Loved by a Dragon (No Such Thing as Dragons Book 3) by Lauren Lively (4)

“You’re pretty powerful then.”

“I don’t see it that way. I saved her because my friend was desperate. I always feel like I’m less because I choose not to be a warrior. I don’t like violence believe it or not.” He said and chuckled.

“You’re not less.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

I shrugged. “You’ve got a good heart. I can tell.”

“Are you going to tell me what pissed you off now?”

I thought he’d let it go, but I was wrong. “No.”

“You were upset after I talked about Eden and my connection to her.”

My cheeks heated and I nibbled my lip. “I don’t know why. I didn’t like you talking about her.”

For a minute he didn’t talk. He sped up to the cabin dragging me behind him. He led me up the path and I gasped. It was big and beautiful. I climbed the stairs behind him, and when I went inside I nearly cried. The living area was bigger than my apartment back home, and it smelled clean. If I was honest this cabin was nicer than anything I had ever lived in. I felt ashamed. I didn’t come from wealth or whatever it was the Denynso came from. I was at the bottom of the chain. From the wrong side of the tracks so to speak. Each day was a struggle for me, and I wouldn’t admit the truth to anyone. No one knew my main reason for taking the assignment. I wouldn’t tell them.

“This is it. There are two rooms and a bathroom. The kitchen has been fully stocked, and when you need more food, it can be delivered to you.”

I stood in the middle of the room and the tears came. I couldn’t stop them. I didn’t know what was going on, but I felt overwhelmed and undeserving. I was basically here to use them, and even though they wanted me to write about them it felt wrong. Humans were selfish and feared the unknown. Would I actually be helping? I vowed I would do my best though.

“What’s wrong?”

I turned away and my shoulders shook.

“Are you crying?” he asked, and I heard torment in his voice.

He came behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I was small so his forearms covered my chest. He was warm and comforting. Around him I didn’t have to hide or pretend. I felt I could be me.

Chapter 5

She was crying, and he didn’t know what to do. The females never cried, or at least they never allowed the males to see it. He spun her to face him and became frustrated when she was able to avoid eye contact. He growled and lifted her in his arms and plopped down on the couch holding her on his lap.

She gasped and scrambled to get off of him, but he didn’t let go.

“What wrong beautiful?”

“It’s—” she shook her head and pressed her lips together.

He felt her resistance. “You can talk to me, always.”

“Right, like I haven’t heard that a million times in my life. I’m 28 years old, and I’m alone. No friends, no family. I’m on my own, always have been.” Her eyes widened as if she told him something she hadn’t planned to share.

“Well, you’re not anymore. Do you want to know why you have those strange feelings?”

She nodded, and Ciyrs sighed. He didn’t want to freak her out so soon, but he realized his mate had some baggage and some major trust issues.

“You’re my mate. It’s why I went crazy on Pyra for talking to you. It’s why I shockingly yelled at my leader when he thought about assigning a warrior to you instead of me. It’s why my eyes shift to orange, and it’s why you feel how hard my body is beneath yours.”

Her lips parted on a gasp and her emerald eyes rounded in surprise. She didn’t speak and he gripped her small hand in his. She blinked and the surprise was gone. “Your mate? You’ve just met me, you can’t possibly know that.”

“That’s how it works; you can ask Pyra and the king if you don’t believe me. Instant soul wrenching attraction. You feel it too. Though humans see it as lust correct?”

She nodded. “I’ve never—”

She blushed and he gripped her fingers. “Never what?”

“I’m a virgin,” she said quickly. “I know I’m a little too old, but I’ve never found anyone that deserved to take that away from me.”

Now it was Ciyrs’s turn to be surprised. Eden told him about human women. Sex was something that was used for many things for humans as well as for them. It was a past time; a time to enjoy and being intimate with another person brings closeness. Knowing his mate had never had a man inside of her had him nearly panting. She tried to cover her face in shame, but he pulled her hands back.

“That is nothing to be ashamed of. I—wow, I think I’m the luckiest man alive. I’ll be your first and your last.”

She glared through the last of her tears. “What makes you think that?”

“We’re mates.”

“How do I know that isn’t some line to get in my pants?”

He growled but then shook his head. She was trying to get to him. “You’ll see. You feel it, and soon you won’t be able to fight your feelings. You’ll see they are real and that I’m not just messing with you to use you. I would never—”

She shook her head and pressed her finger against his lips quieting him. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep. I’ve had enough broken promises in my life. I couldn’t stand to have another one, not from you.”

Eliana stood from his lap and paced. “I’d like to be alone now. I need to sleep.”

He thought about arguing, but the look on her face held him back. She pleaded to be left alone, and he knew it had been too soon. She had just arrived and he’d already upset her. He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’ll be outside.”

“You don’t need to right? Only if I needed to leave the cabin.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone.”

She sighed. “Fine, but I’m going to bed.”

Watching her walk away was hard, but letting her walk away upset was devastating. He needed to talk to Eden. She’d be able to help. He closed his eyes and thought of her. They’d formed their telepathic link. It was something Pyra was still pissed about, but it actually had come in handy so he shut up about it even if he hated it.

‘What’s wrong Ciyrs?’

‘She’s mad already. Can you talk?’

‘Pyra says we’re on our way.’

‘Thank you, baby doll.’

In a few minutes Pyra and Eden were standing in front of him. The lights were out inside and he looked at his feet. “I think I messed up already.”

Eden sat next to him and wrapped her arm around him. “Tell me what happened.”

“When we got inside she started to cry. I’m not used to it. You’re the first female I’ve ever seen cry and that sucked, but seeing her tears was devastating.”

Pyra sat on his other side sporting a bruised jaw. “Did she tell you why?”

“Not really. I told her we were mates, she told me she was a virgin, and then I told her how happy that made me—”

Eden laughed. “Are you stupid? She was probably embarrassed as hell. She’s older than me?”

“28.”

“Then there’s a reason she’s held so tightly to her v-card. What else?”

“She stopped me from telling her she was no longer alone. Apparently she doesn’t have family or anything. She cut me off telling me not to make promises I couldn’t keep. That she couldn’t handle it.”

Eden nodded and teared up. Her hormones kicked in. “Oh my. She’s had a bad life. She doesn’t trust, and she’s been disappointed too much. I totally get it. You’ll have to be gentle with her heart Ciyrs. She isn’t going to know how to take you or accept your loyalty to her. If it’s as bad as I’m thinking, she’ll be scared shitless of you now.”

“Why?” He panicked inside. She’d already been able to shut down and kicked him out. “I didn’t mean to upset her. I didn’t want to tell her about her being my mate just yet, but she freaked out when I talked about you and didn’t understand why, so I explained it to her. I don’t want there to be lies between us, and after what happened with you and Pyra at the beginning there can’t be miscommunication; not with the Klimnu getting through to our lands. I need her aware and with me, not pissed at me.”

Pyra stood and laid his hands on Ciyrs’s shoulders. “Calm down, just go in there and take charge. She’ll be nervous, but if you let her shut you out, she’ll think you don’t care. You saw what happened with me and Eden, don’t make the same mistakes I did.”

He nodded. Pyra had been miserable especially when she was in her coma and hadn’t been able to be there for her. He thought she was going to die mad at him. They’d been lucky though. “You’re right. Thanks, and sorry for dragging you out this late.”

Eden nodded pulling him into a hug. “Get your mate. Convince her you mean business.”

Then they sped away in the dark. It was pitch black out now, and in a few hours the sun would rise. He climbed the stairs and quietly walked inside shutting and locking the door. He walked down the hall and pushed her door open. She was lying on her bed looking at the ceiling and her eyes were open.

“Can I come in?”

She jumped, but nodded.

He slipped his boots off and went to the other side of her bed. Above the covers he lay next to her with his heart beating wildly in his chest. When she reached for his hand he sighed in relief just by her touch. She didn’t say anything and neither did he. Instead he listened as her breathing evened out letting him know she had fallen asleep.

Chapter 6

It wasn’t possible to feel like this so quickly, but I did. I turned to face the man who called me his and smiled. After my outburst, I felt like an idiot and wished I could take it back. He didn’t seem to mind, and when his eyes zeroed in on my lips I licked them inviting him to kiss me. I wasn’t only a virgin. I’d never been kissed either. A few times someone had tried and gotten my cheek, but I’d never been kissed. Not in the way that I read about in stories. Oh how I wished he would.

His eyes changed and I gasped. It was amazing. They went from a deep ocean blue to a glowing orange. This time they didn’t change back.

“Are you scared?”

I nodded. “Not for the reason you are thinking though.”

“Do you know what I’m thinking?”

“Your eyes.”

“They don’t scare you?”

“Not even a little bit.”

He leaned in, and then his lips were on mine softly, then demanding, and it was the most amazing feeling I had ever had. His tongue licked my bottom lip and instinctively I knew what he was asking, and I parted my lips slowly letting him in. His tongue found mine and heat rushed throughout my body.

He moaned and pulled my body against him. I felt the hardness beneath the fabric of his pants. My body quaked with pleasure, and I whimpered when he pulled back.

His eyes were wide and his face was flushed. Strands of white hair hung in his face and he blew them out of his way. His eyes glowed brighter and his body shook.

“You’re beautiful,” I said and he was. I’d never seen anyone like him before.

“That’s my line, Eliana. And you are beautiful,” he replied and groaned when I felt a bit braver and slid my leg over his hip bringing us closer together.

I kissed him again liking the closeness. He was so big, and I felt tiny and safe with his arms wrapped around me. He slid his hand up the back of my shirt and ran his fingers down my spine. I arched pressing my breasts into him. My core ached with need and I fidgeted against him. I might have been a virgin, but I knew exactly what was going on with my body. I was educated.

“I don’t want to rush you, love,” he said and I smiled.

“I have this ache.” My voice was low, and I almost didn’t recognize it.

Then I felt his finger slip between my legs. I was only wearing thin shorts and the heat from his finger burned. I gasped when he slid his finger beneath the fabric meeting my bare flesh. He froze when he felt the wetness and his body tensed.

“Good god, you’re burning up,” he said and massaged me.

I threw my head back, and then his lips were on my throat. My body jerked against his hand when he sped up his motions. It was fantastic. I withered and cried out. He kept going and I squirmed. “It’s too much,” I cried out and when he kissed me, and then I felt him slide his finger inside of me. I moaned into his mouth and rode against him. Nothing felt so strange and amazing at the same time. It was unreal. I wanted—no I needed more, and then the feeling inside of me boiled over as my body tensed and I released for the first time. My eyes were like saucers, and I pulled back from his kiss and let out a guttural groan. I rocked against his hand and then my body slowed down as my climax eased into the tiny waves of aftershocks.

My heart raced, and I shook with a feeling I wasn’t sure what to make of. He smiled and kissed the corner of my mouth almost as if he couldn’t resist.

“Wow,” I said and let my head fall back. He removed his hands from my shorts and from the corner of my eye I watched him lick his finger. I thought I would be repulsed but it only made me clench inside.

“That was amazing.”

He nodded watching me. “You know, now you’re mine.”

His voice had turned deep and taken on a possessive edge. I nodded and laid my hand over his heart. “Yours,” I whispered. Never before had one word meant so much to me, and even though I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant for him, I knew he was mine too.

* * * *

I heard a noise and tiptoed through my new home carrying the first thing I could use as a weapon, a small wood log. Who knew I’d feel secure with the hard wood between my fingers, but I did. The sun peaked through the curtains as I made my way to the front door. Since I was short, I had the advantage. On the other side of the door I saw the top of a head with a white Mohawk and sighed in relief. It had to be Pyra.

I stepped close and opened the door holding the wood close. When I opened the door, I quickly realized my mistake. I found it wasn’t him. In the giant warrior’s place stood a grotesques thing; I wasn’t sure what it was, but I knew it was time to be terrified. It smiled at me with needle sharp teeth and bright red eyes. It tilted its head to the side and cackled. Every hair on my body stood, and I went to slam the door, but it reached out with razor sharp claws and pulled me outside. The sting of its claw digging into my skin brought tears to my eyes, and I whimpered in pain. I didn’t even have a chance to fight.

“Shut up!” And everything inside of me went silent. I tried to scream, but I couldn’t. My voice was gone and my eyes were wide as tears streamed down them. I had a feeling this thing was what they talked about. This thing was their breech in security.

He lifted me over his shoulder gripping my tiny frame tightly, and then we disappeared. There was nothing but inky darkness, and then I was thrown on something smelly and damp. I cringed and screamed. This time my voice worked, and I heard the evil cackle again before I heard the sound of a lock sliding into place. I couldn’t see anything, and I wrapped my arms around my knees and rocked. Something had taken me that easily. It was smart and somehow tricked me. I was alone and my body shook from more than the freezing bitter cold. I’d never felt fear like this before.

Chapter 7

Ciyrs woke up and felt the bed beside him. The sheet was cold, and he jumped up in a panic. She was gone. He stormed through the cabin and roared. The windows shook and pictures crashed to the floor shattering the glass. The front door was open and he glared out into the sun. There was a strange silence as if the land was scared.

He raced to the Great House and pounded on the door without stopping. The king opened the door and the smile he had on his face fell immediately.

“No!”

“She’s gone. I don’t know how. I stayed with her all night. But she’s fucking gone, and I’m terrified.”

The King closed his eyes and sent a message. He was able to call to the warriors. In a matter of a few minutes, every warrior was climbing the stairs. Pyra and Eden attached by each other’s side came to him. Eden threw her arms around him. She felt his pain and he sobbed into her hair. “She’s gone baby doll. I failed.”

He pulled back and looked at his feet. “You were right. She needed a warrior, not some useless healer like me.” He couldn’t take it, and when the king went to speak he shook his head and he was gone. It was his fault. His stupid possessiveness put her in danger, and now he didn’t know what to do. He wasn’t a warrior. He was just a healer. He had magic, but it wasn’t enough to bring her back.

He went into the infirmary where he belonged and fell to the floor sobbing like he never had before. It was bad enough he always felt this way, but now his own uselessness had been reaffirmed. He would never be strong. Not like his brothers.

It wasn’t long before the doors opened and every warrior and the king filed into his space. The infirmary was his.

It was the king who approached him. He wrapped Ciyrs in his arms and held him.

