by Sabrina Kade
“Once you get to know some of the others, I bet you’ll feel the same way I do,” I say quietly, still looking at Korben.
“And they will get to know you,” Korben says, sounding a bit menacing before I squeeze his back. He straightens up, clears his throat and speaks in a more soothing tone. “And only get to know you. My brothers have been informed by me that they are not to touch or force any of you to do anything. You have my word as a former prince.” Alaska snorts, turning away, but Korben pushes on, and finally, I detect something royal in his tone. “My brothers and I, you will soon learn, that we are as my Chosen says. We are not like the others. And while you may be frightened at first, all we ask is that you give us a chance to prove we are not cruel. This is not some elaborate scheme to hunt you for sport. We find that tradition cruel and disgusting.” He pinches his brows together as if he’s said too much. Either way, he pushes onward. “I am sure many of you have seen my brothers. Tell me, have any of them been cruel to you in any way?”
I search over the girls. Alaska’s not even facing us now, but they’re all considering. Ellis and Sloane shrug and shake their heads. The two dark haired girls are quiet, but not arguing.
“They have been kind,” York admits. The usual hard-edge in her voice fades into something softer. “I have been speaking with one. He is nice. Gentle. I know he’s paying special attention to me.” Her eyes flicker to Korben. “You know who I’m talking about.”
Korben’s head bobs but says nothing more.
“And so you see? Things aren’t as dire as Alaska’s making it out to be. What did Phoebe say on the ship? That maybe, at the end of the day, all people are good or some shit? Well, maybe that’s not true, but until Korben – or any of the others – prove there’s a hidden agenda, I’m going to go with the flow.” I quietly leave out the part with Taylis. “Let’s face it. This may be as good as it gets for us.”
It’s not the most beautiful speech, but it’s the truth, and all the girls must feel that. How can they not?
They see how I look at Korben and how he looks at me. Some of them have been working for as long as I have. If something felt wrong, I’m sure someone would have picked up on it. And if York isn’t arguing, and saying they can be kind, people are going to listen.
And so I push forward.
“You’ll all have the chance to see now,” I say. “Because Korben’s not going to force any of you to stay in this room.”
“I’m not?” Korben sounds puzzled.
“No,” I say, turning around to face him. “We’re not Sidyth women. We don’t want to be kept in a single room and occasionally talk to you guys. We’re social creatures, and it’ll be easier for us to get to know each other if we have free reign. If maybe we can even go above ground.”
“To the rain!” Ellis chirps excitedly. “Really? We can go back there?”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing the skies again,” Sloane agrees.
I’m stepping on Korben’s toes, I’m sure, but if he wants to win us over, he’s going to have to take some of my suggestions.
This reminds me.
“Do you mind leaving us again? I’ll be alright.”
Korben’s yellow eyes scan over the group, landing on Alaska and flicker back to me. “I do not like the idea of leaving you alone with that one. She is angry. And broken.”
“We’re all broken in one way or another, sweetheart,” York interjects, and some of the girls laugh nervously.
But Korben cocks his head. “I see I was right to have him watch over you.”
“Him?” I arch a brow. “Who’s him?”
“The scary one.” Ellis’ lips move to say more and York interrupts.
“Quiet. Nevermind. Blythe’s right, big guy. Do you mind letting us have Blythe to ourselves for a little bit? If this is going to be the end of you keeping us all locked together in this little room?”
Korben stiffens. “I did not put you here to make you feel like prisoners.”
“So don’t make us feel like one now.” York makes a shooing motion at him, and Korben’s eyes widen in shock.
God, I love this chick.
“It’ll be okay, Korben. I promise.”
“Yes, it will be,” he says firmly before turning away. Everyone relaxes when suddenly he spins back around again and pulls me in for a deep kiss on the lips. There’s a startled gasp that fills the space as he keeps me close, dipped under his form. “Thank you for believing in me, my Chosen. I knew you would be perfect for me.”
Suddenly, it’s like we’re all alone. There’s a fierce blush forming across my features.
“Go,” I say with a stupid giggle. “Or no one’s going to take me seriously.”
“I know I’m not,” Ellis teases.
“Same,” one of the dark haired girls speaks up.
I have to strike while the iron is hot and quickly shove Korben away from me. He’s heavy and strong, but he allows himself to be moved back towards the door. “And thank you too,” I say quietly, hoping the others don’t hear.
“For what? An orgasm?” York teases.
Shit.
***
Once he’s gone again, all the girls, except Alaska and Dakota, flock to me with curious and excited expressions.
“Okay, so we’re not going to die. Or get raped,” Sloane says first. “That… that’s good.”
“Yeah, I’d say so,” one says who I can’t place.
“And he’s been good to you?” York asks, and I can’t help but notice some excitement in her voice. “He had you in his room for an entire week, and he didn’t do anything you didn’t ask him for? It almost seems too good to be true. Because… let’s face it, Sidyths are hot, but they’re bastards.”
“And you won’t believe what they can do with their tongues.”
“Really…” York’s eyes drift to the doorway before rounding back to me. “How long do they plan to keep us here?”
