by Olivia Black
“What do you want to do today?” Ael asked.
Grant didn’t want to get out of bed. “Can we just stay home? I don’t really want to go anywhere. I just want to spend time with you.”
Ael sighed. “That sounds wonderful.”
Grant dropped his arms and inched his way out from under Ael. He sat up and leaned over, kissing the male. He moved his lips against Ael’s, sweet and gentle. Now that he had a taste, Grant didn’t think he’d ever get enough. Grant reluctantly pulled back. He lifted his arms over his head and stretched out his back.
“I need a shower,” he told Ael. Grant climbed off the bed. When his feet hit the floor, he turned and asked, “Do you want to join me?”
Ael stared at him for a moment, his yellow eyes searching Grant’s blue globes before he nodded. “I’d like that.”
Ael climbed out of bed. He took Grant’s hand and led him into the bathroom. The male stepped into the stone-carved shower stall and turned a few knobs. The spout overhead turned on, and a giant waterfall poured down in a massive wave. When wisps of steam rose up, Ael pulled Grant into the stall. The heavy stream of water rained down. Grant tilted his head back and closed his eyes. He moaned as the hot water flowed down over his body.
Ael brushed his lips against Grant’s shoulder. His strong arms wrapped around Grant’s waist as the male stepped in close, his chest pressing against Grant’s back. Turning within the male’s arms, Grant ran his fingers through Ael’s long blue hair. He loved touching the soft strands. The blue waves fell loosely around Ael’s shoulders and down the middle of his back. It was sexy. And Grant hadn’t spent nearly enough time touching Ael’s hair.
Grant took a step back. He grabbed the intricately designed glass container of soap off the shelf. Grant pulled the lid off and poured a generous amount out onto the palm of his hand before placing the bottle back where it belonged.
He worked the soap into a lather between his palms, and the scent filled the shower stall. Reaching out, Grant placed both of his hands on the male’s chest. He moved slowly, massaging the soap over Ael’s scaled body, washing, and exploring. He took his time wanting to memorize every line of Ael’s form. Grant lowered himself to his knees in the front of the male as he washed Ael’s thick thighs and legs. When he was done, Grant rose to his feet.
Ael wrapped his arms around Grant’s waist and pulled him close. When their naked bodies touched, Grant moaned. Ael leaned down and captured Grant’s lips in a demanding kiss.
Grant pulled back. “I need to wash your hair.”
Ael sighed as he dropped his arms. The male reached out and grabbed the bottle of soap. He lowered himself to his knees in front of Grant and uncorked the bottle. Grant held out his hand, palm up. Ael poured the liquid into Grant’s hand. Grant worked the soap in between his hands before wiping the palms of his hands over the top of Ael’s head.
He massaged the male’s scalp before working his fingers through the long, blue strands. Ael moaned. The male leaned into Grant’s touch. Grant watched Ael’s face. Ael tilted his head back. He closed his eyes as his mouth curved into a smile.
When Grant was finished washing Ael’s hair, he said, “Lean your head back.”
Ael tilted his head back underneath the water. The bubbles slid down Ael’s body before swirling down the drain. When the soap was rinsed out of Ael’s hair, the male rose to his feet. He sat down on a rock that jutted out from the stone wall.
“Come here,” Ael said. “It’s my turn.”
Without hesitation, Grant climbed onto the male’s lap, curling up. He buried his nose into the side of Ael’s neck and breathed in the male’s scent. He grabbed the soap. Ael balanced Grant on his lap as he started scrubbing him clean. He worked the foamy lather over Grant’s entire body and into his hair.
“You’re so beautiful,” Ael said.
“So are you,” Grant told him.
With a soap-slicked hand, Ael wrapped his palm around Grant’s cock. Grant arched up into the male’s touch. He groaned as Ael slowly jacked his dick from base to tip. Ael’s other hand moved down Grant’s back to his ass. The male teased Grant’s hole with his finger. Ael slid a digit into Grant’s ass, stretching him.
