by Tessa Anders
Good question. He didn’t scare me, but the entire situation set me on edge and I still didn’t feel right. “A little. It felt like he shot electricity into my arm and then he looked angry about it. I didn’t do anything to him, I swear. But…I don’t know. I’ve been on edge ever since.” I remembered the cold look in his eyes as they drilled into mine with laser sharp focus. The way he snatched his hand away like I had burned him.
Her mouth fell open. “He did hurt you!”
“No, he really didn’t. It made me…” I clamped my mouth shut.
“Oh, no.” Jessie was shaking her head. “You don’t get to start something then leave me on the edge of my seat. It made you what?”
“I really don’t know how to describe it.”
“Try.”
“It was hard for me to leave yesterday, and all night all I could think about was him. This morning too.”
“That’s why you wore that,” she gestured to my clothes, “atrocity.”
Looking down, I asked, “What’s wrong with my clothes?”
“Come on Alex, you knew the moment you put that getup on that it looked like someone had barfed up different shapes and colors. It’s really hard to look at.”
“Okay, now I’m really not going in there.”
“Yes, you are.”
Shaking my head, I scoffed. “You just told me that my clothes look like vomit. Think I’ll attract a man in this?” I held out the hem of my shirt.
Jessie smirked. “I didn’t think you were interested.”
“I’m not!”
“You can keep lying to yourself, but now I know better.” She opened the door.
“Wait!” But Jessie had already slid out of the seat and shut the door in my face. I watched her disappear inside and for a moment, I thought about following her.
Something inside urged me to climb out of the car, march inside and have a good look around. It was a pull I didn’t understand— didn’t like. And then I wondered if I should give it a try—for Maddie’s sake of course. It had nothing to do with wanting to see the mystery shifter again.
Oh, who was I kidding?
4
___________________
Black
All night long, sleep escaped me. My body ached as painful desires tightened every muscle inside my body. I felt anxious, on edge, almost volatile. I didn’t know how to deal with the extreme emotions.
Jumping into the shower, cold water helped as it sprayed over my body. But not much. My cock stood in a constant state of need, which never happened until I met the strange female. For the third or fourth time, I griped it tightly, pumping my fist up and down while I imagined that I was fucking her. That’s all it took. I jetted my release against the wall.
My cock remained hard.
Toweling off, I spotted the pressed dress pants hanging on the closet door and groaned. Arkin must have left them for me. They were tight and uncomfortable, nothing like I wore back home. But this realm demanded that I play the role of a diplomat.
Diplomat—what a strange concept. In my realm, everyone went about their business, but my word was law. The Drata clan ruled our sector of the shifter Realm. Our realm resembled the human realm as they were parallel in existence, but our hierarchy structure was nothing like here. We had wolf shifters, bear shifters, fox shifters, most every kind of shifter. But the drata, or dragon shifters were the most powerful, the natural born rulers.
Here, officials were elected by the people, a concept I couldn’t wrap my mind around. I almost laughed thinking about a fox shifter trying to run my sector. It would leave us open for attack from the other sector.
But with my family in charge, our enemies kept to their side of the boundary, skirmishes rarely happened.
And then I thought about Tyran, who had offered to be the first to venture through the portal. As head of security, he thought he would be the best suited to handle any hostiles he might encounter.
We were looking for other realms to expand our technology, open up negations for trade. Tyran discovered that each realm held different commodities that the other realms valued. Drata Inc. not only sold technology, I secured contracts that gave my company exclusive rights to buy and sell those commodities.
Two weeks after discovering the human realm, Tyran had returned with a female in tow—Amelia—his true bondmate, something we all deemed impossible and had long ago accepted.
Jealousy grew. After watching Tyran and Amelia, the others wanted to search for their true bondmate. To keep the peace, Amelia helped us understand the culture, and before making first contact.
For a moment, I contemplated the journey through the portal to see if more distance would extinguish this need to hunt down the female and sink inside her soft body. To see how well we fit together.
Just as I finished buttoning my clean white shirt, a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.”
Arkin strolled in wearing a red button-down, but when his eyes met mine, he stopped mid-step.
“Your eyes are glowing.”
“Are they?”
“Yes. What has happened?”
Tearing open the constricting collar, I dropped down onto the edge of the bed. My drata was fighting for release, to fly across the sky and hunt down the female he deemed to be his mate. Until his fire cooled, my eyes would glow. At least that was the rumor that passed from generation to generation.
“I am going to kill Tyran.”
“Why? What did he do?”
“He brought home a female that prompted others to want their own. I agreed, never wanting or expecting it to happen to me.”
Leaning against the wall, Arkin crossed his arms. “I don’t understand.”
“Yesterday, I met a female in the consideration building. As soon as I touched her, she awoke the drata bond and my dragon is demanding I claim her.”
Uncrossing his arms, Arkin straightened. “How else has this contact changed you?”
“My emotions are heightened to an almost volatile state. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. Everything inside me is demanding that I find her.”
