"I was beginning to wonder if I would have to go in there after you."
He said giving a side long glance in the bathrooms direction. To my horror I realized Zio in her hurry had left the door standing wide open.
Crap!
The private moment in the bathroom fascinated at the bubbles descending my skin came to mind only adding to the heat creeping up my checks.
"How did you get in here?"
I asked my voice quivering. Intimidated by the kings broody demeanor. Nonchalantly the king stood a devilish grin playing on his lips, his two sharp canines proudly on display. The sparking fangs illuminated by the two moons outside the open doors. Instead of thinking rationally I found myself gazing at those sharp weapons wondering how they would feel grazing delicate skin.
*Mental snack!*
Get it together!
Things are different here. It was forbidden for a male to be in my quarters. As an Elder I had to follow the rules to earn the respect of grandfathers people and here stood the King ruining all of that. He had to leave...
"Do you think I need I need permission to come to your room?"
He asked his voice dripping with dominance begging to be challenged. My knees grew weak along with my resolve to get this creature out of my suite as soon as possible.
"I am the king! I do not need ANYONES permission to go into any females room. Especially the room of a silly human like yourself."
The word human were spat out like an unripe fruit in his mouth. Bitter. This was how he saw me. A silly human.
"Then why come here at all? If I am some silly human why bother waisting your precious time? It is not as though I invited your presence."
Indignant anger flooded through my veins. His face contorted in confusion at my outburst. It probably wasn't every day he was told anything other than what he wanted to hear. The creature strolled closer the thud of his boots sounding further and further away. Like soft padded paws of a lion sheathing it's claws til ready to kill. With every inch the gap between us closed my brain cells shriveled up. In a gentle motion which seemed uncharacteristic to the being he brushed a strand of dripping wet hair from my face. An involuntary gasp escaped my lips. Everywhere his finger traveled fireworks erupted. Like the traitor it is my body leaned into his grasp. The grasp of the predator. Like a fly to a Venus fly trap. This stupid motion earning another sinister smile.
"You are more responsive to my touch than I expected. But to answer your worried little mind I climbed up the balcony to avoid talk from servants and such. Even only being here such a short time you understand it is improper for a male to be in your quarters...
He gave a sickening pause.
"That's why I found it so interesting there is a scent of another man already in your suite"
The once gentle caress on my cheek grew hard at the word "interesting". His index fingernail grew til it scratched the surface of my skin. Not enough to draw blood but enough to strike fear yet set my demented wants screaming.
He must be talking about General Alzeez...
Zio's words rang in my mind. Her fear making perfect sense now.
If I told this king General Alzeez had indeed been in my room would he kill him?
That was not a chance I was about to take.
"Last night was an un-restful one. It has been explained to me that my pains were caused from the bond. When my healer was unable to wake me she had a trusted member of my grandfather's military come wake me. She was concerned."
Somehow my voice was confident hoping he would believe the truth I was telling him without naming names and endangering the General. Seeming to grow bored of the current twist in our conversation his nail on my cheek shrunk back.
"You were in pain last night."
It had been more of a statement than a question. With another sinful step the king drew closer finishing his next sentence.
"If I had been aware of who you were last night I could of assured you a restful sleep. Well... after I was done with you that is."
My ears burned hot with his intoxicating breath as he whispered sweet regret into it. In response a quiver over came by body. The thought of those arms encircling me was too much.
"Okay, you have to leave!"
At the raw feeling of my thoughts I snapped out of his trance. Stepping away the distance dulling the need for his touch. With him this close I could not think clearly. Turning my back to him I grabbed the silk robe resting on my bed throwing it on. Hiding more of my exposed body.
I watched as the king took a deep breath noticing how his silver hair screamed for a woman to run her hands through it giving it a good tug. Small velvety horns stuck out of the organized mane. Never before had I heard of the Zexri species having horns. Not that I had seen a Zexri before now though. Everything about this being exuded power. In his shadow I began to doubt my own beauty. My whole life I had battled the idea that I was ordinary but standing before a creature so majestic I wondered how he would find being mated to me tolerable.
How could some one as perfect as him want me?
With a sigh I turned my back on him and my questions continuing to tie the robe closed.
"Don't."
His voice inches from my ear froze me in my spot halting the process of my knot. Hot air caressed my neck sending goosebumps down my back. What seemed like an eternity passed before he spoke again. His voice sounding as though the words were fighting to get out.
"Nerve hide your body in shame in my presence. This body you ihabit bewitches me. This shell your soul calls home is mine. There is none other in ANY galaxy that can stir the same lust yours can..."
Had he read my thoughts? Had he known I felt intimidated by his very real beauty?
Never before had any words moved my heart to feel as he made me feel. A swell of happiness burst in my chest. He bought my body was beautiful.
"I want to see it."
He sensually whispered in my ear his finger trailing across the tops of shoulders pushing the silky material down off my body. His hands were cool upon my burning skin.
"See...see what?"
I whispered afraid to move. His mischievous smile could be felt with out turning around.
"The markings the bond created just for me."
There were no words forming in my once intelligent mouth. My brain had drifted off into an R rated haze once again at his proximity. Behind me the creature took my silence as compliance pulling the string holding the top of the sleep tunic tied. Off one shoulder it slid exposing the black vines. Leaning over my left shoulder his pointed ear rubbing against my neck he purred at the sight. Another pull caused the thin material to sink lower. His fingertips tracing lines that were threatening to expose my breast.
There I stood with a Zexri king taking in every inch of skin I was allowing him access to. Almost bare front be waist up. His head bearing those horns leaning over my shoulder peering down at the mountains rising and falling with my rapid beating heart.
"Stop."
I whispered. The hand quit its removing of my tunic. I had to get away from this being. Even though I was being told I was his mate that did not change that he was dangerous. Would he take advantage of me leaving my chances of being a respected Elder in the dust?
"Why little one? By now two Zexri would of already consummated the bond. You are seeing the patient side of me. You like your grandfather thinking you can be kept from me but I will not hold off forever. Soon I will take what is mine either the easy way or the hard way. Personally the hard way seems more appealing."
The feel of a warm tongue drove itself up my neck causing my hand to grasp onto the post of the bed infront of me.
"Are you afraid I will hurt you little one?"
He teased. So close to the edge already from the feel of his tongue on my neck it was almost impossible to form words. But fear was no where to be found when I needed it.
"No, I do not fear you hurting this body. I crave it. My only fear is you leaving after."
Those words came out of the deepest corner of my soul. I was not afraid for this body. He could run his sharp nails over my skin til it bled and I would ask for more. But with out even knowing him the terror of him leaving after was too much to ponder. Crossing my arms protectively over my chest the creature let out a growl piercing the night. Ringing so loud there was no doubt the whole of the castle heard it's fierce sound. In a flash of movement I was swept off my feet my body thrown onto the plush bed infront of me. If he started this now there would be no stopping. I would be ruined. But he only stood watching the mess he had created at his teasing.
In a flash his frustration was taken out of the bed frame in front of him. Then like a shadow that had never truly been there he was gone.
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Game time! This chapter title has been left blank on purpose. Comment what you would title it and Monday morning I will announce which one I picked. 🙃 K.C