Chapter One
Twenty-three years later…
Pain, searing hot like a fiery poker, stabbed into her side as she ran headlong through the overgrowth of vines and thick brush as quickly as her protesting legs would carry her. Muscles burning and cramping with each step, she struggled to pull air through her constricted throat as she dodged trees left and right, ducking beneath low-hanging branches which seemed to appear out of nowhere in the dim light. Ignoring the sharp twigs scraping and tearing at her skin, she prayed she wouldn’t encounter a snake or some other vile creature that might slow her down.
It was an irrational fear born out of panic, the logical side of science officer Eva La Croix’s brain understanding with a certainty whatever pursued her so tenaciously this past hour, was likely more threatening than mere reptiles. Her mind raced as fast as her heartbeat, the pulse in her ears pounding with a near-deafening thud as she forced her body to continue despite the burning in her heaving lungs.
Spying a fallen tree up ahead, she dug deep, her legs pumping hard, drawing on her last energy reserves as she hurdled the obstacle in her path. When she landed, her body screamed in agony, but she didn’t dare stop, not if she wanted to live.
It seemed she’d been running for miles when she finally slowed. She needed to rest, if only for a moment. She veered to the right between a break in the trees and leaned against a wide trunk, hoping it would provide cover. Sweat poured off her body in the oppressive jungle heat.
Straining to pick up the sounds of pursuit did little good when she couldn’t hear over her labored breathing. Eva sucked in as much air as her heaving lungs could hold and forced herself to stillness, desperately hoping for silence behind her. Gone were the thunderous footsteps and the guttural shouts of her pursuers. The sound of snapping twigs and breaking branches had ceased, as well. Perhaps the one hunting her had lost her trail.
Blowing out a hitching breath, she focused on quieting her respirations, just in case. Taking only a minute more to recover, she moved on, picking her way through the dense vegetation as quickly and quietly as she could. The thick canopy overhead blocked most of the light from the twin suns, despite it being late afternoon. As such, she barely missed colliding with a low-lying tree branch in the near dark. Eva sidestepped, stumbling as her feet plunged into a liquid-filled hole. A slimy substance sucked at her boot. She grimaced as she pulled it free but kept moving. Not daring to look down as she slipped on something gooey, she pushed onward out of desperation to reach the shuttle she hoped—and prayed—lay a short distance ahead.
The direction she traveled was purely a guess. Unable to see the horizon or the placement of the suns in the sky, she acted on instinct alone. It was a gamble, but she felt certain sunset drew near. She had to make it before then, and reestablish communications with the Odyssey, or be hopelessly marooned on this horrendous planet.
Her ship couldn’t afford to wait beyond the designated rendezvous time. This edict had been made clear when she signed onto the mission nearly three years ago. Too much depended upon their success.
One, no matter who, never outweighs the good of the many.
It was her captain’s motto. Eva snickered whenever she thought of it, her commanding officer having no idea she badly paraphrased Mr. Spock from a classic space drama—one of Eva’s favorites. She had told her once, but Captain Magda Vohlmer, her stick-in-the-mud leader, had only stared back at her, as clueless as she was disinterested.
She’d never get it—fun and downtime something entirely beyond the staid woman’s comprehension. Eva doubted she ever relaxed, let alone took two hours away from plotting, planning, and pouring over star charts to sit in front of a 3-D vid screen, with a huge bowl of buttery popcorn, and watch a centuries-old movie. Still, Magda’s message (Maggie as she was known to her crew), rang clear: they couldn’t jeopardize the lives of everyone on board the Odyssey for a lone straggler—or even a dozen stragglers. The all-female crew, three hundred in all, had to move on, their mission too vital to the survival of the human race to risk exposing themselves to danger.
After another mile, a cramp stopped her short, the pain doubling her over. Stifling a groan, she held her aching belly and sucked air into her lungs, leaning against a tree for support. Listening for threats, she wiped the stinging sweat from her eyes. As she rested briefly, she wondered what had happened to the rest of the landing party. Had they escaped? Were they even now readying for liftoff?
