Page 23 of 20% Stud 80% Muffin (Alien Fated Mates #1)
23
T he navy button-up shirt Ginger had brought me itched against my sweaty skin, and my belt buckle dug into my belly. It had been so long since I’d worn a dress shirt and pants that I’d forgotten how stifling they were. The confidence I’d built from Ginger’s constant oohing and ahhing and her occasional prod of my bicep had disappeared entirely. If I were Makir’s brother, I’d deck me.
When I’d found his door wide open earlier and the scent of two males on him, I lost my shit. I knew I’d gone overboard, dousing Makir in my smell. He now reeked of me, but I loved it.
I should’ve listened to JayJay when he told me to bring my ‘puppy doojies’ to help me relax. Charz and Pika were having so much fun with Sully’s younglings that I hadn’t dared take them with me, fearing they would give me evil looks for the rest of my life.
Instead of a short walk to the open kitchen where the dining table was, it was a torturous slog. As if my legs were mired in mud and plodding through a never-ending tunnel. Makir’s grip on my sweaty palm was the only thing grounding me.
Much larger than his brother, Bonic approached us from the long dining table. With his lips pressed into a straight line and his stride purposeful, getting a read on him was difficult.
“He’s not as scary as he looks. Try not to worry,” Makir whispered in my ear as his tail wound around my calf.
Bonic bowed and then rose to his full height. “You must be the male who has changed my brother’s eyes?” His lavender eyes scanned me from head to toe.
Makir’s grip loosened in mine, and his gaze focused on the floor. My forehead wrinkled in question.
Why is he talking about the color of Makir’s eyes like that?
His brother towered over me. Despite his regal bearing, I was still more embarrassed than afraid of him. As I wiped a sweaty palm down the dark fabric of my pants, I wished I’d asked Makir a lot more about his family. The lack of a heads-up that I might have to bow seemed like an enormous oversight on Makir’s part at this stage of the game.
My head dipped forward, and I tucked one arm behind my back and the other around my stomach while I leaned my body toward Bonic in what I hoped resembled a bow. I forced myself to not roll my arm in a flourish.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.” Then I repeated the gesture and greeting toward Jast. When I rose, I placed my hand on Makir’s back, kneading out the tension I found there in hopes of drawing his eyes off the floor.
Jast lowered her chin toward me. “I, Jast Tuniga, lifemate of Bonic Tuniga, happily meet you, Archbuilder Geo.”
Okay, that wasn’t so bad .
Raz’s voice rattled. “Archbuilder, anyone who knows-s-s anything about Lornians knows that a true mate has been found when their eyes turn from silver to lavender.”
My blood boiled at Raz’s pompous voice. Why is this jackass here? And how the hell did he know so much about Lornian culture?
Now that Raz mentioned it, I hadn’t seen the silver in Makir’s eyes since the night he’d rescued me after falling off a cliff. But I ignored what true mate might mean and leveled my gaze at Raz instead. “What are you doing here?”
“I am a gues-s-st of the High Commander of the Elite Protectors of Lorne.” His tail smacked the polished floor where he sat with authority, as if he believed his presence was welcome in Makir’s home. The home I’d built.
Makir whined beside me, distressed. I straightened my shoulders and turned away from Raz, cupping my hand around Makir’s neck and forcing myself to concentrate on what was important. After showing zero restraint earlier, I needed to be on my best behavior in front of Bonic and Jast.
Bonic’s jaw tightened, and his gaze snapped between Makir, Raz and me. He opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Jast ran her hand down his whipping tail and lifted her brows in a ‘you’re not in charge here’ look.
“Makir speaks highly of you, Bonic.” I pulled out an empty chair for Makir and gestured for him to sit before taking the one beside him. I am perfectly capable of ignoring Raz and being polite. “Why don’t we all sit?”
On a deep inhale, I gathered my nerves. “Please accept my sincere apology for my inappropriate behavior with Makir. It was inexcusable.” Makir’s rigid posture relaxed beside me as I addressed my poor conduct.
Bonic ignored Raz’s snort. “Four alphas and an unmated omega…it’s to be expected.” He brushed off my apology with a wave of his hand, and the tight collar of my shirt loosened a bit.
“Four?”
“My guard, Janny, is currently doing laps in Makir’s pool. ”
His brother came with a guard? I squeezed Makir’s knee, steadying myself. Though woefully unprepared for this meeting, I could work with the few things I’d learned. “I’ve heard many stories about your childhood adventures trapping bush-tailed monties.”
