Page 14 of Snowed in: With the Alien Tentacle Monster

Valen's entire form stilled, his topaz gaze fixing on Logan with an intensity that made the human shift uncomfortably.

"That is..." Valen's tentacles coiled tightly. "Problematic."

"Excuse me?"

"For the bond to be formed properly, it is necessary that?—"

"No." Logan stood up, needing the height advantage. "Whatever alien biology you're about to explain to me, the answer is still no."

"Before you make that decision, there is... something you should know."

Dread settled in Logan's stomach. "What now?"

"The nectar I shared with you during our..." Valen paused, searching for the right word. "During our coupling."

Logan's face heated at the memory. That sweet, intoxicating liquid that had made everything feel so good. Yeah, he remembered that. "What about it?"

"It is part of our bonding process," Valen explained. "For a few days, it creates a... physical dependency."

"Youdruggedme?"

"No!" Valen's tentacles spread wide in what looked like alarm. "It is not a drug. It is... a biological necessity for bonding between species. It helps your body adapt to mine."

"Adapt how?"

"The nectar contains elements of my energy signature. It allows your human form to... resonate with mine." Valen's topaz eyes fixed on Logan. "Without continued contact, the resonance will become unstable."

"And then what? Does it kill me?"

"No, no." Valen's tentacles moved in what seemed like a calming gesture. "Not death. But your body needs time to adjust to the initial bonding. The nectar helps with this transition."

Logan's eyes narrowed. "How long?"

"A few days. Perhaps a week." Valen's skin pulsed softly. "You will need regular... doses during this time."

"And if I don't?"

"Fever. Muscle pain. Disorientation." Valen's topaz eyes fixed on him. "Very uncomfortable."

"Right." Logan ran a hand through his hair. "And the nectar itself? Any side effects I should know about?"

Valen was quiet for a moment. "It is... highly stimulating."

"Meaning?"

"The nectar enhances physical desire. Significantly." Valen's tentacles curled inward. "It will make you crave sex."

For fuck's sake."You're telling me it's some kind of alien aphrodisiac?"

"Yes." At least Valen had the grace to look uncomfortable. "A very potent one."

"So those are my options?" Logan laughed bitterly. "Either I suffer through withdrawal symptoms, or I drink your sex juice and spend hours fighting off the urge to jump you?"

"I would not... force the intimacy," Valen said carefully. "Even if you are... aroused."

"How generous of you." Logan slumped onto the couch. "When do I need the next dose?"

Valen drifted closer, his skin pulsing with a soft glow. "Soon. Your body temperature is already elevated."

---