6. Runar

6

Runar

I can’t think. Not when her aroused scent is filling my senses. Everything about her body is screaming to be taken. Somehow, I found the strength to hold back for as long as I have.

Sure, I may have slipped up more times than I can count, but I’m confident this creature is made to be mine.

Even though I don’t know if our kinds can mate, everything inside me screams to claim her. To leave a mark on her throat for every male on board to see.

They’ll know better to respect her. She’ll be as much their queen as I am their king.

My cock is throbbing, aching to be wrapped around her walls. I’m too busy thinking about the future when I should be thinking about the present.

I am a man who has little control over himself lately. Will I be able to stop myself if she finds this to be too much? I have so much hunger that needs to be filled.

“ Runar .” Her groan is nothing but enchanting to my ears. As I get rid of her pants, her scent floods my senses and my ability to think goes right out the window.

“My queen.” Peeling off the last useless layer covering her slickness, I’m left looking at glistening pink folds. Taking everything in, I realize humans aren’t too different from Medarian women. However, Jax seems so soft and slick and delicious .

Despite her thighs being thick muscles due to what I assume is a result of her training, her flesh squishes beneath my fingers.

“You better not cut me with those talons,” she huffs under her breath. While her words make her sound annoyed, those green eyes of hers are watching ever so carefully.

Has she had other human men touch her like this? Or, is she like my kind?

We save ourselves for our Rhis. Sure, some of my brothers have fooled around with other species ever since our kind started dying off and the chance of finding their soulmate became slim to impossible. Not me.

All of this time waiting has made it well worth it.

“I will not cause you pain,” I promise as my mouth grazes her thigh. My tongue flicks out, enjoying the salty taste of her skin. “Only pleasure.”

Sucking in a breath, Jax bites down on her lip as she nods.

Closer and closer, I wait for the ball to drop. Expecting her to stop this and give off whatever excuse she can, I quickly realize that she wants this.

The way she’s watching me. The way her breath is held as she waits for me to make contact. The way her body is responding just as it should.

I can’t take it anymore. My tongue pushes past her folds and slithers deep where she’s the sweetest.

She tastes divine . Flattening her withering body against the bed with one hand, I lick deeper. Burying my tongue as far as I can go, my hold on her body tightens when she makes the most beautiful sounds.

Every moan that leaves Jax’s fuels me to continue. My cock digs into the mattress, aching to fill her with one swift thrust.

“Fuck, hold back a little,” she hisses as she flattens a hand against my forehead. Daring to try to take this away from me with a push, the best response she gets is a throaty growl.

I can’t think and my hearing is growing worse by the minute.

“ Mine. ” Dragging her closer, my nose presses against a nub I’m quick to discover is more sensitive than the rest of her. Lifting my chin, I flick my tongue against the nub and watch her jerk.

Our women down have such nubs. They seem like nothing but a weakness. Despite this fact, I’m glad this human has one.

“Are you soft on the inside, my Rhis ?” I carefully press a finger inside, discovering how warm and wet her walls are. The intrusion is enough to make her walls clamp down and squeeze around tight.

She’ll need at least three of my fingers if I want to avoid hurting her. Humans are so small, so breakable. I want her to be able to take me on without even an ounce of pain.

Will I get that far, will she allow me inside? Or, will I have to beg her? I’m not one to get on my knees, but for her, I’d do it.

Sinking a second inside, I lap and suck at the small nub. Realizing she can only take so much before she feels overwhelmed, I try to hold back. It’s easier said than done. I want to devour this creature.

Panting my name, sweat forms on her skin as I curl my fingers. Her body squeezes around my fingers as I work in a third. Each time I pull them out, I quickly lap her juices up.

Reduced to making the sweet sounds of moans and panting, her leg muscles grow taut. I hardly get the chance to stretch my fingers apart before she’s clamping down around them. In a deathgrip, her body arches as her breath catches.

Groaning out, I’m pulling my hand away to drink up her release. Even sweeter, my jaw aches as I don’t let an ounce go to waste.

“Delicious. My mate, I can’t get enough.” Kissing the red curls of hair above, her juices soak my chin.

I hope her scent clings to my skin for the rest of the night. I want to breathe her in even long after this shared moment of ours.

With the need to free my cock straining behind layers of clothing, I sit back on my heels and watch Jax collect herself. She’s a sight for sore eyes, reduced to nothing but panting.

Her eyes follow my hands in a daze as I unbutton my pants. A sigh of relief leaves my lips as my cock springs free.