“You are not useless, and if we have in any way made you feel inferior then we apologize.”

The rest of the warriors all agreed with loud voices. When Criea pulled back he saw the others waiting expectantly.

Eden was the only woman, but she was who he needed. She stepped around Pyra and took his hand. “You can find her. You’re connected, I can feel it. The bond has started and your eyes are still orange.”

He nodded. They’d begun the bond all right.

“Then focus, just like you taught me when healing. Focus on her. Her scent, the feel of her skin, the sound of her heart. Listen to your heart; it will lead you to her.”

He nodded again and closed his eyes.

It was so dark, so cold. I shivered and tears soaked my skin and shirt. It wasn’t him. “I feel her.”

“Go back Ciyrs, find your mate.”

The sound of the lock made me shake in fear. They were back and he was going to touch me again. Get inside my head. He’d tricked me before, and now I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. This time when he came he looked like—ME

Ciyrs’s eyes shot open and he gasped. “Illusions. Those fuckers have her!”

The room erupted in loud shouts and promises of retribution. “The Klimnu are stronger than we knew. Those things can take on our appearances. It’s why they can walk through the compound without much notice. How the hell do they do that?”

Eden sobbed. “She’s so scared.”

“You feel her?”

“Yes, she—she doesn’t understand. She thought it was Pyra at the door, she let him in.”

Pyra froze. “I didn’t fucking go to her cabin.”

“No, but one of them knew she would trust you. How are they getting so much information on us?”

“They’re here somewhere we haven’t searched. They have to be,” Pyra replied and he growled anger taking over.

It wasn’t going to be good if all the warriors lost it right now. They needed to be calm and work together to find Eliana.

Eden stomped her foot and yelled. “STOP!” the whole building shook with her rage and her eyes glowed with anger. She fisted her hands and tears streamed down her cheeks. “Focus, Ciyrs’s mate is in the hands of one of those slimy bastards. We can’t let them do to her what they did to me. I feel her. She’s terrified. I don’t know why I feel her, maybe it’s because of our bond, but I literally feel like my heart is being ripped from my chest. So buck up Warriors you’re going on a mission. Get our fucking mate back!”

The men were all stunned to silence. She was commanding, and no one wanted to cross her. They all shut up and the king smirked, “Well, if I need to get them in line again I know who to call. But now Eden you need to focus too, between you and Ciyrs you should be able to find her.”

She nodded and grabbed his hands and closed her eyes. He let his eyes close too. The feel of her hands in his reassured him, but there was only darkness, and in the distance he thought he heard whimpering.

‘Tell me girl!’

‘I don’t know. I’ve only been there one day.’

He cackled and she cringed. ‘How are you so close to the healer then?’

She shook her head refusing to speak.

Pain tore through her shoulders as his claws dug into her skin, sinking into her flesh, ripping, tearing. She screamed a blood curdling scream, but it did no good.

Eden gasped and yanked her hands away from him. His body shook. “They’re hurting her. Trying to get information. She refused.”

Eden paled, and then she vomited all over the floor. He caught her before she fell to the floor. He carried her to the table.

“I felt it.”

“No more, you can’t take the stress. We have to think of the baby.”

“I need to help find her.”

“No we can’t risk you baby doll. I’ll have to focus harder on my own.”

Despair filled him. He’d felt her pain too. They were going to torture his mate, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. It seemed like the damned Klimnu were always one step ahead of them.

Chapter 8

They left me alone again. It was better than having them close. At least I could handle the darkness. The damp cold wasn’t any worse than his touch. He came and looked like Ciyrs and laughed when he saw the hope in my eyes. The hope that Ciyrs hadn’t broken his promise. That he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. But then the figure morphed back into his monstrous self. I cringed as the beady red eyes looked at me as if he could read my soul.

“Are you ready to tell me what I want to know?”

I glared at him. I didn’t care how badly they hurt me, I was a fighter. I had never once given up in my terrible life, and I wouldn’t start now. Not when I had something to live for now. I knew Ciyrs was looking for me. I felt his pain. The only problem was I couldn’t figure out how to tell him where I was. I didn’t fucking know where I was.

My shoulders and arms throbbed in pain. The blood had finally dried, but anytime I moved the scabs would break open, and it would start all over again. So I sat as still as possible and tried to figure out what to do.

The thing crowded me and then his vile tongue licked my face. I gagged and I would have thrown up if there was anything left in my stomach. His breath was like death and decay. “You taste good.”

I shuddered. It wasn’t the first time he’d said that, and this thing liked to lick. He wrapped his bony fingers around my throat and I gasped. He squeezed tighter and licked the tears the leaked form my eyes. I tried to breathe slow and not panic, but my eyes widened and my pulse fluttered. The fear was back full force. The tips of his claws dug into my neck and I felt the warm red liquid slide down my neck. He panted and lifted me to my feet. He pressed his bony body against mine and I felt his arousal. My body shook with the mixture of fear and revulsion.

“I need to know. How did you get so close so fast? We’ve been studying them for a long time, and even our illusions haven’t gotten us far. We need their king. He is the key to our freedom.”

I choked and gripped skin and bone trying to dig my nails into his skin. I felt my body losing its life right before he removed his hand and I fell to the ground. I held my throat and gasped for breath. Coughing I looked into his eyes. “I don’t know anything I swear,” I said gasping. My throat burned, and I felt the tiny holes from his claws. If this didn’t stop I wouldn’t last much longer. I’d already lost a lot of blood. I wasn’t even sure how long they had me.

“What are you?”

He made his strange cackling sound and licked his thin bluish lips. “I am Klimnu, and we are the more superior race. You’re little warriors haven’t caught us yet, and each day we get stronger. The longer we’re here, the more we feed off of their tempers, and the stronger we become.”

“They’ll figure it out,” I said. I wanted to make him mad. Making him mad made him go away.

“No they won’t, not from you. I’m bored with you already.” He sighed as if it pained him to say.

“Go ahead and kill me. I’ve got nothing to offer you.” I hope he didn’t really kill me. I didn’t have anything, but I hoped he would think otherwise. I needed to stall long enough to find a way to communicate with Ciyrs. It shouldn’t be so damn hard. I was his fucking mate.

* * * *

Ciyrs’ eyes shot open. She taunted them, and he’d never been so scared in his life. What the hell was she doing? He needed her to cooperate. He burned with a rage so deep. He couldn’t wait to get a hold of the slimy bastard that touched her. He was going to tear him apart with his bare hands. His body shook with the urge to kill, something his healing soul didn’t normally feel. He needed to find her and he needed to get revenge. His body came to life and for the first time he felt like he was one of his brothers. He didn’t feel weak or useless.

The magic soared through his body and he gasped when his hands glowed, but instead of being the normal white, his power burned red. His body lit up and he cried out when the heat became too much. That was new, but he didn’t fear it, he wanted to use it because inside he knew it did the opposite of his healing. He wasn’t sure how it happened but he somehow became much more useful.

Chapter 9

The next morning they were still no closer to finding her. She’d now been in the hands of the Klimnu for nearly two days. He could feel her, but she was fading. He no longer felt her fear, or her will to fight. He didn’t know what they’d done to her, she’d somehow shut him out, but he knew it was bad. She wasn’t the same anymore. He knew he hadn’t gotten to know her well before she was taken, but he knew. Eliana wasn’t Eliana any longer.

He paced the room and Ero came in holding his stomach. He was bleeding pretty badly, but Ciyrs didn’t care. He had pretty much lost all hope of ever finding her, and if she died a part of him would too. He wouldn’t be good for anything.

“Hey, uh, I know it may not be a good time, but can you?” Ero walked over to him slowly. Everyone was leery about Ciyrs. No one knew how he was going to react at any given moment. He wasn’t stable.

“Sit.”

Ero nodded and sat on the table.

Ciyrs laid him back and closed his eyes. He felt both parts of him. The one no one knew about and his healing side. He was tempted to test his new power, but deep inside he couldn’t. It didn’t matter how lost he was. He would hurt one of his brothers. He called to his good half and healed him. It felt good on his fingertips. The heat from his power flowed into Ero.

Ero’s eyes fluttered shut and he moaned. Ciyrs was used to this. His power had that effect on them all. It was why it was so private. He knew his warrior brothers would be embarrassed if someone saw their raging hard on after he patched them up. It was why Pyra hated it when Eden healed.

He felt Ero’s hand reach for his and he let him grip his fingers as the healing finished. Sometimes he thought the warrior did it on purpose. He was hurt more times than not, and the thoughts of him having feelings for him had crossed his mind more than once, but he shook it off.

He just wanted someone to care. Ero wasn’t like them all. He wasn’t as big or as strong. He was an orphan and the king and queen basically adopted him when he was a kid. For all intents he was Pyra’s brother, but he was a jack ass most of the time. Like he had to make up for what he lacked in size.

“Enough,” he said and Ero opened his eyes blushing.

“Sorry, you would think it wouldn’t do that to me anymore.”

Ciyrs sighed. “It’s normal, but I need to be alone please.”

“Still no luck in finding her?”

“No and she’s giving up.”

Ero shrugged. “A real mate wouldn’t.”

It was the wrong thing to say. Ciyrs glared at him and in one swift move held him in the air by his throat.

“You stupid fucker. You need to learn to keep your damn mouth shut. She is my fucking mate. How dare you!”

Ero struggled in his grasp but Ciyrs was gone. All the control he held over the years and he broke. His hand heated up and his warrior friend screamed.

He wasn’t aware of anything after. He blacked out and when he opened his eyes he tugged at his arms. He was restrained to a bed. “What the hell?”

Pyra came into view, then Eden. Her face was streaked with tears. “What’s wrong baby doll?”

“You don’t remember?”

“Uh—help me out here, because I so obviously don’t know what’s going on. Why the hell am I being restrained?”

“Ciyrs you injured Ero badly.”

He shook his head. “No I wouldn’t do that. He can be an ass, but we all know why.”

“You did. I had to heal his wounds. I don’t know what you did, but his flesh around his neck was burned, like he was in a fire.”

Realization dawned on his then. He didn’t remember but he remembered the feelings. “Oh fuck.”

“Where is he? I have to apologize. He just made me snap, I know that much. I healed him, and then he made a comment about Eliana not being a real mate and I lost it.”

“Fucking shit, he knows better by now. No wonder you lost it, but how the hell did you burn him?”

“I seem to have gotten a new power. One I’m not sure will be good until I get a handle on my temper.”

Eden tensed. “What kind of power?”

“Not the good kind baby doll. At least if it’s used on friends.” Ciyrs shook his head. “I am two different people now. A part of me heals and the other part of me destroys. I’m torn between good and bad and I have no fucking idea what to do. I need Eliana, I need my fucking mate.” Then he broke down and sobbed. Eden climbed on the bed and wrapped her arms around him pulling him close.

“Shh, we’ll find her. I don’t know how but we will.”

“It’s no use. I don’t feel her anymore.”

Eden pulled back and her brows knitted together. “I do.”

“What?” He felt a bit of hope.

“Yeah she isn’t doing well, but she’s still alive.”

“Don’t fuck with me baby doll.”

“Hey don’t!” Pyra growled.

“Oh calm down he’s just excited.” She brushed his tears away. “She’s alive. I bet she shut you out. Probably not on purpose either. I think it’s time I reached out again.”

He shook his head. “But the baby. I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not. But I’m doing it. We need her back. I won’t be able to go on feeling your suffering on a daily basis Ciyrs. Your pain is my pain.”

He nodded understanding because she understood what he went through. Her pain was his too.

He looked at Pyra who growled. “Like I have a choice. She won’t listen to me.”

Ciyrs had to bite back a smile. Eden was a stubborn woman, and he knew she was the key to finding Eliana, or so he hoped.

Chapter 10

“It’s no use. They won’t find you. I told you we’re smarter than them. We can block them.”

I sighed and let my head fall back. I had been trying to get a message out. But it was like there was a block. My messages weren’t getting out. “Why? I don’t have the answers you’re looking for. Can’t you just let me go?”

He laughed and his eyes burned brighter. “We’ve already established that I’m not stupid and you want me to send you back?”

“It’s not like I’d be able to tell them where I was. I’ve seen nothing but your freaky eyes and darkness for days.”

He backhanded me and I tasted blood, but I was done playing his fucking game. I stood on wobbly feet and fisted my hands. I felt the end was near, and I wasn’t going down without one hell of a fight. If I didn’t get to live to see my mate again I was going to make this Klimnu bastard pay.

He stood back relaxed and amused by the look of his smile. I focused on Ciyrs and his love for me. I knew he loved me. It didn’t matter how little time we’d known one another. It was true, and it was as real as the beat of my heart. His orange eyes stared back at me and I gasped. It was that damned illusion again.

“You could never be him.”

“Oh but I can,” he said and gripped my hips and ground his creepy ass erection against my stomach.

I shuddered and spit on his face. “You’re not even a fourth of the man as Ciyrs and you make me sick you creepy bastard.”

He wiped the spit from his cheek and let me go laughing. “You think that’s going to upset me?” I stared as he licked my spit from his bony fingers. EW. I shook my head and shuddered.

I was losing my damned mind. My body shook with a rage I had never felt before and my arms to the tips of my fingers heated and when I lifted my arm they glowed red. “Holy shit!”

The Klimnu stared frozen in shock for a few seconds before he stepped back. “What are you?” He tilted his head seemingly entranced by the glow of my body.

“I’m nothing.” But at that moment I certainly was something. I focused more and the heat burned stronger. I broke out in a sweat and stalked towards the monster who figured out he might have been in a little bit of trouble. I narrowed my eyes and wrapped my small hand around his tiny throat. His eyes widened and his mouth opened and he let out a wail that shot straight to my head. It pierced my ears and I couldn’t stop the pain reverberating through my body. I screamed too and tightened my hold on the monster who stole me away from my new home. I would not give up.

The smell of burning flesh filled my nose and my eyes watered. His body struggled helplessly against me. His body lost its strength as I sucked his life away. That’s what I was doing, I was taking his life.

After his eyes rolled back into his skull I dropped his bones to the ground. They shattered into a pile of dust and I looked at my hand. It no longer glowed, but his ash covered my hands. I wiped them on my jeans and took a deep breath.

“What the hell happened?” I asked, but there was no one there to answer me.

