“I not like them being here, but have no choice.” Nular approached with a worried looking Joan by his side. Morrdook pulled away slightly, but kept an arm anchored on my waist.
Always possessive and protective, I smiled loving this about the Zakiu men. They proved so far, no matter the situation, they always made sure their women were looked after.
“We’ll be okay.” I tugged away from Morrdrook to go stand with Joan. “We’ll look after each other.”
“What ya worried about, our guys will kick some major arse.” Abby added, bouncing into the mix.
“Each fighter is to run maze. Fraxi are the defenders, watch for traps, keep low, move fast and come out alive.”
“Ready to die.” Everyone turned around to face the taunting Fraxi fighter who tried to take Abby, then me during our first time watching our men train. The tension in the air suddenly hit a new level with the murderous stares, directed at the taunting Fraxi. More red aliens came up behind his buddy. “Druel offer us prize if we kill one of you; we get your females.” The Fraxi’s gaze landed on Abby. “I want your red one, will kill you first.”
Fuck, this was not good. Why the hell would they offer us to the Fraxi? Obviously their desire to see us breed more Zakiu wasn’t as important as getting the best from their fighters. Anger replaced my trepidation, I wanted nothing more than to kick the asshole Fraxi in the balls and then slam his spiked head into the ground.
Makkiu seemed to have my same thought, but Morrdrook grabbed Makkiu’s arm before he could launch himself at the Fraxi.
“Wait Makkiu, we kill him out there.”
As if on cue, a horn blared and the doors to the arena slid open, signaling the start of the Druel games.
My heart jumped into my throat; Morrdrook took my trembling hand and he squeezed it gently. Despite the self-assurance shining in his eyes, it didn’t make me feel any better while I followed him out.
Chapter Ten
If not for the knots in my stomach and the roaring of the Druel crowd, I may have enjoyed the warmth of the strange, red sun shining down on my exposed skin. The air still hung heavy with the smell of machines of industry, or whatever the hell it was keeping this alien planet ticking over.
My eyes stood riveted on the entrance to the huge maze with seven-foot, black, metallic walls, inside which the Fraxi disappeared.
The game was simple, but none the less deadly. The Zakiu had to enter the maze and make it through the other end without the Fraxi slaughtering them, or killed by any of the various booby traps in different parts of the maze.
Large screens hovered in various spots above the crowd, so the Druel could see the action from every angle, but the fighters couldn’t see the screen. From our position, in a caged box near the entrance to the arena, all we saw was along one side of the maze’s outer wall.
In one way, I was relieved, as I didn’t have to watch any of the fights, which was not unlike the first one I’d witnessed. Someone was sure to die.
The Zakiu gathered together before entering the maze; I watched while they held a group discussion. Then, nearly all of them removed their larger, heavier blades. I could only guess it would be more difficult to swing them in the more confined space of the maze.
I learned a little about weaponry while watching the fighters practice. Large, heavier, hacking swords were only good in open combat; for more personal battles they were far from effective.
The men pulled out the lighter, shorter, stiletto-type daggers, each blade having three sides, and all of them razer sharp. They still kept reserved blades strapped to the bulk of their legs.
Morrdrook spoke to the men and they paired off, each heading towards one of the two entrances either end of the maze entrance.
There were only two ways of exiting this maze—dead or alive.
Abby sat on my left and Joan on my right. Feeling the need for support, I grabbed each of their hands.
“They’ll get through, alright.” Abby’s face was pale, no doubt feeling the same nerve wracking worry many of us felt.
I squeezed her hand. Joan’s hand tightened on mine. “My husband never treated me with as much tenderness as Makkiu does. I don’t want to lose him either. I trust him when he said he won’t die today.”
I looked at Joan and she gave a shrug, only starting to get a small insight into her life before the abduction.
“You’re married?” Abby dived in.
“We separated a week before the abduction and we were about to file for divorce. I guess the Druel saved me a fortune in lawyer fees.” Joan’s laugh was strained; she stared vacantly out into the arena. “I actually happen to care about what happens to Makkiu. I never did with my ex-husband.”
