He lifted a strand of silky hair and let it slide through his fingers, only to grab another. The raven color was so different from Azziarin females, who all had long, flowing white hair.
There were other differences as well. Azziarin females had small breasts, and lean, hairless bodies. His mate had huge breasts, curvy hips, and a dark tuft of hair covering her sex, which surprised him the first time he saw it. A gift waiting to be opened. Her creamy white skin contrasted against his dark brown, making her appear exotic.
And then he thought about his father. What would he think about Jakke mating a Human—an unknown species at that? Would his father accept her? Not that it mattered; the deed was done and Jakke would not change if even if it was possible.
When his mother died during the attack, Jakke took over most of the king’s duties, giving Father time to grieve. But at least he had his consorts there to comfort him through his sorrow.
Jakke’s mind drifted to Cassia, Elle, and Kiaa, and wondered how they would feel about Sydney. Would the four of them get along? Cassia always believed that the two of them would mate and she would help rule Azziar. Now impossible, she would always remain a consort if she chose to stay with him.
Jakke sighed, knowing he still needed to explain everything to Sydney.
Glancing over, he noticed his comm unit blinking. Time to face Kavvan.
As gently as possible, he moved out from under her. After their sex marathon, neither of them had had much rest. Jakke also noted that Humans seemed to require more sleep than Azziarins. Five to six hours compared to seven or eight. She never moved positions while he dressed.
Before heading out, Jakke paused at the bedroom entrance and stared at the beautiful sight stretched out on his bed. Raven hair fanned out like a halo, a creamy neck leading down her back and ending at the tiny waist. He wanted to climb back in bed. Tearing his gaze away, he forced himself out of the room.
Down the corridor, he nodded as he passed his soldiers.
Finally reaching his ready room, the doors slid open, and Kavvan turned, arms crossed.
“Kavvan,” Jakke acknowledged, rounding the desk and taking a seat.
“Commander…”
He sighed. “Just say what you need to say, Kavvan.”
“Jakke, we have been friends for a long time, and I have never questioned anything you have done. But taking a Human as a mate?” He shook his head. “The people will not like it. I am not sure I like it. Now I know it was only because of the mating fever, so I am offering to take care of the problem for you.”
With every sentence, Jakke’s blood boiled.
Take care of the problem...
Did everyone feel that way? If anything happened to Sydney, he would never be able to have younglings. Azziarins could mate only once!
When he sunk his fangs into Sydney’s neck, they released a chemical that prepared her body to accept his seed. She was his chosen one, and no other could take her place.
Jakke swallowed, unable to speak at the moment for fear his voice would boom off the walls. When the silence became deafening, Kavvan pressed the matter. “Do you want me to take care of it?”
Through clenched teeth, and a low growl, he needed to know: “Is this how everyone feels?”
Kavvan must have recognized the deadly tone—he hesitated before answering. “Most, yes.”
“I see.” Shooting lasers, his gaze bore into Kavvan’s. Slowly rising, his hands balled into fists. Jakke made sure Kavvan understood. “If anyone lays one finger on my mate, I will kill them myself.”
Kavvan deflated, his breath rushing out. “Jakke, I am not going to hurt her. I just offered in case you regretted your decision, and I merely meant to return her to her world.”
Jakke eased back in the chair, releasing the tension from his shoulders. Kavvan was one of his best friends, and Jakke knew he could trust him.
“I know you are only willing to help, but I actually like her, Kavvan, and my protective instincts are on high alert. I enjoy her company as well as her body. The Humans may not have long range space travel, but they are intelligent.”
Kavvan smiled a little, though it held a hint of sadness. “Congratulations, my friend.”
“Thank you.” He knew Kavvan would support his decision, but it worried him that many of the males were against it. “She will need a guard at all times.”
“Agreed. I would give the rest of the crew time to adjust to the news. Between you, myself, and Takkeo, one of us can be with her if she desires to leave your quarters. Rykker will also be kind to her.”
“I agree.”
“Congratulations friend, and I mean it.”
“Thank you, Kavvan.”
Chapter 14
Sydney
Slowly rising to consciousness, Sydney snuggled into the comfortable blankets, her thoughts drifting over the night she’d spent with Jakke.
He had asked about every aspect of her life on Earth before and after the invasion. She had spoken for hours, and the way he held her gaze, asking different questions, Sydney knew he had truly listened. That was rare for a man, or at least, among Human men anyway.
Learning about Jakke’s own family, she’d been fascinated it was so large and that Takkeo was considered something like a teenager. She’d figured out that he was young, as evident when he stood next to Jakke.
“So you’re taking him back to Azziar and then we’re heading back to Earth?” she had asked as they lay facing each other.
His hesitated, but eventually replied, “I told Kollin that we would return to Earth in three weeks.”
“Good. I like you and Takkeo, but I don’t think your friends like me being here.”
“Humans are basically unknown to my people, so they are skeptical. But once they get to know you, they will love you.”
She remembered the feel of his hand stroking her hair. Then he kissed her, effectively silencing the conversation as their bodies joined again.
