CHAPTER TWO

York

 

The next few days are a blur. Every night Blythe comes to the Gathering Room and goes over what’s to be expected. There are always promises of meeting the others, and though she notices me glaring at Azan and him watching me, she seems too nervous to ask. I want to believe Blythe is more than a damsel in distress, and Korben has come to take away her problems, but it’s not that easy. At the end of the day, I think all girls want to be rescued, even when we all signed up to be intergalactic entertainers, and now there’s a chance we could all find happiness – on a planet full of Sidyths, no less. The whole thing is quite terrifying and new.

It’s different, and nothing gets me more excited than something new.

But I’m kind of upset the masked Sidyth has been forced to watch me.

Still, if we’re willing to give the Sidyths a fair shot, there’s a chance Korben could work something out for us to stay. And though I don’t like the idea of still being owned because a Sidyth prince has bought out my contract, I do like the idea of having plenty of time to get to confront the masked Sidyth.

And today is the day we’re going to be getting to know them because they’re all standing outside of the doorway to the Gathering Room. Blythe pushes her way to the front, and when I stand on my tiptoes, I catch a glimpse of Azan standing in the back. As though feeling my presence, his attention shifts, and he finds me in the crowd, locking his wild golden eyes on mine.

This can’t be only an obligation. He looks like he feels something. I know I sure do.

“Let them come.” I wave my hand in hopes that Azan will force his way to the front, cradle me in his arms and have his way with me. Hell, I don’t know what my problem is lately, but sex with Azan is all I can think about, despite what his motivations may be for looking at me. “Back up, girls. Make room for them. Some in the back are considerably bigger than the prince, but none as big as…” I stop short when Azan shifts to draw closer, and I quickly duck back under the curtain before he makes any more moisture appear between my thighs.

Sloane and Ellis openly smirk, and Blythe looks absolutely freaked out.

Oh God, does she know? Did her prince tell her? Can Scary McScary speak and maybe he told the prince about having a thing for me? Does he have a thing for me? Can he feel anything for humans at all?

“How’s everyone?” Blythe chirps in her new-found happy mood since getting pleasured on the regular by a Sidyth prince. “Anyone want to back out?”

“Of what?” Sloane asks, shooting another annoying smirk towards me. “Freedom? No thanks.”

“A lot of these guys think they’re going to find their Chosen today.”

“And if we don’t want them, we say no, right?” Ellis says. “I’m not looking for a fuck buddy today. I want to walk around outside of this room. Go outside.”

Blythe shifts uncomfortably and looks over her shoulder. Azan’s still in the back of the group, and there’s plenty of Sidyths who are more than ready to push ahead for the possibility of a human toy of their own. It’s a little annoying. Maybe I read into the situation entirely wrong. Maybe Azan’s only watching out for me because he believes I’m dangerous. After all, Alaska said I have a reputation for trying to escape. Stupid Entlas.

“I don’t think we’re going outside today. It’s more of a meet and greet for everyone to feel each other out,” Blythe says.

Fuck me twice over. Not only does the scary Sidyth not have a thing for me but we may not even get out to see some honest to God rain? “We’re not going outside? You signed us up for some intergalactic dating service?”

“No! It’s so everyone knows everyone—” Blythe squeaks.

Oh God, she’s taking me seriously. “Chill. I’m only messing with you. They’re guys, Blythe.”

And though I’d love to keep joking around, there’s a shifting sound behind me, and when I turn, Sidyths slowly shuffle into the Gathering Room. Azan’s still in the back. I’m so embarrassed and humiliated that I might have imagined all this flirtation in my head, that I talk out loud to try and calm my nerves.

“It’s only natural for a guy with a dick to want to stick it somewhere. We all know that, and we talked about it already.” It’s a lie. I don’t talk to the others that much. There’s not much to say after all, but Blythe nods. I hope she doesn’t think we’re having secret meetings. She hustles and bustles around the room, probably trying to make sure that we haven’t forgotten her, and once she circles back to me, she looks uncomfortable.

“Alaska and Kansas are still being difficult,” she pouts. “Lacey, too.”

