Abalim

Chapter Thirteen

Okay, that’s it. Whenever the man opened his mouth and spouted such romantic mush, Lisa melted into a puddle of goo. Well… she’d show him. With a languorous ease, she swept her eyes over him, sending him a sultry, lingering promise. An unspoken invitation to ignite a fire no words could convey.

Abalim’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he gulped. His languid eyes half-draped like velvet curtains hiding deep secrets. He took her hand in his and brought it up to his full lips and gave her a lingering kiss. “I cannot wait until we are alone again.”

“That makes two of us,” she whispered, leaning forward, offering her mouth to his.

Before they could make contact, Saphira interrupted them. “Are you coming or not?”

Lisa grimaced and glanced away. She sucked her lower lip, aching to have Abalim cover it with his. With a sigh, she watched the other aliens enter the portal. They hurried toward the city in the distance.

“I don’t think so,” Abalim replied.

Lisa swung her attention back to him.

He looked at Rerqel. “He and I have a few things to work out first.”

The Xeltrian gave a slight nod.

“If it’s all right with you”—he addressed Saphira—“we’ll meet you back on the Galactic Serpent when you’re finished here.”

Saphira’s vibrant-green eyes narrowed. “That’s fine with me.” She glanced at JR15 on his shoulder. “Remember, keep your little friend out of my systems.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Abalim’s answer came with a sincere small smile. “Your wish will be honored.”

Saphira snorted. “See that it is.” She glanced over her shoulder as if to check on her crew members before turning her attention back to them. “Shall I have the ship transport you up?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Rerqel interjected. “I will ensure their safe return.” He waved his spindly fingers. “You may go.”

Wow,Lisa thought. Spoken like the arrogant jerk he is.

I suspect it’s natural for him.Abalim spoke to her on their private psychic channel.

Saphira gave the other alien a long look before she nodded and followed her friends.

Lisa watched the pretty captain trot away before facing Rerqel and Abalim. “What now? Are we going to the ship you talked about?”

Abalim crossed his arms and widened his stance as he faced the Xeltrian. “Can we go somewhere more comfortable than this?” He tilted his chin to indicate the endless corridor.

Lisa swore Rerqel’s thin lips lifted in a wavering attempt of a smile.

“Of course.”

His last word echoed in her head as the surroundings changed. Instead of the dim light of the hallway, she now stood in a strange-looking room. If she didn’t know any better, she’d believe she was on the bridge of the Enterprise of Star Trek mixed with something completely different.

Bioluminescent panels pulsated with a soothing rhythm, illuminating the room in a kaleidoscope of soft, glowing colors. What might be control stations rose from the floor in ergonomic, glassy sculptures. In the center, something that had to be a command console hovered without any visible support. Its surface was a dynamic mosaic of shifting symbols and projections of star maps.

The ceiling arched into a translucent dome, giving her a panoramic view of the orbiting planet.

“Are you okay?” Abalim put his large hands on her shoulders.

Lisa took in a deep breath and nodded. The air was charged with a subtle, sweet fragrance mixed with an unknown flora. Quite like the air coming from the portal to Islezaa. “I’m great.” She gestured to the room. “Hey, did he just sneak us aboard the spaceship you talked about?”

“Yes, Ms. Lisa, ma’am,” JR15 answered from his perch on Abalim’s shoulder. “This is Captain Saphira’s ship, the Galactic Serpent.”

“Interesting place for you to take us to.” Abalim’s dark eyes narrowed on the alien. “Care to tell us why we’re here and not somewhere on Qorath?”

“It is more expedited this way,” the willowy Xeltrian replied. “You see, I will be going with you to the Chancellor’s Palace. I wish to coordinate the resistance to the Krystalii with the galactic government.”

Lisa gasped and put her fingers over her lips. “You mean you’re going to help us?” She glanced at Abalim. “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

“What made you decide that?” Abalim’s stiff posture made it clear he didn’t trust what the alien told them.

