Page 30 of Zahhn's Mate
“I’m thirty-five years old, Dad. I know what I’m doing.” Except that’s a big fucking lie. Idon’tknow what I’m doing. I still can’t believe I mated with Zahhn, and I’m terrified my life is about to change drastically. If I’m forced to live on theHaxxalor another ship in the Darrvason fleet, I’ll be miserable. I can’t imagine not seeing my friends every day and enjoying the cheerful ambiance of my bar. It’s who I am—I’m the person whobrings everyone together. But what if I’m about to let my friends, coworkers, and patrons down?
My father’s agitation mounts. His face reddens further and his nostrils flare. His fists clench as he ceases his nervous pacing. He stands in the middle of the living room, staring at me with a look of utter revulsion. It breaks my heart and chills me to the bone. I don’t have any awful memories about my father—he kept me fed and took care of my basic needs as a child—but I don’t hold any warm memories of him either. Yet he decrees the Darrvasons to be the barbarians.
“You enjoyed it,” he says in an accusatory tone. He shakes his head with an air of disbelief. “At first, I thought he was forcing you and I was about to call security officers to intervene, but then I heard you moaning and having a grand time.” He shudders. “Did you fail to get your last hormone suppression shot?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I’m shocked and grossed out that he sat in the living room listening. I wish I didn’t know. I wish he’d never told me. It feels wrong and like an invasion of my privacy, never mind that I should’ve maybe stayed quieter. But during the mating session, all I could think about was pleasing Zahhn, and there were times I had little choice but to obey his commands. Like when he ordered me to suck his appendages, and when he told me to bend over the bed and spread my cheeks wide.
“Very well.” My father stands taller and straightens the collar of his shirt. “Even though you won’t divulge your alien lover’s name, I have no doubt he’ll be dead soon.” His eyes flash with malice. Then he departs our shared quarters, and I’m left to ruminate over the meaning of his ominous words.
The rebels. Shit. What if he’s aware of a rebel plot against the Darrvasons? I run a hand through my hair and wish Zahhnwould return soon. I would feel much better if I could confide in him about the conversion I’d just had with my father.
But how would Zahhn respond? My stomach flips.
The truth is, I’m not certain. I don’t know for sure that he wouldn’t turn my father in toJansonna’sauthorities for conspiring against the Darrvasons.
I feel torn. Though I’m angry with my father and I don’t want him to cause any harm to our new alien friends, I also don’t want my father to end up in the brig. There’s no doubt in my mind that a threat to the alliance would result in harsh consequences to any rebel groups who participated.
But I also feel a sense of loyalty to Zahhn. My…mate.
I sigh and head for the corridor. I’m late for my shift in the mess hall, and it’s probably not a good idea to make my coworkers worry, especially considering that I disappeared for two days recently.
Two weeks ago, my life wasn’t complicated at all. I was happy-ish. I had the speakeasy and not a worry in the universe. Okay, maybe a few worries, but not a whole freaking list of them.
As I walk to the mess hall, my body protests every step. The area between my thighs aches terribly, and my muscles are throbbing. What I wouldn’t give for a hot bath, but the water restrictions on theJansonnawould never allow that.
I start my shift and go through the motions, but I can’t help but wonder about Zahhn. Where is he? Why do I miss him so much?
My arms still tingle and itch, but I can’t sense his presence or his thoughts, and after the intense connection we shared last night, the absence of him disturbs me. I pray he’s okay.
Zahhn. Come find me.
Chapter 18
ZAHHN
My eyes open,and I immediately reach for Leona. But she’s not there, and I’m in my own bed. On thefluxxingRorrsa.
No. It couldn’t have been a dream. It felt too real.
I toss the covers back and the scent of her arousal hits me. I glance down at my naked body. My naked body...
I’m not wearing sleeping shorts. Because I took them off and mated with Leona. But why am I not on theJansonna? Why am I not in my mate’s quarters aboard the human worldship?
I take a few deep breaths and try to calm my racing thoughts. But I struggle to answer any of the questions that plague me. I don’t remember how I reached theJansonna—whether I hitched a ride on a shuttle or stole one. It’s a mystery.
Our mating session must’ve been real. My legs remain sticky with my dried seed, which makes sense considering she fell asleep in my arms with our legs tangled together. I’m also certain her dried essence is covering my shafts and thighs.
I lean down and take a deep inhale. Yes, that’s Leona’s arousal I detect. There could be no mistaking it. I could pick out that scent anywhere.
I jump to my feet and peer out the viewscreen of my quarters. Relief fills me when I see theJansonna. It’s still there, traveling within the hyperspace bubble with the Darrvason fleet.
Leona must be on the human worldship. It makes sense. It’s where we copulated and became mates. Yet my presence on theRorrsadefies explanation. I don’t remember returning to my quarters. Furthermore, I would have never returned to theRorrsawithout Leona. She’s my mate and we should not be parted.
I start getting dressed, only to realize I’m still covered in my seed and my human female’s arousal. I can’t walk around theRorrsasmelling like I just copulated. Not when it’s not common knowledge that I’ve claimed a mate.
Plus, the group of thirty females who were part of the first wave all currently reside on theHaxxalwith their respective mates, so it would raise questions if I walked the corridors of theRorrsain my present condition.
My growl of frustration echoes off the walls as I enter the bathroom. I shower, making sure to scrub myself down thoroughly. I lather my body in soap four separate times and rinse off, cursing the heightened senses of my people the entire time. Then I hurriedly dress and storm through the corridors of theRorrsa, determined to obtain answers.
