Chapter Nine

 

“You did wonderfully, Mila.” Koran closed the door to their suite of rooms. They were staying in a hotel on Newsdale.

The solemn, calm look slipped from her face, and she laughed, dancing around the room.

He smiled at her foolishness. She tripped, falling to her knees and he rushed towards her, helping her up. “Are you well? Did you hurt yourself?”

She smiled, shaking her head. “I’m fine. I can’t believe it. They agreed! We did it!”

“You did it. I know you were nervous.”

“Nervous? I nearly peed my pants. I cannot believe I pulled that off.”

His mate had been calm, collected, and confident in her negotiations. No one could have seen her nerves. She had negotiated an alliance with Earth, which included a trade agreement. And most importantly, more humans would be visiting Zerconia in the near future.

“But you are not wearing pants.”

“I wasn’t being literal. That would be embarrassing. Now, we can go home.” She sat on the sofa and laid her head back. Her breasts pushed against her top and his shaft stirred. They had not joined since they had arrived on Newsdale. She had been busy in negotiations that started early in the morning and went late into the night, and she needed her rest.

But now that was over.

“Strip for me.”

Her gaze dropped to his shaft which twitched. He needed her.

“Strip.”

Mila stood and without argument, stripped her clothes off until she stood before him completely naked. Koran’s balls ached, the heat racing through his body impossible to ignore.

Not that he wanted to.

“Turn.”

A blush covered her cheeks, but she slowly turned. His Mila had issues about her looks. But he had taken it on as his personal challenge to show her how beautiful she was.

“Sit back down. Spread your legs wide.”

“Oh, dear Lord. This is so dirty.”

“The seat is dirty?” He would need to speak to the cleaner.

“No, I mean you’re being dirty. Your words. Your commands. It’s a good thing.” She sat, spreading her legs.

“Ahh.” Understanding her had become much easier, and her Zerconian was now very good. But occasionally she still managed to confuse him with her human sayings.

“You have been a good girl. You have worked hard. I believe you are owed a reward.”

“Really?”

Her nipples hardened into tight rosy nubs, topping her plump, pale breasts. Her breath quickened. Waiting was impossible. Need tore at him, nearly tearing his insides to shreds. He quickly stripped, enjoying the way her gaze narrowed, heat filling her eyes as she studied his naked body.

They were made for each other.

“Cup your breasts, hold them up for me.”

He strode towards her. Kneeling between her spread legs, he ran his hands up her thighs, ignoring her centre for the moment. Leaning forward, he breathed over one taut nipple, teasing her.

“Koran!” she cried out, shifting around on the sofa.

Taking pity on her, he ran his tongue over her nipple, then flicked it.

“Stop teasing!”

A smile threatened at the mix of pleading and demand in her voice. He moved to her other nipple, doing the same. Then he took her nipple into his mouth, sucking strongly. He moved back and forth between each nipple, feasting, simply taking his time.

“Clasp your hands together behind your head. Your body is mine to do as I please with. Do you agree?”

“Yes. Always.”

He pushed her legs further apart, staring down at her pussy. He never imagined his mate would be so perfect for him. His need for her was high, but she matched him at every step. She was intelligent, kind, and sweet. Light to his darkness. He knew he could be abrupt and abrasive, but she balanced him out.

Koran would do anything for her. Anything. There was only one thing he feared. Losing her. He only hoped that he got to spend years loving her. Even though he knew forever would never be enough.

He ran his finger up her slick folds, and she whimpered, closing her eyes. Then he swirled his finger around her clit. She gasped, her breath catching as he flicked her clit back and forth. He thrust one finger deep inside her, she was slick with need.

“You are wet for me.”

She opened her eyes to stare at him. “Ahh, yeah, course I am. I want you, Koran. Inside me.”

“Soon. I have something for you.”

“A present?” Her face lit up.

Picking her up, he carried her to the masic and set her down. “Lie back. Hands above your head.”

Koran reached over to the drawers next to the masic and pulled out the vibrator he’d purchased earlier.

Mila’s eyes widened as she stared up at him. “Is that what I think it is?”

“A vibrator,” he told her with satisfaction.

“How did you get it? Where?”

“There is an interesting store here at our hotel. The Newans are very open with their enjoyment of joining.”

“You don’t need to tell me,” she muttered, blushing.

The Newans were exhibitionists. The more people watching, the wilder they grew. While he and Mila had spent most of their time in the hotel, the times they had left had been very eye-opening.

“You can’t use that on me, Koran.” Her gaze flicked nervously between his face and the vibrator. But he saw the heat in her gaze, the way she licked her lips. She was aroused.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh hell,” she muttered. “Nothing I say will stop you, will it?”

“You are afraid?” He would never do anything to frighten her. That went against his driving need to protect her.

She sighed. “No. I’m not scared. Do your worst.”

