’t lie.”

  The touch of her fingers brushing across my cheek send a wave of heat directly into my soul, smashing my last resolve. This woman belonged to me.

  My heart.

  My soul.

  My possession.

  I gathered her into my arms, crushing her mouth with mine. Every part of me was on fire, heightened under the weight of extreme guilt, even fear, but right now I wanted more.

  I felt as if there was no time to waste. The taste of her was exquisite, different than before. The kiss was exploding with passion; her fingers intertwined in my hair, soft purrs and moans slipping past the almost frantic intimacy, my hands roaming down her back. Electricity soared, searing jolts straight into my heart.

  Cupping her bottom, I lifted her into the air, my tongue pushing past her soft lips and exploring her wet mouth. My cock was throbbing, aching to be inside of her. This wasn’t about forced taking. This was about so much more.

  I took her into the living room, easing her down. She tore at my shirt, dragging it over my shoulders, pressing her lips against my chest.

  “Yes...” I eased my head back, taking several deep breaths as she brushed her fingers in circles and zigzags, dragging her tongue across my heated skin. My entire body tingled, my cock twitching to the point I was in agony.

  Alex licked, peppering kiss after kiss as she dropped to her knees, chuckling as she tipped her head to study me. Her eyes were full of the same sweeping desire, her skin shimmering as she fumbled to unfasten my belt.

  I allowed her to take control, her long fingers unzipping ever so slowly.

  Teasing.

  Tempting.

  She’d never seemed more beautiful than just now. Whether or not we’d have a short period of time together suddenly didn’t matter. It would be happy and she would be safe.

  She slipped her fingers under the dense material of my pants, sliding them down my hips as if unwrapping a prize. I couldn’t take my eyes off her, the first time I’d actually seen a
carefree side.

  I fisted her hair, running my fingers through the long strands, almost able to pretend our passion could last forever. The way her fingers wrapped around my cock, stroking the base brought beads of pre-cum instantly.

  “Mmm...” She darted her tongue, catching the drops as she slipped her hand between my legs.

  I was aching all over, every muscle and tendon tense, every cell on fire. Breathing became difficult as she cupped and squeezed my balls, rolling them around her fingers. “Fuck.” The sensations rocketing through me drove me toward madness, my obsession with her uncaged. I fought to control my own needs, enjoying the moment. There was no serum that could generate our connection, no matter what I’d been told.

  She had stolen my heart.

  The sanctity of this moment was special, infusing every barbaric need I’d ever had. I’d always dominated over man, woman, or beast, but this girl was breaking down my defenses, twisting every need I’d ever had.

  As she wrapped her mouth around my cock, her tongue darting back and forth, she rolled her hand around the base. The friction was delicious, causing palpitations of my heart. I jutted my hips forward, forcing another two inches into her wet mouth. “That’s it. Your mouth is so damn hot.”

  Another strangled moan pushed past the thick invasion, her jaws clamping down as she sucked. Even the way she moved her mouth up and down on my shaft was sexy as fuck.

  I lost my effort at control, face fucking her with vigor, driving in hard and fast. Her strangled sounds mixed in with her whimpers was like sweet music. I couldn’t get enough. When the tip hit the back of her throat, I let out a roar, savoring every second of the intimate act.

  Her hand met her mouth as she stroked, twisting and turning her fingers until stars floated in front of my eyes. Red-hot heat tore through every portion of my body. As she pulled her mouth away, fighting me in order to lick down the underside of my cock, I slowly lowered my head. Sweat fell into my eyes, dropping onto her porcelain skin. As she took first one testicle into her mouth then the other, I knew I couldn’t hold back any longer.

  I had to be inside.

  I had to fuck her like the crazed man I’d become.

  Dragging Alex to her feet, I ran my hands down her face and neck, yanking at her shirt until I nearly tore away the material. “Undress. Now.” There was no time to waste, the hunger exploding.

  Her entire body quivered as she obeyed, licking her lips and drawing me further into her web.

  I ripped at my own clothes, no longer caring if they were shredded. When we were both completely naked, I pulled her into my arms, swiveling until I was able to sit down on the couch. “I want you. You belong to me. Never forget that.”

  As she straddled my legs, rubbing her pussy back and forth across my fully engorged cock, I ran my hands under her hair, tangling my fingers in her long strands. A shocking wave of hopelessness crowded in with my desire, threatening to suffocate me. I pulled her head down until our lips were touching, barely pressing together.

  “Forever,” she whispered, one hand pressing against my chest, the other guiding the tip of my shaft just inside her sweet pussy.

  She was so wet, her body molten and the way she clawed my skin brought another eruption of longing. I lifted my hips as I yanked her down, impaling her with the entire length of my cock. There was nothing but the roaring heat of our passion as she gripped my shoulders, riding me. Rocking with me.

  I’d never understood the concept of passion, even from before. I was never good at showing any emotion, at least in a romantic sense. I was a cold, heartless man with no real fever for life. This was entirely different, shell-shocking me into the realization of how much I loved her.

  I allowed her a few minutes of control as she moved up and down. Unable to resist, I cupped her breast, fingering her nipple before engulfing it with my mouth.

  She threw her head back, moaning, her body transfixed by our savage hunger.

