An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication
www.ellorascave.com
Zarius ISBN 9781419913969 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Zarius Copyright © 2007 L.A. Day Edited by Pamela Campbell. Photography and cover art by Les Byerley. Electronic book Publication December 2007 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.
ZARIUS L.A. Day
Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Frisbee: Wham-O, Inc. Obsession: Calvin Klein Trademark Trust
Zarius
Prologue
Planet Reja 312 Three clarifying stones dropped onto the slab of marble. Ventari extended his hand above the stones. Eerily they illuminated as veins of light flowed upward toward the raised hand. His lips turned up at the corners in a triumphant sneer. He was pleased with what the vision revealed. Of late, a sense of impending doom had hovered nearby. His latest discovery of two Rejan females abandoned on planet Earth and the preparations for their extraction gave him a purpose as the Seer. Evil still lurked in the shadows but for now, a greater concern governed his thoughts. He raised his head to stare at the door as his thick, gnarled fingernails rhythmically tapped the marble tabletop. Soon. They would arrive shortly and their destinies would be set in motion. Ventari did not have to wait long. A barely perceivable hiss of air alerted him to the opening of the chamber door. Two large, dark-haired males in their prime stepped through the opening on silent feet. They moved to stand tall and straight before him. “You know what must be done. It is your duty to right the wrong. You must bring back what is ours.” Unblinking eyes stared back at him. “We will not fail,” Zarius El Kyr spoke. “You have never traveled to this remote planet of Earth. I have heard it is a place of magic and beauty. Do not let anything distract you from your mission.” Having imparted those words of wisdom, Ventari stood silent. Seemingly as one, each dropped to a knee before him. “We pledge our lives to you and to this mission,” they said in unison. “Then go, my sons. Bring home what is ours, what is yours.” Without hesitation, the two warriors rose and stepped into the portal.
***** With narrowed eyes, Zar studied Darvin’s grim expression. Usually, Zarius was quite observant but in the excitement of the last few days, he had failed to notice his companion’s discontent. “What troubles you, my friend?” Darvin’s lip curled in what passed as his version of a smile. “I am pleased for you. I know you have sought your mate for many years. It is good she has been located.” “But you wish yours had not been found?” Zar questioned. “It would be for the best, I fear.”
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For a brief time, Zar considered those words. Taking in a deep breath, he slowly released it. He placed one firm hand on Darvin’s shoulder. “She is your destiny. Your life has been void of affection for too long, even more so than mine.” “A warrior has no need of affection,” Darvin replied. “I am a warrior but I have needs.” “Those needs are easily satisfied with a trip to the pleasure house. Of what use is a lifemate?” “Have you no desire for sons and daughters, a family?” Zar asked incredulously. He could not fathom a male not wanting a mate of his own. A male needed a female to provide for his needs and bear his children. “I have no need for my tainted genes to pass on to another generation.” Zar shook his head. Of course, he knew that Darvin’s childhood had affected him but he had not realized to what extent. He considered Darvin a fine friend and an excellent warrior. Only time would tell if he would be a good mate. “You know it is your duty to bring your mate back to Reja.” “Do not concern yourself. As always, I place my duty first.”
***** Size fourteen boots stirred up dust as they landed firmly on the Earth’s soil for the first time. Zarius’ internal scanning system automatically activated. It indicated that the Earth’s atmosphere was capable of adequate life support of the Rejan race. Oxygen levels in an acceptable range and surface temperature was very good. With preliminaries out of the way, Zarius turned his attention to his surroundings. The location of initial arrival was intentionally remote. He had no desire to attract attention. He had used a dense formation of towering trees to disguise his materialization from any undetected humanoid life form. The foliage surrounding him had a fresh scent. The tall trunks supported heavy branches of green, prickly growth. Needle-sharp appendages crunched beneath his feet. Just outside the dense greenery that camouflaged him was a large field. The plant forms mowed to the ground in a symmetrical pattern. He had expected this, since it was the month of October in the state of Indiana. From the information he had absorbed about this planet he knew that this area supported much agriculture and farming facilities. In the far distance stood a wooden structure and his keen sense could barely perceive the monotone of voices. These Earthlings did not concern him for none were his lifemate. Closing his eyes, he cast his face skyward, letting his loose hair cascade down his back. A light breeze carried the smell of wood smoke. Inhaling deeply, he relaxed, using his senses as a guide. A small animal barked from the foliage and several more chirped in the treetops. His skin tingled and a shudder shook his frame. He could feel her.
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For the first time in his life cycle, he could feel the existence of his lifemate. He was not yet close to her but he was far closer than he had ever been. Flipping open his transporter, he made an adjustment in location and activated the device.
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Chapter One “How did you manage to get us a table?” Star Elliot asked her friend, Emily, as she took her seat. The weather was unusually warm and sunny for a fall day in Louisville, Kentucky. The outdoor seating at the downtown café overlooking the Ohio River was packed. “I got lucky. A couple of guys I know were just leaving and they held the table for us.” “Great.” “So, tell me what happened with that promotion?” “Ted got it,” Star replied, not hiding the disgust in her voice. “What? After all that hard work and overtime you put in on the Simpson campaign.” “Well, he did do the initial presentation to them—over a round of golf. Teamwork is the foundation of Thomas and Associates.” Star mocked her supervisor, Mildred. “That sucks.” “Yeah, but I’m not going to let it ruin this day. It is too beautiful. Besides, I listed my résumé on an Internet job search this morning.” “Really? Good luck, though I’ll miss you if you leave.” Star smiled and returned to eating her salad. “Hi, Jim,” Emily’s voice softened to a coo as her friends approached the table. The hairs on the back of Star’s neck rose. Glancing quickly at the two men, Star forced a polite smile to her lips. In her opinion, Jim was a vain simpleton. His friend didn’t look any better. Star tuned out Emily’s chatter, opting instead to eat her lunch. She was raising the fork to her lips when the first shiver slithered down her spine. Snapping her jaw closed, she glanced around curiously. “Right, Star?” “What?” Star snapped her gaze back to Emily when she heard her name. “I was just telling Tommy that you were a standout volleyball player.” “That was a long time ago. High school. Haven’t played in years.” Star narrowed her eyes at Emily in warning. She could smell a rat. Emily was up to her usual matchmaking shenanigans. She wouldn’t have any of it. Star reached for her ice water. A sensation of heat glided along her cheek. “What the hell,” she muttered. Neither Jim nor Tommy was close enough to have touched her.
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“What’s the matter?” Emily asked. “Nothing, just a sharp pain.” Star shook her head, attempting to clear her mind. A flush infused her body. Beginning at her knees, its warmth inched up her thighs, across her abs to her breasts. Her nipples tightened. Sucking in a strangled breath, her gaze locked onto a man on the other side of the café. He was tall, with long dark hair. The breeze off the Ohio whipped his hair around his face, disguising his features, except for his eyes. Intense blue eyes seemed to probe her for a moment before he merged into the crowd and vanished. “Star, have you heard a word I said?” “No. Sorry. There was this man…” “A man? Where?” Emily looked around curiously. “He’s gone now.” “Oh.” “Where are Jim and Tim?” “That’s Jim and Tommy, and they left. Tommy said goodbye to you. Twice, I might add.” Emily’s voice sounded perturbed. “Sorry, but you know I hate it when you try to fix me up.” “Tommy’s perfectly nice.” “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m wasting my best years waiting for Mr. Right.” Emily gave her the same lecture at least once a month and she wasn’t in the mood to hear it again. Zar’s heart thumped in his chest. His breathing was erratic. He had found her. She was all that he’d expected and more. His pulse accelerated. The Supreme Elder had done well for him. She was tall for a female, with long, light blonde hair that nearly touched a waist smaller than the span of his hands. Her face was a vision with a smile that could illuminate a city. As his gaze roamed her body, noting her generous breasts and long shapely legs, he knew she would please him well. Years of training activated without conscious thought as he observed her. Analyzing the immediate environment, he found the outdoor eating establishment harmless enough. Scanning of the occupants revealed hidden dangers. His lifemate’s companion was a female with red hair, obvious charms and was non-threatening. Next to them sat a young couple totally absorbed in each other. He perceived no threat. Two petite, well-groomed females walked by his mate’s table, laughing and oblivious to anyone else. They were of no interest. A slight distance away sat two males, their eyes continually roving to his mate’s table. Their expressions were full of interest—desire. His temperature began to rise. This was a threat to his mate, not of the usual kind, but disturbing nonetheless. When the males stood and approached his mate’s table he nearly followed but restraint was often a part of his missions. He would wait and observe their intent.
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The animated female companion seemed to entertain the men. His mate appeared withdrawn and nervous. She poked an eating utensil at the green, leafy food upon the plate in front of her. A halfhearted smile lifted the corner of her lip in response to what appeared a humorous comment, if you gauged by her companion’s laughter. While he studied her, she cast curious eyes in his direction as if searching for someone. Their eyes met and he froze. Instinct engaged and he quickly moved into camouflage mode and stepped back into a crowd of people. He was not ready for a confrontation. He wondered if she could sense his presence, as he could hers. Observing her from a safe distance, he was pleased to see her companion dismiss the men. Shortly, the two females departed the eating establishment in the direction of a large brick building. His mate cast a furtive glance over her shoulder in his direction as she left. That pleased him greatly. He had learned that most Earthling females worked outside the home. He assumed that was what currently occupied his mate. Since she was busy for the immediate future, he would use the time to discover more about her. His senses easily located her personal dwelling. She resided in a tall building a short distance away that housed many people. Apartments, he had heard them called. Upon entering the building his special senses led him to her door. After ascertaining the residence was currently unoccupied, he used telekinesis to unlock the door and enter her dwelling. Inhaling deeply, he drew her clean, fresh scent into his lungs. Even without his special senses, he would be able to find her anywhere by her scent alone. The unique fragrance intoxicated his mind. Her dwelling, though small and primitive, was tidy. Wandering through the compact domicile, he picked up items and touched them. In that way, he attempted to understand her way of life. There was one bottle of amber liquid. The name upon it was Obsession. He sprayed the liquid in the air and sniffed. It was the fresh scent that layered his fila’s natural fragrance. The name was appropriate. A door slammed and he jerked his head up. It appeared someone had returned to one of the other apartments. It was time he left the dwelling before he was discovered. Picking up a small scrap of lacy material, he inhaled. It held the scent of his mate and his blood heated. Impatiently, he stuffed the cloth into his pocket. He was not used to waiting on anyone or anything. Soon he would inform his mate of her destiny and duty. Certainly she would be thankful to leave this primitive planet for a far more advanced world. She would be pleased to live a life of leisure centered on pleasing him and bearing his children.
***** Star Elliot sat at her desk but her mind was elsewhere. With the toe of one highheeled shoe, she swiveled her chair to face the floor-to-ceiling window. The beauty of the day was lost to her restless thoughts as was the breathtaking view of the city. A strange, nameless hunger raged internally.
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She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts then leaned back against the cushioned chair. Her mind was not on her work today. Sighing, she turned back to try to concentrate on the figures on the computer screen. The gridlines blurred before her weary eyes. Squinting, she pinched the bridge of her nose. She would never complete her work at this rate. Unbuttoning the top button of her blouse, she tugged on the material. Star patted her face with a tissue. “Damn. It’s warm in here,” she muttered to herself. Since yesterday, she’d been overly hot. It was as if someone had flipped a switch and turned her normally dormant sex drive into hyper-drive. She pursed her lips as she contemplated. It had all begun yesterday while at lunch. Had the mysterious stranger caused this reaction? She chuckled. “Yeah, right. More than likely it was bad shrimp in my salad causing an allergic reaction. Maybe shrimp is an aphrodisiac. No. I think that’s oysters. Shit! Now I’m talking to myself.” Star shook her head. Still, there was something about that man. She wouldn’t mind seeing him again. Of course, she hadn’t seen him close enough to be able to identify him. She had only the impression of a large man with dark hair and blue eyes. She shifted on her chair, trying to ease an internal ache. That was a first for her. Most of her life she had wondered why she was different from other girls. Now she wondered what had changed. Why did this particular man make her emotions come to life? She didn’t believe there was only one perfect match for everyone, did she? If so, why him? She hadn’t spoken to him, or even seen him well. Was he attractive? In her opinion, a handsome face and muscled body were great, but the important traits were decency, honesty and dependability. Unfortunately, men in that category seemed in short supply. Her own father certainly had been lacking. Emily’s voice zapped her back to the present. “Star, you ready to grab some lunch?” Emily’s head popped around the doorframe with a raised brow as she awaited Star’s answer. Her auburn tresses swayed in deliberate disarray and Star almost cringed in envy. It wasn’t that she was truly jealous of Emily, though she did admire her free spirit and confidence. Still, Star couldn’t help but like her. Their careers at Thompson and Associates had begun the same week, over two years ago. Immediately, they’d become friends. Although, two more dissimilar people you were unlikely to meet. Emily’s flamboyant nature was the perfect foil to Star’s more reserved and serious personality. Moreover, Emily listened when Star spoke and never used what she said against her. Star had learned the hard way that, in the corporate world, not everyone could be trusted. “I haven’t finished this report yet. I’m just going to grab a sandwich when I’m finished.” A disgruntled sigh escaped Star’s lips. “Okay, catch ya later.” Emily moved off to join a group of coworkers headed, in a mass exodus, for the elevator.
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Loathing of her job was paramount in Star’s mind. Right after graduating from college, with a two-year business degree she had taken an entry-level position. When she was hired, her boss had said they rewarded dedication and hard work. Therefore she had worked tirelessly on her accounts. Not having an active social life had allowed her to spend countless evening and weekend hours at the office. Her ideas for the marketing campaign had allowed them to land one of their largest accounts. Unfortunately, she had received little, if any, credit for her work. Just last week, the promotion she deserved had been denied her, given to a man with only six months seniority. Ted had taken her hard work and used it to land a better position for himself. Sure, he had more experience than she, but he spent little time actually working on new or current accounts. Instead, he spent most of his time golfing and lunching with clients. Schmoozing clients wasn’t her strong point but she’d be damned if she’d continue to do all the work for no recognition. Why was she always the one with her nose to the grindstone? “Those days are over,” she huffed. She turned back to the computer, determined to finish the report. She wanted to get out of the office on time today. After work, she’d check for hits on her résumé and begin planning her professional and personal future. Thirty minutes later, Star printed out the report. She dropped the printout on her supervisor’s desk on the way to the snack bar. With her hand poised to insert quarters for a bag of chips, she stopped. The glint of light coming through the corner window mesmerized her for a moment. From the high-rise vantage point, she could see Waterfront Park. A large prominent oak tree in the full bloom of fall color caught her eye. Stepping closer to the window, she watched a dog running with a Frisbee. A boy gleefully trailed the dog. She could see his exuberance. She could almost hear his laughter through the thick-paned window. A light breeze ruffled the boy’s hair, bringing a smile to her face. Finding the scene irresistible, she headed for the door, temporarily forgetting her dislike of eating alone in public places. Stepping into the midday sun, she turned her face upward and let the rays dance along her flesh. Her lips curled in a half smile at the silent kiss of the sun. Slowly, she wandered down the street, enjoying the fresh air, the crowd noticeably thinned out since the noon rush. The sun was shining directly in her eyes as she turned the corner, headed for the deli and walked into a wall of solid male flesh. She lifted her gaze to find a man staring at her with the most striking steel-blue eyes she’d ever seen. For a moment, neither one spoke or moved as they were both absorbed in their own thoughts. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t see you,” Star stammered but her gaze never wavered from his devastatingly handsome face. He flashed a knowing grin and embarrassment burned its way across her chest, crawling all the way to her hairline. Nevertheless, she didn’t step away from him. “Excuse me.” His deep, sultry, almost musical voice held just a trace of an accent.
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Steadying her with a hand on her arm, he stepped back. In heels, she was six feet but he towered over her, blocking the sun from her eyes. As he moved, she got her first glimpse of the whole package, and what a package it was. Long, jet-black hair, shining blue-black in the midday sunlight, hung below his impossibly broad shoulders. It was a look that, on some men, might appear feminine, but on him it was breathtaking. Golden skin accentuated high cheekbones and a strong jaw. Full, generous lips suggested a sensuous nature. Put all that together and his face was too perfect for a man. “Oh my,” Star murmured, not realizing she had spoken the words aloud. Her gaze quickly skimmed the rest of him. He was what she would describe as the perfect specimen of a man. Her heart pounded against her rib cage and her arm, where his fingers rested, sizzled. She expected her flesh to ignite at any moment. She smiled nervously. “Sorry, I couldn’t see for the sun in my eyes.” Pulling her arm from his grasp, she unconsciously rubbed the spot he had touched. “Your brisk pace bespeaks a female upon a mission.” “I suppose.” She raised one arm and pointed at the deli directly in front of her. “Lunch.” “Ah, I have no wish to keep a female from her feast. Perhaps, I might join you to partake of a meal?” “I was just going to grab a sandwich at the deli. You can come along if you want,” Star said nervously as she quickly thought to check out his left hand for a ring. She studied his long, golden, unadorned finger. Thank goodness, there wasn’t one. Not that it meant anything, but it was a positive sign. “Yes, I want…” he seemed to hesitate briefly, “to join you.” Turning, he extended his arm and she wrapped her hand around his massive biceps. His skin was smooth and silky yet very taut. She had to resist the urge to squeeze his muscled arm. He seemed to exude raw power. She trembled slightly, the newly aroused feelings so overwhelming she thought her knees might buckle beneath her. So engrossed she was, she didn’t notice her coworkers gawking at them as they walked by. The feel of his warm flesh beneath her fingertips and his clean, male scent seemed to inebriate her soul. Zar’s first thought upon feeling his mate pressed intimately against him was that she was even lovelier up close than at a distance. His second was decidedly more carnal and prompted him to take a step back before she felt his reaction. From a distance, he had admired her. But up close, her radiant beauty caused his body to throb with desire. This he had expected. However, he had not expected what he thought was his heart turning over in his chest. Zarius quirked a brow, unsettled by his own reaction but decidedly pleased with her response to him. This might be easier than he’d anticipated. After observing a few
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females of her kind, he had been concerned that she might be too independent to conform easily to Rejan ways. As they entered the small restaurant Zar cast a suspicious gaze about, taking note of their surroundings. There were many Earthlings jammed into the small establishment. Out of habit, he scanned the occupants. Discovering nothing out of the ordinary, he led his mate to the counter. Having partaken of a meal at several places since his arrival, he had found most of the foods he had ordered edible and some delicious even. He ordered the same as his mate—a tuna sandwich. What he received was mush on soft bread. He hoped the taste exceeded the smell. “Oh my gosh,” Star exclaimed as she took her seat in a booth at the back of the crowded deli. “We haven’t introduced ourselves. My name is Star. Star Elliot.” Luminous eyes turned to him expectedly. He had just taken a bite of his mush, which was not as bad as he feared. Hurriedly he chewed before responding. “I like your name.” He thought it very appropriate. “I am named Zarius. My closest friends address me as Zar.” “Hmm, I like it. It’s different, like you. What’s your last name?” Her vivid green eyes danced as she spoke. Her apparent innocence entranced Zarius. “El Kyr.” Their eyes met and he observed a shiver shake her small frame. Her already rosy checks flushed. He knew his stare was making her uncomfortable but as long as their eyes met, they forged a connection. In his mind, he could see them together at his home on Reja. He could feel the warmth of her flesh beneath his. He could almost taste the sweet cream he knew gathered between her thighs. Tearing his gaze from hers, he was not surprised to hear a small gasp escape her lips. He wondered if the connection was as strong for her. Could she feel his wants and desires, their need of each other? Did she understand their connection? Zar watched her intently, reading the many expressions as they crossed her radiant face. Without Rejan shields, her emotions were transparent and he easily read confusion, desire and a little fear. She watched him silently as she nibbled her sandwich. “I wish very much to see you again,” Zar whispered hoarsely. His heated gaze followed her petal pink tongue as it darted out to lick her pouty lips. Reflexively, the muscles in his stomach tightened. His cock began to rise as his balls constricted at the thought of licking those ripe lips. “You would?” Star’s exclamation was a mere whisper. “Of course. How can I resist the most beautiful creation on Earth?” Zar stated curtly, and then winked mischievously. Sensing her hesitation, he slid his hand across the slick tabletop and tightly enclosed hers. He smiled crookedly. “Do not distress, you will enjoy my company.”
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Star giggled and pulled her hand from his grasp. Taking a writing utensil from her purse, she wrote upon a scrap of paper and slid it across the table to him. “Here are my numbers if you want to call me.” She met his steady gaze. “I have to get back to work now. The top number is my home and the bottom is my work number.” Zar watched her as she spoke and her genuine laughter warmed his heart. Attentively, his eyes followed her loose-limbed gait and the sway of her curvaceous hips, covered in blue cloth, as she walked out of the restaurant. Admiring her lithe body and graceful stride, he did not look down at the numbers until she was out of sight. When he did, he let out an exasperated breath. He did not understand how these numbers would assist him. Noticing a smudge on the napkin in the color of her lips, he brought the paper to his nose. It still carried her scent. He folded the scrap and placed it in his pocket. Purposefully, he strode out of the deli and down the paved street to the park near the building that his mate had entered. He was not oblivious to all the admiring glances shot his way, but he ignored them. There was a time when he would have acted on the unspoken invitations offered by those females. In the past, while traveling the galaxies, he had sought his pleasure with many females. Now that he had found his betrothed, there would be no one else for him. Their obvious charms did not heat his blood the way her innocent, yet inquisitive response did. Seeking endless conquests had grown tiring, even mundane. Now he desired only one female. Taking a seat on a park bench, his mind raced. Many Earthling customs concerned him, not the least of which was the way the males treated their females. On Reja, males rarely interacted with females unless they were blood relatives. A female brought the ultimate pleasure to her mate. Therefore they protected and cherished them. Rejan males knew from childhood to treat all females with reverence, as he would have another treat his mate. Rejan males never seduced another male’s mate, for to do so would be asking for the same for your own mate. Zarius had never mated with a Rejan female, as the only available females were widows. Therefore he had taken his male needs to the houses of pleasure on Sator 110 as expected of all Rejan males learning the ways of joining. Here, on this slightly barbaric planet, it appeared as if males and females mated at will and often without the benefit of binding rituals. The females seemed nearly as aggressive as the males. This he could not understand because, even in pleasure houses, females were submissive to males. It was good his mate did not appear to be that way. He would not let those customs disturb him for his mate was only half Earthling, and of course, her Rejan half would be superior. It was predestined that she would be his.
*****
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Before Star could stash her purse in her desk drawer, Emily arrived and clicked the door shut behind her. “Who was he? And does he have a twin brother?” Emily nearly gushed. “His name is Zarius,” Star replied. “I just met him.” Sighing dreamily, she collapsed back in her chair, whirling it around. “Zarius, hmm…erotic.” Emily giggled. “Oops, I meant exotic or maybe not. Anyway, does the poster boy of all times have a personality? Can he walk and talk too?” Emily’s big blue eyes danced merrily. “I know what you mean. He makes me feel…I don’t know, something. Something tingly, but he seems quite nice too. He said he wants to see me again, so I gave him my number.” Star felt bewildered. “Do you think he’ll call?” Emily smiled reassuringly. “Yes, he’ll call. Did I mention that I hate you?” Star ignored the comment because she knew Emily didn’t mean it. “What do I say if he calls?” “Yes, yes, yes! Sorry, I forgot myself for a moment.” Emily chuckled. “Okay, what do you know about him?” “His name is Zarius El Kyr. He’s foreign, I think.” Star frowned. Brushing back hair that escaped the clasp at the back of her head, she realized she knew very little about him. He was the handsomest man she had ever seen. He was the only man who had ever caused such delicious feelings to bubble up inside her. “That’s it. You had lunch with him and that’s all the info you got?” Emily paced the room, her stiletto heels clicking on the tile floor. “You really do need my help.” “What should I have asked?” Star realized she was out of her league. Her dating experience was very limited and she’d never dated anyone as gorgeous as Zarius. She was doubtful if such a man even existed. “First and most important, is he married? If he is, as gorgeous as he is, don’t waste your time, he’ll only break your heart. Second, what does he do for a living? You don’t need a freeloader.” Emily smiled devilishly. “At least not permanently, you could keep him around long enough to melt some of that ice.” “Ice, what ice?” Star glared at Emily. “I am not an ice queen, I’m just particular.” “Yeah, particularly cold,” Emily retorted. “Don’t get me wrong, if you’re into the whole wait for marriage thing. That’s cool.” Emily wiggled her eyebrows. “But if not, I think Zarius might be just the man to raise your temperature a notch or two. Hell, he could end an ice age.” Star laughed with her friend. It was a standard joke between them, how tongue-tied she was around men, especially compared to Emily’s flamboyant nature. Pulling a pencil out of her desk drawer, she flipped to an empty page in her steno pad. “All right, so I find out if he’s married. I did remember to look and he wasn’t wearing a ring.” Tapping the pencil thoughtfully against her lips, she remembered those long, thick fingers attached to large hands. She could only imagine what they were capable of. At
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the thought, a shiver shook her body. “Uh, how do I go about asking what he does for a living without sounding like a gold digger?” Emily hesitated, appearing to think for a moment. “Since you saw him at lunch ask him if he works around here? He’ll probably volunteer the rest.” Crossing the room, Emily perched on the edge of Star’s desk. With a slight adjustment to her short black leather shirt, she continued, “If he doesn’t, tell him about your job. Then say something like, so what about you?” Star hurriedly took notes, all the while feeling pathetic. How could she have gotten to her age and be this uneducated in the ways of dating. “Okay, what’s next?” “Well, there are a lot of things you need to know, where he lives, his phone number, family stuff. But don’t under any circumstances forget two very important things—birth control and diseases,” Emily explained. Star’s eyes jerked nervously away, as the lead in her pencil snapped. “Damn. I think you’re a little ahead of me. That’s down the road. I mean, I’m looking for a relationship but I’m not going to just hop into bed with him.” “Why?” “Why what?” “What not hop into bed with him? Not immediately but once you get to know him. I know working your way through college and working your ass off here has not been conductive to a social life but you’re an adult now.” “Yes, well…” Star trailed off. “All I’m saying is if you want him, don’t let someone else grab him up. Just be careful and use condoms.” “Won’t he take care of that?” “I’m sure he’ll take care of it, just make sure he does.” Emily shoved off the desk. “I better get back to work before we both get fired. You know where to find me, if you need me. Just be careful.” Emily’s warning seemed to echo in the room as she opened the door and disappeared down the hallway. Mildred, Star’s supervisor interrupted her thoughts a moment later as her voice came over the intercom. “Star, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “I have some questions on the sales analysis report. Come to my office. Now!” With a click, the one-sided conversation ended. “Now!” Star mouthed silently, making a face at the intercom. Now she was in for it. What had been shaping up to be a perfectly wonderful Friday was about to be ruined. Getting up to head down the hall, she hit her leg against the open file drawer, snagging her pantyhose. “Just great,” she muttered under her breath. That was more like her usual luck. She hoped it wouldn’t mean working late again tonight. She had plans! She needed to wait by the phone, shave her legs, give herself a manicure, a pedicure, condition her hair, and anything else she could think of.
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***** Down the street, Zarius waited in the park on a secluded wooden bench with a stand of trees offering him shade. Relaxing, he sniffed the fragrant air, inhaling the scents of the various trees and foliage surrounding him. His native Reja had an abundance of vegetation very similar to many of these plants. Now that he’d made the acquaintance of his future mate and had a lull in time, he thought to contact Darvin Ta Mire. Pulling a small communication device out of his pocket, he flipped it open. Zarius pushed several buttons and a series of coded lights appeared. The device snapped closed. Darvin had not located his mate yet. This did not concern Zarius, he knew Darvin well and once he set his mind to a mission, failure was not a viable option. Turning his attention to observing the Earthlings, Zar watched them and their animals at play. From his observation, they seemed quite similar to the people of Reja. He could now understand how Star’s father, Teman, could become involved with an Earthling female. What he could not comprehend was impregnating an Earthling and leaving her and his child behind. An important element of a Rejan boy’s teachings was how to give and receive sexual pleasure without the risk of pregnancy. Only with a lifemate could you experience complete fulfillment. To do otherwise could leave a child behind and was unthinkable. A little girl with blonde, curly hair ran by Zarius, giggling as she chased a furry little creature. Silently, he regarded her, wondering if any of the children Star would give him would have blonde hair. Children were paramount to the Rejan people. Unable to locate his mate for so many years Zar had feared he would never father a child. He no longer harbored that fear. Now he waited impatiently for the appropriate time to mate with Star. To finally release his seed deep within his woman so it could take root. The cackle of the little girl’s laughter drew his gaze. Her father swept her up in his arms and swung her around. She giggled the wholehearted, innocent laugh of a child. Zar considered what it must have been like for Star to grow up without a father’s love and guidance. Could she tell that she was different? Did her Rejan blood sing out for her to find her mate, as his had? Zarius knew that she was chaste. She had waited for him, even though she did not know for whom she waited. Unsurpassed joy flowed through him to discover her untouched. He had not considered otherwise until arriving on this planet and observing some of the occupants. Rejan males expected purity in their brides, and could set aside a mate for less. The corners of Zarius’ lips curved up with pleasure, knowing he did not have to make that decision. Star had waited and was ripe for him to take. His senses had detected immediately that she was untouched. There were no markings of another male upon her and the look in her eyes confirmed what his senses told him. Would I have been able to set Star aside, if she had not waited for me? he wondered. After all, she was half
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Earthling and knew nothing of Rejan ways. It would be his pleasure to teach her Rejan ways along with many other lessons. Zar’s body hummed with the need to possess her. He had waited much longer than most to find his mate. His cock hardened at the direction of his thoughts. Touching her alabaster skin and instructing her in the ways of passion—he broke out in a cold sweat. He couldn’t wait to see his mark upon her. The five-pointed star birthmark on the inside her right thigh would identically match his and proclaim them lifemates. Zarius gazed at the Earth’s sun, determining by its descent that the time of Star’s departure approached. He stood and ambled out of the park, ignoring the two females trying to attract his attention. His focus was solely on the structure ahead. Star would not exit without his knowledge. Many Earthlings began to exit the building but Star was not among them. Tuning into his internal senses, he could detect Star’s presence in the structure. Tired of waiting, he strolled by the exiting people and into the lobby. Locating her in the building would not be difficult but he did not want to appear suspicious. With a grunt, he leaned against the wall across from the elevators. Crossing his legs at the ankles, he projected a relaxed facade. In truth, he scanned each individual that crossed his path. A jolt of awareness bristled the hair on the back of his neck. Pivoting his head, he located Star as she exited a doorway to his right. Awareness crackled as their eyes met. Her lips parted on a quickly drawn breath, and she stumbled slightly. Flashing a dazzling smile, her eyes widened. Those were signs of excitement and desire. He studied her through half lowered lashes. His gaze boldly traveled her person, missing not a detail. Not the wispy tendrils of hair coming loose from her clasp, the smudge of ink on her forehead or the small run in her pantyhose. Certainly, he did not miss the buttons that had come undone on her blouse, showing just enough creamy cleavage to make the blood rush to his already alert cock.
***** With the elevator in use, Star jogged down the stairs. The exercise would do her good. She needed to clear her mind and forget her hectic afternoon. She refused to let the extra work dumped on her, or the overtime it took her to complete it, ruin her weekend. She wanted to get home where she could savor having met Zarius. The thought of him sent chills down her spine. Stepping into the lobby, she patted her hair, trying to restore a semblance of order to the wayward mess. The exit was straight ahead but her gaze was inexplicably drawn to her left. There he stood, against the wall, his laser eyes trained on her. Without conscious thought, she walked toward him. She could feel his eyes upon her and her panties dampened in reaction. Stopping just short of him, her heart pounded. Her breathing became erratic. Swallowing deeply, she allowed her eyes to roam. Did this man have any faults? If he did, they weren’t behind those tightly molded jeans. They hugged his muscular thighs and hips in a way that was indecent. Her mouth suddenly dried as she noted the 19
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way they cupped the impressive bulge in the front. Star’s ogling gaze traveled up over his extraordinary chest, covered only in tightly stretched cotton, to his face. From the glint in his eyes, she knew he hadn’t missed her perusal of him. Gulping, she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She snapped her mouth shut and turned her gaze to the windows. Damn, I’m an inept idiot and subtle too. With the gentle touch of one finger under her chin, he turned her reluctant gaze to meet his thick-fringed eyes. The look conveyed his understanding to her. His warm fingers rode the curve of her cheek before lowering to grasp her hand, entwining their fingers. “Come, my fila.” Star briefly wondered over his accent and the unusual nickname. “You must not be from around here.” She was shocked to hear how breathy her own voice sounded. “Why would you say that?” His head cocked to one side. “You have an accent and your terms are slightly different than ours.” He did not respond to her comment, just looked at her through his veiled eyes and arched one dark brow cynically. “I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s kinda cute, just different, that’s all,” Star replied softly. “No offense will be taken.” A wicked grin followed his words. “Do you work in this building too?” Star asked, floating happily along at his side, feeling as if her feet didn’t quite touch the ground. “No.” Star stopped abruptly and looked up at Zar. “You’re not married, are you?” A frown marred his handsome face as his brow furrowed. “If I were married, my fila, why would I wish to be here?” Star smiled shyly. “Sorry, I just needed to be sure.” Star was trying to remember Emily’s advice. What was she supposed to ask next? Birth control and diseases popped into her head and she stumbled, nearly falling down the front steps. Zarius quickly steadied her and gathered her to his side. All thoughts of questions and answers flew from her mind as the heat from his arm burned through the barrier of clothing. As they walked, her shoulder rubbed against his side and her hip occasionally brushed his upper thigh. Tension hummed through her body. Her insides were on a slow meltdown and all he had done was wrap an arm around. She glanced up at the large, dark-haired man at her side. Was he the man she saw at the cafe yesterday? Certainly, the emotions he aroused were similar. On the other hand, was it just now that her passions were no longer dormant, she might respond to any attractive man. No, she thought. Ricky from accounting had stopped by her office that morning and he was certainly attractive. Nevertheless, she felt nothing. No, those feelings seemed only for Zarius.
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“You’re quiet.” Star remarked, hoping he would initiate a conversation. Her communication skills with the opposite sex were sadly lacking. “I enjoy your presence even if no words are spoken.” Star took that as a good sign and lapsed into silence. It was fall and the days were short, darkness was already beginning to descend and a cool breeze filled the air. Star noticed they were walking in the direction of her apartment but thought little of it. She walked this way every day, always in a hurry, never taking the time to look around at the neighborhood or the people. Next to Zar, she felt safe to relax and stroll along, unafraid of the darkness rapidly enveloping them. Smells of freshly cut grass and steaks on the grill teased her senses. A little girl doing somersaults on the front lawn drew a smile to her face. She marveled at the way she felt, never having felt this good before. She was excited, nervous and bubbly. Underneath all that was a sense of total peace, a peace with herself and the world around her. For the first time in her life, she felt whole. It was a feeling she wanted to cherish. “Eeek,” Star shrieked as a streetlight blew with a loud pop. Frightened, she nearly climbed onto Zar. “Sorry. Last week there was a shooting a couple blocks from here and I’m still a little jumpy.” “You are safe,” he whispered in her ear as his arm came around her. She had always considered herself too tall but not so now within his embrace. Her head tucked under his chin and her check pressed against the smoothness of his neck. She inhaled and her senses reeled. His unusual cologne was as striking as the man was. “Thank you,” she whispered. Her heart pounded in a rapid tattoo. His nearness, more so than the fright, increased the pace. His body was firm and unyielding but his touch was gentle. His lips brushed her temple and she shivered. The evidence of his arousal pressed heavily against her stomach. The feel of it scattered her wits but she was glad she wasn’t the only one affected by the innocent embrace. One large, bold hand palmed her lower back and she felt him subtly shift her, just enough to up the heat another notch. His gentle caress weakened her knees. Before she lost all control, she placed a hand against his chest, levering her body away from his. As soon as she struggled, he released her. “Sorry.” “No. I…it was my fault.” “There is no fault in feeling as we do.” Suddenly, Star realized where they were standing. She was amazed to find them in front of her apartment building. She hadn’t been guiding them, had she? She looked up at Zar—his intense eyes asked a question…a question she was ill-prepared to answer. “Will you allow me into your dwelling?” Zar asked. He angled her to face him. Placing both hands on her hips, he regarded her from deep, probing eyes. Drowning in his compelling gaze, his blue eyes were like pools of deep water pulling her into their depths. She was unsure of her response, as it seemed she had no will of her own and she muttered, “I don’t…I mean…maybe but…uhhh…yeah, sure.” 21
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Desire to spend time with him overruled her normally cautious nature. She trembled in his embrace as her body seemed to unknowingly respond to something in him. When they reached her door, her hands were shaking so badly she could hardly fit the key into the lock. Upon entering, she nervously looked about, hoping she had put away all her laundry. The small one-bedroom apartment was sparsely furnished but it was clean and neat. She wondered what he thought of it. It was all she could afford on her salary. The building in the E-Main district of Louisville was old, built in the Thirties but had been kept in good condition. Most of the tenants were retired people, so it was relatively quiet. She had moved in about a year ago, when the commute from her mother’s rural farmhouse became too much for her. She heard the click of the door as Zar closed it behind him and she glanced back. He appeared even larger in the close confines. Star swallowed nervously. “Sit down, please.” She motioned to the couch. “Can I get you something to drink? I probably don’t have much, just milk, diet soda or water.” “Water please,” Zarius answered as he sat on one end of the couch.
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Chapter Two Tentatively, Zar placed his weight on the couch. He was unsure if it was sturdy enough to hold him. The furnishings, though small and worn, appeared functional and he relaxed. To this point, he felt things were progressing as foreseen. His lip curled as he picked up a magazine that was lying on the small wooden table. Boldly printed on the cover were the words, How to attract a man, and the top 10 ways to keep him happy in the bedroom. Quickly, he flipped through, scanning the contents. “Humph,” he snorted. His fila would learn from him, not a magazine article. Only he would satisfy her curiosity. Star approached and he flipped the magazine onto the table with a quizzical arch of his eyebrow. A flush of embarrassment colored her face as she glanced at the discarded magazine. Her long, delicate fingers shook as she held out his drink. Grasping the glass, their fingers brushed briefly, sending an electrical jolt up his arm. A gasp escaped her lips. It was obvious she’d felt the spark as well. Quickly, pulling her hand back, she scampered past him to take a seat on the opposite end of the couch. “Thank you.” Zar saluted her with his glass. Although he eyed the distance between them critically he did not remark upon it. “I was wondering,” Star asked. “How did you know where I live?” He shifted uncomfortably under her huge, quizzical eyes. Seizing the opportunity, he slid down the couch. The springs groaned under his bulk as he closed the distance between them. “I must confess. I observed you walking home yesterday.” Technically, that was not a lie. He had observed her yesterday. There was no need to inform her he had located her dwelling on his own, first. Zarius read the concern on her face and quickly sought to reassure her. “Do not fear me. I wish to inflict no harm upon you. I will not do anything you do not wish for.” Enclosing her dainty hand in his grasp, he brought it to his lips. Her skin was cool and satiny against his lips as he brushed them across the palm of her hand. Closing his eyes, he let his other senses gauge her reaction. Her startled gasp was followed by a shiver. Her pounding heart echoed his. Cool flesh warmed beneath his touch. All were good signs that she desired him, as he needed her. Opening heavylidded eyes, he pinned her to her seat with a probing stare. Not attempting to conceal the hunger in his gaze, he eyed her boldly. His blood sang as never before. As his lips traveled to the pulse point on her wrist, he softened his voice. “Please forgive me. Entranced by your innocent beauty, I could not resist following you. I was searching for you today at mealtime, when you came upon me.”
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Continuing his journey, his sharp teeth nibbled a series of love bites up the lightly scented, sensitive skin of her inner arm. His words and kisses seemed to have the desired effect. She offered no resistance when he drew her near. Wrapping one arm around her, he used his other hand to caress the delicate curve of her neck. At his touch, she nervously swallowed. Slowly, his fingers slid up the silky expanse of her throat, over her chin until his thumb reached her mouth. He brushed the full, bottom lip and her tongue involuntarily darted out of her mouth to wet her dry lips. He could feel the frantic beat of her heart. He exhaled a low growl at the sight of her pink tongue and wished to claim it as his own. Electricity crackled, he had never felt such chemistry. He continued to smooth the moisture across her lips as his head lowered. His lips paused just inches from hers. He inhaled as she exhaled, taking her clean, fresh breath deep into his lungs. As his hungry lips descended those final inches to touch hers, she groaned and her lips trembled against his. His hand moved to caress her delicate jawline, tilting her head to allow him better access to her mouth. His lips grazed hers and a tremor of desire more powerful than he had ever felt shook him at the first touch of her innocent mouth. Velvet lips parted beneath his and he sipped them as if they were succulent nectar. His tongue coaxed her mouth to open farther, allowing him access inside to caress and lick the honeyed depth. Drawing away slightly, he gauged her response as he nibbled her lower lip. Her eyes were heavy-lidded and passion-glazed. She breathed in a slow pant. He was surprised to realize his own breathing seemed a little ragged. This was unlike him, since usually he remained in total control of all his emotions. Her previous kisses had not prepared her for this. Strong arms gathered her closer to his firm, unyielding chest. Hands that had been lying useless in her lap took on a life of their own. Skimming across his broad shoulders, they tangled in his thick, silky hair. Drawing him ever-so-slightly closer, she inhaled his tantalizing scent. As he drank from her lips, she feared he would devour her. Oh my! His tongue continued to stroke into her mouth, urging—no, demanding—a response. She was helpless to resist. Large, capable hands heated her flesh through her thin blouse. Before she knew what was happening he ran his hand down under her hips and lifted her to sit on his lap. Muscular thighs nestled her bottom, and she squirmed restlessly, trying to ease an internal ache. Star knew she was way out of her depth. Thoughts of protest entered her mind but just as quickly diminished. Unfamiliar sensations scattered her wits. A bold hand now skimmed the length of her thigh. The massaging caress ran from her knee to her upper thigh where her skirt had risen to as he’d lifted her. Her head fell back and his mouth descended to nuzzle her exposed neck. Licking a path down her throat, he blew his hot breath across it. She convulsively shivered as a current of heat settled between her
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thighs. She knew she couldn’t stop him. Didn’t want to stop him. She arched as his lips brushed the upper curve of a breast. Please, oh please! Just when she thought bliss was within reach Zar withdrew and abruptly set her away from him. The abrupt end to his lovemaking startled and confused Star. A low moan of protest escaped her lips. Had she done something wrong? Gathering a ragged breath, she opened her eyes. Her curious gaze found Zarius reclining against the couch with his eyes closed. A pained expression marred his face as he ran hurried fingers through his long hair. As Star’s breathing slowed to normal, sanity prevailed. Embarrassment heated her skin to realize Zar was the one to stop the seduction. He probably thought her a wanton. He was the first man to make her feel this way and she had completely lost her head. Inwardly she groaned. As she scrutinized Zarius, he opened his eyes. Beneath long, sooty lashes, his laserblue gaze assessed her. Nervously, she worried her lower lip. Roughly, he exhaled, turning his large frame toward her. “I did not mean to take it so far,” Zar said in a hoarse tone. Star couldn’t meet his probing gaze and abruptly rose from the couch with the intention of escaping to the kitchen. Obviously, the attraction was on one side. He doesn’t want me and I’ve made a fool of myself. “Do not run away.” Zar jumped to his feet and his massive frame blocked Star’s path. He grasped her chin, forcing her to make eye contact. “There is no shame in what we have done. It is our destiny.” Star closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to calm her erratic heartbeat. Opening her eyes, she studied him thoroughly. He was stunning. He radiated male potency. No wonder she couldn’t resist. “I don’t usually…uh…don’t want you to think…” Star waved her arm in the direction of the couch as she stuttered over the words. “I’m usually not like this.” He edged closer, a wicked grin tugged at his lips and she backed up as far as the couch would allow. “You need not tell me that. I know you are untouched,” Zar stated with a satisfied smirk. Horrified, Star glowered at him. She must have seemed completely inept to him. No wonder he’d stopped. He must have found her lacking. “What do you mean, untouched? I’ll have you know that I—” Placing a finger on her lips, he halted her words. “Do not tell me untruths. I have tasted the truth upon your lips.” His knowing gaze trapped her. Slowly, his eyes lowered, taking in her now-gaping blouse. Star followed his gaze and gasped. Grabbing the gaping material, she shielded her breasts from his gaze. Hurriedly, she tried to button her blouse with fingers that did not want to cooperate. Finally, she gave up and just held the edges of her blouse together. “Do not try to hide from me what will be mine,” Zar told her.
