Page 19 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
“I promise I will protect you, Nika. I will always stand between you and danger,” Taccit says, all chivalry and assurance. He speaks in such a confident manner that I don’t find myself doubting him.
“Come, let me introduce you,” he says. He holds his hand out to me.
I glance warily at his outstretched hand. Can I really trust him? Taking a deep breath, I place my hand in his. His skin is warm, and I can’t help but shiver as his calloused thumb brushes my knuckle.
I have to stretch my neck upward to see him clearly. His body radiates heat and his spicy scent envelops me like a comforting and safe cocoon. I breathe it in, seeking it, wanting it. I sway towards it.
One of the drolvden whines, and the tension between us breaks. I quickly step back, my gaze finding the ground rather than his eyes.
Taccit, however, doesn’t let go of my hand. Instead, he pulls me toward the beasts without warning. I attempt to dig my heels in, but stopping Taccit is like stopping a boulder rolling down a hill—nearly impossible.
He kneels before one of the monstrous creatures. Just as I assume he’ll force me to do the same, he surprises me by pulling me into his arms. This, however, places me right between him and the creatures I fear. I don’t even think twice about retreating into his embrace for safety.
It’s ironic that I seek his embrace for safety now; only a day ago, this guy tried to capture and keep me as his prisoner.
He captures my hands and guides them to his face. My eyes widen at the intimate position. He guides my fingers to cup his cheeks, to caress his jaws.
“I am placing my scent upon you so there can be no mistaking that you are mine,” he says. Why does that sound so dirty? I am weirdly flattered by his claim.
As my face grows warm, I bow my head once more, giving him permission to continue. Our fingers entwine in a move that, despite its simplicity, feels as intimate as a cinematic slow dance.
I bite my lip, trying not to squirm as our bodies press close together. Visions flicker through my mind of him wrapping his arms around me, pulling me close, pressing his lips to mine in a possessive kiss.
My surprised squeal pierces the air when he pushes my hand toward one of the wolves’ faces. Completely distracted by his closeness and alluring aroma, I’d managed to forget about the furry predators. But now, there’s no avoiding the fact that I am uncomfortably close to a beast I wouldn’t normally pet, even if you paid me money to do so.
“You are safe, Ariana. I will not allow anything to hurt you. Trust me,” he says. With his body acting as a protective shield around me, I know I can’t escape, and this is happening whether I want it to or not.
The drlovden sniffs our joined hands, and I nearly jump out of my skin when its tongue slips out and laps at us, the rough surface nearly as startling as the action.
“They recognize you. They know you are mine now,” Taccit’s breath tickles my neck as he speaks, his words feeling more erotic than anything at that moment. “You should pet them. Get them used to your touch,” he says. His hands find their way to my hips, holding me ever so gently. He lets me take the lead on my own volition without any pressure or prodding. A rush of gratitude washes over me as I lean against his reassuring presence. I somehow know that if something goes wrong, he will keep me safe. If I were alone, I would never be able to face this fear.
My hands quiver as I stretch them out towards the drolv. Nightmarish visions of gnashing teeth and excruciating pain fill my head. My heart races, and I can’t draw breath.
I can’t do this.
Just as I am about to yank my hand away in panic, the softest fur brushes against my fingertips. Gathering my courage, I push my fingers deeper into the fluff. Responding to my touch, the drolv wiggles ever so slightly before letting out the longest, most peaceful sigh. Its tail swishes back and forth.
A soft giggle wheezes through my lips. It’s an oversized puppy! The other two wiggle forward, and, despite myself, I am forced to admit it: these are basically just big ol’ space fluffballs.
Gaining confidence, I pat the creature with more enthusiasm, and its tail whips even faster as it revels in the newfound attention. Another drolv inches closer, and I jerk back so violently I send myself tumbling onto my behind. Instead of attacking, the furry creature scoots its head across the ground like a vacuum cleaner and nuzzles against my leg. It then looks up at me with those big, soulful eyes and almost seems to beg for attention.
I glance back at Taccit, who hovers nearby, gazing down at me with warm adoration.
Laughter bubbles out of me for the first time in what feels like forever. I feel lighter. If I can conquer these beasts that once filled my nightmares, then nothing can hold me back from living the life I desire.
It’ll be hard, I’m sure, but I can imagine myself living out here among the wilds—right next to this mysterious alien man.
ChapterSeven
TACCIT
“Do you have to leave?” Ariana asks timidly, peeking up at me through her lashes. “I was just hoping that maybe you could show me around my new home.”
My eyes narrow as I scan her face, trying to decipher whether she is plotting another escape or not. In moments like these, I wish I could hear her thoughts. Her moods switch so often—fearful, then angry... and then that seductive aroma of her arousal fills the air.
I rack my memory of the time I spent with my tribe. Were all their females like this?
Ariana jumps when one of the drolvs brushes a cold snout against her arm.
