“Herald, might I introduce you to the Earth woman, Mary,” Marcus said as he bowed towards the male, his blonde hair flowing freely down his shoulders. Herald bowed in return before he pulled back a chair from the table and turned his bright gaze onto me.
“Would you like to join me for dinner, Mary?” Herald asked as he held the back of the chair in his hands. Marcus turned and walked away, leaving the two of us alone.
“Yes, please,” I managed to say as I sat in the chair he held out for me. He then sat back down in the chair at the head of the table. The moment he sat down, food appeared onto the table. It first looked like holograms that soon materialized, the room instantly filling with an array of sweet and savory smells. Though I did not recognized any of the foods that ranged in shades of dark purple, to orange and yellow, my rumbling stomach told me that I needed to at least try something.
“Here, let me help you get started,” Herald said as he picked up my plate and started placing varies foods on top of it. “Though I’m sure you’ve never tried Tlalu food before, I’ll make sure you get to try the best of it.”
“It all does look amazing,” I said, trying to pleasant and polite. The last thing I wanted to do was offend the aliens that currently had me on their ship. If I was going to find a way home, then I had to win over these aliens and convince them to return me at least back to my own planet.
When Herald set the plate back in front of me, I picked up my fork and tried a purple onion looking thing that tasted like the best stake you’ve ever had. I sighed deeply as I chewed the tender bite, enjoying the flavors it had been cooked in. When I heard Herald chuckle, I looked over at him as he sat and watched me.
“It’s really good,” was all I could think to say as Herald prepared his own plate and together we ate in relative silence. When I had eaten most of what was on my plate, I noticed a painting on the far side of the wall of a planet that looked familiar. I pated my lips on a cloth napkin I found on the table, and finally turned my attention back to my host.
“That planet looks like Earth,” I observed, hoping to learn more about Herald and his people. He followed my gaze and starred at the portrait for a few seconds before turning back to me, wiping his face as he pushed his plate aside.
“It is the planet I was born on. Though my species is stretched across the stars, it was the planet my family was staying on at the time as they helped the species that lived there. My parents were part of a crew that were teaching the people how to build better homes and sustain themselves better through agriculture. Though we did not share with them any of our technology, we were able to help them advance in small ways that would at least improve their lives. I really enjoyed growing up there because we lived a very simple life. But eventually our mission ended and back to the stars we did return,” Herald explained, his eyes twinkling as he told the story.
“And now you always have a way to remember that time,” I said as he looked back at the painting one more time.
“A reminder of happier times, I’m afraid to say,” Herald said as the light in his eyes dimmed as he looked back to me. “There are no words for how sorrowful I feel over what has happened to you. Our current mission is to protect all those who the Harem wish to destroy, and I feel I have failed you.” Herald reached out and took my hand, his touch soft and comforting as he traced the red marks at my wrist.
“I am still alive, and now here with you having a pleasant dinner instead of being trapped in a cold cage,” I said, trying to sound appreciative. But as the memories came back to me, I couldn’t help but shiver.
“Alas, dark memories never seem to quite leave us, even after some time has passed,” Herald commented as he withdrew his hand from mine. He seemed to be talking from experience as he straightened his posture and looked away from me momentarily.
“Do you know why the Harem targeted me of all people. The creature I knew as James mentioned something about creating a hybrid species with someone from earth and that my DNA was a close match to his,” I asked, part of me fearing Herald’s response.
“Indeed, that is how the Harem create their armies, by mating with resilient species that will make their next generation even stronger. They are a war driven people, always striving to better themselves and conquer as many planets as possible. After the Harem would have mated with you and created an offspring that could be cloned and manipulated for their purposes, they would have destroyed Earth so that the humans could never progress any further,” Herald explained as he clasped his hands together, not enjoying the explanation any more than I did.
