Made me feel more alive than I’d felt in years.
I had to acknowledge the truth. My life would be empty without her in it. I looked forward all day to the hours we spent together. Whether we were laughing, sharing stories from our worlds, locking horns in a game or a duel of words, my life was richer and fuller with her in it. I’d tried to resist, keep her at bay. But it was no use.
I’d fallen in love with my mate.
Chapter Fifteen
“I really should not say, my lady.”
“Oh, come on, Aya. No one else will tell me the truth.”
We were alone in my quarters. I’d finally gotten the temple maiden to sit down with me and have a cup of drao. That’s what Aya called the bitter dark liquid she brought me along with my meals.
I was determined to pump her for information about my mate’s shadowy past. I didn’t completely trust the king’s version of the facts. The wily old bastard had already lied to me once. Big time. He was so charming, he won me over in spite of that. Come to think of it, he had a lot in common with his son.
“It’s true. The prince took a mate before you. Lady Giala. Everyone in the palace loved her. She was so sweet. He’s never been the same since…” Aya stopped abruptly. “I must speak no more of this,” she whispered. “He would have me punished simply for speaking her name.”
She rose and hastily gathered together the remnants of my midday meal. I’d been busy in the queen’s garden all day, helping Lando transplant starflower seedlings, so I hadn’t come in to eat until late afternoon.
“It is nearly time to begin preparing you for your mate.”
“Please, Aya, stay here and finish your drao. I don’t want to get you into trouble, but I really don’t need your help.” I smiled gently to take the sting out of my words. “The truth is, I’d like a little time alone.”
I did need time alone. Time to decide how I’d bring up this topic with my mate. Ever since I arrived at the palace, I’d been hearing whispers about a female who preceded me. The king had even referred to her by name. But no one would come out with the truth. Where did she go? Did Jalen get rid of her because she wasn’t submissive enough? Had she been banished because she couldn’t produce an heir? In my wildest moments, I wondered if I’d been wrong about King Devan. I remembered how stern he’d been when we first met. Maybe she’d angered him, somehow, and he’d ordered her to be tossed into a volcano as a living sacrifice.
We’d spent every evening together since I arrived at the palace, except these last few days when he was away, and in all that time, Jalen never once spoke of her. My mate had been keeping a huge secret from me.
I’d missed him more than I thought possible. The fascinating conversations over dinner, where we often debated the merits and faults of our respective cultures. The hours we spent gazing out at the stars, laughing as we swapped tales of faraway worlds. The marathon vandu matches, pitting our cunning and skill against each other.
Over these last weeks, I’d gotten to know Jalen on so many levels. Not only did he have a keen mind and a quick wit, he cared deeply about his people and wanted to be a just and kind ruler, as I’d told his father.
And, of course, there were those wickedly arousing moves of his. If I were being completely honest with myself, that’s what I missed the most about our evenings together – they always ended in a series of naughty sex games.
He always won, sometimes because I let him. That was my dirty little secret. I’d come to love getting spanked, then having him make me do wickedly exciting things.
Some nights he’d command me to get on my knees then tease me until I was nearly mad with desire. He’d fuck me with the tail, running his hands between my legs and fingering my pussy and clit until I exploded.
Other nights, he’d demand that I make him come with my hands or my mouth. I did it willingly, reveling in the power I had to turn him into a raving beast, even as I yielded to his mastery.
I especially loved thinking about our last night together, when he made me lie on the bed then tied my hands together over my head and drove me wild with his tongue. I knew it was only a matter of time before I let go of my stubborn pride and begged him to ram that magnificent cock deep into my dripping wet pussy.
I needed to know what had happened to that other female, in case the same fate awaited me. I wanted answers…because I feared I was falling in love with my mate.
Chapter Sixteen
“Enter.”
Even after all these weeks, his deep voice still sent delicious shivers down my spine. I’d folded my gown and laid it outside the door, ready for me to slip on when he sent me back to my own chambers.
