Samira

SAMIRA

M y heart hammered against my ribs as I watched Arkon fight his way through the chaos below. The glass vial in my pocket dug into my thigh, a constant reminder of the desperate plan I’d concocted.

Kreshnar sat beside me, silent and still. His fur rippled in patterns, but if there was a meaning, it was a mystery to me. My fingers fidgeted with the vial, its contents our only hope if things went sideways.

“Quite the spectacle, isn’t it?” Dr. Zhen’la’s mandibles clicked with amusement. “Your Vinduthi is putting on quite a show.”

I gritted my teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a response. My eyes locked onto Arkon’s muscular form as he dispatched another opponent. A mix of pride and fear churned in my gut.

“He fights well,” Kreshnar rumbled, breaking his silence. “But for what purpose?”

Before I could formulate a reply, a collective gasp rippled through the arena. The fighters below had turned on the guards, swarming towards us like an unstoppable tide.

“What is the meaning of this?” Dr. Zhen’la screeched, his exoskeleton plates rattling in agitation.

Alarms blared, adding to the cacophony. Guards rushed to defend our box, but they were quickly overwhelmed.

“It appears your control is slipping, Doctor,” Kreshnar observed, his tone maddeningly calm.

Dr. Zhen’la’s compound eyes swiveled wildly. In a flash, one of his arms shot out, wrapping around my waist and yanking me against his armored body. The cold muzzle of a blaster pressed against my temple.

“Everyone stay back!” he shrieked. “Or the human dies!”

My breath hitched as I saw Arkon burst through the door, his eyes blazing with fury. He froze at the sight of me in Zhen’la’s grasp.

“How predictable. One more step, Vinduthi, and I’ll splatter her brains across this room,” Zhen’la hissed.

Arkon’s jaw clenched, his muscles coiled tight. “Let. Her. Go.”

“Why should I?” Zhen’la taunted. “So you can kill me? I think I can avoid that.”

I locked eyes with Arkon, trying to convey a silent message. My hand inched towards my pocket, where the vial waited.

“You’re finished, Zhen’la,” Arkon growled. “Release her, and maybe I’ll let you live.”

Zhen’la’s laughter rang through my ears. “Empty threats from a-”

His words cut off as Kreshnar’s massive form suddenly loomed behind us. With lightning speed, one of his hands knocked the blaster away from my head.

I didn't hesitate. The vial felt cold in my palm as I drew it from my pocket. With all my strength, I hurled it at Zhen'la's thorax, where his exoskeleton was thinnest. The glass shattered on impact, and the acidic gel exploded across his armor plating. The effect was immediate - a violent hissing filled the air as the substance ate through his protective shell.

Zhen’la screamed, his grip on me loosening. I twisted free, stumbling towards Arkon as Kreshnar’s guards swarmed Zhen’la.

Arkon’s arms enveloped me, crushing me against his chest. I breathed in his scent, my body trembling with relief and residual adrenaline.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear. “You’re safe now.”

The world blurred as Kreshnar ushered us into an elevator. My legs wobbled, adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Arkon’s arm around my waist steadied me, his solid presence an anchor in the chaos.

The elevator ascended smoothly, its soft hum contrasting the mayhem we’d left behind. I leaned into Arkon, inhaling his scent - a mix of sweat, blood, and something uniquely him. My fingers traced the contours of his arm, reassuring myself he was really here, alive and whole.

The doors slid open, revealing a hallway that screamed luxury. Plush carpets muffled our footsteps, and ornate light fixtures cast a warm glow over intricately patterned wallpaper. Kreshnar led us to a door at the end of the hall, his fur rippling with iridescent patterns.

“Your accommodations,” he announced, sweeping a hand toward the entrance.

The room beyond was opulent, to say the least. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Larakis’s glittering skyline. A massive bed dominated one corner, draped in shimmering fabrics I couldn’t even name. A sunken living area boasted plush seating and a state-of-the-art entertainment system.

I barely registered any of it. My focus remained on Arkon, his gray skin streaked with dirt and blood, his chest heaving with exertion. He looked magnificent and terrifying all at once.

Kreshnar’s rumbling voice broke through my reverie. “I believe this settles any debts between us.”

Arkon’s grip on me tightened fractionally. “What about Zhen’la?”

The Naravex’s ears twitched. “The Consortium has many questions for our esteemed doctor. I doubt he’ll find the interrogation pleasant.”

A shudder ran through me at the thought of Zhen’la’s fate. Despite everything he’d done, I couldn’t help but remember the mentor he’d once been. “And the mind-control project?” I asked, my voice hoarse.

Kreshnar waved a dismissive hand. “Worthless, in the end. Why bother with drugs when simple manipulation is so much more effective?” His markings pulsed with what I interpreted as amusement. “Far less trouble, I assure you.”