“I have no idea what’s up with that girl. I guess she’s too cool for school.” I turn towards the pale, black-haired beauty, who looks like something straight out of a teen drama, then back to Blythe. “I wouldn’t worry too much about Alaska and Kansas. I told them you promised they could see Arizona and Dakota soon, but I’m not sure if they believe me. I bet they’ll come around once they know the others are okay.” I lower my voice, hoping to God Blythe has the answers I need. Ugh, there’s always something else I have to ask. I’m desperately trying to keep my mind off Azan and how much it’s pissing me off that I care about why he’s watching over me. “Are the other girls okay? Phoebe and the ones at the second lair?”

“I don’t know.” She shifts uncomfortably as Korben comes up closer to her and rests a large hand on her shoulder. Korben’s not small by any means, but Azan is definitely bigger and more terrifying. I wonder what Azan’s hand would look like on my shoulder.

If he wants to touch you. Which he probably doesn’t. Maybe he wears that mask because the scent of humans makes him sick.

I suppress a snarl, hating myself for taking my anger out on Blythe. It’s not her fault she’s happy and has someone who makes her smile. “You should do that. It would ease a lot of attention in here.”

“Right.”

I want to slap myself for being such a bitch. I’m awful and terrible, and Blythe’s only trying to help. Despite my discomfort about touching others, I reach forward and cup her cheek in my hand.

“Hey, girl. Relax.” I try to smile as gently as I can, and I swear her eyes water. Oh man, this is too much. I pull my hand away before I start crying. If Azan thinks humans are gross, then he’s going to puke if I start blubbering like a baby. “I’m uh… I think I’m going to go over there for a bit.” I point towards the opening of the doorway where the last of the Sidyths are slowly filling in and finding girls to talk to.

And apparently, even Sidyths like to set up their friends with mates because before I’m against the wall, Korben’s called Ellis and the fugly one over – which is the weirdest pairing I’ve ever seen in my life. Ellis is only an inch or two away from being a certified little person, and the fugly Sidyth must be well over seven feet tall. But he doesn’t look ashamed to be near her. In fact, as they start walking around the room, the Fugly one starts to move, so he’s standing on the inside of the path. Overexcited Sidyths can’t bump into her as they move to find partners. It’s adorable.

I lean against the nearest wall, watching everyone mingling and talking in low voices. Lacey, Kansas, and Alaska continue to be difficult and stick to one corner of the room, but I guess I’m no better because I’m standing at the front. This isn’t going as well as I hoped it would be. Suddenly, I’m dying to be outside in the rain, instead of pretending I’m cool with being hooked up with a Sidyth. Maybe I am cool with it, but not with any old Sidyth.

There’s a sudden a grunt next to me, and I jerk in surprise.

Shit. It’s Azan.

My eyes widen when I realize how close he’s standing next to me, our skin almost touching. He doesn’t say anything at first, but I can tell by the look in his eyes, and the dip of his chin that he’s trying to greet me. Don’t ask me how I can tell, I just know.

“Hey,” I mutter, making sure he can see my lips move. I’m not sure if he can understand English or if he has one of those state-of-the-art translators Human Whores are given, but he nods back. And that little motion alone is enough to bring heat to my cheeks and I instinctively pinch my thighs together. It’s incredible that a man – an alien, no less – I’ve never spoken to and who I’ve convinced myself in the past twenty minutes is disgusted with me – has only bobbed his chin and I’m already horny.

The silence between us is intense, and though no one says anything to us, I can tell there are some watching. Azan remains quiet and alert.

Maybe I’ll try and break the ice.

“I don’t know if you know my name, but it’s York,” I offer in what I hope sounds like an innocent introduction. I don’t exactly want this guy to know I’m dripping from my thighs. I can smell him, so that doesn’t give me much reassurance, knowing how Sidyths use their tongues to taste the air around them. He reminds me of the woods, Christmas trees, and cinnamon with a hint of orange and lavender. He smells like everything I miss since leaving home.

When Azan doesn’t answer, I slowly lift my head to see if he’s paying attention, and once our eyes meet, he nods but offers no words. I’m not sure why but I’m a little disheartened by this, but not enough so to move away from him. I can’t get over the way he looks at me. There’s no way he can be disgusted by me, right? Not with so much heat in those yellow eyes.