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“You…you obnoxious, arrogant beast. Ahhh,” she fumed. “You can leave.” Star stomped her foot and pointed at the door, outraged by his remark. He didn’t own her. Zar stepped closer. “I will leave now. I will return tomorrow. Be prepared.” Zarius whirled and was out the door before her befuddled mind could come up with a reply. Storming across the room, she flung open the door to tell him what she thought of his high-handed manner. He was already out of sight. Slamming the door shut, she collapsed against it, sagging. Her shaking knees no longer wanted to support her. She double-checked the lock on the door. Unease roiled through her stomach. His presence still filled the room. His musky cologne overwhelmed her senses and she ran to her bedroom but she could not escape it. The scent clung to her. She stripped and hopped in the shower. She gasped at the splash of cold on heated flesh. Hopefully, the chilly water would erase his scent from her body and his touch from her mind.
***** Zar paced the hotel room he’d rented near Star’s apartment. It was a small, barren room but he needed little. His only true need was not available to him at the moment. He stretched his weary frame. Tense muscles protested. He was so close but yet too far. His body hummed with arousal. Since meeting his mate his blood had yet to cool. His needs were great but he would practice patience. The female who had rented him the room was blatant in her offer of relief but he had no desire for her body. Only his fila could sate his lust now. His lip curled just thinking of her. She would be a good mate for him. She possessed passion and fire. With his expert training she would become the perfect Rejan mate. His blood burned for him to take her and claim her in the most elemental way as his lifemate but his mind prevailed. She was not ready. It was better to make her wait, let her long for what only he could give her. In this way, he would begin to teach her. He was master. It was her duty and privilege as his mate to serve him and his needs.
***** Star awoke Saturday morning to a persistent ringing. Groaning, she felt along the nightstand for the alarm clock, only to realize it was the telephone ringing. Who would call her at this ungodly hour of the morning? Groggily answering the phone, she focused her bleary eyes on the digital clock, nine-thirty. Star shot straight up in her bed. “Hello,” her early morning voice crackled. “Well, I had you pegged as an early riser,” Emily’s voice sounded much too cheerful on the other end of the line. Star flopped back onto the satiny pillows scattered across the bed. “So did he call?” Emily inquired. “No,” Star answered curtly, staring at the small crack in the ceiling over her bed. A sleepy fog clouded her mind.
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“Oh, well, don’t give up. He probably had plans last night. I bet he’ll call you today.” Emily tried to cheer her up. “I saw him last night. He was waiting for me in the lobby after work,” Star grumbled into the phone. “Oh my, give me all the details,” Emily cooed. “There’s not much to tell.” “Don’t hold back on me, after all, I gave you all my best advice.” “Okay, he walked me home. He came up for a bit and said I’d see him today,” Star supplied Emily with a very condensed version of her night. There was no way she could tell her all that had transpired. She was still confused about it all. One big blur of surreal images roiled through her head. She must have conjured up the feelings she remembered in her dreams. They were much too potent to be real. Her heart pounded. His taste lingered on her tongue. A sizzle of heat flushed through her at the thought of him. Emily sighed. “Not even a little peck on the cheek? I thought more of him.” Star relented a little. “All right, there was a kiss. It was…” A million thoughts went through her mind—passionate, hot, steamy, and erotic. She settled for “Nice”. “Nice. Nice, that’s it, nice? Now I am disappointed with him,” Emily exclaimed disgustedly. “Very nice. Very, very, very nice. Are you happy now?” Star nearly yelled into the phone. Sitting up in the middle of the bed, she brushed her sleep-tangled hair back out of her face. “Hmm. Are you holding back on me?” Emily questioned. “No, that’s about it.” Star crossed her fingers. Thankfully, Emily was not questioning her in person, because she was not a very good liar. “Well, he probably didn’t want to scare you off. After all, it wasn’t even a date. Did he say when you’d see him? Today or tonight?” Emily questioned curiously. “Uh, no, he’s gonna call me. We’ll talk about it then, I guess.” Star didn’t tell her that she was going to refuse to see him. He was just too bossy, pushy, arrogant, sexy…smoldering. “What did you find out about him? Where does he work?” “I don’t know, I tried, but I got distracted. When I saw him in the lobby, I asked if he worked in our building. He just said no. I did find out he’s not married and I tried to think of what came next. Then I looked at him, and all I could think of was the birth control and disease thing and I nearly fell down the stairs.” Star shook her head at the memory. He probably thought she was a hopeless idiot. “Way to make an impression.” “I’m such a dork.”
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“No, you’re not. You’re just a novice, and looks like his could distract the best of us. I’m sure you’re not the first girl to take a tumble for him.” “Thanks.” Star didn’t need that image in her mind. “That’s what friends are for. I’d better go, I have a hair appointment and you need to keep this line free in case he’s trying to call. See ya,” Emily said. “Bye,” Star murmured as the line clicked in her ear. She flopped back on the bed to clear her mind. Her night had been a restless one to say the least. Initially, she had trouble drifting off, her mind in turmoil. She remembered the things she’d done, and the things she wished she’d said. She could always think of a witty comeback when it was too late. Finally, she’d fallen asleep only to have her dreams invaded. In her dreams, he hadn’t stopped with just kisses. He had touched her and she him. His hot, firm lips had suckled at her breast and his tongue had drawn a fiery trail across her stomach to her curls. Slipping her fingers into her damp panties, she found the nub of flesh he had nibbled. The tender flesh was sensitive to the touch. Heat colored her cheeks. Had she been fingering herself in her sleep? Tentatively, she circled her clit. A ripple of pleasure shimmied up her spine. She gasped. She’d never felt that kind of pleasure before. When she was younger, she’d experimented with touching herself but found no satisfaction in it. Suddenly, her sexuality had awakened and she was a little uncomfortable in her own skin. Last night, she’d awoken trussed up in her sheets, her nightgown drenched with sweat. Tossing for hours, she’d finally dozed only to have penetrating silver-blue eyes and velvet lips discovering all her secrets. Star shivered and shook herself out of the reverence. “Damn it! I can’t lie here and fantasize all day. I guess a cold shower is in order.” Freshly showered, Star grabbed her fuzzy robe and headed for the kitchen. Her stomach grumbled. Obviously, her extracurricular activities had stirred an appetite. That and the fact that she had missed dinner had her scrambling eggs and toasting a bagel. Turning on the television, she watched the weather as her coffee brewed. Warm and sunny, it would be a perfect day for a morning jog. The bright morning sun teased her through the kitchen window. She had chores to do before she could get outside and burn off her excess energy.
***** Taking a corner seat in the public library, Zarius angled the screen so no one could see. The computer system he was utilizing was primitive, but functional. If anyone observed him closely, they would be astonished as the screen scrolled rapidly. Plugging his remote communicator into the computer, he stored the information into memory for future use. “Interesting,” he muttered. He could use much of the data to his advantage.
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Since reaching the decision to form a bond with Star before telling her of her destiny, he had formulated a plan. Acquiring information was just the beginning. He would learn her way of life before he taught her his. This place and his mate seemed to have a strange effect on him. Foreign feelings assaulted him. Her blush and laughter had touched him deep inside. In the past, he had only enjoyed the physical side of a relationship with a female. He had never understood how the mated males had felt about their lifemates. Their never-ending mooning over their mates had amused him. Never had he thought to feel that way about a female. A strong physical desire for his mate, he had expected. He had not expected a strong emotional bond. Nevertheless, a bond had begun to form and now he must deal with the repercussions. Zarius refused to run from any issue, even an emotional one. He would learn to deal with it. He had much information to process before seeing Star. He would analyze the data and determine the best way to proceed. Putting his communicator away, he proceeded toward the exit. There was much he needed to do. Star would be his without a doubt. Heat flooded his groin and he shifted uncomfortably. Now that he’d touched her, the need to be near her surged to life within him. Last night as he’d rested, he had sensed her distress. Allowing his mind to merge with hers, he had only meant to comfort. The hunger within her body aroused his and against his better judgment, his mental connection had turned intimate. He had not expected so much passion or need. Overwhelmed by the fierce hunger, he’d had to break away. If he had not, he would have spilled his seed in his hand. That would be unacceptable—the first time he found total completion he had to be inside his mate. The warm fall day drew many people out and he had to walk deep into the park to safely teleport to Quartell Seven. Jamel, at the intergalactic currency exchange, would provide necessary currency and documentation for his extended visit on Earth. Unease filled him for the half-truths and lies he would be required to tell. Rejans regarded truth highly. Unfortunately, he had few options if he wanted to cement the bond with Star before informing her of their destiny. He could force her to accept him and return to Reja with her but that thought held no pleasure. Zar licked his lips. He had tasted her passion and her pleasure. He would have more. She would come to him willingly and he would make her his. A low growl escaped his lips. He hoped his nighttime visit made her hunger for his touch. Now he would contact Darvin and inform him that the information they had absorbed before leaving Reja was accurate but not complete. He had much to do before seeing Star tonight.
*****
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The last drop of water dripped out of the watering can. Star looked around and sighed. There was little left to do. The apartment was spotless, the plants watered, she’d even made a pan of fudge brownies. She refused to acknowledge the fact she’d spent the morning manufacturing projects to keep her near the phone. She told herself she was not waiting for his call. Until she nearly broke her neck on her wet, freshly mopped kitchen floor when the phone rang. Running to answer it, she cursed at the prerecorded telemarketer. “Fuck it,” she swore, tossing the empty watering can under the sink. “I’m going for a jog.” She had too much nervous energy to stay in the apartment any longer. If he called or came by, he’d try again. “I don’t want to talk to him anyway.” Adjusting her ponytail, she grabbed her keys and pulled the door shut. The couple block walk it took to get to the park was enough of a warm-up and Star began her jog as soon as she reached the trail inside Waterfront Park. Dodging a bike, she was nearly knocked over by a loose dog. When the owner ran up Star uncharacteristically snapped, “There’s a leash law in the park.” Returning the glare shot in her direction, she continued her jog. It wasn’t like her to be such a bitch but she was stressed. Sweaty and tired, Star completed the two-mile jog and limped home. The phone was ringing when Star opened her door. Grabbing it up, she said, “Hello.” A dial tone buzzed in her ear. “Damn,” she swore softly under her breath. He’d call back, if it had been him. Flopping down next to the phone, she waited and bemoaned the fact that she didn’t have a cell phone. Kicking off her shoes, she rubbed her foot. She’d worn her new shoes and they’d rubbed a blister on her foot. If the beginning of the day was anything to go by this weekend would be a total failure. Picking up the cordless phone, she headed for the shower. It wouldn’t do to have him see her like this.
***** Star had nearly given up on hearing from him when there was a soft knock on the door. She started to run then stopped. Smoothing imaginary wrinkles in her blouse, she composed herself. If it was Zar, she didn’t want to appear too anxious. To her delight, Zar lounged against the opposite wall with his legs crossed in front of him. Those lengthy legs encased in tight black leather pants accentuated his muscular thighs. His white silk shirt hung loose with a couple of buttons left open to reveal a golden expanse of chest. Long dark hair was gathered at his nape and secured with some sort of tie. Star leaned against the door as her eyes devoured the sexy, sensual man on her doorstep. Lifting his right arm, he held a single red rose in his hand. Ohhh, he’s so sweet. Star forgot her resolve to turn him away. He pushed off the wall to step forward, holding
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the rose out to her. Taking the offering, she inhaled the fragrant scent. Turning, she looked at him over her shoulder, smiling shyly. “Thank you. Come in.” Tenderly, he grasped her elbow and pivoted her just enough to brush his lips softly across hers. “My pleasure,” he replied. “Have a seat, I’ll be right back.” She nodded toward the couch and went to the kitchen to find a vase for the rose. After filling the vase with water and placing it on the windowsill, she whirled and ran into him. He moved so silently she hadn’t even known he was there. Her hands came up and skimmed his chest. She couldn’t resist rubbing the silk shirt against his smooth, satiny skin. From her up-close view, his chest appeared to be hairless, sculptured perfection. “I seem to keep doing this,” Star murmured as he linked powerful arms around her and brought their lower bodies into contact. She gasped at the feel of his prominent erection against her stomach. Restlessly, she moved against him, unaware of the consequences. The muscles in his smooth, unblemished jaw worked as he ground his teeth together. Abruptly, he disengaged their bodies. “Perhaps this is not a good idea just yet. Come. Let us decide what to do this night.” Linking their hands, he tugged her toward the couch. “What makes you think I don’t have other plans?” When he stopped abruptly, Star stumbled into his back. Twisting around, he glowered at her. The arrogant look seemed to imply that, if she had other plans, she would cancel them. “Do not play games with me.” Zarius continued to the couch. This time he sat in the middle. She contemplated perching on the arm of the sofa but decided that would seem childish, so she sat down beside him. “So, fila, what would you prefer to do this night?” Zar asked while slowly stroking the pad of his thumb around the inside her palm. It was unsettling, the effect that simple caress had on her. “Talk. I’d just like to talk tonight if you don’t mind.” “Of course, what would you wish to discuss?” “You. I mean I don’t know much about you. Where you live? What you do? What’s your favorite color?” “Green, the color of your eyes,” he said playfully. His gaze locked with hers and she shivered. Her breath came heavily, as if she’d run for miles. Fidgeting nervously, he continued, “There is not much to tell. I am in the military, Special Forces. I move around much of the time.” His eyes lowered to stare at their linked hands. “Oh, so you won’t be here long?” Her heart dropped at his words. “I am on leave indefinitely, until I decide if I wish to continue my career in the military. Do not worry, my fila. You will not wake up to discover I have vanished.”
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Star decided to take him at his word. Although to her thinking men seemed to vanish at will. “And that word, fila, what does that mean?” Star had wondered what it meant ever since the first time he had called her by the term. “It is an endearment, similar to sweetheart or dear.” “I could call you fila also?” “No, you will call me mata.” “Mata. What does that mean?” Star asked him. “It is a term of endearment for your male sweetheart.” Hesitating a moment, his eyes narrowed. “Or your lover.” His heavily accented voice dropped an octave—low, enticing. Star raised a brow as she considered his words. “Well, I guess I will just call you Zar.” She hesitated. “For now,” she added hastily. “I will await the time you willingly address me as your mata.” The husky, honest words touched something deep within her and she fervently hoped for that day as well. Star squirmed in her seat and pulled her hand from his grasp. She could not think clearly with his calloused thumb caressing her. Once again, he had managed to distract her from her questioning. “What about your family? Where do they live?” “I have no family here. They are—” He cast his eyes skyward. “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories,” Star said sincerely and dropped the line of questioning. She wanted to learn more about his family and where he was from but she didn’t want to remind him of a painful past. “You did not, my fila. I know they are in a better place. Now enough about me, I have questions for you. What about your family?” “I don’t have much in the way of family either, just my mom. She lives in the suburbs of Louisville.” “And your father?” Zarius asked curiously. Star shifted uncomfortably and Zar nestled her close to his side. “He left before I was born. Mom never wanted to talk about him. She said they were together for a few months but he had other responsibilities and he left. Then she found out she was pregnant.” “Have you ever wished to meet your father?” he asked casually. “I considered it, but I doubt he even knows I exist. I am afraid his other responsibilities are a wife and children. I don’t want to cause him any problems, or bring up any unhappy memories for my mom.” After her last words, a comfortable silence hung in the air. Star snuggled close and inhaled his intoxicating scent.
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Zar’s thoughts were troubled. He knew that very soon she would meet her father. Upon hearing of her existence, Teman, her father, had offered to come here and retrieve her. Nevertheless, Zar had been adamant about the right to claim his fila. Ultimately, Ventari had convinced Teman of the wisdom of allowing Zarius to claim his mate. Guilt was a little known emotion to Zar, but he was convinced it would soon devour him if he continued to lie to his fila. “Know this, little one, if I conceived a child I would wish to know. I would never leave my child behind.” A contented sigh escaped her lips as she asked, “What branch of the military are you in?” “Let us not discuss that any more at this time. Our missions are covert and it is forbidden for us to discuss.” “Okay. I’ll just call you my big, strong warrior,” she announced playfully, squeezing his arm. “Warrior. Yes, that is an apt description.” Zar thought, for he was a Head Warrior of the Defense Line of Reja. Bringing their enclosed hands to his mouth, his lips brushed the back of her hand. The taste of her flesh aroused his hunger. A more intimate taste was what he craved. His fila was becoming aroused. He could scent her cream and he ached to taste it. He shifted as his cock extended painfully beneath the tight leather. Star jumped at the shrill ring of the phone. Answering it, she discovered it was George from upstairs. He was going away for a few days and wanted her to check on his cat. “Hi, George,” Star said in a friendly voice. “Of course, don’t I always?” She often watched George’s cat for him while he was away. He was in his fifties and Fluffy, his cat, was his entire life. Zar’s eyes narrowed as he watched her speak and an idea formed in her head. Turning her back to Zar, she hid her amused grin as she tempted the fates. “I’ll see you then.” The phone clicked in her ear as George hung up but Star continued to say, “I’ll miss you too. Bye.” Replacing the phone into its cradle, she turned. Zar’s thunderous expression said it all and she had to bite the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. “Who was that?” Zar demanded, glaring at the phone, as if it were to blame. “Just a friend,” Star said, taking her seat on the sofa, pretending total innocence. “When your friend returns you will inform him you wish to see him no more.” Star’s eyes narrowed marginally. “What gives you the right—” The smash of his lips against hers cut off her words. This kiss, unlike the previous one, held no gentleness. Fire and heat laced the kiss and Star shivered. Pressed back into the couch, his hard, thickly muscled chest squished her breasts. His tongue demanded entrance to her mouth. With a whimper, Star responded. A dam of banked emotion broke open 33
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inside her and liquid heat flooded her senses. Wrapping her arms around him, she met his passion with untutored zeal. Breaking his lips from hers, Zar gasped. “That is what gives me the right. Your response to me, even unwillingly gives me the right. It is a right I will allow no other.” A part of Star bristled at his arrogant tone and possessive manner. However, another part, her deep inner part, melted under his dominance. This was a side of Zar that scared her and yet it excited her at the same time. She had intentionally provoked him. Now she knew the depth of his jealousy. Squirming in his arms until he released her, she breathed unevenly, trying to regain her equilibrium. Zar stood and paced the length of the room. Pivoting in her direction, the rigid control he often possessed clearly showed on his face. “I am sorry if I frightened you, but I do not share what is mine.” Star opened her mouth to protest but he approached and raised his fingers to her lips. “Do not try to deny what we both know as truth. You will be mine.” Unwillingly her nipples tightened. She shouldn’t enjoy his dominance but she couldn’t deny that some part of her reveled in it. You will be mine. The remembrance of those words sent a shiver down her spine. Her panties dampened and the air was ripe with the scent of arousal. How could she even pretend to deny his words? Her stomach jumped nervously. Never had she felt such unsettling feelings. It seemed as if she had waited her whole life for him. She felt as if her very being was changing, opening to admit him within and it scared her. Zar held out his hand. “Come, let us take a walk in the cool night air to clear our minds and chill our blood.” Star thought to grab a light jacket but decided, with Zar next to her, she was not likely to get cold. Stepping onto the sidewalk, a northwesterly breeze ruffled Star’s hair. “Are you cold?” Zar’s arm came around her and she snuggled to his side. Heat radiated from him and the breeze actually felt good against her heated flesh. Glancing upward, the sky was alight with stars. “Aren’t they beautiful?” Stopping, Zar held her in front of him as he turned his eyes skyward. “Yes. It is a different world up there.” The stars twinkled and she felt as if they winked at her. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to travel through space?” Silence hung in the air as they both watched a shooting star cross the sky. “It would be wonderful to travel through space with you.” His lips brushed the top of her head and she sighed. “Umm, it’s fun to dream.” They resumed strolling in silence. A red sports car drove by, the engine a low rumble and Zar twisted his neck to give the vehicle the once-over. “You like?” Zar shrugged. “Do you wish to eat?”
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Star’s stomach rumbled on cue and she giggled. “I could eat. Fourth Street Live is several blocks over or there are a couple of places just ahead in the business district.” “Do you wish to go to Fourth Street Live?” “No. I’d be happy at the coffee shop up the street. It won’t be nearly as crowded.” Star had never thought of herself as a jealous person. Now though, she had no desire to share Zarius. She didn’t want to take him somewhere crowded with lots of scantily clad woman. “Is this the shop you spoke of?” Zar hesitated before the door of Java Time. Star nodded and he opened the door. Inhaling, she sighed as the potpourri of fragrant, baked goods and flavored coffees overwhelmed her senses. “Delicious, huh?” Zar’s dark brow arched. “It smells almost as delicious as you.” The corner of his lips curled upward. “I enjoy sweet tastes. We will see what is sweeter on my tongue, these baked goods or you.” Star gulped under the power of his heavy-lidded gaze. “I-I’ll find us a seat,” she muttered, taking an awkward step backward. He chuckled at her discomfort. “What would you like?” “Coffee. Black.” Turning, she headed for a booth in the back corner of the room. Taking a seat, she wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the girl behind the counter flirt with Zar. She couldn’t be more obvious. The fake laugh and flipping of her long hair grated Star’s nerves. Why didn’t she just spread herself on the counter? A sliver of satisfaction slid through her to see Zar ignore the girl’s antics and turn her way. Not wanting to be caught staring, her gaze flicked away and landed on a young couple in a nearby booth. Gasping, Star turned away. From the corner of her eye, she peeked back in their direction. Lord, from this angle she could see… Star swallowed deeply. She could see more than she should. The woman’s blouse gaped and she could see the man’s fingers on her nipple. He squeezed the reddened tip as he hungrily drank from her mouth. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Star tried to ease the ache that lingered all too often lately. “The baked goods come with a show?” “What?” Star flushed as he set her cup in front of her. “I…uh.” “Do not be embarrassed.” He placed a cinnamon bun in front of her. “If they wish to perform in public, we can watch.” “Zar! Shh, they’ll hear you.” Turning back to her, he winked with a wicked grin on his handsome face. “Mayhap I should kiss you in public then I would not have to be concerned about the loss of my control.” Zar chuckled at the astonished look she gave him.
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“Do you worry about losing control?” she asked. “Only with you.” His unwavering gaze boldly caressed her. His smile was very confident, his straight, white teeth gleaming ferally. Inner muscles tightened, and a shudder vibrated her frame at his intense perusal of her. She could feel her nipples tightening and hoped they weren’t visible through her blouse. Taking a quick gulp of her coffee, she scorched her tongue. Without preamble, Zar devoured his roll and gulped his coffee as if the heat had no effect upon him. Shifting nervously, she watched him as she sipped her coffee. Picking at her roll, she grew more and more distressed. An uncomfortable silence hung in the air. Star felt inept. She’d never mastered the art of small talk. Bold letters across her forehead must read “utter bore”. Stuffing the last piece of roll into her mouth, she licked the stickiness from her fingers. Zar growled low in his throat. Her head popped up and caught his darkening gaze upon her. More precisely they were on her mouth as she sucked the sticky sweetness from her finger. Guiltily, she jerked her finger from her lips. Smoldering desire still clouded his eyes when he lifted them to meet her gaze. His lip pursed with what she thought must be disappointment. She nibbled her lower lip. She wanted to give him what he needed. She had vowed to change her life, to have fun and adventure. Her backbone straightened. She dipped her finger into the sugary sweetness on her plate and boldly lifted it to her lips. Parting her lips, she sucked the finger in and out of her mouth. Removing her finger, she licked her lips with a slow swipe of her tongue. Zar’s mouth parted as he watched. A surge of sexual power sizzled in her veins. His breath gushed from his lungs as he dipped his finger into the stickiness and offered it to her. Hesitating briefly, she opened her lips to admit his long thick finger into the depths of her mouth. Their heated gazes locked and she watched hunger burn in his eyes as she began to suckle slowly on his finger. Harder, deeper she sucked while never breaking eye contact. The added flavor of his finger was addictive and she nibbled greedily as a ripple of desire settled in her pussy. The call to mate filled him. As her tongue licked and stroked his finger, fire ignited in his groin. His leather pants seemed suddenly too tight. The feel of her sweet lips and tongue sucking his finger was almost more than his tormented body could bear. If they had been alone, he would not have allowed her to so easily get away with this torture. Gently, she raked her teeth across his finger as he reluctantly withdrew it. Heat bloomed on Star’s cheeks, as she seemed to awaken from an entranced state. Now they were the ones attracting attention from the fellow patrons. Zar raised a sardonic eyebrow at her discomfort. He grinned when the young male in the other booth hooted at them. Rising from the booth, he held out his hand to her.
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“Come, my fila, I believe it is time I take you home.” Zar eyed the young male at the other table but did not acknowledge the unspoken message that passed between them. “Zar, do you know that guy?” Star’s gaze had followed his and observed the look that passed between them. “No, I have not made his acquaintance. Why do you ask?” “You just looked at each other as if you recognized one another. I just wondered.” Zar shrugged his shoulders. “It was just the look between two men enamored by beautiful women, that is all.” As he navigated the deserted streets back to her place, he tugged on her hand to gather her closely to his side. It felt right having her tucked up against him. “It’s a beautiful night,” Star sighed. “Yes. Beautiful.” He turned to gaze at her upturned face. Zar followed Star into her dwelling and closed the door with a near-silent click. Leaning back upon the door, his gaze perused her enchanting form. “I should depart now,” he said with reluctance. “Yes, I suppose you should.” Star peered at him anxiously. Taking her in his arms, he gently embraced her against his tortured body. Her arms wrapped around him as she rested her cheek against his chest. His heart beat rapidly, keeping pace with hers. Inhaling her sweet fragrance, his senses ignited. Her scent enthralled him and he lost track of time as he held her in his arms. Content was the word that filled his mind. He was content just to be near her, at least for now. With a deep sigh, he stepped back and brushed a tender kiss across her forehead. He could not trust himself to take any more. Through the haze of desire surrounding him, he knew it was time for him to leave. If he stayed any longer, he feared the craving he felt for her would overcome his self-control. He had never been one to let his passions overrule good sense. In the past, his relationships had been casual, involving only physical, not emotional need. The feelings he experienced with Star were all new to him. “Although I do not wish to do so, I will leave you this night and sleep alone in my bed.” Lightly, he ran his fingers through her silken hair. “I will return to you tomorrow.” It was a statement, not a question. He opened the door and left. Locking the door behind him, Star collapsed on the couch. What a day! A grin curled her lips as the day flicked through her mind. She knew she would get little rest again tonight. Her body tingled with a delicious ache. “Lord, that man has control,” she muttered to herself. Her thoughts turned to where he had gone. She hoped he’d returned to his hotel room, alone. He hadn’t mentioned what hotel he was in, only that it was close. Opening the drawer on the side table, she grabbed the phone book.
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On her forth call she hit pay dirt. The night clerk at the hotel, a woman with a very sexy purr informed her that Mr. El Kyr had just returned to his room. Star asked to be connected. “Hello.” Zar’s voice sounded cautious on the other end of the line. “Hi, it’s me.” “Hello, me. Is everything all right?” A ripple of pleasure surged through her at the sound of his deep voice. “Yeah, I uh, just wanted to say goodnight. I didn’t wake you, did I?” “No, I was just disrobing for bed.” “Ooh.” Envisions his words brought to life in her mind nearly overwhelmed her. “Wh-what are you wearing?” Laughter rumbled deeply in his chest. “Not a stitch.” “Oh.” Star would give just about anything to be a fly on the wall in that room. “Interesting.” Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine what he would look like entirely unclothed. She had never seen a naked man up close and personal but she doubted that any other man would compare to Zar. Dressed, he was devastating. She swallowed deeply, thinking of his wide chest, those hard, powerful thighs and that huge bulge in the front of his pants. She shivered. Her eyes popped open and cold sweat dotted her brow. “What are you wearing?” His sexy drawl brought her back to reality. Star was still in her jeans and blouse but saw no reason to tell him that. “Uh, my nightie,” she lied. “What color is it?” Zar whispered hoarsely into the phone. “Your favorite color, green to match my eyes.” “How long is it?” he croaked. That should be her question but she didn’t dare. “It comes to my upper thigh,” she replied, finding it difficult to elaborate on her lie. “Did you read about this in your magazine?” “I saw the article. It wasn’t extremely helpful,” Star complained, at a loss as to what to say next. “You are supposed to lie back on your bed and think of me. Imagine I am there with you. Picture me lying next to you. Touch yourself and imagine that it is my hands upon your flesh. And describe to me what you are doing to yourself and how it makes you feel.” Zar’s suggestion brought a strangled moan to her lips. “Are you…is that…are you touching yourself?” He sighed deeply into the phone. “No.” “Have you ever done that?” “Phone sex? No, this would be my first.”
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She actually wanted to know if he’d touched himself but didn’t think she’d be able to handle the answer. “Oh, I guess you’re kinda disappointed then.” Star was disappointed in herself for not being able to give him what he wanted. “No, I know you are not experienced. I am pleased you are not. It will be my honor to teach you the ways of passion. I would have it no other way.” His presumptuous attitude didn’t bother her so much this time. “I guess we should hang up now.” “Did you read the rest of your magazine?” he inquired. Star hesitated. “Yes.” “Then know that I will dream of you and in my dreams we will experience all of those wonders and more.” She could almost feel his voice, like a sinful caress on her heated flesh. “More?” her voice cracked. “Much more,” he confidently replied. “Will you dream of me?” Her first thought was of her dreams last night. “I had a dream last night.” There was a low moan on the other end of the phone. “You were in it.” “Did you enjoy your dream?” “Oh yeah.” “Did I make love to you in your dream?” He sounded just a little too smug and Star hesitated. “No. Actually you were begging at my feet but I didn’t have time for you,” Star lied. Zar chuckled. “Who was begging?” She sighed. “I wish you were here. I mean, just to hold me,” she elaborated. Her body trembled just from the thought of being with him in that way. “Goodnight, my fila.” “Goodnight…mata,” she said softly and hung up the phone. Picking up the magazine, she quickly flipped through it until she got to the article. She began reading. My, oh my. She shut the magazine. Well, she wasn’t going to go to sleep any time soon. Star went to her bedroom and changed into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt, she might as well check on George’s cat. Her hair was falling out of its clip but, oh, well, no one would see her anyway. Grabbing the keys to George’s apartment, she ran up the stairs. After making sure Fluffy had food and water, she ran back down to her apartment to find Zar at her door, knocking.
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Chapter Three The stairs behind him creaked and Zarius spun. His heart jumped at the sight of Star running down the stairs. Her bright orange T-shirt was slightly damp with perspiration and clung to the bare breasts underneath. It outlined clearly her pert, distended nipples. Her blonde hair hung loose in wild disarray. Zar admired the picture she made as his eyes traveled appreciatively over her. “Where were you?” he asked. Star unhurriedly descended the rest of the stairs and approached him. “I ran upstairs to George’s,” Star murmured with a happy smile. Rage burned in his chest. “He has returned,” Zar stated in a chilling voice. He looked up the stairway. “You rushed from my arms to his.” Star backed up against the wall and he pinned her there by placing a hand against the wall on each side of her. Leaning down until his face was inches from hers, he could smell her arousal and her fear. “Did you believe he could give you what I can?” Fury at himself and at her burned in his veins. How could she allow another to touch her? He was a fool to arouse her passions and leave her alone. He should have taken her innocence when he had the opportunity. “Look, you don’t understand,” Star tried to explain. Apprehension danced in her eyes as she plastered herself against the wall. He grabbed her arms in a tight grip and hauled her to him. Running his hands down her body to her hips, he pulled her tight against him. Grinding his hips into hers, he left her in no doubt as to the condition of his body. Star squirmed against him, inflaming him even more. Her eyes softened and pleaded. “Listen to me, it’s not what you think,” Star cried. Effortlessly throwing her over his shoulder, he carried her into the apartment. Hesitating only a moment at the door, Star never realized that he didn’t use her key to unlock it. He kicked the door shut behind him as he carted her to the couch and unceremoniously dumped her onto it. She lay there panting, her legs sprawled awkwardly, staring up into his furious face. Her green eyes were huge and filled with fear as she eyed him warily. Furiously, he glared at her, his blood burning. Turning, he paced across the room, clenching and unclenching his hands. Star scooted up the couch to a sitting position. Reining in his anger, he pivoted to face her. “Why?” he asked, unable to hide the anguish in his voice. “You have waited so long for me. How could you not wait a while longer?” He looked away from her as he struggled to control his disappointment at her actions. “It does not matter, you still will
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be mine.” He would not give her up. She was his and nothing in the universe would stop him from having her. Star stood and walked on shaky legs toward him. “Zar, George wasn’t there. I was feeding his cat,” Star explained in a calming voice. Reaching up, she ran her trembling fingertips across his furrowed brow. His tension dissolved under her gentle touch. “I’m afraid I have deceived you.” Zar was not sure if he wished to hear any more. Maybe his senses failed him here. They never had before but it could be possible. Could he be wrong about her innocence? He would soon find out. Star hurried ahead with her explanation. “When George called to tell me he was going out of town and asked me to feed his cat, I let you assume he was a boyfriend because I wanted to make you jealous. But he isn’t. And he’s old enough to be my father.” Shutting his eyes for a moment, he inhaled a deep, calming breath. Mentally, he chastised himself for losing control once again. Something that, until he met Star, had never occurred. If he had stayed calm and kept his senses about him, he would have realized she was still untouched. His senses had never failed him before and there was no reason to believe they had done so now. There was no scent of another on her. “I am sorry. Did I cause you injury?” Zar asked. “No, I’m fine, you just scared me.” If they were on Reja, he would punish her for lying so boldly to him. Infidelity was not a joking matter. He should spank her for her actions. He wondered what her reaction would be if he put her across his knee and bared her rounded bottom. Lust hit him hard at the thought. If he bared her bottom now, it would not be to spank it. “I suggest you do not try to stir my jealousy again. I seem very susceptible to this with you but do not fear me. I will never harm you physically.” He was unhappy at her deception but he would never harm a female. “I cannot abide the thought of another male kissing you, touching you, holding you in the way my body aches to embrace yours.” “What are you doing here anyway?” she asked in a nervous attempt to change the subject. “I tried to resist but I kept hearing your sweet voice asking me to hold you. You declared me your mata. I could not resist returning to you. That is why I am here, if the offer is still valid,” he replied with earnest hope as he ducked his head to meet her gaze. He allowed his eyes to plead his case. Star walked to the door and hesitated, placing her hand on the metal surface as if she debated whether to send him away. Uncertainty filled her gaze but she flipped the lock into place and turned to walk into his awaiting arms. Enclosing her in his embrace, her inner warmth surrounded him. “Come. Let us rest together this night.” He clasped one of her hands as he led her to her room. 41
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Upon entering the bedroom, she stopped and stared at the brightly covered bed. Crisp pink ruffles covered the bed. It was not a look he would choose but he would share it with her nonetheless. Nervously, she wrung her hands and he smiled at her uncertainty. Zar wrapped his arms around her, rubbing his hands up and down the chilled flesh of her arms in a gentle caress. “Do not worry. I only wish to hold you in my arms and rest with your sweet body next to mine.” His breath ruffled her freshly scented hair and he inhaled the fragrance. “I know you are an innocent and know not of the ways of joining bodies. I will wait until your body aches to join with mine as well.” “I suppose I should change for bed.” She moved hastily out of his arms. “That is a good idea. Only do not wear the green nightgown you described to me.” His gut clenched at the thought. He knew if she crawled into bed with him wearing that outfit his control would surely fail him. Grabbing an oversized T-shirt from her drawer, she hurried to the bathroom. The shirt was modest, reaching mid-thigh. Nervously, she combed her fingers through her hair after removing the clip. “Oh my god, I’m going to spend the night in bed with a man,” she whispered. Her hungry gaze turned to the door. Not just any man awaited her…it was Zarius. Her stomach fluttered. Cracking open the bathroom door, her gaze flicked to the bed. Zarius waited. The covers settled at his waist, exposing perfect pecs. A ruffled pillow stuffed behind him propped him up. He had taken the tie out of his dark hair and it hung loose around his broad shoulders. The ruffled linens contrasted with his masculinity, making him appear even manlier. The room was dark except for a single lamp on the nightstand next to him, throwing a soft glow across the bed. Silently, she padded toward him. He watched her through hooded eyes, and she wanted to tug at the length of her shirt. Turning back the covers on her side of the bed, he invited her to join him. The sheets were cool on her heated flesh. She hugged the edge of the bed, staying as far away from him as possible. Turning curious eyes to him, she wondered what he wore under the covers, if anything. This close she could see how his bare, golden chest gleamed in the soft glow of the lamplight. She stiffened her already taut body as he shifted next to her. Reaching over, he switched off the lamp. Inky darkness surrounded them. Star swallowed nervously. The sheet and covers rustled as Zar shifted next to her. A whimper escaped her lips as his arm settled over her. She melted at the first touch. “Zar,” she gasped. “Relax, fila. I mean you no harm.” Lifting her, he settled her against him in the bed. His hand lightly rested on her hip. Her nerves were strung tight as she felt his body, full length, against hers. “Do not fear me. I only wish to hold you.”
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Star sighed and relaxed against him. Disappointment filled her to realize he did not intend to make any demands upon her. She might not be ready to make love but she wouldn’t mind more kissing and touching. One of her hands lay in the middle of his chest. The warm, smooth flesh was irresistible beneath her palm. She slowly inched her hand over his pecs until she reached his nipple. It was pebble hard. Stroking one finger softly across it, she felt it tighten even more beneath her exploratory touch. That must be a sensitive spot on him too. Zar’s breath hissed out of his body and she felt his heart thunder under her hand. “Fila, if you wish for me just to hold your body next to mine this night stop what you are doing,” his voice was uneven and filled with barely contained torment. Smiling, she enjoyed the feminine power she wielded over his body. Snuggling into his side, she inhaled his heady scent and her senses reeled. Her hand crept across his hard, flat stomach. The muscles contracted violently under her hand. A strong hand clamped down on hers, stopping the downward descent. Joining their fingers, he trapped her hand under his on her hip. Star shifted and her tight-tipped breasts brushed his side. A cross between a moan and a sigh left her lips. Enjoying the feel of his warm body next to hers, she bent one knee and slid her leg over slightly to rest on top of his rock-hard thigh. She felt the muscles in his leg flinch at the contact. “Sleep,” Zarius commanded. “Zarius?” “Sleep. Tonight is not the time.” Snuggling contently, she inhaled his intoxicating scent as her body absorbed his warmth. The events of the day caught up with her and she sighed. Relaxing in the security of Zar’s embrace, she dozed. Zar’s lips curled in satisfaction. His little fila would please him very well and soon. In her sleep, Star shifted her leg and Zar groaned in agony. “Soon, fila. Soon,” he promised with a whisper. His needs were great. Now that he had found his mate his body ached to claim her. Time only increased the agony. Excruciating need surged through him as he held her sleeping form to his. Every shift of her body added to his torment but not enough to move away from her. Shifting her to a more comfortable position, her hand dropped onto his aching sac. Growling, his body contorted with pain. Not from the blow—her touch against his cock shot arcs of white-hot heat up his shaft. Grasping her hand in his, he couldn’t resist brushing it against his needy flesh. Gritting his teeth, he pinned her hand to her hip once again. Releasing a deep sigh, he willed his arousal to subside. He had not joined with another female since he had discovered her whereabouts and his body, being used to frequent stimulation, protested the abstinence. The fact that she was his betrothed and his body and soul were
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irrevocably drawn to her only magnified his discomfort. His body urged him to join with her and complete the bond that would make them lifemates. Looking at her beautiful face, he groaned. “I promised to hold you and that is all I will do this night.” He would not lose control. If he did, and broke her trust, he feared she would never trust him again.
***** Star awoke feeling better than she had in a long time. She stretched, rolled over and looked directly into a pair of glittering eyes. “Good morning.” “Good morning,” Star murmured, scooting up in the bed. Zarius lay on his side, facing her. The blanket had slid very low on his lean hips. Her eyes traveled the length of his bare torso across his impossibly ripped abs to his— Something shifted under the blanket. Star’s startled gaze flew back up to his face. Zar regarded her with a lazy, confident smile. Hopping out of the bed, she scurried to the bathroom. His amused laughter rang out behind her. Star left the bathroom twenty minutes later, after having taken a quick shower. Since she hadn’t taken the time to grab any clean clothes on the way in she was wearing her fuzzy pink housecoat with a towel wrapped around her wet hair. She knew she must look ridiculous. He would probably run screaming from her apartment. Opening the door, she found Zar shirtless and gazing out the window. His leather pants molded his taut buttocks and thick thighs. Curious eyes traveled up his muscled back, measuring broad shoulders and thick, powerful arms. The dark hair flowing freely down below his shoulders added to his untamed image. Turning, he regarded her appearance through amused eyes and his lips curled slightly. “I laid out a new toothbrush and some clean towels for you,” Star said, her gaze darting nervously away from his. “Thank you.” He swaggered by her into the bathroom and shut the door. She hurriedly put on a clean pair of jeans and an aqua-colored scoop-neck sweater that hugged her curves, showing off her small waist and ample chest. She quickly blowdried her hair, leaving it loose to flow down her back and applied a little coral-kissed lipstick. She rarely wore makeup. Her creamy complexion didn’t require it. Hearing the shower turn off, Star made a mad dash for the kitchen. The coffee had just finished brewing when Zar entered the room. Wearing his leather pants and carrying his shirt, his still-wet hair hung around his bare shoulders. Grabbing up her cup, Star took a quick gulp. “I poured you a cup of coffee. I put one pack of sugar in it but there’s more on the table by your cup. I remember you added sugar last night.” She nodded her head toward it. “I was gonna make bacon and eggs. You do like them, right?”
