Protected by the alien w.., p.15
Protected by the Alien Warrior, page 15
Mara’s eyes flicker to my hiding spot. Does she know I’m here? It wouldn’t surprise me. We’ve always been able to sense when the other is nearby.
I risk a glance at my mate. His expression is stony, but I see the fear beneath the facade. His fear for me.
“Tell your warriors to lay down their swords, and no harm will come to the females,” Dredlan demands, tightening his grip on Mara’s throat.
Mara swipes her hand over the wound on her cheek, coating it with her blood. Using the same hand, she clutches Dredlan’s arm, trying to pry it free.
Her eyes are fixed on Drakk as if pleading for him to work it out. Clever girl. If our blood really does affect the Manx, we’re about to see the effects in action.
“Do as you will. The females are nothing to us. Take the women. We stumbled across them and offered shelter, but they are a drain on our… resources,” Drakk shouts, calling Dredlan’s bluff.
Zaryk mutters something angrily to his brother, then gives a curt nod.
“You are a fool if you expect me to believe you will simply allow us to walk away with the females without further bloodshed,” Dredlan sneers.
“Is that not what you came for?” Drakk challenges.
“Perhaps if you asked nicely, we could have avoided destroying half our compound and sacrificing so many warriors,” Zaryk says, following his brother’s lead.
“Liar. You would not—” Dredlan stumbles and shakes his head as if to clear it before regaining his balance. “You would not relinquish the females so easily.”
Zaryk’s gaze moves from the Manx leader’s face to his arm. Mara is clutching him with her bloodied hand. Is Zaryk figuring it out?
“Why would we deceive you?” Zaryk points out. “You attacked our compound without provocation. You want the females? Take them. We tried bonding to them, but our DNA is incompatible. We have no further use for them.”
“It should not—” Dredlan sways on his feet. “It should not be this easy.”
Dredlan’s speech is slurred, and his pupilless eyes glaze over. His soldiers shift uneasily as if sensing something amiss.
Dredlan’s snout pulls into a grimace, revealing razor-sharp teeth. He looks at Mara. “What h-have you done to me?”
It’s working! Mattul was right.
Mara calmly holds her hand up, palm facing him.
“Hate to break it to you this way, asswipe, seeing as we’re getting along so well, but my blood is poison to your people. Right now, it’s metabolizing in your system. You’re becoming weaker by the second.”
My clever, beautiful friend points to Drakk and Zaryk.
“And in a few minutes, those pissed-off T’Hal warriors are going to slice your ugly-ass head from your shoulders.”
Dredlan is panting now. His soldiers cast uncertain looks at each other. “You lie. You c-cannot—”
“But just in case my little blood donation wasn’t enough,” she cuts him off, “here’s a booster.”
Her other hand moves so swiftly, I almost miss it as she buries something into his lidless eye. With a pained roar, Dredlan backhands her, sending her sprawling beside Mattul.
Dredlan tugs the object still embedded in his eye free before collapsing to one knee. He looks at it in astonishment.
“The b-blood—”
I tear my gaze away, looking down at Bucky.
“Okay, my purple friend. I need you to protect the other women with those surprisingly lethal wings you keep tucked away in your back. Can you do that for me?”
Bucky trills in response. I can only hope that’s a “yes.” I nod. “Let’s do this.”
I launch myself from our hiding spot with Bucky hot on my heels. From the corner of my eye, I see his wings erupt from his back, razor-sharp blades tipping each wing.
He flies toward the Manx soldiers surrounding the women, slicing through flesh and bone like butter. My eyes widen.
While Bucky turns into a purple weapon of mass destruction, I sprint toward Dredlan. At that moment, I realize I’m not scared. I’m furious.
These Manx bastards think they can harm my friends? My people? Me? Not to mention the new life growing inside me. Think again, fuckers.
Dredlan has his back to me and doesn’t see me coming. In a split second, I pull the vial of blood from my pocket, activate it, and bury it in the top of his smooth, hairless head.
