The Beast Lover's Anthology: Vol. 1 - Star [Alien x Reader] M/F

Chapter Three

   Star made me cry that night, fucking me until I was sore and trembling, leaving bite wounds and claw marks on my flesh like a wild animal.

"Don't ever challenge my authority again," He growled, pressing my cheek to the tear-soaked pillow and leaning down to speak against my ear. "Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes," I whispered, cinching my eyes shut when he released me. I felt the bed move, but I didn't dare get up - not until I heard the door close behind him.

I didn't have enough energy to do much more than check on the boys, wiping the streaks from my reddened cheeks before I kissed Jay's forehead, then Kilo's. They'd fallen asleep hours ago, but seeing them made me smile. Star had never treated me like that, and while I was hurt and disheartened, I knew that with his guidance, our pups would become admirable individuals someday.

Despite the odds we'd found ourselves at, I still believed Star was a wonderful mate. I hadn't known what I was doing would set him off in the way it did, and while his actions and the abuse he subjected me to were unjustified, I'd grown to love him.

The next time I saw him, he'd settled back down to his usual self - doting and clingy and so very remorseful.

"I'm so sorry," He licked at the wound he'd left on my shoulder, sighing deeply. "I never wanted to hurt you like this."

"Then why did you?" I asked, my gaze fixed on the stars. Star kept lapping at my bruised flesh, speaking softly.

"No answer I could give you would justify it."

"You killed one of your own, Star."

"He was a good soldier, but he knew better than to lay eyes on you... You are not familiar with our world yet, and I understand your naivety, but as a female carrying eggs - especially my own - you are invaluable. It is my job to protect you, and it speaks of my ability to command my army when my mate is roaming the ship with one of our pups, and I am nowhere near or even aware of your vulnerability. Your mistake has spiked conversation among my men about whether siring has compromised my leadership. I should not have taken my frustration out on you, little one, and I know that. You didn't know the consequences of leaving this room unattended."

"I didn't, but still," I turned in his arms, laying my head on my pillow and looking into his emerald eyes. He pulled the comforter up over my hips, his tail sliding over my legs, tucking me closer to him. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize; nothing is changing. I won't let anyone take this fleet from me."

"I wish I could help you more." I placed my hand on his snout, stroking him. "I feel useless, stuck here every day."

"You are doing the most important job on this ship," He assured me, rubbing his nose against mine. "I can't tell you how sorry I am for hurting you. I was so angry with you for disobeying me that I didn't realize how rough I was being. I didn't intend to cause you harm."

I didn't answer, and Star traced the outline of a bite with the tip of one of his claws, careful not to put too much pressure on my skin.

"Do they hurt?" He spoke softly. "I can take the pain away if you'd like."

"A bit," My admittance was quiet. Star surprised me when he lifted his arm and carefully bit into the space above his wrist. His blood - violet in color and metallic - welled from the tooth imprints. I watched him press the flat of his tongue to the wound before taking my chin between his claws and kissing me.

"Star," I whined into his mouth, my stomach fluttering when I felt his tongue part my lips, pushing past my teeth and sliding atop my own. A coppery tang hit my taste buds, and no sooner than it did, fuzzy warmth diffused through my limbs, and my thoughts drifted into a feathery abyss.