Traffick: Unearthly Paradox, #3

Chapter 1

You’ll love me even more. On the way back to the house in the mountain, I couldn’t fathom how that could be possible. I was pretty sure my heart was already at breaking point when it came to Jett. He had risked everything to give me the choice of bonding with him, and it was clear that Zane hadn’t approved of his methods. But Zane had stood by his brother wishes—in the strange way that only he was capable of.

Soft light emanating from every living thing around us illuminated the forest, and although the night sky was still black, the tiny little stars were shining brighter than I’d ever seen before.

A yellow hue came from the humans who were still dancing, blissfully unaware of the blood bath that had unfolded less than five hundred metres from the doof. I thought I would’ve been a little worked up over what I’d seen but all I could do was think about what was to come.

Since I’d agreed to bond with Jett, he hadn’t left my side for a second. It was as if something had clicked inside of him and he was like a dog protecting his bitch that was in heat. A giggle accidently slipped out as I pictured that image in my mind.

What? Jett asked.

Nothing. I was just thinking about you peeing on me.

Jett peed on you? Jenna asked.

No. Of course I didn’t, Jett said with a bemused expression. He must’ve remembered the conversation we had earlier.

I waved Jenna off. It was just something I was joking about when Jett was telling me there was a way to stop the other Dracorians from sniffing me.

Zane chuckled. You told her you were going to pee on her?

No. It was... I sighed. Just forget about it.

We arrived at the entrance to the cave, and unlike the first time I’d been there, I could now see inside. It seemed that Jett’s blood gave me night vision, and I wondered if there were more surprises to come once we’d bonded.

We’ll see you guys later, Jett said to Jenna and Zane.

I pulled my eyebrows together. Aren’t you guys at least coming up for a shower? They were covered in blood and although I wanted nothing more than to be alone with Jett, I didn’t want them to have to go back to the GC without cleaning up first.

Nah. We’ll go wash off in the lake then get back to the doof for a feed, Jenna said.

Zane gave a short wave as he continued walking toward the waterhole.

Well, have fun. Jenna smirked then jogged off to catch up with Zane.

We entered the cave then ascended the stairs. I had no idea what the bonding ritual was like but my stomach started to sink when I thought about it. I still wanted to go ahead with it more than anything I’ve ever wanted, but I was starting to freak out about what the actual ritual involved.

What’s wrong? Jett asked as we stepped inside the house. "You’re not having second thoughts are you?

God, no, I said, surprising myself by just how much I wanted it. It’s just that I don’t know what’s involved and you know how my mind goes with theories.

He raised an eyebrow. How many did you come up with on the short walk up the stairs?

I’m at two so far. First one involves sharp knives and the possibility of me fainting at the sight of my own blood. And the second is that I have to drink your blood from you like I did before but on a much larger scale. I drew my eyebrows together. But then, that would only bond you to me and I’m sure Jenna said I needed to give myself to you as well, which means... I scrunched up my face. You’re going to drink my blood, too, aren’t you? But, how the hell did you get so much blood to come out of your mouth. You don’t really have razor sharp teeth in there do you? Because that could be a deal breaker—Wait, is that what Zane was talking about when he said you’re still hiding things from me?

Jett chuckled. Well, you’ll be happy to know it’s nothing like that. And no, I don’t have razor sharp teeth that I plan on attacking you with. He went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.

Stripping off, Jett threw his clothes in the wastebasket and I did the same. We hopped under the shower, the water turning red as the blood and whatever other organ matter washed away. Jett grabbed the sponge, lathered it up then began scrubbing me to send any leftover evidence of the massacre down the drain.

I put my hand over his, stopping him from going any further. You know I can do that myself.

He flicked my hand away and continued to wash my breasts. But where would be the fun in that?

This isn’t meant to be fun.

Jett moved on to my tummy. It is what you make it. You see, we could either harp on about why we’re having a shower in the first place, or we can just forget the why’s and enjoy the moment.

Enjoy the moment, I repeated under my breath.

