Page 15

Trex

FLUTZ. I WAS ALREADY failing my K’sha by not taking better care of her. Who knows when the Zinids would have last given her any kind of sustenance? I shook my head, disappointed with myself.

“I should have made sure you were given food as soon as you came aboard. It is I who am at fault. Come with me. I will see that you are fed.” I stated.

Leading her down the hall, I stayed close, but not close enough to scare her. Staring straight ahead, I could feel her gaze on me now and again.

Was she waiting for me to speak?

My experience with humans was nil. I’d met a couple of humans once or twice but never spoken to them.

All my opinions and knowledge of them came from stories I heard from members of my crew or others at space stations.

Finally, my muddled brain started working, and I spoke up. “Is everything going well for you in your quarters?” I inquired, leading us toward the galley.

I gave her a brief glance.

“Yes. Thanks. Being clean again feels great.” She briskly rubbed her arms.

“Do you feel cold?” There was a rumble in my chest. Trex, you are a flutzing grik. It is obvious she is cold.

“Yeah.. I mean...the ship feels cooler than what I’m used to.” Grace shivered next to me.

The temperature on the ship was comfortable for me, but I was used to it. “My quarters are nearby. I’ll make you some clothing if you come with me,” I offered.

Grace blushed, and I saw her pupils dilating once more. Her scent also changed, becoming sweet to where I could almost taste her on my tongue.

She pondered, scratching her head. “Um. No, thank you. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She glanced to the floor.

Her verbal and nonverbal communication were contradicting each other. I grimaced. Humans were confusing, but she was probably right. “On second thought. Stay right here. I will be back soon.”

“Thank you,” she nodded.

I wasted no time and went straight to my quarters, grumbling about my limited knowledge of human females.

The replicators in our rooms were capable of producing clothing items, but I was uncertain about the appropriate size for her.

“Human sized trousers,” I said to the rooms A.I.

“State size and color,” it responded.

I growled as I swept my hand down my face. I had no clue about her clothing size.

“Human female size.”

It took a few tries, but eventually, I had a pair of trousers in my hands that I thought might fit Grace.

Grabbing a warm blanket from one of the chairs, I hurried back to her.

Seeing her in the exact spot where I left her made me smile to myself.

“Here, I made these for you,” I announced with pride, holding out the soft brown trousers.

“You made these? You can actually do that?” A look of amazement spread across her face as she held them to her waist.

“The ships replicator can,” I admitted.

While rubbing my chin, I noticed the trousers were too long.

“Thanks,” she said with a bright smile. “These are perfect.”

It is you who is perfection.

I couldn’t help but wear a satisfied smile, basking in the moment’s contentment.

She looked around the corridor then twirled her fingers in front of herself. “Can you face the other way? I just need to slip them on quickly under my tunic.”

As I clung to the blanket, I pivoted, my back facing her, and savored a deep breath of pure satisfaction.

“Not a bad guess,” she announced moments later, sounding happy. “You can turn around now.”

I turned to see she’d rolled the legs up a couple of times and tucked her top into the waistband to make them fit more snuggly.

She looked adorable.

Grace extended her arms out to the sides. “What do you reckon? Regular fashionista, huh?”

“I do not know what that means, but I am glad you like them.” I held out the blanket. “Here. For around your shoulders.”

Her cheeks colored as she took it and wrapped it around herself, and her seductive scent enveloped me, captivating my senses.

“I appreciate this. I feel much warmer.” She looked at me with a beaming smile, as if I had just given her a precious gift.

Grace was my precious gift.

Doubts about my worthiness cast its shadow as I breathed her in. It was rare for any Alaran male to find their fated mate.

Why did Tenage and Veshar decide to bless me with my K’sha?

Surely there were more deserving males than me?

The connection I had felt seemed so unbelievable at first.

Despite the unknown reasons behind the gods’ favor, I chose to appreciate finding my K’sha.

Grace was my cosmic counterpart, destined to be by my side...that is, if she accepted me as her mate.

Her presence was so alluring that I had to keep moving, trying to distract myself from the seductive sight of her plump lips and the effect she had on me.

Content with the improved comfort of my mate, I gestured for us to move on to the galley.

Grace glanced at me a couple of times as we walked, and I could sense something was troubling her.

My head tilted to one side while I tried to understand her thoughts without reading her mind. I would never dare to intrude on her privacy like that.

