“Is something wrong, my L’chka?”
“No, just… just…” She couldn’t think of a thing to say and simply waved her hand.
“Good.” He looked amused. Then his claw traced down his hip and his pants simply fell away. Oh my god. Even flaccid, his cock hung halfway down his thighs, framed by heavy balls a darker grey than his skin. Unlike a human penis, the thick shaft wasn’t a straight column but undulated from wide root to broad tip. As she stared, open-mouthed, it twitched and began to grow.
“You said we wouldn’t mate,” she whispered, her eyes still fixed on his enormous cock.
“Now,” he reminded her. “We are not going to mate now.” He studied her stiff posture, her hands still clutching the blanket. “You need to remove your clothing.”
“W-why?”
“Do you normally sleep in your daytime apparel?” he asked, still looking amused.
He thought her shyness was funny? Fine. She got up and stalked over to the bureau, searching for one of her summer nighties before her courage failed her. When she turned back around, T’lan looked at the cloud of white lace in her hand.
“What is that?”
“A nightgown.” She raised a brow at his blank look. “Nighttime apparel.”
“You will not need it.”
“Why not?”
He stepped closer, looming over her, and making her feel very small, but sending a shiver of excitement down her spine. His nostrils flared.
“You will not need it because you will always be naked in our bed, M’lee.”
Before she could think of a response, he drew her top up over her head. He growled at the sight of her breasts, and her nipples tightened into aching points against the thin lace.
“That is much better. You should never conceal your beauty.”
He reached out and cupped her breasts, then scraped a claw gently across each nipple. She shuddered, an ache starting between her legs where her clit still felt swollen and sensitive. His nostrils flared.
“Yes. That is better.” He flicked his hand, slicing the bra apart and freeing her breasts.
She would have protested, but he had already pushed the remnants aside and his hands felt even better against her bare skin. Her back arched almost involuntarily, thrusting her breasts into his hands, and his eyes heated.
“Very good, my L’chka. You respond to me as a mate should.”
Moving at incredible speed, he had the rest of her clothes stripped away and her naked body laid out on the bed before she knew what had happened. He knelt over her, his horns a stark contrast to the gauzy canopy overhead and she shivered. So big, so alien—and yet, somehow, already so familiar.
“Now you are mine,” he said, gazing down at her naked body.
“No mating,” she reminded him again, even though part of her was definitely not as opposed to the idea as she had been.
“No,” he agreed. “I realize now that I will have to train you to take my cock.”
“Train?”
“Your cunt is very small.” He looked down, and she followed his gaze to his now very erect, very large, cock. “And I am not.”
Emily would have smiled at the understatement, but she was too busy fluctuating between apprehension and excitement. She stared up at him, and his face softened.
“Do not worry, little one. I will take care of you.”
Before she could respond, he cupped her breasts again, but this time he lowered his head, and fastened his mouth around one taut peak. The wet heat surrounding the aching flesh made her cry out in shock and pleasure, and then he swiped his tongue across the tight bud, the rough surface awakening every sensitive nerve.
He made a purring sound and sucked, drawing the needy flesh deep in his mouth as his tongue curled and tugged. She could feel the sharp points of his teeth, but they only added prickles of excitement. His other hand slid down her body, and he grunted approval when he reached the slickness between her thighs. Two thick fingers parted her folds so the third had free access to every inch. He swiped it across her throbbing clit, and her back arched again. Her arms automatically rose, and she found herself clutching his horns. The hard surface beneath her fingers momentarily distracted her, reminding her of his differences, but he groaned and sucked harder, and all she could do was hang on.
He circled her clit, tugging at it the same way his tongue was tugging at her breast, and she tightened her grip on his horns. Her body tensed, and then he pushed one thick finger inside her pussy, the shocking invasion sending her flying over the edge as her vision went hazy, and her channel pulsed around the invader.
One last long pull on her nipple and he raised his head. She expected to see a satisfied smile on his face, but instead, it was harsh and tense.
“What’s wrong?”
“I am reminding myself that I must wait,” he growled. “That I cannot bury myself in that tight little cunt and feel it pulse around my cock the way it did around my finger. One finger...” He shook his head. “I have much work to do to prepare you.”
“Well, if it’s too much trouble…” she said teasingly, then bit her lip. Was she really encouraging him?
His eyes heated, the green intensifying, but his face relaxed slightly. “Do not fear, my L’chka. I will spare no effort.”
Before she could respond, his mouth descended on her other nipple, and his thumb began circling her clit. She grasped his horns and let her worries take second place to her response to his touch.
T’lan stared at the drift of pink gauze topping M’lee’s bed, relishing the slight weight of his female tucked against his side. Careful not to disturb her, he lifted his arm and scanned his wrist com. He had decided to take the third shift and, as much as he hated to leave M’lee lying there alone, he could not neglect his duty. He eased away, gratified when she reached for him and tempted to remain. Instead, he stroked her soft curls and whispered softly until she settled. When she was resting quietly once more, he left the room.
Downstairs, T’chok was waiting. “She is well?”
