Alien Warrior (Zerconian Warriors Book 1) (9 page)

She couldn’t move. She was totally at his mercy.

And she loved it.

Dex thrust his tongue deep into her pussy.

“Oh God,” she cried as he moved his thumb faster, flicking her clit as he pulled his tongue out. “Dex! I need you!”

Shifting his tongue up to her clit, Dex swirled it around the swollen nub as he pushed one finger deep inside her.

“Please, please.” Orgasm was so close. She’d been on edge for so long, it wasn’t going to take much more…. Zoey screamed as she came, her pussy clenching tightly around the single digit inside her.

As her body shuddered, waves of release rocking her, Dex climbed over her and slipped the tip of his cock inside her.

He paused. “Are you ready for me, my own?”

Dazed, she gazed up into his face, noticing how strained he looked. She could imagine how hard it was for him to hold back.

“Yes.”

“If you feel any pain, tell me straight away.” As he pushed forward, he leaned down and took one nipple into his mouth. Pleasure pulsated through her body, making her nerve endings dance with delight. Her pussy stretched, welcoming him inside her.

He moved torturously slow. Inching inside her at the pace of a snail.

“Move faster,” she demanded.

“No. You are not in charge of this, my own.”

She scowled up at him. “Now is not the time to be an arrogant ass.”

“It is not arrogance, my own. I long to thrust inside you, to simply take you.”

“Then why aren’t you?” Her racing heart pounded in her chest as she fought to calm her breathing.

Leaning in, Dex kissed her. A sweet kiss that nevertheless sizzled. When he pulled back, his gaze held hers. The beautiful shade of amber captured her attention, holding her still.

“Because it is up to me to keep you safe. Even from myself.”

And she knew that he took that job seriously. “I’m fine. I want you, Dex.”

She wished she could run her hands over his body, to touch his taut, smooth skin, feel his strength and know that he was really here. With her.

“I want to touch you.”

He said a few words in his own language and the light pressure around her wrists disappeared and she pulled her arms down.

She clasped her hands around her shoulders, running her hands over his biceps, marveling at his size. She didn’t think she could even get both hands around his upper arm.

“God you feel so amazing around my rod,” he told her. “Like warm, wet silk.”

“You sweet-talker,” she panted.

“I do not know what this sweet talk is, but your
pussy
tasted very sweet.” He winked and her pussy spasmed in reply.

Why did she teach him those words?

“Dex, please, this pace is killing me.” Was it possible to die from sex? How embarrassing would that be? “If I die while we’re having sex, make sure you dress me before anyone sees me.”

Dex scowled. “Do not joke about such things.”

He slid fully inside her, the tip of his cock brushing against her cervix, causing her to jolt in surprise. “I don’t know if I like that.”

“Sorry, my own.” He moved back slightly as he kissed down her neck, nipping her skin then sucking on it lightly. “Stars, you are so beautiful.” He nipped her lower lip. A zing of pleasure shot through her, echoing in her clit and she clenched around him.

He pulled himself out then dove inside, far faster than she’d imagined. But God, it felt good. Better than good—out of this world. Like nothing she’d experienced before.

Balancing his weight on one hand, in a demonstration of just how strong he was, Dex reached between their bodies, slipping his hand down to her mound. With his thumb, he stroked her already tender clit.

“I don’t know if I can stand it,” she cried, now holding on to him for her life as he drove himself in and out of her.

“You can, my own. For me.”

She arched, screaming as she came so violently it stole her breath. Her vision darkened as sharp shocks of pleasure rocked her body. Dex’s scream of satisfaction barely registered as she floated blissfully unaware of everything around her.

“Zoey? Zoey, are you all right?”

Zoey could hear Dex calling to her, but he sounded so far away. She drifted peacefully, all her worries, her angst, her exhaustion just melted away.

“Zoey! Come back to me now!”

Why did he sound so stressed? Something tugged sharply on her hair and she frowned.

“Zoey!”

“What?” she asked without bothering to open her eyes.

“Thank the stars.” The relief in Dex’s voice was clear.

“Her vitals are picking up,” another voice replied. Who was that? Thor? What was Thor doing here?

Zoey opened her eyes, startled to see Dex and Thor looming over her. Dex looked concerned, while Thor smiled down at her, a twinkle in his eyes.

“What’s going on? Why is Thor here?” She glanced down to find herself sprawled on the masic, covered in only a blanket.

Making certain she was well covered, she attempted to sit but Dex placed his hands on her shoulders, gently holding her down.

“Lie still.”

“Why? What the hell is going on? What are you doing here, Thor?”

“He came because I called for him. You fainted.” Dex scowled at her accusingly.

“I did not.” She hadn’t, had she?

“You did, my own. You went pale and limp. I couldn’t rouse you so I called for Thor.”

