8. Varak
CHAPTER 8
VARAK
" T hree more sightings in Little Italy." I toss the holographic report across my desk. The blue light scatters like water droplets before reforming. "Teletran, analyze pattern."
"The Grolgath are moving in a standard search grid, sir. Their scanning equipment appears... primitive."
"Define primitive."
"By your people's standards? Stone tools and animal pelts."
"And by Earth standards?"
"Cold War era radiation detection. They might as well be using divining rods."
I stand and pace to the window. Chicago spreads before me, its lights twinkling in the growing dusk. Somewhere down there, beneath Papa Marella's worn tile floor, sits a weapon that could end everything. And Aileen has no idea.
"Sir, might I point out once again that your pheromone levels spike whenever you think about Ms. Marella?"
"Shut up, Teletran."
"The Grolgath readings concentrate here." A red dot appears on the holographic map. "Two blocks from the pizza place."
"Too close." My claws dig into my palm. The image inducer flickers, showing my true scaled hands for a moment before returning to human form.
"Indeed. Though their detection equipment is laughable, given enough time-"
"They'll find it."
"Like the proverbial blind squirrel and its nut, sir."
I tap my desk, bringing up more data streams. "Show me their patrol routes."
Blue lines crisscross the map, centered on Little Italy. With each pass, they edge closer to Aileen's restaurant.
"How long?"
"At current search patterns? Three days before they locate the energy signature."
Three days. My tail would be lashing if I wasn't maintaining human form. The Grolgath are zealots, true believers. They won't care who gets hurt when they dig up their precious weapon.
"Sir? Your pheromone levels are spiking again."
"Teletran?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Shut up."
"Pull up the Paris itinerary."
"Of course, sir. First class tickets, presidential suite at Le Meurice, dinner reservations at L'Abeille-"
"The weather?"
"Clear skies predicted for Monday. Perfect for your romantic endeavors with Ms. Marella."
I adjust my tie in the reflection of the window. Even with the image inducer at maximum power, something about my movements still seems... off. Too precise. Too measured.
"I'm starting to realize your genius plan, sir. You intend to marry Aileen and gain part ownership of the pizzeria. Bravo."
The growl escapes my lips.
"That's not what this is about."
"No? Then why pursue a human female with such... vigor?"
My scales bristle under the hologram. "She's different. When I'm with her, I feel..."
"Feel what, sir?"
The word sits on my tongue like a burning coal.
"She might be my jalshagar."
"Your soul-mate? A human?" Teletran's holographic face flickers with what I swear is amusement. "How fascinating. Shall I update your personal records to reflect this development?"
"We shall never speak of this moment again." I turn away from the window, my claws clicking against the desk.
"As you wish, sir. Though might I suggest-"
"Never. Again."
The intercom on my desk chirps. "Sir, you have a visitor."
"What? No. Check the calendar - I cleared my schedule today."
"Yes sir, but-"
"No buts. I have important matters to handle." Like figuring out how to keep the Grolgath from destroying everything I... care about.
"Shall I send her away then, Sir?"
My heart skips. "Yes- wait. Did you say her?"
"Yes, Sir. Should I-"
"Send her in."
"You're going to feel quite foolish if this visitor isn't Aileen," Teletran's holographic face smirks.
"Mute yourself while she's present." I smooth down my tie, double-checking the image inducer's power level.
The door slides open. Aileen steps through, and my carefully maintained human facade almost slips. She wears those painted-on blue jeans that make my claws itch to touch her, a simple white tank top, and that flour-dusted apron from the pizzeria. The sight hits me harder than a plasma blast to the chest.
My tongue feels too thick for words. The scent of garlic and tomatoes clings to her skin, mixing with something uniquely Aileen that makes my scales ripple beneath the hologram.
"Hey." Aileen's smile lights up my office better than the Chicago sun. "I hope it's okay that I just kind of showed up. It's our post lunch rush lull at the restaurant and I wanted to thank you in person for the gift."
