Chapter Seven #2
At some point, the one named Wells tells me of their two moons, how the bigger one represents their Goddess Zatura, and the smaller one represents the first alpha, who follows after her, devotedly.
As we smoothly roll through the forest, Nara passes me a glass with a clear substance. I arch an eyebrow at him.
He chuckles and again I see a flash of sharp teeth, “It’s water. We are also a carbon-based life form, so we also require water for our bodies to function.”
I sip it silently as the forest thins out and we veer off onto a smaller pink strip that winds around the huge trees as the ‘road’ thins to a tiny thread. Around the last corner, the tall trees become crowded by a variety of shrubs, some with implausibly large flowers, and I gasp.
Again the guys jump, and I lean forward to the window.
Visible above the treetops are several mountains, the orangish light painting them in a warm shade. A small river threads its way through the huge trees, next to the cabin that I assume is to be home.
But ‘cabin’ is the wrong word. I don’t know what word to use though.
It’s made of logs, but I bet they are humongous.
The roof is similar to an A-frame cabin I’ve seen in paintings and photos back home.
But the house itself is giant. I blink and look over my shoulder at Zallan, who has held me silently to his body the entire ride.
“What is it, little one?” he murmurs into my loose, presumably messy, hair.
Aw fuck, did I pack hair ties? That is gonna be a real problem if not.
“It’s... gorgeous,” I answer softly.
He rumbles—in what I assume is happiness.
“The Gathea compound. Many packs prefer the cities, but Ryson and I decided revolutions ago that we’d prefer something more.
.. us.” A smile plays at his darker blue lips, and I see a hint of very-pointed incisor.
“That is why we started the Setias Community.”
The building has an obscenely huge stone-looking chimney with smoke emerging from it and a covered porch extended from one side of the home, disappearing around the corner.
Nara adds, “Which turns out is very popular, and why Zallan is so busy these days.” He smiles familiarly and the show of closeness makes me smile.
The vehicle’s door opens and Ryson steps out, holding out his hand for me. I reach to take it but Zallan leans forward and plops my body into Ryson’s arms.
I grumble a little and he throws me a look as his huge hand digs into my bare hips. His head tips down and he sniffs me, eyes closed. “Oh Zatura, you smell incredible, little omega.”
I look up and I can see his almost purple horns, emerging from his straight gray hair and extending outward to the sides of his head before flaring back.
It sends shivers down me and he notices. His thumb strokes back and forth slowly over my thigh. “You are in pain?” He asks, concerned, studying my pebbled skin.
“Oh, uh, no,” I mutter, “Goosebumps. They usually mean cold. But not always.”
“This word does not translate, but let’s get you inside to warm you,” he says, the concern obvious in his voice. Maybe not such a badass after all.
As he carries me past a fire pit surrounded by four huge chairs, I hear an animal call in the woods. I peer over his shoulder, searching for it.
Zallan misinterprets my reaction. “No need to worry, Elizabeth, you have four strong alphas. An eaweath is nothing to be concerned about.”
We walk inside and enter a large open space, the kitchen visible to the right. Near us are ornate golden-looking hooks screwed into the wood. Several cloaks hang from them and Ryson gently places my feet upon the wooden floor. I tug the shirt around me even as Ryson’s hands go to the collar of it.
He lets out a little rumble as the rest of them come inside. “I’m not inclined to let the populace see a creature as beautiful as you, my little omega, but you’ll be nude in our home.” His blue face is stern but his hands are gentle.
I don’t even know what to say to that. So I let my hands drop as Ryson pulls smoothly again and takes the shirt from my shoulders to hang it on one of the hooks. He makes a pleased sound, a rumble in his chest.
Nara makes a dissatisfied noise, eyes on the floors. “Wells, bring the request-comm upstairs please. We need floor coverings for our omega’s delicate feet.”
My eyes flick down, taking in their four-toed feet with nails that verge on claws. Oh shit.
“We each have our own rooms,” Zallan explains, his big hand landing on my bare lower back. I jump but try to stifle it.
I’m butt naked around four huge dudes that want to fuck me senseless. I’m a bit on edge.
Zallan, with the full goat horns shifts, “We should speak on our permanent bond,” Zallan says, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“Wait,” I say, confused, “It’s not... a given? Or... already in place? I signed this thing before I left.”
“No, you must agree to it, verbally. And then we’ll leave our marks upon each other.”
What does that mean?
I must look a little overwhelmed for the tallest, Nara asks, “Are you alright, omega?”
“Um,” I start, looking between them, “Do you have any wine?”
“Hmm, ‘wine’, this word does translate but I’m not sure it’s what you expect,” he answers, looking down his aquiline nose at me.
Ryson makes an unimpressed sound. “I do not think our omega needs to dull her senses right now.”
“No, that is exactly what I need,” I blurt before thinking. As they all turn to look at me, I slap my hand over my mouth. I lower it and take a deep breath. “I’m... uh... this is all a lot.” I shrug, trying to look casual. “A bit of wine might help me relax.”
Nara nods slowly, “Her heart rate does seem elevated. A bit can’t hurt.” He looks at me sternly, “But just a bit. We don’t know how your body will process it.”
I stifle the urge to answer ‘yes space-daddy.’
That’s probably for the best.
“What does mark each other mean?” The words slip out. I guess I have no filter on this planet as well.
Zallan looks down at me, a smile playing at his lips. “We’ll bite you. Deeply enough to leave our teethprints. And you will bite us back. It is sacred, magical, the marks will stay. The mark upon an alpha is called Zatura’s mark.”
Oh fuck.
Wells grins at me, “Nara and I ordered many supplies for you to choose from.”
I blink, confused, as Nara returns and places a small glass of a violently green drink in my hand. “Sip,” he orders, which I try to but end up gulping a fair bit. It’s rich and complex, like a dark red wine.
I’m gently urged towards the wide stairs. My eyes dance to the left and I see huge windows overlooking the rushing river. Blue couches are arranged in a ‘U’ shape around the fireplace and bookshelves line the walls. Wow. At least I got picked by rich aliens, I guess?
As I climb, a long hallway with many doors on both sides becomes visible.
“That is my room,” Zallan says quietly, pointing to the first door.
Then further back on the right, “Ryson’s.
” He points again as we walk down the hallway, “Nara,” across the hall, “Wells.” We walk past several closed doors silently and then Zallan gestures towards the door at the end-center of the hallway. “That is your room. The omega’s suite.”
I turn to look at him but Nara answers my unspoken question. “Once a pack takes an omega, they will all often sleep in the pack nest, located in the omega’s room. Unless the omega requests space, of course.”
Oh. They like to cuddle puddle. Cute. I grin at the thought. “Sooo, my bed is huge?”
Zallan nods, holding down a smile.
“Cool. Snuggles are nice,” I smile and we reach the door, the knob a golden color like the hooks.
Different metals on this planet? I wonder silently.
I reach out and open the door. It swings in on silent hinges, revealing a wall of windows across from it.
I bite my lip and drink deeply of the green wine.
I lick my lips and step inside my new bedroom.