“We were impressed when you worked together without having any sort of history with each other. You respected each other’s vastly different upbringings. And when you went into the Lumarian village, you did not try to force the villagers into doing what you believed would be the right thing. You worked with them to help them discover a better alternative. Even if the alternative went against their traditions.”

Rerqel glided to the rounded display showcasing his rotating planet. He appeared to be studying it before he turned around to face them. He clasped his spindly fingers together and tilted his head. “But most of all, you were able to work with the Krystalii called Aollu, even after he threatened you. Both of you went out of your way with him while ensuring his actions would not harm the Lumarians. This shows an ability to decide what is best for all involved rather than your own small, petty concerns.”

Lisa’s lips thinned. Damn. He just insulted them with praise. “So, what now?” She asked, crossing her arms.

Rerqel once again focused on the display of Qorath. “For the first time in several millennia, we cannot foresee the future.” His voice retained the sound of multiple people talking, as if they all spoke in one voice. “The only thing clear to us is I must go with you. Only then will we have a chance to halt the dimensional invasion from the Krystalii.” His large eyes blinked sideways as his pasty skin darkened. “We are ashamed to admit their capabilities far outweigh ours.”

Wow. That must’ve taken some heavy-duty balls to admit that. From the moment she’d met the Xeltians, they acted godlike, as if nothing could touch them. It was kind of scary they felt as vulnerable as anyone else.

“We are very grateful for your support.” Abalim put an arm around Lisa”s shoulders and pulled her close. “Is there anything you need from us before Saphira and her crew come back?”

“No.” The sound of his reply came out wispy. “I will await here for the crew to return and discuss my intentions with them at that time.” This tiny mouth once again curled into a slight grin. “If they are resistant due to the way we took their fellow Crichians, I may need your assistance to ensure my continued health.”

“Yeah, imagine that. The nerve of some people getting a little testy when you go around kidnapping and threatening their family.” Lisa snorted. “I think when this is all over, I’d appreciate it if we could revisit that little zoo you’ve got going on.”

Rerqel stood frozen, his unblinking black eyes staring at her.

She stiffed so she wouldn’t squirm under his scrutiny.

Abalim squeezed her shoulder. “Something to consider much later,” he said. “But for now, Lisa and I are going to find something to eat and retire until we leave.” Abalim gave a slight nod. “If you have need of us, just send me a mental query and I will respond.” He tugged her close. “Hang on.” He whispered in her ear before the scene changed in an instant.

Instead of standing on the alien bridge, Abalim teleported him and Lisa to the room he’d been given to sleep in aboard the Galactic Serpent. It wasn’t much to look at. Just a small, windowless room lit by soft blue-green light reflected against the black metal walls. The only furniture in the room was a single bed jutting from the wall without any visible means of support hovering over the floor. On top of the bed was a pile of blankets made of plush, patterned materials and a few fluffy pillows.

Lisa pulled away and glanced over her shoulder. “Where are we?”

Her cute little nose scrunched.

“I teleported us to the room they let me use on the Galactic Serpent.” He couldn’t resist caressing the back of her head to feel her silky blonde strands. “I thought while we waited for Saphira and her crew to come back, we would take this time for ourselves.”

She stepped back and held onto his forearms with her head tilted. “You’re just going to leave Rerqel on the bridge all by himself? Do you think that’s a good idea?”

He nodded. “Good point. JR15? If I teleported you back to the bridge, would you keep an eye on our Xeltrian guest and let me know if he does anything suspicious?”

“I will, Mister Abalim, sir!” The butt of his green and silver body wiggled as if excited. “And I will let you know when the Crichians come back.”

“Have you linked back with the Galactic Serpents communications?” Saphira may have told him that JR15 couldn’t access the ship”s systems, but she didn’t say anything about him not accessing their transmissions going in or out of the ship. Not to mention any interesting internal talk.

“I never closed the channel I have with the ship, Mister Abalim, sir,” JR15 replied.

Abalim grunted. He should’ve known that was something his little droid would do. “That’s good. Listen, I want you to contact your father and update him on what’s going on here. If you have to, use the communications on the ship’s systems to give you a boost.” He held his hand out.

