Page 9 of Radakk's Mate
Heat sears my face as I imagine the emperor spreading my thighs wide and thrusting his shafts deep. Since I only possess “one slick hole” will he take turns with his shafts? I really hope so. I hope he doesn’t try shoving them in my pussy at the same time (would that even work?), or worse, pushing one into my back entrance.
The emperor clasps my hands in his. “There. I am finished attaching the bio monitors. If anyone tries to remove them, I’ll be alerted immediately.”
I almost thank him. Almost. Instead, I nod and remain silent, my thoughts in turmoil.
Part of me is still holding onto the hope that Captain Warren and his command team will figure out another way to save theJansonna. A path that doesn’t involve giving two thousand women (or more) to the Darrvasons.
But I try not to think about the fate that awaits me if I suddenly lose Emperor Radakk’s protection. The certainty of my torture and execution. I swallow hard and find myself struggling to breathe as the emperor leads me toward the docking bay’s exit. Officer Brute, two human security guards, and Captain Warren accompany us.
“You will keep Thalia comfortable in a safe location, Captain,” Emperor Radakk orders. “You will provide her with a meal immediately, and she is to receive ample portions of the healthiest, freshest foods you have each day.”
“Of course, Emperor,” the captain replies in a grudging tone. He’s clearly not happy he can’t torture all my secrets out of me.
“If I find you have neglected her or purposely caused her discomfort, you will answer to me.”
Captain Warren goes pale at Emperor Radakk’s threat, but he eventually nods and says, “She will be kept in lavish quarters, fed regularly, and left alone. I give you my word.” He turns to murmur orders to the guards, keeping his voice so quiet I can’t overhear.
The emperor slides a hand up and down my back, leans close to smell my hair, and then pushes me toward the waiting guards who don’t dare lay a hand on me. They simply accompany me into the corridor. I glance over my shoulder just before the door zips shut. The last thing I see is Emperor Radakk’s large purple eyes flaring with heat.
Chapter5
THALIA
The security officersguide me to the uppermost deck—the level of the worldship that’s reserved for wealthy Founders and their descendants. They escort me down a wide hall that contains numerous viewscreens. Each time I glance outside, I glimpse the Darrvason fleet, including theHaxxaland part of the long docking tunnel that’s currently attached to theJansonna.
“Right here,” the tallest guard says with a nod at a golden door.
An elderly woman steps forward and I almost gasp. I’d been so preoccupied with my thoughts and the glimpses of the Darrvason fleet that I hadn’t noticed her. She’s holding a covered tray, and as I peer into her pale blue gaze, I realize I know her. Barbara. She works in the upper deck mess hall.
I give her a half-smile and a brief nod, wanting her to know how much I appreciate the meal she’s brought, even though the captain likely ordered her to bring it. She offers me a subtle nod in return, but she doesn’t speak. She can’t speak.
A few years ago, she reported a security officer for assault. Unfortunately, the man in question happened to be a personal friend of Commander Hampton’s, and the trial didn’t go in Barbara’s favor. All charges against the guard were dropped, and the judge sentenced Barbara to have her tongue cut out, a punishment for speaking falsely against a security officer. I shudder as the memories of the trial wash over me. I’ll never forget Barbara’s look of horror when she was dragged out of the courtroom to face her punishment.
She steps closer, places the tray in my hands, and spins on her heel to rush down the corridor. I don’t blame her for leaving quickly. The captain’s personal guards make everyone nervous.
The taller officer opens the door and gestures for me to enter. I step inside the lavish quarters and set the tray down on a table. My heart races when I hear the guards walking behind me. Will they follow Emperor Radakk’s orders to leave me alone? Or will they attempt to question me?
But when I turn around, they’re lingering in the entryway. They aren’t following me into the sitting area. Relief rushes through me.
“More food will be brought later,” the shorter guard announces. “Do not attempt to leave for any reason. The door will remain locked and at least two guards will always be posted in the corridor outside.”
The taller guard smirks. “Enjoy your stay.”
As soon as they leave, I retrieve the tray and carry it into the sitting room, placing it on a coffee table. I sink down on a sofa and lift the lid off the tray. My mouth waters when the scent of roasted vegetables and sautéed mushrooms wafts upward. It smells delicious, and my stomach gives an appreciative rumble.
Despite my extreme hunger, I resist the urge to rapidly shove food into my mouth. I’m not used to eating such large meals, and I suppose I ought to pace myself. I don’t want to become sick.
I pick up a fork and experience a stab of fear. Like I’m doing something wrong. I instinctively glance around the large, opulent room, half expecting my father to materialize and start shouting at me.
Useless pig, I didn’t say you could eat today, did I?
I shake my head, trying to banish his cruel words from my thoughts.He’s not here, I remind myself. I’m alone and it’s okay and no one is going to hurt me. At least not yet.
Will Emperor Radakk hurt me?
Once I become his mate, how will he treat me?
With a shaking hand, I manage to bring a sautéed mushroom to my lips. It tastes as scrumptious as it smells, and after chewing carefully and swallowing, I take a bite of the vegetables. Mm. So good.
