Kessia wiped her hands on a rag as she walked through their ship’s corridors, heading for the loading ramp. The metallic gleam of the walls and floors as she passed made her smile. Even as she watched, a small cleaning droid popped out of a room and slipped down the hallway in front of her, going about its job.
In her hands, the pirate’s ship had been revitalized.
What had once been a neglected and dated pirate ship had been reverted back into a functional explorer craft, albeit one with some unexpected modifications. Grounding and shutting the ship down had given her time to get critical work done, restoring it to proper functionality. In the month since their arrival, the entire ship had been cleaned from top to bottom and she’d performed much-needed maintenance on every system. With all the computer errors and broken or neglected parts she’d found, it was amazing they’d made it to Lehra at all.
Now, the ship, newly renamed The Hunter in reference to Baron, was ready for its first mission.
The scent of green growing things drifted down the hall and Kessia smiled as she turned the corner, the open door of the ramp coming into view and she paused at the threshold to take it all in. Lehra’s beautiful forest was spread before her, a nearby river glinting in the late afternoon sunshine through the trees. She’d never seen a prettier planet and couldn’t help but wonder if this was what Earth was like. Having grown up on the Terran colony, she’d been raised on stories of the human’s originating planet. Of lush green forests and pale blue skies and animals she could not even imagine.
“Kessia! Blessings upon you this day!” Ismara, Baron’s mother, raised a hand in a wave as she came around the ship, a woven basket in her hand. “How fare you?”
“Hello, Ismara!” Kessia grinned and trotted down the ramp, excited to see what the older female had brought. Baron’s mom had gotten it into her head that if she fed Kessia enough she would get bigger, and while the food was delicious, the only thing increasing was her waistline. “I’m doing good, just finished up for the day.” A delicious smell drifted to her and her stomach growled in hunger. “Oh, please tell me those are krysa buns?”
Ismara grinned, her fangs flashing as she set her basket on the worktable Kessia had set up in the clearing and started unloading a plethora of leaf-wrapped packages. “Baron told me they were your favourite.”
Kessia nodded and ducked her head, trying to hide the blush that rose in her cheeks. The first time Baron had brought her one of the krysa buns, she had moaned at their warm spicy sweetness on her tongue and Baron had taken great pleasure in telling her that she smelled just like them to him. She would never be able to smell that delicious spicy scent without remembering his deep voice purring sweet nothings into her ear. To distract herself from that train of thought, she unzipped her coveralls and shrugged out of the top portion, tying the arms around her waist. “Thanks for all this. It smells delicious!” She hopped up onto one of the tall stools beside the table, kicking her legs as she watched her work table be covered in an overwhelming amount of food.
“My pleasure!” Ismara smiled as she finished emptying her basket and set it to the side, turning her attention to unwrapping the carefully packaged foods.
Kessia was still amazed at the difference between the male and female Lehrans. For a species that resembled four armed wingless gargoyles, their women appeared rather delicate. The ridges that marked their cheekbones were softer, accenting their fine features, and they tended to wear their hair loose with pretty beads, feathers and flowers tied into it. She was sure Ismara could be fierce, with her long black claws and sharp fangs, but she was much less intimidating than her mate or son.
There was a rustle of leaves across the clearing and both women looked up, breath held in wary anticipation until a large Lehran male emerged. With a spear clutched in one hand and a wide grin on his face, he spread his arms wide in a welcoming gesture.
“There’s my sun!” Narren announced loudly, striding up to take Ismara in his arms.
Behind him, Baron appeared from the woods, moving to Kessia’s side. Baron shook his head when he noticed Narren gather Ismara in his arms, the two of them pressing their foreheads together and whispering sweet nothings like they were still young lovers
Kessia grinned as Baron came up beside her. “How’d the hunt go?”
“Good.” He reached down to steal a small orange berry from the plethora on the table, popping it into his mouth. “We brought down two invors and dropped them off at the village for last meal.”
“Oh?” Confused, Kessia looked down at the table before her, laden with portions of meat, root vegetables, fruits and nuts. “I thought your mom brought supper.”
Baron’s warm chuckle had her tilting her head up to eye him suspiciously. “She did. This is our supper.”
“This is our last night on Lehra. Are you sure you don’t want to go back to the village?” That had been their routine over the past few weeks, returning to the village every evening to take part in the clan’s communal meal. She’d enjoyed the family atmosphere, the stories told around the central fire and children urging her to play some popular game with them.
“Not tonight.” Baron’s citrine eyes gleamed down at her as he settled two of his hands on her thighs, turning her on the stool until she faced him. “I have plans for you tonight.”
Her lips tipped up in a teasing smile. “Oh, do you? What are you plotting now?”
