by Tigris Eden
She was making her way to her dorm room when a hand in the crowd grabbed her firmly around the waist and pulled her into a darkened alcove. Gen was firmly pressed against a hard chest. Goddess help her! She was but a second from disarming her captor, when the smell of dark earth and fire surrounded her. Xander. He banded one arm around her waist in a tight grip. The other he placed firmly around the top of her bodice. Where he touched her, his heat seeped into her garments and warmed her skin to a level of fire that was unstable. Heart racing, Gen tried to breathe but was unable to get enough air into her lungs. If she wanted to be honest with herself it was because she was too scared, too excited and too curious to see what was going to happen next. It was like from a one of the vids she’d watched with Nimaya and Nim. A woman pulled into a dark corner to be manhandled by some rogue. Exhilarating. Did she want to be handle by Xander? That was the true question.
A flood of different emotions threatened to cast her into abysmal fall with no end in sight. How was he able to control her body’s response to him? He hadn’t approached her in weeks since the lab incident. Like Adam, he too had kept his distance. But Xander was never far from her sight. He would stare at her from across the room. He made sure he didn’t sit next to her in their class. He’d ignored her, and now she was in his arms. The beads on the end of his hair caressed her ear making her shiver.
“Miss Blackmore,” Xander whispered against her ear. Eliciting another chill to combat the fire he’d previously started. The sound of his voice travelled with haste through the length of her body’s central nervous system. His voice was everywhere. In her head, on her skin. Causing her body to tighten. Images she’d never thought could pass to her conscious stream spiraled out of control. She stood motionless, inwardly cursing him, but secretly begging for him to speak again.
“Mr. Treegold. May I inquire, what the hell do you think you are doing?”
His laugh was dark and full of mischief taking her thoughts down a different path that lead south and rested right between her legs. Moisture pooled in her undergarment. Saturated the cloth until she could feel a slight chill.
“I only do what is needed Genesis, you know this.” Xander spoke softly against her bare shoulder. This was dangerous and monumental all at the same time. Something she wouldn’t question for fear she already knew the answer. Xander took liberties with other females and regardless of her body’s wants. She could not surrender to his nefarious plans.
“Kindly release me.” Gen stated quietly. She was happy her voice was strong, even though her body had long abandoned her brain’s warnings. The hand at her bodice slowly made its way to the swell of her breasts. Seeking fingers drew lazy patterns across her skin. Sweat beaded on her brow. Heat rose from beneath her skin and hovered in places that ached. Gen cried out in fear as more moisture began to gather between her legs. Her nails dug into Xander’s flesh as she tried to get free. His arms tightened and she found herself being lifted, turned and then pulled deeper into the darkness of the alcove. Before she had a chance to reproach him, warm wet lips captured hers.
Bright, blinding light was all Gen could see. Radiant shades of amber, red, yellow, and gold clouded her vision. Xander’s lips were soft and hard. Warm and full, as he kissed her. He was harsh but gentle at the same time and she was powerless to stop him. Somewhere between seeing red and yellow she’d surrendered. The thing he was doing with his tongue where it touched hers continuously in slow caresses, was amazing. She’d never been kissed before and tried to follow his lead. He started to suck on her tongue and a taste she wasn’t familiar with begin to fill her mouth with something spicy and sweet. It coated her tongue, seeped into her taste buds and exploded. What was that? Darkness started to flood her sight, diming the kaleidoscope of colors. Concealing her behind a fog of nothingness. Her knees were unsteady and her heart beat at a pace she was sure would break through her rib cage. Gen attempted to ease back from the kiss and recover her senses, but it was too late. The last thing she remembered before darkness claimed her, was the whispering that he’d catch her before she fell. He’d pulled back then, but oxygen had left her and she welcomed the darkness thinking nothing could ever be as powerful as Xander Treegold’s kiss.
