Chapter Five
Vala was starting to regret her decision to drop to the floor.
After hours of staring at her notescreen, she hadn’t learned anything of value to remedy her situation. On top of that, the chill of the bare composite floor had seeped through the thin material of her flowing brown dress and into her bones.
Rubbing her bare arms for warmth, she eyed the replicator machine. She could easily ask the device to make her a blanket and pillow. True, she would have to clasp the edge of the receiving portal and pull herself up to retrieve them, but her request could send a warning message to security if Thorin had indeed revoked her clearance for his quarters. And because she was no longer authorized to enter Thorin’s room, she would be placed into a cell and most likely convicted of trespassing and invading an officer’s privacy.
As much as she wanted to believe Thorin’s vow to help her, she wasn’t about to entrust her freedom to a single salute.
She shivered and released her arms to drag her legs into a position where she could hug them against her chest. With each passing hour, her restraint and training had morphed into irritation and a desire to scold Thorin for abandoning her. Even if he disliked her, which would be odd since he wanted to claim her, Kelderan males were supposed to assist females in need.
But then again, she was merely a Barren.
Placing her forehead on her knees, she closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. Her trip to Jasvar should’ve been uneventful. In all her thirty-two years, she’d never been in a predicament such as the one she was currently in. Maybe she was being punished for wanting more than any Barren should have. Namely, a future of her own and the opportunity to emerge from the shadows.
And to think she’d given up her home and left behind everyone who loved her.
Only through years of conditioning to never display emotion outside of the citadel did she prevent herself from crying.
She had no idea how much time had passed or that she’d even fallen asleep, but the door opened and she jerked her head upright. Blinking at the male in the doorway, she murmured, “Thorin?”
He waited for the door to lock closed before he replied, “Using my name instead of rank is against protocol. That’s even putting aside the fact you’re on the floor with one of my possessions. Both are violations with consequences.”
Vala was cold, tired, and for a brief moment, no longer cared about rules and restrictions on her kind. Since he already had ample reason to lock her up, she decided that Thorin needed to understand his behavior was unacceptable.
She pointed a forefinger at him. “You abandoned me without a word about what happened. I had given you the benefit of the doubt and restrained myself from judging you. But it appears that you’re without honor. I might not be a warrior or valued member of society, but I am a living being. You have no right to treat me as a pet, humoring me when you feel the urge.”
Thorin’s eyes glowed before returning to normal. If she weren’t cold and upset, she might think twice about it.
Instead, she frowned as Thorin finally spoke again. “I am as honorable a male such as me can be. But you, Vala Yarlen, are walking a fine line.”
“Why? You should be happy. Now you can threaten to report me to security unless I allow you to claim me.” She threw her arms wide. “Then proceed. The sooner we can part ways, the better.”
He grunted. “No.”
She frowned. “What? Why? I don’t understand your response.”
He closed the distance between them and crouched down in front of her. “You must accept me willingly.”
She searched his gaze. She swore she saw a mixture of anger and shame in his eyes. But what would a general in the Kelderan Army have to be ashamed about, she had no idea.
His voice was low when he added, “However, I believe an innocent such as yourself needs a little coaxing. Forgive me.”
Before she could do more than open her mouth, he lowered his lips to hers.
~~~
Thorin had expected to return to his quarters and find the Barren asleep in his bed. He would’ve found release in the cleaning area once more before gathering his personal notescreen and exiting to a safer place to do his work, while he waited to hear back from headquarters.
However, the instant he saw the female huddled on the floor as if she were a slave awaiting her master’s whim to ease her discomfort, something had snapped inside of him.
His mother had been shamed for having a child without a male lord. She’d tried to hide it well, but Thorin had seen a similarly defeated look and posture in his mother many times when he was a child. Vala didn’t deserve the same, Barren female or not, especially considering his own shameful origins had put the female in her current position.
Vala’s anger only deepened his regret at what he’d done to her. Right then and there, he decided the claiming should be a pleasant one for her. If she allowed it, he would treasure her feminine body for what time he had. Because of the rules and restrictions of Kelderan society, neither one of them would ever find a lifelong partner—her for being infertile and him for carrying enemy blood—but they could at least enjoy each other for a short time. Dalliances between soldiers and Barren were common.
As he stared into her wide, black eyes, he suddenly wanted her to look at him with befuddled enjoyment instead of anger. Rumors said she never dallied with warriors. Maybe she had no idea of how pleasant the lead up to a claiming could be. He would have to show her.
He murmured his warning and kissed her.
With her mouth open, he easily slid his tongue between her lips. Vala stilled, but as he stroked his tongue against hers, her muscles relaxed gradually. He should pull away and not take advantage of her innocence. However, Thorin dared to thread his fingers through her soft, white hair and tilted her head for better access. When a small, cold hand touched his chest, the desire to warm her body and take care of her coursed through every cell of his being.
Images of her sleeping on his chest with her long hair fanned out behind her and a smile on her face flashed inside his mind. It was as if he’d proven his worth and had earned the right to keep her.
