Chapter 7
“Do you have to leave?” Ariana asks timidly, peeking up at me through her lashes. “I was just hoping that maybe you could show me around my new home.”
My eyes narrow as I scan her face, trying to decipher whether she is plotting another escape or not. In moments like these, I wish I could hear her thoughts. Her moods switch so often—fearful, then angry... and then that seductive aroma of her arousal fills the air.
I rack my memory of the time I spent with my tribe. Were all their females like this?
Ariana jumps when one of the drolvs brushes a cold snout against her arm.
She adjusts quickly, though, overcoming her initial fear and embracing the drolvden’s companionship with open arms. A twinge of jealousy runs through me as I watch her casually pat the creature’s fur. I wish she would touch me in the same way. Patience, I tell myself. She just needs time. I am convinced that I can be everything she needs.
“There is somewhere I can take you. It’s not far,” I say. My spirit lifts as I see the excitement spark in her eyes.
My gaze wanders over her body. She has only the fur blanket, which I hunted, wrapped around her. Although thrilled by the knowledge that she is bared and naked beneath them, she will require something else to wear outside. I silently lament the loss of her original clothing.
I approach a modest shelf containing a few spare pieces of my clothing. I managed to piece together this shirt with bits of fabric I traded for.
Handing it to Ariana, a rush of embarrassment washes over me. This garment is nowhere near suitable for her, and I know it. Still, Ariana takes the offering from me.
“Turn around while I dress,” she says, rolling her eyes.
I frown at her but comply, all the while wondering why she is acting as though I haven’t seen her naked in... what had she called it? Her birthday suit. I really struggle to understand what she had been talking about when she wore no suit or clothing. Perhaps my little mate isn’t as well as she seems.
More reason for me to stay close to the cave, to see to her needs.
“You can look now.”
My blood races with fierce satisfaction as I take in the sight of Ariana wearing my shirt. It absolutely dwarfs my little mate, hanging just above her knees, unfortunately hiding her tantalizing curves. And yet, she has willingly wrapped herself in my scent.
“Do you have a belt or something I can use?” she asks tentatively, her eyes searching my own.
Unable to speak, I gather some of my spare leather cording. She gasps, her hands shaking as they settle on my shoulders, when I kneel before her and wrap it several times around her waist. She is so small. So delicate. So mine.
“You mentioned a place you can take me?” she asks, her voice uncharacteristically hoarse.
“Come.”
We both hesitate at the entrance of the cave, neither of us quite able to take that first decisive step out of my home. Our home.
Ariana huffs and theatrically waves for me to go ahead. “Please, lead the way.”
Things feel awkward. Neither of us knows quite how to talk to each other, how to close the distance that spreads between us.
I stride gruffly out the door, resisting the urge to touch her. I doubt she would appreciate it. Not yet.
Ariana leaves her weapon behind, oblivious to the bow she has come to depend on. She might be unsure around me, but her instincts tell her she can rely on me for her safety.
I let my tail wrap around her wrist, ensuring I’ll know her whereabouts even with her out of my view. The planet teems with danger, and I’m not sure she fully grasps that. She has been lucky so far, but luck eventually runs out.
“I am not your prisoner,” Ariana huffs, trying in vain to free her arm.
I attempt to mimic her human smile, the one that shows I am friendly towards her. It still feels awkward to curl my lips and bare my teeth at my own mate.
“You are mine.”
Still, knowing she doesn’t want to be held, I release her.
As we begin our ascent along the cliffside path, I remain vigilant, keenly aware of Ariana’s presence behind me. Luckily, she has the grace of an elephant, allowing me to follow her clumsy steps with ease.
“Thank you,” she says, almost too quietly for me to hear. “You don’t need to be so overbearing, though.”
I raise an eyebrow, looking back at her in disbelief. Me, overbearing? This comes from the woman who has spent nearly half a solar listing demands.
Ariana narrows her eyes in response, though they lack their customary fire. “Alright, I confess that our introduction could’ve been smoother. I just don’t appreciate being treated as if I’m completely useless or untrustworthy.”
She lets out a heavy sigh, and her shoulders hunch defensively. I deliberately slow my pace to walk more comfortably alongside her.
