by Tana Stone
He stepped back, holding her at arm’s length, cupping her breasts in his hands and squeezing her nipples. “You are mine.” He leaned in so his lips buzzed her ears. “Mine to take in any way I want.”
She wanted to protest, but his words made her shudder with pleasure.
Bending down, he tugged her panties down the length of her legs, tossing them to the side, along with her skirt. As he straightened, he dragged his hand up her thigh and between her legs, his fingers parting her folds. “This is mine, yes?”
“Yes,” she managed to whisper.
“Open your legs for me, mate,” he ordered, his voice raw and dominant.
She let her legs fall open, her hips shifting impatiently as he teased the flesh of her thighs. When he found her clit, she let out a cry, dropping her head back as he circled it. She was already on the edge, and his steady strokes soon had her bucking against him.
With his other hand, he jerked his pants down and freed his cock. “Before when I had you tied up, I didn’t fuck you.” He dragged the crown of his cock through her folds as she quivered. “Now I will.” His gaze flicked to her hands tied over her head and she strained instinctively against the sparkly makeshift restraints. He lifted her legs to hook them around his waist. “You can struggle all you want, but you can’t stop me from taking what’s mine.”
With a single hard thrust, he buried himself inside her, his mouth crashing on hers in a primal fury. Their tongues battled as he powered into her, and his hands dug into her ass. She didn’t want to love this as much as she did—being bound, being dominated—but she did. The thought of being helpless, her body pressed up hard against the metal rods with him moving hard and fast between her legs, sent heat pulsating through her body.
Clamping her legs around him, Shreya tightened her grip as she met each thrust of his huge cock. She wrapped her fingers around the bar she was tied to, unable to do anything but surrender as he claimed her, his mouth plundering hers and his cock lodging deep.
He pulled back, his face glistening with sweat. “You are mine. You have been since I carried you to the pleasure house on Lymora III.” His eyes skated hungrily down her body. “Mine to claim in any way I desire.”
She met his gaze defiantly, even as she tightened her legs around his waist, holding him inside her. “Cocky bastard.”
He smiled, even as the veins in his neck strained and he stroked into her. “You want me to stop?”
She whimpered, as she shook her head no. She didn’t want him to ever stop.
“Tell me what you want,” he whispered.
She locked eyes with him, her breath escaping in desperate pants. “I want it hard.”
When he knifed up and roared, her body splintered apart, writhing and convulsing as he pulsed into her.
She finally let her legs sag. They both gasped for breath, and his eyes were still wild when he looked at her. Taking the side of her face in his hand, he kissed her, this time slowly and gently.
“So beautiful,” he said, touching his forehead to hers. “I still can’t believe you’re mine.”
“Always and forever,” she said, sucking in a ragged breath. “So you called it Palaxian pleasure tonic?”
He pulled back, nodding and raising an eyebrow as a bead of sweat trickled down his furrowed brow.
She squeezed him with her legs. “I think I know what I want for Christmas.”
Chapter Fifteen
“It’s time, Reina.” Serge rushed up to her, the tiny Perogling close on his heels, her pink wig bobbing.
Reina darted a glance over the heads as she nibbled the corner of her bottom lip. “Time for what?”
Serge put a hand on his hip as he glared up at her. “For the big event, the grand finale, the coup de grace.” He paused to catch his breath. “The tree lighting, don’t you remember?”
“Of course.” She pressed a hand to her heart. “The tree lighting. I remember.”
She also remembered that it was her job to give Ella the sign, since she was the only one tall enough to be seen over all the people. She wished her height would help her locate Vivan, but she’d been searching for him all evening, and hadn’t spotted him once. He’d promised he would be at the party.
She hoped he hadn’t forgotten. Touching a long finger to her hair and the tight curls that Mandy had insisted on for the occasion, she let out a sigh. The party was almost over.
“Reina!”
“Oh, yes, of course,” she said, ignoring Serge’s murderous stare as she spotted Ella by the base of the huge tree. She caught the woman’s eye and gave her a thumbs-up. Ella nodded and tapped away at her tablet. “All done.”
Serge mumbled something Reina was glad she couldn’t hear over the sudden swell in music. The lights on the promenade dimmed, and the tree went dark before twinkling lights lit up at the bottom and swirled around until they reached the top. The star then blinked and holographic sparks shot from it, sending fireworks high in the sky where they exploded into gold and white starbursts. Instead of light falling from the fireworks, though, flakes of snow cascaded down, accompanied by oohs and ahs from the crowd below. Although it vanished before touching down, the falling snow looked magical as it filled the air.
“Perfect.” Serge clapped his hands. “I knew they could do it.”