We hadn’t spent a night together yet. After driving me wild and the having me suck his cock or jack him off, he always sent me away. But I vowed this night would be different. I was tired of playing games. I wanted to be royally fucked by my mate. Be in the arms of my lover when I woke in the morning. If it meant giving in and begging him to take me, that’s what I’d do.
But, first, I needed to find out what secret he was hiding.
“My lord.” I bowed my head slightly, but not before noting the gleam of lust in his eyes as he ran his gaze up and down my body. I’d prepared with particular care tonight, rubbing scented oil all over so my skin glowed in the soft light from the crystals studding the walls and ceiling.
He looked damn good, too. He’d gone back to the jungle theme – his naked bronze body covered only with a skimpy loincloth. His hair was held back by a narrow leather thong across his forehead, falling in soft dark waves to brush his shoulders.
I ran my eyes over the powerful muscles in his chest and abs and felt my pussy gush. I loved how strong he was, how incredibly hot I got when he grabbed me and held my wrists while he tongued my clit until I screamed.
He waved a hand to the table where the game was normally set up. Tonight, it held a crystal decanter and two matching goblets. “Please, sit.”
“With your permission, my lord.” I reached up with both hands and began untwining the coils of my hair. Aya had outdone herself tonight, creating an elaborate pattern with braids that looped and wound around my head.
I did it slowly and sensuously, like a striptease, running my fingers through each section as I unbraided it, letting strands fall in rippling waves to brush the tops of my breasts. His eyes were glued to me the entire time. I watched his chest rise and fall as his breathing quickened.
When I was finished, I took my seat and crossed my legs slowly, making sure he got a shot of the goodies.
He filled both glasses from the decanter and handed one to me. “Did you have a pleasant time while I was away? I understand you had an…encounter with the king.”
I took a sip before answering. My eyes widened. Whoo! This stuff was even more potent than rana fruit. Was my prince trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me? I certainly hoped so.
“Yes, my lord. I confess I was stunned to find we’d met before. Whether in the role of high priest or king, your father is a very imposing, yet charming figure. We had a lovely chat in the queen’s garden.
“Speaking of chats…” Best to get this over with before I lost my nerve. “I did hear something surprising while you were away. Apparently you had a mate before me. I believe her name was Giala?”
His hand froze with the glass halfway to his mouth. “Where did you hear that?”
I took another sip before answering. I had to be careful. I didn’t want to get Aya in trouble, and I also didn’t want him to know I’d been discussing him with his father. From the little I’d heard, they had a complicated relationship. It wouldn’t do any good to inadvertently arouse his wrath tonight.
“I don’t really remember,” I said airily, waving my glass as though I was already a bit tipsy. “It could have been from anyone. There are often visitors from outside the palace touring the gardens.” I decided to embellish my story a little. “I think some of them seek me out on purpose, so they can tell their friends th
ey’ve met the alien.” I gave a little laugh. “So – is it true?”
“Yes, it’s true,” he replied, his jaw clenched. “I do not speak of her. And neither will you.”
There it was. The high-handed manner that instantly pissed me off. “Why not? Wait – don’t tell me. Let me guess. She had a magical hoo-ha. Once you dipped your dick in it, you were bewitched. Now, no other female is good enough for you. What did she do, break your heart when she ran off with the royal masseur?”
He set his glass down and went to the window, staring out into the darkness.
“She died.”
Talk about feeling like an asshole. I’d spoken without thinking again. He must have really loved her. I could see the memory of Giala still brought him pain. No wonder everyone avoided speaking of her.
Apologies wouldn’t cut it this time. I did the only thing I could think of. Went to the bed. Bent over it.
“Go ahead,” I said over my shoulder. “Spank my ass. I deserve it.”
He never said a word. Just came up and started whaling on my backside. Pouring out all the grief and anger and pain he’d stored up inside.
