Page 28 of Across the Stars (Cosmic Threads of Fate #1)

They landed gracefully on the beach, spraying sand in every direction, and Watai assisted her in dismounting. Mae couldn’t hide her exhilaration as she looked at Watai, who smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

“That was incredible!” Mae exclaimed, forgetting for a brief moment that he couldn’t understand her.

Watai nodded, catching her meaning, and took a small bag from Iskzo’s saddle. He patted his mount on the side and motioned for her to follow him as he led her to the shore with the bag in hand.

As soon as their bare feet touched the waves lapping at the pale coral sands, Iskzo took off for the lake, showering them with sand.

Watai hissed at his mount; his ears pinned back as his tail shot straight up.

Mae put her hand over her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter.

The mount was just like his rider, playful and sassy.

Iskzo had a disposition like a housecat when messing with his rider, and the fact that Watai’s people acted like furless felines with cool-colored scales and horns only added to Mae’s amusement.

Watai turned to her. His teal eyes widened for a brief moment before narrowing. His mouth curled into a toothy smirk.

Mae felt a rush of adrenaline as Watai picked her up and carried her into the lake, wading in with her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, the warmth of his skin and the strength of his muscles contrasting with the cool water that washed over her feet and legs, sending shivers up her spine.

She looked up at Watai, who had a determined expression on his face as he carried her deeper.

Watai paused for a moment and looked down at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. Without warning, he swung her out over the deep water and tossed her in.

Mae screamed and felt her stomach drop as she plunged into the cool, deep water. She swam back to the surface, powered by a rush of adrenaline. Watai was laughing when her head broke the surface, sputtering and gasping for air.

He drew her close and wrapped his strong arms around her waist, muttering something soothing and reassuring to her. Watai grinned down at her, his eyes bright with amusement as his tail pressed against her back.

Mae splashed water at him playfully to get back at him for what he’d done.

He immediately released her into the water. Watai muttered something inaudible, but the mischievous look in his eyes told her he was still up to no good.

Watai’s tail swirled around her leg, tickling her feet and making her laugh. She reached out and grabbed his tail, trying to pull it off. He grinned and dove into the water, pulling her with him.

His blue skin blended into the violet water, which seemed darker now that the sun had set. Even the brightness of the large marble planet couldn’t illuminate him beneath the waves.

Something large swam between her legs then lightly trailed up the back of her thigh, making her gasp and accidentally inhale water.

She kicked her legs and paddled her arms, struggling to reach the surface.Mae emerged from the water, gasping for air.

Watai noticed her struggle and swam over to her, concern on his face. He drew her in close, his strong arms wrapping around her waist and supporting her as she caught her breath.

“ Ekyn zyun, Mae? ” he asked, his voice worried as he brushed her bangs away from her face.

“I’m fine, Watai.” Mae nodded, still catching her breath. She flashed him a smile, then splashed water at his face. “Just don’t do it again, Watai.”

His worried expression relaxed into a grin of relief, and he nodded, hugging her closer as his legs kept them afloat.

She had never felt so safe and secure as she did in that moment, with Watai’s arms around her.

They remained silent for a few moments while her breathing and heart rate stabilized. The sound of insects and the distant calls of nocturnal animals filled the air.

Mae had never noticed how his blue skin was covered in fine scales, nor the fine teal swirls and stripes that resembled an elegant maze, all leading to his stomach and crotch. There was a layer of larger scales around his neck, which led to the stripe down his spine all the way to his tail.

She was curious what these scales were for and why only adults seemed to have them. Were the extra markings a sign of maturity among his people? Did they treat her like a child because she didn’t have any?

At the sound of wings approaching, Watai turned his head toward the sky, his gaze following a shadow flying above. Mae mirrored him, spotting Iskzo flying overhead toward the shore.

“Mae.” Watai jerked his head toward where his dragon had landed. “ Nay ela’ gun’ Iskzo. ”

He let go of her hand and led her back to shore, where Iskzo stood watching.

Mae struggled to keep up with Watai as they swam in the lake. She had learned to swim in a gravity pool, but the lake was very different. The water was colder, and the water’s resistance was stronger.

