Cinta

CINTA

K laz’s eyes widened, shock evident on his usually stoic face.

“, I can’t?—”

“Can’t what? Accept a gift?” I shrugged one shoulder, channeling the confidence I didn’t quite feel. “Come on, big guy. You haven’t won an argument with me yet. Don’t start now.”

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “You’re right about that.” His expression sobered. “But this... claiming you. I’ve heard of human women being claimed by Vinduthi, but I don’t know exactly what will happen to you.”

I smirked, masking my nervousness with bravado. “Isn’t it convenient we’re on a ship with a medbay?”

Klaz’s eyes darkened. He pulled me close, his large hand splaying across my lower back. His lips brushed my neck, slow and gentle. I melted into his arms, my knees going weak.

“Are you certain about this, ?” Klaz’s breath tickled my ear. “There’s no going back once it’s done.”

I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

He cupped my face in his hand, his thumb caressing my cheek. “You continue to surprise me, little human.”

“Someone has to keep you on your toes, big guy.”

Klaz chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. He lowered his head, nipping gently at my neck. I squirmed as his sharp teeth grazed my skin, sending sparks along my skin. He traced a path along my collarbone and down to my shoulder, each little bite igniting sparks of pleasure.

“You know,” I said, my breath catching as he found a particularly sensitive spot, “when I first saw you on the Empyrean Explorer, I never imagined we’d end up here.”

Klaz paused, his lips brushing against my skin as he spoke. “And where did you imagine us ending up?”

“Oh, you know. Me conning you out of your credits, you tossing me out an airlock. The usual.”

He laughed, the sound rich and warm. “I’m glad we found a more agreeable arrangement.”

I ran my fingers through his long, dark hair. “Me too. Although I have to admit, part of me still wonders why you chose me.”

Klaz pulled back. “Why wouldn’t I choose you, ? You’re brilliant, resourceful, and braver than anyone I’ve ever met.”

“I’m also a lying, thieving con artist,” I pointed out.

“And I’m an ex-bounty hunter with more blood on my hands than I care to remember,” he countered. “We’ve both done things we’re not proud of. But that doesn’t define who we are now.”

I swallowed hard, fighting back the sudden sting of tears. “When did you get so wise?”

“I had a good teacher.” He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “A certain auburn-haired human who taught me it’s never too late to change.”

“Sounds like a smart lady.”

“The smartest.” Klaz’s expression grew serious. “, I want you to know that this claiming... it’s not about ownership. It’s about connection. A bond that goes beyond the physical.”

I nodded, my heart racing. “I understand. And I want that connection with you, Klaz. More than anything.”

He cupped the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair. “Then let it be done.”

Klaz lowered his mouth to the crook of my neck. I felt the sharp points of his canines against my skin, and then?—

Pain. Exquisite, searing pain that coursed through my body like liquid fire. I cried out, clinging to Klaz as wave after wave of sensation washed over me. The pain gave way to pleasure, intense and all-consuming.

“,” Klaz’s voice sounded far away. “, my love...”

The world around me faded to black as I surrendered to the overwhelming sensations, Klaz’s arms holding me close as I drifted into unconsciousness.

I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the soft ambient lighting of the Realta bakery. The scents hit me first - a symphony of sweet and savory that made my mouth water. Vanilla, warm and comforting. Cinnamon, spicy and inviting. Rich, dark chocolate. And underneath it all, alien spices I couldn’t quite place - tangy, earthy notes that danced on the edge of my senses.

“You okay?” Klaz’s hand rested on the small of my back, steadying me.

I nodded, still marveling at the sensory overload. “Yeah, just... everything’s so intense now.”

He kissed the top of my head. “You’ll get used to it.”

It had been two weeks since the claiming bite on the Phantom’s Wake. I’d woken up to a new world of sensations, almost a new body.

And with Klaz at my side, a new life.

I focused on the marble countertop, tracing the intricate swirls with my eyes. Each vein and pattern stood out in sharp relief, like I was seeing through the stone itself.

“As far as I know, this is the best bakery in the sector with human treats. What do you want to try?” Klaz asked, gesturing to the display cases filled with an array of goodies.

I turned to Klaz, my eyebrows raised in disbelief. “You brought us all the way to Thodos III just for desserts?”

Klaz chuckled, a low rumble that sent a pleasant trill down my spine. “Let’s start with these.” He pointed to a stack of intricately layered pastries. “Vinduthi folding cakes. And maybe some of those Earth-style cupcakes? Oh, and the Narath star-fruit tarts look good.”

I snuggled into his arms. “Spoiling me already?”

“Always,” he murmured, his fingers brushing against the green markings on my neck - a perfect match to his own.

As we waited in line, I picked up snippets of conversation from across the room. A Thraxxian couple debating the merits of different flour types. A pair of Nazoks gossiping about the latest station drama. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating.

Klaz’s percomm buzzed. He frowned, glancing at the screen. “I need to take this. Wait here?”

