Page 14 of Alien Abduction for Pirates
"We'll call you back," Aedan says brusquely and switches off the screen. He rubs one of his horns, clearly unhappy with the situation.
"I'm sorry," he sighs. "I don't think there's much I can do. She may call me a teacher, part of her staff, but in the end, I'm no more than a slave. She has full control over me. If I don't do what she commands, I'll end up on a prison planet and you - I don't know what would happen to you. I doubt they'd let my crew take you back to Earth. Best case, they'd bring you to the IGU station to learn more about humans. Worst case, they experiment on you. I won't let that happen." He jumps off his chair and pulls me up, right into his arms. He squeezes me against his chest, so tight I can barely breathe. Not that I mind. He's warm, he's hard, he's safe.
I must be completely brainwashed. Maybe space radiation is messing with me. How is it that I'm not scared?
The only fear in my mind is about having to leave him. I'm not afraid of him at all.It's messed up. Stockholm Syndrome for the win.
Aedan puts a finger under my chin and forces me to look into his golden eyes. His lips, almost the same mesmerising colour as his lips, are slightly parted as if he's about to speak yet can't find the words. I simply look at him, at this beautiful alien. His horns, so masculine and feral. His purple skin, alien yet gorgeous. He swept me off my planet and brought me to the stars.
I don't want to leave him.
"Let's do it," I whisper. "We'll be together. Maybe we can figure out a way to get some concessions. If they want us to be their lab rats, they better provide us with treats to make us perform."
"Are you sure?" he asks, his voice ever so gentle. "I don't want them to invade our privacy like that. I swear to you, I never intended to... this wasn't supposed to..." He swallows hard and looks me straight in the eyes. "I didn't think I'd fall for you. It was just a job. Abduct a human, go through the motions, drop her off, abduct the next one. All I wanted was to have my freedom. Mine and that of my crew. I never thought the female I'd abduct would end up my mate. But you are. You're my mate. I can feel it in my horns. The bond is still growing, but soon, even the suggestion of someone taking you from me will make me kill them. Fervens are highly territorial, I should warn you of that. You'll be the only female I'll ever touch again, but in return, I expect you to be mine forever. Even now, my horns ache at the thought of other males around you. And knowing some might watch us..." He growls. "I can't. I still have myself under control, but once we've mated a few more times, I'll tear this ship apart on the search for hidden cameras. It's impossible. I-"
I shush him with my lips. I kiss him, soaking in his worries, hoping to ease them. I don't have a solution, but I can't stand to see his pain. I reach up and cup his face, holding him in place just in case he gets other ideas. He's not the only one who can be possessive. He groans against my mouth and then he takes over, plunging his tongue into my mouth, devouring me. We're drowning in each other, clinging together, hoping for a future that might be impossible.
"Very nice."
Professor Katila's voice makes me step back in shock. I'm breathing hard, both from the kiss and from searing hot anger that's boiling up in me.
"Listen," I snap at the screen where she's appeared again. "I may not be a Kaji-... Kajaj-... Ka-"
"Karangi," Aedan whispers.
"Whatever, but I have rights. You can't just take away all my privacy. I'm not a criminal. I've been taken from my planet against my will, surely that counts for something?"
"You-" she starts, but I don't let her continue.
I channel my best Lady Macbeth in the performance of my life. A failed actor I may be, but I can doangryif I want to. Oh yes.
"My turn," I snarl, glaring at her in my best evil witch impression. "You're going to let Aedan and me be together. You won't force him to abduct other females. You'll let him work as a trader again. In return, I promise to answer any questions you have about humans. I agree to regular medical tests as long as they're painless and not invasive. No constant filming. No invasion of our privacy. Deal?"
She stares at me with all three eyes wide open. None of them blinks for at least half a minute while she sits still as a statue, processing what I've just said.
Aedan reaches out and squeezes my hand. I don't turn to look at him, instead keeping my gaze on the enemy.
"We will keep the sensors to monitor your biodata, but we will remove the cameras and microphones in all but a few rooms. Twice weekly interviews with you about human biology, psychology and sociology. Weekly reports from you, Aedan. And if you conceive offspring, we will switch to daily reports and measurements."
"Non-invasive," I insist immediately.
Professor Katila looks like she's bitten in the sourest apple ever. "Agreed. Aedan, you will no longer receive a salary from the IGU. We will reimburse your human for her time, but consider your effort part of your punishment. You will be able to trade and travel where you want to, but any sign of illegal activity and our agreement will be null and void. You'll be sent to prison planetY103 and the human will be mine to study."
Aedan nods grudgingly. "No pirating. Got it."
"I'll draw up a contract. Until then, the cameras stay."
The screen goes black, but both of us wait a moment longer, just in case she's still listening. I don't like that woman. She enjoys being in charge way too much. She's a manipulative bitch who needs to be put in her place.
Aedan wraps his arms around me and pulls me against his chest. "You were magnificent. Truly magnificent."
"You think so?"
"You'd make an amazing pirate. Not that we're pirates." He chuckles. "We'll be well-behaved traders. Boring, but better than the alternative."
"I wouldn't call travelling through space boring. Are we going to visit other planets?"
"Unless you want to stick to just space stations. We could go to Epsyl-4, one of my favourite places in the galaxy. The mountains are made of diamonds and sparkle in the light of their four suns. We can have a picnic in one of their meadows. They have fluffy little animals there that will come for cuddles. Not shy at all. I've always wanted to take one of them home, but an adorable pet doesn't fit my mean, grim pirate image."
