So, some of his limbs literally have a mind of their own? That’s interesting.
“It’s okay, Kitaico. Can we just talk about what happened? Everything’s kind of fuzzy.” I do my best to mime as I talk.
“Your memory is hazy, yes?” He frowns and I nod.
He comes to the bed and sits near me. He hands me the shell, filled with what I assume is freshwater, and sets the leaf of food between us.
“Drink first, you must be thirsty,” he says, and I do. He’s right, I’m parched. The water cools my dry throat and I down the rest quickly. “Especially after all the moisture you lost last night.”
I raise my brows, confused at his meaning as I drink.
“Yourcuntwas incredibly slick, Leeenuh,” he says matter-of-factly.
I spray water from my lips, sputtering the water everywhere, unable to process the words he’s just said in any other way.
“Did you choke?” Kitaico’s skin rolls a deep gray color as his face switches to one of worry.
Did I choke on my water when the alien mentioned how wet my cunt was?
Yah, ya fucking betcha’.
“Sorry, yeah no, I’m okay!” I hold my hand up as a sign that I’m fine.
His face is one of disbelief, but he continues. “I would be incredibly grateful for your forgiveness, though.”
Kitaico stares at his lap as if he’s awaiting my answer.
“Of course, there’s nothing to forgive…I think maybe if you just explain things to me again.” I put my hand on his and smile, hoping I can convey that I’m not angry with him. “Tell me what’s happening.”
Pointing at the swirled red mark on my other palm. Kitaico looks at my face, then my palm, and plasters a smirk on his lips.
“You’re my mate,” he whispers.
“Me?” I question, pointing to my chest somewhat incredulously.
“Yes, you, Leeenuh. The Great Mother has given me a beautiful mate before I have even finished the Great Proving. Although she works in ways I do not understand yet, I will be thankful.” Kitaico holds his own hand up. He points to a bump under the skin near his wrist. “I know we are not the same species, but we must be similar enough. My mating barb should only appear when a suitable breeding female is near. Even though you can’t mark me as your own, I will uphold my end of this mate bond.” Kitaico grabs my hand and clasps it over his chest.
“I don’t know if I’m ready to be someone’s mate…” I mutter as if he can understand me. He might not translate my words, but he must get my sentiment.
“I would never force you to do anything that you do not wish to,” he says before placing my hand back into my own lap. His face is so earnest I have no choice but to take him at his word.
Kitaico could have had his way with me last night, and I would have been more than willing.
“So Leeenuh, what is it you want?” he whispers.
I’ve heard about mates before—they’re fairly common in most alien cultures. I’ve always assumed it’s more of a biological response than love. Like the feeling that spurs salmon to spawn. I know it’s kind of like a marriage, though, and while I’m sure Kitaico is very nice, I don’t think a thirty something tattoo artist from Minneapolis is the girl for him.
My seasonal depression alone can’t handle the Minnesota winters. How the fuck am I going to handle living in a cave?
I wish there was some way to convey without words that I think he’s a lovely alien, and that I’m so glad that he saved me from what I’m sure would have been a watery grave…but I don’t know if I’m ready to procreate with a handsome man I just met.
But there’s not.So I ever so ineloquently point to my crotch under the rough blanket and shake my head no.
For the briefest of seconds, I can see the hurt flash behind his eyes. But he morphs it quickly into a broad grin, the one where his fangs are on full display.
“Understood. I shall control myself, and these ruffians”—he nods down to his bound appendages—“during your heats. I hope you will allow me to make you comfortable in between. Even if we are not destined to mate, the Great Mother would want me to ensure your comfort, to protect you. Can we agree on that?” His voice is so damn hopeful that it breaks my heart a little.
When I nod in agreement, he smiles and brings the tray of food up to eye level. He grabs a slice of blue meat between his fingers and holds it up to my mouth.
