Primitive, p.11
Primitive, page 11
I couldn’t believe Kevin had succeeded in splicing the DNA. The odds of success were slim, considered impossible. I knew for certain that even the chance of survival if the event occurred was extraordinary. But what about Erik and David? Their appearances were significantly altered, but my scientific mind screamed there were issues with the transformation. The only way I’d know for certain was to draw vials of blood, take extensive exams. That was never going to happen, especially in this primitive place. Damn this. Damn everything. I could have found the answers. I would have found them. Now, I was the prisoner, required to obey.
I let out another strangled sound before jerking to my feet, walking the perimeter of the room. There was little in the way of furnishings; a bed and a dresser, and one chair. There was certainly nothing in the way of entertainment or communication and no lights of any kind. Could these beings see in the dark or were they used to imprisoning people?
The snowstorm had stopped after over a day and a half of trekking through the snow, the exhaustion overtaking me, but I could remember little of getting to that point except for occasionally seeing the creatures trudging forward. There seemed to be so many, more so than had been in the cave and certainly a lot more than had fucked me. “Oh, God!” The thought was... One of the beasts had carried me the duration, but I wasn’t used to the harsh elements, falling in and out of sleep the majority of the time.
The single window in the room allowed in the warm sun, but I was far too short to be able to look outside. Every one of the creatures was at least six and a half feet tall, even the few females that I’d passed on my way to being taken to this... prison. At least they hadn’t shackled me. I laughed, almost doubling over from the realization. I’d left one type of prison for another.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes and I couldn’t get Erik’s face out of my mind. God, the man was handsome, rugged in the most incredible ways. They all were. Sexy. Roughhewn. They were the true epitome of men. So many of them with long hair. Long beards. Oversized muscles. Thick cocks.
Then there was Erik.
He was a hulking mass of a man, complete with rippling muscles and the most extraordinary set of pecs, carved from God himself. He even had the most luscious full lips. Everything was rock hard and...
“Shit.”
I was dreaming of him as if he was a normal man. A human man. But he wasn’t. No, he’d been morphed into something else entirely, which would indicate one species taking over the other. At this point, I couldn’t tell which housed the controlling cells. The DNA experiments were far beyond what I’d been told about. Or maybe I just wasn’t paying close enough attention. Either way, Kevin was a lying sack of shit. There was a damn good chance that no one on Earth would find out the truth, except for those allowed into this disparity of mankind. The compound had been in flames when we left, sections of the facility destroyed. Was there anything left? I had no way of knowing how many people were alive and I wasn’t certain I even wanted to ask the question.
My mind drifted to the spanking once again. The entire experience had been shocking, shameful but not because he’d thrown me over a table and yanked down my panties, but because the event had made me wet.
And hot.
And hungry.
My mouth was dry now just thinking about the way his hand came down across my backside, smacking with vigor. I shifted my ass back and forth across the crude wall, tingling from the way the shirt scratched against my bottom. The asshole had even taken my pants and shoes in an effort to prevent me from escaping. Where the hell was I going to go?
Moaning, I shook my head. I had attempted to escape once, after the snow had turned into raging heat. I’d managed to get away from their prying eyes just long enough to make a break for it. I’d gotten as far as a cliff, the drop off a solid three hundred feet before Erik had caught me, once again tossing me over his shoulder as if I was simply a bag of flour.
An interference.
A bad little girl.
I had no doubt I would receive another punishment for that ridiculous action.
I closed my eyes, fantasizing about the crazy passion shared with several of them. Every minute had been wonderful, kinky in the most fulfilling manner. They’d been savage, but also gentle.
As they fucked me.
As they used me.
I groaned, trying to keep my mind on some rational track.
I heard the click of the lock and cringed, refusing to cower in any manner. Standing at my full height, I was ready to receive their wrath. They might demand obedience, but they weren’t going to get everything they wanted. The door was pitched open, heavy boots thudding as he walked inside. Erik. The Viking. I licked my dry lips from the sight of him alone, even though I continued to chastise my desire. A flash in my mind dragged me back to the fantasy I’d had while on the shuttle.
Beasts ready to consume me.
He wore something that could be described as a uniform, although the pants did little to hide the thick bulge between his legs. I could make out the line of his cock pressing hard against the thin material. Once again, my mouth watered, longing to see every inch of him.
To touch every inch of him.
Again.
He glanced up and down the length of me then scanned the entire room.
“I didn’t build a weapon while you were gone, although the thought is a good one.”
Erik lifted one of his impressive eyebrows and folded his arms, not amused in any manner. “You need to come with me.”
“Why?”
He leaned slightly forward, the same expression on his face. “Because you’re required to.”
“For what purpose?”
A slight huff left his mouth. “Come with me, Cassia. This isn’t a request but a command.”
There was no point in disobeying, but I refused to move, daring him.
A single growl slipped from his mouth and he took long strides closer.
