Slate, page 7
“Though we are not at war, we must always be battle-ready,” he’d told her before leaving about two hours ago.
A large number of human soldiers from the military base had gathered round the warriors to watch. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one impressed by their fighting skills.
The Vaxxlians split into pairs and moved far apart from one another, then took turns aiming blaster shots at their partners. The partner being shot at would attempt to dodge the blow. Most warriors missed the hit, but the few who didn’t ended up freezing for a moment before falling to the ground. But those who fell didn’t remain down for long. She wondered if it was because of the nanobots in their bloodstream. Nevertheless, the training exercises were an impressive display of their power.
She placed her hand on the viewscreen and squinted, trying to make out which warrior was Slate. All Vaxxlian males were tall, muscular, and had dark hair and glowing green eyes, which made picking her mate out from her current position rather difficult. But when a warrior with short hair turned and looked in her direction, her heart skipped a beat and she knew it must be Slate, for he was looking straight at her. A pleasurable shiver ran through her and warmth quaked in her center.
She sighed as she recalled how sweetly he’d made love to her last night before bedtime. He’d kissed her with a tenderness that had made her head spin, then pushed into her slowly and held her gaze while pumping into her. Afterward, she’d fallen asleep in his arms. It was the first time he’d held her after a mating session and she’d been astounded when she’d awoken this morning to find herself still secure in his embrace. Though it seemed he sometimes held her at a distance, it brought her hope that he was capable of showing her affection.
Her heart clenched as she thought about Chellsi, the Vaxxlian female he’d been mated to before the Irrcons destroyed his homeworld. Had he loved his first mate? She’d wanted to ask him this question, but fear had held her tongue. If he said yes and she learned he was capable of love, yet he wasn’t looking for a love match with her—the exact words he’d spoken when he’d told her of his expectations in a mate—it very well might break her heart.
Because, despite all of her intentions to keep their relationship platonic, she was starting to fall for the serious alien whose tender kisses made her melt. They’d only known each other for a week. How would she feel about him in one month, or one year? She sighed and ran a hand through her hair in frustration. Then she glared at her phone as it resumed vibrating with yet another call.
Chapter 14
Slate hurried through the corridors of the Hostanna, anxious to return to his mate. He’d been away nearly the entire day and he couldn’t wait to spend the remainder of the evening in her company. Warrior training had lasted longer than usual, as the human soldiers from the military base had asked to join in. Slate and his fellow warriors had indulged the human men, despite their puny size and inferior strength.
As he neared his quarters, he noticed his brother, Rozar, approaching from the end of a corridor, a petite dark-haired human female at his side. The couple appeared flushed and out of breath. Slate had known his younger brother had returned to the Hostanna with his mate recently, as he’d seen their names listed on an incoming passenger list, but he hadn’t gone in search of Rozar yet. It wasn’t uncommon for a newly mated couple to spend several days together, alone and not interacting with anyone else, and therefore Slate had thought nothing of it when his brother hadn’t appeared at warrior training this morning. Only half of the warriors currently on board the interstellar ship had shown up for exercises this morning.
“Brother!” Rozar’s deep voice boomed down the corridor. “Come and meet my bride.”
The couple appeared happy, their eyes shining as they exchanged an affectionate glance. They came to a stop in front of Slate just as Rozar wrapped his arm around the female.
“It is good to see you, brother,” Rozar said. “Slate, meet my bride, Nadia.”
Slate inclined his head to the female in a show of respect. “I am pleased to meet you, Nadia.”
“Nadia, this is my brother, Slate.”
To Slate’s shock, Nadia smiled and stepped out of Rozar’s embrace to wrap her arms around Slate in a quick but enthusiastic hug. “I’m so glad to meet you. Rozar’s told me all about you and Thade. I feel as if I already know the two of you.”
Slate patted the female on the back and then stood, a bit uncomfortably, as she backed away from him and returned to Rozar’s side. He wasn’t accustomed to such informality, but he reminded himself that hugging one another in greeting was a human custom. He’d seen many human females hug one another in the streets of Starzzia.
“Welcome to our family,” Slate said, recalling Beth’s estrangement from her parents and how joyous she’d appeared when he’d told her she would have a new family.
“Thank you, Slate. I’m looking forward to building a life on New Vaxx. I can’t believe we’re leaving Earth soon. It’s so surreal.”
Slate straightened and glanced around the couple at the door to his quarters, his desire to return to Beth growing. But it would be rude to disappear into his quarters without inviting Rozar and Nadia to meet his new mate, he decided, though he hoped to keep the greeting short. He had the strongest urge to be alone with Beth and mate with her during the early evening, rather than directly before bedtime as had been their custom of late. His arms practically ached with the need to hold her.
“Would you like to meet my mate?” he asked. “Her name is Beth.”
“We would be delighted,” Nadia replied before Rozar could even open his mouth.
Slate moved around them as he headed for his quarters. He glanced over his shoulder and caught Rozar pressing a kiss to Nadia’s cheek. “Follow me,” he said, pushing aside a sudden bout of jealousy.