“But…” Arkin started
“Since meeting the female, my cock stays painfully hard even after I use my hand for release.”
His lips tightened into a thin line. “Do you need to visit the sex club? Or should I summon Cate? I’m sure she would be happy to…help you.”
I snorted. Cate was always sniffing around, hoping I would take her as a mate. But for me she was nothing more than an occasional sex partner. Often, I preferred the sex clubs. They offered no strings attached for those looking to relieve themselves or have a good time and unwind.
“No. I doubt that it would help.” Eyeing the slacks, I groaned.
“What is it Black?”
“My cock will not go soft and those slacks are too tight. It rubs against me when I walk.”
Arkin’s eyes widened. “Honestly? It will not soften at all?”
“Honestly. I wish I had the silks of our realm.”
I wanted to wear my business clothes, but Amelia argued that the human officials wouldn’t take kindly to me being dressed—how did she put it—like a pirate. Whatever that was. I still preferred my loose-fitting silky shirts and trousers. They didn’t restrict movement and felt good against my skin.
I could see the wheels turning right before Arkin snapped his fingers. “They have to have different clothing. I will look into it and see if I can find you something more comfortable.”
“Thank you.”
He disappeared for about fifteen minutes until he returned with some lose activity pants. “They call these sweatpants.”
I slipped them own and tied the string. “It is much more comfortable.”
“Here,” he handed me a pullover shirt which I promptly put on. The entire outfit felt more freeing.
Six months ago, we had made contact with the human realm and it took two months to work out a tentative contract and a trade agreement. Another three m
onths to secure a place for the females to fill out a useless questionnaire. One thing I learned through this process; humans had a lot of legal obstacles to wade through.
Heading out of the apartment, Arkin followed me up three flights, where we reached ground level. It was the best way for us to protect the portal, which was housed four stories below the consideration building. Always guarded, we would destroy it before allowing another realm to take over our home-world.
Opening the door, Kayle stood to the side with his hands clasped behind his back.
“How is everything today?” I asked, scanning the area.
“Everything is proceeding as expected.”
Several females were bent over, filling out the paperwork. Every now and again, one would glance up and catch my gaze, smiling seductively. But none of them held my attention. I only wanted my oddly dressed, beautiful female.
“Where should we start?” Arkin asked.
“I think we should start by reviewing the applications and video recordings.”
Knowing around what time the event occurred yesterday helped us sift through the video footage until we found the right person. Her auburn hair and unique style drew my eyes like a magnet. She was walking perfection. Watching her nervousness, maybe agitation, she didn’t want to be there which I already knew. That could be problematic.
When the friend handed in the application, I checked the time of the video then pulled the file. There were two stamped with the same time.
I handed both files to Arkin. “Contact them both and ask them to come back in.”
He nodded, and then stuck his head out the door and mumbled something to Laura, the host who greets the applicants.
“She’s calling them now.”
“Good.” Because I didn’t know how much longer I could control myself.
Hours passed.
I paced.
Every few minutes Arkin would glance my way. Finally, he said, “If this is what having a bondmate does to someone, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
I scoffed while mentally agreeing with him. This was the exact circumstance I tried to avoid. My only concern was appeasing my males, not looking for a mate for myself. She was already an unwanted distraction and yet, I knew there was nothing I could do to change it now.
Maybe if I hadn’t touched her yesterday, maybe I could have walked away. But not now.
That reminded me. “Set up a gathering so our males and some of the females can mingle.” If their reactions were anything like mine, a gathering would be the best place to for them to test their compatibility.
I stepped near the window and peered through the blinds. The rain had finally stopped, but it still looked stormy, much like my mood. I didn’t understand this strange weather, but it seemed to rain or storm often. And then the days would get hot, the nights cold. Laura called it a wet spring. I didn’t bother asking what that meant.
A car pulled in and that’s when I spotted her. My drata tried to surge forward and I almost double over. It took all my strength to tamp it back down and hold him back.
She was sitting in a car talking with someone. I could see the turmoil covering her face and scoffed. I knew the feeling.
After a couple of minutes, her friend got out, leaving her all alone. Knowing that if she left, I could have a hard time locating her, I took a calculated risk.
Just as I slipped out the back door, rain started to fall. I eased around the building, making sure there was no one else in the parking lot. I straightened to full height and walked with purpose until I stood next to the passenger window. Tearing open the door, the female whipped her gaze toward me and gasped.
I did not give her time to protest before I reached into the car and pulled her into my arms.
“Put me down!” she shouted.
“Quiet!” I swatted her ass.
That only fueled her to shout at me even more. We didn’t need the unwanted attention from the humans, so I covered her mouth with my hand.
Kayle’s eye grew wide as he stepped aside and let us pass. Down the stairs, I dug the keycard out of my pocket and opened the door. Once inside, I kicked the door shut and placed the female on the couch.
“You!” she accused, trying to sit up straighter.
