Maxar (The Mating Games Book 4) Page 6

  “Shandra always likes to get out of the house.” He heard a squeal come from the room Shandra was in and she came tearing out of it.

  “Where are we going?” She asked excitement evident in her demeanor and a sparkle in her eyes.

  “We’re going to look at a house Maxar is building. He’s invited us to come live with him. What do you think about that?”

  Shandra squealed again. It must be her happy noise. “I want to go see it.”

  Maxar was only too happy to take them. Moving to the door he held it open. “Come on Ladies.” He closed it after they were all out. Going to the hover car he helped them both inside.

  Once he was in the driver’s seat, he got the car underway. The house wasn’t far from here since Maxar had chosen the spot with his job in mind. It was along the sea but at the closest point to the factory. Not having to follow roads shaved some time off too so in fifteen minutes they pulled in the driveway. He tried to look at it the way someone who had never seen it might but it was too familiar to see it that way. Several different rocks from the local area had been used in shades of white. Pink, and lavender. Pink could be seen as a feminine color but he didn’t care because there was nothing feminine about male Mazlans.

  “It’s beautiful.” Ernie gushed.

  “I like it.” Shandra agreed.

  “Just follow me ladies.”

  “I’m just a little girl.” Shandra said giggling.

  “Let’s just follow Maxar.”

  They followed him and he found he was nervous about what Ernie would think. Shandra had been easy to please but Ernie was more complicated. He led them up the stairs to the door. Opening it he let them walk following behind. It was a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life. It could take vibrant colors or neutral tones. Whatever his mate wanted suited him as long as she was at his side.

  “What do you think?”

  “Ernie smiled warmly. “I love it. There are unending possibilities.”

  “Whatever you want.” He swore as he pulled her into a hug. “Together, Ernie. We’ll do this together.”

  “I found my room.” Shandra yelled.

  They followed her voice to where she was. “Honey, this is the master suite. The adults get the biggest bedroom because they are bigger and they share.”

  “Okay.” She took off looking for another room. They followed behind her hoping she wouldn’t be disappointed. She found a room with a window seat that opened and had storage inside. It was one of the few built in items already in the house.

  Ernie looked at him questioningly. “I had one in my room when I was young. They are nice for kids.”

  Once they had toured the whole house, they went outside to look at the yard and surrounding area. “It’ so close to the water.” Ernie was concerned.

  “I’ll teach Shandra to swim and to respect the water.” That seemed to ease her concerns.

  “Look at that tree. Can I have a tree house?”

  “I’ll build you one but you have to wait until the house is done.”

  “Okay. Thank you.”

  Maxar smiled. He’d noticed his mate had been trying to get Shandra to use the magic words, please and thank you. It looked like her lessons and reminders were taking root. “You are welcome.”

  They walked around for a while before it was clear Shandra was tiring. That’s when they decided to head back to Ernie’s house. Once they arrived, his com pinged. It was Razar.

  “Hello?”

  “I’ve discussed you mating with Dad and he wants to meet her before he approves her. She’s met everyone else except Mom and Dad. They’ve invited the three of you to supper tonight.”

  “Let me see if she’s willing to go. We had a busy day today.”

  “I bet you did.” Razar replied with a snicker.

  Maxar ignored his teasing. “Ernie?”

  “Yes?” She appeared from the kitchen.

  “My parents have invited us to supper. Would you like to go?” Ernie rung her hands together. It was cute that she was nervous and it showed she cared. Still he hoped she would go.

  “Um, yes. I guess so. What about Shandra?”

  ”She’s invited too.”

  “Okay.” Maybe Shandra used that word so much because her mama used it?

  “Razar?”

  “I’m still here.”

  “She said okay.”

  “I’ll let Dad know. Don’t be late.”

  “We’ll be there.” Shandra was napping but they needed to get ready. “Supper at Mom’s house is in an hour.”

  “So early?”

  “Most of us are in the habit of getting up with the sunrise. Mom would fix supper early so we had time to hunt, fish, or roughhouse before bedtime.”

  “I’d best hurry.” She raced off to get ready and about half an hour later she came out. She had struck the balance between casual and dress up. Black slacks molded her lower body giving him wicked thoughts. A pretty top, black also but with a colorful design showed a hint of cleavage. Her boots had short heels so it wouldn’t make it hard for her to walk. Maxar had seen pictures of stilettos and he couldn’t imagine a female walking in them though he would admit they looked sexy.

  Since she was ready he went to get Shandra. He let her sleep just picking her up and carrying her. The little girl was just worn out. They loaded into his hover car which he started and took off for home. He and Ernie would soon have a home together but this would always be home too.

  “Do you think they’ll like me?” She asked quietly.

  “They’ll love you. How could they not?” She took a deep breath but didn’t answer. His mate was nervous and he’d probably never understand how much because she had no family for him to meet. He reached over to grab her hand squeezing it lightly in support. Every step of the way he would be by her side. “We’re here.”