He brushed his lips all the way down south as he went onto his knees then got back to his task of cleansing me. When he was done, he rose to his feet and handed the sponge over to me.

My eyes widened in surprise. I had never washed anyone but if it gave me a chance to get my hands all over his Godly body, then I was all for it. But, I had to ask, This isn’t some cleansing ritual is it?

Jett laughed. Stop thinking and just enjoy.

Enjoy, I repeated. Like that was going to be hard. Okay.

Putting one hand on Jett’s chest, I began washing him down with the sponge. Most of the evidence had already washed away when he was scrubbing me but I didn’t let that cut my time short. I made sure I covered every single inch of his body, taking extra care on certain places over others. I stopped short as I trailed the lines of his tattoo. I’m going to have to get one of these tattoos aren’t I?

Jett laughed as he sent me an image of my pale face. Don’t worry; I wasn’t joking when I said that I was the one who was branded.

My eyes widened in horror. I’d thought getting a tattoo was bad enough and now he was telling me that I was going to be branded.

Relax. No one’s going to stick you with a branding iron. He chuckled. When we bond, my royal markings will appear on your skin.

In all the thoughts I’d had on the way back to the cave, I hadn’t once considered that I was going to become a royal. Am I going to be a royal?

Of course, he said. Your human side will still exist, but you’ll have the same abilities and resilience that I have.

I nodded.

What else do you want to know?

Will we be married?

Jett placed his hand on my hip and brushed my wet hair behind my ear. Not by human law, but by ours, yes. Although we don’t call it marriage, we call it bonding, because it can’t be undone. We’ll be bonded for life.

Forever? I said under my breath.

He nodded. Does that scare you? Or change things?

No, I said without hesitation. I’ve never wanted anything so much in my entire life. And that was the truth. If someone had told me two weeks ago that I would be willing to commit to someone I’d only just met, for the rest of my life, I would’ve thought they were nuts.

Jett smiled, letting out the smallest of sighs I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t been paying such close attention to his lips. Lips I desperately wanted to feel against mine.

I gulped, forcing myself to focus on anything besides his mouth, which was separated from mine by only a sliver of light. So how do we do this bonding?

Turning me around, he gently pulled me against his chest, his hand resting over my breast. Jett lowered his face to the crook of my neck and whispered, I step into you.

What? I asked with a small laugh.

He kissed me below my ear, leaving his lips brushing my lobe as he said, I vaporise then I enter you, allowing our bodies to bond with one another’s.

I laughed nervously. You’re going to possess me?

Pulling back, Jett laughed. I’ve never heard it put that way before, but I guess you’re right. Except, it’s a lot less creepy than it sounds.

What he said should’ve scared the crap out of me, but in truth, I wanted nothing more than to feel him inside of me. It was as if my alien side was taking over and everything I’d learned from being raised in the human world disappeared the moment I was in his arms.

He shifted as he pulled me tighter against him. I tilted my head to the right, allowing him full access to the side of my neck his lips always sought out.

Pressing a kiss against my searing skin, I felt his body slowly turn before coming back to his solid form.

I sucked in a sharp breath. Are we doing this now?

Only if you want to.

I breathed out harshly. I want this.

A throaty growl escaped his lips but he remained in his solid form. You don’t have any more questions first? His lips brushed over my cheek, stopping at the edge of mine.

There were probably a million questions I should’ve asked, but none of them seemed important. My whole body was trembling with anticipation, waiting for him to possess me. I turned my head to the side so I could look him in the eyes. They’d already turned to the deep black pools that I loved. My only question is when are you going to put me out of my misery? I asked, my voice coming out in a husky tremble.

I love you, he whispered. Lacing my fingers with his, Jett melted against my skin as he vaporised.

I tipped my head back and sucked in a sharp breath as I felt him enter me, my body became alive in ways I never knew possible. The ecstasy I’d felt when I’d taken Jett’s blood was nothing to the euphoria of having him inside me as our bodies melded, becoming one. I closed my eyes as our minds blended and I had access to his every memory. More importantly, I could feel the way he felt about me, which superseded every horrific crime he’d witnessed or inflicted as part of his duties. None of that mattered.