The team of eight scientists and four security officers had come to the surface of the small planet not three hours earlier. Their mission, the same as always—finding a viable new home to replace the dying Earth.
Selfishly abused for centuries, humanity’s home had become unstable, with catastrophic natural disasters—from earthquakes to hurricanes, to volcanic eruptions—happening with almost daily frequency. People were suffering faster than the world’s governments could respond. And scientist predicted it would only get worse. This, along with overpopulation and misuse of the resources for entirely too long, had left them with dwindling sources of energy, food, and water.
The only option left—find a new planet to call home, and quickly.
Such was the Odyssey’s daunting task when it had ventured forth three long years ago.
The advanced countries with space programs had launched deep-space exploration expeditions, seven in all, within the past five years. As a plant biologist with little family to speak of and no romantic entanglements, Eva had been one of the first to volunteer for one of the science teams. It was what had brought them here to SperoMP13, the thirteenth minor planet in the binary star Spero planetary system.
Preliminary atmospheric readings revealed the planet could support human life. Surface scans picked up tropical-range temperature readings, dense vegetation, and minimal thermal spikes indicative of life. Basically, a sparsely populated jungle with a low threat potential. Hopeful for the first time in months, the captain deemed the area suitable for further research and sent down the science team.
It didn’t go well from the beginning, which should have been a sign of things to come.
Due to unexpectedly heavy vegetation in their landing zone, the shuttle had to set down at an alternative location, several few miles away from the small lake they intended to explore. As a result, it had taken them some time to cut a path to their destination. Upon arrival, the scientists had broken up into four research pairs, while the guards patrolled the perimeter. Eva, along with Lana, one of the geologists, gathered water and soil samples, a variety of plant cuttings, and numerous indigenous rocks for mineral analysis. They hadn’t been at it long when everything went to hell.
***
A loud boom shook the ground. The next instant, the distinctive whirr from one of the guards’ photon blasters echoed through the clearing followed closely by panicked shouts and screams. The rest of the team ran for cover.
As suddenly as it began, it ended in an eerie silence.
Over the thud of her pounding heart, Eva heard Rebecca trying to hail the ship.
“Team leader to Odyssey. We’ve had weapons fired. Come in.”
The response came back garbled and broken.
“Damn.” She tried other frequencies, but the interference continued.
The disruption was due to solar flares erupting from the twin stars of the system. They knew going in it would be a problem for their handheld communication devices. It was the reason they had stayed together as a group and, as a further precaution, had set up a specific rendezvous time back at the shuttle in case anyone got separated.
With no luck, Rebecca looked up, her concern evident in her grim expression. “Looks like we’re on our own,” she said while scanning the thick woods and undergrowth surrounding them. “Did anyone see what happened?”
“I didn’t see who or where it came from, but the blast knocked me over and left a crater in the ground. Brenna said she saw movement in the trees and returned fire.” The explanation came from Thora, their senior biologist. Her green eyes were wide, her face pale, and her hands trembled when she raked back her auburn hair.
“We aren’t equipped for battle,” Rebecca muttered, telling them what they already knew. “Without the Odyssey to provide air support, to engage would be suicide. We’ll have to return to the shuttle. If we get split up, whoever arrives first needs to activate the distress signal and prepare for liftoff.”
Communications would be down until after sunset when the interference would diminish—another four hours away. The dismal news didn’t do a thing to calm Eva’s nerves or inspire confidence in their survival. They were essentially sitting ducks.
“Wait, where is Brenna?” Lana asked.
“She was right behind me when the shooting started,” Thora exclaimed, twisting and scanning the area behind her. Petite, slightly rounded, Brenna was the least fit member of the landing team and not a strong runner.