“And uh… you’re Azan, right?” I try next, hoping he doesn’t get bored and walk away. Sure enough, he nods again. ‘Nods’ is actually a bit of an overstatement. He lowers his jaw and lifts it. Only once. I lick my lips. “You know, I kind of got here first, but if you want me to move, if I’m bothering you in any way, I can find someplace else to stand.” I glance nervously up at him. “Would you like that?”

I expect another nod. A simple gesture to send my heart crashing into the stratosphere.

Go away, stupid human. Can’t you see I’m only trying to be polite?

I picture the words in my head, and despite receiving no answer, I’m already uncrossing my arms and starting to move. I’m tired of making a fool of myself, but no sooner than my back leaves the wall, a large hand reaches out and grips my upper arm. It’s a strong grip, but not a painful one, and I stop in my tracks.

Azan’s grabbed me. And though he doesn’t say anything else at first, his eyes say all I need to know.

Don’t go. Stay. I don’t mind you.

My shoulders relax as I stare up at him. I want him to say something. I need to know if he can speak. Whatever’s going on behind that mask is fine, so long as I know he can communicate with me. My heart flutters as Azan gently pulls me back to the wall, and I’m back to exactly where I stood a moment ago. And as quickly as he grabbed me, his hand is gone and back at his side.

I swallow hard, nervously feeling a lump building in the back of my throat.

Don’t be a pussy, York. Talk to the guy. Think of him as another sleazy client.

“Can you talk?” I turn my chin towards him.

Chin lowers. Chin lifts. Yes.

“Can you say something to me?”

His eyes blaze. He’s asking me what he wants him to say.

I think hard for a few moments, relieved not many of the others are paying attention to us anymore. Blythe glances over occasionally, but she’s also reprimanding Korben about something. It’s kind of funny to watch a seven-foot Sidyth lower his head in shame when—

Azan hisses. When I turn, he looks a bit annoyed. Maybe because I wasn’t paying enough attention to him?

Oh damn, that’s kind of hot.

“Sorry,” I say, pushing some stringy, blond hair away from my eyes so I can see him more clearly.

Chin lowers. Chin lifts.

“Sooo… yeah. Something to say.” I wonder if I can get him to say anything I want. Maybe I want to hear what his name sounds like on his lips. Oh damn, maybe I want him to say my name. There’s shifting next to me, and I realize Azan’s dragging his finger down my arm to capture my attention again. I suck in a breath, electrified by his touch. “Say you want me to stay here and talk to you,” I say quickly before I can censor myself. “I’d like to hear you say you want me to stand next to you.”

And then I lower my hand and Azan’s falls. This line of work has certainly made me rusty when it comes to flirty. I barely have the slightest idea how to be cute without coming across as overly sexy to appeal to alien clients. I may be smart but I’m damn dumb when it comes to anything the least bit social.

“Forget I said that,” I say quickly, wondering if I should have followed my first instinct and moved away. “I should go.”

“Do not.”

His voice takes me by surprise, and I spin around to face him. His expression hasn’t changed, and his eyes blaze with more heat than ever. A small smile quirks to my lips as I take him in again. I’m not as short as Ellis, and Azan isn’t as huge as the fugly one, but that doesn’t make the situation any less jarring when our eyes meet again. Azan’s at least seven feet tall, a few inches taller than Blythe’s prince, and he’s probably one of the thickest ones here. His muscles ripple as he takes in a few shallow breaths, still staring down at me. He’s a few shades darker than Korben, but still incredibly pale. Plus, his bulky left arm is completely covered in python-like scales, giving it a wet, shimmering appearance. This is a man who a prince trusts with his life. Azan is always close to Korben along with the fugly one.

I can’t see all of Azan’s face, but I know in my heart he’s attractive. Maybe not Jensen Ackles, but attractive in a non-conventional sort of way. His eyes alone make me wet, and he’s got plenty of heat to work with below the belt. Despite the fact that I can’t see half of his face, I long to at least see that heated expression in his eyes, no matter his reasons for looking. Are his lips full and pink? Does he have scars on his jaw or chin? What would it be like to have that mouth on mine?