My heart felt as if it were going to explode as I absorbed every thought, hope and dream he had for us. And the love... I never knew someone could love me so much. Every doubt I ever had about the two of us was uncalled for. Jett had wanted me from the moment he first saw me. Yet he hadn’t wanted to do what his father had done to his mother. Roman had bonded with her the minute he realised what she was, and never gave her a choice or even a warning.

Jett couldn’t do that to me. Even though he could tear someone apart, he was the most gentle, kindest, caring person I’d ever known. I realised in that instant what Jett had meant when he said I would love him even more.

Just when I thought my heart couldn’t take anymore, I felt him slowly emerge, until once again I could feel his weight against my back. I turned around so I was facing him.

My eyes glistened with threatened tears as I looked up into his eyes and realised he was mine—in every way possible.

Jett’s purple hue was shining brighter than I’d seen it back in the forest and I was responsible. I love you, I said, then shook my head. Those words no longer feel enough.

He smiled. It’s enough. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear since the day I met you. His smile grew wider as he swept my hair behind my back and traced his fingers over my shoulder. They’ve appeared.

Stealing my gaze away from him, I looked down and saw a white branding—the exact replica of Jett’s—covering my shoulder and trailing down my side. It was beautiful—and the best part, it didn’t hurt a bit.

Looking back into his eyes, I smiled. That was amazing.

That it was. Jett held me in his gaze as his finger softly trailed the lines of my branding.

My skin seared under his touch and every fibre of my being was screaming with the desire to feel him inside of me again. I wanted him. I needed him.

He sucked in a slow deep breath.

Warmth spread through my veins as my need for him doubled with every second that ticked by. I thought I’d been addicted to him before, but that was nothing to the pull he had on me now.

Jett dipped his head as he brought his lips down to mine, his fingers brushing the curves of my body, stopping when he reached my ass.

He lifted me, allowing me to wrap my legs around him. A fire exploded within me as he pushed my back against the tiled wall, the water streaming down on top of us as we discovered each other all over again. Our bodies reacted to each other’s in ways they never had before. We were connected on a cellular level that changed everything I ever knew about love, and allowed me to feel everything he felt in that moment. Our hearts beat as one.

Chapter 2

I never knew my dumb assed grin could get any bigger, but apparently, it did. I had to laugh when Jett sent me an image of myself through his eyes. I didn’t care. I had never experienced making love the way we’d just done. Energy pulsed through me, making every movement pure ecstasy. Something I wanted to relive over, and over again. I just had to keep telling myself that we would. It had to wait ’til later, though. The sun was starting to rise and I could sense Jenna and Zane were close by. They were obviously giving us some space, but I knew there were bigger things than our hormones at play, that we all wanted to find out more about.

I traced the lines of Jett’s tattoo on his chest. How long do you think they’ll give us?

He sighed as his gaze swept over my body. Not long enough.

Sighing, he pressed a kiss against the branding on my neck then climbed out of bed. I realised that was probably what he’d been doing all those times before, when he nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck. He’d always gone for my left side, the side on which my branding appeared.

I crawled out of bed and went in search of the bags of clothes Jenna had bought me.

I put on a bra and panties and rummaged through the bags trying to decide what to wear. Are we going back home straightaway?

Jett paused in doing up his belt and looked at me with a smile on his face.

What?

You just called my place home.

I pulled my eyebrows together. I guess I did. Is that okay with you?

Jett finished buckling his belt then sauntered over to me. He ran his hands up and down my arms. Of course it’s okay. I just wasn’t sure you’d be willing to move in on a permanent basis so quickly.

I bit down on my grin. Something more than just my tattoo had changed in me when we bonded. We’d claimed each other, and there was nothing on Earth that was going to keep me away from him. Just try and keep me away.