Reina decided not to remind her coworker that he’d expressed doubt on numerous occasions that Ella could pull off the holographic feat on the promenade. Luckily, he and Cerise bustled off, leaving her looking up at the snow as it continued to fall.
“I am glad you did not ask me to source this snow.”
Reina let out a small yelp and looked over quickly to see Vivan standing next to her. “You’re here!”
He inclined his head at her. “I would say greetings of the day, but it seems it is already evening.”
“Yes, the party is in full swing, as the humans—and Serge—would say.” She caught herself, hoping she did not sound petulant. “Have you just arrived?”
His large, gold eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Sadly, yes. Our department has been very busy with the arrival of the Earth transport.”
Reina knew about the transport. Of course, the procurement department would be busy, since many of the items they had requested from Earth would need to be inventoried before distribution. “At least you made it for the tree ceremony.”
Vivan tipped his head back to gaze at the snow as it fluttered above them. “Some Earth traditions are very enjoyable.”
“It’s a curious little planet, but I also enjoy some of their customs.” Reina forced herself to look away from him and up at the snow. “I hope we celebrate Christmas again next rotation.”
Vivan rocked back on his heels. “That would be nice.”
Reina’s heart pounded as they stood shoulder to shoulder. They were so close, she could feel his warmth.
“I almost forgot,” he said, turning abruptly. “I got you something.”
She looked down at the small, red box he held in his slender hands. “Is it for one of my tribute brides?”
“No, it’s for you.” He cleared his throat. “It’s what the humans call a Christmas present.”
Her face warmed as she took the box. She didn’t dare look at him for fear her cheeks were as red as they felt.
“I did some research,” he said, his words fast. “This is a human tradition that only takes place around Christmas.”
Lifting the shiny box top, she peered inside. “Leaves. How lovely.”
Vivan chuckled. “It is called mistletoe.”
“Mistle-toe,” Reina repeated, plucking the small cluster of green from inside the box and inspecting the tiny white berries that clung to the stems. She remembered the humans saying something about mistletoe.
Vivan gingerly touched one of the leaves. “Anyone standing underneath it cannot refuse a kiss.”
Reina fought the urge to flutter her fingers at her throat. “Oh?” She looked at him and saw that his gray cheeks were mottled pink. “Und
erneath it or near it?”
If it was possible for his cheeks to burn redder, they did. “I am not sure. Perhaps both?”
The mistletoe trembled in her hand, as Reina looked around her at the couples laughing, standing close, and swaying together to the music. What was it Mandy had said about taking a chance at Christmas?
Vivan looked up from staring at the mistletoe and met her gaze. “Reina?”
The way he said her name, soft and urgent, made her legs quiver. “Yes, Vivan?”
Even though the music and laughter swirled around them, she could hear nothing but his low voice and shallow breath. She closed her eyes and leaned in quickly, before she could think better of it, letting the warmth of his lips send a frisson of pleasure down her long limbs. When she opened her eyes again, Vivan was smiling at her, his entire face pink, and his lips as red as a cheedi berry.
“This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten,” she said, returning his smile and glancing at the mistletoe.
Vivan cleared his throat. “I am glad you like it.”
His fingertip briefly touched hers, and Reina had to remind herself to breathe. Another cheer went up in the crowd as a second set of fireworks shot up from the top of the tree. They both watched in silence.
“This is quite a party,” Vivan finally said. “The humans certainly know how to celebrate.”
Reina turned to him. “Have you heard about New Year’s Eve?”
He blinked and tilted his head at her. “I have not.”
She steadied her breath as she recalled what Mandy had told her about midnight on New Year’s Eve, her pulse quickening as she gazed into his eyes. “I think you would also enjoy New Year’s traditions.”
Epilogue
Captain Varden couldn’t help smiling as he tipped his head back to see the white flakes falling seemingly out of thin air and drifting down onto the promenade, disappearing before they reached the ground. Snow, the humans called it. The holographic version of it was pretty, although he’d heard the real version was both wet and cold. This was one case where he felt the recreated version had improved significantly on reality.
The party had thinned out. Most of the Drexians had either returned to their posts or had retired for the evening, and the mated couples had disappeared long before. Now the only stragglers were those who were cleaning up, or having one last drink.
His gaze fell on someone who didn’t fit either of those categories. The pretty blonde independent stood with her friend Ella near the table that held the sugary treats some of the humans called cookies and others called biscuits. She nibbled on one, catching the crumbs in one hand as she laughed. Even though her red dress covered most of her, it hugged her curves and made him stifle a groan.
True. He repeated her name in his head as he watched her finish the last bite then brush off her hands. It was the name that had filled his head since he’d met her in her beach simulation. He’d thought of little else but her since she’d mistaken him for a holographic creation and kissed him. The best kiss of his life, he reminded himself. He shifted uncomfortably as his cock twitched at the memory.
