Page 10 of Alien Warrior’s Claim (Nyxari Bondmates #1)

LAZRIN

T he first warning came as a vibration beneath my feet—a subtle tremor rippling through the forest floor. I paused, scanning the horizon while Mirelle continued examining the medicinal roots she'd been harvesting.

"We should collect these for Dr. Selene," she said, digging around the pale blue tendrils. "According to Kavan they have similar properties to the fever reducers she's been using."

I barely heard her. My attention had fixed on the western skies where dark clouds gathered with unnatural speed, their edges shot through with electric blue energy. My lifelines pulsed with instinctive recognition. A seismic storm approached—the first of the season, earlier than expected.

"Mirelle." The urgency in my voice drew her gaze from the plants. "We must leave. Now."

She straightened, soil still clinging to her fingers. "What's wrong?"

I pointed to the horizon where the storm front advanced. "The ground will shake. The sky will burn." The tremor beneath our feet intensified. "We must find shelter immediately."

I didn't add that these storms had killed even the most experienced Nyxari warriors caught in the open.

Her eyes widened, survival instincts immediately engaging. "Back to the settlement?"

"Too far. There's a cave system nearby, used by our hunters during storms. We can shelter there."

We set off at a rapid pace, leaving the clearing where we'd been gathering medicinal plants. The expedition had been Mirelle's idea—a way to combine her growing knowledge of Nyxari medicine with her commitment to supporting the human camp. I had accompanied her not just as protection, but because any time in her presence eased the constant ache of our incomplete bond.

The tremors grew more frequent as we ran, small fissures appearing in the ground. Above, the sky darkened to an ominous twilight, strange blue lightning forking between clouds with increasing frequency.

"The storm is accelerating," I called over my shoulder. "We need to move faster."

Mirelle kept pace admirably, her smaller form nimble as she navigated fallen logs and uneven terrain. Her endurance had improved during her time on Arenix, her body adapting to the planet's higher gravity.

A violent tremor suddenly shook the forest. Trees swayed dangerously, their roots struggling to maintain purchase. A massive branch cracked overhead, plummeting toward Mirelle's path.

"Left!" I shouted.

She dove sideways just as the branch crashed where she had been running. The impact sent her tumbling down a short embankment. I was at her side instantly, lifelines flaring with protective urgency.

"I'm alright," she assured me, though she winced as she regained her feet. Blood seeped through a tear in her trousers where a sharp stone had gashed her thigh.

"You're injured." I crouched to examine the wound.

"It's just a scratch. We need to keep moving."

The determination in her voice brooked no argument. I nodded, though every instinct screamed to tend to her wound immediately. She was right—our priority had to be reaching shelter.

We continued forward, the forest growing increasingly chaotic around us. Animals fled in all directions, their usual caution abandoned in the face of greater danger. Plants retracted, folded, or sealed themselves as ancient defensive mechanisms activated.

The first drops of rain struck as we approached the cave system—fat droplets that sizzled ominously where they landed on exposed stone. One struck my arm, instantly raising a welt on my tougher Nyxari skin.

"Acid rain," I warned. "Don't let it touch you."

Mirelle pulled her jacket over her head as the rainfall intensified. We raced the final distance to the cave entrance, a narrow opening partially concealed by hanging vines. I pushed the vegetation aside, ushering her in first before following, the rainfall already eating holes through my cloak.

Inside, the cave opened into a modest chamber. I quickly located the illumination globes left for such occasions, activating two to fill the space with soft blue light.

"We're safe here," I assured Mirelle. "The cave system extends deep into the mountain. These chambers have sheltered my people through countless storms."

She nodded, though her attention had shifted to her injured leg. Now that we were safe, the adrenaline that had carried her through their flight began to ebb, pain replacing urgency.

"Let me see," I said, gesturing to the wound.

After a moment's hesitation, she settled on a stone ledge. I knelt before her, examining the gash through the torn fabric. The cut was clean but deep, still seeping blood.

"It needs to be cleaned and sealed," I told her, reaching for my pack. "I have supplies."

"Of course you do," she said with a hint of wry humor. "Do Nyxari warriors always carry medical kits on plant-gathering expeditions?"