“Don’t know,” I admit. “He never said anything to me about a start or end date.”
“Well, we’re not going to stay here forever, we know that.” Ellis frowns slightly. “No matter how great things are, Alaska’s right about one thing. This is only temporary. Eventually, this assignment is going to end, and only the flip of a coin will tell us if we’re going to have another assignment like this or the alternative.”
A silence falls over our little group, deflating some of our excitement. Of course, I’ve considered that the good times wouldn’t last forever, but hearing it said aloud makes it harder to swallow. I’m still recovering from the idea that I stood up to someone as powerful as Alaska to defend a Sidyth prince – or former prince – I’m not sure what to call him.
I may be his so-called Chosen but for how long?
“Things could be worse,” York says, voicing one of my favorite catchphrases. “Whether it’s a month, a year, or five, I say we should enjoy the here and now. Stressing about tomorrow will do nothing but take away the enjoyment that we could be having today.”
Some of the girls nod at each other in agreement.
“You’re such an intellectual,” the one with incredibly dark skin – Krista says with a small smile. She glances around the room. “And you think taking us all out of the room and giving us free reign is a good idea? I mean, there’s like a bunch of Sidyth men out there. Can we be so sure all of them are like Blythe’s? Maybe they’re only behaving because we’re in this little room and the big guy is making sure they all follow orders.”
It’s a reasonable concern.
“But, really,” one of the dark-haired ones speaks up, “even if things were to go south, would that be any worse than what some of us are used to? At least here, there’s a chance things could be okay. I don’t know about you, but I want to take that chance.”
“You want more room to work out.” Her buddy smirks.
“Like you don’t feel the same way, Rene. You used to love working out in the rain on the Octonod assignment.”
“It was t
he only thing I liked about that assignment.”
“I guess we agree then,” I say, hoping to steer the conversation back to something positive before Alaska comes in and ruins it all. “We’re not going to stay in this room. We won’t be underestimated anymore. We’re going to stick together.”
Most of them agree. York still has a faraway look in her eyes. I’ll have to ask about what’s up with that later.
But for now, I’m so happy to be with my girls again.
When was the last time I thought of any of the women I worked with as my girls? Arizona said this wasn’t like a sorority.
Speaking of which…
“Does anyone know anything about the others yet?” I ask, scanning over the group. “Arizona and Phoebe? The small, quiet one?”
They all shake their heads.
“We were hoping you would know,” Ellis says.
Right. “I’ll ask him tonight,” I say.
This seems to satisfy most of them, but I can’t get over the weird looks Alaska keeps shooting my way. She’s not happy with the way things are going, and I suppose I can’t blame her. A friend of hers was lost in a Sidyth hunting. Arizona’s gone, and she has no idea if she’s okay. Not to mention that I seem to be falling into the role of a leader whether I want to or not. Even after being gone for almost a week, the girls are looking and turning to me for all the answers. A small amount of pride fills me knowing this.
I don’t want to let them down.
“Tell me everything you’re worried about,” I announce. “And I will talk about it with Korben. Any concerns you have. About anything. Or anybody,” I say, sneaking a look towards Alaska and Dakota. “I don’t want to forget anything when I talk to him tonight. So if there’s something on your mind, something you want to know about, something that needs to change, I want you all to tell me.”
I take a seat on the floor, and all but two of the girls form a circle around me.
There’s an excitement buzzing around.
I want this to be a good experience for all of us, no matter how temporary.
CHAPTER TEN
Korben
My brothers are becoming excited now that my Chosen has gone in and spoken with the women. Changes are coming, and my brothers are going to be able to interact with the human women more freely. Blythe is excited, but I still have mixed feelings about the situation. I wanted to keep them in the room so that I could have Azan and Hujun keep a close eye on them. Despite my promises, of course, I cannot speak for every Sidyth at all times. I am sure some of them are overly excited. I’m sure some of them will not take my warning to give the humans a chance before declaring they are chosen. Plus, I hate the idea of them all going above ground when it is raining. Or when it is cold. Only a few of my brothers have enough willpower to stand the weather above, and I am not one of them.
Not yet, at least. For my Chosen, I guess I am going to have to find a way.
But I am still worried. I have seen the way brothers like Iriel and Dolan have been eying the women, and though most of them still follow my rules because I am a former prince, it is only a matter of time before more of them breakaway to form their camps with their own rules.
I am not sure what I am going to do to keep most of these women safe.
But I cannot say I am not happy to see Blythe this excited. She smiles and hugs and leads the women around her, and most follow her like she’s royalty herself. All except those two. I have seen them before, but I do not want to point out that fact. Luckily, neither do these women. I decide they will come around eventually because my brothers do not want to scare these women. They know how hard I worked to obtain them, and how easily they can be taken away. There is not much to do on this planet, so I know they feel in my debt because of the gifts I have obtained for them.
But I still do not want them disrespected. I am tired of hearing that Sidyths are a cruel race. I want to change that, and any brother of mine who does not want to follow my lead will be welcome to go.
