Alien Slave

by Tracy St. John

  * * * *

  When Dani woke, curled alone on the leaf-covered ground, it was still full dark. Gelan sat next to her head. Wynhod crouched on the other side of the fire, close to Krijero who propped up on one elbow. The scent of meat cooking over the fire set off a series of rumbles in Dani’s stomach. Apparently Wynhod’s hunt had been successful.

  He smiled at her. “We were debating whether to wake you for a meal or let you sleep.”

  “I’m all about eating right now.” She started to sit up, but Gelan’s arms closed around her. He drew her to his lap and pressed a chunk of meat to her lips. Dani devoured it in an instant.

  “Hungry, little fighter?” Wynhod looked amused.

  “Starved.”

  “Try chewing this time,” Gelan said, feeding her another morsel.

  The next few minutes consisted of Dani filling the yawning void of her gut. When her stomach’s clamor dulled to where she could think again, she asked, “Any sign of Tragooms?”

  Wynhod shook his head. “I saw no sign of pursuit. Maybe they finally got tired of being killed.” He passed a chunk of meat to Krijero, who was eating with far more grace than Dani.

  Dani accepted a sip of water from Gelan’s container. She looked Wynhod over, thinking how primitive he looked. “Does it bother you to kill?” she asked.

  He cocked his head, taking the time to consider her question. “It depends on the situation. Sometimes it’s my job to stop dangerous men from hurting others, and I have to shoot my own kind. It’s the right thing to do, but it’s hard. Taking the life of another Kalquorian is never easy.”

  He pursed his lips, staring into the fire for a few moments. Dani sensed he had more to say and was trying to think how to phrase it. Finally his gaze flicked back up to hers. “You may not like hearing this, but I feel nothing when it comes to killing Tragooms. I find no redeeming qualities in them at all. Tragooms are like a disease to me, a tumor to be cut out of universe.”

  The tone of Wynhod’s voice chilled Dani. His eyes were as flat and uncaring as a snake’s as he talked about ruthlessly murdering. She swallowed. Was it really that easy for him? “But they’re intelligent beings, right?”

  He shrugged. “They have intelligence. They are self-aware. But they also brutalize others without conscience, killing and raping without care. The weaker the victims, the better they like it. I have never lost sleep over ridding the universe of their kind.”

  Gelan added, “Tragooms are opportunistic. In a crowd surrounded by others who can defend themselves, they conduct themselves with some restraint. However, their code is to take what they want when circumstances allow. Whether it be weapons, spaceships, or people, they steal and use for their own gain. Their constant predations

  made the Galactic Council decide long ago no punishment would fall on those who kill Tragooms, so long as their planet itself wasn’t attacked. And no member planet can trade with them.”

  Dani thought about ending the lives of other beings, even ones as grotesque as the Tragoom race. To be the reason someone else died – she shuddered. “Wow. I’m not sure I could kill anyone without completely freaking out over it. Even if they were to threaten my life, I think it would bother me.”

  Wynhod smiled at her, the chilling expression on his face wiped clean. Dani’s shoulders relaxed tension she didn’t realize she’d been holding. He told her, “You value life. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

  Dani shook her head at Gelan’s offer of another chunk of meat. Her stomach groaned, over full now. She was content anyway. Being stuffed was miles better than being hungry. She snuggled back against his chest, still watching Wynhod.

  “More questions?” He didn’t seem disturbed by her curiosity.

  “Just one, I guess. I mean, I’ve never met anyone who has killed someone else. I suppose if it’s part of your job, I’d better get my head around it.”

  “Ask away.”

  Wynhod’s face was blandly pleasant, and Dani had the sudden insight that he was working very hard to keep his demeanor from being frightening to her. He knew he was intimidating to the nth degree, and she thought perhaps he wanted her to feel safe, not threatened by him.

  Taking courage from her instincts, Dani asked, “Does feeling okay about killing make it hard for you to love others?”

  Wynhod blinked. Krijero looked at him, his attention avid on the Nobek.