Makir turned toward his brother and Jast. The eagerness in his voice blunted Raz’s presence. “I hope there’s time to take you out trapping linobee. The same snaring technique we used as younglings seems to work. And, Jast, you’ll love the hot springs.”
I nodded at Jast, hoping it would appeal to her. “Is hot water okay for pregnant Lornians?” It might be enjoyable for her if she didn’t stay in too long.
A smile tipped her lips. “That sounds wonderful, Makir, and you must join us, Geo.”
Makir breathed a sigh of relief, and I thought I might have just scraped the surface of saving face after my barbaric entry.
“Makir, why don’t we make arrangements for this trip tomorrow at first sun?” Bonic said.
“That’s perfect.” Makir scraped his chair back and rose, and I followed behind him into the kitchen, a little lost. “Dinner will be just a moment longer.”
“Smells good in here, little lion.” My words were soft as I ran my hand up his tail. The mixture of mantu and fresh herbs lingered in the air, and my mouth watered. I wished we were alone so I could lean into Makir and tell him about my day wrestling hot water under the idiot mayor’s direction.
“It’s D’irk’s recipe.” Makir brushed his fingers down my throat, and a soft purr drew me closer as images of the last time we’d had D’irk’s recipe freeze-framed in my brain.
Jast sighed. “You two are the cutest. The grand omega’s sure to see a connection.”
I stole a piece of mantu from the platter Makir was preparing. “Who’s the grand omega? ”
The disdain in Raz’s voice prickled every nerve under my skin. “Only the most important omega on Lorne.”
Makir shook his head at me when I opened my mouth to reply, and he placed a large platter of herbed mantu in my hands. “She’s the true ruler of Tern. My parents are the regents and for the most part she lets them rule, but the grand omega has all the power. She and Bonic split responsibility. He handles everything security related.”
What the ever-loving fuck? Makir was royalty? “Why didn’t you say anything?” I stared at him, dumbfounded. I’d thought we’d gotten closer. My stomach bottomed out as if my feet had been swept out from beneath me.
“This looks divine.” Jast took the platter from me and placed it in the middle of the concrete tabletop. Frowning at Raz, she cupped my elbow for a moment. “She communes with the goddess Sola and her wisdom is sought by all Lornians, not just omegas. One of the many gifts she has been blessed with is her ability to see true mates.”
Her genuine smile helped ease my tension as Makir dodged my questioning looks. I took a second to appreciate the differences in the first female Lornian I’d met. Jast’s fur was the color of the sky on Earth, and she was slender like Makir, about my height. Her baby bump stood prominent against her thin frame. Straight blue hair framed her face rather than Makir’s messy mane. It happened to be in a neat braid today, but a few strands had worked loose while I’d claimed him. They softened his high cheekbones. His brother favored a top knot, with the remainder shaved to a short buzz, and he wore a dark navy uniform with boots so polished they must have been spit shined.
“When is your baby”—I corrected myself—“youngling due?”
Makir placed the sliced hiscus he’d marinated alongside a fragrant oil to dredge the crusty loaves of graneth bread through.
Raz cleared his throat and punctuated it with a dramatic tail slap. “Are we going to ignore the fact that the archbuilder stormed in here, was unspeakably rude to Makir and then proceeded to”—he waved his tiny arms in front of him—“claim Makir in the bedroom. Where we could all hear, I might add. Then, as if that weren’t enough, has the audacity to slight the high commander and his mate with an uncivilized introduction.”
Bonic began to rise, but Jast placed a hand on his arm.
The table appeared to grow larger before me as if I was shrinking under the weight of Raz’s words. It was as if I’d consumed a drink-me potion and spiraled down a rabbit hole. Sweat dampened my shirt, and Raz’s voice pounded like nails piercing my skull.
Shame overwhelmed me. I’d botched foreign customs. I didn’t know shit all about Makir’s family and I’d behaved like a wild animal unable to control my lust.
Makir’s whimper forced me to unclench my jaw and take a deep breath. I willed the table to return to its normal size. Everyone stared, lips pursed.
Raz placed his taloned hand on Makir’s shoulder. “Nothing to say, Archbuilder? You’re unworthy of a Lornian omega.”
Makir nearly jumped into my lap to get away from Raz. Anger pumped through my blood and rushed through my veins. To hell with the shame rolling through me. I may have been ignorant, but I wasn’t a dick. I dug deeper into the simmering rage, honing it to a sharp point and directing it at Raz.
