Page 44 of Slavic

Thefeeling of his arms hugging me tight as he laughs is the last thingIremember before drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Twenty-Six

SLAVIC

Inever allowedmyself to dream of a mate, and if this is not real,Ipray that no one disturbs me from my slumber.Notwanting to wakeRubywhenIbrought us back to our chambers,Ididn’t turn the lights on, soI’mnot sure when this appeared.

Inamazement, my fingers trace the delicate, inky black collar that now surrounds her tiny neck.Butinstead of it covering her shoulders like mine, hers narrows down to a point between her luscious breasts.Ihave never seen anything as beautiful as her, while she lays here next to me.Thelights from the stars reflecting off her bright hair, highlight the dark speckles on her skin.

Reluctantly,Icover her up whenIsee her shiver slightly and just allow myself a moment to reflect on all the events leading up to this moment.Theoddest part is realizing that this is what has been missing all along.WhatIwas searching for all this time was a companion.Thisintimacy of lying together, of having someone to laugh with, to discuss all of life’s ups and downs, is so much more than the need for sexual gratification.Ourbodies will eventually mature and with age, libido lessens, so you needto have something to fall back upon that supersedes the desire for one’s mate.

Mybody just felt more pleasure than ever before, but my mind and soul now feel complete.It’slike a piece of me was missing until the momentIsaw her eyes peering up over that nest.Forso long, this ship and my brothers have always been the most important thing to me.NowIfeel torn,Iwant to treasure her, worship the ground she walks on, take the time to show her what a heartmate really is.Iwant what my life givers had and more.Wrappedup in my own thoughts,Ido not notice the dark brown eyes staring up at me until a small finger traces my bottom lip.

“Youknow, it’s not good for my ego whenIwake up to a man frowning after the evening we had.Whatchathinking about?”

“You, … this, … and everything else.”Itrace the dark collar going down her throat, a smirk on my face whenIrealize the whole world will see my mark upon her.

“Ohhh, wow, … pop up accessories.Itlooks like we have his and her shirts now.Didyou know this could happen?ShouldIbe worried?Youdidn’t say anything about pop up tattoos.”

“Itvaguely crossed my mind.Ifwe had been the same species, your collar would have appeared at the same time mine did.However, it is widely known that humans are compatible with multiple races.Thisis a blessing bestowed upon us from theGodofRuk, as it’s even a rarity within my own race.Ido not know whatIhave done to deserve such favors, butIwill be forever grateful.”

Iwatch as she rubs her fingers across it, then shrugs her shoulders. “Ablessing from your god?Ibelieve we will have torevisit that conversation in the future.Doesit look good?Ican’t see all of it without a mirror.”

“It’sstunning.”

“Waita minute, how’d we get back here?Thelast thingIremember is us doing the dirty, then passing out because you pummeled me with that bat you’re packing around.”

“AfterIcaught my breath,Ibrought us back here.Therewere no comforts available for you in that part of the ship.”

“Thewalk of shame for all to see, huh?”

“Imade sure the halls were empty.”

“So, besides hiding in this room and fornicating until we collapse, what’s next on the agenda?I’venever been one to sit around idle.”

“ItoldBikarto head towardDeapra.Evenwith the hyperdrive operating properly now, it will still take a few rotations to get there, but there is somethingIwould like to show you.Grabsomething comfortable to wear and meet me at the helm.Ineed to check in withBikarandFalon.Murgulhas been exceptionally quiet these last risings, and that is always something to be concerned about.”

“That’sfine, go do your thing, butI’mstarving.”

“Wewill stop by the dining chamber and grab some sustenance.Donot look at me like that.Itis taking all my willpower not to ravish you as you lie here naked, ready to be worshiped.”

“I’mnot against that idea.”

“Youare small, andIwill not damage you rutting like a wild animal.Thereare already bruises on your hips and inner thighs.Thelast thingIever want is for my hands to damage you, so we must be more careful in the future.Wehave an eternity together for me to learn every inch and count every mark that dances upon your skin.Thereis no reason for me to push your newly healed body when the anticipation is as much fun as the act.”

Sheglances down at her hip, then smiles up at me. “Oh, these little things are just love marks, sweet thing.Itappears thatIprefer my men grouchy, with big hands, and a caring heart.Goon and do your thing.I’mgonna use that cleanser thing real fast, thenI’llhead that way.”

Ittakes all of my willpower to turn away from her and get up, butBikarhas commed several times andIknowIhave been neglecting my duties lately.Asharp whistle has me looking back at her asIget out of the sleeping platform.

“Ohhh, it’s all good, … just admiring that ass again.”

Thesmile on her face as she stretches makes my hearts hit my chest.IthoughtIknew what love was supposed to be, but it seemsIhad no clue the magnitude nor the depths of feelings it really represented … until her.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

RUBY

IwaituntilSlavicheads out of the room before crawling out of the bed, my body sore in all the right places.Shakingout my legs asIstretch, my inner thighs complain slightly, andIsmile, thinking the joke about walking bowlegged just might come true.

---