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“Thank you.” Snagging his cup of coffee off the table, he kept walking until he stood pressed up against her. “There is no need to trouble yourself with breakfast.” His breath stirred her hair as he spoke. “I do not believe I have had my good morning kiss yet.” Setting his cup down on the counter, he pulled her back against him and wrapped one arm around her midsection. The other hand lazily slid up her body to her chin and tilted her head back to grant him access to her mouth. The kiss was gentle with just a hint of banked passion. He tasted of coffee, sugar and his own masculine flavor. Her knees quaked as he released her mouth and nuzzled her neck. His lips sent chills down her spine. “I hope you don’t mind that the bacon is the microwave kind. I’m not a great cook,” Star said nervously, trying to untangle herself from him. As she reached for an egg to crack into the mixing bowl, he ran his hand under her sweater and across her stomach. Gasping, she crushed the whole egg in her hand and shell and all went into the bowl as well as spilled over onto the counter. His large hand engulfed her whole stomach and his thumb traced the underside of her left breast through the thin lace of her bra. She forgot to breathe as liquid heat ran through her body. Her nerve endings screamed. “I do not hunger for food. Do you?” he asked, turning her against him, letting her feel the very large evidence of his desire against her stomach. Helpless against his strength and her own body’s reaction to him she stood immobile. She placed her hands against his smooth chest and couldn’t resist placing a kiss in the middle of the golden, sculpted expanse. He tasted of soap and something she could not quite place but it was delicious, just like the scent that surrounded them. The tip of her tongue darted out for another taste. His breath hissed out as he shifted her against him. Running both hands under her sweater, he yanked it over her head and threw it across the room. Star groaned when she saw the look on his face. His steely eyes flashed as he stared at her lace-covered breasts. “You are beautiful.” Raising his hand, a finger traced the edge of lace covering one breast. Her knees trembled. “Zar…” With a growl, his head lowered and he ran his hot, wet mouth over the swell. Palming her breasts, he lifted them even more as he stroked his skilled tongue between them. One thumb slid under the lace covering to stroke her distended nipple and heat exploded low in her belly. Star’s head fell back as she gasped to breathe. Without his support she would surely fall. His mouth moved lower to suckle her through the lace and his thick dark hair came forward to tease her breasts intimately. His wet hair was cold in contrast to his hot mouth and hands. It was a delicious shock to her system. “Oh my god!” she cried out at the exquisite torture. Moving restlessly against him, she sought something from him but knew not what.
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Burying her hands in his loose hair, she meant to drag him from her breast. Instead, she anchored his head to her aching nipple. She moaned as his lips and hands worked magic on her needy body. Nuzzling her neck, he whispered, “Relax, I just wish to touch you and see you…for now.” “Zar, I—” “Shh, fila.” The hand at her back released the clasp of her bra and slowly inched it off her arms, revealing her tight peaked nipples to his appreciative gaze. He ran his thumb lazily across one peak and she rose to her toes at the sensation. “Fila.” His hands stilled on her body. It took her a moment to realize the pounding she heard was not her heart but someone at the door. Emily called her name and the sound finally pulled her from the trance. “Oh my god,” Star gasped. Grabbing her sweater, she pulled it over her head. Emily had a key and wouldn’t hesitate to use it. “It’s Emily.” Hurriedly she stumbled to the door, her hair in disarray. She smoothed her sweater into place on the way. Just as she reached the door, the key turned in the lock. Star opened the door and planted her body in the middle of the doorway, hoping Emily would take the hint and not come in. Emily brushed by Star. “Did I wake you? You’re a mess. I wanted to see…oh…hello.” Emily stopped what she was about to say when she saw Zarius standing in the kitchen doorway. “Am I interrupting something?” Emily’s wide-eyed innocent look didn’t fool Star. “No,” Star replied quickly. Emily smirked with glee as she took in Star’s disheveled appearance and the fact the Zarius was clad only in a pair of tight leather pants. Star ran her gaze over him, seeing him through Emily’s eyes. Oh lord. Even his feet were bare and extremely large feet they were. His still-damp hair told the story. “Interesting,” Emily said as her knowing look returned to Star’s horrified face. Star stepped over next to Zar and motioned to Emily. “This is my friend Emily. Emily, this is Zarius.” Zar stepped forward and shook Emily’s extended hand. “It is nice to make your acquaintance.” Star observed Zar’s reaction to Emily. She was a beautiful woman and most men fell under her spell. She was pleased he seemed oblivious to her friend’s abundant charms. “The same here,” Emily replied, smiling cautiously. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. Star was sure Emily missed nothing. She hoped his hand and the shirt he held crushed before him hid what she knew was a raging arousal. 46
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“Well, I came to see if you wanted to do a little shopping but I can see you’re otherwise engaged. So I’ll leave you two to whatever it was you were doing.” Emily winked slyly at Star and headed for the door. Star followed hesitantly. “I’ll expect a full report tomorrow. Have fun,” Emily whispered as she exited. Sighing heavily, Star sagged against the closed door. Zar stood in the doorway to the kitchen, putting on his wrinkled shirt. “I must return to the hotel to change clothing.” He gestured absently at his outfit. “Do you want breakfast first?” Star looked at the counter where raw egg dripped onto the floor. The uncooked bacon lay on a plastic plate next to the eggs. Zarius followed her gaze and his lip curled in amusement. “Breakfast is not what I hunger for.” Star’s gaze whipped back to his face. “I will be back, fila.” He ran a finger down her flushed cheek. Doing an about-face, he walked out the door and quietly shut it behind him. Star looked around the kitchen in astonishment. Egg splattered the counter and floor. Her bra hung from the back of a kitchen chair. Unfortunately, Emily would have been able to see it from the living room and the whole place reeked of burnt bacon. Throwing open the kitchen window, she started to scrub the counter. As she worked, an idea struck her and the more she thought about it the more she liked it. She went to the phone. She’d scribbled the hotel phone number on the desk pad last night. Before she could change her mind, she dialed the number. Her nerves jangled as she waited for connection to his room. Zarius answered the phone on the second ring. “Hello.” “It’s me.” “Do you make a habit of calling naked men?” Zar chuckled. “I don’t know. No one else makes a habit of telling me the state of their dress, or undress, in your case,” she replied with sarcasm. “I was wondering something.” She hesitated. Could she really do this? “If you don’t want to it’s okay, but I thought…maybe since you’re living in a hotel, if you want… It’s okay if you don’t but you can stay here.” Star finally managed to get the question out. Holding her breath, she waited for his reply. Zar hesitated a moment, the longest moment of Star’s life. “I will pack and be there shortly,” he replied and the phone at her ear went dead. Her heart was pounding so hard she figured he probably heard it through the phone. She couldn’t believe she had actually asked him to live with her. Just temporarily, of course, until he decided what he was going to do with his life. Star knew she was going to do her best to convince him to stay with her. She hummed happily on the way to her room—the room they would share.
*****
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Zarius threw back his head and a roar of triumph erupted from his lips. His fila would soon be his. He glanced around the room. He saw little that belonged to him. Pulling on jeans and a T-shirt, he gathered his few remaining items and packed them in his duffel bag. He had not intended to stay on this planet long and traveled light. He had only made a few purchases of jeans and T-shirts. If Star became curious, he would say he’d left everything at the military base. Opening his communication device, he hailed Darvin. It appeared he had found his mate but contact had yet to be established. All was going as planned and soon they would all be home on Reja. Grabbing his bag, he left the hotel room. Star answered the door on his second knock. Immediately his euphoria began to ebb. “If you have changed your mind I can return to the quarters I just departed.” “No. I’m just a little nervous. Come on, let me show you where to put your stuff.” He followed her down the hall. “I only have one bedroom.” “I do not mind sharing.” Grasping her arm, he turned her to face him. “Do not fear what will be between us. I will not hurt you.” Star’s tumultuous smile trembled. “I, uh…it doesn’t appear you brought a lot.” Her eyes nervously darted to his bag. He knew she sought a reprieve and he would grant it. “I travel light.” Zar placed his bag on the bed. “I see you have redecorated.” A plain blue bedspread replaced the ruffled pink covering. “I thought this was…” “You thought I was uncomfortable covered by pink ruffles.” He grinned. “It did not bother me as long as you lay next to me.” “Yes, well, this is better, I think.” Shaking out two pairs of jeans, he approached the closet she opened for him. “It is good I have little to hang. There is not much room in here.” The closet was small and packed full of colorful clothing. “Are you insinuating I have too many clothes?” Star asked as she stuffed his socks into an empty drawer. Zar didn’t comment as he thought of the clothes awaiting her on Reja. Shortly after meeting her, he’d transmitted her size to his tailor. She would need a Rejan wardrobe when she arrived. “Zar, where are your, uh…never mind.” Star’s words trailed off and he noticed her gaze lower to his backside. “What?” Zar asked. “Nothing.” “I can see the question in your eyes. What is it?” “I can’t find any underwear.” She avoided his gaze.
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“That is because I do not wear them. They are not comfortable.” Empting the rest of the bag onto the bed, he threw one pouch, which held his money, into the drawer. Star would be stunned to know the amount of currency it contained. He carried a small pouch with his toiletries to the bathroom. She followed him as he unpacked. “What type of cologne do you wear? I really like it.” Zar could not explain that every Rejan male emitted a distinct scent when aroused. Since meeting her, he was in a constant state of arousal. “I do not wear that, either.” Star pursed her lips as she silently mused. “Zar, you never said what you thought of Emily. She is not at all like me.” “No, she is not. She hides her true self behind a worldly image.” “What do you mean?” “You wear your innocence for all to see. She pretends to have more experience than she possesses.” Star cocked her head to one side as she thought. “I am usually right about these things.” Zar shrugged his broad shoulders. While he continued to unpack, Star wondered into the kitchen. If he was going to be here, she’d need food. She doubted he could survive on yogurt and carrot sticks. Grabbing a piece of paper and pen, she began to make a list. “What is this you are doing?” His voice startled her and she jumped. “I’m making a grocery list. I’m gonna run down to the store and get a few things. You can stay here if you want.” “I will accompany you.” “Okay, if you want to.” The small mom-and-pop store didn’t have everything a large grocery store carried but it fit her needs. “Where is this store?” Zar asked as they left the apartment. “Two blocks down.” “You walk everywhere you travel?” “If I can. That’s why I live here. Everything I need is close by, except my mom.” “How do you travel to see your mother?” “I take the bus. I have to change buses but I usually only go on the weekends and I spend the night. It doesn’t seem as bad that way. Sometimes Mom comes in and gets me.” “You do not want an automobile?” “Can’t afford one.”
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Zar nodded and they finished the walk silently. Entering the store, Star called out, “Hi, Mr. Tom.” She waved at the older storeowner. “Hello, Star, I see you have company today.” Her cheeks heated. He made it sound as if it was an odd occurrence. It was but she didn’t want Zar to think she was a total dork. She headed to the produce section and Zar followed with the cart. “Do you like fruit?” she asked as she put two apples in a bag. “I like to eat.” She never would have guessed that. “Okay! What do you like to eat?” “Food.” Star narrowed her eyes at him. “Sweet foods and meat.” “Hmm, do you like any vegetables?” “I will try anything. I am not used to…home cooking.” “Well, it’s good to know you’re not too picky.” Placing the apples and some bananas in the cart, she walked on. “I guess you like cookies?” She picked up some shortbread cookies. “Chocolate cookies and milk.” He picked up three packages and placed them in the cart. “You must really like cookies.” At the meat department, Star picked through the packages. “Do you like hamburger?” Her budget didn’t allow for steak and she didn’t feel comfortable asking him to pay. Digging in her purse, she pulled out her calculator. “What are you doing?” Zar’s eyes narrowed on her. “I’m estimating what I have here. I’m on a budget.” “Do not concern yourself, I will pay.” “Maybe we can split the cost,” Star suggested. “I said I will pay. I will not have you provide for me.” Zar dumped several large packages of meat into the cart. “Do not concern yourself with cost. Buy whatever you wish to have. I will pay for it.” As they continued, Star noticed the cart filling up with candies and junk food. “Do you eat anything healthy?” Zar grinned. “You cook it and I’ll eat it.” While pricing the shampoo, Star noticed the rack of condoms. She hadn’t seen him unpack any. She bit her lip. Should she mention anything? They hadn’t actually talked about sex but she knew, with him staying with her, that it was only a matter of time. “Zar, I, uh…”
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Zar looked over his shoulder and came back to her side. His gaze ran over the rack. As she glanced at him, his mouth curled in obvious distaste but he reached out and grabbed a box. “This would work best for me.” Star glanced down at the package he placed in her hand. She gaped at his choice. The package contained forty-eight extra-large condoms. Good god! She dropped the package into the cart like a hot potato. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Zar struggle not to laugh. She straightened her back and ambled on as if nothing unusual had happened. However, when he was not looking, she hid the box under the loaf of bread. Her concentration was shot! Her eyes darted toward him. How large was extra-large? She supposed she’d find out soon enough. Unloading the cart, Star’s heart raced with panic. Why did Mr. Tom have to be working the register today? Where was Karen? She wouldn’t bat an eye at the condoms. Of course, if she got a look at Zar and the extra-large condoms Star would probably have to fight her off. The cart was unloaded. The only thing left was the box of condoms. Star could feel the heat rise in her cheeks as she placed it on the conveyor belt. Star studied the tabloid headlines with rapt determination as she waited for Mr. Tom to finish ringing up the groceries. “How are you today?” Mr. Tom asked. “Good.” Her attention was still centered on the latest misdeeds of the Hollywood social set. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him fumble with the condoms. To her horror, he had to scan the condoms three times before they registered. She imagined that any moment he would ask for a price check on condoms over the intercom. All the while, Zar stood smugly at her side, seemingly enjoying her discomfort. “So, where did you meet Star?” Mr. Tom’s direct gaze centered on Zarius. Zar’s posture straightened. “I met her at a café, sir.” Mr. Tom nodded. “Star’s a nice girl. You take care of her.” “I intend to.” Zarius gathered several bags in each hand, leaving behind the small bag containing the condoms. Star grabbed it up. “I can carry a few bags,” she insisted as they exited the store. “There is no need.” “Thanks,” she muttered and rolled the small plastic bag she carried, so no one could see through it. She didn’t want to advertise that they were going to have sex. It was another pleasant day and people were out in droves. Ordinarily, Star would pay them little attention but the obvious admiration of Zar by two scantily clad women joggers irked her. A prickle of irritation heated her skin. Star clutched the condom bag. Maybe she should wave it in their faces. No, that would probably encourage them. While looking daggers at the women, she kept one eye fixed on Zar to gauge his reaction to the bouncing, barely concealed breasts. He 51
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continued his pace, sparing the women not even a glance. Her glare turned to smug satisfaction and her appreciation for Zar grew immensely. Running ahead, Star opened the door. “Those must be heavy.” “Not so much.” He flexed his biceps and her stomach dropped. “Where do you wish for me to place these?” Zar asked. “The kitchen.” With the counter littered with bags she shooed him from the room. “Go watch television and I’ll call you when lunch is on the table.” Zar snagged a pack of cookies on the way out.
***** Star’s eyes widened as she watched him eat. He did not think he ate excessively. Three pieces of chicken, two brownies and half a gallon of milk filled him well. “You like chicken?” “It is good. The brownies are better.” “You like anything that’s sweet,” she replied. “That is why I like you.” Hunger flashed in her eyes and he struggled to control his need to take her. He did not wish to rush her into the final act of intimacy. Because she was an innocent it would be difficult and painful. He would do his best to prepare her but some pain was inevitable. He was a large male, a Rejan male in his prime. Since she knew not the ways of mating, he hoped she would not notice the differences in his body. Teman had warned him that his cock was subtly different from that of an Earthling male. Not only did the Rejan male tend to be larger, but males of this planet did not possess the siltas—small, rough protrusions on the heads and shafts of their cocks—that were designed to give extreme pleasure to the female mate. “I want you, my fila.” His voice was rough with suppressed need as he moved to her side. “Perhaps we should—” The rest of what she was about to say was cut off as his lips descended to take possession of hers. He had decided to take the decision from her. It was time to lay claim to her in the most elemental of ways. He would wait no longer. Today he would make her his for all time. They would take the vow and he would possess her fully. Soon she would be ready for the truth but first he would bind her to him with the ultimate pleasure of the flesh. “Yes, perhaps we should,” he whispered and took her mouth again. Tugging at her lower lip with his teeth, he teased and tormented her. His tongue licked against her teeth, asking for admittance. She gasped and he did not hesitate to take advantage. His tongue swept into her hot mouth, licking and stroking, not unlike what another part of his body ached to do.
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Star ripped her mouth from his and sucked in deep gulps of air. His ardent mouth descended to her throat, biting and suckling that sensitive skin. Arching against him, seeking closer contact, she ran her fingers through his hair, steering him closer. “I will make you mine, fila. I will give you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams.” Zar nipped her ear, his breath teasing the sensitive flesh as his tongue darted out to trace the shell before dipping inside. She shivered uncontrollably against him. Lifting her in his strong arms, he carried her to the bedroom. In her room, he stopped. “Are you ready?” Star met his steady gaze. “I think so but can we…” Her gaze darted to the windows. “Can we close the miniblinds and pull the drapes some?” Zar smiled. “If that would make you more comfortable.” “Please.” He set her on her feet and moved to the window. He twirled the control rod and pulled the drapes, leaving a sliver of an opening. “Is that better?” he asked as he stalked toward her in the darkened room. “Yes.” She didn’t feel quite so vulnerable. “I would enjoy seeing all of your naked beauty but for now I will be pleased to feel it.” His head lowered and he nuzzled her neck. “I have waited so long,” he muttered. Her breath hitched in her throat as he scooped her up and stretched her out on the comforter. He lay over her and she arched wantonly against his firm body. Reaching down, he bent her right leg, allowing him room to insinuate one jeansclad thigh between her legs. She moaned as his hard thigh pressed against the damp material covering her pussy. “Zar.” “You like?” He grinned as his head lowered. He nibbled her neck and she writhed beneath him. With one hand, he tilted her hips and brought her femininity in direct contact with his thigh. Raggedly she sucked in a breath at the electrifying touch. “Do you enjoy that?” he crooned knowingly to her. Palming her bottom, he began to rock her in a slow rhythm against his leg. Her hands dropped to his shoulders and her long nails dug into his cotton-covered flesh. He was moving too fast. Her hands shoved against his bulk. Her body pulsed with a heated rhythm and she couldn’t catch her breath. “Zar, I can’t…it’s too much.” He raised his head. Heavy-lidded eyes bore into hers and her stomach dropped as liquid heat soaked her panties. “Star,” he moaned as his head dipped. His mouth crushed her lips and swallowed her resistance. Their tongues met and he lured hers into his mouth, sucking ardently. Pain-pleasure racked her body and his mouth muffled her cries.
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He gave her no time to think, only feel. Somehow, he managed to inch her sweater up over her breasts. Yanking his mouth from hers, he looked down at her lace-covered breasts. “So perfect.” Her body was on fire. She looked at his face, contorted with raw passion. His nostrils flared. In his eyes, she read his intent and she knew they were far beyond the point of no return. She arched her lower body against his leg once more and an arc of energy curled her toes. He growled deep in his throat. His head dipped and he licked the valley between her breasts. With a strangled cry, she ran her fingers through his long, loose hair, stroking it with her fingers. Clasped closely to his chest, she was overcome by the heat of his body and the erotic, musky scent surrounding them. Placing his weight on one arm, he leaned to the side. She took a deep breath, watching him. The bedroom was dark and the air cool on her heated flesh. Slowly, he inched his shirt up over his rippled abs. Oh lord, the time has come. She lay transfixed, unable to move or look away as he undressed her, tossed her clothes aside, then rose from the bed. Her eyes devoured every inch of him in the filtered light. He tugged the shirt over his head and threw it to the floor. The muscles in his chest and shoulders rippled. Heat suffused her and her blood pulsed in her veins. Swallowing deeply, she watched him reach for the fastening of his jeans. Her gaze widened as the rasp of his zipper echoed in her head. She slowly lowered her gaze. Forcefully, he shoved his jeans down and off. His cock sprang forth, unashamedly swollen with his desire for her. Star’s eyes popped wide open, taking in the shadowy image of his intoxicating arousal. What she knew of men had not prepared her for this. “Zar I don’t know what to do. Teach me.” “Do not worry, fila. I will be gentle. I will teach you how to please me and I will please you.” His voice was low, seductive, as he eased into the bed next to her. Stretching out his lengthy frame, he tugged her down to lie beside him. She closed her eyes briefly, taking deep calming breaths. Opening her eyes, she met his fiery gaze. His hand closed around her thigh and he gently tugged her tense body closer to his. “You will be mine this night, and for all time, my fila. I will possess you as you possess me.” Zar spoke the words reverently as he ran his hands over her heated flesh. “Now, my fila, you must tell me you wish me as your mata, for all time.” “Yes,” Star murmured, not truly understanding what he asked of her, only wanting to put an end to the torment of the flesh. Moving restlessly beneath his expert touch, she begged him with her body to put an end to her agony. Her thighs parted of their own volition. She ached for him, his words stirring her deeply. “You must say the words,” Zar insisted, his hands now busy removing the rest of her clothing. 54
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“I want you now and always, my mata,” Star repeated. Zar moved over her, supporting his weight on his powerful arms. A hiss escaped his lips at the first sizzling contact of full body skin on skin. She felt his arousal against her stomach and it seemed to have a life of its own. It burned and pulsed against her trembling flesh. He lowered himself further over her and his silky hair feathered forward to tickle her sensitized breasts. Silken lips took hers once more. His kisses had the effect of a drug on her wits. He skimmed his lips down her throat and across her chest, stopping at one aching nipple. He laved it with his tongue then sucked it into his mouth. Star’s hands ran up and down his back, feeling the muscles bulge and contract under his taut skin. Fire burned low in her stomach as his lips tugged upon her breast. Darts of heated sensation shot straight to her clit. Zar grasped her hands and held them to her sides. His mouth rained liquid fire down her body from breast to navel. His tongue swirled into her navel and his teeth bit the sensitive flesh around it. Whimpering, she tried to break free of his grasp. Using his knees to part her legs, he held them open. He released her hands and arched upward. His teeth gleamed in the darkness as he perused her as she lay spread open for him. The look upon his face was one of a starving man and her heart pounded with desire to please him. “Mine,” he moaned. “Yes.” She nodded. His hands held her open to him as his head lowered. His thick, satiny hair grazed her inner thighs and they trembled. She squirmed. Her limbs were now leaden. She couldn’t breathe. His ardent attention to her overly sensitive body left her helplessly spread beneath him. She cried out to him softly, “Please, Zar.” “I intend to,” he promised, his breath hot on her inner thigh. She whimpered when his sharp teeth grazed her right thigh. He laved the spot with his tongue and turned to nuzzle her curls with his nose. He shifted and the whip of his tongue parted her labia. “Zar,” she squealed as a flame of heat scorched her flesh. Sharp teeth grazed her clit and she bucked. He drew her tender nub into his mouth and gently sucked. She lurched beneath his assault and her body trembled violently. She hadn’t known such sensations existed and she tried to sit up. A massive arm came across her body and pinned her down. “Zarius, what are you doing?” She trembled all over. Moaning, she arched her body under his seeking mouth. She didn’t know what was happening to her. “I need to taste your sweetness and prepare you for what is to come.” His breath was hot as it ruffled her curls. His head dipped and he laved her folds. One of her hands grasped the head buried between her thighs. She wouldn’t survive.
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His rough thumb brushed her clit as his tongue pierced her core. She tossed her head. “Stop. I can’t stand it.” She yanked his hair as his tongue slid deeper. An unknown sensation burrowed through her body and settled low in her stomach. Trembling, she bucked. Sensations built as he persisted in his carnal feast. His thumb pressed harder and her pussy clenched. A multitude of sensations exploded. “Zar,” she gasped as overwhelming feelings took her on a roller-coaster ride of emotion. Sliding up to lie alongside her once again, he replaced his lips with his fingers. He ran them through her curls, back and forth across her wetness. She trembled as the vibrations subsided. He lowered his lips to hers to kiss her deeply and she tasted herself upon him. Levering his body half over hers, he continued stroking her with his tutored fingers. Gently, he inserted one finger into her tight passage. “Your body readies itself for me. See how your hot juices flow for me?” He slid his index finger deeper into her. She moaned her pleasure and brought a hand up to stroke down the center of his body. Ripped stomach muscles contracted under her hand and a shiver shook his powerful frame. Star hesitated and he nudged her hand with his cock. Its warmth beckoned. Enclosing him with curious fingers, she squeezed. She had never felt anything like it. He was huge and hot. His flesh was a contrast of textures. Steel hardness covered with velvet-soft skin dotted every so often with rough protrusions. His hips shifted and slowly he began to move within her grasping fingers. If his lips and tongue could bring her such pleasure, she could only imagine what emotions his massive cock would arouse. “Zar, I’m not sure I’m ready for this.” She stroked his cock. Muttering unintelligible words, he enclosed her fingers with his free hand and taught her to stroke him with a quick, firm grip. “Shh, you are ready to be mine. I will slowly expand you. I will be careful but there will be some pain this first time.” Then he showed her how he would manage it by inserting another finger into her pussy. “Your body will conform to fit my shaft in a velvet glove of warmth.” She felt herself stretching to accommodate his fingers and quickly forgot her concerns as severe pressure built up inside her. She bucked against him, and grasped him more firmly, stroking him harder. His breath hissed out between parted lips. Immediately, he removed his fingers from her. Prying her hand from around his cock, he shifted to lie fully between her parted thighs. The tip of his engorged cock nudged her moist opening. Gently, he thrust against her and broke through what was left of her hymen. Entering only a scant inch, he withdrew. She had stiffened at his first thrust and now his lips sought hers. “Relax,” he crooned.
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His long, tumescent cock surged into her again, only to withdraw. She grasped at his hips. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to drag him closer or shove him away. “Relax, fila. Accept me within your body.” His bulging muscles shook with restraint as he eased slowly forward. He speared her on his rigid length once more. Arching, she tried to force him deeper. “I do not wish to cause you harm, fila.” He was a shadowy figure of raw power and bulging muscles above her. “It doesn’t hurt. Please, I need…” Stroking slightly deeper this time, his thick cock burrowed into her tender flesh. She whimpered, not in pain, but pleasure and bucked against him. Then with one swift, powerful lunge, he buried his cock inside her. A cry of panic escaped her lips and he muffled it with his mouth. Straining muscles tensed and bulged as he lay perfectly still inside her. She drew a ragged breath as she adjusted to his possession. Lovingly, he kissed her lips and her eyelids as his hands stroked her body. Slowly, she relaxed beneath his masterful touch. “It is over. That was it.” “Th-that was it?” she cried, the sudden pain had surprised her even though she’d known what to expect. As the pain subsided beneath his tender touch, other sensations took over again and her body yearned for more. That could not be it. She wanted more, much more. She wanted what his lips had given her. He chuckled against her throat and she felt the vibration deep inside her. “That was the pain, now for the pleasure.” Demonstrating, he flexed his large member inside her tight pussy. She gasped with surprise. Slowly he began to move inside her, withdrawing to the tip to gradually surge forward as far as he could go inside her. His thick shaft scraped her inner walls and a shiver rocked her core. Sweet lord! A ripple of heat contorted her frame. This might far surpass the pleasure of earlier. Wrapping her trembling legs around his hips, he surged deeper inside her tight heat, giving her as much of his cock as he dared. She was killing him. Surely, he could not survive such pleasure. His whole body shook, something was happening to him. Never had he felt such intense pleasure. His chest burned as fiercely as his cock. Deep, penetrating strokes were sending him closer to the edge than he’d ever been. She gasped beneath him. Her eyes were wide and her thighs quaked. He knew she was near release. It was his duty, his honor, to send her spiraling into paradise before he found his release. “Oh god.” Her hands blindly reached for him, wrapping in his hair. “Help me…” She shuddered beneath him. Zar could feel his seed surging, demanding release. He had thought to withhold his seed from her until he had told her of their destiny. Now he was not sure that was
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possible. Never had he experienced such sensations. The throbbing need of release was so intense it overwhelmed his good judgment. There would be no way to stop the discharge of his seed without losing his sanity. He knew a losing battle when he stared one in the face. “Do not fight it. Go with it,” he urged as his release neared. She was so hot and tight. He was close to losing his control. He had to stop once, buried deep inside her to rein in his passions. He refused to find his release without bringing her the ultimate pleasure first. Feeling the tremors start deep within her, he knew rapture was upon her. Withdrawing again and plunging deeper still, he rotated his hips. Urgent cries urged him onward. She turned wild beneath him, arching to meet his every thrust within her body. Their passions burned out of control, sending them both spiraling over the edge into the raging inferno of their unbridled desires. Flames licked at his body and stars danced behind his eyes. His completion came simultaneously with hers. Long-withheld seed released deep within her. Never having found complete release with a woman he thought it might never end. The warm liquid seemed to surge from his shaft in an unending flow, filling her small canal. He shifted to cradle her to his side. Stroking her face lightly with one hand, he soothed her as tremors shook her from within. Holding her against him, he waited until her muscles stopped twitching and she returned to him. At the moment of their joining, he’d felt his heart expand, as if they had merged into one being. From this moment on, he knew he was irreversibly changed. Never again would he be a male alone, from this day forward their souls joined as one. Tears streamed from her eyes and he kissed them away. “I am sorry I harmed you. Next time, there will be no pain.” “You didn’t hurt me. I just didn’t know it could be like that,” she murmured, her voice still shaky. “I did not either. It has never been so,” he replied honestly. She snuggled against him and he held her until she dozed. He desired her again but he feared her body would not be ready to accept his deep embrace so soon. Climbing out of the bed, he was careful not to disturb her as he headed for the bathroom. He wondered what her reaction would be when she realized he had not worn the condoms she had insisted upon purchasing. Even if he had wanted to wear one, it would not have fit his shaft properly. Leaving the bathroom light on, it threw a soft glow across the bed. He brought a warm cloth back to bathe and soothe her tender flesh. His heated gaze admired her nakedness, seeing clearly for the first time her fully unclothed body. She was perfection. As he used the damp cloth to cleanse their joint release from her tender thighs, she moaned and shifted restlessly. The slight movements gave him an unobstructed view of her right inner thigh. His breath caught
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in his throat. Fear gripped his heart and his fingers caressed her perfectly smooth and unmarked thigh. “No, it cannot be,” he muttered. She did not bear his mark. His hand trembled and he swallowed a lump in his throat. She had to be the one. He sensed it. He felt it with all that he was. Could his instincts have failed him? Something was not right. He was not mistaken about her. Never before had he felt this way. Adjusting the covers over her sleeping form, he gazed upon her as she snuggled and murmured his name sleepily. Trembling fingers lightly caressed her smooth cheek and he placed a soft kiss upon her parted lips. Forcing himself to roll from the bed, he pulled on his pants and retreated to the couch. His mind reeled in turmoil. Collapsing, he leaned forward, elbows on knees. He cradled his head in his hands. What had he done? He had possessed her fully, without holding back his seed and possibly this very moment it was taking root inside her fertile body. Having withheld his seed for so long he felt certain it was potent. He had no regrets. They had taken the vow. Even though she knew not its importance, he did. She was his lifemate. He had made her so. How could he consider leaving her to search for another, and what if there was a child? “No,” he said, slamming his fist into his other hand. “Star is mine. I will have no other.” He would set aside custom and take her home to stand at his side and bear his children. The Rejan people would accept her. He would demand it. If Teman wished to find his daughter, he could do so. Zar’s future was with Star. A thought occurred to him—he must converse with Ventari soon. Was it possible she did not bear his mark because she was half Earthling? It would be more difficult if she was not Rejan, but it mattered not. She was his. Quietly, he slipped back into the bed and she immediately sought his warmth. Yes, she was the mate of his heart and he would keep her by his side for all time. Closing his eyes, he drifted into peaceful sleep, his decision made, he was at total peace.
***** Ventari stared into the Crystals of Zemor. So the firstborn of his friend Markal had claimed his mate. A smile came to his lips. Zarius had always been a favorite of his. Alas, with Markal departed it was his duty and honor to guide his son on his life path. Zarius had taken the first steps on that path but his course would not be smooth. Turbulence and darkness lay ahead. Zarius had always excelled at all endeavors. Failure was not an option he would accept but his biggest test lay ahead of him. He was about to learn that the things you must fight for are most appreciated. Zarius would prevail, it was written in the stars, but at what cost. Ventari turned the crystals. Frowning, he studied them. They were dark and foreboding. His brow furrowed in thought. He turned his thoughts to his other wayward Earth-bound warrior. Darvin was another matter altogether—he had always been hardheaded, impetuous. It was time he was brought to heel. For now, he would let
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them be. Eventually, he would summon them both home. They could not dally too long, for dark times were ahead and he would need his fiercest warriors at his side.
***** Zar’s mind came to full wakefulness, though his eyes remained closed. His fila moved next to him. Her soft skin brushed his and his body responded. Opening his eyes, he encountered her curious green gaze. His lips curled in pleasure as the delicious memories of the night before replayed in his mind. A pink cast covered her cheeks and he knew she remembered as well. “There is no need of this.” He tugged the sheet she held in front of her from her fingers. “Zar.” Her voice squeaked. “You opened the drapes.” This was how he wanted to awake for the rest of his life. Dragging her on top of him, her tight nipples flattened against him. “Yes. It is still early morning but I wanted to see you in the light of day.” “Oh my.” Her eyes widened as his cock, trapped between their bodies grew to its full, swollen length. She squirmed and he took her mouth in a deep kiss. His tongue wrestled with hers, stroking her banked fires to life. Adjusting her to straddle him, he sat her up so he could gaze upon the radiance of her beauty in the early morning light. He was surprised to notice he had left many love marks upon the sensitive skin of her neck, chest and stomach. They were yet another delicious reminder of what they had shared. His cock, nestled in the folds of her slick, wet heat throbbed. Cupping her bottom, he scooted her back and forth across his shaft. A growl rumbled in his throat. He wanted to thrust into her tight depths. “Are you sore? Does this bring you discomfort?” He had to make sure he would not hurt her. She had her eyes fixed on the head of his cock where it peeked out from between her folds. He had to grin at her gawking expression. “No, I’m not sore but it definitely brings me discomfort.” Arching her back, she jutted her breasts out. Her hair cascaded down her back to feather across his thighs in a sinful caress. Running his hands over her quivering belly and across her rib cage, his palms lifted her breasts. Enclosing the full globes, the pads of his thumbs stroked the peaked tips. A whimper escaped her lips. Sitting up in the bed, he lifted their fullness to his mouth and took a nipple between his teeth. He nipped. “Zar!” Her body began to undulate atop his cock as her hands buried in his hair to anchor his lips to her breasts. Lifting her, he impaled her honeyed canal. Her breath left her body in a gasp and she shivered as she slid down his cock. “Easy, fila, I wish not to harm you.” “It feels…” 60
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“As if I’m sinking into heaven.” Zar finished her sentence. “God, yes.” Star rose up and slid downward. Releasing his grip on her hips, he allowed her to set the pace. She was an apt pupil and quickly learned how to move to bring a guttural groan from his lips. While she rode him, he devoured her breasts. Soon, she was grinding herself against his cock. Perspiration beaded his brow as he fought to withhold his seed. Now that he had experienced a full release his body hungered for more. Impatient, he shifted and placed her under him on the bed. Grasping her legs, he brought them up along his sides. Pinning them there with his arms, he delved deeper. This position tilted her lean hips up slightly and allowed him deeper access to her tight, moist pussy. In the morning light, he could see her pink flesh stretch to take him. He shuddered with want of release. His siltas gathered her thick cream as they scraped her sensitive inner folds each time he plunged. Regarding her through veiled eyes, he was delighted to see her writhing beneath him. Lowering his head, he nipped a protruding nipple with his teeth. Her body tensed and deep within she began to quake. “Zar, please.” She rocked her hips from side to side and he growled. His hair cascaded forward and she ran her fingers through it. Using it, she tugged his mouth to hers and their tongues met and danced in an erotic tempo. She retreated and her sharp teeth nibbled his lip. Tugging his lower lip into her mouth, she bit down. He roared, arched his back and surged impossibly deeper into her. She shattered beneath him and his release swiftly followed. Adjusting them, he cradled her spoon fashion. His still-semi-hard cock nuzzled her bottom. Wrapping her in his arms, he held her tightly. She had seen his cock. She’d even held him within her grasp and had not commented on his siltas. He concluded she was ignorant of a male’s body. With her in his arms, he relaxed and let sleep claim him once again. A sharp jab to his ribs woke him. “Zar, we didn’t use the condoms!” she cried out in horror as soon as his eyes opened. “All will be well. Do not cry, fila.” He stroked her cheek and brought her into his embrace. “I am here for you.” “Zar, you don’t understand, what if I’m pregnant? I know it’s unlikely but I’m scared.” Fear pounded in her heart. She came from a single-parent home and she knew better. Emily had even warned her and they had bought the condoms. Why hadn’t one of them remembered? Certainly, he was experienced enough and he should have remembered. No, it wasn’t fair to blame him—she was responsible too.
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“I will not leave you, my fila. I vowed last night to keep you as mine always. It will be so. You also claimed me as your mata, forever. I intend to hold you to the promises we made.” Star still did not recognize the significance of what he was saying. She placed her cheek against his chest. Damn it. She should have known better. Eventually, Star tore herself away from his comforting arms. “I have to get ready for work.” She didn’t want to go. Her greatest desire was to lie in his arms all day. She wasn’t ready to deal with the real world yet. What she had experienced had somehow changed her. She didn’t want to leave this refuge. She feared once the real world encroached upon them they would never be able to get back to this haven. She wasn’t ready to face Emily’s questions and probing looks. “Do not go. Stay with me, I need you here.” Zar’s words of protest warmed her heart knowing that he too felt the need to remain in the safe world they had created. “Unfortunately, I have to go.” Star strolled to the bathroom, oblivious to his heated gaze possessively roaming her naked form. Her eyes landed on her reflection in the mirror. “What the fuck!” Yanking the door open, she yelled, “Look what you’ve done to me.” Star gestured to the many love bites upon her body. Several of which would be impossible to hide. Zar chuckled, stretching languidly. He leapt from the bed and padded silently to stand in front of her, gloriously nude. Running his fingers across her throat, he circled each mark upon her body. Not attempting to hide his delight, his lip curled upward. “You think this is amusing?” Star punched him in the chest. It was like punching a wall. “Damn.” She shook her hand. Zar chuckled. “You are feisty. I like that.” “I’ll make you pay for this, you fiend. Just wait.” With an abrupt about-face, she stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. The little bottles of cologne on her dresser rattled from the force. Zar slipped into his pants and whistled as he headed for the kitchen. His fila might need a cup or two of coffee. The coffee had just begun to brew as the phone rang. “Hello.” There was a hesitation on the other end of the line. “I’m sorry, I must have the wrong number. I was looking for Star?” the female voice said questioningly. “Star is in the shower, may I take a message?” Zar inquired of the caller. “Yes, you may tell her that her mother called. I will be waiting for her to return the call.” Zar raised his brows at the shrill tone of voice. The phone clicked in his ear. Surmising her mother was not pleased, he assumed Star would not be either. Stirring his coffee, Zar watched Star as she entered the room. The fuzzy robe, slippers and towel on her head did nothing to detract from her beauty. Her eyes
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narrowed in his direction. Zar cleared his throat noisily. “The phone rang while you were in the shower.” “Well, whoever it was will call back if they need something,” she replied haughtily. “It was your mother.” He winced at the dark look she shot him. “Couldn’t you just have let it ring? Are you trying to ruin my life?” Star flopped into a kitchen chair and hung her head. “Isn’t it bad enough you put hickies all over my body and didn’t wear a condom? Did you tell my mom you just crawled out of my bed after a lusty night of passion too?” Zar dropped to kneel at her feet. “I am truly sorry. I do not mean to be the cause of your distress. Your skin is very tender. I suppose that in my excitement, I was too rough. As for your mother, I did not think. She seemed to be surprised to hear my voice. But you have my oath. I will make it up to you.” He made no mention of the condoms because for that he felt no sorrow. Star sniffled. “It’s not all your fault. I asked you to stay here and I could have told you not to answer the phone. As for last night, I could have stopped you. The rubbers were as much my responsibility as yours,” She huffed as she stood. “I guess it’s time to face the music.” How she would face the music, he was not sure. Picking up the phone, Star dialed her mother’s number. She answered on the first ring. It was not a good sign. “Hello, Mom,” Star tried and failed to sound cheerful. “Star, who was that man answering your phone so early in the morning?” Just like her mom to jump right in without even a proper greeting. “Uh, he’s a friend.” “Friends do not visit at this time of day. He said you were in the shower. Why would you shower with a man in your apartment?” “He’s staying here for a while, while he looks for a place.” Star tried to placate her mother unsuccessfully. Then held the phone away from her ear at her mother’s piercing tirade. “Star, I insist you come out here tonight so we can discuss this. I can’t have you making a mistake that will ruin the rest of your life.” Star knew what she meant. Her mother didn’t want her to ruin her life the way she had, by having Star. Her hand went involuntarily to her stomach. “Okay, Mom, I’ll see you tonight.” Turning her head, she saw Zar’s gaze lower to the hand on her stomach. What surprised her was the look of pleasure on his face. Hanging up the phone, she moved back to the chair. “That went as well as I expected.” “This is not good for you.” Lifting her in his arms, Zar carried her back to the bedroom. Setting her in the middle of the bed, he removed the towel from her head. Using the towel, he massaged her scalp and dried her hair. Lord, it felt good to have 63
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him care for her. Star sighed and leaned back against his chest. His arms enclosed her, rocking her gently. “First, you will call your place of employment and tell them you cannot come in today. Then we will make arrangements to be wed.” It was a demand, not a request. “We can’t get married, we hardly know each other.” Star leaned forward and glared at him over her right shoulder. She didn’t care for the superior look he had on his face. “We knew each other well enough last night, and this morning as I filled you with my seed. You may be carrying my child. We will be wed, that is final.” Final! Star blinked. “Look, I’ll admit last night was great but there is more to marriage than sex. We won’t know for a while if I’m pregnant. If I am, we’ll discuss it then.” Reaching for her, he gathered her to his chest. One hand parted her robe and slid against her sensitive flesh. “If you are not now carrying my child, you soon will be.” Her stomach fluttered at those words. “It is best we marry quickly.” He looked at her through narrowed eyes. “And the sex was far superior to great!” “No, we can use the condoms from now on.” “I will not wear those things. I will not have anything between us.” Pulling her robe from her, he held her to his naked chest. She cried out and squirmed against him as he tugged on a nipple. His other hand dipped between her parted thighs. “Sex doesn’t solve everything.” A thick finger penetrated her pussy, thrusting deep. She gasped as another finger filled her canal. His fingers worked furiously in and out, and with a shudder, she creamed. Growling deep in his chest, his sopping fingers moved to her clit. “It is more than sex. It is need. You need me as I need you.” His thumb pressed the swollen nub of her clit. “Please stop this madness,” she cried, all the while arching against him, unable to deny what his touch did to her. “I don’t want…” He released her breast to angle her head for his kiss. The kiss sizzled, melting her resistance, her very bones. His mouth and tongue were insatiable, forcing her response. Relentlessly his tongue stoked her fires as his fingers played her tender folds. Tearing her lips from his, she sucked in deep gulps of air and quivered in his arms. “Tell me you need it,” he demanded. “Say it. Give me the words I wish to hear.” “I want you,” she cried. At her words, he brought them both to their knees. Releasing his cock from his jeans, he bent her forward and plunged forcefully to her core. Crying out, she bucked against him. It felt so good. Flesh against flesh, he filled her and completed her in a way she would never have thought possible.
