A Very Arcav Christmas

by Hope Hart

  “I love you,” he says and I smile against his neck.

  “I love you too.”

  “I have a gift for you.”

  I lift my head, raising an eyebrow as I still pant slightly against him.

  “It’s still four days until Christmas.”

  He frowns slightly. “This gift cannot be unwrapped.”

  I raise a brow. The Arcav have embraced the idea of a holiday, and Varian has declared that everyone will take a day off to spend time with their families. Many of the Arcav seem confused by the idea, but Harlow’s hoping the holidays will catch on. She figures that us humans have accepted plenty of things that are foreign to us— like, you know, the whole mating thing. Her goal is to try to blend our two cultures, ensuring that everyone feels at home.

  “What is it?”

  His brows lower the way that they do when he’s deep in thought, and he looks so cute that I lean over and kiss him again.

  He rubs my butt, and just like that, I’m ready for round two.

  “I have spoken to Jaret and Varian,” he says.

  I rest my head on his chest, snuggling into him. “And?”

  “And they have agreed to let you resume your flight training program.”

  I jerk my head up. “What?”

  He nods, looking mighty pleased with himself. “I pled your case. You would not have stolen the ship if they had listened to your instincts. You were only doing what anyone would have done if their mate was lost.”

  My voice comes out hoarse. “We weren’t mated then.”

  He shrugs. “That does not matter. You are a hero who rescued an Arcav while still a child yourself.”

  I frown at him and he grimaces.

  “That sounded better in my head.”

  “They’re letting me train?”

  He nods and I stare down at him.

  When I stole that ship, I said goodbye to my dreams of being a pilot and eventually a captain. I knew I was committing treason by disobeying Varian’s orders and defying Jaret. By all rights, I could’ve been put in prison.

  When I returned, older, wiser, but still unapologetic, I expected them to scold me, maybe even punish me for taking the ship. Instead, they were just so damn glad to have Methi and I back that there were no real consequences. Since our return, I’ve been trying to figure out my next step. I didn’t bother going back to my classes— I knew I wouldn’t be welcome. So, I spent time with my mom, hung out with Methi, and drove everyone crazy while I tried to keep myself occupied.

  I scowl. “Is this just a way to get me out of everyone’s hair?”

  Methi shakes his head. “You lost six months of your life, much of them locked in that cage. You have been punished more than enough. No one here would suggest that you should not move on with your life.”

  Suddenly, I’m grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt.

  I’ve got my man, hard and hot and alive beneath me. I’ve got my family, who I get to see every day. And now I have my dream career back. Life is good.

  Methi flips me suddenly and I gasp as he begins to ease back inside me. I’m still wet and immediately wrap my legs around him, desperate to feel him deeper.

  “Are you pleased with your gift?” He says smugly, and I smirk up at him.

  “How the hell am I gonna top that?”

  He just smiles. “You have already given me everything I could ever have wanted.”

  Chapter Four

  Eve

  If you’d asked me just a few months ago if I would’ve voluntarily spent time with Korva, I would’ve wrinkled my nose and said something cutting. I may have even thrown in a lewd gesture.

  Now, hanging out with my mate is my favorite thing to do. Even when he refuses to hit me.

  “Come on Eve, stop mooning over him and take him down.”

  Blake. Ugh. One day, he’s going to find a woman that makes him weak in the knees, and I’m going to get my sweet revenge.

  I hope she drives him crazy.

  Korva grins at me and my heart flips. He knows exactly what he does to me because he takes that moment to lunge at me— much, much faster than he should be able to move considering his size.

  Sure, he’d never hit me, but fighting an Arcav is no joke. That’s why he insists that I be armed with a knife. I duck to the side, but Korva’s already waiting— anticipating my movements. I’m forced to lash out with the knife, which I hate doing, but he jerks back with a pleased grunt as I slice a shallow cut down the arm that was reaching for me.