“I’m not ill. I was just tired.”

“It was more than that, my own,” Dex replied. “I couldn’t rouse you.”

There was fear in his face and her anger faded. How could she be mad at someone who was just concerned for her?

“It must be the joining.” Thor ran a wand over her. “Perhaps it’s because she is weak.”

“I am not weak!”

The two men looked at each other and spoke in their own language.

“Hey! No! Bad boys!”

Dex frowned down at her, crossing his arms while Thor appeared confused.

“Did she just call us ‘bad boys’?”

Dex made a disapproving noise in the back of his throat as scowled down at her.

Uh oh.

“It’s not fair to talk about me when I can’t understand you.” Screw it. She sat, returning Dex’s glare. “It’s rude.”

“It is not up to you to correct us, mate,” he replied sternly.

She snorted. “Who is going to if I don’t? Everyone else is scared of you.”

“I’m not!” Thor argued.

Zoey rolled her eyes. God save her from tender male egos. “Present company excepted, of course.”

“It’s only right that those under me fear me a little,” Dex told her. Then he frowned slightly. “Although my current behavior has induced a little more fear than I would have liked.”

He aimed his gaze back down at her. “However, what did I say about challenging me in front of others?”

Zoey waved her hand. “It’s just Thor. Besides, I’m out of sorts, remember?”

Immediately, Dex’s face turned to one of concern. Yeah, she felt a little guilty but to be fair, she was feeling a bit lightheaded and off.

“Zoey, are you well?” She blinked as Thor’s face went in and out of focus.

“I’m not sure. I feel a bit wonky.”

“Wonky?”

She really needed to get these guys up to speed on Earther slang. “Umm, dizzy. Do you think I’m sick?”

“Your vitals are fine. No fever. Your pulse is a little fast, but nothing to worry about. Dex, help her lie down again.”

“I’m starting to think I’m allergic to this place,” she joked.

“Zoey, can you feel Dex?” Thor asked her.

“Feel him?” She looked over at Dex. “Uhh, yeah, of course I can. He’s standing right there.”

“Inside you. Can you feel him in your head?”

“What?” She gaped at Thor. “You’re joking right?”

Thor glowered at Dex. “I thought you were going to explain everything.”

Dex looked uncomfortable. “I meant to. I got distracted.”

“Of course you did.” Thor sighed. “After a joining, each mate can feel the other. You’ll be able to sense what Dex is feeling, some mates can even tell where the other is and what they are doing.”

She gaped at him, aghast. “So I’ll have no privacy?”

“Actually—”

“That’s correct,” Dex interjected. “Remember, you’ll have access to me as well.”

She supposed that was fair. It still felt creepy.

Thor gave Dex a strange look then turned back to her. “Well, Zoey? Can you feel him?”

She fell silent, focusing on her body. “Umm, no. But then I don’t really know what I’m looking for.”

“Dex, maybe you could describe it?” Thor turned to Dex, who was frowning ferociously.

“I can feel her, but it’s faint. Why would that be?”

Thor studied her. “This is the first Earther-Zerconian mating. There is bound to be some differences. Perhaps it will take longer. It’s to be expected considering how weak she is.”

She growled in frustration. “I am not weak! And the next person who calls me weak is going to be able to scratch their balls through their mouth.”

Thor chuckled, slapping Dex on the shoulder as he turned away. “If her body was as strong as her mind you’d have a warrior on your hands.”

Zoey poked her tongue out at his back.

“I don’t want to exercise, Dex,” Zoey complained as he tugged her into the training room.

Yeah, she sounded like a kid about to go to the dentist. But exercising was on an even keel with having someone poke and prod around in her mouth.

“You need to build up your strength. You’re weak.”

Irritated, she pulled on her arm, knowing he’d stop. He turned immediately. She scanned the room, thankful to see they were alone. “I am not weak.”

He raised an eyebrow. “You’ve fainted twice in my presence.”

“Yeah, well, there’s a common denominator there,” she muttered.

Both eyebrows went up. “You’re saying I caused you to faint?”

“Look, I’m not weak.” She pulled her arm free, folding her arms across her chest. “I’m lazy.”

His brows came together in a frown. It was like they had a life of their own sometimes. “That is not a trait I want my mate to have.”

“Tough shit, buddy. Life sucks and then you die.”

“What?” He sighed, looking pained. “The sooner you learn Zerconian, the better. These riddles you speak in hurt my head.”

“Oh, poor barbarian. Do my big words hurt you itty bitty head?”

“Zoey,” he growled.

Whoops. Pushed him too hard. “Look, I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I’m just in a grumpy mood.”

Immediately, his stance softened and he pulled her against him. “What is it, my own? Is it
that
time of the month?”

