Chapter 51
Alanna
Her honeymoon, thus far, was everything that people could possibly imagine for a newlywed vacation. The food was fresh and delicious. The accommodations were luxurious but homey. The island was gorgeous and safe.
And the sex was constant and amazing.
They were alone in a tropical paradise. Sex happened at the drop of a hat. Survii didn’t have access to his toys, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t creative. And he had bought some stuff from Earth to add to his collection that he put to use tormenting her in the best way.
They sunbathed on the beach completely nude.
Then, they had sex in the sand. Then, again in the beach shower, regretting the previous session because sand got in the worst places.
But they learned exactly zero lessons because when they went for a nude swim, it led to ocean sex.
Then, more regret and more shower sex as they laughed at themselves.
They went back to the swimming pond and played in the water. They had sex on the benches that time, but she got to enjoy more wild, dirt sex when he chased her again the next day when they were going for a hike to the various hangout spots.
The island owner had gone out of his way to make this place beautiful and comfortable.
There was an ocean swing, a glass dock house that was partially underwater, a small observatory tower near the top of the island that had a telescope, and so much more.
And it led to swing sex, window sex, sex under the stars, and still more.
Alanna was near constantly, delightfully sore. She was also happy. Unbelievably, brilliantly, untouchably happy.
Because the sex was great, but the bonding was better. They cooked together, watched movies he didn’t understand, played games, enjoyed the sunset, chased fish in the ocean. They talked about their pasts, their future, their plans, and their dreams.
They were going to live on his ship and visit the universe.
They were going to have sex in zero gravity when the gravity generators had to go through maintenance.
They were going to meet more alien species than she could track and walk on their beautiful planets.
They decided on having a single pup at a time that they could spoil and put their full attention onto, only planning a second one after that one was full grown.
He asked how soon that could begin. She had a two-hundred-year lifespan now that she had access to alien medicine, so it could be now or in a couple decades, or in a hundred years.
Survii was being affected by his breeding urges, but they were satisfied by the constant sex.
Actually getting her pregnant wasn’t as important as it was to keep coming inside her.
Practice was important after all.
Alanna wanted a chance to get comfortable on his ship first. He loved that idea. She had yet to make a nest in his proper room – the one on the Jutiron Stor was nearly identical, but not the same. He was clearly eager to get her there so she could make herself comfortable.
Night had fallen, and it was paradise, so the windows and doors leading out were all open, tempting in the fresh ocean breeze.
She had the TV on in the living room playing a local channel that was broadcasting syndicated sitcoms as she danced around the kitchen in nothing but one of Survii’s shirts while she cooked dinner and he took a shower.
The last sex session had involved whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
They had made a mess. Alanna had showered while Survii cleaned up that mess, and now he was showering while she cooked.
Whipped cream and chocolate sauce weren’t exactly filling. Even if that wasn’t the only thing currently warming her belly. Survii’s cum tasted like hazelnuts and she loved it.
For dinner, however, they were having steak – one extra raw and one medium rare. She was spicing the asparagus that would be on the side when the familiar strain of a breaking news report suddenly cut through the sitcom laugh track.
Curious, she stepped away to peek through the open archway into the living room. The massive TV, despite how modern and fancy it was, was still fuzzy as a news reporter – who definitely wasn’t from the island news team since she now recognized all two of them – began speaking.
“Breaking news today from various locations across the globe. We’re getting reports of a coordinated and targeted attack against the alien visitors and the human women who are traveling with them.”
Alanna’s stomach dropped as the blood drained from her face.
There was an image beside the lady’s head. Some guy in black tactical gear reaching out for the phone that must have been recording him. His hand didn’t conceal the huge assault rifle in his hand or the hatred burning in his eyes.
“In London, a group of attackers have surrounded one of the college buildings of Oxford University and have trapped Holly Roberts and First Scholar Romival within. Hostage negotiations are ongoing but as of yet, we have no confirmation as to the safety of them or the university staff and students who were accompanying them.”
Alanna’s legs gave out and she collapsed onto the armchair. She was breathing, but each desperate gasp completely hollow in her chest.
