A Very Arcav Christmas Read online

  A Very Arcav Christmas

  Hope Hart

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Author’s Note

  Chapter One

  Harlow

  What do you get a King who has everything?

  I frown as I walk through the market, Eve by my side.

  “He can buy this stuff himself,” I mutter. “How do I find him something he can’t have one of his minions bring to him?”

  Eve chuckles, her eyes continually scanning the people around us for any threats.

  “Of course he can buy it himself. Doesn’t mean he would. That’s the whole point of Christmas, right?”

  I snort. “I’m pretty sure the whole point is spending time with the people you love.”

  “Mmmhmmm. All I’m saying is we both know Varian’s not going to go shopping on his own. I also can’t picture him sending one of his minions down to buy one of those pretty pillows or a new pair of slippers. Plus, he’ll love anything you pick out.”

  I nod, running a hand soothingly over my belly. I can’t wait to hold our baby in my arms. I also can’t wait to not be pregnant anymore— it feels like I’ve been pregnant forever. Some women may get that pregnancy glow, but all I got was the sheen of sweat from my constant nausea and bags under my eyes from a lack of sleep.

  We decided not to find out the sex of the baby— something that seemed almost impossible at the time. But I didn’t want people debating the merits of a boy or girl. I wanted something just for us. I’d worried that it would be more difficult to bond if I didn’t know the sex of the baby, but I already love this baby more than life itself— whether it’s a boy or a girl.

  While I’d love to have this baby with us for our first Christmas, it seems to be perfectly content to stay all safe and sound in my uterus, where it can kick all my squishy parts.

  Eve narrows her eyes at a huge furry alien who dared to get too close. She bares her teeth, and he glances from her to me and shuffles off, hands held up apologetically.

  I sigh and Eve laughs, turning back to me.

  “Where do you think we should have Christmas lunch?”

  “Amanda offered up her and Jaret’s place.”

  Eve raises her brow. “Ooh, that’ll be interesting. I haven’t seen their place. They’ve been keeping the location hush hush.”

  I roll my eyes. “As if you couldn’t find out where it is.”

  “Sure I could, but that’s not the same as being invited,” she sniffs.

  “I think we’re going to use the main ballroom though,” I say. “It’ll make it easier for everyone to get to, and it’s big enough for hundreds of people.”

  I examine some jewelry and smile at the vendor as we walk on. This is our first real Christmas on Arcavia. While the Arcav have a different calendar, most of us humans are also keeping up with the human calendar. I ignored our first Christmas here, but after much discussion, we’ve decided to introduce our holiday to the Arcav, who seem both curious and confused by the traditions.

  “You know what we need?” Eve asks, staring into the distance. Somewhere behind us, Blake and Vazta are following, likely giving the hard eye to anyone who looks like they’re considering getting too close. The Arcav are remarkably respectful, as are most of the other alien residents of Arcavia. They allow me to come and go as I please, even if they do tend to stare at their human Queen. It’s Varian who’d love to keep me wrapped in cotton wool in our quarters— especially while I’m so pregnant.

  “What?”

  “Christmas trees.”

  I smile. “I’ve thought of that, but couldn’t figure out which type of trees to use. They don’t seem to have anything similar to pine or fir trees here.”

  “I saw something that could work,” Eve says. “Korva has a cabin in the woods. It looks right over this pink lake— completely gorgeous. But when we were there last time, I spotted the coolest trees. They’re silver, but they’re a similar shape and we can definitely decorate them. They’ll look just like those fake trees everyone had at home.”

  I smile. Who would’ve thought Eve would be coupled up with the Arcav who was once considered to be nothing more than a dangerous, insane male?

  “They sound perfect.”

  We walk for a few more minutes, and I smile as the sounds of the market wash over me. This is one of my favorite places in Arcavia, and, for me, it represents so much of what this planet is about. Rows of tables and booths are filled with produce and goods from across the universe. Vendors range from aliens who come from this galaxy and look humanoid in appearance to aliens who have scales, fur, and multiple arms and legs.

  A small stall catches my eye and I wander over as the vendor— a woman with long, curled hair and a mouthful of deadly fangs— smiles at me welcomingly.

  “What are these?” I point to the small, jeweled-colored pots sitting in rows on the table.

  “Good day, Your Majesty. These are creams and salves from Zura— my home planet.”

  “What do they do?”

  She smiles, and Eve steps closer, likely noting the woman’s claws, which look as deadly as her teeth.

  “They have many uses,” she picks up a jar and opens it, and the scent hits my nose, pleasant and earthy. “This one is for women who are newly with child and struggling to keep down their food.”