Grant moved back and forth. On each upward stroke, he shoved his cock into Ael’s fist, and when he pushed his hips back, he sank down on Ael’s finger. Grant moaned. He wanted more. Grant wasn’t sure when he’d become so needy. It didn’t seem to matter how many times Ael fucked him. Grant wanted more.
Grant panted. “Fuck me.”
Ael pulled his finger free and positioned the broad head of his erection against Grant’s hole. “Ride me.”
Grant rose up and then slid down, groaning as the male’s huge shaft stretched him. He didn’t stop moving until Ael’s dick was buried deep and he was once against sitting on the male’s lap. Then Grant began to move. Up and down, Grant rotated his hips as he rode the male’s cock.
“Oh.” Grant tilted his head back against Ael’s shoulder. “Oh, Ael, you feel so good.” The male filled him, stuffing him fully.
“I’m not going to last, love,” Ael warned.
His hands gripped Grant’s sides, helping him to move. The male growled as he bucked his hips upward. Ael cried out Grant’s name. His hands tightened on Grant’s hips. The male’s cock pulsed, spunk filling Grant’s hole. Ael’s release triggered his own.
“Ael!” he shouted, spilling his seed into the male’s hand.
He fell back, his body going limp. Ael’s cock throbbed, anchored deep inside of him. Grant leaned into Ael, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. Ael wrapped his left arm around Grant’s waist, holding him firmly. With his right hand, the male cupped Grant’s cheek, gently turning his head.
Ael kissed him, taking his mouth in a drugging kiss. Grant’s head spun. He parted his lips, and Ael pushed his tongue into his mouth. Ael devoured him. Their tongues twisted and rolled, twirling together, dancing in a slow rhythm. Time seemed to stop as the kiss went on and on. When Ael pulled back, ending the kiss, Grant groaned in disappointment.
Ael chuckled lightly, a beautiful smile curving his lips.
In one smooth motion, Ael lifted Grant off his shaft. He helped Grant to his feet before standing up. The water rained down, rinsing him off. They stood there, under the heavy spray, until the temperature cooled.
Ael reached out and turned the knobs, shutting the water off. Grant followed the male out of the stall. The cool air hit him, and a shiver raced up his spine, goosebumps over his flesh. Ael grabbed two towels, handing one off to Grant. He took it gratefully and started drying off, removing the moisture from his skin. He wrapped the towel around his waist, cinching the material at his hip.
Grant followed Ael out of the bathroom. He watched Ael as the male strode over to his wall unit. Ael dropped his towel to the floor and pulled out two silky pajama pants. He put the white silky pair on, adjusting the elastic waist so that they sat low on his hips. When he was done, Ael spun around. He walked over to Grant and pulled his towel free. The male knelt down and held out the pants, pulling the material up Grant’s legs.
Ael grasped Grant’s hand. “It’s time to feed you.”
He led Grant out of the bedroom and into the main living area. The male pulled out a barstool from under the kitchen counter and lifted Grant off his feet, putting him on the chair. Ael brushed a gentle kiss across his forehead. Grant tilted his head back and puckered his lips, silently begging for another kiss. Ael winked. He obviously knew what Grant was craving.
“Food first,” Ael said. “And then I’ll take you to bed and kiss you the rest of the day.”
Grant grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Sixteen
The week had gone by way too fast. When Grant woke up the next morning, he wanted to cry. He couldn’t believe that the placement officer was coming to pick him up from Ael’s home today. This was it. This was the end. Rolling over onto his side, Grant faced Ael. The male was still asleep. So, Grant t
ook the opportunity to let his eyes wander down the male’s body.
He studied each muscle, every curve and dip. His eyes zeroed in on the muscles on either side of Ael’s groin, which formed a “V” and dipped down to his thick cock. Grant licked his lips. The male was beautiful. Incredible. He was absolute perfection. Grant sighed.
Rolling out of bed, Grant was careful not to jostle Ael. He didn’t want to wake up the male. He inched his way to the edge of the bed and stood up. Grant stared down at Ael, taking one last look. He drank in the sight before him, taking a mental picture of Ael’s perfectly formed body. Grant never wanted to forget his time with Ael. They may have had a rough start, but things changed. Grant had fallen in love with the male.
