Flicker (5 page)

Chapter Ten

The shuttle was small and cramped, especially with her chaperone sitting wedged between them. This was not the shuttle trip she had had planned. At least one of the lingerie selections that she had made had been with this trip in mind. The big bruiser was putting a crimp into her seduction plans.

Kennek had been assigned to her by Kyra Dannick Ni Tiergar, the wife of the Representative and occasional Ambassador of Azon. The first Champion that Terra ever had, Kyra had made her way in the worlds with her wit, her charm, keen intelligence and a right hook, which could even lay her mate low if the occasion called for it. Kyra was a legend amongst human women in the Alliance. They all wanted to be her when they grew up. Moreover, she was taking a personal interest in Seval for some reason. The mind boggled.

And the hormones raged. With every second of separation, she wanted Ben more. When the men started to glance at her and Ben began to shift in his seat, an erection tenting his uniform trousers, Kennek moved a little more forward to block any eye contact. “Captain? Is there a private room on this shuttle?”

“Yes, Agent Morthar. It is back and to the left, next to the engines.” The Captain turned his head slightly to view the trio in the main cabin, and just as rapidly, straightened his view back to the front of the shuttle. “We will be docking with the Ecalla in two hours so it won’t be long if you choose to confine your charge.”

“Thank you.” Kennek stood and dragged Seval with him. “My Lady Wythin. You are confined to quarters until we reach the Ecalla. Your scent is overpowering and Vorabenik is having trouble keeping his self-control. We don’t want your oestrus to distract the pilot as well.”

She went invisible. It was not to escape, just to hide her embarrassment. “I am sorry.” She went quietly and moved to the vid screen in the small cabin. She punched up the basics of Azon life and started to learn all she could about Ben’s home.

Shouts of anger emanated from the main cabin, but the shuttle did not change course so the captain was not involved. That left Ben and Kennek. Her embarrassment surged all over again as she figured out that she had to be the topic of conversation.

A quiet knock on the door made her curious and she opened it with a little hesitation. Kennek stood there, slightly the worse for wear. His lip was cut and one eye was swelling.

“Seval. I would like to apologize. I did not mean to embarrass you.”

His line of sight was aimed at the vid screen and she looked down to realize that she was still invisible.

“It was rude of me. Vorabenik has explained that you have not yet consummated your mating, and will not until you have been formally joined. He will bear up under the strain of controlling himself, and I will guard you against advances made by unmated males as I was contracted to. You are welcome to rejoin us in the cabin. Please, rejoin us.”

She thought about it for a moment. “I am enjoying the studying of your planet, but I could use a guide. Could you explain some of the details to me if I joined you in the main cabin?”

He jumped up about a foot. His eyes were wild around the edges as he tried to pinpoint her location. “Oh. You are here. Yes. That would be most enjoyable.”

With a truce of sorts struck, she followed him back into the main cabin, keying up the main screen as she did so. A quick glance at Ben showed him glaring at Kennek, and unlike her chaperone, he was in perfect shape. None the worse for wear. Her hero.

On the Ecalla, she began to get herself used to the new wardrobe that she had purchased. Ben was busy doing something in Medical.

The skirts stopped tripping her after her third day and the shoes after four. Kennek taught her some dance moves for formal Azon dances and generally stopped being so stuffy around her. Whatever Ben had said, stuck.

He was acting more like a lady’s companion and less like a thug with every day.
 
She had to be careful or she just might make a friend.

Chapter Eleven

Meeting your fiancé’s parents was always tricky, but when alien formalities were involved, it got very awkward indeed. Luckily for Seval, she already had the clothes for the occasion and Kennek had prompted her on etiquette.

She greeted them with head high, face forward and eyes front. Kyra and Tiergar had greeted her warmly when she arrived and it was that confidence that carried her to her new prospective in-laws. Fully visible. Her formal kimono style gown rustled as she stopped in front of them.

“Greetings, daughter.” They extended their hands to her and she extended hers in turn. Vnash and Rabeni were Ben’s parents all right. Rabeni’s skin and Vnash’s hair and warrior build. His mother was willowy but no less fierce than her mate was. Truly, Seval would not like to meet either of them in a dark alley if they were holding a grudge.

“Greetings, Mother, Father.” She bowed low over their joined hands and they raised her up. It was done. The great and fateful moment was done. Now they could all go and have a cup of tea.

