Page 16 of Varro's Human Bride
“I wasn’t offended at all,” she assured him, thankful that he wasn’t going to scold her for boldly hugging his father. She still wasn’t sure what had come over her in that moment. But in her desperation to win over his family, she’d felt compelled to take the bold action. Yarro had whispered to her that he’d never seen anyone embrace Araggos and that she must be very brave.
“You seemed startled when Remani asked you about whether you had a sister or brother back on Earth though. In fact, I noticed you avoided all questions about your family.”
“Forgive me,Xerr, but I miss my brother and parents terribly and it pains me to speak of them.”Brother and parents. She felt exactly like the imposter she was, but she had to keep pretending she was Caylee at all costs.
“I know it must be hard being separated from your family. Would you like to contact them on the video comm soon?”
“Oh, yes,” she said with forced enthusiasm. “Thank you,Xerr. I will do that soon.”
“The video comm is yours to use whenever you are ready to contact them. Come, let us retire for the evening, little human.” Varro led her into their home.
Their home.
Her heart beat faster in her chest. Not even a full week had passed since she’d arrived on Tarrkua and become Varro’s wife, but already this place was starting to feel like a home to her. Earth could never be her home again. Not when those she loved most were gone.
As they approached the stairs that led up to their bedroom, Varro released her hand only to sweep her up in his arms, his movement sudden enough to cause her slippers to fly off her feet. A low growl rumbled in his throat and there was no question in her mind about what would happen once they reached the bedroom.
He took the stairs three at a time and soon she found herself sprawled on the bed while he kissed her soundly, cupping her face in his hands while he settled his body atop hers.
They were still dressed but she imagined their clothing wouldn’t remain on for long. She was right—seconds later, he rose up and ripped open the front of her gown and tore the remnants of the garment off her, leaving her naked and quivering beneath him. His eyes roved over her nudity, a primal gleam in his gaze as he inspected her. A flush overtook her and her breathing became shallow and quick as her need for him mounted higher and higher.
Then, without warning, Varro stiffened. His expression became eerily distant, as if he were suddenly remembering a painful event from his life. His nostrils flared and he peered down at Julie, and a chill ran through her when he once again focused on her.
“You will never lie to me, Caylee.” He held her chin between his fingers as he spoke. “I expect honesty from you at all times.” His abrupt warning startled her and for several seconds, she couldn’t draw in air.
Why was he telling her this now? After just having mentioned a brother and parents on Earth that she missed—a complete untruth—fear spasmed inside her and ice filled her veins. “I-I know I am never to lie to you,Xerr.” She peered up at him, terrified of what he might say next. Did he suspect she wasn’t who she said she was? Guilt and worry mingled and she fought the urge to squirm beneath him. Despite her growing anxieties, the pulses between her thighs hadn’t ceased in the slightest.
“You must never break my trust,” he said, a haunted look entering his gaze. “I want there to be trust between us, little human. It’s very important to me.” There was a razor-sharp edge to his voice that made her shudder, as well as a seriousness in his dark eyes that left her trembling inside.
Trust. Why would he use that word? Had someone in his past betrayed him?
She swallowed hard and held his stare, trying to decide the best course of action. What would he do right now, at this very moment, if she confessed everything to him? Would he scream at her? Send her back to Earth? Call Tarrkuan authorities to deal with her? She couldn’t help a quick glance at the leather strap on the wall.
Would he punish her?
She couldn’t be sure how he would react, and she set aside all thoughts of coming clean to him. But oh, how she hated the knowledge that one day he would discover she’d lied to him about everything. Lied about her identity, her very name, and her ability to have children with him. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if he wasn’t the oldest of his brothers, but he was. Her heart lurched. And how would his family members react to her betrayal?
“I-I understand,Xerr,” she finally replied.
His visage softened and he bent down to capture her lips in his. She wrapped her arms around him and returned his kiss, praying he didn’t say anything more on this matter tonight. With a growl, he withdrew from the kiss and rose only long enough to strip his boots and clothing off.
Then he settled himself back atop her, his hard cock nudging between her parted thighs. He trailed kisses down her neck, occasionally grazing his teeth along her flesh. Goosebumps erupted over her arms and legs and she shivered in place while he took his time loving her.
In the aftermath of their lengthy mating session, he gathered her in his arms and held her tight, while the sounds of night entered with the cool breeze. The twin moons bathed the bedroom in an ethereal blue light as they drifted off in one another’s arms.
Chapter 11
Four days later, Julie disembarked the hover transport in the center of Ashorr, her heart racing with excitement. Today was the day—she was finally going to see Nova. Nerves curled inside her and she hoped nothing went amiss, but she couldn’t imagine what might happen.
Nova was planning to run into them, seemingly by chance, while they walked around the large outdoor market. Zylonn and their children wouldn’t be accompanying her, and Zylonn by some small mercy had understood Julie’s predicament and promised not to interfere, as long as he didn’t think Julie was putting herself in danger.
Thankfully, Varro had given her a two-day warning before their trip to the capital city. He had also left their house several times to oversee some issues in the mountain mines throughout the last few days and though she’d missed him, she’d taken advantage of his absences by calling Nova and giving her a head’s up about their upcoming trip into Ashorr.
Yes, everything would go according to plan today. It had to.
Varro clasped her hand and she gazed around the market with open curiosity. She’d never seen so many people gathered in one place, aside from the afternoon they got married in the large ceremonial building with the tall arching purple roof, which she glimpsed in the distance over the nearest houses and businesses. She was wearing a vibrant blue dress that Varro had recently gifted her, and as she observed the Tarrkuan females in the crowd, she realized it must be the latest fashion.
They approached a group of street musicians and she gawked at one who was playing an instrument similar to a piano. Her heart clenched. Her parents had loved hearing her play piano and she used to practice each evening after dinner. But after they died, she couldn’t bring herself to even place her fingers upon the keys. The very thought of playing one of their favorite songs had torn her apart. Whenever she’d even walked near her piano, her hands started shaking and grief overwhelmed her.
