Epilogue

The deep wilderness of Vasz was like nothing else. The Borraq homeland was a place of strange beauty, all soaring cliffs and deep valleys, thick forests and rushing rivers. The trees were like nothing on Earth, their broad leaves a deep blue that drank in the light of Vasz”s twin suns.

Elian was just a small figure in that vast landscape, a slender human in a world that wasn”t made for humans.

And in the middle of that landscape was Rael”s village.

Elian was perched high on a platform, working on the intricate electronics of a broken radio. Over the past few months that he”d been there, tinkering had been a daily task, something to keep his mind busy.

He might not have the strength of the Borraq, but he was smart. He”d found ways to be useful, ways to carve out a space for himself in a world that was never meant for his kind.

Below him, the sounds of the clan drifted up from the open courtyard at the base of the platform. Rael”s home was a place of constant activity, filled with the deep voices of the Borraq.

A pair of them were working on a garden, carefully tending to plants that were just as alien as the rest of the world. Near the garden, a group of warriors were going through their drills, their weapons flashing in the sunlight. A pair of thick-bodied cooks were arguing good-naturedly about something by the entrance to the communal kitchen, their deep laughter booming out.

Elian looked away from the sight and focused on his work, screwdriver in hand. The electronics were a delicate thing, and he had to be careful with them. Despite their species using plenty of advanced technology at the front lines, it was clear that most Borraq that lived on Vasz never used technology that was this complicated — or this finicky to repair.

But he”d succeeded, and now here he was, a valued member of Rael”s clan.

Well, according to most of them. Rael”s second in command had not been as easy to win over. Taryn was Rael”s right-hand man, a key figure in the village… but Elian had never even laid eyes on him. The man refused to be around him. Taryn would not so much as even look at Elian.

Elian”s stomach sank. Rael had assured him that Taryn would come around in time, but Elian hated being the source of friction between Rael and any of his people.

A call from below broke Elian from his brooding. Elian leaned over the edge of the platform. The sunlight was hot on his skin, and he wiped sweat from his brow. ”What is it, Korr?” he called.

The cook looked up at him from the courtyard below, shielding his eyes from the sun. ”Will you be needing a break soon, human? I”ve prepared a meal that won”t turn your stomach.”

Elian hid a smile. Rael”s people had come a long way from their initial skepticism about hosting a human. They”d quickly learned that humans had different needs from the Borraq — and different tastes. The first meal that the cooks had proudly presented to Elian had been a trial for them both. The thick, rare meat had been delicious, but the accompanying thick, sour milk had nearly sent Elian running for the hills.

After that, the cooks had grudgingly added their attempts at human-friendly dishes to their menu. And after Elian had attempted to cook a few recipes himself, they”d shooed him out of the kitchens and tackled the challenge themselves. Now the kitchen could produce meals that satisfied both human and Borraq palates, and the cooks were fiercely proud of their cosmopolitan taste.

Elian leaned over the edge of the platform. ”I”ll take you up on that offer, but not just yet. I”ve got a delicate piece of machinery in my hands right now, and I don”t want to juggle it with food.”

Korr nodded, satisfied. ”As you say. Come down when you”re ready.”

Elian got back to work, a smile playing at his lips. Life among the Borraq was never dull, that was for sure. But despite the occasional headaches — both metaphorical and literal, after he”d tried some of their spicier ingredients — Elian had never been happier.

He had a place among the stars, and a clan at his back. There was nothing else he could ask for.

Well, almost nothing…

But he didn”t have the time to think about that. Worrak had no qualms about climbing up onto the platform, looming over Elian. ”What are you doing today, human?” he called.

Despite the way that Worrak towered over him, he was, Elian had been told, still quite young. If Elian saw past the horns and the sharp teeth, Worrak reminded Elian of some of the young teenage boys that hung around space stations, trying to act cool in front of the actual soldiers.

No wonder Rael had wanted to heal him so badly. It was hard not to find the young warrior endearing, like a big puppy.

”Same thing I do every day, Worrak. Trying to fix your toys.”

