Page 54 of Accidentally Abducted

Zeph's bioluminescence brightens with sudden hope. "You... you would come? Just like that?"

I laugh softly, stroking his cheek. "What exactly am I staying for, Zeph? A crappy apartment? A job I don't have anymore? Ex-boyfriends getting abducted?" I shake my head. "The only thing that's felt real to me in the past ten days is missing you. The only thing that feels right is being with you."

"The Council has authorized a fourteen-day period for you to consider the offer," Zeph says carefully, though I can feel his excitement building through our bond. "You need not decide immediately."

"Fourteen days," I repeat, leaning in to kiss him softly. "So we have two weeks to ourselves before heading to your world?"

"Yes. I will not leave your side," Zeph promises, his bioluminescence brightening with happiness. "Unless you wish for privacy, of course."

"Privacy is overrated," I tell him, pressing closer against his warm, glowing skin. "Especially when there are more important things to do."

"Such as?" Zeph asks, though the way his pupils dilate suggests he knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"Such as making up for ten days of separation," I say, feeling him already hardening against my thigh. Through the bond, I feel his immediate response, desire flaring hot and bright between us. "And maybe seeing how many different ways we can fuck each other."

Zeph's hands slide to my hips, fingers flexing against my skin. "I believe that can be arranged," he says, his voice dropping to that lower register that never fails to make my entire body respond. "For scientific purposes, of course."

"Of course," I agree, leaning down to kiss him. "Very important research."

As his arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against his chest, I find kissing him again. Fourteen days is just a formality. The moment he appeared in my living room, the decision was already made.

Wherever Zeph goes, I'm going too. Earth, alien worlds, the far side of the universe, it doesn't matter. After feeling what it's like to be without him, I'm never letting him go again.

But I've got fourteen days to make him prove just how much he wants me to come with him. And I intend to make every second count.

Chapter Sixteen

Zeph

"Hold still," I say, adjusting the ceremonial collar of Jake's formal attire for the third time in as many minutes. "The Council is particularly attentive to proper presentation."

The deep blue fabric shimmers against his skin, the silver accents catching the light with each movement. The colors complement his human coloring in a way I find unexpectedly striking, the blue bringing out the warmth in his complexion, the silver highlighting his eyes.

"How do the garments feel?" I ask, smoothing a barely perceptible wrinkle from his shoulder. "They were synthesized to accommodate human physiological requirements, but if there is any discomfort—"

"They're incredible," Jake interrupts, running his hands along the sleeves with evident wonder. "I expected them to be heavier, but they're so light. It's like wearing nothing at all, but somehow still warm." He moves his arms experimentally. "And they move with me, no restriction at all."

"The fabric responds to body temperature and motion," I explain, pleased by his appreciation. "It will adjust to maintain optimal comfort regardless of environmental conditions."

Jake catches my hands, stilling their nervous movement with a gentle but firm grip. "Zeph. It's fine. I'm fine. The clothes are fine." His eyes meet mine with that particular mixture of amusement and affection that has become achingly familiar over the past fourteen days. "You're fussing."

"I am not fussing," I protest, though I know he is correct. "I am ensuring compliance with cultural protocols."

"You're fussing," he repeats, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And it's adorable, but unnecessary. We've gone over everything at least a dozen times."

He is right, of course. In the past two weeks, we have discussed every aspect of Nereidan culture, Council etiquette, and formal presentation protocols. Jake has proven to be an exceptionally quick study, absorbing information with a capacity that would impress even the most skeptical members of the Research Collective.

Still, I can't help feeling a certain tension as the ship prepares for atmospheric entry. This is not merely another assignment or research excursion. This is Jake's first time on my world, his introduction to my people. More importantly, it is the beginning of our official life together.

"The Elder will extend her hand palm-up if she wishes physical contact," I remind him, unable to stop myself. "And remember, Councilor Eth'nor tends to—"

"—ask deliberately provocative questions to gauge emotional stability," Jake finishes for me. "And Councilor Myr'esh values direct eye contact as a sign of sincerity, while your brother will likely maintain formal distance throughout the proceedings." He gives me a look that manages to be both exasperated and fond. "Zeph, I've got this. I've memorized the Council profiles, the greeting protocols, and the cultural taboos. I'm as prepared as I'm going to be."

The ship's gentle vibration shifts in frequency, indicating our descent into Nereidan atmosphere. Through the viewing portal, the deep blue of our oceans is becoming visible, interspersed with the crystalline structures of our floating cities. In moments, Jake will have his first real view of my world, no longer just stories and descriptions, but reality.

I watch his face as he turns toward the portal, his expression shifting from reassurance to wonder. The sight strikes me with unexpected force, this human, dressed in the formal blue and silver attire of my people, his face illuminated by the light of my home world.

"It's beautiful," he breathes, moving closer to the portal. "Those structures rising from the water, are those the cities you told me about? The ones that float during calm weather and submerge during storms?"

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