A Little Wish Upon a Star Read online

  "Don't lie. I can smell it."

  "I'm being truthful. It is very interesting, though."

  "What is?" she asked.

  "Remember when I told you that we cannot smell anything unpleasant? We also cannot smell natural pheromones. We simply react to them. You seem to be able to smell them. And they are giving you a sense of peace and security, am I correct?"

  "I guess so. At least you don't reek."

  "I'm curious about something. Let's try an experiment."

  "What?" She looked at him suspiciously.

  "I want you to sniff the inside of my elbow and try not to resist your reaction—if you have one."

  "Sniff the inside of your elbow? Please tell me that Lotopians aren't into freaky, kinky stuff!"

  "I wish I could tell you that, but I hate to lie," he said with a mischievous grin. "Where is your scientific curiosity, Miss Astrophysicist? You've accepted everything you've seen, heard and experienced here with scientific interest, yet have not even so much as blinked an eye. It makes no sense for a scientist to ignore a variable for testing. It is really very simple and won't lead to harm."

  "I'm not convinced this is even real yet, or that I'm awake. I like living in the World of Denial now and then. It keeps things interesting. Don't mistake my lack of excitement for acceptance, either. I am not an emotional individual," she added.

  "But you are a fearful one."

  "Pardon me," Tabitha said, her eyes flashing, "there are very few things that I am afraid of, and even then, that fear has never been part of my decision making process."

  "Of course it hasn't, because then you would be forced to admit to something that you perceive as weak. In this case, I can understand why you would be afraid. You don't want to discover that I'm irresistible."

  "You are very resistible. Trust me. As for being afraid, I can assure you that no such thought or feeling is present," she said admantly.

  "Then show me. I want to know every thought, every reaction. I want to learn about the human mind."

  There was not a crane strong enough to be able to lift her jaw from the floor when Seth swiftly removed his ivory tunic and exposed the ripples of sculpted muscles that padded his entire upper body. He was beautiful; a golden skinned, golden-eyed, ancient alien god.

  "What are you thinking?" he asked, his hands on his hips.

  "I'm thinking that I just found me some religion," she stated breathlessly, still staring at him.

  "Oh." He appeared disappointed. "I was hoping you were imagining me covered with hot chocolate fudge and sprinkles."

  "Huh?" The use of her own words jarred her from her stupefaction. "Very funny. I am not drooling over you, if that's what you are insinuating. Whatever princes do, I would suggest you keep your day job and not become a comedian."

  "Keep my day job? Very well. Tabitha Gold! I, Mesethius, crown prince and son of His Majesty General Kalavan King of Lotopia, do hereby order you to sniff my arm," he commanded with pompous exaggeration, stretching the brawny limb out in front of her face. His scent immediately began to invade her senses.

  "Yes, Milord." She bowed with a sweep of her hand, hoping that her voice sounded as though she was playing along rather than being eager. She placed her right hand around his thick wrist and her left hand under his elbow, then lowered her nose to his skin. The scent was intoxicating; wild, exciting and powerful, and she inhaled to the base of her lungs, her eyes closing in response to the heavenly scent. Even if she had wanted to resist her reaction, she was unable to. It was pure reflex as she sank her teeth into his flesh.

  "Hey!" he yelped. "Ow. Okay, Tabby-cat, you can let go now. Open…" he said, gently prying her teeth off him.

  "Oh, my God, I'm sorry! I broke the skin! I didn't mean to." She covered her mouth with her hands, shocked at what she had done. "Damn. I got you good. I've never done that before, I swear!"

  "You're a biter, huh? Very interesting. Did you know that the hybrids were documented as reacting that way if they encountered a Lotopian sexual partner? It got a little out of hand at times, especially if the hybrid had strong Helminth characteristics. Taking one's partner for dinner took on another meaning."

  "Didn't you mention something about the Helminth race eating Lotopians?"

  "Precisely. It's good that hybrids were often found to be repellant to both races," he said with a chuckle.