  Gelan’s voice, rumbling over her head, was thoughtful. “Now that’s a very interesting question. I’d like to hear this answer.”

  Wynhod crooked a half-smile at the group. “It is a good question. No one has ever asked me that before.” His brow furrowed, and Dani could tell he was thinking hard again.

  Finally he said, “In my work as law enforcement, I see the worst of people. I suppose it may have made me a bit jaded. I have built walls emotionally, because it does take a toll. But when I have someone I trust enough to love, it seems to be with more passion than most people I know.”

  “Really?”

  Krijero nodded, his gaze on the Nobek warm. “He is very protective and caring about those he’s close to.”

  Dani saw how Wynhod’s face softened when he glanced at his Imdiko. She said, “You feel that way about Gelan and Krijero.”

  Wynhod nodded. “They are my clan. They are my life.”

  The way he said it was simple, but there were volumes of meaning in his words. It was an honest declaration of devotion for the other two men.

  Dani couldn’t help the wistful envy that crept into her tone. “You’re all very lucky to have one another. To know you can depend on each other no matter what.”

  Gelan’s arms tightened around her. His voice rumbled soothingly in her ear. “You can have that too, Dani. You just have to open your heart to the right people.”

  She sighed, hating to throw herself a pity party but not able to stop it. “I’ve never been that important to anyone. Even if I was, I doubt I’d trust them enough to know they care to such an extent.”

  Krijero sounded encouraging. “I once felt that way too. Trust is earned, and if someone loves you, they’ll do all they can to win it from you, no matter how long it takes.”

  Chapter 17

  Wynhod stood guard in the black night as Dani peed behind a rock outcropping. Nothing stirred over the rock plain, but she couldn’t see in the dark and he had no idea how stealthy and quick the moon’s predators might be. He was glad to be on hand to protect her. It was what he was made for.

  The soft beat of urine hitting the hard ground ended. A moment later came the sound of splashing as Dani rinsed herself with water from a hollowed-out rock they’d found and filled for her. They’d also provided her with leaves to wipe herself. The Earther liked to be clean. More than once she’d vowed to spend hours showering the moment she got the chance.

  He heard next the careful pad of her wrapped feet and the slide of her hands against the rock as she cautiously returned to him. She came into view, and Wynhod admired her. Even with her hair wild and uncombed, a copper cloud around her head, she was a beauty.

  Mine, he’d declared a few days ago. He again felt the need to claim her, felt it so keenly that it almost hurt his gut. No one had inspired such an ache to possess before. No one, not even Krijero, had ever made his insides twist with terror at the thought of not being able to take care of them.

  Despite Gelan not yet officially declaring her Matara, Dani was clan to Wynhod. The very center of his world.

  Wynhod had told her he was more passionate than most in terms of devotion when it was aroused. Dani had more than aroused his dedication. She’d swamped him with it until she owned his thoughts. He didn’t fight this unforeseen attachment. There was no point; he adored her and such fervor would not be denied.

  The biggest worry for him was that he was naturally fierce. Dani’s questions about his ability to kill without remorse had warned him that he needed to be very careful how he presented himself to her. She required delicate handling, something he had li
ttle experience with. Convincing her of his ability to care for her could be a battle, one he wasn’t exactly sure he could win.

  He wondered if he’d already damaged his chances to gain her trust.

  “Wynhod?” She’d reached the end of the outcropping and stared blindly into the night. Poor little Earther with her weak, light-dependent eyes.

  “Right here, little one.” He was in front of her in an instant, gathering her in his arms, picking her up and settling her on his hip.

  Her long, slender arms wrapped around his neck. “It’s black as pitch out here. I wish I could see.”

  An animal screamed in the distance. It was far away, the dying shriek of some unlucky prey, but a trick of the air made it sound much closer. Dani’s arms tightened and she trembled as she stared desperately, trying to see what danger lay around her.

  Wynhod whispered, “I have you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Her night blind gaze drifted over his face, guided by his voice. “I’m more work than I’m worth, aren’t I?”

