Page 33 of Resisting the Alien Commander

“The Tavikhi are a primitive race, but on their planet a very specific plant that grows. One that doesn’t grow anywhere else and is vital for the survival of the Bohnari. It is nothing more than useless vegetation to them, so they are more than happy to trade with us and we are willing to give them almost anything they ask for. Within reason, of course.”

“Why can’t you just plants some seeds and grow it here?”

Bannik shakes his head and sorrow radiates from him. “Sadly, it’s not viable on our planet. Whether it’s something in the earth, the air, or the water, we don’t know. Not even our most educated and brilliant scientists can figure out why.”

“You said this is a plant you all need to actually stay alive?”

“It is.” He studies me. “What do you know about the Bohnari?”

I blink at the question. “Um, I guess I know whatever we were told by our President. Who, I assume was told by Alik. He said your people have been unable to give birth to females and that data analysis of our DNA shows we’re a compatible species that should have no problem birthing them. Which is why we came here as part of the bridal lottery program.”

“All correct. Having stopped birthing females is not the only problem that is leading to our extinction. We also suffer from a mating fever that can only be soothed by our mate. Or by the plant we trade for with the Tavikhi.”

I stop in the middle of the path and stare at Bannik. “Explain this mating fever to me.”

“Male Bohnari are afflicted with the mating fever until they meet their mate. Without her—or the kanet plant—it gets progressively worse. Our bodies overheat. We suffer excruciating pain. Rage. Madness. Until eventually it overtakes us, and we go on a rampage and need to be destroyed.”

Horror fills me. “What you’re telling me is that if your males don’t find a mate, or if they stop taking this plant thing, they eventually go mad and have to be killed?”

Bannik slowly nods and the sorrow pours off him in waves so strong they nearly make my knees give out. “That is why the prince has been so desperate to find brides for us. We don’t just need female children, but also mates.”

Apparently there was a whole lot Johnna left out.

Chapter16

Horek

I have no idea how long it will take for the message to reach Janik. We don’t have a specific system other than to send comms across the computer interfaces and wait for them to be intercepted. Some times they go astray. If I don’t get a reply back from him within the next few days, I’ll try again.

I turn to the Bohnari at the mainframe. “Let me know when you hear something.”

“Right away, Commander.”

I leave the palace’s communication room and head out for patrol.

My hope is, for Janik’s and the other rebels’ sake, he’s open to meeting with Alik. My cousin can’t let what happened to Konek go unpunished. He’s done his best to avoid violent retaliation against the rebels.

The implication that Alik is intentionally withholding kanet powder from them won’t leave me. It’s not possible. And yet, the rebel was so earnest in his belief.

My patrol leads me past the females’ building. As if sensing Quinn through the walls, my body temperature rises and already the heat of fire courses through my veins. My fangs throb and my skin feels too tight around my body. I don’t have to see my reflection to know my coloring has darkened and my eyes have changed shades as well. Anyone looking at me will know I’m burning up with mating fever.

I quicken my pace, needing to increase the distance between me and where Quinn resides before I do something I’ll regret. Or that she will.

Did she spend the morning with Bannik? He showed an immense amount of interest in her last night at the welcome banquet, and hewasat Erik’s earlier. Was that a coincidence, or had they planned it? A rough, deep growl rumbles up from my belly, into my throat, and spills from my lips. Several Bohnari snap their heads in my direction and stare open-mouthed.

Fuck. No doubt word will spread throughout Preska about what they witnessed. It will probably raise some concerns about my possibly succumbing to the madness that resides inside me. Before more complications arise, I snag the vial of kanet powder from my pocket and take a large dose. I’m becoming as bad as Alik.

Who will lead Preska if both my cousin and I go mad? Queen Veroneek is the only living member of the royal line, much to my mother’s disappointment. I suppose the High Council will have to appoint someone. But who? I suppose it doesn’t matter since I refuse to allow myself to fall victim to the fever. I’m stronger than that and I will fight it with everything I am.

I patrol the streets, keeping my eye out for any disturbances. Several guards do the same and they nod as we pass. Against my will, my thoughts drift back to Quinn. What is it that continues to draw me to her? Is there a higher power at work? The Bohnari don’t have fated mates like the Tavikhi do, but a few have been lucky and found their heart’s fire. The one person who causes the mating fever to burn out of control and yet keeps the madness at bay.

Vornak found it with Johnna. Queen Veroneek found it with King Danik. It’s not a guarantee that all Bohnari will find their heart’s fire. In fact, they are rare. But our ancestors still managed to settle for companionship and respect with their mate, all while extinguishing the fever entirely. Most oftentimes out of necessity. But they are relationships without any true passion.

A familiar scent hits me, and I curse. Are the gods punishing me? Surely they must be. My blood has barely cooled and the sweet scent that belongs to only one female heats it again. I follow the tantalizing aroma through the streets until I come across its owner. To my surprise, Quinn is alone.

She’s seated on a bench just inside the botanical garden. Her head is tipped back and her eyes are closed. There’s an expression of pure rapture on her face that hardens my cock. Would she look like that beneath me while I thrust into her tight cunt? My fist clenches as I imagine Quinn’s hair wrapped around it so I can pull her head back the way it is now and watch her breasts rise and fall as she tries to catch her breath.

Almost as though she senses me, she tips her chin down and opens her eyes. They lock onto mine. I stride forward—neither of us looking away—and don’t stop until I am before her. I watch her throat move as she swallows. Does she wish as much as I do that it was my cock she was swallowing?

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