“They sure have a way of getting under your skin.” Abby’s lips turned up at the corners in a half smile. I knew exactly what she meant and heaved a dreamy sigh.
And into your heart, I smiled at Abby.
“They’d better come out alive, or god help me, I’m going in after them and skin those red bastards alive with my bare teeth!” Abby growled.
I choked out a laugh. Everyone jumped in fright at the sudden ringing of metal clashing against metal.
The women’s hands on mine tightened. I fought to keep my breathing steady, as blow after blow rung out. Minutes dragged by like hours, the knots in my stomach twisting tighter with every yell, roar, or clanging of blades echoing from the fights.
I chewed on my lower lip, welcoming the stinging pain, trying to tear my mind from the visions of Morrdrook laying dead somewhere within the maze. My chest tightened with each excited boo or cheer from the Druel audience, knowing someone in that maze was having their arse handed to them.
A horn blast signalled the first to emerge from the maze. All the women jumped up, fingers gripping the bars of the cage, trying to glimpse who. He staggered into our line of sight. Blue and red blood splattered his body, all eyes were drawn to the heavy looking thing he clutched in his left hand. In his right he thrust a blood soaked blade into the air, threw back his head and roared, driving the already excited Druel into a frenzy. The thing he clutched, I realized, was the severed head of one of the Fraxi; red blood dripped soundlessly onto the sand.
Abby gasped. “Nular.”
I knew the Fraxi, Pritt, wasn’t going to be a problem anymore.
Morrdrook, where the hell are you? He claimed to be the best fighter, then why was he not first out of the maze?
Dizzy, I gripped the bars watching more Zakiu emerging from the maze looking no worse for wear—blood splattered, cut, bruised, but none the less alive.
My breathing came in sharp panic-stricken gasps when the dreaded possibility hit hard, Morrdrook fell. My mind screamed in denial.
“Easy Anna, calm down, deep, slow breaths or you’ll pass out.” Abby gripped my arm.
“Where is he?” I whispered, unable to take my eyes away from where the Zakiu men gathered, taking stock of their wounds.
The men suddenly turned, some racing forward out of sight. My heart leapt into my throat seeing Morrdrook stumble forward, the heavy burden of a fellow Zakiu draped over one shoulder. He gripped the ankle of another with his other hand.
“There, he’s safe.” I barely heard her, my sole focus was on my man. I didn’t give a shit if he was an alien, he was mine and there was no fucking way I was letting him go, ever.
The other fighters took his burden and helped the other man carrying him towards the exit. He looked up towards our cage. I felt my body tremble when I met his intense gaze. He nodded, striding with determined purpose, written in the ridged set of his jaw.
I stumbled towards the door, almost tripping in my haste to get out. I cleared the door and ran towards him. Morrdrook, blooded and bruised, swept me up into his arms. I threw my arms around him holding him tightly and buried my face into the crook of his neck as he carried me inside.
He didn’t wait for the door to our room to slide shut, immediately pressing me up against the smooth, metal walls. He sla
mmed his lips down on mine; neither of us having yet spoken a word. But I sure as hell didn’t want to start a conversation as he clawed at me. I felt the heated desperation coming from him. Instead of being scared, I rejoiced in his need. Heat swept through me, moisture already pooling between my legs, my juices damping my curls, the rapture he created within me took hold.
He pulled back and we both panted, our eyes never leaving each other and I waited while he impatiently ripped off his armour.
“Off, now.” His tone was a low, desperate growl. With trembling hands, I undid my dress, letting it fell to the floor, forgotten; he leaned and moaned kissing down my neck to my nipples. Without any waiting, he lifted me up in his arms, my back again pressed against cool wall. He opened my legs forcing me to wrap them around his waist.
Morrdrook ran his fingers through my slit, growled, and then sank his hard, thick, cock inside me.