“Very well,” he agreed, remembering the delightful way he had persuaded her to slumber. He had worked her up to taking all three fingers, her grip so tight and hot that his cock still throbbed in frustrated arousal. “But resting now.”
“Which is what I was actually inquiring about,” T’chok said dryly. T’lan ignored the comment.
“Sub Commander, I hereby relieve you of watch.”
“Commander, I am relieved.”
The formalities over and the monitor transferred, T’chok lingered. “I assume you realize what her story indicates? Unless the humans have hidden capabilities, someone used tesrekh to cause the explosion. That’s the only substance that creates that green light when it explodes.”
“I know,” T’lan said grimly. “I ordered Sub Commander T’yarmaa to determine the status of all of the tesrekh in the fleet.”
“Have you had a response?”
He sighed and scrubbed a hand through the short strands of his hair. “He has determined that none of the official records indicate missing tesrekh, so he is arranging for a physical inventory. That will take some time, especially since I told him to be discreet. If there are traitors amongst us, I do not want to alert them.”
“It could have been smuggled aboard to begin,” T’chok suggested.
“Not impossible,” he agreed. “However, it would be difficult to avoid the radiation detectors. Even if he made it past the initial screens, the ships are checked constantly for leaks.”
T’chok frowned. “But if it has been removed from a fleet ship, that means that one of us is responsible.”
While it was still within the realm of possibility that a scholar had been behind the attack, the tesrekh was a closely guarded military weapon. A warrior had to have been involved.
T’lan sighed again. “I know. I would never have thought a warrior would stoop so low.”
“And to accomplish what?”
“They have certainly ensured
that we will never use this diplomatic approach again.” He paused. “But I can’t help feeling that there is something more at stake, especially given that this male, or males, supplied S’ram with the Yeisati and encouraged him to go after my L’chka.”
“You think they knew that human females can breed with us?” asked T’chok in surprise. “That would mean—”
“That they carried out genetic experiments, yes.” The type of experiment that had been banned for many generations. “That’s not all. You know the fever that sweeps through the fleet as the Forbidden Cycle draws to a close. Knowing that the rules have already been broken? There will be great unrest if they are denied access to females of their own for the rest of the cycle.”
Both males fell silent as they contemplated that scenario. Finally, T’chok spoke. “If human females are not only capable of breeding, but capable of producing female offspring, they must be protected.”
“The Supreme Commander agrees. Normally, I would have confidence in our warriors, despite their impatience. But if someone has already gone as far as genetic experiments, what other horrors from our past are they capable of resurrecting? And how far has it spread? I fear that honor may be compromised.”
“I have served for many years—I am not without connections.”
T’lan hid a smile at the older male’s words. T’chok knew everyone from the lowliest mechanic to the highest members of the Supreme Council. Most of them held him in respect and many of them owed him favors.
“I know you want to keep the news quiet, but perhaps I should begin a few conversations,” T’chok continued.
“Very, very discreetly, of course,” he added as T’lan frowned. “But to make sure that our feelings are shared. And perhaps to counter any propaganda being advanced by other interested parties.”
“I hope I am overreacting, but I think this may be a wise course of action. But you must be discreet. No one can know of M’lee.”
“Of course not. I have given her my honor.”
“Why did you do that, old friend?” He had not expected his sub commander to hold a human female in such high esteem, especially so quickly.
“She is brave. Even though we frightened her, she stood up to you—to us. But more, she is caring.” T’chok glanced away. “You know I was late to go to the Warrior House. Even though I knew my path from my earliest years, my mother was reluctant for me to leave. That feeling of care coming from a female—it is to be cherished. You are a lucky male.”
“Thank you.” Touched, T’lan grasped the older male’s shoulder. “And what of T’renan?”
“She impressed him, too.” T’chok shot him a sly glance. “But I suspect he is also infatuated.”
“What? He dares to think that way about my L’chka?” he roared. The thought of anyone else having lustful urges for his small female infuriated him.
“Quiet!” T’chok said. “You will wake the house. Perhaps the best way to say it, is that he worships her as a distant and unattainable ideal.”
T’lan frowned but let it go. “Go to your rest, Sub Commander.”
“Yes, sir. I will rest on the vessel, since I assume you would not allow me to take the other sleeping space?”
Since the only other sleeping space was across from M’lee’s room, he most certainly would not. He opened his mouth to advise T’chok of that fact in no uncertain terms, but stopped when he saw the gleam of amusement in the other male’s eyes. “Go,” he growled.
He scowled after his sub commander, before a reluctant smile crossed his face. He had known T’chok since his first campaign and, like so many of those others, he liked and admired the older male. T’chok could have been a commander himself, but he had refused promotion many times, content to remain closer to the action.
As the room grew still, he monitored the screens and watched out of the front window until the sun began to rise. Just as it fully breached the horizon, he heard the Elder Female’s door open. Not willing to trust even the electronic monitoring completely, he placed a hand on his sword as he turned his head. She glared at him, then sighed and joined him by the window.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“You are worried about M’lee.”
