by Sabrina Kade
“Excited to see other women, huh?” I ask in a teasing voice.
“You and I both know that’s not true,” he murmurs, pulling my hand until my fingers brush against his cock. My eyes shoot up at his.
“Are you always so horny?” I ask with a grin.
“Would you prefer it if I didn’t get hard for you?” He cups his hand to my cheek, curls his fingers into my hair and brings me closer for a kiss. It’s difficult not to moan when I realize we’re not going to be able to leave the room until I take care of this.
“The things you have to do to satisfy a client,” I say, going to return the favor with a quick blow job, but Korben stops me.
“What did you call me?” he asks, eyes hardening.
“My client,” I say with a nervous blush. “I mean, that’s what you are.”
“I’m not your client, Blythe. I chose you.”
“So what exactly does that mean?” I notice his dick softening, but I don’t even care. I wasn’t going to talk about this, but if he’s going to make a thing about it, I’m entitled to some answers.
“It means…” He trails off. “It means that I choose you. I want you. You are mine, and I am yours.”
“But for how long, Korben? I’m not exactly girlfriend material, in case you’ve forgotten. Or do you not remember signing the contract for twenty human—”
“I remember.” His voice shifts to a snarl, and he abruptly stands up from the bed. His shoulders bunch together before he picks up a clean pair of shorts and hides his dick to punish me. Well, that’s not the reason, but it still feels that way. I stand up and try to hug him from behind.
“Come on,” I say. “This shouldn’t come as a shock to you, right? I mean, I won’t be able to stay here forever and neither will you. Korben, you’re a prince. And I’m a human whore. And as great as this all is, of course, it’s only temporary.”
“You’re not a whore.”
“It’s because I’m a whore that I got to meet you. And I’m happy with that.” The words are sharp on my tongue, because I don’t want to believe them, but I push forward. Dipping under Korben’s arms, I snake mine around his neck and pull him close. “Korben, I know this situation isn’t permanent, but I’m still so happy to be here with you. You’ve been nothing but kind and patient with me.” I sniff a bit as he stares at me, almost with pity in his eyes and it’s hard to keep mine from watering.
Why do these words hurt so much? It’s not like I expected to marry the guy or anything.
“I told you I have no intention of returning home. This is going to be my home. I want to build a better world with you.”
I frown, and Korben’s eyes widen.
“You don’t want to stay here with me?” The idea of it almost seems puzzling to him and my heart about breaks when I see the insecurity drawn across his hard features.
“Of course I want to stay with you!” I cry out, unable to stop a few tears from falling. “You idiot! How could I not want to stay?” My next sentence is pushed out of my lungs when Korben stoops and hugs me tightly to him, crushing his body against mine. More tears come, and I struggle to get my words out. “Of course I want to stay with you,” I say again, so there’s no chance of a misunderstanding.
“And so you will. And of course, all of the other women are welcome to stay.”
“That’s not possible, Korben. We’re all under contract.”
He squeezes me more tightly to him, as though he’s trying to push me inside of him so we can become a single being. It’s so hard not to sob like a baby when he makes me feel like one. He’s so big and strong, and I’m… I’m falling for him whether it’s a good idea or not.
“Blythe, if you want to stay, you only have to trust me that I will figure this out,” he rumbles at last.
“How?” I sniff into his chest.
“You must believe in me. I will keep you here no matter the cost. Money is no option, and there is nothing I won’t do to keep you here. This is where you will be safe. This is where you will be happy. Do you not agree?” He pulls me away slightly so he can peer down with his intense eyes. “I will make you happier and more fulfilled than you have ever been. And it’s because I have chosen you, Blythe. Now that you are mine, nothing is of more importance. My reason for living is to keep you happy now. And that means keeping you here.”
I sniff. “What about the others? I’ll be able to—”
“You worry too much about others. But that is one of the many reasons I chose you. Of course, if some of the women want to stay, I will work something out. I will find a way, Blythe. If my brothers choose women and they want to stay, I will do anything I can to help. Because I know that will make you happy. Do you understand me, Blythe?” He cups my cheeks in his large hands, smoothing his thumbs across my tears. “I will find a way to make sure you’re happy every day for the rest of your existence. And I will lie, steal, cheat or kill to make sure that happens.”
It’s hard not to sob all over again when he speaks with such devotion. My heart melts, and I’m pretty sure I’m sobbing wet somewhere below the belt as well. He promises me more than any other client has before. And though he may not be able to follow through, the fact that he’s saying it means more than anything in the galaxy.
There’s a chance I’ll be able to stay.
There is a chance others will be able to stay.
We might find happiness. We may never go home again, but we can build a new home here as Korben and his brothers are doing.
“I guess we need to set up that meet and greet to pair off some couples,” I say with a throaty chuckle, knowing girls like York and Sloane will hate the idea of being matched up with Korben’s brothers. Then again, I do remember that far off look on York’s face. She’s talking to one of them already. And if it’s possible for me to fall for a Sidyth prince, would it be that hard for the others to find a suitable mate as well?
“I’m so happy you chose me,” I whisper suddenly, unable to resist kissing him again. We’re wasting a buttload of time, but I don’t even care anymore. If by some miracle Korben can keep his promise, we will have all the time in the world.
