by Liza Probz
Maybe that hadn't been entirely true. He'd never felt a greater level of attraction to any Zantharian females beyond the surface. Never found himself driven to mate, to produce a child with any of them.
Maybe he'd been saving himself for something special.
Surely being with the Earthling female wouldn't induce the frenzy.
She wasn't even the same species. He knew they were compatible in terms of anatomy, but he doubted the professor was able to create the mixture of arousal, neurochemicals, and pheromones necessary to bring on the frenzy in him.
Even if it did, at this point could you stop?
No, he couldn't. He wouldn't.
Not even if the Hareema chose this second to invade, nothing could stop him from claiming this female.
Xivthar sank his fingers into her thick mane of hair. Holding her still for his exploration, he leisurely kissed his way from her lips to her cheek. He kissed the tip of her nose and nuzzled against her neck as she continued to urge him on with her feminine sounds.
“So good,” she murmured against his lips as he brushed them by hers once more.
He was holding tight to his control, trying desperately to make the experience one she wouldn't regret. She sighed, and he kept up his gentle kisses. On her earlobe. Her throat. Her forehead.
The female beneath him began to squirm, the delicious tang of her arousal intensifying. Her vivid green eyes opened, a look of chagrin appearing on her face. He smiled down at her, then licked a path from her shoulder to her ear.
"Goddammit," she whined. "Stop teasing me!"
"What do you mean?" he asked, confused.
Her hands came up to take hold of his face as she pulled him down for a scorching kiss. She wrapped her legs around his waist and rubbed her softness against his stomach.
That was it. His tenuous hold on self-control snapped.
Chapter 26
If he wants me so bad, why isn't he fucking me?
He had been dropping soft kisses on her face and neck for what seemed like forever. She wasn’t one to lose patience often, but his teasing pecks and licks were driving her insane. The strong thump pumping through her pressure points forced her to take matters into her own hands. Agreeing to sex was the hardest part. Doing it… that was easy.
She pulled from the kiss and ran her hands down his thick chest. "Please."
She wasn’t sure what she was asking for exactly, but more of him had to be part of the request. Lots more of him.
"My beautiful little Earthling," he whispered, his fingers trailing down to her top. In a few quick motions he had it untied and the deep groan that left him caused her heart to skip a beat. He liked what he saw.
"You're perfection," he crooned, his finger sliding between her breasts first, before his hand cupped one, then the other. "I've thought of nothing but bathing these with my tongue, grazing them with my teeth.”
He moved down and sucked one of her nipples deep into his mouth as she arched her back, the sensation brilliant. His tongue lavished attention on her nipples, sucking and kneading them for a little longer as she closed her eyes and rocked her hips against his.
“I need to taste you again.” He moved back and slid down the bed as her stomach tightened painfully.
“God, yes,” she groaned and reached up, sliding her fingers through the thick tendrils that covered his head. The docile academic was long gone. It was time to be the needy woman who craved the attention of a strong man. She worked hard to hide that part of her persona from everyone – especially herself.
X tugged her shorts off and ran his hand back up to her breasts, squeezing one as he used his other to pet the wet skin of her sex. "Superb. You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on."
She groaned softly and forced herself to calm down. She was going to have a fucking heart attack by the way her blood pumped through her veins. His tongue brushed across her and the sound that left him caused a full body tremor to run through her.
"Fuck me, you smell so good.” He buried his nose against her, breathing in deep as he pulled her into his mouth. He followed the assault with a slow lick of his wide tongue, his actions causing her to force her legs open more. She twitched as he repeated his actions over and over again. It wasn’t until he sunk two of his thick fingers inside of her that she came up off the bed, the scream ripping from her one she could only imagine having leave her.
Sylvie reached the peak of pleasure, screaming again as she pushed at his head. He didn’t stop, despite her orgasm rocking the core of her loose.
“More,” he whispered against her and pressed a kiss against her pulsating flesh. He continued licking and sucking, and before long she climaxed again, her legs shaking, her lip sore from biting it to hold back the violent screams that beat against her.
"Please, no more," she mumbled, the world having dissolved into something hazy and drugged around her. "It's too much."
He moved back up her body and pulled his sarong over his head before pressing himself against her. His kiss was soft and she could taste herself on his tongue. The flavor caused another rush of lust to move over her. She plunged her tongue into his mouth as he groaned, rubbing the thickness of his cock along her sex.
"I must have you, Sylvie. Spread your legs around me and tell me if it’s too much. I’ll try and take my time.” He stared deeply into her eyes, his whole pupils had been taken over by the glowing ring.
“Yeah,” she whimpered, unable to get any other words to formulate.
She spread her legs farther and he lifted up a little, his eyes moving down the length of their bodies as he took himself into his hand. He glanced up at her, his skin a beautiful violet that left her in awe of more than just the sex.
“You can’t even imagine how badly I want you.” He pressed against her, using his hand to guide himself into her. Lying down, he reached up and brushed his hand over her forehead, rubbing the wet hair from her face as he licked at her throat.