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Massaging her breasts, he tweaked her nipples as he held her in place for his thrusting cock. Stroking her repeatedly, he brought her close to her peak and stopped. The hesitation frayed her nerves. “Please.” At her request, he plunged with long, deep strokes only to stop before she could reach orgasm. “Zar?” The tip of his cock teased her opening. “Tell me, my fila, what is it you wish for?” Star panted and tried to lean back into him. “You. I want you, please.” He groaned at her words and slowly inched into her wetness, only to withdraw and begin again. “Deeper,” she begged. “You are mine.” His hand left her breast and he pinched her clit. She gasped and nodded her head. His pace increased as she began to tremble around him, spiraling dizzily from the acme of pleasure. He paused momentarily then relentlessly began again. She begged him, pleaded with him to end it. “Zar, you must stop. I can’t take any more.” Finally, when she thought she would lose consciousness, he took her over the edge. Her body contorted with powerful quakes. She would have collapsed but he held her within his arms. Plunging deep and hard, his powerful climax followed hers. Again, he filled her with his cum. Still deeply embedded in her he began to move gently inside her once again. She could feel his length growing. “Zar, you have to stop now. It is too much.” Ignoring her protest, he continued to stroke slowly inside her. Her body betrayed her as she felt the pressure begin to mount yet again. “It will never be too much.” This time he took her slowly, gently, all the while kissing her exposed neck and murmuring words in his native tongue. The words she could not understand but the emotion felt like love. This was not just about the joining of two bodies for satisfaction. She felt as if she were merging with him. She was part of him and he part of her. She quivered around him. Her muscles begin to reflexively spasm as she found her crest and he found released within her once more. Panting, they lay side by side. She lay on her stomach and he smoothed her hair down her back. Deep, powerful emotion surged to life and she choked it back. Rolling to the side, she grabbed her robe and cinched it tight. “What you did wasn’t right,” she said in a trembling voice. “You can’t always get your way with sex.” She would not look at him. If she did she would be lost and she knew it. “I only wished to convince you that it is best we wed now. I warned you before I possessed you that I would never leave a child behind. Last night, you took a vow to be mine. It is best that we marry now.”
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Star wanted to pull her hair out. Why did he keep bringing up a vow he’d made in the heat of passion? She knew better than to trust in that. Her father had probably made such promises to her mother. She sighed. If she were honest with herself, she would admit that marriage to him was tempting. It would seem the answer to many of her problems. Her mother would accept a fiancé better than a live-in lover. Moreover, if she were pregnant she wouldn’t be alone. Nevertheless, did she love him? Did she want to spend the rest of her life with him? He was unbelievably handsome. He was also, overbearing, opinionated, bossy, always had to have his way sexy, and probably the best lover in the universe. She shook her head. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered. Zar’s steel-blue eyes softened. “I want you as my wife. The question is, do you want me?” Something melted as she gazed into his eyes. A feeling of peace settled over her. “Yes. I want you.” She hesitated. “I’ll marry you.” Star was unsure where that answer had come from. It was almost as if someone else had taken control of her body and agreed to marry him. If she had considered changing her mind, she would have been unable as she gazed into his eyes. The simple words caused a light to dance in his eyes. Nothing would allow her to wipe that look from his face. “Thank you.” His sexy, deep voice was an octave lower than usual. Her acceptance hit him like a blow to the stomach. Stunned was not an exaggeration of his feelings. He had thought he was in for a long, hard battle. He was pleased that half the battle was over. Since, once they were married, it was her duty as not only his fila but his wife to go with him wherever he wished. Even to a different world. Zar smiled at her devilishly. “I knew my tactics would be convincing to you.” “You better watch it, buddy, or I’ll tell you to hit the road,” Star said, giving him a little attitude. He was unsure why he would hit a road but he felt it was a warning nonetheless. “Now call your work and inform them you are to be married and must resign.” She shook her head. “You just don’t get it, do you? I’ll call in sick today, but I can’t quit. You don’t have a job.” Narrowing his eyes, he glared. Surely she did not think he had need of her to support him. When they arrived on Reja, she would discover the true meaning of luxury. “I have no need for you to support us. I have money saved. You must resign anyway for we will not be staying here after we marry.” Immediately, he realized he had made another tactical error. “You didn’t say anything about moving. My mother lives not far from here. How far do you think we’re going to move?”
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A few galaxies. He knew he must placate her for now. “Not too far, but far enough you could not continue to work. You will have no need to work.” His placating skills needed work. After all, she was not a docile Rejan female raised to honor and obey her mata. “Well, we’ll have to discuss this, won’t we? First, I will call work and tell them I won’t be in today.” She leveled a stare at him. Zar narrowed his eyes. It was time she learned who was in charge. “Ever!” “If, and I said if, I resign, I must do so in person. I have personal things there I will need to pick up.” “I will shower before we leave.” Turning, he headed for the bathroom before she could argue further.
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Chapter Four After calling work Star threw on her clothes, heated up a cup of coffee and turned on the morning news. Stretching out her legs on the couch she watched as the news anchor told of a breaking story. The screen flashed to a house fire in the south end of town. The shower turned off and her mind flashed back to her own problems. In good conscience, she couldn’t quit her job. She hated her job, wanted another job but she couldn’t afford to be unemployed. She needed time to figure it all out. Unfortunately, time was one thing she didn’t have. At least not where her mother was concerned. For the first time, she dreaded visiting her mom. “So, first we must obtain a license to marry.” Star jumped at his words. “Yeah, we have to go to the courthouse.” “Come, let us depart now.” Arching a brow, she peered at him over her coffee cup. She supposed it wasn’t worth arguing about.
***** The short walk to the courthouse was silent. The weather had turned cool and Star shivered in her light jacket. Zar moved to put his arm around her and she eased away. She regretted the decision immediately as she stepped out of the sphere of his heat radiance. The line at the courthouse moved quickly and soon they stood at the counter. “What is the quickest we may obtain a license to marry?” Zarius asked the clerk behind the counter. “There’s no waiting period in Kentucky but the license is only valid for thirty days.” The clerk slid the papers toward Zar. She batted her long lashes. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.” “Thank you.” Zar flashed a smile and Star fumed. They were applying for a marriage license, for god’s sake. Why didn’t the woman just offer to take her place? “You sure you want to marry me? It appears you have a fan.” “I am sure.” Zar took the pen from her and in no time, the paperwork was complete and they were on their way.
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“Now would be an opportune time to visit your work and pick up your possessions.” Star chuckled. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re pushy?” “No. Only you.” He looked at her as if the idea had never occurred to him before. Star snorted. Obviously, everyone else was too intimidated to tell him. When they reached her downtown office building, Star didn’t bother asking Zar to wait outside for her. She knew that wouldn’t happen. Reaching the third floor, they stepped off the elevator. It wasn’t surprising to find the hallway empty. Mildred, the drill sergeant, ran a tight ship. Most people preferred to stay in their offices. Star hoped to get in undetected, gather her meager belongings and type her resignation. After Zar’s constant badgering, she’d decided to resign. She had checked her email this morning and had several hits on her résumé. Even if things didn’t work out, she had options and one of them was not staying here. “I’ll have to type my resignation,” she told Zar as she took a seat at her desk. “I will wait.” He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. Star felt as if she were under guard. With a shake of her head, she booted her computer and began typing. Her resignation was brief and to the point. She didn’t owe the company anything. She emptied her desk of personal belongs as she reread her resignation. She dreaded the confrontation to come. With her usual tact and concern, Mildred opened her door. “I was told you were ill today. Well, it’s a good thing you’re better. I highlighted some changes on the Nelson analysis.” Mildred shoved a file at her. “Sally’s sick today so you’re going to have to cover for her.” Stopping for a moment, Mildred glanced at Zar. “What’s he doing here? You don’t have time to socialize at work.” “He’s here with—” Mildred cut off Star’s explanation. “You must leave now. Star’s very busy and doesn’t have time to entertain you.” Zar’s eyebrows arched as Mildred waved her hand at him as if she were shooing a pest. Zar’s eyes narrowed into silver slits. “You talk too much and do not listen.” Star cringed as he delivered those words. Mildred’s mouth gaped open and she quickly snapped it shut. Her glasses slid down her nose and her bushy eyebrows appeared as one when she furrowed her brow. “I will have you escorted from the building.” “Once again, you speak. If you would only listen, Star would inform you of what she must.” Zar straightened to his full height, his arms still across his massive chest. It was an intimidating pose. He looked down his straight nose with an expression of utter contempt. Star pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle.
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Mildred reached for the phone and Star put her hand on it. “I’m resigning. You will have to find someone else to push around and do all your work for you.” The look of disbelief on Mildred’s face quickly changed to pure hatred. “Don’t think you’ll get a reference from me.” “Don’t think you’ll acquire the Nelson account without me,” Star quipped in return. Grabbing up the box that contained her personal possessions, she marched from the room with Zar on her heels. Euphoria erupted in Star that she’d finally told off her obnoxious boss. It felt wonderful to get out from under her thumb. She vowed silently to herself to never again get in such a position. “I do not know how you worked for such a female for so long,” Zar spoke in a roaring voice, loud enough for half the building to hear. As they walked down the hall, several people peeked out of their offices at them but there was no sign of Emily. Star’s face was faintly flushed, but not from embarrassment, rather from the exhilaration pumping through her veins. Finally, she’d spoken her mind and it felt good as she departed the office for the final time.
***** The phone was ringing when Zar opened the door to the apartment and Star ran to answer it. “What is going on? Mildred is livid. I’ve been told you were here with a gorgeous man and resigned,” Emily gushed into the phone in a hushed but excited tone. “I stopped in with Zar. I was trying to resign. Mildred got bossy as usual and Zar took exception to it. She threatened to call security and we made a hasty retreat.” “Is everything okay? Mildred has been implying there were bruises on you. She said Zar seemed hostile and that possibly he was forcing you to quit. He didn’t hurt you, did he?” The evident concern in Emily’s voice touched Star. “No, everything’s fine. They’re not bruises exactly,” Star said, turning to glare at Zar while unconsciously rubbing her neck. “What do you mean? Oh, a little rough foreplay? Mmmm, interesting, but why are you resigning, besides the fact that Mildred is a royal pain in the ass?” “I…uh…I’m getting married,” Star stumbled over the words. “Married! When? How? Why?” Emily couldn’t decide on one question. “Soon. We got our license today. We have to move for Zar’s job, so I quit.” “I guess it was love at first sight. That’s sweet. I will see you again before you move?” Emily voice held a note of sadness. “Of course, we’ll probably get married by the justice of the peace. Maybe quite soon, but I’ll definitely see you before I leave.”
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“So, the next time I see you, you’ll be an old married lady? Hmm…quite a change. I suppose you’re not taking any chance of losing him, huh? Can’t say that I blame you, he’s quite the hottie.” “Yeah, no chance.” Star glanced at him and an uneasy feeling stirred in her stomach. He leaned against the sofa. The muscles of his biceps bulged as his arms crisscrossed his chest. She could feel his gaze on her as he eyed her in that superior male way he had. “I need to go. I’m going to see my mom.” “Okay, I’ll talk to you soon. Bye.” “Bye.” Star hung up the phone. Zar was leaning against the wall now, his arms still crossed, as he studied her. “I guess I’ll take the bus to see Mom. I checked the schedule. I’ll leave in about two hours,” Star told him with a glance at her watch. “I will accompany you. First, I have an errand I must complete. Do not depart without me,” he warned. “You don’t have to go with me.” “Yes, I must. I cannot allow you to carry the burden of informing your mother of our impending marriage without standing at your side. She has not yet made my acquaintance. What would her reaction be?” His tone told her it was useless to argue, besides which he was right anyway. This was going to be difficult. Once her mom met Zar, she was sure to like him. All women appeared to. Star thought about that for a moment, not sure that it pleased her. He charmed women easily. She thought of Mildred, at least when he wanted to. Oh, well, she was the one he wanted to marry. She should be happy but nagging doubt haunted her. Why did he want to marry her? He had yet to mention love.
***** Star thought she’d managed to do a good job of covering the bruises with makeup before Zar returned. “That didn’t take long.” Zar paced the room from one end to the other. “No. I found what I looked for quickly.” “What were you looking for?” He turned and moved to the couch. The springs groaned under his weight. “Guess we’ll need a new couch.” “Do not worry about it.” He reached for her hand. She looked up at him and his eyes bore into hers. He licked his dry lips. Zar opened his mouth as if he was going to say something. Hesitantly, his eyes lowered to their entwined hands. It was obvious something was disturbing him. Most likely, he’d come to his senses and decided he didn’t want to marry her after all. She
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tried to pull her hand back but he held it firmly. He wanted out and she couldn’t blame him. Why would he want to tie himself to her? She would release him from his promise. “Zar…” Her words stopped as he reached into his pocket and produced a diamond ring and slid it onto her ring finger. “Will you marry me, my fila?” He stared at her as he awaited her reaction. Her breath hitched in her throat. The ring was beautiful. Star didn’t know a lot about diamonds but this rather large one seemed to twinkle at her. It appeared to be rather expensive, at least to her untrained eye. She looked up and met his gleaming eyes. A single tear ran down her cheek. “It is lovely,” Star said in a choked whisper. “Yes, I…uh, yes, I’ll marry you.” Leaning forward, she kissed his lips—a soft kiss, a kiss filled with promise. “Although, I would rather celebrate in another way, it is time we depart to visit your mother.” Star looked at her watch. They had an hour before they needed to leave. “We have some time yet.” Her offer warmed his heart but they did not have time for what he desired. “We will not be traveling by bus. I have rented an automobile.” The first task Zar had completed upon his departure was to rent the vehicle. He refused to travel by bus to meet Star’s mother. Since he could not use his transporter, he found the next best option. Earthling automobiles intrigued him. He found them simple to operate and somewhat enjoyable to drive. Such primitive vehicles were unnecessary on Reja but on occasion he’d operated primitive vehicles on other planets. “Really!” Star sounded ecstatic. If this simple gesture pleased her, he could only imagine her reaction when he took her to Reja. “Come, let us depart now.” Zar held out his hand to Star and she laced their fingers. He felt his ring on her finger. It was a sign of his possession and it pleased him. His thoughts turned to Star’s mother. He hoped she would not cause difficulties for them. It disturbed him to lie to his fila’s mother but he had no choice. When the time for truth came, he would explain to Star’s mother. He had no wish to alienate Star from her family. In time, she would accept him. She would have no choice. Seated in the passenger seat Star groaned and stretched. His cock twitched in reaction. “This is comfy. It’s much better than the bus,” she said. “I am pleased you think so.” He would be more comfortable with his cock buried in her tight, hot confines. His eyes ran the length of her long legs. He did not need such distraction while driving. With Star’s directions, he easily found the highway. Zarius grinned as the engine revved and he pressed the accelerator harder. There was much satisfaction in driving this primitive means of transportation. He had scanned a drivers’ manual and felt
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competent in his ability to handle such a vehicle. When they left the heavier traffic of the city behind, he relaxed and accelerated the vehicle. “Zar, we’re going eighty-five, the speed limit is fifty-five,” Star yelled, digging her nails into the armrest as she tightly gripped it. “Sorry, I was just performing a test of the vehicle’s abilities.” Easing off the throttle, he reduced his speed. He did not wish to upset his fila in her condition. He would test the Earthling vehicle another time. The drive was relatively short since Star kept him amused by telling him about different places along the way. Sometimes she sang along with the songs on the radio. Her voice was soothing and only slightly off-key. One song in particular stood out from the rest. It was a love song and she sang along to the soft melody. Shyly, her eyes darted to him. The words warmed his heart and he reached out a hand to her. She willingly laid her hand upon his open palm and it gladdened his soul. He smiled slowly at her, letting the deep emotion he felt for her shine in his eyes. Thoughts of turning off this road and finding a quiet spot to take her in his arms entered his mind. The other day, while viewing the television, he had seen a movie where the people joined their bodies in a car. Parking, he believed they had called it. Glancing around the interior of the car speculatively, he was doubtful. This vehicle offered little room for maneuvering, especially for a male of his size. Star eyed him curiously. “What are you thinking about?” she asked. “Parking!” “What! Parking. I think that is done at night.” “In a larger automobile also, I would presume. Still, if you are interested, we could attempt it. I am always up for adventure.” Smiling wickedly at her, he winked. “Yeah, you’re always up for something but just keep driving, buddy. I don’t need any more conspicuous marks on my body.”
***** Star’s mom lived in an older farmhouse in the suburbs of Louisville. Until she’d moved to her apartment, Star had never lived anywhere else. She was a little nervous about her mom’s reaction to Zar. Nonetheless, she was glad to be home. As soon as the car stopped, Star hopped out and jogged up the wooden steps. The familiar creak of the stairs lightened her mood. “Come on.” She held her hand out to Zar as he slowly approached. The door was unlocked, as usual, and Star let them in. “Mom,” she yelled. Star left Zarius standing in the shadows as she ran to greet her mother. “I have someone I want you to meet. Zar, come here. I want you to meet my mom.” Zar stepped forward out of the shadows. “Zar, this is my mother, Joyce Elliot. Mom, this is Zarius El Kyr.” Her mother gave him a somewhat forced smile and shook his hand. 73
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“El Kyr. That’s unusual.” Zar inclined his head. “I am not from around here.” Joyce narrowed her eyes and searched his face and frame. A gasp came from her lips as she paled. “Mom, what’s wrong?” Star looked from her mother to Zar, concerned by her mother’s reaction. “Did you think I wouldn’t know what you are?” Star’s mother squared her shoulders and glared at Zar. “Mom, what is wrong?” Star demanded. “You don’t know who he is, do you? What did he tell you? What lies has he used to get to you?” Her mother babbled on, near hysteria. Grabbing Star by the chin, she tilted her head and looked at the discolored marks on her neck. “I’m too late, aren’t I? You’ve already been intimate with him.” Joyce looked at Zarius and shook her head. Tears streamed across her pale cheeks. “Who do you think you are to deceive my daughter? What did I ever do to deserve this?” The last of her words were barely above a whisper. Star looked at Zar. His face was completely unreadable. “Mom, I think you need to sit down. Maybe we jumped the gun a little bit in the intimacy department but it’s okay. I’m a big girl now and we’re engaged to be married.” Once again, Star looked over her shoulder at Zar, hoping for some kind of help. Realizing he was not going to be of any assistance, she led her mother to a chair. “Sit down, Mom, please.” Zar stood perfectly still, his brow furrowed. “How did you remove my mark from Star?” Zar asked quietly and Star’s head spun quickly to look at him. “I had it removed surgically, when she was a child. I had hoped that without it, you would never find her.” “What are you two talking about? What mark?” Star looked back and forth between the two of them, completely confused by the turn of the conversation. “There is a lot I never told you, Star…about your father…and yourself.” Joyce hesitated. “You had better sit down. It is a long, complicated story.” Glancing at Zar, Joyce said, “If you are staying you’d better take a seat as well.” “I will be staying.” Zar sat down next to Star and reached for her hand but she brushed him away. Glancing up at him, his face was expressionless. He returned her gaze but his eyes were shadowed, revealing none of the usual warmth. She shivered. Her gaze flicked back to her mother. Staring at the floor, Joyce nervously picked at the edge of her cardigan sweater as she began to speak. “It all happened one summer long ago. I was in college at the time. I met your father. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen and I imagine he still is. He was dashing, romantic and I fell hopelessly in love with him.” Sighing deeply, Joyce hesitated. “He cared for me, I know he did and I wanted so much to have a life with him. He told me of his betrothal to another but I didn’t care. I 74
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didn’t understand. I thought engagements were made to be broken and that if he loved me enough he would forget her and marry me. I was wrong, very wrong. He came from a place that taught him to put duty and honor above all else.” Joyce’s accusing eyes flashed toward Zar. “Even though he loved me, when the time came, he left me. Left behind and alone, I was pregnant with you. I don’t want you to think I didn’t want you, because I did. You mean everything to me. You always have. The first time I looked at you, I loved you. I named you Star, after the small birthmark on your right thigh. I was ecstatic, I felt sure Teman would know of your birth and return for us. I was wrong again, he never came and eventually I gave up hope that he would. That’s when I had your birthmark removed. It was a painful reminder to me of what I had lost. And I hoped, without your birthmark they’d never find you and take you away from me.” Star blinked. Her head felt as if it were spinning. “I still don’t understand. Who wouldn’t find me?” Star asked. “She hoped I would never find you, my fila, but her subterfuge did not work for I located you anyway. I would find you anywhere,” Zarius explained. “What? I don’t…” Star looked between the two of them. There was something she was missing, but what could it be? “Your father, Teman, and Zarius are from Reja 312, isn’t that right?” Joyce looked at Zar for confirmation. He inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Reja 312? Where is that?” Zarius reached for her hand. Her mind whirled in a thousand directions and she didn’t protest. “Reja 312 is the planet I come from. Your father comes from the planet also. You are half Rejan.” Half Rejan! Her head jerked to look from one to the other. Star tugged her hand but Zar held fast. “Okay, you two are trying to tell me I’m half alien. Zarius is some fullblooded alien creature? Am I getting this right?” “Star, honey, remember I love you. I would never intentionally hurt you. No one knows the truth except for us. There’s no reason things can’t go on as they always have. No matter what he says, you are human.” You are human. The words rang in her ears. She was human. She was an alien. This was too much. “You two are serious.” She looked at Zar and realized she should have known he was too perfect to be real. He was an alien. That probably wasn’t even how he really looked. That was probably just how he looked to fit in. “Oh my god.” She had made love to an alien and she might be expecting his child. She was half alien. Her stomach churned. She tugged her hand free and began to pound her fists on Zar’s chest uncontrollably. “How could you. How could either of you do this to me?” Leaping to her feet, she ran outside. The door swung behind her. Running as far as her legs would carry her, she ran through the fields and into the woods. Stumbling over a vine-covered log, she collapsed next to the creek. She’d often played there as a child. It had been her retreat but today it didn’t make her feel safe. 75
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Crumpled onto the cold, hard ground, she sobbed. Her whole life had been one big lie after another. What would she do now? She had to get away. She couldn’t trust Zar now. She’d go somewhere no one knew her and start over. She had always known she was different. Then she’d met Zarius and for the first time had felt complete, as if she’d found her place. “How could he do this to me? Maybe he couldn’t walk up and say, ‘Hey, I’m an alien, do you want to have sex?’ But he shouldn’t have made love to me without telling me. Love.” Star snorted. He didn’t love her. He was here out of duty of some sort. Now she might be expecting his child. She placed a hand on her stomach. Should she keep it if she was? Could she get rid of it? No. She knew she couldn’t, but if she were expecting his child, would he let her go? Could she hide from him? Would he just find her again? If she were pregnant, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight until she had the child. He’d made it clear he wanted the child. He would take the child from her if she refused to go with him. Scooting across the ground, she sat on a log and brushed her hair back from her face. Did she even have a choice? What did she know of him? The Zarius she saw this afternoon was a stranger, a cold, distant stranger. She didn’t know how long she sat there. Suddenly, she knew she was no longer alone. Lifting her head, she saw Zarius standing just feet away. Her eyes ran over him. Physically, he looked the same except for the shielded expression on his face. As she raised her head, he came forward to sit next to her. Without saying a word, he removed his jacket and handed it to her. Automatically stuffing her arms into it, she turned her tear-stained face to look at him. She didn’t even know him. “Is this how you really look?” “Yes. I am humanoid, just as you are. We are not so different.” “I guess not. After all, I’m half whatever it is you are.” Star sobbed, and scooted away from him. “It will be fine. I have come to take you home, where you belong. Your father awaits you.” “Home!” Star huffed. “This is my home. The only home I’ve ever known. I am half human, Earthling, or whatever. This is where I live. My mother is here. My father…” She shook her head. “He never cared before. Please don’t try to force me to leave.” “You belong to me—with me. You must come home with me. Our children will be raised Rejan, as should you have been. Your father had no knowledge of your existence.” Zar spoke calmly, yet determination rang clear in his words. His flat, emotionless tone scared her. He said everything so matter-of-factly, as if his word was law and she had to abide by it. “I belong to myself. I am not yours. I will stay here, and as for children, it is unlikely that I’m expecting.” Star scooted farther away from him, huddling up to a tree that grew along the bank of the creek. Trying hard to ignore him, she concentrated on the sounds of the forest. The trickling creek, chirping birds, the chatter of a squirrel overhead, all were comforting
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sounds she was accustomed to. They had always soothed her in the past when she’d come here with her troubles. Possibly this place was the only real and honest thing in her life. “It matters not if you are expecting. You are my mate.” “Don’t…don’t call me your mate. Why do you think I am your mate? What makes you so sure?” she grumbled. “Much is different on Reja. When we are very young, the Supreme Elder, through mystical powers, matches us to our mate. At that time, matching birthmarks appear on our thighs. I was born before you, so I believe you had yours at birth. We know the whole of our lives that we have a mate.” “You don’t have a choice in this. Doesn’t that bother you?” “I always knew my mate would be perfect when I found her.” “Humph,” Star snorted. For an advanced civilization, it seemed a barbaric custom. “Through our special senses we locate our predestined one. I searched for you for many years. Unable to find you, I consulted Ventari. He is the Seer and Supreme of our Elders. He was able to determine that years ago when your father and the others were here two female children were conceived. Therefore I and Darvin, my comrade and the mate of the other Earthling female, traveled here. I located you and decided the best course of action was to give you time to accept me before informing you of your destiny.” “If Ventari is this Supreme Elder responsible for mating people, why didn’t he know of my existence years ago?” “On the day of your birth, Reja had another Supreme in power. Evilness tainted his power and he was stripped of his title.” “Okay. I was chosen for you but you can choose another mate.” “Rejans have only one mate. You are my mate and I am yours. It is final. We have taken the vow and I have planted my seed within your body.” “Just because we had unprotected sex doesn’t mean I am pregnant.” “On Reja our females are kept pure until their mate is ready to claim them. The unmated males seek the pleasure of stimulation with females of neighboring races or widows of our own kind. Seeking the ultimate pleasure with any but your true mate is forbidden. In that way, we prevent pregnancy. With our true mate, for the first time, we find the ultimate pleasure of releasing our seed into her womb. Because I’ve withheld my seed so long, I know it must be potent. I cannot explain the feeling I have within me that says you carry my child…here.” Zarius placed his warm hand on her stomach. She flinched at the intimate touch. “Please don’t touch me.” She hunched her shoulders and curled her legs up. Wrapping her arms around her legs, she huddled in a protective position. Rocking back and forth, she considered his words. If she understood him correctly, he had never
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reached ejaculation except with her. “If you couldn’t…” She cleared her throat. “If you couldn’t come with other women, what was the point of seeking them out?” “There is pleasure and then there is the ultimate pleasure. Only with you do I find the ultimate pleasure.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw his hand reach out to her. He hesitated and then pulled it back. Zarius felt her pain as a physical blow. To have his mate flinch from his touch was unbearable. A lump formed in his throat and a burning sensation began in his chest. He would give her time. Eventually, she would forgive him. To think otherwise was intolerable. “So, when we had sex, you knew I might conceive and you did nothing to stop it. You intentionally didn’t wear the condoms?” Star asked. Her voice was small, hurt and accusing. “Yes, I knew. I would have preferred to wait but I could not. The vows we spoke before the first time we joined our bodies united us as lifemates. I tried to withhold my seed from you. I wanted to tell you of our destiny first but emotions overwhelmed me and I failed. I am truly sorry it was necessary for me to deceive you.” Zar was having difficulty speaking around the lump that had formed in his throat. He was genuinely sorry. He would have preferred she know, and that she wished for the child as much as he did. “I could not wear those plastic condoms you suggested. That would have been wrong. There can be nothing between our bodies. I could not let the most potent seed I possess spill into a piece of rubber. I had to place it deep inside you.” He studied her tear-stained face. “In time, I hope you realize this was meant to be. It saddens me to know you do not want my child.” She sniffled at his words but didn’t respond. A part of him had died as the light in Star’s eyes faded while listening to her mother speak. He would do anything to restore the glow of life, love and hope to her eyes. It was not the way of a male Rejan to grovel before a female but he would if it would help. “Please, Star, I beg of you. Give me a chance, that is all I ask.” Zar bowed his head. To beg went against his nature. He was stunned to realize the depths he was willing to plunge to receive her forgiveness. “I don’t understand how you could do this. The man I thought I knew was honest and dependable. I don’t know you and I’m not sure I even want to.” Zarius saw the hurt upon her face. He felt it in his soul. “I am sorry. If I could change what I have done, it would be so. However, nothing has truly changed. You are my lifemate. Our vow and destiny binds us in a way that can never change. It was written long ago.” “I’m going to need time. I can’t give you any answers now. I’m too confused.” Star slowly stood and headed back to the house. He walked silently at her side. “Zar, if I am pregnant are you going to force me to go with you, or will you take my child from me?” 78
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“I will not take your child from you but I will not leave it behind either.” Once again, he did not elaborate. He could have told her that even if she did not carry his child he would not leave her behind but he feared that would only worsen the situation. Her mother was waiting for them at the door. The tears she had cried were evident by her swollen eyes. Star ran into her mother’s waiting arms. Zar could only hope that someday he would receive the forgiveness Star now offered her mother. Joyce looked at Zar. “I think you should leave now.” “I will not leave her. Do not ask this of me.” Zar crossed his arms and straightened to his full height. “I think it would be a good idea if you went back to the apartment. I’ll come there in a few days. After I’ve had time to think, we can talk,” Star insisted, not intimidated in the least by him. It pleased him that she had no fear of him. “No, I will stay where you stay. I do not wish to have to track you down once again. I will not expect to join our bodies again until you wish it but I will not leave your side.” He did not tell her of the suffering he would endure from withholding his body from his mate. He hoped she would forgive him soon for he was not sure how long his control would last. For once mated, a Rejan must join with their mate often or suffer extreme torment. Color suffused his fila’s face. “Zarius.” Her nervous eyes flicked to her mother. He supposed she did not approve of his discussing their joining in front of her mother. With a glare, Star swiveled and headed for the kitchen. Zar followed silently. As he entered the room, Star poured herself a cup of coffee. “Want a cup?” she asked. He nodded and watched her prepare the drink as he liked, with cream and two sugars. Handing him his mug, she took a sip of her coffee. Wrinkling her nose, she added sugar. Zar’s brows shot up and his heartbeat increased. “Star, when did you start adding sugar to your coffee?” her mother asked. “Just now, it was bitter. It tastes better this way. Why do you ask?” “When I became pregnant with you I craved sugar all the time. Before that I never used it,” Joyce told her daughter. Frowning, Star popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth. “I’m not pregnant, the coffee is bitter.” Star reached for another piece of chocolate candy and stopped. She stared at the foil-covered chocolate in her hand. Her other hand dropped to her stomach. The control Zar placed on his emotions wavered as her eyes met his. For a second, her eyes flared with life. He could not stop the curl of his lip. Star blinked and looked away. The moment was lost but it gave him hope. Joyce walked across the kitchen and enfolded Star in a tender embrace. “It will be okay.” Zarius turned from the scene before him as jealousy burned his insides. He should be the one holding her. They should be joyously celebrating the life that grew within her. Instead, she was being comforted for having to carry the spawn of an alien.
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“I am going for a drive. Do not attempt to leave. I would find you.” Zar headed for the door before he said something he would regret.
***** Returning from his drive, Zar shut the car door and approached the house. As before, the door was unlocked. He entered without knocking. Hearing voices, he followed them to the kitchen. Star looked up as he approached. “Are you hungry?” she asked from her seat at the kitchen table. He was pleased to find her calm and rational. “No.” He’d stopped in the small town and had a cup of coffee and two pieces of what they called crumb cake. Star stood and stretched. His eyes hungrily followed the curve of her body. “It’s been a long day. I’m going to bed.” She turned to look at him. “You’ll have to sleep on the couch. We only have two bedrooms. There’s a pillow and blanket in the living room.” He could have told her it was a waste of her time, but he did not. He knew as soon as she slept he would move into her room. The need to be near her was great. Zar took a seat on the couch and waited. “I’ll see you in the morning,” Star murmured as she turned and headed for her room. He heard the lock click into place. She thought a mere lock would stop him. His lip curled in a sneer. He waited, sitting as if in a trance. Listening intently, he heard movement from the bedrooms, sounds of undressing, readying for bed. Still, he waited. Tuning his mind to Star’s, he absorbed himself in the link to his mate. If he concentrated very hard, he could feel her heart rhythm. She breathed steadily as she relaxed. This mental contact with her eased his inner turmoil. Finally, she slept and he rose and went to her room. The lock was no deterrent and he opened the door. Silently, he entered the cool, dark bedroom. Inhaling, he let her scent surround him as he crossed to the bed. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm under the thin flannel gown. He quietly disrobed and joined her on the bed. He would not force the joining of their bodies upon her but he would hold her close as she slept. His body suffered the effects of withdrawal. He needed to join his body to hers but he had control, for now. She did not realize it yet but she needed him too. Slipping under the covers, he lay next to her. The sheets were cool against his heated flesh. Almost immediately, she rolled to him, seeking the warmth his body provided. She murmured his name in her sleep, bringing a smile to his lips. Sleep did not take him easily. His mind churned. Now that she knew the truth and carried his child, there was nothing to stop him from taking her back to Reja. Nothing but the fact that she did not wish to go and he did not wish to use force. Should he take her now, or wait and allow her time? For now, he
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would wait, but he would not wait very long. Eventually, willing or not, he would take her home. Star moved restlessly against him. Her lush breasts covered by thin cotton, rubbed against his side, setting off waves of desire in his body. His cock grew heavy. Gritting his teeth, he bit back a groan. Holding her like this would be torture, but to be away from her altogether would be impossible. Finally, a restless sleep claimed him.
***** Star blinked at the morning light in her eyes. Squinting, she looked around her old room and the events of the day before returned. The man she lay curled around was not the man she thought he was. Her hand brushed his firm abs as she tried to slide away and the solid flesh rippled. Her body reacted unwillingly. They had only been intimate a few times but she missed the connection. His drowsy eyes opened and his lips curled up in a sexy grin. She bit her lip to stop a groan of pleasure. It felt so good to snuggle in his arms but too many lies stood between them. Sitting up, she removed her hand and withdrew into herself. “Excuse me.” She crawled out of the bed. “What are you doing here anyway? You were supposed to sleep on the couch. What will my mother think?” “I did not state that I would sleep on the couch. And your mother will think a mata wished to sleep beside his fila,” Zar replied, rising from the bed, oblivious to his state of undress or the fact that he was fully aroused. She didn’t look away. If he was unconcerned about it why should she care, after all, she’d seen it all before. Every magnificent inch. That thought popped into her head unwillingly. Unnerved, her gaze darted away as he pulled on his pants. Looking down at herself, she grimaced. She had slept in an old flannel nightgown. It had seen better days. She looked like an old maid but what did it matter? “Excuse me.” She fled to the kitchen before her wayward hormones got her in trouble. Her mother was already in the kitchen when she approached. Star was certain she had noticed the bedding still lying untouched on the sofa. Zar followed her and there was no mention of the sleeping arrangements. Stirring sugar and cream into her coffee, Star munched on a donut. “If I’m not careful, I’ll get fat eating all this sugar.” “Your body needs the energy. You will be fine,” Zar replied. Star looked up to find his gaze hungrily devouring her. She glanced away. “Mom, I have some questions.” “I assumed you would.” With a sigh, her mother took a seat in a kitchen chair, wringing a dishtowel between her hands. “When did you find out my father was not…from here? And when you did, what did you do?”
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“I knew Teman only a few weeks. We were friends, nothing more, even though he came to see me almost every day. He told me about his engagement and I tried to accept it. We continued to see one another and one day he kissed me. I had never felt that way about a man. I didn’t see him for a few days, then finally, he came to see me again and said he would be leaving soon. I cried and begged him not to go. He told me he had to go, said he had responsibilities but that we could spend a few more days together as friends.” Joyce stopped for a moment to clear her throat. “The next night, I did something that was wrong but I don’t regret it because otherwise I wouldn’t have you.” She reached for Star’s hand. “My college roommate went home for the weekend and I brought Teman back to our apartment. I wanted him for myself so badly that I spiked his drink. I assume he was unused to alcohol. It had a strong effect on him. I conceived you that night and I discovered he was not quite what I thought. I’m sure you know Rejan men are a little different than Earth men.” Her mother glanced nervously at Zar. He nodded his head and a smug grin curled the corner of his lips. “The next morning Teman was very upset and he told me everything. He said he didn’t blame me, that he should not have become involved with me, but I knew a part of him did. I didn’t care what he was, I still wanted him. He left anyway. He told me I might be expecting his child and if I were that the baby would be a normal human baby. He explained about the birthmark and that if you had one you would have a Rejan mate. He was unsure what would happen. He said he had to consult with someone and he would let me know. I never heard from him again.” Joyce cleared her throat. “At least not personally, about two months later I received a call from an investment banker about my inheritance. I received a large sum of money from a distant relative, T. Mann. I suspected then that I would never see him again. I was right.” Joyce dabbed her eyes. “I have always loved you.” Joyce turned to Zar. “Zarius, I would like you to make me a promise.” Zar’s brow arched. “Please don’t take my daughter away from me without letting me say goodbye.” Star was pleased to see Zar smile warmly at her mother. “This, I will promise you. If you do not attempt to keep us apart, I will not take her without your knowledge. A child needs grandparents. Perhaps we can visit you from time to time.” Star was surprised when her mother stood and hugged Zar. “Thank you.” Zar’s cheeks heated with embarrassment as her mother hugged him and Star giggled. She’d never seen that side of Zar. It was endearing. Shortly after breakfast they prepared to leave for the apartment. Star’s mother pulled her to the side for a moment. “I just want to tell you that Zar seems like a nice enough young man. I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. I loved your father dearly and I would have gone to Reja willingly if he had asked. I doubt that you have many
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choices about your future. I know you care for him and if you let him, he could make you very happy.” Her mother’s loving arms came around her. “I love you and I don’t want to lose you but I’m fairly certain you are expecting his child. Since you are his lifemate, he won’t leave you behind. His duty is to you, no matter what. He could give you a good life and it won’t do you any good to resist.” Star stepped back and looked at her mother’s concerned face. “Mom, no matter what happens, I’ll be okay. He won’t hurt me and you’re right, I am his duty. I’m sure he’ll do his best to make me happy.” Her voice cracked and she had to swallow a lump in her throat. She wanted to be much more than his duty. The joy of their arrival was not apparent in their departure from her mother’s house. It seemed to be a foregone, unspoken conclusion that eventually Zarius would insist on taking her to Reja. It appeared he was willing to allow her some time to adjust and Star was hesitant to broach the subject. The drive back seemed much longer. “Zar, what did Mom mean about Rejan men being different?” Zar glanced at her. Amusement caused his lip to curl up slightly at the corner. “Our bodies are slightly different from Earthling males. Since you had no previous knowledge of a man’s body, you did not notice. Did you feel the rough protrusions on my cock as you stroked it?” She closed her eyes. Why did I have to ask? Inwardly she cursed. Color crept up her face. She nodded her head. “Those are siltas. They are there solely for your pleasure. Earthlings do not have them. Also, we tend to be more well endowed. This too is for your pleasure.” His voice was smug and she had an urge to kick him. Instead, she turned her gaze out her side window, refusing to meet his self-satisfied expression. “Do you have any other questions, fila?” His mocking tone was full of amusement. “If you do I will be happy to supply answers.” Shaking her head, she replied, “No, I don’t think so.” Men were alike no matter where they were from. In her limited experience, even she knew all they thought about was what hung between their legs. The rest of the trip was silent. Zar dropped her off at the apartment while he returned the rental car.
***** Zarius could hear the sobs before he entered the apartment. His heart sank at the depths of her despair. With the door cracked open, he hesitated. If he knew how to make it better, he would. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his fila, except walk away.
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Her head rose as he entered. Turning away, Star wiped the tears from her face. Her breath came in heavy, quivery pants but she no longer sobbed. Instead, she silently stared as she twisted the ring he had given her. It reminded him of the appointment he had arranged. They had missed it already and he doubted her willingness to marry him at this point anyway. He wondered if she would still wish to wed in the Earthling way. “Star, I had made an appointment this morning at the courthouse to marry. We have missed it. Do you wish for me to schedule another?” Tumultuous eyes turned his way. “What would be the point? It would be a farce, wouldn’t it? What is your real name anyway?” “My name is Zarius El Kyr but my documentation is forged.” “There’s no reason to bother. I suppose we are already married in the eyes of your people. I mean the Rejans. A ceremony here wouldn’t be legal anyway. I guess you’re something like an illegal alien, only they’re usually from other countries, not other worlds.” Hearing what he needed to hear, he was no longer listening. She would not willingly marry him. She did not wish to be married to him. It hurt more than he cared to admit. Just yesterday, they had joined their bodies with abandonment. She had accepted his ring and everything had seemed perfect. His deception had destroyed it all. Of course, it was his fault for keeping the truth from her but he had only done so to protect her. He’d thought allowing them some time together was the right thing to do. Silently, he cursed himself for not revealing the truth sooner. “Zar, I know it’s too soon but when the time comes can I see a doctor to confirm the pregnancy? Would they know if something was wrong?” “There is nothing wrong with our baby. It will be a perfect humanoid baby.” He didn’t want to feel the uncertainty that crept into his heart. “Why do you wish to see a physician?” Suspicions clouded his mind. “I just want to make sure I’m pregnant. We could be wrong,” Star replied as her hand protectively covered her stomach. “I may ascertain the truth, if you will allow me to do so,” Zar suggested hopefully. He so wished to make first contact with his child. “What would you have to do?” Star asked, apprehensively. “You would have to clear your mind and totally relax. I would place my hand upon your bare stomach. I should then be able to feel the life form.” “Okay,” she quietly agreed. He dropped to a kneeling position next to the couch. “Lie back and relax. I will place my hand on your stomach.” He lifted her sweater and unfastened her jeans. Her hand flew to cover his, stopping his movement. “What are you doing?” she asked shoving at his hand, trying to sit up.
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“I must have my hand here against your flesh.” He placed it on her lower stomach. “I will do nothing but touch your abdomen. In this, you must trust me. I will not lie to you again. This I vow to you.” With obvious reluctance, she lay back against the cushion. He could feel her heart race as he lowered the zipper on her jeans. When he placed his hand on the tender flesh of her stomach, she quivered. Her breathing became ragged as did his and he willed his body not to respond to the contact. He met her steady gaze. “You must relax now and breathe deep and even. Close your eyes and clear your thoughts.” He used his voice to soothe, relax and coach her. Her breathing mimicked his steady rhythm as he closed his eyes to concentrate. Her heart was pounding, making a difficult task near impossible. He had to block out the desire hammering in his veins. Touching her flesh incensed his own longing and he gritted his teeth to control it. Centering his energy, he focused his concentration. Her heartbeat was a hard, steady thump. His heart expanded as he felt the energy of the small life form. His lips curled with pleasure. It was done! He would soon be a father. A jolt of pure joy surged through his body at the knowledge. As he removed his hand, she opened her eyes and their gazes locked. Her eyes flared as she read the answer in his gaze. “Are you sure?” “Yes.” They shared a smile and she placed her hand where his had been. “I wish I could feel it.” Briefly, he covered her hand with his. Heat flowed through his veins and his cock swelled with need. Abruptly, he stood and did an about-face, stalking to the other side of the room. He had to keep some distance between them or he would draw her into his arms. Control had been paramount in his teachings all of his life. He would need to call on all his schooling to get him through the time ahead. Already his body ached with a persistent throb. “Soon you will feel our child as it grows within you.” “Zar, can you tell me anything else? Do you know if it is a boy or a girl?” “I am sorry. I cannot tell this, I can only feel our child’s existence.” “That’s okay.” She stretched back out on the couch and rubbed her stomach. Zar sighed deeply and rolled his shoulders as he allowed his guard down. She had accepted the baby. It appeared she might even find pleasure in it. In time, she would accept him as the father. Unfortunately, time was something they had little of. Soon, the call to mate would be unbearable. Star turned on her side and promptly fell asleep. He watched her as she slept. Gently, he smoothed her hair back from her face and she smiled unknowingly, rubbing her cheek against his palm as though inviting his caress. While he had the chance, he needed to talk to Ventari. He would return before she awoke and began to miss him.