I must not be made like the men she’s used to, because the sight of me is enough to snap out of her daze. Blinking a few times, she drags her eyes up and down like she’s trying to register what I’ve offered her.

“Woah, now hold on a minute.” Breathless, she takes in my cock with wide eyes. “There is no way in hell that thing is fitting inside of me.” She shakes her head and clamps her thighs closed.

My nostrils flare at her rejection. Now is not the time to let fear take over. “We were made for each other. I will fit.”

If Varrum found his mate with her sister and those two are fine, then I know we will be as well.

Jax isn’t willing to even try. She’s batting me away with her fingers.

“I need some time to let all this soak in, alright?” Lifting her gaze, there’s that same hesitance I saw earlier. “I’m already betraying everything I know by letting you touch me as much as you have.” She sucks in another breath. “That should not have felt as good as it did.”

I can’t help but smirk a bit at that. Taking her words as nothing but a compliment, I ache to show her what else I can do. If only she understood how good I could make her feel if she stopped trying to put up these walls to separate us.

Chewing on her lip, her eyes lower once more. Despite her words, she’s curious. Her fingers curl against the blankets.

If she won’t allow me inside, then that doesn’t mean I can’t offer myself. The way I’m throbbing, even the light touch of her fingers can be enough to relieve me of this painful arousal.

“Don’t ever hold yourself back. If you want something, take it.” My words come out deep and low with a light layer of desperation.

Catching onto the meaning behind my words, she doesn’t pull away. Even if it means calling her earlier words useless, her curiosity wins over her beliefs.

Without a word, she lifts a hand toward me. Hesitant enough to pause, those tan cheeks of hers grow a lovely shade of pink. I don’t see this reaction often enough, but I want to.

A thick swallow later, she makes contact. Like I’m being burned, I hiss softly through my teeth.

She can barely get her fingers wrapped around my cock. One squeeze is all it takes to make my hips jerk.

“I was not expecting piercings,” she murmurs as her thumb grazes the ring trailing the slit at the tip. “Looks painful.”

“It’s tradition,” I grunt as I follow her fingers with my eyes. She traces the balls lining down my length. “Those within my bloodline, those who are royalty have these inserted.”

Is there any point in describing such traditions? It’s not like my people run by them too often anymore. I’m the only one left within my bloodline.

Now with my Rhis present, there’s the possibility of changing that. We may not be able to offer up a full-blooded Medarian as the next in line, but traditions shift and change all of the time.

I grunt when she gives me another squeeze. It’s easier to shut down this hunger, this craving to claim her. Hell, it’s hard to think about anything when her grip feels so good.

“Are you a captain, or a king?” She eyes me curiously.

“I took the captain title once we began helping other species.” Sighing softly, I close my eyes as she strokes me. “To my people, I am their king. I’m meant to lead them toward our survival.”

Over the last ten rotations, I’ve kept my duty to the best of my ability. The human race is nothing but another bump I need to get over. Once Jax realizes what needs to be done, we can move on and I can claim her as my own.

For now, I plan on enjoying every stroke of her fingers while enjoying her little experimental phase.

Crowding her hand with my own, I listen to her quick inhale. “Like this.” Showing her what speed I need to release everything I’m pent up with, I’m left growling in the back of my throat as I release her hand. “Grip me like you never want to let go.”

Jax is good at taking orders. She does as I say and her cheeks flood with more color as I buck against her grip.

The next time my cock is near her, I will make sure it’ll be when I mark her.

Cursing in my own language, each tug to the piercings leaves my fingers digging into my thighs to avoid flattening her down and shoving my cock inside. Threatening to draw blood, I barely keep myself contained.

Her breathing hitches with mine as she gives another brutal squeeze.

As if craving to get burned, she looks up and leans forward. Nothing tells her to kiss me, but she does. She even gasps when I tangle a hand through her hair and pull her head back to deepen her attempt to take this moment over.

There is nothing sweeter than making this woman submit. Once she fully gives in, it will be remarkable. We won’t leave my chambers for days.

Just thinking about the future is enough to get me off. With the addition of her hand moving and the taste of her on my tongue, I hiss against her lips as I reach my limit.

Heat splashes against her hand, and a growl slips out before I claim her lips once more. Needing more and more, we lose ourselves for a moment.

The weight that has always been pressed against my body is gone. As if something was wrapped tightly around my lungs, I can breathe again. Truly breathe.

I don’t know if Jax feels such a flipped sensation, but it feels good.

