The Melier (Women of Dor Nye Book 1) (14 page)

Lucia yipped in surprise as Soren was on his feet and scooping her to his chest in the blink of an eye. “Soren, wha- what-,” she kicked her legs and he curled his arm tighter around them as he stalked from the den.

“If you hear screaming, just ignore it,” Grams said to their nervous guests.

“Mother please,” Angus sighed.

Grams cackled.

****

“Soren, put me down,” Lucia tried to struggle in his iron grip. “I’m still not happy with you!”

“Hush,” he all but growled as he kicked the door to her wing shut behind him. He brushed aside the curtains to her bedroom and deposited her on the bed before he quickly discarded his clothing. Lucia scrambled to the other side only to be grabbed around the ankle and dragged back toward him. “Settle,” he rumbled over her.

“Soren, this is
not
how you get a woman into bed,” she snorted and tried to ignore the arousal blooming in her belly. His fingers untied the sash around her hips and tossed it haphazardly off the bed, her skirt following closely behind. His tail came around the side of him and gently stroked the inside of her thigh as he spread her on the bed before him while he stood on the floor. The new sensation of fur against her damp skin made her shiver and the arousal she was trying to ignore came bursting forth, pushing Soren’s sense of smell into overdrive.

Lucia’s abdomen curled in on itself when Soren sniffed his way down her body, brushing his nose and lips across the damp skin. Her sweat and arousal was strong, even filling her own lungs with the heady scent of it. Her fingers found his head, running over his skull and lifting her head to watch as his face got closer to her pussy.

“Soren,” she pleaded when his fingers parted her lips and his thumb flicked her clit. When Lucia felt his bumpy, textured tongue swipe up her slit, she nearly died. Her body jerked, shivered and came alive. The muscles in her calves tightened and her hands twisted in the sheets as she arched her back. Her thighs parted further, inviting him in and begging for more. His contented growl of delight as he continued tasting her, delving his long, thick tongue in and out of her channel, devouring every drop of juice she had to give. Every time he withdrew his tongue, he’d lick up to her clit and dive back in. Before long, Lucia was pleading and babbling mindlessly and just as she was tripping closer to that orgasm she was panting for, Soren stood.

A snarl of frustration died on her lips as she watched him wedge his cock between her pussy lips. His large hands grasped the soft crease of the back of her knees, spreading her and pushing them closer to the sides of her chest. She was completely splayed for him and straining with impatience.

“Tell me, Loo-Sha,” he ground out.

“What?” Lucia panted and tried to think through the lust haze.

“Tell me what you want.”

Lucia’s sound of annoyance had Soren rumbling with amusement. His hips wedged forward, letting the tip of his cock tease her. “Say it,” he commanded.

“Fuck me,” she huffed.

“I did not hear you.”

“Fuck me dammit!” Lucia yelled.

And then he slowly thrust into her.  The cries of relief at being fully stuffed turned into another plead as she urged him to fuck her. Soren obliged and worked his hips slowly in and out of her sopping slit. Every time their hips met, he put a little more oomph into his thrust, shooting her teetering orgasm a notch higher, the jolt making her breasts jump softly each time. When his tail came around to flick repeatedly at her pinched nipples through the thin fabric of her
teyo
, Lucia arched and began convulsing as every nerve sparked alive and short circuited her brain.

Lucia cried Soren’s name over and over until her lungs gave out and she babbled with noises and grunts, her vocal cords having a mind of their own. Sweat dripped from her body while she fought to catch her breath and pant around the thrusting of his hard and throbbing cock still fucking her cunt. Lucia’s eyelids drooped and she panted with pleasure as she watched Soren watching her while he buried himself once more before pulling out and grasping the base of his cock. The tip bobbed as it jumped and twitched and then spurted. Jet after jet of searing green ejaculate arced over her body as he marked her with his scent. The raw, animalistic act had her moaning along with him.

****

Lucia dozed as she lay sprawled against the pillows on her bed after Soren had cleaned her up. He lay beside her, continuing with his fanning to keep her cool. Her limbs felt like rubber and she was pleasantly relaxed as she nearly purred with contentment. If Soren was good at nothing else, he could at least give her amazing orgasms. Lucia lazily huffed with laughter and tilted her face toward the fan.

“Soren?”

“Loo-Sha?”

