Auctioned

by Stone, Piper

  Lieutenant Tragon stiffened, finally nodding. “Yes, sir. I will inform our troops.”

  I watched as he walked off, the smug attitude that had become inflammatory. What I did know was that ignoring the king’s rules wasn’t in my best interest. I was taking special care of her.

  And I would find out why.

  I waved my hand across the panel, allowing entrance to the sparse room.

  For all the brutality I’d administered over the years, the decades of wars in which I’d commanded a ship, the requirement to bring this particular human back to my planet was daunting.

  I eased her down onto the cot located within the bars, studying her for a few minutes. She certainly wasn’t formidable in this regard, her long hair hanging in strings across her porcelain face, her breathing irregular. Yet somehow, I was drawn to her.

  At least her muscles were beginning to relax. I took a few seconds, gently lifting her hip and studying the red marks created by the ugly masked human. Another round of anger rushed into my system. I yanked a vial from my pocket. The soothing compound would eliminate the redness and the sting within seconds. The moment I brushed my finger along one of them, her eyes snapped open.

  “Relax, little human. I’m not going to hurt you. This will help with your pain.”

  “Fuck. You,” she managed, gritting her teeth.

  I ignored her, rolling her over and administering some of the lotion to every mark, finally easing her onto her back. She glared at me in the same way she had before.

  A mixture of hatred as well as confusion regarding her hunger. When she closed her eyes once again, I moved to a standing position, still staring down at her, my throat parched from the intensity of my own desire.

  Seconds later, I backed out of the cell, my thoughts drifting to what the sergeant had said. Why would the president want to have a word with me? While I was in control of the prisoners who were transferred, there were others of our kind who held more clout and a larger audience with our king.

  She would sleep off the effects of the drug. Perhaps then we would talk.

  I had no sooner turned my back when I felt nails raking down both sides of my neck as the human attacked, a screech of battle erupting from her lungs. I managed to push her away, shifting to face her. She lunged toward me, wrapping her legs around my hips.

  “You bastard!” the human cried, almost managing to jam her fingers into my eye.

  While she was much stronger than she appeared, the human was no match for my brawn. Within seconds, I tossed her onto the floor, crouching down and snapping my hand around her throat. “I suggest you learn your place.” I’d learned just enough about her to know she’d been trained in certain levels of martial arts as well as weaponry, her tenacious attitude certainly more than I’d encountered before.

  When she smiled, dragging her tongue across her lips, my cock twitched. I hadn’t known such hunger for any female in years. She seemed to know exactly what she was doing to me, able to slide her hand to my crotch, nearly crushing my cock in her fingers.

  I issued a low-slung growl before easily yanking both her arms over her head, placing both wrists into one hand. “You will stop fighting me.”

  “Or what?” she asked before hissing, her strong legs almost able to knock me to the side.

  She had no idea what she was doing to me, the beast rising to the surface.

  I was unable to control my emotions or the way my entire body had reacted to her. I would have her. I would take her.

  And there was nothing she could do about it.

  I yanked the ugly sheath she’d been forced to wear up to her waist then moved between her legs.

  “You think you’re man enough to take me?”

  “I am your master. You need to accept that right now.” I was almost blinded by lust, taking gulping breaths as I yanked at the fasteners on my uniform.

  She continued struggling even though I was able to gather a scent of her desire and the wild look in her eyes told me that she was aware of our intense connection. The electricity shot through me like wildfire, enrapturing every muscle and tendon. Even as she glared at me, her body was already yielding, her nipples hard as perfect little pebbles.

  There was no stopping the creature clawing at the surface or the need building to a frenzy. I threw my head back, issuing a roar the moment I released my cock. When I slowly lowered my gaze, locking eyes with hers, I could see the intensity of her thirst, the same vibrant hum that I knew we would always share.

  “I am going to fuck you,” I said almost in passing.

  She snarled, bucking hard against the hold I had. “You can take my body, but you will never... never own me. Freak.”

  Her ugly words only fueled me, my hunger raging off the charts. I used my knees, kicking her legs wide open before lowering down until our lips were almost touching. “And I will own you. Every. Single. Inch.”

  Her eyes were lit up with hatred even though her mouth twisted in passion. As I crushed my lips against hers, I thrust the entire length of my cock inside. The way her pussy muscles clamped around the thick invasion immediately ignited a wildfire from deep within. I couldn’t get enough of her, pumping in and out in a barbaric manner.

  Casey.

  I said her name over and over again in my mind, relishing the fact I was taking her. While I’d never been a barbarian in this way, the feel of her sweet body underneath mine felt so right.

  As if we were meant to be together.

  The thought was ridiculous, blasphemous. No human was ever supposed to belong to me.

  But I took her still, driving in long and even strokes.

  The kiss was wild, more passionate than I’d experienced in years, our tongues slashing back and forth as I drank in her sweet essence. I shifted back and forth, driving my cock even deeper inside and I could feel her back arching, yearning for me.

  Hungering for me.