I wish I didn’t care so much about York and the others. It would make things a whole lot easier if I could focus on my happiness and allow Korben to work his princely magic and buy out my whore’s contract.
But I’m just not that kind of girl.
“And I am happy you chose me.”
There’s such emotion in his voice. Was it only a few days ago that Korben’s voice never changed? That his facial expressions were always the same? Because now he’s full of life and emotion. He smiles and frowns. He snarls and chuckles. He hisses and purrs.
He is my darkness and my light.
I hope my ending will have more light than darkness.
At this point, I can’t tell.
***
“Where are we going?” I ask Korben as I walk beside him. We’re not heading in the direction of the Gathering Room, so I’m not entirely sure what he has in mind. “Aren’t we going to set up a meet and greet?”
“We are, and it’s important for me to talk with my brothers first. Otherwise, I’m afraid this will turn into a free-for-all.”
“You said your brothers were good men.”
“They are, but they are still men.” He lowers his chin. “I’m not wrong in assuming that male humans would have a similar problem if suddenly locked in a room filled with eligible women?”
I blush. “You’re right.”
“They are good men, but a little talking to won’t hurt anyone. Plus, I want them to see how I interact with you. I am not trying to be arrogant, but you and I could set an example of acceptable behavior.”
It makes sense. Korben is a pretty scary looking dude, but he’s also sweet. It will be difficult for the other girls to see that unless they’re in a private room with us. And I’m not exactly sure that’s anything any of the other girls want to see. And at the same time, I’m not sure it’s anyt
hing I’m willing to share. Korben’s rumbling chuckles and his heated eyes when he wants to go down on me. I don’t want those moments to be for anyone but me.
But I also want Korben’s men to see how they should behave around the others.
I don’t want to be alone here with him, as well. So if there truly is a chance I would be able to stay with him on this rainy planet forever, I’d want some friends. And none of the girls are going to pick a Sidyth if he’s acting like a barbarian. Korben’s brothers must learn how to conduct themselves and not scare the girls. They can’t run up to the hottest thing in the room and scream; I choose you! And assume she’ll spread her legs.
Although, it’s not like Korben didn’t do something kind of similar with me, and look at me now!
Hmmm, maybe we’re not a good example after all. I smile to myself and lower my head, trying not to think about the future too much as the tunnels twist and turn, dip and drop, taking us further underground. I have to take this one day at a time. Hell, I don’t even know if I’m going to be able to stay with Korben for much longer. Does he have such amazing connections that he’s going to be able to buy out my contract? Does he have some royal trust fund that he has access to across the galaxy? Well, fuck, if he has money, there has to be some love in his father’s heart because he doesn’t want him to suffer unless he’s suffering in style.
And I’m not sure what to think about that.
So I try to remember this whole meet and greet thing is supposed to be exactly that. Giving some of the other girls a chance to find happiness. Getting them out of that room, and into the main part of the Sidyth’s lair. I would love to know if there’s a Sidyth making York so happy. And Sloane and Ellis would benefit from a caring Sidyth as well, though I don’t know enough about many of them to decide who would make a decent match. The only ones I’ve met more than once are Azan and Hujun – and they’re scary as hell. I can’t imagine anyone feeling safe with either them – Korben’s guards or not.
Korben stops suddenly, pointing a finger towards a large opening. Inside I can see plenty of pale, thick muscled Sidyths inside – including Azan with his ever-present mask over his mouth. There must be twenty of them, if not more, and I decide to stop counting after realizing I’m going to be entering the room with all of them with only Korben by my side.
What if they decide to revolt? What if they decide they no longer want to wait for consent? What if they pluck me right out of his arms and—
“You do not need to be frightened,” Korben says, as though reading my thoughts. “I am going to be right here by your side, and Azan and Hujun will also protect you.”
“Why would they do that?” I can’t help asking, eying the others with caution.
“Because you are mine.” He makes it sound as though it’s the simplest concept in the world. “You must relax.” He drops a gentle hand back onto my shoulder. “Remember, this is what you wanted, correct? And if you truly want my brothers to meet all the women in a less formal setting, then they must understand what is expected of them. You are trembling. I know this hard, but you must be strong. They are used to Sidyth women. If you are strong and fearless, they will respond to that. If you come across weak and frightened—”
“Then they will respond to that,” I fill in, attempting to straighten my shoulders and square my jaw. They’re like dogs, I bet. They will be able to smell my fear. I can’t come across as weak. Not only for myself and Korben, but for the others. If I want to be a leader, I’m going to have to be a boss.
And as several of them turn, growing excited at my and Korben’s arrival, I lean into his arm, keeping my face neutral like I remember him doing when we first met.
I can do this. I must do this.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Blythe
Hujun is the first to step ahead of the pack with a low bow at Korben.
“They’re excited as young putlets.” He shakes his head before straightening up to his full height. “They want to know if today is the day they’ll get to meet all the women at once.”
