Page 14 of Taming the Alien Outlaw (Brides of the Bohnari #2)

Janik

I’ve always let my instincts guide me, and they tell me to wait.

Even though I suspect Horek will come investigate.

It was clear he knew exactly what had caught Mak’s attention.

So, instead of disappearing without a trace, I wait, because no one has been willing to answer my questions. Perhaps the commander will.

While I sit here I replay every image of Olivia I’ve stored inside my head since the first time I saw her.

Spoke to her. Touched her. Phinnek are some of the most intelligent creatures on this planet.

They’re also the most loyal. It came as no surprise that Mak obeyed Olivia.

I suspect if it came down to it, she would protect Olivia even from me. Not that she would need to.

“Your arrogance will be your undoing. It certainly can’t be stupidity that kept you here,” Horek calls out from only a short distance from my hiding spot.

He scans the area, still unable to identify my exact location. I step out of the shadows and into full view.

“Olivia too mistakes confidence for arrogance.”

The commander’s hand goes to his blaster, but he keeps it holstered. “You dare to even speak her name?”

I mimic her shoulder raise. “She was my guest, if only for a short time.”

Horek laughs. “Do you kidnap all your guests?”

“Only the beautiful ones.” Only her.

He cants his head and studies me intently. “You’ve been struck with the mating fever recently.” It’s not a question. “Your skin color has darkened and your scales are more pronounced. Even your eyes have changed color.”

They have?

However, I try not to let my ignorance show. “That is what happens when you can’t afford to line the prince’s pockets and your supply of kanet powder dwindles.”

Instead of taking the bait Horek remains calm. “Olivia told us you two spoke of this. Of the fact that Alik charges no one for the powder. He has no wish for our people to die. Not even you.”

What else did Olivia reveal?

“Yes, she said something to the fact.”

The commander continues. “She does not believe you intended for Konek to be killed nor did you realize someone had , in fact, died.”

I’m not sure I hide my shock. Olivia truly believes me? And she shared this belief with the prince?

“You seem surprised.”

I shake myself to attention. “What? No, of course not. Why should I be surprised by the truth?”

“If you are out of kanet powder, how did you calm the fever and maintain control over yourself?” Horek’s change of topic makes me blink.

I narrow my gaze, because this feels like a trick somehow. Why do I hesitate to answer? All those present this morning saw Olivia was able to tame the beast. No doubt word spread throughout camp, so it’s no secret. Yet, I am reluctant to share the information with the commander.

“Does it matter?”

“Perhaps,” Horek says. “Perhaps not.”

Another brief hesitation later, I finally answer. “It was Olivia who kept me calm.”

The commander takes a step closer and withdraws his blaster. “You dared to force her?”

I jerk at his accusation. “I would never!”

“So she just let you use her to sate your need? After you kidnapped her?”

“Use her?” I gape. “I did nothing of the sort. She was able to get me away from people and sat beside me until I was able to gain control.”

Horek keeps his blaster trained on me another moment, before cautiously returning it to his hip. “Are you telling me Olivia stopped the madness from consuming you by merely being close?”

“Not that it is any of your business, but she was also touching my chest and stroking my face. I may be a rebel and an outlaw, but I would never harm a female. Not in any way.” Not that every thought didn’t center on needing her to touch me everywhere and me touching every part of her as well. But never without her consent.

The commander stares at me strangely. “You’re saying Olivia did this?”

“Yes.”

“Were you consumed by thoughts of her? Of…more?” Horek asks slowly.

I refuse to answer. The only person permitted to ask these types of intrusive questions is Olivia herself.

“By the gods,” he curses and runs his hand down his face. “Do you have any idea what that means?”

I stare at Horek in confusion. “Am I supposed to?”

“Do you not know what a heart’s fire is? Perhaps it would be best if you returned to your rebel camp,” Horek suggests when I don’t answer after an extended length of time. “I’ll provide you with a supply of kanet powder before you go.”

Now I’m even more confused. “You’re not going to try to arrest me? Not that you could. And you’re offering me kanet powder?”

This is most certainly a ploy of some kind.

“Yes,” he says simply.

“Why?”

Horek laughs. “I’m offering you both an escape and a solution to your mating fever problem, yet you question me?”

“Yes,” I echo him.

“Either take my offer or don’t, but if you are not gone from the city the moment I return, I will arrest you and throw you in the pit.”

I cock my head. “How do I know you won’t send guards here to try and arrest me while you’re allegedly getting me the powder?”

Horek bows his head. “You have my word as Commander of the prince’s guards.”

Do I dare accept? Nothing about this conversation makes sense and only leaves me with more questions.

“Answer me something first.”

“If I can.”

What do I wish to know most? “Has Alik truly been requesting to meet and how have these requests been relayed?”

Horek glares. “The prince has sent multiple messages through our communication center. Each of them unencrypted. All but one have gone unanswered.”

Where I allegedly accused him of being the one to murder Konek in order to cast blame on me.