Eryn rose in a half-crouch, weapon at the ready. The security chief, in direct contrast to Brenna, stood close to six feet tall, and her muscles had muscles. “I’ll get her and meet you back at the shuttle.”
“We agreed to stay together, no matter what,” Rebecca replied. She was in charge, and everyone knew it except, evidently, the chief.
“I’m not leaving her,” came Eryn’s terse reply, fading by the last word as she disappeared in the direction the shots had been fired. As such, she didn’t hear—or more likely ignored—Rebecca call in a loud whisper, “Get back here.”
“Dammit, Eryn,” she muttered under her breath, but Eva had to assume, like her, she felt relieved. If anyone could bring Brenna back, it was Eryn. “Let’s move out.”
The remaining guards took up defensive positions ahead and behind as the team moved into the trees, traveling as quickly and carefully as they could. Although Eva didn’t see them, she sensed their attackers were out there, following their movements, hunting them like prey.
***
When it happened, the attack came swift and sudden, the beings materializing out of the trees as if from thin air. They were human in appearance except they were huge, taller, and broader than most Earth males. She only caught a brief glimpse as they took out the security detail with ridiculous ease.
Undeniably strong, and, despite their size, the aliens moved with startling speed.
“Run!” Lana screamed at her.
Only slightly slower to respond, Eva was close on her heels, especially when she saw one of the aliens veer suddenly in their direction.
That had been almost an hour ago. Now, her heaving lungs and cramping legs rebelled against taking another step even though she knew her very survival depended upon staying on the move.
As Eva scanned the forest for signs of her pursuer, her head twisted to the right and she squinted trying to peer through the darkness. Were those leaves rustling, or something else? A faint snap had her turning back to the left. She didn’t have the luxury of rest—capture was not an option.
Offering up a silent prayer her body wouldn’t give out, she pushed off from the tree and began running again, her pace a bit slower. She had to conserve some energy to make it to her target destination. Almost immediately, though, exhaustion threatened once more. She had to force herself forward although all she could think about was sinking to the ground and resting, if only for a few moments.
A swath of bright yellow caught her eye in the dimness.
Hope brought on a small burst of strength, and she sprinted toward it. As she drew near, she recognized it as one of the directional markers a team member had left hours earlier. At least she was headed the right way. The number two printed on the flag told her she was almost there. Eva allowed a glimmer of relief to bubble up inside her, knowing the end was in sight, and she would finally get off the loathsome planet.
As a shadow crossed over her from above, she looked up. A large, dark shape loomed on a branch overhead. A shrill cry of terror burst from her lips as she spun, intent on fleeing in the opposite direction, but the hulking form dropped and landed with a soft thud in front of her.
Frozen with fear, she stared up at the alien male towering above her. He reached for her, his huge hands curling around her upper arms. Then her feet left the ground as he draped her over his shoulder, his hard, bulging muscles digging into her stomach making her grunt. Hanging upside down with his steely arm clamping her legs in place, the blood rushed to her head. It took a moment for her senses to return, and just as they did, he began to move.
Pushing up from his back with both hands, Eva craned her head around. With rising horror, she watched the yellow marker disappear into the darkness as he carried her farther away from the shuttle.
“Let me go!” she shrieked, kicking and fighting against his hold, and beating on his back with her fists. All she could think was if she didn’t move forward, her only chance to go home would be lost.
A growling voice barked at her, but she ignored it, determined to break free somehow. Since her fists were ineffective, she used her teeth, twisting and clamping down hard on his side.
A roar of anger rang out an instant before a pair of sharp swats landed across her buttocks. Stunned, she let go, blinking back a flood of tears. They weren’t so much from the sting on her rear, rather from the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness.
“Please,” Eva cried. “They’re going to leave me behind!”
Her pleas went unanswered. Worse, each time she spoke, the being would hitch his step, sending her flying up into the air so she bounced on his shoulder, robbing her of breath.