  I’ll never win a fight against an Arcav without a blaster. The sheer size difference makes it almost impossible, but their skin is also much thicker, and their bodies are so hard that I once broke my hand punching Korva in the gut.

  But us human members of Harlow’s guard fight the Arcav anyway, honing our skills. I think it’s harder for the guys to admit defeat— they’re used to fighting opponents who aren’t much bigger than themselves. But me? I’m used to being an underdog. That means that I’m always prepared to fight dirty.

  Korva lowers his shoulder and I know what that means. I dance to the side and roll my ankle, letting out a soft gasp. Korva hears it, frowning in concern, and Blake roars on the sidelines.

  “What the hell are you doing, Eve?”

  I shake out my foot, wincing slightly, and then roll my head from side to side as if getting back in the game. I used to think that acting hurt and weak was a pussy move. Now I know that a fight is ninety-nine percent mental. Trick someone into thinking you’re almost out of a fight, and they’ll want to finish it quickly.

  Not my mate though. His brows lower, and I can feel his concern down the mating bond. I let myself focus on the slight pain in my ankle, and I mentally shake my head at him. He just can’t help himself.

  He steps forward, his guard lowered, and I dart into him, jumping under his arms and wrapping my legs around his hips, my knife poised at his throat.

  “Hey big boy,” I purr, and his eyes laugh at me.

  “For God’s sakes,” Blake says disgustedly, stalking off.

  “He’s just jealous cause he’s terrible at faking an injury,” I tell Korva, who slides one hand onto my butt to hold me closer to him.

  A slow clap sounds and we both turn. Amanda and Jaret move forward toward the ring, and I push against Korva’s chest.

  “Good round,” Amanda says.

  “It’s nice to practice with the Arcav. We’ll at least be more prepared if we ever face the Grivath.”

  The Grivath are just as tall as the Arcav, only larger. I’m not sure exactly what their weaknesses are, but I’ve got a feeling they’re slower than the Arcav. I’d love to practice on one, but that’s not going to happen.

  “You will never need to fight a Grivath,” Korva growls as if reading my mind and Jaret nods his agreement.

  I raise an eyebrow at Amanda who just shakes her head and laughs.

  “You finished here?” she asks. “I was thinking about taking a walk.”

  I nod. I don’t have a shift with Harlow until tomorrow and Korva is about to go meet with Varian.

  We kiss our mates goodbye, and Korva leans close, murmuring in my ear.

  “We will need to have another round tonight, mate,” he says, and I grin.

  “It’s a date.”

  “You guys have the weirdest relationship,” Amanda says as we walk away.

  “Yup. But it works for us. What’s up?”

  I can tell Amanda has something on her mind, because she’s gnawing on her lip like she hasn’t eaten for three days.

  “It’s Methi and Meghan.”

  I tense. “Is everything okay?”

  “Of course, I’m just thinking… you know they’re engaged, right?”

  I give her a look. Meghan shows her ring off to anyone she meets. It’s a plain metal band, and I can tell Methi is desperate to replace it.

  She laughs. “Right. Well, I was thinking, since we have a few days off over the holidays, it could be nice to give them a surprise w
edding,” she finishes quickly, and I raise a brow.

  “A surprise wedding?”

  “Let’s be honest, they’re not going to plan it anytime soon themselves, but I know Meghan’s itching to get married. The other day she asked Harlow if she could look through her closet for a dress so she could get some ‘inspiration’. As if Harlow wouldn’t make sure she had the perfect dress for her wedding. And a little birdie told me that Meghan will be going back to flight school soon. That’s not going to leave her with much time to plan a wedding. I know she loves the holidays, and she doesn’t want a massive wedding, just for her friends and family to be around—”

  I hold up a hand. “You’re rambling. First of all, I think it’s a great idea. If Harlow thinks it can be arranged within a few days, I’ll help with anything you need. How about we talk to Jen first though and see if she thinks Meghan would actually want a surprise wedding. Most women like to plan their big days.”

  Amanda nods. “Good point. Okay, I’ll talk to Jen, and then we can run it past Harlow.”