“Metabolize that, you slimy fucker!” I scream.
With a strangled hiss, Dredlan spins and backhands me, sending me crashing beside Mara.
Mara and I clutch each other as Zaryk and Drakk advance on Dredlan with a mighty roar, determination and sheer bloody vengeance blazing in their eyes. Our warriors re-engage in battle with their foes, sensing the tide has turned.
Mara and I watch in awe as our mates engage the Manx leader, who’s stumbling to his feet.
With a mighty swing of his sword, Zaryk disarms Dredlan, leaving him vulnerable. Drakk seizes the opportunity, delivering a precise strike that decapitates Dredlan. The Manx soldiers stutter as they witness their leader’s death.
Our warriors press their advantage, driving the Manx back. Mara and I spot a rogue Manx soldier who is circling behind Drakk, his weapon raised to deliver a killing strike.
“Noooo!” Mara’s scream is guttural with terror for her mate.
My eyes widen as she throws out a hand like something from a Marvel movie and blasts him off his feet with a mini tornado. Drakk finishes the soldier, plunging his sword into his stomach.
Shit. Did she really do that? This is getting more bizarre by the minute.
Is that what Mattul was about to tell us as we were attacked? That we would adopt our mates’ abilities during our pregnancy. Does that mean I can heal?
I huddle near the other women, taking cover as the T’Hal finish off every last Manx warrior without remorse. When the battle is over, the compound echoes with their triumphant cheers.
Drakk and Zaryk stand on the battlefield, side by side, equally worthy leaders.
Tears stream down my cheeks as both T’Hal kings sprint toward us. Zaryk drops to his knees beside me as Drakk sweeps Mara into his arms. The chaos around me fades, and it’s just the two of us.
“My love,” he says roughly, holding me against his chest. “I thought I had lost you. I feared the worst when you did not reply through our mind link.”
“I’m sorry. So sorry.” I sob, burrowing into him and absorbing his familiar warmth. I pull back abruptly. “Check Mattul. Please. He’s injured.”
Zaryk’s gaze flicks to the fallen T’Hal. “I am sorry, que’lora. His life essence is gone. He has passed to the next realm. There is nothing I can do for him now.”
Tears pour down my cheeks. “He saved us,” I whisper.
“I need to check you for injuries,” Zaryk says gently.
I nod woodenly.
He places a hand over my bruised eye where Dredlan struck me, and the pain instantly evaporates. His other hand roams over the rest of me, and when it lands on my stomach, his eyes fly to mine, widening with shock.
“Fokk. You are—”
“Pregnant, big guy,” I finish, my voice heavy with emotion. “Surprise!”
“We both are,” Mara says, looking at Drakk. “We found out this morning. We were with Mattul when…” she trails off, biting her lip as her gaze falls on our fallen friend. “Is he…?”
Zaryk inclines his head.
“He p-put himself between us and the Manx. Tried to save us,” she sobs.
Drakk pulls her into his arms, his chest rising and falling in rough breaths as he places one hand on her stomach.
“It is an honorable death for a T’Hal. He was protecting you and Ne’ssa and our younglings.”
“We will mourn our friend, along with the others we lost. First, we must burn the bodies of the Manx and tend to our injured.” Zaryk’s eyes zero in on Mara. “May I?”
She nods, and he starts moving toward her. I stay him with a hand on his arm.
“Wait,” I say, moving toward my best friend. “Let me.”
Zaryk looks surprised but moves aside. I touch the wounds on Mara’s face, my brow pulling down as I concentrate. Calm washes over me like cool water on a hot summer day.
Energy pools beneath my ribs, merging into a potent force. Mara sighs in relief as the cut on her cheek and the bruising fade.
I move my hand to her stomach next and close my eyes. Oh, wow. I can feel the new life in her womb. After a moment, I open my eyes again and smile.
“There’s obvious stress, but the baby is fine,” I say, my voice husky with emotion.
Mara pulls me in for a hug. “You too, huh?”
