The Arcav Guard's Female

by Hope Hart

  Vazta hands me my knife and a blaster.

  “Pet—” Udan starts, trailing off as I stare him down.

  “I’ve wanted to kill you for so long,” I say, holding the blaster on him. “After what you did to us, I’ve dreamed of it night and day. But you don’t get another piece of me. When I walk out of this room, your name will never again touch my lips. You’ll be forgotten. Completely irrelevant to everyone.”

  Udan’s face flushes purple and I turn to Vazta.

  “What happens if I don’t kill him?”

  Vazta stares at me. “I will kill him.”

  Bregaz snorts out a laugh, giving me a smile as he moves toward Udan. The fight is quick as he secures Udan’s hands behind his back.

  I turn back to Vazta.

  “He doesn’t get the easy way out. He doesn’t get to be a pivotal memory for us.”

  Vazta sighs. “I will never understand you, female.” He runs his hand through his hair, but he looks pleased.

  “He will be imprisoned in Arcavia.”

  I shake my head. “Not in my home.”

  “Your home?”

  “Yeah,” I raise my eyebrow. “What of it?”

  Vazta grins at me. “There are plenty of prison planets where the wardens could be convinced to take an extra prisoner if Varian asked.”

  I grin at him.

  “Good. I bet karma is an even bigger bitch than I am.”

  “No,” Udan screams as Vazta lifts me in his arms and walks out the door. “You can’t do this to me!”

  I stroke a hand down Vazta’s face as he stalks down the corridors. They’re strangely empty, completely silent.

  “What happened to Herix’s people?”

  Vazta grinds his teeth. “Herix was the one who informed Varian you were here. Apparently, seeing Udan break your jaw was enough to convince him to do the right thing. Realistically, he knew we would find you eventually and he was saving his own ass.”

  Vazta scowls as he examines the bruising along my jaw.

  “I’m okay, really.”

  “You will be,” Vazta replies. “Did you… mean what you said before?” His voice is uncertain, and his whole body tenses as if bracing for a blow.

  “Which part?”

  “The part where you said Arcavia is your home.”

  “Put me down.”

  Vazta’s whole body tenses impossibly further and he hesitates but finally slides me to my feet. I wrap my arms around his neck as I look up at him.

  “I meant every word. I’m sorry I was so wrapped up in revenge that I couldn’t see what you were offering me. I want that life with you, Vazta. When I was lying in that cage, convinced I was going to die, I wasn’t regretting that I’d never get to cut again. You were all I was thinking of.

  Vazta’s face lights up, his grin huge as his hands cup my face.

  “I love you,” he says. “And I will spend the rest of my life making sure you do not regret your choice.”

  “I love you too. I won’t regret a thing.”

  Vazta

  For the last week, my chest has ached with need for my female. I was unable to eat, unable to sleep, barely able to function as we searched for her.

  Now, she is in my arms. Not only is she safe, but she has promised to stay with me, to make Arcavia her home.

  We walk onto the ship, Peyton’s hand in mine. Jessica is waiting, her face pale, and she bursts into tears as we appear. The two females embrace, both of them sobbing while Agaz and I nod at each other.

  “I am pleased you found your female,” he says as the females laugh, brushing away tears as they talk over each other and embrace again.

  “Thank you.”

  Finally, Peyton is mine, and I lift her into my arms, carrying her toward my quarters as I order us not to be disturbed while we depart this planet.

  I trust Bregaz to take care of everything else, and he is in constant contact with Varian.

  For now, I simply want to be with my female.

  “I missed you,” she breathes as I open the door to my quarters. “God, I missed you so much.”

  I’m hard and aching, but I gently place her on her feet, examining the bruising along her face.

  “I should take you to Kehas,” I say, and she simply smiles, shaking her head.

  “I’m fine, really. All I need is you.”

  I groan at her declaration and lean down, taking her mouth. She relaxes against me, tilting her head as I stroke my tongue against hers.