Despite the mask, I think Azan’s the most attractive Sidyth here, even if he’s not the most humanoid. But why does he watch me the way I watch him? Maybe he’s worried about trying to go after other girls like Lacey or Sloane, thinking they’re too good for him, despite all of us being whores. Maybe he only chose me because I’m not cute enough to try for anything else.

“What language?”

Azan’s voice pierces the air again, and his voice, in my translator and from his lips, is everything I hoped it would be. Deep and throaty, he talks like he doesn’t use it very often, but when he does speak, people listen.

My eyebrows furrow at his question and shockingly, he reaches out to touch the small bump in my ear where the translator’s tucked under the cartilage.

“I asked, what language?” he rumbles. It’s so low, and with his mouth covered, I bet no one can tell he’s talking to me. Sickeningly, that makes me feel so fucking special. “You understand me now, yes?”

I nod dumbly. “You speak English?”

He nods. “Little. I do translator work for him.” His chin dips and lifts in Korben’s direction.

I’m surprised. “How many languages do you know?”

“I speak close thirty,” he says simply with a heaving shrug of his massive shoulders.

My eyes widen. Knowing Azan can speak so many languages makes me hot and bothered. He’s not an idiot. In fact, I’ll be shocked if he’s not one of the smartest people on this planet. He’s almost too good to be true.

“Bother you?” he asks.

“Huh?”

“Does… does bother you? So many languages.”

I shake my head hard. Is he kidding? This is the sexiest introduction I’ve had in years. Maybe ever. Hmm, I guess that’s a little sad. Shit, he’s waiting for an answer. “No, it doesn’t bother me.”

“Not good English.” He shakes his head. “Translator, okay?”

I nod again, feeling like an idiot as his language changes back to Sidese. It’s rich and warm like honey, and though I like hearing him speak my language, it’s also easier for him to get his point across when he’s speaking his own. Plus, I love the almost Germanic cadence of the Sidese language with that rumbling voice of his.

“Okay.” He dips and lifts his chin once more before straightening up.

I realize he’s been stooping down closer to my level for most of our conversation. I guess he has to. I’m not quite five and a half feet tall, and Azan is… massive. My eyes drift across his shorts, and I’m surprised I thought Azan didn’t like humans, or me. He’s pitched a full-blown tent in his pants, and my mouth practically waters at the sight.

Hey, I may be a nerd but I know how to appreciate hardware in a smooth, sexy manner.

The following silence no longer feels unpleasant or uncomfortable.

How can I possibly feel insecure while a massive alien rocks a massive hard-on right next to me?

 

***

 

I miss Azan’s presence after the Sidyths depart for the night, and the girls settle into their familiar circle with Blythe and I acting as the supposed leaders.

“What did everyone think? Any problems? Any red flags?” Blythe tries to meet my eyes, and I’m not entirely sure why. Does she want me to dish and spill about Azan all sleepover style, or is she expecting me to protest that I’m not enjoying the attention, so she can show the Sidyths will behave under her and Korben’s thumb?

Either way, I’m quiet and thankfully, other girls want to put in their two cents.

Ellis speaks first. “They’re not terrible. The big one isn’t as scary as I thought he would be. He’s… uh… polite.”

“Most of them are,” Sloane adds. “I don’t have anything to complain about.”

Thank hell. I scan over everyone else, wondering if any of them are going to ask about Azan and me, and how he snuck me out of the Gathering Room for a drink. He didn’t say anything, only grabbed my upper arm and led me outside the doorway. As though, he didn’t want anyone else looking at me. Azan’s a bit wild, but there’s something I like so much about that. For someone who hates predictable, I love never knowing what Azan’s going to do next, just that he’s always going to do something. My heart flutters at the thought of his thick scaled fingers curled around my arm. I felt downright tiny next to him.

Ugh, maybe I shouldn’t focus so much on how I’ve found someone I don’t hate. I turn towards one of the girls who doesn’t get along with Blythe for obvious reasons, which include hanging from the ceiling by her hair. “What about you, Celeste?”

She shrugs and absently plays with her long braid before answering. I can tell how much Blythe wants to apologize to her, yet again, but it’s going to take more than a few words for Celeste to ever forgive her.

“I’m not looking to fall in love or anything, but I’m excited at the prospect of going outside and seeing the rain. I mean, even if we don’t get to stay here forever, I’m happy to spend some time with guys who aren’t going to rape me the entire time.”