I fisted my hands in the bedcovers and took it. Every whack eased a little of my own guilt and gave me an excuse for the tears pouring down my face. No wonder he never cuddled me. Never wanted to get too close. He was still in love with her. I’d been competing with a ghost.
I let out a muffled sob. He stopped with a curse.
“I’m sorry. I should not have done that. I hurt you, and I didn’t mean to. It’s best if you leave, now.” He turned away, heading back to the window.
I twisted and grabbed his arm. “Please. Don’t send me away. I know I’m not her but…I love you. Please. Let me make you forget your pain, just for a little while. I beg you, my lord. Fuck me. Fuck me hard.”
He looked down at my hand on his arm. For a moment, I was afraid he’d shove it away. Instead, he took it and brought it to his lips.
That was the last tender moment we shared.
It was as if he’d finally let himself out of his cage. Set aside the iron control and gave in to raw lust. His eyes blazed as he lowered himself onto the bed over me. Shoved my knees apart, grabbed his cock, and brought it to my pussy. He held my gaze as he slid it into me, one hot, hard inch at a time.
Oh, sweet Goddess! I’d waited so long for this. I wrapped my legs around his waist. “Oh, yeah. That’s it. Fuck me, baby.”
“Still trying to take control? It’s time for you to shut up,” he growled.
His mouth captured mine. Despite all our wickedly intimate acts, he’d never kissed me before.
It was the kiss I’d dreamed of getting from my lover. Wild, demanding. Taking control of my entire being. Fucking my mouth with his tongue while he rammed his cock to the hilt into my pussy. I shuddered and dug my heels into his ass, grinding my mound against him with every thrust. His mouth crushed mine. I reveled in his savage attack. I’d waited so long. Spent so many nights dreaming of his cock pounding into me.
I yielded. Opened to him. Submitted to his mastery. Let him take us both higher with every thrust. When his body tensed, I clenched my muscles around his cock and felt his hot cum spurting into me.
The orgasm tore through me. Hit me like a tsunami, sweeping me away on a crest that built higher and higher until I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. Could only hold on to him as I whirled into the void.
I came back to his arms wrapped tightly around me. His voice whispering in my ear. “My tamina. My love.”
We made love twice more that night, the last time slowly. Tenderly.
He took my hand and led me to the window as dawn broke over the mountains. We sat side by side, taking in the beauty.
“I need to tell you about her,” he said, breaking the silence. “About Giala. She was my mate, but you’re wrong about the rest. Our mating was arranged by our fathers not long after we were born. I was fond of her, but I never loved her. Not like I love you. She didn’t have your passion. Your fire.”
He stared out the window as he went on. “Giala was sweet, but meek. She followed me around like a needy child. Anticipating my every move. Begging for attention. I felt smothered, so I left her alone far too often while I went about my life.”
He took a deep breath and went on. “The reason people do not speak her name is because they know how guilty I feel. You see, I caused her death. She never liked hunting, but she’d do anything to spend time with me. One morning, on a whim, I took her with me into the jungle. I perched her in a tree to watch while I stalked a harudu.”
He turned to me, his eyes bleak. “I heard the scream, but I couldn’t get to her fast enough. There was a snake in the tree. Harmless, but it startled her. She jerked away from it and fell. Broke her neck.” His voice dropped. “She died in my arms.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Come here.” He patted his lap, and I snuggled into his arms. “I’ve been punishing myself ever since. Out of guilt. Turning away from everyone who cared about me, rejecting their love and support. I’ve wanted you since the day I found you in the jungle. But I was afraid.”
“Afraid?”
“I’ve faced wild beasts with only a knife in my hand, climbed mountains, stared danger in the face. But you, tamina – I knew if I fell under your spell, I’d lose my heart to you. And if any harm befell you, I couldn’t bear the pain. So I pushed you away. Refused to mate with you, even though I couldn’t resist having this luscious body in every other way.”