Her soft voice broke the silence. “Captain?” she said, eying me.

“Trex,” I gently reminded her while our eyes remained locked on one another.

“Captain Trex,” she insisted. “I’m not from a human colony.”

“I know.” My lips curled upwards at the corners.

She rubbed the blanket along her arms and inhaled deeply, then hesitated before finally releasing the breath.

“What will happen to me? Where will you take me?”

My heart tightened in a painful knot. There was no part of me that wanted to take her anywhere away from me.

Being by my side was her rightful place.

I was left pondering the true intention behind her lingering question.

My skin tightened as the intense heat from my mating marks seared my chest. Clenching my fists at my side, I tried to choose the correct words to speak to the incredible human female that had activated my mating marks.

A strange mix of emotions washed over me. There was no doubt in my mind-I was determined to keep her with me always .

She watched me intently, her eyes pleading.

“Do you have somewhere in mind?” Stay with me. I silently hoped.

“Is it really necessary for me to live in a human colony?” Grace’s inquiry grew more insistent. “Because I don’t really want to do that.” She spoke in a breathy voice, sending pleasurable chills down my body.

Her sexy pout tempted me to explore the softness of her lips with a passionate kiss. But I resisted moving.

Her words lifted my heart.

By the divine mercy of Tenage and Veshar. How? How was this even possible that my K’sha was here and asking to stay?

Frustrated by my inability to string words together, I traced the contour of my jawline with my fingertips in thought.

“You do not have to leave the ship,” I croaked. Or me. “I will ensure you always have everything you need.”

“Okay...but...” She arched an eyebrow and nibbled her bottom lip.

The action sparked a surge of desire that rippled through my body. I could no longer ignore the bulge in my groin, feeling the pressure of my erection against the fabric of my trousers. Just being near her made me feel incredible things.

I swallowed hard, feeling the lump in my throat bob up and down.

Her eyes dropped to my groin and became perfect circles, and a gasp escaped her barely parted lips.

The scorching heat of our connection left me yearning to hold her close. Inhaling and exhaling, I found myself captivated by the sparkle in Grace’s green eyes, accentuated by her thick, luscious lashes.

Gods, I wanted her. Desperately.

WE CONTINUED TO WALK , the tension palpable between us. I knew there was more I should say, but the words eluded me.

I had no prior experience with mate bonds, so I had to rely on wooing her using the spiritual teachings I learned while growing up.

We stopped in front of the galley doors and I straightened my back. I might not be able to put into words what she means to me, but I could show her through my actions.

The galley was almost empty, with only a couple of crewmen seated at tables chatting. They turned their heads briefly, acknowledging me.

I stopped next to one of the tables and pointed to a chair as I looked at Grace. “Have a seat.”

She hesitated. “Don’t I have to go up to the counter or something?”

I bowed slightly from the waist to speak into her ear.

“Please do me the honor of accepting a meal that I prepare for you?”

Grace chewed the inside of her cheek, then nodded after a brief pause.

Was it my imagination, or did her cheeks flush pink whenever I spoke to her?

“Sure. Okay,” she said then took a seat, running her hands down her hair then flipping it behind her shoulders.

I could see she was feeling more relaxed with me, her breaths deeper and her movements more fluid.

I grinned, then gave her a quick smile, the warmth spreading through me as I felt compelled to elaborate. “In Alaran culture, it is a long-standing practice to provide females in need with food and shelter.”

The custom only applied to mates, but it wasn’t the right time to mention that.

Her lips quirked. “Oh? What makes you think I am in need?”

On cue, her stomach rumbled once more.

With a wide grin, I tilted my head. “You appear to need sustenance.” And hopefully, me.

Grace shrugged, giving in. “Okay. You’re right.”

I left her sitting at the table and went to fetch some food for her to try.

Placing two full plates in front of Grace, I sat down across from her.

She jerked her head back. “Is this all for me? Aren’t you eating?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her, and my heart swelled with affection. “I do not need to eat yet. This is for you. Alarans eat only once a day.”

“That surprises me.” She gave me a scrutinizing look, and then motioned toward me with a wave of her hand. “I mean...you have a lot of muscle to maintain. I thought...” Her voice trailed off, and her chin dipped. Her neck and face flushed a deep shade of crimson. “Sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” I smiled.