Axen (Vortex Alien Warriors Book 1)

by Arcadia Shield

  “I’d like to see the stars again,” said Eloise. She always found looking out into space relaxing. It showed her just how big the universe was and all the opportunities out there. This was an opportunity she never thought she’d find.

  “You will be able to watch them at your leisure,” said Urel.

  “Is it just Deorg and Vorten aboard?”

  “For now,” said Urel. “But our ranks are growing. Other races are interested in fighting back against the Fraken. They will join us soon.”

  “It sounds like Axen has been planning this for some time.”

  “Ever since his first cycle in the Fraken games came to an end. Axen despises what the Fraken do, but his loyalty to the Elders prevented him from acting. But times are changing; you are here now. And Axen has changed.”

  Eloise tugged on her bottom lip. She hoped she’d changed Axen for the better. She really wanted to see him and make sure everything was okay between them. If Axen had changed his mind, decided she should no longer be with him, she needed to be prepared for that.

  “Do you have a washroom?” asked Eloise, needing some time alone to clear her thoughts.

  “We have baths on board the ship,” said Urel. “They’re warmed by some of the excess heat given off by our fuel cells, so we have plenty of hot water.”

  A bath sounded perfect to Eloise. “I’d love a bath.”

  Urel smiled. “I will show you the bath we use for healing as well. We have salts on our planet that cure a range of illnesses. It will help speed up the healing on your laser burn.”

  “I can barely feel it,” said Eloise.

  “Our nanobots have been doing a good job with you,” said Urel. “You’ll need to have them monitored in a few hours, and then they can be removed.”

  Urel stood. “Let me show you the way. The warriors use them after training, but I will ensure you have them to yourself. From what I know of humans, you’re not quite as much of an exhibitionist race as the Vorten.”

  “We don’t have the same muscles to show off.” Eloise smiled at Urel.

  “I understand that,” said Urel. “Our powers are in our heads, not our muscles. But we work well with Vortens. We respect their strength, and they respect our brains.”

  Eloise already liked Urel. He was quietly confident and had put her at her ease about this new environment.

  “I will ask Eran to find you some better fitting clothes,” said Urel. “We are not perfectly equipped on this ship, and you are our first human.”

  “These are fine,” said Eloise. “The main thing is they’re clean.”

  Urel nodded. “I am sure we can do better. Please, follow me, and I will show you to the baths.”

  Eloise and Urel walked along pale grey corridors. She could hear murmured conversations down several of the corridors, but didn’t see anybody else. The low, constant hum of the ship’s drive followed her everywhere.

  “How many others are on board the ship?” asked Eloise.

  “A dozen Deorg, Axen, and his warrior brother, Bladen. We travel under the guise of a research vessel. It is not unusual to find a Deorg ship in space on an exploration mission. We are known for being an inquisitive alien race.”

  “Are you the only ones in support of what Axen is doing?”

  “There are many more of us,” said Urel. “But for now, we must travel incognito. These are early days for us, and we do not wish to draw attention to ourselves, especially now Axen is considered an outcast and a fugitive. He cannot return to Vorten or the Fraken games. He will need to keep himself hidden for now.”

  Eloise felt a pang of worry in her stomach. She had made Axen a fugitive. He was now an exile from everything he knew because he’d saved her and they’d escaped from the game together. She hoped he considered she was worthy of it. Both their worlds were about to change, and she didn’t want him to have any regrets.

  “Here we are.” Urel led Eloise into a warm, steam-filled room. “We have six plunge pools in this area. This one is available to you.” He pointed to one in the far right corner and pressed a button, making water pour into the pool. “I will make sure you are not disturbed while you are in here. And your new clothes will be ready for you outside the baths when you have finished.”

  “Thank you.” Eloise nodded to Urel as he left. She looked around, but there was no one else in the baths. She shed her clothes, being careful of her aching shoulder, and slid into the rapidly filling plunge pool, a moan of pleasure escaping her lips as she did so. It was the perfect temperature to ease the aches and bruises on her skin.