I kissed him gently. “Thank you for telling me about her. I’ve been pushing you away, too. Not because of the memory of anyone else. There’s never been anyone else who mattered in my life. Because I was just as afraid to love as you were. That first night – I was ready to throw my arms around your neck and tell you what a fantastic lover you were. When you turned and walked away without a word, I was hurt. I hid it behind a snide remark. One I’ve wished so many times that I could take back. You fired back at me, and stubborn pride took over.
“I deserved those spankings you gave me. And I needed them. It was a way for us to connect. For me to feel your body respond to mine.” I grinned at him. “You and I both know I did things on purpose plenty of times just so you’d yank me over your lap.”
He’d been stroking my back while we talked, but he began caressing my breasts. Sliding one hand lower to dip between my legs. I felt his cock swelling against my bare bottom.
“Again?” I teased. “You really are a wild man. You’ve had a pet name for me, and I’ve had a secret one for you, too. You’re my Tarzan. It’s from a story back on Earth about a boy lost in the jungle and raised by a family of apes. They look a bit like your shimba, only bigger and scarier. But, unlike the shimba, they have no written language or civilization as we know it. The boy was raised by wild creatures.”
I ran my fingers through his hair. “The first time I saw you, you were naked except for that loincloth. A big bronze beast – and a gorgeous hunk of man flesh.”
“You mean this man flesh?” He pumped his hips up, nuzzling his cock into the crack between my bottom cheeks.
My pussy clenched, as though we hadn’t made love for weeks instead of hours.
“I hadn’t seen that man flesh yet, but yes. Anyway, that’s who you reminded me of. Tarzan the jungle man, raised by wild beasts. A savage in an untamed world.” I ran my tongue down his neck, nipping gently with my teeth when I reached the hollow above his collarbone.
He made that low rumbling sound in his chest that sent shivers down my spine. “I become a savage when I’m around you. I love your fiery spirit. It makes conquering you so much more fun.”
He’d given me the perfect opening. I could use his own words to make my point. I opened my mouth to deliver a stirring speech on why he needed to change the way females were treated on Naxos – and shut it again.
This wasn’t the moment to challenge him, not to mention the entire system on which his society was based. There’d be ple
nty of time for that later. Maybe I’d bring up the topic the next time I beat him in vandu. After all, the first rule of military strategy is the same as it is for a successful relationship. Choose your battles wisely.
The hand between my legs was busy. Stroking my clit, sliding one finger inside me.
“So, I am your Tarzan. I like learning these Earth terms.” He gave me a wicked grin. “Tarzan wants to fuck you…” He stopped suddenly, shook his head. “I was so determined not to fall in love with you, I refused to even learn your name. That’s why I called you tamina. I can’t very well keep doing that for the rest of our lives. Please, tell me, my love – what is your name?”
“It’s Jane. Jane Elizabeth Danvers.” I grinned at him. “You Tarzan. Me Jane.”
Epilogue
Laughter echoed through the jungle room, my addition to the palace gardens. Jalen growled as he chased the children through the tangled vines, Jarelle shrieking in mock terror. Her younger brother, Devaz, ran after her as fast as his plump little legs could carry him.
He adored his big sister, which was fortunate because one day she’d be his queen, the ruler of Naxos. The first female to enter into the line of succession. King Devon issued the royal proclamation on the day of her birth, to honor the memory of Jalen’s mother, who gave up her own throne to be his mate.
Rules were changing on Naxos. The old guard slowly gave way to a new generation in the High Council, members who were more open to the idea that females had unique knowledge and skills to offer to society.
But some things hadn’t changed. Males were still in charge at home, at least when it came to mastering their mates in the bedroom. And personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jalen peeked out from behind a tree trunk and put his finger to his lips. “Shhh. Don’t let them see me. I think it’s time you sent them off with Aya for a nap. Tarzan wants to chase his Jane around the jungle.”
“And what will you do when you catch me?”
Her Savage Mate_A Sci Fi Alien Alpha Romance Page 9