He frowned at her words. “I will do my very best by you. You are my mate.”

She smiled, her gaze warm and full of love. “I know.”

Koran pulled her lower lips apart, rubbing the vibrator up and down until her juices coated the thick shaft. Then he drew it down to her entrance, pushing it slowly inside her.

“Oh God. I can’t believe you’re doing this to me.”

“I bought this vibrator because it understands voice commands. I programmed it earlier.”

She muttered something under her breath as Koran seated the vibrator deep inside her.

“Keep that inside. Do not let it slip out,” he warned.

A whimper was his only reply.

“Vibrate half-strength.”

“Oh shit. Oh shit.” She arched up then groaned. “Koran!”

Pleased with himself, Koran leaned down and circled her clit with his tongue. Around and around. Up and down. She was so slick. So ready for him. He knew she was close. Her body shuddered, her cries filling the room.

“Stop,” he commanded.

Mila let out a loud cry as the vibrator stilled. “I was so close.”

He smiled. “Roll over. Hands and knees. Do not lose the vibrator.”

As she moved, the vibrator slipped out onto the mattress.

“Crap.”

He tsked. “Naughty girl. You’re going to have to be punished for that. Head down, forehead touching the masic.”

For a long moment, he simply drunk her in. The sight of her, naked and waiting for him, filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction. Her ass was high in the air as she knelt on the masic.

“Spread your legs.” He slid the vibrator deep once more, loving her sigh of satisfaction. He had hoped his Mila would enjoy her present.

He certainly did.

Koran ran his hand over her ass then gave it a sharp tap. She jolted then moaned as he rubbed the heat in. He didn’t intend to actually punish her. This spanking was all about adding to her pleasure. Her willingness to try new things constantly surprised him.

He smacked her other cheek. His cock throbbed. He couldn’t hold back much longer. His need for her demanded release.

“Rotate head.”

“What? Oh, oh, oh.” She shuddered as the vibrator rotated. “Koran, please.”

He gave each of her cheeks a final smack. Then he pulled her lower lips apart, staring at the vibrator tucked between her folds.

“Stop.” As the vibrator quieted, he grasped the end and pulled it out. Before she could complain, he drove it back inside her. He stilled, his body shaking with the need for release. Her warmth surrounded him, massaging his shaft and very nearly sending him over.

“Koran! Koran!”

He moved, drawing back before pushing himself in deep. It was a test of his control. Jaw clenched, sweat coated his skin as he attempted to hold himself back. Reaching around, he circled her clit with his finger then flicked it steadily.

“Come, my mate. Come!”

He would not come before her. He would not. Mila arched her back, crying out as she came, rippling around him. It was too much. Too intense.

He was lost. Koran roared as he followed her over into bliss.

 

Mila snuggled up against Koran’s chest. “Wow.”

“You enjoyed your present?”

“Ahh, yes. Just a little bit.” She sat up, giving him a smile. She would never have guessed he’d buy her a vibrator for a present. “I love you, you know.”

Reaching up, he brushed her hair back from her face. “And I love you, my beautiful mate.”

Mila refrained from arguing. It was still hard to believe that he found her beautiful. She’d always been the plain sister. The one no one noticed. But Koran noticed her. This sexy, gorgeous man was hers.

Sometimes she still pinched herself. Well, she had until Koran made her stop. Something about not being allowed to hurt herself.

“I wonder how much Elodie will have grown by the time we get back.” It would take them at least a week to return home, more if they stopped along the way. She would be nearly a month old by the time they returned. “She is so beautiful.”

“I hope our daughter takes after her beautiful mother.”

Mila bit her lip, turning away so he didn’t see the worry on her face. But she should have known better. She couldn’t hide anything from his sharp gaze.

“Mila? What is it?” Koran sat, turning her back to face him.

“Nothing. It’s silly.”

“Mila.” There was warning in his voice, and she knew he wouldn’t let this go. Stubborn male. She loved how attentive he was, but sometimes it would be nice to keep something a secret.

“It’s silly.”

“So you said. I do not believe anything that worries you is silly.”

“Well, it’s just…don’t you think I should be pregnant by now? I mean, we’ve been together a while now, and we’re not using anything as protection. So why am I not pregnant? It’s not as if we haven’t been trying often enough.”

“Yes, we certainly have not lacked in that area,” he said smugly. “My mate has a hunger for me that I am barely able to satiate.”

“Stop joking around.” She smacked his chest.

His gaze widened. “I never joke.”

“Koran.”

He drew her onto his lap, her legs straddling his thighs. It put her pussy awfully close to his cock. Need stirred, her clit throbbing. She just had a mind-blowing orgasm less than fifteen minutes ago, and now she was ready for more?

Down girl.

Damn body didn’t listen to her, of course.

