“You mean like a waterfall?”
“Exactly like a waterfall,” Zaureth stated.
Amy blinked in awe. “So, the rock is protected on all sides by the sand and water. Pressure sends the water below and above the rock, forming a vacuum of sorts.”
“That is a close assessment.”
Amy laughed. “How awesome is that? I guess you never have to worry about drain clogs in your toilet.”
Zaureth shifted his gaze to what looked to be a stone bowl made into the wall. He moved in closer to give her a better view.
“It’s a sink!” Amy exclaimed. “How did you make that?”
She could feel the pride Zaureth experienced at her excitement. “I simply hollowed out a deep groove into the wall, keeping it at an angle to allow the water to run back into the flow beneath us.”
“How do you get fresh water?” Amy knew she asked a lot of questions, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.
“There are many springs that bubble up from beneath the gulf’s floor that are free of the salt. We have one here in the catacombs, as well as a bath house near the main hall, and several more scattered throughout Aukrabah.”
At Amy’s soft intake of breath, he continued. “Aukrabah was once an active volcano. Over the centuries, and after many floor shifts, the volcano became completely submerged beneath the gulf. The core remains active enough to heat the water flowing in certain areas, yet it does not contain the required gasses to erupt.”
Amy’s mouth fell open. “How do you know all this?”
Zaureth took hold of her elbow and turned her toward the doorway. “I have been in the catacombs for many years, studying the ancient scrolls of our ancestors. There are volumes of information on the aquatic world as well as the surface.”
Amy trailed along beside Zaureth, lost in a haze of wonder. She’d never known anyone like him. His intelligence alone was intimidating. But his heart omitted an innocence she found captivating.
He led her to a smooth rock that sat next to a round stone table, and helped her to sit. “I am sorry that I do not have much of your human food down here, but I did not know what you prefer. I will take you to the storage room later tonight and have you choose the things you want.”
“What is that?” Amy questioned, pointing to a platter in the center of the table. “It smells amazing.”
“That is grouper, seasoned with some things I had readily available. I realize that humans do not eat their food uncooked, so I prepared it over the fire for you.”
He pointed to another dish before Amy could respond. “Those are oysters. I was unsure if you would appreciate them raw, but it will only take me a minute to cook them, if not.”
Next, he indicated a large bowl that held her favorite. Mashed potatoes.
“How did you get mashed potatoes down here?” Amy felt as if she could eat the entire dish.
“The food storage room has a lot of boxed potatoes. Vaulcron brought them back from Cuba at Abbie’s request.”
“They’re my favorite,” Amy remarked, watching as Zaureth made her plate. “How in the world did Vaulcron transfer food from Cuba without being seen?”
“He swam,” Zaureth stated in a matter-of-fact tone while heaping piles of food onto Amy’s plate.
Amy accepted the dish with a smile of thanks. “How did he keep the food from getting wet?”
“Oz packed everything in waterproof bags.”
“That had to be a heavy weight for Vaulcron to carry. I mean, he swam the entire way with all those supplies.”
“Objects become weightless beneath the water,” Zaureth pointed out. “I am certain that it was no burden for him.”
Picking up her fork, Amy took a bite of the delicious-smelling grouper on her plate. Her eyes nearly rolled back in her head. “This tastes amazing, Zaureth.”
He set out to fix his own plate. “I am happy that you like it.”
She took a bite of her mashed potatoes next, surprised to taste butter in their fluffy depths. “You have butter down here?”
“We do. It comes in a can. I believe it is known as butter powder. Vaulcron acquired quite a lot of it for Abbie when she carried Arcanum.”
Humor bubbled up. “I think you mean powdered butter.”
“Yes. That.” Zaureth chuckled, pouring Amy a cup of water.
Amy had never been happier than she was in that moment. Zaureth had kept his promise and taken her to Aukrabah. He’d married her, kept her safe, carried her for miles after she’d nearly fallen several times, and now he’d cooked for her. “Everything is delicious, Zaureth. I’m impressed.”
