Freeing Luka: The Clecanian Series Book 2 by Victoria Aveline (readict books TXT) 📕

The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile as he recalled her tearful declaration the day before. He’d never met a female who showed her emotions so readily.

Frowning, he thought once more about his people. He knew Tremantian females didn’t show their emotions—not because they didn’t have them, but because forming strong attachments to the males they married and the children they bore would only result in their own heartbreak. Humans may be the key to saving their species, but how long would it be before they could be transported here lawfully?

His heart ached for the males and females of his planet. How many would never experience the love he felt for Alice? How many would never rest easy, knowing the one they loved wouldn’t leave them as a result of their twisted honor?

It was only a matter of time before it was discovered that humans could be mated and could reproduce. Once that happened, their people would be divided. Some would call for humans to be transported by the droves whether they agreed or not. Others would oppose, seeing the unwilling transport of a Class 4 species immoral and unethical.

What side would he take? On the one hand, an influx of humans would take the pressure off Clecanian females. He knew his sister, for one, would return to her children in an instant.

Across Clecania, courting rituals, traditions, and laws were very different, but one thing was constant. Females were expected to be strong. They were taught to hold their heads high and expand the gene pool by reproducing with many.

There was no easy answer. For now, he’d continue his work. They couldn’t count on humans to fix everything. Although he bristled at the thought of leaving her and returning to work, he knew he must. There would be many dark days ahead, but the difficulties they’d been facing for decades hadn’t disappeared.

He gazed into the fire, feeling a weight settle over him. How could he keep her safe when their world was on the brink of an implosion?

Earlier, Alice had convinced him to layout a makeshift bed in front of the fire. He’d done as she directed without complaint. The power she held over him was comical. With a touch of her hand and a soft smile, he’d been tripping over himself to do her bidding. They’d spent hours sitting here while he taught her to read using the stories of the matings he’d collected over the years.

Her interest in the mated couples served as a great motivator. She became so invested in learning their stories that she’d picked up the language much more quickly than he’d anticipated.

He sat back, his mind drifting to yet another problem. How would he accomplish the seemingly impossible task of helping her friend without breaking any laws? He needed her to stowaway aboard a ship that made long journeys. One whose captain was honorable, but also didn’t mind breaking laws for the right price.

The image of a male slowly formed in his mind, and he grinned. I know just the person for the job.

Alice turned in her sleep, her blanket falling and exposing her side. He ran his knuckles along the gentle curve of her waist and hip. His cock stirred to think how she might repay him if he found a way to help her friend.

***

Alice woke with a shiver, though her skin was warm from the sizzling fire. Cracking her eyes open, she rolled onto her back and found Luka’s devastating face looming above her, his fingers ghosting over her exposed skin.

“What time is it?” She arched her back, stretching her hands above her.

When she tried to lower her arms again, Luka shot a hand out, holding them above her head. She relaxed, letting him run his knuckles lazily over her body.

He circled her navel then trailed his fingers up her ribs and around the underside of her breasts. “Night,” he answered, gaze fixed on her quickly hardening nipples.

“Are you talking to me or my breasts?” she joked, trying to shift her body away from his maddening caress.

He shot her a lopsided grin. “If I were talking to your breasts, I’d address them with more deference.”

A deep belly laugh rolled through her. “Is that right?”

Her laughter stalled when he leaned down and breathed hot air onto each nipple. “Indeed. While the female they’re attached to tests my patience daily, they’ve been nothing but welcoming.”

“You’re such a weirdo,” she teased.

His mouth was poised just over her nipple when a loud growl from her stomach broke the silence. He moved away groaning. “We’ll finish this later.”

Alice had to stop herself from rubbing her breasts after he finally released her wrists and stood. Luka’s mix of goofiness and sex appeal made him a force to be reckoned with.

Rolling onto her stomach, she watched him walk away. His firm ass flexed as he stepped over discarded books. Inserting her forefinger and thumb into her mouth, she whistled loudly.

He wheeled around, eyes wide and brows raised.

Resting her chin on her palm, she made her face serious. “I was addressing your ass, sir. Please, continue on your way.”

Slapping his own ass on the way and making her dissolve into laughter once again, he crossed to the kitchen.

Still chuckling, she found his discarded shirt and slipped it on. Her own blue dress lay torn and abandoned near the front door.

Surveying the room, she lifted her hands in exasperation. “How can you tell what time of day it is without any windows? It’s going to be hard for me to adjust to never looking outside if I live here.” She glanced at her hand clock. It took her a moment to decipher the symbols, but it was becoming easier each day. She tilted herself as a