Pale Stars in Her Eyes [The Starlight Chronicles]

by Annabel Wolfe, Emma Wildes

  "I see.” She sipped her wine and found it actually a bit sweet, the taste lingering on her tongue. “And why are you here? I know you invented the engine, but isn't the ship running smoothly?"

  "Her maiden voyage. I am along to make sure she stays running smoothly and to help the technicians understand her."

  "Her? You sound as if it is alive."

  A glimmering smile curved his mouth. “To me, she is. I created her and gave her life."

  "That's an interesting take on it, I suppose."

  "What of you, Jerra? Will you be able to acclimate to your new life?” His handsome face bore true curiosity and what seemed like genuine concern.

  "Do I have a choice?"

  "You seemed to enjoy last night."

  The word ‘embarrassment’ took on a whole new meaning at that blunt observation. She couldn't help but glance at the window and remember he had watched her sexual abandon and seen her entirely naked. “It wasn't what I expected,” she managed to say in a strangled voice.

  "There's more. And with each of us it will be different, I imagine. Sex is a varied world and pleasure comes in all forms.” The timbre of his voice dropped just a telltale notch. “When we finish our wine, I will show you. You'll like it, I promise."

  She looked at him helplessly, her fingers tightening on the stem of her glass. Then, because she was truly curious, she asked, “I don't understand the window. If it is to demean your prisoners, it isn't necessary. I understand full well I have to cooperate."

  His fine brows drew together. “You think it's to demean you?"

  "Why else would you allow me no privacy?"

  He gave her a direct look from those startlingly blue eyes. “It's there because we like to look at you, of course. It also serves to let us know if you are busy or sleeping, and besides, I'm afraid males are very visual creatures. In short, we like to watch. I may have not been the one between your legs last night, but I enjoyed it just the same. I had to go to my quarters and relieve myself manually."

  The explanation was made without any apology or embarrassment and Jerra wondered if she would ever attain such a pragmatic attitude toward the act of sex. She supposed she might, given her circumstances, and in fact, probably should do her best to achieve it as soon as possible. “I suppose I don't really know much about men,” she admitted.

  "S-species are not ordinary males like on your planet, either, but you'll learn. Actually, there is little for you to worry about, Jerra. All you have to do is be willing to give us what we want and if I am a judge from your response to Kartel, it won't be a chore for you. He claims there is something very unique about you beyond your beautiful face and desirable body, and I am anxious as hell to find out what exactly he means. Tell me, are you finished with your wine?"

  She had finished, and felt a little light-headed since she had expected to be dragged straight to her bed. Instead he had sat and conversed with her like she was a guest—not a slave held for his pleasure—so she found it much easier to nod and stand. He motioned for her to precede him into the room, and she did, surprised to feel very little apprehension.

  Turning to face him, she said with resignation, “I suppose you want me to take off my gown."

  "Let me.” He stepped closer and caught the hem, skimming his fingers up the outside of her thighs and hips as he eased the material upward and over her head. He tossed it carelessly aside and stared down at her bared breasts with undisguised longing. “You have no idea how much I want to fuck you."

  She had some idea, for the impressive bulge in his fitted dark pants was a pretty obvious indication. When he took her in his arms and bent his head to lower his mouth to hers, she could feel the rigid hardness of his erection through the material, pressed against the softness of her stomach. A jolt of excitement shot through her and his mouth was warm and insistent as he kissed her. The experience was completely different than when Ran had done the same thing, but still very enjoyable. His hands cupped her bare ass and pulled her tighter against his hard body and aroused cock and he gave a low groan into her mouth.

  "Get in bed,” he ordered. “I'll be right back."

  As she climbed on the bed, she saw him disappear into her small cleansing room and emerge a moment later with something in his hand. It looked like a small oblong capsule about the length of her little finger but narrower. She had actually noticed a box of them in the cabinet that held the other necessities provided for her and wondered what they were.