Though Amy couldn’t see his face, she could feel his blush through their connection.
Amy finished her meal in record time, more than a little excited to see the rest of Aukrabah. “Can we take a tour when you’re finished eating?”
“If that is what you desire, little one.” Zaureth pushed back his plate and stood.
“But you can’t be done with your dinner,” Amy protested. “I can wait.”
“You will never have to wait for anything again, my heart. Besides, I am quite satisfied. You are all that matters to me.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Zaureth came around the table and took hold of Amy’s hand. “What would you prefer to see first?”
“The catacombs,” she breathed, running her thumb across his knuckles.
“It is quite a large place. Are you certain that you do not want to see the main hall while everyone remains awake?”
Amy nodded. “You’re right. I can see the catacombs when we return. I’d love to see the bath house as well.”
Zaureth grinned. Amy’s curious innocence was becoming contagious. He felt as if he were seeing Aukrabah for the first time himself.
He led her toward the archway and helped her ascend the steps into the wide hallway.
“I was just coming to get you guys,” Abbie announced, nearly running into them. “Klause wants to see us in the main hall.”
Zaureth tightened his hold on Amy’s hand. “Did he say what this was about?”
“No,” Abbie murmured, turning to fall into step beside Amy. “But I have a feeling it has something to do with his deal with President Pratt.”
Amy tilted her head in Abbie’s direction. “What makes you think that?”
“I overheard him talking to Laurel. He’s been in touch with Braum.”
Zaureth thought about that for a moment. “I do not trust the land walkers, mate of Hauke.”
“Neither do I,” Abbie agreed, taking Amy’s other hand. “But Klause is king, and what he says goes.”
Zaureth nodded. “To a certain point.”
Amy stumbled slightly, before righting herself. “What does that mean?”
“It means that I refuse to allow your life to be at risk for the land walkers. No matter what the king declares.”
Abbie glanced in Zaureth’s direction. “I’m with you, Z. I won’t let Arcanum become a pawn in their political game either. I’ll run with him first.”
They arrived at the great hall in time to see Klause sitting at the head of the king’s table with Laurel on one side and Fiona, the female soldier, on the other.
Zaureth noticed Gryke standing against the wall, his gaze locked on Fiona, his jaw tight with anger.
Vaulcron, Mallory, and Hauke were seated near the king while Oz lounged at the opposite end of the table, conversing with Naura and Tony.
“Take a seat,” Klause offered as Zaureth entered the room. “We have much to discuss.”
Zaureth guided Amy to a stone stool near her sister before lowering himself onto the one next to her. He could feel Amy’s awe as she took in the natural beauty of the room.
Sun stones were alight along the walls in beds of beautifully decorated shells, sending a mixture of colors dancing around the room.
Jewels rested in a bowl on the table’s center, reflecting the light of the stone beneath them.
Amy’s emotions slamme
d into Zaureth hard enough that his stomach muscles clenched.
“This has to be heaven!” Amy gushed into his mind. “It’s the most beautiful thing, ever.”
Zaureth reached under the table and laid his palm on her knee. “It pales in comparison to you, little one.”
Amy covered his hand with her own. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“I will never grow tired of hearing it.”
“I have spoken with Braum,” Klause began, interrupting Zaureth’s mental conversation with Amy. “He is to arrive at the surface opening with the human president within seven moonrises”
Amy stiffened. “That soon?”
“Braum has informed me that President Pratt will widen the opening and set up a military station inside the entrance to keep out intruders.”
“I do not trust the humans,” Zaureth stated, meeting the king’s gaze. “Perhaps it is hasty of us to invite them here.”
Klause lifted a hand to quiet the murmurs now flowing around the table. “As Laurel recently brought to my attention, it is time for change.”