  “Not in the least. You’re worth far more than I’ve expended on you.”

  “But I got us in this mess. My stupidity put us all in danger.”

  She seemed genuinely remorseful. Was she trying to apologize? Wynhod wished he had the instant psychological tools to wipe the self-disgust from her face. He was forced to think hard before speaking, fighting to find the words that would tell her how precious he thought she was. “You’re not stupid, Dani. Hurt and fear can make us do unreasonable things sometimes.”

  “I guess. Are we going back to the shelter now?”

  They were about thirty yards away from their camp. Wynhod saw his chance to connect with the Earther, to somehow assert his feelings for her if he could just find the right words.

  He took a deep breath. “We’ll go back in a moment. Before we do, I want to tell you what I see in you, Dani. I see a beautiful girl who’s never known the safety of unconditional love. I see someone deserving of that protection, of that love.”

  Her voice was sad enough to make Wynhod wish he was less Nobek so he might weep. “There’s no such thing as unconditional love. Everyone always wants something from you. When you fail to give it; and you must fail because sooner or later you’re going to screw up; it’s over. And then you’re all alone again, with no one to care.”

  She leaned her forehead to his shoulder and started to cry quietly. The sound made him angry at her past, much as he became furious when he thought of the Dramok who’d broken Krijero’s heart. Unfortunately, there was no one to take his fury out on.

  Again, he was forced to choose his words carefully, to modulate his tone so as to be a comfort. “That’s not true, my little fighter. Sometimes we disappoint the ones we love, but because they love us, they get over it. They don’t have to like our actions to love us.”

  She said nothing, continuing to cry. Wynhod wasn’t even sure she’d heard him. He took a deep breath and tried again. “When a Nobek swears to something, it is a vow you can take to your grave. And I promise I will not leave you alone or push you away, no matter what you do or say. I may become angry with you, but you will always have my protection. Do you believe me, Dani?”

  She sniffled. “I want to. But I’m not sure I can.”

  “Then I will prove it to you, over and over, for as long as it takes.”

  * * * *

  Dani wished she could see Wynhod, wished she knew what expression he wore. She wanted nothing more than to wallow in his promise, to wrap herself up in the commitment in his voice. All three men were tempting her to declare lifelong dedication to them. But they couldn’t possibly want her, not galumphing, impetuous Danielle Watson.

  If only she had something to offer besides sex! Something they could appreciate, something that would make them want to keep her forever.

  The irony that she’d done a complete one-eighty from fearing the clan wouldn’t release her once her contract was up wasn’t lost on Dani. God, she had issues.

  “You’re being very kind to me, Wynhod. Thank you.”

  His laugh was a bark. “I’m telling you the truth, little fighter.”

  “Do you want sex?” Might as well use what little advantage she had.

  He gave her one of those long, thoughtful silences. “I would enjoy making love. But only if you want me in that way too. Sex, as wonderful as it is, isn’t what makes me want to be with you.”

  God, she wanted to believe him.

  Dani nuzzled her way from his shoulder, up his neck, across his strong jaw, over his chin, finally finding his lips ready for her kiss. Wynhod moved her from his hip so that he held her chest to chest. Dani wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling his cocks pressing hard against his formsuit.

  He pushed her up against a column of rock that she hadn’t known was there. Slight protrusions poked her back, but it was mostly smooth. Dani liked being trapped between the ungiving stone and the almost as stoic Nobek.

  Between a rock and a hard place, she thought and almost giggled. But feeling Wynhod’s hand between them, unleashing his maleness from the formsuit replaced hilarity with a surge of lust. A hard place, indeed.

  His tongue plundered her mouth, searching out all the softest, most sensitive spots. Meanwhile, his cocks moved unerringly to her orifices, as if drawn by an irresistible force. The tips of his cocks slipped just inside, igniting her senses.

  Dani only now realized Wynhod hadn’t prepared her for anal penetration as the men usually did. Was she still stretched from sex with Gelan hours ago?

