by Hope Hart
He studies me. “We will see.”
He steps closer, and I fight a blush, gritting my teeth at the effect he has on me. I can’t even blame it on the wine. Right now, I feel stone, cold sober.
Everyone in the room seems to collectively hold their breath as he leans even closer, and I stand still as a statue as he nuzzles into my neck. Sharp teeth catch my earlobe, and I refuse to flinch, certain he’s testing me somehow. He releases my earlobe, and then without warning, sinks his teeth lightly into my neck. The hair on the back of my neck rises in response to the threat of his teeth so close to my jugular, and my hand itches for my gun at the insult.
He leans back. “You impress me.” He turns to his men. “I’ll take a finger as a favor to my mate.”
I open my mouth and he simply shakes his head. “This insult cannot pass.”
I turn to Tim and feel Varian stiffen behind me as my attention leaves him.
“Are you right or left handed?” I mutter.
“Right.”
His voice is tight, and he’s obviously terrified as I negotiate for his body parts. Varian may think the insult bad enough to be worth losing a finger, but Tim’s only doing what we’ve all been trying to do- fight for the human race. Unfortunately, calling me a bitch was the wrong way to go about it.
“One finger on his left hand.” I say.
Varian studies me, and then waves a hand at Jaret. I mentally curse. Of course it would be him.
Varian reaches out and moves me to the side. “You will look away, mate.”
My eyes meet his, and I shake my head. If he’s going to do this, the least I can do is witness it. And he can feel every single emotion and reaction as I watch.
He clenches his jaw and then nods at Jaret. Another guard grasps Tim’s hand, holding it outstretched while Jaret pulls out a lethal-looking knife.
My mouth waters ominously, and I’m sure I’m about to lose my stomach.
Varian hold up a hand suddenly, and everyone freezes.
He turns to me. “If you look away, he may choose the finger.”
Tim’s pleading eyes catch mine, and I nod. Varian leads me further away, and I flinch as Tim’s scream fills the air.
“You’re barbaric,” I spit.
Varian’s hand tightens on my arm. “Your people let children be slaughtered in their places of learning and allow people to die if they’re too poor to see a healer. Be very careful about throwing rocks little mate.”
“Throwing stones,” I mutter, and manage to wrench my arm from his grip.
Brin steps forward, and Varian allows him to use his weird healing wand to heal the wound. The room stills again at Varian’s voice.
“Let this be a warning to anyone who things to touch, or speak so disrespectfully to your Queen,” I feel Blake’s eyes on me, and stare at the ground. “I will not be so lenient again. No matter how merciful my mate.”
Varian
I know I have once again mis-stepped, and I eye Harlow in frustration. Her skin is pale, and she is even more distant than usual after the incident with the human man. The bands on my wrists burn, communicating my mate’s unhappiness- as if I could not see it in her curved spine and slumped shoulders.
She thinks our race cruel and barbaric, yet my men would consider any further leniency to be an insult.
I grit my teeth as I watch her poke at her food. I’ve collected three of the best human chefs on Earth to cook for her, and she will barely look at her dinner.
“What?” She asks, tone disinterested.
“Why do you not eat your food? You cannot afford to lose any more weight, little human.” I scan her body and I’m hit with the realization that she looks thin and frail. The past weeks have been damaging, and she hasn’t been eating as she should. I stand taller. That ends now. I realize that until she sees the healers in Arcavia and is given the Alni plant, something as simple as malnutrition or sickness could kill her.
“I’m not very hungry.”
“You will eat.”
Her nose wrinkles. “A man just lost his finger. Forgive me for not having much of an appetite.
“I was merciful!” I roar, and she jolts in surprise. I feel a flash of fear from the mating bands and immediately quiet my voice. I don’t like it when Harlow fears me. I like it when she tilts her head and gives me a sarcastic reply, or clenches her fists and yells at me.
“The only reason I left him with his hand is because you asked publicly, and my people like you. Never before would someone who dared to touch an Arcav Queen be shown such mercy!”
She narrows her eyes at me but says nothing, looking away. I know this trick. Humans call it the silent treatment, and I decide that I hate it almost as much as when she is afraid.
The SSA Dominion shudders suddenly, preparing for takeoff. We won’t feel any movement soon, but the engineers need to ensure the anti-gravity systems are ready.
“What was that?” Harlow rises from her seat and walks to the wall, adjusting the controls until the window becomes clear, allowing her to see outside. It pleases me that she is beginning to learn the ship already, even if she is doing so in an attempt to escape.
We slowly begin to rise, and she stares at Earth as it begins to get smaller and further away.
“What’s happening?”
“You know what is happening, mate,” I say patiently. “We are going back to Arcavia.”
“You didn’t tell me it would be happening right this minute!”
“No.” I rarely explain myself, but I know I must learn. For her. “It would have been another reason for you to be upset.”
I felt the reaction she had simply docking onto this ship. In her head, she was expecting this to happen, but I’m sure some part of her was still hoping for a reprieve. I bite back angry words at the thought.
She throws me a chilling look, and then turns back to the window. I hear a choking sound and step forward. Is she hurt?