“No one’s going to hurt you,” Blythe says, but Celeste merely turns away with a small frown.

“Right.” I nod and turn towards the work out twins. They kind of fell in the middle when it came to the meet and greet. They weren't hostile, but they made no extra effort. I look at Blythe out of the corner of my eye and notice she’s frowning, probably trying to put their faces to names and coming up blank.

I help her out this time. “Rene? Devyn? Any issues?”

“Looking forward to getting outside, right Devyn?” Rene says.

“So long as we can go outside and do a little training, I’m happy. The big guys seem to trust us.” Something shifts in her expression, and she smirks at Blythe. “Good job there. You’ve got the prince wrapped around your finger. We’ll be out of here in no time.”

My thoughts drift back to my short time with Azan. I wish there was a way to spend more time with him. He doesn’t say much, but most of the things he does say completely capture my attention. I want to know about the thirty languages he speaks, and why he’s the translator for the prince when I could have sworn he was the muscle. Maybe that’s Fugly’s job. Either way, if I’m going to have any more chances to get to know him, I have to keep Blythe focused. It’s dawning on me how easily these big guys can get caught up in your head, and I haven’t had an orgasm yet.

“What about you, Blythe?” I ask.

“Me?” She almost seems surprised by the question.

“Yeah, you. You’re the one who’s been pushing us to give the big guys a chance, and we’re all kind of curious.” I know I am. “Are you happy with him? Does the prince make you happy, or is this all some scheme to save your ass at the end of the day?”

Her eyes widen, and I almost regret asking this, but I must know. The others do too.

“Is that what you guys think?”

“It’s not a crime to ask if you’re only looking out for yourself,” Alaska says, frowning. “Pardon us for wanting to know if you’re not trying to make a deal with these guys to save your own skin. I’m not the only one who’s worried about it, am I?”

I lower my head with a blush, not that anyone needs to know why. Mostly, I’m thinking about Azan, and if he ever takes off that mask. And if he can, where he can put his mouth on various places of my body. Of course, I don’t say that.

“No, that’s not it,” Blythe says. “I’m like you guys. I came here assuming the worst when we saw Sidyths, and when Korben grabbed me, I assumed this was going to be another assignment, but he didn’t do anything I didn’t want. I believe he wants to stand for something different than the rest of his people.” She speaks so openly I can’t help but wonder if she’s telling the truth.

“And the rest of them?” Krista thankfully voices another one of my concerns. “You think the rest of them are like him?”

I desperately have to hear this and hope Blythe isn’t stupid enough to make empty promises.

“Some of you have been talking to them, and yet, I haven’t heard about anything terrible happening. This could be an amazing chance for us, guys. If we keep an open mind, we may be able to find happiness here.”

“For as long as the assignment lasts,” Ellis says. “Then it’s back to business as usual.”

Blythe chews on her lower lip, and I know she’s keeping something from me. From all of us. It’s annoying, but I don’t point it out. “Listen, guys, Korben’s a prince, we all know that. Let’s just say he has more money than most of our regular clientele. He told me if I want to stay, he would make it happen.”

A hushed silence falls over the group, me included. I swear to God my vision blurs. I thought I heard some of the Sidyths talking about this, but hearing Blythe say it? That it’s possible for us to stay here? To no longer spread our legs because some alien paid us to?

“Stay here?” I hope she can’t see through me. “With them? For how long?”

“Maybe forever. Long enough to start a new society here.”

My heart picks up at the idea, and suddenly I’m dying to see Azan again. Ugh, what the fuck is wrong with me? One little piddly conversation and I’m running to the hills like a love-struck teenager.

“We should give them a chance,” Blythe says after a bit more arguing. “We have an opportunity here we’ve never had before. At least I haven’t.”

I smile. “Me neither.” This is new. This is different. I’m so excited I can barely keep it together. I’m immediately looking at the others. I hope I’m not the only one who wants to stay.

“Same.” Sloane shifts uncomfortably, pushing a thin hand through her dark red hair.

“I can’t say this place is terrible.” Celeste looks at me as she says this, but my mind’s still racing.