He pulled back at that thought. The heat in Vala’s eyes, combined with her kiss-bruised lips, sent a rush of blood to his cock. What he wouldn’t give to claim such innocence and purity for his own.
Not that he ever could. He couldn’t afford to allow anyone close enough to learn his secret. Thorin’s career meant everything to him. Not even an innocent, willing Barren with a soft touch would persuade him to give it up.
“That is only a taste of what is to come,” he stated.
She removed her hand from his chest and he fought the urge to guide it back. Her voice was husky as she said, “Oh.”
He did something he hadn’t done for a long time, and smiled. “With your permission, I can reveal another step toward a claiming. It would require you on the bed.”
For a long moment, she gazed into his eyes with an unreadable expression. As the silence stretched, his smile faded. She was no doubt cold, hungry, and exhausted. He was a selfish bastard to revel in her kiss and ask for more.
Before she could say anything, Thorin scooped her up, walked over, and deposited her to the bed. Without a word, he went to the replicator machine. “Computer, synthesize a large, warm blanket. Size must accommodate a warrior’s bed.”
“Working,” the computer stated as its internal parts hummed with activity.
He was determined to keep his back turned and allow the female to recover from his probably unwanted attentions. But he swore he could feel her gaze on his back.
Her soft voice finally filled the room. “What’s the next step?”
He kept his back to her and shook his head. “Forgive me for mentioning it. The honorable thing is to serve you a meal and allow you to rest.”
A part of him wanted her to dismiss his words and demand for more.
However, the longer she remained quiet, the more he wondered if she’d seen his eyes glow and had determined him to be something other than what he said.
No. There was no way she knew about Brevkan biology. True, all Barren were trained in medical sciences, but few bothered to study alien races.
Of course, Vala had surprised him in the past. He only hoped she wouldn’t do the same regarding his father’s people.
~~~
Vala’s heart thundered inside her chest as she gazed at Thorin’s broad, light blue back and the markings scattered across his skin.
She’d heard stories about how a male’s kiss could warm your body and alert the senses. However, Vala had always dismissed them. She may not have dallied and bared her body to any of the warriors, but she had kissed a male or two inside the citadel. Recovering patients sometimes forgot her station and misinterpreted gratitude as desire.
But none of the brief kisses had made her want to wrap her arms around a male and feel his skin against hers. Touching her lips, she could still remember Thorin’s strong, demanding actions. While generals weren’t allowed to take a bride, they usually had Barren mistresses. With Thorin’s skill, she wondered why he didn’t have one.
The replicator machine finally completed the blanket. Thorin took it and walked to the bed. As he gently laid it over her body, his heat was near enough to warm her face.
If only he would look at her, she might gather the strength to ask for his attentions once more. Considering her research had revealed nothing of value and a claiming would allow her to walk again, she should do whatever it took to hasten the process.
Just as Thorin finished arranging the warm material over her body, she reached out and gently touched his face. She wasn’t brave enough to voice her curiosity again, so she stroked his warm skin.
Thorin froze and kept his gaze averted.
Maybe she’d crossed a line. Touching a general’s body without permission was taboo, and she’d done it more than once now.
Removing her hand, she started to turn away when Thorin’s deep voice murmured, “Why did you stop?”
She did her best not to frown, but failed. “My touch was too familiar. I apologize.”
One of his long fingers took her chin and gently forced her head to meet his eyes again. “I encouraged the action earlier. If anyone is at fault, it is me.”
“B-but you’re a general. You aren’t supposed to have faults.”
He smiled, and the crinkles around his eyes made her heart pound. When Thorin Jarrell wasn’t scowling, he was handsome. And dare she say it, he looked as if he would be kind to her.
Before she could wonder where that thought came from, Thorin replied, “A general is a male like any other. Anyone who pretends to be flawless isn’t worthy of the rank.” He moved his thumb to just below her bottom lip and ran it back and forth. The motion relaxed her muscles. He continued, “I can’t read your mind, Vala. You must speak the truth to me. Always.”
She loved the way her name rolled over his tongue in his deep voice. “It’s not a Barren’s place to speak her mind.”
His stroking ceased and he gently tightened his grip on her chin. “When we are alone, you are a female, nothing more. And despite propaganda to the contrary, most females speak their minds in private. I expect the same of you.”
Of all the scenarios she had imagined about her trip aboard the colony ship, having a warrior—a general, no less—asking her to be honest hadn’t been one of them.
She didn’t expect Thorin’s invitation to last, but she still answered, “Okay.”
He shook his head, and she wondered if she’d made a mistake. “Okay isn’t enough. You must tell me what you want. I can’t take care of you if you don’t.”
“But only the Barren takes care of another Barren.”
An emotion flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared before she could name it. “I will be the one taking care of you. As you rightly pointed out, you have worth, Vala Yarlen. And until you are hearty and whole again, I will see to your every need.”
The fierceness of his tone made her pause. She almost wanted to believe he spoke the truth.
But she quickly pushed aside the foolish thought. Thorin only wished to claim her body and would say whatever it took to complete the task.