I bent and dug through the pile of ash and found the keys he used to lock me inside. Feeling around for the door I gripped the cool metal of the door and sighed. Pulling it open, I waited for others to come, but it was silent, and I tiptoed down a dimly lit hall. The light was bright to my eyes. When I made it to the end of the hall I looked both ways wondering which way was right. I shook my head and went left hoping for the best. I needed to get out of this place, and I needed my mate. I needed Ciyrs.

(To be Continued in Part IV… )

Book 4 – Healed by Gentle Alien

Chapter 1

Ciyrs shot up from bed. After days, the king had forced him to rest. He finally fell asleep until the dream. He blinked his eyes and looked around his room. The sun had risen and peaked around the corners of his curtains. After Eden had tried and failed to reach out to Eliana, he had all but given up. If he couldn’t sense her, he couldn’t find her. The warriors were out searching for her, but so far nothing.

He jumped up when he heard a loud banging on the door. “Ciyrs you fucker get up!”

He groaned when he heard Gyyx yelling outside and he ran to the door wondering if something had happened. He pulled open the door and frowned. Gyyx stood on his porch heaving and his eyes were orange. “You’re mate—I think I might have found her—the general area she is in anyways.”

He stared at Pyra’s younger brother and couldn’t get over how much they looked alike. The long white Mohawk, the blue eyes that were orange at the moment. He was huge but not as big as his older brother. Wait did he just say he might have found her? In a moment too quick to stop, he wrapped his hand gripping the shirt Gyyx wore and lifted him off the ground.

“Where?”

“What the hell Ciyrs? Put me down you asshole.”

“Shit, sorry. I seem to be changing.”

Gyyx chuckled and smoothed his shirt out. “Apparently. But anyways, for the past day and a half, some of us have been searching further out looking for your lady. And now I’m reacting just like my brother. My eyes shift, and I’m hard as shit. Basically I am pretty sure she’s my mate too—”

Ciyrs roared. “No way. She’s mine. You’re mistaken.”

“Why the hell am I freaking out then?”

Ciyrs’s eyes widened. “Maybe your mate is here. These Klimnu seem to be pretty good at getting on our land. What’s to say they haven’t intercepted visitors?”

Gyyx’s jaw clenched. “So what you’re saying is—my mate could have already been taken by those slimy bastards, and I’m just now figuring it out?”

“Yeah sounds plausible.”

“Shit, I’m already a terrible mate. She’s gonna hate me.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. I didn’t know what was going on until Pyra laughed at my temper.”

“But shouldn’t I have sensed her?”

“Not if she hasn’t been here long. She’s got to be close.”

“And I have a feeling where we find your Elaina, I’ll find my mate. Unless Elaina is meant for both of us.”

Ciyrs’s hand glowed red and he held back from killing the man before him. He had to remember he was a friend. “No, she’s only meant to be mine.”

Gyyx backed away with his hands up in surrender. “So fucker lets go find our women. You are connected to your mate already I’m not. We need to find them and then figure out how the hell the Klimnu are taking our women.”

“Let’s go,” Ciyrs replied. The sooner he found Elaina the sooner he could really sleep, and next time he wouldn’t let go of her. She wasn’t leaving his sight—ever again.

Gyyx led the way slowing to a normal speed so Ciyrs could keep up. He was grateful because even though he learned he had warrior abilities he still wasn’t a warrior, he was a healer.

“Where did you get a sense that—” Ciyrs said and froze when a vision of Eliana slammed into him.

She ran frantically through the maze of halls. Her feet were dirty, and she ignored the rocks beneath her soles. The pain of something sharp imbedded into her foot and she sucked in a breath but kept moving. She had to get away. She shoved her hair out of her face and bit her lip tasting the copper of her blood. She hurt everywhere, but she couldn’t stop moving. She didn’t know when more would come. She didn’t know how she turned the one to ash. She was a freak. Tears slid down her cheeks, but still she kept moving.

The sound of sobbing startled her and Eliana froze looking wildly into the darkness. Her eyes had finally adjusted and she could make out a shaking figure. Red flags rose and she was about to keep moving until she heard the mere whisper, “help me.”

Eliana was scared, but she edged her way closer to the figure. When she stood over the prone woman she gasped. The woman was rail thin and pale. She had bite marks all over her body and she wore only a bra and panties. Her ribs poked out of her side and the stench filled her nose. She did her best not to gag, but this woman had been there for a while.

“You’re not one of them?”

The woman didn’t speak but she saw the slight shake to her head.

“You better not be,” she grumbled and bent to lift the woman.

She shrieked and her body shook before she stopped moving all together. Eliana felt for a pulse and sighed when she realized the woman was unconscious. Lifting her from the ground the best she could, she half carried and half dragged the woman from the small prison. Taking a deep breath she sent out a prayer that she would find the damn exit.

“I found her; she has a woman with her.”

Gyyx froze and spun to look at him. “A woman?” his eyes shifted to orange.

“Yeah, she’s unconscious, sick, injured, but alive. Eliana is bringing her out. They’re at the old warehouse. The one that was supposed to be torn down. How the hell did we miss it?”

They ran using their speed. For the first time Ciyrs used all the things he locked up inside. He had no idea what they would come across on the way, but right now there were two women who needed him. One needed some major healing and the other—well she just needed him.

Chapter 2

She was getting heavy, and I was tiring out, but I couldn’t stop. Not until I found my way out. Everything hurt. I’d never been more tired, but my will to survive was stronger than my need to rest. I pushed through, but ran into another dead in. I screamed in frustration and tried to keep my tears locked up tight, but I was slowly falling apart. Who the hell created a maze like this?

I sobbed and fell to the ground with my arms wrapped around the strange woman. I let out all of my fears and allowed myself time to cry. Then I’d pick myself back up and find my way out. I rocked back and forth holding tight to the only other person around—and she wasn’t even conscious.

I screamed when hands wrapped around my arm pulling me up from the ground. I kicked and tried to get away but the arms tightened holding me against a hard warm body. I couldn’t be taken—not again. I wouldn’t survive it again.

“Baby, calm down, it’s me.”

I froze and opened my eyes. Looking back at me were orange eyes ringed in dark circles. “Ciyrs?”

“Fucking hell baby, I’m so sorry!” Then he buried his face into my neck.

I didn’t have any fear it wasn’t him. His touch was right. I relaxed my body into his and then pulled back remembering the woman I’d found. “The woman, she’s hurt.”

Ciyrs looked down at the prone woman to see Gyyx pull her into his arms. His eyes were orange and a tear slid down his cheek.

“She’s mine. You were right.”

I slid down Ciyrs’s body ignoring his protest and fell to the floor. “She’s been out the whole time. Except at first. I don’t know what happened. I guess the shock finally wore off.”

Gyyx looked at me with his eye shining. “Thank you for taking her with you. Most people wouldn’t do that.”

I laid my hand on his and in a split second I was whipped away. Ciyrs growled. “You can’t touch him right now baby. I’m already going crazy.”

“He’s hurting. Look at him.”

“He’ll be fine as soon as we get back and I work on his mate. Better yet Eden will. He won’t want to rip her head off. I probably can’t get near her.”

“I know you won’t do anything Ciyrs, let’s get the hell out of here. We’ll tell the others to patrol here until we can burn this fucking building to the ground.”

I wrapped my arms around Ciyrs and shut my eyes as he sped from my own personal hell. I’d make sure this building burned. No one would suffer in those cells again. I looked at Gyyx and the woman I had found. She probably knew better than anyone else what is was like to be in their hands. It looked like she had been there for a while. The poor woman was rail thin and sickly looking. But I could tell by the look in the Denynso’s eyes that she was the most beautiful creature to him. It was the way Ciyrs looked at me.

With my head on his shoulder, I felt the cool rush of air as the wind whipped around us. He ran fast and I was grateful when I opened my eyes to find myself in his house. He kissed me and held me close while I sobbed. There were so many things to talk about, but all I wanted to do was fall apart and clean the Klimnu off of me.

“I tried finding you, and I failed. Eden tried to use her connection to help. She felt you but couldn’t figure out where you were. The warriors have been searching nonstop. I’m so sorry I failed you.” Ciyrs fell to his knees in front of me.

I placed my hand on his head. He had his arms wrapped tightly around my waist and he sobbed. I did my best to comfort him. “Oh Ciyrs, you didn’t fail me.”

He tipped his head up looking at me. I wiped his tears. “It’s not your fault I was taken.”

“I should have known. We’re mates. Our bond was formed.”

“Newly mated. Who knows how long it takes for it to really click. I don’t blame you.”

He nodded, but I could tell he wasn’t convinced. “I need to get cleaned up.”

Reluctantly he pulled away and gripped my hand like a life line as he led me to his bathroom. Without a word he turned on the shower and then he pulled off my clothes. I shivered when I was naked and didn’t miss the way his eyes glowed.

“Can I help?”

I nodded and nibbled my lip. I needed his closeness. No matter how dirty I felt.

He stripped off his clothes and led me into the shower. The warmth of the water eased the aches and pains and washed away the dirt, but it didn’t wash away the memory of the touch. I closed my eyes and Ciyrs spun me around. In a few moments I felt his hands in my hair lathering in some shampoo and then he tipped my head back rinsing my hair. I let him take care of me. I knew he needed it. He was a care giver. It’s what he did. He healed, and when his large hands stroked my body gently with the sudsy cloth he healed a part of me. I knew his touch. I knew he would never hurt me.

After all that had happened, I felt the ache between my legs. I couldn’t control the desire building and I turned facing him. He tensed when he scented my arousal and shook his head.

“I’d love to but I need to take care of you first.”

“But that is taking care of me.” I picked up his hand and brought it between my legs spreading them, allowing him to feel the wetness. “I need you. And I know you need me.”

His erection sprung to life and I wrapped my small hand around it. “See, you want me.”

He groaned when I slid my slick hand down and ran my thumb over the tip. “Of course I do Eliana. I’ve missed you like hell. I’ve nearly gone insane without you.”

I licked my lip. “Then show me.”

I needed to get my mind off of it all, and there was no better way than to lose myself in the man I loved—loved, that was the first time I admitted it to myself. I loved Ciyrs.

Chapter 3

She was trying to kill him. Ciyrs watched her eyes dilate and scented the musky scent of her arousal. He was trying to behave and take care of her before sinking into her. He didn’t want to push her if she wasn’t ready, but apparently she was. He felt her wetness, saw it in her eyes, and when she touched him he knew he was a goner.

In a rough move he lifted her and shoved her against the tiled wall. “Wrap your legs around me.”

She did and then he slid inside of her in one swift movement. She cried out and tightened her legs around him. He groaned when it pushed him deeper inside. She was hot, wet, and her muscles clenched around his cock. His body spasmed and then she kissed him like a starving woman. Her tongue touched his and he held her against the wall making love to her. He went slowly even when his body raged to mark her again. Let the world know she was his. He needed to reestablish his bond with her, but he held back afraid to scare her. Hell he scared himself.

His new power wasn’t the only new change. There was more to him now. He was more than the loveable healer. He had a dark side now, and Ciyrs wasn’t sure what to do about it. Should he embrace it or run?

“I love you Ciyrs,” she said and moaned when the shock of her words had him driving into her rougher.

He watched her eyes and knew she was serious. “I love you too Eliana.”

This time when he kissed her, he let the wild in him out. His body heated and she gasped into his mouth. He pulled back to make sure she was okay.

“Your skin is so hot.”

“We have a lot to talk about—after.”

Then he drove into her taking what was his. She was his and he held her tight against him. She withered and moaned squirming against him and the wall. The more she struggled to move the more aroused he became. “God please don’t fucking stop.”

Her skin was slick with water and sweat as the shower still poured over them. He rocked into her, and when she screamed his name and yanked his hair pulling his head back he roared as he came inside of her. She quivered and held on to him as he rode out his climax.

He stood holding her against the wall breathing heavily. His skin had gone back to normal, and she gripped his jaw and kissed him lightly on the lips. “I never knew I could miss someone so much.”

“Oh baby, I missed you too. Ask anyone; I was sort of nuts knowing you were out there somewhere hurting.”

She shivered and he pulled out settling her on her feet. Instead of getting out he took the rag and lathered up more soap. With gentle circles he cleaned her body before his own. “Let’s look you over. You were running barefoot. They probably need healed. Then we need to check on Gyyx’s mate.”

“I want to see if she’s awake.”

He pulled her out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body before grabbing his own and wrapping it around his waist.

He was still aroused, and the need to make love to her all week came to mind, but he had other responsibilities. Gyyx needed him and he owed him a great debt. If it weren’t for the royal warrior, he might not have found Eliana.

She rushed to the room and found her bags. He stood back and watched as she pulled out a pair of yoga pants and a tight T-shirt. He went to get dressed himself. By the time he was dressed she was done and groaned when she lifted her arms and stretched. The smooth pale skin peaked out from her shirt.

“Let’s go check on them. You can have me again later,” she said and smirked.

“Sorry. I’ve been told the mating fever is fierce. I think it’s even worse since it got interrupted and you were taken.”

She looped her arm through his and smiled up at him. “I understand. I’ve never felt like this before. We do need to talk though. There are some things that happened. Something I don’t understand.”

“I know baby. We will.”

He led her outside and by the time they made it to the infirmary the news had spread and everyone offered their support and asked if she needed anything. Eliana was family now. It was their way. The moment he knew she was his, he knew everyone would accept her. She was one of them now.

Eden smiled as soon as she saw them. “Thank god he found you.”

Eliana recoiled from Eden and her eyes widened. “Why do I love her?” she asked in a whisper.

“That’s Eden. Apparently you have a connection to her through me. What you feel is all of our emotions.”

“Oh.”

“She was the one who was able to tell me you were alive. You’d shut me out and I panicked.”

“How’s the woman I found?” She asked, but by the look of sorrow on Gyyx’s face it wasn’t good.

Eden sighed. “I’ve healed her body the best I can. She had some nasty bites and such. I don’t know, I don’t think I’m as strong as Ciyrs, and with the baby I don’t have as much energy.” She rubbed her belly smiling.

Gyyx looked at him pleading. “Please help her.”

“Just don’t try to rip my arms off when I touch her.”

“I won’t. I want her to wake up.”

