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OZIAS
I strode through the bustling space station alongside Exton, my trusted second-in-command. His brightly colored scales glistened under the artificial lights, catching the eyes of passersby—most of whom quickly averted their gazes. My own iridescent scales shimmered as we walked, an unspoken reminder of our rank and the power we held.
“We need to discuss our mission parameters,” Exton said, his deep voice barely audible over the din of the crowded walkway,
“What is there to discuss?” I replied, scanning the throng of alien species surrounding us. “Our goal is simple: capture females from various races and bring them back to Alcarus for our breeding program.”
Exton nodded, his osteoderm scales shifting slightly on his back. “Our scanners have identified several species that can be genetically altered to be compatible with us. You were right—this is a good sector for us.”
“Excellent,” I murmured, my gaze lingering on a group of human females milling about a nearby shop. They were frail-looking creatures compared to us Alcari, but there was something alluring about their soft skin and expressive faces.
“You're drifting,” Exton chided, jolting me back to the conversation at hand. He had always been able to read me like an open holo-book, which was both an asset and a mild annoyance.
I quickly refocused my thoughts on the mission. “My apologies. What species did the scans identify?”
“Several, actually.” He pulled up a holographic display on his handheld comm. “There are the Jorvani, whose exoskeletons might prove useful in defense; the Freltians, agile and swift; and even the rare Galdorians, known for their incredible intellect. And…well, humans, too.”
“And what are the humans’ best genetic trait?” I asked, my mind racing with the possibilities.
“Um…” Exton paused, his brow wrinkling. “Well, they are the closest to the Alcari, genetically speaking.”
“And what else?”
“Uh. As a species, they do seem to be endlessly curious.”
That didn’t sound promising. And yet, the one I had met in the tavern the night before had struck me as deeply alluring.
I blinked, pulling my attention back to my first officer. “We need to carefully select our targets, ensuring that we gather a diverse and powerful group of females for the breeding program.”
“We must also be cautious in our approach,” Exton reminded me. “Some of these species may not take kindly to our intentions.”
“Of course.” As clan leader, it was my responsibility to ensure the continuation of our people, and this task was integral to our survival. It wasn’t the first time the Alcari had incorporated new species into our bloodlines—but it was the first time I’d been sent out on a scouting and harvesting mission.
I was anxious to prove my value to the High Lords of the Alcari.
“You know, of all the possible breeding matches, I think humans are the least horrifying,” I said.
Exton raised an eyebrow and let out a snort of laughter. “Really? Humans? They're so soft and fragile. And don't even get me started on their lack of scales.”
I smirked. “Well, at least they have two legs to stand on, unlike those multi-limbed Zylarians the scouting party brought back last year.”
“True,” Exton conceded, still grinning. “But the Zylarians did have their... unique charms. Besides, I thought you liked a little variety in your life.”
“Variety is nice, but there's something about human females that intrigues me,” I admitted as we moved away from the main concourse and onto the side corridor where the tavern was situated. I let my gaze drift toward it, and my thoughts wandered to the human female who’d served my drink the night before—with her bright blue eyes and wild, curly hair. The way she carried herself, strong and confident despite being surrounded by beings much more physically imposing than her.
There she is.
I didn’t admit even to myself that she was the reason we were on this corridor. But I did know that she was different, and I found myself drawn to her in a way I couldn't quite explain.
“Ah, I see what this is about,” Exton said, following my gaze. “You've got your eye on that bartender, haven't you?”
“Perhaps,” I replied nonchalantly, trying to hide my interest. “She's... interesting. That's all.”
“Interesting, huh?” Exton laughed, clapping me on the back. “Well, I suppose she does have a certain exotic appeal. But don't let her distract you from our mission, Ozias. We've got important work to do.”
“Of course I won’t,” I assured him, my mind still replaying the image of the tattoos that covered the woman’s arms—more than on any of the other humans I’d seen. Was that a common trait among humans? Did it hold clan significance, like our scale colors? I wondered what stories she had to tell, and how she might react if she knew she was being considered as a potential mate for an Alcari warrior.
“Good. Now, let's get back to it. The sooner we complete our task, the better. I'm going to make one more round of the station,” Exton announced, his voice snapping me out of my reverie, “and scan for any other potential mating matches.”
“Good idea.” I tried to sound focused. “I'll head into the tavern and see how many other patrons are compatible with our species.”