He leaned down and planted a chaste kiss on her brow. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
She was tempted to needle him, wanting to know what he had up his sleeve, but Narren cleared his throat, drawing their attention. Baron loosened his hold and let her sit back as they realized his parents were staring at them with a mixture of pride and amusement.
Kessia ran a hand through her hair shyly and gestured at the food. “Would you two like to join us for supper?”
“Not tonight, daughter of my heart.” Ismara came around the table and Kessia hopped down from her stool to give the woman a quick hug. Ismara released her after a moment and caught Kessia’s smaller hands in her own, smiling down. Her honey-coloured eyes were shining oddly and Kessia got the feeling the woman was holding back happy tears. “Tonight is for the two of you. I look forward to speaking with you when you return to the village tomorrow.”
Narren put a hand on his son’s shoulder, his pride in his eldest evident. Baron grinned at him and the males exchanged quick words in their growling language. Narren passed over a small tied sachet to Baron and stepped away from his son. He held his hand out for his wife. “Come, my sun. Let us leave the young to the night.”
As Baron’s parents walked away hand in hand, Kessia was left staring after them. When they’d disappeared into the woods, she turned to Baron. “Okay. What’s up?”
“What do you mean?” Baron tilted his head, feigning confusion.
She eyed him curiously. “You’re up to something.”
His lips twitched and he stepped closer to her, moving into her space until she was forced to step back. She knew he wouldn’t hurt her, but her pulse still set to racing when she came up against the worktable. “I am indeed.” His lower set of hands came forward, boxing her in, and one of his upper hands hooked a finger under her chin. As he leaned over to meet her gaze, his eyes gleamed with an inner light and his fangs bared in a devious smile. “I planned to do everything in my power,” The cool touch of a slice of sweet melon on her lower lip had her instinctively opening her mouth. “To sate your every desire,” The slice trailed across her bottom lip. “Fulfill your every wish.” He slipped the slice between her lips before delicately tracing the pillow of her bottom lip with the tip of his claw. “Make you scream my name.”
She chewed and swallowed, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “So, a repeat of last night?”
“Not exactly.” Baron curled a finger beneath her chin and tipped her face up, his bright yellow eyes meeting hers. There was some emotion in his citrine gaze, something more substantial than lust.
Her thoughts whirled. She had a sneaking suspicion she knew what he was getting at. Their relationship had progressed since they’d met over a month ago and they were now engaged in the Terran custom of dating. The concept had been foreign to Baron, whose people believed in life-long matings, but he’d respected her feelings and given her the time she’d requested. She’d needed to sort out her feelings about their whirlwind connection and see if it was something they could build on.
As it turned out, they meshed together amazingly well. Kessia couldn’t have picked a better partner than the one fate had thrust into her life. His honour, courage and kindness were so very attractive to her. She even craved the delicate tracing of his claws on her back as they lay in bed together. She’d been quietly falling in love with him for weeks.
But mating, especially in his culture, was permanent.
“I have known since I first caught your scent,” His hand slipped across her jaw into her hair, lifting a dark curl to his nose. “It enchanted me. And when I had you beneath me, I realized you belonged there, safe in my arms.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out.
“When you laugh, I am captivated. When you cry, my heart bleeds for you.” He let her hair slip from between his fingers and reached to curl that big hand around the side of her throat, his clawed thumb stroking against her jaw. “You are clever, courageous and brave. Everything I could ask for in a mate.”
“Even though I’m human?” Kessia finally managed to breathe out, voicing the main reason she assumed a mating bond between them would be out of the question.
Baron’s eyes went heavy-lidded and he leaned in until his lips brushed her ear. “So you are.” He nipped her earlobe gently and the feeling of his fang on her skin made her gasp. “A small, delicate human. One I intend to keep.”
“Your parents don’t mind?” She had to ask, doubt a sickening swirl in her stomach. They had kept their relationship fairly quiet as his culture didn’t believe in dating, but she was sure his parents weren’t fooled. The fact that their son spent every night with her on the ship was a pretty good clue.
“They have given their blessing.” He grinned at her surprised face and gestured to the table. “That’s what this is. My father hunted the meat for us and my mother prepared us a feast. Enough food to keep us sated for the night’s events.”
“Night’s events?” She blinked at the massive pile of food. It was enough to feed a handful of Lehrans with leftovers to spare. “What exactly are we doing?”
Baron chuckled and bent, sweeping her into his arms, before circling the table to the flat-topped boulder she’d set the table up beside. He sat down and settled her comfortably on his lap, keeping one set of arms looped around her waist. “I have spoken my intentions to my parents and they have given their approval. My father is impressed by your bravery and my mother is already imagining how adorable our children might be.” He grinned as her eyes widened. “Don’t worry, there is no rush.”
“Baron, we’re different species. Our genetics might not be compatible.” She pointed out, not wanting to crush the dream but needing to be realistic.