“Wouldn’t you be if she was your granddaughter?” She shook her head. “What am I saying? You’re an alien, you don’t even have children, and you’re male.” The last phrase dripped with disdain.
“I am all of those things,” he agreed mildly. “However, I worry for her, too.”
She studied him for a long moment over the top of her glasses. “Yes, I believe you do. Trust me, if I didn’t, you would wake up one morning with my rifle in your balls, no matter how much fancy technology you have.”
T’lan grinned, appreciating the female’s fiery spirit, and glad that his female had inherited it. The Elder Female paled slightly at the sight of his smile, but she recovered quickly. She patted her short curls, so much like his M’lee’s but a soft shade of silver. Studying them, he decided that he would enjoy watching M’lee’s change to that same color.
“Anyway, since I can’t sleep, I thought I would run to the store and get some blueberries. Emily loves blueberry pancakes.”
“Would it not be easier to take your vehicle?”
“Of course I’m going to take my car. What makes you think—oh. Run is just an expression.”
“Do you wish someone to accompany you?”
“I’ve been going to the Piggly Wiggly for most of my life. I certainly do not need an escort.” She sniffed and picked up a large satchel from the table in the hall.
“Will this be a long trip?” he asked.
“No, it’s only a few minutes away.” She followed his gaze to the satchel. “This my pocketbook, I take it everywhere.”
“My translator says that a pocketbook is a small bag.”
“Your translator obviously doesn’t understand human women.” With a triumphant smile, she left the domicile. Through the window, he watched her climb into a vehicle that seemed much too large for such a small female. At least, he could fit into it with relative comfort. He shuddered at the thought of trying to fold his frame into M’lee’s tiny vehicle. Not that he would ever allow her in such an obvious safety hazard. He would find another one better suited for his size and her protection. He considered the matter as he continued to monitor the screens.
As the sun rose higher, the activity in the vicinity increased. He watched carefully but everything met the parameters of normal behavior. He tensed when a small male rode close to the perimeter of the domicile and flung an object in the general direction of the front door. When the scanners identified the object as paper, he relaxed.
The Elder Female’s car returned at much higher rate of speed than it had departed, flying down the street and squealing into the driveway. T’lan rose to his feet, increasingly concerned when she cast a cautious glance around before scurrying to the door. He met her there and assessed her quickly. Her curls were disheveled and her eyes bright with water.
“What is wrong?” he demanded.
“Has anything happened here?” she asked anxiously.
“No, just the usual activity. Why?”
“It started when I was at the store. I thought I heard a few whispers, but no one dared to say anything to me directly.” Her small frame straightened, eyes snapping with indignation. “I would just like to see them try.”
“What did you hear?”
“It sounded…” She refused to look at him. “It sounded like ‘alien lover.’ But of course, I ignored it. I thought for a moment that nasty woman wasn’t going to take my money, but I put a stop to that nonsense. Then, when I got to my car—” The indignation vanished, replaced by shock and hurt. “I suppose you had better see.”
Seething, T’lan followed her back out. These humans dared to cast slurs against his L’chka? It would not be permitted. As he rounded the car, he saw huge red letters, the paint still dripping. He raised his wrist com and translated them. “ALIE
N WHORE.” His vision red with rage, he addressed the com. “T’chok, T’renan, report to the front of the domicile immediately.”
Both warriors were at his side in seconds. “T’renan, remove this substance now and take over the watch. T’chok, you and I will pay a visit to the Piggly Wiggly where this occurred and make sure that it never happens again.”
T’chok had also translated the words, and he could see the rage in the older warrior’s eyes.
“T’lan, stop. Please listen to me.” Emily’s grandmother stepped in front of him.
“Move aside,” he ordered.
“No, listen. If you do something foolish now, it will only get worse and if it gets worse, Emily will be hurt.”
“I will never allow my L’chka to be harmed.”
“I don’t mean physically. She is already conflicted about her feelings for you.” A flare of gratification at the confirmation that his female cared for him momentarily interrupted his anger. “If you do something terrible, it will hurt her emotionally.”
She saw that she had his attention and hurried on. “You know she doesn’t want to leave here. Don’t make it harder for her to stay.”
“You do not wish me to avenge her honor?”
“Of course I do. But not at the expense of hurting her—or of having innocent people hurt. Not everyone at the store was like that. Mrs. Lowery told me she was happy Emily was home and that nice young Aiden in the produce department gave me a bag of fresh figs because he knows how much she likes them. Please let it drop. It’s just paint, and if you can remove it, she never needs to know.”
He considered. “You would not tell her of this?”
“Of course not. Would you?”
After a brief pause, he shook his head.
“The next time I need groceries, I’ll just go over to Hendersonville. At least until things die down. I’m sure most of it is just surprise.”
She didn’t sound any more convinced about that than T’lan was, but she did have a point. He did not want his L’chka distressed. “Very well. I will consider your suggestion. You return to the domicile. We will clean the vehicle.”
Alien Conquest Page 10