Page 46 of Grulen

Morgan crossed her arms over her torso hugging herself.The sight of a Zuvgran made her shiver in remembered fear.She snorted in disgust.His supposed accomplishments read like a fascist dictator’s resume.

“Who’s taking his place?”Deliberately, she relaxed herself and inhaled deeply before delivering food to everyone.

“That’s the interesting part.He never named a successor.”Makai’s braids swung when he turned her way.“There are several contenders, but it won’t be pretty until they resolve their leadership.I’m not sure any of them will be better than n’Tuli.”

“Chaos,” said Crax from his spot near Kara.

“Mayhem,” said Yax with a grin.

“Opportunity?”Kara smiled at Morgan in thanks as she took the container from her.

“Monitor communications, Kara.I want to know what’s going on and what beings are saying.”Makai bit into a roll.“Civil unrest in the Zuvgran empire will affect operations.”

“You got it, boss.”

Chapter 13

Staladgrinnedasheentered his quarters.Morgan’s unfettered amusement at the males’ misfortune lifted his spirits.Her green eyes sparkled above red cheeks.Her blunt, white teeth surrounded by her pink lips when the water hit their faces made him think of where he’d like her mouth to be.And her scent when she saw him naked had him hiding his instant erection.I think I’m a lusty male.At least around her, it seems.

Striding into his shower, his fingers grasped his needy cock.He hissed at how sensitive his flesh felt.Groaning as his fist worked to thoughts of her on her knees as her mouth engulfed him, he imagined her sultry green eyes watching him.Warm water beat down on his chest as he imagined her mouth wet and hot around him as her tongue licked.The image of soft fingers tracing his heavy balls and trailing to his base node sent his seed exploding against the wall.Her name left his lips like a whispered prayer.

His forehead fell forward as he extended his orgasm for as long as possible.The water turned tepid.Crekkin’ timer on the showers to conserve water.A few more minutes would be nice.

Rapidly cleaning his body, he finished just before the water turned frigid and shut off automatically.He shook his body, then stepped into the dryer.After popping in a mouth cleaning tab, he combed his short hair and stared at himself in the viewer.I must not think of her this way.I don’t know if I have a female waiting for me.It would not be honorable to pursue the fascinating human.

Along with Crax and Yaz, Stalad loaded maglevs into the larger transport with the crates being delivered.TheFortitudewould orbit Arona while they took the smaller ship to the surface.Makai arrived just as they secured the last crate.

“Let’s get this done.I have a meeting about another potential job afterwards.It will only be the four of us going to the planet.”

In the cockpit, they each took seats and fastened their restraints as Yaz conducted his preflight.

“Same place as last time?”

Makai nodded.

“Fortitude, we’re ready to open Hangar Bay One and depart.”

Rain’s voice sounded through the comms.

“Experience, cleared to depart.Stay in touch.”

“Will do.”

Stalad watched with interest as they broke atmosphere.Arona appeared to be a world of lush greens, blues, and browns.Famous for its precious gemstones and ores, the Orkite home world produced some of the finest jewelry in the known galaxy.The Orkites lived in conjunction with nature eschewing tall metal or glass structures.Natural stone or wood dwellings nestled in the smaller villages near water.Larger cities contained the same, but the buildings sprawled around several larger keeps.

They landed near the outskirts of one city, Urzo.Stepping down the ramp, Stalad inhaled deeply.Clean, fresh air, laden with the scents of Arona’s nature filled his lungs.He closed his eyes and savored the rich smells.His limbs felt heavy due to the planet’s higher gravitational pull.Must be one reason Orkites grow sturdy.

“Does any of this look familiar?”Yaz asked quietly.

“No.I don’t recognize the specific scents or surroundings.”

“Must not have ever visited Arona before, then,” Crax grumbled.

“Dablar, well met this fine day,” Makai greeted the approaching older Orkite.The massive dusky green male stood taller than all of them by half a head.A relatively trim waist separated broad shoulders over thick biceps and tree trunk thighs in brown leather pants.A pronounced brow ridge overshadowed his dark eyes lit in welcome as well as his broad, flattened-tipped nose.Tusks yellowed with age framed the lower half of his wide smile.Strands of silver interspersed his black braids.Thick gold chains decorated his neck while numerous scars interrupted the intricate designs in black ink found on his arms and torso.A large green gemstone shaped into a hoop hung from one ear.Daggers hung from sheaths at his hips.

“Makai, welcome to Urzo.”A meaty hand grasped the Jalaxian’s forearm in warrior’s clasp.The smack of flesh on flesh sounded loudly.

“As promised, your items are here safely.”Makai squeezed the male’s arm before stepping back.

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