Baron grinned at her, mischief in his bright eyes. “All we can do is keep trying.”
She chuckled, shaking her head at his easy acceptance. There was no chance of children until her birth control, a standard requirement for most spaceship workforces, wore off.
He sobered and reached up to catch a hand in her hair, directing her to meet his gaze. “I don’t know how the Terrans do this, but on Lehra, we ask the blessings of both our parents, we perform the hunt, then we pledge ourselves under the moon.”
“So we just have to pledge ourselves?” Kessia queried, the idea of becoming his mate settling comfortably around her.
His lip quirked. “We need to perform the hunt first.”
She frowned. “Didn’t you just do that with your father?” At the shake of his head, her stomach sank. He’d taken her hunting once after they’d arrived and she’d soon discovered she had no skill for it. The stealth, patience and killing instinct were not in her wheelhouse. But if it was tradition, she could suck it up this once. “What do we have to hunt?”
This time his smile was bright. “You need not hunt anything. I will be hunting you.”
“Me?” Kessia couldn’t help the rise in her tone, disbelief and dismay colouring her words. Kessia eyed his towering form and grimaced. She wouldn’t make it ten feet before he’d be on her. “It’s going to be a short hunt!”
Baron let out a short bark of laughter, shaking his head. “You will do fine. It is a ritual hunt. A way for one partner to display their skill to provide for the other. It will be your job as the prey to do your best to test your hunter.” He blinked, the black membrane falling over his citrine eyes and his voice lowered. “I know you will make me chase you hard.” The last word was said with a sensual purr that gave her chills.
“All I have to do is run from you?” Her voice came out breathless, the idea of him chasing her sending an odd thrill through her blood. He was a hunter used to these woods, and on top of that, he was huge. She had no chance of outrunning him. Isn’t that the point? For him to catch you? Kessia could just imagine herself running through the woods, only stopping when Baron caught up to her and took her to the ground. Arousal curled through her and she had to resist squirming on his lap.
“Nothing would please me more.” He rumbled, those black eyes captivating her.
“Oh.” She took a deep breath and tried to get her thoughts in order. They’d been through so much together in such a short amount of time. Pirates, ship repairs, travelling through space, even the language barrier between her and his people. Through it all, Baron had been a steady, confident presence, reassuring and supporting her. He was a good man, kind and loyal. The fact that his giant form was stacked with muscle and made her heart pound didn’t hurt either. She’d never thought she would be in a relationship with a non-human, but she had to admit even their brief acquaintance had been more of a true partnership than any dating with humans she’d done.
I guess I’ve already made my decision.
Kessia looked up, meeting his eyes. “So, do I run or can we eat first?”
Baron’s fangs flashed in a broad smile and his four arms banded around her, squishing her to his hard chest. With his head buried into her hair, he murmured a promise in his growling language to her. “I will make sure you never regret this, Kess.”
She held him and stroked his bare back, blinking back the happy tears that clouded her eyes. Kessia had picked up enough of his language to get the gist of what he was saying and it warmed her heart. She was about to say something, make her own promise, when her stomach grumbled between them.
“Ah, flower, I am already being a bad mate.” Baron chuckled as they both sat back. “You worked all day and I am keeping you from food.”
“To be fair, you arranged to have food brought to me, so I think that makes you a good mate.” She kissed his cheek and slipped off his lap. “Where I’m from, bringing your girl take-out is a sign of true love.”
“Then perhaps I am doing better than I thought.” Baron chuckled, standing and approaching the table.
“So, is there anything particular we have to do before we eat? Or can I just dig in?” Kessia asked, hesitating over the feast.
“No, we are meant to feast.” Baron snagged a small battered ball of meat and held it before her mouth. “Here.”
She opened her lips and let him press the tidbit inside, her eyes closing at the savoury flavour of the meat. “Oh, my god, your mom is such an amazing cook.”
“She is your mother now too.” He informed her as they settled in to eat.
An hour later, she was sprawled across his cloak on the grass, basking in the joy of a full stomach while she watched the sky change colours as the sun set. She turned her head to take in Baron who was leaning back on one set of hands beside her, his eyes closed. She propped herself on an elbow and reached over to poke his bare thigh, drawing his attention. “So, when do we do this chase thing?”
“When the sun sets. Usually, we would wait until full darkness, but I wanted you to still be able to see.” He cast her a mischievous smile. “And I will give you a head start.”
She collapsed back down on top of the cloak with a relieved exhale. “Oh, thank god! I figured I’d make it maybe five steps before you caught up to me.”
Baron chuckled. “You will be fine. I’ll even let you prepare beforehand if you want to use the washing room or change clothes.” He eyed her plain white tank top in something akin to anticipation. “I cannot promise they will still be in one piece come morning.”
