“See, that’s your problem right there. You run a bad shop. You inspire no loyalty. You’re an asshole boss.” Adram lunged and I side stepped, making it look easy.
“It was Ferrik,” he said.
The name meant nothing to me. “No one betrayed you, you lef-headed idiot.”
“Then how.” His chest heaved with rage.
“One, you’re lazy.” I held up a hand and ticked off the reasons on my fingers. “Two, you haven’t changed your methods in the year since you’ve been on Avalon. Three, you expected the quarantine to protect you from a sharper, hungrier crew. Four, lazy. So fucking lazy.”
“You talk too much, half breed,” he snarled.
“Is that anyway to speak to family, Adram?”
My jibe enraged him and he rushed me. I sidestepped at the last moment, letting all his mass and momentum fly by.
“We are not family!”
I’d poked a sore point. “Our mothers are sisters... cousin.”
He roared and ran at me again. This was too easy. I laughed in delight. Adram had been a bully since we were children, always using his greater size and fists to get his way. Nothing had changed, except now he had a bounty on his head. A bounty I had every intention of collecting.
“Ruush!” Meyet’s warning pierced the night. Stunned, I searched for my small mate in the dark. Adram’s arms wrapped around my center and knocked me to the ground.
His fists hit my jaw like blocks of iron. That hadn’t changed. I couldn’t concentrate on the irate man pummeling me. Why was Meyet here? I told her to stay on the ship.
A gun barrel was pressed into the back of Adram’s head. “Stop hitting my man.”
Was it wrong to smile? My little kitten had a gun and I was her man. My heart swelled with joy.
Adram sniffed the air. “Terran female,” he said, voice a menacing growl, “I will tear you apart and-”
He didn’t get a chance to finish his threat. The blaster made a slight noise, like a buzz, discharged a blue light, and he slumped forward. His dead weight pinned me to the ground.
There was no bounty payout if Adram was dead and Meyet had probably killed my chance at collecting, but I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. A year’s wages were gone, but I wasn’t concerned. Something would come up. Something always did. I pushed at the big man’s shoulders and rolled out from underneath him.
“Did you have to kill him?”
Meyet fussed over my nose, the gun still in her right hand and pressed against the side of my face. “Did you have to break your nose again? Hold still.” She moved the cartilage back into place with a moment of blinding pain.
I sucked in my breath, stars in my eyes. “Well, you know how I love you manhandling my bits.”
She grinned. Worth it.
“He’s not dead,” she said.
I nudged Adram with my boot. Stunned, not dead. “Clever girl.” I was going to avoid mentioning her disobeying a direct order. We had better things to do. Namely this…
I swept Meyet into an embrace, my hand firmly around her waist. My mouth captured hers. She softened against me. While distracted, I plucked the blaster out of her hand. She didn’t notice. The kiss promised that I would claim her tonight. This small Terran, raised on an alien planet with criminals, was my mate and it was about time I did something about it.
But first, there was business to wrap up.
I bound Adram and hauled his ass onto an antigrav cart. Vex and Rise tied up the thieves and left them locked in a cargo container. Resolve freed the train’s crew. Confused, we informed the crew that we cancelled the previously scheduled robbery. They should call the authorities to arrest the thieves.
Chapter Fifteen
Ruush
My crew was jubilant. Pay day always put a smile on their faces. Seven Hells, I had a smile on my face too, but it had nothing to do with collecting the bounty and everything to do with the woman in my arms.
“No celebrating until we hand Adram over to the IU. Put him in the brig.” The brig was a storeroom jerry rigged with a force field. This model ship was for civilian use and didn’t have detainment facilities. I had to improvise. “Take care of it,” I said to Resolve.
I leaned down, nuzzling Meyet’s ear. “I need to attend to my mate,” I said softly, just for her. She shivered. Damn, she was delicious. I’d already had her sweet honey explode on my tongue but tonight, I wanted to sink my cock into her hot, wet core. Every minute I spent not doing that was a minute wasted.
Meyet pulled away and looked serious. “The crew needs me-” Always the physician.
“Any of you bastards going to die?” I shouted.