Chapter 7
Xander caught Genesis and brought her close to his chest. Her skin was heated and soft. She was boneless in his arms. Had they been lying flat on his bed, he was sure she would have slid over his body like a fitted sheet. The taste of her kiss had set a fire to his insides. Her bee stung lips were soft and succulent. Why hadn’t he done this earlier? She could have been his long before now and she was his. Xander lightly kissed Gen’s forehead and squeezed her tighter. She was everything that every other female wasn’t. Most of them would whine and plead to spend time with him in a dark corner. Before Gen, he’d have let them all fight over him, pitting them against one another in order to satisfy his male pride. All he wanted to do now was please the innocent girl in his arms. Her body was lush and womanly, but her mind had yet to catch on to the way she could please a male. She was child-like in her exploration of their kiss. Something that would normally turn him off. He liked his females experienced. He didn’t want to instruct them in how to make him happy. With Genesis, he found he looked forward to their adventures and explorations in the bedroom. Funny, how things changed.
Her eyes closed as if in sleep. She’d fainted in his arms. Fainted. A smile spread across his lips at the thought. She was five rotations younger than him and he hadn’t thought their age would be an issue. Now he wasn’t so sure. Twenty-three was young. Most females her age were already matched, or at least knowledgeable in the ways of man. Genesis was neither.
“Wake up sweet.” Xander whispered against the shell of her ear. They needed to get ready for Luna. It was the Moon Goddess’ quarterly gathering. Everyone paid homage to the Goddess and all work was stopped. Recruits were called home to spend time with their family and friends. Shop owners closed down their stores in order to pay respects. It was a time of celebration. Xander wasn’t looking forward to the family part, but he was looking forward to the private tasting.
He had his eye on tasting one female, and she was currently limp and warm in his arms.
“Come on Gen, wake up.”
Xander buried his nose in her hair, breathing in her sultry scent of innocence. She was pure and untouched and it thrilled him that he was the first to kiss her plump lips. Possession, base and primal ran deep in his veins, she was his and only his. If another male challenged his claim, he’d waste no time calling him out for a dual.
Finally she began to stir.
“That’s it beauty, come back to me.”
Her body stiffened at the sound of his voice. She jerked in his arms as if he’d scalded her with hot water and righted herself. Of course, he had to help her by grasping her shoulders and giving her a steadying hand, it was either that or let her fall.
“I’m okay,” she moved back, placing her hands in front to ward off his assistance. “I said I got it.” Frustration marred her brow, and her lips pursed with confusion. She looked adorable and thoroughly well kissed. It gave a charming look to her facial features.
“Yes of course,” He didn’t want her skittish. He wanted her to trust him, needed her to.
She straightened her skirts and adjusted her collar. Xander followed the movements with his eyes. Watching her graceful fingers move over her throat to fix the collar back in place. The column of her neck was elegant and her pulse beat strong beneath her skin. It was a temptation he didn’t want to ignore. To have her life’s blood thick on his tongue, strong and spicy. It would be an aphrodisiac of flavors assaulting his senses. Breathing vibrant life back into his stale body. Xander hummed his approval. The thought alone caused his blood to boil. Her artery was a dark blue that beckoned to his hunger. What really caught his eyes were the smaller gold veins that simmered just beneath her skin, coiled around the thick blue vein as if it were a seeking vine. Xander realized the gold veins appea
red to make her skin sparkle, even in the darkened alcove she glowed.
“Are you packed and ready for travel?” He asked.
He needed to change the subject, get his mind thinking other thoughts or he wouldn’t be held responsible for his unbecoming actions. Okay, he’d already attacked her, but with good cause. Genesis Blackmore was appealing and so much more.
“I’ve been packed for days,” she said breathlessly.
“Can I interest you in sharing a jump with me?”
“I don’t think that would be wise Xander. I’m supposed to be going with Adam. My father is expecting him to escort me back to New Earth.”