“No,” she snapped then took a deep breath. It wasn’t fair to get grumpy at him when she’d been the one to warn him about PMS. He’d been both fascinated and horrified. But not as horrified as she’d been to learn they didn’t have chocolate on Zerconia.

No movies and no chocolate. And they were supposed to be the superior race?

Apparently Zerconian women had a menstrual cycle, but they didn’t behave any differently during that time. She couldn’t wait to meet them. Not.

Seemed every time she did something Dex didn’t like he would compare her behavior to that of a proper Zerconian mate.

They sounded too good to be true.

“It’s not that time. Sometimes it just seems that you find fault with everything about me. I’m not Zerconian, Dex. I can’t just change who I am for you.”

During the past two weeks, their bond hadn’t grown any stronger. Something she knew both confounded and worried him. She’d hoped that he would come to like her the way she was. That they could at least reach a level of compromise; learn how to blend their cultures together. But it seemed like Dex thought that she should do all the compromising while he got to live his life the way he always had.

And when she protested, she was being difficult or foolish.

“I don’t want you to change.”

“No? But I need to learn your language. I’m supposed to obey your rules. I have to learn how to be a proper mate to the Crown Prince of Zerconia and to top it off I have to exercise as well.”

His face was stoic. “I just want you to fit in. I don’t want you to be embarrassed.”

“You mean you don’t want to be embarrassed. By me.”

“Zoey—”

“Why is it that every man in my life wants to change me?”

“What do you mean, every man?” he growled.

“My ex wanted me to need him, he felt like I emasculated him or something idiotic like that. You’d think he would be grateful that I could do everything myself. It wasn’t like he was going to get off his fat ass. Even my own father didn’t like me the way I was. If he had, he would have stuck around or at least stayed in contact. And now you want me to change, to become this perfect, Zerconian mate. You can just—”

The ship jolted and Zoey would have gone flying if Dex hadn’t grabbed her, pulling her against him. He turned, pushing her against the wall and shielding her as the ship jolted back and forth. An alarm shrieked and then the world stabilized.

“What the hell?” Zoey yelled above the sound of the alarm.

Dex ran his hands over her, his gaze frantic with worry. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She grabbed his hands. “Dex, I’m all right. What was that?”

“I don’t know. I need to go.” He grabbed her up in his arms and raced out of the training room, flagging down a passing warrior.

“Take my mate to our quarters and stay with her,” he ordered, putting her down.

“Dex, no, wait!”

But he raced off, ignoring her. Damn him.

“If you will come with me, milady?” the young male asked her.

Zoey let the young male warrior steer her down the passage to Dex’s quarters. Men thundered up and down the passage. Everyone seemed to have a purpose. Except her.

She should be with Dex, not stuck with this poor warrior who looked like he’d rather be anywhere but with her.

“What’s going on?” she yelled up at him.

“I don’t know, milady.”

“Please, call me Zoey.”

He gaped down at her, horrified. “I could not.”

The alarm shut down as they arrived at her quarters. She opened the door, but the warrior just stood on the other side.

“You can come in.”

Truth was, she didn’t really want to be alone. Although no one was yelling or panicked, there was a sense of urgency as everyone raced around.

“I cannot.”

Irritated, she glared up at him. “Am I not the mate of the Crown Prince?”

“Yes, milady.”

“Doesn’t that mean you have to do as I say?” Not quite correct. Dex had been trying to school her about her role as his mate. She had very limited power over his warriors. Basically, they would show her every respect and deference, but they followed Dex, not her.

Once they returned to Zerconia, there would be a proper joining ceremony during which time she would be officially recognized as his mate and the Crown Princess of Zerconia.

They better have booze at the party after.

The young warrior shifted around uncomfortably.

“Oh, get in here.” With an older warrior, she’d never have swayed him. But this kid looked barely older than her, even though she knew it was possible he’d seen half a century already.

He stepped in, closing the door behind him.

“Please find out what’s going on,” she requested firmly.

“I can’t do that, milady.”

“Yes, you can. Just use the communicator to ask the bridge.”

“I don’t have clearance to contact the bridge.” He looked at her aghast.

“Tell them that I’m worried about Dex. That I’m crying, scared.”

“Are you going to cry?” He actually took a step back.

“Just contact them.”

With a nervous look, he strode over to the communicator, speaking in his own language. Damn it, she hated when Dex was right—she really needed to learn how to speak Zerconian.

“Well?” she asked impatiently when he stopped speaking. “What is it?”

“Teargans. They attacked us.”

“Teargans? Really? Are you guys at war with them? How did they sneak up on us?”

“We’re on friendly terms with the Teargans.” He frowned in confusion.

She paced back and forth. Why would a friendly race attack them? A dozen scenarios ran through her head. She dismissed them one after the other as she muttered to herself.

“Milady? Are you all right?”

“I need to get to the bridge.” She needed more information.