I nodded, watching as he stepped outside. The bakery’s owner approached the counter - a human woman with long black hair and a purple streak. As she got closer, I noticed the familiar green markings peeking out from beneath her short-sleeved white uniform.

She smiled warmly. “Welcome to Realta. I’m Sophia. What can I get for you today?”

Before I could answer, her eyes widened slightly, focusing on my own markings. A knowing look passed between us.

“Actually,” Sophia said, “Nix, can you take over for a bit?” She called to a tall, pale Lyrikan, then winked at me. “I think we need to have a chat.”

Sophia grabbed a plate of cupcakes and gestured for me to follow her into the back. We settled at a small table in what looked like a break room.

“So,” Sophia said, pushing the cupcakes towards me. “Recently claimed?”

I nodded, running my fingers along the markings on my arm. “Yeah. It’s... a lot to take in.”

Sophia laughed. “Tell me about it. I remember when Makar first claimed me. The sensory overload alone took weeks to get used to.”

“Makar?” I asked, taking a bite of cupcake. The flavors exploded on my tongue, richer and more complex than anything I’d tasted before.

“My mate,” Sophia explained. “He’s... well, let’s just say he keeps busy.” She winked, and I got the distinct impression there was more to the story.

“Klaz is the same,” I said carefully. “Always running off to take care of ‘business.’”

We shared a knowing look, neither of us pushing for details.

“How long have you been mated?” I asked.

Sophia’s expression softened. “Almost two years now. Best decision I ever made, even if it does come with some... complications.”

I nodded, understanding all too well. “Klaz tried to push me away at first. Said it was too dangerous for me to be involved with him.”

Sophia rolled her eyes. “Vinduthi males and their protective streaks. Makar did the same thing. But they forget - we’re not exactly delicate flowers ourselves.”

I grinned. “Exactly. I told Klaz I could handle myself just fine.”

“Good for you,” Sophia said approvingly. “So, how’s he treating you? Besides the cupcakes, I mean.”

Warmth spread through my chest. “He’s... incredible. Protective, yes, but also kind. Gentle, when I need it. And he looks at me like...”

“Like you’re the most precious thing in the universe?” Sophia finished.

“Yeah,” I breathed. “Exactly like that.”

I took another bite of the heavenly cupcake, savoring the rich flavors. “These are incredible. I should bring some back for the other human mates on Caroma. They’d love a taste of home.”

Sophia’s eyes lit up. “Other human mates? On Caroma? I had no idea there was a community there.”

I nodded. “It’s small, but growing. We’re still figuring things out, you know?”

“That’s fascinating,” Sophia leaned forward, her excitement palpable. “You should meet the rest of us here on Thodos III. We have a little… support group of sorts. It helps to have others who understand what you’re going through.”

Before I could respond, the bakery’s door chimed. Klaz entered, his imposing figure drawing every eye in the room. But he wasn’t alone. Another Vinduthi male, equally impressive, followed close behind.

Sophia’s face lit up. “Makar!”

The second Vinduthi strode towards us, his presence commanding the space. Klaz followed, his eyes finding mine immediately. The intensity of his gaze sent a bolt of desire through me.

“,” Klaz said, his deep voice wrapping around my name like a caress. “I see you’ve met Sophia.”

I nodded, suddenly aware of how close he stood, the heat of his body radiating towards me. “She’s been telling me about the human mate community here.”

Makar moved to stand behind Sophia, one hand resting on her shoulder. “Why don’t we continue this conversation over dinner? The Black Star has a private room available.”

I glanced at Klaz, surprised. We hadn’t discussed dinner plans.

Klaz’s expression softened as he looked at me. “Actually, I have other plans for tonight. We have a reservation at the Nebula.”

Really? The Nebula was one of the most exclusive restaurants on the station. Apparently, my man was serious about spoiling me.

“Another time, then,” Makar said, not looking put out in the slightest.

Sophia grinned. “We’ll hold you to that. Oh! Why don’t you join us at the Black Star Casino tomorrow?”

I hesitated, looking to Klaz. Were we ready to go back into another casino? He nodded almost imperceptibly, a silent reassurance. “We’d love to,” I said, surprising myself with how much I meant it.

As we prepared to leave, Klaz pulled out a small, ornate box. “I have something for you,” he said softly.

My breath caught as he opened it, revealing a delicate bracelet that seemed to glow from within. “Vinduthi starstone,” he explained, his fingers brushing against my wrist as he fastened it. “A symbol of our bond.”

Tears pricked at my eyes. I’d spent so long convincing myself I didn’t need anyone, that attachments were dangerous. But here, with Klaz, I felt... safe. Cherished.

We said our goodbyes and stepped out into the station’s artificial twilight. Klaz pulled me close, his forehead resting against mine. “I never thought I’d find someone like you,” he murmured.

I closed my eyes, drinking in his nearness. “I never thought I’d let someone in,” I whispered back.

His lips met mine in a kiss that was both tender and passionate, a promise of all that was to come.

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