Worrak”s deep voice was filled with all the outrage he could muster. ”Those ”toys” may be the difference between life and death in battle!”

”Yeah, yeah. Look, I fixed this one — you can get those radio shows of yours, now.”

Worrak broke into a bright smile. ”Good. I do not want to miss what happens next.”

Elian felt a surge of smug satisfaction as he chatted away with Worrak about the radio. The young warrior had made a full recovery. Thanks to Rael, he was back on his feet and as boisterous as ever.

The fee for the gene treatment had been costly — but it wasn”t like Korvax was going to be using his blade any more. Rael had wasted no time in trading it in. Apparently a clan blade was serious business.

A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Elian”s mouth. It”s what you deserved, you jerk.

Worrak was oblivious to Elian”s smugness. ”If you”re done fixing it, you”ve got time for a sparring session.”

Elian snorted softly, already knowing where this was headed. ”Not again. You know you”ll wipe the floor with me, right?”

”Until you learn!” Worrak shot back with a toothy grin. ”Come and let me show you. I will make you stronger!”

Elian knew better than to take the bait. Sparring with a Borraq warrior, even a relatively young one like Worrak, was a sure-fire way to end up in pain. He had learned that lesson the hard way early on.

”Maybe later,” he said kindly, turning his attention back to the delicate machinery in front of him. ”I”ve got work to do.”

Worrak made a rude noise, but there was no real heat behind it. ”Suit yourself. But don”t come crying to me when your soft human body gets out of shape from all that sitting around.”

Elian simply shook his head, amused by the jibe. As Worrak wandered off in search of another target to spar with, Elian couldn”t help but feel a swell of contentment. This was his life now — a valued member of Rael”s clan, with a purpose and a sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long on Earth.

And it was all thanks to Rael”s unwavering courage and the strength of his convictions. Elian owed the powerful Borraq warrior everything, a debt that could never be fully repaid.

And speaking of his mate…

The sound of heavy footfalls echoed up to the platform. Elian”s heart skipped a beat. He knew that step, the confident stride of a certain Borraq alpha.

Despite the heat of the day, a shiver of anticipation ran down his spine. He turned — and there he was, striding across the courtyard. Rael was back.

Elian”s breath caught in his throat at the sight of him. His mate was as imposing as ever. The sunlight caught the deep gold of his skin, the fierce curve of his horns. His cloak billowed behind him as he walked, a sign of the rank that he held.

Rael”s trip to the neighboring territories had been a long one, filled with negotiations and politics. He”d been gone for weeks, and every day of his absence had felt like an eternity to Elian.

But now he was back.

His mate. The realization still felt too good to be true, a fantasy that Elian was scared of waking up from.

The other members of the clan gathered to welcome Rael back, their deep voices raised in a chorus of greeting. Their words were a rumbling sound that filled the courtyard.

But despite the fact that they were all there in the flesh, Rael only had eyes for one person. He greeted them all, then crossed the courtyard in long strides, his gaze fixed on Elian.

Heat crept up Elian”s neck and settled on his cheeks. He was no stranger to desire, but the way that Rael could make him feel, with just a look, from across the courtyard, in front of the entire gathered clan… It was something else entirely.

The other members of the clan clearly noticed Rael”s real target. The cooks elbowed each other and shared a knowing look, and the crowd dispersed, suddenly finding reasons to be out of the way.

The members of the clan might come from a different species to Elian, but good-natured teasing was a universal language. Elian had quickly learned that the Borraq were social people, and that their bonds of companionship were just as deep as their rivalries in battle.

Despite the fact that Elian and Rael”s relationship was something new and unprecedented, the clan had come to embrace it. They were proud to have a human member secretly living among their ranks, and that included every single part of human life — even the embarrassing bits.

Elian was going to have to endure a lot of teasing in the aftermath of this. But you know what? He”d gladly endure ten times the number of raised eyebrows and nudged elbows for the privilege of having Rael look at him like that.