I move like lightening as Harlow falls to the ground, strange noises coming from her. It sounds almost like howling. She attempts to push me away as I reach for her face, and I jolt as I realize it’s wet.
I hits me at once as her shoulders shake and she curls up next to the window. My mate is crying. Crying like her heart is breaking.
Harlow
I don’t leave the bed for two days. I can sense Varian’s unhappiness down the bonds, but can’t bring myself to care. I’m overdue for this breakdown. In the back of my mind, I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but half of me wonders if that light is really just an impending train.
Varian does his best not to leave my side. He grows frustrated and concerned when I refuse food, but for once, I’m not trying to spite him- I just genuinely have no appetite. The thought of food revolts me, and all I want to do is sleep.
Slowly, my anger begins to give way to numbness, and this seems to infuriate Varian further.
At one point, I’m returning from the bathroom when I find Varian sitting on the bed. He gives me an approving look.
“It is good to see you on your feet.”
“Don’t get excited, I’m going back to bed,” I snap, and even that takes effort. I embrace the numbness again, and it greets me like an old lover as I stumble back to bed.
Varian stands. “I would like to talk.”
“I don’t care.”
“We have things to discuss.”
“We have nothing to discuss.”
His horns straighten, and I simply stare at him, wondering how long this mantrum will last and when I’ll be able to bury myself back in my blankets.
“I have received some… advice to help us through this time.”
“I don’t need any help.”
“You forget,” he growls, “I can feel your emotions. We need to talk about these dark feelings.”
“I didn’t forget anything!” I hiss. It turns out my rage is easy to find when I reach for it.
“You want to know what I’m feeling?” I laugh humorlessl
y. “Fine. Take it!” I throw my head back and scream wordlessly, vocalizing all my fury, powerlessness, frustration, and anguish. I let myself feel the disgust I’ve been suppressing, and my embarrassment for catching feelings for the leader of the species that invaded my planet.
I howl as I think about the career I lost, the niece I won’t get to see born, and the friends I’ll outlive. I think of Blake, and the career and freedom he’s lost, and the public scene with Tim and his missing finger. I give one final whimper as I think about my cat Tom, and the way he’d nuzzle me awake in the morning, waking me up with his kibble breath.
And then I stop, panting.
Varian is deathly pale, and falls to his knees with a thump. I can’t find it in me to feel any sympathy, and we simply stare at each other in silence for one fraught moment.
“You want my feelings?” I whisper harshly. “I hope you choke on them.”
Chapter 20
Harlow
I’m exhausted after my breakdown, and curl into fetal position in bed. I get impatient and annoyed when I wake to see Varian beside me, either next to me in bed, or lounging in an armchair, eyes glowing as he watches over me in the dark. And then I feel resentful and annoyed when I wake up and he’s not there, called away by one of his advisors, who seem to constantly interrupt him, murmuring in low voices.
I know I’m being unreasonable- the guy can’t win with me, and it’s worsened by the fact that he can continually feel everything I’m feeling at any time. Slowly, my anger begins to give way to numbness again, and this seems to worry Varian more. Once, I snap at him to leave, and he simply shakes his head, eyes searching my face.
“Ask anything of me, Harlow, but not that. Never that.”
I’m close to hissing out a demand for space, when I feel the deep sense of protectiveness inside him, likely urging him to force me to eat, and I sigh, roll over and ignore him some more.
On the third morning, I can feel determination radiating off Varian as he enters the bedroom. I’m sick of my own company and tired of wallowing. I’ve never been a sulker, and distantly, I know I need to move on and begin accepting my new life.
The thought is a bitter one, and I hear Varian growl lightly as his glowering face appears in front of me.
“Enough, mate. I’ve let you ‘process’ like the human doctors said, but today you’ll leave this bed.”
His tone immediately makes me bristle, and a part of me wants to stay in bed simply because of his highhandedness.
I’m too bored of staring at these white walls though, and I sit up slightly. Varian’s eyes widen and I feel a jolt of surprise from him, but he quickly recovers and reaches for a bowl of something warm and fragrant. My stomach growls as the smell hits me, and I reach for it eagerly, delighted to find chicken soup.
A pang of sadness shoots through me as I take a bite.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Varian’s face is a picture of frustration.
I sigh. “My mom used to make chicken soup for me when I was sick or sad. It reminds me of her.”
If she was here, she would tell me to get my ass out of bed and into the shower, and it’s that thought that has me sitting up straighter and shoveling in more soup. Varian hands me a glass of water, and I can feel his pleasure at the sight of me eating.
He’s not off the hook though.
“Why did you bring HAA with you?” I ask.
His brows lower. “We gave them a choice. Maximum security prison on Earth, or the chance to start a new life on Arcavia- with constant supervision, of course.”
“They hate you, so you decided to remove them from their home and dump them on your planet?”
“They proved they cannot be trusted,” he shrugs, and gives me a warning look as I place my spoon back in my bowl, no longer hungry.
His expression turns crafty. “I have a human woman who wants to talk to you,” he says. “But you can only see her if you finish your meal.”