“So Korben could work something out?” I ask again. “If we wanted to stay… if there’s someone, someone wanted to be with, could he make it happen? Because if he can, it would be stupid to try my hand at getting something better.”

Blythe nods. “I believe in Korben. If he says he’ll be able to keep us here if we want to stay, I want to give him the chance to prove himself right.”

I cock my head to the side as she blushes. Fuck me twice over; she looks so happy. I want to try the local cuisine if it makes Blythe smile like that.

“You like him, huh? He’s won you over?”

“I’m falling for him. I know it’s only been a few days, but—”

“No, I get it,” I interrupt before she backpedals. “These guys are showing us kindness we haven’t seen in years, some of us in decades. It’s hard not to want to fall in love with something like that.” Suddenly, I can’t wait a moment longer. “I say we take a vote.”

“What is this, grade school? Not everyone’s here.” Alaska frowns.

“We’ll vote for now, and when the others come, we’ll vote again,” I say quickly. I can picture listening to Azan saying things in one of his thirty languages, and I hate how turned on I get thinking about it. “We’ll all vote. If you vote to stay, that means you’re into giving the big guys a shot. If you say no, figure things out for yourself.”

“Oh, that’s fair.”

“I’m being honest, Alaska. Personally? I’m looking forward to giving this whole experience a fair shot. It’s got to beat the alternatives. You know that. You’ve been doing this for longer than most of us. Has anything like this happened to you and the others?”

My heartbeat quickens as Alaska’s eyebrows knit together in thought. Everything that made me feel like such a dork in high school is personified in that look. But I stood up to her. That has to count for something.

“Let’s vote.” Blythe steps in at last, giving me a break. Maybe she can see the nervous sweat on the tip of my nose. “All those who want to give these guys a fair chance and possibly find happiness, raise your hand.”

My hand shoots up immediately, and I lower it with a blush and slowly lift it a second time. More calmly.

Of course, Alaska and Kansas want to be difficult and cross their arms.

“If I don’t want to fall in love with a Sidyth, can I still raise my hand?” Krista asks. “Because that’s not why I want to stay. I don’t want to be raped anymore, and if staying here means that won’t happen, I guess I’m in.”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” Blythe says, a hint of a smile on her face as Krista slowly raises her hand, and Kansas does the same.

“Seriously? We don’t know if Arizona and Dakota are okay.” Alaska still seems to be using this as her big reason for being a pain in the ass. Once we find out her little family members are okay, is she going to be less difficult? I sure as shit hope so.

“You morons don’t get it, do you? They’re Sidyths. They’re not telling the truth. They’re tricking us because they’re masters in proving women are inferior. And look at you all! Raising your hands at the chance to fall in love!? I don’t care what you think you agree to, because that’s all it is. You think that Sidyth prince is going to keep you here if you’re not spreading for one his brothers? Because I sure don’t.”

“Is that a no from you?” I ask Alaska. I’m already getting a little bored with her shit. She’s so needy for Arizona and Dakota that it makes her a little less intimidating than usual.

“I guess it is.”

Not surprisingly, when Alaska sequesters herself back into her corner of the room, Lacey wordlessly follows.

What-the-fuck-ever.

It’s hard to get too upset as the conversation continues and comes to an end for the night.

All I hear is we’re giving the big guys a shot. We’re going above ground. Blythe’s going to make it happen. I can’t get over the idea of seeing Azan again, and for once, I don’t care how silly I look. Blythe may look like a lovestruck, dopey teenager, but she also looks happy.

Blythe’s never been one to smile, let alone around the clock. I want that.

“Tomorrow.” I steal glances over my shoulder to see if Azan has come to do night duty.

I try to force myself to go to sleep when Fugly comes to the doorway and calls for Ellis.

Tomorrow.

 

***

 

It’s not raining the following day, and that’s a little upsetting, to say the least, but how can I possibly be in a bad mood with all the girls and Sidyths standing around, preparing to go above ground? Choices and freedom are all I’ve ever wanted, and now here they are! If the others knew how giddy I was inside my head, despite my stoic features, they’d probably run for the snowless hills.

“There will plenty of rain for those who wish to see it,” Fugly – who I’ve come to learn is named Hujun, grumbles to the group, stealing a quick look at Ellis. Goddamn, they’re weird to look at.