Sydney blew out a slow breath. The unknown was frightening, and she did want to go home. But when the time came, it would be difficult to leave Jakke. And if she was being honest with herself, the thought of going back into hiding, scrounging for food, and being alone again was…unappealing, to say the least. Until she had rescued Takkeo, she hadn’t been fully conscious of just how lonely her life had become.
Can I really go back to that? she asked herself. To solitude, starving, living in filth and rags, never knowing from one day to the next if I’ll even stay alive? And if I do, what happens when the food supplies run out for good? Where do I go then?
Hastily, Sydney tossed the covers aside and sat up, wincing at the ache between her thighs. Moving slowly, she ambled into the bathroom and turned on the shower, hoping it would ease some of the throbbing. It had been a long time since she’d been that active.
Or maybe never… she thought in wry amusement. That sex-a-thon was one hell of a vigorous workout!
After washing, she dressed in yet another black jumpsuit, something she had come to loathe. Maybe the Azziarins could wear them every day, but Sydney wanted her own clothes back.
Not that they’re actually wearable anymore…
Sighing, she looked around. Now what? This wasn’t her room and she refused to be that woman who waited at home for her man.
Jakke isn’t yours anyway, she reminded herself with a grimace. Besides, I only agreed to give him yesterday and last night for sex. Now we’re supposed to just get to know each other like normal people. Nothing more.
As soon as Sydney plopped down in a chair, she spied the comm unit. Having watched Jakke and Takkeo use it, maybe she could just mimic them and ask for what she wanted.
Placing her hand over it, she heard, “Yes, Commander?”
Huh, it worked.
“Ah…umm, this isn’t the Commander. But can someone please show me back to my room, and is there any way to make some different clothes? I can’t keep wearing the same thing.” Nothing but silence on the other end. “Hello
? Anyone there?”
After a brief pause, a deep voice replied, “Someone will be there soon.”
“Thank you.” She dropped back down into the chair and nervously checked her fingernails.
A few minutes later, Jakke strolled in with a smile on his handsome face. Her cheeks heated, remembering the night before. Her heart danced a happy tune as she pushed up from the chair and threw her arms around his neck, ignoring a distant voice in the back of her mind that screamed this was insane, she barely knew this man. He wrapped his hands around her waist, squeezing before letting go and entwining his fingers with hers.
“My communications officer was very surprised to hear a female’s voice,” he said, grinning.
Sydney knew she must look sheepish. “Sorry. I didn’t know what to do. I woke up and you were gone, so I thought I’d go back to my room and work on a project.”
His smile slipped, his forehead wrinkled. “Why do you want to go to your old room? Why wouldn’t you stay here with me?”
Stepping back in confusion, she frowned. “I said I’d give you yesterday and last night, and then we would get to know each other properly. Remember?”
“I do. But I was hoping that you would change your mind and stay with me.”
“Look, Jakke…I need a little time to process everything. Humans don’t normally rush into a relationship this quickly.”
“So you have said. How about we have first meal, and we can talk.” As he turned, her gaze slid over his shoulder and landed on a huge man propped against the wall. “Sydney, this is Kavvan. He is my second in command and a trusted friend.”
Nervous now, she didn’t know how to react. Stepping around Jakke, she stuck her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you.”
The silence grew uncomfortable as he stared at her outstretched hand. She cringed internally, reminded again that these men were aliens who probably didn’t even know what a handshake was, and jerked it back to her side.
Jakke seemed amused. “A Human custom?”
“Yep.” She rocked back on her heels. “But apparently not something Azziarins do. Should’ve known.”
At the rate my cheeks will remain permanently red! she thought in embarrassment.
Jakke laughed, startling Kavvan, whose eyes widened. And then Jakke held out his hand to her, striking the same pose. Sydney humored him by grabbing it and shaking.
“Very odd,” he commented. “We would generally squeeze to see who could break the other’s hand first.” He laughed again before letting go and wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Ready?”
As they walked side by side, unease coiled tightly around her body. People stared, most sniffing right before their eyes widened in apparent shock. That in itself was a mystery; Sydney was careful to shower after their night of sex.
Unable to withstand the curiosity any longer, she leaned into Jakke and whispered from the side of her mouth, “Why is everyone sniffing, and why do they look so surprised?”
He hesitated again before replying, “It’s a natural instinct we have. We sniff the air around us because we can scent so many things—fear, sex, lies.”
“No you can’t!” Sydney chuckled at the absurdity. “Fear and lies? They don’t have a scent!”
His mouth twitched fighting a smile. “Of course they do. Your primitive nose just does not recognize it.”
With her own smile intact, Sydney took the jab. “Fine, whatever.” And then it hit her.
Sex. They can smell sex!
Abruptly stopping, she spun and whispered, “Wait, I made sure to shower. They still can’t smell that we had sex all night. Can they?”
Jakke took her hand, and as they entered the dining hall, his boisterous laughter had everyone turning to stare. “Don’t worry about such trivial things, Sydney.”
Trivial? Her eyebrows shot straight up. “
Maybe it’s trivial to you, but not to me,” she grumbled. “Humans value privacy, and I’m the only Human—the only woman—aboard!”
