Ethereal Lives: A Romantic Sci-Fi Novel

Chapter 6

Ariane snuggled into the warm pillow below her cheek. Once she'd fallen asleep, it had been very peaceful night. It was rather shocking to think, on a ship, in space, she had slept so soundly.

Her pillow moved, causing her to remember she wasn't in the bed alone. At some point in the night, she'd ventured from her side to Ax's. She now found herself snuggled against the alien, her head resting on his chest and his arm wrapped tightly around her.

She tried to ease away, only to have his arm tighten and pull her closer. Giving a sigh, she relaxed again. Okay, he was an alien, but he was a warm comfy one.

The intercom interrupted the peace.

"We'll be entering Xanlas airspace soon, Ax."

Ariane felt him jolt awake, so she lay as still as possible. Despite the fact, he held her in place. She didn't know how he would react to their current position.

He shuffled beneath her and his hand loosened on her waist. Raising her eyes to meet his, she found him staring down at her, their faces mere inches apart. Slowly he stroked his hand up and down her back. She wondered if he was aware of his actions.

Someone talking over the intercom again broke the moment.

"Ax, are you there or did she kill you in your sleep?"

A frown appeared on his face. Releasing her, he leant over and revealed an intercom next to the bed. "Do you really think a weak human could best me, Sek?"

Ariane gasped; weak human indeed.

"I'm on my way," Ax said, before closing the panel and facing her.

Ariane sat up and met his gaze. As much as she tried, she couldn't figure out what he was thinking. He opened and closed his mouth a few times as if unable to decide what to say. Eventually, he gave his head a slight shake and climbed from the bed. "We need to get to the control room."

Her eyes were drawn to the large erection tenting his trousers.

He followed her gaze and appeared to be baffled by his reaction. He adjusted himself before strolling to the door. "Fexing human body."

At the last minute, he turned and stared at her and then at the floor by his feet. Realising he expected her to follow; she scurried from the bed and put her flip flops on. She resented his attitude, but common sense reminded her, this was an alien ship about to visit an alien planet. She wanted to visit that planet, and if following him blindly got her to that end result, she would follow away.

He looked stunned when she stood and walked towards him without protest. Honestly, anyone would think I'm awkward. Giving a huff, she bit her tongue and didn't comment on his expression. Instead, she preceded him into the hallway and walked towards the control room.

As soon as they entered, he pointed to a chair and told her to sit, warning her not to touch anything. Ariane flopped into the chair and crossed her arms. The viewing window had been closed, so she couldn't see the approaching planet, which annoyed her. She'd been getting excited about her first glimpse of an alien world. Ax stood with a few other men, talking quietly. Every so often they glanced her way before going back to their conversation. As much as she tried, Ariane couldn't hear what they said. After what seemed like an extraordinarily long time, he returned and stood before her with a strange expression on his face.

"We have a problem."

Ariane swiftly raising her hands in the air. "I didn't touch anything."

His lips twitched. "I know, not that kind of problem." His expression turned serious. "The Xans want to come aboard and search the ship. It's highly inconvenient, and not something they normally do, which sets off warning bells. They can't be allowed to see you."