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Chapter Five Ventari sat upon a stone bench, overlooking the grave of Markal. “I congratulate you on the conception of your firstborn.” Zar was not surprised that Ventari already knew—he was their Seer after all. Ventari patted the seat next to him. “Why do you travel home alone?” “I am in need of your guidance.” “What is it you seek, my son?” “I have found my mate as you know, but she does not wish to be mated to me. How can I force this upon her, against her will?” “Did you force her when your child was conceived?” “No, but that was before she knew what I am. She had no understanding of the vow we took.” “You are but a male. The same male, Earthling or Rejan, it matters not. You have only to let her discover this. Mayhap she did not understand the significance of the vow, but she accepted your body and declared her need of you anyway.” Ventari’s words soothed some of Zar’s inner turmoil. “What if she never accepts me fully as her lifemate?” “She has already accepted you and into her body, she carries a part of you. This she cannot reject. Alas, who understands the workings of the female mind?” Ventari shrugged his thin shoulders. “She held herself pure for you and then readily accepted the joining. She must feel the strength of the bond as well.” “She was an innocent before we joined, but I worry that I seduced her into joining with me.” Ventari shook his head, smiling ruefully. “Do you think a female of your mate’s age has not had others try to part her from her innocence? If your mate was pure and succumbed easily to your charms, it was more than just your skills in mating. Females who have waited and held themselves pure for the right male do not give their virtue lightly.” Zarius considered Ventari’s words. Possibly she had cared for him, but had that changed upon hearing the truth. This was a possibility he must consider carefully. If she truly cared about him as a fila does her mate, soon she would realize it. Now there were other things he must do to please his mate. “I have a need to speak with Teman.” “You wish to bring the mother here? Now that Teman’s mate has passed over, I see no harm in doing this, if she so desires.”
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“I believe she will wish to come to be near Star and our children. I believe this would please Star.” Zar hoped fervently that if his fila’s mother came with them, Star would then be more accepting of leaving her homeland behind. “Yes, but I believe she will come for Star and for Teman.” Ventari smiled knowingly as he produced two vials from the pocket of his robe and handed them to Zar. “The larger vial contains vitamins your mate will need as nourishment for your unborn child. The other is for you, to ease your suffering.” Was his suffering so obvious? “All males have been in your position at one time or another, my son. There will be times—when the children are born and such.” Ventari shrugged his shoulders. “I am not positive with your mate being half Earthling, but Rejan females cannot last very long without suffering the pains of the flesh. Perhaps it will be so with your mate. But if she does not as yet feel the true bond between you, she might not experience the suffering we must endure.” Ventari patted Zar’s shoulder as he rose. “Now I must go. I will leave you here to have some time with your father before you must take your leave from us again.” Zar knelt by his father’s grave and placed his hand on the cold marble headstone. In the year since his father had passed over, much had transpired. The one bright spot in the sphere of darkness was Star and his child. Zar grieved that his father Markal would never know his chosen one or their children. He’d departed too soon from this world, from his family. Zar bowed his head. “I pray for you, my father. I wish you were by my side to advise me. I have found my lifemate at last. Her name is Star, and she carries my child within her. I found her on the planet Earth. Teman left her behind on a trip there many moons ago. She had no idea who she was or of her destiny. I took the vow with her and planted my seed without her knowledge of my identity. I fear she will not forgive me. I only did what I thought was best. I sought to bind her to me with desire of the flesh before I told her of her fate. Now I fear I have lost her love forever. I realize you would be disappointed, my father. I ask for your strength and guidance in my struggles ahead. I have never had to deal with matters of the heart and I am at a loss as how to proceed.” Rising, he inhaled deeply, struggling to control emotions that threatened to erupt, emotions that until recently he did not possess. He must return to Star before she became distraught. He had been gone too long already.
***** Rubbing her eyes, Star stretched. She sat up on the couch. The apartment was quiet. “Zar,” she called. There was no answer and her heart began to pound. “Zar,” she called again. No answer. She jumped to her feet. Racing to the bedroom, she grabbed a bag from the closet. She didn’t have a plan but she had to go. She needed time. Time to think. Time to decide what she wanted. 87
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Her stomach churned. She wanted Zar. She wanted the Zarius she’d met, not the stranger he had become. She knew she couldn’t evade him for long. Her hand shook as she filled the bag. Part of her didn’t want to go at all. Rushing into the bathroom, she grabbed her toothbrush and some toiletries. She came to a sudden stop as she saw Zarius standing next to the bed. His head lifted from her half packed bag. Bleak eyes stared at her. Paralyzed, she stood still. Her stomach churned at the look on his face. “Do you plan a trip?” His clipped voice sent a shiver down her spine. “I, uh, thought maybe—” “You thought you could leave and I could not find you. I tracked you from another galaxy. Where did you think to hide from me?” “I wasn’t thinking. I just need time to myself, that’s all.” She pivoted, returned to the bathroom and dropped her toothbrush into its holder. Zar followed. “I will allow you time to adjust, but do not try to hide from me for you would only meet with failure. I would find you and a hasty journey would risk injury to yourself or our child.” He reached a hand out to her but she ignored it. “Where have you been anyway?” she demanded. “I traveled to Reja while you slept. I needed to consult with Ventari, for I value his guidance,” he replied solemnly. “How did you get there and back so fast and how did you just appear like that?” Star snapped her fingers before his face as she once again let her curiosity get the best of her. Zar removed a small object from his pocket that resembled a cell phone and held it up for her to see. “It is a transporter. I can move freely through space and time with this device.” Leaning forward, Star examined the small object he held in his hand. “Huh, kinda like ‘beam me up, Scotty’?” Zar furrowed his brow. “I do not understand your question.” “Beam me up, Scotty. It’s a saying from an old television show about space travelers,” Star told him. “Will I get one of those? I mean, if I go to Reja, that is.” “No, they are not play toys and can be very dangerous. You could be lost or harmed if you failed to operate it properly.” Star frowned at him. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I have been doing so for years.” “Yes, I noticed how well you deterred me from receiving what I wished for.” Turning, he stalked toward the living room and she followed. Bastard. “That was different but I have been fending men off for years without a problem. You just, well, I don’t know, I guess you just caught me at a weak moment.”
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“I thought for one moment you were about to confess that you could not resist me.” He grinned wickedly but his eyes lacked the usual gleam. “Oh, don’t worry, I can resist you,” Star lied, for even now she could feel a magnetic force drawing her to him. “That is what I fear,” he replied sadly. “Still, you will not be allowed to travel outside Reja without my protection. While on Reja, you will be safe, but elsewhere there are many dangers for a lone female.” Zar’s bossy attitude was beginning to annoy her. “I will be your prisoner?” “No, you will have as much or more freedom on Reja as on Earth. It is only when we travel away from our homeland that you must be accompanied. I will not allow an innocent such as you to travel unprotected elsewhere. I will not permit any of my enemies an opportunity to take you from me.” His eyes narrowed and his clipped tone suggested she was angering him and she hoped so. His attitude sure as hell annoyed her. “So, what you’re saying is, you don’t trust me.” “I do not believe that is what I said, my fila. I do not trust other males around you.” “You think I would be unable to resist them. That I might decide I had a taste for alien men.” She threw the bold words smugly over her shoulder but upon catching a glimpse of his expression immediately began to backpedal. Oh my. He didn’t look any too happy. In fact, he looked ready to break something. Maybe she had pushed him a little too far. Skittishly, she held out one hand in a protective maneuver to try to ward him away from her. “Now, Zar, I didn’t mean—” Zar grasped her upper arms in a strong but gentle hold as he hauled her to him. “Do not think I am unaware of what you are attempting to do. Just to make it perfectly clear, I would kill a male for touching you. If you find yourself wishing to taste an alien male, I think we both know I have more than you can handle.” He leaned close to snarl those words directly into her ear. Immediately releasing her, he paced across the room. “If you do not wish to join our bodies soon, I suggest you do not needlessly provoke me.” Star grimaced at his backside. He was such a hothead, a sexy hothead, but still she was angry with him. He had lied to her. Betrayed her. She had to keep reminding herself of that because when he was near she tended to forget she was angry with him. “If I go to Reja what will I do all day?” “You will head my household and care for our children, of course.” “I will be your little slave? Your baby-making machine?” “No,” he shouted. “You will not be my slave. We have no slaves and you are my fila, my wife—it should be your honor and duty to bear my children.” “I’ll be the dutiful wife sitting at home with the kids while you gallivant around all you want, visiting those women friends you mentioned,” Star quipped, daring him.
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His shoulders sagged as he released a deep breath. “Come sit down.” He linked their hands and pulled her down on the couch next to him. “I do not believe you understand our relationship. We said vows the other night. Now you are my lifemate for all time. I will never touch another female in that way again. There is no reason for jealousy to touch our lives.” She eyed him doubtfully. A sheen of perspiration dotted his lip. She hoped he was not getting ill and then mentally reprimanded herself for caring. “In time you will understand and your jealousy will fade.” “Jealousy! I’m not jealous but if I’m not allowed to see other men I don’t think you should be able to see other women.” Star realized she was jealous and it galled her to admit it even to herself. She’d be damned before she’d admit it to him. “If we are to be lifemates as you say then I demand you remain faithful to me.” She glanced at him nervously, awaiting his reaction. “Once Rejans are mated we remain true to our mate always, never fear otherwise. All other females are in my past,” he replied seriously. “Just how many women are in your past?” Star couldn’t help but ask, though she doubted she wanted to know the truth. Zar narrowed his eyes at her ominously. “We need not discuss that. You only need to know that they are in the past. They hold no meaning to me. The only reason for them was my male need of satisfaction and my need to learn how to please my future mate.” He loomed nearer and she swallowed nervously. His musky scent enthralled her. “Did I learn my lessons well, fila?” Chills ran down her spine at his softly spoken question. His hot breath ruffled her hair and caressed her neck. It was a struggle not to lean just a little closer. Yes, you learned your lessons well, too well, she thought. Deciding it was time for a hasty exit, she rose from the couch and he released her hand. “I’m gonna make dinner, is steak and potato all right?” Laughter rumbled in his chest at her avoidance of him. “That will be sufficient. May I be of assistance to you?” Star doubted he had ever cooked anything in his life. “That’s okay, I’m just gonna throw the steaks in the broiler and the potatoes in the microwave. I told you I’m not much of a cook.” Unconcerned with her cooking abilities, he focused on the sway of her hips as she walked toward the kitchen. Pain migrated through his body. He thought of the vial Ventari had given him. No, he would use his internal powers of control as long as possible. “Zar, how hungry are you?” Star yelled from the kitchen. “Very,” he replied. Longing consumed him. He knew she spoke only of food and not of feeding his other ravenous appetite.
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Dinner was quiet. Zar ate hungrily and she played with her food. Noticing her lack of appetite, he retrieved the pills from his pocket. “You must take these for the baby.” He rolled the vial of vitamins across the table to her. “What are they?” she asked, shaking a pill out into her palm and looking at it. The capsule was translucent with shimmering green liquid within. “They are vitamins for the baby. Your body requires them. Ventari gave them to me.” “Are they safe? Who is this Ventari you keep mentioning? You said he’s an Elder but is he a physician?” She still rolled the pill around in the palm of her hand, studying it. “Do you think I would permit you to swallow something that would harm you or my baby?” he snapped, annoyed at her question. “Of course you would never hurt your baby.” Injured by her words, Zar had no wish to start another argument. “Ventari is the Supreme Elder and the Seer of our people, he is very wise. He was instrumental in locating you. If not for him I would still be searching in vain for my mate.” She took the pill and swallowed it with her milk. “Lucky for me, he is so wise,” Star murmured sarcastically under her breath. Zar ignored her snide comment and helped clear the table. While doing the dishes she told him there was a movie coming on she wanted to watch. Star lounged on the couch as the movie was about to begin. Zar chose to sit on the floor, leaning against the couch. He stretched his legs out in front of him. Need for space was paramount. His body was protesting the abstinence from release and he dared not sit too close to Star within the confining area of the couch. “What is the meaning of this movie?” “Vampires. I love vampire movies.” Star’s voice made it apparent that her mood had improved. “What are vampires?” Zar questioned. “They are make-believe creatures. They rise at night and suck the blood of others,” Star said, her voice excited. “Zotons?” Zar said. “What is a Zoton? Do you have myths about vampires?” “Zotons live on the planet Zoton, on the Outer Rim of Dragon. They are humanoid also but they enjoy the drinking of blood,” Zar explained. Star sat up excitedly. “You mean there really are vampires? Are they undead and only come out at night?” “I do not know for sure what your vampires are but possibly they are based on Zotons who have traveled to this planet. Zotons are not the undead or make-believe creatures. They are humanoid beings much the same as you and I. On their planet, they
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walk about freely but on a planet such as Earth or Reja, they must take care from the effect of the sun.” “What are they like, are they crazed blood-sucking killers, or sexy and misunderstood like they portray them in the movies?” Star sat cross-legged on the couch, staring avidly at Zar. Eerie music began to play from the television. Her eyes glowed with the inner beauty he had not seen recently. She had not looked that way since she had learned the truth about him and it brought a smile to his face. “I have traveled there several times in recent years. They are not crazed killers. At least, not the sane ones but they have some difficulties as do all races. The young Zotons drink the blood of animals and the older Zotons feast on the blood of their mates.” “Their mates! You mean they kill their mates?” Star gasped and her eyes widened in horror. “No, they do not kill their mates. Their bodies produce an abundance of blood. They feed off each other as part of their mating ritual but not enough to cause harm,” he explained this as if it was a normal occurrence. “Oh, hmm, that’s interesting. Zar, how do you know so much about this?” Star questioned, her brow furrowing. “I told you I have traveled to their planet several times in the past.” Zar pivoted, casting his eyes toward the television. “I believe your movie is about to start.” Trying hard to sound casual, he hoped to steer her interest in another direction. “Zar, you didn’t mate with any of them, did you?” Star’s voice was very low and controlled. Since he had promised there would be no untruths between them he remained silent. “Zar?” Her voice rose an octave. Glancing back at her over his shoulder, he observed her narrowed eyes. It would not help his predicament but he would tell her no untruths. “Star, it was not significant, just a young male’s way.” “Did she suck your blood?” “It is their way.” Zar turned and reached for her. His hand barely brushed her arm and she scooted away. He let his hand fall to the couch. The movie began and they watched silently. There were many similarities between the mythical vampires and Zotons. It was quite possible that Zotons visiting the planet had started this myth. He knew that they had traveled here for he had seen one the other nightfall. A young male had been at the coffee shop. He was the male half of the couple that had embarrassed Star with their public displays of affection. He had immediately recognized the young male for what he was and felt sure the boy had sensed what he was as well. The female, however, had been an Earthling and he doubted that she knew of her companion’s heritage. It would be difficult for Zotons to
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live here for the sun would be much too strong. That would explain why they were thought to be creatures of the night. Zarius was surprised that the main character in the movie, a male vampire, was indeed portrayed as a misunderstood creature. Many of the scenes were very erotic and did nothing to ease the ache that plagued his body. One scene in particular held Zar’s gaze. The vampire entranced a female and she walked toward him wearing only a sheer gown. As she stopped in front of the vampire, he lowered the straps of her gown. The camera closed in on the vampire’s face as he lowered his head to the swell of a full breast. Zar groaned as blood surged to his cock. From the corner of his eye, he hungrily watched Star. During the most erotic scenes, her body tensed and she licked her lips. He could scent her need. She needed release but he knew she wouldn’t welcome his advances. No matter, engrossed in the movie, she ignored him. Jealousy of the mythical vampire ate at his soul. The creature seemed to reach something within her that she had closed to him. Morosely, he turned his attention back to the pictures rolling across the screen. A dull ache settled in Star’s stomach as she watched the movie. In the past, movies hadn’t stirred hunger in her body or her soul. Shifting uncomfortably on the couch, she tried to alleviate the ache. As much as she tried, Zar was hard to ignore. Her eyes fluttered to him. He sat relatively close to her but the distance between them was enormous. She longed to wrap her arms around him. She wanted to hold him close and kiss his full, sensuous lips. She needed the press of his hot, hard body over hers. She longed to feel his long, thick cock parting her and burying deeply. That was what she needed to ease her tortured body. He was hers for the asking. She knew he wouldn’t refuse. One word would end the suffering but she couldn’t bring herself to ask. Zar shifted under her gaze as a beautiful female vampire came on the screen. Star wondered if she reminded him of his Zoton lover. The movie ended. The credits streamed across the screen and Star was suddenly incensed. “So, did that remind you of your time on Zoton?” She could not completely hide the hurt in her voice. Zar exhaled, his head tipping back on the couch. “No, it reminded me more of my time with you.” The look he gave her beneath his impossibly long, sooty lashes, heated her blood. Her insides quaked. Her emotions were all over the place. One minute she wanted to cry and the next she wanted to rip his clothes off. It had to be the pregnancy. Wiping her damp palms on her thighs, she rose and stretched. The material of her sweater dragged against her distended nipples, sending a little jolt to her pussy. Damn him for arousing those feelings in her. She needed to vent. “So, what was it like to have her suck…on you?” Her eyes bore into his. She detested the thought of some unknown woman sucking his blood. That
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was something she would never experience. Well, maybe she would bite him. She was certainly angry enough to. She wondered where that Zoton creature had bitten him and if there was a scar. She hadn’t noticed a scar on his golden, satiny, unblemished skin. She shivered at the image his perfect form brought to mind. He stood up straight and towered over her. The look he gave her spoke volumes on his pain and resentment. Turning, he walked away. “Will you ever take me to Zoton? I might like the experience myself,” she taunted him. Moving faster than she thought possible, he pulled her up against him. His erection was obvious as it pressed against her stomach. “No male but I will ever suck anything on your body as long as I live.” Slowly, an unsteady hand descended to engulf an overly sensitive breast. He lowered his head to place his mouth next to her ear. His hot breath was like a caress, causing her to shiver uncontrollably. “These will only be used by me and to nourish our children. I told you before, I do not share what is mine.” A firm hand shifted to her jaw and held her face up to his. Their eyes met and his were filled with the agony she felt. “Never think to take another male within your body as long as I live. I do not know what the consequences would be.” Heart pounding, she wasn’t sure why she had continued to provoke him. She did not fear him, for she knew he would not hurt her. Erratic emotions had just gotten the best of her. She didn’t seem to be able to control herself. She wanted to hurt him the way he had hurt her, so she’d lashed out. Looking at him closely, she noticed his dilated pupils and pain-filled eyes. He sweated profusely and that erotic scent seemed to be radiating from him. There was something wrong. “Are you okay? You don’t look so good.” Concern overrode anger. What if he had contracted some sort of virus? She placed the back of her hand on his forehead. It was clammy. “I think you better go to bed, you must have caught something.” “I am not ill,” he growled at her and jerked away from her touch. “Well, something is wrong. What is it?” She stood, hands on her hips, eyeing him questionably. She worried that, if he had caught something, he would have no immunities and become very ill. Choosing not to answer her, he nearly hobbled to the couch to sit down. Stretching out his long legs, he sighed. “Star, you should go to bed now. It is late and you need your rest.” She moved to his side. “Are you going to be all right? Should I take you to a doctor?” She really was concerned. She’d never seen him like that. He appeared to be weak and pain-ridden. “What can I do?” “I will be fine. I know of this illness. I just need…” His pain-filled gaze flicked up to meet hers. “I just need to meditate and clear my mind. I will join you soon. Please, I need solitude now.”
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Reluctantly, Star went to the bedroom and changed into her nightgown. Before getting into bed, she peeked out at him. Eyes shut, his head rested on the back of the couch. She was not sure if he meditated. He seemed somewhat calmer. Worry plagued her. She had become accustomed to the formidable, fearless warrior. She was unsure what to make of his current condition. His unbuttoned shirt hung loose from his pants. Unzipped jeans parted and one hand rested against his groin. She wondered if he intended to touch himself. Cream oozed from her pussy, dampening her upper thighs and her knees weakened. Oh lord, I would love to watch that. She pictured his large hand wrapped around the thick girth of his cock, slowly pumping. She almost groaned aloud. His head rolled to the side. Hungry eyes watched her and she eased back into the room. She would allow him his privacy.
***** Star tossed in the bed. No matter how she lay, she couldn’t get comfortable. A sharp pain throbbed low in her stomach and she gasped. Grasping her stomach, she screamed, “Zar!” Half dressed, he stumbled into the room and flipped on the bedside lamp. She sat up in the bed, gasping for breath. Her gaze zeroed in on Zar. “I think something is wrong with the baby.” Immediately he slid into the bed and held her close. “What is it?” His hand lightly caressed her stomach where his child would be and the pain began to ease. “I don’t know.” She twisted her face to bury it against his neck. She breathed in his scent and it eased the tension in her body. “Please don’t let me lose our baby.” “Tell me what is wrong.” Zar’s tone was soothing as his massaging touch relaxed her tense muscles. “I ache here.” She placed his hand low on her abdomen. “Deep inside and I can’t seem to breathe right. My whole body tingles.” She turned her face up to his. “I don’t know what is wrong.” His eyes narrowed as he studied her. His lip curled at one corner. Star was confused that he seemed to enjoy her discomfort. Leaning away from him, she noticed for the first time that his arousal rubbed her hip. “This is a problem I know how to cure.” His eyes dilated until the blue of his irises were no longer visible. His low, sexy voice caused a shiver to ride down her spine. “Wh-what it is?” she questioned. “It is the same weakness that plagues me.” The hand that had been caressing her abdomen moved to just beneath her breast. “It is the call of our flesh, to join together.” His cock seemed to throb against her in rhythm to her frantic heartbeat. Her discomfort increased and she squirmed against him. His touch ignited flames. Her stomach quivered and her thighs clenched. “I don’t understand.” 95
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“Once Rejans are mated, they must join their bodies in ecstasy often or they suffer for the abstinence,” he explained. “This is why I have been suffering all this day but I know how to ease the ache.” “You mean that I…” She cleared her throat. “I need you to…” Heat suffused her face. It could not be. “Yes, your body has accepted mine as its mate. You will suffer as I have suffered until we join our bodies again.” He chuckled huskily against her neck. “Do you wish for me to ease your suffering, my fila?” “Well, if that is all it is I can resist it. I’ll put it out of my mind.” Pulling away from him, she eyed him warily. “You suppose it will be that easy. You witnessed my suffering. Do you think you can abide it? It will only intensify until you beg me to end the torment.” Glaring at him, she turned her back and stretched out, pulling the covers up to her neck. Clothes rustled as Zar finished disrobing. He turned off the lamp and settled in next to her. He didn’t touch her but he was close. She could feel the heat rolling of his body. “Does your blood burn in your veins? Do you tremble inside, waiting for my deep caress?” Heated words hung heavy in the musk-scented air. She tensed as he spoke. Her heart beat rapidly and she struggled to breathe. “Does your pulse throb between your legs?” She whimpered. “I can ease the torment. I can scent how wet you are for me. Easily, I will slide within your tight confines and my siltas will caress your most sensitive flesh.” The heat and his words overwhelmed her. His scent intoxicated and she couldn’t breathe. She shoved the blankets to her waist. She was too hot. Warm breath feathered across her neck as he spoke words of passion and desire to her. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. She couldn’t stand it anymore. Leaning back into him, she arched. His thick cock pressed between her cheeks. “Zar…” His name left her lips. He hissed between his teeth. “Tell me you want me, need me the way I need you. Tell me your body craves mine.” She squirmed rubbing her bottom against his engorged cock. “I need you, please.” Her lips quivered. “Please, just end the torment.” He rolled her beneath him and took her mouth forcefully, invading and conquering. Scorching lips burned a path to her breast. Shoving the straps of her gown down out of his way, he suckled her greedily. Their eyes met and his glowed with a fierce light. “Mine and mine alone,” he growled and lowered his mouth once again. Her breasts were extremely sensitive. She didn’t know if it was from her pregnancy or her need of him but they ached under the assault of his mouth and hands. Squirming against him, she arched her back to give him better access. “This changes nothing,” she gasped in a ragged voice.
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One hand slid up her thigh, under her gown, to find her pussy. She groaned as his touch brushed her wet folds. Thick fingers splayed her. She was hot, wet and ready. Slowly, one finger pierced her opening and slid deep into her heated depths. Their intense gazes met. “This changes everything. Your mind might not be ready to accept me fully but your body does. It welcomes me.” His voice was rough but his hands were gentle. Unwillingly, she arched against him. Her body his willing slave, a traitor to her will. As much as she tried, she couldn’t resist reacting to Zar’s stroking hands. He had taught her body to respond to his masterful touch. Unable to get enough of him, her hands and lips hungrily roamed over his golden flesh. He trembled under her assault, raggedly drawing breath. She bit her own lip until she tasted blood as she tried not to cry out for him. His fingers moved slowly, too slowly. She rocked against him. Her hands found his hips and tried to guide him to her. The tip of his cock scorched a path along her thigh and she shifted. She needed more than his fingers to ease her ache. He refused her manipulations and she grasped his heavy length tightly within her hand, stroking him. Throwing back his head, he groaned but still wouldn’t change the deliberate slow thrust of his fingers. Pre-cum dampened her hand but his rhythm didn’t change. Fiery eyes watched her reaction. Finally, she begged, “Please, Zar, I need you. The ache is unbearable.” “My fila, my atta,” he called out his feelings for her, using the endearments of his native tongue. Moving over her, he plunged as far as he could. Her insides stretched to accept more of him. She screamed and bucked against him. Her release came almost immediately. Hard and fast, he stroked and she quivered around him. Her inner muscles milked him and his cum released deep inside her. Shifting, he lay next to her and snuggled her to his side. She accepted his comfort for a moment then adjusted her gown and rose from the bed. Entering the bathroom, Star stared at her reflection in the mirror. There were no obvious changes but she knew they were there. She was a woman who was very much in love with a man who would never love her in return. As much as she fought it and didn’t want to believe it, she knew deep inside she loved him. She sobbed silently. He didn’t love her. He never spoke words of love, only want and need. He wanted her, she had no doubt of that, but was it enough? Could he ever come to love her or would she always be the chosen mate that he honored out of duty? Star huddled in the corner of the room, not even noticing how the cool tile floor chilled her skin. She didn’t know how long she had sat there when she heard a faint knock at the door. “Star, is everything all right?” Concern edged his voice. His voice brought her out of her trance and she shivered. “I’ll be right out.” Opening the door, she found him waiting, a troubled expression on his handsome face.
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“You are chilled. Let me warm you with my body.” As he pulled her into his awaiting arms, she stiffened against his naked chest. His warm hands glided up and down her arms. Swinging her up into his arms, he carried her to the bed. Gently placing her on the sheet, he covered her with a blanket. Sliding in next to her, his body heat surrounded her and soon she dozed in his embrace.
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Chapter Six Waking, Zar stretched his arm out for Star but her side of the bed was empty. His eyes popped open as he sat up in the bed. The early morning light fell across his face and he blinked rapidly. The shower turned on and he released a sigh of breath. She hadn’t tried to run and for that he was thankful. He hated what the lies had done to them. He didn’t want to live in fear of her leaving. Rising from the bed, he stretched. Movement through the slightly ajar bathroom door caught his eye. Behind the glass shower door, Star stood beneath the spray of water. Her face turned up and water streamed off her generous curves. His eyes roamed her supple body and he swallowed convulsively. His cock hardened at the glorious sight. She arched her body and her arms lifted as she rinsed her hair. The movement thrust her breasts forward. Rosy peaked nipples made him hunger for her. He bit his lip, silencing a moan. Turning, she shut the water off and he moved swiftly to avoid detection. He did not wish her to catch him spying. He had the coffee made by the time she dressed and found her way to the kitchen. “Good morning,” he said, handing her a cup of coffee as he tried to catch her eye. After last night, he hoped some of the barriers would be down. “Morning,” she murmured, taking a seat and reaching for the newspaper. He smiled ruefully. “We did nothing last night that should embarrass you. We are lifemates.” Quickly, she glanced at him then her eyes darted away again. “Uhm…how often will I…what I mean is…how long between times…before I get like that! You know.” He scooted his chair next to her. “For now it would be best if we joined at least every nightfall.” He struggled to keep his voice neutral as he did not wish to reveal the elation and triumph he felt to know of her carnal need of him. He could have told her that most Rejans joined at least twice a day. That one day of every moon, she would crave the mating all day but he did not think she was ready for him to disclose all of the truths to her. “Every night?” She looked at him skeptically. “In time, will it change? I mean, how often?” “Yes, it will.” He did not elaborate. He wished he knew her cycle for he should probably try to prepare her before the Day of Bliss arrived. It would probably frighten her when she felt the intense cravings that it would take a whole day to sate. He was not sure how to broach the subject and decided for now it was best to wait. A thought occurred to him. Perhaps it was wrong of him to take advantage of the feelings she was having for him. If she was not prepared for them, if they were
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unwanted, should he assist her in temporarily controlling them? He could consult with Ventari about a possible substance to control her carnal urges. To do so would be torturous for him but he did not wish to force his unwanted advances upon her. “Star, it is possible there is a medication that would control your desires temporarily.” “You would offer something to stop my desires?” Her brow furrowed as she studied him. “I do not wish to take advantage of you. If you only want me because your body allows no other option, it is not right.” Zar shook his head. He did not want her to join with him because she had no choice. “Would it be safe while I’m pregnant?” “This, I do not know. I would have to consult with Ventari.” “It would probably be best if I didn’t take any unnecessary medications.” Her eyes flicked nervously. She did not confess to having feelings for him but he had hope. Exhilaration filled him that she did not grasp at any chance to rid herself of her unwanted desire. Possibly they were not unwanted. Once again, he turned his thoughts to the day he most humbly awaited. He had never experienced a Day of Bliss, for that was only for the mated, but he had heard much about it. Males sometimes bragged of it. They said the female was insatiable and the love play lasted a full day. He anxiously awaited the day Star would desire him so fiercely. If she had been watching him, she would have seen a look so full of longing it would have curled her toes. “Zar, I’ve been wondering what kind of special powers you have.” “Special powers?” He raised his brows at her. “Yeah, like being able to feel the baby and you said something about senses.” “Rejan senses are more developed than those of an Earthling. Also, we have an extra sense that links us to our mates. I can tune in to it and find you. I can feel your heart rhythm—if it is accelerated or slow—and I can ascertain when you sleep. I can also distinguish your heart rhythm from our baby’s but I can only do this with my mate and my children.” As he explained, he slid his hand under her blouse and she flinched, grasping his hand. “I wish to feel our child.” He shook her hand loose and slid his fingers down low beneath her slacks. He stopped with the tips of his fingers brushing her curls. Star’s heart pounded and she gasped for breath. He leaned close and whispered. “I cannot concentrate on the child if you do not relax.” She whimpered and the scent of her arousal filled the air. “Star, is something wrong?” He knew exactly what was wrong with her, since he had caused it. She jerked away from him. “I don’t think now is a good time. I have other things on my mind.”
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She stood up and he leaned back in his chair, chuckling. “Yes, I can tell your mind is otherwise occupied.” “Can you read my mind too?” Zar laughed. “No, my fila, I cannot read your mind, unless you are obvious. But I can tell when your heart races with excitement and your body trembles beneath my touch.” “I was nervous…you make me nervous, that is all.” She watched him suspiciously. “Can you control my mind, my thoughts?” “Now, fila, if I could control your mind, why would I let you think that I could? Moreover, I certainly would not have allowed you to become distraught by my Rejan heritage. But it does make me wonder what kind of thoughts you are having that you would think I am controlling them.” Zar grinned at her mischievously. “Zar, that scent that surrounds you sometimes, the one I thought was cologne, what is it?” “It is an aroma I exude when aroused. It is an enticement for my mate. Does it work?” “It’s nice, real nice,” she replied and moved to exit. Stopping in the doorway, she looked back. “You smell like that almost all the time. What are you, a walking hardon?” Zar chuckled. Since meeting her, he probably was. As she walked out of the room, he taught her another trick of his. Using his thoughts, he unlatched her bra. Star grasped her bra and tried to close it but he held it apart. He could tell the moment she realized it was his doing. Her head whirled in his direction. “What are you doing?” “You wished to know of my special powers. I am only giving you a sample of another one.” “What? Opening bras? I’m sure you have lots of practice.” “It is a talent I have. I have the ability to control objects with my mind. I believe you call it telekinesis.” He released the hold on her bra but could not resist teaching her of another ability of his. As Star stared at him, he lowered his gaze to her breasts. In his mind he stroked her breasts with his fingertips. They pebbled under his touch. His imaginary fingers rolled her nipple and she gasped. “Zar!” “You will never be without my touch. Not even when we are apart.” Fighting to refasten her bra, Star hurried from the room. Overwhelming emotion nearly choked her. There was so much she didn’t know about him and it frightened her. What would Reja 312 be like? Would it be civilized? She sensed that sometimes, under Zar’s iron control, there was a very barbaric side to him. Would she fit into his world or 101
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would everyone see her as an outsider? She’d be alone in a strange world. What if Zar wasn’t what he seemed? Did she really know? She was so tired mentally from stressing over what she should do. Once she was there, she would be trapped. Did she even have a choice? She needed a few minutes to herself. “Zar, I’m going for a walk to clear my head.” “I will accompany you,” he said quickly, coming into the room. “No, stay here, get your shower.” She held up a hand to stop him. “I need some time alone. Please, I won’t try to escape. I know you’d find me.” Star hesitated at the door. Raising her head, she saw his crestfallen expression but she couldn’t back down now. Slowly, he inclined his head and she left. Digging in her pocket for change, Star stopped at a pay phone. “Emily, can you meet me at the café for an early lunch?” Smiling, she hung up the phone. Lunch with Emily was just what she needed. Settled into a corner seat, she took a bite of her sandwich as she watched for Emily. Food had never tasted so good. She wondered if the food on Reja would be similar. It was another example of what she didn’t know. “So you get engaged and now you’re not worried about your figure?” Emily quipped as she set her prepackaged salad on the table. “Shit,” Star shrieked and jumped at Emily’s words. “I didn’t see you come in.” “I think you were too busy checking out that hot young thing over there.” Emily nodded toward a young man working the counter. “I was not. I was lost in thought.” She chuckled around the napkin she raised to her lips. She couldn’t help it, she was hungry. “Umm-hmm. Meatball sub and chocolate pie. No diet food for you. I’ll just munch on this bowl of grass and twigs. Some of us haven’t found the perfect man.” The perfect man. Star wondered how Emily would react if she knew the truth. He was perfect, but a perfect alien. She played the conversation in her head. He’s more perfect than you know. He has amazing abilities and attributes. He has built-in French ticklers on his cock and he can touch you with just a thought. Oh, I didn’t mention he’s an alien. Guess what? I’m part alien too. About that time, Emily would run screaming from the restaurant. “So, how’s my replacement?” “Don’t ask,” Emily groaned. “Mildred’s managed to run off two temporaries already.” “Not surprised,” Star said as she dipped into the chocolate cream pie. Emily grabbed her hand, admiring the ring. “Look at the rock! Jeez, woman. He’s not only hot but loaded.” “I don’t know if it’s that expensive.”
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“Believe me, I know jewelry. That’s a nice stone. So, when’s the big day? I thought you might already be married.” “We haven’t decided yet. There’s no need to rush.” Star tried to evade the question. “You aren’t going to change your mind, are you? He seems like quite a catch.” She felt Emily’s gaze narrow on her. “No, I’m not going to change my mind. It’s complicated, that’s all. I don’t…I don’t want to move but I guess there’s no choice.” Star couldn’t tell her friend the truth so she repeated the lies Zar had told her about being in the military. Star caressed her still-flat stomach as she told her rehearsed story. “What about you? Any new love interests?” Star asked. Zar’s assessment of Emily came to mind and she wondered if he was correct. “Not anyone special, certainly no one comparable to Zarius.” Emily smiled, shaking her head. “You really are happy right? You do love him?” “Yeah, yeah, without a doubt, I do love him,” Star said softly. “I can’t explain what he means to me but I do love him.” Sometimes she wished she didn’t—it would be easier in many ways. If she didn’t love him, if she only desired him, he wouldn’t be able to hurt her so much. “Look!” Emily pointed and franticly waved her hand. “It’s Tyler. I haven’t seen him in ages.” Emily stood up and yelled. “Hey, Ty, over here.” Ty approached, a big grin on his face. Impeccably groomed as always, heads turned to follow his progress. Star smiled at his easy grin. “Join us.” “Sure thing.” He pulled out a chair and took a seat between them. “How have you two been? Still inseparable, I see.” “Not so much since someone quit her job and got engaged,” Emily quipped. “What! Wow, I really haven’t kept up with you two.” His gazed traveled from Emily to Star. “So, do tell all.” “Shit!” Emily glanced at her watch. “I really have to go since I’ve heard it all already. You know, we’re a little shorthanded at the office, thanks to someone who shall remain nameless.” Emily grinned. “It was nice seeing you, Ty, call me and we’ll have lunch.” Emily ruffled Ty’s hair. “Hey! Watch the hair.” “Sweetie, it adds to the charm.” Emily grinned then narrowed her eyes in Star’s direction. “You don’t leave town without letting me know.” “I promise.” “Okay. See ya soon.” Emily’s bright smile didn’t quite meet her eyes. “I’ll call you soon. Bye,” Star replied.
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Flipping a wave over her shoulder, Emily bounced off. Her bright curls swayed in the sunlight and Star noticed several male heads turn as she passed. Star looked back at Ty and asked, “So, what’s new with you?” “Nothing new in the corner of my world. Tell me about what’s going on with you.” Star spent the next half-hour telling Tyler about Zarius. Of course, much of her story was fiction. She told him the rehearsed military story. Star chewed her lip nervously. She hated lying to her friends but she had no choice. She sighed. The same as Zar had no choice but to lie to her initially. Some of her anger ebbed away. It wasn’t Zar’s fault. He didn’t control the fates. “I better head home now.” Star stood and Ty rose to his feet. “Take care of yourself.” “I will.” Star wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. Over his shoulder, she saw Zarius rapidly approaching and took a hurried step backward. “Zar, I’m so glad you’re here.” She held out her hand to him and he grasped it. She winced at the strength of his grip. His expression changed from murderous to unreadable in the blink of an eye. “This is Tyler, we used to work together. I was just telling him that we are engaged.” She gave Zar her brightest smile. “And this of course is Zar, my fiancé.” Zar’s massive arm snaked around her, pinning her to his side. He splayed his mammoth hand across his unborn child. “Did you inform him of the rest of our happy news?” He rubbed her stomach to emphasize his point. Surprise lit Tyler’s eyes as his gaze dropped. “A baby? Congrats. Hey, man, I hope you know how lucky you are?” “I am blessed,” Zar agreed. “Thanks, Ty. I’m not very far along so I’m not telling anyone yet but Zar can’t seem to help himself,” she said, a little too cheerfully. “I have to get back to work now. Don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.” Ty eyed Zar closely and waved as he walked away. Immediately, Star turned on Zar. “Don’t say another word until we get home.”
***** “I will not live like this. You can’t follow me around, telling me what to do and get angry every time I speak to a man.” Star blasted him as soon as the door to the apartment closed. Taking a seat on the couch, he stretched and crossed his legs at the ankles. “I did not realize he preferred males,” Zar replied smugly. “That is not the point.” “Rejan women do not allow males other than their mates or close male relatives to touch them. It is forbidden. And they do not take meals alone with a male.”
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“Well, newsflash, I’m only half Rejan and I was raised here. Here it is perfectly normal to hug a male friend.” Star stood over him, hands on her hips, tapping one foot. “And I’ll have you know that Emily was with us up until a little while before you arrived.” Her anger aroused his lust and his cock hardened. “You must learn our ways. It will be expected. If you touch a male on Reja that way, they will take it to mean you are available and you are not.” “You mean to tell me if I innocently hug a man on Reja he’ll think I’m coming on to him? You must have thought I was trying to seduce you from the moment we met.” Star’s eyes had grown huge, staring at him. “Were you not, my fila?” He smiled slowly, seductively at her. “I was just being friendly. I…I knew nothing of your ridiculous customs.” Flustered, Star’s cheeks reddened. “I know this. I had observed your customs before meeting you. But I believe your Rejan half recognized your mate.” “I did feel odd when I met you. I had never—” She stopped and glanced at him shyly from beneath her lowered lashes. “I felt something I had never felt before.” “That is as it should be. Your Rejan blood called out to mine. We waited too long.” Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down onto his lap and brushed her hair back from her face. “If you had been born on Reja, I would have found you while you were still very young. You would have matured while knowing of our destiny. Since I could not find you, we waited a long time for our release. Your feelings of desire have lain dormant. Now they overwhelm you but in time you will adjust.” Star shifted on his lap and he had to bite his lip to stop a moan from tumbling from his mouth. “Zar, if I had been born on Reja, when would we have become involved?” she whispered and her hot breath caressed his sensitized skin. She wiggled and his fingers tightened on her hip. Did she realize what she was doing to him? “Since I am several years older than you so I would have known you most of your life but it is forbidden to become sexually involved until a mate is of age.” Nibbling her ear, his tongue trailed her jaw. “First I would have taken your mouth.” He licked her lips and she whimpered. He cupped a breast and squeezed lightly. “My hungers would have grown when you became of age.” He rolled a peaked nipple between thumb and finger. “Zar,” she gasped. “When you were ready, I would have touched you. Your body would have learned to respond to my touch.” Her heart pounded beneath his hand. “And my mouth.” “Your innocence would have been guarded until after we took the vow but I would have managed to have a taste of you.” “So, you’d cop a feel every chance you got?”