An excited thrill ran through her at that idea and she grinned up at him. “I guess I better get changed then.”
“I think that would be a good idea.” Baron climbed to his feet and offered her his hands to pull her up to stand. “I will wait for you out here.”
Kessia gave him a little wave as she hustled off, taking the ramp in long strides before bursting into a run as soon as she was out of view inside the ship. I’m getting mated tonight! Excitement tore through her and she tugged her hair out of its bun as she waited for the lift to reach the third level. As soon as the lift opened, Kessia hurried down the hall and into the captain’s quarters, heading straight for the washroom. She wouldn’t have time for a sonic shower, but she needed to scrub up real quick. Stripping down, she grabbed a moist cleansing cloth and scrub the dirt and machine grease from her body. As soon as she’d finished, she headed back into the main room and dug through the storage cabinet she’d claimed for herself.
“What do you wear for a mating chase?” She murmured to herself as she rifled through the coveralls and shirts she’d found. At the back, she found the remains of the clothes she’d been wearing when they’d been attacked by pirates. Her pants and bra had been complete losses, but she’d salvaged and cleaned the panties and top. It was the closest thing she had to sexy lingerie. And if he tore it off her with his teeth, it would be no loss. She quickly wriggled into them, tying the panties into tight knots at her hips and doing the same to the center of the top. She plumped her breasts a moment, looking down at the cleavage the top formed and grinned. It would definitely do the trick. Slipping a coverall over it, she zipped it up and tucked her feet back into her shoes. A quick moment to pull her hair into a ponytail and she was done.
There. She was as ready as she could be. The coverall would keep her from getting scratched up by branches as she ran and the outfit beneath would drive Baron over the edge once he caught her. Gathering her courage, she headed out the door and made her way to the ramp once more.
When Kessia stepped out, Baron was standing with his back to her, facing toward the fading sunset. His cloak, that thick verlixen pelt, was slung over his shoulders again, adding to his apparent size. As she came to the bottom of the ramp, he turned, those citrine eyes taking in her nondescript coveralls with a smile. He held out a hand and when she slipped her fingers into it, he enclosed her hand in his big fingers. “This way, Kessia.”
She followed along, letting him lead her to the edge of the woods behind the ship. The trees stood thickly, but the undergrowth was minimal here, the ground still visible in the last dregs of daylight. She knew for a fact there were animals out there, ones big enough to be a threat, but she had faith Baron would protect her.
As they came to a stop, Baron turned to her. “This is where you will start. I have decided to give you an extended head start as you are so small.” His lips turned up in a teasing smile before he continued. “After fifteen of your minutes, I will follow.” He reached out to cup her cheek in his big palm and the look on his face made her heart hurt at the sweetness. “Tonight you will be mine.”
She nuzzled into his hand. “You have to catch me first, big guy.” She teased lightly.
He flashed her his fang-filled smile and withdrew a handheld from the pouch on his belt. He held it up to her, showing the countdown timer on the screen. The fact that he’d learned how to use the little devices in such a short time wasn’t lost on her. He may appear to be an uncivilized barbarian, but it was deceiving. This alien was far too smart. “When I hit this button, your time will start. Are you ready, Kessia?”
She drew in a deep, bracing breath and nodded. “Go for it.”
“My brave little mate.” He praised before his thumb came down on the screen. “It’s time for you to run.”
Kessia’s heart pounded in her chest as she turned, dashing into the tree line. Although shadowed, she could still see enough to not trip over every root, but she knew that wouldn’t last long. If she wanted to put any distance between them, she would have to do it quickly while there was still light enough to see. She ran as fast as she could until her breath heaved and she had to lean against a tree for support while she gasped in air. All those years of being cooped up on spaceships had not prepared her for this. She had no way of knowing how long it had been, but she doubted her time was up just yet. As soon as she got her panting under some sort of control, she headed off again.
She cast a look over her shoulder as she dodged around a tree, but didn’t catch sight of Baron’s big form. Kessia continued on, the urgency of her flight fading as true darkness set in and time passed by. She knew her head start time had long since passed as she wandered among the trees. “With my luck, I’ll get lost and it’ll take Baron all night to find me.” She grumbled as she stumbled over a fallen log.
The snap of a branch to her left had her freezing, staring into the shadows with wide eyes. Her pulse started to pound as she backed away from the direction of the sound, unwilling to turn her back in case it happened to be an animal.
As soon as she’d put a good dozen trees between her and the noise, she turned on her heel and hurried off, listening for pursuit.
Nothing.
As true night settled in, she had to put her hands out in front of her so she didn’t run smack into a tree. The woods around her came to life, the crackle of branches and dried leaves assuring her that she wasn’t alone out here. She stopped to rest for a moment, but before long the sounds of the woods seemed to creep uncomfortably close, prompting her to move once again. Instead of excitement, fear was starting to conquer her. She felt herself jumping at every sound, dodging away from whatever caused the noise. Her head was on a swivel and her eyes strained, trying to make out anything in the darkness.