  I was insatiable, rubbing my lips across her chest, licking and nipping her other hardened peak. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, allowing me to enjoy.

  If only for a few minutes.

  A relief from the torment.

  A time to remember.

  I could feel her body shifting, her pussy muscles clamping around the thickness. Her breathing was rapid, tiny moans slipping past her lips.

  “Come for me, baby.” My words were little more than a whisper.

  A slight smile curled on her lips as she lifted her head, her eyes watering. “Yes. Yes...” When her entire body stiffened, her knees slamming hard against my legs, I crushed my mouth over hers. I could feel her climax, the warmth increasing, wrapping around my cock like a warm blanket.

  Nothing had ever felt so damn good.

  Alex pushed hard against me until she was able to toss her head, her sultry whimper something I would never forget. The wave continued, her body shaking uncontrollably. Then I rolled her over onto the couch, forcing her legs around me.

  From that moment, I dominated the sweet relief, pounding into her in a relentless fashion. I wasn’t certain this would ever happen again. She never blinked as the hard fucking turned into making love, the moment as sweet as anything I’d ever experienced. Her murmured words were gentle and caring, full of love.

  Something I didn’t deserve.

  As I lost control over my body, erupting deep inside her womb, I closed my eyes. She squeezed her pussy around me, arching her back and brushing her lips across mine. There was no stopping the knotting, my cock swelling. Aching.

  She meant everything to me.

  I’d never known real fear, had never given into the belief that there would be an end. On this day and at this moment, that was all I could think about.

  Images flashed in front of my eyes.

  Those of suffering.

  Those of death.

  And for the first time in years, tears formed in my eyes.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Alex

  Danger.

  The eerie feeling hovered over us, every warrior constantly looking over their shoulders, expecting another group of scavengers to attack.

  “You’re quiet.”

  Montana had fallen back, riding next to me as we continued our trek. He seemed as pensive as the others, a forlorn look on his face.

  We were barely riding on fumes, the horses suffering as much as we were. Less than a day until we reached our destination, or so I’d been told.

  The storm had eased, a mere pittance of sun streaming through the broken clouds, but the frigid temperatures remained biting. We’d ridden for almost two days straight, finding little more than a barn to sleep for a few hours. I hadn’t been able to get my mind off the change in Scorpio. Guilt ridden. Angry.

  Riddled with sadness.

  “I’m fine,” I managed, even though I knew my tone told a completely different story. All four of the men had returned to their brooding state, barely talking as they guided my sister and me on the journey. They’d never mentioned our destination, but from what I gathered, it was somewhere in the north, maybe Pennsylvania. We all felt the effect of the upper elevation, traveling the mountains treacherous at times. They were all terrified that soldiers would attack at any moment.

  “You must be hungry.” He eased some kind of food bar from his jacket pocket, trying to give me a smile. Even his eyes had dulled, exhaustion taking a toll on all of us.

  “I’m fine. My sister needs this more than I do. You’re very sweet.” She rode next to Rock, still mostly silent other than answering some basic questions. I worried about her, but at least she was free of the soldiers, the tyranny and harsh punishment that she’d been forced to face. I’d seen her body riddled with scars, but they were merely a small portion of the horror the girl had faced.

  I feared for her soul and fragile mind even more.

  “When I was a boy, my mother tried to teach me right from wrong, but I wanted to be like my father. He was a gruff man. He said that the one
thing that matters any longer in this fucked-up world is the ability to fight.”

  I shifted my gaze, watching his eyes. He was as haunted as the rest of us. “I don’t believe that. Love is the best answer, the only emotion that should matter.” I wasn’t certain I could buy into my words any longer. I loved all four of the men in my own way, maybe based out of the need for protection, grateful they’d saved me.

  He offered a smile. “You’re very special, Alexandra. My mother’s heart was broken the day my brother was stillborn. She never got over the loss.”

  “What happened to your parents?”

  “My mother succumbed to one of the early diseases after the initial battle. My father drank himself to death before I was taken. I tried to keep the ranch going, but the scavengers were too powerful, even with the various weapons my father had stockpiled. At least he’d given me military training in his own way. He said that once I became used to significant pain then no one would ever be able to have a hold over me. Damn shame is that he was right.”

  “That’s terrible.”

  “That’s life, Alex. Whatever happens, the leaders of the huntsmen formed a city as close to the concept of freedom as possible. Are they perfect? No. Nothing will ever be anything but tolerable again. They are as close to a family as I’ll ever have.”

  Reaching over, I took his hand into mine, allowing our fingers to intertwine. “I’m your family now. All of us are family. No one can take that away from us.” I had my sister back. I had men who would do anything to protect me. “What about the ranch?”

  “Gone. One night, just before Christmas, the scavengers torched the entire place, including all the livestock. I realized that there was no sense of humanity any longer. Nothing mattered to me after that. I allowed myself to be captured, sold to the highest bidder.”

  “Jesus. How did you end up with the group of huntsmen?”

  “The majority of huntsmen were set free, given orders to procreate the omegas. I’ll never forget the day a solid five hundred were let out of the gates. They were little more than animals, primates ready to feast and fuck.” He could obviously tell I was listening intently by the way he smiled again. “You must remember that many of the men given the serum were true criminals. The drug actually heightened their rage, their need to kill. They are true animals.”