Captured By The Beast I

by Daniella Wright

  Chapter 3

  I usually pride myself in the knowledge that I am not actually as weak as I seem. Or stupid. I don’t think about what I do sometimes, sure, but who doesn’t? On the long run, I’ve made more good choices than bad ones.

  So, when the next time I could get my eyelids to peel open, fighting against the led weights I could feel on them and woke up in a bed that was too nice, I was immediately on guard. It was soft as a cloud and I am so used to my old scratchy quilt that the spider silk sheets felt too foreign. I hissed as I scrambled out of the sheets twisted around me.

  When I grasped for my trusty poison tipped twisted dagger, and felt only the flesh of my thigh, my brow furrowed. My dagger was always strapped to this thigh. I was barely lucid enough to notice the problem, slowly grasping around my legs. It took a few minutes before I actually looked down at my body, I noticed that I was naked, except for… new bandages on my arms and… my left breast? Why would that be there? I didn’t have enough time to clean my bandages. Why would he fix things for me?

  Unless my ‘savoir' expected me to be grateful for his saving. If he expected me to reward him with… Oh, fuck no! That is not happening in his life. I'll sooner rip out his throat and destroy him. Even if he did save me. He obviously didn’t do it with pure intentions.

  Nobody ever does anything with pure intentions.

  The anger pumped the blood through my body faster. Enough to actually stand on shaky legs as I heard light footsteps coming towards my room. I almost fell to the ground in my haste to get to the orb of light in the center of the room. Those things are great conductors, and while a Morhian – like myself – has a strong enough constitution to withstand touching it, most beings on this side of the galaxy couldn't touch it without being utterly destroyed.

  I brandished it as a weapon as I glared at the door. My ebony skin was still charred, but holding the orb didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. Maybe it’s one of those fancy-schmancy energy saving orbs? It doesn’t matter.

  I saw the door slowly click open and I was about to attack. I was dumbfounded by the appearance of the man before me, holding a bowl of soup with a soft smile on his face. Never before had I seen such a… exquisite creature. It was a man, and he almost looked… like I did. But where my ears were, he had two… butterfly wings? They fluttered like wings when he cocked his head in confusion.

  His features were sharply defined, with none of the slight pudginess of my own features. And when his face relaxed, I almost felt myself relax as well.

  “Stop it.” I mentally berated myself. “This is obviously a trap.”

  “I mean you no harm.” His voice had a purring lilt to it. It made me calm down despite my own wishes. “I am a physician. I want only to study you, and provide assistance.”

  He seemed harmless. And he did save my life… and he was cute.

  Putting the orb down, and allowing myself to believe him, may have been the best decision I have ever made.

  Chapter 4

  He helped me when I was so weak I couldn’t have fought back if he decided to hurt me, with no selfish thought in his amazing mind. He desired my body, yes, but did not demand it or even ask for it. He wanted to help me leave, back when I was silly enough to believe I wished for such a thing.

  I was staring down at him as he slept. He breathed evenly, a warm smile on his face as he held me to him. He held me so tight as if he was afraid I might leave if he allowed me any freedom at all.

  How is it that anything so beautiful as a perfect moment could even hope to exist in such a harsh reality? It would make the gods themselves weep at what they hath wrought. To create a world that could harm such a perfect creature is an idea that I doubt they ever even believed themselves capable of.

  When he awoke and pressed his soft lips to mine, I held onto him. I hated when he left for work. I did my own work now, but it was so nice to have someone who will take care of me because they love me so deeply. “Dalen,” I whined, “Stay home with me.”

  His chest rumbled with his laughter, pressing a kiss to my forehead before telling me he needed to leave. “Worry not, Sweetling.” He cooed to me. “I will be home soon. Why don’t you go to the community center again? I know you enjoy going there.”

  I smiled at the thought. It was nice there. Growing up a bounty hunter never left me with much time to interact with others or create anything. The idea of bonding with the people around me as I created something to benefit others was novel at first, but as I grew more and more used to the idea, I realized how much more than novel the idea was. It was… amazing.

