Chapter 11
“Taccit?” Ariana’s hand gently shifts to mine as it lies upon her shoulder. I worry for a brief moment that she’ll push me away, but instead, she tenderly strokes my fingers, sending warmth to my heart.
“Why does Melvall look nothing like you?”
As she finally turns to face me, she tilts her head back to take in my height.
“Because he is a nakar,” I reply simply. “Have you never encountered a nakar before?”
Ariana’s cheeks turn delightfully pink. “I feel stupid for never asking before, but what species are you?”
“I am a harkcana, born into the Ma’Korsh tribe.”
Ariana opens her mouth to speak, then closes it. She looks both adorable and confused. I wish I could understand her thoughts. Although I know my mate’s people come from the stars, Ariana sometimes treats me like a barbarian. I admit I can be a bit of a recluse, possibly even behaving like one, but I’m not as uninformed as she seems to think. Did I truly mislead her?
“When my people arrived here, we were told no one inhabited the planet. Yet, I met you and learned you have family here as well. Now, I discover another sentient species. It’s a bit overwhelming and confusing. Where did you all come from?”
Gently, I trace the back of my claw over her furrowed brow, soothing her distress. “Whoever told you this information was wrong, my mate. My people have been living on this planet for a few generations now. All of the tribes have.”
“Just how many tribes are there?”
I hum thoughtfully before answering, “Many. It’s impossible to count since they continually shift allegiances, joining and splitting apart. Some are small, like mine, with only a few members. Then there are others that are very large with hundreds of members.”
Ariana’s shocked expression concerns me. Did she truly believe the planet was abandoned?
“Are they all like you and Melvall, or...?”
I shake my head. “No, most tribes generally interact only within their own species. We are... not trusting of other species. Besides my own people, the nakar, like Melvall, are the easiest to interact with. You might occasionally see a winged warrior, a drakoon or melketh, flying over our territory. If you see a drakoon, you should hide. They covet what others have. A small female like you... you would look like treasure to them. I have also heard of a people who live near beneath the ground, though I’ve never seen them with my own eyes. I am sure there are more, but I have never had the need to engage with them.”
Ariana’s face turns pale, her shock evident as she stares at me.
“Do not be afraid, my little mate. I will protect you from them all. I will gladly fight any who dare challenge me. I am never letting you go.” For a moment, I worry that Melvall will challenge me. The male seems far too concerned about my mate’s well-being. I like Melvall, even if he is from a different tribe. It would greatly pain me to face him in combat. If he truly tries to take Ariana from me, I will have no choice but to kill him.
Ariana surprises me when she looks him in the eye, proudly lifting her chin and declaring her happiness with me. Never before have I felt so... words cannot describe the emotions that surge in that moment. I want to push her to the ground and reaffirm my claim, and I want to prove to her just how much she means to me.
Melvall is a man of words, and I am not. I might not always know what to say, but I hope Ariana understands how much I love her through my actions.
Love.
The weight of the word settles on my chest, heavy but so right in its weight. I have never felt so complete.
Soon Melvall returns, walking along the bank of the river with a pleased expression. He holds out a heavy sack containing everything we requested. It’s more than I expected him to have ready at short notice. If he is happy to hand over this many items, it means that either his tribe has had plenty of younglings born this generation or far too few.
Melvall’s expression darkens as he notices Ariana’s pale face, but I quickly lead her away without giving him a chance to question her further.
“Come, Nika. It’s time to leave. You have had a long day, and I wish to get you home before it grows dark and cold.”
I would have liked to give her more time by the river, but I am unwilling to risk her being outside once night falls. The days are warm enough under the two suns, but the nights are frigid even for me. My little Nika would surely freeze.
As we head home, I contemplate how Ariana has transformed my life and will continue to do so. I have always been hesitant to trade with others, even my own tribe. Melvall is pleasant enough, as much as a nakar could be. I have traded with my own tribe—or more specifically my brother Balroth—several times out of necessity, but I hate to ask them for anything. I prefer to make my own items when possible. But if I had tried to make this many items for my mate, she would have been waiting far longer than ideal.
Now that I have Ariana, I can see the benefits of having a tribe to stand beside you, to support you when you lack skill. They can make my mate items that I don’t possess the skills to make. I watch my mate as she walks ahead of me, exclaiming at one plant after another. Thankfully, this time she avoids the plants she doesn’t know. I realize I must teach her which ones are safe. She doesn’t know this world as I do. Still, I look forward to spending time with her. A mate is a blessing I never thought I would receive. To see her smile, to feel her joy, is all I need. All the hardships of my life seem irrelevant as long as I can be by her side.
And I will never leave her. She seems far more fragile than most. She would stand no chance against the predators of this planet, including many tribes. She needs protecting.