Korben clears his throat. “We’ll see how things go here before we get that far. Although the women are ready to come out, I’m sure they’re more nervous than excited about being around this pack.” Like Hujun, Korben shakes his head as the rest of his brothers in the room all shuffle forward in obvious excitement. I don’t need a Sidyth’s tongue to know they’re eager to see more than one human.
“She’s tinier than I remember,” one calls from the back and Korben squeezes me more tightly to his body.
Strong, I say to myself. Be a boss.
Korben rolls his eyes and lowers his lips to my ear. “That’s Dolan. Azan’s little brother. He’s… going to be difficult.”
My eyes widen as I try to scan the crowd, finding the source. I can’t imagine Azan – the scary one with the mask – having a little brother who isn’t anything but just as terrifying. But I’m shocked when Dolan steps forward to make himself known. And he’s nothing like Azan. He’s large, yes, they all are, but his muscles are less bulky and more streamlined. He’s like an enormous Olympic swimmer with a wide smile. He’s also several shades paler than Azan and Korben, and his scales don’t have the same rainbow-like effect. And though he’s not unattractive, I can sense what Korben is saying. There are playfulness and hunger in Dolan’s eyes I don’t like.
“So where are the rest of them?” Dolan asks, resting his hands on his knees so he can lean down and get a closer look at me. My spine stiffens upon the close inspection, but I don’t move away, and I don’t move closer to Korben. I have to remember that he’ll step in if he senses something is wrong.
“Keep back, brother,” Hujun rumbles, pushing his face aside with an open palm. I turn back and sure enough the largest of the Sidyths is right by Korben’s side, frowning, first at Dolan and then at Azan who has also appeared suddenly. I’m surrounded by humungous men with bulging muscles, and yet, even though I am nervous, I am not afraid. Hujun and Azan have been found to be nothing if not trustworthy, even though I haven’t heard Azan speak a single word.
How can this mouthy idiot be related to the silent beast?
“Thank you, Hujun. And Dolan, the rest of the women are still in the gathering room.”
This causes several of the Sidyths to wilt openly.
“We are supposed to finally get some time with them!” Dolan frowns. “And now you’re saying we only get to watch you show off with your Chosen?” He spins away. “Call when it’s time to touch one of them.”
I stiffen, unsure if I care for his tone.
“Getting to know us does not require touching,” I say before I can censor myself. Dolan’s shoulders pinch together before he spins around, looking at me with an incredulous expression. Fear bubbles over, and a bit of sweat grows under my nose, but I keep eye contact. He’s testing me. He wants to see if I’ll back down. “When you are given the opportunity to meet more girls like me, touching will not be necessary.”
Several of the Sidyths look at me, some even with smiles on their lips.
And fuck me, Hujun chuckles, easing the tension.
“She is a mouthy one, isn’t she?” he rumbles. “Just like I would expect your Chosen to be.”
“Indeed, I am proud,” Korben says in the rich, royal tone he uses when more than close friends are around. “And she is correct, Dolan. When we do allow all the women to meet you all, I expect you all to be on your best behavior.”
“But they are humans!” another calls, drawing my attention to a Sidyth standing next to Dolan.
“And they are still female,” Korben says before I can snap back. “And we are not going to make fools of ourselves by acting like monsters.”
Korben continues with his speech, and I can’t help but notice Dolan still watching me. I recognize Iriel and Taylis in the group and plenty of others who I haven’t the slightest clue who they are. It’s a lot to take in. I’m still wearing my whore’s uniform, and many of them are staring at it, mainly
at how short my skirt is and how much of my large breasts are exposed to them. Perhaps I should have taken one of Korben’s shorts and turned it into a tube top so I could hide the size of my breasts. For days I haven’t had to think about my lack of clothing. Korben preferred me naked most of the time anyway, and the girls didn’t seem to care, but in this room, I’m exposed.
“So what exactly are we going to do with the women once they’re allowed out of the Gathering Room?” the one I remember as Taylis asks. He’s still young and grumpy looking, crossing thick arms over a thicker chest, and choosing to ignore me. I notice now that his eyes are closer to gold than yellow, and almost his entire right arm is covered in scales. Back at home, I’m pretty sure he would be a hipster, and he thrusts his hip out with obvious impatience as Korben prepares to answer.
“You will talk to them.” He narrows his eyes at Taylis with no attempt to hide his annoyance. “Get to know them. They have many interests and qualities you will find interesting.”
“Talk to them,” Dolan huffs.
“I can talk to Hujun if I want to talk,” Taylis adds.
“Please don’t,” Hujun rumbles, and I can’t help snickering. He’s so serious when he says it.
Taylis’ eyes widen upon my snickering, and I have to fight back the instinct to shrink back. But I also have to remember that Sidyths are huge. And as kind as Korben has been and how much he promises that Hujun and Azan will also look after me, there’s only three of them. I don’t know the others, and Taylis doesn’t seem to find my laughing or Hujun’s statement very funny.
I quickly compose myself and lean back into Korben, trying to remain strong but also keeping him close to my side. There are so many of them, and they’re all looking at me with curious expressions. I wonder if they want to know if it’s possible for them to have what Korben and I have in such a short amount of time. Perhaps they will calm if I can let them know that such a thing is possible. I carefully squeeze Korben, so his eyes turn to me.