“Nope!” came the immediate response.
“The ship’s doctor will deal with your booboos in the morning,” I said, lifting Meyet and tossing her over my shoulder. I carried her to our quarters, the crew hooting their appreciation. Meyet buried her face in my chest, blushing the prettiest pink.
“I can’t wait any longer,” I said. It took all my will not to throw her down on the bed and rip off her clothes. She crawled backwards, away from my advancing form. A growl rumbled in my throat. Maybe a little clothes-tearing was in order.
“You never wanted those supplies, did you?” she asked, as I pinned her underneath me.
“Nope.” I nibbled her ear, traveling down the sensitive skin of her throat.
“You were after a bounty the entire time.”
“Yup.” My lips caressed her skin. The salt of the sea air still clung to her.
“Then why did you need me?”
I paused, drawing away from my sweet mate. “The IU wanted Adram for a long time. He’d done some vile things and had a knack for making enemies. He’d been hiding on Avalon behind the quarantine line for a year.”
“And the IU wasn’t able to send an Enforcer after him,” she said.
“The authorities were too busy on the surface with the epidemic to be bothered. Plus, the ones with money were able to get all the supplies they needed.”
“At the expense of others.” Bitterness crept into her voice.
I lifted her chin, turning her gaze to me. “Not anymore. Thanks to you.” A slight smile almost as glorious as today’s sunrise as it broke across the water spread across her face. Almost.
“I have something for you,” I said. She whimpered softly when I pulled away. I removed the flat, card sized box from my pocket. Her brows screwed up in confusion when I placed the box in her hand. “It’s an untraceable identity chip,” I explained.
If I took her previous smile as radiant, I was an idiot. Her smile’s wattage could power the entire solar system. “For me? It’s too expensive.”
It was, but that wasn’t her concern. “It’s rude to discuss the price of a gift.”
Tears filled her eyes. She blinked, spilling the tears down her cheeks. Not the reaction I expected. “Don’t cry, kitten.”
“It’s too much, Ruush. I can’t pay you back.”
“That not how a gift works.” I pressed my forehead to hers. No one had ever given Meyet a simple gift and she didn’t know how to process it. “I want you to be happy, mate. It’s freely given. You don’t owe me a thing.”
The smile came back. “When did you get it? Oh… your errand during lunch.” Clever kitten.
“It’s blank so you can use whatever name you want.”
“Any name,” she repeated, turning the words over like it was foreign idea.
“You can remain Meyet or you can use your birth name or a new name altogether.”
“This is wonderful. Thank you, Ruush.”
“Stay with me, Meyet. There’s so many places in the galaxy I want to show you.”
“Yes.”
My mouth captured hers again. No more talking.
Meyet
We were in Ruush's cabin fast enough to make my head turn. I needed him. Right that moment. I couldn't get out of my clothes fast enough. My hands trembled slightly with desire. Soon. Finally.
Ru
ush clasped my hands and kissed each palm tenderly. "You're shaking like a leaf, kitten. Don't be scared."
I wasn't scared. "I'm going to burst, Ruush, if you don't kiss me right this minute."
The grin on his face practically melted my panties. Good thing they were coming off soon. His mouth captured mine, lips insistent but tender. His tongue probed the seam of my lips and I opened for him. A moan rattled in the back of my throat.
I pulled away to strip. Fingers hooked into the waistband of my trousers, his hands stilled mine.
"Slowly, kitten. You only get your first time once and I want you to savor it."
I couldn't help my blush. We had never returned to the subject of my virginity since my confession in the shower but it weighed on me. This virginity was something I couldn't wait to shed but doubt nagged at me. Would my inexperience turn him off? Would I do it right?
As if sensing my thoughts, Ruush lifted my chin upwards. “I’m honored you would share this with me.”
Panties. Soaked.
“I want this to be pleasurable for you. I need you to tell me what feels good and what doesn’t. Can you do that for me?”
I nodded. My panties were melting.
“Good, because giving you pleasure will make me happy. And I’m an extremely selfish man. I already know you like it when I lick that delicious pussy of yours, so I’ll start there. ”
Gone. My panties just burned up into nothing.