  My mate is injured, even if she is choosing to ignore this fact. I gentle my kiss, slowly pulling away as I look down into her heavy-lidded eyes.

  “I will crave you until I die.”

  Her eyes widen slightly at my words and I lean down, using a claw to cut the bodice on her dress, ripping the material from her. She eyes it with distaste as it falls to the floor and her eyes flick toward the bathroom.

  “I need to get clean,” she says suddenly, her voice shaking.

  I nod, press a kiss to her forehead and then lead her into my bathing chamber. I adjust the settings until water pours down like rain, just the way my female prefers.

  I take off my clothes, growing even harder as Peyton watches my movements avidly. Then I take her hand, but she presses one hand against my chest, biting her lower lip as her gaze falls to the floor.

  “Peyton?”

  “I need to tell you something.”

  Dread fills me. What did that bastard do to her? I keep my voice calm as I push her hair behind her ear.

  “What is it?”

  She shifts uncomfortably and I gently take her chin in my hand, mindful of her bruising.

  “Look at me,” I say, and she raises her eyes to mine. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

  She takes a deep breath, face pale.

  “I kissed Udan,” she blurts, her eyes filling with tears.

  I open my mouth but she’s rambling, her words running together as she begins to shake.

  “I knew he wanted me, you know? So, I figured if I pretended to want him back, at least for a few days, it might buy me some time. I’m not sorry I did it, but I’m sorry if you feel hurt, Vazta.”

  “My female,” I say gently. “Do you really think I would ever blame you for doing whatever it took to survive? You were in the hands of a monster. I am so proud that you were able to think this way. And I will make sure you never think of his lips on yours again,” I vow, brushing away the tears that fall down her cheeks.

  “I knew you’d come for me.”

  “And I knew you’d survive for me.”

  I lead her into the bathing chamber, where I gently wash her beautiful body. Her bruising continues down her torso and back, and she even has what looks like a footprint on her thigh. I gently kiss each one, thankful that I did not see the extent of her bruising earlier. I do not believe I could have obeyed my female’s wishes and allowed Udan to live— no matter how much he will suffer in the future.

  When we are both clean and dry, I lead my mate to my sleeping quarters and then pull her to me, gently taking her lips. She fits into my arms as if she was created to do so, as if the Gods designed her for me.

  I seduce her with soft strokes and gentle kisses, running my lips over each of her bruises. She shivers as I caress the underside over her breast with my lips, so I do it again, and then again, until I am rewarded with a breathy moan.

  I breathe in her scent, my body suddenly shaking. I almost lost her. I could have never seen my precious mate again. Never watched her narrow her eyes in annoyance or growl in determination. Never felt her smooth skin or soft lips under mine.

  “Never do that again,” I murmur, making my way back up to her lips. “Never, Peyton.”

  “Vazta…” she moans as my hands stroke her hands and I watch as heat dances along her cheekbones.

  I know that tone.

  “Soon, my female. Gently now.”

  I place her on the bed and lean over her, taking a nipple into my mouth. She gasps as I flick
it with my tongue until it is hard and she is squirming. Then I move to her other breast.

  I reach down, groaning as my fingers find her wetness. She shakes against me, moaning as I play with her clit.

  “Please, Vazta. Now.”

  I can deny her no longer. I gently kiss her lips, even as I push into her, sliding in inch by inch, giving my female time to adjust to my size. She sucks in a breath, and I almost lose control at her breathy moan as she moves her hips and I slide in deeper.

  She is so wet and tight, her body yielding beneath mine, even as her cunt clenches around me, ripping a growl from my chest. My female moans in response, shifting again and locking her ankles behind me. I drive deeper, pushing again and again, my whole body tense with effort. I refuse to lose control until my female finds completion.

  I rock my hips, grinding against her clit and she cries out, so I repeat the movement, thrusting and grinding until Peyton’s breath hitches, and she throws her head back as she writhes against me, a low moan leaving her as she shudders in my arms. I slide my arms underneath her and pound into her, joining her as my climax rips up my spine, leaving me gasping her name.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Peyton

  I stroll down the corridor of the ship with Vazta, thankful that we’re almost back on Arcavia. It feels like forever since I’ve seen Ruby and Shauna, and I almost feel like I’m returning a completely different person.