He kept his hand wrapped around Eliana’s and stood next to Eden. She backed away giving him space, and he took a deep breath before letting go of his mate’s hand. With cautious movements he lowered his hands to the unconscious woman. As soon as his hands made contact an electric shock tore through him. He was thrown back against the wall and landed with a large thump.

Eliana ran to him and helped him to his feet. “What the hell was that?”

Gyyx looked at him with wide eyes. “I didn’t touch you I swear.”

“I know, but she certainly didn’t want me touching her. Eden did you get shocked?”

“No, but I’m also not as strong as you.”

Ciyrs rubbed his head and eyed the new stranger. She was certainly alive. They had no idea who she was, how long she was with the Klimnu. He could sense she was human so he knew she wasn’t actually one of their enemies. It was strange. It was almost as if she knew he wasn’t her mate. She didn’t want his touch.

“Touch her Gyyx,” he said trying to test his theory.

“What?”

He sighed. “Work with me here. Touch her.”

Gyyx ran his finger over the bare skin of her arm. He wasn’t slammed around and in the silence they heard a small gasp. She didn’t wake up, but there was movement behind her closed lids.

“She knows you. Somehow she knows you’re the one meant to touch her. Now I’m going to touch her again and see what happens.”

Clenching his jaw he did the same thing Gyyx did and before he finished his move pain tore through his body and he was again thrown back. This time it felt like the electric shock had been powered up a notch. “Holy fucking shit, that hurt.”

“I think you’re theory is correct, Ciyrs, please stop the pain hurts me too,” said Eden and her face was pale.

He rushed to her side. “Oh baby doll, I’m sorry. I just wanted to see if this woman was aware. Part of her is.” He pulled her into a hug and froze when he heard a gasp.

He pulled away from Eden only to turn to see his mate running out of the infirmary. Shit. He winced and ran after her. He couldn’t leave her alone. Not so soon after getting her back, but he had a feeling he was in trouble.

Chapter 4

I couldn’t take it. I knew they had a bond, but his cute little pet name for her, and the way they hugged. Something inside of me snapped and I had to get out. Rationally I knew I had nothing to worry about. She was mated to Pyra, and me and Ciyrs’s bond was growing stronger by the hour. I’d never felt this type of jealously before, and I didn’t like it.

I grew up alone, always being second best. I wouldn’t do it again. I was either his number one or nothing. Too many years of being shoved off had hardened my heart. The part of me that craved love also feared it as much.

I ran faster than I ever had before, and when I came to a rock that looked over a huge lake I sat down. The sun glistened on the water and it sparkled. It was beautiful, and I found myself falling in love with the land even more.

I felt a presence and tensed. It was Pyra—last time I saw him I was kidnapped. I opened my mouth to scream, but there was something real about him. I eyed him weary ready to defend myself.

“It’s really you right?”

“Yes, I’m so sorry that you were kidnapped. I hate that it was my face they stole. Those fuckers are going to pay—one day. As soon as we can figure out how to get the upper hand.”

His temper, yep it was certainly Pyra. “They feed off of your temper.”

“How do you know?”

“The one who took me, he told me. He also said they need the king. Something about his power is important to their kind. But you guys are good. Those nasty pricks haven’t been able to get to him.”

Pyra paced. “They will not take my father. I’ll kill them all first.” He eyed me curiously. “So why are you out here alone after you just got back?”

I shook my head feeling stupid. He was right. I shouldn’t have been running off alone. Tears spilled before I could stop them. “Their bond, how do you deal with it?”

He nodded in understanding and sat on the ground. “Ah, the bond between my mate and yours. It sucks, I won’t lie. They have a connection that is unbreakable, and it’s annoying as shit. No matter how much I love my brother, I don’t like that he knows things I don’t, or before I do. Eden keeps us in line. It’s not easy, but I promise you’ll adjust. It’s just something you live with for the other. You love Ciyrs?”

I nodded.

“Then you love Eden?”

“Apparently so, meeting her was strange. I’d never had such feelings for a woman before. It was quite off putting especially because I didn’t understand it. He said they had a bond, but I didn’t realize it would affect me too. I guess I’m just jealous and scared all at once.”

“It will get better with time. Soon it will be like a bee buzzing in your ear. You swat it away, but it keeps coming back for more until eventually you just ignore it and let it buzz in your ear. I’ll admit I’ve destroyed a lot of things dealing with it.”

“Maybe I need to. No offense against your mate, but I don’t feel comfortable with it at all. I don’t want to be second. I’ve spent my whole life that way. Always the second choice. Always the second in line. I promised myself to be first even if I had to spend my life alone to achieve it.”

“You’ll always be first baby.” I hadn’t heard Ciyrs and I cringed knowing he’d heard my little break down.

I didn’t turn towards him, and I smiled down at Pyra when he patted my leg before leaving us alone.

“I’m sorry I didn’t think to explain things better. I also shouldn’t have put my hands on her in front of you. Not this soon after fully completing the bond again. I just—it’s so hard to explain.”

“I understand,” I said, but I didn’t. Maybe one day I would, but until then I wouldn’t ever be okay with his emotions for her. “I feel your love for her. It’s not something I’m okay with, but I suppose I don’t have a choice. No matter how much I want you to myself, it will never happen.”

I stood and faced him but I couldn’t meet his eye. Seemed fate hated me just as I always thought.

“It’s not even like that, sweetheart. I love her like a sister. Denynso are close by nature anyways. We love strong, but the love I feel for her is certainly different than the love I feel for you. You’re always going to be my number one, but she will always be important to me.”

I nodded. It wasn’t rational, but I wanted to be alone, away from them all. I wouldn’t lie, I felt like throwing a tantrum like a child, but I was almost 30, I was an adult, even if I didn’t want to be at the moment. “Please take me somewhere so I can be alone.”

He sighed and tried to grab my hand. I yanked it back and did my best to ignore the hurt.

“I can’t, not right now okay. Please I just need to find a way to deal with this in my own way.”

He nodded and walked in front of me keeping his pace slow. I felt the tension and I felt how upset he was, but I couldn’t do anything about it when I couldn’t even deal with myself. “It’s not your fault I know. It’s going to take some adjusting.” I kept my voice low, but I knew he heard me. He didn’t turn around or respond, and I felt my heartbreak. It was my own damn fault. I’d hurt him, but things inside of me were different now. After being locked away in a cage I realized something. I deserved to have everything I ever wanted. All the loathing and self-hate that was ingrained into me my whole life suddenly hadn’t mattered.

I fought to take my life back, and this was just another step. If he knew me he’d understand. One day I’d tell him. Until then things were going to be tense.

He led me to the huge house I had started in and the queen opened the door. She smiled at him but then her smile fell when she saw the distance between us. My face was streaked with tears.

“Oh my dears, what’s wrong?”

Ciyrs went rigid. “Can she stay with you guys for a while? She needs some time.” His tone was low and controlled, but I heard the catch.

“Time? For what?”

“She realized the depth of the bond between me and Eden. She’s struggling.” Then he ran away. There was no goodbye or anything. He didn’t even look at me.

The tears came in a flood and I fell to the ground sobbing. I felt the queen’s arm around me as she lifted me from the ground. “Oh my dear, Shh. It will be okay. One day you’ll understand. Eden isn’t a threat to your bond. She’s your sister.”

I nodded as she led me inside. “I know that, but it’s hard. He doesn’t understand what my life was like. People like me weren’t loved. We were chosen when what the person wanted wasn’t available. My past is haunting me.”

Before I knew it I was sitting at a table with food in front of me.

“Eat, and talk. I’m here to listen.”

And I did. For the first time in my life I talked about all the things I held locked up inside. All the things that haunted my dreams. All the things that made me who I was. She listened patiently asking questions here and there, but mostly she listened. I’d never talked about any of this. By the time I had finished eating, a heavy weight had been lifted off of my shoulder. I was free from all the demons of my past.

Chapter 5

Ciyrs sat on the porch only feeling slightly guilty for eavesdropping. He didn’t get it. He felt her shut down completely. When she pulled back from his touch, he nearly fell apart. She’d been gone for a week, and that whole time he went crazy. He just got her back, and already she was pushing him away.

Now though after hearing her story he understood. The bond with Eden was strong, but for his mate he would do anything. If he needed to put some space between them he would. But he wouldn’t leave Eliana alone again. She needed him to show her that she was important. He could do that.

Wiping away the tears he stood and took a deep breath before going inside. She seemed to know he was there because her body tensed. He saw her back go rigid.

“I’m so sorry baby,” he said and then he knelt beside her chair.

“It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have run and I should have talked to you, it’s just hard.” She wiped her eyes. “I’m guessing you heard.”

“You’re nuts if you thought I was actually going to leave you alone. We’re stubborn.”

The queen laughed. “That we are. It’s in our nature to love and stay close to one another. We’re one giant family. One you’re now a part of. Get used to everyone being in your business now dear.” Then she nodded at Ciyrs and left them alone.

As soon as they were alone, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her close. “Please stop being angry with me. I can’t control my bond, but I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I’m utterly in love with you—only.”

“I know that, and I’m sorry I acted like a spoiled child. It’s just really hard knowing you have such a close bond with another woman. I’ve never been this jealous in my life. I don’t like what it does to me.”

“It’s understandable. Now can we go back because I really want to figure out how to get that damn woman to wake up? I have a feeling Gyyx is going to be the next one of us to fall apart if we don’t figure out what’s wrong.”

“I sort of had an idea about that, so let’s go.”

“What idea?”

“You’ll hear it when the others do. It’s my own theory.”

He nodded and stood bringing her to her feet. “Well let’s go see if we can figure out if you’re right or not.”

“Then we can go home right?”

“Home?”

She nodded. “Anywhere with you is home.”

He smiled and picked up his pace to get back to the infirmary. When they went inside Eden nodded. She’d felt everything between them, and understood. When she came over to Elaina she pulled her hand from mine and laid it on her heart. “I love Ciyrs and I love you, but not the way I love Pyra. You never have to worry. There isn’t anything between us.”

“I know,” she whispered. “It’s just tough, try being in our shoes sometime though. I understand what Pyra feels.”

Eden’s eyes flared. “I understand that, but every time you hurt him, you hurt me. I feel it all. I feel your distrust and that hurts me.”

Eliana pulled her hand back. “I’m sorry, but where I come from trust is earned. No offense.”

“Fair enough,” Eden said and walked away.

Ciyrs felt her emotions brewing and took a deep breath. She was upset that Eliana didn’t automatically trust her word. She wasn’t used to it.

He led her over to where the woman and Gyyx were. “She has an idea.”

Gyyx looked at her with such pleading hope. “I’m all ears. I’m willing to do anything.”

“Good because this might come off as a little strange.” She ran her hand over Gyyx’s hand that was wrapped around the woman’s. “She knows you. There is something that allows her subconscious to enjoy your touch. We all witnessed what happened. I can touch her, and she is calm, probably because I’m not only a woman, but I’m the one who found her. She was awake when we met.” She fidgeted. “You’re her mate right?”

“Yes.”

“Then do to her what you would do if she were awake.”

His eyes widened. “You mean?”

Eliana blushed. “Yes, if anything can save her, it’s the intimate touch of her mate. I think if you were to give her an orgasm, well let’s just say it may save her life. The sooner she wakes up the better.”

Gyyx didn’t look convinced. “I don’t think it would be appropriate to touch my mate when she isn’t aware.”

Eden stepped up. “Pyra did. Remember? It was his touch that brought me out of whatever happened. Remember I healed him after.”

“Yeah but you were also in the midst of turning Eden, this is different. She’s been tortured, what if they’ve—hell I can’t even say it.” Gyyx was tortured.

Eliana smiled. “Normally I’d agree with you. I’ve been on the streets for a lot of my life. You don’t just touch an unconscious woman, but this is different. I’m not saying have sex with her. Just touch her. I’m sure you know how to make a woman climax.”

“Well yeah.”

Ciyrs liked her idea. It would let them know. “I think she’s right. She’s already proven to like your touch. Just don’t go overboard, and be sure to keep your balls safe when she wakes up freaking out because you’re touching her. Have an explanation ready.”

Eliana elbowed him. “She’ll certainly be surprised. But obviously she senses you and is fine. She’s probably aware and we don’t even know it. She might understand everything we’re saying right now.”

Gyyx ran his hand over her stomach. They watched as her eyes fluttered.

“See she wants your touch. Why don’t you take her into a private area? We’ll leave you alone.”

Ciyrs was amazed. All it took was the smallest intimate touch and the woman reacted. Not enough to wake up, but enough to let them know she was in there somewhere. She was the key to finding out how to get rid of the Klimnu for good. By the looks of it, she had been with them for a while and he had a feeling she’d have a score to settle. The sooner she woke up the better it was for everyone. Not just Gyyx, who looked as tortured as he had before finding Eliana.

Chapter 6

I tugged on Ciyrs’s hand. “Let’s leave them alone. I know I’m right. I want to go home.”

She loved his smile, and his face lit up when she said home. “Okay baby.” Then he turned to his friend. “I’ll be back to check on her later.”

“We’re going to be fine,” Gyyx replied. “Now take your woman home.”

When they stepped out onto the grass he scooped me up in his arms and ran. My giggle echoed through the wind.

When he put me on my feet I had my own idea. I wanted to do something for him. Something I had never done before. All the time he searched for me, and then all the crap with my stupid emotions. I spun and ran to the bedroom knowing he’d follow. I slid out of my pants when he walked in the room. When he would have touched me I shook my head and held out my hand stopping him in place.

I stood naked and smiled. “Strip.”

He raised a brow but there was no hesitance in following my order.

I watched him strip and licked my lips. He was gorgeous and his muscles enticed me. I wanted to lick him everywhere, and that’s what I was going to do. I was going to take care of him. When he stood naked I pointed to the bed. “Lay down, on your back.”

Again he listened and I felt the stirring of his emotions. He was aroused and curious all at once. He wanted to see what I was going to do. I crawled on the bed in between his legs pushing them apart so I could settle comfortably. His eyes widened when I licked my lips.

“Baby, you don’t—”

“Shh.”

His mouth shut.

“Put your hands behind your head. You’re not allowed to move.”

His eyes flared and he moved slowly, but he relaxed his hands behind his head and smirked at me. “Whatever you want baby.”