  Helping others was an option? Well, it had never been before this. I was so amazed by the fact that it actually was now. I couldn’t even believe it in any way.

  I should’ve known it would never last.

  I just… I wanted it so much, that I brushed off all the signs. Ignoring every warning sign was most likely a bad idea.

  Wanting to make him happier, I decided I would make him his favorite food. It was the stomach of a domestic animal that resembled an emu, stuffed with grain and cooked in this peculiar way, that I could barely wrap my mind around it.

  Clearly, I wasn’t a fan of the meal. But Dalen gave me so many things I couldn’t get myself, it is only fair to give him something. If he loved it, and it is what he wants. Then he shall have it.

  Feeling eyes on me, I looked around the community center in confusion. Where is it? Why am I feeling this way? Like I am just prey again. I am more than prey.

  No. That can’t be possible. Nobody could find me here.

  With that thought in mind, I shrugged, shaking it off as I walked around town. I smiled at Derra’ when I came across her as I walked around. She was a beautiful woman who was also born here on Moro.

  “Derra’!” I called, hastily following her throughout the streets once I realized she could actually help me out with my quest. “You know how to make Dolp’era? Right?” She probably did. I think she’s married to a chef or something.

  Even though I had exotic features, I had gotten so close to the townspeople that I could come and go as I pleased. They rarely spared me a glance and sometimes stopped me to chat. Apparently, I am one of the best engineers around, and they always appreciated it when I helped fix or improve one of their pieces of machinery.

  Now that I think about it. Maybe this whole thing could’ve been avoided, had I simply stayed at her place longer? For a few days perhaps? Maybe then this wouldn’t have happened?

  Pfft. I’m getting ahead of myself once again.

  When I got the recipe and collected the foods, I returned to the house, intent on making more dinner for my true love. Dalen was the warmest most perfect person in my life. I dare say, in the galaxy. He deserved whatever I had to offer him, no matter how little what I had to give him actually was.

  I can give him this, though. I can give him this. And for now, it has to be enough.

  Chapter 5

  Healing the sick was always fulfilling. People are such amazing creatures, able to break so many times, yet still be stitched back together again. Helping their own bodies natural healing processes was amazing to me. I dare say, it would be amazing to anyone who glanced at it.

  While the rumor is true, the Moro people are a bit sturdier than most, we could still break. We also burned more easily, so I suppose it all evens out.

  Adrianna. My mind supplied. She was so broken when I first saw her. Yet she is so amazing, still. An unyielding body with an unbreakable spirit.

  The thought of her almost had me racing home. Her beautiful espresso colored skin contrasted so with my soft pink skin. The tattoos were beautiful and so fun to trace with the tongue if you just –

  Off topic again. I apologize.

  I remember when I first found her, she was so… fearless and beautiful, even though she was so wounded. Ebony hair that was as much of an untamable, independent masterpiece as she was, streaked with so many colors throughout it, I could spend hours naming them all. S
he could barely stand, yet she was ready to fight for herself.

  Words cannot describe how attractive that is to me.

  Oh, I can’t wait to see her beautiful smile to light up my day once more!

  When I threw open the door to the house and declared “Adrianna, I have come home, bearing gifts.” I bought her another broach for her hair. (It had a tracking chip in it. It’s not right, I know, but I couldn’t help but worry. Sometimes she said things that made it seem as if she might disappear at a moment’s notice.)

  Sniffing the air, I found myself grinning. Did she make me Dolp’era? But she can’t stand the stuff! Her nose scrunches in on itself in the cutest way when she smells it.

  I was just thinking how much I didn’t deserve an amazing woman like her – her shady past be damned – when she ran towards me. “Darl’n!” She cooed, throwing her arms around me. Apparently, my name was similar to some kind of pet name on her planet.

  My belly twisted, feeling the fluttering sensation of butterflies in my stomach at the feeling of her, back in my arms once again.