JR15 scuttled from his shoulder and settled on his palm. “Yes, Mister Abalim, sir. I can’t wait to tell him everything we’ve done!”

Abalim brought the bot closer to his face. “I’ll set you on the communication panel there on the bridge. Keep yourself out of sight and try to make sure Rerqel doesn’t know you’re watching him. If you have any trouble, don’t hesitate to come back here right away. Okay?”

“I’m quite sure I won’t have any trouble.” JR15 gave a little dance.

Abalim gave his companion one last look before sending him back to the bridge. With a sigh, he lowered his hand. Not for the first time, he wished he had some type of psychic connection with his droid friend. He didn’t like sending the small bot to places where it might not be safe for him.

“There he goes again,” Lisa stated in a soft voice, with a gentle touch on his elbow.

He gave her a reassuring smile. “I don’t think Rerqel would do anything to hurt him.” He gave a small chuckle. “Besides, that Xeltrian is psychically strong enough that he could do anything he wanted to us. It’s not like a small droid could stop him.”

“Well, that’s a comforting thought.” Lisa hummed and glanced at the messy bed he’d left behind.

Her sarcasm made him grin. Putting his forefinger under her chin, he brought her face around.

She gazed at him with steady bright-blue eyes.

“I admit, I selfishly brought you here to be with you. But first—” He nodded to the opposite wall from the bed. “—there’s a food replicator here we can use. I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.” He drew her close to whisper seductively in her ear. “We’re going to need our strength for later.” His smile widened when she shivered.

“Hmm, later, eh?” She pulled back, gifting him a seductive smile of her own.

Her sensuous tone sent chills down his spine. As if his hands had a will of their own, he splayed his fingers wide across her satiny throat. His other hand rested on the gentle swell of her breasts. Touching her made it hard to breathe, hard to think of anything but how he reacted when touching her soft, fragrant skin.

“Yes, later,” he whispered at the corner of her mouth. Her warmth ramped up his anticipation and his breath caught, trapped. To save himself, he swooped in and seized her lips. Her mouth was hot, an open invitation for his possession. Food became the furthest thing from his mind. The entire universe centered where they were joined. The lustful hunger rose out of nowhere, consuming him. It took away any sense he had and replaced it with savage need. Her moan filled his mouth with a need all her own.

Abalim broke off the kiss and latched his mouth onto her neck. He darted his tongue across her skin as he drew in her tantalizing scent. He then trailed featherlight licks over the front of her throat. When his mouth touched her chin, he peppered it with gentle nibbles. His body hardened in reaction, thickening against her. He returned to the base of her throat and swirled his lips and tongue over her pulse. At the same time, he palmed her breast through the malleable fabric of the alien suit she wore.

“Abalim.” she whispered, gripping his thick, long hair.

The woman was every bit as possessive as he was. With a grunt, he lowered his mouth to the hard peak of her breast, allowing his tongue to replace his fingers. He laved her nipple over the fabric, coaxing the nubbin into a harder point, reveling in the heat of her skin as he filled his mouth and suckled.

When he moved his mouth from her breast, he gathered her in his arms and pulled her fully flush against him. Their heartbeats thundered in unison, strong and fast. He returned to the tempting skin of her neck and scraped his teeth back and forth over the pulse beating so frantically. Desire pounded through him, making him frantic to consummate their union. To show her how much she meant to him.

The sound of her stomach growling yanked him back to reality.

“Oh, my gosh!” Lisa put a hand over her stomach. “How embarrassing.” She stepped back with a sheepish grin.

Abalim inhaled to slow his racing heart. Her musky perfume, along with their combined excitement, blanketed the air between them. He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “No, I’m grateful for the reprieve. I promised to feed you, and here I’m letting myself get carried away.” He took her hand and led her to the plush pile on the messy bed. “Sit here and I’ll bring you something to eat.” He raised her knuckles to plant a gentle kiss. “But I warn you. Once we’re done, we’ll explore other ways to give you gratification.”