I ran my hands up his legs and thighs close to his large erection. The tip leaked and I bent to lick it off. As soon as my tongue touched the head his hips bucked.

I shook my head. “No moving.”

He began to realize the situation. I was going to be in charge. I sucked his head into my mouth and swirled my tongue around it eliciting a loud groan from his lips. It was all I needed to build my confidence.

I used one hand to cup his balls and opened my mouth wider taking more of him into my mouth. Flattening my tongue against the underside, I pushed him further into my mouth. The tip hit the back of my throat and my eyes watered, but I didn’t gag. Bobbing my head up and down, I let my saliva cover his cock. His body was tense and when I looked up his body I saw him staring down at me.

Keeping eye contact I picked up my pace arousing him further. His eyes glowed and his chest heaved, but still he let me suck and lick him the way I wanted.

I let his cock fall from my lips and ran my tongue on his silky smoothness. Using my hand I worked him up further and sucked him back into my mouth. Fast, slow, swirl, repeat. Over and over I completed the steps until his body shook beneath mine. I felt the difference, and knew he was about to come. I wanted him inside of me. I pulled back and smiled licking my lips. He watched me with such lust I nearly came. Instead, I climbed on his lap and lifted myself over him.

Without warning I slammed down on him taking him all in one deep thrust.

He yelled and gripped my hips. “Fuck,” he said and growled.

I laughed and leaned in to kiss him. Our tongues tangled and I rode him slowly. Rocking against him I worked him up again. This time I’d let him finish.

Ciyrs flipped me on my back without breaking our connection. He drove into me with such force I lost my breath. It wasn’t long before I was screaming his name and milking his orgasm. I shook beneath him and my hips rose to meet his over and over again. The sound of our bodies slapping filled the air. The scent of our sex mixed arousing me further. I sobbed incoherently and let him take me. He owned me in every way. Digging my short nails into his back only proved to push him over the edge and he fucked me. The bed creaked and groaned, as the headboard slammed against the wall.

He came a second time and my body tightened around him. I never knew it was possible to climax more than once. When he slowed to a stop the ache already began. My body was new to sex, and sex like that was bound to cause some discomfort. When he pulled out I cringed and gasped.

Ciyrs noticed and shook his head. “Dammit, I’m sorry. You just drove me crazy.”

“It’s okay. I expected some pain. It was amazing though.”

“Hell yeah it was, but that still doesn’t mean I should hurt you.”

I kissed his chest and smiled. “I’ll be fine I promise.”

He grumbled something but pulled me into his body. I lay my head on his chest and sighed. “It’s weird.”

“What is baby?”

“My whole life sucked, but then it led up to this one moment, and it’s almost like none of it ever mattered.”

“You were meant to come here. You were meant to find me. I didn’t really live until now. I spent time healing and taking care of my brothers, and now—now I feel like I belong more. There’s more to me than my gift. I didn’t believe that before.”

“Ciyrs, you’re definitely so much more than your gift.”

I couldn’t believe he ever thought anything less. There was so much to him, and I loved everything about him. No matter my insecurities about his creepy bond with the other woman, and whatever that fiery power was. It didn’t matter; he was mine.

Chapter 7

She was simply amazing. He’d never felt as alive as he did with Eliana. The things she went through were different than his life, but in the end the only thing that really mattered is how much they connected with their own personal thoughts. They had so many things in common that it mixed with their differences creating a good balance. They took the rest of the night and talked.

In the early morning the pounding on the door started. Ciyrs sighed and climbed out of his bed. He didn’t want to leave her, but she was sleeping.

He opened the door to see the king at the door. “They need you son.”

“Is she all right?”

The king shook his head. “She isn’t awake. Gyyx can’t bring himself to do what your mate suggested. It’s time to burn that building to the ground. All of us are going. You and Eliana too. It’s time.”

“Who is going to watch the woman?”

“Gyyx won’t leave her.”

“I should have figured. Okay let me wake her. I know she wants that building to be gone. She dreamed of it, and is terrified of it.”

“Good, so meet us there. Pyra and Eden are there scoping it out. Theia is there and so are nearly all the warriors.”

“Okay we’ll be there soon.”

The king nodded and left. Ciyrs wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to have everyone there. Gyyx would want him there. He would probably want Eliana there too. He walked back in the room and smiled at his mate. Her eyes were on him.

“What’s going on?”

“We’re burning the building to the ground. Everyone is going except for Gyyx.”

She sat up and smiled. “I want to go.”

“I know. I told the king we would be there shortly. Are you sure you’re ready to be so close to the place you were imprisoned?”

“Yes, I want to know for sure the building is gone.”

He understood. He felt the same. “Okay well move your ass then. The others are waiting for us. I want to check in on Gyyx first too.”

She climbed out of bed and went straight to her bags.

* * * *

After checking on Gyyx and his mate and seeing no change he told him he had to try it. His touch had to be the key. He let him know everyone was going to be at the Wasteland so he had the whole compound to himself. It was the perfect time to bring his mate back to life.

Gyyx nodded and smiled. “Make sure it burns good brother.”

“Will do.”

Eliana had hugged him and kissed his cheek. She whispered something he didn’t hear, but whatever it was seemed to light up his brother’s eyes. He held back his jealously knowing she was his. It was still hard to see her make another man smile. Even if said man could really use the happiness.

He tugged her away and they locked the doors securing the two inside of the infirmary which was the safest place on the compound.

By the time they got to the Wasteland the others were all separated. He found Eden and Pyra and held Eliana close.

“So here’s how it’s going to work. We’re going to burn this mother fucker to the ground. If those bastards attack, we are going to fight. Ciyrs, you need to get the women out of here and back to the infirmary with Gyyx—”

Eliana spoke up. “No he needs to fight. I know what he can do. His new gift is what saved me. I somehow tapped into it. It burnt the Klimnu to a crisp. I think Eden and the queen are more than capable of taking care of themselves. We can get back ourselves.”

“Hell no woman. Fine if Ciyrs needs to stay to kick so Klimnu ass than Ero can take you all back.”

Ero stepped up and nodded. Though Ciyrs could see he wasn’t happy about it. “Let me be back up just in case.”

“Fine Ero and Ullie will take the women to safety if they attack. Otherwise we get to watch the horror of our history turn to ash. No one will ever be locked inside of that building ever again.”

Pyra was a great leader. He knew just what to say to pump everyone up. Ciyrs was too, but he was worried. He’d never fought with the warriors before. He always did damage control, and healing afterwards.

Eliana kissed him. “You’ve got this.”

“Did you really use my new power to kill?”

She nodded. “It was kill or be killed. Sometimes you have no choice.” The she grabbed his face. “Use it wisely.”

“I’m afraid that it will darken my soul.”

“Is my soul dark?”

“No of course not baby.”

“Then yours won’t be either. It’s a gift, not a curse. You were given another way to help protect your people—to protect me.”

When she put it like that he couldn’t begrudge his new power. It just meant he needed to practice with it. Just as he had with the healing, only this time he needed the enemies. No one was sure that they would even attack. His heart raced with adrenaline, and he wondered if this was how the warriors felt on a daily basis. It would explain their temper and aggression.

The first group of warriors eased their way from out of the woods and made their way to the building. Everyone else watched in silence as fire balls were thrown at the building.

No one moved. Hell he wasn’t even sure if he breathed. Smoke filled the air as the flames erupted catching fire from all the dust and debris. The cloud of smoke filled the air and he watched in awe as glass from the barred windows shattered into the air exploding with a loud crack. It was then he tensed. The first Klimnu appeared.

Its red eyes narrowed on the group. It was time. He kissed Eliana and said. “I love you, now go get your ass with the others. I need you to be safe.”

She was frozen as her eyes stayed glued to the monster going towards Pyra. He wasn’t sure why, but she seemed to have formed a special relationship with him. Maybe it was because they both had to deal with his and Eden’s bond.

“Baby, go. Ero and Ullie will take you to safety.”

He shook her and she looked at him licking her lips. “I—I don’t know if I can leave you.”

“It’s all good, sweetheart. I have something they don’t but I won’t be able to focus until I know you’re safe. So please for my sanity, go.”

It was then a strong hand wrapped around her arm yanking her away. She looked over her shoulder to see the fire spreading, but the Klimnu were coming in droves. All the warriors were fighting. He gave her one last look before joining the fray of the fight. He’d never felt so exhilarated before. The women were gone, and now he could focus.

A Klimnu snuck up on him. It cackled and scraped its claws down his cheek. “Why would they let you stay around? You’re nothing but the useless healer.” it said with a voice full of hatred.

He glared and didn’t even bother wiping the blood from his face. “You just made your last mistake underestimating me.”

His hand lit up and the heat surrounded him. His hand burned with a flame that begged to come free. In a movement too fast for the Klimnu, Ciyrs snapped. He wrapped his hand around its bony neck and incinerated him. The scent of burning flesh filled the air and then he disappeared into a pile of ash. “Holy Fuck,” he said and ran towards the king. There were three on him and Ciyrs heard Eliana’s conversation with Pyra. They wanted him. But he wouldn’t let them have his king.

He charged the one who jumped on Criea’s back. The instant his hand touched the Klimnu the beast erupted into flames and ran around shrieking in pain until he disappeared into a pile. Seemed Ciyrs was pretty fucking powerful. The heat from his hand traveled down his body until it felt like he was surrounded by a wall of flames. Only the flames weren’t there. He felt them bubbling beneath the surface.

Chapter 8

I hated leaving Ciyrs, but I had complete faith he could take care of himself. Eden held my hand digging her nails into the flesh of my palm. I felt her nerves as if they were my own. She was scared. No scratch that, she was fucking terrified.

“Hey, it will be okay.”

She looked at me pleading.

“Seriously Eden, you’ve mated to the legendary Denynso who has the fiercest reputation where I come from. Plus you’re carrying his child. He won’t let anything happen to anyone. Plus Ciyrs has his new gift, and I can tell you right now, it will come in handy.”

“You really believe it?”

“Of course I do. I have faith in them all, and you should too. You know your mate and mine.”

She nodded and a small smile curled her lip up. “Thanks. Sorry I’m not usually this much of a pussy. It’s the hormones I swear. Makes me crazy. I’ve never cried so much in my god damn life.”

“It’s okay to cry. I’m scared for them too, but I can’t focus on that. What we need to focus on is getting Gyyx to listen to me and freaking pleasure his unconscious mate. I know it sounds terrible, but I think his touch is the key. Every time he touches her more intimately her body reacts. So he just needs to shock her awake.”

Eden nodded. “I know, but he feels it’s wrong. I can appreciate that, but he’s more stubborn than Pyra.”

“I can see that.”

“Ladies how about less talking and more moving faster,” Ero grumbled and then a Klimnu appeared.

“You,” it said looking right at me. “You killed him you stupid cunt.”

I gasped. This must have been the other one. Ero moved in front of us, and the Klimnu backhanded him sending him flying backwards. He landed against the tree shaking it to the roots before falling to the ground—unconscious. Of course.

Ullie stared at the Klimnu, but I saw something was off. He didn’t look scared, nor did he look like he cared one way or another about us. It was up to me. I had to save them. Eden, though I didn’t know her well enough was important. She was pregnant and important to my mate, so therefore she was important to me. “Now would be a good time to use your fancy connection,” I whispered.

She shook and I felt her fear. The Klimnu laughed.

Its cackle sounded just like the one who kept torturing me. The anger rose and I pushed the queen and Eden behind me. It cackled again.

“You measly human, you are no match against me, and your warrior here—well he isn’t who he seems. He’s a traitor and won’t be a help to you.”

The queen gasped, but I didn’t react. It didn’t surprise me. I hadn’t seen him around much. He didn’t say anything. He paled knowing he was ousted, and if we managed to make it out of this he was screwed. The others would tear him apart.

I held up my hand when I felt the burn. Seemed Ciyrs was always going to be able to sense when I needed his help. That must have been our special connection. Apparently we didn’t all get telepathy. Again I was able to tap into his power. My hand shot out and wrapped around the Klimnu’s throat. “Die you mother fucker!”

The scent, the feel felt the same as before. Only this time I got dizzy. Hands held me up as I killed my second Klimnu. Ash covered my hands, and I wiped them on my jeans. It was deja vu. All over again I found myself locked in that damn building trying to find my way out. The panic took over until I felt a sting across my cheek. I shook my head and brought my hand to my face. “That freakin’ hurt.”

Eden blushed. “Sorry you just seemed to be lost there for a minute. We really need to go before more come. You just killed that thing and I don’t want to stick around for more.”

“We have to get Ero,” I said.

I backtracked and found him on the ground. He wasn’t as big as the others so it wasn’t as hard to help him up. The queen and Eden both came to help and working as one with the queen’s hidden speed we made it back to the infirmary without any more attacks. Ullie was gone. Eden banged on the door, and I pushed her aside pulling the keys from my pocket. Ciyrs slipped them to me before I was pulled away.

I unlocked the door and we dragged Ero inside. Gyyx was sitting by his mate’s side and his eyes widened. He jumped up and pulled the doors shut locking them.

“What the fuck happened?” He wrapped his arms around his mother and held her close.

“Klimnu attacked. Ciyrs sent us with Ero and Ullie, and now we’re here,” I said and shrugged before dropping into the chair. Gyyx carried Ero’s body to the empty cot.

“Yes, but how did you get away if Ero is out. Where’s Ullie?”

“He is a traitor to our kind,” the queen said sadly.

“What do you mean mother?”

She sighed. “He is working with the enemy, and he got away.”

His eyes flared with anger but then he seemed confused. “Then how did you manage to get back?”

“Ciyrs’s mate... She’s a badass who tapped into his new gift and saved us!” Eden replied and for the first time since meeting her I didn’t see her as a threat, and I felt like I fit a little better.

He chuckled and planted himself back in his chair next to the woman who was the biggest mystery to us all.

We waited and waited nervously for the men to come back. None of us wanted to see our mates hurt. Hell none of the warriors. I nibbled my lip praying everyone would come back safely.

* * * *

The feel of his hands woke me up. I smiled and jumped up into his arms. “You’re back!”

“Of course I am baby. How are you holding up?”

I looked around and saw the room was full of warriors. All of them seemed to be all right. “No one is dead?”

The room went silent and then everyone laughed.

