Page 27 of Vikingr
It took every inch of self-control that I possessed to break the kiss. I was out of breath, my lips swollen, my skin tingling.
"I am your mate," Njal said softly, repeating the words I'd said to him earlier. "And you are mine."
His voice was full of reverence and disbelief. My own emotions mirrored his. Was this really happening? Was I mated to an alien Viking?
"I can't hold back much longer," he breathed. "I need to claim you, or I will lose myself again."
There were traces of panic in his beautiful dark eyes. Later, I'd ask him what happened, where he'd gone, but this wasn't the time.
"Can you last thirty minutes? Uhm, twenty IG clicks?"
He inclined his head. "For you, yes. Even though I will require new breeches after this."
"Good. Then I need to make a few phone calls."
16
Njal
The Peritan transport vehicle was clearly not built with Vikingar in mind. I had to duck my head to sit on the back bench. The C-suit one of the Albyans had lent me was uncomfortable, making me itch all over my body. Steff was pushed against the side of the small vehicle, taking up very little space compared to me. Our thighs touched, which was the only reason I wasn't going crazy again.
I wasn't sure what had even happened. I'd daydreamed until the dream had become a trap. Faceless enemies had cornered me, preventing me from reaching my mate. I'd had no choice but to fight. Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I'd been aware that it hadn't been real, but that tiny voice hadn't been strong enough. So I'd fought my enemies until Steff's voice had suddenly cut through the dream. With every word she spoke, splinters had appeared in the fabric of my dream reality, until her touch had burst it to pieces. Waking up to her lips on mine had been the best moment of my life. And then that kiss had trumped it further.
I had kissed females before, of course, but it had been nothing like this. Unbridled desire had fuelled our every move, every touch. We'd been completely in sync, two souls becoming one.
But then she'd stopped. She was the stronger of the two of us. I could still taste her. And as soon as we reached our destination, I'd kiss her again and again. I wasn't sure where exactly we were going, but I trusted Steff.
"Is this your version of an alien abduction?" I asked her.
She smirked. "It may be. But you will notice that I'm not using threats, or restraints, or syringes to knock you out. Do you see the difference between us?"
I wasn't sure if she was joking or if she wanted another apology.
"I am sor-"
"I know," she interrupted. And you will show it by cleaning my bathroom. But not now."
"Where are you taking me?"
Her grin widened. "Glasgow's most exclusive hotel. It has four-poster beds and I've always wanted to..."
She glanced at the barrier dividing our passenger capsule from the driver. Was this vehicle not soundproof? I had to be careful what I said. I was already breaking dozens of intergalactic laws by being on Peritus. Until now, I hadn't cared, but now that I had a mate, I couldn't get her in trouble.
"What is a four-poster bed?" I asked.
"You will see. It's very romantic. Which is the whole point of this. I want us to start from the beginning. We can do some dates later, and you can..." She lowered her voice to make sure the driver didn't overhear us. "You can do all the things you threatened on the Valkyr, but not this first time."
What had I said on my ship? For an instant, my mind was blank. Then I remembered. I'd threatened to tie her up. My cock jerked against my breeches. Was she into that? If so, my mate just became even more desirable.
"Not much further. I'm glad they had a room available. The Honeymoon suite at that. It costs half of what I earn in a month, but I guess I won't need my Earth savings much longer."
"No, you won't," I reassured her. "I will pay for it. I will pay for everything. You will never have to spend your own credits again. I have enough for both of us. And for our future family."
"Not that fast. Let's wait with that discussion until our third date. But are you saying you're rich?"
For the first time, I was glad about the unexpected inheritance I'd received. I'd still pay it back if it could bring my people, my planet back, but if I could use it to spoil my mate, it at least had a purpose."
"I am," I replied with a smile. "My crew and I are among the richest people in all the galaxy."