He flicked her nipple. “See what I mean? Insatiable. But I apologize. I did not mean to make light of your concerns.”

“Is there something wrong with me?” Now that she’d gotten the ball rolling, she couldn’t stop herself from blurting out all her fears. “What if I can’t have babies? Why would I be your mate if I can’t have babies? Why would you want me?”

“Stop.”

The harshness in his voice caught her by surprise. She quieted, staring at him.

“There is nothing wrong with you. But even if there were. Even if you could not have children, you are my mate. My everything. Would you still love me if my arm was gone?”

She gaped at him. “What? Of course, I would.”

He nodded, looking satisfied.

She hated to burst his arrogant bubble. “But that’s different.”

He frowned. “How?”

“Because your population is dying out. You need more babies.”

“Mila. You are not a breeding machine for my people. You are my mate. I will love you no matter what. I want to be with you because of who you are. Not because you might become pregnant.”

She sniffled feeling tears well. “So you don’t care if we have a baby?”

He was quiet for a moment, obviously thinking. “I have no idea how to care for a baby. I fear doing something stupid and hurting them.”

She wiped her face, watching him. Koran rarely admitted being afraid. In fact, the only thing he had ever said he feared was losing her. He was always so confident, so fearless.

“A baby with your eyes, your smile, I think that would be a great joy. If we never have a child, I will still thank the fates every day for bringing me you. Because you mean more to me than anything.”

She threw her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. “Thank you.” The knot in her stomach half-unravelled. She leaned back, wiping her face. “I’m sorry I'm so needy.”

He studied her. “You should know how much you mean to me, Mila.”

She nodded. “I do. Really, I do. I think it’s been the worry over this meeting. So much rides on it. I’ve been overthinking everything.”

“We will see Thor when we return and have him examine you.”

Mila nodded. It was the logical thing to do and Koran was a very logical person.

“Until then I have an idea of what we can do.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” His cock nudged against her mound.

Koran rolled them so she was on her back with him looming over her. “Keep trying. Over and over and over again.”

Now that sounded like a plan.

***

Mila rolled over, reaching for Koran. Disappointment filled her as she found she was alone. With a sigh, she shrugged. He probably had duties, and she couldn’t demand all of his time. Three days had passed since they left Newsdale.

Between sleeping and making love to Koran, these first few days of their journey home had flown by. This might be her last chance for a bit of a holiday. She was going to be busy when they returned to Zerconia. Plus, if she left this room, she ran the risk of running into the Empress, and she’d really had enough of listening to that woman on the trip to Newsdale.

Poor Zoey. At least Mila didn’t have to live with her. Zoey had just given birth to her only grandchild. Mila bet once they got home, Zoey would be seeing a whole lot more of her mother-in-law.

Mila rose from the bed as a loud siren filled the air. What the hell?

“Oh, that can’t be good.” She scrambled for some clothes, hastily pulling them on. A loud bang made her scream, and the ship jolted. Thrown against the wall, she shoved her arm out to break her fall. There was a snapping noise then sharp, searing pain engulfed her. Her breath caught in her throat, nausea bubbling in her stomach as flames of agony lashed her arm.

Mila groaned as she landed on her back, struggling to keep herself from losing consciousness. Get up. Get up, Mila. She attempted to sit, whimpering with each movement. The ship moved again and she screamed in agony as her jolted her right arm. Rolling over onto her good side, she vomited.

“Oh God. Oh God.” Moving slowly, inch by inch, she managed to sit.

“Is anyone going to turn that bloody noise off?” The screaming siren was not helping her pain levels.

“Mila! Mila!” Koran screamed as the door to their room opened.

“Here.” She waved her left hand at him. One moment he was by the door the next he was kneeling in front of her. “Wow, you can move quickly.”

“Mila, are you all right?”

“Sure.” She attempted to smile, knowing it had to be a pretty pathetic attempt when his eyes widened further. “My right arm kind of hurts.”

His face paled. “Are you hurt Koran?”

“It is not me. It is you. Your arm is broken.”

“Oh, that’s good then.” She didn’t want him hurt.

“No. Not good. Not good at all. I cannot get you to a regen chamber, that part of the ship sustained heavy damage.”

“How bad is it?”

He grasped hold of her left hand as she tried to reach across to her injured arm. “Do not touch it.” He moved across the room and despite the searing pain in her arm and her light-headedness, she couldn’t help but admire the way his muscles rippled beneath his skin as he moved.

“Now is not the time,” he told her grimly as he returned with a red metal box.

“Did you read my mind?”

“You are speaking out loud. This will hurt. I am sorry.” He opened the box.

“What is it?”

“A first aid kit.” He pulled out an auto-injector. “I am going to give you a pain inhibitor before I put your arm in a brace. Can you lean on one hip?”

She eyed the auto-injector. “Can’t I have an oral painkiller?”

