by Nena Duran
Briq kept quiet, waiting to see what would happen next. He didn’t have to wait long. The official whimpered in fear.
“Please forgive me, my lady. I never meant to see you hurt,” he babbled. “I placed the device away from the stage because I knew you’d be safe.”
“Shh, I know, dear, I know. But you have to understand. My mate is now very upset.” Briq growled a warning as she caressed the official’s cheek. “I’ve seen him rip Jog’nafans and Kreeh-nosh apart just for standing too close to me. I don’t know how long I can keep you safe. Please tell him what he wants to know and all this will be over.” Briq notice the catch in her voice, and the lone tear sliding down her face. What the frackk?
Only the bond between them kept the traitor alive. Otherwise, he would’ve skewered his frackking body by now. The coward broke down, confessing everything he knew. The conspiracy ran deeper than anyone had suspected. No one knew who to trust, because each faction had their own agenda. The outposts wanted their own seat in the council. The official asked her forgiveness once more.
“You know why I can’t forgive you? You almost killed my children. I want to show you something before you die, you pathetic piece of crap.”
Briq couldn’t stop what happened next. Mor’u opened her tunic and exposed her body. Her belly was now softly rounded, their children resting within. The official took a sharp intake of breath as his gaze rested on Gigi’s brand.
He looked horrified at the implication. A branded mate was sacred. The scream died on his lips as Briq tore his head off with a clean swipe of his spike. Mor’u didn’t even flinch. She was stronger than he’d thought.
“My lady, I didn’t know you were trained in the art of interrogation. You must tell me the name of this technique.” Xy broke the silence with one of his usual smarmy comments.
I need to talk to him about that, Briq thought.
“Oh, it’s called good cop, bad cop. It’s when two people interrogate a prisoner but one pretends to care about the scumbag.”
“Mor’u, I saw the tears run down your face, but I couldn’t feel your grief. You looked sad, but you felt nothing but anger inside. How’s that possible?”
“It’s called acting. I’ve been told I’m very good at it.”
“Your acting won’t work on me. I’ll always know your true feelings.”
“Really? And what do you think I’m feeling now?”
He scooped her up and ran out of room with the sound of Xy’s laughter trailing behind. Briq was going to beat his frackking ass during their next combat session.
Chapter Ten
Heaven
Briq watched Mor’u walk out of the docking bay. Her steps were slower now. Her pregnancy was developing faster than a human’s. She was the reason he decided to take up Dru-lah’s offer. The risk he took by coming back was big, but his mate’s and children’s safety outweighed everything.
Before her, dangerous smuggling runs had been the norm. The thought of coming back didn’t enter his mind. His people considered him lost, dead in battle. Shame from what the enemy had done to him kept him away.
His soul was embittered by his need for revenge. For years he’d put his life on the line, spying on the Kreeh-nosh. He’d built a network of spies, and paid informants from all over the galaxies. His sources ran from the lowliest surrogates to the wealthier merchants.
One of those merchants had offered him a completely-equipped asteroid. It came fully-loaded with a state-of-the-art weapons system. The inside boasted a self-contained living habitat complete with a hydroponic garden and lake. He’d stayed there several times and thought it’d be perfect for him. Briq even considered contracting a Trac’xian companion, but had changed his mind. He didn’t want one because of the credits she could earn.
After rescuing Gigi, his primary focus became her safety. He really believed the asteroid with all the defenses and self-contained environment was the perfect hideout. Now he knew better. The asteroid wasn’t safe. It might’ve been perfect for him and Xy, but not for a pregnant mate.
“You’re a very fortunate warrior, my friend. She’s truly beautiful.” Dru-lah’s compliment didn’t bother Briq. His friend’s heart belonged to another.
“I need to come clean and show you something before you agree to be my supplicant.”
“You can trust me. Whatever it is we’ll face it together, my brother.”
Briq removed the top part of his flight suit. “This,” he said, pointing at the brand around his waist.
“Brand? You and Gigi are branded?” Dru-lah exclaimed excitedly. “Of course she’s from Earth, just like Amada.”
“Yes, now are you sure you want to do this?”
“More than ever, my brother. More than ever.”
* * * *
The sight meeting her eyes was indescribable. They’d finally reached Pendo’rahn a couple days after joining Dru-lah. During that time a lot on the conspiracy had come to light. The men agreed to bring the intel to Pendo’rah and present it to the council.
Carrying two children took a toll on Gigi. Her belly was larger at this stage because her children, according to Ju’nii, were developing faster than human babies. Everyone around her treated her as if she were made of glass. Briq tried to keep a brave front, but she felt his fear.
During those times her voice was the only thing that kept him sane. Sometimes she just rocked him to sleep while singing. She loved him more than she’d ever thought possible. Having his children was the most wondrous thing she’d ever known. She only wished Melissa and Gustav were there with her.
“What do you think of Pendo’rah, Lady Gigi?”
“It’s incredible, Dru-lah. It reminds me of a planet in our system called Saturn because of the rings.”
“I’ve been reading more on Earth. Our people aren’t that different. We too have our share of internal conflicts.”
“Do you think Pendo’rah is on the brink of civil war?”
