Page 27

Chapter Twenty-Six

LEX

A small giggle has me opening my eyes only to realize my arm is asleep where I was holding Rylie against me all darkness. “ What are you so happy about this rising?”

“ I was trying to cover up the evidence of me drooling all over you through the night, but I believe it’s in vain. Shame on you for being so comfortable.”

“ I can see this being all my fault.” I reach down, tickling her playfully as she tries to scoot off the lounger. Laughing , Rylie gently slaps at my hands.

“ Quit , before I pee on myself, crazy man.”

Her laughter can be heard all the way into the refreshing chamber before she shuts the door. Stretching , I take a moment to think of what we could do this rising. What would she enjoy seeing? Falcor has several nice dining areas, and his observatory is quite impressive, maybe I will start there.

“ If you are getting dressed, throw on something comfortable; I want to show you a few things.”

While she is in there, I head into the closet hoping to get changed out of these wrinkled garments quickly while she freshens up. I am in the process of re-braiding my hair when she strolls into the closet, wrapped only in a towel.

“ Define comfortable?”

“ We will be walking a bit, then I plan on feeding you. Falcor is the massive star cruiser we have drydocked with and I thought you might want to explore some.”

“ Sounds like a date?”

“ It is whatever you want it to be. Tempting as you are in that towel, I am going to make myself walk out of this closet and allow you a moment to prepare yourself while I still can. You have no idea how tempting, nor how hard it is for me to concentrate when you appear before me like that.”

“ Maybe that’s the whole reason I keep doing it. You need your world a little shook up every now and then.”

“ Let me reassure you, you have mastered that. Now stop … what did you call it … teasing. Yes , stop this teasing so that I can walk around and show you off to others.”

“ Maybe I enjoy teasing you; what would you do if I slid this towel up a little?”

“ Rylie , I am doing my best to be honorable, and you are pushing all my buttons.”

She walks up to me slowly so I can see all the mischievousness in her smile. “ So , are you telling me that showing a little bit of skin pushes your buttons, hmm?”

“ You even being in the same space has practically kept me semi-hard for rotations. If you do not want to be spread out on the floor with my face buried between your legs, you will behave.”

What I was not prepared for was her dropping the towel. Rubbing a hand over my face, I force myself to stand still. “ Frack , Rylie , you are more than I deserve. My hands are not worthy of touching you.”

“ Let me decide that. I need more than your words LeX . I need all of you and you’re holding back from me. If we’re going to make this work, you need to understand I’m a very physical person. I crave hugs, kisses, and your full attention. I’ve always considered myself high maintenance when it comes to relationships and most men can’t handle that. So , it was easier to be alone rather than settling. I don’t want your money or your status. I couldn’t care less who you are with others, it’s who you are with me that matters most. Despite my mind being a jumbled mess, I stand before you, offering everything, knowing exactly what I want. The choice is now yours, if you want me to get dressed, I will …”

Lowering myself to my knees, I find her glorious breasts before my eyes. It is obvious that my hesitation is hurting her no matter what she says. Leaning forward, I give her plenty of chances to change her mind. My hands skim along her sides gently as I watch the scales on her arms raise slightly, rattling enough for me to hear the effect I’m having on her. Steadily and slowly, I trace her curves, memorizing every inch of her as I go as I pull her to the floor. Small whimpers leave her lips as I continue to arouse her further. Releasing her nipple from the hot confines of my mouth, I look up at her.

“ Are you comfortable? If not, you must let me know because I intend on being here for some time. I hunger for you deeply.”

Humor gleams in her eyes as she wriggles a bit, making her beautiful breasts jiggle with each motion. The impish grin that spreads across her face at my tortured groan tells me she is thoroughly enjoying this thing she calls “teasing.”

“ Oh yes, I’m very comfortable. Carry on with what you were doing.”

Inhaling the delightful aroma of her arousal, I lean forward and move down to reach the alluring heaven between her thighs. Using both hands, I spread her legs wide to make room for the width of my shoulders. I want to be as close to her as I can possibly get. My mouth begins to water the closer I get to her honeyed depths. The first touch of my tongue against her distended pearl makes us both moan.

I smile to myself when I feel both of her little hands come up and tangle in my long hair, holding me to her so I cannot get away.

Silly little female, as if I would ever want to leave you.

With that thought in mind, I dive back into her delicious slit, using my tongue to ravage her pleasure button without mercy. Alternating long, hard licks with tiny teasing flicks using only the tip of my tongue, it doesn’t take long before Rylie is writhing against my mouth, panting. Glancing up, the sight she presents forces a low growl from deep in my chest.