  A weight has left my shoulders. Sure, Udan will never hurt anyone ever again, and Vazta freed the slaves and gladiators. Varian has arranged for them to have transportation anywhere they would like to go.

  But Becca was right. And in my heart, I know that sometimes, the best revenge is moving on. I can let what Udan did to me make me bitter, or I can focus on the good— like Vazta, my friends, and the chance for a new life on Arcavia.

  Agaz stalks down the corridor, wings flaring slightly. I’ve only talked to him a couple of times, but he clearly adores Jess. Now that they’re free to be together, Jess is happier than I’ve ever seen her. I freeze as Agaz spots me and walks faster, the look on his face…

  Jess.

  I sprint down the corridor and I’m at his side in moments.

  “What’s wrong? Is it Jess?”

  He nods. “I believe she is having the baby.”

  “Shit.” I glance at Vazta, who also looks concerned. “It’s too soon. I don’t know if Kehas has ever done a c-section.”

  Agaz frowns at me. “A c-section? What is this?”

  I explain it to him, and he looks horrified. “Why would you need to do this?”

  “Wings? Wow, I’m an idiot. You’ve got wings. You tell me how it works.”

  “As the baby moves into position, the wings are wrapped around its shoulders and torso. My people have been giving birth for thousands of years with few problems.”

  Relief makes me dizzy and I put a hand on the wall, blowing out a breath.

  “Okay. Vazta, can you find out how far we are from Arcavia and get them to hit the gas?” He looks confused and I sigh. “Tell them to get us there as fast as they can.”

  He nods, reaching for his ComScreen, and we follow Agaz back to their quarters.

  Jessica is bent over, hands on the bed as she sways back and forth. I wait until her contraction is done and then move forward.

  “How close are your contractions?”

  “Oh, hey Peyton. I told Agaz not to worry you. It’s all going to be okay.”

  “It is. Now, how close are they?”

  “This is the third in the last five minutes.”

  I meet Vazta’s eyes and he shakes his head. There’s no way we’re getting back to Arcavia in time.

  “Okay. We need to get you to the medi-center. Can you walk?”

  Jess wrinkles her nose. “I don’t want to go to the medi-center. Can’t I stay here?”

  I glance at Vazta and he shrugs.

  “You can do whatever you want. Someone should tell Kehas though.”

  Another contraction hits and Jess pants through it. Then she makes a sound that makes both Vazta and Agaz pale, and I almost roll my eyes. Males. Such babies.

  “Have your waters broken?”

  “I think they went in the shower, but I’m not sure.”

  “Okay. Do you mind if I examine you?”

  “No, that’s okay.”

  I get Jess set up on the bed. She’s wearing a maternity dress, so we flip it up and place a sheet over her.

  “Okay, can you put your feet together for me? Yeah, I’m no expert but I think your waters have definitely gone. You’ve got this, Jess. It’s been a while since my OB rotation, but I can tell you that you’re almost fully dilated. Soon it’ll be time to push.”

  “Great,” she pants.

  Agaz glares at me.

  “Give her some pain relief,” he orders.

  Vazta lets a growl loose as he narrows his eyes at the other male and I shoot them both a look.

  “No,” Jess says, clutching at Agaz’s hand. “I dreamed of this moment while we were apart. I would have done anything to have our baby while you were by my side. I want to be completely present for the whole thing.”

  I don’t mention that this is why God invented epidurals. There’s no chance of getting one of them on this ship, and while I’m sure the Arcav have something similar, Jess has made her choice clear.

  Agaz nods but tenses, his wings flaring as Jess groans through another contraction. He gives me a wild-eyed look and I smile at him.

  “This is how it’s done,” I tell him. “Not long now.”

  In truth, I’m panicking. It has been a hell of a long time since I’ve delivered a baby. While Agaz has assured us that the wings won’t present a problem, I’m thankful that I still have Kehas and the medi-center on standby in case of complications.