When Makir’s focus remained on his feet and his tail stayed wrapped around him in distress, it stoked the fire in my blood higher. Fuck, I hated when he reacted that way to anything, but it was ten times worse coming from this useless Lizzard. Makir was the spark of life meant to bring joy to a room, and here he was, diminished in his own home by this crocodile-lipped dick.
Well, fuck that.
Bonic’s jaw tightened, and Jast forced a smile onto her face as she passed the food around the table.
Raz’s voice rattled higher and higher as his indignation built like a politician controlling a room. “Plus, are you willing to disregard the fact that he appears to have no idea that he has initiated a formal mating bond with one of the heirs to the High Hold of Lorne? ”
Makir whined, and he sank deeper into his chair.
Enough is enough.
My chair skidded over the floor and fell with an abrupt thud when I stood. I loomed over Raz, who still sat at the table with his long jaw tipped up and his arrogant eyes flashing. My fists clenched and unclenched, adrenaline pumping through me until the anger could no longer be contained.
“Raz!” My deep voice boomed, filling all the space in the room. “I have no idea how you weaseled your way into Makir’s home, but I’ve told you on two other occasions not to even think about sharing Makir’s space. Under any circumstances.” On fire and fueled by rage, my cheeks heated and my biceps bulged. “Do you need a reminder?” I grabbed his collar and lifted.
Raz’s feet shuffled underneath him as he tried to gain traction. “There would be consequences-s-s… Y-you said there would be consequences.”
“Fucking right, I did.”
I dragged a squealing and kicking Raz by the shirt collar and smashed him against the wall. My thick forearm pressed against his neck, and the heel of my boot mashed his tail into the concrete. The tip lashed like a limp noodle under my boot’s weight.
“Elite Protector Tuniga,” Raz coughed, “I beg you—” His plea went unanswered.
“Now, I don’t want to offend my guests…” I may have been in Makir’s home, but something deep inside had me treating Bonic and Jast as if they were my guests. When I turned my head to look over my shoulder, Jast and Makir were leaning into each other, tails linked, and Bonic sat at the table with his chin cradled in one hand, lips curled in a lazy smile.
My attention snapped back to Raz as his tail wriggled loose and snapped me in the hip.
“I demand to be treated with respect,” the Lizzard wailed.
“Like the respect you’ve shown me?” With a quick shift backward for momentum, I launched my knee straight into his gut and flattened his tail once more under my boot. “As you’ve been ever so polite in pointing out the Tunigas’ impressive lineage to ignorant little me, I’m willing to take this matter outside to settle. Is that respectful enough for you?”
Raz shook his head back and forth, his eyes watering. Held up by his throat and unable to speak, I took that as a no.
I turned my head for a moment, chasing Makir’s whimper. Makir and Jast were huddled under his brother’s arm, eyes pinned on me.
“Geo’s got it, Makir, don’t worry,” Bonic said.
I winked at Makir before returning my attention to a begging Raz.
“I knew we could see eye to eye.” I patted his green cheek, maintaining the chokehold I had him in, although my knuckles itched for more.
Bonic snickered in the background.
Ready to be rid of Makir’s nosy neighbor, I hauled him, sputtering, to the door. With my elbow firmly locked on his windpipe, I opened the door and threw him into the cold night. His scaled tail knocked him in the face, and he landed on his ass in a puff of pink dirt.
“Now, lose this address. And by the way, you now hold the illustrious position of being the last name on my list for dwelling upgrades,” I spat out after him.
I stood there a second longer, impervious to the icy cold that misted around me as my lungs heaved from the residual anger.
Raz scuttled away, one hand clutching his neck and the other rubbing his backside.
“Fucking bully,” I said to his retreating back. “I hope you take the visitor shuttle back to your home planet and get sucked into a black hole.”
The tether snapped and sizzled as Makir approached, and the heat from his body warmed me as he leaned into my side. Adrenaline still simmered in my veins, but when I looped my arm around his narrow waist and we faced each other, the gratitude that shone back at me weakened my knees .
Makir hitched a leg over my hip, and when I grasped it, he wrapped his other leg around me, clenching my thick waist. His thick purr melted the tension from my body. “That was amazing.”
Thank fuck for that.
The last time I’d turned to rage had not gone well, but a lapful of pleased Makir was more than enough reward. The only thing better would be a taste. I dipped my tongue past his soft lips and sank into his embrace. This time, I sampled Makir’s lips only long enough to remain in control. No matter how much Makir’s purr called to me, I would not let my base urges take over.