  "Lie back.” He gently pushed her to a supine position and lifted her knees so they were bent and her feet rested on the mattress. “Open for me."

  Jerra eyed the item in his hand uncertainly and kept her thighs clamped together. “What is that?"

  "Relax.” He pushed her legs apart so her pussy was exposed and open and his gaze glittered like brilliant sapphires as he stared at it. “The doctor has provided these for all the human females taken and brought on board. When inserted, it will melt quickly and act not only as a lubricant to ease any soreness from last night, but enhances your pleasure. With three of us regularly sharing your bed, you will want to use these on a daily basis, I suspect."

  Since she was a little sore, the idea was probably a good one and it was heartening to have further proof her captors cared at all about the comfort of their prisoners. When he parted her labia, found her vaginal entrance, and inserted the capsule, she didn't protest. With one long finger he pushed it in as far as possible and she actually suppressed a sigh of pleasure at the intimate invasion. Almost immediately she felt the warmth of the dissolving lubricant and a strange sense of loss when Larik slid his finger free.

  "It should feel good, I'm told.” He began to undress, his gaze still fastened on the apex of her open legs. His tunic was tossed aside without care to expose a muscular chest, his boots jerked off as quickly as possible, and when he unfastened his pants and pushed them down his hips, his swollen erection jutted forward. He wasn't as wide-shouldered as Ran Kartel, but just as athletically built, without an ounce of fat on his body. She had no idea if his cock was as big, but it certainly looked intimidating and large and she took in a shuddering breath as she remembered how it felt to be stretched so impossibly wide.

  "It does feel good.” Whether it was the wine, the injection, the aphrodisiac in the capsule, or something that had nothing to do with any of them, she didn't modestly close her legs, but stayed the way he positioned her, knees bent and thighs open. She could feel the soft mattress at her back, the smoothness of the sheets, and most acutely the tingling in her pussy and breasts.

  She wanted him inside her, she realized with a small shock.

  He took her position for the invitation it was and knelt between her parted thighs. Very lightly he rubbed the head of his stiff penis over her clitoris and she felt a streak of blissful pleasure. He continued to stimulate her with his cock in one hand, the swollen, weeping tip pressing against the most sensitive spot on her body until she openly moaned.

  "By the stars, Jerra, you are so beautiful,” he told her in an echo of Ran's compliment of the night before. He leaned forward and licked one upright nipple, still teasing her clit with his cock. “I want to see you come,” he whispered against her breast.

  Her hands slid into the silk of his blond hair and she closed her eyes, letting sensation take over. “Oh ... oh."

  When he sucked the aching crest into the heated recess of his mouth, she felt her stomach muscles contract in response. Still kneeling, he used his free hand to massage one breast, suckled the other, and continued the erotic friction of hard flesh against her swelling clit.

  It felt too good, too wicked, and so all-consuming all conscious thought centered between her legs and his teasing cock.

  The rush of her climax took her by surprise. Suddenly, she arched and cried out, the first rapturous spasm so acute it made her shake wildly. The pulsing between her legs was accompanied by her womb contracting and a rush of moisture into her pussy as he kept his slick crest against her clit f
or what seemed like an eternity.

  Then he moved, the pressure refocused lower, and Jerra felt him shift, his arms braced to keep his weight balanced.

  "Open your legs wider to help me.” Larik's face was intent, and his beautiful eyes half-closed. “Human females are so damned tight and it always takes some work to get inside."

  She obeyed, spreading as far as possible, wondering as she had the night before if he could actually fit. The engorged head distended the opening of her pussy and pressed forward and she felt her inner muscles resist the unnatural widening but give as he slowly entered her with inexorable carnal demand.

  Arms locked on either side of her shoulders, he loomed above her and the fierce expression on his face told her he was experiencing the same almost painful pleasure of invasion and acceptance. The lubricant must have helped for this penetration was much easier, and in half the time, his long cock was sunk to the hilt.