He’d said very little during the trip from the facility, even though I’d peppered him with questions. I’d given up, forced by my body’s weakness. Now, events were starting to clear, my mind reeling with possibilities regarding the future. “I didn’t do anything wrong, Erik.”
“You attempted escape. As I said before, you will learn. There are rules you will follow. There is no question.”
“Tell me about the tests they performed. Tell me about your transformation. I know you’re angry as well as hurt and I don’t blame you.” I kept repeating the same words, but he’d changed in appearance again, more introverted, his eyes filled with sadness.
“You assume far too much, Cassia. Come now or your punishment will be much worse.”
“Why did you take me before?” The words seemed to give him surprise.
His mouth wrenched, his brow furrowing. “Because you belong to me and you always have.”
The answer was far too haunting.
“What about my companions? Are they alive?” The shift in the glint in his eyes told me the truth. “They were murdered. Weren’t they? The mother fucking bastard.”
Exhaling, Erik nodded. “I’m sorry, Cassia. I doubt Kevin would have allowed you to leave this planet.”
“No. Why were we brought here? Why? Is this all a game?”
“That I don’t know. Now, please come with me.” His eyes held a dark glint, excitement and hunger, more like a beast than a man.
I looked away, my head aching like a son of a bitch.
His hand caressed my arm, leaving me tingling.
Resigned, I tried to shut down my mind, pretending that I was anywhere but here. I was led down a long corridor, passing no one. Everything was dark, as if light was their enemy. By the time he stopped in front of a massive steel door, I was taking deep breaths. I’d never been disciplined in my life, at least not in any physical manner, but these were more primitive people. I bit back a cry at my own thoughts. What kind of a life had I led?
I remembered the very day the world had changed. I’d been so young, carefree as almost everyone had been during those days. Several bombs, various attacks on our cities led to martial law within two months. Then the rules began to change, everyone forced to live by a curfew, threatened with imprisonment if they disobeyed.
Everything had gone from bad to worse, people disappearing and thrown into prisons for the slightest infraction. Somewhere during that time rights had been stripped away. Women were first, certain cultures and religions soon after that. Women were suddenly the property of their fathers or husbands, unable to vote or go anywhere unattended. The only reason I’d been allowed to live on my own was because I had no one.
Except for Dr. Forrester.
He’d showered me with attention and praise, taking me under his wing, signing all the required documents indicating that he was responsible for me. My freedom not only had an invisible chain attached but as I was finding out, a hefty price.
That had been a true prison. This was merely child’s play.
I shuddered as Erik led me inside another room similar to the one I’d been in, but there was a significant difference. I knew exactly what this place was meant for.
Punishment.
I was instantly on edge, trying to control my emotions. “Please. I won’t attempt to escape again.” My words were almost inaudible, sounding more like a bad little girl than anything else.
He pressed his hand against my back, pushing me gently. “I believe you.”
“But it doesn’t matter. You’re determined to keep me in line at all costs.”
I knew he wouldn’t answer. I also realized that he was following orders. Steen’s orders. The glorified leader of this world. I’d sensed his prowess the moment I’d met him, his aura dazzling in every manner. Whatever connection I’d felt to him died during the trek here. Everything was so different. This couldn’t be what Erik wanted to do. Could it? Was he turning into a true barbarian, much more like the creatures living within the strange city? Success, Dr. Forrester. You’ve created a monster.
Shivering, I stood in the middle of the room, looking at what appeared to be medieval-like contraptions, benches of polished wood, items made of some kind of metal. They were... Shit. They were spanking benches of various types. On the wall hung myriad implements; leather tawses and straps, wooden paddles and canes. I was mortified. I was shaken to my core.
I was also wet and hot, just like before.
“Remove your clothes,” he instructed. He continued to stand with his arms crossed, a savage glint in his eyes.
What little I was wearing suddenly seemed precious to me, the only reminder of my former life. Turning away, I shivered the entire time as I tugged at the shirt, taking several deep breaths before being able to yank the material over my head. The thin bra was next, my panties last. I’d never felt so naked in my life. I didn’t have to bother turning around to feel the heat of his breath or hear the ragged breathing pushing past his mouth. For an odd reason, I felt vindicated in my continued antagonism.
I sensed his presence directly behind me, knew he was struggling to find the right words. There was nothing he could say that would ease my fears, nothing he could do to make this feel like home. I trembled as a single finger touched my shoulder, moving ever so slowly down the length of my arm. It was as if he’d never touched a woman before.
“You’re very beautiful, Cassia, but at this moment that can’t matter.” His husky words sent a thrill through every cell, creating another wave of intense heat.
“Can’t or you won’t let it?” Another round of silence. “I’ve never been called beautiful.” The words were true.
“Humans can be fools.” Erik brushed the tip to my fingers, allowing our hands to touch in the lightest manner. “I will never hurt you intentionally, but I will punish you. That is our way.”
“You mean their way. Don’t you?”
His slight snarl was surprising. “I had nothing on Earth and no one to care for me. What I’ve found here is a certain amount of acceptance and they have no reason to trust me given what has been done to them. I am more like them than you realize.”
