Page 20

Orin

THE EVENTFUL FIRST day back at work at the palace and the revelations that were revealed only made me more certain about claiming Olivia and activating our mating bond.

The immediate threat to the Alaran people made me determined to protect her from any potential harm.

My intention during my visit to Olivia’s suite one rotation ago was to apologize for avoiding her.

I also had planned to admit my lack of mating experience, hoping she would still choose to be with me. That did not happen, but I had spoken up and confessed another truth. That she deserved a better mate.

Olivia’s forgiving and kind nature caught me off guard in the best way possible.

The truth was, I would never have been able to stay away from her once I knew we were fated mates. It would have been impossible, and I wasn’t sure I could live without her regardless of how she felt about me.

Opening up to Olivia felt effortless, and as a result, I shared things with her I had never disclosed to anyone else.

I was surprised when I began talking about my parents with her.

Being close to Olivia, I experienced unfamiliar emotions, and I felt things for her I never imagined I could feel for anyone.

My chest ached when I had to leave her side.

What caught me off guard the most was her admission of feelings for me, and then came the kissing. The mix of joy and arousal was new to me.

After our shared kisses, I had not been able to stop thinking about holding and kissing her again. My feelings for her were stronger than ever. We’d only kissed, but my desire for Olivia was burning like a roaring fire.

Now I was about to see her again and I hoped for much more than a kiss, though I knew it might not be appropriate. One thing was certain. I no longer had any fears or reservations about accepting our connection.

UPON THE OPENING OF Olivia's suite door, my mate welcomed me with an unexpected embrace and kiss.

My heart thudded with excitement upon receiving her delightful greeting.

My K’sha was a breathtaking beauty, with her mesmerizing eyes, graceful manner and soothing voice.

I lifted her effortlessly into my arms and I carried her to the sofa while she giggled. Then I sat down with her in my lap like I had done the day before.

“Can I expect the same greeting each time I see you?” I asked, grinning.

She eyed me with her head tilted as if unsure of my meaning. “Don’t you approve?” she asked, sounding hesitant.

I smiled, then gave her a quick kiss. “I approve. Very much.” The bulge in my trousers pulsed eagerly, enjoying the feel of her soft buttocks as she settled onto my lap. I’d been here mere seconds, and I was already hard for her.

I had been in the company of many males who freely shared stories about their mating experiences with females from different planets.

The thought of putting my cock into a stranger or taking a mate that I had no bond with held no allure for me.

I’d prayed to Tenage and Veshar to bring me my K’sha. I dared to believe that they might find me worthy enough to create a fated mate just for me.

To my astonishment, it finally happened. The instant I laid eyes on Olivia, I knew she was the one for me. It just took me a while to come to terms with it.

Now she was in my arms and I never wanted to let her go. Sheer bliss engulfed me when Olivia acknowledged our fated connection.

I would smile more often just to keep seeing my K’sha’s adoring gaze forever.

Whatever fears and reservations stopped me from accepting our connection before now, I no longer cared. There was an immediate threat to the Alaran people, and I was not willing to risk losing her to anything or anyone else.

I couldn’t afford to waste any more time. I had to claim her.

She gushed, “I’ve missed you...And I’m so glad to see you.”

A wide grin spread across my face. “Personally, I found it difficult to concentrate.”

Olivia giggled, then pressed her lips against mine and I groaned, kissing her back. My arms tightened around her as her hands went to my head where she stroked me tenderly.

Passion and bliss were intertwined, making my head spin with every lingering kiss we shared. Her soft, pink lips made me feel an intense rush of desire. I longed to delve into every inch of her, determined to uncover the source of her pleasure and satisfy her.

Her passionate responses fueled my eagerness to be consumed by her. To be enveloped in her warmth and feel her essence pulsating against my cock.

I didn’t know if she could engage in mating while in her current condition. I wanted to inquire, but I hesitated.

Placing my hand on her abdomen, she responded with a smile. “I have never seen a pregnant female up close before. You are beautiful like this.” I said, gazing at her stomach then meeting her eyes.

“Really?” She made a grimace and raised her eyebrows. “I’m glad you think so, because I feel huge.” She let out a chuckle.

Grinning, I added without thinking, “I can’t wait to fill you with younglings of our own.”

Olivia blushed and chuckled again.