  I couldn’t help but give her a grin. She was such a sweet girl, with a warm heart and a beautiful… everything. I wrapped my arms around her, smiling softly as I kissed her on the forehead. “How was your day, Sweetling? Is that Dolp’era I smell?”

  She gave me a coy smile that made me only want to hold her in my arms even longer. So much so, that I began to pout when she jumped out of my arms and hopped away to our dining area.

  “Adrianna,” I whined as I followed her. “I wasn’t done with my hugs.”

  "Come and find out." Her mirthful voice teased, her giggle was such an angelic noise, it sounded like the soft fluttering noise of wind chimes in the breeze. She was just ignoring my complaint playfully.

  I couldn’t pass up a challenge like that, now could I? I followed her into the house and smirked when I saw the table. It was set up with my favorite meal and candles. “How sweet. Did you do all this just for me?”

  "Of course!" She declared happily, as we sat down to eat. She had her own plate of food because she didn't like the taste of Dolp’era, not that I blamed her. Even for other natives of Moro, Dolp’era was considered – how do I phrase this politely? – an acquired taste.

  As I dug into my food with all the rigor of a pregnant woman with cravings, Adrianna began telling me about her day. Her way of experiencing the world and telling stories was always so fascinating to me, I have to pay full attention, lest I miss a crucial detail that she just glides right past, forgetting how important it is.

  “You’ve been so kind to me. Such a gentleman,” She complimented, probably trying to butter me up. She has a certain tone of voice, just a few octaves too sweet.

  I snorted, ‘acting like a gentleman? Really?’ She was blind to what truly ran through my mind. Which, I suppose, is best. It took 8 months for her to crawl into my bed and for us to have our first night together. Of course, I had been fantasizing about it since the first day, but I refused to take advantage of any woman like that. Even so much as to purposefully ignore the signs that she wanted me. Maybe they were different on her planet?

  Regardless, the thoughts that crossed my mind about her had never been "gentlemanly". I thought she knew that, but I suppose she was blind to the fact.

  “So, I wanted to make you something you would really enjoy.” She told me, surprising me. Ironically, I had often been considering the same thing for her.

  She was so inquisitive and I wanted her to experience all the good the world – the galaxy – had to offer. If I’m being honest, saving up was never easy for me – I was used to spending money as soon as I could make it – but for her, I can do anything. It’s taking a while, but we will have enough money where we could explore the universe with not a single financial burden.

  Me and my beloved going across the cosmos and seeing every beautiful thing that it has to offer. It shall be simply magnificent.

  Not that I mentioned the idea to her yet. It shall be a surprise, and if she wants to stay here instead… well… we would have more than enough to take care of as many children as she wants to have.

  "While I was at the market, the most peculiar thing happened." She explained to me. "It was so bizarre in a way I can barely describe it. I felt as though there were eyes on my person. Of course, that isn't strange because I know most of the kids here are confused by what I actually am, but it felt… more sinister than that." She was babbling now. "I mean, I know I probably sound crazy. But the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I just didn’t feel okay. It left a few minutes later. I still don’t, exactly, you know, get what it was about.”

  Okay, now she’s freaking out. Breathing shallowly as she tried to speak as fast as possible.

  “Shhh.” I cooed to her, having finished my food already. I ran my hands through her luscious, glossy locks as I tried to calm her down. She scooted closer to me, as I held her to my chest, breathing deeply. “Nobody can get you here. If they tried, I would stop them.”

  Listening to the beat of my two hearts working in unison should calm her down. It usually does. When I felt her breathing begin to even out, I held her chin between my thumb and forefinger.

  Bringing her up to my face, I pressed my lips to hers softly. She was so perfect, almost like her body was molded to fit mine perfectly.

  “Daah-leeeen,” She whined as she pulled away from me. I wasn’t worried as she was using her playful voice. “You taste awful.” Her nose was scrunched up again. Unfair how adorable she can be, while still being unbelievably sexy.

