strung up
“Kitaico, ecksplhan moar.” Leeenuh says in her strange tongue. But her intent is clear as she points at the mating mark now permanently etched on her skin.
I dig my fang into the meat of my cheek, hurt for a moment. But Leeenuh isn’t from this world, and she’s not of the Andjin—how can I ever expect her to know anything about my world? I force a smile, hoping it brings her comfort.
Last night, I made up my mind not to reveal to her that Andjin mate for life. I'll be devastated if Leeenuh doesn't choose to stay with me, but I recognize that it's my burden alone to shoulder. If we can get through her heats unscathed, and I get her to the capital to have my translator chip turned back on—maybe then we can find common ground.
We just need to get through these heats. As hard as it will be for the both of us, I know we can do it together.
“You accepted the sting of my mating barb. In my culture, when a couple wishes to join together, we exchange venom, which activates the mating bond. Through no fault of your own, you are now my mate,” I tell her as calmly as I can.
Leeenuh frowns, but waves her hand, signaling for me to continue. With each step closer, my heart races and I extend my hand to grasp hers. I turn her palm over and gently trace the intricate purple swirling mark, feeling the raised texture beneath my fingertips. It’s beautiful on her strange skin.
“My venom will force you to cycle through two more heats before the Korlyan moon completes its pass around Sontafrul 6. I wish I could take you to the capital, but it’s not safe. There are far too many exiled males in the nesting grounds during the Great Proving. If they sense a female in heat, they’ll do anything to steal you.” Leeenuh’s eyes go wide. “Do not worry, I won’t allow them to get their filthy tentacles on you!” I puff out my chest with pride.
“Once your heats pass, it will be much safer to travel, and I will do everything I can to make sure you’re comfortable until then. As I promised before, I won’t touch you if you don’t wish it. I can even leave the next time if you think that would be helpful. Would you like me to leave when your next heat arrives? Would you feel safer? I would stand guard just right outside.”
Leeenuh shakes her head quickly from side to side.
“No. down’t leeavuh mi awone Kitaico, I down’t wahnt twu hurk meyeself,” she blurts.
I clasp my hands over her much smaller one. If I can’t rut her, I can at least protect her.
“I won’t leave you, but is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?”
Her fingers brush against the taut lashing that secures my foretentacles to my torso, causing a slight twinge of discomfort. She points to her own wrists, gesturing as if she wants me to bind her.
“You want me to tie you up?” I ask, scratching my head. “Why would I do that?”
I would understand if maybe she wished for me to restrain myself… but why would I ever consider tying her up? I have to quickly push the image of Leeenuh being strung up in my bed out of my mind. The thought brings great joy to the brothers flanking me, while a pleasant warmth radiates from my groin.
Leeenuh's face contorts into an embarrassed expression, her lips drawing tightly together. She clenches her fist tightly and vigorously rubs her other hand against it. With a wince, she gestures toward her cunt.
“Oh…ohhh.” I swallow, my tongue feels thick.
In her pursuit of pleasure, Leeenuh fell victim to my venom and suffered an injury. The weight of guilt settles in my stomach as I realize this is entirely my fault. Despite not meaning to, I am burdened with a feeling of shame.
“Are you okay?” I ask softly.
“Just sorah.” She nods unconvincingly.
“Leeenuh, let me help,” I plead with her, already standing and making my way to my stores. She talks in her soft gibberish language as I do. From her tone, I’m sure she’s turning down my offer of help, but I won’t allow her to suffer any more than I’ve already allowed her to. I grab the shell filled with salve from the spot just above the dried dredlin.
Leeenuh looks nervous when I spin around. I return to her side, placing the shell in her hands.
“This salve is good for burns, both from friction and heat. You must work it liberally into the affected area,” I instruct her. She takes the shell and sniffs, wrinkling her nose at the medicinal scent. “It will help.”
“Ank chew, Kitaico,” she says, dipping two fingers into the thick balm. She pulls the blanket up over her lap before sliding her hand underneath.
Spinning around quickly to give her privacy, my breath catches in my throat. Leeenuh is touching her cunt, and I have to pretend as if I’m unaffected.
It’s not sexual, Kitaico! Get it together, you’re no better than a pup. Your mate is hurt and here you are thinking with your cock. Do better.
But as I yell at myself inside my head, I distract myself with a plan for Leeenuh.
Once the nesting period for the Great Proving is over, I can take Leeenuh to the capital. I hope her third heat is over by then, as it’ll be much safer to travel. I wish I could take her there sooner, but I can’t risk forfeiting my rights to mate—especially if Leeenuh is who the Great Mother intended for me.
What happens once we get to the capital, I’m not sure. I’ve never heard of a situation like the one I’ve found myself in now, but maybe the elders have some wisdom I don’t.
“Um dunn.” Leeenuh’s soft voice cuts through my inner monologue.
When I glance behind, she offers me the shell, uncertain of where to wipe her sticky fingers. I quickly grab the container, and instead of grabbing her a cloth, I use my hand to clear the excess balm off her fingers. Leeenuh’s mouth drops open in shock as I do.
“Let me know if you need more,” I tell her quickly before putting the salve back into the stores.
As I carefully place the shell back onto the shelves, I slyly take a moment to smell the leftovers in my hand. Despite medicinal herbs and the fat that suspends them, I can still detect her intimate scent.
The delicious scent of her hits my nervous system like an explosion, and I inhale deeper. Blood rushes to places it shouldn’t, and I’m left searching for another wrap to cover my rapidly hardening cock. I tie it on quickly but am less than pleased at the tenting of my wrap. I suppose it’s better than brandishing uncovered. Leeenuh seems uncomfortable with my nakedness.
I grab the driftwood stool I fashioned together at the beginning of my Great Proving and face the bed. I try to cross my leg casually over the other one in an attempt to hide my willful erection.
I am sure I look incredibly awkward.
“Today, I will work on something to restrain your hands, Leeenuh. I do not wish you to inflict any more pain on your cunt.”
Leeenuh nods, her cheeks staining a red color. The color is pleasing to me for some reason, even if her poor skin’s camouflage seems nearly broken.
