Chapter 15
Draggar
I wake up slowly. My head is pounding and when I crack open my eyelids to gaze up at the rocky ceiling of a cave momentary confusion descends. Then, my mind clears and it all rushes back to me. The aliens. The tiniio. The Pugj. Betrayal. Eyes watching me with concern and a soft hands tracing over my skin. Haley.
A soft mass warms the front and side of my body and gentle puffs of air tickle my neck, and I realize it is Haley. She is draped over my body with one arm draped over my chest and her face buried against my neck. Her legs are tangled with mine and her soft thigh is hitched up to cover my hips.
My cock is already hard, but as she shifts in her sleep sending a waft of sweet, musky fragrance to my nostrils, my cock jerks in its eagerness. Tingles of desire shoot down my spine and center themselves at my groin. I want to move my hips against her and to touch her, but most of all I want to taste her sweet essence.
But I cannot. Not yet. Not until she welcomes me. It is imperative that both mates accept the bond. For I know that is what she is – my spirit mate. My amoris.
Until then, I will wait. I will woo her as the Ancestors did when our females existed and before the amoris bond disappeared with them.
I was not sure before whether the strong feelings I had for Haley were because of the amoris bond, but now, I am. She is the mate to my spirit. My amoris, and I am hers.
The second heart inside my chest, the one that can only be awakened by the bond, beats strong and steady sending a rush of mateblood through my veins. It is that surge that enabled me to run so fast away from the tiniios and away from the pursuing Tussoll males. Now, that it beats, my second heart will give me a burst of strength and speed all so that I can better protect my mate.
That unending magnetism I felt for Haley from the very beginning and the desire to protect her against everything is the pull of the amoris bond. It is the reason I was drawn repeatedly to the crashed ship and to her. It is why I jumped so quickly into a fight with a tiniio and why I felt the urge to spirit her away.
Even if I did not know, yet, that she was my spirit mate, my spirit did. My second heart did.
I grit my teeth as I try to master the desire that consumes me, and I will my cock to soften. It is harder than it has ever been and the need to claim my mate is strong. With each beat of my second heart the urge to join with her, to seal the bond between us, deepens. It is the amoris bond at work.
Now is not the time, I tell myself. Soon.
I marvel for a moment that it is possible to experience the bond with another species, something I have always been told was impossible. The hope that fills me makes thoughts of the future flit through my head.
My eyes skim over Haley’s delicate features, and my chest fills with warmth for my mate. She is courageous and kind with eyes that shine brightly with intelligence. She is more determined and resourceful than anyone I have ever met.
She could have left me here. Instead, she has taken care of me to the point of exhaustion. The dark shadows under her eyes are testament to that as is the tightly drawn features of her face. I have vague recollections of her quiet, soothing voice and her hand softly gliding through my hair interspersed with nightmares that I would rather not remember.
Haley nuzzles her face closer against my neck with a whimper, her plump lips brush lightly against me. She releases a deep sigh and a gust of warm breath fans across my skin. My hearts pick up pace, sending a rush of blood through my veins. Haley shifts, pressing her hips down against my hardened cock, and I clench my jaw in determination. She moves her hips again and a muffled groan is ripped from my throat and into the quiet of the cave.
At the noise, she jerks awake with a start. Her blue eyes are cloudy with sleepy desire as she locks gazes with me. I watch the lust fade from her face as she becomes fully alert, and a pang of regret hits me.
One day soon, I tell myself. One day soon Haley will welcome me with eager arms and soft eyes. I am a patient male. But for now, I will wait.
Haley braces her hands to sit up causing her hips to shift against me, pressing firmly against my hardened cock again. Her gaze darts to me and a gasp emerges from her soft lips when she feels my length pulse beneath her.
My mate reacts by scrambling away to kneel at the edge of the sleeping pallet, air rushing in and out of her lungs in a pant and her startled eyes watching me. A red flush spreads over her face and down her chest to disappear beneath the thick garment she wears, and I can sense the embarrassment she feels as if it were my own.
I inhale deeply and my nostrils flare when I get another whiff of that same sweet musk. No, not just embarrassment. Something else. Something exciting that makes my hardened cock throb with need that will have to go unanswered. I steel myself and push down the urge I feel to place my mouth between my mate’s lush thighs. I do not think that would help matters right now.
Holding my hands up in what I hope is a reassuring manner, I assure her, “You are safe. I will not hurt you.” It is obvious my mate can understand my words and I assume she must have some sort of translator chip implanted.