“Yeah. This is some weird shit. Guess that’s what Mattul was trying to say when—” I pause to wipe away a tear and give her a watery smile. “Kinda cool to have superpowers, though.”
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she says brokenly.
“Me too,” I whisper. “Couldn’t leave my bestie to face those bastards alone.”
For now, the danger is over. We return to our mates, safe in their arms.
Epilogue 1
Nessa
The battle is over. We are safe and reunited, but my pulse still hums with the adrenaline of our narrow escape.
“Tell me everything,” I urge him.
Zaryk begins, his deep voice reverberating in the small space. I watch him, captivated by the tale and the energy emanating from him. His hands cut through the air, drawing pictures only he can see.
“Drakk and I were tracking a faint signal from the beacon when we stumbled upon the mesa. There was something unusual about it—glints of light shimmering above. When we reached the top, we discovered a translucent dome.”
My jaw drops. “A biodome!”
“Inside was a haven, Ne’ssa. Trees soaring to kiss the curve of its ceiling, greenery so vibrant it hurt my eyes. Waterfalls cascading into crystalline pools.”
He stops pacing and turns to face me, his hand reaching out as if he could pull me into the memory. “After days of nothing but dust and danger, it was astonishing.”
My pulse quickens as I try to envision it. “What did it look like?”
Zaryk's eyes widen as he explains how they constructed an oasis from rocks and soil, shaping it into a stepped pyramid with crops stretching out in all directions.
I can almost feel the sun's warmth on my skin as I imagine walking through this fantastical world of fresh produce and vibrant life.
“The lush trees and vines cascade over the edges. Thriving crops–grains, fruits, and vegetables- grow abundantly everywhere you look.”
My eyes are fixed on him, hanging onto every word as he describes the oasis he found. I can almost envision it nestled in the rocky terrain, with crops growing down the stepped walls and soaking up the sunlight.
“It's all thanks to I'zzy and Xandor,” Zaryk shares, his voice filled with awe. “They have created a magnificent sanctuary, offering respite from our harsh surroundings. It truly is incredible.”
My mind races with possibilities—could we live there?
Zaryk's eyes light up as he tells me about two incredibly talented individuals, Izzy and Xandor. He explains how Xandor was one of the survivors of the Manx crash and embarked on a journey that led him to meet Izzy–a human who arrived even earlier than us.
Zaryk answers my questions patiently, but I sense hesitation in his voice. “What is it? What's wrong?” I prod gently.
Zaryk sighs, taking my hands in his. “They invited us to join them, to bring our people to their sanctuary.”
The internal conflict is evident on his face and in his tense posture—part of him yearns to accept their offer of sanctuary, but duty binds him here.
“It's an incredible opportunity,” I muse, tapping my fingers nervously on the table. “But how do you feel about leaving the new home you and Drakk built?”
Zaryk's warm hand reaches for mine, his touch bringing me comfort. He nods, his eyes meeting mine. “We will do what's best for you and our people. If that means relocating to the biodome for everyone's safety, we'll do it,” he says firmly.
Zaryk's gaze flickers hesitantly, and I sense there is more to the story than he’s letting on. “What is it?” I ask gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
His eyes dart around nervously before settling on me.
“Drakk and I stumbled upon something else during our journey. A hidden cavern buried deep in the mountainside. I saw it in my dreams, but the details were always hazy. More of a feeling than anything else.”
I lean forward, enthralled. “You had a vision of this place?”
He nods slowly.
“Now you've seen it in reality,” I finish.
“It all came rushing back to me. Something powerful lies deep within its depths,” he explains.
“Can you describe the cavern?”
“It was like a massive, gaping mouth carved into the earth. It made me feel small and insignificant. Like we were trespassing on something ancient and powerful.”
I ponder this new information. “And you say you feel drawn to it? Like something is calling you from inside?”
His eyes shine with purpose. “I felt this pull. Like something deep within the cavern is waiting for me. I'm meant to find it, whatever it is.”