“I hope not. I have no doubt we’ll stop T’nbros, and find out how widespread the conspiracy is.”
“I’m afraid for us. I don’t want to stay here if my mate isn’t welcome. He’s everything to me.”
“My friend is a lucky warrior to find such a rare jewel. I assure you, Lady Gigi, you and your ul’naah-maa-roh will be safe.”
His last comment went unanswered. Her mate was nearby. She turned to the door, then stepped into his open arms. Nothing else mattered when they were together. No one else existed in their world. She didn’t care if the Pendo’rahn considered him tainted or grotesque. Since his present form was all she knew, she loved him no matter what.
He was impressive and handsome. His quiet dignity gave her the strength she needed to face their future. Her only fear was losing him to a completed mutation. He’d had one already while fighting T’zaal. The rage had induced it, making alterations in his DNA. He now had a tail, and a playful one at that.
“Stop trying to impress my mate with your Pendo’rahn warrior routine, First Commander Dru-lah. She has eyes only for me,” Briq joked playfully.
“Do I now?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Lord Briq, she’s already impressed by one Pendo’rahn warrior. I pale in comparison.”
“Yes, you do. Sorry, Dru-lah, no offense, but my Briq is the only warrior I want.”
“None taken, my lady. You two go prepare. I’ll initiate arrival protocols.”
* * * *
Words weren’t necessary once they reached their quarters. They undressed each other with clumsy and inpatient hands. The sound of ripping clothes was the only witness to their desire. Gigi needed to feel Briq’s skin against hers now.
Her fingers trembled as she tugged open his tunic to reveal the muscular body beneath. His sigh of pleasure spurred her on. She reached inside and caressed the brand around his waist. Echo after echo of intense arousal washed over her. His desire became hers.
Her clit pulsated every time she traced a symbol. It was their most sensitive ar
ea. The need to explore his body was a compulsion she couldn’t deny. She enjoyed the feel of his skin texture, the way it changed colors when sexually stimulated.
“Stay still.” She pouted as he tried to move away. “I want to explore every inch of your body with my hands and mouth.”
“Mor’u, don’t tempt me like this. I don’t have any control around you.”
“Control is overrated. Now stay put and let me have my way with you.” She leaned forward and decided to trace the symbols with her tongue. Oh, oh…she wasn’t sure if it was a good or bad idea. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. The intensity of her desire shocked her. Sex had never been a priority or something she enjoyed with Davide.
Gigi practically growled as Briq tried to grab her. “Stay still, don’t make me hurt you.” This was her moment, her time to give and receive pleasure without shame. His low rumble had her pussy twitching. He wasn’t a patient man.
Ignoring him, she kept the slow pace down his body. “Oh, yeah, baby.” Gigi panted. Wow, nipping the brand had the opposite effect. A gush of fresh cream dripped down her channel. If she kept this up, her exploration would come to a quick end.
Her lips finally reached his cock. It jerked, urging her on. She grabbed the hard rod with both hands and guided him inside. Gigi’s nipples hardened in response to his loud rumble.
“Um, you taste so good.” She groaned, thinking a lady shouldn’t speak with her mouth full. In and out she frantically sucked greedily, her moisture pooling between her thighs. Her clit ached with the need for relief.
“I want to pleasure you also, Mor’u. I feel your need coursing through me. Open up, let me touch you.”
“I have an idea, if you’re willing to try.”
“I’m always willing to do anything you want. What do you need from me?”
“There’s something I think you might like. I’ve never tried it before, but now I can’t wait.”
“What is it?”
“Oh, something from the Kama Sutra.”
Gigi blushed, explaining the ancient text and promised to show him as many positions as she remembered. This one was a version of the position known as sixty-nine. Because of her bump, they couldn’t do it the traditional way with her on top.
“Lie on your side facing me.”
“Why?”
“Don’t argue with me and just do it,” Gigi scolded. The man needed to let go of his control every now and then. Sometimes a girl wanted to be in charge.
She positioned herself on her side, facing his cock. She’d never been sexually aggressive. The power she felt at this moment was the most liberating experience of her life. She threw one leg over his massive shoulders and purred, “Well, what’re you waiting for? Come and get me.”
Her mate didn’t waste a single moment and buried his face between her open legs. She purred deep in her throat as his long, raspy tongue delved inside her slit. The position of sixty-nine wasn’t possible for Pendo’rahn females. Men performed oral sex to stimulate them, but they couldn’t do it while facing each other. She made a mental note to show him sixty-nine with her on top. Since her bump was in the way, this would have to do for now.
“Okay, baby. Are you ready?”
“For what?”
“I’m taking us to heaven.”
* * * *
Briq came to the bridge looking for Mor’u. He wanted to hold her one more time before landing on Pendo’rah. He needed a safe place to keep her from T’zaal who wanted his test subject back.
Now that she was pregnant, he didn’t have any choice but to bring her there. The asteroid was a good hiding place for a smuggler, but not for his mate and children. His friend, Dru-lah, had finally convinced him she’d be better off under Pendo’rahn protection.