I cried out from the sudden invasion. He was thicker from this angle while he pinned me against the wall.
He nipped at my throat and thrust his cock inside my cunt. Both of his hands held my ass, repeatedly pushing me against the wall. I vaguely heard someone walk past, but he didn’t seem to care. He kept up his pounding rhythm. It was all I could do to hold on while he fucked me. He kissed my lips, then sucked my neck, his cry of pleasure jerking his cock, the familiar heat spreading inside me told me he came.
I didn't get off, but I couldn't care. This was about his needs, not mine. I sensed an extreme desire within him, as if he had no control over what he was doing.
He sagged weakly against me and I gently stroked the back of his head. Murmuring soothing words into his ear, his breathing slowly beginning to calm and he raised his head.
I saw the concern in his eyes “I’m sorry.”
“Why?”
“You no have pleasure; I not think about you. Needed you.”
“It’s okay; it doesn’t always have to be about my pleasure. I’m here to see to your needs, always.” I kissed his cheek. “I’m just relieved you made it out alive and you came back to me.”
“Too good to me, give me much to live for, will always come back to my Aunna.”
He dropped to his knees, keeping my hips pinned against the wall, shoving my legs over his shoulder, opening my pussy wide. I felt his hot breath, my whole body jerked when his tongue curled around my clit before sucking it into his mouth. My hands threaded into his hair, and I threw my head back at the sudden, intense pleasure of his strong pulls.
One of his hands released my hip for a moment, and then he thrust a finger into my sodden channel. I cried out from him hitting my spot, hooking his finger and rubbing the sensitive bundle of nerves over and over. Already primed from his fucking, my body wound tight, before suddenly bursting forth in a blinding climax. My inner walls rippled around his fingers. He released my clit and pulled from my body. I sighed when he slid my legs off his shoulders, gathering me into his arms, holding me, stroking me down from my orgasmic bliss.
“Take care of my Aunna, always.”
Slowly, I came back to my senses, and wrapped my arms around his waist and pressed my lips to the centre of his chest. Oh, how I loved him, but something deep inside held me back from voicing my feelings to him.
I was thankful he kept an arm around my waist while he tugged me towards the water wall, making the shower slide up. He pushed me in.
“Need to wash fight away, then must go tend to our wounded.” I nodded and used my hand to wash the blood and grime from his body. Tenderly, I skimmed over the visible scrapes and bruises, not desiring to cause any more pain. I needed to keep my hands on him, reassuring myself over and over he was alright, he was still here with me.
God, if I was a nervous wreck after only one battle game, then my system would be fried by the end of it. There was no other choice, but to suck it up, stand strong as I could, either that or go utterly insane.
* * * *
Inventive bastards, the Druel; the next battle was over a huge, erected pool of strange clear, green liquid, in which swam creatures making Earth sharks look like cute, little pets. They jumped and snapped, while the fighters battled their way across wonky beams and defenders. Two Zakiu, three Fraxi and one Gillip didn’t make it.
By the forth battle game of capture the enemy flag or die, the Zakiu cut through the Gillip far too easily, leaving only a few of the creatures left.
But it was the same after each battle, when he marched off the arena, his glowing markings showing his anger at being forced to kill. I realised his need to fuck was an overpowering force, no matter how badly he was injured. I didn't have any will to deny him, wanting to care for him in every way, as much as he cares for me.
The one thing which made this hellish existence bearable was the haven of Morrdrook’s strong arms. His soft whispers when he held me and told me it would soon be over; we would be home and we would find away to be free of the Druel, forever.
It was a hope I clung to with all my heart.
Chapter Eleven
“No, no, no, you’ve got to eat them in order.” Abby’s Irish accent was stronger when she was annoyed.
I glanced at Nular’s bemused expression.
“Why?”
“Cos that’s the way it’s done; haven’t you learned anything about me, yet?”
I stifled a laugh. “I still don’t know why these taste like our foods from home.”
I picked up a pink cube. I was a bit like Abby, if I chose the right combination of cubes, I could make myself a fruit salad.
