11. Jade

11

JADE

I wake up at daybreak with my head resting on Zeleck's chest, his arms wrapped around me, and my legs entwined with his.

It takes me a few seconds for the fog of sleep to clear. Then, the memories of last night come flooding back—finding the Rakuium, the kissing, the intense communication experience we shared, it sleeping together under the stars.

Listening to the steady rhythm of Zeleck's heartbeat, I'm reluctant to move. Being wrapped in his arms feels warm and safe. I'm startled to realize it feels like… home .

I tap my TEASE to see if anything has changed. Nothing has. The latest alert says SPECIES SURVIVAL MODE ENABLED. It still wants me to procreate, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything alarming to push me toward procreating with Zeleck.

After spending some time with him, I wonder if my feelings for him really are my own. I genuinely enjoy his company. He's wise, kind, supportive, protective. Qualities I would want in a partner. He's also sexy as hell.

I've never been in a serious relationship before, and a part of me longs to give up on the idea of going home—and instead, to give in to Zeleck's desire to become mates.

I savor the feel of his body against mine and the gentle rise and fall of his chest. His scent envelops me, and I nuzzle closer to breathe in more of him, my fingers tracing the golden scales on his chest.

The movement stirs him from his sleep, and I feel his arms tighten around me. "Did you sleep well?" His voice rough, and I feel his cock stir against me.

"I slept great." I tilt my head up to look at him, a smile tugging at my lips. "I'm sorry I woke you."

He grins, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "I do not mind waking up like this. It is a pleasant way to start the day."

I blush, suddenly hyperaware of how intimate our position is. I untangle myself from him, sitting up and stretching my arms above my head. "We should probably get moving if we want to find more Rakuium today."

Zeleck sits up as well, his gaze lingering on me in a way that makes my heart race. "Yes, we should."

As we share a simple breakfast of ryn flower and banan fruit, I think about the Rakuium and the strange connection we both felt with it. The visions and emotions it shared with us were so intense, so real.

Does it truly have a purpose, a mission that only Zeleck and I can help it fulfill? If it does, that would make it sentient, which my mind has a hard time accepting.

But there's also a nagging fear in the back of my mind, a worry that the Rakuium might not be what it seems. What if it's tricking us, luring us into a trap that we can't escape?

I shiver despite the warmth of the rising sun, and Zeleck notices my unease. "What troubles you, Jay-duh?"

I hesitate, not wanting to voice my fears out loud. But the concern on Zeleck's face compels me to be honest. "I'm just worried about the Rakuium. What if it's not what we think it is? What if it's dangerous?" My friends and I trusted Earth Gov and look where it got us.

Zeleck squeezes my hand, his touch reassuring. "I understand your fears, Jay-duh. Yet I believe we should have faith in ourselves and in each other to uncover its true purpose. Then we will know what to do next."

His words console me, and I push the worries to the back of my mind as we pack up our camp. Still, I can't shake the feeling that we're on the brink of something big, a discovery that could change our lives for better…or for worse.

By mid-day, the weather has changed. Ominous clouds gather overhead, and the distant rumble of thunder signals an approaching storm.

Zeleck stops his digging and assesses the sky. "We should find shelter. The rains will soon turn our search area to mud."

We've been pretty lucky weather-wise considering this is the rainy season, and our morning has been productive. We found several small pieces of Rakuium, which are safely tucked away in a pouch I've tied to my holster.

"There aren't any caves around here," I say. "Where should we go?"

"I know a place. It is not far from here, yet we must hurry if we wish to get there before the rains arrive."

Trusting him to lead the way, I follow his long, purposeful strides. The temperature drops and gusty winds develop, whipping through the trees and sending leaves and branches falling around us. Just as the first fat drops of rain begin to fall, Zeleck stops.

In front of us is a rounded metallic structure. It's wedged between two giant trees and partially embedded in the dense foliage, positioned in a way to form a curved overhang. "What is this?"

"It is part of the Rakui ancestors' original flyer," Zeleck says, clearing away the debris underneath the overhang to create a sort of lean-to like shelter.

He uses the fur bedroll from his pack to cover the ground. We get inside just as the rain begins to fall in earnest. The space is small, although there's enough room for us to sit without bumping the top of our heads. The sounds of the storm against the metal seem almost musical.

"This was a great idea, Zeleck."

My praise makes him smile. "This should provide us with adequate shelter until the storm passes."

I run my hand along the smooth, curved surface of the overhang. "I'm surprised this is still here. I would have thought it would be salvaged by the Rakuis or rogues to make weapons or something."

"It is buried very deep, and there is plenty of other flyer wreckages to salvage."

"That's true." My friends and I, plus our professors, crashed seven escape pods here. And the rogues all crashed here, too.

Zeleck's face turns thoughtful. "It is also a reminder of our past, and the dangerous journey our ancestors took to give the Rakui people a fresh start."

I put my hands together and raise my head. "Thank you, Rakui ancestors."

"That almost sounded like a prayer," Zeleck teases.

I laugh. "I figure it couldn't hurt considering we're sheltered under metal in a thunderstorm."

"The trees will protect us from direct hits." The certainty in his voice eases my worry.

We settle down beneath the overhang to watch the storm, our backs resting against the curved wall, our shoulders and thighs touching.

Not gonna lie. The proximity sends a little thrill through me.

I let my mind wander, the sounds of the storm putting me in a contemplative headspace. This piece of the Rakui spaceship is over three hundred years old, a reminder of the incredible journey that brought Zeleck's people to this planet. It's a testament to their resilience and adaptability, traits I see reflected in Zeleck. In all the Rakuis.

Sitting there, sheltered by a piece of their history, I begin to understand why they find this simple life fulfilling. Why they're happy in this technology-free world.

My thoughts change direction and a question that's been nagging at the back of my mind pushes its way to the surface. "Zeleck, can I ask you something?"

He looks at me, his eyes warm and inviting. "Of course, Jay-duh. You can ask me anything."

"Why do you want me as a mate? When there are so many other Terrans to choose from, why would you choose me?"

I'm not beautiful and buxom like Charlotte, vivacious and graceful like Jillian, or sweet and loyal like Emily. I'm not sure and confident like Layla, the de facto leader of the Terrans. I haven't even embraced the Rakui ways like Kenzie. I really don't know what he sees in me.

Zeleck is quiet for a moment, his gaze never leaving mine. When he speaks, his voice is soft and sincere. "You are special in so many ways. You are smart, curious, stubborn, resilient. You think before you speak and are driven by your goals and your desire to know the truth."

I blush at his words, but I shake my head. "But I'm nothing special, Zeleck. I'm just a regular Terran with a knack for technology, looking for a way home. On Earth, nothing about me would stand out." Especially not my looks. I'm average height and below average weight, with mousy brown hair and unremarkable features.

He reaches out and takes my hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. "You are wrong, Jay-duh. You are special in every way. Your spirit, your determination, your physical beauty—these are the things that make you unique."

Physical beauty? That's where he loses me, and I shake my head. "You should choose one of the Terrans who want to stay here and have a family."

He grins mischievously, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and leans over to whisper in my ear. "Yet it is your scent that calls to me. Your lips I want to kiss- zing . Your cunt I want to taste. Your screams I want to hear when your pleasure peaks."

Damn. Tears sting my eyes and my panties practically burst into flames. "I don't know what to say."

He reaches up and brushes a stray tear from my cheek, his touch feather-light. I lean into his touch, overwhelmed with emotion. He pulls me into his arms, holding me close as the storm rages outside our shelter.

"You do not have to say anything," he says. "Just know, you are worth choosing."

Then, his lips crash over mine.