The surrounding air was filled with a captivating scent, a blend of her unique, powdery sweetness and a hint of growing arousal.

Thank the gods my statement had not scared her. I berated my lack of self-control, nonetheless.

It was time to tell her the truth. I reached out and placed my hand on her knee. “Olivia, I have something to tell you.”

“Is everything alright? Don’t tell me you have to leave Alara? I couldn’t bear it.” Panic was evident on her face. I wasn’t great at conversation and this only proved it. It was not my intention to send her into a state of worry.

Her subtle movements made me painfully conscious of her bottom pressing against me, and I had to suppress a groan. “No. It is nothing like that.” I flashed a reassuring smile. “I am uncertain about how you will view me after I share this with you.”

Her brows drew together, and she put her hand to my jaw. “Now I’m curious. It would take a lot to change my opinion of you, Orin.” She ran her hand along my cheek, then smoothed it through my hair.

I shut my eyes and let out a deep, rumbling purr.

Olivia had stopped moving her hand, so I opened my eyes and saw her staring at me, expecting me to provide an explanation.

In a husky voice, I confessed, “Olivia, your touch feels incredible... I crave you.”

Her lips curled into a mischievous grin that made my heart race. “I want you too,” she said, her eyes filled with desire.

In that fleeting moment, our gazes met, and the world blurred into insignificance.

I let out a cough, trying to ease the tension, before stumbling through the words, “I want to be truthful with you, always... I’ve never mated with anyone before.”

Her head snapped back as she observed me. “Mated?” she asked, raising her eyebrows. “You mean sex?”

I shrugged, unsure if we were talking about the same thing. My translator clarified what she meant, and I nodded.

“But you’ve been with other women...You’ve done other things, right?” she asked.

I shook my head, pressing my lips. “Only kissed. And only once.”

“I don’t understand...I never expected you to...not that I mind.” Her eyes held a gentle look. “So, you’re a virgin?”

My lips curved into a grin. “I do not know that word, but based on what my translator is telling me...I guess I am.” Relief flooded me when she didn’t become upset at my revelation. I inhaled the delicious scent of her as she licked her lips.

“Why? I mean, you are gorgeous.... I’m surprised no one has snapped you up already.”

Laughter bubbled up from deep within me. My K’sha had a way with the Terran language that brought a smile to my face.

Her head leaned into my touch as I ran my hand down the side, savoring the feel of her hair against my palm.

My heart thrummed in sync with hers. “I was waiting for my fated mate.” With my arms wrapped around her, I gave her a gentle squeeze.

“I was waiting for you, my heart.”

Beaming at me, she looked up, and I responded with a gentle kiss before studying her. The stars seemed to shimmer in her brown eyes, with flecks of gold catching the light. Her affection for me was evident in the way she looked at me, and I could feel it.

“Are you concerned about my inexperience in relationships?” I asked.

“Absolutely not!”

Pleased by her response, I gazed back at her with a half-smile. My heart felt lighter.

As her fingertips grazed my cheek, a gentle warmth spread through me.

“You’ve been very open with me...I respect that.

You never have to worry about how I feel about you.

I’ve never stopped wanting you.” She chuckled.

“Besides, I’m not experienced in relationships either.

I’ve only been with one guy. And he was a jerk. ”

I tilted my head, captivated by every subtle gesture she made. My hands seemed to have a mind of their own, gliding along her shoulders, arms and hips with a gentle touch.

Her response to my touch was immediate, as she squirmed and traced her hands along my chest. “Exactly what is it you’re worried about?”

“That I will not know how to...” I swallowed, “to bring you pleasure.”

She grasped my face with her tender hands and shook her head, locking her gaze with mine.

“Orin, the slightest brush of your hand electrifies me. When you are near me, all I want is to kiss you. You turn me...” She looked down as her cheeks turned crimson. “Well, let’s just say, I need to change my panties soon...Believe me, you pleasing me will be a breeze.”

Her words took a moment to sink in and I grinned with pride. “Are you sure you don’t mind my lack of... experience?”

She wrapped her arms around my neck. “Not at all. It will be fun, teaching you what I like.... if you want me to, that is.” Her lips quirked.

“Gods yes. I’d like you to show me the areas that give you the most pleasure when touched. I only hope to satisfy your needs and make you happy,” I husked.