Page 23 of Captured By The Alien Barbarian
Her body sways towards me, our faces just a breath apart. I breathe in her sweet scent, its intensity increasing as we draw nearer.
The moment is shattered when Ariana chokes on the piece of fruit. I try to help, but she waves me off between coughs. As I offer her a water flask, she gives me a sheepish smile.
“I forgot to chew,” she giggles, her humor brightening the mood, but not extinguishing it completely. Now a simmering presence, my desire for her never fully leaves me when she’s near.
“I must remember then that you are easily distracted,” I say, laughing lightly.
Taken aback, Ariana meets my gaze with mock outrage. She rather unsuccessfully attempts to conceal a grin. Trying to scowl at me, her eyes lacking any real irritation, her face morphs into an almost comical expression. “I am not easily distracted,” she says. “You are just...”
I raise a brow, encouraging her to continue.
“Perhaps the word you are looking for is ‘distracting’?” I say with a devilish smile.
Ariana’s laughter fills the clearing, a sound I want to hear over and over again. Her cheeks flush even deeper, and she shakes her head at my antics before shifting her focus to the second piece of fruit I had put aside. Suddenly missing her attention, I wonder if I’ve made a mistake in our playful exchange, but Ariana glances at me through her lashes.
“Can I eat this one?” She smiles shyly at me.
“Whatever you want, mate.” Her growing smile brings me immense pleasure. I feel relieved to have found food that Ariana will eat, as I’ve grown concerned about her constant rejection of my previous offers.
“Does your species not eat meat?” I ask.
“We do,” Ariana replies. “It’s just that I’m not used to it. Only the very rich can afford real meat, so it’s considered a delicacy. I’ve only tried it once or twice. Don’t worry, give me a fruit or a veggie any day and I’ll be happy.”
I frown at her words.
“I’m happy to forage for you. We do have some fruit and vegetables that grow nearby, but I worry that we won’t always be able to find enough for you, especially in the bitter season.”
My shoulders slump. I’m concerned that Ariana might not consider me an ideal mate if I can’t even provide her with the basics such as food and protection. After all, she has already been injured since we met.
It surprises me how much I want her to like and approve of me. I have heard of mates that are together because they feel the instinctual pull between them, but they don’t always like each other. I want more from my Nika. I never expected to be desperate for her approval.
“Forgive me, my mate. I’ve failed you. I haven’t built a home suitable for you. I promise I’ll do everything I can to provide you with what you need, even if I have to travel far to do so,” I say.
Ariana’s mouth gapes at me for a moment before she tentatively reaches out and touches my arm. The feeling of her skin sends a jolt of pleasure through me, even though I feel undeserving of her attention. “You didn’t even know me a few days ago, Taccit. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
I shake my head, wanting but unable to shake her small hand from my heated skin. “I’m ashamed that I don’t know how to make the plants grow. I know of this possibility as some of the tribes have achieved this, but most of my attempts have killed the small plants.”
Ariana grins, her body quivering with excitement. A flash of lust shoots through me, wondering if she would make the same moves while in my lap.
“I know how to plant things!” Her voice is surprisingly loud. “I’m a farmer, actually. That means my job is to grow plants. I can teach you!”
Her grin falters, and she ducks her head shyly. “That is, if you want to learn. I’d be happy to teach you.”
“I would be honored to be taught by a master,” I reply, placing my palm over my two hearts. Her excitement is infectious, and I find myself longing for any excuse to spend more time in her company. Ariana snorts. “I’m hardly a master. I definitely didn’t qualify for that kind of pay. But farming is a passion of mine. I’d love to have someone actually plant alongside me. It’s just a shame that I don’t have my seeds. I doubt I can just waltz back home and collect them from my storage shed. I had been working hard in the hopes of getting a crop growing before winter, but I doubt that will ever happen.”
“If it’s within my capabilities, I will provide it for you. Especially if it makes you happy.”
Ariana’s eyes widen in surprise, but a pleased smile graces her lips. Even her blunt little human teeth are on display, showing me her happiness. “Thank you, Taccit, for taking me in and… well, thank you for everything.”
“You are welcome, my mate.”
To my shock, her hands reach up to cup my cheek. She lifts herself on tiptoes and presses her lips against mine.
I rear back, bewildered. What is she doing?
“Oh, sorry,” she says, her face turning bright red.
She tries to pull away from me, but my arms wrap around her waist.