The king shifted his gaze to Abbie. “Braum will bringing the items needed for you and Arcanum to give blood samples. It is your decision to return to the surface with him. I will not force you.”
Abbie cleared her throat. “I’ll be going back with Braum to assist in the vaccine research. It’s the only way to try to stop this madness.”
“I will be going to the surface with my mate,” Hauke announced, drawing the king’s attention to him.
Klause narrowed his eyes. “I do not approve, fili mi. But the decision is yours, for I cannot stop you without locking you in a cell.”
“Speaking of cells,” Oz interjected. “I’d rather my prisoner remain a secret. The less the government knows of her existence, the better.”
Zaureth turned toward Oz. “Has she still not told you of her brother’s location?”
“She hasn’t told me a damn thing,” Oz grumbled. “Other than go to hell.”
Mallory propped her chin on her hand and studied Oz. “Maybe I should talk to her. Being a reporter has definitely taught me to speak fluent bullshit.”
Oz grinned. “A girl after my own heart. Too bad Vaulcron found you first.”
Vaulcron growled.
“Technically, it was I who found him,” Mallory teased before sobering. “Seriously though. I’ll talk to her.”
Gryke pushed off from the wall he leaned against. “I would have no problem loosening her tongue.”
Oz raised an eyebrow. “You touch her, and it won’t be her tongue you’ll have to worry about. I’ll remove yours with a wooden spoon.”
Gryke took a step forward, his top lip peeled back over his teeth.
“That is enough,” Klause ordered, slamming his fist down on the tabletop. “Gryke? Stay away from the prisoner. And Oz? I want her gone from here as soon as it is safe to do so. It is difficult enough to deal with the American government without waging war. I refuse to bring the Cubans into this as well.”
“Understood,” Oz concluded, getting to his feet. “I’ll have her gone before the week’s end.” He turned toward the door and sauntered from the room.
Klause glanced at Gryke. “Do not antagonize Oz. He has risked everything for us and deserves nothing but gratitude.”
Anger flared in Gryke’s eyes, but he didn’t respond. His gaze remained locked on Fiona, the female soldier.
Tony stood also, tugging Naura up with him. “It’s time for you to lie down. I don’t want you doing too much.”
“He is overprotective,” Naura complained, looping her arm through her mate’s. “But I will do as he says. I am not feeling my best."
Mallory smiled. “It’s called morning sickness. You’ll get used to it.”
From the look on Klause’s and Laurel’s faces, Zaureth thought in relief, they were more than happy about the news of Naura’s pregnancy.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Amy slowly stretched, coasting her leg up Zaureth’s stomach before lifting her head to kiss his chin.
They lay on a blanket next to the mating pool, both lost in the wonder of repeating their vows.
Zaureth had taken Amy slowly, learning her body with tender touches, bringing her to release over and over.
“I will never get used to making love with you,” Amy whispered, attempting to catch her breath. “Each time is more incredible than the last.”
The feel of his sex hardening against the back of her thigh brought a smile to her face. “I see I’m not the only one who enjoys it.”
Zaureth reached beneath her arms and lifted her up higher against his chest. “I crave to be inside you, every second of every day.”
“That sounds like a plan to me,” Amy teased, brushing her hand against his erection.
Zaureth groaned. “I cannot take you again so soon. Your body has to become accustomed to mine.”
Amy pouted, folding her hands over his collarbone and popping her chin on top. “Maybe later tonight?”
“Would you be happy with mouth sex?”
She grinned and moved to roll off him.
Zaureth locked his hands on her waist to prevent her from rolling off him and dragged her up to his face.
“Zaureth?”
“Place your hands above my head,” he softly growled. “Trust me.”
Amy went pliant in his arms, gripping the blanket they lay on as he settled her over his mouth.
She bucked against him, a moan ripping from her throat. Her body came alive with the first touch of his tongue.
Zaureth swiped his warm tongue across her most sensitive place, licking and sucking her into a frenzy.