  "This first time will be fast. Sorry, but I've been without a female for weeks.” His voice was low and hoarse. “But I can be ready again very quickly, don't worry."

  She wasn't worried ... she was frantic for him to move. When he began to withdraw, she felt the fluid drag of his rigid flesh with heightened sensitivity and ran her hands along his tight buttocks in a plea for more. He obliged, sinking back inside fully, impaling her so full, she felt completely possessed. Very quickly his thrusts became harder and less controlled and they were both gasping and trembling in sync.

  "I'm coming,” Larik gritted out, his bare chest brushing her erect nipples as he thrust deeply and stopped moving. Incredibly, she could feel the immense rush of his release as hot liquid filled her with a forceful flood. As his cock swelled to release his seed, the subtly increased pressure on her clit was all she needed. Jerra screamed and her fingers dug into the small of his back as she convulsed around him.

  "Oh shit.” He jerked in response, his cock flexing.

  The universe flattened and went away in a dazzling rush. All she could feel was the rapturous pulse of her inner contractions and the flex of his sex as she milked his seed from him. Gradually, they both began to relax.

  With his weight braced enough to keep from crushing her, he lay solidly on top of her and she felt very small in comparison. She could smell the clean tang of his sweat, both foreign and now familiar. When she regained her breath, she tentatively ran her fingers up the length of his spine. He quivered at the caress, his face still buried in her tumbled hair.

  Larik lifted his head and grinned then, a purely male curve of his mouth that indicated his satisfaction. He stroked her bare hip. “Kartel didn't lie. You're an amazing female, Jerra. I was not looking forward to this long, dull journey, but I have changed my mind."

  Chapter 4

  Ran looked around the council room and deliberately gauged the expression on the face of each individual. The opinion was certainly divided and he had the grim feeling that whatever happened when they arrived at Septinium, he would be the one to make the final decision. He said with neutral inflection, “I realize the Minoa government is well-represented here, but we brought along military support for a reason. If Colonel Helm is getting information indicating a strong show of strength when we reach the planet is best, I trust his judgment."

  Ian looked impassive at the comment. “I'm getting more and more information each day, but we are still far away. Maybe the situation will change, but if it doesn't, we cannot send in a diplomatic team without protection."

  "You'll cause a fight,” one of the Council protested vehemently. “The Septinium forces will react predictably to soldiers arriving in their world."

  "Maybe.” Ran was getting tired of the debate since they were still months away. “We'll have to weigh the facts as they come in, and judge the best course then. In the meantime, we are adjourned for today."

  He rose and so did everyone else, and naturally Ian fell into step beside him as they headed back toward their quarters. Ian muttered, “Damn politicians. They want to make the rest of civilization think we are not despotic tyrants. I say the only way to rule something as vast as what we control is to let rogue worlds know they can't step over the line."

  "I agree,” Ran said wearily. “I know firsthand diplomacy does not always work. Sometimes, it backfires with disastrous results. But I am told to try."

  "And I am told to not let you die doing it.” Ian looked formidably stubborn as they strode through the long corridor.

  "I appreciate the sentiment, believe me.” Ran gave his friend a wry smile. They had known each other for a long time, and the friendship had sprung first from mutual respect, blossomed into recognition of similar strengths and goals, and then genuine affection.

  In minutes, they reached their destination and Ran wanted desperately to have a drink and relax for a few minutes. Actually, he wouldn't have minded a bit to relax in an entirely pleasurable different way, but quite simply, it wasn't his turn. The evening before, they returned to find Armada and the lovely naked Jerra entwined and asleep, and Helm had been patient, but it was definitely his night.

  Ran gave a sidelong glance at his dark-haired companion as they reached the right level and scanned in. “You've never taken a human female?"

  "No.” Ian admitted. “They are so small. Trust me, most of them take one look at me and want to faint. S-species females are much easier."

  "Like Captain Liale?"