The casual way he spoke of manipulating others made my skin crawl. I pressed closer to Arkon, drawing comfort from his warmth.

“We need to return to Kervant-9,” Arkon stated firmly.

“Ah yes, your ship,” Kreshnar nodded. “No need to worry about the fields - I’ve already ordered them burned.” At Arkon’s sharp look, he added, “A shuttle will be ready for you in the morning. I assumed you’d appreciate some... personal time before your departure.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks at the implication. Arkon’s hand slid lower on my hip, and I had to suppress a shiver.

Kreshnar moved to leave, then paused. He tossed something to Arkon - the energy weapon Zhen’la had used against him. “A souvenir,” the Naravex said. “Let’s hope this little incident doesn’t sour relations between the Consortium and the Vinduthi brotherhoods, hmm?”

With that, he was gone, leaving Arkon and me alone in the luxurious suite.

We simply stared at each other. Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, our lips came together in a searing kiss. Arkon’s hands roamed my body, making my skin feel like fire. I tangled my fingers in his hair, brushing against the base of his horns, drinking in the taste of him.

When we broke apart, both panting, Arkon rested his forehead against mine. “I need a shower,” he murmured. “I’m filthy.”

I ran my hands down his chest, feeling the dried blood and grime beneath my fingers. “I’ll help scrub your back,” I offered playfully.

Arkon’s eyes darkened with desire. Without another word, he scooped me up and carried me toward the bathroom. The stress and fear of the past few days melted away, replaced by a burning need to touch, to feel, to lose ourselves in each other.

As we entered the bathroom, my breath caught. The opulence matched the rest of the suite - gleaming surfaces, intricate tilework, and a shower area large enough to host a small gathering. But I only had eyes for Arkon.

His hands found the hem of my shirt, pausing as if seeking permission. I nodded, lifting my arms to help him. The fabric slid over my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. Arkon’s gaze roamed over my exposed torso, drinking in every detail.

I reached for the fastenings of his combat gear, my fingers fumbling slightly. The events of the day, the adrenaline crash, and the sheer intimacy of the moment left me feeling both energized and exhausted.

“Let me,” Arkon murmured, his hands covering mine. He made quick work of the intricate clasps and zippers, shrugging off the top half of his suit.

I traced his chest, marveling at the contrast between his gray skin and my brown fingers. The black markings swirled across one side of his body, mesmerizing patterns that begged to be explored.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, surprising myself with the admission.

Arkon’s lips quirked up in a rare smile. “As are you, .”

We continued undressing each other, movements slow and deliberate. Each newly revealed expanse of skin felt like a gift, to be cherished and savored. When we stood bare before each other, I felt none of the self-consciousness I might have expected. Arkon’s gaze held only reverence and desire.

He reached for a control panel, and suddenly the room transformed. Water cascaded from multiple directions - from overhead, from the walls. It was like standing in the heart of a lush, warm rainstorm. The temperature was perfect, soothing my aching muscles.

Arkon’s hands found my waist, drawing me close. His touch was gentle, almost hesitant, as if he feared I might shatter beneath his fingers. I leaned into him, relishing the feel of his solid form against mine.

“I thought I’d lost you,” he said, his words barely audible over the sound of falling water. “When Zhen’la had that weapon to your head...”

I placed a finger over his lips, silencing him. “But you didn’t. We’re here. We’re safe.”

His arms tightened around me, and I felt the tremor that ran through his body. This powerful, seemingly invincible warrior was shaken to his core. Because of me. The realization both humbled and exhilarated me.

I stretched up on my toes, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Touch me, Arkon. I need to feel you.”

A low growl rumbled in his chest. His hands began to roam, mapping every curve and plane of my body. I arched into his touch, my own fingers exploring the hard ridges of muscle beneath his skin.

Water sluiced over us, washing away the grime and tension of the past days. Arkon’s lips found my neck, trailing kisses along my jaw. I tilted my head, offering better access, a soft moan escaping me.

“,” he breathed against my skin. “My brilliant, fierce, beautiful .”

The reverence in his voice made my heart swell. I carded my fingers through his wet hair. “My protector,” I whispered back. “My Arkon.”

I leaned into his offered kiss, full of all the words we couldn’t say. The fear, the relief, the desperate need to reaffirm that we were alive and together. I poured everything I felt into that kiss, and Arkon matched me passion for passion.

When we finally stopped, both breathing heavily, I saw a question in Arkon’s eyes. A moment of vulnerability I’d never witnessed before.

“Stay with me?” he asked quietly. “Not just tonight, but... after. When we leave this place.”

I cupped his face in my hands, meeting his gaze steadily. “Yes,” I said simply. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

The smile that bloomed across his features was radiant. He lifted me effortlessly, spinning us both under the warm cascade of water. Our laughter echoed off the tiled walls, a joyous counterpoint to the artificial rain.