This undiscovered cavern could hold untold secrets and power. If Zaryk is convinced it is important to him, we must investigate further. My mind is racing with possibilities.
“Then we have our next adventure ahead.” I grin.
“Thank you for trusting me,” he says.
Zaryk pulls something out of his pocket and places it in my hand. The smooth river stone transfers his body heat.
“Did you find this on your adventures?”
He grins but doesn’t say anything. Looking closer, I realize it’s the stone I gave him before he left. Before the battle. Before—”
I sigh. “Our lives have changed so much since the night we had dinner together and I gave you this stone.”
Zaryk pulls me into his embrace. “The talisman kept me safe and brought me home to you.”
When the tender moment passes, Zaryk’s attention turns to home affairs. He flings a barrage of questions at me. I do my best to answer all of them.
“Did the builders install that rain shower you wanted while I was away?” Zaryk asks. “I know it is a small comfort, but if it brings you happiness, that matters more than anything.”
A soft smile curves my lips as I meet his intense gaze. He always knows exactly what I need.
“They finished it yesterday. I missed the feeling of water on my skin.” I press closer, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “But you know me better than anyone, Zaryk.”
“Did it hit the spot?” Zaryk winks suggestively.
“Let's test it.”
I lead him to the bathroom. The rain shower is installed on the ceiling, designed to mimic the feeling of natural rainfall.
Zaryk's gaze scans over the new addition with interest. “This is what you wanted?”
I nod enthusiastically. “Yes! This is perfect.”
He releases my hand and moves closer to inspect it. He reaches out to touch the chrome finish, his large fingers tracing over the nozzles with curiosity.
“Would you like to try it?” I ask.
Zaryk turns to look at me. “Now?”
I laugh softly at his reaction. “Admit it. You've been waiting for an excuse to see me wet and naked.”
I step out of my clothes and into the shower. Water cascades over my body. It feels heavenly on my skin, cold at first but warming quickly.
Zaryk is grinning from ear to ear as he steps into the shower stall. He pulls me against that solid, warm chest of his. “You have no idea how much you mean to me,” he murmurs against my ear.
Zaryk’s gaze, heavy with emotion, locks onto mine. I've seen that look before, a predator sighting its quarry, but now it's softened by something gentler, something akin to wonder. His hands trail softly over my belly.
“You are carrying my youngling.” Zaryk’s deep voice rumbles with pride. His eyes blaze with a possessive heat that sears my skin.
I nod, my throat tight. “Yes, Zaryk.”
I was looking forward to telling him, but his pride is next level. I'll give him all the kids he wants if he acts like this.
My lower lip tingles as his warm, wet tongue slides over it before plunging into my mouth. My lips automatically part, allowing him to explore and tangle with mine.
I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as our kisses become more passionate.
Zaryk’s hands glide over my skin, massaging every inch with tenderness and desire.
My body responds eagerly to his touch, arching into him as he presses against me. My fingers tangle in his wet hair as his mouth moves lower, leaving a trail of kisses down my neck and over my collarbone.
A soft growl escapes Zaryk’s throat as he takes one of my nipples between his lips, sucking and nipping at it until it peaks in response.
My arousal builds with each flick of his tongue against my sensitive flesh.
My moans grow louder, but Zaryk’s groans are restrained.
“Are you trying to be quiet?” I tease playfully over the sound of the water splashing around us.
“I do not want everyone hearing the noises you make when I pleasure you.”
Zaryk’s lips crash down on mine, his arms tightening around me. A flood of arousal washes over me—hot, liquid need—my whole body pulses with desire.
My hands tangle in his wet hair as I kiss him back with equal enthusiasm. I've craved his touch, and now that it's finally happening, I never want to let go.
The only sound is our ragged breathing and the soft rattle of water from the shower. Zaryk's hands roam over my body, his hard cock pressing against my stomach, igniting a fire within me.
Desire rushes through me, and all I can think about is having him inside me in every possible way.
