Barbarian's Taming: A SciFi Alien Romance (Ice Planet Barbarians Book 9) (5 page)

Stacy just laughs, but I say nothing. What Josie is saying is hitting me right in the feels. I’ve been restless and lonely ever since I got here to the ice planet. Is that what I need, too? Someone to scratch my itch? Josie looks so damn content and she’s been barfing all afternoon.

You wish me to fuck you? I accept.

Maybe…maybe I should have taken him up on that. The moment the idea crosses my mind, I don’t hate it. I don’t hate it at all. It can’t be a ‘real’ mating because we’re not resonating. I can’t get pregnant.

There’s no one to judge me, either. The aliens are pretty open-minded about sex. Heck, I’ve seen couples making out in the public bathing pool, leaving little to the imagination, and no one nearby batted an eye. I’ve heard people having sex in their caves at night. It gets someone a little teasing and that’s about it.

And to make it even more convenient?

Everyone’s gone. They’re out hunting or fruit gathering. The cave’s practically empty and will be for probably another week.

This would be the perfect time to get my ‘itch’ scratched.

Plus, there’s a bonus in that Hassen is exiled. He’s not supposed to be around. If things get awkward, it’s not like I’m going to have to face him constantly. He’s not going to be around the fire at breakfast. He’s not going to be hanging out during the afternoon gatherings. He’s exiled.

The more I think about it, the more I’m intrigued by the idea. I’m not opposed to a one-night stand. I’m sure not opposed to scratching the itch that’s been plaguing me lately. I mean, if I get laid and I relax? That’s a win. There’s zero strings attached.

Of course, I need to find out how he truly feels about my sister before I decide to claim him for my selfish needs. If he’s hung up on Lila, I’m not touching him.

But if he’s not…I cross my legs tightly, squeezing my thighs together. Maybe it’s wrong to focus my attentions on him. He’s probably the wrong guy.

But he’s so right in so many other ways that I can’t help it. I toss around other ideas in my mind. Taushen didn’t go with the others. Warrek didn’t, either. Hemalo. A few of the elders. None of those even come close to making me think about wanting sex. The moment I think of Hassen, though, it’s all that’s on my mind.

I could wait for the other parties to come back from hunting, but…I like the thought of the cave being so empty. It’ll give me the freedom I wouldn’t normally have to.

It’s right now or never. I glance at the entrance to the cave, but it’s empty.

Okay, it’s
tomorrow morning
or never.

I
am
at the tribal cave early the next morning, ready to start the day’s hunt lessons with Mah-dee. I admit that I am looking forward to this more than I anticipated. While my days are filled with hunting as usual, it is the endless nights around a lonely fire that are starting to wear on me. It is not the same as being out on the trails, knowing that I have a warm fire and friendships to return home to. As an exile, I have nothing and no company to break up the endless days.

I thought it would not bother me, but it does.

Helping Mah-dee learn to hunt will not fix the ache of loneliness, but it is something to do while I check my traps, and she is fierce and interesting to speak with. I do not know if she will be easy to teach, but that is the least of my concerns. I am just eager to have company through the day.

I enter the cave, and it feels strange to have no meat at hand to feed the tribe. I feel like I should not be here, though there is no one to cast a judging stare. One of the humans sits near the main fire, but the rest of the cave is empty; it is too early for most to be awake. I set my spear down near the entrance and head toward the back storage cave.

To my surprise, Mah-dee is already there. Her back is to me, her yellow mane shining and cascading over her shoulders. She is not dressed to go outside, though, wearing only a light leather tunic and leggings. “You cannot wear that out,” I say in greeting, moving past her to step into the storage chamber. “You are human. They do not stay warm.”

“I know that,” she says, a hint of irritation in her voice. “You think I haven’t noticed that I’m human?”

“I would think you have.” I look around the cave. There are baskets of furs, bones, horns, seeds, and anything else the tribe might need. I do not see more arrows, though, or slings. There are a few spears resting on one wall, but I can tell at a glance that they are too large for someone with small hands like Mah-dee. “What have you found?”

“I haven’t been looking,” she says, and sidles up to me. “I have a question for you, instead.”

I frown as I look over at her. A question? “What is it?”

The look on her face is wary, her hands clasped behind her back. “My sister is mated to your friend, Rokan. How does that make you feel?”

I narrow my eyes at her and then move to pick up the smallest spear in the supplies. It is light and fragile, and yet I still suspect it will be too heavy for Mah-dee. “Why does it matter?”

“Let’s just say it matters to me, all right?”

“Because we cannot be friends if I hold feelings for your sister? Is this why you ask?” I am not a fool.

She shrugs.

I pick up the spear, testing its heft. Light, but balanced. I hold it out to her. “Try this.”

Mah-dee takes it from me and then gives me another pointed stare. “Well?”

I sigh, because I know she will not give up on this. More, it is a topic I am not keen to discuss. Just thinking about it feels as if I have to peel back a layer of skin and expose myself. “I…it is complicated.”

“I’ve got time to listen.”