  She had no time to wonder as the Nobek pressed into her. Her ass gave a little more grudgingly than before, aching just a bit, but she took him with little trouble. The bit of hurt only seemed to enhance the deep welling of pleasure coming from both passages. She made herself soft with surrender as Wynhod filled her utterly.

  When his mouth released hers, Dani sighed. No men had ever possessed her as wonderfully as the Kalquorians. Sweet bliss, unaided by an intoxicating bite, pervaded every cell.

  She heard the smile in Wynhod’s voice. “You were made for us, little fighter.”

  Dani didn’t know if he meant Kalquorians in general or his clan specifically. As Wynhod began his steady, powerful thrusts, she decided it wasn’t important right now to ask.

  His driving hips moved her up and down the rock face for an instant, then he circled her with his arms, saving her hide from abrasion. Wynhod’s big hand cradled the back of her head.

  “How does it feel?” he growled in her ear. “Tell me what it’s like to have me inside you.”

  “Like liquid starlight pouring into my body,” she gasped. “Like it’s bubbling at full boil and going to overflow at any moment and pour out of me.”

  Dani had never considered herself a poet, but the description of the delicious friction of his lengths driving in and out of her sounded inspired to her own ears. Wynhod filled her to bursting, stroking all the bits of her that sparkled and fizzed with effervescent delight.

  “Do I please you, Dani?”

  “Oh my God. It’s wonderful what you’re doing.”

  “I’m not hurting you?”

  “No. You can go harder.”

  He obliged her, quickening his pace until he pounded her like a jackhammer. Dani’s head lolled in his hand, animal-like cries fleeing her throat. His groin, smashed up against her mound, stimulated her clit. A slow, rolling pulse of exquisite sensation spooled in her nether parts. She drew heaving breaths as her insides tightened.

  “Are you going to come for me?”

  “Yes. Yes.”

  “Good.” He panted. “I am close as well. I can feel you constricting all around me.”

  “Getting … close.”

  “So wet. So warm.”

  “Uh huh. Hard … harder.”

  “Fuck you harder?”

  “Yes.”

  Pounding. Heaving. Coiling up inside. Electric shocks of desire.

  “Almost.”

 
; “Let it happen, little fighter. Let yourself go.”

  “Almost … oh … oh.”

  “There it is. Here you come.”

  “Oh … oh … please.”

  “Show me, Dani. Give yourself to me.”

  “Yes … oh … Wynhod … oh-oh-oh-OH-OH-OH!”

  The orgasm clenched her belly tight like a fist, then flung her wide open, stretching her for eternity. Sweetness and glory poured forth, bursting in a tidal wave from her to engulf Wynhod too, and his cries joined hers as they were overcome. She felt him rippling within her, sending liquid ecstasy deep inside.

  Dani clung to Wynhod even after they calmed, even after he slipped from inside her to reluctantly conceal himself inside his formsuit, even as he carried her back to the shelter where Krijero had gone back to sleep and Gelan waited. With every step the Nobek took, Dani’s mind chanted a mantra, as if she might weave a spell with thought alone.

  Keep me. Keep me. Keep me.

  If only they would. If only she could make them want her. If only she could trust in these men to not break her already abused heart.

  Chapter 18

  Late morning found the little group back in marshland. Dani had a hard time containing her excitement as they got closer to the Kalquorians’ ship, only a few miles away now. Despite her sore, cut feet she kept skipping ahead of the men. Gelan and Wynhod helped the limping Krijero along, their shoulders supporting the injured Imdiko’s arms, their arms slung around his waist. He thudded along in obvious pain, but not one word of complaint passed his lips.

  “Slow down, Dani,” Wynhod called for the millionth time. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind warning her over and over not to get too far ahead. Their smiles were indulgent when she looked back to apologize and let them catch back up.

  “Sorry.” She looked ahead into the heavily wooded bog where the bright sun sent jigsaw puzzle pieces of sunlight through the leaves. “Lots of standing water,” she reported.