“Do your claws really
grow
? I never see you retract them.” She looked at one of his hands then and noticed they all needed filing or
something
.

“Yes, I am able to grow them at will,” he responded and held up a finger. She watched as the shortened claw lengthened and sharpened on its own. An eerie shiver skirted her spine and then she watched him bite it off and toss it into the receptacle across the room, hitting the target perfectly.

“How is that possible?”

Soren shrugged, examining his fingers. “I am not sure, it is just how my body has always worked. I imagine it is the same way humans grow fingernails, just accelerated.” Lucia eyed him suspiciously, but figured he would tell her if he actually did know. Instead, she moved on to what was
really
on her mind.

“Will you please consider undergoing the memory retrieval procedure?” Lu’s eyes were pleading. She didn’t know how else to ask him or make him understand
she
needed to know, even if he wished to remain in the dark. Lu felt slightly selfish about the whole thing, but she was positive if Soren had a mate or a family out there somewhere, they’d want him to
remember
.

Soren sighed.

“Please?” Lucia said softly, reaching out a hand to touch his chest. “Just think about it.”

Soren watched her for a few more moments and then grudgingly nodded his head once. Lu leaned over and pressed her lips against his in a soft kiss. When she pulled back, his pupils had fully dilated and he was looking at her lips like he wanted her to do
that
again, so Lucia did. Soren groaned and wrapped his arms around her to pull her onto his chest.

Lucia twittered and kept kissing his firm, warm lips until they were both a little lightheaded. She sat upright, removing her
teyo
so she was fully naked. Her hands reached behind her as she lifted herself and placed Soren’s hardened cock at her entrance. Slowly she sank down and they both sighed with pleasure. Placing her hands on his stomach, she continued to ride Soren leisurely. Lu wanted to take her time, enjoy every spark she felt, every touch of Soren’s hands along her body. He explored her as she took them both to the brink and when an orgasm slipped over her body, she rolled her head back on her shoulders and let it take her.

Chapter 13

“Did the
seetkut
get packed for Lucia?” Nova asked Angus as she stood outside the extra-large airbus her family was renting. Everyone was already inside except her. She was positive that she and the servants had forgotten to pack something for their trip to the capital.

“Yes, love,” Angus indulged her, knowing full well everything on the list Nova had concocted was packed. “We’re just waiting on you. Now get your lovely arse in here.” He rumbled playfully and Nova sighed, slapping him in the chest before sitting beside him.

Lucia grinned at her parents banter and her stomach did a little flip as the airbus rotated and started down the drive. She was brimming with excitement for the week of entertainment to begin. There would be concerts with some of the best instrumentalists from various worlds, comedy shows, displays of beautiful art and the
best
chefs providing incomparably delicious cuisine.

To pass the time on the journey, Zan had talked them all into a game of rhymes. It was terrible, but that’s what made it so fun and by the end of the game, there wasn’t a frown on anyone’s face.

The conversation slipped into comfortable silence and Gramps took his chance to cloud the one way glass shield and turn on the
moco
match he’d been watching before departure.
That
piqued Soren’s interest and he watched along with Gramps. It was kind of adorable, watching them bond over that stupid game.

Multiple times, Lu found her gaze assessing Soren’s profile while he was engrossed in the match. Instantly she was reminded of their time in space and how she’d been such a creeper.

You’re being a creeper now too, staring at him.

I’m just- shut up.

That
something
she felt blossoming a couple weeks ago was only getting worse and better at the same time. How was that even possible? Every time she looked at Soren lately, she felt her chest lurch and a lingering sensation in the pit of her stomach that
wouldn’t go away
. The word
‘love’
bounced around in her head a couple times, but that couldn’t be the case. People didn’t fall in love with someone they’d only known a little over a month. Did they? She’d never taken the time to actually think about it and she’d certainly never experienced
falling
in love. Even with Quinton, it was just a physical attraction and that lasted two seconds.

Two seconds I’ll
never
get back and regret forever.

Why do you keep ruining my thoughts with
Quinton
?

Lucia hadn’t realized she’d snarled aloud while staring at Soren, until her family gave her weird looks. She stared straight ahead and pretended to watch the
moco
match. Her eyes glazed over after a few minutes and her brain went back to wandering
what
she was really feeling.