“Is it true what Dr. Fields said, about you being a criminal?” I could feel his tension returning, knew whatever had occurred on Earth had been the first of many reasons why he’d accepted his fate. My question held an edge and immediately he bristled, his nail digging into my skin.
“What occurred on Earth I barely remember, but I was a dangerous man performing heinous acts. I had my reasons, but the Republic didn’t give a shit. They tossed me into the most wretched place on Earth, chained like an animal and left to die. After several months of near starvation, I was offered an opportunity to wipe out my record.”
“If you volunteered for work on Earth Two.” I laughed bitterly. How many criminals had Dr. Forrester convinced to come to this godforsaken planet? My guess was that neither Erik nor any of the others had the opportunity to read the fine print. They’d simply been sold into another type of servitude. No wonder they asked for a psychiatrist. They had no way of knowing whether the criminal mind would transfer, creating true killing beasts.
Or maybe that’s exactly what they wanted all along.
“Yes.” He dragged his finger down my spine, moving to the cleft between my ass cheeks.
“What did they do to you?”
“That no longer matters. We have the here and now. I am a member of the Galerian clan, warriors of this planet. You are our possession.”
“Said like a beast,” I muttered.
“Said by a man who is one of your owners.”
One of. The slightest touch of his lips against my skin shattered all the resolve I had, my hunger skyrocketing. No. I wasn’t going to succumb to any man or beast. Tears of anger and frustration slipped past my lashes, trickling down my cheeks. I wiped at them furiously, choking instead of sobbing. This was ridiculous. I was much stronger than this.
Erik gripped my shoulder. “I’m not an evil man, Cassia, but what I was as a human hasn’t changed. I require obedience and submission. Dry your tears and swallow your pride. You must accept the fact that your life has changed forever. You will learn to obey without question and without reservation. Once your defiance had been broken, your need to lash out expunged, then you will understand the true joy of letting go. We will not tolerate anything less.”
“How dare you think you can simply point a finger and say you own me? Did you learn nothing from your incarceration?” I skirted away from him, covering my breasts with my arms and daring to look him in the eyes. “I’m no one’s possession.”
Erik’s growl was more animal than man, veins in his forehead popping. He clenched his fist, hissing and turning away. In a split second, he snapped his body in my direction, looming over me and without touching, forcing me against the cold stone wall. He planted both hands on either side, cocking his head as he inhaled in an exaggerated fashion. “You still believe I’m human, Cassia. I am nothing but a beast, my hunger requiring satisfaction. You are here to fulfil my needs and those of my clan no matter what is asked or how often.”
My hands were clammy, my pulse racing yet I stared him down. “Then do what you need to do. Take me. Use me. I don’t care any longer.”
He glowered, leaning down and taking several deep breaths. “Do not tempt me, little girl.”
I shoved his chest, using every ounce of strength.
He didn’t budge.
Hissing, I tried to get away, attempting to crawl under his massive arm.
He simply clamped his hand around my cheek and chin, holding me in place.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he stated with absolute domination in his tone.
Every part of me was quivering as shame mixed with severe longing, jetting through me like rocket fuel. I continued to fight, beating on his chest and wiggling my entire body until he nuzzled against my neck. All the fight disappeared, the need to run away. The connection we shared was so intense, vibrant, breath-stealing.
Shivering, I resisted touching him, knowing that if I did, I could lose all self-control. I closed my eyes as he licked from the tip of my earlobe all the way down my neck. When he cupped my breasts, kneading my nipples between his fingers, my legs quivered. Everything about this man was barbaric yet his actions were gentle, bringing my nipples to hard points within seconds.
“Your body hungers for mine,” he whispered, his caresses more virulent.
“No... I...” There was no way for me to lie, the strong scent of my desire already floating between us.
He licked up to my jaw, darting his tongue around my lips. After a brief hesitation, he crushed his mouth over mine, holding the kiss in place for several seconds.
I was unable to stop the ragged moan or the fact I arched my back until my hips pushed against him. He was hard, throbbing and all I wanted to do was free his cock, stroking up and down. He thrust his tongue inside, entwining with mine. The taste of him was tangy, his scent filling my nostrils.
The kiss became more intoxicating as he undulated his hips against me, grinding his stiff shaft to the point I couldn’t hold back any longer. I fought to slide my hand between us, finally able to wrap my fingers around his cock, shuddering the moment I did. He was much thicker and longer than I’d envisioned, the girth filling my hand.
Breaking the kiss, he tipped his head back and roared. He jammed his hand between my legs, cupping my mound, his thumb tickling my clit. “Do you want my cock inside of you, filling you? Fucking you?”
“Yes.” The word slipped easily from my mouth. Suddenly I realized that the vision I’d created of the event in the cave didn’t match reality. He’d been forceful, but not uncaring, a gentle giant in his demanding ways. I was taken aback by the understanding, and by the concept that we could belong to each other.