  "I'm really am sorry." Tabitha nibbled on her lower lip as he pressed a cloth against the wound. His blood was sweet, like the honeysuckle she had tasted as a child. Her heart clenched with bittersweet memories. She pushed them to the back of her mind. She didn't want to remember—it was too painful. "Shouldn't we clean it? You could get an infection."

  "Allow me to show you something. Take my hand," Seth said.

  "Put on a shirt, first. Please," she stammered.

  "No. Watch your step. The fall is a long one." He walked her outside, onto a large metal circular platform that looked across the jagged mountains and dark copper sea. He stretched out his arm and closed his eyes, muttering something under his breath. A pale ray of light flickered from the suspended asteroid and licked over the wound in his arm. Within seconds, it was healed.

  Seth turned to the astonished woman and said calmly, "I told you that Ceres had nothing to do with religion. Our faith rests in truth and our truth starts there." He pointed to the massive rock.

  "I don't know what to say," she whispered, her fingers timidly touching the unmarred flesh. "It makes no sense. There is no such thing as magic, so how does something like this happen?"

  "Magic? Isn't that a form of entertainment on Earth?"

  "Yes. It involves producing illusions with sleight of hand and deceptive devices. But I'm talking about magic as a means to conjure a desired effect, using things like incantations and control of the supernatural agencies."

  "This phenomena is not supernatural, but a result of the type of radiation Ceres contains and how it affects our present-day race," Seth explained. "Legend has it that we were birthed upon the death of a star, and that all its power would be ours for the asking. Many centuries ago, our people were all but destroyed by a meteor striking this planet, and the survivors of that tragedy were altered to become what we are now. You and my people have much in common, Tabitha Gold. We both suffered destruction, but survived to be stronger."

  He took both her hands and lifted her knuckles to his lips to kiss them, making a rush of warmth travel through her body and settle between her legs. She gulped, knowing that this time it was her body responding to his presence, and not a reaction to his scent or his incredible sensual and electrifying touch.

  She licked her lips and gently pulled away. "What did you say under your breath?"

  "To be healed by Ceres is extremely painful. For about three counts, it feels as though our blood has been set on fire, and ignites every nerve. We learn a chant as children to help distract us from this pain. As adults, we chant it quietly out of habit." He repeated the words.

  "What does it mean?"

  "I don't think there is an English equivalent. The closest thing that I can think of is something in entertainment excerpts for children. It goes something like; Circle, circle, dot, dot. Now you had a cootie shot."

  For the second time that day, Tabitha was stunned into silence. She felt laughter begin to rumble in her chest and fought to press it down. Laughter, real laughter, was a reaction to an emotional state that she found uncomfortable and unable to control. A lack of control was a sign of weakness, and she would not have anyone, especially this incredible, strange creature before her, think that she was weak.

  "That's nonsense." She turned away.

  Seth captured her arm and pulled her back. "Why does laughter frighten you? It doesn't have to, baby." He looked down at her with those beautiful eyes and she felt him sinking into her soul. Was this his 'Ability', or just genuine contact between two living beings?

  "Please let go of me." Her request was barely a whisper.

  He ran his other
hand down her hair, then cupped her chin and ran his thumb along her jawline. She felt immeasurably small and vulnerable with that enormous hand touching her face.

  "Ceres will heal more than a broken body, Tabby-Cat. She will heal a broken heart. But we have to allow her to enter it," he murmured.

  "I really should eat something. I'm suddenly feeling very weak," she said, avoiding his eyes.

  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead; that little spot on the bridge of the nose, right between the eyes. His lips pressed there for a second, then he released her. "You can't keep changing the subject when things become uncomfortable for you," he said. "Your home is with me now. You will have friends and a family here. Health and happiness will come, as well. I promise."

  Tabitha said nothing. Why take hope from this kind, caring person before it was necessary?