And this is why so many gather together to form tribes—to protect what they cherish the most. Now that I am responsible for Ariana, I see the benefits of having a tribe beside you. If any danger threatens her, they would defend her.
For the first time in a very long time, I consider returning home to my tribe.
* * *
Leaning backon the stool at the table, I observe my mate as she explores her home with newfound curiosity. Today’s outing has worked wonders in lifting her spirits. Gone are the days where she timidly sits in the corner every evening. Perhaps the medicine has finally healed those invisible wounds, or maybe this newfound energy is simply a result of happiness. I sincerely hope she is happy.
Ariana elegantly unpacks her new belongings, humming to herself as she examines each item. “You have an entire storeroom! Oh my gosh, look at all this food,” she says, her voice filled with delight. I respond with a grin—the human-style smile she has taught me. It had taken her some time to realize that the wooden panel with a hide stretched over it was not just a decoration, but a door separating the living area from the storage area.
“Taccit!” her voice echoes through the cave. “You have rooms back here! Why are we sleeping out there when we have entire rooms?” I wince. Even though she doesn’t sound accusatory, I can’t help but feel like I have let her down. It is my duty to provide her with a suitable home. And mine is far from finished.
Sighing, I rise and follow her as she pokes her head into every nook and cranny, eager to uncover all the hidden gems our cave has to offer. ”I”ll complete carving the sleeping room from the rock during this bitter season. It will make a suitable room for us to sleep in. But for now, I need to make sure we”ll have enough food in case we get snowed in,” I say.
“Speaking of food, can we go and check on the garden tomorrow? I want to see if the sprouts have started growing yet,” Ariana requests. Her happiness is evident in her excited movements and eyes sparkling with joy. “If we have time, I want to plant some more things. I have seeds that we can plant now, and they’ll grow when the snow melts.” I nod in agreement. I’m not an expert in this farming that my mate specializes in, but I am more than willing to indulge in any request Ariana has.
“Come,” I say, taking her slender arm in my hand. I marvel at how easily my fingers wrap around her small frame. She is delicate and cold. Her skin feels chilly to the touch. Disregarding her protests, I lead her to the living area to prepare and eat our meal.
Rather than curling up on the furs near the fire, as I had suggested, Ariana darts to the table and climbs onto a stool that is too high for her. She studies the wood grain on the table, avoiding eye contact. I notice her rubbing her wrists, a subtle reminder of when I had tied her up. She hasn’t entirely forgiven me for that, and despite her growing confidence, she still hesitates to express her grievances.
I can’t let her feel timid in any part of her home. “Ariana.” I say.
“So, what’s for dinner?” she asks, her voice light and hopeful, attempting to distract me. “You should lie on the furs,” I instruct, lowering my voice by several octaves. I know I am becoming bossy, as she likes to call me, but my mate is cold and needs warmth and reassurance.
The thought of my mate, Ariana, nestled in the furs waiting for me sends my blood racing with anticipation. For the first time, I find myself looking forward to the harsh winter months. In previous cycles, being snowed in with nothing to do was pure agony. But now, I will spend endless hours entertaining Ariana. I will hold her close, exchanging stories and learning about her childhood. And from beneath those very soft and warm furs, I will delight in her mind and body.
Ariana fidgets in her seat, raising her chin and narrowing her eyes in what seems to be an attempt at a menacing stance.
“I’m perfectly fine right here,” she says defiantly.
My little mate is simply perfect for me.
When I was a youngling, I had been told repeatedly by the tribe’s elders that I was too headstrong and domineering. Even as a youngster, my height and size intimidated our tribe’s women, who were typically submissive, timid, and rule-abiding. My forceful nature and towering appearance would terrify them, making them cower even in passing. I had been constantly reminded that mates needed encouragement, adoration, and gentle treatment.
I’d heard this so often that I began to fear the day I would find and take my mate, if at all. I worried she would shrink from my imposing figure and my nature.
However, my little Nika, Ariana, is the perfect match for me. With her fiery spirit, much like her radiant red hair, she is admittedly smaller than the females of my species, yet she never lets that hold her back.
A mischievous thought flits through my mind, accompanied by a slow smirk. My Nika is not afraid to break the rules, and all rule-breaking mates deserve to face the consequences.
Observing my expression, Ariana’s glare subsides, replaced by a look of caution.
“Taccit?” she says hesitantly.
The sound of my name on her lips is intoxicating, sending my heart pounding and my entire being swirling with passion.
An involuntary growl resonates in my chest, my body priming for action. I don’t like running, but I would do it to catch a naughty mate.
Ariana cautiously slides off the stool, watching me warily. Her gaze scans my body with such intensity that it makes my skin tingle and my muscles tense. Her eyes linger on my groin, intensifying my arousal. As she licks her lips and her lower tongue caresses her own plump flesh, I almost unravel.