She held her breath as he began to work himself inside of her. He was so much bigger than any man she had been with, but the pressure only added to the building explosion inside of her.
“Oh, fuck,” she moaned. She lifted her chin to the ceiling as he nestled the last bit of himself inside of her. “Oh, God…”
"Gods, baby. You’re so fucking tight," he growled. "You were made for me, Earthling. There is just no denying it, lover."
He pulled almost all the way out, then slid home again, causing Sylvie to cry out each and every time he did it.
"So soft and wet, warm and delicious." He kissed her lips, and she held his head in place, their tongues brushing over each other while he thrust deeply into her.
He pushed up and started to work her a little faster, the position giving her a chance to do something she had wanted to do since arriving. Lifting to her elbows, she glanced down the length of him and let out a deep groan. His cock was thick and shaped like the males of Earth, the silky tendrils of hair framing his sex dancing about. The sensation was foreign, and yet only added to her pleasure. As if a million feathers brushed across her as he took his time fucking her.
He grunted low in his chest as energy waves began rippling down his skin. Concern swept through her and she looked up at him wide-eyed. Then she felt it.
A yelp left her at the first small jolt of power. It was a tiny spark, but deep inside her. Then another one. She tried to relax, but the next one slammed into her G-spot and she came – hard.
"Shhh... Enjoy it. I won’t hurt you, baby." He soothed her with his words and continued to make love to her, working orgasm after orgasm from her.
The energy waves on his skin picked up their pace and suddenly his cock was pulsing inside her, the waves of energy vibrating it inside of her. Exhaustion rushed over her, but greed forced her to continue coaxing him forward. She wanted more… needed all that he would give her.
“Harder, X. Fuck me harder,” she groaned and ran her nails down his back as he slammed into her over and
over.
He thrusted faster, burying his face in the crook of her neck as his fingers dug into the soft flesh of her ass. The vibrations continued, accompanied by the occasional shocks. Then another hit her bud and she went over, surrendering to the climax that felt like it would shake her apart.
“Please come,” she whispered against his neck, unsure of why he was taking so long. She had heard about men with insane stamina, but this was ridiculous.
“You first,” he grumbled and pressed himself the final inch, rolling his hips and massaging every inch of her with a vibration that was so intense that she cried out, tears burning her gaze.
“Beautiful, lover.” He kissed her neck, her face and lastly her lips. “Sleep and I’ll wake you soon. You were magnificent."
She started to reach for him, but sleep pulled her under. The question of his lack of orgasm plagued her, but she hadn’t anything left to combat it with.
Chapter 27
When Sylvie awoke, she was sore, but it was a good sore. She turned on her side to look at the man who'd made love to her like no human man ever could.
X was deeply asleep, a small smile on his face. He looked so innocent, so relaxed. She wanted to press a kiss into his mouth, to wake him and entice him to take her again. Being the object of desire and affection for a man with his power, his looks, his strength, was overwhelming and addictive.
You have to go. Now, or you’ll never leave.
Instead, she crept out of bed and began fastening her clothing as quietly as possible. She could ignore the burn of despair that rose from the pit of her stomach until she was headed home. Then she would lament over the death of something that was building to be beautiful and sustaining.
She would take the orders he'd written and get to the central hub and off the planet before he woke up.
He got what he wanted. We had a deal. I doubt he'll care too much when he wakes up and finds me gone.
A part of her didn't believe that, but now wasn’t the time for second-guessing herself. He had a planet to run and she had a lab to attend to. Simple. Really.
Sylvie left the regent's chambers, surprised to see that the crowd was still outside. They began shouting as soon as they saw her, so she quickly pressed the orders into the major's hand.
"Please hurry," she said, eyeing the protesters around her.
"Of course." He pulled up a mini console from a device around his wrist and ordered a new set of guards to take up their post at the regent's door. Two new guards arrived quickly.
They must be close to keep an eye on this crowd and make sure it doesn't get out of hand.
The old guards made sure to exchange energies with the new ones, ascertaining that neither were Hareema operatives. Then she was being led down the hallway, through the shouting crowd, and toward the central hub.
She looked back at the regent's door and frowned as tears burned her gaze. It seemed a tragedy to end things that way, but how else could she be sure of an easy departure from Zanthar? The regent had promised to let her go, but she didn't think she wanted to wait for him to dismiss her in person. It was easier to just sneak out.
No messy goodbyes.
The central hub rose in front of her, and the major used the orders to secure a small transport. He put in the order for two attack ships to meet them above the surface and started to power up the engine.
As they waited in line to exit through one of the membranes, Sylvie began to cry. She wasn't sure where the tears were coming from, but they spilled over onto her cheeks as she angrily wiped them away. It was supposed to be a quick romp in the sheets. Just sex.
Then why does my heart feel like it’s being shredded?
No matter what, goodbyes are messy, especially when love is involved.