When they moved through a clearing, a break in the canopy allowed a view of the sky. Pink fingers of fading light streaked across the growing darkness. The twin suns had disappeared as night rapidly approached, which meant her team and the shuttle were likely gone as well.
Hopelessness and despondency set in. Escape seemed impossible, now.
***
No match for his superior size and strength, she continued to struggle. With the last of her energy spent, she drooped limply over his shoulder. Kerr hadn’t expected her to be biddable, although the way she’d fought him like a wild animal had been a surprise. Her tenacity was admirable, yet futile. Small and fragile by comparison, he could snap her bones with the twist of his wrist. He’d exercised great care, however, focusing on gaining firm control of her without damaging or hurting her in any way.
Up ahead, Trask, his warrior commander, entered the path and gave the signal alerting the others of their approach. He had caught one of the small females early on and sent her to the camp with some of the other men. Then, as always, his friend had taken position close by his side to continue the hunt—not that Kerr needed his help. Trask was there to guard and protect him, as befitted one of his station.
Upon entering the clearing, he eyed the cage on the far side of the camp with distaste. He counted the other females inside; the struggling wildcat over his shoulder would make the total count eight.
What a blessing the Maker has bestowed upon us this day!
They had come to hunt big game but found a quarry much more valuable. He could hardly wait to get her to his tent and test their compatibility. If they were a positive match as he expected—her form and features appeared remarkably like a Primarian’s, he could move forward with the breaching and mate bonding. As she shifted on his shoulder, her hip brushing his cheek and her full breasts pressing against his back, Kerr’s body stirred, giving him even more hope the females would be the answer to their prayers.
A cheer went up as twelve of his warriors came out to greet him. “Max Kerr has caught a female of his own,” one shouted.
Another called, “Maker be praised!”
“The time to rejoice is when we get them home,” Kerr warned. “They may have protectors about.” He looked to Lothar, Trask’s second-in-command. “Have you set patrols?”
“Yes, Princep. We have established a safe perimeter of one hundred gradions.”
Nodding in approval as he set his female down, he gripped one of her arms to keep her by his side. Although the chase had been exhilarating, he’d expended too much energy capturing the little nymph to let her escape him now. As if sensing his worry, Mordrun, his kinsman and one of their elders, called to him.
“We have cages set up for containment, Kerr. After hearing how they mewl and carry on, I ordered them placed on the other side of the camp. I didn’t want them disturbing your rest.”
Glancing at the detested cages intended for animals, not potential mates of warriors, he noticed most of the small creatures huddled together watching warily; some whimpered while a few sobbed unrestrainedly. One stood at the bars, taller and more muscular than the others, but no less beautiful. She silently stared out at them through glistening eyes, though not from tears. He sensed anger and hostility, more so than fear; this one would warrant watching.
He looked down at his female, noting her eyes were dry. As one of the smallest of the women, the top of her head only reached the middle of his chest, yet she bravely faced her enemy without weeping. Her gaze darted around the encampment, openly sizing up her situation with a shrewd calmness. It was fitting this intrepid female should be his.
The instant she spotted the cage, she sucked in a horrified gasp of air and began pulling against his grip.
“Be still, mate,” he murmured in her ear, firmly restraining her with both hands as he drew her against his much larger body. Perhaps understanding his tone, if not his words, she quieted.
Escape being a prime concern, he knew a cage would be the safest place for her, though it bothered him greatly. She didn’t deserve to be punished for running and fighting for her freedom, an instinctive response in all creatures when threatened. In her place, he would have done the same—except he wouldn’t have run, instead, battling with all his strength, never giving up until the Maker himself had claimed the life from his body.
His gaze returned to the cage and homed in on the angry female. She grasped the bars in a white-knuckled grip, as though barely holding her emotions in check. Humiliating them by treating them like cattle wouldn’t aid their cause in making them biddable.
“I doubt caging them is the most prudent approach if we mean to mate with them, Mordrun.”