I pushed down my trousers, the fabric slowly gliding over the curve of my hips and the rounded swell of my bottom. Ruush rumbled in appreciation as I stepped free. I grasped the hem of my shirt and smiled briefly, raising the edge slightly, exposing the creamy skin of my stomach. The shirt joined the trousers on the floor. I stood before him in my underwear. Ruush has seen me nude so often, this should have been nothing new, yet I trembled slightly in unexpected vulnerability. What if he changed his mind? What if he didn’t want an old virgin with a round belly and a fat ass?
My arms folded protectively over my chest, inadvertently shoving my cleavage forward.
His eyes ate me up like I was greatest thing he’s ever seen. "You're so gorgeous," he said, his words caressing me. "I've wanted you from the moment I saw you." He pulled me towards him, his arms wrapping around my waist. His mouth nuzzled my ear. "I can't wait to claim you, kitten, and let the world know you're mine."
Sure fingers undid my bra and he slid the straps down, peppering my shoulders with a flurry of quick kisses. His hands lowered and worked into the waistband of my panties. His fingers slid between the fabric and my skin, stroking the moist curls. "You're so wet and eager," he moaned.
He parted my lower lips, working his fingers into my slick, hot channel. My hips moved, grinding against his hand. "That's right, kitten," he said, desire thick in his voice. "Tell me what you want."
"I want you inside me, Ruush."
He chuckled. "Soon but you're not ready yet." He withdrew his hand and I whimpered at the loss. With a grin, he licked his finger clean. A blush overpowered me. I felt filthy and divine all at the same time when he gave me that hungry, desperate look.
His hands returned to my hips and pushed down my panties. The soaked fabric landed on the floor. He knelt before me and pressed his face to the apex of my thighs, breathing deep. "You smell so damn good, kitten. Taste even better."
Without a word, he spun me around and pushed me forward, parting my thighs. His face pressed into my wet heat. A tongue, blazing hot and insistent, delved in. The rough texture circled my clit, stroking up, around, and down again. I moaned, arching my back and trying to rock my hips. His large hands on my hips held me in place. His tongue flicked my sensitive nub wildly and darted down to my channel, spearing inside. I gasped and instinctively moved to lessen the overwhelming sensation. His grip tightened. I wasn't going anywhere.
Ruush flicked and sucked on my nub, hot and swollen. A finger slid into my channel. My inner muscles gripped it firmly. He pumped in and out of me. "Fuck, kitten, you are so tight. I need you to be ready for me." Another finger went in, the two scissoring, opening me up to accept his thick cock.
"I'm ready, Ruush. I know I am," I panted. I needed him in me. I ached to be filled by more than his fingers. He didn't relent on my poor clit, sending me to a peak of ecstasy. I cried out, my knees trembling as the climax rolled through me. His strong hands held me out but he did not remove his mouth or tongue. They remained firmly fixed to my swollen sex. Once the trembling stopped, he gave a gentle kiss and pulled away.
"On the bed, now," he commanded.
I scrambled across the bed and turned to watch Ruush undress. We’d shared the same bed for the last two weeks and he refused to sleep in anything other than the buff. But that was a utilitarian disrobing. This was different. He stripped for me, letting me admire his taut muscles as he removed his shirt and trousers. Silvery marks flickered across his abdomen. Had to be a trick of the light. He moved with a fluid grace. His shoulders were broad, his chest deep, and his waist trim. I expected all that but seeing the entire package, just for me, was special. And speaking of packages... Yup, he was huge. I gulped.
Ruush climbed over me on the bed, capturing my mouth. "I won't hurt you, kitten."
"But you're so big."
Another chuckle. Dammit, he was laughing at my inexperience. I must have frowned because he softly stroked my cheek. "I'll fit. You were made for me, mate. You're mine."
I liked the sound of that. His. I leaned back, parting my thighs, ready to accept my mate.
He positioned himself between my thighs. One hand rested on the round curve of my stomach. The other stroked his cock along the slick seam of my sex, coating himself with my desire. The head of his member prodded my entrance. I lifted my hips, trying to coax him in. "Are you ready, mate?"
