Page 55 of Wayfinder
Jutuk groaned, a sound as desperate and needy as I felt.
He gripped my hips tightly, pulling me close as he thrust into me with a long, powerful stroke. We both moaned in pleasure as our bodies moved together, the sound of skin slapping against skin filling the room. I could feel myself quivering around him, my muscles tensing and releasing with each thrust. Jutuk’s hands guided me, controlling the pace as we lost ourselves in the heat of the moment.
Liquid fire coursed through my body, igniting every nerve ending as his fingers slid between my thighs. His touch on my clit was electric, sending waves of pleasure rippling through me. I felt a familiar warmth building in my body. My legs wrapped tightly around him as I arched my back, letting out a string of moans and screams, calling out his name. The intensity of our connection was evident in the way we moved together, perfectly synchronized as we reached the peak of pleasure together. As he released inside me, I shuddered, convulsing around him.
Our bodies intertwined, sweat dripping from every pore as we collapsed onto the small cot. Jutuk’s warm breath tickled my neck as he turned to face me, his arms wrapped tightly around my body, still embedded deep inside me. We lay there in silence, both too breathless for words.
“My perfect, beautiful mate,” he finally whispered, his lips bestowing butterfly kisses over my face and hair.
I snuggled against him, burying my head against his chest. “I love you.”
“I’m growing fond of that Earth term,” Jutuk murmured, and I felt him smile against my temple. “I love you too, my Pearl.”
Chapter 16 – Jutuk
The bustling merchant booths of level six on the Ardeese Valout space station were a vibrant and chaotic scene. Species from across the galaxy proudly displayed their wares, ranging from intricately woven fabrics to advanced weaponry, all under vibrant awnings that provided a rainbow of shade and light. The scent of exotic spices and the hum of alien chatter saturated the air. Shoppers weaved through the narrow aisles, eager to peruse the unique offerings from different corners of the universe. It was a sensory overload, with bright colors, enticing scents, and a constant barrage of sights and sounds.
Pearl’s warm body pressed close to mine as we strolled along the bustling thoroughfare, her face aglow with joy and excitement. Her eyes darted around, taking in every detail of the lively scene that she likened to a place on Earth called Marrakesh.
I’d borrowed one of Jala’s cloaks, its soft fabric draping over Pearl’s small frame and concealing most of her pale, creamy skin. Despite this, I noticed the curious stares from other shoppers. After news of the contest, the lone human on the space station held celebrity status, but thankfully, most of the glances received were only curious in nature. Most came to this level as we did, to shop.
I watched Pearl as she flitted from booth to booth, vibrant energy and curiosity radiating off her. I was relieved to seeher in better spirits. I couldn’t blame her for being angry at the idea someone would use her skill in the kitchen to harm another. But now, that fury had transformed into an unwavering determination to beat the Baron at his own game.
We moved from booth to booth, finally coming upon a bustling spice market owned by a Targulani—a species known for impressive merchant skills and recognizable by their large, slimy bodies and thick, pale green skin. Pearl’s cheeks flushed with excitement as she eagerly sampled each seasoning offered, her laughter ringing out when a particularly potent scent caused her to sneeze. Pearl was in her element, and she’d never been more beautiful. Silently, I sent a prayer of gratitude to the goddess Valana for the blessing of having her as my mate.
Pearl handpicked dozens of exotic spices and herbs. Her keen eye and nose examined each for quality and freshness, often arguing with the Targulani as to the best application for each distinctive taste. I played my part, standing nearby and scowling at the shopkeeper to ensure we secured a fair price. Pearl was spending the Baron’s money, but I just couldn’t stomach the thought of anyone taking unfair advantage of my mate.
After completing the purchase, we watched the vendor pack up the treasures for delivery to the Baron’s kitchen. Pearl watched each move with curious intent and often rearranged the vendor’s packaging to prevent crushing the delicate leaves and seeds.
Once Pearl extracted the vendor’s solemn vow that the shipment would arrive unscathed, we wandered to the next booth. We found ourselves bombarded with samples of vibrant fruits and verdant vegetables. This merchant was a small pale lavender species with a broad head and wide green eyes. I couldn’t recall the species’ name, but he seemed tickled at Pearl’s interest, plying her with sample after sample. Some she eagerlysavored, while others elicited a wrinkled nose and gagging reflex. But her eyes lit up at the sight of one particular item, her expression transforming into one of joyous surprise as though she’d discovered a hidden treasure amidst the colorful wares.
“Holy shit, are those eggs?”
“Yes, my lady.” The shopkeeper gave a pleased bow. “These are the eggs of the aakbar. They are very creamy and hold a briny flavor.”
Pearl glanced at me, her nose crinkling.
“The aakbar is a sea creature,” I explained.
Pearl considered for a moment, tapping a finger on her chin, obviously creating some delicious recipe in her wonderful mind. I perused the offerings. The eggs ranged in size from small round balls to long thin cylinders in colors from pale gray to deep brown.
“I need something with little taste but a creamy texture,” Pearl said, following my gaze.
The merchant’s deep purple lips rolled into a pout as he considered. “I believe ikklak eggs might work for your taste.” He removed a small pale green square with rounded corners and cracked it against the side of his table, pouring the contents into a small dish.
Pearl’s face flashed with delight as she noticed the orange center surrounded by a translucent liquid. Tentatively, she touched the tip of her finger to the plate, lifting a small amount of egg to her tongue, her face flashing with delight.
“I’ll take two dozen. Can you have them delivered to the Baron’s kitchen?”
The merchant looked near to fainting. “Of course, my lady.”
Pearl twirled with glee, her arms outstretched in a graceful arc. With a joyful leap, she landed in my arms, planting a delicate kiss on my cheek. Her brownish-red tresses bouncedaround her face as she beamed up at me, her bright blue eyes sparkling with happiness. A warm feeling of contentment spread through my body as I held her close, cherishing the moment.
“Happy?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
“Very.” She grinned up at me, her face so beautiful it stole my breath. “Do you know what this means? I can bake the Duke a birthday cake now.”
“This is good?” She’d mentioned thiscakebefore, but without so much joy.
