Page 22 of Radakk's Mate
But taking a child with me? I have a feeling Emperor Radakk would stop at nothing to get us back. He would go to the ends of the universe. Especially if that child was male.
My pulse accelerates as he leads me toward the oversize bed, his hand grasping mine tightly. When he turns me to face him, I can’t hold his gaze, so I glance down—only to glimpse the enormous bulge in his pants. The heat quaking between my thighs intensifies, and my breasts feel strangely heavy, my nipples tingling in the confines of my bra.
He places a finger beneath my chin, forcing my eyes to his. I gulp and try to summon my bravery. But my whole body continues trembling, and my stomach flutters with nerves.
He’s so large and muscular. Powerful. I don’t stand a chance against him. Whatever he wishes to do to me, I won’t be able to stop him.
Will he be gentle? Or will he hurt me?
“You have nothing to fear, little spy.” To my surprise, his voice is tender, and fuck—why does that make my eyes burn? A minute ago, he’d oh so sternly announced that I was his property, then scolded me for refuting his claim.
“Nothing to fear?” I nearly scoff but stop myself. “We’re angry with one another, and you-you just threatened to punish me. And seconds later, you announced it was time for us to consummate our union.” I don’t voice my greatest fear aloud—that I worry he’ll be rough and hurt me on purpose just to teach me a lesson. I was already nervous enough about copulation, but I can’t fathom enduring it with a side of cruelty and intentional pain.
He shifts his hands to my hair and begins stroking my locks. “If you follow my lead and obey me, all will be well.”
His words, spoken in a matter-of-fact tone, do absolutely nothing to allay my fears. If anything, my anxieties only increase. But so does the persistent throbbing between my thighs. His scent and his nearness are having an intense visceral effect on me that I’m helpless to stop. It reminds me of the dreams I had about him, the dreams that always felt so real.
“I only have one vagina,” I blurt, suddenly remembering that he’s in possession of dual shafts. God, please let them be small. In my dreams, they were huge, but I pray it’s not the case in real life.
A smile touches his lips. “I know.”
“How do you know?”
“Eight days ago, a team of Darrvason physicians boarded theJansonnato examine several human females, and I read the report they compiled. And before you get upset about it, I promise none of the females were hurt. I also ordered your captain to reduce their sentences. Most will be released from the brig very soon.”
I’m silent for a long moment as I process his words. I’m still not happy about the examinations, but I take comfort in the fact that Emperor Radakk thought to compensate the women in some manner. Conditions in the brig are notoriously awful. Miniscule rations, freezing temperatures, and nowhere to sleep except the cold, hard floor. The guards are also known to dole out severe beatings for the smallest of infractions.
“Thank you,” I finally say, striving for an appreciative tone, “for having their sentences reduced.”
He gives a slow, deep nod. “I had you in mind when I did it. Now, back to the subject of your one vagina.” Cupping my face, he rubs his thumbs along my cheeks, his touch causing my head to prickle with sensation. He clears his throat. “As I said, I’m aware that you only possess one slick hole between your thighs. For now, I intend to fuck you with one cock at a time. I’m also aware that you have a tight, much smaller back hole, and perhaps in time I can train it to accept one of my shafts. But not today.”
My face heats at the prospect of him claiming both my orifices in tandem, and the mental image this provokes sends fresh pangs of desire surging to my core. I flush so hot I’m sure my face must be bright red.
“Well,” I force out, “that is a relief.” Perhaps he’s not as beastly as I first thought.Please let him be gentle.
He leans down and runs his nose along my neck, inhaling deeply. Little shivers assail me, and I’m reminded of our first meeting. When he snarled at the guards who were holding me, only to grasp me himself and yank me close so he could smell me.
He cradles my head in one hand and moves his other hand up and down my back. Each time he comes close to touching my bottom, it’s all I can do to keep from thrusting my center toward him.
The ache in my core is overwhelming, and to my great mortification, a needy whimper escapes my throat.
“Your scent is intoxicating, little spy.” He pulls back and stares down at me, his purple eyes darkening with heat. “I cannot wait to lick you between your thighs.”
I gasp and start shaking my head. He grins, revealing those sharp teeth of his. He’s already licked me between my thighs numerous times—in my dreams—but I have no wish to experience such an indecent act in real life. Never mind that the mere thought of his tongue lapping at my clit is causing the delicious tension in my core to coil tighter.
“Don’t worry, Thalia. I plan to lick, not bite.” A growl rumbles from his chest. “I have so many plans for you. I intend to savor our first mating. I will take my time as I claim you and make you mine.”
Still wearing a wicked, predatory smile, he steps back and removes his shirt. I can’t help but gawk as I admire his muscular physique. I’m also surprised to see glowing purple symbols on his upper arms.
Without thinking, I reach out and trace the symbols. His flesh is rough beneath my fingers. “What are these?”
“My ancestral markings. All our sons will be born with the same markings.” Pain flickers across his face as he glances at my arms. He draws in a deep breath, then gives me what looks like a forced smile, one that doesn’t reach his eyes.
I open my mouth, ready to inquire more about the symbols, when a loud, high-pitched ringing noise descends upon his quarters. The overhead lights flash red every few seconds. It also sounds like someone’s pounding on the door. I realize the high-pitched ringing is probably a doorbell. In any case, the pounding on the door continues.
Someone is here, and something is clearly wrong. On theJansonna, flashing red lights indicate an emergency, and while perhaps it’s not the same on theHaxxal, the ringing bell in combination with the incessant pounding gives me a bad feeling.
Emperor Radakk scowls and guides me into a chair near the bed. He caresses a hand through my hair, a comforting touch. “Stay here, little spy. I’ll be back. Don’t be afraid.”