"Please, Ruush. I need you in me now.”
Needing no more encouragement, he pushed in. A momentary sensation of discomfort flickered away quickly as his cock stretched me. As wet as I was, as eager and aching to be filled, my core clenched him tightly. He paused, searching my face. “Are you okay?”
I nodded. “Don’t stop, please.”
He moved in another inch, pausing to gauge my reaction. Satisfied that I was not in pain, he sank in. Finally, he was fully seated. Arms on either side of my head, he paused. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. Amazing, actually. And full.” I stroked his chest, admiring the hard plate of muscles. “I want you to fuck me, Ruush.”
He kissed the tip of my nose. “There’s so much I want to do to you. With you. But we’re going to take this nice and slow.”
Not sure I wanted nice and slow, I nodded.
He withdrew his cock and then moved forward, sinking into my depths. Sensation exploded along every nerve as his cock stretched me. After a pause, he pushed further, down to the root. I gasped, breath leaving me in surprise. How was it possible to fit more in? Stretched as far as I could go, yet there was more to accept. Ruush pulled back before moving in again, going deeper. I moaned, relishing the fullness.
Fully inside, Ruush moved into me, gentle and careful as he pushed me down against the mattress. One hand was on my shoulder, the other on the round of my ass. My fingers twisted into the sheets. My hips raised and pushed back when he moved forward. His weight slammed into my sensitive nub, sending sparks through my core. I lost myself in the simple act of moving forward to feel him withdraw and back again to feel him push deep into me. Forward and back, again and again.
Ruush leaned forward, pressing his weight against me, opening me wide. “Kitten,” he moaned. “My mate.” His mouth captured by breasts, fangs rasping across my nipples. A shudder coursed through me. Each sensation was too new, too raw and overwhelming.
A sharp smack stung on my ass. I gasped, surprised at the biting pain and the heat. “What was that?”
“Just appreciating your fine rump.”
“Do it again.”
He chuckled. Another swat landed, this one softer. “Y
ou’ve got a fine, round ass and I’m going to make it glow rosy.” The next blow was sharper. I moaned, overcome with raw sensation.
His voice growled in my ears, “Mine.” His thrusts grew frantic. Suddenly, I was at my peak. I cried out, my back arching and my pussy contracting around his thick cock. Waves of wetness left me.
“Yes, yours! All yours.”
Ruush bit my ear, hard enough to break the skin. He moaned, lusty and harsh. His cock swelled and pulsed into me. I gripped him tight, getting every drop. He collapsed against me.
His arms wrapped around me, cradling me to him. His kissed the top of my head and rested his cheek against my hair. “My kompli,” he whispered.
Tomorrow, or very soon after, Ruush would take me to Galax One and we would part ways. The thought filled me with aching sorrow.
Chapter Sixteen
Meyet
The next morning, I patched up the crew. Rise had one long gash across his chest. Jonee had an angry purple bruise blossoming across her abdomen from a hard tackle. Otherwise, the crew made it through unscathed.
I got a standing ovation when I entered the Mess. Apparently I had been loud last night. But the powerful blush I expected didn’t come.
I didn’t care what the crew heard. I had an untraceable, rewritable ID chip and a man who rocked my world. Our days together were counting down and I would be reunited with my brother. Part of me still worried that Ruush was a bad idea, that I was headed for heartbreak, but I decided to ignore that little voice. What did she know? My feet practically floated off the floor and it had nothing to do with the gravity drive failing.
Hilly handed me a mug of coffee. “I recognize that look.”
“What look is that?” I asked, playing dumb.
“The ‘I just got some and I loved it’ look.”
“Hmm,” I murmured, noncommittally. I set the box containing the ID chip on the table, contemplating it. No one had ever given me a gift before without strings attached. Anything Calmness gave me only served to reinforce that I was his property. No birthday presents or toys on the holidays, either. Now this. It was more than a blank chip. It was freedom.
Alien Rogue's Price: Alpha Alien Romance (Alpha Aliens of Fremm Book 4) Page 10