Kessia was just debating the idea of calling out to Baron, accepting the fact that she was thoroughly lost, when a growl rumbled out of the darkness behind her. Her blood froze and she shot off, racing through the trees like the hounds of hell were on her heels. For all she knew, they were.
Her lungs ached as she dragged in panted breaths, her feet pounding over the rough ground. She ran as fast as she could, terror offering up a surge of adrenaline so hot she was almost flying. Kessia crashed through branches and leapt over a fallen log, sure whatever beast was out there dogged her every move. Pale light shone ahead of her and Kessia realized she was coming up on a small clearing, the light of the newly risen moons making it feel like a safe haven. She had almost made it when her foot caught on a root and she went into free fall, mouth opening on a breathless scream.
Strong arms banded around her from behind, catching her before she hit the ground. She gasped, struggling as she was held in midair.
“I have you now, mate.”
It took a moment before Baron’s growling words registered in her head, but when they did, all the fight drained out of her. She went limp in his arms, allowing herself to pant for breath, unable to form words as she tried to settle her thoughts.
Baron murmured to her, turning her in his arms until he could nestle her into his chest. “Calm, sweet mate, you are safe.”
“T-there’s something…” She panted. “Out there.”
Baron tipped his head to bury his nose in her hair and sighed. “Nothing that would hurt you.”
She peeked over his shoulder, eyeing the woods behind him with suspicion. “There was something following me!”
“There was.”
Kessia blinked, pulling back a moment to look into his face. He appeared slightly sheepish. “It was you!?”
Baron ducked his head, but the smile she caught crossing his mouth was chagrined.
“You scared the life out of me!” She sighed, wriggling in his arms for him to let her down. “I thought it was some wild animal.”
He set her on her feet but kept his four arms wrapped around her, not relinquishing his octopus-like hold on her lest she storm off on him. “You were in no danger.”
“Thank god it was you!” She shook her head, grumbling as relief washed over her. “For a while there I thought I’d gotten lost. I was sure I’d end up as a snack for some animal.”
“Never fear, mate. Only I get to snack on you.” Baron chuckled and caught her by the shoulders, turning her to face the clearing once more. He urged her forward and she grudgingly went until they reached the edge of the woods, and the moonlit clearing opened up before her.
Her breath caught as she took in the scene, a sweet ache blossoming in her chest. “You did this?”
Baron nodded. “Lehran mating practices are not ‘human friendly’ as you would call it. I caught up to you quickly in the woods to keep you safe and try to guide you here. Lehran’s usually mate in the woods, but I was worried you wouldn’t be comfortable with that tradition.”
Kessia stepped forward, walking into what could only be referred to as a bower. In the warm glow of one of the ship’s emergency lanterns, a pallet of blankets, pillows and furs had been laid out. To the side, a pack and canteen were set, no doubt filled with whatever Baron thought his delicate human mate might need. Surrounding it all, krysa flowers were everywhere, their brilliant white blooms glowing pale blue with their luminescence. “You set this up for me?” She murmured, walking into the midst of the clearing. The three moons above gilded everything in silver, turning the clearing into a magical nest for the two of them.
“Is it alright?” His voice was low and questioning, as if his efforts might not have been enough.
She kicked off her shoes and stepped onto the large pallet, turning to him as she went to her knees. She held out her hand, gesturing him over. “Come here, Baron. Your mate wants you.”
Baron stepped forward and sunk to his knees before her. He met her eyes and she could see the uncertainty in them. “I did not mean to frighten you in the woods.”
Her lip quirked into a wry smile. “To be fair, had you burst from the trees at some point, you still would have scared the life out of me. I’m just not cut out for the wilderness life, I guess.” She shrugged.
“On the contrary,” Baron’s eyes ran the length of her body. “Watching you sprint through the trees was a beautiful sight.” He cupped her cheek, blinking the black membranes over his eyes. “You shone like a star, leaving a trail of glittering stardust in your wake. Never have I witnessed something so stunning.”
Her heart swelled and she leaned forward, reaching for him. He blinked, allowing the black membrane to recede and she shook her head. She had no way to fully grasp what that special eyelid helped him see. He’d explained it as a riot of colour, combining the ability to see changes in heat, electrical impulses and various other ways of seeing. He’d recently admitted he liked to watch her with that vision and expressed a desire to watch her in the throes of pleasure with that sight. “No, I want you to see me. All of me. You can use it.”
He stayed still a moment, eyeing her as if giving her time to withdraw her consent. When she didn’t, he surged forward, catching her up in his arms. She found herself underneath him, pressed into the furs, two of his arms bracing his weight over her.