“We would be blessed if they are compatible, but the prospect is highly unlikely. Look at them. They are so small; I doubt they would be able to deliver a warrior’s offspring safely. I don’t see the appeal.”
“If that is true, I think your palm has been your consort for entirely too long,” Trask declared with a hearty laugh. “Open your eyes. They are softer and more rounded than any of our females. Imagine curling up against those curves as you sleep, or having such beauty welcome you home with warm, willing arms and spread thighs after being away. I, for one, find the idea very appealing and, like our leader, plan to keep mine with me in my tent tonight. I’ll need no tests to see if we are congruent. My hard rod enveloped by a warm, tight sheath is all the compatibility testing I need.”
Grinning, he slapped the elder on the shoulder as he passed. His quarry, a petite, fair-haired female with big brown eyes. The only other one on her feet, she stood with the others and seemed to be comforting them. Though not nearly as formidable as her larger comrade, she scowled at Trask as he approached the cage, making her displeasure at the situation clear. Naturally, his friend would want a challenge, as well.
“Trask,” Kerr warned, “you know the testing must come first. Touch, but do not breach until we are assured of compatibility and a positive mate pairing.”
His friend inclined his head, though he didn’t slow his pace, taking the last few steps quickly. Several of the females skittered into the corners when he unlocked the door and ducked inside. Not so the mate he claimed. When Trask tossed her over his shoulder and carried her to a tent on the perimeter of the clearing, she created as much noise as his own little mate had.
Kerr wasn’t worried. An honorable warrior, his general would do as required, despite his enthusiasm.
He considered the female at his side, his gaze sweeping over her pale hair in a stunning mixture of colors. Most of the strands glowed with the brightness of the midday suns, other shades of yellow streaked through the thick mass like the doro petali, a golden flower abundant in the gardens at home, his mother’s favorite. It was beautiful and unlike anything he’d seen before. Once constrained in a coil at the back of her head, much of her hair had come loose in her flight to escape. Long springy curls fell about her shoulders, some clinging to her damp cheeks and neck in the humid air.
His body reacted to her full breasts, curvy hips, and rounded thighs, all of which were plainly evident in her clinging garment. She was pleasing to the eye…and equally agreeable to his other parts as well. He determined to use other means to contain her if necessary. And they didn’t include steel bars and a bed on the hard ground on the other side of a field far away from his tent.
“She’ll stay with me until we rejoin our people tomorrow.”
“Take care, Kerr,” the elder warned. “They’re small but ferocious. Lothar’s female bit and drew blood.”
“Do you think I cannot control one tiny female, Mordrun?”
“Never that,” his kinsman quickly replied. “Although I’m sure Lothar thought the same thing before he got his fingers chomped as though they were the evening meal. I merely caution you, Princep. We need you to lead with all your appendages intact.”
Kerr barked with laughter at his concern. When he did, the female jumped. As she peered up at him warily, he noticed the color of her eyes for the first time. They were a luminescent green, much like the precious uladite crystals they mined to produce fuel on their home planet. Everything about her was appealing and exotic.
“Your words of warning are noted. Come morning, if I lack any appendages which diminish my ability to lead in any way, you’ll be the first to hear my apology. Until then, she stays with me.” He placed a possessive hand on her shoulder and squeezed reassuringly before starting toward his tent. “Have food sent.”
His tone had taken on a sharper inflection, something not lost on Mordrun, who recognized when enough was enough and bowed. “Yes, Max Kerr.”
Lamps had been lit using illuminating crystals. They cast soft shadows on the numerous cushions, rugs, and pillows set out for his comfort. While luxurious for a tent, he missed the many amenities of his residence, especially the bathing pool. He would like to bath with his pretty little captive, letting the warm water soothe and calm her body, before doing what must be done. Unfortunately, he couldn’t put the testing off until he was home. The determination had to be made before any of them took this any further.
He would have to find other ways to help her relax. Perhaps a cool drink would be a good start.