Loving someone so fiercely was a new experience for him. He knew affection, because he’d had a family a long time ago. Briq valued loyalty and friendship among his fellow warriors. What he never knew was true love, this deep connection he felt for his fragile human. She was his biggest weakness and strength. Finding a female he cared for so deeply was unexpected.
Mor’u was beautiful, kind and generous. Briq had taken her in his darkest moment when he was nothing more than a violent beast. She’d brought him back from the brink with her voice and love. He’d marked her with his brand, and gave her his children. Her sacrifice had transformed the monster to a warrior again. Their souls had found solace that day, and every day after that.
His best intentions went out the airlock. His mate had other ideas, which lead them into the position they were in. She was now on her side, his cock inside her mouth. He didn’t need further prompting when she urged him by opening her legs. He leaned forward and inhaled her rich scent.
His mouth watered. He fervently licked up and down her pussy. He delved into her slit, tasting her sweet cream. He lifted his tail and brought it around to cradle her head in a more comfortable position.
Briq clutched her ass and parted the soft globes. He moistened his fingers with her rich juices. He frantically attacked her clit with his tongue while he penetrated her slit with a finger. It was hard for him to keep his passion under control. He was afraid he might hurt her. He tried to take his time, to give her what she needed to reach her pleasure. She wrapped her hands tightly around his length, draining his control.
He wasn’t used to the subtleties of sex. His people had it without gentleness or words. After escaping T’zaal, he’d just paid for release without caring about desire. He’d avoided contact with females, except for copulation. Only then he’d seek a surrogate, mount her and leave as soon as his seed was spent.
Mor’u had changed all that. He wanted to please her. Touching her body had become an obsession. Her pleasure was now more important than his. Intense desire enveloped them as her teeth raked his cock. He clutched her ass, pressing her even closer to his face. He speared his tongue into her core, wrenching a scream from her.
“Briq, oh wow, baby. Yes.”
“Mor’u, your body is such a marvel. The pleasure it gives, the pleasure it feels. Nothing compares to you, my mate, not even the stars themselves.”
“Briq, Briq…I’m so close…”
“Come for me, Mor’u. Take us to heaven.”
Their entwined position was the most erotic experience of his life. His face was buried against her sex, her scent enveloping all his senses. He found her soft bundle of nerves and rubbed it in a circular motion. Her tension mounted until it spilled over like a cascade rushing over a high peak. His cock swelled and his seed poured into her eager mouth, filling it with his release. How had he lived a thousand years without her?
* * * *
T’zaal couldn’t have anticipated the turn of events following his near fatal encounter with Briq. He’d thought the warrior would destroy his cruiser with everyone on board. Once again he’d underestimated the power of Briq’s attraction for the female.
Just as he’d reached an escape pod, the other ship had disengaged its docking clamps. Briq had been only interested in retrieving his female. T’zaal’s ship, while badly damaged, was left alone. With what little of his crew he had left, he sent out a distress signal to the colony he was meeting.
A repair crew was sent, giving him new test subjects. He synced a commlink signal and transmitted Gigi’s songs directly to their translators. The results were remarkable. Everyone fell instantly under the influence of her voice. As weeks went by, they grew more and more dependent on it until they had no choice but to obey all his orders.
His perfect plan had only one drawback—the males developed a resistance to the voice. T’zaal solved the problem by creating a program that mixed the sounds to create new ones. When he joined the empire’s largest colony, they came under his total control.
Fh’arr, the overlord, was a weak-minded bully who always relied on brute force. The only reason his colony was the largest was because they had many breeders. He also practiced the ancient ritual of dh’ram, which T’zaal considered
nothing more than superstition.
A couple months after joining the colony, T’zaal received the message he’d been waiting for. The mercs were ready to launch their assault at the maximum security prison. It’d been a streak of genius when he offered them triple of what T’nbros paid if they switched sides. They agreed since the Jog’nafan didn’t have any alliances with the Protectorate.
The doublecross fitted his plans perfectly. He was going to demand the female, Gigi, back in exchange for T’nbros and his daughter. T’zaal needed fresh samples of her voice to incorporate into his mind control program.
To achieve complete power, he needed the colonies’ strongest warrior. Freeing Zu’thro from prison was also part of his well-laid plan. None would oppose him with the powerful warrior by his side. Control the strong, the weak would follow.
Chapter Eleven
Forsaken
Dru-lah gave them a wistful smile, shaking his head a little when they came into the shuttle bay. Briq knew his friend was deeply in love with Mah’yanna, but his feelings weren’t returned. Passion, lust and arousal were impossible for their females. At most, a mated Pendo’rahn male could only hope for a deep friendship.
There was no mistaking the look of longing on his friend’s face. He recovered quickly and launched into another long-winded lesson on Pendo’rahn protocols. Gigi asked all the questions while Briq stood back, listening.
Tradition was everything to Pendo’rahns until, according to Dru-lah, a certain human mated the jid’rahal. He’d thrown etiquette to the wind. His entire fortress was now under the command of a very tyrannical Earth female.
“We have landed on Aly’noos. Arrival procedures in place. They are hailing us.”
“Rag’mar, power down main engines and non-essential systems.”
“Already done. Rag’mar signing out.”