Maybe it was because of the time they spent together or perhaps it was because they really were meant to be. He stared down at Ael, enjoying the last precious moments in the male’s presence. Ael rolled to his side, and a quiet moan slipping past his lips.
Grant stepped away from the bed. Turning on his heel, Grant walked out of Ael’s bedroom and into the guest room. He was tempted to glance back, to take a second look at Ael, but he forced himself to keep moving. He grabbed the Sweshian-issued jumpsuit from the wall unit and put it on. When he was dressed, Grant strolled through Ael’s home.
Each step was harder than the last, every fiber of his being screaming at him to go back, but he couldn’t. Grant didn’t want to say good-bye. He was afraid he might break down and cry. But it was more than that. He was concerned about how Ael would react. The male had already lost four potential mates, and Grant didn’t want him to have to go through it again. He didn’t want to break Ael’s heart or cause him any pain.
Grant’s eyes filled with moisture, and his lower lip trembled. This was a lot harder than he thought it would be. One week. Seven days. Their time was officially over. And he was in love. It seemed impossible, but it was easy to love Ael. The male was kind and gentle and beautiful.
Grant touched the button on the wall, and the front door slid open. He stepped over the threshold into the hallway, and the door closed behind him. Grant stood there for a moment, trying to gather his strength. It was incredibly hard considering his heart was still in the bedroom with Ael. Grant straightened his back and squared his shoulders. With his head held high, he walked down the hallway, heading toward the elevator.
When Grant reached the clear cylinder, he leaned his back against the wall across from it, needing the support. Grant slid to the ground and lifted his knees to his chest. He wrapped his arms around his shins and tucked his chin to his chest, rolling into a tight ball. Time had no meaning as Grant sat there, waiting for the placement officer’s arrival.
When the elevator door opened, and Grant glanced up. The placement officer stood there staring down at him, concern marring his brow.
“Grant,” the male said.
Grant sighed. “I’m ready to go.” He pushed himself up off the ground and walked toward the elevator.
“Are you okay?” Paed asked, unease lacing his words.
“I’m ready to go,” Grant repeated.
He stepped onto the cylinder, and the door closed, sealing them inside. Paed pressed a button, and the elevator dropped down.
“What happened?”
Grant shook his head. “Nothing.”
The male didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press Grant for answers. He simply said, “We need to go to medical.”
“For the pregnancy test, right?”
“Yeah.”
Grant didn’t say another word. He folded his arms across his chest to keep from fidgeting and simply stood beside Paed. When the cylinder door opened, they stepped out and started walking toward the medical building.
Paed broke the silence by asking, “Are you okay?”
Grant sighed. “I don’t want anyone else. I don’t want to be taken to another male. I love Ael.”
“I’m sorry,” Paed said, his voice low and sincere. He patted Grant’s shoulder. It was a friendly gesture. The male was trying to be supportive, and Grant appreciated his kindness. “I’ve been a placement officer for a long time. I know this is difficult. But, trust me, you’ll fall in love many more times before you find your mate.”
Grant shook his head, rejecting Paed’s words. He refused to believe that there was anyone else in Sweshan meant for him. Ael was the only male he wanted. They belonged together.
“Do you think…I mean…” he sighed. “Is there any way that I could be pregnant?”
Paed opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. He was silent for a moment before saying, “I don’t want to lie to you or give you any false hope.”
“Tell me, please,” he pleaded. “Just tell me.”
“It’s never happened before.”
Icy tentacles of fear wrapped around Grant’s heart. He’d been hoping Ael was his mate. The realization that he would never belong to Ael shattered his heart completely. Grant’s brows drew together, and he glanced at Paed. “It’s never happened?”
Paed shook his head. “I’m sorry, Grant.”
A wave of emotion swept through him. The backs of his eyes burned, and tears welled at the rim. Grant pulled his lower lip into his mouth and bit down, desperately trying to banish the tears that threatened to spill down his cheeks. Grant didn’t want to cry. If he started now, he wouldn’t be able to stop. He did his best to pull himself together and lock away his feelings.