Gen backed further away, her ice blue eyes ringed by the magnificent gold, were bright in the darkness. Both her hands were now clasped in front of her and he watched her through half closed eyes. Could she be infatuated with Adam Reynard? It wouldn’t be the first time a female had been ensnared by Adam. She would be the last. Whether she wanted to admit it or not. Genesis Blackmore was his and as selfish as he’d been in the past with his females, Xander Treegold was downright possessive with this one.
He took a hesitant step forward. He didn’t want her to leave the darkness of the alcove. What he wanted was to be near her a little bit longer. There wasn’t a rush to leave, was there?
“Adam is jumping with Bianca.” Truth.
“I still need to go with him.” Gen said a bit unsure.
The rise and fall of her chest faltered for the tiniest bit when he’d told her Adam was jumping with his sister. Xander found his jaw muscles tightening. His hands flexed at his sides. He wanted to grab her and shake her of the fantasy of her and Adam ever being together. Reynard was too straight laced for someone like Gen. He’d bore her to death before he could seduce her. She should be jumping with him not Reynard and his cold hearted corpse of a sister.
“I don’t agree Gen. It will only make you feel like a third wheel, a tag along.”
Gen pushed her hand over his mouth and Xander took a deep breath to pull in her scent.
“You made your point.”
Her voice was filled with frustration and a small hint of hurt. She knew she would be the odd person out, regardless if the jump was quick or not. There would still be awkwardness to the three of them jumping together. He would spare her that if she would only let him. Gen stepped back, taking her hand with her. With blue-gold eyes steady on his, she nodded her head once. Acceptance steady in her stare.
“Is that a yes?” Xander asked. Hope springing to life in his voice.
“It’s a yes.”
He watched her retreat from the corner and effortlessly blend back into the crowd of recruits. Her strides were fluid and graceful. She floated among the sea of others. As if some magical knife parted the waves of people and then slowly swallowed her path closing her from his view. He’d at least accomplished one thing on his “to-do” list. Genesis Blackmore was jumping with him.
# # #
She was a complete moron! Gen decided half an hour later as she closed the door to her room. At the bottom of the stairs stood Nimziri. He looked nervous and unsure, but there was a slight smile gracing his face. She hadn’t spoken to him since their huge argument amid the other recruits in the hallway. It had put a strain on her mentally. Every time they crossed one another’s paths she felt somehow responsible for his outburst. She could read his emotions and it was like he was projecting all his anger and humiliation on to her. She didn’t question why he was at the stairs because she’d realized at some point, he would see the error of his ways. She couldn’t be in a relationship with him, or any other male at the Academy. Regardless of the new development with Xander. She was compatible with no one. Then why did you let Xander kiss you? It was a question she’d asked herself a hundred times and still had no answer for.
Nim was dressed in civilian clothes. He wore loose fitting tan cargo pants and a black tee. Both his wrists were covered in black bands. He was striking for a male and a logical choice for a match. She just wasn’t the one for him. Gen shook the thought from her head. She had no business even giving voice to such thoughts. Males and matches were not something she could even fathom. She was going to be a scientist, like her father. She was going to help make New Earth a better place.
Gen approached Nim hesitantly. He was taller than most males of his age and taller than even some of the senior recruits. His platinum hair cut short in the front and curled around the nape of his neck to rest on his shoulder. He was pleasing to the eye. She could admit at least that. Strong jaw, a hard slash of thick brows, and lashes so long they shadowed his raised cheekbones. Yes, Nimziri James was handsome. She sighed and quickly kicked the thought from her mind, meeting him at the base of the stairs.
“How are you Gen?” His smile grew wider as she reached up to touch his shoulder. She needed him to know all was forgiven. She still considered him her friend.
“I’m well and you Nimziri?”
“Good. Can’t wait to get home for Luna. Are you ready to go?”
Gen nodded politely and smiled. She followed his eye movements as he regarded her from head to toe. She was dressed in a similar fashion. She’d taken off her dress and changed into a pair of cotton sweats and a matching collar. Her shirt fit a bit snug but she knew it was because her father had not known her size. Nimaya had assured her she looked fine. These clothes didn’t make her sweat and it gave her skin a chance to breathe, especially the cotton wrapped tight around her throat.