“No baby, we’re all good. Some bruising and shit, but those bastards are gone. At least for now. We kicked ass, and the Wasteland building is gone. Burnt to the ground.”

I nodded as my eyes filled with tears. “Good. How’s Ero?”

“He’s fine,” Ero said and smirked. “I heard you were pretty badass while I was out?”

I shrugged. “Someone had to do it,” I replied and smiled.

He shoved me and then paced across the room. Everyone was fine. The Wasteland was filled with Klimnu ashes, and I was home. I pulled Ciyrs down for a kiss and swore I’d appreciate him every day. He was the perfect mate for me—flawlessly perfect.

Ciyrs pulled me to the side and we sat against the wall. Everyone was hyped up over the fight and talked about his power. I knew he was awesome, and I knew how the power felt. It was addictive, and I had only used it twice. From the conversations he killed over twenty Klimnu on his own. I was proud of him. Seemed he was finally getting the recognition he should have always had, but he smiled and leaned back with me.

“I don’t feel my soul darkening baby.”

“I told you.”

“I’m not so afraid of it now.”

“Good, because again it saved my life. Because of you I’m okay and so are Eden and the queen.”

He nodded and kissed my head. The silence was nice. We were in our own little world. No one could enter it. I felt his love shatter the rest of the chill that had once surrounded my heart. I was finally free from my past and all the things I had always feared didn’t matter anymore.

Chapter 9

Ciyrs felt a change. Eliana was less tense, more relaxed, and more affectionate. It felt like she wasn’t worried about anything anymore. It matched how he felt. There was still the issue of Ullie, and the idea that the Klimnu would come back. They weren’t going to give up just because they lost some of their kind.

They were fighters, and they were violent bastards. They got off on other people’s pain and suffering. Now that they knew where they were coming from the security would raise. Everyone would be on the lookout for Ullie, and King Criea would be the one to decide what happens to him. He personally wanted to rip his head off. They had sent him to protect the women, but instead he let the Klimnu attack, and it could have gone a completely different way. That was the problem.

Pyra was aching to go kill him too. Eden could have died. He could have lost his whole family in one short period. Ciyrs figured the warriors would be keeping their eyes open even more than usual.

He stood and stretched bringing Eliana to her feet. “Can we go home now?”

“I want to check on our mystery woman first. Gyyx needs to stop being so damn stubborn, and he was probably going to, but we came banging on the door before he had more than an hour alone with her.”

They walked over to his lost brother. “Hey dude, sorry things didn’t go as planned.”

“I’ll do it, but not here. I won’t make this medical. I want to take her home with me. I want to clean her up. I want so much,” he said softly.

“Then do that. She will be okay with you. I have a feeling she’d probably rather have that kind of privacy anyways.”

“You really think so?”

“I do. I don’t know why. I can’t explain it, but it’s this feeling I get. I learned a long time ago to follow my gut. I think you should take her home. Make it more personal rather than medical. This place is too sterile.”

“Hey it’s supposed to be,” Ciyrs said freighting offense.

Gyyx chuckled. “Okay but if something bad happens, you’ll come right?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.” Gyyx picked her up in his arms and Eliana made sure her body was covered fully.

“He’ll be okay and so will she. I hate seeing him so sad. His eyes match the sorrow I saw in hers before she went unconscious.”

Ciyrs didn’t want to think of anything sad. He wanted to take his mate home and make love to her all night long. He wanted to celebrate his new gift. He wanted to celebrate life. He figured the Klimnu would need to regroup and maybe they’d get a break from attacks; at least for a while.

But what does that mean for later? Are they gone for good or just regrouping to bring a massive force the next time around?

(To be Continued in Part V… )

Book 5 – Bonded by Alien Prince

Chapter 1

Gyyx knew it was time to test out Eliana’s theory. Hell, everyone told him it was a good idea. Eden, Pyra, and Ciyrs watched him in torment as he held back from touching her in any way other than loving. He wanted her to wake up. What if the only way to wake her was to violate her? Then she would never forgive him or trust him. That was his fear. But the worst of it all: what if his touch wasn’t enough? What if she never woke up?

He thought about all those things each day sitting by her side. He had taken her home—to his home three days before, and instead of touching her he spent the majority of his time sitting by her side or down in his basement training room. He didn’t answer the door when anyone knocked either. He needed to be alone, and after the first day everyone seemed to get that.

Gyyx stepped out of the shower and took a deep breath. He shaved off his scruff and sighed. He couldn’t take it anymore. It was time to listen to everyone else. Dropping his towel he slipped on some very light shorts and made his way to his room where his mate lay. She hadn’t moved at all since he laid her there, yet she looked so peaceful, like she was only sleeping.

She was so tiny. Every part of her was small, and he worried about that when she woke up, because she would fucking wake up. He couldn’t give up hope on that. Her hair was long and black with some sort of funky cut. He didn’t know her eye color or anything else about her. He just knew he would have to be very gentle with her.

He lay on the bed next to her and kissed her cheek. Her small nose twitched, and he watched hoping her eyes would open on their own, but nothing happened. He slid his arm over her waist and held her. “I really hope you won’t be pissed at me sweetheart. I’ve waited hoping you’d come back to me on your own.” As he spoke he slid the tip of his finger down her thin arm. She was pale and nearly skin and bone.

Gyyx was stubborn. For hours he lay holding her willing her to wake up, but it was no use. He knew she needed more help.

The next time he heard the knock he knew it was his father and he couldn’t ignore him anymore. He kissed her on the mouth and sighed. “I’ll be back, sweetheart.”

He went to his door and let his dad in.

“She isn’t awake yet?”

“No, I can’t bring myself to touch her. Not without her consent. It’s wrong.”

His dad nodded. “Now son, normally I would agree with you, but she has been out for what a week now?”

“Yes.”

“Ciyrs and Eden have tried everything they can think of?”

Again he nodded. “Yes.”

“Maybe it’s time to be unconventional. I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, and if Ciyrs is right and she is aware and unable to wake up, she can hear your hesitance. If you can get her to wake up and if she is angry you can explain it to her.”

“If she doesn’t run the opposite way. Dad, could you have done that?” He didn’t like thinking about his parents, but he needed to know.

“I would have probably been stubborn like you, but in the end yes, if it saved her and brought her back to me. I know it’s hard, but look at your mate. What if she cannot wake up without you? Could you forgive yourself if she never wakes up because you can’t let go of your morals for something important?”

Gyyx shook his head. “I guess not. I know I need to at least try. It’s just hard to… you know?”

“Maybe come to dinner and get—”

“No I won’t leave her.”

“Very well, but soon you’re going to have to. Your mother is worried and wants to make sure you’re okay.”

“Of course, I’m not okay.”

“Son, don’t be so stubborn. Either go now and see your mom or you’re coming over tomorrow. I won’t take her being upset anymore.”

Gyyx sighed. “I don’t mean to upset her. I’ll go tomorrow, but I need someone here with my mate.”

“I’ll stay while you have a lunch with your mom.”

“Okay, then I’ll see you tomorrow.” He rushed to get his dad out of his house. He didn’t like talking to anyone. He didn’t want to be told what to do, and he felt horrible he had upset his mother, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave the beautiful and vulnerable woman in his bed.

His dad got the hint and smiled pulling him into a hug. “Just do it son, you don’t have to have sex with her, use your damn fingers.”

He choked and pulled back. “Damn dad, that doesn’t make me want to do anything now. I don’t need you to tell me the same thing everyone has, and I mean everyone. I get it. I need to freaking give my woman, who is unconscious, an orgasm. Yay for me I get to be a fuckin’ pervert.”

“Oh Gyyx you’re so far from that, but I get it. I know it’s difficult, but hell we want her awake nearly as much as you. She’s family after all. We all want to know what happened. How those slimy bastards got her, and of course we want to figure out what she knows.”

Gyyx glared. “You won’t be questioning her as soon as she wakes up. She’s going to need time. I won’t allow it, and I don’t care what you do to me.” His eyes flared orange and his body shook with rage. No one would bombard his mate.

His dad held up his hands. “I didn’t mean right away, son. I’ll let your tone go only because you’re my son and you’re under a lot of pressure right now, but don’t think for a minute you tell me what to do. I’m not only your father, I am the king and you will do as I say, when I say.”

Gyyx paled. It wasn’t often he was on the other end of his dad’s power and he found he didn’t like it. “Yes, sir,” he said through clenched teeth.

His dad nodded and he didn’t miss his smirk before he spun and left Gyyx alone.

Chapter 2

It was time to grow a pair and bring his mate back, and if that meant touching her in ways he only allowed himself to dream of then so be it. No one would leave him alone about it, and he knew deep down they were right. There was nothing in any of her tests that showed something was wrong. She was 100 percent healthy except for the fact she wouldn’t fucking wake up. Ciyrs had tried everything, done every test he could think of and so had Eden.

He locked his door yet again and made his way back to his room where she lay peacefully. This time he slid under the blanket and pulled her close. She was definitely warm. Her skin was smooth. He felt like a giant compared to her. She was small, and she was perfect. He could treat her like a delicate flower if she so desired. She was already his everything, and he didn’t even know her. He didn’t have to. All he needed to know was that she was his.

He took a deep breath and nuzzled her neck as he lifted the shirt Eliana had put on her. Running his fingers over her smooth skin he closed his eyes and took in her scent. She felt warm and good lying next to him. He yearned for her touch. Sliding his hand up he ran his finger over her bare nipple and swore he heard her gasp, but when he pulled back there was nothing.

Now he watched her and continued massaging her small breasts. He loved how soft her skin was and after taking it slow he slid his hand back down her torso. He dipped his hand beneath her panties and gasped. She was wet. He locked his eyes on her face as he ran his finger over her in slow circles.

At first nothing changed, but then her body began to shake. He kept his eyes on her for any sign of discomfort or waking up. Her eyes fluttered behind her closed lids and he leaned forward and kissed her lips. They were warm and a bit dry but he didn’t care. Then he slid a finger inside of her rocking it into her like he would if he were making love to her. It wasn’t long before he felt her body tighten up.

Her body jerked, and he felt the rush of her orgasm right before she screamed. Gyyx held her body as she shook with her climax before he slid his finger out. When he looked at his mate her eyes were open and the most beautiful brown eyes stared back at him. Her lips were parted, and she let out a moan to rival the goddesses.

“Thank fuck you’re awake!” Gyyx lifted her into his arms and held her close. She lay limply until he started to sob. For the first time in a very long time he let go of all the emotions he had held back.

She was slow to move, but her thin arm wrapped around his neck and her fingers ran through his flattened Mohawk. He vibrated by her touch, and when she pulled his head back he looked at her with tear filled eyes.

She shook her head and he wasn’t sure if she could talk, but then she pressed her lips against his lightly. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He smiled. “Anytime, sweetheart. Let me get you something to drink.”

She nodded and he slid her off of his lap and onto the mattress before springing out of bed to go get her a drink. He came back with a cold glass filled to the brim with ice and water. He stuck a straw in the glass to make it easier.

He held the glass as she sipped her water watching him with what looked like curiosity.

When she spit the straw out he set the glass on the table next to his bed. “What’s your name?”

“Leia and you’re Gyyx?” She pushed her stringy hair from her face and blushed. “I said it right?”

She did and he nodded. “So you were aware while you were—sleeping?”

“Yes, I tried to wake up, but it felt like I was being chained down. I couldn’t wake up no matter how much I tried. I listened. You shouldn’t have been upset. It wasn’t your fault I wasn’t waking up.”

“I thought by doing what I just did, it would be violating you. I couldn’t bear to do it without your permission.”

“Thank you for that. It’s very sweet that you struggled so badly to touch me that way.”

“So you heard everything huh?”

She nodded and gave him a small smile. “I did.”

“Shit.”

She chuckled but it turned into a cough, and he quickly grabbed her water so she could get a drink. “I’m still so tired. I didn’t exactly sleep during those days. I was constantly trying to break out of whatever held me back. It was strange, I was in my own head, it was like sleep paralysis but more intense and let’s just say I never want to experience anything like that again.”

“Then you need to rest.”

Her eyes lit up and she gasped. “Where’s the girl who saved me? I want to thank her. She could have left me instead of dragging me out of that hell.”

“She’s here still. After you rest and stuff, everyone will want to meet you. You’re my mate.”

She blushed. “I gathered, from what everyone said. I soaked in a lot of information while I was out.” She reached out and grazed his cheek. “It’s why your eyes are orange right?”

“Yes,” he whispered.

She tilted her head to the side. “So because I’m your mate, touching me—intimately was able to pull me out of whatever was going on with me?”

He shrugged. “I guess so. It was Eliana’s idea. I fought it for several days, but after my father came today, well I needed to just try. I hope you aren’t angry with me.”

She shook her head. “No I’m not. Right now I’d like for you to lay with me and sleep. You didn’t really sleep much either, and I think we could both use some rest.”

He yawned and nodded. “I was afraid to sleep.”

“Shh. It’s all right I get it.” The she laid down pulling him down too. She held his hand, and he buried his face into her hair breathing her in.

“Don’t stay asleep this time.”

“I won’t,” she muttered and then her breathing evened out.

Gyyx listened to her soft snores until he too fell asleep. She was home and everything was okay in his world.

Chapter 3

When I woke up everything was surreal. For months I had been locked away in the darkness, and now I lay next to a man who I knew grieved for me, even though he didn’t even know me. I felt his growing affection and worry over me the whole time I was out.

He smiled in his sleep and pulled me closer. I lay still hoping to let him sleep for a bit before I needed to get up. I’d been in bed too long.

He was handsome and sweet. More loyal than anyone I had ever met. I knew instinctively that he would never do me wrong.

I covered his hand with mine and ran my finger along his knuckles and he shivered. His giant body crowded against me and his face nuzzled my neck. I felt the goosebumps from his breath before his lips touched the skin.

He didn’t say anything as he kissed my neck with slow pecks as his large hand slid up to cup my breast. He groaned when I pushed back against him. I loved his touch. There was something so—mesmerizing about it. He moved slowly, but he knew what he was doing, and there was no doubt he would please me.

“You’re so perfect,” he whispered.

I chuckled because that was so far from the truth. I lay on my back and gave him better access to my body. I’d never craved anyone like I craved him, and even though I didn’t really know him, I felt this strange connection. I felt him when I was out. I heard him and listened to everyone else talk about him. I’d learned a lot about him.

