Page 21 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
I grit my teeth, feeling the fury rise within me. It sounds like the males of her tribe were terrible. My people are protective of their mates, but their happiness is just as important as their safety. The silver lining? My Nika is far away from her tribe now.
“Taccit. I think we should discuss things openly. You know, talk things through. Both of us should get a say. I’m sure we can both be happy that way.”
“Your happiness is important to me.” The words tumble out before I can even process them. Yet, I don’t wish to take them back. I truly desire her happiness, to witness the unique curve of her smile and listen to her laughter. “But I will do whatever is necessary to keep you safe.”
Ariana looks deeply into my eyes, as if she’s trying to sense any dishonesty in my statement. “Fine. If it’s an emergency, then take action. It’s not like I want to be in danger. However, if it’s something you can explain like a civilized adult, please do so rather than barking orders at me. I do not like being ordered about.” She stops walking, hands propped defiantly on her hips as she glares at me. Despite her diminutive stature, she exudes fierceness.
My cock responds at seeing her haughty expression. I can only hope she doesn’t notice the developing bulge beneath my leather trousers. I yearn for her surrender and trust, so I can care for her properly. I need to protect her. But it seems that the men of her tribe have stolen her choices from her, and I refuse to do the same.
I grunt in agreement, quickly focusing my attention on breaking and pushing away any flora with potential thorns and spikes that might damage my mate’s delicate skin.
Suddenly, I notice that Ariana is no longer behind me. I whirl around to find her standing near the cliff’s edge, utterly captivated by the landscape before her. The look on her face is one of utter awe.
Careful not to startle her, I place myself between her and the chilly wind. My hands hesitantly wrap around her upper arms, gently drawing her closer to my body. I exhale slowly when my Nika does not resist my touch. When she’s not overthinking, she craves my embrace. It’s her mind that has her hesitating and fearful of our relationship. Patience, I remind myself. Patience.
“It’s absolutely breathtaking,” Ariana says, her voice soft and filled with wonder.
As if on cue, the second sun emerges from behind a cloud, casting its brilliant rays upon the land. The world around us becomes awash in light, filling my hearts with optimism and warmth. This is my territory, ours now, and Ariana is about to witness its splendor for the very first time.
Light glints off the countless waterfalls cascading over the cliff faces, causing the very air itself to put on a spectacular glittering, shimmering display. Pockets of creeks and streams crisscross the valleys and gullies as they flow towards the large, mighty river that has carved an impressive path through the landscape. Cliffs rise up all around us, commanding over dense forests of trees tinted in hues of pale green, blue, and purple.
“When the bitter season blankets the land, these waterfalls freeze over. Clouds hover above the forests, delicately placing the finest of drops of water on leaves. The world shines like the most beautiful of polished gems,” I say.
“I wish I could have seen sights like this from the colony,” Ariana says, her face filling with a soft smile as she tilts her head upward to face me. “I didn’t get much of a chance to leave the colony, really. None of us did. Only the hunters were allowed to explore.” A dry, humorless chuckle escapes her lips. “Do you know, my home is one of the few outside the safety of the colony walls? And still, I’m not permitted to go far. It’s like they dangle this perfect opportunity in my face, only to deny it to me. Worse, they refuse me the safety of the walls like everyone else, and deny my freedom to find other options. If I try to leave... well, the hunters frequently stroll by to check on me and the farm. And it’s the same road that many of the miners take to and from the caves.”
“Your tribe willingly ventures underground?” I ask with horror. The idea of my Nika going underground is discomforting, to say the least. “Please tell me you didn’t!”
Ariana’s body brushes against mine, and I can feel my blood pulsing in my groin. Now is not the time, I remind myself.
“I did. So what?” she says, lifting her chin defiantly, daring me to challenge her. My little mate is fiercely proud and, perhaps, somewhat reckless. I’m going to have my hands full. I must be a masochist because I fear I will enjoy every moment of it.
“There are tribes that live beneath the ground. Younglings are taught to steer clear of the larger caves. Only danger and death await those who explore their hidden depths.”
Ariana’s face loses some color. Her eyes dart between each of mine, searching. Does she doubt me?
“The caves can be incredibly dangerous, especially the deeper ones that lead to the bowels of the planet. You should never go there, Ariana. Never.”
“You built your home in a cave,” she says. “So, why is it safe for you and not me?”
I shake my head. “I didn’t find an existing cave system. Instead, I carved our own home from the cliffside. It took me many painful cycles. There are tribes that inhabit the caves, and they are not ones to trifle with. Legend has it that they only emerge from the caves to hunt fresh prey and launch raids on other tribes. They drag their victims down to their doom, screaming.”
Ariana’s face has gone even paler. I doubt she realizes it, but her petite hands have clutched my shirt.
“Do not worry, my Nika. I have designed the cave with safety in mind. They would have to overcome insurmountable odds to infiltrate our home, and I would sense their presence long before. I will keep you safe.”
Ariana nods, but her expression is tinged with worry. I can’t help but feel a spark of annoyance that she doesn’t trust me yet, but if she needs time to grow that trust, then I will give it to her.
“I only went to the mines to gather the sorium ore. We need it—it’s a power source for our people. I was collecting it when...” Her eyes glaze over, lost in the haunted memories, and she wraps her arms around herself.
“You’re safe now, Nika,” I say, pulling her into my arms, reminding myself as much as her that she is, indeed, safe and sound. As I nuzzle my cheek into her soft hair, I can’t help but revel in the silky sensation against my skin. “I will always stand between you and danger.”
She lets out an adorable squeak and tries with all her might to push away from me. This time, though, I don’t let her. Finally, she stops fighting and heaves a sigh—likely one of annoyance—before allowing her body to relax in my arms. I swear I can sense her leaning into me, rubbing her face against my chest... or is it just wishful thinking?
Her voice is muffled when she speaks next. “Why do you keep calling me that? Nika. What does it mean?”
I retreat a step, giving my mate the small amount of personal space that she seems to enjoy. She blinks at me, slightly dazed, and her cheeks take on a delightful rosy hue.
“It’s the name of a flower that grows around our home.”
