Hunting Their Mate

by Stone, Piper

  Two unabashed hungers.

  Two desperate people searching for a new life.

  “I will accept,” Killer stated.

  The suffocating realization was crushing.

  “I am very pleased,” the king said and even from where I stood, I noticed his hand was shaking. He was worried about everything I’d told him. “Go and prepare her.”

  “What about the deal she made? Aren’t you concerned about our injured brethren and the village she had a part of destroying?” Zacon snapped.

  “I already told you. I had nothing to do with the attack,” I retorted.

  Zacon took long strides, grabbing my arm. I sensed Killer bristling, both men posturing. “You were the leader of this group. You trained them. You taught them how to kill.”

  He issued the words as if knowing everything that had gone on within our little village. “I don’t know you, Zacon, and as you’re heard, I have my reasons for hating your kind, but I’m not a monster. I would never put women and children in harm’s way, at least not intentionally. I tried to get them to stop, but the man who believes he’s now in charge has his own followers. He is dangerous, a man to be reckoned with given his military experience. I will tell you everything I know, but I assure you, it’s to make certain that innocent blood isn’t spilled.”

  Killer pushed his shoulder, breaking the connection. “Leave her alone.”

  “I can take care of myself,” I hissed under my breath.

  Talyn snapped his hand on Zacon’s arm. “We are now connected for a different purpose. We have to learn to trust each other.”

  “She will be protected,” Killer added.

  There were various claps as well as jeers.

  “I will not accept this. There must be another way,” Zacon stated as he towered over me.

  I could feel his hot breath, could easily tell that he was fully aroused. I’d heard stories about male Cenzans, their two thick cocks. Once again, my pussy quivered. I shouldn’t give a damn, but the longing was shared between us. However, I would never succumb to his demands.

  “That’s enough. We will have a discussion regarding Kristina’s claims, but after the mating process. We came to this world to find a new life and we will work together.” The king moved further into the center of the amphitheater, turning in a full circle. “We have no recourse but to live amongst humans. This was our choice after total annihilation of our home. And why? Because our enemies determined that our life meant nothing. Nothing.”

  His booming voice flowed in a regal manner, his authoritative yet passionate tone far more impressive than many of our government leaders.

  Not a sound could be heard.

  The king continued. “I miss what we had, the beautiful and pristine waters and our tangerine skies. The loss of our people to the Sanzarkans and other species was atrocious, but it’s time for the bloodshed to end. Just as with our kind, there will be humans who refuse to accept, but we came in peace and I intend to keep it that way. If anyone inflicts harm on a human life without full justification, they will be dealt with severely and harshly. That is my mandate.”

  There was a lull as the Cenzans allowed the speech to register. I garnered some respect for the alien, even though I couldn’t believe he had no knowledge of the murders of my family.

  As the aliens began to stamp their feet, the sound thunderous, the king lowered his head in reverence.

  “Wow,” I whispered.

  “A truly great man.” Khrelan nodded his approval as he thumped his boot on the ground.

  Even Killer gave his respect. Only Zacon stood without movement, his eyes boring into Killer’s.

  Only when the king gave another nod and returned to his position did the reverie die down. He registered Zacon’s disrespect, his pupils dilating. “You will follow my orders. All of you. If we have another enemy, then we will face them but honorably.” With that, he walked out.

  “You will honor the king’s wishes,” Kalek commanded, shifting his gaze to each one of us, settling on Zacon. “Or face his wrath.”

  Zacon exhaled, finally nodding. “I will honor and respect King Drateq.”

  “As will I,” Talyn stated.

  “Yes,” Killer added.

  When Kalek approached, he had a smile on his face as he took my hand. “You have nothing to fear, little human. We are a fair people. Some might even say loving. What you may find is just how much you value being able to share. The Act of Drakan is not taken lightly. The women are revered. You may certainly ask my wife,” he said, his grin widening. “Fiona will hold nothing back.”