Her mischievous smile warmed his heart. “Gratification?” She chuckled. “I sure like the sound of that.”

Never, Lisa decided as she ate with Abalim, ever had she’d enjoyed a meal as much as this one. Even if she couldn’t identify half of what the man put into her mouth. He insisted he feed her from the picnic feast he created with the room”s replicator. To make things comfier, he pulled a blanket from the bed and spread it on the floor, giving them a perfect place to lounge on while they ate.

When he spread the food before her, her mouth dropped open. My god, what a bounty! On one plate were delicate, spiral shaped canapes, glowing faintly with a blue hue that exuded a sweet, tangy aroma. On a plate beside it lay crispy ruby-red tendrils, crackling softly. Their spicy, smoky flavor reminded her of mouthwatering barbecued treats that coated her mouth with an exotic, slightly metallic aftertaste. It turned out one of her favorites came from a pile of fluffy, golden puffs. Displayed in a tantalizing pyramid, they emitted a cloud of savory steam that blanketed the air with hints of garlic and some unknown but intoxicating alien herb.

For dessert, nestled in a crystal bowl, were small, translucent orbs filled with a shimmering liquid. When Lisa put one in her mouth, a refreshing mix of mint and citrus left a burst of pleasant, cooling savory goodness behind.

But it was the easy and open conversation she and Abalim had that brought an added layer of decadent pleasure to the meal. Her earlier fears of them not being compatible melted away. Here was a man who had his own strong opinions and wasn’t afraid of hers. Exactly the kind of relationship she’d always dreamed about. There was only one thing that she couldn’t wait to clear up.

“I do have one question that’s been bugging me since I met you.” Lisa sat back and suckled one of the luscious dessert orbs.

“Oh?” Abalim’s dark brows rose. “What’s that?”

Her brain checked out at the sensual way he suckled his own dessert orb with his full lips. She almost lost her train of thought.

Almost.

“Um, you’ve been calling me inkheart since we met. What’s up with that?” It was a weird thing for an ancient like him to use as an endearment.

Abalim’s dark cheeks flushed as he chuckled and spread his hands wide. “Ok, here’s where I confess how I let one of my nephews talk me into something.”

Lisa smiled and settled back. This ought to be good.

“My nephew, Pete, is a bit of a harmless prankster. Reminds me of my brother Asmodel.” He smirked and rubbed his earlobe. “Anyway, once things settled down from the invasion, he claimed it was his duty to indoctrinate my brothers and me into modern society.” With his finger and thumb, he plucked another dessert orb and put it into his mouth.

For the first time there was a hesitancy in his obsidian gaze, something in the way his full lashes lowered quickly, then flicked up. After a few chews with his eyes unfocused, he swallowed and then brought his attention back to her.

“He warned us he was about to expose us to something that held mankind in a tight, unrelenting grip. No one was immune to its influence. While it was mostly viewed as a good thing, in the wrong hands, it could be twisted into coercing parts of the population into doing evil and harm against others.”

Lisa frowned. What in the world was he talking about?

“With those dire warnings, he introduced us to movies.”

She blinked. Movies? What the…

He chuckled. “And he promised the first movie would give us a historical glimpse into mankind and how they viewed life in general.”

Her eyebrows raised. “Oh lordy. What movie did he show you?”

“Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.”

Lisa couldn’t help it. She whooped with laughter. “Oh my God, my mother made me watch that ridiculous movie when I was a teenager! Please tell me that’s not the only movie you’ve seen.”

His smile was full of mirth. “No, but when that movie was over, Pete claimed we had to know how humans viewed aliens. So he played Galaxy Quest.” He laughed and grabbed another dessert ball, chewed, then spoke. “By the time that movie was over, we were terrified of being around humans. The prospect of becoming slaves again looked pretty good.” He chuckled. “Thank the God An, his older brother Raiden put a stop to Pete’s teasing and explained how movies were supposed to be for entertainment and not “historical” vids like Pete claimed.”