  Chapter Five

  Lotopian food was an acquired taste, but not unpleasant. Tabitha polished off the culture's version of chicken soup, made of rainbow-colored vegetables and the eggs from a bird-like creature called the Bombat. Seth showed her a picture of the odd animal, which slightly resembled an Earth emu, with bright blue-purple plumage and a giant horn on its head—which it used to plow down anyone who tried to invade the nests to steal one of the massive red eggs.

  "Did you like it?" Seth asked with a knowing smile, watching her lean back in her chair and hold her stomach.

  "I can't believe how hungry I was! It took a little getting used to, but yes, it was very tasty. I can't quite put my finger on this spice pallet. It tastes like a fusion of Cajun and Jamaican. There is a tiny punch to it, but it is very nice."

  "I'll teach you how to order items from this system later so you can help yourself if you want anything. We can also work on developing Earth food, if you prefer it. Generally, dining is a very formal occasion, in which to enjoy the pleasures of the senses and good conversation. Father and I usually take meals together, but right now the poor man is probably dodging my mother's tongue. I'm certain she's discovered that I've escaped the palace." He laughed, confessing how his mother had reacted to his earlier 'misdeeds'.

  "She sounds a little controlling," Tabitha said.

  "You'll see for yourself one day soon. Do you need to relieve yourself? I'll show you how to operate the device, and then you are to rest."

  "I'm sure I can figure out how to operate an alien space toilet," she huffed, walking into the bathing area. She ignored the snickering behind her as she tried to figure out where the device was.

  "Let me know when you require assistance," Seth called from the other room.

  "Let me know when you require assistance," she mimicked under her breath. Her bladder ached, and the time for playing guessing games was over. "All right, show me!"

  "Our reproductive and elimination system is very much like yours. Just stand in this corner with your back to the wall and unwrap the cloth to expose yourself. It's easy to pull down your bottoms," Seth told her.

  "Stop watching me!"

  He turned his back to her. "Bend forward and say activate."

  "I feel like an idiot. Activate. Hey!" She yelped as a pedestal emerged from the wall and formed a complete suction around her back end. "This hurts, dude. The damn thing feels like it's trying to pull my guts out!"

  "Lighten attachment," Seth ordered. "Better? Now go. Everything else will be done for you."

  The suction relaxed slightly. "I don't think this is something I'm going to get used to any time soon," she growled. "Do you have to stand there?"

  "Do you know how to remove the bowl once you are finished?"

  "No."

  "Then I have to stand here. Relax. It will support you comfortably."

  "Easy for you to say," she mumbled. Once she finally was able to release a stream, her entire bottom half was rinsed off in warm, tingling liquid. "Holy shit. This makes a bidet feel like a kid's squirt gun. I'm surprised people don't spend their entire lives sitting on this thing."

  "Some do." He laughed. "If you are done, deactivate."

  "Is that all? You jerk. You made it sound like there were some magic words needed to stop this thing from sucking my ass."

  "You use a lot of human profanity, don't you?" Seth raised an eyebrow.

  "Yeah, so what? A little cussing never hurt anyone."

  "It must cease. You are in the presence of the royal household, and your speech should be dignified and controlled. No more."

  "Or what? Are you going to send me back into orbit?" Tabitha laughed sarcastically, trying to rewrap herself in the kata.

  "No, but you will be disciplined. Climb into bed. It's time for your nap."

  "Disciplined? You are definitely delusional. You are not my caregiver, boss, or any other authority figure. I understand that there are cultural differences in our anthropologic practices, but you are not in charge of me."

  "I certainly am," Seth said. "I am being very patient, as well. No more arguments. You are to get under those blankets and sleep. You are not to leave this bed without my permission, either."

  "You need a life."

  "And you," he said, leaning in close to her face, "need your bottom smacked. Don't push me to take you in hand so soon. If you do, I promise you will be one very unhappy human."

  Tabitha stared at him in disbelief. "Did you just threaten to spank me?"

  "That was not a threat. That was a promise. You are no match for me, either, and I know you are aware of it. I have some duties that I need to take care of and will be back in a little while. I will know if you leave this bed, so unless you want to be placed over my knee, you will mind me."