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“And a taste.” “I wish…” “What do you wish, fila?” Star’s thoughts turned to her first kiss…
~~~~~ It was just before her sixteenth birthday. All of her friends had boyfriends—most of them had several—but she had no one. Some of her friends were sexually active and she had yet to experience her first kiss. She felt like a freak. She was tall, athletic and she knew she intimidated some of the boys. She didn’t intimidate Johnny Walters, the football quarterback, and she was stunned when he asked her out. They’d gone to the drive-in to see a horror flick but Star was more afraid of the boy next to her than the monster on the screen. She was too tongue-tied to contribute much to the conversation. Therefore they shared a tub of popcorn as Johnny extolled the virtues of a running game versus a passing game of football. Her mind reeled with useless football information and she barely noticed when his hand softly brushed her shoulder. She glanced up and the look in his eyes filled her with dread but she’d managed to smile. This was why she’d accepted the date. She wanted to be like everyone else. She wanted her blood to heat with the fire her friends described. Johnny’s head ducked and she remembered to part her lips. His lips were firm and warm. Gently fusing their lips, his tongue had slipped into her mouth. He tasted of popcorn. Slowly he nibbled her lips, his tongue brushing against hers and she’d waited for the sensations of heat, the burn of desire. They never came. Eventually he’d grown bolder, a hand had wondered from her hip to beneath her breast. Startled, she pulled away and he released her. His breath had been ragged and she realized that he was aroused while she felt nothing. Her first kiss with the school’s hottest guy and she felt nothing. She was a freak. After that she withdrew into herself, feeling left out, different and alone…
~~~~~ “I used to think there was something wrong with me, that I couldn’t have normal feelings for boys. My friends all had boyfriends but I never did. Occasionally, I would date but when the guys I dated kissed me or touched me, it left me cold.” She squirmed on his lap as warmth built low in her stomach. “I am sorry I could not be here for you sooner. I would have been if I had known where to find you. It must have been very lonely for you. You will be lonely no more.” He brushed his lips across her brow. “However, I am glad the touch and kiss of others did not please you. I am not fond of the thought of another male’s hands or lips upon you.” 106
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At his words, the ache in her body turned to a melting throb between her legs. She wiggled against him and felt his cock respond. The thick length grew beneath her bottom and she cursed the clothing that separated them. Lifting her lips to his ear, she whispered, “I know now how the other girls felt. I want you. I need you.” Zar growled in his throat. “I know just what we need.” Star’s stomach dropped as he quickly gained his feet with her in his arms. Carrying her to the bedroom, he lowered her beside the bed. The heat of his gaze raked her. “Remove your clothes.” “Zar,” Star gasped as his words sent a jolt of need to her pussy. “Remove them. I wish to see what is mine.” A shaky hand reached for the buttons of her blouse. His gaze blazed as she slipped the blouse from her shoulders. Licking his lips, he nodded, urging her to continue. Releasing the front clasp of her bra, her nipples were already peaked and aching for his touch. His hands brushed her bra out of the way. “Mine.” He ran his thumbs across the pebbled tips and a sob escaped her parted lips. Their eyes met and his were glazed with passion. “I will be the only man to touch these breasts and suckle them.” His eyes lowered. “Remove your pants for I will taste all of you.” Her thighs quaked as she unfastened her pants and pushed them over her hips. She let them fall to the floor. Naked, except for red lace panties, she stood trembling before him. Thick fingers traced the edge of the lace. Slipping his fingers between her thighs, he pressed the wet silk against her clit. “You are wet for me. Remove this barrier and spread yourself on the bed.” Star blinked in surprise as heat shimmied along her spine. She couldn’t believe his dominant attitude made her so hot. Turning her back to him, she slowly lowered her panties. Bending forward, she slid them down her legs. Her lips curled as she heard his gasp for breath. Lifting one foot and then the other, she took them off. Still bent forward, her eyes flicked to him. His gaze centered on her ass. Standing up, she tossed her damp panties to him. He caught them with one hand and lifted them to his nose. His passion-laden gaze met hers. “Spread yourself on the bed. I want to see your cream glistening on your wet cunt.” Scooting onto the bed, she spread her thighs. “Bend your knees.” Her legs quivered as she met his gaze. Inching his shirt up, he took a step toward her. Rippling, golden skin gleamed. Yanking the shirt over his head, he sailed it across the room. Her breath hitched as he reached for the snap of his jeans. “Hurry please.” His hand stilled as he met her gaze. Molten eyes gleamed. “I will not hurry.” “Zar,” she huffed. He gripped her knees, spreading them wide. “But I will please. Now that you know my secret, there is much we can share.” 107
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His tongue snaked out of his mouth and reached several inches below his chin. “Oh my god.” She shuddered as his head lowered. His thick, long tongue lapped her folds and the tip circled her clit. Her hips bucked off the bed as fire scorched her veins. His gaze latched onto her as his tongue dipped into her pussy. Grasping her hips, he thrust deep and his tongue laved inside her. “Fuck,” she cried as his tongue encountered her G-spot. He purred and his tongue vibrated as he thrust and recoiled. She quivered around him as liquid fire erupted from her core. His tongue continued to lap as he drank her cream. Still strung out from the high, she watched him raise his head. Wet, glistening lips curled upward in a smug grin. “Delicious.” Shifting, he knelt on the edge of the bed and she hesitantly unfastened his jeans. Her eyes assessed the large ridge of flesh visible beneath the material as she unzipped his pants. Eagerly, his cock sprang forth into her waiting fingers. “Feel my siltas, they are there for your pleasure.” His voice was a husky plea. Adoringly, she ran her fingers over the rough protrusions. She remembered how they felt inside her, and her pussy pulsed at the thought. “Open your mouth, fila—taste me.” Licking her lips, she stared at the tumescent length bobbing near her mouth. The blunt tip glistened with a pearl of moisture and her tongue flicked the tip. The sweetest of tastes exploded on her tongue and her mouth watered. Just like his scent, his flavor was unique and irresistible. Circling his cock head with her tongue, she gathered more of his pre-cum, savoring the taste. “Zar,” she gasped, licking his shaft. His siltas released more of the flavorful cream and she lapped the torrid flesh. Large hands wrapped in her hair and enclosed her head. “Do you enjoy my taste, as I enjoy yours?” He guided her head as her mouth stretched wide to accept him. With each thrust, his flavor filled her mouth and she swallowed. Cream flowed from her pussy as his taste fired her blood. Clenching her thighs, she drank his essence. “Enough.” He pulled free of her lips and her dazed gaze met his. His eyes gleamed as he stood and kicked his jeans completely off. Stretching out next to her, he rolled her on top of him. She straddled one of his thighs and he slid her back and forth. “Ride my thigh. Find pleasure in it.” Bucking against his leg, her pussy throbbed. “It feels so good.” Sliding a hand between their bodies, he inserted one finger into her aching pussy. She gasped and looked down into his eyes. “Does this feel just as good?” He held her gaze as she rode his hand. She could feel the sensations burning in her blood and he inserted another finger deeply into her welcoming heat. Her eyes closed and her head went back. Her whole body began to shake as his fingers delved deeper and she shattered above him. “Zar,” she cried as the world tipped sideways.
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Shifting her beneath him, he entered her still-quivering depths. Her eyes flew open as his thickness stretched her. He held perfectly still inside her for a moment, letting the contractions of her pussy ripple around his cock. Slowly withdrawing, her muscles contracted around him and her hands found his hips, trying to hold him within her. He plunged again, deeper this time, and her body accepted more of him. Wiggling against him, she tugged him deeper. She wanted all he had to give. Still, he held back. “More, Zar, I want it all,” she begged. He lifted her legs up, giving him better access, and buried his cock to the hilt inside her. She screamed and rotated on his hard shaft. Her eyes rolled back at the blissful sensation. “Yes. Oh yes,” she moaned brokenly. Impaled and loving it. Powerful muscles strained and his body shook with restraint. “Don’t hold back.” She moved against him. Finally he took her fully, intensely. His strokes were deep, hard and fast. She accepted him and relished his loss of control. When at last his release came, he roared with pleasure before collapsing on top of her, totally spent. Eventually, he shifted to lie at her side. Breathing deeply, he tried to gain control. She snuggled into his side and threw a leg across him. Her knee nuzzled his cock and it began to harden again. She looked at it with surprise, nudging it again. “Surely, you can’t, not again.” “Obviously I can.”
***** “Oooh,” Star moaned as she stood. She rubbed her eyes. She hadn’t gotten much sleep, that was for sure. Gingerly, she made her way to the bathroom. Returning to the bedroom, she eyed her sleeping lover. His nude body stretched across the bed and her greedy eyes devoured him. She nibbled her lip. While he was awake she was self-conscious about studying him too closely. While he slept, her eyes could take a leisurely journey. Moving closer, she inspected him. Usually the room was too dark for her to see him clearly but this morning the sunlight streamed into the room. Wondering about the difference between a Rejan and a human male, she peered closer. It must be those rough little bumps which brought her such pleasure. She leaned closer and licked her lips. Her mouth was suddenly dry. His cock jerked to life as she unknowingly exhaled her warm breath onto him. Lifting her head, she was trapped by his heated gaze. He leered at her from beneath his lashes and a grin tugged at his lips. Grabbing her hand, he yanked her down next to him. “Is there something I can help you with, fila?” “No, I was just curious.” Heat flushed her face and she looked away. “I wondered about your siltas. I mean, the differences in your body and all.”
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He brushed her hair back out of her face. “You may examine my body any time you wish. I will answer all your questions but you may never inspect another male to compare. This I will not allow.” “I didn’t mean I wanted to compare. I just wondered what the difference is, that’s all,” she told him shyly. She seriously doubted that any other man could measure up to him anyway. He placed a finger under her chin and raised her face to meet his steady gaze. He brushed his soft lips across hers and her heart rate accelerated. She leaned away from him. “Zar, I’m a little sore this morning,” she heard the reluctance in her own voice. Calloused fingers caressed her soft cheek. “I am sorry. I will be more careful. Sometimes I forget you’re inexperienced.” He rose from the bed and stretched his gorgeous body, unaware that her gaze followed his movements. Truly, he was a remarkable sight, all that smooth golden flesh and rippling muscles. She could lie here all day observing his splendid form.
***** Zar had explained very few Rejans spoke English and provided her a translation device. She’d spent much of the day trying to learn the Rejan language. Zar wasn’t paying attention and she attempted to translate words he’d used while they were intimate. The only two she remembered translated to hot and need. She hadn’t expected them to be words of undying love but a part of her had hoped. It had been an unseasonably warm day and Star wore only a pair of loose-fitting shorts and a cropped top as she flopped on the couch in front of the television. “Is there anything good on tonight?” “There is a documentary on the effects of the diminishing rainforests.” Star rolled her eyes. “Sounds riveting.” Zar shifted next to her, stirring his scent in the air. Inhaling, Star indulged her senses in the heady flavor. He was aroused, as was she. Stretching, she threw her arms over her head which thrust her unbound breasts out. Her cropped top slid up, revealing an expanse of skin and she felt the flicker of Zar’s gaze upon her. Adjusting her position, she stretched one leg out and bent the other at the knee. From his direction, he would have quite the view. Chewing the side of her cheek, she fought a grin. The role of seductress was quite enjoyable. Zar’s veiled gaze observed her as he shifted slightly, attempting to gain a better vantage point to peer up her shorts and she had to stifle a giggle. When he glanced up, his face froze as she arched a brow. “Is something wrong, Zar?” she purred in her most seductive voice. He held her gaze while his skillful tongue licked his lips. “Yes, my fila. I fear my need of you is overwhelming me once again.” Slipping his body between her thighs, he 110
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laid his head upon her aching breasts. His deep voice vibrated against her chest. “I do not wish to cause you harm.” Stroking fingers ran up her thigh to the edge of her damp panties. “Are you still sore here?” Eyes the color of molten steel traveled to meet hers as he brushed his fingers lightly across the wet silk. “I…uh…I don’t feel any pain yet.” Her whispered reply was almost a whimper. His finger slid under the silk barrier and leisurely stroked her wet folds. When his long, deft finger entered her abruptly, she gasped in a shaky breath. “Do you feel pain now?” His finger slipped deeper. “No, I would not call it pain.” She grabbed his shoulders. Shutting her eyes, she threw her head back as she arched under his touch. “Oh, Zar.” Rotating against his finger, she moaned. His lips curled into a smile against her skin. He sucked at her lips, neck and ear while whispering words of encouragement and passion to her. Some words she knew, some she did not. She wrapped her arms around him as he carried her to their room. It was times like this she felt so close to him. She only wished they could communicate this way outside the bedroom. As the days flew by Star became more comfortable with her destiny. The world he painted for her, while maybe not rosy, certainly held appeal. As she learned the rudimentary language, Zar told her of his family. She learned his father had died tragically about a year ago. Murdered in a battle with an old enemy but his mother, Tammaro, still lived. Although she had gone into a deep depression upon her mate’s death, Zar was hoping that the birth of her first grandchild would bring her out of it. He also told her of his younger brother and sister. His little sister, Sunny, was only seventeen but was already quite pretty. Her future mate, Jata, was beginning to show signs of impatience as he was ready for his mate. “How soon will they take their vows?” “I have told Jata that he must wait until Sunny matures.” “And you enjoy tormenting him, I am sure.” Star shifted to a more comfortable position in the lounge chair. Earlier, Zar had surprised her with a doublewide chaise lounge for the balcony and they were lying side by side, enjoying the cool evening breeze. Zar grinned. “Hart, even more so than I, takes pleasure in taunting Jata with what he cannot yet have.” His fingers roamed from her waist to the curve of her breast and back again. “I know what it is to want something you cannot have.” She snuggled closer. “What’s Hart’s story? Is he mated?” Star was curious about Zar’s younger brother. “His story is not a happy one. He is a man of twenty-seven but he has no mate. Several years ago, while traveling in the outer rim he disappeared, even though my father and I searched for several months we were unable to find him.”
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Zar sighed. “Eventually, he was presumed dead and his predestined mate joined the Ladies of the Guild.” “What is that?” “The Ladies of the Guild are much like nuns are here on Earth.” “Ohh. How awful. What happened?” “Just before she took her final vows, Hart returned. It was a joyous occasion. His betrothed was happy to see him and offered to forsake the vows but Hart refused her.” “Why would he do that?” Star knew how powerful the pull of destiny was and it seemed even stronger for the male. How could Hart let her go so easily? “Rarely does the Supreme Elder make a mistake but in Hart’s case, it happened. His betrothed belonged in the Guild. They shared no passion of the flesh. Her blood does not run hot. She would not have satisfied Hart and I believe he knew that.” “A betrothal can be set aside if the parties are not suitable?” Zar’s eyes darkened as he studied her. “Rarely, but it has happened.” Star nodded. She knew he thought she was considering a way out of their relationship but she wasn’t. She didn’t want out, not anymore. She didn’t want out but she wanted to be his choice not his duty. She wanted his love. “So, where was Hart when he disappeared?” “He was injured in an attack on another planet. Luckily, Intelian, the ruler of Zoton found Hart and cared for him. Recovery was slow and his memory had temporarily been affected.” “At least, he’s safe now.” “Yes, but without a mate, I fear for him.” “At least this way he can choose the mate he wants.” Zar’s eyes flashed and she knew she wasn’t totally effective at hiding the censorship in her voice. “Never think I do not want you.” Star forced a smile. She knew he wanted her but did he love her. “There is something I have been wishing to discuss with you,” Zar said as he brushed loose hair back from her face. “Is this something I should dread?” His tone was so serious it scared her. She feared he wanted to leave for Reja. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go but she didn’t want to leave her mother. “I hope you do not dread it. There is a tale that long ago, a mata was unhappy that his fila did not desire him the way he desired her. He created a spell to entrance his fila. The spell is the reason we cannot go very long without joining with our mates but it was not enough. He wished for her to desire him greatly. So he created the Day of Bliss. In return for our females giving us the Day of Bliss, we grew siltas to please our mates even more.” “I don’t understand. What is a Day of Bliss?” Star asked curiously.
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A grin tugged at his lips as he spoke. “The Day of Bliss comes once a moon—a month here. It is a day that you will feel intense desire to mate with me, your lifemate.” His thumb prodded a distended nipple and her breath hitched. Upon his hesitation, she said, “But I already desire to mate with you. What is different about that day?” “The difference is that even though we mate, your desire will be intense and ravenous. You will wish for more. We will mate for most of one day.” She looked at him with total disbelief. “You have to be kidding.” She couldn’t imagine wanting him any more than she did now. “No, my fila, I am not. You will crave my body and my touch intensely, much more so than usual.” He smiled rather smugly at her. “And since we have been together over half a moon, your time should be approaching.” “And you won’t desire me as much?” Star asked. “My fila, I always desire you. My desires are very strong, much stronger than yours. It will please me much to have you desire me this way. Even though you will only feel as intensely one day a moon as I do every day.” “Have you ever experienced this?” she asked, eyeing him warily. “No, for you only experience this with a true lifemate. But I have heard much about it.” He smiled wickedly at her. “What have you heard?” Star asked, not sure she really wanted to know but curious nonetheless. “It is said that the female mate is ravenous, that she is demanding. That you may join your bodies many times, and she will demand more. It is said that you need most of the next day to recuperate.” Zar’s voice was low, seductive. “I wait patiently for our Day of Bliss.” “Well, maybe I will not have one, since I’m only half Rejan,” Star said. “The fates could not be that cruel to me.” The look he bestowed upon her held such longing and desire. It made her hope she would have the day. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint him. She did not want him to seek another because she couldn’t fulfill him. He might not love her but he did desire her and she didn’t want to lose that. A grin tugged at her lips as she imagined a whole day of his loving. Oh yeah. She would enjoy that. “Come, let us take a walk.” Zar suggested. The evening was particularly beautiful and they strolled leisurely toward Waterfront Park, only an occasional car to mar the serenity of the evening. After reaching the park, they settled on a park bench. Snuggling back against him, a cocoon of strength and warmth surrounded her. Content, she sighed as the various sounds of the night began to come alive around them.
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The park was a home to an assortment of squirrels, opossums, raccoons and other small creatures. Sitting quietly, they observed a rabbit zip out from under a bush and dart across the great yard. “It’s nice they built this park here in the midst of the city.” “Mmm-hmm,” Zar agreed and his warm breath ruffled her hair. They both turned their heads as something rustled in a nearby bush. Zar chuckled softly. “It is only a mother animal with her young.” Looking over Zar’s shoulder, she saw an opossum carrying two of her young upon her back. “Oh, how adorable.” Zar’s hand moved to her stomach and lightly caressed. “It is good to see a mother with her young.” Relaxing back into his strong arms again, Star gazed at the star-riddled sky above. “Can you see Reja from here?” “No, Reja is not of this galaxy. This is what Earthlings refer to as the Milky Way Galaxy. Reja is in that direction.” Zar raised his arm and pointed to the northwest. “Reja is in the Trigon Region.” “Are most inhabited planets friendly?” “For the most part, yes. Reja and most other enlightened planets belong to the Menitar Alliance. Earth does not belong but it is under the protection of the Alliance because many members of the Alliance visit Earth and some have relations that inhabit this planet. As soon as Ventari discovered your existence, we informed the Alliance of Rejans living upon this planet. Therefore we would immediately be informed if the Earth was in imminent danger from an outside attack.” “Do planets go to war very often?” Star worried not only about living on a distant planet but now that she knew of many other life forms on other planets, she worried about the inhabitants of Earth as well. “Not in recent times, long ago rival planets were in a constant state of war. Advanced technology created weapons that could strike from great distances. Entire civilizations were destroyed, even whole planets. World leaders gathered and formed the Alliance and banned weapons of mass destruction. Now if planets go to war, they must do so in hand-to-hand combat using only our swords and brute strength. This is not so appealing or so easily accomplished.” “So, no one uses the bombs or whatever anymore? What happened to them?” “The Alliance is in control of weapons of mass destruction that could annihilate whole galaxies but they are kept under high-clearance security. Ten of the members must agree to access the weapons. Of course, most planets have the knowledge to build such devices but they know the penalty for using such a weapon would be instantaneous destruction of their entire planet by the Alliance.” “If all this is going on and as you say there are aliens visiting here all the time why don’t we know about it?”
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“I can only guess that the powers in charge wish to keep the innocence of the planet alive. Once innocence is lost it can never be regained but I feel the unenlightened days of this planet are coming to an end.” “Have you ever seen a planet when it first discovers the existence of other life forms? What will happen?” Star anxiously asked him. “When it is appropriate, members of the Alliance, along with your government officials, will try to explain the situation. I hope that it will be a peaceful transition. Sometimes it is not. Earthlings do not appear to accept change and they do not accept taking orders. I assume there would have to be a firm stand taken. After they realize the advantages the Alliance will bring to them, I surmise all will smooth out and life will go on much the same as always. Except humanoids of other cultures will travel more freely among your people and your people will have access to visit other planets as well.” “Will humans still rule the Earth or will it be ruled by the Alliance?” “The Alliance does not rule planets, nor do they allow planets to be overthrown. Someday, there might be multicultural rule here as there is on many planets but that would be up to the people of the planet.” Star silently considered his words. “Technology and industry will evolve. Profiteers from other planets will come with advance technology for a price but in the scheme of things it will be good for the people of Earth.” “Who is the Rejan representative for this Alliance you speak of?” “Brendar has been the Rejan representative for over sixty years but it is said he will soon retire from his post to live out his life term in leisure,” Zar answered. “Who will take his place?” “It is my hope that my brother Hartel will accept the position. He is a great warrior but he is also an excellent diplomat. Always, he has had a way with words and he constantly tries to walk the path of peace first. As Head Warrior, I would be considered too violent for such a position and Darvin is too harsh and warlike to be of consideration.” “When will I meet your family?” Star didn’t ask about her father. Part of her wanted to meet him but part of her still resented his desertion. “Soon.” “Do I have half brothers and sisters?” “No. You are Teman’s only child. For now this is enough talk about the what-ifs of life. Now is the time for me to demonstrate the pleasurable realities of our existence.” “Such a sweet talker you are,” Star replied sarcastically. “My words could never match the sweetness of you in my arms so I am at a loss to try.” Star grinned. When he chose to be, he was a silver-tongued devil.
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Chapter Seven The next day, Star was watching what she called “soap operas” when Zar returned from jogging through the park. From what he could tell, the show contained much drama and bare chests. Pulling his T-shirt over his head, he wiped his sweaty brow before dropping on the couch next to her. “Why is it that the men constantly disrobe on this program?” “The audience is mostly female and the producers know we want to see hot, halfnaked men.” “You find these small, hairy men attractive?” “Mmm, especially him.” Zar looked at the television screen and a small, blond-haired man was talking to a female. He recognized that the actor was the exact opposite of him. Turning his gaze to Star, he studied her thoughtfully. Her eyes twinkled with a mischievous gleam. She was intentionally trying to provoke his jealousy. He would see what she truly desired. Grasping her hand, he lifted it to his lips and slowly kissed each of her knuckles. Closing his mouth around one of her fingers, he sucked. Her eyes darkened with passion and her lips slowly parted. She snuggled closer, her program seemingly forgotten as she unbuttoned his shirt and slid her warm hands over his skin. Dainty hands that had been running along his chest moved lower, stroking his erect shaft that strained beneath his tight pants. He pulled her closer, adjusting her to straddle him on the couch. Full breasts were now level with his face and he nipped a tip through her shirt. “Did I not tell you to never try to arouse my jealousy, fila?” “Yes, I think so. Are you going to punish me now?” she asked suggestively. “Oh yes, I have no choice except to punish you severely.” “Wh-what do you plan to do?” Her voice grew husky. He shifted, bringing her damp pussy to sit directly on top of his awaiting length. “First, I believe I will make you miss watching your soap opera on the television.” “The soaps are on for about four hours or so.” “You doubt that I can keep you occupied for four hours?” Gazing into her eyes, he grinned. She had challenged his manhood. He would teach her a lesson. “I believe I will make you beg me over and over, with your words and your body before I give you the release you will seek.” “Pretty cocky, aren’t you?”
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“That I am, as you will soon see for yourself. But you will also discover I do not make promises I cannot fulfill.” Star was already squirming on his lap—his words appeared to be having the desired effect. “You know I can catch up on my soaps tomorrow. I don’t really have to watch today.” Releasing a low growl at her words, he flung her over his shoulder, headed for their bed.
***** As time passed Zar’s mood seemed to deteriorate. She was unsure what was wrong. She assumed he was anxious to go home. “Zar, do you miss Reja and your family much?” “I have spent a lot of time traveling in recent years and as long as I am with you I feel as if my homeland is near. Why do you wish to know?” “You seem different lately, kind of sad. I just wondered why?” Truly, she was concerned—she did not like to see him unhappy. She missed the way he gently teased her and his easy laugh. Unwillingly, she had become accustomed to him. “It is not Reja I miss. It is not of consequence. Do not concern yourself.” Realizing there was something he was not telling her, she decided to discover the reason herself. She wondered if it was the Day of Bliss. She had been wondering herself when she would experience it or if she would. Against her better judgment, her feelings for him were growing to the point that she questioned her own sanity. How could she have such strong feelings for a man who had lied to her about his identity? Not only that but he had intentionally gotten her pregnant and planned to take her away from everything she knew and loved? It didn’t seem as if she had a choice though. She had no choice in going to Reja and she had no choice when it came to these feelings. She didn’t know if the emotions were her own or something predestined by them being lifemates but they existed and they were definitely powerful. Thinking about their situation for a moment, she realized if they had both been just normal humans, she would still have been attracted to him. He did have a very sweet side to him. It was somewhat overshadowed by his dominant side but it was there nonetheless. Of course, sexually she would have been attracted to him. He made her feel things she hadn’t even realized were possible. Yes, if he could only love her, he would be the perfect man for her. That evening he made love to her slowly, and she felt cherished. If only the feeling didn’t disappear when she left his arms. He whispered Rejan words to her and even though she did not understand them all, she felt loved.
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The next morning Star’s eyes popped open and she grinned. She would give him his Day of Bliss. As he lay on his back next to her, she woke him with a tender caress across his sculpted chest. Opening his eyes lazily, he peered at her. “Good morning.” “Hmm, isn’t it?” She smiled seductively at him, and moved her hand slowly down his body to her destination. Along the journey, she paused to trace the trail of hair from his belly button to the base of his shaft. The object of her voyage had already begun to harden at her first touch and she stroked it to its fullest. Moving to straddle him, she pulled her nightgown over her head and flung it to the floor. Her long hair cascaded around her shoulders and partially obscured her chest from his view. Large hands trembled slightly as he raised them and brushed her hair back to give him an unobstructed view of her breasts as they swayed before him. She shifted to her knees and slowly slid down until his full length buried deep inside her. Sliding up and down his shaft, his siltas scraped her inner walls and she moaned. Panting, she increased the pace. Arching, she took him deeper. Her inner muscles screamed for release as he bucked within her. Pinching her nipples, he rolled them between finger and thumb and she cried out as heat erupted and she milked his cock with internal spasms. Collapsing on his sweat-sheened chest, she nipped his nipple. “Zar, do you think we could do that again?” she purred. “I will be more than happy to oblige.” Zar rolled her under him and joined them swiftly. His tongue in her mouth kept the same rhythm as his plunging shaft and he brought her to yet another shattering climax. Stretching, she thought about her plan. Ahh, the day has just begun. When she sashayed into the bathroom, she made sure she added an extra wiggle to her bottom. Starting the shower, she ran the water hot. “Zar, can you come here please?” He must have leapt from the bed, he was at her side so quickly. “Is something wrong?” Her gaze roved his masculine frame appreciatively. “I thought you might want to join me.” She did not have to ask him twice. As soon as he stepped into the shower she began to soap his body—she was going to enjoy this immensely. She began at his chest and ran her soap-covered hands down each of his arms, admiring the bulging biceps. She soaped his ripped abdomen, enjoying the feel of his muscles rippling beneath her touch. She turned her attention to his back. There was not an inch of fat on him. As she washed across his broad shoulders down his back to his buttocks, the firm muscles contracted beneath her slick fingers. She cleansed the back of his muscular legs, and ran her soap-covered hand up the front of them. She turned him once again and from her kneeling position, his cock was level with her face. She eyed him carefully, and then raised her mischievous gaze to meet his heated one. His cock was fully aroused, and she licked her lips before allowing her gaze to travel leisurely back down his body to his awaiting cock. “I believe I forgot to wash you here.” She enclosed his cock in her soapy hands. Sliding her fingers slowly over him, she explored his siltas. Moving lower, she cupped the heavy sac dangling between his thighs.
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A growl escaped his lips. “I believe it is my turn.” His voice was ragged. Pulling her to her feet, he soaped his hands to begin his journey. Unerringly, he missed not a spot on her quivering body. He began at her feet and worked his way up, skipping the spots that most desired his stroking touch. He even washed her hair, massaged her scalp, and then laved her breasts until she gasped for breath. “Zar, please…” At her urging his skilled fingers lowered to wash her tender folds. She was in heaven at his loving administrations. Thoroughly cleaned, he turned her to face the wall of the shower. Placing her hands on the cool tile surface, he used his feet to separate her legs and slowly entered her from behind. She bucked against him wildly. The cool tile at her front and his warmth behind her drove her wild. Each powerful thrust rode her up and down the tile wall. With nothing to hold on to, she felt like a puppet and he the puppet master. Finally, release washed over her in gushing waves of bliss. She sagged against the wall until he lifted her from the shower and wrapped her in a large bath towel. As he reached for another towel, Star dropped to her knees. “So, this is the birthmark I should also bear.” Leaning forward, she caressed it with her lips. Nipping the spot with her teeth, she soothed it with her tongue. Looking up from her kneeling position at his passion-glazed eyes, her lips curled at the corner. Ardent eyes traveled down his perfect body to his cock that so boldly protruded from him. Lightly stroking his cock, she slowly licked her lips as she remembered his delicious taste. Ducking her head, she flicked her tongue and caressed the ridge on the underside of his erection. His hand guided her, encouraged her. His unique flavor filled her mouth as she feasted. When she felt his heavy sac tighten, he grasped her arms and hauled her to her feet. Turning her to face the bathroom mirror, he spread her thighs wider. “Watch yourself in the mirror. Watch my hands on your body,” he told her in a husky voice. He enclosed both of her breasts and his fingers brought the nipples to tight peaks. Resting her head back against him, she watched them in the mirror. It was very erotic to watch herself as he caressed her breasts, tweaking the nipples into pebble hardness between his skilled fingers. Her whole body tingled and her pussy pulsed as she rubbed against him. His thick erection prodded her bottom and she wiggled, encouraging his possession. Leaning her slightly forward, he slowly entered her from behind once again. Her breath exhaled sharply as she avidly watched his face contort as his passions grew. “Zar, please…” she begged and bucked against him. Their eyes met in the mirror as he thrust deep and hard. She gasped for breath, unable to keep her eyes open any longer as her cries of ecstasy echoed off the tiled bathroom walls.
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Picking her up, he carried her to the bed and lay next to her. Star smiled gleefully, her body sated yet alive with excitement. She had never felt so free to touch him as she did now. This mock Day of Bliss allowed her to let her reserve down without feeling needy or self-conscious. Her wanton behavior was expected. Zar would never know that love, not chemistry, motivated her actions. No one would know her secret. Noisily, Star’s stomach growled in protest. “You are hungry.” “Ravenous,” she agreed. Licking her lips, she eyed him boldly. Zar chuckled. “First, I must feed you.” Lunch was a simple affair of sandwiches and sweet tea. Eating the last of her sandwich, she added more sugar to her tea. An idea struck and she smiled. Licking her finger, she dipped it into the sugar bowl and rubbed it across Zar’s lower lip. She licked his full lip. “Tasty.” She dipped her finger again, repeating the process to his nipples. A low growl emanated from his chest as her head lowered. Lapping the sugar from the protruding tips, she nipped one nipple with her teeth. His breath hissed from between his lips and his tight stomach muscles rippled. Star’s thighs dampened beneath her robe and she shifted restlessly. Her tongue traveled down his stomach and with a gasp, he scooped her up and laid her on the table. His eyes darkened as he opened her fuzzy robe and devoured her nakedness. Instead of dipping into the sugar as she had, he picked up the sugar bowl and sprinkled it all over her, from chest to thigh. She shivered, knowing what was to come. Moaning her delight at his attentive mouth, she embraced rapture as he feasted his way across her chest. His wicked tongue curled around her pebbled nipples and sinfully squeezed the peaked tip. Filling her belly button with the sweetness, he greedily devoured it. By now, shudders rocked her frame. “Zar, I…” she gasped as he scooted her hips to the edge of the table and spread her thighs. He knelt and she knew she was in for a treat. “Shh, fila, I have not finished my dessert.” Pouring more sugar upon her quivering thighs and pussy, he groaned and his hot breath stirred her damp curls. His tongue took a long, slow lap and she gasped. She gripped the tabletop so hard her knuckles turned white as she tried to control herself. However, Zar would not allow her a moment’s peace. His thumb buffeted her clit as his thick tongue burrowed into her canal. “I can’t take this. Oh shit.” Her hips bucked up off the table as his tongue filled her aching depths. “Please, please, please…” He continued his loving ritual until she cried out with satisfaction. When he finished his task there was not a drop of sugar left on her totally sated body.
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“My fila, there are many ways of pleasure between a mata and his fila, would you have me divulge more of the mysteries of mating for you?” Star’s body felt replete, but she couldn’t refuse the look in his eyes. The look of hope and pure need aroused her curiosity and her hunger. “What did you have in mind?” “Let me show you.” Zar pulled her from the table to stand in front of him. With a flick of his wrist, her robe hit the floor. Releasing the fastenings on his jeans, his swollen length sprang forth. He shoved the pants down his long legs and stepped out of them. More than Star’s curiosity was piqued. She wondered what her inventive lover was up to now. Her gaze roved his body until he turned her to face the table and slid up behind her. His cock nudged against the curve of her bottom. This is not so different, she thought. He leaned her forward to lie bent at the waist upon the table. The surface was cool against her heated flesh. Warm breath fanned her bottom as he knelt behind her. He kissed the curve of her hip and then ran his tongue down the length of her tight cheeks. Repeatedly, he licked, wetting the tight seam of her bottom cheeks. Rising to his feet behind her, his thick length rubbed against her wet rear end and she wiggled anxiously. With a hiss of breath, he slid his hard cock back and forth between the mounds of her bottom. She squirmed against him, inciting him to great lengths. Strong fingers grasped her hips as he ground his cock against her. A jolt of electric heat sizzled along her spine and she gasped at the tingling sensation. Shifting, he ran his hands the length of her back, massaging her tense muscles, relaxing her beneath his hands. Leaning forward he whispered to her, “You must stay relaxed when I enter you, if you tense up it will cause you pain.” Star nodded, his cock was so long and thick, a twinge of sweet pain often accompanied his possession of her. Adjusting her once again, he slipped her off the table to lean her elbows onto the chair seat. This was a different angle than they had tried and she couldn’t wait to feel his thick cock enter her. Caressing her bottom, he parted her cheeks. His cock head slipped through the wetness dripping from her pussy and she arched, waiting for his possession. His large hands grasped her cheeks, holding her open as he slid back and forth. Star wiggled impatiently. “Zar, please…” “You are ready?” “Yes,” she hissed. She couldn’t wait a moment longer for his cock. The thick head of his cock bumped her sensitive anal opening and she groaned at the spark of sensation. “Relax, fila.” She exhaled and the blunt tip of his cock breeched her anally. Star screeched, rising up on her toes. “Zar,” she squeaked. This was not what she had expected. He held very still inside her and she drew a shaky breath. Slowly, he inched forward and she shuddered.
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“Are you all right, can you accept me this way?” he asked, his voice raspy as he tried to control his passions. Pleasure-pain impulses surged from her ass but her clit pulsed with need. Star couldn’t speak, so she nodded her head in agreement. Gently, he pulled back and slowly plunged deeper. She growled low in her throat as a tremor shook her body. Lifting her feet from the ground, he tilted her hips and probed still deeper into her virgin ass. She dropped her head, resting it against the chair as she panted for breath. This new possession was intense, a cross between pleasure and pain. She loved it and hated it at the same time. Adjusting his grip, he thrust forward, sheathing his whole length inside her and she screamed. Trembling violently around him, fire erupted in her veins. Arching her back, she pushed from elbows to hands. “Oh my god.” He pumped hard and fast, his siltas dragging her sensitized flesh. “Yes…yes.” Her canal clenched around his shaft as her climax exploded in a burst of liquid heat. Zar roared as his seed poured out of him into her welcoming depths. Slowly, he lowered her to her feet but her legs were unable to support her and she sagged against the chair. Collapsing into another chair, he pulled her into his lap. Resting her head on his chest, she listened to his rapid heartbeat and his ragged breath. His strong arms held her close as the fingers of one hand stroked her hip. This new way of loving had been very intimate and somewhat scary. “Did I cause you harm?” he asked her softly. She kept her head tucked against him, unwilling to meet his gaze, “No, not really. At first it did some but later…” Her voice trailed off—she didn’t know how to explain. He brought his hand up under her chin, tilting it to meet his probing gaze. “I am sorry if I offended you with my needs. It is just that I wish to possess you in every way possible. I thought the Day of Bliss, with your passions running high, would be a good time for the introduction.” She stared into his eyes, noting how his brow furrowed with concern. Lifting a hand, she smoothed the frown that marred his handsome face. “Zar, your need of me will never offend me. However, I wasn’t expecting that.” “Was that so bad?” “No,” she replied honestly, shaking her head. It had not been bad at all, at least, not after the first minute or so. In fact, it was a sensation she might come to crave. “It is my duty and honor to teach you the ways of joining our bodies.” She stiffened within his embrace at the words “duty and honor”. Was even their sex life a duty to him? Annoyed, she tried to rise from his lap but he held her securely and tilted her head to meet his gaze.
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“I sense my words upset you somehow. I mean you no disrespect. My need of you is always great and you have honored me with your innocence. It has been my greatest pleasure to teach your body to respond to mine.” His words soothed her ego and she relaxed into him once again as he stood and carried her to their room. By dinnertime, Star was unable to walk to the kitchen on her shaky legs so Zar fed her a dinner of canned soup in bed. She was totally depleted and fell asleep before finishing.
***** The next morning, Zar awoke before his fila. Zar studied her as she snored lightly at his side. Yesterday had been very satisfying, not quite what he had expected, but he had no complaints. When Star began to stir Zar rose from the bed to make decaf coffee and a light snack. She would need nourishment. He did not mind serving his exhausted fila in her delicate state and she seemed delighted with his doting attention. “How are you today?” He asked sincerely, worried that yesterday had been too much for her. She smiled boldly at him. “Never better.” She stretched her tired body and groaned. “Well, maybe a little sore but it was worth it,” she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. Her apparent happiness flooded him with euphoric delight. She did not seem to resent her body’s demands for him. Soon it would be time to discuss going home. As evening approached, he wondered when she would be ready to join again. He wanted her to recover fully so he would not press the issue. He pretended interest in a book as she prepared for bed. A deep sigh escaped Zarius as he watched her leave the room. Flipping the cover of his book closed, he tossed it onto the coffee table. Stretching his long legs, he tried to find a comfortable position for his aroused body. He was thankful she retired to bed. He was beginning to ache with need of her but refused to pressure her. She wasn’t completely recovered yet. He could wait at least until morning. Zar joined her in the bed about an hour later. She was very restless and he hoped she was not still in any pain. Sometime later, he awoke to Star caressing his body. As soon as he was erect, she mounted him and ground against him relentlessly. “Slowly, fila,” he said as he tried to control the pace. He was apprehensive about harming her. “No,” she groaned as she threw her head back. With a scream, release washed over her and she collapsed momentarily upon him. Bewildered eyes lifted to stare at him. “Zar, my god, I can’t help myself, please I need you again.” Zar paused, his brow furrowing, then rolled her beneath him. He took her deeply and she begged for more. “Faster! Harder! Oh yes, that’s it.” She clawed his back and drew shallow furrows of blood. She bit his shoulder, arching against him. They found release but still she was not satisfied.
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Zar was confused, this was more like the Day of Bliss he had heard of, but if so, what had the other day been? He did not ponder it long, he was too busy. There would be time enough later to analyze it. Most of the day they spent locked in an intimate embrace, unlike the other times they had joined. Star was demanding and refused to let him love her gently. She insisted the pace be fast, hard and furious, nothing else would appease the gnawing ache within her. During a short break in the late afternoon, Zar observed his battered body. His lip curled with weary amusement. He looked much worse than Star had after their first joining. He had scratches, bites and bruises all over him, but he had no complaints. He eyed his cock ruefully—a few of his siltas had a raw appearance. After the last few days, he was surprised they had not completely worn off. “Have I injured you?” She lay back in the tousled bed, her head resting on a lacy pillow, her blonde hair spread around her. She appeared to be catching her breath for another round. “No, I will survive. Of course, at this rate, you might wear the siltas that please you so well off my shaft.” She stroked him and kissed the raw spots. The pain melted away as another intense feeling surfaced under her touch. “My fila, you might yet kill me but I will die a satisfied mata.” Star smiled mischievously at him. With their gazes locked, she licked his entire length. A heady moan was her reward. “Delicious.” His taste and smell intoxicated her senses. Circling the tip of his cock, she nibbled the spongy flesh. His breath hissed out between his clenched teeth. Closing his eyes, his head fell backward as he arched his lower body up to allow her better access. She nibbled him carefully then moved down to the heavy sac that hung below. Palming his balls, she lifted them to her mouth and suckled one within. “Careful,” he gasped. “Don’t worry. I have no intention of harming these.” She rolled the orbs in her hand and his whole body tensed at her inquisitive investigation. With a sigh, he stretched one long leg out and bent the other, allowing her access to her treasure.
***** Thick, heavy clouds encompassed Star as her mind drifted to semi-consciousness. With a groan, she tried to move. Oh lord, this wasn’t good. At her side, Zar lay comatose. He appeared as if he’d gone ten rounds in a title fight and lost. Her brows lifted curiously. Had she done all of that? She tried to move but pain pierced her body. “Ooh,” she moaned. It appeared she was the culprit since she was nearly incapacitated. With her last vestige of strength, she rolled from the bed and stumbled to the bathroom. Turning the water to hot, she added bath salts before slipping into the tub.
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Star wasn’t sure how long she dozed before Zar staggered into the room. Rubbing his tired, bloodshot eyes, he stretched his muscles before sitting down next to the tub. Even in his somewhat battered state, he was still devastatingly handsome. His curious gaze watched her suspiciously. She squirmed in the tub, waiting for what was sure to come. “Fila, I must ask you a question that has plagued my mind. If yesterday was our Day of Bliss, what was the other day?” She scooted lower in the tub, trying to hide behind the bubbles. With a shrug, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the rounded side of the tub. “You do not remember? Need I remind you?” He casually stroked a finger down the side of her cheek and she shivered. Cautiously, she opened one eye to look at him. A determined stare greeted her. He wasn’t going to give up. She had not planned and did not have plausible answers to his question. “I don’t know, Zar, you’re the Rejan mating expert—you tell me.” She threw the ball back into his court, hoping he’d back off. He smiled devilishly. “I am quite certain from what I have been told that yesterday was our Day of Bliss. The other day, while exceptional, seemed to be controlled and possibly thought-out.” He eyed her like a tiger just waiting to pounce on its helpless prey. She heard the door clang shut as the cage of her own making trapped her. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she answered, “Okay, I guess you caught me. I didn’t think we were going to have a Day of Bliss, so I tried to fake it. I guess I didn’t do a very good job.” “Quite the contrary, you did an excellent job. However, I must wonder why you chose to do so?” “I felt bad. I didn’t want to let you down.” She squirmed under his penetrating stare. “You did this because you felt sorry for me.” His tone changed as his eyes narrowed. “I do not need your pity.” “No, not sorry exactly. I just felt like you would be missing out, being tied to me instead of a true Rejan mate. I didn’t want you to feel cheated. I wanted you to know that I desire you too.” Her voice was barely a whisper and she stared straight ahead, not meeting his eyes. Placing a finger under her chin, he turned her to meet his steady gaze. What she saw there stole her breath. Warmth, kindness and something else filled his eyes. “Never think I feel cheated to have you as my mate. You are a true Rejan mate, my mate for all time. I would have no other.” He smoothed the pad of his thumb across her trembling lips. “The first Day of Bliss you gave me, I will always cherish because I know it did not come from a need you could not control. It came from a desire in you to please me and
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show me how much you desire me.” He looked at her with a wealth of gratitude and feeling. “Thank you for my day.” His voice crackled slightly with deep emotion as he turned away. She was unable to see his expression but she knew her actions moved him.
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Chapter Eight Watchfully, his eyes followed Star as she cleared the table. It was time. “I believe it is time we traveled to see your mother. There is no longer any reason to prolong the inevitable. It is time we depart for Reja.” He watched her closely, gauging her reaction. She did not appear surprised or even resentful. She turned to look at him, managing to smile slightly. “Yes, I suppose it is time but it will be difficult to tell my mother goodbye. Will we be able to visit her, as you said?” Pleading eyes searched his face. “There is something we must discuss. I have spoken with Ventari. He has agreed that it would be possible for your mother to come to reside on Reja with us if she so desires.” Seeing her eyes light up with joy brought a smile to his lips—he knew he had pleased her. “Zar, it would really be okay? What about my father, what will he think?” Her initial joy faded as she began to consider everything. “Ventari believes Teman would be pleased to see your mother again. Do you think the thought of seeing Teman again will bring her pleasure as well?” “I’m not sure. I believe he was her only love but it has been a long time. She believes he deserted us. I know it has been very difficult for her, seeing you and remembering.” Star’s beseeching eyes bore into his. “I know the thought of losing me and her grandchild might sway her to go to Reja. As for wanting to see my father, your guess is as good as mine.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose we can ask. The worst she can do is refuse.” “I feel she will accompany us. When she speaks of Teman, she does so in the way of a woman who still cares deeply. She will come. Her desire to be with you and our baby will allow her no other choice, you will see.” He smiled tenderly at her. “You will find, once you mate with a Rejan male, we are very hard to forget.” She returned his gaze evenly. “Yes. Well, I know about the very hard part. We’ll see about the forgetting part, won’t we?” she taunted as she turned away from him to call her mother. “Yes. I will make sure you never forget me,” he muttered, too low for her to hear. Following her to the kitchen, he listened as she conversed with her mother. She told her of their plans to come and visit her but made no mention of the trip to Reja. “I will go rent an automobile again and will return for you shortly,” he told her as she hung up the phone.
