Page 34 of Taming the Alien Outlaw
“Take it and go.”
Cautiously, I pick it up, hefting its weight in my hand. Definitely enough to share with everyone.
“I assume you expect a thank you.”
A rough sound escapes Horek’s throat. “I’d be more surprised if you gave one.”
“Best to keep you wondering then, so, thank you.” I take off with my loot and leave him behind.
I make my way through the city, taking an alternate route from the one I used when I arrived, until I reach the crumbling hole in the wall. Darkness falls. I lay multiple fake trails on the off chance I’m followed, doubling back on myself, until I find the overgrown path that leads into camp. I head straight for the central meeting square where slowly everyone begins to gather as word reaches them I’ve returned.
I scan the crowd, mentally counting each male in attendance. My mother approaches and remains on the outskirts of the group. Once I’ve judged that nearly everyone has shown up, I raise my hand to quiet the voices until silence rules.
“I come bearing a gift.”
Murmurs filter throughout and glances are exchanged.
“In here, I have enough kanet powder for everyone. If we’re conservative, it should last us until at least the next supply is purchased. Perhaps longer.” I hold up the bag.
Nearly two-hundred pairs of eyes widen. This is more kanet powder than any of us have seen in far too long. I scan the crowd, pausing on my mother and Orvak who has come to stand at her side. She wears an inscrutable mask. I’ve always had difficulty reading her, but it’s gotten worse lately. Despite being her only child, we’ve never been close. Anymore, it’s like she’s become a stranger. I turn my attention back to the rebels.
“I spoke with the commander while I was in Preska.”
This pronouncement is met with rumbles of confusion and demands for answers.
“There has been some missed communications between the prince and our camp. I plan on meeting with him, but I will arrange this in person so no message goes astray. In the meantime, I will dispense our latest supply so that everyone can top off their stock.”
People surge forward, eager to make sure they get their share.
“There is enough for everyone. No need to push or shove.”
It takes another moment longer, but they finally settle. I understand their urgency and need to not be left out. This is truly a gift from the gods no matter who presented it. Once everyone has filled up their personal supply—twice—and dispersed, I take the small remaining amount for myself.
The unofficial meeting square has emptied of everyone but my mother. We stare at each other for several moments beforeshe too leaves. Alone, as I more frequently am, I head for my dwelling. Already I miss Mak’s presence. She’s nearly always by my side. At least when she’s out hunting for her meals, I take comfort knowing she’s close by. She’s been the one constant since I found her as a pup lying next to her deceased mother.
I head for the hygiene room where several strands of Olivia’s hair tangle with mine in the comb I left on the counter. After I’ve cleaned up, I lie down on the bed where I’m surrounded by the scent of her. My hand goes to my cock as I breathe in deeply and picture her in my head. I stroke myself, my fingers catching on the ridges that spiral along the length of it. Harder I grip. Faster I stroke. My thoughts centered on Olivia. On the softness of her skin. On the flush of her cheeks. On the sounds I can only imagine she’d make taking my cock inside her soft, warm cunt.
Me release hits me with a swiftness I don’t anticipate. Ropes of seed splash on my stomach and cover my hand. I clean myself up a second time and, instead, go lie on the sofa. Doubtful sleep will come, I close my eyes anyway.
Chapter 15
Olivia
Hot breath and a wet object run across my face. My eyes jerk open and I swipe my forearm across my cheek where Mak has licked me. She hovers over my head and whines.
“Do you need to go outside?” I throw back the blankets and slide my feet into the soft leather slippers I bought in the market one day. We’ve had to request certain things from the shop owners since everything is sized to fit Bohnari—males mostly—and not even the female clothing fits.
I walk with Mak to the lift. Sunlight filters through the tinted windows lining the opposite wall warming the air slightly. The fragrant trees that sit in large pots in the atrium sway slightly with the artificial air that circulates.
We reach the ground floor where Cadence and Molly sit in their usual spots doing their usual thing; reading a book and working on some puzzle. They glance up and away before they jerk their heads back up and stare at Mak. She’s intimidating for sure. Theguards at the entrance open the door for us and they do a double take as well since they aren’t the same ones from last night.
Mak takes her time sniffing around. I’m sure the scents are new to her since I doubt she’s spent much, if any, time in the city. While she does her thing, I scan the area, pausing at the copse of trees where Janik allegedly hid last night. It’s not far from where the guards are in full view so I walk over. There’s nothing to indicate anyone was here. Did he leave before Horek found him? God, is he even now sitting in some prison somewhere? The guy’s an outlaw. A criminal who kidnapped me. Heshouldbe in jail. Except a wave a panic strikes me that he was detained.
A wet nose nudges my hand. Mak sniffs the ground and whines, pawing lightly at a spot. I crouch down. There are several dried patches of…something. Upon closer inspection, it reminds me of blood. Is it Janik’s? Why else would Mak be so attracted to it? My stomach lurches at the thought.
“Come on, girl, let’s go back inside.”
She and I head back to the dormitory and up to my apartment. This time we don’t attract as much attention. I glance at the clock. There’s still a couple hours—or rather the Bohnari equivalent—until lunch, which means I have some extra time before Quinn comes knocking on my door. Because she will. We’ve been friends nearly our entire lives. To my knowledge, neither of us has secrets from the other. We’re as close as two sisters could be. Yet, for some unknown reason, I’m hesitant to talk about Janik. Maybe because if I do, that will make it real.
