Page 51 of Jewel of the Alien Bandit
A pang touched my heart that she would want to be rid of me, but I tamped that feeling down to hear her out once she knew the truth of things.
“No, My Sun. You are still you, but the mark will enhance your pleasure when you are with me as the runes are best when they are united. The mark does nothing to hinder whatever choices you may make, only my own,” I admitted the last part reluctantly. The very idea of someone else claiming what is so clearly marked by me jarred my very soul and hot rage sparked within me before her soft cheek rubbed against my chest and I felt her smile. My cock pulsed within her, our bodies still linked together.
A shyness overcame her as she blushed, witnessing our audience’s arousal in the aftermath from our display, and now that we were finished many were rushing out to do the same amongst themselves. I kissed her temple and eased my cock from her, even that, was a feeling like no other. The glow of our bond. Already I felt myself hardening once more for another round, but knew there were things to address, and our whole lives to show each other more pleasure.
“There are some things I must tell you,” I rubbed at my neck where my brand had already healed during our love making. Her silver orbs followed the movement and lingered where my hair had been shorn.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Luan
I ADJUSTED MYskirts around myself and lifted a few strands up to lace them around my neck to cover my breasts to some degree. Vareo appeared very serious despite standing naked for all the ship to see. He was a vision, confident and poised even with his organs hanging down his leg. I smiled to myself, clenching my thighs together at the thought of his cock ramming into my core, filling me so completely only just moments before. It was so strange that it wasn’t long ago that I thought it absurd to have one’s reproductive organs on the outside, but now that I see them displayed for me I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The people had fled the room, I didn’t even see Lord Zorn around since we’d started, and I now knew how my people felt after the mating ceremony. There was no shame, only a glow of knowing this was my mate, and everyone knew he was mine. I brimmed, feeling my loh brighten as if I’d spent the night under the moon’s rays.
What could possibly be on my mate’s mind that he would look so serious, I thought for a brief moment before reality reminded me my entire planet was staring down war.
I gulped, uncertain of which disaster he would speak of first.
This was not the afterglow of our mating that I was anticipating, but he was right. There were things to discuss.
I nodded for him to continue, watching as his hand lifted to a newly shaved half of his scalp which made him look quite rugged. As he moved his hand I saw the start of that brand I had been curious about not that long ago. Though it was different even from the one I saw on Lord Zorn himself. This scorched bird, he turned his head more knowing I needed to see the whole of it, revealing a sword inked over the bird, but also freshly pinked flesh in the shape of a heart. I searched Vareo’s dark eyes as if they would hold the answers without a word, but I couldn’t read more than the guilt as he closed them to me with a sigh.
“You’ve been branded once more,” I said hushed like that would make it less real. If I said it soft enough that it would disappear and fly from here taking with it the implications of the words I’ve released.
I raised my voice, “You’ve committed yourself back to slavery in exchange for the fleets, haven’t you.” It wasn’t a question. I knew there was a price, and the look on his face said enough. “Take it back. We do not need them. We will face our future together.”
Vareo smiled and cupped my face in his large hand, not even bothering to cover himself.
“Spoken like a true leader, but even a blazing sun like you needs planets to rotate around your beauty. You see the reason in needing your own force un-reliant on the krelin.”
I bit my lip, and grimaced. “Not like this. Is this force any better than choosing to align with the krelin?”
His lips pressed gently to my forehead and he breathed in the scent of my hair deeply. “The Slaves of Zorn are at your mercy, My Queen. Do with them as you will, but know that the fleets will not demand a single return from Estreldez.”
“Why would they do that?” I shook my head trying to comprehend what he was trying to tell me.
“Because I was the one who defeated my Lord Zorn when King Sylve sought to teach me a lesson for my behaviors. Genbi took my place to reform the business in my absence.”
“That would mean…”
I gaped at him in panic, not wanting what he was saying to be true.
“I am the true heir and rightful leader of the slaves, Lord Zorn.”
My mouth dried, tasting of sandpaper, and in need of water immediately after hearing those words.
“Lord Zorn,” I nearly choked. “So, when you said you would join the slaves before you meant—”
“To take up my title, yes.”
“Lord Zorn, I mean Genbi, he said it was a high cost, he meant—”
“Being Lord Zorn is a tainted commitment and once I’ve claimed it, it can’t be undone. I’ve already forfeited my rights to Genbi before finishing my brand, that isn’t an option again. There are things I will be forced to do that I won’t be proud of, and the road to saving the slaves is covered in the grime of decisions that will alter my soul, but with you I know I’ll be strong enough to overcome the darkness.”
I pushed him back to glare at him. “You could dismantle this all!”
He lowered his eyes in disappointment. “Only to have it rebuilt by someone else. Would you give their lives to someone else who doesn’t see them, who wasn’t them?”