He rumbled out a deep purr, dark-covered eyes lending him a dangerous edge, and grasped her coverall. In a series of quick movements, he’d ripped through it, leaving her almost bare in the cool air. He paused, eyeing the cleavage her tied top created, even when she was on her back, and his gaze trailed down to the scrap of fabric that was her underwear. A low rumble rolled out of him and one of his big hands spread over her bare stomach. “You light up under my touch.” His fingers traced across her skin. “It sparks with brilliant white light.” He leaned down and pressed soft kisses to the swells of her breasts. “Everywhere we touch glows with your desire.”
Kessia moaned as he caught the knot of her top between his fangs and jerked his head, slicing through the fabric and baring her breasts. She wriggled beneath him, needing more.
He ducked his head and swirled that ridged tongue around her nipple, watching it peak in the cool air before enveloping it in his hot mouth. Baron sucked her nipple before moving to the other, grazing it with his fangs. “You glitter like the sea in sunlight.” His claws traced down her side to the knot of her panties at her hip and shredded it. “Your love astounds me.”
When his huge hand cupped her pussy, she whimpered, lifting her hips to rub against him, but froze when she felt his fingers pushing aside the remains of her panties and slipping into her slick flesh.
“Baron?” Her voice was tremulous as she realized she didn’t feel the deadly claws that tipped those thick fingers.
“Shhh…” Baron nuzzled his cheek into hers, attempting to calm her fear as his fingers slid up and down her wet slit. When she only stiffened, he withdrew his fingers and brought them to his mouth, licking her cream from his digits while he met her eyes. His clawless digits.
“Your claws!” She gasped, worried he’d been hurt. She reached for his hand, bringing the lower arm closer so she could examine it. “How did this happen?”
“I trimmed them from one hand.” He chuckled warmly at her worried expression, dropping light kisses on her brow. “They will grow back, flower. But for tonight, I wanted to touch you as the humans do.”
Her heart beat wildly as she met his dark eyes, knowing he meant their discussion of masturbation. With their sharp claws, he couldn’t touch her delicate flesh the way her human hands could and he’d found it extraordinarily erotic to watch her get herself off by her own hand.
Baron pulled his hand gently from her grip and traced those unclawed fingers down her torso before slipping them over her mound and into her slit. She groaned as those fingers swirled around her clit before going lower and circling her entrance. “I have wanted to feel this.” He murmured, his voice a sexy rasp that strummed across her nerves deliciously. “To feel you in every way I can.” He sunk a single finger halfway into her channel and growled when her inner muscles fluttered around it in needy welcome. He rumbled out a purr and withdrew his finger only to push it back in farther. “Your body is greedy for me.” She moaned as he stroked in and out of her pussy, her hips rising to meet his hand. “I can see the pleasure wind through you.” As she became desperate, he thrust his other finger inside her and pressed the pad of his thumb to her clit.
She cried out, writhing beneath him, her hips bucking into the glorious stretch of his thick fingers. “Please!”
With a flash of fangs, Baron cast her a pleased grin and quickened his strokes. “Come for me, mate.” His dark eyes gleamed in the glimmering lights. “Show me how bright you can shine.”
She dug her nails into his muscled arms, holding on as he stroked over an exceptionally sensitive spot inside her. Her channel fluttered around his thick fingers, trying to milk out something they couldn’t offer. His thumb pressed rhythmically against her pearl and she bucked, once, twice, before she cried out, her grip on his upper arm strengthening as she arched up and climaxed.
“Ah, yes,” Baron murmured against her bare shoulder. “Brighter than any sun.”
Kessia panted as she slowly came down, shuddering in the aftermath of her release, and well aware that his fingers still cupped her sensitive flesh. She met his eyes and her mouth tipped up in a breathless smile. “We have to do that again.”
He patted her pussy like it was a treasured pet and withdrew his hand, bringing it up to his mouth to swipe his long wet fingers with his ridged tongue. The visual gave her a little shiver as she remembered that tongue on other places. Her places specifically. He bared his fangs in a wide smile. “I may never have a full set of claws again.”
They both chuckled.
She eyed his broad chest, reaching up to run her fingers over the thick slabs of muscles and the mood shifted, becoming heated once more. “I believe you mentioned something about oaths.”
“I did.” He ran his clawed fingers through her hair and glanced up at the three moons hanging in the satin dark sky. The largest moon shone silver-white, hovering directly above them, with the two smaller moons glowing palest blue just above the tree line. “It is tradition to exchange oaths beneath the Goddess and her daughters.”
“Are we supposed to say anything in particular?” She questioned, unsure of how this was supposed to work.
Baron shook his head. “We must speak our hearts. Each mating is unique.”
