Free In His Alien Hands by C.L. Scholey, Juliet Cardin Page B

the ‘great’ part.”
    Meadow snickered, placing a quick hand to her mouth. Crash cast her an amused glance. She was, after all, still learning about Arax. At times he was difficult. Prone to arrogance. But he was the most loving father she had ever seen. Meadow lifted Neola into her arms. She walked over to Arax and handed him the baby. Neola was delighted. Crash gaped openly.
    “I’m Meadow,” she said, holding out a hand.
    “A human custom I will forgo,” Crash said, and she let her hand fall to her side. She remained still when he traced her cheek to jaw with his fingertip. He did the same with Neola. Arax looked pleased.
    “You see?” Arax said. “They are mine. Our people on both sides have family. It’s time to stop fighting among ourselves when we know of the Angano. I’ve heard rumors another threat walks among us.”
    Crash grimaced. “Dacquel.”
    Arax nodded. “We may need each other to disband his army.”
    “There are only a few of them.”
    “A few is all he needs.”
    “I will agree to a temporary truce until Dacquel is taken care of,” Crash said. “After that we will see.”
    “That’s all I ask, and for your word.”
    “You have my word.” Crash spun and left.
    “That’s it?” Meadow said.
    “What did you want, a parade?”
    “No. I mean that’s all it takes to stop a war here?”
    “The war isn’t over. It’s on hold. Sometimes the enemy is better off banding with the devil they know. We fight, we feud, we battle, but we don’t openly kill each other. Dacquel will kill.”
    “Sounds like a nasty bastard.”
    “Do not use that language near my child.”
    “Fine. Your unicorn enemy blows annoying rainbows.”
    Arax’s lips twitched. “I’d like to blow a rainbow somewhere on him.”
    A female came forward and took Neola for her nap. Arax nodded to the council then led Meadow to their room. They ate, picking from a platter of an array of food and drinks. Meadow was getting used to being waited on. It had flustered her at first when food appeared without asking, towels when she bathed, nannies for Neola when she slept. Her heightened position came with perks she hadn’t imagined, and she didn’t take advantage. Meadow knew hard work. She knew what it was like to be looked down on. Anything done for her was met with a quick thank you . The females of Arax’s planet took note. Many smiled at her instead of showing indifference.
    After eating her fill Meadow leaned back and sighed with contentment. She loved gazing at Arax. The patterns on his skin swirled in intricate circles, a fingerprint covering his body. She never tired of tracing the lines. Arax suggested they go for a swim with a wink. He captured her hand to kiss her fingers.
    “Why don’t we stay on land?” she suggested.
    “There’s a place I know you will love.”
    He took her hand, pulling her to her feet. Her head reached his shoulders when not in his warrior form, and she lifted her hands to trace the width of his impressive chest.
    “When you touch me I know how jellyfish feel,” Arax said.
    “That’s funny because when I touch you I feel the same way.”
    “What about when I touch you?” Arax cupped the sides of her face and ran his thumbs over her cheeks.
    “I feel…wanted and safe.”
    “That’s it?”
    She chuckled at his vanity. She leaned closer and whispered. “Since Neola isn’t around I think it’s safe to say I want you to fuck me until we can’t breathe. My insides bubble to a boil with your heated glance.”
    He whispered back, “That wasn’t at all safe to say.”
    With a sinister grin he dropped her pants, dragged her high into his arms and plunged into her. Eyes wide, Meadow clung to him for dear life, her legs wrapping around his waist. He hammered harder until the room spun. With her legs spread, she had little leverage as she leaned back. Her back arched, with his hands under the bow of her back she was trapped. Muscles rippled under her hands as she gripped