Page 83 of Heart’s Prisoner

Lana stood. "It's not like that."

"You smile at me and say you are happy, but you shrink from my gaze and my touch." Xerus snorted. "It is confusing and frankly annoying."

Lana swallowed as her mouth went dry. "I just...it's complicated, Xerus."

Xerus turned, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "You know I don't wish to harm you. I never would." He twisted back toward her. "I have been struggling to understand you for some time. But also to understand why I hate that you shrink from me. That is the most confusing and annoying thing of all."

Lana's eyes widened. She stood frozen as he moved toward her, coming to stand before her. "Why do I care so much for the little human female? Why do I speak her language so she can understand? Why do I go out and get food and clothing for her and other useless trinkets to please her? Why do I protect her and care for her when I should be focusing only on my mission. Hm?" His face came close to hers. "It is beyond me, you know. It is unlike me. Yet I do it. Do you know why?"

Lana's lips trembled. "It's the same reason why I did all this for you," she confessed softly.

Xerus' eyes widened for a split second. "Then why do you hide from me?"

Lana closed her eyes then opened them slowly, uncertain what to say. Xerus lifted his hand and took a few strands of her long hair in his fingers, letting them slip through. Then he placed his hand again against her neck, wrapping his fingers lightly around.

"Is it only because you still fear me?"

Lana shook her head, her body trembling. "No."

His hand rose to cup her jaw, his sharp thumb grazing her lips yet again. "Prove it then. Kiss me again."

His demand was unbreakable. Lana stood on the edge for a moment. Cautiously, she gripped his wrist so that his hand fell to settle on her chest and then carefully placed her hands around the sides of his face, grazing his smooth scales. He watched her with such intensity that Lana feared she might burn up in his gaze. Feeling her pulse hammering in her head she acted before she became too afraid to. She lifted herself on her toes, stretching up to kiss the side of his jaw and neck, feeling his hard, smooth skin brush against her lips. Xerus remained still until she broke from him. She tried to step back and felt his tail wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Without warning his head came down toward her and Lana stifled a gasp as his face pressed against her neck and nuzzled her.

"Vina sila. Kissala,"He hissed softly.

Lana let out a small whimper, her hand trembling as she gripped his arms.

Be with me.

Lana could hardly breathe. She lifted her head, letting him in more. Whether from the confession or the wine, she couldn't be sure, she let all her fears and doubts slip away. Now there was only her and this lethal, terrifying, gorgeous alien that she wanted. Wanting him to take her and make her his until there was nothing but them together in the dark.

His tongue slipped between his teeth and grazed up her neck and Lana moaned uncontrollably. Like her dream, she felt wild and alive. She shivered as she felt his fangs nip her skin but didn't cry out, not wanting him to stop. It was a strange feeling at first, so different from a human man. But Lana let go of her cares, her hands gripping him tightly, wanting him closer.

His head rose and his warm hands slipped down on her waist, gripping her hips, bringing her against him. He let out a low growl and Lana felt something brush against her stomach. When she glanced down, she saw the bulge between his legs enlarged, only his armored pants keeping him in. Xerus' expression twisted as if in pain, his body shifting. His tail slipped from her to sway with impatience behind him.

"Xerus," Lana whispered. She kissed his chest and stomach and felt him tremble for the first time. A sharp hiss escaped him and, before she could even react, she was in his arms, being carried toward the bedroom.

"Wait, not there!" Lana said. She pointed to the hall with the pool room. "Down there. Trust me."

Xerus did as she asked and quickly made his way down the hall, pushing the door open with his foot. She felt his body tense as he took in the scene, similar to the main room with the inlaid bed instead of a pool.

Lana wrapped her arms around his neck. "I thought you would like–"

Xerus rushed for the pool bed, dropping down into it with little effort. As soon as he placed Lana on her back, he stripped off his armored pants and, with his talon-like fingers, gripped her bathing suit top and tore it off. Lana gasped as the clothing ripped in two and was tugged away from her. Though her body was on fire, goosebumps trailed along her legs and arms and her nipples tightened.

Xerus glared down at her naked upper torso as if transfixed. Slowly he knelt beside her and Lana saw him grimace as if in pain again. The slit between his legs opened and the head of him slipped out. A dark, pointed shape. Then the rest of him slid out. Deep red, long, thick, and rimmed, the tip curving up ever so slightly. Lana's heart did a little flip. Her scientist brain tried to push its way into full gear and Lana had to choke down an idiotic laugh, shoving the thoughts aside.

No, now wasn't the time for observing like that. Though she couldn't help the little fear growing at the thought of him entering her. She hadn't been with anyone since her college days. And he was large. It was likely going to hurt.

She didn't fear much else besides that. She had been treated a while ago to prevent disease and pregnancy, having her chip replaced when they asked for all her treatments to be up to date before coming to Lazris. And it wasn't like it was possible for him to get her pregnant. It couldn't be. Even if Xerus' race had odd ways of counteracting natural defenses.

Xerus licked his lips as if about to savor another delicious meal. He lowered his head and nuzzled her breasts and neck, nipping them. His fangs were so sharp, even with his lightest bite little beads of blood formed along her skin. He lapped at them and Lana let out a sharp little inhale.

He raised his head up to look at her again, his eyes swimming with liquid fire. "Issina xi, Kissala," bare yourself to me, he said in a low voice.

Slowly Lana sat up and began to slide the suit bottom from her, the small strips of clothing coming off with it. She settled herself back, taking deep breaths, watching Xerus with nervous anticipation. Her body was wickedly hot and when his slick tongue stroked against her belly like licks of fire, she felt her lower core spasm and turn to liquid.

"Xerus," she whispered in a soft moan. She opened herself to him and he readily obliged, mounting on top of her. He lifted her legs, bending the knees so that her feet were around his stomach. With his arms on either side of her head, she gripped his wrists as if preparing herself, digging her nails into his skin. He didn't so much as flinch, his eyes only looking to her, searing and bright.

---