Exactly what I needed. This is a feeling I’m never going to want to let go.

A minute passes before she releases my spent cock. Trying her damndest to look unaffected, she fails terribly as she stumbles off the bed.

Already learning the layout of my chambers, she slips away to wash her hands off.

Her absence gives me a few minutes to collect my thoughts as I tuck myself away. To accept that she is fated to be mine, I need all the time I can get to wrap my head around the fact.

A human. Like her, I should be panicking. After all, will those on this vessel truly accept her? A few of my men have hatred for the humans that run deeper than their bones.

If anyone tries to lift even a finger toward them, I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop myself from hurting them over my Rhis.

Jax returns and I don’t have any more time to ponder over the future.

Looking like she has plenty to say as she sits down, she pauses as she gets a look at me.

With a gasp, she collects my hand and looks closer. Glancing at me for just a moment, she turns her attention to my other hand. When I tilt my head, she rolls her eyes.

“Your skin is no longer scarred,” she explains slowly, dragging each word out. “How is that possible?”

I didn’t realize how much she’d noticed my wounds for her to realize they are no longer staining my dark skin.

Looking at my hands, I’m not surprised. If anything, I’m more confident than ever. Jax is my soulmate. Her body is not just meant for mine, but our souls aid each other. This is all the proof I need to state our union as fact.

Our healing abilities are sourced straight from our souls. Unable to heal as we should, a Rhis is capable of filling in the gaps as long as they’re not poisoned by the human’s curse. Those who aren’t fortunate enough to find their other half can only wait for a cure to fix their damaged bodies.

Most of the time, the wait is too much. We’ve lost too many of our own in this fight.

“Would you accept the truth?” I ask her with a lifted brow. “You’ve denied all of my previous claims.”

Her brows furrow as she squeezes my hand.

“We are made for each other, my queen. You’ve healed me through this shared moment of ours. However, it would’ve been far more effective if you’d let me-”

Her cheeks grow warmer as she stops me from finishing my sentence. “You are perfectly fine enough to not need that.”

To think this warrior human can get embarrassed so easily.

She’s helped clear the fog momentarily. Until I claim her as mine, I’ll continue feeling this ache. One day, she will feel it too. She’ll see the string that connects our souls.

Jax abandons the bed and runs off in the direction of the bathroom once more now that she’s gotten her answer. Soon, the sound of the shower fills the room. All over again, temptation fills my veins and I can’t stop myself from stalking over to the door.

The glass is already fogged, leaving my imagination to fill in the curves of her body.

“Don’t even think about joining me,” she calls as she shifts. “How about you find me something to wear instead? My outfit is disgusting.”

I consider my options. I could ignore her orders and join her under the hot stream of water. However, I don’t want her to grow tired of my antics before the end of the day.

“Will your crew attack my men if I send one to fetch your clothing?” I ask as I rest against the frame with my arms crossed.

“Most definitely. Especially if they think I’m dead. Honestly, you’d be better sending me in there.”

“No.” The word passes my lips before I even consider her suggestion. Any minute she’s not within my reach is a minute I’m left suffering.

Jax sighs before clicking her tongue. “If you’re worried about us trying to escape, you don’t need to. You’ve harpooned my ship once, I’m sure your aim is just as good as it was before I came on board.”

“I will send someone.” Doubling down on my decision, I turn away. “I’ll be gone for a short period. Please take your time.”

Ignoring whatever complaints she throws out in my direction, I abandon the room altogether. Hesitant in locking her inside, I decide that just this once, I’ll test my trust.

I will not have her believing she’s here by force. Sure, I’m in no rush of letting her go, but I’m not trying to make her feel like my prisoner.

Walking quickly away from the living quarters, I head in the direction of the training room. Knowing I’ll find at least one member of the Sixth inside, my suspicions are confirmed when I spot both Galior and Kellan sparring.

The clash of their blades is loud enough to draw attention from the others in the room. Their moves are so fluid, each strike being met with a parry. Two even forces meeting with no look of an end.

Watching them for only a moment, I near their mat with my arms crossed. Seeing as they’re too lost in their spar to notice my arrival, I have to clear my throat to gain their attention.

Galior is the first to look away from his partner, jerking and grunting when Kellan’s blade nicks his shoulder. Deep enough to cause a stream of golden liquid, he kicks his fellow fighter in the calf as the wound closes up slowly.

Both straighten up quickly after, standing stiff and ready for my command.

“Galior.” Noticing Kellan’s body sink in relief, I put my attention on the other male. “I need you to do something for me.”