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Returning, he found Star in the living room waiting for him. “You are ready to proceed now?” “As ready as I’ll ever be.” “Before we depart I have a request I wish to make of you.” His palms were sweaty and he nervously wiped them on his pants before reaching for her hand. “On Reja, we do not exchange rings. I gave you this ring because it is the custom of your people and I wished to please you.” He lifted his gaze to meet her inquisitive one and reached into his pocket. “When I purchased this ring for you I also purchased another.” He opened his hand to show her the wedding band he had carried, waiting for an appropriate time to present it. “I would wish for you to wear this ring if you would. You are my Rejan wife and I would honor you as my wife on your planet.” Nervously clearing his throat, he awaited her response. Going into battle against his enemies did not scare him the way the thought of this slight female denying him what his heart most wished for did. Picking up the ring, she rolled it between her fingers then handed it back to him. His heart plummeted. “You must put it on my hand, that is the way it is done.” She removed the engagement ring then held out her hand. He noted the slight tremble. Fingers shaking, he placed the ring on her finger then took the second ring from her and replaced it too. His heart pounded. When she had handed the ring back to him, his heart had broken. Pain had lanced through him when he thought she had rejected him as her husband. The softly spoken words brought joy back to his heart. Lifting the hand with his two rings, he brought it to his lips. He kissed her ring finger. The glint of the rings was a reminder of his possession and a message to all that she was his. There were no words to tell her what that meant to him. “Zar, if they do not wear rings on Reja, how can you tell if someone is married. How will others know I am your wife?” she questioned him. He studied her thoughtfully for a moment, certain his answer would not please her. “The males on Reja mark their mates with their scent, and all who encounter you will know you belong to me.” She looked confused and then slowly raised her arm to her nose and sniffed. “I don’t smell anything. What do you mean, you have marked me with your scent?” “Your Rejan senses are not as developed as mine. In time, you will see. The scent is very subtle but it is enough to tell another Rejan if you are mated and to whom,” he explained. “So you are saying I smell like that scent you put off all the time?” She looked at him questioningly. “How did you mark me?” “Yes, the scent is a very subtle form of my personal scent and you can be marked in many ways.” He smiled slyly at her. “The scent is transferred through bodily fluids when the male wishes it to be so.”
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“Bodily fluids? You mean when we have sex?” “Yes, but it can be transferred through saliva.” He winked at her. “I marked you with our very first kiss.” “Does it wear off?” Her nose wrinkled as she sniffed herself again. “Yes, eventually it would but I will never allow that to happen,” Zar told her seriously. “It is our way. It is another thing you will become accustomed to in time.” “Would your senses tell you if another man…” He did not allow her to finish the question. “Yes, I would know.” He pulled her close. “So, never think to test me. You would not wish to experience the consequences of that, I am sure. I have told you before that I will never allow any male to touch you in that way for as long as I live. I vow I will never give you a reason to seek another male’s embrace.”
***** The drive to her mom’s house passed quickly, too quickly. Zarius once again rented a small sporty car, though not quite as small as the last vehicle. He seemed to like the powerful engine but he kept his speed in check this time. She dozed as they drove along. She hadn’t gotten much sleep lately. Her dreams were filled with him—she even thought she could feel his caress upon her. She awoke abruptly and looked at Zar. He was driving along, whistling to a tune on the radio. She sighed. Now his touch haunted her dreams. Snuggling into the plush seat, she relaxed. Her eyes dipped closed and she felt his touch. Gasping, her eyes flew open. She expected to see his hand on her breast but her blouse remained neatly buttoned. Her brow furrowed and she felt the sensation again. Startled, her gaze flew to meet his knowing look and she remembered his special powers. “Zarius, that is cheating.” “How is such a thing cheating?” His gaze lowered and she felt a deeper caress and she squirmed in her seat. “Because it’s not fair, I can’t do such things.” His touch moved lower, her eyes closed and a low whimper escaped her lips. “That’s so good and you’re so bad. Can you…” She drew in a startled breath as he mentally penetrated her. “Oh god.” She grabbed the armrest. “Can you feel me when you touch me like this?” He smiled crookedly. “Only in my mind. I can link to you and feel your response.” Unlocking her seat beat, she leaned over to run her hand down the center of his body, stopping at his waistband. She could torture him as well. She stroked one finger down the front of his jeans and found him hard and ready underneath the denim. Lazily, stroking back and forth across his length, she felt the buttons of her blouse pop open. As if by magic, the front clasp of her bra unlatched and her breasts swung free. “It’s a good thing the car has tinted windows.” “Very good.”
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Hot, heady musk filled the air and her senses reeled. Removing one hand from the steering wheel, he caressed her tipped-up bottom as she leaned across him. She unzipped his tight jeans and he lifted his hips, giving her room to slip his thick cock from the binding denim confines. “Don’t wreck,” she whispered as she ducked her head and ran her tongue up the ridge on the underside of his cock. His breath hissed from his lips. “We need a larger car,” he growled. As she pleasured him with her hands and lips, he used just his mind control to stroke her vaginal walls. She squirmed, wanting his cock deep within her. His stroking touch deepened and to her surprise, his disembodied touch parted her cheeks to possess her anally. She gasped for breath around his cock. She was stuffed. Filled to capacity and a rhythmic, dual thrust and retreat threw her into a shattering climax. She couldn’t believe he was capable of doing such a thing without even touching her. Lifting her off his cock, he said, “Fila, if you wish to see your mother this day, you must stop now. I will allow you to finish later.” “Ha!” She had to admire his wording, that he would allow her to finish pleasing him later. When they reached her mother’s winding driveway Zar stopped the car and climbed from it, stretching his long legs. He had to adjust his clothing. She could imagine her mother’s reaction if Zar climbed out of the car with his semi-aroused cock dangling. As soon as her mother opened the door, Star could tell by the look on her face that she knew what was coming and dreaded it. Although she smiled weakly, her eyes were puffy from crying. “Come in, you two, it’s chilly out today.” “Mom, we have to go soon, to Reja, I mean,” Star blurted out. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “Zar says you can come with us if you want too. Will you?” Star looked at her mother, her eyes beseeching. Her mother blinked several times and opened her mouth to speak but seemed unable to form words. Zarius spoke up, “We would be honored to have you accompany us to Reja. The arrival of you both upon Reja is long overdue.” Joyce turned to look at Zar as tears gathered in her eyes, and then slowly rolled down one cheek. “I would love to go with the two of you to Reja. I have dreamed of going there for many years but what of Star’s father? Will it be all right with him? I don’t want to cause him any trouble.” Zar smiled at her. “It will be fine with Teman. His mate is no longer with us, so she will not be hurt by your arrival.” Star watched her mother’s reaction closely. Her brow furrowed as she digested the information. A tilt of her lips was her only reaction. “When do we leave?”
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“Yes!” Star squealed and hugged her mother fiercely. Laughing and crying at the same time, she looked at Zar. “Thank you,” she mouthed the words to him. His eyes appeared suspiciously wet and he turned away, noisily clearing his throat. Everything would be fine—she would have her mother, her baby and Zar. He may not admit it but he cared for her, as much as he was capable, anyway. When the baby came there would be an unbreakable bond between them. She would find a way to make him love her. With the decision made, Zarius was anxious to leave and she couldn’t blame him. He’d been away from Reja for over a month, except for the short visits. Star helped her mom empty the refrigerator of perishables and prepared to lock up the house. Joyce packed light since Zar promised they would return to deal with the house within a week or two. At the apartment, Star went about packing what she would need. Zar told them not to bring much for the clothing was very different on Reja and he would arrange for them to have everything they would need after they arrived. Star showed her mother the translation device and promised to help her learn the language. As bedtime approached, Star became nervous. She only had the one bedroom and the small couch. She didn’t know how to broach the subject with her mother and she doubted that Zar would agree to sleep on the couch. Luckily, her mother took the decision from her. “Star, if you’ll get me a pillow and blanket I’ll sleep on the couch.” She smiled slyly at the two of them. “Mom, you can sleep in the bedroom,” Star muttered, embarrassment heated her face. “Star, your couch is barely big enough for one, let alone two. I doubt that my new son-in-law will want to sleep alone tonight.” She winked at Zar knowingly. “You are correct. I have just found my lifemate and I do not wish to be far from her side.” He smiled, devilment dancing in his eyes. Even though she was embarrassed by the whole conversation, she didn’t miss her mother referring to Zar as her son-in-law. She was grateful her mother so readily accepted him and hoped his family would accept her as easily. “Okay, Mom, I’ll help you make up the couch.”
***** With a nod to Star’s mother, Zar retired to the bedroom and shortly thereafter Star joined him. His heated gaze watched her as she disrobed. He would never tire of looking at his fila. She grew more beautiful each day. When she crawled under the covers next to him, he pulled her close. “I like your mother. She understands a male’s
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needs.” He kissed her lips thoroughly and slid the thin straps of her silk gown off her shoulders. “Zar, no, we can’t, not tonight…my mom might hear us.” Trying to put some distance between them, she tugged her straps back into place. He refused to let her go. “She will not hear us if you do not scream when I give you pleasure.” He growled out the words, his face buried in her neck. He nibbled the tender flesh until she sighed. “I have been patient since this morning, I will wait no more.” “I don’t scream but you moan loudly. I’m surprised our neighbors haven’t called the police on us for disturbing the peace,” she giggled. Releasing her, he turned to the nightstand, finding what he sought. With the press of a button, music filled the room. Grinning, he turned back to Star. “You better turn that up a little louder, Zar, because I’m telling you, sometimes you are pretty loud.” Laughing he pulled her willing body up against his aroused flesh. “I will just have to muffle my groans against your lush curves, will I not?” He proceeded to show her how he could hush his cries against her tender skin. When he knew she was near her completion he covered her mouth with his and swallowed her screams of ecstasy as best he could. Zarius lay next to her in the bed, his breathing returning to normal. She punched him in the arm. “Why do you strike me?” He grunted at her puny effort to inflict pain upon him. “Okay, I’m a screamer, but it’s your fault.” She pretended to glare at him. He snuggled her to his side. “That is all right. I will muffle your cries of pleasure anytime, my fila.”
***** In the early morning hours, screams awoke them from their slumber. Zarius leapt from the bed to dash into the living room, unmindful of his state of undress. Star hurried behind him but managed to wrap the sheet haphazardly around her nakedness. Upon turning the corner, she ran into the back of Zar when he abruptly stopped in front of her. All she could see from her vantage point as she peeked around Zar was her mother standing next to the couch, preparing to use a pillow as a weapon against a very large man she had never seen before. “My brother, you had better introduce yourself before you are slain by a pillow.” Zar’s voice was laced with amusement. At the sound of Zar’s voice, Joyce turned her head and screamed again at Zar’s unclothed appearance. Raising the pillow, Joyce buried her reddening cheeks. Upon hearing Zar declare this man his brother, Star stepped around him to take in the whole scene. Grabbing another pillow off the couch she threw it at Zar’s midsection. “Cover yourself.” Shifting her sheet, she walked toward Zar’s brother. 132
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Not surprisingly, he was an exceptionally handsome man except for a scar that ran down the right side of his face. However, it didn’t mar his looks, only added to his devilish charm. She approached him, holding out one hand as the other clenched the sheet around her. “Hi, I’m Star, Zar’s, uh…wife,” she said in way of introduction. As she closed the distance between them, realization dawned on her that even though he was a disarmingly striking man she felt no physical attraction for him. Zar’s brother said something quickly to Zar, which she didn’t understand. At Zar’s nod, he enclosed her hand in his warm grasp and smiled at her. “Hello, my name is Hartel. You, my beautiful lady, may call me Hart.” Amused, he glanced at his brother. “Do you need a helping hand with your sheet, my sister?” She smiled at her brother-in-law, recognizing his attempt to annoy his brother. As she studied him, she realized he was quite tall like his brother but that was where the similarities ended. Hart’s hair was long, golden blond and wavy. He reminded her of a lion, complete with mane and unusual yellowish-brown eyes. She wondered if all the men on Reja were as attractive as these two. By now, Joyce had lowered the pillow. Eyeing Hartel warily, she offered a greeting. “Hello, I’m Joyce Elliot, Star’s mother. It is nice to meet you,” she said but didn’t extend her hand in welcome. He nodded his head as acknowledgement to her. “Hart, if you can manage to behave yourself I will go clothe myself.” Zar shot his brother a warning look and turned toward the bedroom. “Star, I believe you should clothe yourself as well. Come.” He did not halt his forward momentum or look back. Star made a face at Zar’s tight, bare backside but followed him anyway. Hart’s amused chuckle followed her from the room. Trepidation filled Zarius as he tugged his jeans up his legs. There were very few reasons his brother would seek him out. As he entered the living room, Joyce fled to the bathroom, leaving him alone with Hart. “Why have you traveled here, my brother?” Zar asked. “I have come at Ventari’s request. You and Darvin are needed on Reja. Yarnell is trying to amass the dark crystals. He has obtained all of the crystals except Ventari’s and Petre’s. We must stop him before it is too late,” Hart informed a stunned Zar. “How could this have happened? Why did Ventari not know of it?” Zar hissed under his breath and ran a hand through his sleep-tossed hair. “Ventari could feel a dark force at work but could not pinpoint it due to Yarnell’s black sorcery. We did not comprehend what was happening until a courier arrived from the south telling us of the battle at Watell. They defended the city and inhabitants. Unfortunately, they did not realize the true goal were the crystals until it was too late,” Hart explained. “We immediately moved Petre and his crystal to Ventari’s for protection. I have moved Mother and Sunny there for protection as well.” “Who is in charge of the guard while you seek Darvin and me?” Zar asked pacing the room nervously. 133
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“I left Teman and Jata in charge while I sought you. You must return quickly while I search for Darvin. Ventari has been unable to pinpoint Darvin for some time now. Either the connection is intentionally blocked or something has happened to him.” Hart glanced nervously at Zar. “You must take the females to safety as you know Yarnell is aware of their existence.” “I have sensed no presence of our kind here. Does Ventari feel Darvin is in danger?” Absentmindedly, Zar picked up the remote for the TV off the coffee table and effortlessly snapped it in two. His brow furrowed as he glanced at the two broken pieces. Internally, he blamed himself for leaving his beloved Reja for so long on such a selfish quest. “His connection has been lost, as I told you, but that mayhap be Darvin being his usual difficult self. We do not know but we cannot take the chance. I must leave for his last known location immediately. When was the last time you communicated with him?” “It has been several days.” Zar checked his communication device. “This is his last transmittal. Go quickly. I will take the females to safety and contact you shortly.” Zar gazed at his brother. “Be careful and do not take any undue risk. Send for me immediately if you sense any danger. Do not allow Darvin to do anything rash, he must consider his mate.” The two brothers embraced and Zar stepped back as Hart dispersed. Engrossed in his conversation with his brother, Zar had not realized that Star was watching and listening from the shadows of the hallway. He was startled to see her there. “Star, let us make haste. Prepare yourself and your mother for we must leave for Reja immediately,” he informed her as he handed her the pieces of the remote. Frowning at the broken remote, she asked, “Zar, what is it? I couldn’t understand all that was being said but I understood enough to know something is wrong. Tell me.” Star stepped into his path, blocking him from entering the bedroom to retrieve the few possessions he wished to take with him. “We do not have time to discuss this now. Suffice it to say, an old enemy has returned and is placing Reja in danger. I would leave you here while I go into battle but your safety is not assured at this point since he knows of your existence.” Moving around her, he retrieved his pouch from the drawer. “Come now, we must hurry. I do not intend to put you or our child at risk.” Joyce was exiting the bathroom and Star told her of their imminent departure. She seemed to take it in stride and tried to soothe Star’s fears. Zar, observing this, was very impressed with his mother-in-law. He was thankful she would be there for Star in a time such as this. Shortly the women joined Zar in the living room. He held the transporter in one hand. “Come join hands and we will depart now.” Star held her mother’s hand and Zar clasped her other hand tightly, smiling reassuringly at them. “Do not worry. We will arrive safely on Reja momentarily.”
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“What about our stuff?” “We will return for it another time. You will have everything you need on Reja and we must leave now.” Squeezing his hand, Star shut her eyes tightly and felt a tingling sensation throughout her body. When she opened her eyes, they were in what appeared to be a room made entirely of glass. She looked around in amazement. In the center of the room there was an enormous fountain. The cascading water reflected a multitude of light off the walls in a spectacular display. She’d never seen anything like it. She looked around in awe, trying to take it all in. “My fila, I must confer with Ventari and the others. Relax and I will return for you shortly.” He kissed her forehead and hurriedly left the room. From Star’s perspective, it appeared as if he walked through the glass wall. She shook her head. The glass must give off illusions that make it difficult to see the doorway. “Mom, this place is unbelievable. Look at it.” Star was running her hand along a bench, astonished to discover that upon her touch, the cool surface warmed and though it appeared to be made of glass, it softened beneath her hand. “Mom, you gotta feel this.” She glanced at her mother to see her admiring a painting in the glass wall that changed as one moved. “Unbelievable.” They wandered around the room, admiring the innovative designs of the room and furnishings. After a few minutes, Star staggered slightly. “Oh, I’m a little dizzy.” “Here, sit down.” Her mother helped her to a high-backed chair. “All this excitement, in your condition, isn’t good.” “I’m fine.” Star groaned as she settled into the chair. She was delighted to discover the chair not only had heat sensors but also conformed to her shape to support her in a cushioned cocoon. Star sighed deeply. “I could get used to this.” “Mmm,” Joyce replied, sinking into another chair. “Heavenly.” Clearing his throat, Zar stepped into the room, followed by two men Star did not recognize. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her mother stiffen and assumed one of the men was her father. She jumped to her feet as they approached. “I wish to introduce you both. Ventari is our Seer and Supreme Elder,” Zar stated. “Ventari, this is Star and her mother, Joyce Elliot.” Star smiled shyly at Ventari, and then her gaze flashed to the other man. Unobtrusively observing her mother, she noticed her gaze quickly flicked from Ventari to the man that must be her father. “And this is Teman, your father,” the last statement Zar directed to Star alone. Teman stepped forward and opened his arms. Hesitantly Star moved forward and he embraced her firmly. Loosening his grip, he stepped back. “My daughter, I have waited a lifetime for this moment.” His voice was husky with emotion and his eyes were overly bright. “I hope, in the near future, you will allow me the opportunity to explain myself to you and to begin to right the wrongs that have been done to us all.”
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Star nodded at her father. “Zar explained a lot of it to me but I would like to discuss it with you,” she told him and noticed his gaze dart to her mother. Upon first seeing him, she was surprised how youthful her father appeared. For some reason she had assumed he would be older. Clearing his throat, Teman turned to look at Joyce. He smiled at her wistfully. “Joyce, you have given me a most beautiful daughter. I am sorry I was not allowed to see her grow into the lovely lady that she is.” Releasing Star, he grasped Joyce’s trembling hand. Star watched her mother’s spellbound reaction with a grin. It was obvious there was still an attraction between the two of them. Undoubtedly, they were still dynamic, attractive people. Her father wore his long hair bound at the neck and only a touch of gray highlighted his temples. Star looked away as Teman pulled her mother into his arms. A sob escaped Joyce’s lips and Star had to brush away her own tears. “Do not cry, you are home at long last. The past is past and we have a daughter and a future, if you will accept me back into your life.” Teman spoke for all to hear. “I feel as if I have a new chance at life, with you at my side.” Zar pulled Star into his embrace as she watched her parents’ reunion. She smiled with pleasure at her husband. Happiness filled her that her parents had found one another again. Zar leaned down to lightly brush her lips with his and whispered, “I warned you that once you have mated with a Rejan male we are hard to forget.” He winked at her and she playfully shoved against his chest. “I believe your mother was his true mate of the heart, not his Rejan bride.” Nuzzling Star’s neck, Zarius pulled her tighter to him. Star smiled, pleased that her parents might find their way back to each other. She would be happy for them but then she remembered that her father had chosen his Rejan mate over her mother. Zar had chosen her for the same reasons. Duty and destiny outweighed love on this planet. If her mother could forgive her father, she guessed she could too. However, she would never forgive Zar if he had married her while loving another woman. She stiffened at the thought. “What is wrong, fila?” he whispered and his warm breath caressed her ear. Star pulled loose from his grasp and didn’t meet his probing gaze. “It’s nothing. I’m tired, that’s all. I need to adjust to everything—the trip, my new surroundings, meeting my father—it’s been a long day,” she told him. “Come, I will get you settled where you can rest. Our child within you takes much of your energy.” Zar looked at Ventari who had been quietly observing all that transpired. Ventari’s only acknowledgement was the raising of one brow and a slight smile. “I will take you to the room we will occupy while we are here, and you may rest. The excitement has been too much for you.” Turning, they observed her parents embrace. “Teman will see to your mother.”
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Silently, they walked to the room. Star appeared engrossed in her own thoughts so he didn’t take the time to show her any points of interest. The room he escorted Star to was designed in a mirrored hexagon pattern. The large round bed dominated the center of the room. Zar had spent many nights in that bed but in the past he had always been alone. Seeing the room as if for the first time, he imagined joining with Star in this bed. He would watch the reflection of their joined bodies from every angle. If he did not have pressing matters to attend to he would possess her now. “Here, lie down and rest. You will feel better after your body has replenished its energy. Your mother’s room is across the corridor. Teman’s is adjoined to your mother’s but I would warn you to knock first before entering either room.” He smiled a wicked smile at his blushing fila. She crawled up on the bed and gasped as she sank into its soft warmth. “Is this a waterbed?” she asked, looking around at the rest of the exquisite room in wonder. “No, it is a liquid-gel bed. It is similar to the waterbeds of Earth. Lie down, it will conform to your body and you will rest comfortably while I consult with Ventari. I will return to check on you after a while.” Placing a light kiss upon her forehead, he left her to join the others in the council hall. “Have we had transmission from Hart as yet?” Zar inquired upon entering the room, glancing at Jata and several of his warriors but speaking to Ventari. “I have not made contact with him but I have been tracking him. All seems well,” Ventari informed him. Not willing to leave his brother’s welfare to chance, Zar took command. Strolling across the room, he used his communication device to contact Hart. Smirking, he watched Hart’s transmission. Hart was his usual sarcastic self. He had not located Darvin but felt he was close. His transmission, loosely translated, inferred that, if he sensed he needed Zar’s help, he would ask for it. “Hart is fine. He will inform us when contact with Darvin is established. He has no impression of an immediate threat to them.” Zar still remembered when he thought he had lost Hart several years ago. Perhaps that had made him too protective of his brother, he mused. “Are there any new developments with Yarnell?” “I have been unable to track him. His use of the black arts hinders my attempts to scan but I do not feel he is in the proximity yet,” Ventari told the warriors. “I will continue to attempt to locate his exact position.” “He does not have surprise on his side this time. With the crystals here he will have difficulty achieving his goal,” Zar remarked in a calm voice. “We must devise a way to draw him out so I can defeat him permanently this time.” Ventari’s lips thinned into a tight line. “Zar, he will use sorcery to confuse you. It will be a difficult task. His powers have grown enormously.” “I have defeated sorcerers before. I have fought his warriors before and won,” Zar lashed out, not trying to disguise his hatred for Yarnell. Slamming his fist down upon
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the enormous stone assembly table, he cursed. “Yarnell will not win this time. I stake my life on that.” “Yes, my son, I know, but I also remember the last time you and our warriors battled Yarnell. He murdered your father. Will you be able to put that out of your mind to concentrate fully on the fight? He will seek to use the knowledge against you.” Ventari’s usual calm demeanor changed as he spoke of Markel’s death. Zarius looked around, meeting the gaze of each of the warriors in turn, so they could see his resolve. This was something he must do. “We will create a strategy but I will defeat Yarnell. Do not fear.” “I know how to prevent him from regaining the full power of the dark crystals,” Ventari told them all. “Years ago we contained the dark power in the crystal when we split it into five segments. The five bearers of the crystals performed a binding spell. We bound the evil to the crystals and to ourselves. If we destroy a crystal in a chamis, he will not be able to gain full power. The destruction of a crystal should momentarily distract him.” Ventari’s voice was emotionless, resolved. “What is a chamis and what are the repercussions of destroying the crystal?” Teman asked. He had entered the chamber during Ventari’s explanation. “A chamis has some of the properties of a small black hole, but much less dense, less destructive—a gray hole in space. I can open one to destroy a crystal.” Ventari grimaced. “There are always ramifications when dealing with dark powers. To destroy a dark crystal will exterminate the individual bound to it.” Solemnly Ventari met Zar’s gaze. “This I am prepared to do. I accepted the possibility years ago when I bound the powers. We will draw him in, I will destroy my crystal and in the confusion you must eliminate him.” “No, there must be an alternative,” Zar adamantly replied. “I have thought this through. He holds three of the five crystals. He is too powerful for you to defeat. You will sacrifice your life to no avail. He will become unstoppable and his dark powers will destroy all you hold dear.” Ventari was obstinate. “We have time yet. There might still be another way. We must consider all options.” Zar studied his mentor, his eyes gloomy with despair. When he spoke again his tone and words were emotionless. “If we have no other alternative I will agree to this plan for the sake of the Rejan people.” He whirled and exited the chamber.
***** A knock at the door roused Star from her slumber. Star answered it to find her mother looking happier than she ever remembered. Star had her own worries and problems but she was glad her mother had found happiness again. She would do nothing to mar it. Stepping aside to let her mom into the room, she was clasped in a tight embrace. “Star, I am so thrilled to be here, to see Teman after all these years. It’s as if we were
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never apart.” Her eyes sparkled. “I hope you can forgive him, Star, it wasn’t his fault. He didn’t know I was pregnant with you. The previous Seer was evil. It’s complicated, I guess, but it doesn’t matter now, does it?” Joyce rambled on, her eyes begging for her daughter’s understanding. “Mom, if he makes you happy that’s what’s important to me.” She tried to share in her mother’s joy. She knew Teman hadn’t known of her conception but she still resented his choosing his Rejan mate over her mother. But she would forgive that for her mother’s sake. Joyce noticed Star’s hesitancy and the reserve in her eyes. “What’s wrong, dear?” “I don’t know. I just keep getting reminded that Zar is only with me out of duty and it hurts more than I care to admit.” She frowned at her mother. “I want to be loved for me. Is that so wrong?” she asked. “No, it’s not wrong, but I think you’re mistaken about how Zarius feels about you. He looks at you like a man in love and sometimes, when he thinks no one is watching…” Joyce smiled wistfully at her daughter. “Well, if you ever saw that look you’d know.” “Mom, that’s just desire. I am sure you know Rejan men are extremely passionate but I need more. I need love, caring and friendship. I want it all.” “I think you need to have a serious talk with Zarius and tell him what you need. You are his wife and you are expecting his child. Things are different here. He probably doesn’t know how to express his feelings to you.” Her mother wrapped a comforting arm around her. “It might have to come from you first. Rejan men are very proud, you know. I’m sure he is afraid you will reject his love if he offers it. Now I want to see a smile on that beautiful face. We have two of the most gorgeous, passionate men in the entire world as ours. We are starting a new life in this wonderful place and we are together. We should be ecstatic.”
***** Zar made his way to his father’s grave. At times such as this he felt the loss of his guidance more than ever. He knelt and bowed his head. “Father, I have brought my lifemate home to Reja but times are bleak. Our old enemy, Yarnell, has returned to cause more grief for our people. I face difficult choices. Ventari wishes to destroy his crystal, therefore ending his own life. I must discover another way. The people need Ventari’s guidance but if I cannot defeat Yarnell and his dark powers our people are lost forever.” A tear rolled down his face and dropped onto his father’s eternal resting place. “I refuse to be defeated now that I have so much to lose. I intend to seek retribution for what he did to you. I pray to you, my father, give me your strength in my time of need.” Zar stood silently for a moment. “I go to my mate now. I will take her to meet my mother and I fervently hope the thought of holding her first grandchild will be enough to bring her back from the shadowy existence she now resides in.” 139
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Chapter Nine Zar hesitated before entering the bedchamber. He sensed Jata’s presence. He had been his shadow since he left Ventari. “Jata, I know you are there—show yourself to me.” Jata stepped out of the darkened alcove and Zar glanced at him as his hand closed around the knob to the bedchamber. “If I choose to go after Yarnell on my own do you think you can prevent me?” He looked at the younger male through veiled eyes. Jata stood his ground. “Ventari asked me to keep you under surveillance and I will. I might not be able to stop you but I will try.” Zar’s lips curled with wry amusement. “As you wish.” As he entered the room, Star rolled over on the bed to look at him. Her innocent beauty still stunned him. He hoped to be able to enjoy it for many years to come. “Are you rested?” he asked, crossing the room to stand next to the bed. “I feel much better, how long did I sleep?” Star asked, sitting up and smoothing back her long hair. Zar settled onto the bed and pulled her close. Her nearness eased his distress. He was sorry to bring her here during such a trying time. If he could have foreseen the future, he wondered if he would have done anything differently. Would he have waited to go for her, to spare her the pain if things did not turn out as he planned? That would mean he would not have gazed upon her beautiful face, or known her gentle touch. He would not have conceived a child nor would he have found the ultimate pleasure in Star’s arms. He did not know if he could be that unselfish. “Not long. I have come to take you to meet my mother and sister.” He ran a finger across her lower lip and then bent to brush his own across it. “I am certain they are anxious to meet you.” Star crawled from the bed and looked at her reflection in the glass wall. “Zar, I’m a mess, look at me.” “I am looking and your beauty is so bright it pains my eyes to gaze upon you.” He smiled suggestively at her. “I can’t meet your mother like this.” Using her fingers, she tried to comb the tangles out of her hair. Zarius strolled up to a glass wall and pressed a button, causing a hidden glass door to open. “Do not upset yourself, we have time for you to prepare yourself. These are for you.” He waved his hand at the opening. Her mouth gaped as she peered into the closet. Dresses, shoes, jackets and such lined the walls. “Oh my, whose are these?” she asked.
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“I had them designed for you. They should all fit, at least for now.” He pulled her into his embrace and rubbed her stomach. “Soon, I will have to arrange to have maternity clothes prepared for you.” He nuzzled her neck. “If I had not already sent word to my mother of our arrival time, I can think of other activities I would rather perform.” Star playfully slapped his hand away. “Please, I must prepare myself.” She scrabbled through the contents of the closet and he feared he would never see her again. Finally, she selected a stunning dark green dress and matching shoes to wear. “Do you think this will be all right?” she asked, holding the dress up in front of her. “You said green was your favorite color.” “It will be lovely on you,” he told her as his gaze hungrily devoured her. She was so enthusiastic and cheerful. He hoped she never had reason to feel otherwise. “Zar, is everything okay now, with Hart and all?” she asked, innocently unaware of any true danger. “Everything will be fine. Do not concern yourself about it. This is a time to enjoy.” He did not wish to mislead her but now was not the time to discuss what was to come. “Come, I will show you where to refresh yourself.” Zar opened another glass panel to reveal a hidden bathroom. It was enormous, larger than her whole apartment back home. The entire room was marbleized stone and glass. In the middle of the room there was a circular ring on the floor. It appeared to be a guttering system of some sort. Zar explain that when she wished to cleanse herself, she would step into the ring and stand in the middle. After a moment, cleansing water would spray out of all the various nozzles and cleanse her entire body and hair. Star was amazed and began to step into the ring. “Fila, it would be best if you remove your clothing first. The system is automatic and your clothing will get very wet.” “Zar, what do I use as soap, and where do you keep the towels?” Star had been looking around and did not see any. She assumed there was a hidden closet where they stored them. “We do not use soap, our bathing water has a cleansing agent in it, and you will need no towels. After washing is complete an automatic dryer will activate and thoroughly dry your skin and hair.” The heat of his gaze scorched her flesh as she disrobed and stepped into the ring. He taught her how to adjust the spray to accommodate her body and preference. Then stood to the side and watched her bathe. Her nipples puckered under his gaze. After a moment, he adjusted the spray again. The water pelted her with a massaging effect and she moaned in utter contentment. “If we had more time, I would join you.” Her eyes fluttered in his direction. She would enjoy that.
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The shower switched to dryer mode and the water ran in rivulets across her skin and off her body. When she stepped from the shower platform, Zar helped her slip the gown over her head and smoothed it down her curves with his skilled hands. “Zar, I didn’t put on my underwear yet.” “There is no need, you are completely covered and it will bring me pleasure to know you wear nothing beneath this gown. While we enjoy a meal with my family I will know that your naked flesh awaits my touch. All I have to do is lift the gown and— ” “Zar!” Star’s loud cry cut off his words. “You are a sick man, surely you will not be thinking of such things while we have dinner with your mother.” “My fila, I am just a male much like any other. It is the way of a male’s mind.” Zar wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. “Zar, what about Mom?” His lip curled. “She is otherwise occupied.” “With my father?” “Yes.” The farther they walked, the more nervous she felt. What if his mother did not like her? “Do not be nervous, my mother and sister will love you.” “What if they don’t?” “You are my lifemate and nothing can change that.” Star released a shaky breath and nodded. “Okay.” “Are you ready?” “Yes.” The words no more than left her lips than he opened the door to a small dining room where his mother and sister awaited them. Grasping her hand, Zar led her toward his family. He stepped forward and kissed his mother’s cheek, and playfully ruffled his sister’s hair. “I would like for you to meet my fila, Star.” He brought her forward to stand at his side. “Star this is my mother, Tammaro El Kyr, and my little sister, Sunny.” Star had observed Zar greet his mother and sister and could see how much he cared for them. She hoped someday he would love her as much. His mother was much smaller than Star had thought she would be but she was still quite lovely. His sister Sunny was strikingly beautiful. Very mature-looking for a teenager with her long, straight black hair and tall, lithe frame. Star smiled at them as Zar brought her forward. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Star’s voice was low and shaky. Zarius’ mother held out her hand. “My daughter, it is very nice to make your acquaintance as well. I have heard much about you. I welcome you to my family.” “I am glad to meet you also. When is the baby due?” Sunny happily inquired, totally unaware of her breach of good manners.
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Star’s face flamed and she saw Zar narrow his eyes at his seemingly innocent sister. Her mother-in-law glanced at her daughter out of the corner of her eye. Meeting Star’s gaze, she shrugged and shook her head slightly in way of apology. Star’s hand caressed her stomach. “It will be quite a while yet,” Star told Sunny, smiling at her ruefully. This one must keep them busy. She could see why Zar wanted her mate to wait a while. She looked very mature physically but emotionally it seemed she was far from it. “Come, let us have a seat. Star, please sit on my right, so I can get acquainted with you.” Zar’s mother glanced at him. “Did you invite Jata, so he can entertain your sister?” Her voice was nonassertive but underneath Star sensed a ring of command. Star thought she would have to observe some more Rejan women. Zar had mentioned that the women of Reja were submissive to their mates but Star had the impression that they might not be as submissive in private as they pretended in public. Star had no intention of bowing down to Zar and as of yet he had not pressured her to do so. She had to admit he was very dominant and a little controlling but not to the point of being a dictator. Star took a seat at the marble table and relaxed into the chair. It still amazed her how surfaces that appeared to be hard glass or stone could change under her touch and mold to fit her frame. Zar had explained to her earlier that much of the furniture was made of a high-tech synthetic-type plastic designed for strength while giving the comfort of a soft, heated cushion. The molding support was unbelievably comfortable, almost decadent. “No, I did not but I am sure he is not far. I will locate him.” Zarius moved quickly to the door and returned momentarily with Jata in tow. If anyone thought it odd that Jata was so close by, they did not comment. Zarius introduced Star to Jata, explaining he was Sunny’s future lifemate. Star observed him. He was quite attractive, but very reserved. He seemed much older than Sunny but not as old as Zar. She wasn’t sure about this match. They didn’t seem to be compatible. Dinner flowed smoothly. Star thought the main course was very similar to pasta and quite to her taste. The conversation revolved around Earth, Reja and Zarius as a young boy. Star laughed over amusing stories of Zar’s childhood adventures. She would have loved to be able to see Zar as a child. “Do you have any…” she hesitated, unsure of the Rejan word and looked at Zar. “Pictures?” Zar translated for his mother. “We do not have pictures on paper as you do but we have holographs,” Zar told her. “When we reach our home I will take you to the holarium and show you. I believe this is something you will appreciate. I will record your growth on the holograph.” “My growth.” “Yes. As you grow large with my child. I will keep these in our private vault.”
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She starred at Zar with a look that should have dropped him dead. “You are not recording my growth, as you so quaintly put it.” “We will see.” A giggle from the other end of the table distracted Star. Her gaze swung to Sunny. It appeared she giggled over everything Jata said and constantly batted her long lashes at him. Jata remained very formal with her and seemed very tolerant of her antics. Star had to admire his perseverance. After eating, they retired to a small sitting room. Zar’s mother sat in a large wingbacked chair before an enormous fireplace. Zar took a seat on a small couch and pulled her down next to him. The couch fit them perfectly. Made for two, it cocooned them within its embrace. Sunny and Jata moved to what appeared to be some sort of gaming area. Zar’s mother asked to hear about Earth and Star told her of Louisville and the people she knew. They also discussed television actors since this was something Zar had enjoyed during his stay. Zar explained to his mother that Earthlings knew nothing of intergalactic travel or occupants of other planets. They laughed over Zar’s description of a movie he had watched about aliens. Star understood their amusement but was uncomfortable with their opinion of Earthlings, so she excused herself to get a drink. A pitcher of water and glasses sat on the bar across the room and Star hurried in that direction. She poured herself a glass of the cool liquid and silently approached Jata and Sunny from behind. They were unaware of her approach as Sunny slid her hand onto Jata’s thigh. He stiffened noticeably and Star got a whiff of what was probably his personal scent. Shocked by Sunny’s bold advance, Star cleared her throat. Sunny quickly jerked her hand back, and if possible, Jata stiffened even more. “Hmm, interesting game,” Star murmured and proceeded back to Zar. She felt Zar would need to speak with Sunny and Jata. In many ways Sunny appeared immature but physically she was not. Moreover, Jata was definitely noticing. She supposed she had been wrong in her assessment of Jata. He had seemed cold, distant and uninterested in Sunny but maybe that was just the way of men here until they mated. When she returned to the sitting area Zar once again pulled her down next to him, watching her with a concerned expression on his face. “Fila, I meant no disrespect to your people. It is just that we find Earthlings very naïve, but appealing. As you know, I admire you very much.” He glanced at her and his veiled eyes revealed heat and desire. It stirred to life a similar feeling in her. She snuggled closer, inhaling his aromatic scent. Zar’s mother cleared her throat. “I believe it has been a long day for us all. I will retire now. I suggest you do the same.” She arose and winked slyly at her son. Obviously, his scent had not gone unnoticed by her. Tammaro turned and eyed the two younger members of the party through a narrowed gaze. “Sunny, come, it is time we retire.” Regally she turned and strolled from the room, expecting her daughter to follow without question.
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Under Jata’s watchful gaze, Sunny left the room, the strain of his control evident on his handsome face. His wary gaze turned to Star and she knew he wondered if she had told Zar what she had seen. “You might as well retire for this night, Jata. I promise you I will not leave my room all night. I plan to be otherwise occupied.” Star punched him in the arm, “Ouch, that hurt.” she complained, shaking her wounded hand. Jata smiled wistfully at the two of them and glanced at the door Sunny had exited. “Your day will come, my friend. Just not too soon, I hope.” Zar narrowed his gaze slightly at the male. Jata inclined his head and strolled off. “I envy him the knowing of his mate from such an early age but I do not envy the torture he must endure now. It would have been even worse for us as I am seven years older than you are. He is five years older than Sunny. I am not sure if I would have been very patient.” She looked at him from the corner of her eye as he steered her toward the door. “Teman would have had to guard you closely.” he asked hoarsely as he backed her into a corner and lowered his hungry lips to devour hers. The glass wall was cool, even through her dress, but Zarius was warm and she melted into him. Their lips and tongues mated and she groaned her frustration into his mouth. She didn’t realize they were no longer alone until Zar pulled back from her. Then she saw her mother and father standing there. A happy smile split both their faces. “We were just on our way back to our room,” Teman told them and then glanced at Zar. “Finding the two of you here in the corridor like two teenagers reminds me of all I missed. I would have relished the opportunity to torment you by protecting my daughter’s virtue until she was of an age to mate.” “Ahh, yes, but fortunately for me she is ready for me now.” Zar’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “Did I hear you correctly? Did you say our room?” Teman’s grin went from ear to ear and her mom blushed profusely. “Yes, you heard correctly. Joyce has consented to be my lifemate, better it be late than never, since no one knows what tomorrow may bring to us.” Her father’s eyes filled with love as he looked at Joyce. Looking back at Star, Teman said, “I hope you can forgive me and think of me as your father in future days.” Star moved to embrace him. He seemed such an honorable man and she could care greatly for him. “I forgive you, Father, and as long as you make my mom happy, I will be happy.” She hugged him tightly and looked at her mother’s radiant face. She released her father and hugged her mom. “Be happy.” “I will be. You must allow yourself happiness as well. You have a wonderful husband who would do anything for you.” Her mother brushed her cheek. “Star,
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honey, if there is anything you have been holding back from your husband, tell him tonight for one never knows when the chance will be gone.” Her mother brushed a kiss on her cheek and turned to Teman. “Let’s go, my love.” Star watched her mother, concern etching her brow. She looked back at Zar, to catch him observing her through narrowed eyes. “Zar, what were they talking about? What’s wrong?” “Come, my fila, we will discuss this in the privacy of our chamber.” He ushered her down the hallway to their room. Upon entering, he pulled her into an embrace and just held her pliant body to his. He stroked her hair lightly and kissed the top of her head as he set her away from him. “There is much we must discuss this night before I can seek satisfaction in the depths of your welcoming arms.” His tone and her parents’ words scared her. She moved to sit upon the bed, patting a spot next to her for him to join her. “Please tell me.” Her beseeching words were nearly his undoing. Moving to her side, he gathered her to him. Leaning against the many pillows at the top of the bed, he settled her between his parted legs. His voice, when he began, was unsteady. “Long ago an evil male named Yarnell was the Seer of the People. When his many treacheries became known, a huge battle ensued. He was defeated and his dark powers were contained in a crystal, known as the Bethamar Crystal. Five of our warriors, Ventari included, cast a binding spell on the crystal and broke it into five pieces. Each of the five pieces was bound to one of the warriors. They have guarded the safety of these crystals for many years.” “While I was on Earth one of our southern towns was attacked. Although our warriors protected the town and people, in the confusion they did not realize until too late that the ultimate goal was the crystals. Now Yarnell holds in his grasp three of the five crystals. He will try to obtain the other two, which are in our possession here.” He cleared his throat. His mouth was suddenly parched. “It is my duty as head of the line of defense to stop him, whatever the personal cost.” Star gasped and turned her widened eyes to look at him. “Zar, why does it have to be you? Can’t someone else fight him?” Tears were forming in her eyes and she tried to blink them back. “I must be the one. I stand the best probability of succeeding. I have more experience than any other warrior. Besides, I seek revenge for his murder of my father.” The events of that day flashed in his mind. If only he had arrived sooner. He might have been able to save his father instead of holding him as he breathed his final breath. It was a day etched in his memory for eternity. He had arrived upon the small skirmish in the Outer Rim just as Yarnell pulled his sword from his father’s back. An evil grin split his lips as he dispersed before Zar could reach him. His father had died at a coward’s hand, stabbed in the back. Zar had been the one who took his father’s lifeless
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body back to his mother. He would see to it Yarnell paid with his life for his heinous crimes. “Zar, please let someone else do this. What about me and our baby?” Her hand moved protectively to cover her stomach. His hand covered hers upon her stomach. “I can do this. We have made preparations. Unfortunately, the plan will, in all probability, cost Ventari his life unless I can discover another way. But the crystals must be protected at all cost or all will be lost for our people.” He looked into her tear-filled eyes, wishing he could shield her from the pain. “I must be the one. I cannot send my brother, Jata or Teman to their deaths. There is Darvin but there are reasons that make him less than the best choice. I stand the best chance of doing this and if I do not survive, I will take Yarnell with me. I will not let harm come to you or my people.” He smoothed the overflowing tears from her smooth cheek. “If I do not succeed, I will instruct Teman to transport you and your mother to Earth. I would ask you to take my mother and Sunny as well. I would rely on you to advise them in a strange new world.” “Of course, without asking I would accept and help as many of your people as possible but how can you say you won’t let harm come to me and in the same sentence say you might die?” She jerked away from him and paced the floor. “I know that you are bound to me by honor and duty, but I…I love you. I don’t want to live without you,” she sobbed the last words to him, dropping to her knees on the thickly carpeted floor. Zar was immediately at her side, gathering her in his arms. “My fila, I would never willingly leave you. I will defeat Yarnell and we will have the whole of our lives together.” He lifted her in his arms and brought her to the bed. “Let us not discuss this any more this night. Let me show you of my love with my body.” He began slowly undoing the buttons of her gown. Soon she sat in the middle of the bed with her gown around her hips. “I will leave the lights on as I love you this night. We may watch in the mirrored walls and ceiling as we love each other and our love will be reflected back upon us a thousandfold.” Star’s sobs turned to groans as his hands lovingly caressed her full breasts. She reached for the buttons of his shirt. “I want to see your magnificent body reflected in the mirrors also, my love.” She removed his shirt and stroked his chest. Her gaze flicked to the wall. “It’s terribly erotic to watch our reflection.” Their hands and mouths were busy touching, caressing and suckling as he prepared her body for his desires. He left no spot on her untouched until she begged him to end her torment. He placed her on her hands and knees before him. “Watch in the mirrored walls as I take you this way. Watch our bodies coming together in the most primitive of ways. Look into your own eyes as I possess you.” He surged into her wet heat at those words. “My god,” she gasped. He saw her eyes widen in the mirror.