His father’s voice growled, “Vorabenik, you have chosen well.”

Oh, right he still had his thing to do.

Ben took up his post next to her and touched her arm with his. “Thank you father, she is truly the mate of my heart.”

“Is she worthy of you, my son?” His mother was having a problem fighting a grin. She obviously was the source of his sense of humour.

“I am not worthy of her, Mother. I am honoured that she will accept me.” He dropped to his knees and pulled Seval to face him. “Thank you for your life, your honour and your body.”

She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed his forehead, both cheekbones and finally his lips. “I accept you, your heart, your life and your family. The jury is still out on your body.”

The burst of laughter from all spectators lightened the seriousness of the mood set by the formalities. The glint in Ben’s eyes promised retribution, but he had to wait until she said, “Now rise and join your mate by standing at her side.” He did indeed come to his feet to take his place at her side, but the pinch that he landed on her tush was less playful and more a subtle punishment.

The small flash of pain made her flicker and his parents looked at her in surprise and then blinked. She read the disbelief in their faces. They did not believe what they had seen. Kyra piped up, “Anyone for tea?”

They were all seated around the table, sipping tea with the two children of Kyra and Tiergar scampering around them. Ben decided to come clean with his parents about what they had seen, “Mother, Father, Seval is an Agent with the Alliance. She has the talent of invisibility.”

“Oh. So that is why…” Rabeni trailed off. Then she turned to Seval, “Do you think that the talent will extend to your children?”

Shock took over her. “I hadn’t thought about it. What if I had a baby that could turn invisible?” Her mind reeled and Ben’s warm hand on hers brought her back to the moment.

“We haven’t really spoken about the genetic possibilities of our offspring, provided that we will be blessed.”

The table was stunned to silence. Tiergar broke it up with the most important question, “When do you want to hold the ceremony?”

That was a no brainer, they answered as one, “Now!” Her hormones flared at the thought, and his did too as a sharp musk assailed her senses.

The rest of the table erupted in laughter. Kyra held up her hands to quiet the crowd. “Is tomorrow soon enough? Everyone has been invited and we will have the initial ceremony here, with the rest continuing at your family home.”

“Done.” Ben stood and offered his hand to Seval. “Would you care to see some of Azon?”

“Not without me, you don’t.” She had almost forgotten about Kennek until he spoke. “We need to have Seval back in time for a fitting, but you have four hours to show her some of the sights of the city, with me in tow, of course.”

She shrugged and followed her fiancé and her chaperone, bemused by the whole formality of it.

The city was gorgeous. Spires reached to the sky, fountains sparkled and robes of rainbow tones covered the populace. Kennek actually had to act in his capacity as chaperone twice when they crossed through crowds of a mixed gender. Two unattached males decided that she was fair game and tried flirting with her. Ben was displeased, but Kennek delivered two sharp blows that drove off the young courtiers.

It effectively killed her mood for sightseeing so they returned to Kyra and Tiergar’s home.

“You are back early!” Kyra could not help herself, it just came out.

“Don’t ask.” She sighed and made a note to herself to try to see the sights again one day. “There was mention of a fitting?”

“Sure, this way. We got most of your measurements from the station. Uniform sizes and such so there will only need to be some fine adjustments for your bust.”

“I use a flattener at work. It keeps them out of the way.”

“Yeah. I used to bind myself with leather in the arena. It was easier to manoeuvre.” She led the way, her hair trailing down her back. “Here is your new victim, Darven. Have at her.”

A small Azon woman strode forward with the bearing of an empress. “Arms out, head up, chest out and hold still.” In seconds, she was draped, pinned, prodded, tucked, measured and confined. She could not help it. She flickered.

Darven eyed her for a moment. “Control yourself or I won’t be able to get this done. Do you want to go to your mating rituals naked?”

She thought about it. It might speed up the mating portion of the proceedings. “I will try, Darven. Just move a little more slowly. Try not to startle me.”

“Done. But don’t move.”

Darven worked her magic and Seval held still. It was a collaboration that worked out most satisfactorily for both of them. Her formal kimono would be ready that evening and the loose trousers that went under it were ready for her now.

All she needed now was a mate.

Chapter Twelve

She was expecting chimes and gongs, but all she got was a quiet tea ceremony in the garden, watching the sunrise. The knelt on the edge of a pool, a tray of tea between them.