“Let’s go eat, little lion.” I ran my hand down the blue velvet of his tail and lowered him. His pupils were blown, the lavender barely visible. I took his hand and tugged him back to the dining table.
Jast and Bonic stood as we neared. Bonic’s slow, resounding clap filled the air, followed by Jast’s. Makir beamed at me, and I stood taller.
“This one will do, Makir. This one will do just fine.” Bonic smiled at his brother first, then me.
Even though I was confused by their easy acceptance of my outburst, my hands loosened at my sides, reassured by Bonic’s words. Apparently, my alpha asshole tendencies were not something to be ashamed of in the High Hold of Lorne.
“It appears my charming brother may have left you in the dark about a few things.” Bonic’s deep laugh filled the dining area as Makir spooned herbed mantu onto my plate.
Yeah, no shit. Heir to the High Hold of Lorne … Initiated mating …
I filled a tumbler with my favorite whiskey—Ginger had brought me a bottle as a gift—and offered a glass to Bonic before taking a long draft. The heat warmed my throat, and I exhaled, sinking deeper into my chair.
Makir had some explaining to do. “Heir of the High Hold of Lorne?” The easiest question stirred in my mind.
“I planned on telling you…” Makir’s shoulders curled inward. “But the right time never came. Plus, Bonic is the first heir. Now that Jast is having a youngling, there is very little chance the High Hold would ever come to me. Not over my parent’s dead bodies anyway.” His last words were so quiet I strained to hear them.
“Nonsense, Makir.” Jast’s sweet voice eased the tension in the air. I guessed that was her omega. “There will always be a special place for you in the High Hold of Lorne, and I already know you will be the favored uncle of this small one.” She patted her belly.
“I’m the only uncle, sweet talker.”
“Jast is right, Makir.” Bonic’s commanding voice softened. “I understood your need and supported your move to Tern. You have done very well for yourself.” Bonic gestured to Makir’s home and hovery. “But I wish every rotation for your return to Lorne. You have proven you can be independent. Our parents will welcome your return.”
“You fool yourself, Bonic.” Makir’s tail wound around his calf, and his gaze fell to his plate. “The regents have never approved of anything I’ve done.”
My heart clenched, saddened by his dejection, but panicked at the thought of Makir returning to his home planet. I’d never even considered it before. In a desperate move to change the topic, I pushed back my chair. The loud screech echoed through the room before I polished off my drink. Then, pouring another, I forced a smile. “Have you been able to take advantage of the pool? Why don’t we bring our drinks out back, relax and get to know each other a little more?”
Jast’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “That sounds wonderful, Geo. Why don’t we all get changed and meet in the courtyard?”
I attempted to focus on the ingenious way the Rock Dwellers had created a dome from lamar panels. They’d transformed the courtyard into a year-round solarium. But the list of reasons why this relationship could never work kept growing. I tacked on ‘he’s royalty’ right after ‘I lose control around him all the time.’ The number of things working against us weighed me down like an anchor tied to my ankle.
Makir was distant as we sipped our drinks in the shallow end of the warm pool. Time crept by as water lapped over our toes. The moon reflected in the water’s surface, bright white and stark against the pool’s red glow. Bonic and Jast took an inordinately long time to get their swimwear on.
“Makir…” My eyes fixed on a long scar on his muscled thigh. “Do you think you’ll return to Lorne?” I had many questions for him, but I couldn’t hold this one in any longer. It left me aching with an eerie aloneness, as if he were already gone.
I inhaled the solarium’s humid heat, awaiting his response, my breaths growing shallower and shallower. The smell of the rich soil from all the plants filling the courtyard thickened the air. The silence grew suffocating.
“There’s nothing for me on Lorne.”
That didn’t answer the question. “And here?” I turned toward Makir, my heart stuck in a holding pattern, on pause until he replied.
But my pleading eyes went unnoticed. Makir stared into the distance before he replied with a hollow, “I’ve made nothing but bad decisions my whole life when it comes to partners, Geo. I need to trust myself first.”
My heart kickstarted with a heavy thud. His words were not the answer I’d hoped for, but at least they weren’t Cameron’s.
“ Geo, I always knew you were delusional, but if you think I’ll wait a year for your fat ass and small dick, think again. ”
I could work with Makir learning to trust himself.
I reached for his hand under the water. “If you can learn to swim, you can learn to trust yourself. I believe in you.” I bit the inside of my cheek. “But more than anything…I want you to trust me.”
His lips lifted in a smile.