As soon as he released her, she darted toward the door. He sighed, not giving chase, even though his long legs were quite capable of foiling her escape before she got to the door. Instead, he headed to the table against the far wall which held a decanter of vilo, a fermented fruit juice from home with a mildly intoxicating effect which he hoped would put her at ease. Contrary to his plan, while pouring two glasses, he listened to her howl of frustration. As expected, her exodus had been thwarted by his guards blocking her way.
Unhurriedly, he crossed to the door to retrieve his charge who struggled in vain against the hold his men had on her upper arms. He took in her narrow-eyed gaze, the mutinous set to her mouth, and the heightened color in her cheeks, none of which detracted from her beauty. He gave a brief nod, and his guards released her, ducking back outside.
Curling a hand around her nape, he began to guide her back to the bed, but she hadn’t given up her fight quite yet. She twisted to face him, babbling something in her native tongue he assumed was anything but complimentary. When she didn’t get the reaction she clearly expected, she tried to squirm free of his hold. This failed, too, so she struck out at him.
He easily gathered her wrists in one hand, more out of fear she would harm herself than any damage her weak blows might inflict. This had no effect, only riling her more. With her hands restrained, she kicked him, instead.
His patience waning, Kerr tugged her closer and grasped her around her waist, pinning her under his arm facing backward as he started once again toward the bed. Halfway there, she surprised him by wriggling in his grasp and, as Mordrun had predicted, sharply bit the back of his thigh.
“You imp! That’s twice,” he exclaimed. With her rounded bottom in the perfect position, he gave her a dozen open-hand swats. Ignoring her yelps and unintelligible shrieks of protest, he barked, “No biting!” ending it with two more firm spanks on her uppermost thighs.
She couldn’t understand his words, of course, but the way she stiffened and ceased her struggles told him his stern tone, and what to his way of thinking was the barest of punishments, managed to cross the language barrier. He found her instant response to his dominance interesting indeed.
A male-oriented society, on Primaria, men were the leaders and undisputed heads of the family unit, the females falling under their authority and protection. They were treated well though, honored and respected for the life-giving role they held. However, the number of women had dwindled drastically in past generations, making them precious above all else. They had strict rules in a social order which had worked well for them for centuries, placing females subservient to the male and subject to his discipline when needed. The use of corporal punishment was not out of the ordinary. In fact, the civil council of elders encouraged and allowed it by law, within limits.
Kerr didn’t believe in many of the harsher measures deemed acceptable for women. Most of his warriors were of the same belief. Being bigger and stronger, they preferred more creative ways to encourage compliance, and, from his experience, such corrections were very effective. He didn’t anticipate his little alien would require more than a trip or two over his knee before she learned their ways. Otherwise, getting her to comply would come in the form of bending her body to his will, which would end up being pleasurable for them both.
He smiled as she squirmed in his hold. Her resistance seemed a token display at best, not the actual tooth-and-nail battle of earlier. The way she responded to his dominance made him suspect she wasn’t a stranger to male discipline; perhaps her own kind practiced similar male/female roles. With a grin, he decided to test his theory further by running his hand over her freshly spanked bottom and squeezing it.
She squeaked and, if he wasn’t mistaken, pushed her curvy backside ever so slightly against his hand.
Immensely pleased, he grinned. Already they had found ways they were compatible. And, from the alluring female scent which filled the air, he suspected if he slipped his fingers between her thighs, they would come away wet.
Yes, if the test showed them compatible with a bio-cellular match high enough for successful mate bonding, she would suit him perfectly.
Arriving at the bed, he picked up a fur-lined cuff and tether which someone—likely Mordrun, who knew he would be opposed to the cages—had conveniently staked into the floor of his tent. Without putting her down, he wrapped the restraint snugly around her ankle. He snapped the interlocking teeth of the latch into place and set her on her feet.