“I’m just glad for small mercies.” Abby glanced over at me, before focusing back on her plate. “Savories before sweets—potato, vegetable, meat, then fruits.”
“Food is food, not matter what order it gets eaten.” Nular snatched a green cube from Abby’s plate, grinning as he popped it into his mouth. “My Abby sweet, will eat her after.”
She startled, like a deer caught in bright headlights, before I watched her face turning as crimson as her hair.
This time there was no way to contain my laughter. Abby snatched another green cube from her plate and threw it at me. Morrdrook was faster, and caught it before could splatter against my forehead.
“Wow, nice save, honey.”
He grinned and set the cube down, darting a glare at Nular, who shrugged with a smug smile.
I shifted on my seat and paused when I felt a seeping wetness between my thighs. What the hell? I knew it couldn’t be from arousal. I was so caught up with events I didn't notice the usual signs of my body. From what I could tell, it was only a few weeks since our abduction.
Oh no, dread suddenly ran through me. It became worse when Morrdook sniffed in closer. “I scent blood on you Aunna, are you hurt?”
I shook my head. “Can we go back to our room, right now, please?”
His brow dipped with concern while studying my face before nodding. Ridged with tension, I slipped my legs off the bench and walked stiffly beside Morrdrook until we reached our room.
“Tell me,” his gruff order was out before the door slid shut. His hands gripped my upper arms.
Tears prick the back of my eyes. I blinked furiously to keep them at bay. “We’re not pregnant, yet, I… I’ve started my period.”
“Period?”
“My bleeding time, it… it's normal for a woman to bleed once a month for a few days, it’s a part of our cycle. It also means we failed to get pregnant the first time. Didn’t your women have this?”
He shook his head, “They controlled when they wanted to create bud, let their flower out, and we are seed to make it grow.”
“We can’t control it; bleeding only stops during pregnancy.” It was a part of my job to help people from all walks of life, including women clients, who were trying to get pregnant. Of course they would talk about the lengths they went through trying to have a baby.
“Does this mean we can not have bud?” Morrdrook dropped onto his knees before me, pressing his nose into my lower belly and inhaling.
“No, I don’t know. I mean, it means we missed my first fertility cycle. Good news is after my period finishes… a few days after means I'll be fertile. We can try again.”
I saw the concern in his gaze. My stomach pitched as if on a boat with five foot waves. Reaching out I stroked my hand over his face.
“Until someone get’s pregnant, then we won’t really know if human and Zakiu can have babies together.”
“No matter to me, I won’t let them take my Aunna. I fight to death against Druel, you mine. No want to live without my Aunna.” His arms around my waist tightened, his words stuck a deep cord within, waking me up to the fact I slowly, day by day, have been falling in love with him.
I stroked a comforting hand through his hair, fighting against the emotions swirling within. I can’t love him. Why? The question pounded down with the force of a hammer blow in my mind. I knew why. After already loosing so much from my life, just like Morrdrook, I would have no will to live without him. It scared the hell out of me.
* * * *
A few days later, I was relieved to find I wasn’t the only one who started their period, made me feel guilty, for knowing I wasn’t the only one in such a desperate situation or facing the prospect of the Druel killing us for not getting pregnant.
I gave credit to the strength and determination of the Zakiu men, hearing many of them vow to try harder to impregnate their women. From the grins on the women’s faces, they were willing to let them.
Morrdrook was so sweet to cut up a cloth I could use as padding until my bleeding passed. Once it did, Morrdrook took his duty towards me even more seriously. I could barely walk, let alone have strength left for anything else. Heck, if I was going to die, this was how I wanted to go, death by countless orgasms.
Those who didn’t get their periods were watched expectantly, the whole place holding its breath waiting for news—good or bad.
The days became a repetitive pattern of training, eating and fighting in the arena. The free time, when Morrdrook wasn’t making love to me, we talked about each other's home. It was strange how time spent with Morrdrook seemed like no time at all.
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