Rael paid his people no mind. He stopped in front of the platform, his gaze fixed up on Elian. Despite the heat of the day, a hungry light burned in his eyes.

”Elian,” he said, his voice a deep rumble. ”Come down here.”

Elian”s heart raced. ”One second.” He hurriedly put aside the gadgets he was working on, shoving his tools as neatly as he could back into their box. Then he was clambering down the platform, and following the flick of Rael”s cloak through the door of Rael”s house.

Rael led Elian through the ornate entrance of his private quarters, the space that was now equally theirs. The place reflected the Borraq”s penchant for simplicity and functionality — the decor was minimal, the lines clean, the colors bright and vivid.

Rael”s powerful arms encircled him from behind, the Borraq”s warm breath tickling the nape of his neck. ”I have thought of little else since I left but you,” the deep rumble of Rael”s voice reverberated through Elian”s core. ”Your absence has been a constant ache, my mate.”

Heat blossomed across Elian”s cheeks even as a teasing smirk played upon his lips. ”Is that so?” He turned within the circle of Rael”s embrace, drinking in the sight of his lover”s chiseled features. ”And here I thought the great alpha would be too occupied with matters of diplomacy to spare a thought for his human.”

Rael”s only response was a low, possessive growl as he closed the scant distance between them. Their lips met in a searing kiss, all teeth and tongue and raw, primal need. Elian surrendered to the onslaught, his fingers threading through the thick tresses at the nape of Rael”s neck as a soft whimper escaped him.

In a dizzying flurry of movement, Rael swept Elian off his feet, his powerful muscles straining beneath golden skin as he carried his lover to the bed. Elian”s back hit the soft furs with a breathless gasp, his eyes blown wide as Rael loomed over him, a predator claiming his prize.

Elian”s breath caught in his throat as Rael”s smoldering gaze raked over him. The sheer intensity of the Borraq”s desire was like a physical caress, stoking the flames of Elian”s own yearning until he burned with it.

Powerful hands roamed over the planes of Elian”s body, mapping the familiar terrain with reverence and need. Rael”s calloused fingertips danced across flushed skin, tracing the dips and valleys as if committing every inch to memory once more. Elian arched into the touch with a needy whine, his own hands grasping at the hard curves of Rael”s chest.

”You”ve been away too long,” Elian rasped, his voice husky with want. He dragged blunt nails down the ridges of Rael”s abdomen, relishing the way the Borraq”s muscles twitched.

Rael”s answering growl vibrated through Elian”s very core. ”Every moment apart has been torment.” His words were punctuated with a sharp nip to the sensitive flesh of Elian”s throat, his sharp teeth just barely grazing his skin.

Clever fingers made short work of the fastenings on Elian”s clothes, peeling away each layer with agonizing slowness until he lay bare and trembling before his mate. Elian”s skin prickled with a heady mix of arousal and vulnerability as Rael drank in the sight, his gaze molten and worshipful.

”Beautiful,” the Borraq rumbled, the simple word a benediction on his lips.

Heat suffused Elian”s cheeks even as he preened under the adoring attention. He reached up, tangling his fingers in the thick tresses at Rael”s nape and tugging insistently until their mouths crashed together in a searing kiss.

Elian”s fingers traced the lines of Rael”s abdomen, marveling at the sheer size and strength of his mate. His exploration drifted lower, past the narrow trail of hair leading down from Rael”s navel, until his fingertips brushed against the unmistakable twin hardnesses straining beneath the fabric of Rael”s clothes.

A breathless laugh tumbled from Elian”s lips. ”Somebody”s eager,” he murmured, giving the rigid lengths a teasing stroke through the cloth.

Rael released a low, rumbling growl that reverberated through Elian”s very core. ”Any healthy Borraq male would be, after weeks apart from their mate,” he rasped, leaning in to nip at the sensitive column of Elian”s throat. ”Especially when said mate smells as intoxicating as you.”

That was a lie. Elian was diligent in applying his pheromone-blocking salve every day, so as to keep the peace with his new family — not that anyone would ever be bold enough or stupid enough to show interest in their alpha”s claimed mate.