  Jess returns to walking around the room, pausing for contractions. She stalls at seven centimeters and then quickly goes from eight to ten.

  “I need to push,” Jess gasps out, and I peek under the sheet.

  “Okay, just like how we practiced. Take a deep breath, chin to chest, and go! One, two, three…”

  She pushes like a champ, again and again. I don’t know how she does it, glowing despite the pain. Vazta moves closer to the door as Agaz clearly struggles with Jessica’s pain.

  It’s long and hard. She changes position to her hands and knees, howling as she bears down.

  At one point, she collapses onto her side between contractions, clearly exhausted.

  “I can’t do it,” she says, crying out as another contraction hits.

  “You can, Jess, I promise. I can see the head. You’re about to meet your baby, just push…”

  Agaz bathes her face tenderly with a cool cloth whispering encouragement and I look away, giving them a moment. Vazta meets my eyes, and expression I can’t read on his face, and then Jess is pushing again, screaming as the baby crowns, and she’s a fucking champion as I guide the baby out.

  “Holy shit, he’s beautiful, Jess. You have a baby boy.”

  The wings are startling. I knew they’d be there, but they’re tiny and delicate, covered with a fluffy down, almost like a duckling. I give him a brisk rub and he lets out a cry, just as Jess bursts into tears.

  I lay him on her chest and Agaz wipes his eyes, placing a kiss on her mouth before examining his son.

  “Oh, my baby,” Jess sobs. “You’re so beautiful.” She looks up and beams at me. “Thank you, Peyton.”

  “Anytime. Congratulations, guys.”

  Vazta moves forward and wraps his arm around my waist.

  “They make a beautiful family,” he says, and I don’t need the mating bond to feel the longing coming from him. “Congratulations to you both,” he nods and Jess and Agaz both grin at him.

  I turn at a knock on the door and open it to see Kehas’s curious face.

  “I just wanted to see if everything went well,” he says.

  “Come on in,” Jess calls, and Kehas smiles at
me.

  Vazta and I leave them to enjoy their new family, and he takes my hand as we walk the corridors. I stop at a large window and stare into the inky black distance. Vazta wraps his arms around me, leaning his head on my shoulder.

  “What now?” he murmurs in my ear and I grin even as his breath on my sensitive earlobe makes me shiver.

  “Now we start our new lives. Together.”

  Epilogue

  Peyton

  “So,” Harlow asks as we sit in the sun in Vazta’s garden. “Was it worth it?”

  She bounces Zera in her lap, making faces at Jessica and Agaz’s son Alfie. Eve paces by the pond, talking to someone on her ComScreen. Vazta, Korva, and Varian are in deep discussion a few feet away, while Agaz is passed out, snoozing in the shade, his wings spread over him like a blanket.

  I miss Bree. And Saria. We spoke to Saria and Roax a few days ago, and apparently Bree was busy ‘taming dragons,’ whatever that means.

  “Was what worth it?”

  Harlow sends me a look. “Was it worth going after Udan?”

  I raise an eyebrow even as I study my mate. He flicks his eyes to me and sends me such a heated look that I blush, even as Harlow laughs.

  “It was. If I’d stayed here… I don’t think I would’ve realized how much I have to lose, you know? Spending that much time with Vazta made me see who he really is, and exactly why we’re meant to be together. And it made me learn that some things are even better than revenge.”

  “Aww.”

  I blush, changing the subject. “Any luck finding the human women who were sold on Gule?”

  Harlow scowls. “We’re hunting down every lead. The ship they were in disappeared off the radar, but it was in the middle of nowhere. We don’t know if someone turned off the tracking sensors. Maybe it was blown up, or maybe it was having a system malfunction and crash-landed somewhere.”

  I bite my lip at the thought. “You have to find them.”

  I remember some of those women from the ship and from Gule. Not their names. But their faces sometimes appear in my dreams when I relive my abduction. All of them terrified.