“And that is why your people rescued me? So the Harem couldn’t get what they wanted from me?” I questioned, trying to rationalize everything that had happened to me. In that moment, I felt so used as I forced myself to look away from Herald. Since we both knew what that monster James had done to me, I felt like I needed to return to the hot bath and scrub my skin even more. As the image of that creature rose in my mind, I shuddered as I remembered how we had slept together.
I flinched when Herald placed his hand on my shoulder, my vision refocusing on the reality around me. “I’m sorry,” I whispered as I relaxed and allowed him to comfort me, the warmth of his hand soothing on my shoulder.
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Mary. It will take time for your scars to heal, but know that you are safe here and out of the reach of the Harem,” Herald said in a soothing voice that almost sounded like singing.
“But won’t they come for me? That monster made it clear that I was the closest DNA match to their own,” I reasoned, wondering just how the Tlalu could protect me and at what lengths would they go to make sure I was safe. Would there ever come a time when the risk wouldn’t be worth it anymore? Not knowing the true power of either one of these species, I had a hard time believing Herald right now.
“You are right, Mary, they have great motivation to capture you once more. And that is why we will seek them first. If we cannot reason with the Harem to leave the Earth and it’s people alone, then we will have no choice but to destroy them,” Herald said as he removed his hand from my shoulder and pushed back from the table. As he stood, he extended his hand towards me. I stood from the table and took it as he led me from the dining room and back into the hallway.
“Where are we going now?” I asked as he continued walking down one hallway, then another like it was a maze he had memorized a long time ago.
“I am taking you to the ship’s command center so you may be able to watch what happens when we confront the Harem ship hovering over Earth. You must be a witness for your people,” Herald explained as we came to a door that slid open once Herald approached it.
Inside was a large domed room, much like the green field I had first arrived in. The ground was grass that felt soft as I walked on it, Herald leading me to a small platform in the center where I spotted Tabatha and Marcus standing over a crystal counter with varies stones on top. Shrubbery and plants lined the perimeter of the room, making me feel as though I was standing out in an open space instead of being on a spaceship. Herald released my hand as he went and stood next to Marcus, giving him a single nod as Marcus began moving stones over the crystal counter, a few high pitches ringing out.
A moment later, the air materialized before the platform, like a viewing screen was being created through thin air. As it came into a solid shape, I could see Earth in the distance and a large metallic spaceship hovering over it.
“That’s them, isn’t it?” I asked softly as Tabatha came to stand next to me.
“Yes, my dear,” she confirmed, the thought causing my body to shake. Even though it was just a screen, I felt venerable once more.
“Hail them,” Herald instructed, Marcus obeying immediately as the screen changed and a picture of the reptilian creatures appeared. My heart started to pound as the creature on the screen looked between everyone on the platform and finally rested it’s cold, black eyes on me. I balled my hands into fists to help my body from shaking, terrifie
d at any moment the creature would try to transport my body to its ship again.
“Captain Herald, it seems you have acquired something I want at the cost of the lord of this ship,” the creature said, its nasally voice sending a wave of nausea through my body. I was starting to regret eating so much as I hugged my stomach.
“Indeed, that is what has happened. The Tlalu will not stand by as you torture this Earth woman or prepare to destroy her planet. You have one choice, Harem scum. You can either leave this planet alone, or we will have no choice but to completely destroy your ship,” Herald responded, his voice booming like a trumpet.
“Come now, Captain. Do you really want the entire Harem fleet hunting you down for the rest of your life? We have no problem seeking revenge. In fact, we quite enjoy it,” the creature responded, laughing as its forked tongue slid out of its mouth to hiss at us.
“No, I wouldn’t want to end an entire species just to save another. But after all the destruction the Harem have caused to other lifeforms in the galaxy, I’m sure my superiors would not condemn me for ending the Harem once and for all.”
The creature stopped laughing after hearing Herald’s words, the creature stilling as he considered the threat. But once the screen went black, Marcus and Tabatha moved quickly as their hands glided over the crystal counter, moving stones in a harmonious tone. The screen changed again as Earth and the Harem ship came back into view.