“You know, we never discussed the consequences of disobeying me,” I say.
Meeting my gaze, Ariana’s eyes mirror the tension I feel. “I didn’t do anything.”
My excitement heightens, and my smirk grows even wider, as she doesn’t reject the idea of facing punishment. “You leave the cave without me, little Nika. Any predator could swoop in, take you while you’re vulnerable. Do anything to you,” I point out as I take a step closer to her.
This is the little push she needs. With wide eyes and an audible gasp, Ariana turns and dashes past the stool and table, heading straight for the front door. The sweet scent of her arousal follows her. Cheeky girl.
I allow her a brief head start, just enough to let her believe she might have a chance to escape me. Then I pounce.
Swiftly, I capture her and drag my squealing mate deeper into the cave.
I inhale deeply, savoring her intoxicating scent. It isn’t tainted by fear or terror; instead, her sweet aroma seems to have intensified. My mouth waters, aching for more, longing to discover if her taste matches her enticing fragrance.
Carefully, I drop my mate onto the soft bed of furs. Her breath wheezes as she lands on the plush surface, quickly scrambling to her knees. But before she can even contemplate escaping, I catch her wrists between my hands. Skillfully, I wrap soft leather around them, tight enough to restrain her thoroughly, but not too much to cause injury.
“Taccit?” she says with a whimper. Now her scent is turning slightly more acrid as her fear grows, likely recalling the time I called her my prisoner. She had no reason to be afraid then, and she has none now. I am determined to prove this to her.
With an assertive huff, I spin her around to face me.
Claiming her as my own, I press my lips against hers, hungrily devouring her. She gasps against me, allowing my thick tongue to slip inside as ours dance together. The moist warmth of her mouth sends a haze through my mind.
Her futile attempts to resist are evident in her tugging at the restraints, but she is unable to break free from my grasp.
I reluctantly withdraw from her lips, taking in the sight before me. Her face is flushed, and her lips swollen from our fervent kisses.
I playfully chide her, raising an eyebrow in question. “You are my prisoner, remember? Mine.”
Her expression displays uncertainty, but her compelling scent only grows stronger. Her body even leans against mine with increasing weight, as if she struggles to stand and needs my strength and support.
Slowly and deliberately, I stand up and thread the leather ties through a metal ring on the wall. I pull on the rope, raising my mate’s hands high above her head, leaving her exposed and completely vulnerable.
Ariana watches me intently, shifting her weight from side to side, but makes no attempt to escape.
“What now?” she says in a breathy whisper.
“Now?” I chuckle darkly. “Now you are tied up, and I can do whatever I want. I can punish you.”
I press tender kisses on her lips, cheeks, and jawline, eliciting soft whimpers from her as she pants in anticipation.
“I can kiss you.” I emphasize my point by showering gentle kisses on her neck, just behind her ear.
“I can bite you,” Ariana yelps as my sharp teeth nip at the crook of her neck. I am careful not to break the skin but apply enough pressure to leave a mark. Hastily, I soothe the spot with more kisses, making her moan in pleasure. Her body presses against mine, straining against the bindings that hold her hands high in the air.
“I can strip you.”
Skillfully, I slide my claws beneath her leathers, pulling them apart with swift yanks. The material proves no match for my claws and falls to the ground in tatters as my eagerness grows. Nothing should keep us separated, not even clothing.
I guide her to lie down on the furs. She complies willingly, although I have to loosen the rope slightly to permit her to do so.
“I can taste you,” I say, causing Ariana to draw a sharp breath. Her eyes widen in shock, and she attempts to close her knees together in sudden apprehension.
I chide her gently, my fingers tightening around her ankles. “Don’t forget, you belong to me, and I can do whatever I wish with you.”
Ariana lets out a small whimper, her hips stirring as her tantalizing scent permeates the air. I am determined to get my taste.
Our initial lovemaking had been hurried and frantic, our overwhelming desire consuming us both. However, this time is going to be different. I intend to take our entwined pleasure slowly. I am going to make sure she thoroughly enjoys it.
Gently, I stroke my hand up her calves, deliberately pausing at her knees. She squirms, attempting to shield herself from my advancing touch. Yet, I will not let her.
Applying firm pressure, I separate her legs, my hands sensuously gliding up the length of her velvety thighs to guide her into a position that suits me—to hold her in place.
My eyes feast upon the sight of her soft hair and the glistening moisture that adorns her most intimate folds. Inhaling deeply, I take in her exquisitely sweet aroma. This is what I have been yearning for, the very source of my insistent cravings and frustrations.
With a deep groan of satisfaction, I lean in and claim what is rightfully mine.