Her eyes are shut, and her soft mouth is parted as her breaths come in short, sharp little puffs. Leaning back into her, I redouble my efforts, swirling my tongue around her nub as I slide two fingers into her weeping core. Curling them in a “come to me” motion, I find the hidden spot within her and stroke the textured flesh. The added stimulation is just what she needs because her inner walls start fluttering around my fingers as her cries of pleasure fill the air and her hands yank my face tighter against her flesh.

Soothing her little bud, I slowly bring her down until her muscles go lax and her thighs release their death grip on my head. Leaning back, I look up at her from where I kneel before her and smile at what I see. Her legs are splayed around me, her chest heaving as she tries to catch her breath. The expression on her face can only be described as intense satisfaction and pride fills me as I watch her gather her composure. Eventually her eyes open and fill with warmth as she gazes down at me.

“ Well , that definitely took the edge off. You said something about food?”

Chuckling , I shake my head at her rapid change of topic. My Rylie is always full of surprises. Getting to my feet, I help her up, holding her steady until her legs stop shaking. I must hide my smirk from her, so I do not get reprimanded for being too smug. But I must not have hidden it well enough because she sticks her tongue out at me before heading deeper into the garment area as my entire body shakes with laughter.

Walking out of the wardrobe, I look around, and that’s when it hits me. My entire world has been turned on its end all because of the changes she has brought to my life; the laughter, the smiles, the chaos, and I could not be happier.

“ Well , hello good looking, you available the rest of the day?”

Turning , my heart feels full, and I feel complete at the sight of her standing before me. The backlight highlights her pale skin and turquoise scales, which sparkle as she twirls, showing off her long legs in the playful dress.

“ Is this alright? I had such a hard time choosing. SAGE has given me so many options, I have no idea what to pick next.”

“ You look stunning, every moment more so in my eyes.”

“ You are such a sweet talker, but keep it up, I like it. Are these sandals warm enough or should I put flats on?”

“ Your apparel is appropriate, however if you find you need something else, SAGE is always a shout away.”

“ Ok then, I’m ready when you are.”

It just so happens that the moment our outer door slides open, Rafe and Mandy were walking by. His booming voice echoes around us.

“ Where are you two headed? I figured you would be hiding for a few risings.”

“ I thought Rylie might enjoy some of the sights on Falcor .”

“ We must have been of like minds, as that is the way we are headed as well. Mind some company?”

I glance down at Rylie , “ Sounds good to me.”

The next thing I know, all four of us are cramming into the closest lift. The females are chattering like they have known each other for risings. Rafe shakes his head, a small, confident smile on his face. The moment the lift opens the girls walk out in front of us. Rylie tucks her arm into mine as she and Mandy chat back and forth.

Looking above both their heads, Rafe’s eyes catch my own. “ I hear father gave you permission to keep Mandy on board?”

“ He did. I was slightly worried at first that he was not going to allow it, but it is like his entire view on the matter changed when I told him how much I had come to love her. It probably helped that I had waited to ask her if that was what she wanted as well while he was live on the holo screen. When she said nothing would make her happier, it took every ounce of my willpower not to shout at the heavens. She has completed me LeX , like a piece of a puzzle I didn’t know I was missing.”

Rafe’s words make me reflect on my own feelings, especially when he pulls Mandy close kissing the top of her head, and Rylie looks up at me smiling. Blessings happen in so many ways, some large and instantly noticeable, others smaller but more effective in the end.

We find ourselves walking through the door of Falcor’s observatory, and even I stop in awe. “ Wow , LeX . I had no idea when you said observatory what you were talking about. I can’t imagine how long this took to create. The trees have to be touching the ceiling, and it smells amazing in here. Oh my god, there are birds?”

“ Actually , Falcor harbors several wild animals in this area. Most were brought here accidentally, in shipping crates, or as contraband, but he has made a safe home for all. I know there are a few avian species as well as Uana’s and some small canines who call this home. Luna has personally planted most of the flowering fauna herself and she said, and I quote, ‘ this place needs some color .’”

“ That planet with the rings looks so close you could practically reach out and touch it.”

“ That is one of the three moons circling Darverius , called Sybrus Two . As beautiful as it looks from here, its atmosphere is deadly. My father sends most of his trainees there for conditioning. If you can survive that moon you can survive anywhere.”

“ I take it you know this from experience?”

“ Yes , not a trip I ever want to go on again, nor would I recommend it, even though several of my brothers thrive in locations like that. GoR’s planet is practically frozen for most of the year, so he thought the place was paradise and I couldn’t wait to finish the task laid out for us.”

We were walking casually through the well-lined paths when Mandy comes running back around the corner. “ Rylie come look over here, I think these are Canna’s .”