“But you’re supposed to remain here,” the warrior said, looking worried.

“Don’t worry. You won’t get in trouble.”

“No, because you’re not going anywhere.”

“God, even the young ones are arrogant,” she muttered. “Look, all you need to do is look the other way for a minute.”

“I think not—” The ship rocked on its side, sending her flying into the wall. Zoey lay still, fighting for her breath. With a groan, she rolled onto her hands and knees.

Shaking, she looked around. Everything that hadn’t been secured down was on the floor.

“What a mess.” Slowly, she pulled herself to her feet, swaying. She pressed a hand against her throbbing head. “Someone needs to turn down the volume.”

She drew her hand away, staring down at the blood on her palm in disbelief. Moving over to a mirror, she grimaced as she saw the gash on her forehead.

“Oww. What the hell happened…oh God.” She turned around, searching for the young warrior who’d been with her. She spotted him across the room, lying on his back.

“Oh, crap. Please be breathing. Please be breathing.” Stumbling over to him as the ship bounced and shuddered; she knelt down and tried to find a pulse.

“Please, please, please.” There it was. Strong and steady.

“Okay, okay, good.” She needed to get help. “Wait here,” she ordered despite the fact he couldn’t hear her.

Zoey clumsily made her way over to the door. She needed to find Dex. The ship rocked again and she flew against the wall, groaning. She was going to be black and blue tomorrow.

After what seemed like hours she made it to the bridge. How the hell was she going to get inside? She banged on the door. Nothing. She studied the communicator next to the door. Part of it was hanging off the wall. Useless.

She pulled her foot back to kick the door in frustration when it suddenly opened. Koran stood there, frowning at her.

Surprise. Surprise.

“You better watch the wind doesn’t change or your face could freeze like that.”

“What? Zoey, what are you doing here? I was coming to get you.” His face grew alarmed. “You’re bleeding. What happened?”

“I need Dex.” Yeah, she liked to pretend she was tough and strong. But this was more action than she was used to and she really, really needed to check that Dex was all right. This was one time when she wished their bond had properly formed. Then she’d know he was all right.

“Come on.” Koran took gentle hold of her arm.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “Why did Teargans attack us?”

“Zoey?” Dex turned to frown at her. “What are you—you’re hurt.” He strode over to her and tilted her chin up so he could check her head.

“It’s just a scratch. I’m okay. Are you all right?”

“Yes, of course.” Dex appeared slightly offended. “Where is Leland?”

“Was that the kid you gave me to?”

“He’s not a kid.”

“He’s injured, back in our quarters. He needs help.”

“Contact medical, get Thor up here and send someone to my quarters,” Dex ordered Koran.

“Is someone else injured?” she asked, looking around worriedly.

“Everyone here is fine.” He lifted her, placing her in a chair and belting her in. “I want Thor to check you over.”

“I’m fine. We need to talk about the Teargan ship.”

“That’s nothing for you to worry about,” Dex replied, turning away from her.

Oh no, he did not just dismiss her. Again.

“Dex, listen to me.”

“I don’t have time to listen to you, Zoey. This isn’t the time to argue with me.” He glared at her.

“I’m not arguing. I think I can help. I don’t think that the Teargans are attacking us. Why would they attack? They’re your allies, right?”

“Not our allies.” Koran watched her suspiciously.

“But they’re friendly. Why would they attack?”

“Why doesn’t matter.” Dex turned to look at her then Koran. “The fact is that they lured us close with a distress signal then attacked us. Take her back to our quarters and wait for Thor there.”

“What? No. Dex, I can help. Just listen, what if someone else is operating that ship? What better way to get close to attack than to pretend to be someone you trust.”

“It’s a Teargan ship.” Koran crossed his arms.

Dex slashed his hand through the air impatiently. “Doesn’t matter. Point is they did attack and now we have to fight back.”

“But what if there are innocent Teargans onboard?”

Dex turned away without a word. They were going to have a chat about the way he kept dismissing her.

“You needed me?”

Zoey turned in her seat to find Thor moving onto the bridge. He frowned as he saw her. “Zoey, you’re hurt.”

“I’m fine.”

Thor ignored her, kneeling in front of her.

“Damn it, Dex, you need to listen to me. We must have sustained a lot of damage. We need to land, not fight back.”

Thor flicked his gaze from her to Dex. “He’s not listening.”

“I need him to. I know what I’m talking about. I’ve analyzed the situation; it’s the best outcome for everyone. Are we close to a friendly planet?” She spoke loudly, but everyone ignored her, speaking in Zerconian.

Thor gave her a sympathetic look.

“What are they saying?” she asked as he placed a bandage on her forehead. It tingled, going straight to work. Within a few hours, she’d be as good as new. These guys had some old-fashioned values, but they were very advanced in other areas.