A moment later, her clothes were off, his fingers ghosting over her breasts, her nipples hard from the chilly rain.
A buzz from her comm interrupted her, and she let out a groan before checking to see who it was.
Castor.
“Just a second,” she said, her voice hoarse with desire as she clicked into the call, explaining before Castor had a chance to say a word. “I got the samples, and I’m safe. I’ll be back when the storm is done.”
“Are you su—” Castor started, but his voice disappeared as she ended the call and removed the comm, tossing it on the floor with her clothes.
Butterflies took flight in her stomach atthe sight of Apodis’ shy grin, at the touch of his tentacles suckling the skin of her arms and stomach.
Fully nude, she examined him, as he did the same to her, the hard muscles of his body, the wrinkles on his face, the silvery hair like a messy mop atop his head. His cock was hard, a visual symbol of the need she felt deep within her, a need that hadn’t faded in the slightest from the last time she’d seen him.
“You are so beautiful,” he breathed, his strange turquoise eyes gliding across every inch of her flesh and giving her goosebumps.
“So are you,” she said, and he grinned, his face shimmering that deep maroon that she loved so much.
Apodis started the shower, the heated water like heaven as he guided her under the spray. She watched the rivulets trace through the lines of his muscles, her cunt clenching with need, and before she could make her own move, he was on her. Fingers dug into her hair, his other hand gripping her waist while his tentacles caressed every inch of her body.
The kiss took her breath away, more passionate than the chaste peck from the entryway, and she groaned into his mouth, grasping onto his shoulders.
Apodis pushed his tongue past her lips, the rumble of his moan vibrating her entire being. Heslid his hand to her backside, squeezing her ass as their moans interrupted the calming flow of water.
Gemini pressed a palm to his chest, sliding her hand down until Apodis pulled away, his fangs extending with a barely audible click.
“Why do your teeth do that?” she asked, already out a breath as her body begged for more.
“Because I want to mark you,” Apodis replied without a sense of mirth.
Like it was the most serious thing in the world.
“Mark me then.”
The thought of his fangs penetrating her skin only stimulated the arousal throbbing in her center, the promise of a physical reminder of their lust.
“You don’t understand what that means,” he said, ignoring the way her fingers traced along his chest in meandering spirals.
“Tell me…”
“It would mean we’re permanently connected, a physical and symbolic assertation of our bond.”
“So, we’d be alien married, then?” she asked, cocking her head playfully.
Apodis took a moment before responding, though a smile quirked his lips.
“I suppose it is similar to that, but much deeper than something the government controls. It signifies a true commitment, not something to be taken lightly. The mark will never heal, will remain a permanent reminder of our connection. Your scentwill change too, will let everyone know that you belong to me.”
“Belong to you, hmmm?” Gemini asked with a smirk.
It didn’t sound like such a bad idea, not when this male had shown her more affection than she’d ever experienced before. Not when he kept her fed, kept her safe, healed her when she was injured, protected her when she was in danger. He respected her work and her passions and was interesting in his own right.
A total catch, if there ever was one.
“I know it sounds strange. It just means that other alphas will know you have been claimed and won’t pursue you. It would mean that it would be difficult for us to be separated. You would have to stay.”
She’d had a feeling he was going to say that, but already the thought of leaving felt foolish, impossible. She didn’twantto leave. She wanted to stay and make the fantasy of this beautiful, simple life with a male who loved her a reality. Because itwasreal, more real than anything she had on Earth.
“I want to belong to you, Apodis. I want to stay. So if you’ll have me…” Gemini said, smiling shyly.