“In Paris, Scarlet Callahan and First Guardian Havali were attacked on the streets and driven down into the tunnels. No news has been heard about their welfare or whereabouts.”
“Survii!” She yelled, voice breaking. In the bathroom, she heard distant thuds as he reacted to the panic in her tone.
He ran into the room, naked and dripping, as the newscaster continued.
“In Geneva, Peony Hoffman and First Domini Atem have both vanished after an attack on their hotel. All of this just one day after the jet carrying Hattie Sweet and First Warrior Tuvo went missing. Authorities do not know if these two events are related, but they cannot rule it out at this time.”
“What…?” Survii looked between her and the TV, unable to understand what was said.
“They’re gone!” She cried, shaking. “Everyone! They’re gone!”
“What? Gone where?”
“They’re under attack! Th-They’re probably hurt! They could be dead! T-Tuvo and Hattie. They’re missing!” She was blubbering now, tears pouring down her face. The worry for her friends acid in her belly.
“Alanna.” Survii came to kneel in front of her, hands on her shoulder. Looking her dead in the eye with uncharacteristic seriousness. “Everyone is being attacked? Right now? They’re being attacked?”
Alanna’s mouth moved up and down. The answer was yes, but the expression in his eyes told her that wasn’t the question he was asking.
Everyone.
They were part of everyone.
She froze. Suddenly terrified.
“Get your shoes. Now.” Survii ordered, jumping to his feet and running from the room.
Breathing fast, belly tight with fear, she ran to the front door. All she had were sandals. She chose the ones that had a stretchy band that she pulled up over her ankle. At least, that way, she wouldn’t have to worry about them falling off.
She stood in the living room, shaking in fear. At the last minute, she remembered the oven and rushed to the kitchen to turn it off. Her hands felt cold and oddly detached from her body.
What had happened? Tuvo and Hattie had been missing for a whole day? How had they missed that? How had no one informed them?
The comm.
Where had Survii put the comm?
She cast her mind back to their arrival. Trying to remember what he had done with it.
Before she could figure it out, Survii was rushing into the room. He had pulled on a pair of swim trunks and had the knife she got from Tuvo in his hands along with a pair of her jean shorts.
“Here.” He passed them to her. “We’re going back to the boat.”
“Survii, the comm.”
“Right!” He turned his head quickly, looking around. “We’ll summon the shuttle and-”
“Do you smell that?” She interjected, sniffing at the air.
He did the same, frowning. “Yes. What is it?”
The strangely acrid but not unpleasant scent was familiar. Even cut slightly by the ocean breeze. Drift through the open windows.
“That’s gasoline,” she said, suddenly numb. “I-It’s gas! Survii, it’s-”
She didn’t get the chance to freak out further. Survii grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. He ran from the room, straight out the open balcony door.
Not so quickly that Alanna wasn’t able to catch the unmistakable whiff of smoke.
He took the stairs down to the beach in leaps, going down like only a climbing species could. From his shoulder, Alanna could look back and see the fire quickly growing around the front and back door.
And the men that were starting to light them at the balcony door, surprised by how quickly they had run by.
Trying to trap them inside.
Survii hit the sand. He didn’t look back. He just ran.
The loud popping in the distance didn’t register in her mind as gunshots until the sand suddenly exploded around them.
Survii jerked on her legs. He pulled her down until she was across his chest, like a crossbody bag, putting himself between her and the bullets as he ran into the trees.
They were being shot at. Whoever was shooting at them had been trying to trap them in the house with fire at the exits.
As they ran under the trees, she heard a loud boom. A horrible cracking. Their boat went up in flames along with most of the dock. Their only way off the island besides the comm. A comm that was still somewhere inside the house that was very quickly burning.
They were under attack too.
“Were you hit?” Survii asked, still running.
She shook her head. “I-I can run.”
He said nothing but tightened his arms around her.
It was dark. The island was small. There was no way for them to get out or call someone for help. They were well and truly trapped.
And the gunshots told her that their assailants hadn’t given up.
Whimpering, she turned her face into Survii’s chest.
She clung desperately to her mate as they disappeared into the darkness.