When they reached the medical building, Doctor Talr was there to greet them. “Good day, Grant. It’s good to see you again.” The warmth of Talr’s smile echoed in his voice.
Grant tried to smile, but it was strained. “Good day, Doctor.”
“How are you feeling?”
He shrugged in response. Grant felt like hell, but he couldn’t say that to Talr. He just wanted to get this test over with. The sooner he knew the results, the better.
“Come with me,” Talr said. The male held out his arm, motioning toward a hallway lined with closed doors. “The test won’t take long. Paed, wait here. I’ll be back to give you an update.”
Paed nodded. “I know the drill, Doctor.”
The doctor escorted Grant down the hallway. Talr stopped. He pressed a button on the wall, and the door slid open. Grant stepped over the threshold, walking into a small, private room. Talr joined him, closing the door behind them.
Grant turned and asked, “Do you have a mate?”
Talr shook his head. “No.”
“Do you want one?”
A pained expression crossed Talr’s face, and Grant knew there was a story behind that look, but he didn’t think the good doctor would share it with him.
“I’m in love with Ael,” Grant told him. “I don’t want to be given to another male. Are you his friend? You and Ael, are the two of you friends?”
The male nodded. “I consider Ael to be a friend.”
“He didn’t want me.” Grant smiled sadly, remembering the first time he saw Ael. “When I arrived at his door, Ael told the placement officer to take me away. He didn’t want another human. He didn’t want to open his heart to me. But, after we spent some time together, things changed. We fell in love. “So…” His voice broke. “I’m asking you to help me. Please. I want to stay with Ael.”
“Are you asking me to lie?” Talr asked in a low voice.
Grant nodded and said, “Yes.”
Talr studied Grant. The male looked conflicted. Grant sucked in a sharp breath as he waited for Talr’s answer.
“I wish I could help you.” Grant could sense the truth in Talr’s voice. “But we can’t lie. It’s impossible to fake a pregnancy. Everyone would know the truth within a few months.”
His shoulders dropped in disappointment. Grant knew it was a long shot, but he still had to ask. Glancing around the room, Grant asked, “Do I need to put on a medical gown for the test?”
Talr shook his head. “That’s not necessary.”
“Where do you want me?”
“Just stand on the square.” Talr pointed to a square that had been carved out of stone in the center of the room. “The machine will scan your body, and we’ll find out if you’re pregnant.”
Grant moved to the center of the room. He stood on the square at attention, his body ramrod straight. A thick beam of light ran over his entire body. Grant turned his head and watched as a 3D image of his insides appeared beside him. He closed his eyes, pinching his lids tightly shut, blocking out the image. Fear kept him from taking a peek. He didn’t want to see the test results.
“Grant,” Talr said, gaining his attention.
Grant took a deep breath. He forced himself to open his eyes and stared at the doctor.
The male smiled. “You’re going to be a father.”
Grant’s brows pinched together. “What?” Grant asked, unsure if he’d heard correctly.
“You’re pregnant,” Talr said, his voice soft, his gaze warm.
Grant gasped. “What?”
“I can’t believe it.” Talr chuckled lightly. “Nobody has ever found their mate in the first week.” He pointed to the image. “See that little peanut-sized shape…that’s your baby.”
“What?”
Grant stared at the 3D image. Even though Doctor Talr was telling him he was pregnant, even though he saw the proof, Grant was afraid to believe.
“It’s true, Grant,” he said, his voice soft, his gaze warm. “You are pregnant with Ael’s child.”
“Oh my God.”
A smile trembled over his lips. Grant touched his stomach, running a hand over his flat abdomen. Tears filled his eyes, falling down his cheeks, unchecked. The emotional relief was so overwhelming that a sob was ripped from his throat. Grant started weeping. At this moment, he felt vulnerable and weak, but he couldn’t hold back. He couldn’t bury the emotions.
Grant could barely speak, but he asked, “Is this real?”
“This is real,” Talr confirmed. The doctor walked over to him. The male wiped Grant’s cheeks, removing the tears from his face. “Come on.” He held out his arm. “I’ll escort you back home to your mate. I’m sure Ael is missing you terribly.”