  He felt her shiver. Her nervousness had just increased. After her encounter with Razar it wasn’t hard to understand that she’d be concerned. Hopefully Lista would be there too and she would help ease Ernie’s way. Lista had been nothing but a champion for Ernie’s cause. Razar was there so hopefully he wasn’t alone.

  Maxar got Shandra out of the car carrying her to the door as Ernie trailed behind. Ernie knocked on the door when they got to it. Razar let them in looking a little bit sheepish around Ernie as he should. No one said anything, but they would have to come to terms with each other eventually since Ernie would be Razar’s new sister. He laid Shandra on the couch as she continued to sleep. The house was full, most of his brothers were in attendance.

  “Son, introduce me to your friend.” The word was carefully chosen not to imply any particular relationship. He had to believe his father would see Ernie was the one for him. Nothing, not even family would change that.

  “This is Ernie. Ernie this is my father. Shandra is on the couch.”

  “Well nice to meet you Ernie. Come into the living room where you can sit down until the food is on the table.” Maxar tried to get a feeling for what his dad was thinking but couldn’t. They sat down beside each other and Maxar pulled her up against him with his arm. It was obvious he was staking his claim.

  It wasn’t long before the food was served and everyone sat at the table. Conversation flowed but Ernie was quiet and Shandra still hadn’t woke. Supper was usually a fast meal everyone eating quickly so they could go to some activity or another. This was no exception. One by one his brothers left until only his parents, Razar, and he and Ernie were left.

  “Where is Lista?” Maxar asked.

  “I don’t like her leaving home right now. She’s been ill.”

  “In other words she wasn’t invited?”

  “There was no need for her to be here.”

  Maxar gave Razar a hard stare. “Why don’t you help me with the dishes, Ernie?” His mom asked. As soon as the females were gone the discussion started.

  “It’s not our way son.”

  “The old world is gone. It’s time for new ways on a new world.�
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  “It’s not that easy. Certain things must be observed. If you object to the hunt, you must still go through the ceremony to be sure you are well matched.”

  “What else?”

  If the ceremony proves you incompatible, you must give her up.”

  “What I feel is too strong. I think I would go crazy.”

  “If that is true, the ceremony will only confirm it.”

  “Alright. When do you wish me to do this?”

  “Tomorrow. Why wait?”

  “Okay.” Maxar knew there was no point in delaying or arguing. His dad would have his way in the end regardless.

  They stayed until Ernie had helped his mom finish the dishes and Shandra woke up and ate supper too. After that they headed home. “Did I pass inspection?” Ernie asked.

  “They weren’t testing you.” Technically that was true. What his dad was doing was negotiating for their relationship to be tested by the priest at the temple.

  “I’m not a fool. Something was going on there.”

  “We have a certain way we choose our mates. I don’t want to do the hunt. He said I didn’t have to as long as we go through a ceremony at the temple tomorrow.”

  “What kind of ceremony?”

  “It isn’t anything scary. They’ll cleanse us and give us a drink. We’ll be together and it will show us if we’re right for each other.”

  “How will it do that?”

  “I’m not sure exactly. This isn’t the usual way we find our mates. This is the way for arranged marriages to ensure it’s not a bad match.”

  “How can they be sure it’s right?”

  “Apparently some go ahead anyway and they keep a record of whether they are happy or not. It has been found to be 90 percent correct. You’ll go with me, right?”

  “Ernie let out a loud sigh. “Yes, I’ll go. What about Shandra?”

  “She can stay with my parents or at the child care center.”

  “Okay.”

  They had arrived at Ernie’s house and even though he was sure they would be a perfect match, he wanted to make love to her all night anyway. They all walked up the path, well Shandra actually skipped. Once they made it in the door Shandra ran to her room to play and he pulled Ernie into his arms.

  Chapter 8

  Yes or No

  Ernie was afraid. It seemed like she had finally accepted and completely fallen for a guy just to be set up to lose him. She would make tonight count because it might be all she had when tomorrow was over. Giving herself to his kiss completely, she never wanted him to stop. It was magical touching her to her soul. Her hands slid over his chest as his hands rubbed her back.

  “We’d better wait until the little one is asleep.”

  “Mm, you’re right.” Ernie reluctantly stepped back. “Why don’t we sit on the couch?”

  They did and she leaned against him thinking this felt so right. The next thing she knew he was shaking her awake. “I think it’s time to put Shandra to bed.” His voice was low, deep, and held an erotic promise.

  Ernie went into Shandra’s room where she was playing. “Come on Sweetheart. Let’s get your bath taken.”

  “Okay. Can I stay up a little while after? I had a long nap.”

  “We’ll see.” She took Shandra to the bathtub, turning it on first then helping her undress. By the time bath time was done, Shandra looked like she could sleep. The warm water had calmed her. Dried and dressed in her favorite PJs, she tried to hold back a yawn. “I saw that.”

  “It’s not fair, you see everything.”

  “That’s what mamas do.”

  Once she finished tucking in her Baby, she returned to the living room to find Maxar asleep. She had to wake him because even though he looked peaceful, the couch wasn’t that comfortable. “Wake up, Maxar.”