  She grabbed a block of soap from the side of the plunge pool and rubbed it over her body, the smell of sharp citrus filling her nose as she did so. Eloise sank into the water and ducked her head under to get the soap out of her eyes.

  When she broke the surface of the water, her eyes widened. Axen was standing by the side of the bath.

  ***

  Axen rested his hands on his weapons belt as he watched Eloise. Despite her injuries, despite her looking death straight in the eyes, she was still there. She watched him with such a steady gaze that it made his heart beat out of rhythm. She was magnificent. He was amazed he’d ever considered her weak.

  “You’re awake,” said Axen.

  “I am awake,” said Eloise. “I have been fed, my injuries treated, and I’ve met Urel.”

  Axen nodded. “He is our companion in this battle. There will be more.”

  “The Deorg seem like worthy companions to have by your side.” Eloise held a hand out to him, water dripping from her fingertips. “Would you like to join me?”

  Without a word, Axen removed his clothes, discarded his weapons, and stepped into the water. He’d been waiting to be alone with Eloise for too long. His desire for her overwhelmed him as he realized they could finally be together. His muscles tensed, and his cock hardened as he grew close to Eloise. Her scent filled his nose as he took hold of her hand and pulled her across the water towards him. He could smell her feminine desire, but he resisted for a moment longer.

  “Let me inspect your shoulder injury.”

  Eloise sighed and stroked a finger down Axen’s bare chest. “I’ve been treated. I can barely feel it.”

  Axen grunted and slid around behind Eloise. He shifted her hair and gently inspected the laser wound. “It went straight through your flesh. You are lucky to be alive.”

  “But I am alive,” said Eloise. “And I’m here, with you.”

  Axen leaned down and pressed his lips to the injury. “I will need to be careful with you.” He fought to control the urge to spread Eloise’s legs and slide straight inside her. It would be so easy. He sensed she was ready, and the water would make it simple. He could be buried deeply within her in seconds, as he’d fantasized about doing. But now the moment was here, he wanted to take his time. He wanted to remember everything about this first time with Eloise. And he wanted her to remember it too. He wanted to ensure this was what she’d always want, to be with him and him alone.

  “I’ll tell you if you get too rough.” Eloise turned in the water and stared up at Axen. “But I trust you not to hurt me.”

  “I have involved you in something extremely dangerous.” Axen lifted Eloise’s injured arm out of the water and checked it over. Apart from a faint scar, the bone had healed.

  Eloise shook her head. “Now is not the time to distract yourself with worries about the battle or how fragile I am.”

  Axen grinned down at his determined human. “What would you like me to be distracted by?”

  Eloise lifted the soap she held and massaged it between her hands before rubbing them over Axen’s chest. She slid around and massaged his shoulders, her fingers probing into tight muscles and knots. “You need to relax.”

  “Difficult to do when you’re so close to me.”

  “I thought you’d enjoy this.” Eloise’s voice had a teasing lilt to it.

  “I am.” Axen grabbed the soap from Eloise’s hand and turned to face her. “My tu
rn.”

  Eloise grinned and backed away from Axen. “Remember, you’re supposed to be gentle with me.”

  “You said I didn’t need to be.”

  Eloise’s grin widened. “I’d forgotten how big your hands are. You might not know your own strength.”

  Axen growled at her. He stroked down her arms and across her back with the soap. He heard her gasp as his hands brushed across her breasts. He loved the way he could make her do that. His thumbs massaged her soapy nipples, drawing a moan from Eloise.

  Axen crushed himself against Eloise and kissed down her neck. He lowered his mouth and covered one hard nipple. His tongue flicked across it before kissing across the breast. He covered every inch of skin before moving to the next one.

  “More,” breathed out Eloise.

  “This isn’t enough?” Axen smiled up at Eloise and saw her flushed cheeks. The look of desire in her eyes sent another growl through him. He had never wanted another female more.