I hope she believes me, because I am telling the truth. The thought of anything hurting Haley, let alone me being the one responsible, makes both of my hearts ache and feel like they will rend into pieces.
Haley studies me, her blue eyes roaming over my face as if trying to determine if I speak the truth. Then, as if finally coming to a decision, she nods and her face brightens with a soft, trusting smile that makes my breath catch in my lungs.
She is like the sun shining after the rainy season. Like the first taste of fresh marca nectar after the cold weather has left. The glint of Haley’s smile makes my spirit sing and my second heart pound out its joy. She makes me feel as if I could wrestle the largest anuroi and run the length of the landmass we call home without stopping if it would please her.
I begin to rise, eager to show my mate the same care she has shown me, but before I can even make it to my feet, a hiss releases from between my clenched teeth. It feels as if the whole of Laedirissae tilts on its side and my head swims with dizziness. My entire body aches as if I really have wrestled an anuroi and I feel as weak as a newly born kitling. It is clear that even with my recently awakened amoris heart I am still not fully recovered.
At my hiss of pain, Haley moves closer with the tin of salixa gel in her hands, and she urges me to lie back down so she can inspect my wound.
The aching wound is high on my side, just underneath my arm, and while I can’t see it very well, I can smell the regeneration of new tissue as it heals at a fast pace thanks to the gel and my body’s own abilities. I can thank Haley for that. The mating bond enhances not just my strength and speed, but also my ability to heal at a faster rate.
Without the bond giving my body a boost, I would most likely still be unconscious from the poisoned arrow that pierced my skin. Because now that my thoughts are no longer muddled from the pain and fever and I can think clearly, I realize exactly what was different about the arrow that pierced my skin.
The searing pain that spread so quickly through me followed by the sickness that laid me low, and the bitter smell I remember when I pulled the arrow from my flesh all lead me to one thought. The arrow had been dipped in bane nectar.
The nectar is harvested from spiky red flowers that only bloom at high altitudes, and it is poisonous to Laediriian males. Once the nectar has entered a male’s bloodstream, it can cause serious reactions and without treatment, at times, even death. Usually, it would take a male many days to recover enough to even be lucid after being struck with such an arrow. With the mateblood flowing through my body and my amoris heart beating in my chest, I should heal twice as fast.
Still, I will not heal as quickly as I would like. And in that time, my mate will be vulnerable.
I am eager for my mate and I to leave Tussoll territory, especially now that I know they have somehow joined forces with the Pugj. If seeing two Pugj casually entering their village didn’t convince me of their alliance, then being struck with an arrow poisoned with nectar only found near the Pugj’s settlement certainly did.
My thoughts are on edge as I think of the Tussoll allying themselves with our enemies. The Pugj have attacked them in the past just like they have my own tribe. How could they? The Pugj have attacked them in the past just like they have my tribe. The Tussoll were one of the last tribes attacked at the end of the last hot season. According to news shared during trading visits, three of their warriors were carried off in the raid never to be seen again. Few males have ever escaped once taken, but those that have have returned with chilling tales of their captivity. My hands clench into fists as I recall the stories of the torture the Pugj inflict upon their captives and the fate of those who didn”t manage to escape. It is unthinkable that any Laediriian would join forces with them.
Haley’s hands feel cool against my flesh as she spreads more of the gel on my side and the slide of her skin against me soothes not only the pain leaching out from the wound but also my troubled thoughts. She speaks in a hushed whisper while doing so and I focus on the sound of her voice.
Even though I do not understand her words, her bright, soft voice brings a sense of comfort to me and lulls me into a peaceful state. I feel myself drifting on a pleasurable cloud of sensation. My eyelids droop and I focus on the brush of her delicate hands. She glides one over my chest and it settles just on top of my second heart, and I stifle a moan.
I crack open my eyes and watch her graceful movements in the dim light of the cave. I have so many questions for my mate. There are so many things I want to know about her, her hopes and dreams, the planet she hails from, what species she is. . . everything about her. Everything about Haley is fascinating to me.
Later, when I mention that I need to make my way outside to empty my bladder, the familiar pink color stains her cheeks enthralling me. As does the tiny chuckle she releases and the obstinate set of her jaw when she refuses to allow me to rise on my own or to make my way outside by myself.
She is stubborn, like me. I have truly met my match, I think as I ruefully shake my head.
My eyes stray to Haley as her arm clasps firmly around my waist as she guides me out of the cave and to a thick stand of bushes that I point out to her. My mate may appear weak, but she is stronger than I realized. It is hard to look away from her or to concentrate on anything but her, even though my bladder feels like it will burst.