He wanted to talk to her, to be the reason she smiled and laughed. He wished he could take one of the plants the humans called mistletoe and use it to steal a kiss, like he’d seen so many mated couples do that evening. The Earth celebration of Christmas seemed to have an awful lot to do with love, if the party the tribute brides had planned was any indicator. His chest ached as he stared at True and imagined being able to take her into his arms as the snow fell on them.
Don’t be a fool, he told himself. She’s half your age. Plus, she was one of the females who’d specifically chosen not to take a Drexian mate. If she’d wanted, she could have had her pick of young, handsome warriors, but she’d declined. No way would she be interested in him, even if he did keep himself in excellent shape. The only reason she’d kissed him was because she’d been convinced he was part of the holographic program. The one she’d titled “Gulf of Mexico.”
He thought often about returning to it, so he could feel the sand beneath his feet and the sun on his face. And, if he was being honest, so he could see her again. Her image had filled his dreams so often over the past couple of weeks that he’d almost rushed to bed each night, eager to see her. Quite a change from his usual fitful sleep, typically interrupted by worries over a Kronock invasion.
His communication device vibrated and he retrieved it from his pocket, cursing as he saw that he was being summoned back to the bridge. Sleep would have to wait. He gave one final, long look at True, the corners of his mouth twitching up at her habit of twirling a strand of hair around one finger as she talked. The faster she talked, the faster she twirled, and he found it charming.
As he spun on his heel, Varden saw her glance up. His heart thumped as he strode away, even though he was almost sure she hadn’t gotten a good enough look to recognize him. He didn’t slow or glance back as he entered an inclinator compartment and slid in behind a heavyset Allurian, and an alien with pale-pink skin and long, silver hair. When the doors slid shut and the compartment rose into the air, he released his breath.
Of course, it was ridiculous that he was avoiding someone on his own ship. But what would he say? I’m sorry I pretended to be a hologram? He doubted she would understand. He didn’t know if he understood. All he knew was that he wanted the fantasy to continue a little while longer.
When the inclinator finally opened on the top floor, he took long steps toward the bridge, barely breaking stride as the wide, double doors slid open for him. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the dark interior of the command deck, which was all black consoles and sleek metal. It was one of the few places on board the space station that wasn’t bright and airy, and also one of the only places Captain Varden felt at home.
“Report,” he said, seeking out his first officer at a nearby standing console.
“It’s the Kronock, sir.”
No shock there. “More attacks on Inferno Force?”
“Negative.” His first officer turned sharply toward him. “We’ve received further intelligence that they are massing forces.”
Grek.
This must be the invasion of Earth the Kronock had been planning. The battleships weren’t jumping in so they could save their power reserves, of that he was almost certain. He could only hope the rest of Inferno Force would arrive before the aliens reached the technologically outmatched planet.
“How long until they attack Earth?” Varden asked, his hands clasped tightly behind him as he focused on the view screen overhead.
“Their target is not Earth, sir,” his first officer said, his voice grim. “From what our sources say, their target is the Boat.”
To pre-order CRAVED, True and Varden’s story, turn the page!
Also by Tana Stone
The Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors Series:
TAMED
SEIZED
EXPOSED
RANSOMED
FORBIDDEN
BOUND
JINGLED (A Holiday Novella)
CRAVED (January, 2020)
New Series Coming in 2020!
Barbarians of the Sand Planet:
BOUNTY (Book 1)
TAMED is now available as an audiobook! Listen on:
AUDIBLE
AMAZON
Acknowledgments
I hope you enjoyed this holly, jolly novella with the couples from the previous Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors novels. It was fun to revisit them and let them have a little holiday fun! The series will continue with True and Varden’s story, as well as the adventures of the newly-arrived tribute brides. Stay tuned!
My deepest thanks to all my readers and to everyone who’s given me a lovely review, emailed me, or reached out on social media. You are the BEST!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Kwanzaa!
About the Author
Tana Stone is the sci-fi romance author of
the Tribute Brides of the Drexian Warriors series. Her favorite superhero is Thor (with Jason Momoa’s take on Aquaman a close second), her favorite dessert is key lime pie (okay, fine, all pie), and she loves Star Wars and Star Trek equally. She still laments the loss of Firefly.
She has one husband, two teenagers, and two neurotic cats. She sometimes wishes she could teleport to a holographic space station.
She loves hearing from readers! Email her any questions or comments at [email protected].
Copyright © 2019 by Broadmoor Books
Cover Design by Croco Designs
Editing by Tanya Saari
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.