  Sabrina walked closer, brushing her hand across Kalek’s arm. “Kalek is right. Cenzans are truly wonderful people. “Come. I will help prepare you for the ceremony. Bring her to my quarters,” she instructed the guards.

  My mind was still in a fog. Even Killer remained uncertain, his fists clenched. The hatred he had for Zacon was palpable. After a few seconds, I nodded, trying to offer a smile even though my stomach was churning. This wasn’t a fight I would win.

  Talyn approached, offering his hand to Killer. “This will be amazing, my friend.”

  Killer accepted the handshake, although he didn’t take his eyes away from me. “We shall see. There is much to discover about the truth.”

  There were as many horrific secrets lying just below the surface of every aspect of life, whether human or Cenzan. Mating to prove my loyalty was blasphemous, and a feat that would never occur.

  Even if the whippings continued.

  Even if I craved the attention.

  Even if I longed to have Killer satisfy every burning need.

  I was led away, completely uncertain of the new reality. Would anyone bother to notice I was missing in my village, or would they assume I ran away like a coward? Sadly, I honestly believed that many would count their blessings that I’d no longer be a hindrance.

  And they would kill again.

  And again.

  Chapter Seven

  Kristina

  The room was unexpected, the surroundings much plusher than I would have imagined. Maybe I would never be able to look at the Cenzans as anything but barbarians. Hell, I’d been proven wrong about the majority of things during the last few days. What did I know at this point was the truth?

  The doors were closed, leaving only Sabrina in the room with me.

  “You live with them?” I asked, moving around the room and examining the meager but beautiful belongings. A plush couch, steel tables, even colorful art adorned the wall.

  What a glorious cage.

  “You fight what you can’t understand,” Sabrina answered softly.

  “I fight my enemies.”

  “The Cenzan people aren’t your enemy, Kristina. They are exactly like humans, longing for love and peace, prosperity and happiness. They simply want to share our world. I assure you, they aren’t taking women from their homes in the middle of the night. That’s not our way.”

  “Their way is to kill all of us.” I heard the bitterness in my retort.

  “Whatever monster murdered your family, they should face the very hounds of hell, but I assure you, it was not driven by Cenzan leaders. Shandar is an amazing man.”

  “You would say that. He’s your son, which is mind-boggling.”

  She chuckled as she moved to a stunning glass table, pouring two glasses of a luminescent turquoise liquor. “Our bodies are very compatible. Our needs and desires are the same. Shandar’s father was a wonderful, decent man who I loved very much. And you may be interested that I have two children. My daughter is married to Commander Jajenar.”

  “Keeping it all in the family,” I whispered and accepted the drink. If they’d wanted to kill me, it certainly wouldn’t be by way of some strange liquor. The glow of the Earth from the ships window drew my attention.

  “Truly breathtaking. Isn’t it?” Sabrina asked as she flanked my side.

  “How can you live here? How can you trust them?”

  “I only stay he
re from time to time. I have a home on Earth in a beautiful little town. I have no plans on leaving my friends or finding another mate.”

  “Why are they doing this? With me, I mean.” In the shimmering reflection, I could see her warm smile, so genuine in nature. She wasn’t a hostage by any means, her desire to be here obvious.

  “You drew Killer’s fancy. That became obvious to Shandar and my son owes his life to Killer, as do many on this ship. He is a great warrior, much like I’ve heard you are.”

  I chuckled at the thought. “I am nobody, just a girl seeking revenge.”

  She placed her hand on my arm. “I learned a very long time ago and was reminded recently that things aren’t always as they seem. Sometimes when you believe in something with all your heart, you’re blinded to the truth. You’re a very intelligent woman. I strongly suggest you think about that.”

  “Then who destroyed my world and why?”

  She turned until she could look directly in my eyes. “I have a feeling you already know that answer. Trust in your instinct, but also learn to trust in others. Killer will protect you with his life, as will Zacon and Talyn.”

  “Zacon would have no issue killing me.”