  I barked out a laugh and breathed in her face again until she punched me in the shoulder.

  “You jerk!” Adrianna called after me as I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth so I could taste good enough to get more kisses from my beloved. I avoided a pillow she threw at my back as I entered the bathroom, barking out another laugh at her.

  When I saw her back in the room I almost drooled as she was wearing the black lingerie I bought her.

  Rushing over to meet her on the bed, I could only think “This is what perfection is.”

  Chapter 6

  Spending the day thinking, okay – Fantasizing – about the night before would be incredibly embarrassing if Dalen knew about it. Luckily he has no idea. So it's okay. No harm, no foul.

  I was so happy, thinking only about Dalen and how generous he is and our future, that I let my guard down, in the stupidest way possible.

  There was a knocking on the door, and the foreboding sound of a man laughing loudly at something that only he, himself, heard. Pfft. The neighbors were such a riot. This happened four times in the last month.

  I threw the door open, fully expecting it to just be the kids trying to scare me. “You little twerps. Didn’t your mother ever warn you about… Bothering …” I trailed off as I tried to grab for the dagger at my side, laughing nervously.

  Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no. This isn’t happening. This is not happening!

  Forcing his way in, was an overly muscular man that I would know anywhere. A chiseled jawline, little clothes, and mussed up hair. If I was younger and more naive, I would drool. As I had done in the past. There was no denying the truth; he was the picture of masculine handsomeness. Instead of the attraction I once felt, I saw only the personification of my own greatest fear.

  “Robert,” I whispered, gulping. It had barely been a year since I escaped from his awful grasp. A year since I tried to fight my way into a better life.

  “Don’t worry, sweet thang.” The twang in his voice that – at one oblivious point in my life – used to be charming, is now one of the most intimidating things I had ever heard. “I have no reason to hurt ya. Not unless you give me another one.”

  He was using his playful voice. Oh no. He was always so much worse when he was playful as opposed to angry. When he was angry, he held himself back because he didn’t want me dead. When he was playful, he was in full control enough to just enjoy playing with me. It was always so much
worse this way. Which is probably why I usually did everything I could just to make him angry.

  “Nice house you got here.” He commented, walking around. He put his dirty hands all over the place. How dare he infect my life with his awful presence again? Make me suffer through the hell that is interaction with his awfulness. “Honestly, I never thought you’d be the type. I mean, you were never the good little housewife for me.”

  My upper lip curled as a snarl was ripped from my throat. “Why are you here.” I hissed through clenched teeth. He brought out the very worst in me, I’ll admit it. But, the worst part of me is still better than the best part of Robert.

  He smirked at me, clearly having no intention of giving me a straight answer. At least not that easily. After all, knowledge is a weapon. "Of course, I suppose I never taught you how to pretend to enjoy it. Like this guy clearly, has. I honestly thought you got yourself killed on some back-water worthless planet while going after something you don't deserve." He snorted. "I guess I was half right."

  “What. Do. You. Want.” When biting the words, I was praying to myself that Dalen would come home from work early. He would get the jump on Robert. Maybe Robert will die?

  “You’ve always overestimated your own self.” He held my jaw in his hand like I was some kind of vicious dog.

  I might be one because I immediately attempted to bite him. To get him to get off of me.

  “Ouch. It’s almost like you don’t even miss me.” Robert had his hand on his heart, in mock-hurt. “Truth is, I need you, Dollface. See, you are key in this big deal I got. The only reason you aren't dead by now, actually."

  I stepped back from him, giving him an unsure scowl. “Why do you need me? You could just not pay that guy.”

  “Ooh, I would, but you see babe.” He pushed me up against the wall hard enough that my head banged into it roughly, as I fought to escape. “This is about more than money. It’s about saving my own skin.”

  His alcohol-filled breath washed across my face and I do the only thing I can think of. I spit in his face, feeling satisfaction at the sight of him wiping the saliva out of his eyes.