Maybe it’s pregnancy hormones? Maybe the Melier half of the babe is commandeering my amygdala.

That doesn’t sound plausible.

It’s half alien; who knows what’s plausible.

Stop talking about the babe that way.

You’re right. Sorry little one.

Round and round her mind went as Lucia tried to dissect what was going on with herself. By the time she was ready to scratch her own eyes out in frustration, they were thankfully in the capital.

Where they would be staying and attending events was very far away from the part of the city that held port and the market Lu and Soren had been in a few weeks ago. The part her family would be in was known for its beauty. Its smooth, pale gold buildings were reaching empires of grace against a clear azure sky. Flocks of white birds made their home among the soaring trees, along with other small wildlife. The gardens all around the city were perfectly tailored to look wild and alluring; emitting such exhilarating scents it was hard to feel anything but lazy contentment when wandering them. The streets were layered with white stone and they wound about the city, flanked by greenery, trickling fountains, city residences and shops of all kinds. It was also home to the Assembly. It was really an eden and Lucia was only in that part of the city once a year; for the one week of entertainment. She was excited to share it with Soren.

They were staying in one of the tallest buildings, like they always did. It was specifically meant for Assembly seat holders and their families. They did this for security, since most Assembly members attended for the week. Security was strict on the building, which was good since they
were
in the capital, the hub of trade for Dor Nye. People, human and non-human alike, of all kinds did their business there, including the unsavory sort.

Both sets of Lucia’s grandparents on her mother’s side, from Quar Loy, were going to be there too. Her mother’s side of the family held an Assembly seat as well; that’s how her parents had met long ago. She couldn’t wait to see them again.

When the airbus delivered them to the bottom level inside the building where many others were disembarking from their various modes of transportation, Lu’s excitement rocketed. There were people of all shades, from all territories, young and old, milling about. The colorful mash of clothing and styles was beautiful in itself. Concierge carried luggage, and greeted guests. When her family exited the bus, her mother set about getting
three
concierge members to politely order them about. She was once again in her
zone
.

As expected, Soren gleaned
plenty
of stares. Some did double-takes, some full on stopped to stare open mouthed until they snapped out of their stupor. Meanwhile, the buzz of excitement was all around and Lucia was swaying from foot to foot, rubbing her belly and grinning ear to ear. When Soren’s tail reached up to tickle her cheek, she grabbed onto it and rubbed her other cheek against it. Nothing could rain on her parade. She laced her fingers through one of his hands and he smiled down at her, his big teeth nice and white. Lu returned the gesture.

They followed the concierge, Lucia and Soren making up the tail end of the entourage. They walked through the lobby that was naturally lit by rays of sun. A giant, stone fountain took up the center, its height at least two and a half of Soren, stacked. Its trickling water sounded more like a crash and younglings stood around the base, flipping coins and making wishes. Zan took off to join in and Frellie called after him.

“It’s okay,” Lucia said, pulling Soren along. “We’ll watch him. Come and get us when you’re done getting settled!”

Soren let himself be yanked along. Lucia’s pink robe, which had only three buttons along her breastbone, split and flew behind her as she rushed forward, exposing the bump of her belly. Her airy, light material pants swished about her legs. Soren wore a similar loose material consisting of a sleeveless tunic that hung to his thighs, and split halfway up the sides for easy movement. His top was gold while his pants were cream. Her mother certainly knew how to pick colors that made Soren’s blue skin
pop
.

“Soren!” Zan shouted and pointed down into the water of the fountain. “Look at
all
those wishes!” He was so easily excitable, Lucia couldn’t help but giggle. She sat down on the ledge of the fountain while Soren sunk to his haunches so he was closer to Zan.

“What do you think those people wished for?” Soren asked him. Lucia watched as his tail twitched from side to side behind him. Individuals who could see him clearly watched on in mixed horror. Lucia rolled her eyes and paid attention to her two guys.

“Maybe lots of credits,” Zan scrunched up his face like that was an unoriginal wish. “Or to win the big
moco
game.” His eyes lit up as he referred to the yearly tournament. “I think that’s what Gramps would wish for.”

“Big
moco
game?” Soren asked Lucia.