She tugged on it immediately, testing its strength and, when it held firm, looked up at him with her stunning green eyes. A tremor rushed through her body and betrayed her anxiety. With nothing he could say to ease her fears, he tried to touch, but as he lifted his hand to her face, she flinched away. Unsurprising, after what she’d been through, though no less frustrating. Patience and gentleness this night would have to suffice.
With a firm hand on her shoulder, he pressed her down until she sat on the edge of the bed. He then retrieved the vilo from the table and offered her the glass. She frowned, eyeing it as suspiciously as one would poison. He sighed and took a sip from her glass before extending it to her again. This time she lifted a tentative hand and took it.
“Drink,” he urged, keeping his voice at a low pitch, hoping to convey a sense of soothing calm. “I know you are thirsty after running through the jungle in this heat.” He raised his glass and tossed back a healthy swig, before tipping his chin toward the one she still held warily.
He watched and waited, amused when she sniffed the contents delicately then took a hesitant sip. After the first taste, her eyes widened. The next time she lifted it to her lovely pink lips, she promptly finished it.
He chuckled as he relieved her of the empty goblet. “I hope you can hold your spirits, little one.”
His name was called, as one of his men sought entry.
“Come,” he replied.
Mordrun entered with a covered tray. Kerr glanced at it briefly, knowing it didn’t contain their supper. First things first.
“Leave it there,” Kerr indicated the chest at the foot of the bed. “I’ll see to it myself.”
The older man cast him a puzzled look. “I have done this many times. I am capable—”
“I know you are but look at her. She’s frightened, and I do not wish to subject her to any unnecessary strain by having more hands than necessary touch her. I will see to the task myself. Leave it and go.”
“But—”
Kerr flashed him an annoyed look. “I tire of you questioning my commands.” When his captive jumped at the booming sound of his voice, he instantly regretted his impatience. For her benefit, he continued more softly, though with the same firm intent. “Leave us. Now.”
“As you wish, Maxime Princep. I meant no offense.” With a bow, Mordrun rushed from the tent.
While pinching the bridge of his nose, Kerr closed his eyes and breathed deep, chiding himself for his unusually short temper. He blamed the excitement over finally finding a potentially compatible species for breeding. In the morning, he would apologize to his kinsman. For now, he focused on his little captive, and lessening the trauma of what lay ahead. At the very least, it would be intriguing to him, though likely disagreeable for her. Nonetheless, it was necessary and best seen to immediately so they could move on to more pleasant endeavors.
When he had regained control, he opened his eyes and found her gaze on him. Looking down into the brilliant-green pools, he noticed small flecks of blue in her irises. Her species’ coloring varied widely and would be unique to Primaria—something he found appealing. In those lovely pools, he read distrust, and was tempted him to call Mordrun back. He decided against it; the thought of someone else touching her, even in a clinical manner, filled him with distaste and considerable anger. Already, he considered her as his own, and, rightfully, the duty fell to him.
Intimacy was the natural next step in their journey toward mating. She would find it hard to understand and, with him unable to communicate and explain what he must do, even more difficult for her to accept.
Moving closer, he ran his hand up her arm to her shoulder. Fascinated by the paleness of her hair, he rubbed a thick, glossy lock between his fingers, noting the silken texture and the way it curled around his hand as if clinging to him and seeking more of his touch. When he let it loose to gently stroke her cheek, she drew away.
He suppressed a flash of anger. It wasn’t directed at her and her instinctive response. Instead, at his inability to make her understand he truly meant her no harm.
That didn’t change the fact he firmly intended to make her his.
Kerr curled his hand beneath her jaw and angled her face up to his, once again acutely aware of her distress; it would only increase in the next few minutes.
“I wish I had time to earn your trust first,” he murmured, taking on a low, soothing tone, hoping it would comfort her even if his words could not. “Alas, we don’t have such luxury. I’ll make it up to you when I prove us a match, and even more so when I get you to your new home.”