Rozar and his mate appeared as if they were deeply in love. While Slate was attentive to Beth during their nightly mating sessions, he did not touch her as often as he longed to during the day. He frequently found himself holding back and resisting the urge to kiss or embrace her, out of fear that his affections for her were already running too deep. He believed if he allowed himself to fall in love with her, he would be forsaking Chellsi’s memory. He’d also believed it impossible to love more than one female during his lifetime. But now, as he entered his quarters and scanned the large area within for his sweet mate, he found himself harboring serious doubts about his intention not to fall in love. Perhaps it wasn’t wrong to open his heart again.
“Slate?” Beth’s voice soon reached him, and the first sight of her as she exited their bedroom, holding Princess in her arms, caused his heart to contract with familiar tenderness. Every time he looked upon Beth, warmth flowed through him and he longed to hold her against his chest and stroke her hair.
“Good evening, Beth.”
“Oh, we have company!” Beth smiled and walked closer. “This must be one of your brothers. I see the family resemblance.” She moved Princess into one arm and reached out to grasp Nadia’s hand. “Hi, I’m Beth. You must be Rozar—or is it Thade’s?—mate. I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Hello. Yes, I’m Rozar’s mate,” Nadia said with a loving glace at her husband. “I’m happy to meet you, too. Hey, you look really familiar.” A moment later, Nadia’s eyes went wide. “Oh! You’re Beth Spirit.”
“Guilty as charged.” Beth smiled, though Slate noticed the gleam in her eyes had suddenly vanished.
“I love your movies. Especially Purple Planet Monsters.”
“Thank you.” Beth tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and fidgeted in place.
“Hello,” Rozar said, reaching out to shake Beth’s hand. “I am Rozar. It is a pleasure to meet you, Beth.”
“Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, too.” Beth stroked a hand down Princess’s back as the furry creature purred.
“And who is this little guy…or girl?” Nadia asked with a nod at Beth’s pet.
Beth’s expression brightened and she turned Princess around to show off her face. “This is Princess. She’s coming with us to New Vaxx.”
“Hi, Princess.” Nadia scratched the animal on the head with one finger, a look of delight on her face. “I brought a pet along, too—my cat, Leonardo—but I’m not sure they would get along.”
“I love cats,” Beth said. “I look forward to meeting him. But I think you’re right. I don’t think our babies will be able to enjoy any playdates together.”
The two women chuckled and Slate exchanged a confused glance with Rozar. Obviously, his brother did not understand the cause for their laughter either.
“Would you like to hang out tomorrow morning while our guys are at warrior training?” Nadia asked Beth. “Rozar says he’s planning to attend tomorrow.”
“That sounds great. Thanks for the invite.”
Rozar and his mate soon bid them goodbye and Slate finally found himself alone with Beth. The moment the door zipped shut, he turned to face her and his blood heated with the longing that had been building inside him all day. She set Princess on the floor and the guinea pig scampered off with a delighted squeal. Her eyes danced with mischief as she stared at him.
“I saw you during your training exercises today. I hope the human man you practiced fighting with is all right.” She stood in front of the viewscreen, silhouetted by the setting sun. “I saw him being carried away on a stretcher.”
Slate had thought he sensed her watching him, though the viewscreens were not visible from the outside of the ship. At one point, he had turned to face the Hostanna, sensing her presence as if they shared a telepathic connection, even though neither Vaxxlians or humans had such powers of the mind. “I tried to be gentle with the human soldier,” Slate eventually replied. “But he was weaker than I judged. However, I inquired about his condition before I returned to the ship and I can assure you that he will make a full recovery.”
“I am glad to hear it,” she replied in a shaky voice.
She stepped closer and made as if to reach for him, but just as quickly returned her hands to her sides. His pulse quickened. Perhaps she desired him, too, with the same fervent longing that resonated in his heart.
Then he scented her arousal on the air.
He took a deep inhale, savoring the evidence of her excitement.
“Come here, little earthling,” he said, reaching out one hand.
She drew in a trembling breath and laced her fingers through his. He pulled her closer and shifted to cup her face in both hands. He stared deep into her expressive dark eyes, trying to discern her true feelings.
Was she experiencing the same warmth as him? Or was her body simply preparing her for their daily mating session?
He did not know enough about humans to understand whether or not her desire for him was purely biological or also tied to her emotions. He’d told her he expected to mate with her once a day, for the purposes of procreation, but more times than not he yearned to be inside her simply because he desired the closeness. Because he felt whole whenever he claimed her, as if the shattered remnants of his soul were being reassembled, piece by piece with each joining.
Every kiss and every touch healed him more and more. Star God, did she feel it, too?
He only hoped his kisses and touches had the same effect on her. After all the hardship she’d endured in her life, including her estrangement from her family and her experiences with the dishonorable male named Bradley, she deserved happiness and fulfillment. Would she find what she was looking for on New Vaxx? Would she find what she was looking for in him?
As he pondered these questions, he leaned down to kiss her, pressing his lips to hers as a low growl erupted from his throat. She tasted like the black coffee she liked to make using the food replicator, along with something much sweeter, and he deepened the kiss and vibrated his tongue against hers. With another growl, he swept her up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
He couldn’t wait until nighttime.
He had to have her now.