  Laughing, she lifted her glass. “And you know exactly how men are. Cenzans are no different. They fight against what they fear they can’t tame.”

  I felt close to Sabrina and trusted her more than I had any right to. “I do agree with that.”

  “Enjoy your drink. Then you should prepare for a glorious night.”

  “With three men.”

  “I’ve heard it’s amazing.”

  For some reason, her laughter gave me shivers. I’d never been with more than one man at a time. Killer was dynamic as a lover, ruthless in his desires. He was enough for me.

  I shuddered at the thought. I was already accepting a fate I’d been forced into, even though the alternatives were primitive and deadly.

  “I have appropriate attire when you’re ready.”

  Would I ever be truly ready? I stared at the drink before consuming every drop. The liquor was surprisingly refreshing, the slight burn turning into an immediate warmth deep inside. Maybe the alcohol would give me courage in some crazy manner. “Time to get this over with,” I muttered under my breath as if anyone would care.

  * * *

  The appropriate attire was nothing more than a glorified harem girl costume. While beautiful in design, I felt like a whore rather than a warrior. I glared at my reflection, making faces at the woman staring back. Standing barefoot, I was truly nothing more than a prisoner, losing all sense of myself. At least I’d refused the unbraiding of my hair. The man, correction, my men would take me as I was.

  The deal I’d made remained in the forefront of my mind. Twenty of my own people killed and I wanted nothing more than to try to save my life. I felt sick to my stomach at the sacrilegious thought.

  I’d been taken to another suite by armed soldiers, the expansive location similar although the bed alcove was much larger than that in Sabrina’s room. The thought alone was enough to keep my mouth dry. I was finally alone. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea since the scenarios that rushed by in the back of my mind were rather treacherous.

  And terrifying.

  What would they expect of me?

  Complete obedience? Performing like a seal?

  Ugh. This was humiliating enough. I didn’t need my inner voice or my conscience thwarting what control I continued to have. Control. I rubbed my temple, lightheaded from the peaking adrenaline. This is where I gave up every concept of that. I made a promise to myself just as I heard the sound of footsteps.

  They would never break me, and I would never fall in love.

  Ever.

  I held my breath, involuntarily sliding my hands down the form-fitting dress. Why should I care what they thought of me? I was nothing but their slave.

  The first man entering the room was Talyn. He seemed to wear his emotions on his sleeve, his look of blazing hunger creating lines in his otherwise chiseled and perfect face. He was rugged, although the boyish quality was much more endearing than the bleakness of Zacon’s harsh expressions.

  He blinked several times, his pupils dilating as he walked closer. “You are... stunning.”

  “Thank you,” I managed, much more cognizant of the way my already hardened nipples were highlighted through the thin material. Quivering, I followed his gaze as he slowly lowered his eyes, drinking me in. He had a sensuous aura and as he stood in his commanding uniform, I noticed the very thick, throbbing outline of his two cocks. Two. Oh, my God.

  Zacon strutted in as if he was the one in charge, a sneer curled on the corner of his lips. I expected nothing but the coldness I’d witnessed before. When he stopped short, rearing back, I was surprised that his features softened. A smile even crossed his carved face, allowing the single dimple in his chin to appear, one I hadn’t noticed before, which gave him a seductive quality. I could smell his testosterone from where I stood.

  “Impressive,” he whispered, coming closer. He held out his hand, moving very slowly. When I didn’t flinch, his smile widened, and he brushed the tips of his fingers down from my forehead to my chin.

  I was shocked at my body’s reaction, the quiver moving directly into my pussy. My mouth was bone dry, a slight longing filtering out the utter hatred I’d felt only moments before. There was no way I was just suddenly attracted to him.

  Perhaps you were all along.

  The single drifting thought almost brought me back to what Sabrina had said. Sex was the great equalizer, allowing a warrior to remove his armor. Maybe Zacon was this kind of man. What are you thinking? He’s your enemy. I swallowed and attempted to look away.