  “Deal.”

  Chapter Five

  Harlow

  “Soooo,” I say as I walk into our living room, and Varian’s eyes immediately meet mine. He would’ve known I was on my way home, of course, the mating bond feeling stronger as I got closer.

  “How was your shopping?”

  I frown at him. “It would’ve been a lot better if you’d tell me what you want for Christmas.”

  All I’m asking for is a hint or two.

  “You are all I could have ever wished for,” Varian tells me. “And I am sorry that I have not been here for you as you deserve.”

  Woah. That took a turn.

  I frown. “Varian, you’re running a planet and preventing the Grivath from invading. Not to mention keeping the Fecax in line while you search for their Queen. Yet you still somehow manage to keep close whenever I need you. Cut yourself a break.”

  He slowly shakes his head. “You are my mate. You come first. I will never forgive myself for not attending your scan.”

  “It was one scan, Varian. You’ve come to every other one. Believe me, if I thought you were slacking, I’d be telling you about it. But you’re going above and beyond.”

  He really is. I don’t know when he sleeps. All I know is that he comes to bed with me, waits until I fall asleep, and then returns to his work. He’s sure to make sure I never wake without him in the morning, but I’m up multiple times every night with the baby bouncing on my bladder, and I’ve heard him strategizing and ordering his advisors around in the early hours of the morning.

  “Regardless, I have some news.”

  I raise a brow as he comes closer, dropping to his knees in front of me. I smile. Varian kneels to no-one, yet he continually assumes this position so that he can nuzzle my stomach and look me in the eye while I’m resting.

  “What kinda news, Big guy?”

  “I will be taking some time off to be with you and the baby. Korva will be taking over in the meantime.”

  I raise a brow. “Wow. You guys have come a long way.”

  Varian smiles faintly. “Indeed, we have.”

  The reason Arcav are mating with humans? Korva. When he lost his mate, he went more than a little cray cray— as the Arcav do. Unfortunately, he’s unbelievably intelligent and responsible for some of the most important and useful technology on this planet. What does someone do when they’re that smart, heartbroken, filled with rage, and certain that everyone else should experience their pain?

  If you’re Korva, you mess with the DNA of two species.

  When Varian realized what his baby brother had done, he had two choices: lock him up, or put him to death. He was brand new to the throne, and his people were calling for blood. He locked his brother away for almost two centuries, certain that he would only get more insane, but unable to take his life.

  And so Korva existed as a madman, until I snuck in, desperate for some intel on Varian. It turns out that spending time around females— whether or not they were free for mating— was exactly what Korva needed. And so human women began talking to these guys until they were sane enough to be let free.

  Korva was filled with rage and still set on revenge. He hated Varian with every bone in his body, but it turns out that he loved Eve more. Now, we have dinner every Sunday. While the two brothers are still getting to know each other, and there are plenty of tense, awkward moments, the fact that Varian’s willing to hand over the reins and allow Korva to rule in his stead is impressive after such a short amount of time.

  “So… you’ll be completely hands-off, huh?”

  Varian tilts his head. “I will. Korva will come to me with anything critical that he feels he needs a second opinion on, as will Jaret. But together, I have no doubt that they can run this planet while I spend time with my mate and youngling.”

  I grin at him. “The Arcav King’s taking paternity leave. Who would’ve thought?”

  He frowns, obviously confused, and I lean forward, kissing him deeply.

  “You didn’t need to do this,” I tell him. “But thank you.”

  “You and our youngling are the most important people in my life. I will always put you first.”

  My eyes fill with tears. Damn hormones. I lean closer, stroking one of his horns, and Varian’s eyes heat.

  “I have an idea,” I tell him.

  “Hmm?” His eyes are still hot, taking in every inch of my pregnant form and I almost blush. We’ve been mated for over a year now, and it still only takes a simple look to make me burn for him.

  “Get naked and lay on the bed,” I order. “On your stomach.”

