“Listen here, buddy! You may have gotten away with the first implantation.” He chuffs joyfully, and a weird grin crosses Caspian’s face. It’s all teeth, which isn’t exactly the most sane look, but I think his beast is trying his hardest not to look intimidating. “But there will beno moreeggs implanted into my belly.” His grin turns down, and he whines mournfully. “There are things you don't know yet, and to be honest, I want to be involved in these kinds of decisions. You and I will not be vibing if you take the decision from me again. I am not saying a permanent no to the idea of growing a family in the future, but I will have an active say in that future. Do you understand?” He nods once, and the blackness recedes from Caspian’s eyes.
“Wow, baby, he’s sulking in the corner. Don’t be surprised if he’s not going to encourage more of those fuck me vibes just to mess with you. He can vibrate at a certain frequency which encourages the eggs to do the same. If you thought the tentacles were an experience, well, just be ready in case he gets a little vindictive.”
I shrug. “Meh, there are worse things to be than horny, and at least I have a sexy mate to take care of all of that.” His eyes heat as he crawls back up my body, but he shakes his head to clear away the fog of lust. Damn him.
“Yes, but not just with me. You will also emit…fuck me pheromones, to put it bluntly. It’s those same hormones hoping to influence your mate into giving you more eggs. Unfortunately, it’s not just exclusive to my species. Yes, I’d be the only one to implant more eggs, but the effect can also influence others around you.”
I bite my lip as I think about what he just said. “Okay, is there anything I can do to stop that?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not sure. Maybe the owners of the two other marks can help you with that.”
“Shit!” I sit up straight, remembering said marks for the first time. I turn to look at my shoulder, and Caspian reaches over to help me push my hair out of the way. “Are they still there?”
“The warlock’s mark?” he asks, and I look at him sharply.
“How did you know?”
“It was one of the things that Dylan threw in my face when we were arguing earlier. Though he didn't know who the other one belonged to.”
“I think it’s Link’s, but I’m not completely sure. I haven't seen him again since I discovered it.”
“The doctor’s?” His eyebrows rise in surprise. “Well, that’s interesting. He usually keeps to himself. Women chase him because of where he’s from and because he’s the heir to Pleasure Bot Industries, but I’ve never seen him accept any of the offers. I just assumed he had his own pleasure bot for any sexual needs he has. The cyborg race is somewhat of a mystery; they keep their secrets close to their chests.” As he speaks, he gently strokes my back, and some of that heat from earlier is giving way to feeling comfortable, almost cozy. It’s just nice, and I could easily sink into the contentment of this moment.
“Do I need to know what your argument with Dylan was about?” I ask him warily, and he shakes his head and gathers me fully in his arms.
“No, let’s not worry about it now. And don't worry about me. If the warlock ends up in our family, then we have powerful protection. If he loses interest now that you’re mated to me, well, he wasn’t worth it to start with. Stop stressing and let me hold my mate for five more minutes of peace before the world butts in once more.”
* * *
Once the pod opens, we’re both reluctant to leave our safe space, but I know my grandpas will come looking for me if we don't. I’d rather be the one to tell them about us, as opposed to them accidentally discovering it. Caspian uses the tablet to return the room and bed to normal while I take a minute to make sure that I don’t look like I’ve just been ravaged, mated, and impregnated by an alien octopus sex god. Need to hold on to a little of my dignity while I can.
The corridors are busy when we leave my room, and Caspian takes me by the hand, leading me toward the elevator. “This pod docks with the main ship, slotting into a space underneath it. It’s not used at all when we’re docked with the main ship, and the elevators are locked down to stop people from coming down here. For the next week, we will relax and wind down until we make our way back to the pod and take it to the United States. While we are there, anyone who wants to return home will be transported back, as will any aliens who were caught messing up and are being deported. I’m sure your grandpas will want you to help with that process, but for now, let’s enjoy our time off.”
We get to the elevator, and there’s a crowd of people already waiting to board it. Amongst them are Phillip and Fiona. Both give me identical sneers, and Fiona's eyes just about bug out of her hair when she notices my hand in Caspian’s.
“Oh my god. You know he has tentacles, right?” she gasps, sounding disgusted. There’s something so loud and exaggerated about her tone that I just know she’s saying this to hurt him. Or me. Well, probably both of us. Everyone in the elevator is watching the drama unfold in front of them, not even pretending not to.
Caspian stiffens and tries to pull his hand away from me, but I won’t have any of it.
“Oh, honey, I definitely know what he can do with his tentacles.” I fan my face and wink at her, and her mouth drops open in shock.
“Are you serious?” she screeches, looking a little pale, and I step forward.
“One hundred fucking percent. Krakens certainly aren’t lacking in the mad sex skills department. I’ve never been so well satisfied in my life.”
The elevator comes to a stop, and as we step out, apart from Fiona, all the other women are eyeing Caspian with renewed interest.
“And let me warn you all now. Caspian ismine. I licked him first, so he is mine. That means I will cut any one of you that thinks they can trymykraken out.”
With that announcement, the doors close, forcing the rest of them to ride it back down again. I have to nudge Caspian to get his attention, and when he finally looks at me, his eyes are filled with wonder.
“You just told everyone in the elevator that we were having sex. That I wasyours. You claimed me in front of them all, including your cousins.” He sounds awed by this, but I honestly just don’t understand why it’s a big deal. I mean, I get why it is to him since he told me a bit about his history. But we’re on a spaceship surrounded by aliens, for fuck’s sake. How are tentacles the weirdest equipment someone’s packing around here?
“Ah yeah, of course I did. I’m fucking proud to have such a sexy mate. And don't think I didn't notice that you were on your human legs. You don’t have to do this for me. We already covered that.”
He shakes his head and shrugs. “No, I do it because… Actually, the only reason I do it is because Fiona freaked out the first time she saw me and said some horrible things. It’s easier than having to listen to the nasty words that come out of her mouth.”
Oh wow. “My grandpas allow this?” I really am surprised to hear this considering how much they warned me about offending the performers.
