“You mean, get used to me not getting angry and throwing a fit?” Sutton teases.
Layla blushes crimson. “I don’t want to think that way. I know that’s behind us.”
Sutton’s tone turns more serious. “I caused you a horrible pain, Layla. I understand that it will take time to heal it.”
It is that level of care that makes me believe Sutton is an alpha. His past actions may not have played out to prove the same result, but it is as if his designation has taken time to develop rather than just being with him from birth. Throkyn alphas are born alphas. Omegas are born omegas, but their designation is not realized until they come into contact with an alpha after they are of age. Perhaps whatever Sutton’s designation is, it was partially developed before he spent enough time with an alpha, and after enough time, he will fully come into his designation.
“We just need more time,” I say, and they both look at me, confused. “I am sorry. I just brought you in on the middle of a conversation. I think Layla was right. You have changed, Sutton. And still are. I think once you have fully come into your designation, everything will become clear.”
“Do you think that’s why we can’t bond yet? Because Sutton isn’t done cooking?” Layla giggles.
“It is only a guess. But it makes as much sense as anything,” I say.
“My scent was weak before we met you,” Sutton says. “And when I came back to the Center, it wasn’t much better. But after we shared Layla, it got crazy strong. My ability to detect scent improved, too. I’m also far more easily aroused.” Sutton nods as his eyes dart, searching his memory. “Yeah. I think you’re right.”
“We still cannot be sure this has anything to do with our ability to bond,” I say, keeping us rooted in reality.
“But we can hope,” Layla says, and I love her for it.
I offer that love to her in my smile. “Yes, little one. Now, let us sit in silence for a spell and allow Sutton to eat his first meal in days in peace.”
“Yes. Eat,” Layla says, and we all sit quietly amongst the stars with hope in our hearts.
Chapter 34
Layla
“Iseverythingalright?”Iask Zayd as I step into the cockpit, where I find him sitting at the console.
The morning alarm isn’t set to go off for another hour or so, but when I turned over to find Zayd gone and Sutton passed out and on his way to his first full night’s sleep since we left Earth, I decided not to disturb him and instead start my day a little early.
After not finding Zayd in the galley, I grabbed my tea from the replicator and went looking for him. Didn’t expect to find him here.
“Checking our course. We should arrive in about thirty-two hours. Right on schedule,” Zayd says.
“Great! I’m ready to touch grass again. Wait… This planet does have grass, right?”
Zayd turns his attention from the console to smile at me. I would have thought the fangs would always look a bit menacing, but ever since he bit me, and I learned the intoxicating nature of his venom, his smile has become his most endearing and disarming feature.
“It has grass and trees. Waterfalls and oceans. A tropical paradise.”
“Sounds like heaven to me, but won’t that be miserable for you? You’re built for the cold.” Throkyn come from the ice planet, Thro. Midwest winters in the colony, the alphas walk around like it’s summer. In the summer, they only wear a loincloth and a knife in a scabbard strapped to their thigh.
“It will be hot for me, but more tolerable than Iowa summers. The humidity is low, and the breeze off the blue water ocean is refreshing,” Zayd assures me.
After being cooped up on this cold, dark ship for so long, my body buzzes in anticipation of fresh air and sunshine. I’m not surprised when my excitement manifests as desire. Even though we’re not there yet, I want to show Zayd my appreciation for getting us to our destination on time and in one piece.
I drop my tea cup into the matter collector behind Zayd’s seat, next to the replicator.
“No wonder this place was chosen for a pleasure planet,” I say, sitting astride Zayd’s lap, running my hands over the peach-fuzzy fur on his chest and tracing the furless birthmarks that swirl around his shoulder and neck.
Zayd slips his fingers under the bottom hem of Sutton’s T-shirt I wore to bed, and drags his claws up my ribs until his palms cup my breasts. “When we arrive, you must not stray. Some districts are safer than others, but the riff-raff are known to prey on unsuspecting travelers anywhere opportunity presents itself.”
“Then I will not give them the opportunity.” I roll my hips on his lap, where his length has grown hard between us.
He kneads my breasts and flexes his ass to rub his shaft against my mound. “Good girl.”
“If I’m such a good girl, do I get a reward?” I reach down and push my hand inside his pants to grip his cock and pull it free.