Abalim leaned back on one of his elbows and crossed his ankles. “Then Raiden went into detail about the human need for storytelling. And the fascinating people who created those tales and legends that have been handed down throughout the centuries.”

She grinned and wrapped her arms around her bent knees. “That’s a great story, but you haven’t answered my question. Why do you call me inkheart?”

“Well, by then, the whole family joined us and declared we needed a movie-marathon night. When they asked us if we had any special interests, I told them I was fascinated by how these stories came about. That’s when they explained the concept of people called authors and how they created these fantastic tales.

“I was so fascinated by the process of anyone creating an unknown reality, one of my nephew’s wives, Julienne, insisted I watch a movie called Inkheart. I think she had a crush on the leading actor, but I found myself drawn to the drama of people who wrote stories from just their imagination, giving it a life of its own. Whenever possible, I devoured what I could about the variety of authors throughout the centuries.”

“And then I met you.”

His intense gaze made her speechless.

“Here you were, someone who fabricated stories out of thin air and put them into worlds that didn’t exist. You gave them a solid foundation for all the trials and tribulations to work through.” Abalim chuckled. “I confess, while on the Galactic Serpent headed here, I had JR15 download several of your novels to an eReader I created with the help of their replicator.” He leaned closer to her. “I especially loved how you had the uncanny foresight to end your stories with a satisfying, happy ending.”

As if he said something that startled him, Abalim jerked his head back and frowned, moving away from her. “Well, this has been nice, but as we know, real life has a way of inserting itself.” He glanced over her shoulder before facing her again. He didn’t look her in the eye. “Once we leave here, what are your plans?”

Lisa pressed her lips together. “What do you mean, what are my plans? The Krystalii must be stopped, and I’m gonna be a part of that!”

His smile was weak. “Yes, I understand that. But what happens afterward? I mean, what I’m asking, is since you didn’t get a chance to attend the alien exchange program, do you plan to go back to it?”

Her mouth opened and closed like a cod fish as her thoughts raced. “Why in the world I be interested in going to that after meeting you?” Did she completely misunderstand what happened between them? How could the man not know what he meant to her? He was a freaking psychic, for God’s sake! You’d think he’d not only see what he meant to her in her mind, but he’d feel what she did.

She bit her bottom lip to stop from spouting something stupid. For once, she opened her new psychic ability to sense what he was feeling. What came back shocked her. Anguish, anxiety, defeat, and sadness mixed with a healthy dose of fear.

He shrugged. “You know you don’t have to still see me when we go back.”

His monotone voice made her scowl. Okay, that was it. Meal over. If the big jerk hadn’t figured out how she felt about him, it was time to prove it.

Keeping her eyes glued to his, she plucked away the food he held and threw it over her shoulder. Its soft landing on the blanket was ignored. Mesmerized by his intense, dark gaze, she gathered the strength needed to declare once and for all what she felt about him. “Listen here, mister. You and I belong together.” She reached out and brushed one of his dreadlocks away from his striking features. “We share a deep connection that transcends the mere word love.” She leaned into him and kissed the side of his mouth before whispering, “I dare you to tell me I’m wrong.”

He shook his head, his eyes squeezed shut. “You—” He swallowed hard, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “You… I didn’t want to presume…”

She kissed the other side of his full lips. Silly man. She’d make sure before they left this room that he’d have no doubts about them being together. At all. “I give you full permission to merge your mind with mine.” His breath on her face was warm, inviting. The skin of his mouth was so soft, so persuasive, it made her heart leap. “I love you with every fiber of my being, Abalim. I am the keeper of your heart, as you are the keeper of mine. Join with me, know me, and leave all your doubts behind.”

His lips crushed hers in a devouring, masterful stroke. His mouth was hot and male and exciting. Lisa circled his neck with her arms. Together, they entered a world of hunger and passion. She slid her hands over his suit to caress his well-defined muscles. She ached, and her body turned liquid and needy.

“Abalim.” His name came out in a tortured whisper.