“Really? Now?” Exton raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “This is just an excuse to get closer to that human bartender you've been ogling, isn’t it?”
“Please.” I feigned exasperation but couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of my mouth. “I told you, she's simply... interesting. The tavern is a prime location to find potential mates. People come and go there all the time.”
“Fine, fine,” he conceded, still smirking. “Just remember what we're here for. We have a duty to our people.”
“I know,” I said, my tone becoming more serious. “I won't let them down.”
I watched Exton stride off toward another section of the station, his scales glimmering.
As I made my way back toward the tavern, I couldn't shake the feeling that the bartender—Lilah, I’d heard some of the other customers call her—was somehow more important than any of the other potential mates we might find. It wasn't just her beauty that captivated me, but her aura of mystery, the stories hidden beneath her skin. In this cold, vast expanse of space, she felt like a burning star, drawing me in with her gravitational pull.
Anticipation shivered through me as I came to a halt outside the tavern doors. Raucous chatter and laughter filled my ears, and I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of alien spirits and heated conversation. I scanned the room, searching for Lilah while also checking my handheld comm as it assessed the compatibility of those around me. I forced myself to concentrate on the task I’d been sent to do. After all, our people's survival was at stake. But even as I catalogued potential mates with practiced efficiency, I continued thinking of Lilah.
The moment I stepped inside, my eyes locked onto Lilah behind the bar, her eyes gleaming like twin supernovae in the dim lighting. My heart pounded as if it were trying to break free from my scaled chest, and I longed to make this fascinating human mine.
“Back again so soon?” she called out with a teasing smile, her wild curls bouncing as she tossed her head. “What can I get you this time?”
“Same as last night,” I replied, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. As I approached the bar, I could see the intricate tattoos decorating her arms, much like the stars that adorned the cosmos.
“Ah, I see you're a creature of habit,” Lilah winked, her tone flirtatious. “Coming right up.”
As she turned to prepare my drink, I found myself captivated by the way her hips swayed, setting off a primal urge deep within me. My cocks hardened at the thought of what it would be like to have her as part of our breeding program—to be the one chosen to mate with her to ensure the continuation of my race.
I shook my head, attempting to clear my thoughts, but the image of her supple body entwined with mine haunted me, refusing to be dismissed.
“Here you go,” she said, returning with my drink, her fingers brushing against mine as she handed it over. The electric touch sent chills through my nerve endings, igniting a fire beneath my scales.
“Thank you,” I managed, forcing myself to maintain my composure. Her smile suggested she was well aware of the effect she had on me, and it only served to fuel my desire.
“Enjoy your drink,” she purred before sashaying away to attend to other patrons. I watched her every move, tracking her like a predator stalking its prey.
I imagined having the chance to truly stalk her. To make her mine. Then I scolded myself internally, taking a swig of the potent brew in an attempt to drown out the distracting thoughts. The survival of the Alcari rested on my ability to find suitable mates, and Lilah's allure threatened to upend my mission entirely.
“Damn this human female,” I muttered under my breath, torn between duty and desire. Why was she so captivating?
As I waited, the commotion of the tavern seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the anticipation of Lilah's return. When she finally reappeared, deftly weaving through the crowd with a practiced ease, my heart accelerated like a meteor hurtling through space.
“Here's your drink,” she said, placing the foaming glass on the table with a smile. Her gaze flickered downward, and I knew she'd noticed my arousal. A delicate blush spread across her cheeks, transforming her from intoxicating to utterly irresistible.
“Thank you,” I managed, attempting to maintain my composure as if I were negotiating a high-stakes trade agreement rather than ordering a simple beverage.
“Is everything alright?” she asked, her voice threatening to lure me off course. “You seem... distracted.”
“Everything is fine,” I replied, forcing myself to focus on the present moment. The stakes were far too high for me to be swept away by desire, no matter how all-consuming it felt.
“Okay then, enjoy,” she said, flashing me a knowing grin before disappearing once more into the throng of patrons.
As I sipped my drink, my thoughts raced at warp speed. I cursed under my breath, knowing what I was going to do, even if it went against every mission parameter.
You're a fool, I scolded myself, but deep down, I knew I’d already made my decision.
Lilah would come with us when we raided the station.
I will make certain of it…consequences be damned.