Watai was patient with her, wrapping his tail around her waist as they swam side by side. He showed her how to paddle more efficiently while keeping her head above the surface.

Mae’s muscles burned from the exertion, but she was determined to keep up with Watai.

Despite her difficulties, she couldn’t help but feel elated as she swam in the lake, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the jungle and mountains.

She was determined to master the art of lake swimming and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with Watai by her side.

Watai and Mae reached the shore, their legs sinking into the soft, coral-pink sand. Iskzo loomed over the shoreline, waiting for them. His large eyes swam blue and green as he rushed toward them, sending water and sand flying everywhere.

Watai reached for the pouch he’d attached to his belt and pulled out a handful of small, teal-and-black leaves. He began to scrub and clean his body with them. Watai offered her some leaves, gesturing for her to do the same.

Mae followed his lead, her eyes wandering to watch him scrubbing his body. As water dripped down his body, he flexed his muscles, his scaly skin glistening in the planet’s glow.

Now that she knew what she needed to do to save this moon, she could finally take in the sights—including the male alien who believed she was his.

Watai removed the pouch from his belt and reattached it to Iskzo’s saddle, leaving it dangling open.

Watai began to wash Iskzo with a handful of teal-black leaves, gently scrubbing his scales and wings.

He motioned for Mae to come closer and assist him in cleaning his mount.

Mae nodded and helped him remove the dirt and grime that had accumulated during their flight.

Iskzo let out contented purrs as they worked, clearly enjoying the attention.

Mae enjoyed Iskzo’s closeness as they worked, and he even leaned into her touch.

“You’re good at this,” Iskzo pathed, his voice matching the purr emanating from his chest. “You are free to wash me whenever you want.”

“Aren’t I supposed to find my own mount soon?” Mae smirked as the magnificent dragon turned his head toward her, his eyes swirling wildly. “You’ll have competition when I do.”

“Then you should practice as much as you can before that happens.”

Mae rolled her eyes at the beast. She began to wonder how her own mount would act. Would they have similar personalities or be polar opposites?

With Iskzo all cleaned up, Mae proudly admired the dragon, his scales gleaming in the moonlight.

“Wow,” Mae said softly, looking at Watai with a smile.

Iskzo shook off the excess water, sending droplets flying in all directions. Mae laughed as some of the droplets hit her face and she turned her body away to shield herself.

She gasped as she saw other dragons land and riders began washing their dragons. Had she been so preoccupied with Watai cleaning himself and scrubbing Iskzo that she’d missed what appeared to be the majority of the clan joining them in a night wash?

Mae felt a surge of playfulness and impulsively splashed Watai with water. He was taken aback, but a wide grin spread across his face as he realized what she was doing. He splashed her back, and before long, they were engaged in a full-fledged water fight.

Watai attempted to tackle her, but Mae was quick on her feet and tripped him. She then grappled him and attempted to dunk his head beneath the water. Watai retaliated by laughing and attempting to dunk her as well.

They were both laughing and having a good time together, enjoying the playful moment. It was a welcome diversion from the seriousness of the day, as well as an opportunity for them to bond and have fun together.

The other clan members around them smiled and joined in the fun, and soon the entire lake was filled with laughter and splashing as they all enjoyed the water fight.

Watai tried to tackle Mae again, toppling her to the ground. They grappled for a moment. Suddenly, she found herself straddling Watai, her hips grinding against his.

Without thinking, Mae wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in closer to kiss him.

Her heart raced as she felt his hands wrap around her waist. She couldn’t believe how safe and secure she felt in his embrace.

As they kissed, the water lapped at their bodies, the contrast of the cool water and the warmth of their bodies heightening her intense passion.

As his tail wrapped around her leg, his grip tightened on her waist, and a sense of belonging washed over her.

Their kiss deepened. Mae couldn’t help but let out a soft moan, her body responding to his touch.

They pulled away in unison, both breathless.

As she looked into his eyes, she felt a deep connection to him, knowing that she never wanted to let him go.

A wave of confusion and surprise followed her sudden, almost instinctual reaction.

She didn’t know why she was drawn to Watai, but she couldn’t deny the feelings she was experiencing.