I grunt and watch as she grips the spear. Her hands are small along the much thicker shaft. Perhaps spears are a bad idea and I should make her more arrows. Yet she was not skilled with the bow. “I am glad for Li-lah and Rokan.”

“You are?”

I nod. “Rokan is a good hunter. He deserves a mate. He is happy with her. Thus, I am glad for them.”

“That’s a total cop-out of an answer.” She pokes at me with the spear, stepping closer. “How do you really feel? You kidnapped my sister because you wanted her to be your bride. Don’t tell me you don’t feel anything.”

“Oh, I feel things.” I feel a great many things.

“Well?” She jabs me again, the spearhead dragging against my arm and leaving a scratch.

I grab at it and glare at her. “You wish to know how I feel? I am angry.”

Her eyes go wide. “Go on.”

“I am angry that I am a strong, capable male and yet my khui is silent. I am ashamed that I broke the rules of my tribe and stole a female that hated me and did nothing but cry every time I looked at her. I am sad that I am no longer welcome. I am disappointed that I risked all and gained nothing. And yet…I am happy for Rokan. And I am…” I let the words trail off, because I remember that Mah-dee is Li-lah’s sister.

“You are what?” she prompts. “Spit it out.”

“I am…glad that Li-lah is not my female.” The words taste like grit in my mouth, but even as I say them, they are curiously freeing. “She and I…we were not a good match. I thought perhaps I would get used to her, that we would grow into each other, but…we did not, and I am glad for it. And then I am even more angry that I broke the rules of the tribe for her.” I flick the spearhead away from my skin. “Does that satisfy you?”

For some reason, Mah-dee smiles brilliantly. “Actually, yes.”

I grunt. There is no understanding females sometimes. “Then I am glad my pain pleases you.”

“It’s not that I want you to be in pain,” she says, and puts the spear aside. “It’s just…well.” She considers me. “It makes things easier on my end.”

I frown in her direction and turn back to the spears, searching for an even lighter weapon. Perhaps the one I handed her does not feel right and she needs a different one. “Easier for what?”

Her hand goes to my arm. “For me to do something for myself.”

Mah-dee is not making sense. I glance over at her. “Eh?”

She stretches and grabs my vest, tugging me forward. There’s a naughty smile on her face and a gleam in her eyes that makes my cock respond. I stiffen, because her touch should not be arousing. I am here to teach her, no more. When I pull back, Mah-dee pouts, her full lower lip thrusting out in a way that fascinates me. “Why are you leaning away?”

“I am trying to understand what you are doing.”

She gives a little shrug and stands up on her toes, trying to move closer. “Maybe I want to kiss you.”

“Eh? Why?” I am not entirely certain I have heard her correctly.

She licks her lips and I am suddenly fascinated by the way they gleam, shiny and pink. “Because I thought we might fool around a little.”

“Fool around?” I do not understand these words together.

Mah-dee sighs. “I guess I need to show you.” Her hand slides down my front, caressing my chest, and I freeze in place. Her fingertips trailing down my chest ridges and then tickling over my navel feel…incredible. My cock aches, hardening immediately. I remain still as her hand skims down even further.

Then she cups my cock in her hand and looks up at me.

“Wanna fool around?” Her voice is a husky whisper.

My mouth is dry. The blood pounds in my ears and I can think of nothing except the small hand caressing my shaft. “You…you said you did not wish to fuck.”

“Changed my mind,” she says in that sultry voice. “We can play around with each other just for fun, you know? Let off some steam. No one’s here to notice.” Her fingers move up and down over the hard ridge of my cock in my loincloth.

She wishes to become pleasure-mates? I am shocked. I thought she hated me. Is this why she asked about her sister? I gaze down at her upturned face, wondering if she is playing a prank on me. But there’s interest and arousal shining in her eyes, and her gaze flicks to my mouth. Her lips part.

“Why?” I ask again, but my voice is a low growl as I am unable to hide my interest. Not that I can hide it anyhow - her hand is all over my cock. She knows just how interested I am.

“I’m bored,” Mah-dee says, her lips curling in a smile as she strokes me again. “And jittery. I thought this might take the edge off. Haven’t you ever had sex just to, you know, scratch an itch?”

I shake my head slowly. “I have never mated with a female.”

“Then a male?”

I frown. “With
no
one.”

“Oh my. You’re a virgin?” Her eyes widen and her smile gets bigger. “This is going to be fun, then. We’ll have to test your stamina.” Her hand slides lower, cups my balls, and she gives them a squeeze through the leather.

I groan, my eyes nearly rolling back in my head at the touch. “Have you…mated before, Mah-dee?”

“Yup. Does that bother you?” Her hand squeezes my balls again.

I shake my head. “Right now the only thing that would bother me is if you stopped.”

She giggles, and the sound is light and flirty and makes my entire body surge with lust. I grab a handful of her yellow mane, careful not to pull, and wrap it around my hand. “So you wish to kiss?”

“Among other things.”