Still, Elian shivered at the words, his fingers moving faster. ”Poor thing,” he grinned. ”All pent up with no release.”

The derisive snort Rael loosed ruffled the damp curls at Elian”s temple. ”You underestimate a Borraq”s restraint, little mate.”

Despite the chiding words, there was no heat behind them, only a banked intensity that made Elian”s pulse thunder in his ears. He tugged down Rael”s pants and gave the twin lengths a firm stroke, reveling in the way Rael”s hips canted into his touch with a harsh exhalation.

”Restraint, hm?” Elian arched a challenging brow, his lips quirking into a sly grin. ”Doesn”t seem like you”ve got much of that left right now.”

”You”re a menace,” Rael rasped against the hollow of Elian”s throat, the words a husky rasp edged with fondness.

Elian hummed in agreement, arching into the scorching drag of Rael”s mouth and hands. ”A menace you happen to adore.”

The sharp nip to the juncture of his neck and shoulder drew a sharp gasp from Elian”s lips. ”Careful, little mate,” Rael purred, his voice a sinful rumble against Elian”s flushed skin. ”Don”t get too bold, lest I be forced to remind you of your place.”

A delicious shiver raced down Elian”s spine at the dark promise in those words. He hooked a leg over Rael”s powerful thigh, using the leverage to grind their arousals together in a slow, filthy roll of his hips. ”Is that a threat or a promise?”

Rael growled low in his throat, hips surging forward to chase the delicious friction. It was the work of a moment to strip both of them bare, then his fingers dug almost bruisingly into the soft flesh of Elian”s thighs, holding him in place as their bodies rocked together in a primal, heated rhythm.

Pleasure zinged along Elian”s nerves with each languid roll of their hips. He drank in the sight of his mate, head thrown back in abandon, muscles rippling beneath golden skin that glistened with a fine sheen of sweat. Rael was glorious like this, his usual stoic demeanor shattered, lost to the storm of desire that bound them together.

Elian”s breath escaped in ragged pants as their movements grew more frantic, more desperate. He could feel the precipice looming ever closer, that razor”s edge of blissful oblivion calling to him with each electrifying brush of their arousals.

”What do you need, my mate?” The endearment rolled off Rael”s lips like a sacred invocation. ”Tell me, and it shall be yours.”

Elian”s throat went dry as he met Rael”s burning gaze. His heart thundered in his chest, every nerve ending alight with a heady mix of desire and trepidation.

”Mate me,” he rasped. ”Slowly. After being apart for so long, I want to feel every inch of you claiming me again.”

The phrase worked its magic. A low, possessive growl rumbled from Rael”s broad chest. In one fluid motion, he captured Elian”s lips in a searing kiss, all teeth and tongue and scorching need. ”Your wish is my command.”

True to his word, Rael worshipped Elian”s body with an almost reverent slowness. Calloused palms mapped the planes and valleys of flushed skin, each caress stoking the flames of Elian”s arousal higher. Clever fingers danced over sensitive spots, drawing breathy gasps and needy whimpers from Elian”s lips.

”So responsive for me,” Rael purred, nipping at the juncture of Elian”s neck and shoulder. ”You”ve no idea how I”ve ached for this while I was away. Longed to feel you trembling and writhing beneath me once more.”

Elian keened softly as Rael”s questing hands drifted lower, teasing at the crease of his thigh. He arched into the scorching trail of open-mouthed kisses Rael blazed down the center of his chest.

”Tell me, little mate,” Rael rasped. ”Did you ache for me as I did for you? Did you lie awake at night, body thrumming with unfulfilled need?”

A full-body shudder racked Elian at the dark timbre of Rael”s words. He threaded desperate fingers through the thick tresses at his mate”s nape, wordless pleas spilling from his lips.

Rael hummed, the sound a low, indulgent rumble. ”I”ll take that as a yes.” He punctuated the words with a sharp nip to Elian”s throat, smirking at the breathless keen it drew forth.

