Page 31 of Whispers of the Void

The sound of the crashing waves lures me out onto the balcony beyond my room. Going out into the deep water with Kodia and his mate tonight was exactly what I needed. We can build deep pools on each of our ships, making the water identical in terms of chemistry and temperature as our ocean, but nothing compares to the real thing. Feeling the pull of the current, hiding in the kelp forest from Kodia, seeing the thriving schools of fish.

I spent hours out there today. The guilt of leaving Neev to entertain herself is what draws me over to her side of the balcony. At least that’s what I tell myself.

She’s left the doors open but pulled the curtains closed. As I draw closer her scent hits me first. It’s a mix of the cleansing salts I instructed to be left near her bath and the same sweet, musky scent as earlier tonight. My blood sings at her scent, my body becoming aware of everything around me on a molecular level but only focusing on her.

A breeze parts the curtains, and I catch a glimpse of her in the center of the bed. Before I can think better of it, I reach out and grab the curtain, holding it back just enough to watch as she writhes in the center of the bed. Her breathing is heavy; if it weren’t for the scent of her arousal, I’d think she was having a nightmare.

This is no nightmare, though. Her body is covered by the sheets, but I can tell her legs are parted by the way her knees are raised on either side of her body. One of her hands is at her breasts while the other works between her legs.

I shouldn’t be here.

I shouldn’t be watching her like this.

But the monsters of the deep couldn’t drag me away from the sound of her panted breaths. Could I draw those noises from her? Does she taste as delicious as she smells?

My cock thickens, seed dripping as I watch her back arch off the mattress. The hand between her legs moves faster and faster. Stars, I wish I could tear that sheet away and see exactly what she’s doing.

I want to learn how to bring her this type of pleasure if she ever were to allow me the honor. There must be some sort of resources on bringing humans carnal pleasure. I’d go to the ends of the universe to learn just to experience her pleasure.

She cries out, louder this time with her head thrown back in the pillows. The movement causes the sheet to drop, exposing one of her breasts. A perfect mound of pale skin topped by a piqued, pink nipple.

Fuck.

My fangs elongate at the sight of her long, slender bared neck, jarring me enough to let the curtain fall closed again and walk to the edge of the balcony. I can still hear her cries of pleasure as they come faster and faster but can’t bring myself to give her the final vestiges of privacy by going back into my room.

My body is alive with need. The brush of the wind against my skin does nothing to settle the roar awakened within me. My most primal form claws at my chest, eager to go lay claim to the female pleasuring herself so boldly.

With one last look over my shoulder, I tear my clothes from my body, leaving them in a pile at my feet and jump over the edge into the churning water beneath me. I don’t call for Kodia, knowing he’s resting as I should be. Instead, I dive deep into the darkness. My gills form immediately on either side of my neck.

I swim right to the edge of the continental shelf and sit with my feet dangled over the side. The quiet of the sea down here soothes my raging need. I watch the deep, careful to keep an eye on the shadows swimming beneath me. I’m a predator, but there are bigger threats down here than I could ever be.

Maybe that’s why I’ve always loved it here, sitting on the edge of this vast chasm. I’ve been dominant in every facet of my life after the blood ritual that killed my brother. When I killed him.

He wasn’t a good male. He would have continued the traditions of the Sovereign without a second thought. I know for a fact he wouldn’t be plagued with nightmares like I am of the moment I was forced to kill him.

Stars, how many times have I woken with the phantom feel of his blood coating my skin and the taste of it running down my throat. If Neev knew what I did to him, my own brother, the being I shared my mother’s womb with, she’d run. I wouldn’t blame her.

Our traditions are vile.

Vynia and Altis were only spared because of her missing limb. Had she been able bodied, they would have had to perform the right. Either of them could have won, and it would have driven them mad with guilt like it does me.

If anything could calm the storm raging in my blood for the female I brought into my life, it’s thoughts of my brother. This is the whole reason for Neev being brought here. The doubt I have in everything we’ve been taught.

The Sovereign has ruled for three times our usual lifespan. With each passing year he becomes more bloodthirsty, demanding sacrifices be made of all families. More death at his hands.

By the time I stand and turn back toward home, I’m reminded of the end goal. Ending the reign of the Sovereign and the horrific atrocities committed in his name. There’s no way this is how our ancestors wanted us to live.

Uzold is waiting for me as I emerge from the sea. He holds out a towel after I shake out my muscles.

“There are rumors about a human being on the planet already circulating. Just thought you’d want to know.”

“Thank you.” I gesture for him to walk with me. “Where did you hear that from?”

“The market and then again when I dropped your weapons off at the armory for cleaning. It doesn’t seem like anyone knows why she’s here, or even that you have her, but you know how much humans go for on the illegal trade markets. She’d be a prize.”

“I know. Double security while she’s here but keep them out of the house. Only essential workers are allowed within the walls.”

He hangs back as I enter my room and close the door behind me. Anger courses through me at the thought of something happening to Neev. She’s too important to my plans for anything to go sideways. There’s no one else who can do what she can. At least that I know of.

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