  He raises an eyebrow but gets to his feet, shucking his clothes. I draw in a breath as his cock springs free, long and thick and all mine. My mouth waters as I bask in the power I feel when the Arcav King does what I say.

  He moves toward the bed, and I let out a small moan as I watch his butt as he walks away. The guy is a god. His broad shoulders and powerful thighs call to me, and I grin at the thought of having him at my mercy.

  “Close your eyes,” I say, and he shoots me a look but complies as he stretches out onto his stomach. I move to my closet and reach into the bag I brought back from the market.

  Found it.

  I ditch my own clothes, suddenly feeling ungainly and huge. I’ve always been in shape— something that came with the job. While I love my pregnant form for the way it’s growing our baby, it’s hard not to feel a little self-conscious when I stare at the golden giant currently lying on our bed,

  The giant opens one eye and his face hardens.

  “Come to me, mate, before I lose all self-control.”

  I feel my face redden. “Quit staring.”

  His mouth drops open in shock and he sits up.

  “What are you doing? I said you had to—”

  He’s up in a flash, taking me in his arms. “You are shy? With me?”

  I squirm, but his hands are firm, even as he strokes over my skin.

  “Well, it sounds ridiculous when you say it like that,” I mutter.

  “You are my mate,” he says, his voice shocked. “The other half of my soul.”

  “It’s fine, Varian. It’s normal for pregnant women to feel a little self-conscious sometimes.”

  He glares at me. “Not my female. If you are feeling this way, it is because I have not given you the support and reassurance you need.”

  I feel a pang of guilt at the look of self-disgust on his face.

  “No, Varian. It’s not you, honestly.”

  His face hardens again. “I will not have you doubt yourself.”

  I sigh. “You’re making this a bigger deal than it is.”

  He ignores that, leaning down and taking my mouth. I hum against him, and he cups my breasts, which are huge and sensitive from pregnancy. His fingers brush my nipples and I suck in a breath.

  He continues down, stroking his hand down my belly, pausing to rest it where our baby nestled.

&n
bsp; “You have only to look at me for me to want you. Sometimes I think I might die from the wanting of you.”

  I gasp as his hand dips lower, finding my pussy. His fingers stroke and play, and I tense as he hits my clit the way he knows I like.

  He sinks to his knees and I clutch his horns as his tongue finds just the right spot while his fingers press inside me.

  “Varian…”

  Somehow, we’ve gotten off course. I was supposed to be seducing him.

  “Yes, my Queen?”

  He runs one fang along a particularly sensitive spot and I curse as I clutch him to me. I explode with pleasure, gasping and writhing as he holds me to him, licking me through my orgasm.

  “Jesus.”

  “My name is Varian,” he teases.

  “It sure is.”

  I lean on him as he gets to his feet, eyes satisfied even as his hard cock presses against my stomach.

  “That didn’t quite go how I was expecting.”

  His eyes narrow in challenge and I hold up a hand. “I only mean that I wanted to make you feel good.”

  He laughs. “Simply looking at you makes me feel good, mate. Your body writhing against me, your voice as you moan my name. There is no better feeling in the universe.”

  “Aw.” I blush and he reaches for the jar in my hand. I’m surprised I didn’t drop it while I was clutching him to me.

  I pull it out of his reach.

  “Mine.”

  His eyes narrow and I point at the bed.

  “My turn. Assume the position.”

  He raises a brow but slowly turns, making it clear with his slow prowl that he’s only following my orders because he’s choosing to.

  I grin. Arcav. What are you gonna do?

  I lick my lips as he lowers himself to the bed, throwing me a heated look over his shoulders.

  “Close your eyes.” My voice is strangled and he grins wickedly at me before finally closing his eyes.

  I blow out a breath and take a moment to fan my face. Jeez.

  I move closer, taking in the male in front of me. When we first met, I never could’ve imagined that I’d grow to love him the way I do now. He’s changed from my enemy to the person I think about constantly, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that he would do anything to keep me and our baby safe.