“As Hujun said,” Korben continues, “there will be plenty of rainy days, but today is not one of them. Most of my brothers will come with us, not only to enjoy some sun basking but to also see the others not brought to this lair originally. So please be prepared. If one of my brothers is someone you are trying to get to know, I would advise you to request that he stays.”

I think about going towards Azan’s side, but he’s only looking at Korben and Blythe, and it’s hard not to feel a little stung. Yes, I get that he works for the prince but doesn’t Azan ever get a break? Frowning, I decide not to come across as needy and remain in the back, watching him as he watches me with a heated gaze. If he wants me to stay, then he’s going to have to say it, I decide as we’re all gathered and led up the mud paths to the surface.

The humid air hits my nostrils, and it’s not the heat I love, but that it smells so much more natural up here. Down in the Sidyth lair, they have hundreds of stupid heat lamps burning and buzzing twenty-four-seven, so it’s never quiet or cool. Above ground, the air is sticky but sweet, and I inhale deeply, not wanting to forget it in case this is a ploy, and we’re about to be hunted down for sport.

Opening my eyes, I take in the scenery, surprised at how much it reminds me of home, and the extravagant vacations my parents would send me on as a kid. I wonder if there’s water nearby, and of course, there must be otherwise it wouldn’t be so misty. The surface is like a rainforest; only instead of grey or white mist, the fog is a light purple or dusty rose color. And though the grass is green like home, it’s much more vibrant. It’s almost turquoise, and stooping over, I brush my fingers through the blades, hardly surprised that they’re soft and velvety to the touch. I pluck a piece from the root and hold it up to my nose, taking in the familiar scent that reminds me of the Sidyths – or more specifically – Azan. Why does this whole planet and its inhabitants have to smell like Christmas? It was one of the only times when I was truly happy – mostly because my parents always found a way to come home for the holidays.

Memories of elaborate gifts, too many Christmas trees, and crystal decorations come flooding back, and it’s hard not to get emotional about home, my family, and my parents. I need a distraction otherwise I’m going to turn into a blubbering mess.

Fortunately, something does distract me. Like, really distracts me. As soon as the Sidyths step out of the lair, they rip off their shorts and stand before us in their nude glory under the glowing pink sun.

“What the hell?” Krista screams, though not covering her eyes.

Fugly – er, I mean, Hujun turns to her with a sour expression. I guess he only smiles for Korben and Ellis? “Prince Korben did inform you we were going to sun bask, did he not?”

“Yes, but—”

“This is how we bask in the sun.”

“And what? You got a problem with tan lines?” Mia asks, scrunching up her tiny nose. “Good God.”

It’s almost impossible not to laugh, and that’s when the girls and Sidyths start to split up and pair off like they’re at a middle school birthday party. Some want to see the others at the second lair, and Blythe and Korben handle that together. I’m sure Alaska and Kansas will be hot on their heels to make sure everyone in their little family has been properly treated, if not worshipped. Sometimes I wonder why I was ever scared of Alaska in the first place. She’s hot, but she’s also a big fucking baby who’s all but looking to suck off Mama Arizona’s teat. Weird.

“Do you want to sit someplace private?”

Moisture bubbles between my legs. That voice.

I turn around, and sure enough, Azan’s standing behind me in his naked glory. Good… God. I swallow hard, trying not to focus on his dick standing at full mast yet again. He doesn’t seem the least bit bothered or ashamed of his naked body, and so I try to play it cool despite the blazing hot flush on my cheeks. Azan leans closer.

“Is too warm for you?” he asks in English. “Go back down?”

“No, I’m okay!” I stammer, stumbling away before I have an accidental orgasm in the middle of a damn field. Azan’s eyes widen at this, but he doesn’t reach for me, cocking his head to the side.

That’s when I hear it; a sound so quick and slight I almost don’t notice it, but being around Sidyths, I’ve come to know what sounds mean what.

Slurping. Or sucking. It’s difficult to describe, but I know what Azan’s doing behind that mask the moment I hear it.

He’s tasting the air, and in doing so, he tastes me.

Oh, fuck me twice over. He’s got to know I’m turned on now.