“Back home, the men constantly acted as though I couldn’t do anything by myself. They always said I was incapable. It drove me mad. I mean, sometimes, I knew more than they did! Heaven forbid, should I tell them that. But, of course, no one took me seriously simply because I was a woman.”
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.”
Her gaze darts about, looking for the very blossom I mention. I say, “It blooms after the harsh winter subsides and the air turns warmer.”
“Oh,” she says, looking rather disappointed.
I chuckle at her expression. “You won’t be able to miss the flower. It grows everywhere, on tiny vines. The blooms are bright red, just like your hair. The very air smells sweet. But it’s also dangerous. Prepared correctly, it can be a sleep aid. Mess it up, and it can kill you. Of course, it isn’t as sweet-smelling or as beautiful as you.”
Ariana’s mouth hangs open for a moment, then snaps shut, only to open again, as if she can’t decide what to say. Her face flushes crimson, and I watch, entranced, as the blush spreads from her cheeks, down her neck, and across the gentle curve of her breasts, only to disappear beneath the fabric of her clothing.
I’m filled with an urge to see just how far that blush goes. My fingers practically twitch with the need to tear the clothing from her body and I exhale deeply, trying to rein in my thoughts and the corresponding reactions they’re causing.
“Thank you...?” she stammers, “No one’s ever called me both beautiful and deadly before. I feel like some kind of femme fatale.”
“I don’t know what that phrase means,” I say, “but if it’s something positive, then yes, it is an accurate description of you.”
This time, when my tail encircles her wrist, claiming her as my own and keeping her close, she doesn’t glare at me so readily.
* * *
The fruitof the Maklabar tree is quite difficult to reach, as its trunk grows tall and smooth. I doubt Ariana will be able to reach the fruit due to her species’ lack of claws, unlike mine. Breathing heavily, I dig my claws into the bark as deep as possible and pull myself up a little, using my tail to wrap around the trunk for stability. It’s just another feature my mate lacks.
Down below, Ariana makes faint noises each time I ascend higher. Uncertain whether they’re sounds of distress or appreciation, I hope it’s the latter. The more time I spend in her presence, the more I want her admiration.
Still, if it’s concern for my well-being, her actions touch me in a way I never thought possible. Although I should be insulted at her distrust in my abilities, her desire for my safety and wellbeing melts my two hearts—a sign that she truly is beginning to care for me.
By the time I reach the tree’s top, my arms and legs tremble with exhaustion. I stretch upwards, plucking the fuzzy, hand-sized, globe-shaped fruit and detaching it from its stem.
I pluck the Maklabar fruit and call down to Ariana, warning her to stand where I instructed. Glancing down, I see she had indeed stepped forward during my climb, but quickly scurried back to the spot I marked in the soft soil. She looks up at me with a wide smile.
I let the fruit fall to the ground, hearing it bounce and crash through the foliage below before tossing down the rest.
With practiced, graceful movements—and perhaps the intent to impress my mate—I swiftly slide down the trunk.
Landing firmly, perhaps a bit too firmly, as my body jars from the intensity of the impact. However, Ariana’s proud expression and her excited applause make my antics worthwhile.
Gesturing for her to come forward, I’m pleasantly surprised when she eagerly joins me. She’s growing more comfortable with my presence as time passes.
“Great. I’m starving!” she says.
I abruptly turn to her in alarm. She seems in good health, although her stomach frequently growls for sustenance. Guilt for forcing her into this predicament by not providing her adequate food earlier weighs heavily on me.
“Are you truly starving?” I ask.
“What? Oh, no,” Ariana says, with a ripple of laughter that shakes her shoulders. She shakes her head, sending her fiery hair into a whirl about her face. “It’s just an expression. It just means that I’m hungry.”
My shoulders slump in relief. Ariana leads us to a sunlit log nearby and takes a seat. Her hair catches the soft light, shifting from red to golden strands. I sit next to her on the soft soil and can’t help but chuckle as I realize we’re almost the same height. She really is quite small. Ariana struggles to open the fruit with her clawless fingers. The shells are far too thick to simply be forced apart that way. I take the problematic fruit from her hands and crack into its surface with the tips of my claws. With a deft twist, I snap the fruit in half, and its juice dribbles onto my fingers.
Carefully, I pass the fruit back to Ariana, mindful not to spill more of the precious liquid, and she eagerly accepts. “This fruit is known as Maklabar. Drink the liquid, then give it back to me.”