“Okay. Well. I love you and-” She wracked her brain for the right words, trying to put her emotions into speech.
“No, Kessia.” Baron smiled. “We must join first.”
“Oh?” She ducked her head, hiding her heating cheeks. “Well, that makes it easier.”
Baron patted her bare hip. “On your knees, flower. It is time I mate you properly.”
Kessia flipped onto her stomach and pushed up to her knees, shaking the remnants of her panties off when they slid down her thigh. She braced herself on her hands and looked over her shoulder, biting her bottom lip as she watched Baron strip off his cloak and loincloth. He really did cut a striking figure, handsome even to her human eyes. As he prowled up behind her, she couldn’t help but grin and arch her back, raising her hips for him.
He groaned as he caged her beneath him, two of his big hands slipping over her hips and gripping her. He pulled her in tight, his front melding to her back and his cock sliding strong and hard between her spread thighs. It was so like their first meeting that she couldn’t help but shudder. That moment had been both terrifying and tantalizing, being back in this position with him now shot an erotic thrill through her. She doubted she’d ever be able to have sex with him like this without remembering his hard cock stroking her clit and his gruff words in her ear demanding she scream for him.
His nose was buried in the crook of her shoulder, inhaling deeply of her scent. “I love you like this.” His strong hands slid up her sides and curved around to cup her breasts, toying with her pert nipples. “The moment I had you beneath me in that hold, I knew you would be mine.” He told her silkily, letting one hand abandon her breast to slip down her stomach and cup her pussy, spreading the slick lips to the cool air. “Your krysa smell lured me in,” He slipped those unclawed fingers in, hooking them upward. “Then your soft curves enchanted me.” He pressed a sweet kiss into her shoulder. “But your courage captured my heart.” The hot brand of his erection pressed into her as he spread her wet flesh for his entrance.
She groaned as he thrust forward, that broad, flared head conquering her by increments as he withdrew and surged deeper each time. The ridges that arrowed down his cock dragged over every nerve inside her and made her cry out as she met his thrusts with her own. He felt so good, filling all the space inside her. That flared head made it to the end of her channel, fitting like it belonged right there, and as he withdrew it felt as if her body fought to keep it buried, sucking it back in on his next thrust.
Kessia writhed as he set up a rhythm, moving against him to increase both their pleasure. She braced herself the best she could, but as her arms gave out she sunk forward onto her elbows. Behind her, Baron let out that deep growl she loved and his hands grasped her roughly. Two arms banded beneath her breasts and pulled her back against him, tilting them both up until they were on their knees. She gasped as two of his hands grasped her hips, pulling her in tight against his own and burying his shaft as far into her as it could go. His declawed hand slipped down, spreading her pussy wide to his possession, while his other hand curled around her throat. “Kessia.”
“W-what?” She forced out the question, her senses more focused on the huge shaft that she was currently clenching upon.
“Your oath, Kessia.” He prodded gently.
She shook her head, trying to make her brain work for this important occasion. “I-I don’t know what to say.”
His citrine eyes softened as he took her in. “I will go first.” He stroked his fingers over her throat, the light scrap of his claws making her twitch. “I will protect you, the strength of my body and the might of my spear, at your command. I will care for you, providing everything you need to be happy.” He had to clear his throat as she shuddered in his hold, sensation stealing his thoughts for a moment. “I will learn what it takes to be the mate of a Terran, even if that means travelling the stars. I will help you achieve the goals that will fulfill your soul.” He paused and gazed up at the moon before meeting her eyes once more. “I will love you with all my soul until the Mother takes me to the next life.”
Tears crowded her eyes and she clutched at the forearm that crossed her breasts. His sweet words filled her heart to bursting and she had no issue returning his oath with her own. “I will learn what it takes to be the mate of a Lehran, standing by your side and supporting you through whatever the universe throws at us. I will care for you, protect you and teach you about the worlds beyond this one. I will do everything in my power to help you reach your goals.” She swallowed as her voice thickened with emotion, needing to blink away happy tears before she could get her final words out. “I love you.”
Baron’s grip on her loosened so he could turn her slightly, allowing him to capture her lips in a searing kiss. “My mate.” He possessed her mouth, only breaking away when they were both breathless. His hand on her throat stroked her delicate skin. “Mine.”
“Yours.” She agreed.
He partially withdrew and thrust roughly back into her, starting up a punishing rhythm, and she got swept up in his wildness. They moved together beneath the three moons, succumbing to the primitive act. She cried out as his teeth bit into her shoulder and her nails raked his forearm. When she cried out in her orgasm, he growled and buried himself to the hilt inside her. His hand pressed over her pelvis so he could feel the thick bulge of himself inside her as he let her channel milk him dry.