"We carry them everywhere. Arenix offers too many opportunities for injury to be unprepared."

Outside, the storm's intensity doubled. Lightning cracked with deafening frequency, illuminating the cave entrance in strobing flashes. The ground trembled continuously, small particles of stone shaking loose from the ceiling.

"That's quite a storm," Mirelle observed, watching me prepare the medicinal supplies. "How long will it last?"

"Half a day, perhaps longer," I replied. "This cave connects to a freshwater spring further inside, and there are supplies stored throughout. We will be comfortable enough until it passes."

"I need to clean the wound," I said, gesturing to the torn fabric of her trousers. "May I?"

After a brief hesitation, she nodded, carefully rolling the fabric upward to expose the gash. I dampened a cloth with water from my flask, then gently cleaned away the dirt and blood. Her skin felt warm beneath my touch, softer than Nyxari hide. I worked with careful precision, keeping my movements clinical despite the way my lifelines heated at the prolonged contact.

"The cleansing paste will sting," I warned, uncapping the container. "But it prevents infection."

"I've had worse," she replied with a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

As I worked, the cave illumination caught the subtle shimmer of her markings beneath the skin of her exposed forearm. The silvery patterns had grown more elaborate since she'd accepted the Honor Pact. My own lifelines resonated in response, pulsing with golden light.

"Your wound should heal cleanly," I said, applying the final layer of healing salve. "The salve contains regenerative compounds that speed tissue repair."

"Thank you." Her voice was softer now, some of the careful distance receding from her expression.

I secured a clean bandage over the injury, then sat back, allowing her space. Outside, the storm raged with increasing intensity. A particularly violent tremor shook the cave, dislodging several small stones from the ceiling.

"Is this safe?" she asked, glancing upward with concern.

"The central chambers are reinforced," I assured her. "My ancestors carved supporting structures into the living stone generations ago. We should move deeper inside."

I gathered our supplies and led her through a narrow passage that opened into a larger chamber. Here, the ceiling rose higher, supported by natural columns. A small freshwater spring bubbled from one wall, feeding a clear pool before disappearing beneath the rock floor. Supplies were neatly stored on carved shelves—dried food, extra clothing, weapons, and other necessities.

"Your people are well-prepared," Mirelle observed, examining the stores with approval.

"Survival on Arenix requires anticipation of disaster," I replied, setting our packs down near the spring. "These caves serve as emergency shelters throughout the territory."

A series of rapid tremors shook the chamber, each stronger than the last. The final one sent a painful jolt through my lifelines—a warning of danger that had me moving before conscious thought engaged. I lunged toward Mirelle just as a section of the ceiling collapsed, showering the area where she had been sitting with heavy stone fragments.

We tumbled together to the floor several feet away, my body shielding hers from the falling debris. Dust filled the air, temporarily obscuring vision as smaller aftershocks continued to vibrate through the cave.

When the dust settled, I found myself positioned above her, my larger frame effectively caging her smaller one. Her amber eyes were wide with surprise, her breath coming in quick bursts that I could feel against my chest where our bodies nearly touched.

"Are you hurt?" I asked, voice rougher than intended.

She shook her head. "You moved so fast. How did you know?"

"The lifebond," I explained, reluctantly shifting my weight to allow her space. "It warns of danger to either partner."

As I moved, my hand brushed against her forearm. The contact, brief though it was, sent a surge of energy through my lifelines. Her own markings responded in kind, silver patterns brightening beneath her skin. Her sharp intake of breath told me she felt it too—the electric connection that sparked between us whenever we touched.

Rather than pulling away immediately as she typically did, she remained where she was, her gaze locked with mine. Something shifted in her expression—curiosity overtaking caution.

"It's getting stronger," she said quietly. "The reaction when we touch."

"Yes." I didn't attempt to disguise the truth. "The bond develops with time and proximity. Each contact strengthens it."

Her eyes searched mine. "Is that why you've been so careful not to touch me? Because it intensifies the bond?"

"Partly," I admitted. "But more because I know you value your independence. I will not press where you are uncertain."

