He could already envision the celebrations once he announced she carried his child. Dhiro longed to make his people proud, to carry on his father’s legacy.
Regardless, had to protect Ella. Dhiro had bonded with her, and he didn’t take that commitment lightly. He would never give her up, even if the leaders on his planet demanded it. If it came to it, he’d live out his days on that primitive planet Earth in order to keep Ella safe.
His people were curious and hopeful about her arrival, but he wasn’t so naïve to believe everyone felt the same way. There were those who’d eagerly steal her away from him—or worse. He wouldn’t leave her vulnerable enough to be stolen from him. She’d stay close to him at all times. And until she became pregnant, he’d have to copulate with her once daily at a minimum. He wasn’t complaining. Her lush body was soft and receptive. Even now, his cock hardened as he remembered the taste of her. Trenuian males were built to pleasure their females. Soon, she’d learn to appreciate what he could offer her.
His monitor alerted him from the other room. Dhiro quietly stepped away from Ella and sat in front of the screen.
“How is your new mate?” It was his commanding officer.
“She is well.”
“Word of your successful voyage is spreading across the planet. Already, others are retrofitting their ships in hopes of finding their own human females.”
“They’re being hasty. We haven’t confirmed a pregnancy.”
Dhiro couldn’t help but wonder if whatever made their own females infertile could do the same to Ella. What if it was environmental? Something they ate? Nothing would be certain this early.
“You’ve given them hope in a time of hopelessness. I won’t stop that. The alternative is much worse.”
He nodded.
“How long does it take human females to become impregnated?”
Dhiro had done in-depth research on the topic. “Every human is different. Some more fertile than others, while a few are never able to conceive. They only carry their babies for nine months.”
“Let’s hope the one you chose is a ripe one.”
“She is young and healthy. I have high hopes,” Dhiro said.
“I contacted you because the taskforce mentioned you would be available for your next shift. There has been movement in the bad lands. Only you are experienced enough to deal with the threat.”
“I’m sure they’ve heard the news by now. It is imperative we keep them at bay, now more than ever.”
“Agreed,” said his commander. “Keep me updated on your mission.”
He switched off the monitor. When he turned around in his seat, Ella was sitting up on the bed in the next room. They made eye contact.
“What mission?” she asked. “Does it have anything to do with me?”
Dhiro returned to her side. “I traveled an unprecedented distance to find you. Your arrival is quite the buzz.”
“And what if I can’t give you what you want?”
“You’ve already given me what I want.” He smoothed a hand over her hair, admiring the unique blue color of her eyes. “You have nothing to worry about.”
“You’re the first man … male that I’ve been with.”
“I know.”
“What happens now?”
He felt her trepidation. She was so young and innocent, untold miles away from her planet in a foreign new world. He’d stripped her of her innocence without her traditional courting period, and she had an entire civilization counting on her to be fertile. It was too much for her to bear.
Dhiro had to ease her burden.
“Now you get to enjoy your new planet. I will take you to one of the older mines. You will enjoy the variety of precious stones. Many are unique to Trenu Zel.”
“You know I can’t resist that offer.” She smiled.
She was hungry for knowledge. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I want you to feel at home here. I’ve tried my best to study your customs, but I am far from an expert. Anything you need, please let me know.”
“Thank you for everything. Not the abduction part, but all the rest. I don’t think I’d ever be able to find a man like you on Earth.”
“No, I found you.” He leaned closer and brushed his lips against hers.
She moaned, her desire perfuming the air, which wasn’t his intention. He wanted her to bond with him emotionally, not just physically. Mating was more than copulation but involved body, mind, and soul.
“I really hope things don’t change,” she whispered.
“All things change.”
“I mean with us. If you ever got tired of me or this experiment, I’ll be alone on an alien planet.”
“You’re not an experiment.”
“Then what would you call me? Savior of an entire race?”
He pulled back slightly. “Please don’t put that kind of pressure on yourself, Ella.”
“It’s true. It’s the only reason I’m here.”
He cupped one side of her face. “Yes, I started my voyage on a mission, but it became so much more once I met you.”