Jett cupped my face in his hands and kissed me. Good. ’Cause I was trying to figure out how I was going to stalk you while you were back at your dad’s... without seeming too obvious.

I laughed. Did you come up with anything good?

He shook his head. Not since you know that we can take on a second form. He tilted his head to the side. But then, there are the cameras that I’d already set up in there. Although there would be a good chance you’d spot them now.

My eyes widened in horror and I slapped him on the arm.

I’m kidding, he said with a laugh.

I glared at him. You’d better be.

Don’t worry; I’m not a perverted prick. When I still looked at him sceptically, he added, If you don’t believe me you can check for yourself next time we bond.

I drew my eyebrows together. I thought this was permanent.

It is, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do it again. He pressed a kiss on my cheek as he drew me into his arms. And again, Jett murmured as his lips brushed over my jaw line. And again. He ran his hands down over my ass and hitched me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me over to the bed.

I thought you said we didn’t have time.

We’ll make time.

Chapter 3

It was almost lunch by the time we were fully clothed and sitting on the sofa with a coffee in hand while we waited for Jenna and Zane to rock up.

I can’t believe they’re going to know what we’ve been getting up to in here. I didn’t regret it for a second, but I still had some shame about me.

Most couples are out of action for a few days after the initial bonding, so I think we’re doing pretty well.

Seriously? I asked. Actually, I can understand. All I want to do is get you back in that bed over there.

He chuckled. If only we didn’t have a father who’s going to seek revenge for his daughter’s death, and some intergalactic human exchange programme to figure out.

I loved his sense of humour. Even when life was throwing a crap heap his way, Jett took it all within his stride.

I looked toward the door and waited for our guests to arrive. It was strange how I could feel Jenna and Zane getting closer with every step they took up to the front door. The new abilities I’d inherited from Jett were amazing, and I knew I’d only scratched the surface.

They knocked on the door.

Jett hopped up and let them inside.

Hi, Jenna dragged, with the biggest cheesiest smile plastered on her face.

Zane hit Jett on the shoulder. Hey, pansy boy. He looked at me, no longer sucking in a subtle breath, then back to Jett. I guess congratulations are in order. You finally put us out of our misery.

I narrowed my eyes at him. So, this means I no longer have to worry about you hitting on me.

Zane grinned. Nope. You’re officially off limits. You no longer do it for me.

Wow. If I’d known that, I would’ve asked Jett to bond with me the first day I met you.

Zane whacked Jett’s chest. See, I told you, you should’ve claimed her back then.

Quit it, will you, Jenna said. We all know why he waited. Her gaze shifted to me, a knowing look crossing between us. And, she looked Jett up and down, a grin forming on her lips, I think it’s safe to say that Jett can kick your ass now.

Zane snorted. That’s yet to be decided.

Jett smirked. Any time you’re ready.

And risk busting up that pretty face of yours, so close to your bonding. He shook his head. Nope. I’m not going to do that to my new little sister.

It was my turn to snort out a laugh. Sister?

Zane shrugged. Welcome to the family.

Oh, God. I cringed at the thought of Zane being my brother. I guess I didn’t think this through properly, did I, I muttered under my breath, knowing they could hear me. I looked up at Jett and swept my hair behind my back to show my branding. Are you sure this can’t be undone?

Jett smiled. Nope. You’re stuck with me and all my baggage. He hooked his arm around Zane’s neck and rubbed his knuckles into his brother’s hair.

Zane shoved his elbow into Jett’s side but it didn’t have the same effect that it had done before.

Jett laughed. Who’s the pansy boy, now?

Zane shook his head. I’ve got to find myself a half-breed.

Yeah, good luck with that, Jenna said. And while you’re at it, you can find me one, too. Hell, why not find one for Zoran and my brothers as well. Maybe we could even reproduce them.

Who’s Zoran? I asked.

They all bit down on their grins.

That’s my other brother, Jett said.

Oh, I said, feeling crappy for never asking Jett what his brother’s name was.

