Page 27 of Kazzon's Human Bride
The chasm had happened so gradually that she hadn’t realized what was going on until it was too late. She glanced over her shoulder at Kazzon. She barely knew him, yet he’d shown her more warmth during the last twenty-four hours than her own flesh and blood had in years.
He approached her with a glass of sparkling water. At least she assumed that was what it was. She accepted the drink with a quick murmur of thanks, then brought it to her lips. She took a deep drink, savoring the slight fruity flavor of the beverage. She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was until that first sip.
“So, it takes six weeks to reach Tarrkua?” she asked. That was how long it took theZenalliato navigate from Earth to Kazzon’s planet at least, but she didn’t know if theCorranneliawas able to travel faster.
He nodded. “Yes, however, I have just received orders to retrieve a fellow ambassador from planet Xollnax. It is not far out of the way, and it will only add an additional two days to our travel time.”
“Why do you have to pick this ambassador up? Is something wrong?” Her heart raced with excitement and nerves. She’d never heard of a planet called Xollnax, though she knew Tarrkuans weren’t the only aliens in the universe. But humans had little contact with aliens beyond the Tarrkuans, as Earth didn’t have much to offer. She didn’t blame the other aliens for staying away from a largely barren planet whose people lived in climate-controlled dome-cities.
“The TEC600 reactor that powers his ship has malfunctioned and it’s important he returns to Tarrkua very soon, as he is due to speak before a special session of Parliament regarding Tarrkuan-Xollnaxian relations.”
“What is Xollnax like?”
“I’ve been there once.” His tone was clipped, and his gaze turned cold. Caylee fought back a shiver. “It’s a beautiful planet, but a dangerous one. You will not be permitted to leave the ship during our short stop there.”
Her stomach twisted. “I understand,Xerr.” Her spirits sank, though, because for a brief moment the prospect of exploring an alien planet had filled her with a sweeping sense of adventure. As far as she knew, no one from Earth had visited an alien planet aside from Tarrkua. But at least she would still technically be visiting the planet, even if she didn’t set foot on the soil.
As if reading her mind, Kazzon said, “We will land on a high platform and you’ll be allowed free roam of my ship while I collect Ambassador Stonnas, which means you’ll be able to gaze out all the viewscreens and get a better look at the planet.” The coldness in his gaze faded and she sighed with relief to see a glimmer of warmth return to his huge dark eyes.
“Thank you,Xerr. I would like that,” she replied with a smile, touched by his thoughtful gesture. “When will we arrive on Xollnax?”
“In fourteen days.”
“Why is the planet so dangerous?” she asked, then finished the last of her drink.
Kazzon took the empty cup and set it aside. He gave her a funny look, as if he were considering whether or not to answer her question. Finally, he said, “There are many deadly animals on Xollnax, as well as dangerous plant life.”
“How could plants be dangerous?” she asked, trying to keep the amusement out of her voice. She didn’t think Kazzon had a sense of humor, but perhaps she was wrong and he was telling a joke, or at least trying to tell one.
“There are numerous carnivorous plants on Xollnax. In fact, Ambassador Stonnas’ predecessor was devoured by anerollozztree. The branches of the tree grabbed him and shoved him into its mouth—the trunk of this particular type of tree opens like a mouth to reveal over a thousand razor sharp teeth.”
Caylee covered her mouth briefly as her eyes widened. She shook her head as the shock of Kazzon’s revelation washed over her. She peered at her new husband and worry for him clenched in her stomach. That could’ve easily beenhim. What if he’d been appointed as an ambassador to Xollnax and had accidently walked too close to one of their deadly trees? She shuddered at the thought.
“But worse than the trees and vicious animals are the Xollnaxians themselves,” Kazzon said in a warning tone. “They are a violent people who constantly fight amongst themselves, and females on Xollnax are treated poorly. Tribes frequently conduct raids to capture females from their rivals.”
You captured me.
She almost said it but stopped herself just in time. She didn’t wish to anger Kazzon, but she found his proclamation that females on Xollnax were treated poorly to be a bit hypocritical.
Females on Tarrkua didn’t have many rights. She would forever live under the authority of her husband, a huge male who could punish her whenever he liked, whether or not she agreed with his reasons, and whether or not she submitted.
“It is time to get ready for bed,” he announced.
Despite herself, the sight of his eyes darkening with lust caused her insides to flutter. Just as the warmth started pulsing between her thighs—she knew he expected her to share his bed tonight—she stepped away from him and headed for the bathroom.
“I-I’m just going to take a quick shower,” she said, praying he gave her the privacy she so desperately sought. She needed a few minutes to gather her thoughts. After closing the door, she waited a few seconds to see if he would barge inside, but to her relief she only heard his footsteps as he went into the neighboring bathroom.
She sighed with relief and sank down on the chair that rested beside the tub. Thank goodness his quarters contained two large bathrooms. They wouldn’t have to take turns or share at the same time, the idea of which made her uncomfortable. Though his quarters were large, and he would no doubt occasionally leave in order to speak with the pilots or perhaps the guards who traveled with them, she found herself relaxing just a little at the knowledge that she would be afforded some privacy, some precious alone time.
After taking a quick shower, she donned a silk robe but didn’t bother putting on an actual nightdress or pair of pajamas. The look in Kazzon’s eyes had made it quite clear what would happen once they were both ready for bed.
She took a fortifying breath and slowly opened the door.
Kazzon stood in the center of the room, stark naked, the overhead lights bathing his massive muscular form in a golden hue. His cock stood fully erect and his gaze was black as the open space outside the viewscreen, dark and mysterious.
Her mouth went dry and tingles affected her all over. She paused in the doorway and could only stare at Kazzon. The sight of him, so huge and naked and proud, took her breath away.
He crooked a finger at her and his deep voice soon reverberated across the room.