After showing her how to pluck the pale flaky flesh from inside the fruit in bite-sized pieces, I extend the fruit towards her. However, just as Ariana reaches out to take it, I pull back.
“Allow me to feed you, mate.”
Asking for something isn’t my usual approach, but I’m afraid that making demands will only frighten her. She’s a timid little thing in need of coaxing to come out of hiding.
A blush spreads across Ariana’s face at my request, her eyes meeting mine. She squirms on the log, her legs pressed together. I begin to worry that I’ve pushed her too far. Is she about to bolt from me? Then she licks her lips. My gaze is fixed on that little bit of action, and my body hums with desire.
Slowly, Ariana leans towards me and opens her mouth, awaiting my offering. Our eyes stay locked, and the tension mounts between us.
I bring the fruit to her lips, allowing my fingers and claws to lightly graze her soft skin. A moan escapes my lips, and Ariana trembles in response.
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.
“It wasn’t unpleasant,” I say, my voice deep and rough. “Just unexpected. Is this something humans do? Press their mouths together?”
Her eyes widen as she blinks at me.
“I kissed you,” she says, her tongue sneaking out to run across her plump bottom lip.
I suddenly feel the urge to press my mouth to hers once more.
“My people don’t do this,” I say, clearing my throat. “What does it mean?”
“Humans kiss for a lot of reasons. You might kiss a child or family member on the cheek, or do it to show affection or interest in another person.”
“You’re interested in me?” I blurt out. I feel like a youngling receiving the first interests of a pleasure partner. Completely untried, and ecstatic.
Ariana’s face turns an even brighter shade of pink. Is this normal for humans?
“Can I try this kiss thing again?” I ask.
The thought of kissing Ariana again sends a rush of excitement through me, making me feel lightheaded. Beneath my leathers, my cock pulses. I swallow heavily.
For a moment, she just looks at me, and my hope sinks, thinking she’ll refuse. But then she gives a small nod.
Not wanting her to change her mind, I quickly press my lips to hers again.
It’s a bit odd, just pressing our lips together firmly. Then my Nika suddenly giggles.
Pulling back, I frown at her. That was not the reaction I had expected from her at all.
“Let me,” she says, her hands cupping my cheeks once more.
This time, her lips barely touch mine, her caress igniting something deep within me. Her touch is soft, yet I feel it branded on my very soul.
Her tongue glides across the seam of my lip and enters my mouth, coaxing an involuntary growl from me. Our tongues brush together in an intimate dance, and I feel immense pride as she moans and presses closer.
Finally, Ariana breaks the kiss, and we both stare at each other, panting. Her lips are swollen and pink, a delightful reminder of our kiss.
I can’t help but grin down at my mate. I believe I am truly beginning to revel in these human behaviors.
* * *
Ariana walksaround the small clearing, admiring the plants. She keeps muttering about creating something called a garden. Lost in her own thoughts, I follow her aimlessly, content to just be in her presence.
Apparently, despite the time she has lived on Atraxis, she hasn’t had a chance to just explore. She had been particularly keen after I explained that I keep poisonous plants and dangerous animals away from the areas around the cave.
Over time, however, her enthusiasm wanes. Her once-lively steps become a silent trudge.
“You don’t look happy. What’s on your mind?” I ask.
Ariana looks up at me with sad eyes. “Just thinking about my family that I left behind on Earth.”
I nod in understanding and step closer to her as we walk. “You miss them?” I ask.
Ariana’s face scrunches up. She takes a shuddering breath and presses her fingers against her eyes. When she finally looks up, her eyes are filled with unshed tears.
“I knew when I left that I might not ever see them again. We could barely afford my ticket. The goal had been to save up once here and pay for them to immigrate out. At least to bring my little sister for the chance of a better life.”
“Is your world so bad that you needed to leave it?” I ask.
“Depending on what tier you were born in,” Ariana says. “I come from a tier three family, so we weren’t poor, but we weren’t exactly rich either. My husband -“
Ariana suddenly stops talking and looks up at me with wide eyes. Her scent turns slightly acidic, fearful.
I step closer to her, only a small gap separating our bodies. I can feel the gentle heat radiating off of her, a warmth so light that I am tempted to draw her into my arms in fear of her being cold. Slowly, I raise my hand and place it against her shoulder, allowing my finger to caress her there. She watches my movements, but doesn’t flinch or pull away. “You can tell me, Nika. You do not need to fear me.”