The falling stones had forced us into a smaller section of the cave chamber. Though larger spaces remained accessible through side passages, our immediate area confined us to closer proximity than usual. Another tremor shook the cave, this one gentler but longer lasting. When it subsided, Mirelle reached for her water flask, her fingers trembling slightly.

"You're afraid," I observed.

She gave me a wry smile. "Wouldn't you be? Trapped in a cave during a natural disaster that can bring down stone ceilings? On a planet that's already tried to kill me multiple times?"

"You have shown remarkable courage since your arrival on Arenix," I said. "Fear does not diminish that."

She took a careful sip of water, then offered the flask to me. The gesture was small but significant—sharing resources was an acknowledgement of trust among both our peoples.

"Tell me more about the lifebond," she said as I accepted the flask. "Not the practical aspects we've discussed before, but what it means to you personally. As a Nyxari."

The question surprised me. In all our conversations about the bond, she had focused on its nature and effects, never on its emotional significance.

"To my people, the lifebond is sacred," I began, choosing my words carefully. "It is more than reproduction or companionship. It is a recognition at the deepest level that two souls are complementary—that together, they form something greater than either could be alone."

She watched me intently, making no move to increase the distance between us despite the intimate nature of our conversation.

"Before the Great Division, lifebonds were common," I continued. "Pairs worked together, their abilities amplified by their connection. They led our people, explored the stars, advanced our civilization. After the war, as females became scarce and our technology failed, the bonds became rare. Now, they are precious beyond measure."

"And what does it feel like?" she asked, her voice dropping lower. "For you specifically. When your lifelines respond to my markings."

"It feels like recognition," I said finally. "As though part of me had been searching without knowing what it sought, only to suddenly find it. There is heat, yes, and physical awareness, but beneath that lies something deeper—a resonance that vibrates at the core of my being."

"And the physical contact?" she pressed, her gaze unwavering. "What happens when we touch?"

Rather than answering with words, I slowly extended my hand, palm upward—an invitation rather than a demand. "I could show you."

She hesitated, uncertainty warring with curiosity in her expression. Then, with deliberate care, she placed her hand in mine.

The effect was immediate and powerful. My lifelines blazed with golden light, the patterns flowing like liquid fire beneath my skin. Her silver markings responded in kind, illuminating the chamber with their combined radiance. The sensation was exquisite—a current of energy flowing between us, connecting us in ways that transcended physical touch.

Her pupils dilated, her breath catching as the bond pulsed between us. "I feel it," she whispered. "Like a current running beneath my skin."

"That is the beginning," I told her, voice rougher than before. "The first taste of what the lifebond offers."

Instead of withdrawing as I expected, she turned our joined hands, examining the way our markings responded to each other. Her touch was exploratory, curious rather than fearful.

"It's beautiful," she admitted. "Overwhelming, but beautiful."

When the tremor subsided, Mirelle still hadn't withdrawn her hand from mine. If anything, she'd moved slightly closer, perhaps unconsciously seeking security amid the chaos around us.

"How long will we be trapped here?" she asked, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability I rarely witnessed.

"Until morning, at least," I replied. "The storm must pass completely before we can safely travel."

As the storm continued its assault outside, we shared a simple meal of dried provisions. The strange intimacy of our situation—trapped together yet separated by species and circumstance—created an atmosphere unlike any I had experienced before. The constant pull of the lifebond hummed between us, intensified by our isolation and proximity.

We spoke of our lives before meeting—her role as logistics officer aboard The Seraphyne, my years of training to become Hunt Leader. The conversation flowed more easily than ever before, barriers lowering as we shared experiences and perspectives.

"Your wound," I said, noticing her slight wince as she adjusted her position. "Does it pain you?"

"A little," she admitted. "The salve helped, but it's still sore."

"I can apply more," I offered, reaching for the medical supplies.

She nodded her assent, carefully exposing the bandaged area. As I reapplied the healing mixture, my fingers brushed against her skin. Once again, our markings responded, silvery light merging with gold where we touched. But instead of pulling away, Mirelle watched the phenomenon with fascination.

"It feels different each time," she murmured. "Stronger, but also... more familiar somehow."