Motioning us forward, we both quickly find the tall plant Mandy is pointing at. “ Look , and that’s not the only thing, there are Impatiens , Petunias , and Zinnias .”

“ LeX where did these come from?”

“ I am not sure. Falcor ? The females have a question about some of the plants.”

“ Greetings and welcome to my observatory. To answer your questions, these plants are native to your Earth . Mistress Luna and General Tordan have been working diligently on locating the rare and delicate seedlings. Once on board, we have integrated them into this area for your pleasure.”

Rylie reaches out, gently touching one of the blooms. “ I figured all was lost, but this gives me such hope. Things never truly die, do they LeX ? One way or another, a small piece is always left behind and, if cared for properly, it will flourish once again.”

Instantly , my arms are filled with a tiny female. “ It’s the same with me isn’t it, LeX ? I was locked in my own world, but because of your gentle coaxing, I slowly emerged out of my comfort zone, only to bloom in your arms.”

“ Hopefully , you always see me in such light.”

She reaches up, grabbing my braid and pulling my head down gently, her lips seeking mine just as I am pulling her closer. “ Oh , get a room you two, no fornicating in the gardens, unless ... Come here my little morsel.”

When Mandy starts laughing, Rylie pulls away with a small smile on her face. She glances over at Rafe who now has Mandy pinned to the wall, his hands slowly sneaking up her shirt. Giggling like two younglings, I motion for Rylie to come with me as we sneak out of the observatory. Once the door shuts behind us, I am just getting ready to ask her what she wants to do next when I hear her stomach growl.

“ Forgive me mate, I should have fed us before we left our rooms. I forget you need to eat slightly more than I do.”

“ Why is that? I mean shouldn’t that be the other way around? You’re bigger.”

“ I think my system has simply become accustomed to being in a constant state of hunger, as I tend to forget to eat often.”

“ Sounds like I need to add making you eat regularly to my list of things to do. Maybe make it my mission to fluff you up a little. Though I believe as your doctor, I might need to do a closer inspection. Because from here, it’s looks as if there’s not an extra ounce on your frame.”

“ My mother’s people are built smaller and without my father’s bulkiness. I can hold my own simply because my size makes me quicker, but if another with the mass of SoL is up against me, my odds would not be favorable. But you are welcome to explore me at your next convenience.”

“ I will remember that later when you try to run from me again. Now feed me before I collapse.”

Grabbing a lift, we head up to the top floor of Falcor where he hosts diverse groups of shops and dining of many different varieties, as he employs all species.

“ Where do you want to eat?”

“ Ok , let’s get this straight right now. You pick and I will find something.”

“ Well , that does not seem fair.”

“ Maybe not, but I am trying to eliminate the biggest issue of every couple, no matter what planet, race, or species. Let’s try this, I’m a woman and simply incapable of picking my own food.”

“ That seems irrational to me; you are a highly intelligent individual. Why would I believe those words?”

“ Because the moment you ask me what I want, I become a blank slate with no idea how to proceed, so now nothing sounds good. So , to stop all this nonsense before it starts, lead on and I will follow. Anyway , how will I know what I like or don’t like here? You don’t have a favorite pizza or burger joint onboard, do ya?”

“ I do not believe so, no.”

“ Then let’s come back to this discussion at a later time, when I have more knowledge to bring to the table.”

Slightly confused, I head into one of my favorite spots and a dining bot greets us as we walk in. “ Medic LeX , are there only the two of you dining this rising?”

“ No , there will be four.” Rafe’s boisterous voice booms behind us. Turning , I must stop myself from growling when I see Rafe and Mandy strolling up. Rylie rubs my arm when she feels me tense up. How am I supposed to court her properly if we are always surrounded by others? Instead of letting it bother me further, we all walk into the Belvedere . I picked this establishment for the view above and below us as the majority of the tables sit upon a clear floor.

When Rylie hesitates to walk forward, I stop. Rafe walks around us, picking Mandy up with one arm as he strolls behind the dining bot that is showing us to our table.

“ Wow LeX , is this safe? I mean, I love looking at the stars and all, but this is a little intimidating.”

“ Would you prefer we dine somewhere else? I thought the unobstructed view would please you.”

“ No , and it does. I don’t want to seem like a big baby, but I never dreamed I would be walking in space if you catch my meaning.”

Holding my hand out, I wait patiently for her to come to me on her own. “ When you are lost or unsure just look at me, Rylie . I will always be there to guide you.” I watch as so many emotions flow across her beautiful face before I see her determination push her steps forward. Her small hand is swallowed by my own as I lead her slowly to where Rafe and Mandy are sitting waiting on us. She only relaxes when seated, but her gaze is scanning everywhere all at once.