As they watched the dawn, Seval reached out to take Ben’s hand and the words just came. “Vorabenik of Azon, I choose you to be my mate and the guardian of my days. The father of any children I might bear, and the one who dries my tears.” She kept her face to the dawn, tears tracking down her cheeks.

Ben let go of her hand and stood, then walked into the pond and turned to face her, blocking the dawn and covering her with his shadow. “Seval of Terra, I choose you to be my mate and guardian of my days. I will love with all my heart any children you might bear, and will always be there to dry your tears. I will never leave you, and I will always look for you when I cannot see you. You will be forever in my heart and mind.”

His own tears were coursing down his face as the truth of the emotion caught them both in its grip. Love was not spoken, but it was all around them.

He leaned forward to kiss her and she met him half way, ravenous for his taste. A sudden jerk from her had him flying through the air to land on her prone body and she broke the kiss for one more question. “When can we get to sex?”

He groaned, “The shuttle comes in five minutes to take us to my family’s home. Can you last that long?”

“I am going to have to.” She writhed against him, their layers of clothing defying her attempts to get out of it. Finally, a shuttle landed in the main courtyard and they ran for it.

Flower petals were thrown by Kyra and her little girl and it was just like a human wedding back on earth with the couple heading for the getaway car.

The shuttle driver ignored them as they eschewed seats to cuddle on the floor, spoon fashion, then they were off to his ancestral home. By the time they arrived, they were both vibrating with the effort to keep their public displays of affection to above the clothing. They almost ran into his home and, when they startled a servant, he did not stop. Dragging her by the hand, he pulled her to what had to be his private wing of the house, carried her into the room and locked the door.

“What do you know about the Nyal mating rituals?” He was walking toward a bed with a chain extending from the headboard.

“Not nearly enough.” She settled in as he dropped her gently onto the silky bedding and turned to get something off a nearby pedestal. “What is that?”

“A Nyal mating mask and it is going to allow me to win your trust once and for all.” He took it up and showed it to her. “The eyes have been sealed so that the female cannot see, and it keeps her from trying to run during the mating. Our species engages in the occasional kidnap mating.”

“And what do you want me to do?”

“Wear it until I can tell that you trust me completely.”

He held it out to her and she adjusted it over her eyes and the straps over the back of her head. There was a slight snick as he did something at the back that tightened the mask just a little.

She did trust him. She trusted him with her life so now she was going to trust him with her body. That trust began right away as she felt his hands caressing her through her gown and robes and then her clothing began to leave her. His fingers moved smoothly between the fabric and her skin, her body shivered in reaction. Her nipples stood at attention and her breath was coming faster, and the robes had not even left her shoulders yet.

Buckles were carefully undone, knots were untied and every inch of her body was caressed as it was exposed. She did not know if she was visible or not at this point, her mind was rioting as her body was flushed with sensation. “Oh boy.”

“You said something?”

“I don’t know how much of this I can stand.” She pressed her thighs together to hide the damp reaction of her body, but that only drew his attention. He grasped her knees and gently but firmly parted her legs.

“I think you are doing well for a controlling personality.”

She felt his tongue on the inside of her thigh and shivered. As he leaned forward, she gasped in surprise. He was still wearing his shirt and it was scratching her skin as he drew loops and designs up her thighs with his tongue.

When he firmly lodged his head against her and lapped at her cunt and clit, she went over the edge, gasping and shaking against him. He did not stop. He kept her locked in her orgasm until he decided that she was done. Then stopped his catlike tongue to let her relax.

The rustling of fabric brought her slowly aware to his clothing making its disappearance. He suddenly turned her and then his body covered her completely, his hard cock against her back as he rubbed himself against her.

She tried to push up and off the bedding, but he set his teeth in her neck and growled. He wanted her where she was.

Fangs that she did not know he had nibbled his way down her spine to her butt. So that was what he had been doing in Medical during the trip. Getting back to his physical roots. Wait, that meant… Yup. His claws trailed her flesh, caressing the sides of her ribs in a gentle but persistent manner. She simply was allowed to squirm with her hands fisted in the sheets while he brought her body awake again.