Haley leaves me by the bushes, her voice a stammer as she points back towards the cave, and I find myself feeling a sense of loss at her absence. I shake my head and I attend to my personal needs as quickly as I can.
As soon as I am finished, I slowly edge my way back to the cave. Each step is painful and it takes all of my energy just to raise my feet. Spots swim in front of my vision, but I ignore them. I’m weak, and I know I need to be stronger before attempting to travel back to my village.
I chuckle as I think of the determined flash in Haley’s eyes. She will not approve of my walking around without her assistance, but weakness in a warrior is unacceptable. And now, that I have met my amoris, it is more important than ever that I am at full strength to protect her.
The rest of the day passes slowly, and I work on building up my strength and endurance by taking short walks across the cave when I am not resting. We have resided in this cave too long already, and I am determined to leave as soon as we can. The Tussoll have not found us so far, thanks to my mate’s ingenuity in keeping signs of our presence minimal, but if we spend much longer here then we risk discovery.
I am more determined than ever to leave as soon as possible. Not only because of the danger of being so near the Tussoll village and the Pugj, but also because I am even more impatient than before to be able to freely communicate with my mate.
The pain is grueling and leaves me covered in a thick layer of sweat. Each time I rise to walk, Haley hovers near me, worriedly refusing to let me too far out of her sight. She is like a mother eponirhovering over its young. Each time I rise and manage to make it back to the pallet without incident, I can feel her begin to relax a little, and I become more sure-footed and a little stronger each time.
Still, the crease between the slashing lines of hair above her eyes remains and I sense an air of apprehension and sadness about her. I wish I knew the cause. I wish I knew why she was alone in the jungle. Why were the other aliens not with her?
Soon, I promise myself. Soon I will be able to ask and understand her answer. But until then, I should probably avoid touching Haley. Even now, the urge to claim my mate churns in my chest and fires my blood. Feeling my hands against her soft skin will only make the urge grow.
Before long, the sky has begun to darken as nighttime nears and I carefully ease my way to the cave entrance to check out the area. The fire my Haley built has burned out, and it will have to be relit soon. My mate did well to keep the fire small and just under the overhanging entrance of the cave. So far, it does not seem the Tussoll have noticed the smoke from it, and I hope it will continue that way until we have left.
The rations I packed are beginning to run low and we will run out of food soon. Another reason we need to leave as soon as possible. I can easily forage for berries and tubers as we travel, until I am well enough to hunt for meat.
I glance over at Haley. She is pale and she appears a little thinner than she was when I first saw her, but her smile is sweet when she locks gazes with me. It is important we leave soon so that I can provide my mate with the nourishment she needs.
Tomorrow, we will leave.
I am still moving at a much slower pace than I would like, and my muscles and bones still ache as if I have battled a horde of enemies singlehandedly, but it cannot be helped. I will not risk Haley falling into the hands of the Tussoll, or the Pugj for that matter.
If all goes well, we will arrive at my village two mornings from now, and I can retrieve the translator chip from my cousin. Finally, I will be able to understand the words that fall from my mate’s lips.
I return to the cave after refilling the waterskin from the nearby stream, the same one I used to carry me here, and I see Haley seated on a flat rock near the fire. She must have relit it while I was gone, and once again, I feel a sense of pride in my mate.
Based on her lack of defensive ridges and camouflage abilities, I do not think Haley comes from a planet as dangerous or rough as Laedirissae. But she has shown her strength and resourcefulness at every turn. My mate is truly a gift from the Universe. One who deserves to be cherished, and I plan to do just that.
Haley’s eyes are wide as she stares up at the twinkling stars that have already emerged in the darkening sky. The light from the small fire casts a golden glow onto her silken skin and a coppery hue over her hair making her look like a gilded goddess. The ancient Laediriians worshipped goddesses, and I suddenly understand why. She is ethereal and resplendent in the dancing light of the fire and I have the urge to drop to my knees in front of her, but I suppress it and clear my throat.
Haley turns to watch me as I sit down near her, busying myself with retrieving one of the rapidly depleting ration bags and fishing out enough for each of us to eat tonight. She takes her portion from me, her soft hand brushing against mine and sending a tingle shooting through me, before she returns her gaze to the starry sky.
“Eets reellii sumthiin, yoo noe. Thuh starrs dohnt look lyekk theess ohn ehrrth.” She gestures up at the sky, and her words whisper over me as she gazes up in awe.