  Giving into me.

  And I took every part of her, driving my cock straight into her womb.

  When I broke the kiss, I nipped her bottom lip, fighting my anger as she chuckled as if this meant nothing. I had difficulty breathing, my focus only driven on taking her to the height of my needs.

  Her eyes never left mine as I fucked her, a wry smile on her face further adding to the mystery and the desire. She was truly formidable in every manner.

  When she wrapped her legs around mine, digging her heels in, I knew exactly what she was planning. I slapped her arms against the cold floor, a mere reminder that I had full control.

  “Fuck you,” she whispered, even as her eyes closed, her ragged breathing an indication of the pleasure I was giving her.

  “You will obey me.”

  “Over my dead body.”

  I fisted her hair, holding her in place as my balls swelled to the point of agony. I did everything I could to hold back, to keep from erupting deep inside. When I glanced into her eyes again, she smiled in the most provocative manner, clenching her muscles until my cock could do nothing else but expand, the nodules that were a part of my anatomy expanding.

  “Oh. Oh. Oh...” Her mouth opened wide, her whimpers turning into moans of ecstasy. “I... I...”

  I knew the second she’d reached a climax, her entire face shimmering even in the ugly dim lighting. As her body convulsed, quivering uncontrollably under me, I finally allowed myself to let go, filling her with my seed.

  And now we were connected, she and I.

  Something that no man or beast could ever break.

  As she pushed her palms against my chest, her eyes shimmering, I knew with certainty that she was meant to be mine.

  I threw my head back one last time, roaring to the very Gods above.

  Fate had intervened.

  But at what price?

  * * *

  “King Lorowerd,” I stated as I lowered my head out of respect. His communication was somewhat unexpected. He usually left me alone unless there was an issue. “Is everything all right?”

&n
bsp; “Absolutely,” Aramel stated with the usual twinkling in his eyes. “I understand the Dark Resistance is very... active.”

  He was being careful about his choice of words. “They have become an issue, although I daresay President Silvio is up to something.”

  “Meaning?”

  I shifted from foot to foot. “Meaning I was requested by one of his soldiers to meet with him. The man was insistent I do so or face consequences.”

  King Lorowerd laughed. “From what I know about President Marchant, the man is a pig. You have your standing orders, Commander. You are to return home.”

  “As you wish, sir.”

  “Now, I understand you secured the last of the prisoners for the week?”

  I shifted into a standing position, studying the king who’d survived so many wars, the loss of almost one million of our people. At his advanced age, so many worried about his cognitive abilities. Still, he was a formidable soldier, although his leadership abilities left a bad taste in my mouth. He simply wasn’t ready to retire. I admired his stamina, his fortitude for life.

  “They are finally secure and ready for transport tomorrow. I assume the next auction is in place.”

  “Excellent and yes, awaiting your return. We have almost four dozen of our finest prepared to bid on the new arrivals. Very exciting,” Aramel said as he lifted a goblet, the gilded and jeweled piece no doubt filled with one of our country’s finest aphrodisiacs, preparing him for a night of passion with a concubine. His tastes in women, including his treatment of them, troubled me.

  “That many?” The auction was growing more popular. It seemed that every wealthy Malzeon hungered to own a pet. A status symbol.

  “Yes, truly amazing if you ask me.” He leaned forward, moving the goblet from hand to hand.

  “Is there something on your mind, King?”

  I could tell he was studying me. I’d often been called one of his favorites, something several of the other commanders held against me. His relationship with my father was undoubtedly the reason.

  “You have been a formidable commander, Draze. I admire your skills in every manner. You’ve certainly grown over the years and are worthy of your position.”

  “Thank you, King.”

  He rolled his eyes, issuing a snort. “Oh, come now. We are friends. You can call me by my name, dear Draze.”

  We would never be friends. He was simply my king and I was his loyal soldier. I would respect his position.

  When I said nothing, he exhaled, easing his drink on the small table next to him. “This prisoner that nearly escaped, she is interesting and should make for a fascinating pet. Do you agree?”

  I could tell he was testing me.

  “I am certain she will delight everyone participating.” I cringed, thinking about my carnal interest in her. I could still taste her sweet lips and my cock twitched at the thought.

  He chuckled, as if able to read my thoughts. “To that end, I believe she deserves to learn a taste of our culture prior to being placed on the auction block. She is rebellious from what I understand.”

  “She is a detective... Aramel.” What the hell was he getting at?

  “A detective. How fascinating. I wonder what she has been investigating.” He rubbed his chin. “She’s very much of interest to me. It is your right to take and enjoy any prisoner as you see fit, punishing them as necessary in preparation for their arrival on our planet. To date, you have never partaken in the gift offered to you.” The king rose to a standing position.

  I cocked my head, watching his ever-changing facial expressions. “I had no interest.” That was mostly true.

  Until laying eyes on the detective.

  Until taking her like the true savage I was.

  “Well then, I feel the need to give you your last standing order on this particular mission. You are needed here, standing by my side.”