  He crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, his handsome, strong face daring her to test his sincerity. It was a crossroads, but she knew that, for the moment, she was no match for him. Besides, she was tired, she reasoned to herself. She would permit him the one victory—but once she regained her strength, she intended to change some of this dictatorial attitude being directed towards her!

  "How long must I stay in bed?" she asked sourly.

  Seth looked very pleased. Of course he would—he believed he'd just won the battle of wills. "We sleep in five to eight rotation increments; one per sun cycle. After this resting period, we'll work on getting you acclimated. Sleep well and deep, Tabby-Cat. I will return shortly."

  He left after planting another warm kiss upon her forehead. Finally alone, she stared around the room. It was modestly furnished, with massively oversized items meant to comfortably hold the large species, and everything centered on the ethereal view from the picture window. She stared at the darkening sky and streaks of light that now slowly swayed like colorful ghosts readying to return to their quiet graves. Her eyes grew heavy as she watched the night of Lotopia descend upon the valley below, and she gradually found herself succumbing to sleep, with her face buried in a pillow saturated with his delicious aroma.

  ***

  "Mmm," she murmured. Her dreams were loaded with light, color, and peace. It was a phantasmagoria of sensation unlocked by her inner mind, driven by the scent of Seth's skin against her face. She nuzzled into the velvety flesh and pressed tightly against the enormous body that had joined her in the bed sometime during the night. Half-aware, and between that twilight of sleep and the wakening world, Tabitha ran her hand along the smooth mountains of muscle, tracing the ridges with her fingers as her subconscious mind explored the naked torso of the sleeping man.

  Her state of consciousness was surreal. She was neither alert nor asleep as her body and mind responded without thought to the enthralling seduction of her senses. She inhaled deeply, and then ran the flat of her tongue along the flesh beside her mouth, then pressed it against his nipple. The flavor of his skin was heavenly; warm vanilla milk touched with butter, sugar and a secret spice.

  "No biting," he whispered into the top of her head.

  "What? Huh?" Tabitha suddenly woke, instantly sitting up and flinging the covers away. "What are you doing in bed with me? You're naked!"


  "It's my bed and I was tired."

  "But you're naked! Holy mother of…" Tabitha stuttered, her eyes coming to rest on his manhood. Her mouth went dry as she whispered a third time. "You're naked."

  "I think we established that. I always sleep this way. Lie back down and go back to bed."

  "Is that fucker for real?" she forced out, her stare glued to his groin.

  "I hope so. If not, I've been deceiving myself for a long time."

  "If it's that huge soft, how big…"

  "Are you interested in finding out?" Seth asked with a snicker.

  "No!"

  "Then go back to sleep. And no more feeding on me. You woke me up."

  "I didn't. I mean, I was asleep and… fuck. You smell and taste so good that it took over in my sleep. I'm sorry. This is so damn embarrassing," she whispered.

  "When we rise for the day, you and I are going to have a long talk about your language. Would you like me to change my body chemistry and make it less appealing to you?"

  "You can do that?"

  "There are quite a few things I can do, thanks to both sides of my heritage. What you're experiencing right now is my natural chemistry at rest. The fact that you find it so alluring is very unusual, because most couples have to alter their chemistry to attract and keep their mate," he told her.

  "Humans do that with perfumes and colognes. How do you change it—and to what?"

  "You're not going to allow me to go to sleep, are you?"

  "Probably not," she admitted.

  "This can't wait a few more moon rotations?"

  "No."

  Seth covered his groin with the blanket. "You can bring your eyes up to look at me now. Thank you. You know what pheromones are, don't you?"

  "Of course I do. They're a chemical substance produced and released into the environment by an animal that affects the behavior or physiology of others of its species."

  "The Lotopians have developed a gland that is part of our skin that produces certain scents and flavors which are designed for one purpose only: to attract and please our mate. Our bodies learn how to adjust these attractants based on our partner's behavior. It's all instinctive."