“They are targeting us, Capitan,” Marcus reported as he looked over at Herald.
“Do it,” Herald commanded, his voice sounding rough and pained as he placed his hand over a single stone on the crystal counter. Once Marcus nodded, Herald grabbed the stone and shifted it upward, the room filling with so much light that I was forced to shut my eyes and shield them. There was a low rumble that seemed to pass through the entire ship, followed by darkness. As I opened my eyes again, I watched as the light slowly returned to the room. When I looked at the screen again, I only saw the Earth. The Harem ship was completely gone.
“What just happened?” I asked as I lowered my arms. As I looked towards Tabatha, I noticed she had tears in her eyes as she turned and left the platform in a hurry.
“I will go comfort her,” Marcus said as he left to run after her, the same tears in his eyes.
Herald leaned heavily on the counter, his head sinking between his arms. I walked forward and placed my hand on his, noticing how the tears streamed down his face and fell onto the wooden platform.
“What you’ve done, it pains you all so much,” I said, noticing the way Herald’s eyes grew dark, like looking into the ocean on a rainy day.
“We are guardians of life. We do not take life easily, nor do we enjoy doing so. The Harem may be a species of great evil, but it does not make the feeling of taking their lives any better,” Herald answered, turning from me to wipe his eyes dry.
“Thank you, for both what you’ve done for my planet, but also for your honesty,” I said as I stepped off the platform, thinking that it was time I return to the room I had been provided and prepare for my inevitable return back to Earth. Though the Harem ship had been destroyed, it pained me to know I would have to return back to Earth, to my normal life knowing what more that universe did hold.
“Wait!” Herald called out as he stepped down from the platform and walked swiftly over to me.
“I’m sure I can find the way. I can get changed quickly so you can return me to Earth and you can be on your way to your next mission,” I rambled as I took a step towards the open doorway.
“But why do you want to leave?” Herald asked, the illumination in his blue eyes returning once more.
“What other choice do I have?” I replied, completely confused by his words.
Herald stepped closer as he gathered my hands in his, the sweet scent of pine coming from him as I looked up into his eyes, a small smile crossing his lips. “You could stay here with me. Together we could help your planet strengthen their defense against species like the Harem, and perhaps teach them to cross the stars like we do,” Herald suggested, rubbing his fingers across my knuckles.
My heart rate increased as I thought about the possibility of staying with Herald on this beautiful ship and even being the one that helped Earth learn to travel into space. I couldn’t help smiling as I looked up at Herald, the possibilities endless when it came to his offer.
“Yes, Herald. I would love to stay,” I said, completely surprised by my words. It was every geeky girls dream come true, to be taken to a beautiful ship and charmed by a gorgeous alien man. Now I would get to experience everything I’ve always dreamed about while watching Doctor Who.
Herald wrapped his arms around me, bringing me into a tight embrace where I could feel the strength in his body. I loved the way his silk robes rubbed against my face as I rested my head on his chest. As his arms shifted, I thought he would finally let me go, but instead he lifted me up so that I was forced to wrap my legs around him. I looked down at him in shock but couldn’t hide the smile on my face right before he titled his head towards mine and kissed me. I held the breath in my lungs as I felt his soft lips on mine, the heat rising between our bodies as he kissed me tenderly.
He then slowly lowered me back to the ground as he placed a hand on the side of my face. “I don’t want to do anything you may not be willing to do after what happened,” he said in a soft voice as he traced a finger over my lips. I thought about it for a moment, and though the pleasure I had received in the past was built on lies, I wasn’t willing to give up chasing the idea of true love.
“I’m willing if you are,” I replied in a lusty voice. Herald smiled as he swept me off my feet, cradling me to his chest like a new bride as he carried me to the closest bedchamber he could find. Shutting the door behind us with his foot, he set me gently on the edge of a large bed, kissing me once again as I laid back against the plush bedding.
