“What do you need?” he asked.
That had her halt in her tracks. No man had ever asked what she needed. Most of them tried to fix things for her. Even her dad. But Vaelor asked her what she needed directly. No games.
They stood facing each other, alone as the sun was setting. She didn’t think twice, she threw herself in his arms and kissed him. He caught her easily. Even though he was surprised by her sudden actions, he kissed her back.
She wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her up, moving her body against his. She could feel his body respond to hers. Mara was no longer cold, but hot all over.
“Vaelor,” she whispered with yearning.
He finally pulled back and lowered her back to her feet.
“This isn’t the time or place for us to do more,” he told her. His voice was extremely deep and raspy.
The sounds of some of the other players that were behind them made her realize that he was right. Anyone could have seen them if Vaelor hadn’t stopped them.
“Come on, let’s get to the campsite,” he told her.
He held out his hand and she took it. They walked the rest of the way like that. Once they reached the edge of camp, he released her hand and she missed the warmth and strength.
“There might be camera drones waiting at camp. Don’t want to feed the audience with anything that’s not their business,” he explained.
“Right.”
She knew that he was being smart. No way did she want to become some kind of romantic show for the galaxy to see. What happened between them should remain private.
Did she want something to happen? It wasn’t convenient. But sometimes things happen unexpectedly. And she was absolutely attracted to Vaelor. Who wouldn’t be? The male was strong, serious, sexy, honorable, determined to do everything to protect his people.
Then there was his body. It was carved from stone, warm to touch. His blue skin was so beautiful and unusual. All she wanted to do was rub her hands all over him.
Vaelor growled. “Stop looking at me that way. I won’t be able to control myself.”
Her face heated. She tried to look anywhere but at him.
“I’ll set up the tent and bed. You go ahead and eat by the fire.”
She wanted to argue with him but decided a little space might be what she needed.
They received a warm welcome, at least from Blaine. But there was a sense of sadness, of loss among the group of players.
Mara sat on a stone. The female Bestial was staring into the flames. Her partner was on the other side of the fire talking to Blaine and the Cyborg.
She looked at the female, not sure what to say or do. It was awkward. But she should say something.
“I’m sorry for what happened to your friend. I don’t know his name.”
“His name was Beast. I’m Gora.”
“I’m Mara.”
There was a hesitation, then Gora continued. “Beast and I hadn’t met before we came here. So we weren’t friends.”
“You seemed… close.”
“It’s our Bestial instinct.”
“Instinct?”
“My people develop strong instincts. Instincts to fight, to hunt, to fuck. Our instincts were triggered so we fucked and fucked and…”
