4. Jade

4

JADE

Even with Zeleck's strong arm around my waist, I stumble drunkenly through the dark, struggling to put one foot in front of the other. Our steps aren't in sync, so I bump against his hard chest with every other step. It's my fault more than his because I'm completely hammered.

Weaving wildly, I glance up at his handsome face framed in the moons' light. My eyes trace the sharp lines of his jaw, the fullness of his lips, the intensity in his expression. A strange longing tugs at my heart, and heat stirs deep in my belly.

Despite my efforts to ignore it, an undeniable attraction simmers between me and Zeleck…an attraction that's magnified for me right now due to the booze. It's hard to resist the primal pull of his raw masculinity and brute strength.

Damn. Drinking always did make me horny.

But it's not just the mead amping up my libido. My TEASE is doing it, too, manipulating me into desiring a Rakui mate.

The symbionts we received in preparation for our year in space, and the tiny computer chips implanted in our wrists called Terran Enhancement for Adaptation and Survival beyond Earth, were supposed to enhance our adaptability and survival in alien environments. But Earth Gov is using the implants to manipulate our minds and bodies in ways we never consented to. And right now, my TEASE wants me to fuck Zeleck's brains out.

The only thing saving me from doing something I'll regret is a wave of nausea. The mead and meal I ate churns violently in my stomach.

"Hold on," I say, slurring my words. "I'm gonna be sick." Dropping to my knees and doubling over, I empty the contents of my stomach, heaving until there's nothing left but the bitter taste of bile which stings my throat. When I'm done, I realize that Zeleck is kneeling beside me, holding my hair back from my face.

"Thanks." I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. "That was really sweet of you."

"Our mead is strong. Many Rakuis over-imbibe the first time they drink it." He chuckles. "Some over-imbibe every time we bring it out."

"I'll keep that in mind for next time."

He helps me to my feet, his arms steadying me as I sway back and forth.

"If I was looking for a Rakui husband to have barbarian babies with, I'd totally choose you," I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips before my brain can stop me. "But I'm not staying on this planet. I'm finding a way off this rock, even if I have to build a spaceship myself. Or, you know, build one with Gia's help."

His expression is hard to read. But the message he sends when his thumb trails across my cheek is loud and clear. Zeleck wants me. The world spins in dizzying circles around me, and Zeleck's strong arm wraps around my waist, pulling me against him.

His body radiates an inviting warmth that beckons me closer. I lean into him, inhaling the scents of fresh air, campfire smoke, and rugged male that cling to his skin. Raw desire wars with my fuzzy mind as I struggle to maintain my resolve. I wonder if he's going to kiss me, even though that would be gross right now.

"You need to sleep," he murmurs instead.

His voice is deep and low and sexy as hell, and the last thing I want right now is to go to bed to…sleep. But I nod wordlessly, and let him guide me the rest of the way to the North Caves. Once there, I rinse my mouth with water, drink deeply to help dilute the alcohol in my system, and chew one of the mint-like leaves we use to clean our teeth.

There's nobody in the cave where me and my unmated friends sleep because everyone else is still enjoying the party. Even Emily, who has been glued to Stromm's bedside ever since he was severely wounded by mercenaries, is celebrating.

"Your leathers are soiled." Zeleck points to my Earth Gov–issued, long-sleeved T-shirt and leggings. "Do you have something else to wear?"

I nod, grabbing my one change of clothes from my backpack. With deft movements, he helps me undress, his calloused fingers grazing my skin with tantalizing tenderness.

First, my shirt falls away. Zeleck's gaze lingers on my exposed flesh, his expression one of unmistakable hunger. Next, he pulls off my booties and slides my leggings down to my ankles where I kick them off, leaving me in just my sports bra and panties.

The heat between us is palpable. I shiver, though not from the chill in the air, as Zeleck's chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, his muscles rippling beneath golden scales.

Without thinking, I wrap my arms around his neck and press myself flush against him, reveling in the feel of his suede-like scales against my skin. My fingers tangle in the soft strands of his hair as I press my lips to the taut cords of his neck, tasting the salty tang of his skin.

Zeleck inhales sharply, his muscles tensing beneath my touch, his hard cock twitching beneath his leather kilt, which the Rakuis call a loincloth. Just as I'm sure he's about to give in to the desire smoldering between us, he gently pushes me away.

The loss of contact makes me whimper. "Don't you want me?"

"More than anything…yet not like this." His voice is raspy, strained with need. "Not when your mind is dulled by mead. I would not want you to do something you later regret."

He's right, of course. Still, a protest escapes my lips as he helps me re-dress and get into bed.

"Sleep now, and I will clean your soiled leathers," he murmurs, his fingertips brushing the hair from my face. "Tomorrow we will begin our quest for more Rakuium. I will be waiting for you at the communal fire pit."

His reminder of my quest—our quest, now—breaks through the haze of lust clouding my mind. "Right. Leaving at first light." Then, the mead drags me toward sleep.