Page 27

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

-Clay-

I LAY IN bed, the sheets wrapped loosely around my waist, watching Arcay going through his drills. I’d finally managed to get him to go to the infirmary to get his wounds properly taken care of and that alien medicine was something else. On earth, someone with Arcay’s wounds would have had to spend weeks in hospital. But only a short time later his movements were almost as smooth and powerful as normal.

Head propped on one hand, I watched his body twist as he ran through different movements to thrust and flex the golden spear in his hands, his taut muscles standing out on his frame. He was wearing only a loose garment that covered him from the waist to mid-thighs, leaving almost nothing to the imagination, and his body glistened with perspiration.

Not gonna lie, it was a very pleasant view, a guy could get used to this. But I had been lying in bed for far too long now and my backside was starting to ache. I kicked the covers off, struggling to my feet and dragging the sheet with me. After Arcay’s adorable attempt at dating me, I’d been so tired I’d fallen asleep naked, tangled in his arms. And he’d let me.

I shuffled to the bathroom and took care of business. I must have been getting the hang of the high-tech toilet because I managed to relieve myself without any minor injuries.

When I reemerged, Arcay put his spear onto its hooks on the wall and picked up a big, white cloth to wipe himself down. That done, he threw it around his shoulders, looking for all the world like he’d just stepped off the cover of a men’s health magazine, exotic edition.

He lifted his arms above his head, stretching his body taut, the skin around his healed wounds tightening slightly. I saw him wince and he lowered his hands, rubbing at the scar with his fingers.

“You alright?” I asked.

He grunted and flexed his shoulders, then turned to me and smiled.

“I am fine, just a little tense.”

He took me in, and his demeanor changed. His nostrils flared and he narrowed his eyes.

“What?” I said.

“I can smell you,” he said.

He came to the bed, hovering over me on one knee as I stared up at him. Then he smiled his small smile and leaned down to press his face against my neck.

“Ew, you’re all sweaty and clammy,” I said, although I didn’t move away.

He growled into my neck and my pulse increased with its vibration. There was something so primal about the way he made me feel. Maybe it was the pheromones, but I had a feeling it was just him.

His lips trailed up my jaw, nipping and mouthing.

“I had hoped after our time together yesterday we could explore further,” he murmured. “If that blasted Kraat had not ruined it.”

“Hey, don’t blame him. You should have gone to the infirmary sooner.”

He huffed. “Either way, I intend to make up for it now.”

I hummed as his mouth worked its way down, skimming over my chest.

There was the sound of someone clearing their throat. We looked up.

Lendel was standing in the doorway, looking resolutely to one side. He cleared his throat again and said something in Aldarian.

Arcay growled something back.

Lendel shook his head. “Ai, Arani.”

Arcay sighed, looking back to me for a moment, and then growled and pushed himself up. I couldn’t help feeling deeply disappointed.

“What was that?” I asked after Lendel had left, pushing myself up as Arcay gathered his clothes.

“I have to go. Jursin wishes to see me. Urgently,” he grumbled. “Though I would much rather stay here with you,” he added.

His clothes were tented over his massive erection, and I cursed Jursin, Lendel, and everyone else who stood between me and that.

“Fuck,” I groaned and fell back onto the bed, hands covering my face. I was ready to go.

“I will be back as quickly as I can,” he said.

I needed to burn this very real and very immediate energy off. Did they have gyms?

“Alright, I might go for a run or something then.”

“No!” he said, so loudly I jumped.

“You must stay here. It is not safe for you to go out alone while you are still unclaimed.”

“But you won me already. In that tournament thing.”

Arcay shook his head and kept getting dressed.

“I am uncomfortable with leaving you alone as it is. Your pheromones are very potent.” He looked over at me lying on the bed again. “In fact, get dressed, you will come with me.”

I did not want to go and see Jursin, he kinda creeped me out. He was so intense and…big. And if this was important there was a chance Ulgar would be there too. Plus, it’d been a while since I actually had some time to myself without a randy alphas eye-fucking me—not that I had any complaints when it came to Arcay. And being locked in a room or tied up didn’t count as alone time.