She must’ve remained silent too long because he spoke up again. “You’re tired and need rest. Allow me one final kiss and I will leave you alone for a few hours. When you awake, tell the computer you’re hungry and food will be sent directly.”
A small flutter of disappointment churned her stomach, but she ignored it. Time alone would allow her to remember her station and possibly do more research.
Then her gaze fell to his mouth and she swallowed. Her dreams would no doubt be full of his hot, firm lips.
“Lay down,” Thorin ordered.
She complied, and he flipped back the blanket to expose her upper body. “W-what are you doing?”
He traced her collarbone. “Kissing you. Have you changed your mind?”
Her curiosity overcame her fear. “N-no.” He raised his brows, and she said more firmly, “No.”
“Confidence suits you. I hope you show it more often.”
Before she could speak, he leaned down and stopped above one of her breasts. Despite being clad, his hot breath made her nipple harden and the secret place between her thighs pulsed. He murmured, “Do you still want this?”
She didn’t hesitate, “Yes.”
“Good.”
With a growl, he took her nipple into his mouth and gently caressed the nub through her dress. Vala cried out as pleasure coursed through her body.
From her own explorations of her body, she knew what teasing and tweaking the hard nub could do. But her previous pleasure paled in comparison to Thorin’s heat and attentions.
~~~
As Thorin drew Vala’s nipple deeper into his mouth, the female’s hands threaded through his hair. As she clung to him, he licked and nibbled, loving how Vala dug her nails into his scalp. Before long, he hoped she would dig them into his back.
His baser half wanted her to draw blood and leave marks, but Thorin quickly dismissed the idea. He would never make such a dishonorable request.
Instead, he listened to Vala’s moans and whimpers to judge how close she was to orgasm. His own cock was hard against his trousers, but for once, his instinct didn’t demand him to spread the female’s thighs and take her until he was sated.
Not wanting to focus on the irregularity, he bit her nipple harder. He longed to rip her dress and feel the tight, puckered skin against his tongue. However, he wanted her to have some dignity when he was finished.
Still, his Brevkan urges wanted him to caress her skin, touch her heat, and revel in her unique feminine scent. She was his possession—there should be no hesitation.
He growled, and Vala cried out at the vibration. She tensed before relaxing under him. Thorin nearly ran a hand up her thigh to touch her wetness.
But as she released his hair and tensed again, he knew Vala’s temporary abandonment had ended. Even now, she was probably retreating to the protocols demanded of the Barren and feeling embarrassed when she shouldn’t be.
Not wanting to push the female too far too quickly, Thorin released her nipple and counted to five. He wouldn’t risk her seeing his glowing eyes again. While his body would emit a blue light at orgasm, his eyes betrayed him with lesser levels of desire.
He finally looked up, but Vala looked to the side, her cheeks flushed from her release.
Her innocence only reminded him of why he needed to be delicate with her or Vala might run away as soon as she had regained use of her legs.
And for some reason, Thorin didn’t want that.
“Look at me, Vala.” When she didn’t comply, he added, “Please.”
She took a deep breath and met his gaze again. What he wouldn’t give to see her wild abandonment as pleasure took over.
Too bad he’d never be able to do so without giving away his heritage. “There’s no shame in receiving pleasure from a male. Embrace it, Vala, and your release will become more powerful.”
“It-it’s not that.”
He nearly growled at her stammer, but somehow resisted. “Then what? And remember, I need the truth. If I did something distasteful, you must tell me.”
She looked away. “It wasn’t distasteful.” She paused and whispered, “Quite the opposite.”
He softened his voice. “Tell me.”
Even though she didn’t look at him, her voice filled the room again. “It was the first time a male gave me pleasure, and I know the expectation is that I should return the favor, but without the use of my legs, I can’t bow down and take you into my…mouth.”
The image of Vala’s hot, wet mouth around his cock only made him harder. Still, Thorin managed to growl out, “Toss aside any expectations or rules taught to you by the other Barren. I’ll give you leave to explore what you wish, but at your own pace. But later, not now.” He moved off the bed. “For the time being, you need to rest. The command deck should need me any minute now.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, sir.”
“No. Don’t call me ‘sir’ when we’re alone. My name is Thorin. Say it.”
“Thorin.”
He nodded. “Good. I shall return later.”
Turning, Thorin retrieved his personal notescreen from a high-up storage bin and exited the room. As he took the long way to the elevator to cool both his cock and to tame his pounding heart, Thorin ran a hand through his hair. The action only reminded him of Vala’s touch earlier, so light and delicate. The complete opposite of him.
What he wouldn’t give to have such a pure-hearted female in his life. But that wasn’t his destiny. Thorin’s reason for existence was to protect his mother’s people and prove they were his as well. Keeping the colony ship safe was one step in that direction. He needed to stay away from Vala to better focus on his duty, no matter how much he itched to do the opposite.
Yes, a Brevkan’s possession definitely affected the male responsible because Thorin had no explanation for his recent actions. Being gentle and patient was foreign to him.
And bastard that he was, he hoped to prolong the feelings by trying to keep Vala around for a while.