Elian was rapidly unraveling under the onslaught of Rael”s skilled hands and wicked mouth. Every nerve ending sang with exquisite torment, the delicious drag of pleasure and denial binding him in rapturous limbo.

Just when he thought he could bear no more, Rael shifted, powerful muscles rippling beneath golden skin as he settled between Elian”s thighs. The first brush of one of Rael”s dual lengths against Elian”s entrance, blunt and full of promise, made him gasp.

”Look at you,” Rael rasped, drinking in the sight of his mate, flushed and trembling with want. ”You”re already wrecked, and I”ve scarcely begun to take you apart.”

Elian whined high in his throat, hips bucking in a desperate bid for friction, for release. Rael”s broad palm splayed over the jut of his hip, stilling the frantic motion as he tsked softly.

”Patience, my mate. I intend to savor every breathless cry, every needy whimper.” His smoldering gaze raked over Elian in a molten caress. ”You”ll be utterly undone by the time I”m through with you.”

Elian”s breath escaped in ragged pants, his body thrumming with exquisite torment. Rael”s words kindled an inferno of need low in his belly, leaving him utterly at his mate”s mercy.

A broken whimper tumbled from Elian”s lips as one of Rael”s thick lengths brushed against his entrance in a maddening tease, already slick with eager precome. He could feel the scorching heat radiating from them, the slick slide of arousal leaving him utterly undone.

Elian could only keen as Rael”s hips rolled forward in one agonizingly slow thrust. His mate”s thick length breached him, slicked with his own arousal. The stretch and burn stole the very air from Elian”s lungs. He broke away from the kiss with a strangled cry, body arching into the delicious impalement.

Rael paused once sheathed to the hilt, giving Elian a moment to adjust to the thick intrusion. His lips trailed a blazing path along Elian”s jaw and throat as he murmured fervent praises against flushed skin.

”So perfect for me,” he rasped, rocking his hips in a shallow grind that had Elian keening. ”Exquisite in your pleasure, my mate. My beautiful human.”

The endearments fanned the flames of Elian”s desire higher. He clung to Rael”s powerful frame, chasing that exquisite friction as his mate began to move in earnest.

Elian lost himself in the maelstrom of sensations – the scorching glide of Rael”s cock within him, the other rubbing against his own, the delicious burn of being stretched and filled, the intoxicating scent of their mingled arousal. His world narrowed to the point where their bodies joined, every nerve ending alight and singing with rapture.

Rael”s thrusts grew harder, deeper, their pace spiraling into something frantic and primal. Elian matched him stroke for stroke, his breathless cries spilling into the heated air between them.

He could feel that precipice looming ever closer, the coiled tension in his belly winding tighter with each roll of Rael”s hips. Any coherent thought scattered like leaves on the wind as Rael set a punishing pace, driving into him with deep, powerful strokes. Elian surrendered himself to the maelstrom, clinging to his mate as wave after wave of bliss threatened to sweep him under.

Elian”s back arched off the bed, a breathless keen torn from his lips as Rael”s thick cock drove into him with relentless intensity. Every nerve ending sang with rapturous bliss, the slick slide of their joining stoking the flames of Elian”s desire ever higher.

He drank in the sight of his mate above him – powerful muscles rippling beneath sweat-slicked golden skin, emerald eyes blazing with a banked fire, full lips parted on harsh pants. Rael was glorious like this, lost to the maelstrom of their shared passion.

A broken whimper spilled from Elian as Rael”s hips snapped forward in a sharp, punishing thrust. The angle drove the scorching lengths deeper, igniting sparks behind Elian”s fluttering eyelids. His nails raked down the broad expanse of Rael”s back, seeking an anchor in the storm.

”You”re mine,” Rael growled against the thundering pulse in Elian”s throat. There was no menace in the words, only a raw, possessive need. ”Every breathless cry, every shudder of rapture – it”s mine.”

Rael”s hand slipped between their bodies, calloused fingers wrapping around Elian”s weeping length. A broken moan tore from Elian”s lips at the delicious friction, his hips surging up to drive into Rael”s tight fist.