  Zacon captured my chin, pinching with his thumb and forefinger as he kept my head directed toward him. “You have nothing to fear, little human. I may be a fighter, but tonight, I am your lover.”

  As if I should or could believe him.

  Talyn crowded closer, running his long fingers through my braids. “I’ve never seen another woman with your exquisite beauty.”

  Another shiver forced me to suck in my breath. I wasn’t ready to simply fall apart, succumbing to their will. I would do their bidding but I would hate it.

  The damn little voice was laughing at me now, reminding me that my nipples ached with longing.

  Leaning over, Zacon licked across the seam of my mouth, growling under his breath. “You taste amazing.” He shifted his fingers to my throat, tipping back my head as he lowered his lips to mine. “I will enjoy every second of sliding my cocks deep inside that sweet pussy of yours.” When he captured my mouth, he kept our lips pressed together for several seconds before parting them, darting just the tip of his tongue inside.

  I wanted so much to shove him away, to push him straight into hell, where I thought every Cenzan belonged, but he was slowly awakening the same tingling sensations that Killer had. I’d clamped my hand around his shirt before I realized it, clinging to him as he pulled me closer. The feel of his pulsing cocks pressing against my stomach was titillating, my muscles clenching.

  I knew Talyn was still behind us, his fingers dancing down the length of my back. I was stripped of the hatred, if only for this moment in time, the desire looming, threatening to allow me to enjoy. Damn my body for betraying me. Damn my mind for the deep yearning.

  And damn the fact my armor was slowly sliding away.

  Shame rushed into every portion of my being. I couldn’t want this. I wouldn’t condone this. I refused to care about this. I...

  The kiss became more passionate as Zacon jerked me completely into his arms, his fingers digging into my neck. As he shifted his hips back and forth, the action becoming more and more aggressive, I fell into the moment of lust. I slid my arm around his neck, intertwining my fingers in his long strands of hair. The glorious silkiness gave a slight jolt of electricity.

  Our tongues twisted, his dominating mine as he became more intense, the embrace de
manding in its own right. The captivating scent of the man was completely unlike Killer’s, invigorating in its intensity, intoxicating in its fragrance.

  Zacon moved his open fingers to my face as he broke the kiss, the hold screaming of ownership. He nipped my lower lip, finally breaking the connection and taking several steps backward. “Yes. I will very much enjoy spending time with you.”

  The flash of arrogance was just another reminder that he wasn’t human in any regard. I stood tall, almost forgetting that Talyn was in the room.

  But the hungry beast refused to allow me, his hands moving around my shoulder and cupping my breasts. “So you long to have our cocks inside, filling you?” Talyn whispered in a rugged manner as he squeezed.

  I quivered, the new wave of electricity shooting down the backs of my legs. “I will see.”

  “Such beautiful defiance,” Zacon stated as he yanked his shirt from his waistband, peeling the material over his head.

  There was no possibility of pushing aside my attraction for the man as he stood, his naked chest gleaming in the gorgeous light violet color of his skin. Rippled tendons gave way to ab muscles that were carved straight out of stone.

  Talyn slipped his fingers inside the bodice of my dress, flicking the tips across both nipples. I could no longer fight a moan that had been building, the sound utterly shameful. He pinched my already hardened buds, pulling them into elongated peaks.

  The pain was blinding. Exhilarating.

  Panting, I leaned against him, smiling as he undulated his cocks against my bruised ass.

  “Imagine having my cocks in your ass and pussy,” he muttered, offering a wisp of hot air across the base of my ear.

  Goosebumps popped along every inch of skin and there was no way I could stave off my increasing hunger, famished for the attention that I’d missed.

  But where was Killer?

  “There are rules that you will follow,” Zacon stated, his tone even more demanding.

  The statement forced me to tense. “I follow no one’s rules.”

  Talyn released me but remained close, his energy covering me like the softest velvet blanket. He was very much the protector.