  “And what is that?” I asked between clenched teeth. Why would he require me to take a human? That was unusual on several levels. What I could tell is that he already had more knowledge regarding her than I’d originally thought.

  He leaned down until only his face was in view of the system. “You will be the one who can break her. I want her primed and ready prior to the auction.”

  “Why does she matter in any regard?”

  King Lorowerd took a deep breath. “I have my reasons, which will become known to you if necessary. She must learn her place.”

  I held back any nasty words, realizing instantly that this was not only a challenge but also a test. For what remained to be determined. “I will do what I can.”

  “You will do what’s necessary,” he countered, sniffing before easing back. “You will do what is good for our people.”

  “Is she of some danger to our people?” The words left my mouth before thinking about the ramifications.

  I could see the anger flashing in his eyes before he finally offered a smile. “She is... an interesting find. I will leave it at that. Just follow orders or you might find yourself in harm’s way.”

  I nodded out of respect, although I had the terrible feeling there was more to this conversation than he wanted to tell me.

  Aramel paced back and forth, his index finger placed on his mouth. When he turned back toward the camera, he has a distinct twinkle in his eyes. “I am changing the rules of the auction tomorrow night.”

  “King?”

  “Yes, it is my prerogative after all. Being allowed to participate in the auction is a desired position but only for the upper echelon of our society.” He hesitated and I knew on purpose. “I want you to bid on the auction the female is in. In fact, I want you to purchase her as your own.”

  “What?” I heard the contempt in my voice. “I don’t understand, King.” This was very unusual. None of the commanders or other soldiers had ever been allowed to participate.

  “It is my prerogative and I believe you need a female counterpart in your life.”

  “A counterpart? She would be nothing more than a slave.” He was bothered by whatever this girl knew.

  “As you know, I’m not a young man any longer, Draze. I need to make certain those under my stead are well taken care of. You have been honorable over the years and it’s time you receive a reward.”

  While I understood what he was giving me should be considered a gift, I was angry beyond words. He wasn’t confiding in me. What the hell was really going on? I bit back my rage and simply gave him another nod. He is my king. I will follow his orders. And of course, I would without question. He had no need to learn I’d already tasted her. “I’m not questioning you, King Lorowerd, but what about the patrons who strongly believe only they deserve this... perk?”

  “Do not defy me, Commander, or you will find yourself in one of our work camps. I hope I am clear.”

  The words weren’t something I was expecting. When the king ended the broadcast abruptly, I stood quietly in the same position, attempting to decipher the conversation. While I didn’t like being used in any manner, I would follow my required orders.

  For now.

  I had the distinct feeling our world and our people were in significant danger.

  I took a deep breath and clenched my fist, slamming it on the console of the communication system. I didn’t like being used as a pawn. I’d heard what humans called rumors from some of my own soldiers, blasphemous tales of difficulties surfacing on Malzeon. If any of them were remotely true, our world and our people were in trouble.

  The words of Sergeant Sykes entered my mind. The asshole had been getting at something, trying to lure me into a meeting. Why?

  Losing our control over the solar system wasn’t an option. We had far too many enemies, the majority building their armies in an effort to destroy us, taking back what we’d conquered eons before. Why did I have the wretched feeling that Aramel Lorowerd was leading our people in that direction?

  I’d been forced to place the detective in lockdown, little more than a similar type of cage she’d b
een tossed into after her arrest. She’d glared at me, the hate returning into her eyes after our moments of sheer passion. I knew she had designs on killing me if possible. I almost laughed at the thought.

  My surroundings here on Earth were crude, little more than a secured bunker for myself and the few men serving alongside me. I knew what the king wanted, the woman’s body to be disciplined and used until she was ready to lash out at everyone during the selection process.

  Of course, she was already labeled a prime contestant. Humans believed they had some kind of power with regard to the treaty made. This New World Order, as the recent government change had been called, certainly had altered our communications with the humans. I wasn’t the only commander who believed the humans were planning some form of subterfuge. They would be annihilated if any of us found out this was the truth.

  At least I would get to go home.

  As if I knew what home meant any longer. I’d been away far too long, the same with other commanders, our planet’s protection left to soldiers who’d been specifically trained to protect a world that had seen far too many decades of battle.

  But it was still home, a place that held dear memories.

  Sharing my world with a human female wasn’t something I’d wanted. I knew there was more to the king’s message. And even if I not only hungered for the human female but felt a connection, it was one that could mean an end to all I knew.

  Now I had to find out what that meant. If not, I knew in my heart the world I’d grown up in, the one I treasured with all my heart would end.

  Total annihilation.

  Chapter Four

  Draze

  Anger.

  Darkness.

  Both emotions were threatening to drive me into madness. That couldn’t happen. I felt the weight of our survival on my shoulders.

  I stormed down the bleak hallway, heading in direction of the makeshift prison. The others who’d been selected were already safely on my ship. Only the female remained. That would assure us privacy while I... fulfilled my duty.