”That”s it, my mate,” Rael purred, voice a dark rasp edged with sin. ”Let me hear those pretty noises.”

The coil of tension in Elian”s belly wound tighter with every brutal snap of Rael”s hips, every twist of his wrist. He could feel that razor”s edge looming ever nearer, the promise of release singing in his veins.

”Rael,” he gasped, his voice a ragged whisper. ”I”m… I”m going to… ”

Rael”s only response was a low, possessive growl as he slammed into Elian with renewed vigor. The sound of their bodies coming together in a primal rhythm sent shivers racing down Elian”s spine, his body trembling with the force of his impending release.

And then it hit him, a tidal wave of pleasure that crashed over him and swept him away. Elian”s back arched off the sleeping pallet, a keening cry tearing from his lips as he came, his release painting his chest with warm, sticky ropes.

Rael”s own climax followed, a low, guttural roar tearing from his throat as he filled Elian with his seed. The sensation of being claimed, of being marked as Rael”s mate, sent another wave of pleasure crashing through Elian, leaving him boneless and utterly spent.

Or so he thought.

Elian”s body trembled as Rael pulled out of him, the spent cock slipping from his well-used hole with a wet sound that left him feeling utterly debased. He could feel the Borraq”s seed beginning to drip down his thighs.

But before he could even catch his breath, Rael was replacing his spent cock with his other, still-hard length. Elian whimpered at the sensation, his overstimulated body protesting even as his desire spiked anew. ”R-Rael…”

”I told you — I intend to make up for all those days spent away from you.” Rael”s eyes blazed with a possessive hunger as he slid back into Elian”s come-filled hole. The Borraq”s hips snapped forward with a brutal intensity, driving his second cock deep into Elian”s quivering body.

Elian could only moan and cling to Rael”s powerful form, his nails digging into the golden skin as the Borraq fucked him with a relentless, primal need. Every thrust sent sparks of pleasure racing through his body, his overstimulated nerves singing with delight.

”Mine,” Rael growled against Elian”s ear, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers racing down Elian”s spine. ”You”re mine, Elian. My mate, my lover, my everything.”

Elian could only whimper his agreement, utterly lost to the maelstrom of sensation. He could feel Rael”s second cock throbbing inside him, the thick length filling him to the brim as the Borraq neared his climax.

And then it hit him, a tidal wave of pleasure that crashed over him and swept him away. Elian”s back arched off the sleeping pallet, his heels crossing behind Rael”s back, pulling him in deep.

Rael”s hips stuttered as he emptied himself into Elian”s quivering body, his grip on Elian”s hips tightening almost painfully. Elian could feel the warmth of Rael”s seed filling him again, the sensation sending another wave of pleasure crashing through him.

When it was over, Rael collapsed onto Elian”s sweat-slicked form, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath. Elian could feel Rael”s heart pounding against his own, the steady rhythm a comforting reminder that they were still alive.

For a moment, they lay there in silence, their bodies entwined as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Elian”s heart swelled as he gazed up at Rael, his mate. A sense of peace settled over him.

The rest of the galaxy might be against them, but they had each other, and that was all that mattered.

Rael”s eyes softened as he looked down at Elian, his powerful chest still heaving from the aftershocks of their lovemaking. He brushed a stray lock of hair from Elian”s forehead, his touch gentle and tender.

”I love you, Elian,” he murmured, his voice low and rough with emotion.

Elian”s heart skipped a beat at the words, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He had never thought he would hear those words from anyone, let alone from an alien who had once captured him and held him captive.

”I love you too, Rael,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Rael”s lips curved into a small smile, and he leaned down to press a soft kiss to Elian”s lips. Elian”s arms wrapped around Rael”s neck, pulling him closer as they deepened the kiss.

As they lay there in each other”s arms, the rest of the galaxy faded away until there was only the two of them, wrapped up in their own little world. It was a world that was filled with love and warmth, and it was a world that Elian never intended to leave.