  Axen wrapped Eloise’s legs around his waist and lifted her onto the edge of the bath. “Lean back, and this time, you need to be the one to relax.”

  Eloise bit her lip as Axen slid her legs apart. Blood thrummed through every part of him as he watched her open. Soft, wet skin, surrounded by a light down of hair. His fingers parted her folds, and Eloise tipped her head back and moaned sweetly.

  Axen pushed two fingers inside her hot core and felt her grip him tightly. Eloise pushed against him and arched her back. His free hand explored the rest of her, massaging and probing her sensitive parts. He lowered his head and ran kisses up Eloise’s thighs. He eased another finger inside her and pumped hard as his tongue flicked across her clitoris.

  “You’re killing me,” moaned Eloise.

  “I’ll do anything other than that.” He circled her clitoris with his tongue and began to suck. Eloise’s legs shook and her thighs tightened around his head.

  “More. Harder,” said Eloise.

  Axen sucked harder and Eloise gasped. He beat his tongue against her pulsing clitoris and pushed his fingers deeper still, feeling her wet heat engulf him. He felt Eloise’s hand on his head, her fingers gripping his hair.

  She let out a cry, and her legs spasmed as her insides vibrated around his fingers.

  “You want more?” Axen eased Eloise’s legs apart and leaned over her as he rested his elbows on the side of the bath. She was beautiful, her pupils dilated, lips parted, and breath coming out in desperate pants.

  Eloise smiled. She slid into the water and wrapped her arms around Axen before pulling him down for a fierce kiss. She broke away as she squeezed his cock. “We’re just getting started.”

  Chapter 24

  The orgasm Axen gave Eloise had made her want to weep with pleasure. His touch had been so firm and sure, and she’d felt completely safe, despite being so exposed before him. He’d made her feel wanted and desirable. She was enough for him.

  Eloise moved her hands under the water and clasped Axen’s thick shaft. She pumped it several times in her hand and saw his eyes close. “Now, it’s my turn.” She took a deep breath and ducked under the water.

  Sliding Axen’s solid cock into her mouth, Eloise focused on the tip, circling it with her tongue and tracing around the edge with her teeth. She felt his thighs quiver as she took him in deeper. She slid her hand up and down his thighs, grazing her nails against his flesh. The solid muscle underneath her fingertips quivered again as she continued to take more of him into her mouth.

  Eloise felt Axen’s hand on the back of her head, gently encouraging her to take him deeper. She willingly obliged, and as he hit the back of her throat, she realized she was going to be in for an incredible ride.

  Reluctantly, she slid out from under the water and took a huge lungful of air. She pulled Axen to her and kissed him deeply. His erection pressed against her stomach, and she wanted nothing more than to feel it deep inside her, filling her.

  Axen stroked Eloise’s hair from her face and looked down at her. “You are mine.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m not yours.”

  Axen blinked at her. “What do you mean?”

  “You are mine. We belong to each other. Equal partners in everything we do.”

  Axen growled and squeezed her to him. “Partners,” he whispered before kissing her.

  Eloise wrapped her legs around Axen’s waist, and his cock grazed her thigh. She was so ready for him. Her skin felt as if it was on fire, every nerve ending tingled with desire.

  Axen carried Eloise out of the water and lay her on a soft bench. She grabbed his hands and pulled him down on top of her, enjoying the feeling of being crushed by his hard body.

  His hands explored her curves, and she moaned with pleasure as his fingers delved inside her again.

  “I want you,” said Eloise.

  “You have me,” said Axen.

  She loved the sound of those words coming from his mouth. “Lay on your back.”

  Axen grinned at her. “Be gentle with me.” He eased off Eloise and flipped over, allowing her to straddle him.

  She ran her hands over his chest, running her nails along the skin and down his thighs. Eloise encircled Axen’s hard cock and rubbed herself against it, causing him to groan. She eased an inch of him inside her and saw his eyes widen before his hands moved to stroke her breasts.