Kessia blinked, her senses coming back to her slowly. Baron clutched her tightly to him, his thick cock still buried inside her as it twitched and softened. The moons shone down upon them, gilding their sweat-soaked skin in silver. Goosebumps broke over her skin as the night breeze blew through the trees and stroked over her damp flesh.
“Ah, already I am a bad mate.” Baron chuckled, withdrawing from her body and reaching for his cloak. He drew the thick pelt around her shoulders as she turned to him with a smile and drew her against his warm body.
“Never.” She smiled up at him, letting him draw her down into the nest to cuddle against his side. Heat radiated from him and she snuggled in tight, her head on his chest. “You’ve been my saviour since we met.”
He chuckled, nuzzling his nose into her hair. “You are too kind, mate.”
She laughed and yawned, the excitement and fresh air taking their toll. Her eyes drifted close, the gentle feeling of Baron’s claws carding through her hair and his warm masculine scent filling her nose, assuring her she was safe. She allowed sleep to take her, secure in her mate’s arms.
Morning came too soon and Kessia found herself surrounded by village well-wishers bearing gifts and congratulations to the newly mated couple. Baron had grinned, kissing her quickly before going to assist his father in moving it all to The Hunter’s store room.
“Ismara, this is too much!” Kessia chided gently, eyeing the two baskets overflowing with leaf-wrapped packaged foods that Baron’s mother was carrying. “You shouldn’t have!”
The older female waved a negligent hand. “My son says you have a way of storing food for long periods on the ship. With these,” She hefted the two heavy woven baskets, “You will be able to have a proper meal no matter where you are.”
“Well, thank you, Ismara. I really appreciate it.” Kessia accepted the baskets, setting them onto the hover sled she was using to load the ship. She was tempted to tell her mother-in-law that she had reprogrammed the ship’s recombinators to create edible meals, but didn’t have the heart. After Baron had described the disgusting emergency rations to his clan, Kessia was pretty sure his mom believed that without her cooking, they would starve.
Ismara’s smile faltered as she watched her oldest son haul a large storage crate into the ship with the help of one of his tribesmen. She reached out, one of her lower hands touching Kessia’s arm gently. “You will look after him?” She inquired quietly, holding Kessia’s eyes.
Kessia smiled softly and nodded. She could understand a mother’s worry, even though her child was grown. “Absolutely. I’ve got his back and he’s got mine.” She patted Ismara’s hand. “Actually, I have a gift for you and Narren!” She slipped away to her work table, which had been cleared of everything except the bags of their belongings. Digging into her bag, she withdrew two black squares with a cord curled on top. “I rigged this up so we could keep in contact.” She sat it down on the edge of the worktable and connected the two squares with the cable. “It’s old tech, but it should work for you. This,” She pointed to the slightly smaller of the black squares. “Is a solar battery. It will gather energy from your sun and store it to power this.” She flipped open the com unit and showed Ismara the black screen. Turning it on, it offered a contact list with only one listing. “This is the com address for The Hunter. You just tap it and it will open a connection for us to talk.”
Ismara eyed the device with a mix of unsure curiosity and warm gratefulness. “You created this for us?”
“Well, Baron and I discussed how to keep you guys in the loop about Kadar, so I came up with something that would work.” Kessia shrugged. “It was no trouble.”
Ismara’s honey-coloured eyes glowed with warmth and she pulled Kessia into a hug. “Thank you, daughter of my heart. This will be a gift I cherish.”
Kessia hugged her back. “You’re quite welcome, Ismara.”
As the two females separated, the menfolk descended the ramp for the final time. Baron strode up to them, his father at his side as the others chatted amongst themselves.
“Everything is packed.” He announced, slipping an arm around Kessia’s shoulders and tugging her into his side. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah. I think we’ve got everything.” Kessia smiled up at him, curious how he was feeling. “Are you ready?”
He nodded. “Yes. The ship is prepared and we have everything we need.” He cast a confident look at his parents. “We will find him.”
Kessia watched Ismara’s lips thin with worry as Narren gripped his son’s shoulder. “You will find him. No one is a better hunter than you.”
Baron gave his father an appreciative nod and stepped forward to hug his parents in turn. “I will bring Kadar home. I swear it.”
“Be safe,” Ismara whispered as she let her oldest son go. At her side, Narren wrapped his arm around her to offer her support. “Safe journey, son. May the Goddess guide your way.”
Baron turned to her and she took his hand when he held it out. As they ascended the ramp, she squeezed his fingers in her own. When he met her eyes, she gave him a small smile. “We can do this.”
“With you at my side, I am ready to face the stars.”
They turned at the top of the ramp, waving to his parents and the gathered tribe, before sealing the hatch and locking themselves into The Hunter. The entirety of Coalition space and the uncharted areas beyond it lay before them. They had cargo to deliver, stolen goods to return, and a lost brother to find.
And they would conquer it all together.