Though this will be much harder to enforce once the women are comfortable leaving the Gathering Room.
Leaning against the wall next to the room for the third night in a row, Blythe continues to gather questions and concerns that the women have. Every night, she comes back to me, and we discuss them before sleeping. It is not my favorite way to pass the time, but this is important to Blythe, and so I will oblige.
“Waiting by the door again, Your Highness?” a voice rumbles deeply to my right, and I turn to find Hujun. “I told you I would be more than happy to escort your Chosen at the end of the night. You can go to your room and rest up.” He smirks. “I am sure you have plans with her later.”
I narrow my eyes. “You can call me Korben now, Hujun. I don’t know how many years have to pass before you take my request seriously.”
“I am not convinced you will not once again take the throne. And that does not answer my question. Go to your room. Allow me to watch over your Chosen. I will bring her back.”
“I don’t mind waiting,” I say, crossing my arms. “Where is Azan?”
“He spent some time with the one he desired and needed to make a quick stop to relieve himself. He has taken your words to heart, I’m afraid. He does not want to scare her off.” A fanged smile crosses my brother’s face. “Though I do not know why he even bothers.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, turning dark. The women’s voices fade as I turn my focus to Hujun. “Azan is a good man. A loyal brother. Why should he have to worry about scaring one of the women if he desires one?”
“I won’t dignify that with a response. Dolan’s already been giving him a hard enough time.”
“Dolan needs to mind his business,” I snarl. “The only reason he’s here is—”
“Because he chose exile over death like the rest of us,” Hujun rumbles in a gentle reminder. “I suppose it matters not. Once the woman Azan is interested in turns him down, we can all move forward.”
I hate that Hujun is right. This won’t be Azan’s first rejection. He is not the easiest companion to have, for reasons that eventually all the women were going to find out about. Shaking it off, I turn back to Hujun.
“And what about you?” I ask.
“What about me?”
“Is there one you desire? One you would like as your Chosen?”
“I would like you to be happy before all else, Korben,” Hujun says. “If you are happy, I will easily follow suit.”
I hiss. “You are a pain, Hujun.” Falling quiet, I sneak a look behind the curtain and watch my Chosen animatedly talk to others. The blond, sneering one and her friend remain separated from the circle, but I can tell they are both listening. Maybe my Chosen will win them over with time. I appraise the women in hopes of finding one who could catch the eye of my most trusted brother, and my eyes fall to one that has hair of a different texture than the rest. It falls in waves, and though it is dark, it is incredibly pretty. Plus, her eyes are like a Sidyth’s, yellow and attentive. This one is important to my Chosen, and it would be a good match.
“I would like you to keep a close eye on that one,” I say lazily, pointing out the dark-haired one to Hujun.
He looks into the room, and his eyes widen slightly before turning back me. “She is not mouthy and dangerous like the one Azan is watching over. What is the true nature of your request?”
I can’t help but smirk. Hujun is too intelligent for his good.
“I do not want her to catch the eye of too many of our brothers,” I say, not missing a beat as Hujun returns to studying the one I have pointed out. “She has a look that is considerably different than the others, and you know that will appeal to them. I do not want any of them to be overwhelmed when they have free roamed of the lair.” Hujun considers this, no doubt wondering how sincere I am. But I am truthful in a way. This woman is different looking than the others with a skin tone that falls in-between the girls like Blythe and the one who could blend in with the caves. And her hair – no one h
as anything even close to similar. “Protect her from too much attention from the others,” I continue. “Iriel and Dolan, especially.”
Hujun agrees, and I know I have gotten him to answer my request.
“She is rather tiny, isn’t she?”
Perhaps, the strange one with the wild hair and yellow eyes will take to my most trusted brother in the way Blythe has taken to me.
The thought makes me smile.
“That is an odd expression to wear so openly on your face, Your Highness,” Hujun notes as the human women end their session for the day, standing and stretching.
“You will understand why I smile more when you have a Chosen of your own,” I say confidently, all but jumping like a young sprog to hold Blythe in my arms again for another night. She is hugging some of the others as Azan comes back to stand next to Hujun, but not before glancing into the room himself.
Which woman will have to refuse his affections next?
“We’re done for the night,” a voice rings a few moments later, and I’m excited to find Blythe standing right by my side again. I must fight off the urge to scoop her up and carry her back to our room.
“How did things go?” I ask. “You will have more questions for me to answer, yes? More requests?”
Unable to help myself, I wrap my arms around her tiny waist and lift her lips to mine. She is so tiny and light, but I do not mind. It is a pleasant change after all years with Sidyth women who – some are stronger than the men. A thrill of protectiveness causes my cock to swell as I lower her feet to the floor, and my Chosen – as clever as always – seems to notice this with a toothy smile.
“We have to talk first,” she reminds me.
“Of course,” I say, trying to ignore the looks from Hujun and Azan.
Let them stare; I am sure they are only jealous because I have chosen one and not been denied.
“But after we’re done, I’m sure we can find something to do before we fall asleep.” Blythe presses a tiny hand against my chest and looks at me with hungry eyes.