The First She ✓

TWENTY FIVE

Kira knew that Vrox was carrying her to the men. The risk of being identified was high, but it was a danger she was willing to face. She needed as much help as she could get to recover Nebula.

With her head high and her heart rate higher, she waited.

Leaves skimmed her from all directions, and she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if the leaves were hands. The mere idea made her cringe. The only calloused hands she wanted on her wereVrox's.

Three tall, naked males entered her sight. Even after plenty of eyefuls of Vrox, it was still shocking to see so much man shamelessly being presented. Their eyes widened as if trying to take more of her in, and their searing concentration made her feel like she was the naked one among them.

A man with a dark complexion said something, and a rumble coursed through Vrox's chest when he replied.

"Uh, hi."

She raised a hand to offer a small wave, and their bright eyes instantly snapped to her hand. Her clipped nails, flawless knuckles, and skinny fingers inflated their shock. It was as if they couldn't believe that such a delicate limb could exist.

She dropped her hand when she realized that it wasn't helping her settle in.

Another man came closer. His complexion was dark, his hair buzz-cut, and his eyes a striking blue. His face was stubbled, making her realize that shaving was an option among them. Without a beard in the way, she could make out his handsome bone structure.

His powerful arm reached for her, making her shy away.

Another clap of thunder rung out when Vrox barked a command, which froze the man in place. The deep baritone of their voices began a ruthless song as they countered one another. Kira felt like a little girl dangling in her father's arms. As bitter as the feeling was, it was reality. She was harmless, fully dependant on Vrox to keep her safe from the gods of testosterone that were scrutinizing her.

"This is a mess. We cannot keep her."

"What do you suppose that we do?" Vrox threw at Rokan. "Hand her to Ak?"

"Do you realize what you are holding? This female is all of the planet's treasures combined. Once word gets out that we have a woman here, all men– old and young, will come for her. We are strong, but we cannot fight against thousands."

"I am still not hearing what you want me to do with her."

Rokan grunted, the sound making Kira's eyes drop to his scaled chest.

"Give her to the elders. They will decide what is best."

"They will decide that what's best is force-breeding her!" Vrox countered.

"I am just trying to keep us all safe."

Rokan had a point. Other men would try to become the fathers of a new generation by taking Kira, and they wouldn't bat an eye over killing his brothers to get their title. Vrox didn't want his brother's blood to spill. He didn't want to be the cause of Kira's suffering, either. The thought of the crevice between her legs crying blood as men raped her was abominable.

He had never faced a dilemma of such red proportions.

"I will leave," he decided for them. "I will protect her myself."

He couldn't allow Kira's violation. He couldn't stand for it.

Rokan and Kyros looked equally solemn. Ni'ev, on the other hand, was examining the blade of his sword.

"I will leave with you."

Vrox looked at his older brother, still not used to hearing so many words coming out of him in a single day.