He caressed her fingers, stroked her forearms and biceps and generally worshiped her entire body before he suddenly pulled her to her knees. With one arm banded around her belly, he held her against him. His cock nudged her opening insistently and he thrust against her a few times, wetting her with his own lubrication and hers.

She only heard his mutter of, “Mine” before he pushed his cock into her with controlled ferocity. Seval gasped and clenched her hands in the sheets, pushing her hips back to him and arching her spine as he made his way into her.

Her channel burned with his arrival, flexing around him and trying to make room within her. When he was fully seated, she sighed and tried to relax. Seconds later, he withdrew slowly and then forged forward again. As Ben moved against her, she pushed back, trying to take him deeper. They formed a rhythm that worked for them both, moving as one to take their pleasure to the next level. The hard beat of their bodies embarrassed her at first, but soon the slapping of their flesh together became a counter point to her heartbeat.

The angle of his cock within her rubbed against the forward wall of her channel, bringing a tingling pleasure with every stroke. When she climaxed again, he was with her, roaring his triumph and then bending to bite her neck again. She rode out his orgasm and her own, then let her arms collapse so that she was once again pinned underneath him.

He may smother her into the pillows, but what a way to go.

She turned her head to the side, letting the mask prop her head away from the fabric so that she could breathe. His head nestled in the curve of her neck and he kissed her.
Now
she could feel his fangs, and they tasted like her blood and sex. He shifted them so that she was draped across him and he was on his back.

“That was worth waiting for, and only the start. Are you all right?”

“Yes. So that is what you were doing in Medical, getting your fangs back?”

“I had them trimmed for work on the station. They are a little too closely linked to mating for us.”

“And your claws?” Seval let her palms learn his textures. Sure, she had seen him naked, but had not felt him naked before.

“I just missed them. They were a part of me for so long, but not needed in the roll of Agent.”

She tangled her fingers with his, then slid her fingers to the tips of his to learn the mechanism that triggered his claws. It was not pressure so it was emotional. “Do you control them completely?”

“Yes. I have to tell you, it was hard not to use them to tear your formal clothing from you.” He chuckled.

“Well, I am sure that Kyra will appreciate your restraint. And Darven, too. She was rather militant about the fit, colour and everything else about it.” They were holding hands again. She loved listening to his heartbeat. It matched hers perfectly.

“I aim to please. By the way, my parents love you.” He tilted her head up for a soft kiss.

“Was that important?”

“In one way, yes. It will make your life here easier. My mother is a charismatic woman, and she can help introduce you to people, help you make friends.”

“I have all the friends that I need, right here.” She snuggled against him.

“Everyone needs friends of their own. The women here are friendly and will help you with feminine aspects of Azon life that I am not familiar with.” He was frank.

She loved that about Vorabenik, he was always honest with her. “Well, that might be a good idea. I just have not had any friends my own age since I was six or so. I had one sister a year older, and one a year younger. They seemed to have the personalities that attracted people. It was never my forte.” She was not bitter and had made peace with her lack of people skills years ago.

“The Azon look for a different set of skills in a person. They look for strength of character, not just personality. And that, my dear, you have plenty of.”
 

A small peck on her lips led her to return the kiss and soon she was moaning as he ran his hands over every inch of her body again. Even her toes were not ignored, his claws slid lightly between them.

She sighed, arched and twisted against him. And finally, enough was enough. She mounted the shaft that had remained hard against her belly. Because she could not see him, she had to depend on the feel of him beneath her hands, listen to his groans and gasps.

Sliding herself over him while blindfolded involved fumbling, but he did not seem to mind. Seval let her body weight push her down on him, over and over, using her thighs to rise and gravity to drop onto him. He coaxed her knees out until she was flat on him and had to substitute rocking for the pistoning motion.

So rock she did, the hard rod of his cock a source of blooming heat within her. She flattened her hands on the iron of his stomach and moved in a slow circular motion, churning him inside her. Desperate for another release, she grabbed his hand with some more blind fumbling, and put it on her clit. Mewling for him to complete her torture, to end this most pleasurable of suffering.

His stressed chuckle preceded the delicate motion of his finger on her clit by seconds, and seconds later, she was soaring again. He joined her with another groan, his hands now both on her hips, holding her to him tightly enough to leave marks.

Seval let her body relax against him, her head on his sweaty chest and her legs extended to either side of his. She could not keep the question in her any longer. “So, you live with your parents?”