Lucia grinned, one of her hands resting on her belly. She noticed herself doing that more and more. “Yes, each year it happens here in the capital; this week, actually. People come from all over Dor Nye to participate and the winner takes home a hundred thousand credits, bragging rights and a big trophy.” Soren looked
very
interested. “You have to pre-register. Sorry big guy, you’ll have to wait until next year. But I have faith you’ll sweep the floor with them.” Soren grinned and then leaned in to kiss her on the lips.

“Eww,” Zan made a face and Lucia and Soren laughed. At that moment, Frellie and Rafe walked up and Rafe scooped Zan into his arms, handing him a few coins. That made Zan giddy and he really concentrated on all the wishes he wanted to make.

“Mama wants you both to get ready,” Frellie voiced and watched Zan with Rafe. “We’re meeting dad’s fellow seat holders for third meal later on.” She leaned in to kiss Zan’s head, trying to coax his wish out of him.

Lucia stood and started across the lobby, tossing a look over her shoulder as she broke into a run. She couldn’t contain her thrill and squealed as he nearly reached her. Soren was quick, snatching her up into his arms with a growl and startling half of the lobby. Lu threw back her head to shriek with laughter and then wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Calm yourself, female,” he said around his grin. “Your yowling hurts my ears.”

Lucia lifted her hands to rub at his lobes and he began purring as they stepped into the glass elevator. “I declare you’ll survive.”

He grunted.

****

“You’ve got to be fucking
joking
!” Lucia screeched at the projector screen as she paced, her eyes never leaving the news cast. Her turquoise dress hung off the sides of her arms, exposing her shoulders. From the thighs down, the dress was cut into strategic frayed strips that hung to her ankles and every time she took a step, her bare leg was visible. Absentmindedly her fingers strayed to touch the claw that hung at her chest from the necklace Re’Len had given her.

“Lucia,” her Gramps chided. “Language, lassy.”

Lucia didn’t break her stride, completely miffed at
League One
. The news cast read
‘BEAUTY & THE BEAST’
and had multiple pictures of her and Soren in the lobby from earlier when they’d first arrived. The main one was Soren and herself smiling at each other, right before he’d kissed her. There was a photo of that too, but smaller. Lucia couldn’t deny the photos were at least
favorable
and didn’t present him like a monster. But they still had no right.

“You viewers around Dor Nye may remember the saucy daughter of the Herana residence drawing blood from Quinton Trewna a few weeks ago, but what is she up to these days?” the reporter arched her eyebrow. It was a different one.

Soren grunted and his lips twitched at the word
‘saucy’
.

“Apparently canoodling with the Beast who we first saw with her in Curra.”

Lucia snarled at the screen. “Stop calling him a
beast
!”

“You called me a beast,” Soren said with too much amusement and it was undermining Lucia’s fuming.

“
I
am allowed to call you a beast. She,” Lu tossed her hand at the screen. “Is not!”

“That hardly seems fair.”

“Soren,” Lucia turned and waved her hand to shush him. “You’re supposed to be on
my
side.” Her family stood around, watching the broadcast with them; though no one was
upset
about it. They all seemed to be amused, including Soren.
League One
was bordering on harassment, why couldn’t they see that?

“And is that a pregnancy bump we detect?”

They zoomed in on the picture of her resting a hand over her belly.

“How soon can we expect the little blue ankle biter? I’m sure we’ll know soon enough! Let’s hear what some viewers have to say about this strange pairing.” She smiled and a smaller screen popped up as a League One member walked the streets of the capital.

“I think they make a cute couple!” one lady gushed while her friend looked at her like she’d spit acid in her general direction.

“Ew, no way. He’s probably got really odd
equipment
, if you know what I mean.” She visibly shuddered while her friend snorted and giggled.

“Probably
huge
too,” the first lady added.

Soren and Grams actually barked with laughter. Lucia wanted to reach through the screen and slap her silly. The reporter approached another pair.

“It’s a little weird,” the male said. “But whatever makes them happy.”

Lucia flipped the projector off and stood there, collecting herself.

“Loo-Sha,” Soren stood behind her, his tail coming up to brush her neck. “
Woosah
.”

Lu turned around, looking up into Soren’s face. He lowered himself to crouch so she didn’t have to break her neck. “Why can’t they mind their own business?” she groused.

Soren shrugged a shoulder, placing his hands on her hips and thighs. “People need entertainment. It is
human
nature.” His lips split into a lopsided grin. “Worrying about it will only harm you and our youngling.”