Still chuckling, Jakke led her to a table. Sitting down while he went in search of food, Sydney stared straight ahead, desperately trying to ignore the fact that she was surrounded by so many Azziarins—male aliens. She still couldn’t help but notice the sideways glances and low whispers.
A few minutes later, Jakke took a seat next to her while Kavvan sat on the opposite side, facing them.
Sydney tried to ignore everything, but Kavvan’s deep voice drew her attention. “Are you looking forward to seeing Azziar?”
Seeing Azziar?
“Will I even get to? I thought we were dropping Takkeo off and heading back to Earth.” Her eyes bounced between Kavvan and Jakke, who shared a strange look. “That’s the plan, right? You’re taking me back to Earth?”
The silence stretched on, forming a ball of unease in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn’t right and they were hiding it from her.
“I told Kollin we would be back in three weeks,” Jakke finally replied, “but now I’m thinking that you would like to see a new planet while we are there. I could show you around.”
He quirked an eyebrow, waiting
It sounded tempting, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even. But…
“I don’t know. Your people look at me weird. And to be honest, I don’t think they like me being here.”
“We will adjust,” Kavvan offered. “We’re just not used to Humans. Although we travel throughout space, your species has remained a mystery to us. Before the discovery of Earth, we believed we had encountered every species in this galaxy already.”
Everyone stares at new things, she told herself. Even Humans. Or…well, we used to, anyway. Maybe that’s all it is, and the novelty will wear off eventually.
“How many species are there?” she asked.
“Too many to count,” Jakke replied, smiling.
“Tell us about Humans,” Kavvan said.
“I don’t know what to tell you. Before the Tureis came, we had normal lives. I had a job, friends…”
“What kind of job?”
“Medical assistant,” Jakke answered on Sydney’s behalf.
Kavvan raised an eyebrow and Jakke sounded proud. Idly she wondered if that was an unusual profession for a woman on Azziar; certainly, it was common among women on Earth.
“Do you have siblings?” Kavvan asked.
“No, just me,” she replied as melancholy washed over her. A sudden lack of appetite made her push the plate away. “It really is just me.”
“What do you mean?” Kavvan pressed.
“I’m the last surviving member of my family.”
Silence.
“What about the males and females. Do they take mates? Do they have young?” Kavvan asked finally.
Why does he care? she wondered, puzzled.
“Of course,” she replied.
“How does this work?”
Blinking, she began picking at the food. She glanced sideways at Jakke, but his expression gave her no better insight into Kavvan’s thoughts.
“I’m not sure what you’re asking?”
“Some species take only one mate for life, others may take several,” Kavvan explained. “Sometimes, this bond is determined by fate. It is unbreakable.”
“I see.”
“Thus, I am wondering how it is among Humans. Males and females, younglings.”
“Well, Humans generally marry. Family and friends are invited to the gathering. The couple getting married usually dress up—men wear suits, women wear beautiful gowns. White is the most common color for a bridal dress. They take vows in front of witnesses, and a preacher or judge pronounces them husband and wife, and just like that, they’re married.”
“That’s it?” Kavvan looked confused.
“Yep, that’s it.” She paused. “I mean, there’s variations among cultures, and sometimes people just live together, but marriage is what most people do. Then they have children to raise together.”
“What kind of vows do they take?” Jakke
asked, and Kavvan leaned forward to listen.
“Hmm… I’m not sure if I remember them all, but I know they vow to love, honor, and cherish each other in sickness and in health. They vow to be faithful to each other until death.”
Kavvan’s eyes widened in astonishment, darting between her and Jakke, but he remained silent.
“So…what do Azziarins do?” she asked suspiciously, fed up with the cryptic atmosphere.
“We mate for life,” Kavvan replied. “Even after death, we cannot mate another.”
Of all the things Sydney had worried about, she never dreamed…
“That’s awful!”
If they lost their mate, they couldn’t have another one? They weren’t allowed to love again? Images of her parents flashed in her memory. They had died together, but what if one of them had survived? If they lived according to that kind of philosophy, one of them would have been forced to remain alone for the rest of their life. It seemed cruel. Then again, perhaps there was a valid reason…
“Do they get ill if they try to mate someone else, or do they just not want anyone else?” Sydney asked.
Kavvan shrugged. “Neither. It just is not possible.”
“I’m glad I’m Human then,” she mumbled. “On Earth, if couples get married and one of them dies, then the other is free to marry again.” She took another bite of food, mulling over her next words “Oh, and if a guy cheats, then you can divorce his ass and find someone who will treat you better.”
“Divorce?” Kavvan’s eyebrows shot to his hairline.
“Yep. Break the bond.”
An awkward silence descended. Uncomfortable with the conversation, Sydney decided to change the subject. “What’s your planet like?”
“I am not sure how to explain it, since I do not know how it would compare to Earth,” Kavvan replied. “We have a lot of vegetation and trees.”
“Of course you do,” Sydney muttered under her breath. She only realized they’d heard her by their puzzled expressions.
“We have a marketplace to buy goods. Plenty of nearby villages,” Kavvan added, and shrugged.
Could he possibly get any more descriptive? she thought, biting back her own sarcasm.
Jakke (The Azziarin Series Book 1) Page 9