I lean in toward her. She turns her face up toward mine and her hands go around my neck—and I growl low, because I want those small fingers back on my cock, stroking it. I study her mouth. I have seen the others put their lips on their mates and act as if they are devouring their females. I wonder if there is more to it than just placing a mouth atop another.

She smiles up at me and licks her lips. “Let me take the lead.” And then she pulls on my neck until I move closer to her. I am so tall that I am hunched over her smaller form, but it does not matter once her lips brush over mine. They are soft and sweet to taste, and I am stunned by how good they feel against mine. Why had my people never kissed before the humans came? This seems…natural. Good. Right. Her lips move against mine, nipping gently at the hard seam of my mouth, and I let her lead because she wants to.

Mah-dee chuckles and bites at my lower lip. “Relax, big guy.”

I try to. Nothing in my body is ‘relaxed’ at the thought of Mah-dee’s touch. Everything is tense and aching and desperate for more caresses.

Then her tongue flicks against the seam of my mouth. “Open for me. Just watch the fangs.”

I do, and then her smooth little tongue slicks against mine. I groan even as she gasps and pulls back, her fingers flying to her mouth. “What is it?” I ask, worried. “Did I do it wrong?”

“Your tongue. It’s ridged!”

“Yes?” I think again about the feel of hers slicking into my mouth, and then cup her face in my hands. “Yours is not? Show me.”

She sticks her tongue out at me, and it is pink and soft and smooth. Fascinating. I rub my thumb along her smooth lip as she tucks her tongue back into her mouth, fascinated by the differences. I have seen the other human females around the cave, but I did not stop and think of how those differences would feel against mine. “I wish you to stick your tongue into my mouth again.”

Mah-dee chuckles. “Since you asked so nicely…let me know if you have any other surprises, yes?”

I think for a moment and then lean in to put my mouth on hers. Before I do, I tell her, “My cock has ridges as well.” Just in case she does not know.

Mah-dee gives a little moan, pulling back before our lips meet. “Really?” Her breathing has sped up.

I nod. “It is good?”

“Oh, I think it is,” she breathes, and then presses her mouth to mine again.

I part my lips and wait for her tongue. Mah-dee does not disappoint me; I feel her tongue brush against my lips and then slide into my mouth a moment later. The feel of it is incredible, and it makes me hungry for more. Unsure if I am supposed to remain still and let her slide her tongue against me, I test-rub my tongue along hers.

She gives a soft little noise of pleasure that makes my cock throb in response.

My own need is threatening to erupt. I slide my tongue along hers again, and she tilts the angle of her head. Then we are kissing more deeply, our tongues meshing and twining as our mouths devour one another. Over and over, we kiss.

It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I want to keep kissing her but Mah-dee pulls her mouth from mine, and her hands tear at my vest. “Take this off,” she tells me. “I want to see the goods.”

I am still dazed by the feel of her mouth against mine. I want it back. I want her tongue sliding into my mouth again and rubbing against me with its smooth, slick feel. I want the taste of her on my lips again. I growl as she tugs my vest down my arms, trapping them in the leather.

“Don’t be such a baby,” she murmurs as she pulls at the clothing. “I’m going to put my mouth on you again.” Her hands go to my bared chest a moment later and she sighs with intense pleasure. “God, are you this hard all over?”

“Harder here,” I tell her, and take her hand and place it on my cock again. It is a bold move, but I am learning that Mah-dee is a bold female.

“Mmm, yes you are,” she breathes, and rubs my cock again. “I can’t feel the ridges through your pants. Guess they’re going to have to come off.”

She truly wishes to mate? I love that this human female is so fearless and bold, unlike her crying sister. “I am bigger than you. You are not afraid, are you?”

“Pfft. Nope. The whole size thing’s kinda doing it for me,” she says, and I do not follow all her words. I do not need to. There is arousal in her eyes and hunger as she gazes at me. That tells me enough. She looks up at me, a sly expression on her face, and smiles. Her fingers go to the laces at the sides of my loincloth. “Let’s get rid of this ugly-ass diaper, huh?”

“Di-per?”

“Doesn’t matter what it’s called, because it’s coming off,” she tells me, and then gives the leather a hard tug. The knots tighten, and I push her fingers aside so I can show her how to undo the laces, because I want to see her reaction to my body. So far she has been eager to touch me. Will she be as eager once she sees my cock and its pronounced ridges?

My leathers fall to the floor, and I stand before her in nothing but my boots.

Mah-dee sucks in a breath, gazing down at my erect, straining cock. She drops to her knees in front of me. “Wow. Yes, please, this is definitely going on my wish list.”

“I do not understand what you mean,” I murmur, my voice thick. Her kneeling before me is giving my mind all kinds of wild ideas.

“Shhh,” she tells me. “Don’t interrupt. I need a few moments alone with this big guy.” Her hand curls around my cock, and I hiss at the sensation. Nothing has ever felt better than that small touch. Nothing. “Damn, my friend. You are packing some serious heat under that furry diaper of yours.”

“Sa-khui are naturally warmer than humans,” I tell her, utterly distracted by her touch.