Her hips began to move in time with his mouth, telling him without words she’d lost any inhibitions she may have had.
He opened his mind to her, allowing her to feel his pleasure, hear his thoughts, taste herself the way he tasted her.
An orgasm slammed into her with the force of a truck. She screamed her release, shuddering above him while continuing to grind herself firmly against his mouth.
Zaureth came.
Amy couldn’t seem to slow her trembling. She’d just experienced Zaureth’s orgasm through his mind. She now understood the depths of his pleasure during a climax.
Long moments passed with Zaureth still locked onto her center. Amy could feel his tongue penetrating her before swiping over her swollen bundle of nerves once more.
She jerked in reaction, the sensitivity of his touch overwhelming.
Zaureth pulled back, easing her trembling body down next to him. “Your passion astounds me. I cannot seem to get enough.”
Amy turned on her side and cupped his face in her hands. “I love you so much, Zaureth. You’ve made me the happiest woman alive.”
“I will always strive to please you, my heart. You are my reason for breathing.”
Blinking back tears of joy, Amy pressed her lips to his. “Are we officially mated now?”
“From this day forth, you are mine, forever.”
With a sigh of happiness, Amy tucked her face in the crook of his neck. “What do you think will happen to the Bracadytes, Zaureth?”
He pulled her tightly against him and ran his hand through her hair. “I do not know, my love. But as long as I draw breath, I will never permit anything to happen to you. Even if it means leaving this place.”
Amy burrowed in closer. “I worry for everyone, not just me. My sister and her unborn child. Vaulcron. Hauke and Abbie. And what about Oz? He’s planning on returning to Cuba pretty soon and taking Maria with him.”
“I know,” Zaureth rumbled. “I fear he has his hands full with Carlito’s sister.”
“I’m more worried about what awaits him when he arrives back at the hotel. What if Carlito has men watching the place? Oz could be gunned down before he ever makes it to shore.”
Zaureth tightened his hold on her. “Carlito would not risk injuring his sister. Oz should be safe as long as he has her in h
is possession.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Me too,” Zaureth softly admitted.
Amy lifted her head, bent her arm, and propped her cheek on her open palm. “And what’s the deal with Gryke? Did you see how he reacted to Fiona?”
“Gryke is a loner,” Zaureth responded. “He is the best fighter the Bracadytes have. Which is why he was appointed to guard the king. I have never known him to take to anyone other than Braum. He keeps to himself. I have never known him to show an emotion other than anger.”
Amy considered that for a moment. “I wonder why he’s so bitter? Did something happen to him to make him that way?”
Zaureth reached up and ran his fingertips down Amy’s cheek. “I do not know. But I would rather think about my mate than dwell on Gryke.”
Amy laughed. “I’m sure you’ve learned by now that I’m a curious sort. And I’m also hungry. Where can we find something to eat around here?”
Zaureth sat up, humor evident in his voice. “I will take you to the food storage room for a snack. And then we will go to the bath house. I have sand in all orifices.”
Getting to her feet, Amy dressed in record time, gasping as Zaureth lifted her into his arms without warning.
She clung to his muscular neck. “It turns me on when you do that.”
Zaureth growled low in his throat. “Do not tempt me, little one. I grow hard for you even now.”
“I suppose I can wait until after we eat and have a bath,” Amy teased, resting her head on his shoulder.
“At least until after you eat. I can always take you in the bath.”
Amy’s stomach fluttered at his words. “I’m holding you to that, my gentle giant.”
The walk to the food storage room was spent in silence. Even with their connection, no words were needed. Amy’s heart had never been more full as it was in that moment. She had everything she could ever want: her health, thanks to her Zaureth, her sight. But beyond all that, she had the love of a Bracadyte healer. Her hero, her heart…her Zaureth.
Epilogue
Zaureth: A SciFi Alien Romance (Enigma Series Book 4) Page 14