"You are always welcome here." The words come out rougher than intended. My scales itch beneath the hologram, yearning to show her my true form. "Can I offer you something to drink? I have imported water from the Alps. Or perhaps a snack?"
"I can't stay long. But I did want to see you."
Teletran would be insufferable if he wasn't muted. His circuits would probably short from the smugness. But none of that matters because Aileen is here, in my office, smelling of oregano and something uniquely her that makes my head spin.
I cross to her in three long strides and wrap my arms around her waist. The image inducer hums against my scales, working overtime to maintain the illusion of human touch.
"I'm very happy that you came."
Her lips meet mine, soft and sweet. When we part, her green eyes lock with mine. Something electric passes between us. Something ancient and powerful that transcends species.
This time when our mouths crash together, there's nothing soft about it. Her fingers dig into my shoulders as my tongue sweeps past her lips. The taste of her, the feel of her pressed against me, threatens to short out my image inducer completely.
A soft chime from Aileen's phone breaks through the haze of desire clouding my mind. She pulls back, her lips swollen from our kisses, and checks the screen. The loss of contact makes my scales itch beneath the hologram.
"They need me back at the Pizza Place." Her fingers trail down my chest, sending sparks through my nervous system. "I know you're planning for us to take a trip after the weekend, but maybe we could spend some time together tonight?"
"Yes." The word bursts from my throat before she finishes speaking. My tail would be twitching if I wasn't maintaining human form. "Yes, what time should I pick you up?"
"It'll have to be late. Probably around ten-thirty by the time I close up."
"It's a date." The words come out in a growl that I hope sounds human enough. The image inducer strains as my scales ripple with anticipation beneath it.
I grab Aileen, pulling her into a fierce, passionate kiss. My hand finds her ass, firm and insistent, kneading her pliant flesh. Her soft moan vibrates against my lips, igniting a fire within me.
My fingers trail through her rounded ass cheeks, stroking her pussy through her jeans. The denim grows hot and damp beneath my touch as I conquer her mouth with my tongue. Aileen writhes, her body responding to my every movement.
Her breath hitches, and she moans louder, the sound echoing through my office. I can feel her heart racing, her body aching for more. When I finally release her, she's a red-faced, giddy, and aroused mess. Her eyes are glazed with desire, her lips swollen from our kiss.
"Simmer, little delicacy," I growl, smacking her firmly on her ass as she turns to leave. "And think of the things I will do to you tonight."
Aileen looks back at me, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation. "You're playing with fire, Varak."
"I like the heat," I reply, my voice a low rumble.
She bites her lip, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Tonight, then."
"Tonight," I confirm, watching her walk away, her hips swaying with each step. The door closes behind her, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the lingering scent of her arousal.
I turn back to my desk, my body still humming with the intensity of our encounter. The city sprawls out before me, but all I can see is Aileen's face, her smile, her eyes filled with desire. Tonight can't come soon enough.
"It's entirely possible she is your Jalshagar, Sir." Teletran's holographic face materializes once Aileen's footsteps fade down the hall.
"Oh?" I straighten my tie, still tasting Aileen on my lips.
"Yes, of course. Who else would tolerate your presence so easily but a soul mate?"
The barb barely registers. My scales tingle with the memory of her touch, even through the hologram. "Run a background check on every restaurant within walking distance of Papa Marella's. I want somewhere special for tonight."
"Already compiling a list, sir. Though might I suggest focusing on the Grolgath threat instead of your mating rituals?"
"Multi-task, Teletran. I can save Earth and court my... Aileen at the same time."
"Ah yes, the famous Vakutan efficiency. Like that time you tried to negotiate peace with the Centaurians by challenging their High Priestess to ritual combat?"
"That worked out fine."
"She stabbed you. Twice."
"Details." I wave away his holographic face. "Now help me plan this evening. I want everything perfect."
"As you wish, sir. Though I must note your hormone levels are reaching unprecedented heights. Shall I schedule a medical scan?"
.