He gave her lower lip a gentle nibble. “Shall I give you all that I am, inkheart?” His hand shaped her breast, and his thumb teased her nipple into a hard peak. He leaned down until his mouth replaced his hand over the soft mound, hot and moist, sucking through the fabric of her suit.

Lisa arched and caught his hair to drag him closer. An insane fever rose inside her, a physical tsunami threatening to take over. Her knees went weak, and she cried out, afraid she’d shatter.

He licked along the valley between her breasts.

“Yes.” She strangled a reply and surrendered. Just like that, the master became the servant.

“We have too many clothes on.” His voice was husky.

When he spoke the last word, cool air caressed Lisa’s body in all the places Abalim didn’t cover. No time to marvel at the wondrous way he made them both naked. She wiggled her hips and kneaded his dark tresses with a whimper. The slick feel of his taut skin against hers ramped up the spinning sensation deep inside her womb. Unable to resist the urge, Lisa burrowed her hand between their groins and grasped his thick length, her fingertips memorizing the feel and shape of his heavy erection. With her touch strong and sure, she traced every inch of him as her fingers danced and played with him.

“Lisa.” Her name came out somewhere between agony and ecstasy.

Releasing her hold, she pushed at his immobile chest, craving to taste the treat her hand explored. “Let me… I want…” His dazed expression told her he wasn’t listening. “Abalim… move!”

“No, my love. I will not last if your luscious lips touch me there. I need you too much. Now, like this.” With gentle strength, he nudged her knees apart and settled his firm groin inside the cradle of hers. The heat of his steel as he entered her became everything. Inch by slow inch.

She shuddered with pleasure as he drove himself home.

He caught her hips in his large hands, gripped her tight, and surged inside, burying himself deep.

Lisa’s body rippled with life, an oncoming cataclysm destined to send her into space. Never had she expected that what she held dear would narrow down to one man. To this one person who moved in perfect unison with her.

As his body drove into hers with long, hard surges, their minds merged. Like two halves becoming one.

His fingers wound in her hair while his hips rotated in a maddening rhythm, teasing her slick womanhood. The hood holding her clit unfurled as if it had a mind of its own. Each movement between them created a fire that burned and spread. Flames took over, and an intense heat roared in her ears. Hunger built, then swamped her with burgeoning energy until she was frantic.

Then, it was too much. Dark, endless joy rushed through her, squeezing low and bursting free. She screamed with the intensity of it as Abalim’s body shuddered above and around her.

“Lisa.” His groan rumbled seductively, deep in his chest. “My inkheart. I can’t tell you how grateful I am we are together. I love you with everything I am.” He rolled them so they faced one another on their sides. With a gentle smile, he brushed the wayward, damp strands of her hair away from her eyes.

His unwavering gaze bore into her, and her heart skipped a beat.

Abalim’s sincere claim brought tears to her eyes. “Oh, Abalim. What I feel for you is beyond mere words.” She concentrated on opening her mind, making sure he felt what she had a hard time putting into words. But she had to try. “I’m so in love with you, I can’t imagine living my life without you.”

She caressed one of his high cheekbones with her forefinger. His skin was warm to the touch, but firm. “You’ve captured me completely. I confess I’m addicted to your touch, your kiss, your voice. You’re the only one who makes me feel this way. You are my life, and I’m yours.”

He stilled. Keeping his dark gaze on her, he brought her hand to his mouth and gave it a soft kiss across her knuckles. “I have so much to learn about this new time I find myself in.” He cocked his head. “Not to mention the strange creatures coming for us from another dimension. Are you sure you want to put up with someone who doesn’t understand what’s going on more often than not?”

She scoffed and shook her head. “You know more than anyone I’ve ever met in my life.” She traced the soft mound of his bottom lip. “We’ll face everything together and win.” She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss. “No matter what.”

His masculine grin made her insides quiver. With a deft move, he wrapped her in his arms and spun them until she was firmly under him once again.

She widened her legs to let him in. And he did, sliding inside her slick entrance as if she was made for him. She moaned in response.

“Yes,” he murmured in her ear. “No matter what.”