Lesser species were offered protection by the Galactic Conclave in exchange for technology and further exploration of their planets and culture. Usually this prevented capture of most females. Earth was one of the primary planets in need of extra security and so placed on the list of protected species. Humans were among those listed under the Cardinal Edict. An absolute treaty that prevented exploitation.
Another scream echoed from behind the closed door ahead and I knew I had to be the one to intervene. A roar left my throat and I moved without my Commander’s permission. Until now I never acted outside of Motok’s orders. There was no explanation for the wild disobedience that ruled my actions. I leaped in front of the other warriors and burst through the door, breaking it down as I fired my blaster and launched into a vicious attack. I never reacted so violently in my entire span of existence.
A human female was being accosted, her clothes ripped and yanked from her body as none other than Senator Rymar used one hand to choke her into submission. He didn’t notice my presence. A fatal mistake. The war cry of my people launched from my lips as rage consumed my entire focus.
Not like this. Not like Menvah.
My fist pummeled Rymar’s soft, overweight gut and knocked him to the ground, easily subduing the traitor and rapist without much effort. He groaned in pain, but I didn’t relent. Several more blows landed to be sure he remained on the ground where he belonged.
The female clutched her tattered clothes around her slender body and whimpered. She blinked at each one of us and then flinched like we would harm her at any moment or pick up where Rymar left off. This was unacceptable. I shoved Rymar toward Orion in an effort to show her we didn’t condone his actions.
“We’re not here to harm you,” Motok promised the female.
She didn’t believe him, backing away further in fright.
My quills rose up higher from my back in a protective stance as I snarled at the rest of my brethren. “Stay back.”
Motok’s jaw dropped open. I ignored his reaction.
“He was going to rape me,” the female whispered, her eyes filled with horror. She didn’t speak to anyone else. I had her full attention as her vivid green eyes pleaded for understanding.
Words from my past surfaced as I heard my sister Menvah’s voice in my head. “He tried to rape me, Valtus.”
The sound of extreme suffering tumbled from my lips. The agony now was as sharp and unrelenting as it was all those span ago. I lifted my hands slowly and approached the human with caution. “I would never harm you,” I replied with earnest. “No one will touch you. I swear it.” Another noise rose from my throat, meant to soothe and calm the frightened female.
My hearts skipped a beat. She was traumatized. I knew that look of shock, had seen it in Menvah’s eyes.
A sound of anguish vibrated my chest followed by the heralding trumpet of my quills as they fanned out. Hushed silence filled the room.
That was when I realized I’d just used my mating call on the human. Only one Braxthar male had ever bonded with a human female and he was my Commander. The idea of mating a protected species was scandalous. My mind betrayed my will.
Mine.
Snarling, I fought against the imagery the word conjured in my head.
Braxthar did not breed with weaker species. My only task was to protect this female from further harm. She was helpless and I would ensure she was safely returned to Earth as soon as possible along with the other captives we liberated.
Her eyes filled with tears and spilled over, sliding down her flushed cheeks. “I need help.”
She nearly collapsed as I darted forward and lifted under her knees, bringing her in close to my chest as my hearts pumped wildly in response. I cradled her as if she were the most precious and rare jewel in existence. More delicate and lovely than the rare stones back on Vindar.
“Keep me safe, please,” the female begged as her eyes fluttered.
I barely realized I used another soothing sound as my quills grew hot and I folded my frame around her exposed body. No male should be staring at her naked flesh. Growling, I searched for a spare cloak and found one crumpled nearby. Once she was covered, I scanned the room for a place to set her down. A noise like the one that resembled my mating call rose from within and I lowered my head, keening into her ear softly.
Shocked to find a possessive instinct rise within my body so recklessly, I froze as she relaxed and responded without hesitation. Fascinated by her reaction, I watched her bright green eyes glaze over before they closed completely. If I could have spent a solar rotation watching her beautiful face, I would have done it.
Motok met my concerned gaze as I lay the female down on a flat surface and pulled an extra suit from my pack. Carefully, I enclosed her in the protective gear, tossing the spare cloak around her shoulders to chase away the chill that would linger in space. Refusing to acknowledge the question in Motok’s eyes, I lifted her once more, allowing no one else to come near enough to touch or even glimpse what was mine.
No, not mine.
Snarling, I kept my distance from the remaining crew. My body wanted to claim her, but I knew the folly of such a reaction.
“She needs the med bay.” The words were forced from my mouth and barely civil.
Hostile, I was on dangerous ground with my Commander.
Nodding, Motok signaled to the warriors who held Rymar and hauled him away. I followed the crew up from the depths of Cryton’s lower levels and to the transport above, keeping a short distance between us.
Against my better judgement, I leaned in and inhaled the female’s sweet but musky scent that mixed with fresh sunvo berries. A decadent and sticky dessert that was one of my favorites back home on Vindar. Someday I would make the treat and enjoy it with her.
The female’s limp body fit perfectly against mine as if she were created to fit my other half. I ignored the fact that her fainting had anything to do with how she reacted to my mating display. Every curve of her frame was covered in soft, peach flesh that I instinctively wanted to taste, touch, and explore. She was undeniably beautiful. Dark hair, brilliant green eyes. A fierce will to survive.
Perfect.
Venya. Mate.
The word burst inside my head and I chose to ignore it entirely. There would be time to contemplate all that transpired but now my only focus was to ensure the female’s safety. Her body was exposed to the planet’s toxins and needed a thorough checkup.
My body was like a live wire, the slightest touch setting off jolts of electricity that zipped and zinged along my skin. There was no way to explain what happened with the mating call. It was rare for my people. Braxthar males only trumpeted their mate once and then it was up to the female to act on the invitation. If they were receptive, they would become meek and docile and allow the male the opportunity to explore their union. Vows would be spoken, and a declaration made before consummation. An act that ensured the couple were committed to each other forever. One mate. One life. Together. Always. A unity we described as finding our one.
Our mate. The one who completed our hearts.
I said nothing on the return trip to the Vindicator, leaving Motok’s side without instruction as I rushed to the medical bay. The ship’s physicians tried to intervene, but I sent them away, refusing help. I gave my word to the female no one word touch her, and I meant it.
Time lapsed as I ran several tests, administered medication, and monitored her vitals for any indication of infection or internal injury. She was given the proper dosages of intergalactic immunizations previously which greatly reduced my anxiety. The ISP was thorough in that regard. Once she was stable, I used cleansing cloths from the replicator in the med bay and washed the grime from her hands, neck, and face. I didn’t dare touch anywhere else.