He leaned over me, arms on both sides of my body as he simply kissed me, sliding his tongue in between my lips, gently to coax mine out. The passion in his kiss was intoxicating, neither greedy nor pleading, like we could simply spend the rest of the day doing just this and being completely content. But as I spread my legs to allow him to come closer to me, he shifted to begin kissing down my neck and placing soft kisses on my chest.
“Let’s get you out of these clothes,” Herald said sweetly as he helped me stand. He carefully pulled the dress over my head and then turned me around to undo the corset, placing kisses on my bare shoulders, his warm breath sending shivers down my body. I reached up and laced my fingers into his long, golden hair as I pulled the strings of the petticoat so that it would fall to my feet. Once I was free from all of my garments, Herald reached around my body and caressed my breasts, cupping them gently as he rubbed his fingers over my nipples, causing them to harden in anticipation. I moaned softly as I leaned back against his chest, tilting my head up towards his so I could claim his lips once more.
Eventually he turned me around and helped me back onto the bed before pulling off his robes. As the silk dropped to the floor, I stared in amazement at his toned chest and abs, the white markings that covered his body, and then I spotted his member that sprang to life between his legs. The enormous size of it made me wonder if I would be able to handle the pleasure of it.
“I’ll be gentle, at first,” Herald said as he noticed me staring at his hard member, reaching down to stroke it a few times before coming to lean over me once more, bending down to kiss my stomach and leave a trail of kisses till he hovered over my wet center. There he slid his tongue inside me, forcing me to grip the blankets as I rested my head back onto the bed. I moaned softly as he slid his tongue inside me, then moved to lick my sensitive mound. I bucked my hips against his mouth as he began a steady rhythm of licking and sucking on my sensitive mound. I gasped as he slid a finger deep within me, removing it quickly, then adding a second finger before he plunged back in.
“Yes!” I gasped as I tightened my grip on the bedding and thr
usted my hips against his fingers.
“Good?” he purred, the vibration making me moan. I could only nod as I began panting hard. I let out a loud moan as he inserted a third finger, sliding them in and out without little restrain as I widened my legs and thrusted against him so I could feel them deep inside of me. But eventually he removed them to my disapproval as he slid his tongue inside me once more before kissing my wet lips and trailing kisses back up my stomach till he kissed my mouth again.
“Are you ready for more?” he asked as he leaned over me, his hips settled between my legs as I felt his hard member push against the opening of my wet core.
“Much more,” I replied with a grin as I rubbed my wet core against his shaft in anticipation of what was going to happen next. Despite his large size, I was willing to give it a try. Herald kissed me passionately as he laced his fingers in my hair, taking his free hand and guiding his tip till it pushed past my wet lips. I gasped as I placed my hands on his hips, slowing his thrust as I moved my hips to take in his hard member. Little by little, he inched into me, allowing my wet core to clamp against him and relaxing again to allow him to push deeper inside me.
“Breath,” Herald whispered in a husky voice as he continued pushing deeper inside me. I continued to kiss him, loving the feeling of him completely filling me. Once our hips met, he slid back out, only to thrust back in again without restraint. Slowly, he started a rhythm between us that eventually quickened. I panted hard as I wrapped my legs around his hips, my arms holding onto his shoulders so I could thrust against him. Herald’s breathing quickened as he placed his long arm under my back so he could cup my behind with his hand, giving him a better grip on me so he could thrust into me quicker.
I moaned loudly as he started to probe my pink opening, pushing past to slid a finger inside. Never had I experienced this before as he pace quickened, the sound of wet slapping flesh filling the room as my moans grew louder and louder. With a single finger all the way inside of me and my wet core filled completely with his hard member that continued to thrust in and out of me at an alarming speed, I cried out in ecstasy as I was pushed over the edge, my body rolling in wave after wave of pleasure as my orgasm continued to wash over me. Herald’s grip on my tightened as he cried out, finding his own release as he thrusted deep inside me. His pace slowed as he pumped in and out slowly, finally pulling out all the way as he laid down beside me, pulling me close to his body as he wrapped his arms around me.
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