  He bolted into a sitting position looking alert and ready for an attack. “Oh, it’s you.”

  “Yes, just me. No skulking criminals.” She chuckled. “Ready for bed?”

  “You’ll see how ready I am.” That’s what she wanted. He stood up and she grabbed his hand pulling him along to her bed. They locked the door because they had to.

  Ernie stripped tossing clothing everywhere. Tonight might be all they had. Maxar sensed her urgency and undressed too. “Come here.” He demanded and pulled her to him when she complied. “I don’t want to go slow and easy this time.”

  “Then don’t. Just take me.”

  “Get on your hands and knees.” She climbed on the bed looking over her shoulder to see him head toward her. He pressed his cockhead to her entrance sliding into her slick channel. This was what she’d thought about for hours. Going in all the way, they moaned in unison. Starting at a steady pace, he picked up until he was pounding into her. She moved back to meet him. The slapping sounds echoed around the room combining with their moans.

  Maxar slammed into her hard but she loved it. His hand moved between her legs while the other stayed at her hip. His fingers circled her clit as he drilled into her building her need drawing her release closer. When she thought she could stand it no longer, he pulled on her clit forcing her orgasm to rock through her. She screamed his name as she felt him fill her with his hot cum. He growled as he continued to pump into her until nothing was left. They rested briefly before continuing to make love until the early morning hours when worn out, they both fell asleep.

  When morning came they got up still sleepy but knowing they had things to do. A quick breakfast of cereal with a cup of coffee, OJ for Shandra, then they were on their way. They dropped Shandra at the child care center then they were off to the temple. Maxar hadn’t seemed to be clear about any of this either. She didn’t like it but she suspected they wouldn’t be allowed to be together if they didn’t complete the ceremony.

  They entered the temple and were greeted by Desdr. “Welcome. We were told you were coming. Follow me.”

  They did as they were told. He took them to a room with a sunken pool. The water was purple making Ernie think they had colored it. “Pour yourself a drink for while you bath. Once you are done come out front.” The priest left them to do as he had instructed.

  Maxar poured their drinks setting them next to the pool before he stripped and walked in to it. She took off her clothes then looked at Maxar naked in the pool. There was no doubt she wanted him now even though they had made love all night.

  “Come on Ernie. We need to drink this before we can go.”

  She waded in and sat on a bench next to him. He handed her the drink and she sipped it. Maxar downed his in on massive swallow. That made her take a large gulp then another until her cup was empty. “What’s this supposed to, oh my god.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  She looked at Maxar but what she saw was a large creature. Seven feet or more, broad, and purple. His skin tone reminded her of the purple she had seen as a child at Mardi gras. Her aunt had proudly told her it was named after Mardi gras too. She had always loved that color which wasn’t as dark as Royal purple but deep enough.

  “What are you?” She asked touching him but he felt no different than before.

  “What do you see?”

  “I see a large purple creature. He has sad eyes but a good heart.”

  “My people are shifters, Ernie. This is my inner demon. He would never hurt you.”

  “You should have told ne before now.” It occurred to her that this was why his dad had wanted this done. Maybe he even intended to protect her because not everyone could accept a beast like Maxar had inside. Sure, she was unhappy with him for not trusting her with the secret, but she loved him too much to throw what they had away over a mistake like that.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that all our lives we are taught to hide that part of ourselves from those who might not understand. It’s a hard habit to break. Forgive me?”

  He must have realized she’d never let him go because he pulled her into his arms. Once he kissed her, it was all over but the loving. Pulling her onto his lap he qui
ckly impaled her on his cock. Holding her hips he helped her move up and down. It didn’t take her long to explode around him taking her with him into bliss.

  Once they calmed down, they exited the pool, dried off, and redressed. It was time to meet with the priest. Walking down the hall she was nervous and thought he might be too. The priest was right where he’d been when they had entered earlier.

  “I see you’ve completed the ceremony. Did you discover anything?” He asked looking at Ernie.

  “You could say I found his inner self.”

  “What did you think of it?”

  “I thought he had a good heart.”

  “You two are free to go.”

  “Does that mean our mating is approved?” Maxar asked anxiously.

  The priest smiled kindly. “Of course.”

  Epilogue

  Once the mating had been approved, they had gone home and completed it. They had spent the day making love and talking about everything. They were now a couple and they would combine their lives working hard to be fair and patient with each other. Love was already there and it would make everything else easier. Shandra squealed when they told her they were going to wed. It was an Earth custom and Maxar didn’t mind if it made his mate happy. They would be in their house in six weeks or less if he could push things along. He’d never been so happy and he was so glad to be mated with a child.

  Stevr was thrilled that he would get his chance at a mate in only two months instead of five. He would be going on the trip to Earth soon to pick up the mates for the hunt but he would stay away from them so he wouldn’t meet his mate prematurely. Why that mattered he wasn’t sure but he would follow the rules so he would have his chance. Life was going to be so good with a mate at his side.

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