When his hand slid down my body I tensed waiting for him to touch me where I craved him the most. But he didn’t. Instead he flattened his hand across my abdomen holding his trembling hand in place.

I looked over to see bright orange eyes staring at me. Instead of saying anything I licked my lips and pushed his hand lower and pleaded with my eyes. His flared brighter when he felt my heat. I wore only panties.

“Are you sure?” he asked in a low voice.

I nodded. “Please, I think I need you.” Then I lifted my hips pushing into his hand to prove my point.

He leaned in and kissed me before sitting up. At first I wasn’t aware of what he was doing until he slid me into the middle of the bed and then in a surprising move he ripped the panties from my body. I gasped when I felt myself dampen more and spread my legs for him.

Instead of doing what I wanted though, he lifted me and pulled the shirt over my head leaving me naked. I shivered from the chill, but the way he looked at me heated me back up real quick.

“You’re so small, I’m afraid to hurt you.”

I laughed. “I’m made of sturdy stuff.”

He raised a brow.

“I’m tougher than I look.”

He nodded and in a slow move ran his finger along my slit. I bit my lip and lifted my hips. I needed more than light touches. For days I lay unconscious waiting to see how long it would take him to do what all the others told him he needed to do. Every time he touched me it was so sweet and loving. I wanted something more passionate.

“Stop holding back.”

“I have to or I’ll lose control.” He sounded so pained.

I took a deep breath and sat up. I cupped his jaw and peering into his orange eyes. “I want you to fucking touch me the way you would any other woman. Don’t look at how small I am. Show me how much you want me.” I kissed him and when he would have pulled back I pressed my naked body against him. He groaned and his hand gripped my ass holding me against his growing erection. I gasped and squirmed trying to get closer. That was what I wanted—needed.

When I sucked his tongue in my mouth he yanked his mouth back with wide eyes and slammed me down on the bed. I gasped and laughed until I felt his cock poised to enter me. Then I moaned when he rubbed the tip against my clit.

“I won’t be able to make love to you the way I want to.”

I shook my head near tears because I wanted him inside of me so badly. I’d never felt such arousal over something as small as manhandling me. “I don’t care. We have the rest of our lives right?”

He nodded licking his lips. “If I hurt you in any way you have to tell me okay?”

“I will I promise. Now fuck me dammit!”

That must have been the last straw as he slammed into me. I screamed in both pain and pleasure as the tip of his cock hit the back of my inner walls. I gasped for breath from the force and kept my eyes locked on his. He pulled back and in the same move he slammed into me again. This time it was a bit lighter.

“Don’t stop,” I begged.

He growled and kissed me demanding I open for him so I did. His tongue fought mine for control and I submitted. I let him have me the way he needed. I didn’t know how I knew it but there was something that told me he needed me to just let him do what he wanted. I had no problem submitting to him. He was my mate after all. I felt a stirring of my climax coming and pressed my hips against him before I pulled back from his kiss. Panting I smiled and rubbed his cheek. “Take me Gyyx, I’m yours.”

And wham, he rocked into me and each thrust was faster and deeper than the last. He held my body tightly against his. Sweat coated his skin and mine and our bodies were slick against each other. From his brow the drops dripped to my chest. He kept his pace fast and hard and my body loved it. It didn’t matter that I was small because I was made for this warrior prince.

When his thrusts became uneven and more erratic I wrapped my legs around his waist and tilted my pelvis to give him the best access as he drove into me. I felt a rush right before I yelled.

“Oh Gyyx, please.” I couldn’t hold back and the rest of what I said came out as a jumbled incoherent mess.

He moaned and then his finger slid between our bodies and he pinched my clit. I screamed and came hard. Moaning, sobbing, and crying I came apart around him. My inner muscles clinched around his cock bringing him with me. He yelled out in surprised and rocked into me until every bit of his seed was inside of me. I felt the connection.

When he slowed to a stop both of us were panting and shaking from our release. We stuck together in a sweaty, sticky mess and I laughed. I couldn’t help it. I’d never been with someone so amazing before, and I was pretty sure this was the beginning of what love felt like.

He might have been rough, but I felt every emotion with ever thrust. It was not just sex. It was more.

Chapter 4

Never before had Gyyx felt anything like being with Leia. She was everything he ever desired in one tiny package. She wasn’t as fragile as she appeared, and she definitely didn’t want to be treated as such. He lost it and let go. Now he felt like an asshole when she slid out of bed slowly.

She looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. “I’d love to have a shower.”

“Of course. I’ll make you something to eat then.”

“You don’t have to take care of me.”

He frowned. “It’s my job to take care of you. I’m your mate.”

Leia chuckled. “Okay but remember I’m capable of doing things too.”

“When you’re better. You were unconscious for a week.”

“Fair enough. Now point me in the right direction, and I need clothes.”

“Of course.”

She nodded and followed his finger. She wanted to be left alone, he could tell, and it was hard to leave her after just mating with her. He felt the bond growing slowly and being away from her wasn’t reassuring at all, but he knew she had gone through a lot, and he didn’t want to push her before she was ready.

Before she went into the bathroom she stood in front of him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

“Anytime, sweetheart.”

Gyyx left Leia to clean up and took that time to run to his brother’s. Eden was closer to the same size as Leia than Elaina was. He knocked on the door impatiently.

Eden opened the door and her eyes widened. “She’s awake.”

“Yes, but she isn’t ready for people yet. I just need some clothes for her.”

“Of course, come in.”

He followed her inside and smiled. His little niece or nephew was growing inside of her. “How are you feeling?”

Eden smiled and rubbed her growing belly. “Eh, some days are better than others.” She left him standing in the living room and walked down the hallway.

He stood shifting on his feet nervous about leaving her alone. When Eden came back she had a huge bag. “From the women. They should all fit her, and there are all the things she’ll need that you have no idea about.” Eden laughed and handed him the bag.

“Thank you so much. I’ll see you all tomorrow. I figure she’ll want to get out tomorrow, but today she is mine.”

“Understandable.”

“Thanks Eden.”

“Bye Gyyx.”

He left and shut the door. Then he ran home to his mate. Hopefully the girls really knew what they were doing. She’d probably be more comfortable if the things she had fit her. She was pretty tiny compared to both of the others.

He went inside his cabin and went straight to his room. He heard sobbing and dropped the bag on the bed. He shoved the door opened and pulled the shower curtain open without even bothering to announce himself. He wasn’t quiet so she didn’t freak out. Instead he saw his mate curled up on the floor of the shower sobbing.

He didn’t care about getting wet as he crowded inside of the stall and wrapped his arms around her holding her. She shook and shivered. Her body was freezing.

“Sweetheart what’s wrong?”

She shook her head frantically. “I’m not ready to talk about it.”

He knew better than to push so he let it go for the time being. “That’s fine but whenever you are I’m all ears, okay?”

She sniffed and nodded before putting on a fake smile. He wiped beneath her eyes and kissed her cheek.

“No need to pretend with me. I can feel your pain.”

She paled. “Sorry, it’s just hard ya know. I lived every day in fear, and when I realized you left, it freaked me out.”

Gyyx growled. “I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

“No it’s all right. You needed to get me stuff to wear, and I know you weren’t gone long. It’s just—next time I have to go with you.”

“Of course you can go with me next time, Leia. I won’t leave you alone again. Until you feel comfortable. I’m sorry.”

Gyyx scooped her into his arms and stepped out dripping water everywhere but he didn’t care as he yanked the towel she’d picked out and covered her shaking body.

“The girls went sort of crazy. I hope everything fits you, and that you have everything you needed. Eden said they got everything.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I’m sure it’s perfect.”

He set her on her feet and brushed her cheek. “I’m just going to figure out what to feed you while you’re getting dressed and stuff.”

Her eyes widened in panic and her small hand clutched his arm. “Not leaving though?”

“No, not leaving.”

She relaxed, and he left her next to her bag and went to the kitchen to get her some food. He knew she had to be starving.

He chose fruit and cheeses and poured two glasses of ice water. He placed everything on the tray and carried it to his room. Leia had slipped into a light sleeveless dress that dipped low revealing her small perky breasts. She was standing in front of the mirror with frown.

“What’s wrong sweetheart? You look beautiful.”

“I’m too skinny.”

“No you’re perfect.”

She spun around and faced him. “I’m not, but thank you for thinking so.”

Just then her stomach rumbled and she blushed before going back to sit on the bed. He could see how hungry she was.

When Gyyx set the tray in front of her she went to grab the food. He grabbed her hand in his. “Don’t eat too fast or you’ll make yourself sick.”

“I won’t.”

He sat next to her watching her eat. She didn’t seem to mind him staring, and she devoured the plate. Even eating slowly everything disappeared quickly. When she shoved the tray away Gyyx ate what was left. He was happy to see her smile.

“Thank you. Now we can go meet everyone?”

“I was hoping to talk first. I know you’re not ready to talk about your imprisonment, but tell me about you.”

She settled back against the pillows and nodded. “Okay sure. There isn’t much about me. Not anything exciting or anything. Actually my life is probably quite boring compared to yours.”

“I doubt I will find anything about you boring Leia.”

It was true; he found her fascinating even over the smallest things. Like how she took a cube of cheese and broke it in half again with her fingers before eating it. Or how she rolled her eyes every time he gave her a compliment, and in the next breath she would blush and thank him. She had so many layers and he wanted to peel each and every one of them back to see who Leia was inside and out.

Chapter 5

I wasn’t used to people being interested in me. I was the girl that always got overlooked. He was so sweet and attractive, and I was just me. I didn’t think I was ugly or anything, but I had a past I wasn’t proud of, and one that probably wasn’t very deserving of the warrior’s love. He sat on the bed waiting for me to give him anything, but I was afraid. So instead of opening up I decided distraction was the best bet. I would tell him soon, but I wanted to enjoy him before I told him the truth and saw the look of disgust on his face. I wasn’t ready for that. Not from him. I think I would probably break when he knew who I was.

I knelt and went in front of him. Right away his huge hands gripped my hips and when I leaned in to kiss him his eyes shut. My lips covered his, and I kissed him with everything I had. I wanted to distract him. I was good at the intimate aspects; it was the talking and the getting to know each other that I wasn’t so good at.

He groaned into my mouth when I ran my tongue over his in a slow enticing way. I showed him how much I cared without words. When he pulled me closer I straddled his lap and one of his hands slid up my thigh under the dress. My legs were already spread for him, and when his finger grazed me he ripped his mouth from mine and stared at me with bright orange eyes.

“No fucking panties?”

I blushed and shrugged. “Not here, with you.”

“My god.”

I brushed my lips over his and smirked. “That’s a good thing right. This way you can take me anytime you want without having that tiny fabric in the way.”

I felt his intake of breath and in the next his slid his finger inside of me. “I like that sweetheart, but you are never allowed to leave here without your panties, got it?”

I moaned and bit my lip before I nodded. “Yes, Gyyx.” I didn’t even recognize my own voice. Something about him ordering me around while thrusting his finger inside of me like he would be doing with his cock turned me on more than I thought possible. He sped up and I rode his finger, then there was two stretching me for him. I gasped and kept moving.

“Good girl.” Then his lips were on mine, demanding and hard. They punished me in an oh so pleasant way. I whimpered when I climaxed and grinded against him as my body shook with such force I nearly toppled. I felt his breathing pick up when my inner muscles clenched around him. He pulled his fingers out and pulled back from kissing me. They glistened with proof of my release and he growled as his eyes glowed brighter than I’d seen them.

He sucked one finger, then the next into his mouth, the whole time keeping his eyes locked with mine. I pulled one of his fingers and licked it too. He smirked and slammed me against the bed. My dress was shoved up above my waist, and then I felt the wet tip of his erection poised to enter me.

“Make love to me, Gyyx,” I said.

His eyes still bright softened and his smile went from seductive to sweet. “Whatever you want sweetheart,” he said and slid into me. It was agonizingly slow and I felt every inch of him take me.

When he reached the hilt and held sill caging me with his arms I wriggled my body until the tip hit that one special spot and I whimpered. He watched me and when he realized what I was doing he took over hitting my g-spot over and over again making me shatter before he even began.

I came with a scream that could be heard for miles and held on to him. “Now Gyyx.”

He nodded and kissed me before slamming into me. He rode me hard again, just like before, but something was different about it. He seemed to be in complete control this time, and I realized he was the type of man who liked to play rough…

Well I was a woman who played rough. Making love didn’t have to be soft. I liked feeling the pressure of him inside of me. I loved feeling every ridge of his cock rubbing against my inner walls. I loved the sound of flesh slapping flesh and the scent of passionate sex in the air and my head banging against the headboard because of the force of our love making. It was raw, passionate, and real.

My eyes rolled back, and I anchored my legs around him holding on for dear life as he rammed into me. It was so good that the sounds coming from my lips were unintelligible. I muttered and gasped and yelled digging my nails roughly into the flesh of his arms. He grunted when I drew blood but that did nothing more but turn him on more.

He rocked into me, and when I squeezed his erection with my inner walls forcing his climax he buried his face into my neck and bit me—hard. I yelped and had my third orgasm as he spilled his seed inside of me.

His body rocked unstable against mine and he shook. His body was slick with sweat and so was mine. I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close as he slowed to a stop. His breathing was heavy and he didn’t move for a few minutes as I rubbed his back.

When he pulled his head away he looked confused. “Who are you?”

I tried to smile and shrugged. “I’m your mate.”

He chuckled. “You’re fucking amazing.”

Again I blushed. He probably wouldn’t think so once he knew of my past. I’d managed to dodge the questions I knew were coming—for now.

“Are you hurting though? I was a little too rough again.”

I kissed his lips softly. “I love it. I’m not hurting, and you weren’t too rough. It was just right. I love the rawness in you Gyyx, it’s so sexy.” It really was. I’d never liked sissy men, and getting a mate like Gyyx was perfect. He was the perfect amount of sweet and hard. He treated me like a princess and in the bedroom…well I definitely wasn’t a princess.

Chapter 6

She certainly knew how to dodge talking. Gyyx had never met a woman who liked to play the way he did. He didn’t expect his tiny little mate to be able to handle him that way, but she proved a second time that she not only could handle it, but she seemed to prefer it. He loved how her body reacted to his, and even though she was small she could certainly take a lot.