  “You’re safe with me,” said Axen. “Warriors get regular health checks.”

  Eloise kissed him. “I’m clean and safe as well.”

  She eased Axen inside of her, loving the way he filled her, his hot shaft hardening even more as he slid deeper still. Eloise rocked backwards and forwards, taking him in slowly with each thrust of her hips.

  Axen grabbed Eloise’s hips, and he thrust upwards, matching her rhythm until he was completely inside. Eloise stopped moving and looked down at him. He was hers. Her incredible alien warrior, he’d rescued her from what she’d thought was certain death and into this new life. She had no idea what was ahead of them, but she was excited about the possibilities.

  Eloise traced her fingers lightly down Axen’s cheek and then across the scar on his eyebrow ridge. “We are partners.” She kissed him before thrusting her hips again.

  Axen groaned, and his cock twitched inside of her. His hands moved down, and he pressed her clitoris, sending sparks of heat through her belly. He pressed harder still, small, firm circular movements that made cries tear from her lips.

  Eloise continued to ride Axen, feeling him close to the edge. She wanted him to release with her, to hold back nothing now they were together.

  They orgasmed at the same time, and Eloise cried out Axen’s name before collapsing onto his chest. A warm, intense sensation of pleasure ran through her veins as she gently kissed the skin on his neck and throat as they lay together.

  “I’ll let you rest for five minutes,” said Axen. “But then we’re doing that again.”

  ***

  The smile on Axen’s face refused to disappear. After their first encounter, Axen had kept his promise and had spent a pleasurable evening in the baths entwined with Eloise. He had not let her go until she was almost too weak to stand.

  He was still surprised by the intensity of feelings he had for Eloise. It was different to anything he’d experienced before. Her desire and longing for him had been so clear when they’d made love. She’d held nothing back. It was so different to the cold, clinical mating style of Vorten women. The release when he’d fucked a Vorten woman had always been welcome, but he’d never wanted to spend any time with them afterwards. Provide the pleasure and leave. Move onto the next conquest and don’t look back.

  Axen preferred how human females mated. It was something he intended to experience as often as possible with Eloise. He was never going to let her go.

  As he watched her dress and shoot him a smile as she slipped into a simple green dress, desire raced through him again. He wanted nothing more than to rip off her clothes and ravish her. She was so warm and soft, and wh
en he’d been deep inside her, he’d wanted to stay there forever.

  Eloise walked over to him and held her hand out. “So, what next?”

  “Are you already bored of doing this?”

  Eloise laughed, the sound sending a shiver of delight up Axen’s spine. “I have a feeling other people may wish to use the baths at some point. And as much fun as you are to be around when you have no clothes on, a woman needs to take a break now and again. Remember how feeble you think I am.”

  “I think you need some training,” said Axen.

  Eloise’s mouth fell open. “Don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy yourself.”

  “Of course I did.” Axen pulled Eloise into his lap. “But I need a woman with as much stamina as I have.”

  “Then you’ll be looking for a long time.” Eloise kissed his cheek. “And anticipation always makes things more enjoyable.” She slid a finger down his chest and tweaked the waistband of his trousers. “When we’re not naked together, you can think about all the things you’d like to do to me and what I’m going to do to you the next time I get your clothes off.”

  Axen growled and pulled her tighter into his lap, hardening beneath her as they kissed.

  Eloise broke away with a sigh. “Urel said you’re now a fugitive. The Fraken will be looking for you.”

  “And you,” said Axen. “They do not take defeat and humiliation well. The audience will have seen our fight against them and our escape. It will not go unpunished.”

  “You’re planning on hiding from the Fraken forever?”

  “There will be no hiding,” said Axen. “I’m planning to go after them. Their games have to end, as does their cruel domination over others. And we are the first step in making that happen.”

  “We are?”

  “I told you this would be dangerous.”

  “I didn’t realize I’d be going up against an entire alien race.”