  Ian's face darkened. “It was once, and a bad idea. I had too much to drink. We both knew better and could be disciplined for the slip. How the hell do you even know it happened?"

  "Just being in the room with the two of you tells me something happened. Please, Ian, I am who I am."

  "And damned uncomfortable it can be for your friends, Ran."

  "All right, we won't talk about the pretty captain but Jerra instead. The experience is like none other, believe me, when you are inside her."

  Ian gave him a sardonic look. “So it seemed the other night. You certainly enjoyed yourself."

  "I did,” Ran agreed, remembering silken thighs and her almost painful—but entirely pleasurable—tight heat. “Our gorgeous captive is so responsive, I think you will agree it elevates sex to a different level."

  "Sex is sex,” Ian argued. “One orgasm isn't different from another."

  "I'll be curious to know if you say the same thing after sampling Jerra's incredible body. There's something about fucking a female that really likes it."

  "You're certain she can take me?"

  "Think of it this way, Ian. The vagina on a human female can allow a fully formed fetus to go through it, so while you may be big, you aren't that big. She'll be tight, yes, so tight you'll want to shoot your load as you even try to get in, but the effort is worth it. Once you're there and you hear those soft sounds she makes as she comes ... I am telling you, it's going to be unique."

  "That's what Armada claims.” The colonel ducked his imposing height through the doorway. “I'm getting more intrigued all the time by our beautiful human."

  Only she isn't who you really want, Ran thought with unerring conviction.

  * * * *

  She had gulped down two glasses of wine with dinner, but she wasn't sure it was enough. Jerra was pleased they wished to include her when they ate their meals, however sitting at the table with three such tall, imposing men was a little uncomfortable, though they treated her respectfully and with solicitude. Tonight she knew what was going to happen afterwards, and it was confirmed by the speculative looks Ian Helm sent at her across the table. The tall colonel was a contrast to the clean-cut good looks of the other two men, having an almost satanic male beauty that matched his incredible physique. Rather like everything else that was rationed out on the ship, she was sure it was due for the brawny soldier to have his time with her.

  It was frightening, but then again, her experiences so far had been wonderful and though his sheer size made her nervous, there was an element of exhilaration over the idea of him taking her sexually that made h
er pulse race.

  The dishes were taken away, and her empty glass, and she still sat there, not sure what was expected.

  When he stood, she felt her mouth go dry for he was so tall, she barely came up to the middle of his chest. He looked pointedly at her bedroom, and then her face, asking in a matter-of-fact tone, “Are you ready?"

  The direct approach was probably not surprising from a military man who commanded men and directed battles, but it left her momentarily at a loss for words. She was also acutely aware of Larik and Ran, lounging in their chairs, obviously ready to watch everything.

  No, she wasn't going to think about that.

  She swallowed and nodded, rising on wobbly legs. He followed her in, shut the door, and looked at her with eyes so dark, they were as ebony as his glossy long hair. He said coolly, “I am not a smooth diplomat like Kartel, nor a brainy intellectual like Armada. However, I would never hurt a female, quite the opposite, so don't look at me as if I was going to eat you alive. Prisoner or not, you can rest assured if anything happens to threaten the expedition, I would die to protect you."

  That speech—made without inflection but obviously sincere—made her blink. Not sure what to say, Jerra stood with her arms at her side and tilted her head up to stare into his face, seeing the elegant planes and angles in a new light, and noting his dark eyes held a soft light at odds with his formidable presence. She stammered, “I ... I appreciate that, for I was sure I was not significant, except in the most base of ways."

  He lifted one ebony brow in an arch and a surprisingly warm smile lit his face. “On the contrary, you seem to have had a powerful impact on our companions. I'm assured this will be an experience to remember."

  He meant sexually, of course, but still, the idea anyone cared enough about her to offer protection was moving. She slipped her dress off and tossed it aside. Nude, knowing the other two watched through the window, she gave him a return smile. They'd both seen it before, so why should she be embarrassed? “Is that a challenge, Colonel?"