Page 85 of Ava Greasemonkey

Ava understood the implication that he was going to assist her regardless of what happened with the Vorbax Quorum. She made the universal sign for deference as Iryl looked on, amused.

Vox continued the discussion, voice deep, “We have messaged males on Xai that we are familiar with. Most are passive regarding our goal. The quorum are discussing, but as of now are unwilling to help.”

Erox shifted his arms, crossing them. “They are intrigued but also timid. Xai is the first consideration on their mind.” He looked at Ava apologetically. “I would brace yourself that they will not want to become involved.’

Ava’s heart fell, and she looked down from the hologram and away from Erox. She knew it was too much to ask another species to risk themselves.

Vox placed his hand on her shoulder. “But they are passive enough that they will not stop us either. The females also stand with us, the ones here on the ship, whose opinions matter just as much. They are confident they can convince the others at home. They have already been in contact.”

“We let the Quorom know of our stance,” Rhutg said, looking at Ava. “They will not interfere.” He glanced down at her chest, where the container of biologics swirled. “Besides, the biologics on this ship will not work for us without Ava, so we have some additional bargaining power. It would be a shame for such a piece of technology to go unused.” The biologics pulsed, as if in agreement.

“All of you will help?” Ava reconfirmed, a catch in her throat. She turned and looked at the four Vorbax faces.

Lirell grinned, an eager nod.

Erox curtly nodded. “I know there will be a period of rest on Xai, but when you decide to go I will help where I can. Whether that will be staying behind on Xai to continue talking with the quorum or joining you if needed.”

Ava turned and gave him a hug, overjoyed. Erox looked over her head, startled, while he awkwardly patted at her back. She broke it and hugged Lirell and Rhutg in turn, until she got to Vox. She clung to his chest, smiling as she heard his twin hearts beat.

Iryl watched on with a smile on his face. “You Humans are fascinating. I wish to meet more of you in person soon.”

Chapter 33

Ava kissed Vox deeply once outside of navigation, her knees weak and a fluttering in her stomach. Vox growled at the contact, pushing her to the side of the ship, gently, until her back was against the wall.

“Your smell says you are needy,” he murmured, voice low and greedy.

She didn’t disagree, kissing him again, angling her head for him to reach her neck better. “You are right. I need you, Vox.” She leaned in to him. “I’m ready again.”

He pressed his face into her shoulder and smelled deeply, his eyes feral. “Then I will attend to you.”

Vox picked her up, straddling her legs around his middle, and quickly moved away. “Not in front of Rhutg. Or anyone,” he said haltingly in her ear as he carried her through the halls. He hitched her up in his arms to move quicker. Ava placed her arms around his shoulders.

He didn’t let her down until they reached her bed in the engine room; their room now. Ava didn’t want to claim another room permanently. She wanted to be close to the biologics and the engine. Vox didn’t disagree, but mentioned enlarging the room in the future and affixing a more permanent door than the curtain. She was here helping by choice now, rather than because she had to. That distinction really made all the difference. It was the freedom to choose.

“You are mine,” Vox growled after putting her down. Ava smiled at that, at his possessive demeanor. It reflected back at her in his eyes, narrowed in focus.

“Only if you are mine,” she answered cheekily in return. She craved his touch on her again.

Ava made quick work of taking her jumpsuit off.

He put his head against her forehead, pushing her backward until she sat on the bed, his alien eyes intense. “Always. Always, my little bird.”

Vox nuzzled her neck while he took off his own clothing, undoing the clasps and putting it aside.

Ava reached up to run her hands down his entire body. Vox didn’t move, instead watching her as she explored him, hands lingering over his taut skin.

When Ava’s hands began to explore his stomach, heading downward, he shuddered.

“My turn,” Vox growled, stopping her hand. His hands slid up her body to the nape of her neck as he twined his fingers in her hair. He angled her head to the side to kiss underneath her neck.

Ava felt starved for his touch. He was warm pressed up against her as he continued to trail his mouth down her body. He paused at her breasts, lingering his attention there. Ava arched her back to press into him further. A tension began to build for her again.

“I want you,” she said, heated eyes locked on him. Her core tightened in agreement.

Vox’s shaft had already become exposed, lubricant coating the sides. He smiled at her softly while saying, “I can not deny you, Ava.”

They moved together slowly, the rush of the coupling more tender this time. It didn’t have the heady pressure from before Torga, but the lingering calm of affection. They had time now. All the time in the universe.

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