Chapter 28
Sylvia dried her tears and moved on to chewing her thumbnail, her foot tapping as she watched the transports ahead of her exit the central hub one by one.
Five more.
Four.
She was leaving Zanthar, the first planet to harbor proof of alien life. Not only was there life, but a civilization more advanced than Earth's own. She'd just snuck out of the leader of the planet's bedroom after spending a night of unequaled passion with him, which left her far less willing to leave him behind.
Three more, and then I'm free.
Two more. Dammit.
Sylvie was surprised at the whirlwind of emotions that had currently taken up residence inside of her.
This is the right decision. She had reminded herself of that a hundred times since leaving X's bed. It's better for him. Now he can concentrate on exposing the alien conspiracy and regaining his subjects' approval.
The transport stood before the membrane that kept the Zantharian seas out of the central hub. A few more moments. She breathed in deeply and forced her tears back.
The console in front of the major flashed on, accompanied by blinking red lights around the cabin. "Transport 7V, return to the pad. You are not cleared for departure."
The major moved back from the transport, heading toward the pad they'd left minutes ago.
"What's happening?" she asked him. "Why aren't we leaving?"
"We've been called back."
Oh no. No, no, no.
"Why? I have an official order, signed by your Supreme Regent."
"Looks like he's changed his orders." The major's face was neutral, but his skin color began to lighten, yellow streaks appearing in the green.
The major wasn't the only one who disapproved of the regent's relationship with her. Earthlings weren't exactly welcome on Zanthar at the moment. Not since they'd been suspected of teaming up with the Zantharians' mortal enemies, the Hareema.
The transport landed, and the major and his companion opened the hatch and led her out. With a sigh, Sylvie bid goodbye to her best chance at escape. She stepped out of the transport and into the grip of Zanthar's Supreme Regent.
"Where do you think you're going?" he asked.
Sylvie's gaze moved over him and she gasped. The regent was covered from head to toe, his form swathed in an overlarge cloak. She'd never seen him in anything other than his braided sarong, his chest left bare.
Maybe he's trying to keep a low profile.
She couldn't blame him. Mobs of his dissatisfied constituents were following him around, protesting his interactions with the Earthling, with her.
She pulled herself out of his grip, hating how badly she wanted to slide back into his arms and pretend like something could become of them.
"I was going back to Earth. Remember this?" She held out the rolled-up parchment that contained the orders allowing her passage back to Earth.
"You can't be serious."
Sylvie couldn't make out his expression in the deepness of his cloak. "Hell yes, I'm serious. I upheld my end of the bargain, remember?”
How easily he'd broken his promise. Why am I not more upset?
"Things have changed. Come with me." He grabbed her arm once again, and again she yanked away from him.
"No. You got what you wanted. Now be a gentleman and send me home."
"Major, take the Earthling prisoner."
"What?!?!" The older guard grabbed her arm, motioning for his partner to take his position on her other side. "This is ridiculous. You promised me--"
"Let's go," he said, turning on his heel and heading back through the throngs of people.
"You can't take me prisoner! I haven't done anything!"
The crowd around her erupted into cheers. "Exterminate the Earthling!"
"Shut up!" she yelled back.
That was it. She'd done everything she could to help the people around her root out the shape shifters who may have infiltrated their planet, and in return she'd received only hatred.
The crowd followed them down the passageways, the catcalls continuing.
"Hareema whore," one Zantharian shouted.
She turned her head away before she went ballistic on a random stranger.
&nb
sp; "She's disgusting," another one said as she was dragged by. It was a female, by the looks of her clothing, which was almost identical to Sylvie's own. "Look at her body. It's so... round and grotesque!"
"I can't believe the regent's interested in the likes of her," another female added. "He has to be out of his mind to think that's attractive."
She was thankful when they at last left the corridor and the voices behind her until she realized she was back in the regent's private quarters.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she asked, immediately rounding on him. "How dare you bring me back here? I did what you asked. Now keep your promise!"
He didn't answer. Instead, he dropped the cloak, which had concealed him so thoroughly.
Sylvie's jaw fell open in response.
X's entire skin was like carved ebony. It was as dark as midnight, as dark as the pupils of his eyes.
She'd not yet seen a Zantharian whose body had gone black.
“What the hell does this mean?” Fear rolled over her in sickening waves. Was he hurt?
"I told you, things have changed," he said, indicating his body.
"So you turned a different color. So what? Zantharians are always shifting, from green to yellow, to red and purple…"
"And black?" he asked, the anger evident in his tone. "How many of us have you seen that have shifted to black?"
"None, but I don't see what this has to do with anything. Nothing's changed. Send me home. I can’t stay here, X." He needed her gone and his people were going to make sure she remained aware of that fact.
"Everything's changed!" he bellowed, running both hands through the tendrils that were swaying around on his head in agitation. His frustration was palpable.
Frustration? Wait, that's yellow.
"Why aren't you yellow?" For some reason she didn't understand, she was afraid of the answer.