Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
SLAVIC
I never allowed myself to dream of a mate, and if this is not real, I pray that no one disturbs me from my slumber. Not wanting to wake Ruby when I brought us back to our chambers, I didn’t turn the lights on, so I’m not sure when this appeared.
In amazement, my fingers trace the delicate, inky black collar that now surrounds her tiny neck. But instead of it covering her shoulders like mine, hers narrows down to a point between her luscious breasts. I have never seen anything as beautiful as her, while she lays here next to me. The lights from the stars reflecting off her bright hair, highlight the dark speckles on her skin.
Reluctantly , I cover her up when I see her shiver slightly and just allow myself a moment to reflect on all the events leading up to this moment. The oddest part is realizing that this is what has been missing all along. What I was searching for all this time was a companion. This intimacy of lying together, of having someone to laugh with, to discuss all of life’s ups and downs, is so much more than the need for sexual gratification. Our bodies will eventually mature and with age, libido lessens, so you need to have something to fall back upon that supersedes the desire for one’s mate.
My body just felt more pleasure than ever before, but my mind and soul now feel complete. It’s like a piece of me was missing until the moment I saw her eyes peering up over that nest. For so long, this ship and my brothers have always been the most important thing to me. Now I feel torn, I want to treasure her, worship the ground she walks on, take the time to show her what a heartmate really is. I want what my life givers had and more. Wrapped up in my own thoughts, I do not notice the dark brown eyes staring up at me until a small finger traces my bottom lip.
“ You know, it’s not good for my ego when I wake up to a man frowning after the evening we had. Whatcha thinking about?”
“ You , … this, … and everything else.” I trace the dark collar going down her throat, a smirk on my face when I realize the whole world will see my mark upon her.
“ Ohhh , wow, … pop up accessories. It looks like we have his and her shirts now. Did you know this could happen? Should I be worried? You didn’t say anything about pop up tattoos.”
“ It vaguely crossed my mind. If we had been the same species, your collar would have appeared at the same time mine did. However , it is widely known that humans are compatible with multiple races. This is a blessing bestowed upon us from the God of Ruk , as it’s even a rarity within my own race. I do not know what I have done to deserve such favors, but I will be forever grateful.”
I watch as she rubs her fingers across it, then shrugs her shoulders. “ A blessing from your god? I believe we will have to revisit that conversation in the future. Does it look good? I can’t see all of it without a mirror.”
“ It’s stunning.”
“ Wait a minute, how’d we get back here? The last thing I remember is us doing the dirty, then passing out because you pummeled me with that bat you’re packing around.”
“ After I caught my breath, I brought us back here. There were no comforts available for you in that part of the ship.”
“ The walk of shame for all to see, huh?”
“ I made sure the halls were empty.”
“ So , besides hiding in this room and fornicating until we collapse, what’s next on the agenda? I’ve never been one to sit around idle.”
“ I told Bikar to head toward Deapra . Even with the hyperdrive operating properly now, it will still take a few rotations to get there, but there is something I would like to show you. Grab something comfortable to wear and meet me at the helm. I need to check in with Bikar and Falon . Murgul has been exceptionally quiet these last risings, and that is always something to be concerned about.”
“ That’s fine, go do your thing, but I’m starving.”
“ We will stop by the dining chamber and grab some sustenance. Do not look at me like that. It is taking all my willpower not to ravish you as you lie here naked, ready to be worshiped.”
“ I’m not against that idea.”
“ You are small, and I will not damage you rutting like a wild animal. There are already bruises on your hips and inner thighs. The last thing I ever want is for my hands to damage you, so we must be more careful in the future. We have an eternity together for me to learn every inch and count every mark that dances upon your skin. There is no reason for me to push your newly healed body when the anticipation is as much fun as the act.”
She glances down at her hip, then smiles up at me. “ Oh , these little things are just love marks, sweet thing. It appears that I prefer my men grouchy, with big hands, and a caring heart. Go on and do your thing. I’m gonna use that cleanser thing real fast, then I’ll head that way.”
It takes all of my willpower to turn away from her and get up, but Bikar has commed several times and I know I have been neglecting my duties lately. A sharp whistle has me looking back at her as I get out of the sleeping platform.
“ Ohhh , it’s all good, … just admiring that ass again.”
The smile on her face as she stretches makes my hearts hit my chest. I thought I knew what love was supposed to be, but it seems I had no clue the magnitude nor the depths of feelings it really represented … until her.