I do not know what she said, but I think she is marveling over the beauty of the night sky. I look up and realize it is a beautiful sight.
The stars stretch far and wide like a blanket made of sparkling crystals. The two sister moons hang heavy on the horizon as if ready to guard the night. The blue glow from the moons and the bioluminescence of the plant life adds to the serene atmosphere. It is a sight I do not always take time to appreciate in my daily life, but my mate’s amazement at the scenery makes me look at it with new appreciation and I vow to enjoy the beauty of my home more often.
Haley throws her hands out wide and gestures around us, while rapidly speaking and looking at me expectantly. Her words run together in a jumble in my head as I try to concentrate on them.
It is frustrating to not understand my mate, to not be able to communicate with her like I want to, and I finally, I admit deafeat and lift my shoulders in confusion at her.
She repeats the same words and points up to the sky and then makes a whooshing noise as she glides a hand through the air.
Haley huffs out a breath, then points to herself and says, “Hoo-maan.” Then, she points at the night sky and says, “Ehrrth.”
She repeats the series of hand gestures and words a few more times before pointing at me and gesturing around us. That’s when it finally dawns on me what she is trying to tell me.
My mate is something called a hoo-maan and she is from planet Ehrrth. I listen closely as she says the words again. No. . . that’s not completely correct. Human. Earth. My fangs are in the way of my lips and I don’t know if I can replicate the way she pronounces the words, but I try.
A broad smile creases her face when I repeat her words correctly and I want to laugh with delight at finally being able to communicate with her, no matter how rudimentary it is.
“I am Laediriian,” I tilt my chin up and tap my chest with pride before spreading my hands wide and gesturing around. “This is Laedirissae.” Haley beams at my words and I am captivated by her smile.
She is so different from anyone or anything I have ever seen. So soft and enchanting. It is difficult for me to drag my eyes away from her long enough to even eat.
Haley gestures around us and excitedly speaks in her strange tongue so unlike my own, but I can only shake my head in confusion at her words and tell her, “I cannot understand you, Haley. Hopefully soon I will be able to communicate with you.” She sighs and nods her head at me.
After a few quiet moments while we eat, Haley gestures to the still healing wound on my side. She rattles off something in her language, and between the questioning look on her face and her gestures, I think she might be asking how I was injured.
I am embarrassed to tell my mate that the Tussoll were able to injure me so easily with an arrow. She will think I am weak and unable to protect her, but I do not want to keep the truth from her. She will be safer if she knows what we face.
I quickly explain to her that we are on a rival tribe’s territory and the tribe spotted me. When I tell her a member of the tribe shot me with an arrow dipped in poison, she gasps and reaches out to place a soft hand on my forearm. The concern on her face and the heat from her skin warms me and makes me want to pull her close for reassurance.
Any doubts I had about her reasons for being on Laedirissae are long gone. Haley is not a calculating, malicious being. She could have left me in this cave to die, instead she nursed me back to health. The other females might be here for some nefarious plot, but I do not believe Haley is a part of it. Perhaps, that is why she was wandering in the jungle by herself.
I will protect my mate from any threats, even from her own kind.
Haley’s hand gently squeezes my arm, distracting me from my thoughts, before she returns it to her lap. That small touch was enough to ignite my mateblood, and my cock pulses with the need to claim my mate, to lay her back on the ground and pleasure her. But I ignore the urge and take a gulping sip of water.
I have not told her, yet, that I wish to leave tomorrow, but I have a feeling she knows.
As we finish our meal, I decide to broach the subject. It is my plan for us to pack up and leave while it is still dark, before any hunters from the other tribe have set out for the day and before any of the deadliest predators have woken. I just hope that Haley will agree to come with me. If she does not, then I will remain by her side.
I clear my throat drawing her attention to me. “I hope to leave in the morning to travel to my village. Haley, I would be honored if you would accompany me.”
Haley lets loose with a rapid string of words in her otherworldly language, and none of it sounds particularly pleased. Frustration wells up in me as I shake my head in confusion. She huffs out an irritated breath, and I want to soothe her, but I am not sure what to say. Obtaining the translator chip cannot happen soon enough.
I settle for placing my hand on her smaller one. “I will protect you with my life. You will not be harmed with me, and if you will travel with me to my village first, I will take you anywhere you wish after that.” The lines that have formed between her eyes smooth out as she returns my smile, hers a little wobbly at the corners, and nods her. I breathe out a sigh of relief.
Still, uncertainty settles into the depths of my gut. What if Haley does not want me as her mate?