I stood silently in the living area, drinking in her odd beauty. Everything but the outfit, it was hideous by anyone’s standards.
With her sitting in my apartment, the pull eased but I found myself at a lose for words.
I stepped forward and she reared back like I would strike her. “Do not fear me.”
“Why did you bring me here?”
That was a good question. I swore I would never be put in this situation again, and even as I tried to resist, the pull almost overpowered me. Looking at here sitting on my couch, inside my apartment, it felt right. Her soft face and pouty lips, the way she tried to appear brave, I wanted to stroke her cheek while softly kissing her lips. My eyes lingered, drinking in her untamed beauty.
“Why am I here?” she asked again.
As much as it pained me to admit it, I clenched my fist and blew out a long breath. Locking eyes with her, I watched as she swallowed hard. Softly, I said, “You are my mate.”
Her eyes widened, she scooted toward the edge of the couch before slowing rising. “I’m not anyone’s mate.”
Every step I took her direction, she took a step backward. “Yes, you are.” The predator in me came alive, enjoying the chase.
“No!” She balled her hands into tiny fists. There was no way she could do any damage with those delicate weapons. Surely, she knew that. Her chest heaved, drawing my eyes to the rising and falling of her breasts. My cocked throbbed even more and I wanted to sink deep inside, fuck her over and over until this sensation passed and my cock softened.
But her fearful eyes kept me rooted in place. I have never forced myself on anyone and unlike the females of my realm, she appeared timid, virginal. Treading lightly and easing her into the situation would be paramount.
My eyes raked over her body. The clothes were hideous but a goddess hid underneath, waiting to be coaxed out with an experienced hand. That I was sure of.
All shifters were sexual, but I needed to remember that humans were not shifters and I needed to tread carefully.
Sitting down, I relaxed against the couch and crossed my right ankle over my left knee. Maybe if gave her space she would relax enough to let down her guard.
After an uncomfortable pause, I finally asked, “What is your name?”
She eyed me wearily, undoubtedly trying to decide if she should answer or not.
“Alex,” she finally said.
“Alex,” I repeated. “That’s a fitting human name.”
To my shock, she chuckled under her breath.
“Sure, if you’re a guy. Look, I don’t know why you brought me here,” she waved her arm in the air, “and this has been…interesting.” I loved the way her brows furrowed when she said interesting. “But I have to go.”
“No.”
Her eyes narrowed. “No?”
“No. Sit down and let’s talk.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, a sign of her nervousness. When she licked her lips, something more primal stirred inside me.
“What’s your name?” she asked, her eyes landing everywhere but on me.
“Black.”
Finally making eye contact, she asked, “Okay…Black. Why am I here. And don’t say because I’m your mate. I’m not.”
“Can you sit?”
She eyed me suspiciously before saying, “If you don’t try any funny stuff.”
“I assure you, there is nothing humorous about this situation.”
Her lips twitched. “I’m not so sure about that.”
5
___________________
Alex
My heart thumped hard in my chest as I tried to hide how scared shitless I felt at the moment. Some hunky man had jerked me from Jessie’s car and toted me away without
any warning. This seemed like the beginning of a horror film that I was helpless to escape.
But that fearful feeling soon dissipated into something more unsettling. I stole glances from the corner of my eyes. His chiseled jaw, the way wavy hair that curled around his ears sparked inside my belly. I didn’t belong here. Not with him. I mean, he—Black—could be sex on a stick. Someone like me should not be here with someone like him.
Looking around and trying to calm a little, it looked like an expensive, but small apartment. A cream leather couch, dark tiled floors, a kitchen bar with cream Corian countertops. Stainless steel appliances that looked brand new.
Swallowing hard, I watched the man pace before gracefully lowering himself to the couch. I could tell by his confidence that he was used to getting his way. Being poor, it was easy to spot money and authority by the way a person dressed or how he held his shoulders even in stressful situations. But rich or not, kidnapping was illegal, and we were in the application building. Surely someone would hear me if I screamed.
I needed to think realistically because that was my super power. At least until he blew all rationality out the window my telling me that I was he mate. Double hell no! As much as I had thought about those alluring eyes, that muscled chest that rippled with every movement. I didn’t like being carted off to his room. Kidnapping was wrong. Period.
Sitting on opposite ends of the couch, I could tell he was antsy. Some indescribable force wanted me to scoot closer but I kept my ass rooted in place. His masculine smell surrounded me, making me relax in his presence. How strange.
“Okay, now talk,” I said, needing a distraction from all his sexiness.
His shoulders tensed, making the shirt stretch tighter. I wouldn’t mind running my hands over those strong muscles.
Focus dammit!
His eyes slid my way, and I could see the reluctance in his eyes. After a beat of silence, he began. “We are a shifter species. Inside, I have something called a drata, or dragon as many in my realm refer to it. It stays in a contented state, only changing when we desire to take flight. But when we meet our true mate, it demands that we find her, make her ours.”