“Yes, I’m ready and packed just waiting for Xander.” She looked around as if saying his name would summon him.
“Xander?” Nim asked in surprise.
“Yes, Adam is jumping with Bianca and Xander was kind enough to jump with me.” As if that was explanation enough. She didn’t have to explain herself to Nim. Her choices were her own, but she didn’t want to upset the fragileness of their friendship.
“You could have jumped with me and Maya. Look,” he took a step forward and paused at the foot of the stairs. “I’m sorry for being an ass. I won’t ever do that again Gen. Swear.”
“It’s okay Nim. I’m not angry.”
He flashed his best smile and Gen couldn’t help but smile back. Nimziri and his sister Nimaya were one of the first to approach her and not treat her as an outsider at the Academy.
“Thanks. I hope this means you will stop by during Luna. We’d love to have you over for dinner.”
“I’ll try. But if I can’t make it, it’s because my father has me working in the lab.”
Nim leaned forward on the stairs and smiled.
“I’m sure Dr. Blackmore will let you have some free time to hang out with friends.” He didn’t know her father and she wasn’t going to explain. Once Gen was home she’d be inundated with work that her father would need her to take care of. They were a team and she missed the time they spent together in the lab.
“I’ll see what can be done.”
Behind Nim stood Xander. He was watching their conversation, interest in his gaze. Gen felt a little faint just looking at him.
“Xander.”
“The one and only. You ready to jump?”
Gen nodded and said goodbye to Nim who reluctantly let her pass. As they passed other recruits on the way to the jump station, Xander smiled. He had hold of her hand and waved as males and females both stopped to watch them pass.
Jumping with Xander was not what she expected. Adam didn’t hold her hand or press her closer. Xander on the other hand stood behind her. Wrapped both arms around her waist and placed a kiss on her cheek. His closeness made her shiver. Normally she would protest, but she couldn’t find her voice and if she was honest with herself, she enjoyed his attention. Not that the jump would allow her to say something anyway. He’d paid for both their trips with his credits, and then they were off. Her eyes closed tight, Xander’s arms tightly wound around her body in a grip that had her insides melting. All took quickly, the jump was over.
“That wasn’t so bad was it?” Xa
nder asked.
“No, it wasn’t.”
Her body was on a slow burn. Simmering towards something she couldn’t name. When he’d spoken against the curve of her neck, she’d melted. She’d been fine tuned to him since he first kissed her. Programmed to want whatever it was he was willing to give. Xander made her feel things. He made her want things. Things she could never have. If she were to tell him the truth he wouldn’t be interested in her at all. She was born in a lab. Biologically engineered to further her father’s race. Her people. Although her father had long stopped using her as a science project, there was still the matter of her parentage. There were definite differences between herself and every other female of his kind. Besides the obvious physical abnormalities, she was different on the inside. Faster, stronger, and her senses were heightened beyond any of Xander’s kind. Tiny microscopic antigens that calculated and hypothesized on the best way to keep her in top condition. The Nuero-technology her father had injected her with had morphed into something neither of them could imagine. Rapid cell deterioration along with rapid growth kept her in prime physical condition. At this point in time, it was unsure if she could even be killed, let alone age any further.
Now Gen understood why her father kept her home and away from everyone else.
“I have a car waiting.”
“Okay.” She stepped off the jump platform and walked with Xander towards a waiting vehicle.
Xander took her packs from her and ushered her towards a sleek black car with a tall gentlemen waiting with the passenger car door open.
“Scion, this is Genesis Blackmore.” Xander gestured towards the gentlemen dressed in white robes. He was bald, pale skin like all the others around her. He didn’t seem surprised to see her. There were other species that lived on New Earth. Some of them indentured to work for a short time before they became true citizens, others were here on passes to work for a period of time before going back to their home planet. But Scion was Strigoi, like Xander and her father.