“It’s ok, I’ll stay here.”

“Then I will have the betas attend to you, and a guard posted outside. I do not feel comfortable leaving you on your own here.”

“Why not? I’ll be fine, I’m a big boy.” I smiled

“Even so, you would be safer at my side.”

“Oh, come on, Arcay”

He considered for a moment, lips thin, then let out a low breath through his nose.

I relaxed slightly, “Don’t worry about it, I’ll be fine. I’ll just hang out here.”

He hesitated in the doorway. “I can get someone to come—”

“Arcay, seriously, just go,” I said. “I’m not a kid, I’m not going to accidentally set the place on fire.”

Something still troubled him, and it slowly dawned on me what it was.

“Arcay, I won’t go anywhere, I promise. I’ll still be here when you get back.”

He studied me, then looked away and nodded, “I will not be gone long.”

He finally left with a lingering backward glance. I let out a big breath and looked around the empty room.

Star light streamed through the wide windows, so I grabbed a cushion off the floor and stretched out on the couch. Might as well work on my space tan. It was quiet, the room was airy, bright and tranquil, and I closed my eyes. This whole situation was starting to feel like a weird kind of holiday; delicious food, luxury accommodation, willing staff. Not to mention the one thing no holiday would be complete without; wild sex. I’d only had a small taste, but damn had it whet my appetite. A smile stretched across my face. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

And Arcay, he was a completely different guy to when I’d first come on board. He was still stern, and serious most of the time, but he wasn’t mean anymore. What had happened? I didn’t know, but I wasn’t complaining.

There was no harm in just enjoying myself a little bit was there? I was sure my crew were going to get help, a ship would probably be back any time now to get me, sort this whole thing out, and take me home again. There was no way they would just let aliens abduct one of their own and get away with it. No way. They were probably drumming up a rescue team right now.

I stretched out.

Yeah, this wasn’t so bad.

My stomach grumbled, and I ignored it, but a second later I heard a shuffle of feet and glanced up to see Lendel appear as if summoned by the noise. He looked at me expectantly, and I smiled awkwardly. It was kinda creepy how they did that, appearing out of nowhere. My stomach grumbled again. Well, now that he was here, I might as well get something.

“Hey Len, could you get me some food please?”

He frowned slightly at the nickname. His grasp of Panlin was improving as quickly as Arcay’s, although he didn't seem happy about it. But then he never seemed to be happy about anything, other than clean pressed laundry.

“Of course, what would you like?” he said in his clipped accent.

I thought about it. The food I’d had here was great, but I really craved a taste of home. A fun idea occurred to me.

“Do you have any burgers?”

Arcay had given me a crash course on his food, now I wanted to share some of mine with him. I got a little thrill of excitement at the idea.

“Bur-grers?” Lendel frowned.

“Uh yeah, they’re like bread, with grilled meat in the middle.”

“I haven’t heard of bur-grers before, but I am sure I will be able to look it up on the system. No doubt someone will be able to create something similar for you.”

“Thanks, man.”

He sniffed and left. I settled back, eyes closed and arms folded behind my head. I waited for the food and daydreamed about Arcay. His hands felt so good. Mind-numbingly good. I could just imagine how much better it would be with that huge cock of his inside me.

What would happen if Arcay didn’t claim me? Could we just carry on like this? It would be a shame to miss out on penetrative sex with him; my chest ached and my mouth watered just at the thought of it. But I could go without the whole hog if it meant more of those insane blowjobs. Obviously, I’d be more than happy to return the favor.

I chewed on my lip, thinking about what I could do to Arcay tonight, and my hand hovered over my lap.

The door opened and I dropped my hand quickly, embarrassed.

“Oh, that was quick,” I said, making sure the sheet covered what had been a swiftly growing boner. I didn’t need to expose him to that side of me. Again. I sat up and turned.

And froze.

It wasn’t Lendel.