“Why does everything have to be a bargain with you?”
“Because my mate is refusing to look after herself, so I must speak her language.”
I roll my eyes, but take another bite, curious about this human woman.
“Who is she?”
“You will meet her when you have finished,” he says, and I can tell from the mulish expression on his face that he won’t be convinced otherwise.
“Is she HAA?”
He shakes his head once, and then gesture toward the soup. I’m stuffed at this point, my stomach having shrunk over the past few days, but I know I probably need the nutrition.
I finish and hand him the empty bowl. “Just let me shower first.”
Varian nods and leads me into the bathroom. I’ve used the facilities but haven’t yet bathed, and I blush as I realize I mustn’t be smelling too fresh at this point.
“This bathing chamber is voice activated, but this panel will also allow you to choose how you bathe” Varian explains. “There are two modes of cleaning- a human shower, and an Arcav clean cycle.”
“What’s the Arcav clean cycle?”
“Undress and I will show you.”
I pause and he simply stares back, challenge in his eyes. I shrug. Not like it’s anything he hasn’t seen before. He seems almost disappointed when I give up without a fight, dropping his pants to the ground and pulling off my t-shirt.
All-encompassing lust vibrates through the mating bands, and I feel my nipples tighten in response to his need, but he simply gestures for me to step into the chamber, and presses a small button. I jump as warm steam shoots out from thousands of minuscule holes I hadn’t noticed throughout the chamber. It’s sweet-smelling but not overpowering, and the steam seems to go through several cycles as I stand in the chamber. Finally, I’m damp and clean, and I pull a lock of my hair toward me. Also clean.
Huh.
“That was quick, but can you show me how to take a human shower? I just want to feel warm water on my skin.”
Varian’s eyes darken at my declaration, but he shows me which button to press, and I squeal as water shoots out at me from all directions. His low chuckle sounds, and I push hair off my face to glare at him. He presses a few more buttons until the streams of water are just coming from a few directions- similar to a human shower with multiple shower heads.
He turns and reaches into a cupboard, and my mouth drops open as he hands me bottles of shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash- all of them my preferred brands. As usual, I’m torn between feeling charmed and cared for and annoyed at his stalker tendencies.
This time though, I simply smile at him. “Thank you.”
Again, I feel surprise radiating from the bands on my wrists, and I sigh. I’ve been so hostile that Varian is shocked when I show the least bit of gratitude or politeness. I’ve let this entire situation turn me into someone I barely recognize, and I feel ashamed. Regardless of everything that’s happened between us, we seem to be stuck together- at least until I can find a way back to Earth.
Varian grins at me in response, and I can feel his pride that he has pleased me in this tiny way. My traitorous heart stops at his smile, and he obviously feels it, stepping closer.
He groans. “Please, Harlow. I need you.”
I can feel that need, and it pushes my own need even higher. I nod, even as he strides into the stream of water, tearing off his shirt.
Varian shucks his pants and lifts me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. His hard cock presses into me, but for now he stares into my eyes, growling slightly when I look away. He turns my face back to him and kisses me. My eyes flutter shut as he explores my mouth with long, lingering kisses.
He moves from my mouth down to my neck, placing kisses against my most sensitive spots. I groan, impatient and ready for more, but he seems to be in no hurry.
“Varian…”
“Yes?”
I glare up at him, annoyed that he seems to have more control than I do.
�
��Fuck me.”
He grins, and then his brow furrows and eyes darken as he slides his palms further down my ass and shifts me until I’m grinding against him, eyes rolling back at the feel of him hard against my clit.
One large finger slides inside me, and I clamp down, moaning. I’m on the edge, and he immediately removes his finger, replacing it with his cock. He thrusts into me in one move, pulling me down and making sure to hit my clit.
I throw my head back as water pounds down on us, and he pulls back, setting up a slow, steady rhythm. My nails are scraping along his shoulders as I hang on, desperate for more.
He nuzzles into my shoulder, and then bites down, and I groan as I clamp down, body trembling as warmth washes over me and I come harder than I’ve come in my life.
Varian leads me out of the bathroom, and I follow him on somewhat shaky legs. I feel like I’ve had a few cups of coffee, combined with the world’s best massage.
He points to a closet I’ve completely ignored. I open it and find a variety of clothes, from full-length ball gowns to shorts, and even the flowing pants he seems to love.
“Huh.”
I’m somewhat surprised that he’s not the type to try to control what I wear. The closet is packed with a mix of human and Arcavian clothes, and I pull out a pair of jeans and loose sweater.
I’ve never been particularly high-maintenance, and the appreciative look in Varian’s eye tells me I don’t need makeup. I pull my hair into a ponytail as he opens another door, stepping back so I can enter a large room packed with gel chairs, sofas, and large, comfortable-looking armchairs.
Vases of flowers sit on gleaming wooden coffee tables, and I stare at the juxtaposition as stars gleam at me from the wide windows of the ship. A short, middle-aged woman is waiting for me, and I glance up at Varian, who practically vibrates with satisfaction.
She stands and holds out a hand.
“Hello, Your Majesty, lovely to meet you.”