Chapter 15
“Beth, listen, you’ve got to call me, honey. I have big, giant, huge, enormous news. It’s about a movie role. Look, I know I said the talent agency was dropping you, but we’ve changed our minds. Richard Allan Dexter contacted us and he’s asking for you to be in his next project. It’s a historical drama that takes place in the 2010s. Bradley is also working on the movie. He told me he misses you and that he still loves you. Look, he wants to get back together with you and he’s sorry for getting you blacklisted in Hollywood. This is his grand gesture of an apology—the movie role of a lifetime. He says even if you don’t want to get back together with him, he still wants you for the movie. It’s for a leading role and the whole thing is very hush hush right now, so don’t say a word to anyone about it. Please call me.”
Disbelief swirled through Beth. The Richard Allan Dexter was asking for her? The man was a Hollywood legend. All actors aspired to work with him, though he was selective in his projects and very few actors were lucky enough to star in his movies. Even a supporting role in a movie directed by him pretty much guaranteed instant superstardom.
She gripped her phone, trying to decide whether or not to return Tracy’s call.
Her stomach flipped. She’d hoped to never see Bradley again. Did he truly miss her and wish to get back together? The utter heartbreak she’d experienced when he’d broken off their engagement resurfaced, a swift and painful echo in her bones.
Once, during the early stages of their relationship, she’d believed he was The One. She’d thought they would get married and start a family and be one of the rare Hollywood couples who stayed together. But those dreams hadn’t lasted long. It was difficult to imagine someone who repeatedly cheated on her becoming the father of her children.
Slate would never betray her in that way. He would never cheat on her. Vaxxlians mated for life and they remained faithful for life.
But would Slate ever love her?
Her heart sank. He’d specifically told her he wasn’t looking for a love match. When she’d announced that their marriage would be one of convenience, he had agreed with her declaration.
Even if Bradley still loved her though, she would never consider taking him back—even if Slate wasn’t in the picture. He’d betrayed her and shamed her in front of the whole world. Okay, maybe not the whole world, but it had sure felt like it when she saw the tabloid stories about his cheating, complete with damning pictures that showed him kissing various mystery women. She might eventually be able to forgive him, but she would never forget, and she would never, ever, under any circumstances, consider giving him a second chance.
Her heart both warmed and contracted with grief when she thought of Slate. She cared for the proud alien warrior more and more with each passing day. She believed he was a genuinely good person and she admired his devotion to his people, admired his desire to help his species become strong once again.
The movie role of a lifetime…
Tracy’s words kept replaying in her head. Only in her wildest dreams had she imagined working with Richard Allan Dexter. Her heart raced faster. And he wanted her for a leading role.
But the offer was tainted. Bradley was involved.
Yeah, and you’re mated to Slate. You’re leaving Earth in one week.
With her stomach in knots, she listened to the voicemail again and still couldn’t decide whether to return Tracy’s call or smash her phone to pieces. She wanted to know more about the movie role—she couldn’t help her curiosity—but she also didn’t want to break her promise to Slate. She’d vowed to belong to him, body and soul. Upon this mating, I am yours and you are mine. She’d uttered the words and she’d meant them at the time.
She set her phone on a table and scooped Princess up in her arms.
“What should I do, Snuggle Bug? I wish you could talk. I bet if you could, you’d give me the best advice.” With a glance at the time, she carried Princess to her cage and placed her inside the enclosure. “Mama has to go soon. I’m supposed to hang out with Nadia again this morning. Sorry, you can’t come. She has a cat.” Beth scratched the guinea pig’s back and closed the cage, watching as Princess meandered away to snack on a half-eaten crunch stick, making contented squeaking noises.
Beth took a quick shower and donned a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Her spirits lifted as she brushed her hair and checked her appearance. She didn’t have to apply tons of makeup or hide behind an oversized pair of glasses. She didn’t have to worry about whether her clothes were the latest fashion or whether or not her outfit was flattering enough. It felt liberating to leave her temporary home without the worry of running into the paparazzi or having her picture snapped by a random bystander.
With a spring in her step, she exited her quarters and headed down the corridor to knock upon her new sister-in-law’s door. Family, she told herself. I’m part of a family now.
Was love really that big of a deal, if Slate treated her and their future children well?
Nadia opened the door with a smile. “Good morning, Beth! Come on in. I made blueberry muffins and some coffee. Well, with a little help from the food replicator, that is.”
“Good morning, and that sounds wonderful. I could use some coffee.” And some good advice. She followed Nadia into her quarters, wondering if it would be appropriate to confide in her new friend, particularly one who was mated to Slate’s brother.
Chapter 16
“I can’t believe I’m sitting here having coffee with Beth Spirit,” Nadia said with a grin as she placed fresh mugs of coffee on the kitchen table and took her seat.
“Yeah, well, I can’t believe I’m sitting here talking to someone who used to be in the Witness Protection Program,” Beth said with a shake of her head. “Your reasons for leaving Earth are a whole lot more compelling than mine. But I’m glad everything worked out.” Nadia had just confided in Beth her reasons for signing up for Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides—because she’d feared her life was in danger and needed to leave Earth as soon as possible.