Ariana’s eyes dart between mine, assessing. Eventually, she nods and takes a deep breath. She squares her shoulders and lifts her chin as if she is about to go into battle.
“When I came to this planet, I was married. Do you know what that means?”
I shake my head. “Please explain.”
“It’s sort of the human equivalent of being mated.”
Dread settles like a knot within my stomach. I feel as if I’ve been punched and can’t breathe. My Ariana cannot be mated to another. Is this why she is so hesitant to accept me and our bond?
“Is this... married...” The word feels foreign on my tongue. “Is it a mated bond or like taking a pleasure partner?”
Ariana frowns. “Humans don’t really have mates the way I think you do.” I open my mouth, but she holds up a hand and keeps talking. “The concept of mates is not unknown to humans. But I don’t recall ever having heard of a human experiencing the mating bond themselves. Not in the same way as their partners. It doesn’t mean they aren’t happy together; it’s just not something in our biology.” She shrugs one shoulder as she gazes up at me with concern-filled eyes.
I feel as if I’ve been struck. My Nika doesn’t experience the same draw to me as I do to her?
“I’m sorry,” she says. “Humans choose who they want to be with; usually someone they are attracted to, or sometimes someone who can help them have a better life.”
Humans choose their partners? I’ve wanted to please Ariana, a natural thing for mates to do. But now I realize just how important it is for her to like me. Ariana must choose me. She has to. I won’t allow her to ever love another.
“When I was younger, before I came here, I had an arranged marriage with a man from a tier-five family. Everyone kept telling me how it was a miracle he would be interested in me. I was lucky. The right person at the right time. He was kind to me, at least. We didn’t always see eye to eye though. I loved gardening. He didn’t like to get his hands dirty.”
She chuckles, the sound bitter. She’s absently looking past me, almost unaware of my presence except to talk. “He outright refused to plant anything with me. He said it was something only lower tiers did, and he would always look at me like he was disappointed.”
She blinks, her attention returning to me. “Anyway, he received a business offer to expand his family’s business into the galaxy. One of the first interstellar farms. It was a huge foothold on the market to be the first and only supplier of fresh food on the planet. He agreed. He wanted to run the business, deal with the merchants and stuff while I did the actual work.”
Her husband, this pleasure-mate, doesn’t sound like a good, providing male. It sounds like he forced Ariana to work hard for his own benefit, rather than seeing to hers. I can’t help the growl that slips through, my anger at the male building.
Ariana jumps at the sound. She pats my arm soothingly, just like I had done to her own moments before. And indeed, it works. Having her attention on me reduces the desire to hunt down this human male. She’s mine now, and no one will take her from me.
“He’s dead now,” Ariana says, smiling at me with closed lips. The expression is confusing to me, seeing her smile and yet seemingly not with pleasure.
“Not long after we arrived, he got sick. He passed away before any medics could be reached. Not long after that, Walter came knocking on my door. Everyone on board signed a contract to work for several years in exchange for the transport. My husband died early, and I got landed with his debt. I couldn’t afford to work on the farm, couldn’t afford things like the seeds and fertilizers until the debt was paid off fully.”
I gather little Nika in my arms, and this time, she goes far more willingly. “I wish I could say that I’m sorry for the death of this male, but I’m not. You’re mine now, and I’m glad that I don’t need to challenge someone you’re fond of.”
Ariana’s brow wrinkles as she frowns at my words, turning her head up to look at me. “I don’t like seeing you sad, though. You should only ever smile. Anything I can do to make you happy, I will do.”
Ariana steps back from me, smiling gently. Her next words fill me with dread. “What about you? Do you have family living around here, somewhere? Should I be worried about them showing up?”
My foot catches beneath me, kicking against a raised root on the forest floor, and I stumble. I have taken several steps away from her before I realize it. I turn away from Ariana, unable to look her in the eye.
“Oh. I’m sorry,” she says. Her small hand touches my arm, the touch light. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Taccit.”
I rake a hand through my hair, feeling the sharp sting of my claws scraping against my scalp. The pinch of pain brings clarity to my panicking mind.
“You deserve to know the truth,” I say.