"The bond adapts and grows," I explained, trying to keep my voice steady despite the surge of energy coursing through my lifelines. "Like any living connection."

When I finished tending her wound, our gazes locked. The air between us seemed to thicken, charged with unspoken awareness. Outside, the storm's fury had diminished to a distant rumble, as if nature itself were holding its breath.

"," she said softly, my name on her lips sending a shiver of response through my lifelines. "What happens if I do this?"

Before I could ask what she meant, she raised her hand to my face. Her fingers traced the contours of my jaw with exquisite gentleness, exploring the differences between our species with curious intensity. The touch sent waves of pleasure radiating through my lifelines, far more powerful than any previous contact.

I remained perfectly still, allowing her this exploration, afraid that any movement might break the spell of her unexpected boldness. Her fingertips continued their journey, tracing the markings on my neck and shoulder where my garment had shifted to expose them.

"They're warm," she observed, watching the golden patterns brighten beneath her touch. "And they pulse in time with your heartbeat."

"Yes," I managed, my voice rough with controlled desire. "The lifelines are connected to our most vital systems."

Her eyes met mine again, something new flickering in their amber depths. "And what happens if I do this?"

She leaned forward, eliminating the space between us, and pressed her lips to mine.

The kiss ignited every lifeline in my body, golden light blazing beneath my skin with an intensity I had never experienced. Her silver markings responded in kind, luminous patterns spreading visible beneath the fabric covering her arms and chest. The sensation was overwhelming—pleasure so acute it bordered on pain, connection so profound it transcended physical awareness.

When she finally drew back, her pupils were dilated, her breathing uneven. "That was... unexpected," she whispered.

"For us both," I admitted, fighting to regain my composure.

Instead of retreating as she had after previous moments of closeness, she remained where she was, her expression thoughtful.

"The pull between us," she said slowly. "It's not going away, is it? No matter how much distance I try to maintain."

"No," I answered honestly. "It will continue to grow until a choice is made—to complete the bond or to deliberately sever it."

She absorbed this information with the same quiet intensity she brought to all challenges. "And completion? What does that entail, exactly?"

Heat suffused my being at her directness. "Physical joining, yes, but more than that. A conscious merging of the energies that flow between us. A choice to connect fully, without reservation."

"And you've been waiting for me to make that choice," she observed. "Despite the discomfort of an incomplete bond."

"Your freedom to choose matters more than my comfort," I replied. "It always will."

Something shifted in her expression—a softening, a lowering of barriers long maintained. Her hand returned to my face, this time cupping my cheek with gentle determination.

"I'm not ready for full completion," she said quietly. "Not yet. But I'm tired of fighting this pull between us. Tired of pretending I don't feel it."

Before I could respond, she kissed me again, this time with greater purpose. Her body pressed against mine, her smaller form fitting against me with surprising naturalness despite our physical differences. My arms encircled her waist, careful of her injured leg as I drew her closer.

The kiss deepened, exploration turning to passion as our markings synchronized, pulsing with shared rhythm that echoed our accelerating heartbeats. My hands slid into her hair, feeling its silky texture between my fingers. Her own hands roamed across my chest and shoulders, fingers tracing the patterns of my lifelines with increasing boldness.

When we broke apart, breathless, the cave around us seemed transformed—the illumination globes' light reflecting off our glowing markings to create patterns of gold and silver across the stone walls.

"I want this," she whispered against my lips. "Whatever this is between us. I want to explore it. Without fear. Without holding back."

My lifelines surged at her words, a wave of joy and desire crashing through me. I gathered her into my arms, mindful of her injury as I laid her on the soft furs arranged nearby. Hovering above her, I searched her eyes for any sign of doubt or hesitation.

I found only determination and desire, mirroring what burned within me.

"I will show you everything," I promised, my voice low and intense. "Everything the bond offers, everything we can be together."

As my lips found hers once more, the cave around us faded to insignificance. There was only Mirelle—her warmth, her scent, the soft sounds of pleasure she made as my hands and mouth explored her with reverent passion. Our markings blazed like captured starlight, illuminating the darkness as the storm continued to rage outside, forgotten by us both.