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Zar lifted her leg and stroked deeply into her depths. “Look to the side and watch my body possessing you.” The mirror reflected the beauty of her body accepting his. “It’s too much.” “It will never be too much.” He thrust deeply, powerfully as her body began to ripple around his. His gaze met hers in the mirror and he watched her as an orgasm slammed into her body. With a low roar, he followed her over the edge. They collapsed on the bed, limbs tangled. Slowly Star tried to extract her sated body from his but he would not let her. “Be still, fila, I will give you a night of bliss as you gave me my day. I need to show you of my love this night. I need to be inside you all night.” He did not tell her of his fear of never knowing her tender touch again. He sensed Yarnell would make his move within the next day and he proceeded to keep his word. Sometime in the middle of the night as she began to doze he told her that he would rise early in the morning, that, if the time came, he would send Teman to her and her mother to guard their safety. Star listened to him and cried silently into her pillow. “Zar, I would rather wait for you.” Zar swallowed painfully around the lump in his throat. “Teman will only leave with you as a last resort. In that instance, I will be unable to come to you but a part of me will always be with you,” he told her while caressing the spot where his child lay within her. He lowered his head to place it upon her lower stomach. Concentrating on his child, he could hear the steady beat of his its heart. Zar knew he would do anything to protect Star and his unborn child, even give his life. He only hoped he lived to hold his son or daughter in his arms. “If Yarnell is defeated but I do not survive, I would ask that you stay here and raise my child as Rejan. It will have a Rejan mate and your mother and father will be here as well.” He lifted his head from her stomach and watched her as he spoke. Tears gathered in her eyes and she stroked his long hair as he laid his head back upon her stomach. “I am Rejan now as are my mata and child. I will stay here to raise our child but I want you at my side,” she told him and cried herself to sleep with his head nestled to her abdomen.
***** The next day Star awoke alone. It scared her to think Zar could already be gone to battle Yarnell. She showered quickly, not even taking time to enjoy the luxurious bathing facilities and dressed in her jeans and sweater. Running across the hall, she rapped on her mother’s door. At her knock, her mother answered, still in her nightgown. “Mom, I need to talk to someone. Can I come in?”
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“Of course, my dear. I suppose Zar told you about the trouble brewing.” Her mother’s voice was calm and eased some of Star’s fears. “Yes, he did, and I don’t want him to face this evil man. There has to be another way.” “Darling, from what Teman has told me it appears the only way. He assures me that Zar is perfectly capable of handling this. He is a seasoned, experienced warrior. Teman tells me he is the best.” She lovingly patted her daughter’s hand. “I know this won’t completely alleviate your fears but rest assured Zar knows what he is doing.” “I’m still afraid, Mom. I don’t want to lose him. I just found him after a lifetime of searching,” Star sobbed to her mother. “I know. It seems we won’t have long to wait. Your father should return soon.” Joyce nervously twisted her hands. “There was an attack this morning, probably a diversionary tactic.” A missile had obliterated a building on the southern edge of the city, creating a thunderous explosion. A plume of black smoke still hung over the area as Joyce explained the situation to her daughter. Star sobbed quietly. “It’s worse than I thought and so soon.” “I know, honey. Did you have time to discuss your feelings last night?” Joyce inquired of her daughter. “I told him I didn’t want him to do this and I told him that I love him.” “And what did he say?” “He said he would never willingly leave me. His only mention of love is of loving me with his body. That doesn’t mean that he is in love with me.” She looked sadly at her mother. “I can’t pressure him now, but if—when—this is over I intend to tell him I can’t be just his duty.” Her mother squeezed her hand. “To men, physical love and emotional love are one and the same.” “For now all that is important is that he defeats this evil man and survives.” She gave her mother a wavering smile. “Then I will slowly torture him if he doesn’t return my love.”
***** Zarius restlessly paced the council room. Ventari had begun sensing darkness nearby and felt the time was approaching. Zarius decided to contact Hart and advise him and Darvin to stay where they were. It was too dangerous to attempt to travel now. Moreover, it was for the best if Darvin was not involved in this particular battle. While communicating with his brother he noticed Petre enter the room. A heated discussion ensued. “No, Petre, it is best that I destroy my crystal. You may not be strong enough to complete the process and we can take no chance. If I were to send someone else with
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your crystal it would risk their life as well,” Ventari told Petre as his voice rose with excitement. “What is this about?” Zarius asked. “I am much older and have been ill. I do not have much time left. The people need Ventari. Let me do this last thing for my people.” Zarius considered this. It made much sense as the people of Reja greatly needed Ventari’s guidance. The seer-in-training was much too young to accept full responsibilities and without Ventari, the people would suffer greatly. Ventari’s powers were also needed to open the chamis required to destroy the crystal. He could also prove beneficial at distracting Yarnell and controlling his dark powers. Time was of the essence, a decision was required. As Head Warrior, Zar had to make the decision. In times of battle, his word was final. He considered his options. Jata was too young and inexperienced to handle the dark power or to be able to overcome Yarnell in battle. Teman would be able to handle the destruction of the crystal but might not survive the process and he was needed to safeguard Star. He would not trust her to another. That left him, since Hart and Darvin were not here and he could not perform both tasks at the same time. “I could destroy the crystal and stand a good chance of survival but I would then be unable to battle Yarnell,” Zarius told his men. “I can destroy the crystal while you battle Yarnell,” Jata volunteered. “We must decide quickly as the time approaches,” Ventari informed them all. “Teman, see to the women, take them into the tunnels where they will be safe,” Zarius commanded. “Stay with them to protect them. If we fail, transport them away from here, take them all to Earth, if necessary.” He cleared his throat and moved to stand close to his father-in-law. “If I do not survive, I am depending on you to take care of Star and my child for me. Make sure she knows that I…” He hesitated a moment. “I wish for her to know she is not my duty, she is my life. If I am not here to tell her myself, you must do so.” Zarius was startled when a firm hand landed on his shoulder from behind. “It is a good thing I am not known for my ability to follow orders, is it not, my brother?” Hart haughtily replied. Zarius whirled, quickly reaching for his sword before he realized it was Hartel. “I thought I commanded you—” “Yes, well, I knew you would have use of me and it is a good thing I am here. I will destroy Petre’s crystal. You, my brother, can concentrate all your energies on destroying Yarnell.” A somber look stole across Hart’s face. “He was my father, as well.” “Hart, do not take this task too lightly. It can be very dangerous to handle dark powers in an environment such as a chamis. If you go too far within, there is no coming back.”
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“Do you not know I thrive on danger? Moreover, it is best that I am the one to complete this task. I have no mate to mourn my loss if I do not survive.” Hart said the words lightly, too lightly. Zarius knew Hart made a joke of the matter but underneath there was a serious note to his words. “Do not think you would not be mourned.” Zar sighed deeply. “You are the best choice to destroy the crystal but take no unnecessary risks.” “I can feel the forces coming together. We must prepare.” Ventari’s voice was anxious. He prepared himself and his crystal to call upon an opening in space. “Hart, take this crystal and stand over here. I will open the chamis a few feet away. Be prepared to leap into it on command.” Ventari pointed to a spot not far from him. “Petre, here is a decoy crystal. Place it around your neck and hopefully we can confuse Yarnell momentarily.” Zar looked at Petre. “Are you prepared for this final journey?” “It is my time. It honors me and my family to give my life for this cause. I willingly sacrifice the remainder of my life term for the good of my people.” Petre placed the decoy crystal around his neck and stood back. Bowing his head, he chanted a silent prayer. “Are we all ready?” Zar asked no one in particular. “Jata, I will need your help with his followers if there are any. Stand ready to assist.” “I am ready,” Jata replied, drawing his sword, flipping it expertly from one hand to the other. “Are our warriors in place around the city?” “Yes, I consulted with them this morning and they are all placed strategically around the city and castle. We are prepared,” Jata told his commander. Zarius nodded in acknowledgement then turned to meet his brother’s gaze. They both knew of the dangers they faced, knew that possibly this could be the last time they had together. “Hart, if we defeat Yarnell but I do not survive, I trust you to take care of Star and my child. If Reja survives, I would wish for her to remain here.” “Do not fear, my brother, I would always look to your fila and child. They would wish for nothing but you.” Hart clamped a hand upon Zar’s shoulder. “So it would be best, if one of us has to depart, for it to be me.” “Let us just hope we both survive,” Zar responded. “But if—” Zar began to speak. “I will be there for them.” Hart met his brother’s gaze steadily. “Would you wish for me to take her as my mate if you depart?” Zar sucked in his breath at the question. A vise grip closed around his heart. He could not imagine another with his Star but she was young and deserved a good life. His brother could give her that since he had no mate of his own. Zar swallowed deeply before replying. “If the two of you wished for such a thing, you would have my blessing.”
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Hart’s lip curled into a devilish smile before taunting his brother. “Then I do not know if I wish you luck or not!” When Zar’s steel-blue eyes flared with emotion, Hart chuckled and playfully shoved his brother. The brothers exchanged a knowing look of understanding and then prepared for the task ahead. The room steadily became warmer. The air thickened and vibrated with invisible energy. It became difficult to breathe. The air seemed oppressive, almost poisoned. Ventari’s voice rose, calling forth a void in space. “Part the air and sky above, open in time a void to space. Bring forth this void…it is my will,” he chanted repeatedly. Everyone waited. The time was near. They could feel it. The air began to swirl around them, ruffling their clothing and electricity arced through the room. No one moved. Transfixed, they awaited the appearance of the evil one. At one end of the room, near where Hart stood, a hole opened in the ceiling. The dark circular chamis swirled in a clockwise motion, the suction of the hole pulled at Hart’s clothing and hair. A piece of loose cloth slid across the floor—sucked into the open space, it disappeared from view. Ventari’s chanting stopped when the opening appeared. His translucent eyes glowed with the power he had brought forth to open the chamis. In a trance state, he concentrated on controlling the unstable powers within. “Hart, wait for the precise moment,” Zarius instructed. “Do not be swayed—no matter what happens do not deviate from your mission.” The very air seemed to have fingers clawing at the crystals suspended around Petre’s and Ventari’s necks. The enemy remained unseen. His powers were so great he did not intend to materialize in front of them. He thought to grasp the crystals with his powers alone. Ventari and Petre struggled with an invisible force. Gasping for breath, the force squeezed the life from them as the ropes suspending the crystals tightened around their necks. Ventari struggled to control the chamis and not lose his grip upon his crystal. He began to chant again and the crystal suspended from his neck glowed eerily. Zarius studied every corner of the room, looking for an abnormality in space. A shadow or movement would alert him of Yarnell’s whereabouts. In the center of the room there seemed to be an irregularity of space. He circled, watching closely, scanning the area for life form energy. Suddenly, Petre crashed backward, hitting the wall with enough force to knock him to the floor and a voice boomed, “Do you think to fool me?” Everyone seemed to be moving at once. Jata ran to Petre’s aid and Zarius closed in on the evil presence. “Now!” Zarius shouted to Hart. Yarnell had cloaked his dark presence but not well enough. Zarius had detected him and he would flush the coward from his hiding spot. Hart did not hesitate to jump into the chamis but as he leapt, an invisible force latched onto him. The swirling air was pulling him upward but something powerful gripped one of his legs. He would be ripped in two between the pull of the chamis and 152
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Yarnell’s evil power. Hart’s clothing began to shred. He pulled the crystal out of its hiding spot and held it before him. The electricity arcing through the chamis caused it to glow red but he held on tightly. Zarius watched in horror at his brother’s struggle. The only way to save Hartel was to find and defeat Yarnell immediately. He closed his eyes, centering himself and summoning his inner strength. Without opening his eyes, he swung his sword at the aberration in front of him. Yarnell materialized before them and he turned his black glittering eyes upon Zar. Physically, Zarius was much larger and stronger than the other male but Yarnell’s powers were formidable. He tried to torment the younger male. “Soon I will send you to join your father,” Yarnell boasted and sneered at Zar. Bringing his sword forward, he attempted to ward off Zar’s attack. “After I defeat you I will rule Reja. I might even keep the whore you call fila to warm my bed after your whelp is born and disposed of.” Zar did not allow the evil sorcerer to break his concentration. They fought fiercely, their swords striking sparks. Zarius was much more skillful and he backed the smaller male into a corner. Relentlessly he kept up a volley of blows with his sword. Yarnell’s sword flew from his hand to clatter across the stone floor. Before it even came to a stop, Yarnell called upon his telekinetic power to retrieve the weapon and send it hurtling at Zar’s back. Zar hesitated only a moment before striking a lethal blow. At Jata’s yell of warning Zarius whirled, catching the flying blade between the palms of his hands just inches before it would have embedded in his chest. Looking down upon the bleeding form at his feet, he felt stunned by the true evilness still burning in the eyes of the gaunt male. Then in a burst of light, Yarnell and all the dark powers evaporated. Even the blood that ran in rivulets across the rough stone floor sizzled into blackened ash. Zar’s gaze swung immediately to the chamis. There was no sign of Hart. The window into space began to close. He ran across the room, ready to leap after his brother. Ventari grabbed Zar to stop him from following Hartel. “It will serve no purpose. You cannot bring him back. We have lost him and you would only sacrifice your own life.” Before anyone could react, Hart’s body dropped heavily to the stone floor and the opening overhead completely closed. Zar fell to his knees beside his brother and rolled him onto his back. Hart’s clothes were shredded. His body and face bruised and battered. His right hand, which had clutched the crystal, was scorched from the destruction of the dark gem. There was no apparent sign of life. With a groan of despair, Zar dropped his head upon Hart’s chest. He detected the faintest of heartbeats. “He lives.” Zar whirled to an astonished Ventari. “We must aid him quickly.” Ventari checked over his still form. “Indeed, he does yet live. We must move him to my chambers—gently.”
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Zar easily lifted his brother and carried him as if he were a child, to Ventari’s bedchamber. He shoved the massive door open with his shoulder, not waiting for assistance from Jata who hurried behind him. A dark blue velvet spread, with a gold emblem in the middle, covered the large circular bed in Ventari’s chamber. The emblem was the crest of the Seer. Zar gently placed his brother in the middle of the bed. “Jata, go for Teman and the females then check on the warriors throughout the city. Make sure order is restored to our people,” Zar said over his shoulder, not wishing Jata to witness the powerful emotions that refused to stay at bay.
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Chapter Ten Ventari arrived in his chamber to find Zarius pacing the room. “You must save him.” “I will do my best. I checked on Petre. He did not survive but I feel he is in a better place.” Ventari examined Hart. Already he seemed stronger. His heart rate increased as he breathed steadier. Yes, he would survive. He was a strong one who had endured much. “He seems to be growing stronger but I worry, we do not know how much dark power he has absorbed.” Ventari appeared to fret over Hart while observing Zar’s reaction to his statement. “What do you mean by that?” Zar demanded. Ventari intentionally kept his back to Zarius. He did not wish for him to read his face, for Zar was quite insightful. “I am concerned that, without a mate, the dark powers could overcome Hart. If that were to happen I am sure I do not have to tell you what would have to be done.” “You are saying if he had a mate the dark powers would not prevail?” “It is my belief, yes, that the joy a lifemate brings to the soul deters the darkness from overtaking a male. In the past, I have found great evilness only exits in lost, unmated souls.” Ventari told his favorite one this tale, realizing he would do whatever it took to save his brother. “Then he will have a mate. I will bring a thousand females to him. He will have his choice,” Zar declared. “No, he cannot know of our fears. It could only do him harm. We must be very subtle. We must locate the perfect mate for him, and since there is none here, we must look elsewhere. Did you see any candidates on the planet Earth?” Ventari slyly suggested, for he already had the perfect mate in mind. He had seen her in a vision but he would need Zarius’ aid to bring divine intervention into Hart’s life. “I will have to think on this,” Zar replied. “Yes, well, do not think too long. We must bind his heart and soul quickly for his own protection but he must not know of our plan for he would only fight it. We must find a female he cannot resist. Yet one who will not come too easily, so he is ensnarled before he realizes what has happened to him. “By the way, Hart once mentioned he prefers hair of red on a female.” Ventari smiled slyly as Zar then turned away. He had laid the groundwork for his plan, now he depended on Zar’s love for his brother to fulfill his prophecy.
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Zar stepped into the hallway and leaned heavily against the wall. He thought of all that had transpired. They had defeated Yarnell and Hart appeared to be on the way to recovery. He would find a mate for him one way or the other. Thinking of mates reminded him of his own. He needed the comfort of her loving arms. At his thought, she appeared, running down the corridor toward him. She wore Earthling attire of jeans and a sweater that revealed too much of her figure. This was something a good Rejan mate would never do. However, he would not scold her for he needed her too much. When she reached him, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. He gathered her closer to him. She made his life worth living. “Zar, is it over? How is Hart?” She fired questions at him as her gaze lovingly devoured his face. He smiled gently into her upturned face. “Yes, it is over. Hart appears to be improving. Ventari is with him now.” He placed a gentle kiss upon her soft, yielding lips, silencing her for a moment. “You are okay?” She ran caressing hands over his body, checking for any injuries. “I was very well until you started that, now I am in great pain,” he whispered seductively in her ear. Star pulled back to look into his heated gaze. “Come with me and I will care for your needs,” she whispered back to him. “Let me check on Hart and I will be right with you.” He reentered the chamber to find Ventari sitting next to the bed. “He rests now but soon he will awaken. He will be in great pain for a while, unable to travel, but I will ease his pain and care for him until he is well again.” Ventari turned as the door behind Zar opened again. Tammaro and Sunny entered. “How is my youngest son?” Tammaro asked. “He is resting. I predict he will make a full recovery.” Zar nodded as Ventari spoke. “Zar knows what must be done to heal him completely, body and soul. I have great confidence that he will not disappoint his brother.” Zar stepped up behind his mother and wrapped an arm around her. She had been through so much in the last year. “Do not worry, Mother, I will take care of everything.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I will leave you here to watch over my brother. I will return later.” Now that he knew his brother was recovering he could not wait a moment longer to join his fila. Tammaro patted her oldest son’s hand upon her shoulder. “Go now to your mate, she impatiently awaits you in the corridor.” Star was pacing the hall when Zar exited the room. Abruptly he swept her into his arms to carry her to their chamber. As he carried her, she slowly unbuttoned his shirt and slid her hands inside to caress his chest. He groaned as her lips followed her hands on their journey. Zar adjusted his grip on her to allow her better access to his body. She used her lips, teeth
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and tongue to nibble and suckle her away up his chest to his vulnerable neck. She stopped just before reaching his awaiting lips and worked her way back down. He stopped his forward momentum to lean against a wall and shift her in his arms. Bringing her breasts up level with his mouth, his hungry lips found a distended nipple beneath her sweater and he suckled hard. “Zar, stop, we’re in the hallway. Anyone could come along.” She gasped, her voice unsteady. Zar released her breast from his mouth to look around in confusion. A groan escaped his lips—he had forgotten for the moment where they were. His desire to join with his fila, to share their love once again was so great that he was overcome. He tossed her over his shoulder and strode rapidly down the hall. He held her in place with one arm anchoring her thighs to his shoulder. His other hand moved up to caress her pert bottom. Deep laughter erupted from his chest at her squeal of protest. “Ouch.” He grimaced as his kitten showed her claws once again by biting him low on his back. A slow smile spread across his face. He had found his perfect mate.
***** Zar stretched his sated body upon the bed and glanced at Star, dozing next to him. Now that his desires were temporarily satisfied, he thought of his brother’s situation. During his time on Earth, he had not noticed any female but his fila. He was sure there were many attractive, available females there but he did not know of any. Possibly Star could help. Suddenly he remembered Star’s friend—she had red hair, was quite attractive. Her fiery nature would appeal to Hart. She might be perfect for his brother. He would probably not find her an easy conquest. He wondered if Star would be willing to help him with this. He knew she would enjoy having her friend here but it would be complicated. He did not want to abduct her friend but getting her here would be difficult. If Star was willing, it might be possible. He had to do whatever it took to ensure Hart’s well-being. He would have to broach the subject delicately, as not to upset his mate. Star awoke to find Zar studying her pensively. “Is something wrong?” She sat up, pulling the sheet up and tucking it under her arms in an attempt to hide her nakedness. Zar’s gaze followed her movements. He grinned wryly at her attempt to hide from him that which he knew intimately. His gaze traveled back up to her face. He decided his best course was to play on her sympathy. He sighed deeply. “It is nothing you can help me with.” Star sat up straighter. “What is it? I might be of some help. Is it Hart?” Zar sighed deeply once again, trying to give her his most crestfallen look. He lowered his head dejectedly. Keeping his eyes downcast, his lashes shaded their brightness from his fila. “Ventari informed me that Hart should recover physically from his ordeal but he fears some of the dark power from the crystal could have been absorbed by him.” 157
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He hesitated, looking as forlorn as possible. “We cannot know positively but without a mate, the chances of the dark powers invading his soul are far greater. I feel responsible for this happening to him. He insisted on doing this task, not wishing me to risk myself since I had found you, my mate, and we expect our first child.” He drew her to him and his hand, under the sheet, caressed the spot where his child lay. He felt a little guilty for his actions but he had to think of Hart. Star gasped and placed her hand upon his and sat up in the bed. “We must find a way to help him. Are there any available women here?” Star asked. “No, they are mated at birth or shortly after, the only unmated females we have are widows and they are much too old for Hart.” Zar sighed deeply again. “I do not know where to find an appropriate mate for him.” Star smiled at him. She knew exactly where to find him a mate. “Once Hart has recovered, we can take him for a visit on Earth. He is bound to find a woman who will appeal to him there and I’m sure he will attract all kinds of attention.” Zar looked at her through narrowed eyes. “Do you find my brother attractive?” he asked, hurt in his voice. “No doubt he is that, all that blond hair and those golden eyes—he reminds me of a lion.” Zar studied her a moment, his lips curling up with mirth. “Are you trying to upset me, fila? Remember last time you aroused my jealous nature?” He stroked his fingers lazily up and down her thigh. “Do you think his touch would tempt you as mine does?” Star shivered at his touch. “Just making sure you don’t take my devotion for granted.” She kissed him softly. “Seriously though, he is adorable but he’s not my type. Now my friend Emily would eat him up alive.” At that remark, Zar’s brows shot up. “Eat him up alive?” A wicked gleam shone in his eyes. “This sounds interesting. I think he might enjoy such treatment.” “I meant she’d like him,” she told him, yanking on his long hair. “Hey, maybe we could introduce them, if they really liked one another we could tell her the truth and bring her here. Oh, wouldn’t that be great?” “I’m afraid we do not have an abundance of time. We need to find a prospective mate for him and bring her here for them to meet. Hart will be unable to travel for a while and I am afraid to wait too long.” He looked at her beseechingly. “Do you think Emily would agree to travel here for a visit? We must tell her nothing of Hart and see if there is an attraction between them.” Star furrowed her brow. “I would have to tell her where she was going. Do you think that would be okay?” “I see no other way. We request that she visit with us here and see if he desires her. Can she be trusted?” Zar regarded her seriously. “I think so. She couldn’t very well tell anyone about us. They would think she was insane. On Earth, people who speak of aliens and UFOs are shunned. And it’s not like
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Earth possesses any threat to us, right?” Star looked at him for a moment. “Zar, if we brought her here and Hart desired her as you say and she did not him, you wouldn’t force her to stay, would you?” “She would be under my protection, unless Hart seduces her and she takes the vow, then she would be his responsibility. I could not interfere.” He answered her honestly, neither he nor Hart would ever force a female sexually, it went against their nature. Of course, they had never needed to force females. He did not tell her if Hart chose Emily it would be very difficult for her to resist his advances. There was no reason to worry her needlessly—if his brother chose this woman, he would please her well. She would have no complaints. “Well, I guess that would be okay. Emily is a big girl and can take care of herself. If she is not interested in him, she’ll let him know. Zar, the only thing that concerns me is the duty that you all have to mate. She might resist that. No one wants to be someone’s duty.” The tone of her voice had a slightly bitter edge to it. “It would not be his duty to join with her, it would be his choice,” Zar responded and immediately knew he had said something wrong by her body language. “That’s right, he has a choice, unlike you.” Star had stiffened against him— resentment shone in her green eyes. He groaned internally—he had done it now. “I had a choice. I chose to do my duty to you.” “That is not the same thing and you know it. Someone else determined our fates, not us.” “It is true that I was drawn to you because I thought you were my mate. When I took you as my own and I discovered my mark was not upon your thigh, I claimed you because I desired to do so, not because it was my duty.” He pulled her close to him. “Duty does not make my heart accelerate, or my blood burn.” He moved her hand to cover his erect cock. “Duty to you is not what burns me alive,” he told her sincerely, his gaze holding hers steadily. “It is my love for you that truly binds me to you.” “You really love me, just for me?” “Yes, my fila, I love you just for being you, whether or not Rejan blood runs through your veins.” She shoved him back on bed and pounced on him, kissing every inch of exposed flesh she could reach. “Ouch, what was that?” she wondered aloud. “This, my fila?” he asked, rubbing his engorged cock against her stomach suggestively. “No, I know what that is.” She rolled to the side to look at her thigh. “It burns here.” She rubbed a finger across her inner thigh and Zar took a closer look. A perfect star birthmark had appeared on her leg. “I’ve been marked.”
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Zar stretched her out next to him, and lovingly ran his thumb across the mark. Lowering his head, he kissed her upon the very spot. She would never know what this meant to him. It meant she truly, wholeheartedly accepted him as her mate, her true and only love. A tear escaped his eye and landed on her creamy thigh, he smoothed it into her skin, merging another piece of himself with her. Star saw the tear drop from her husband’s eye but didn’t comment. She knew her strong Rejan mate would not wish her to see his weakness. It pleased her that he cared so deeply. She didn’t need to humble him. She knew Zar would have much emotion to deal with in the near future. She would let him hide behind his stoic mask as long as she knew of his tender heart beneath and that it belonged only to her.
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Chapter Eleven Star held firm to Zar’s hand as he activated his transporter. She wasn’t afraid to travel by transporter. It was the fact that she was about to see their home for the first time that had her nerves on edge. “Relax, fila. You will love our home.” Star squeezed her eyes shut as a shiver of energy passed through her. “We are here.” Cracking open her eye, her first sight was a white sandy beach. She gasped in awe of the sun beginning to set on the unending sea before her. The glowing bright sun dipped to set on the far side of the water, casting varying shades of pink across the skyline. A warm breeze caressed her face as she watched a large birdlike creature dive toward the water. “Zar, it is beautiful.” “I thought you might enjoy this view, my fila. I brought you here to this knoll to enjoy the view of our beach.” He grinned. “Turn now and see your new home.” Pivoting, her mouth gaped as she viewed the sight before her. She had never seen anything like it. It reminded her of a castle out of one of her childhood fairy tales. The huge stone palace was set back a ways from where they stood. Large trees, unlike any she had ever seen, surrounded it. Multicolored leaves hung from huge gnarled trunks. The mansion consisted of one extremely large rectangular building with four wings shooting off it. The main building was four stories high and each wing had a tower that must be at least eight stories high. “Is this for real? Do you live here?” “We live here. This is your new home.” Zar raised one arm and pointed. “The tower on your far right is ours. Hart resides in the tower behind ours and Mother and Sunny occupy the far left tower. The main structure houses the kitchen, dining areas, gaming and entertainment rooms and about fifty guestrooms.” “I can’t believe all this.” “Behind the main house are many smaller structures where most of the household staff lives.” “Household staff?” “You did not think you would be required to clean this large home, did you?” “I guess I hadn’t thought of it.” Her stomach began to quiver. She would never fit in here. “We have four maids just for our tower. They will do the household chores. I instructed my mother to hire a personal maid to assist you in dressing and such.”
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“I don’t need a personal maid.” “You will. She will prepare your clothes and style your hair if we are entertaining and as you grow larger she will assist you if I am not available.” “I don’t—” “Come, it is time you saw your new home up close.” Zar assisted her down the grassy hill to a cobblestone path that led to the courtyard of the castle then directly to their tower. As they walked, he told her of her new home. “The top floor of the tower is our bedchamber and bathing facilities. There is a smaller room we will use as a nursery.” As they reached the large marble door of their tower, Zar placed his hand upon a panel and the door slid open. “I will program the automated doors and passages to respond to your touch in the morning.” As they entered into a large foyer, several servants appeared. “My fila is tired from her journey. Tomorrow we will have a formal introduction,” Zarius said to the staff that had gathered. Overwhelmed, Star smiled and nodded her head at the staff members. She would never get used to this kind of life. Everything was so large and formal, not at all homey. The huge stone entryway gleamed, as did the curved wooden bench that ran the length of one wall. They probably scrubbed and polished them every day. The marbleized floor shone and looked as if you could eat off it. Star kept her apartment clean but this was almost too clean. It didn’t appear lived in. Zarius pulled her toward another door and Star hoped she wasn’t expected to climb eight flights of stairs. Suddenly there was a ruckus behind them and Star turned just in time to see Zarius catch a humongous furry creature as it leapt at him. Joyous laughter rang out and Star realized it must be some sore of pet. “I am sorry, sir. He heard your voice and I could not control him,” a much-smaller man said, his eyes downcast in shame. “That is fine, Zeri, I have missed this beast as well.” As Zar spoke, he hugged the large creature and set him on the floor at Star’s feet. Star started to chuckle as the large doglike creature managed to get mud all over the floor as well as Zarius. He also managed to knock over a small table and spill some sort of plant onto the polished floor. House cleaners scurried around, trying to clean up after the beast. This, Star thought, was more like a home. “I would like for you to meet Trele, better known as Beast. He is a mandi. I have had him since I was a young boy. They are very similar to your dog creatures, except mandis live to be nearly seventy years of age. Mandis are truly lifelong companions.” “Wow, he’s certainly interesting-looking.” Star eyed the creature that seemed friendly enough and had to laugh again. It was a funny-looking animal. It had long shaggy hair of a color you would never see on a dog. The closest shade she could think of would be aqua and if that wasn’t bad enough, its eyes were pumpkin orange.
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“Come, kneel here so he may greet you,” Zar told her as he held the large beast by the scruff of the neck. Star took a step closer and knelt in front of the animal. His nose tipped up as he scented her. His unusual eyes locked with hers and she could swear he smiled. “You may pet him. He has sensed you are my mate and will not harm you.” Star reached out her right hand slowly. The large mandi lunged forward, placed one muddy paw on her gown and his large wet tongue licked the side of her face. Star squealed and fell backward onto her bottom. The large beast pulled Zar off balance and he tumbled next to her. The massive creature danced around them, covering them both with mud, hair and mandi slobber. Zarius laughed wholeheartedly and moved to protect Star from the worst of his pet’s enthusiasm. Star squealed with laughter as Trele licked at her face again. “I always wanted a dog. Of course, I imagined him to be half the size of this beast and possibly brown or black but aqua is certainly unique.” “Yes, but you also thought your future mate would be an Earthling and look what you would have forfeited if that had happened.” Zar wiggled his eyebrows. “I wouldn’t have missed this for anything in the world or the galaxy or whatever,” she told him. Zar’s gaze softened as he leaned forward to press his lips to hers. Star sighed. She was a lucky woman. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Not only on the outside—though his physical appearance was stunning, his true beauty lay buried beneath a tough exterior. It was his nature, his heart and his soul that drew her to him. Seeing him now covered in mud and rolling around on the floor with his pet almost made her want to cry. She knew he would be the ultimate father. He had his strict side but his fun-loving, generous side far outshone the other. Finally, the large mandi seemed to tire of his game and sat down. He sighed loudly at the lack of attention. Zarius rose and held his hand out to her. “Come, while you may.” He turned to look at the young male still standing silently, now some distance away. “Zeri, take Trele for a bath. I will come down for him later.” Zar glanced at Star. “He usually stays in our chamber, if you do not mind.” “Of course not, unless he plans to sleep in the bed.” “No, he has his own bed. I only share with you, my fila.” Heat flooded her cheeks. She narrowed her eyes at Zar as the young man cleared his throat and hurried away with Trele in tow. Star looked down at her gown. It was probably ruined. She wondered if they had dry cleaners here. She began to brush at the mud and hair clinging to the material. “Do not bother. I told you that you would be in need of a personal maid.” “Well, I didn’t know then that you kept a beast in the house.” “I thought you liked Trele.” “I do.” Star smiled happily up at him. “Now show me the rest of your castle and please tell me I don’t have to walk up eight flights of stairs.”
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Zar grasped her hand and pulled her along. “Do not worry, we have a vertical tunnel.” “A what?” “A vertical tunnel. Here, let me show you.” Zarius again pressed his palm to some type of scanner and a door opened. They stepped into a circular room and Zarius pressed a button. The door closed behind them. Star felt a slight movement and the door immediately opened again into a large room. “I will show you the rest of our home in the morning. This is our private chamber,” Zarius told her as she stepped out into the room. The room was enormous and had several large windows that looked out over the sea. She was surprised that the floor was not stone or marble as seemed to be the case in most rooms. It was a type of carpet, except it appeared to be fur. Star kicked her shoes off and sank her feet into the soft material. Luxurious was the word that came to mind. She could imagine making love to Zar on this plush surface. As the rest of the place, this room was spotless but it had a lived-in look. Plaques and medals lined one wall along with an assortment of weapons. Star spun around, taking in the room. This room felt like home. It felt like Zarius. “Do you like your new home?” “I love it.” Moving to the large bed, she ran her hands through the furry covering. “Soft.” “It is Balian fur.” “What’s that?” “It is a large beast that lives in the eastern area of Reja. It is hunted for its fur and flavorful meat.” “Did you kill this one?” “Yes, I had the fur made into flooring and bedding.” Star’s eyes widened as she looked around. “This is all from one animal?” Zar nodded. “It is quite large.” A breeze ruffled the filmy curtains and she realized there were no windowpanes. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to absorb it all. She could hear the sounds of the sea lapping at the beach. She imagined what it would be like to sleep there while the gentle sounds of the water rocked her to sleep. “Zar, I love it. This must be like heaven.” “Now that I have you here, this is my heaven. Our private haven.” He led her forward and she could now see a door that led out to a balcony. The wooden doors stood open and she strolled through them to discover a small pool. “This is similar to your hot tubs on Earth. You will enjoy this much, especially when you are large with our child,” Zar told her, as he reached out to open the clasp
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that held her gown in place. It shimmered as it fell to the floor. “You may have a relaxing soak now, my fila. The water is not set too warm. I do not want to cook our child.” His hand brushed her hair back. “I will call for our dinner.” His heated gaze caressed her exposed curves. Raising his head, their gazes collided. He reached for the buttons on his shirt. “Dinner can wait. I believe I will join you.” Zar closed the distance between them, moving her willing body to sit upon the side of the pool. He dropped to his knees before her and lifted each of her quivering legs to place them over his shoulders. Holding her thighs open, he let her legs dangle down his back. This position allowed him an unobstructed view of her wet pussy and his blazing eyes bore into her. He could smell her damp sweetness and it beckoned him. He lowered his lips to press a kiss upon her birthmark, paying homage to his mark upon her. His lips and tongue soon moved to a new spot, a sensitive spot that had her moaning and lifting her hips off the side of the pool as she arched under his mouth. Her taste enthralled him. Star squirmed against his mouth and he grasped her hips, holding her steady for his probing tongue. He licked and stroked against her nether lips, sucking her small nub into his eager mouth. Working the nub of flesh with his thumb, his tongue plunged deep within her heated core. “Zar,” she screamed as she grasped his hair. Her insides pulsed as her release sang out, music to his ears. Slowly he eased back from her, observing her as she lounged on the side of the pool. Her head was thrown back and her long hair dangled in the pool. A smile of pure male satisfaction curled his lips. Still gasping for breath, Star opened her eyes and gazed at her husband on his knees before her. Her sated body began to hum again at the hungry look in his eyes. She sat up, scooted to the edge of the pool and lowered her legs from his shoulders. Leaning forward, she yanked the tie from his long dark hair and it cascaded around his shoulders. “It is my turn now,” she told him, her voice husky with desire. Sliding off the pool, she shoved him backward until he stretched out on the plush carpet next to the pool. Straddling his waist, she slapped his hand away when he reached for her breast. “I will do the touching this time.” A moan escaped his lips but he didn’t protest. Pulling his unbuttoned shirt from his pants, she spread it open, leaving his chest and stomach exposed to her avid gaze. Slowly she drew one finger down the middle of his body, across his massive pectoral muscles and tight, flat abs to stop at the waistband of his slacks. Her fingers danced lightly across his stomach, back and forth, into his belly button and out again in a
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teasing stroke. She could feel his cock through his pants beneath her, hard and throbbing. “Do you try to torture me?” he asked and she noticed his white-knuckle grip on the carpet. Slowly she leaned forward—her hair brushed against his heated flesh first, followed by her lips. A hiss of breath left his mouth. Her lips stroked his shoulder, neck and ear and she whispered. “Umm, you taste so good. I want to eat you.” Zar groaned. “Please.” Star sank her teeth into his shoulder. “Tasty.” She moved down and around to his pecs and nipped him once again. “Umm.” Slowly she licked down his body, sinking her teeth into the tight flesh below his belly button. He arched up against her. She lifted her face and locked their gazes, smiling at his tortured expression. “So delicious. I’m not sure what tastes best.” She lowered her head and laved the bite with her tongue. Zar’s hips began to shift. He stroked his cock up against her and she knew his control was slipping. He could not take much more of her form of torture. She found his hard length with her fingers and unlaced his pants. His shaft immediately sprang free. Laving the length with her tongue, she groaned. “Oh, this is definitely the best.” His taste filled her mouth and her pussy gushed with need. Grasping her head, he tangled his fingers in her hair and held her mouth to him as he surged between her lips. “Star, I will not last.” She opened her mouth wider, allowing him to slide deeper into her throat. She felt his balls tightening as his shaft rippled. Sucking deeply on his rigid flesh, she received her reward. With a shout, he gripped her head as his cum pumped into her waiting mouth and she swallowed his release. Star’s lips curled in amusement and pleasure at the sight they must make lying side by side on the balcony. He was still dressed, his clothes only ripped back to expose his willing flesh. He rolled to his side and gently stroked her face. “Fila, I…that was unbelievable.” Star smiled with satisfaction at her husband. She was thrilled that she could bring him such pleasure, the type of pleasure he had always brought to her. “It was.” She snuggled to his side. “I wanted to show how deep my love for you is, how proud I am to be your wife.” She glanced at the pool. “Are you ready for a dip?” Zar’s hand crawled up her thigh and slid between her damp legs. “I am ready for a dip.”
***** Star awoke early the next morning and watched her husband as he slept. In his sleep, he appeared younger. His beautiful, knowing eyes, which were hidden from her at the moment, revealed his experience. He snuggled closer and she smiled. The pain of her past mattered little when she was in his arms. The lonely years faded away in the
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face of such happiness. She was glad she had waited for Zar, for she knew no one else could have ever fulfilled her every desire the way this man did. She rubbed her hand over her stomach where their child lay. She would never be lonely again. She had a wonderful, passionate husband and a baby on the way, created from their love of one another. Life could not be much better. Her mother and father had once again found love and there was a possibility that Emily might come to live on Reja. She was a happy woman—she had it all. There was nothing else she desired. Zar stirred next to her, his sleepy eyes gleamed as they meet hers. He nuzzled her sensitive breast with his cheek and his warm breath bathed her flesh. Well, maybe she wanted something else. A wicked smile curled her lips.
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Epilogue Ventari left Hart sleeping peacefully and strolled leisurely to his council chamber. Dropping the clarifying stones, he peered at them with his all-seeing gaze. Arching a regal brow, he turned several stones and a secretive smile appeared on his face. All his plans were coming together. Star and Zarius had formed an unbreakable bond and were now expecting their first child. Unbeknownst to anyone, Star’s mother was expecting as well. Teman would be overjoyed at the news. He had not been allowed to enjoy the birth and upbringing of his first child. Soon Darvin would be returning to Reja with his fila and a surprise for everyone. His thoughts turned to Hart. He would be one of his more difficult projects but destiny would prevail. The groundwork was laid and Zar would let nothing stop him from saving his little brother. Shortly, Hart’s future mate would arrive on Reja and that would be very interesting. In addition, Jata, poor Jata, was in for a long and difficult wait for his mate. Though Sunny was pure Rejan by blood, she had a mind of her own. With the influence of these Earthling females, she would become even more independent and strong-minded. Jata would have to be patient and understanding to win the heart and love of that one. Ventari had to chuckle at his thoughts. Although many of their trails were difficult and long, in the end they would all thank him for the rewards they received. Planning, planning, it all took such planning. Soon, he would have many young lives to guide. Life was good!
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About the Author L.A. Day exists only in the mind of an ordinary wife and mother. An avid reader since early childhood, she began writing romance in her teens. Now, 20+ years later she’s progressed to erotic romance. Supported by her husband of many years, she spends her evenings in front of the computer. She now has a chance to bring her stories to life for everyone to enjoy. Her favorite genre is erotic romance with a paranormal twist. She feels that if you’re going to create an alpha male character, why not make him bigger, stronger, more well endowed than any human man could ever be? It is fantasy, after all. Thanks to Ellora’s Cave, L.A. Day can live her fantasy, making money for thinking about sex 24/7. L.A. welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by L.A. Day Barbarian Mate Double Penetration Feral Domination Feral Lust Savage The Last Warrior They Both Belong To Me
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