“I see.”

“Do we have a deal, then? I will return—alone—with a supply of kanet powder and you will go back to your camp without incident.”

My gaze drifts over his shoulder to land on the building where Olivia resides.

It grows late and I doubt she will leave any time soon.

I ache with the need to see her again. Within my veins, the fever simmers, but remains at a steady temperature.

Although, I suspect only a tiny thing will set it ablaze. Do I risk it when she is out of reach?

Plus, what is this heart’s fire Horek spoke of? I won’t ask him, but I need to know.

“Your time is running out to make a decision,” he interrupts my inner thoughts.

“Fine. We have a deal.”

The commander inclines his head. “I won’t be long. Don’t leave this spot.”

After only a slight pause, he strides away and I blend back into the shadows. From all the rumors I have heard, Horek is an honorable male, so I don’t doubt he’ll keep his word. A sudden tug in my chest has me lifting my head to search the area.

Olivia.

She and Mak stand at the doors held open by two guards.

They’re both focused in this direction, but I remain still and hidden.

She watches a moment longer until she instructs Mak to find a place to relieve herself.

They pace the length of the building, never straying far until the phinnek squats and finishes.

With only another single glance over her shoulder, Olivia enters the dormitory again and the doors close, blocking her from my sight.

A dripping sound reaches my ears just before the pain registers. I unclench my fists and retract the claw that have pierced my palms. The taste of blood crosses my tongue as well. It takes slightly longer for my fangs to recede.

Enough time passes that I get itchy. Like I’m waiting for a trap to be sprung. Just when I’ve given up waiting, Horek appears carrying a bundle much bigger than I expected. Possibly enough to supply the whole camp until at least the next moon cycle. He tosses it to the ground, not far from my feet.

“Take it and go.”

Cautiously, I pick it up, hefting its weight in my hand. Definitely enough to share with everyone.

“I assume you expect a thank you.”

A rough sound escapes Horek’s throat. “I’d be more surprised if you gave one.”

“Best to keep you wondering then, so, thank you.” I take off with my loot and leave him behind.

I make my way through the city, taking an alternate route from the one I used when I arrived, until I reach the crumbling hole in the wall.

Darkness falls. I lay multiple fake trails on the off chance I’m followed, doubling back on myself, until I find the overgrown path that leads into camp.

I head straight for the central meeting square where slowly everyone begins to gather as word reaches them I’ve returned.

I scan the crowd, mentally counting each male in attendance. My mother approaches and remains on the outskirts of the group. Once I’ve judged that nearly everyone has shown up, I raise my hand to quiet the voices until silence rules.

“I come bearing a gift.”

Murmurs filter throughout and glances are exchanged.

“In here, I have enough kanet powder for everyone. If we’re conservative, it should last us until at least the next supply is purchased. Perhaps longer.” I hold up the bag.

Nearly two-hundred pairs of eyes widen. This is more kanet powder than any of us have seen in far too long.

I scan the crowd, pausing on my mother and Orvak who has come to stand at her side.

She wears an inscrutable mask. I’ve always had difficulty reading her, but it’s gotten worse lately.

Despite being her only child, we’ve never been close.

Anymore, it’s like she’s become a stranger. I turn my attention back to the rebels.

“I spoke with the commander while I was in Preska.”

This pronouncement is met with rumbles of confusion and demands for answers.

“There has been some missed communications between the prince and our camp. I plan on meeting with him, but I will arrange this in person so no message goes astray. In the meantime, I will dispense our latest supply so that everyone can top off their stock.”

People surge forward, eager to make sure they get their share.

“There is enough for everyone. No need to push or shove.”

It takes another moment longer, but they finally settle. I understand their urgency and need to not be left out. This is truly a gift from the gods no matter who presented it. Once everyone has filled up their personal supply—twice—and dispersed, I take the small remaining amount for myself.

The unofficial meeting square has emptied of everyone but my mother.

We stare at each other for several moments before she too leaves.

Alone, as I more frequently am, I head for my dwelling.

Already I miss Mak’s presence. She’s nearly always by my side.

At least when she’s out hunting for her meals, I take comfort knowing she’s close by.

She’s been the one constant since I found her as a pup lying next to her deceased mother.

I head for the hygiene room where several strands of Olivia’s hair tangle with mine in the comb I left on the counter.

After I’ve cleaned up, I lie down on the bed where I’m surrounded by the scent of her.

My hand goes to my cock as I breathe in deeply and picture her in my head.

I stroke myself, my fingers catching on the ridges that spiral along the length of it.

Harder I grip. Faster I stroke. My thoughts centered on Olivia.

On the softness of her skin. On the flush of her cheeks.

On the sounds I can only imagine she’d make taking my cock inside her soft, warm cunt.

Me release hits me with a swiftness I don’t anticipate. Ropes of seed splash on my stomach and cover my hand. I clean myself up a second time and, instead, go lie on the sofa. Doubtful sleep will come, I close my eyes anyway.