Sensing my unease, he said, I should’ve told you more about him before. But you’ll get a chance to meet him soon.

And don’t worry, he’s nothing like this one here. Jenna clapped Zane on his shoulder.

Zane smirked. I’m one of a kind.

Thank God, Jenna said with a laugh.

Anyway, Zane said. Get your stuff so we can head back. We’ll talk on the way there.

Jett and I gathered up our things, which really only consisted of the bags of clothes Jenna had bought me, and the items I’d worn on the way over.

Stepping out of the cave, I was met with the added wonders of the forest I’d seen when I had taken Jett’s blood. Every living thing around us had a soft glow, and my vision was a lot sharper than it had been before. I could see all the various animal life forms previously hidden to me, going about their daily routines. The world was an amazing place that I was eager to rediscover. Unfortunately, the others didn’t feel the same way. They were in a rush to get back to the GC.

Come on, Zane said, as I stopped to look at the light glistening from the sap on a nearby tree.

I scowled at him. You do realise I’ve never seen the world this way before?

And you have the rest of your life to waste your time on that.

Jett cocked his head ever so gently in the direction we were heading.

Fine. But we’re coming back here again.

He dropped his arm over my shoulder. You’ve got it.

We had to go a little farther than where Jett had parked the bike because Zane couldn’t drive his oversized SUV through the narrower dirt track. I thought we should’ve passed at least a body or two from the carnage last night, but the forest looked untouched. All the humans who were at the doof had gone, too. It was as if nothing had happened, and I guessed we had the Cleaners to thank for that. Or, maybe Jenna and Zane had decided to clean up while they waited for us.

Arriving at the SUV, Jett and I climbed in the back while Jenna sat in the front passenger seat beside Zane.

So, any ideas about what we’re going to do? Jenna asked as we pulled onto the bitumen road.

Confront Roman, for one, Jett said.

I doubt he’s going to tell you shit if it’s something he’s been keeping from us all our lives, Zane said.

Jett shrugged. Either way, I’m asking.

I’m not getting this, I said. Why would Giselle know, if Roman hadn’t even told you guys? And you’re his sons?

Because her father was one of Romans consultants, Jett said. Remember the technology I told you about that blocks the cave house from being seen?

Yeah.

Well, there are cities made up with the same technology all around the world. Humans aren’t aware they exist, as they’re located in some pretty uninhabitable locations.

Uninhabitable to humans, not to us, Jenna clarified.

So, Bartoli used to accompany Roman to these cities and attend many of the meetings as his consultant. Something happened between Roman and Bartoli, but to this day, Roman won’t say why Bartoli went his own way. Many of us just presumed Bartoli wanted more power, which is also why we have many renegade groups out there. Of course they never find what they’re seeking because they can never become a royal; hence, we will always overpower them.

What goes on in these cities? I asked.

Jett shrugged. They’re cities just like the ones you see out in the human world. But what goes on in these meetings between royal leaders is beyond me.

Zane looked at my reflection in the rear-view mirror. And I would’ve known if you hadn’t come along.

I glared at him. I thought you were going to stop that bullshit animosity you have toward me. After all, aren’t you supposed to look after your baby sister? I asked dryly.

Zane shrugged.

Jenna poked her head around her seat to look at me. Zane hates being kept in the dark. He has a need to know everything.

It was my right to know everything.

Jett grinned. And now it looks like it’s going to be mine.

Zane opened his mouth to say something, but Jenna cut him off. Enough of your macho bullshit, we’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do if Roman doesn’t cough up the information.

She turned back to face the road. I think we’ll need to find Bartoli and make him talk, but I don’t like our chances. He’ll probably prefer dying to giving us anything. Or, we could find some other renegade group and see what they know. Or—

We can find a way inside those lifts, Zane said.

That’s impossible. Jenna looked at him as if he was stupid.

What lifts? I asked.

Jett put his hand on my thigh, making me almost forget my question. "In most of the invisible cities there are lifts which only the royal leaders have access to.