Mandy reaches over, grabbing Rylie’s hand in her own. She is so excited she is practically bouncing in her seat. “ Isn’t this the freakiest, coolest thing ever Rylie ?”

“ I do prefer solid ground under my feet, but yes, you’re right, the view is stunning. I never dreamed anything like this was possible.”

A floating menu pops up in the air in front of us and I see Rylie hesitate as I know the dishes are all unfamiliar. “ Would you like me to order for you?”

“ Please .”

“ Is there anything in particular you do not like?”

“ Liver ?”

“ You have had to digest a body organ that was only designed to remove toxins? I can guarantee nothing of the sort is on this menu. What is Keida’s famous word … Yes , ‘yuck’!”

I quickly order a sampler for her to choose from, and as the menus disappear, soft music fills the room. Without thinking, I hold my hand out. “ Would you care to dance?”

“ You dance?”

“ I do.”

“ I’m not sure if I do, but if you’re willing to sacrifice your toes, I would love to try.”

Before she can change her mind, I lift her out of the chair, guiding her onto a raised platform that leads a little further out. Our surroundings are so clear it looks as if we are floating in space itself. Rafe whistles loudly and I see a soft blush grace Rylie’s cheeks.

Rylie starts to raise her arms up around my neck, but I take her hands and place them where I want them as I lead her through a few intricate steps. As she becomes more confident, I add in a few more. Dipping her quickly, her pale curls swing around her smiling face as I lift her back up and it’s plain to see her pure joy.

“ Where in the world did you learn to dance like this?”

“ On the dance floor of course, that is where all the females are. Since physically I could not have a deeper relationship with anyone who was not my mate, this was the next best option. I thought the other males were stupid standing against the wall because they were scared to look foolish. Everyone knows you always want to be where the girls are, since they are always having the most fun. Males are in too much competition.”

“ I would normally argue it’s the females that are the competitors, but I’m so happy at this moment. I don’t care what the rest of the world is doing.”

“ Your happiness is all that matters to me, Rylie .”

“ I believe you LeX , and those are big words. May we always share this happiness, and I pray I never become a disappointment to you. I don’t think my heart has ever felt this light.”

“ You and me both, my love.” I have just spun her around when I see our food being delivered to the table. Picking her up playfully, I kiss her forehead before putting her back on her feet as I lead her off the dance floor. Rylie’s flushed cheeks and large smile only get bigger when Mandy starts whistling.

“ Whoohoo , you two were tearing it up out there. I tried to get grumpy butt out there, but he says he only dances in private. However , he promised he would make it up to me later if I didn’t make him go out there in front of everyone.”

“ Looks like you have backed yourself into a corner, Rafe , as I have never witnessed you dancing a day in your existence.”

“ I can dance, maybe not as fluidly as you do. I do not think it is natural for a male’s hips to move that way.”

“ Did you just admit out loud that you were staring at my ass?”

The moment those words come out of my mouth, Mandy has to cover her own to keep from spitting out her drink. The rest of the meal continues on the same; smiles, and familiar teasing make for a pleasant evening especially as it seems the darkness crept up on us quickly.

Rafe throws down his napkin, then rubs his belly like he is an older male. “ Well , this has proven to be a fun and enlightening get together. Hopefully , we will be able to continue this ritual on Destiny … Although , it’s going to take a bit for me to get used to her name change. LeX , you and Rylie are staying onboard, right?”

“ We have not discussed it enough to make that final decision yet, but I will let you know. I have promised Rylie that wherever she goes, so will I .”

“ I understand, but I mean the reasoning is simple. We will be on the ship as well, what more motivation could one need?”

Laughing , we all get up, leaving at the same time and heading back to Destiny and our assigned chambers that happen to be right next door to each other. Once again, the females chatter on as the lift accelerates only to stop when it opens to our floor.

Mandy reaches out, grabbing Rylie in a quick hug. “ I hope you guys decide to stay on the ship because it would be great to have a friend nearby. I don’t know if you’ve gotten to talk to Qwin much, but she’s great, too.”

“ LeX said we have a few days before we have to give our answer, but I promise to let you know first.”

Rafe grabs my arm in a warrior’s shake before seizing his mate and throwing her over his shoulder. Laughing , Mandy waves at us while hanging upside down as they disappear into their rooms.

Waving my hand over our door’s sensor, we walk in together and my eyes drift over to the closet. I will never look at that place the same again as I can still taste her on my lips.

Grabbing her mirthfully, I spin her around a few times admiring her long legs as well as her laughter. Quickly , I have her backed up against the wall her beautiful blue eyes sparkling as she gazes up at me and I realize my whole future is standing before me.