He loved everything about her, but he had a feeling the reason why she distracted him from talking was because there was something about her past she wasn’t proud of, but he didn’t care about that. He would never judge her based of things she had already done. To him past mistakes were what made the person. Everyone made mistakes; it was how those mistakes affected their lives afterward that mattered.

He lay next to her slowing his breathing. Her small hand rubbed his chest, and he picked it up and brought it to his lips kissing her knuckles.

“I know what you did Leia, and it’s okay. You’re not ready to talk yet.”

He looked at her as she paled. “I’m sorry. There are some things in my past I’m not proud of. I’m not ready to see your shame.”

He tensed when he saw a tear slide down her cheek.

“Oh sweetheart, I would never be ashamed of you. No matter what you think you did that was so horrible, that is in your past. Everyone has to make mistakes in their life to grow. There are a lot of things I’ve done, that I’m not too proud of myself. Everyone does it.”

She wiped at her eyes and nodded. “My past wasn’t too long ago though. Before I was taken it was still a part of who I was. In a way those things that took me, saved me from myself.”

Gyyx growled. He hated knowing that she was ever taken. “How long did they have you?”

She closed her eyes and licked her lips. “57 days. One of them had a thing about counting the days.” She shrugged. “I didn’t care after a while. It was my punishment. That’s what they told me. It was like they knew all of my secrets. I had gone numb.”

“Oh sweetheart, nothing you ever did could have deserved being kidnapped by those slimy monsters.” He hated how down she was. There was something that happened she wasn’t proud of; he would prove to her he didn’t care as soon as she told him what it was she thought was so bad. In the meantime, he didn’t pry. “The Klimnu are smart bastards. We have been struggling with their attacks for years. They are always ahead of us. We got lucky to burn that prison in the Wastelands down. My brothers have been patrolling more. We aren’t letting them take any more of our women. They attacked Eden, took Eliana, and now you. It’s getting ridiculous.”

She nodded and laid her head on his chest. “I did things to survive, but that’s no excuse for liking what I did.”

He kept his mouth shut and ran his fingers though strands of her hair hoping she would keep talking. She did and it killed him not to interrupt and wipe away the tears he felt drip on his bare chest.

“My father kicked me out when I was 17. Mom had just passed away and he couldn’t cope. He got drunk and he got mean. More times than not he used his fists instead of his words to show me just how angry he was. I left and was on the streets. I wasn’t dressed provocatively or anything, but I was walking in a bad part of town. It was where the hookers did their thing. One of the men stopped me and offered me a place to stay and warmth. I only had to do everything he said. At that point it was freezing cold so I agreed without even realizing what I was getting myself into. Or maybe I did.

“For months he used me and my body in any way he chose. In reward he pampered me, and at first I hadn’t realized he’d been drugging me. It was when I told him I was too tired that the withdrawals came. It was then I knew he was using drugs to keep me. I had no idea I was an addict until he took them away. I went crazy, and he kicked me to the curb. I was used and abused.

The story could go on forever. I was with several different men who did the same thing, but it seemed to be something I couldn’t get away from. The last man though he hurt me physically, and I ran away. It was then I met an elder woman who ran the bakery. She gave me food and gave me a place to stay. She is the one who helped me get clean and off of the streets. That was right before I was taken.” She sobbed. “She probably thinks I went back, but I was enrolled in college, working at her bakery. I was really getting my life together.”

“That’s why I was coming here actually. I’m an artist, and I was supposed to be the first student here. I don’t know if you know about the program, your dad arranged with our college to send one student every semester to study the lands and learn about your culture. I was the first, but I got intercepted.”

Gyyx was tense. All the things she had just laid on him confused him. Why would anyone give their body away to people who hurt them? He didn’t think lower of her, it just surprised him. He didn’t understand women from Earth. They were so different than Denynso women. They were more emotional and reactive. He licked his lips. “Yeah, we thought the college changed their mind since no one showed up. We haven’t been able to get in contact with the administrator or anything.”

She sat up and watched him weary as if she were waiting for him to say something horrible about her not so recent past. He wouldn’t. She made decisions to survive. He had no idea what living on Earth was like. He didn’t know what it was like to be shoved to the street by someone who was supposed to love him. “I don’t think any differently about you sweetheart.”

Her eyes widened and she sobbed covering her face with her tiny hands. It was the most heartbreaking thing he had ever seen. She was so ashamed of herself. He could feel her self-hate, and he wanted to wash it all away. He would too. He would love her the way she deserved, and he would help her love herself as well as love him.

Chapter 7

Didn’t he hear a word I said? It was strange; I could feel his love and affection grow. He didn’t look at me with disgust. He did look sad, but not because of the choices I made. Maybe it was more because of the choices that I thought I had to make. I needed to survive, and then once I realized how stupid I was, it was too late. I was sucked into the life on the street. I lived it and breathed it. I’d learned a lot, and I had suffered a lot. After the nearly five years it was hard to go straight and narrow. I’d been clean for a couple of months before I was picked to be a foreign exchange student as part of the Uoria Program.

“I thought maybe getting away from all the problems for three months would help me heal. I thought I would save me from myself.”

“It was smart, but apparently we need to watch incoming ships from now on. We need to make sure everyone who is supposed to be here is accounted for, and we need to keep better communication with those we interact with from your home.”

“It’s not your fault you know.”

“It is though. How did we not know we were missing someone? If we would have known, you wouldn’t have been held for two months. How the hell didn’t I know? You’re my mate for fuck’s sake. I should have sensed you sooner.”

I pulled him to me. He was angry with himself. “Hey, it’s not your fault. Now you know those—Klimnu are even sneakier than you thought. Now you know you need to have more warriors guarding the area and up your security. It’s not a big deal. I survived.”

He shook his head. “No thanks to us. If it weren’t for Eliana saving you…”

I kissed him to shut him up. I wouldn’t let him beat himself up over a mistake. He didn’t judge me for my past stupidity so I could forgive him and his species for not realizing I was supposed to be studying their land. It was a mistake I knew they wouldn’t ever let happen again.

He kissed me back slowly at first until I nipped his lip then he added more pressure. I knew my lips would be bruised and swollen but I loved it. He pulled back before we ended up staying in bed all day.

“I want to know more than just your body, Leia.”

The words froze me. I pulled back with a dazed expression. I hadn’t realized what I was doing until that moment. I was treating him how I did with the other men. I thought I always had to be sexual. That wasn’t my life anymore. “It’s going to take some getting used to,” I whispered and blushed.

He gripped my chin forcing my eyes to his. “It’s okay sweetheart. I’ll show you what real love is. You’ll never mistake me for any of those other men you were with. And trust me when I tell you, there will be no other men. There will be no drugs, and there will be no abuse. You are my world now. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re happy.”

I felt the tears again and groaned before wiping them away and laughing. “You’ve got to stop being so sweet. I’m an emotional wreck, and I certainly don’t deserve someone like you, but I’ll do my best to be worthy of you.”

He glared at me and his orange eyes flared. This time it wasn’t due to arousal. I could feel his anger spread through my body.

“You are worthy and you do deserve me. You deserve happiness just like everyone else.”

I would try to believe him, but it wouldn’t be as easy as he made it sound. Five years was a long time to erase, but for him I’d try even harder.

“Tell me about you.”

He smiled. “I was a punk for a long time. I’m the younger brother, and Pyra was always golden. He was perfect at everything. He is also pretty powerful like our dad. I did a lot of things trying to get him into trouble. Then as adults he slept his way through all of the females. So I did the same. There isn’t one Denynso woman here, that isn’t family, that hasn’t been with us both. It was like a competition. He always won, and then when Eden came something in him changed. I was jealous, but also not. She’s feisty and she has also been turned into a Denynso. Something we never knew was possible. She’s carrying my niece or nephew, and I love her to death, but she is one crazy emotional woman. Our females get angry. They don’t usually cry. Eden cries all the time. It took us all some time to get used to seeing tears.”

I laughed. “Women are emotional period. We like to cry. It helps us let out the emotions we aren’t’ willing or ready to talk about. I never cried a lot, I used other means to express. I have a lot of anger, a lot of grief. I never had a chance to mourn my mom because my dad couldn’t bear to look at me. I look just like her, and I was a daily reminder of the woman he lost. But still I was 17 and he should have taken care of me instead of kicking me out.”

“Have you seen him at all?”

“I tried when I got clean, but I didn’t know if it would set me back, and I had worked too hard. Then I came here and got taken.”

“Maybe you’d like to go see him?”

“Not now. I’m too much of a wreck. I want to have my life together before I see him. I want to show him that even though he threw me away that I still ended up okay. Seeing him now—would only disappoint him more.”

“Whatever you want.”

“I want to meet your family.”

He sighed. “I wanted you to myself for the day, but if you want that’s fine. Mom is going to be thrilled. She helped with washing you up and stuff. I didn’t feel right.”

“I know. She seems like a very kind woman. She talked to me the whole time.”

“Shit, I keep forgetting you were aware the whole time. That’s so strange.”

“I know.” I smiled and for the first time in a long while it was real. I didn’t force it, and it felt good. Maybe this was exactly where I was supposed to be to be healed. I had been taken for a reason. I spent days trapped inside of myself, even then. Those creatures took everything I feared and played my own memories against me. I was in my own personal hell for 57 longs days. I still couldn’t believe it. This all felt like a sweet dream.

Chapter 8

She was something else. He knew she was damaged from her imprisonment, but it was even worse than that. Her life had been rough. He wasn’t sure what ‘living on the streets’ was like especially not on a place like Earth, but he had a feeling it hardened people. She had walls built higher than anyone he had ever met.

It would take time to get her to fully trust him. Her story hurt him. He wanted to go find her father and beat him to a pulp. But Gyyx believed that everything happened for a reason even if the reasons were terrible. As much as he was beating himself up over not sensing her sooner, he knew there was a reason. Cause and effect.

“Now let’s get out of here before you end up ravaging me again,” she said and winked before sliding out of bed.

He shook his head and chuckled. She was a strange creature. She went to the bag of things from the girls and sifted through it. He heard gasps and small girly giggles.

She noticed his stare and blushed. “Sorry it’s been awhile since I’ve had anything so pretty, that isn’t also slutty.”

He didn’t say anything. He froze when she stripped her dress with her back to him. Thin scars lined her perfect skin. He studied her every move as she slid on each article of clothing. The scars must have been recent. They were still angry and healing in some places. Gyyx wasn’t sure if they were from the Klimnu or the last man in her life, and at the moment he chose not to ask, but he would find out, and he would find a way to make whoever it was suffer.

She spun and gasped. “I forgot…”

He didn’t say a word. Her eyes said it all. She pleaded with him to ignore what he had seen. He stood from the bed and left the room. He couldn’t ignore it, and it was on the tip of his tongue to question her. She already reveled a lot and he wouldn’t pressure her to tell him more.

He hated that his mate had been abused. Denynso males cherished their females. He didn’t understand how anyone could do differently. He paced his living room while she finished getting ready. He looked down and groaned realizing he was walking around naked. She did things to him that made him forget the most basic things in life—like clothing. He went back in the room and saw her in the bathroom brushing her long hair.

She saw him in the mirror and shrugged. He smiled but it was forced as he slid on clean shorts and a shirt. He waited until she came out and then he went into the bathroom and combed his flattened Mohawk. He never liked to spike it. It was too much work and he spent his time out with the warriors.

He brushed it and was done. When he came out she was sliding on a pair of sandals and when she stood up she was a few inches taller. He looked down. “What the hell are you wearing?”

She laughed. “They’re called wedges, they make short people like me taller, and they’re sexy.”

He nodded. “I can’t disagree, but I love how small you are.”

“I hate it. Being five feet tall and weighing 80 pounds when you’re on the streets isn’t a good thing, but I learned to protect myself. People underestimate me, and I guarantee your friends will too. They all will treat me like something delicate.”

He stood in front of her and laughed when her head still didn’t even meet his shoulders. He looked down. “You are my delicate mate.”

She glared and then chuckled. “Right, you haven’t gotten to know me well yet.”

He doubted she was very strong but he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She was tiny and small everywhere. He didn’t see her being able to do much more than maybe kneeing him in the nuts. “Okay sweetheart. I get it you’re tough.”

She raised a brow. “You doubt my skills?”

He held up his hands and laughed. “Never.”

She pursed her lips. “I see how it is. Fine I’ll prove it.”

“Oh don’t be mad.”

She smiled. “I’m not, but you’ll still see. One of your friends will make a comment about my size I bet. Hell, they all might.”

“Let’s go my fierce little mate. Mom and dad will want to suffocate you with love and welcome you to the family.”

For a few seconds she froze. “You won’t tell them—”

“No that’s your past. I won’t tell a soul. You talk about it to whoever you want, or not.”

“Thank you.” She wrapped her small hand around his forearm, and he led her out of the bedroom. The house felt different. More alive now. It was even brighter with her there. She already changed him. He didn’t feel so gloomy anymore. He also knew what Pyra meant when he had said, “One day you’ll know Gyyx and you won’t doubt why I’ve changed. When you meet yours you’d be willing to change anything.”

All it took was meeting his mate. Every ounce of insecurity he felt all but disappeared. He’d never need to over shadow Pyra. He’d never feel like he was less because he was the youngest again.

When he stepped outside with his mate close, he stayed alert. There hadn’t been any attacks in a week, but no one knew when they would start again. Every day without an attack was a blessing, but all of the warriors were all tense and on edge waiting for their peace to end.

He led her down the stairs and walked towards his parents. Pyra was the first to stop them.

“Well hello little one! It’s great to see you awake.” His brother had no idea and he chuckled.

She tensed digging her nails into his arm and then she shocked him.

Her smile widened. “I’ll let that go since you’re my new brother, but please keep in mind that powerful things come in small packages, and I’d be careful on what you imply about me.”

Pyra’s eyes went wide. He was tall, even taller than Gyyx and he laughed. “Is she for real?”

“I’d be careful, she’s fierce and not at all delicate,” Gyyx said with humor.

“Oh well, you’re my new sister. I think a nickname is necessary right? Isn’t that what humans do to show affection?” He was seriously trying to be nice.