Galior sheaths his blades and follows me toward an outer wall.

“I need you to go to the human’s ship and grab some things.”

Rather than demanding a hostage or their stock in weapons, asking for Jax’s belongings is all it takes to make Galior do a double take. He’s surprised, of course he is. I’m meant to be ruthless here.

Instead, I’m asking for his assistance to move this human into our haven.

Knowing better than to question me, he nods his head.

“You won’t harm any of her crew. If they are resistant, be mindful that they are not like us.” I catch myself at the thought of calling them weak. Despite having felt that way up to this point, I can only imagine how Jax will react if she hears me insult those closest to her. “Don’t harm them,” I repeat.

“I’ll keep my hands—and blades—to myself.” He gives me a nod and drifts off with my order to make haste.

I don’t want Jax to get any ideas while I’m not present.

When I return to my room, I find Jax sitting on the edge of my bed with a towel wrapped around her body. Her short red hair is sticking to her cheeks and those green eyes are pointed away. She’s looking out through the glass windows while gazing at the stars. She looks so lost in her thoughts as the view stares back.

I’m learning rather quickly that she loves looking out at the universe after catching her staring out so many times whenever the opportunity comes her way.

From my seat at the front of the ship, I’m more than willing to have her join me in my chair. She’ll have to sit in my lap but she’ll get the best view of the solar system. If there’s a certain planet she wants to see, I’ll get her there one way or another. If stargazing is her hobby, I will do whatever it takes to please her.

We have plenty of pods that simply need coordination. Sure, they are small for two people to share, but I’m not going to be the one to complain about cramped spaces. Jax can sit comfortably against my lap and let my arms wrap around her to keep her body secure. While I’ll be too busy drinking in her scent, she can take in our surroundings as we travel.

Thinking about the future makes my chest stir and continuously tests my patience. I want to hurry and give her what she wants. Once this war is over and a cure is made, I can claim her for myself.

“I will have your belongings very soon.” It takes strength not to take in every inch of her. Especially when only one thin layer of fabric hides her toned body beneath.

“Are you going to escort me back to that room you threw me in?” She asks, her body stiffening up slightly at the memory.

“You will stay with me here.” My fingers curl into fists against my lap as I test my strength to hold back. I won’t tell her that I don’t plan on letting her go any time soon.

I regret promising her and the human healer’s release. Back then, it was before I realized we had a bond. Now, I’m not sure I will be able to keep my word.

She’s already skeptical about everything I’ve told her. A few conversations won’t be enough to clear up all of the haze. One day isn’t enough to convince her to give in and accept we are made for each other.

“What if I want to stay with my sister?” she asks as she glances toward the door. “Will you get in my way?”

A chuckle rumbles through me. “Varrum has found his Rhis through that woman. I do not think you will be able to peel her away from his arms.”

Grumbling at my words, she clutches her towel tighter. “Your kind is too much. Way too possessive.”

“I believe that is the nicest thing you’ve said about us.” Leaning toward her, I notice the way she sucks on a breath. “What can I say? We are intense lovers.”

Jax scoffs and looks away, unable to meet my gaze.

With a lack of a want to start a conversation, silence fills the room. There’s the steady sound of her breathing, but that’s it.

I can’t help but watch her. She’s such a spectacle and my interest will remain piqued until otherwise. There’s so much I have left to learn about her and her kind.

We remain this way until Galior makes his presence known with a knock on the door.

“Your belongings,” I explain when I notice her jerk at the sudden sound. Whatever is on her mind must be causing her guard to be lowered and I don’t think she likes the fact by the way her mouth curves into a frown.

Moving to stand, I don’t let him inside. Not wanting to risk having another male’s eyes pointed in her direction while she’s in this state of dress, I quickly open the door and reach out to grab the bags in his grip.

Too distracted to notice the odd look behind his gaze, I thank him before the door glides closed once more.

“This is more than just an outfit,” she points out as she starts digging around. There’s no denying the relief behind her gaze to have some stuff that she is familiar with.

Might not be a weapon or two inside, but her belongings help ease the stiffness in her shoulders. I enjoy the view until I’m ready to ruin it.

“That is because your stay has been extended.” Ignoring her frown, I cross my arms over my chest and watch her pluck out one article of clothing at a time. “We do not know how long it will take for your sister to heal my people. This saves multiple trips.”

Deciding this will be my excuse until I hit another wall, I am left alone with only my thoughts to occupy me when Jax slips away to get dressed without any attempts of putting up a fight.