“This is all we have.” He helped her roll over then tugged down her pants and gave her the injection in the ass.

“Ow,” she complained. But she soon felt woozy as the inhibitor moved through her system. She barely even noticed Koran placing a brace around her lower arm. “That’s good shit.”

“Good shit?” he queried.

“Uh-huh. I can’t feel a thing.” Everything had taken on a hazy appearance, like she was in a dream. So relaxing.

The ship moved again, and Koran’s face tightened. “Are you sure you’re all right, Koran?”

“I am fine. We must go. I will have Rylex examine you.”

“I don’t want to leave. Can’t I just rest here? I know it’s a mean thing to say, but I don’t think I’m up to dealing with the Empress right now.”

“Shh, Mila. Relax against me. I will look after you.”

“Of course, you will.” Like she ever doubted him.

The ship rocked again, but this time, Koran held her. He hit the wall with his shoulder, taking the brunt of the impact.

“What’s happening? Is the pilot drunk?”

“No. We are under attack.”

“Oh.” It was getting harder and harder to think. Her eyes drooped. “I don’t think that’s good. Do you think you could make the siren stop?”

“Soon.”

She closed her eyes, drifting despite the noise. She opened her eyes as Koran placed her down and took in her surroundings. They were in a small shuttle. Thankfully, the noise from the siren was muted in here. “Where are we?”

“Put me down! I am the Empress!”

Mila’s eyes widened as she saw Empress Liula being physically carried into the small space.

“Where are we?”

“In one of the escape shuttles,” Koran explained. “Stay here. I will find Rylex.”

“Koran.” Mila grabbed hold of his arm, ignoring the throbbing pain in her head. “Do not leave me here.”

She now understood how Liula brought out such murderous urges in Zoey. The other woman was demanding, exacting, and just a pain in the ass. She could not be trapped in a small space with her. Mila was very patient.

But she was no saint.

Koran kissed the top of her head. “There may be no need to evacuate, but I want you here. Safe. Please. Wait here.”

He used the word please, but she knew it was a command.

She nodded. He quickly left.

“How dare the Coizils attack this ship. They will not be allowed to get away with this.”

“Coizils? Coizils are attacking us?”

Liula turned to give her an incredulous look. “Of course. Who else would dare? If you wish to be our Ambassador, you must bring yourself up to date with our history.”

“I know about the feud with the Coizils.”

Liula just sniffed.

The ship tipped again. Mila cried out as she flew across the shuttle, smashing into the side. Her head slammed into the wall. Darkness engulfed her.

***

Something prodded her head and she cried out. She reached up, attempting to shove away whoever was attacking her.

“Is she well?” Koran demanded.

“Her head is bleeding. But it is not serious,” a calm voice replied.

She opened her eyes to see Rylex, the ship’s healer, standing over her. She lay in Koran’s arms, resting on his lap. She whimpered as Rylex prodded her head again, causing sparks of pain to shoot through her head. Rylex grabbed her arm, moving it. She screamed in agony, closing her eyes and swallowing frantically to stop herself from vomiting again. The inhibitor Koran had given her earlier had worn off.

“You are hurting her. Give her something for the pain.”

The stress she heard in Koran’s voice pulled at her. He needed her.

“It is not advisable yet. Not with her head injury,” Rylex replied. “I will leave her arm in the brace. There is nothing more to be done for it until we can get her into a regen chamber.”

“Koran,” she croaked.

“Shh, Mila. Just lie back and relax.” Koran’s voice was like a soothing balm on a sunburn, and she settled in against his chest, letting the scent of him surround her.

A loud wail made her jolt then she groaned. She opened her eyes. “What is that?”

“The Empress.” Koran stared down at her. His eyes were red. He looked ferocious. Enraged.

“What happened?” She reached up to cup his cheek, wanting to soothe him.

“We had to abandon ship. It sustained too much damage with that last hit.”

Suddenly, the wailing noise stopped. The silence that filled the shuttle was almost worse. Mila caught her breath.

“They drugged her,” Koran explained. “We had to leave the Emperor behind.”

“Behind?” Why would they leave him behind?

“He died. The part of the ship he was in sustained heavy damage. The Coizils killed our Emperor. There will be retribution. We will avenge the death of our Emperor.”

Around her, warriors yelled out in agreement. The sound was frightening. Chilling.

Jesus. No wonder Koran appeared so enraged. And the Empress…she felt guilty over all her negative thoughts earlier. The Empress had just lost her mate.

“Will she survive?” Mila whispered, not wanting anyone else to hear. When one mate died, usually the other mate would follow them.

“I don’t know.” He ran his hand up and down her arm.

Suddenly, there was a loud boom and the shuttle spun. Mila screamed as Koran dove to the floor, covering her with his body.

“Koran!” she yelled as they plummeted.

Oh God, was this it? The end?

Were they all about to die?