  I nod and place it back down. Would’ve been great a few months ago. Luckily the healers managed to help with some of my nausea.

  “What about that one?”

  Her grin widens as she removes the lid and a pungent smell hits me, making my eyes water.

  “Put that lid back on,” Eve gasps. “That smells like Satan’s fart.”

  “This is for women who are having trouble conceiving. It does not smell like this once it has been applied to the correct… area.”

  “Huh.”

  The woman eyes me and nods, reaching for a bright ruby-colored jar.

  “You may be interested in this one, Your Majesty.”

  “What’s it for?”

  She opens the lid and I sniff at it, pleased that it doesn’t have the sewage-smell of the last jar.

  I frown. “It smells a little like flowers, but something about it makes me a little…”

  “Horny,” Eve says. “Why do I suddenly feel like I want to get it on?”

  The vendor smiles. “This is a potent aphrodisiac. It is used for massage, or even pressed onto the pulse points of the skin to draw a lover near.”

  “Hmmm.”

  Eve raises a brow beside me. “Hmmm? You think you and Varian need a little help? You guys can barely keep your hands off each other.”

  I sigh and gesture at my huge bump. “Varian’s still as attentive as ever. But lately… I just don’t feel that sexy. He’s been super busy with Jaret and his advisors lately…” I nod to the vendor. “I’ll take it.”

  The vendor nods and places the lid back on the jar before wrapping it up for me. She turns to Eve.

  “Would you like some too?”

  Eve gives her a slow grin. “Not yet. But if I ever do, you’ll be the first person to know.”

  Chapter Two

  Amanda

  “Manda?”

  “Yes honey?”

  “Will Santa be able to find us in Arcavia?”

  I freeze, flicking my eyes to Cheryl, who’s across the room chatting with Jen.

  “What did
your mom say?”

  Arabella shrugs. “I haven’t asked.”

  I blow out a breath. Cheryl has had it tough. With two young girls, a move to Arcavia would be hard enough for anyone. But last year, someone switched out her anti-depressants for X— a mind-altering drug that left her open to suggestion. That suggestion? Blow up Varian and Harlow, all while her daughters were in the kindergarten just a few floors below.

  It’s only recently that Cheryl has started to smile again. I don’t know many women who could’ve held it together as well as she has, but I know that some days, the thought of her daughters was the only thing getting her out of bed in the morning.

  I’m not sure what Cheryl’s planning for the girls. But I know one thing: Arabella, Emma, and every kid on Arcavia deserve a Christmas they’ll remember.

  “Santa will definitely be visiting,” I tell Arabella, who beams, running to tell her sister.

  And I’m going to make it happen.

  Amanda

  I mull over the situation as I make my way back to our home. The estate is huge, sprawling over enough land that our neighbors are miles away— just the way Jaret likes it.

  I make my way down to the stream that winds through the large garden, and my heart flips at the idea of Jaret playing with our children in this backyard one day. I can already picture little girls who will drive him crazy even as they wrap him around their tiny fingers, and little boys who will follow him around wanting to be just like daddy.

  The flowers are different in Arcavia. They’re mostly bigger and more heavily scented. Sometimes, I come and sit out here, and the air is so heavily perfumed that I bask in the fresh floral breeze for hours.

  “Amanda?”

  I turn at the sound of Jaret’s voice. He stalks toward me, sending a thrill down my spine.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you had a meeting.”

  “Varian ended it early. His mate was in pain.”

  “Harlow’s in labor?”

  Jaret frowns. “I do not believe so. I think she called them practice contractions.”

  Braxton Hicks. Hopefully Harlow will be in real labor soon. I know she’s tired of being pregnant.

  “Are you okay?” I ask.

  Jaret is glowering at the stream as if it’s personally offending him.

  He shifts, bringing his attention back to me.

  “Brexa and Talis have been discovered.”

  I stiffen. “Where?”

  Jaret still blames himself for the death of Chenda, Brexa’s maid. Brexa was feeding Jaret false information for months, telling him it had come from Chenda, who was living on Traslann— a planet formerly allied with the Grivath. It was all a lie though. In reality, Brexa had ensured Cheda was killed, and was keeping Jaret close with false information— all while working with the Grivath.

  Talis shot Methi and left him to die. I want them both to pay.

  “They were sighted on a planet named Drema. They disappeared, but now we know which area to focus our search.”

  “Good. They deserve to pay for what they did.”

  Jaret smiles, but it’s still sad. “Bloodthirsty female,” he murmurs and I step closer.

  “I love you, you know.”

  “I love you too, Little Human.”

  “Good, because I have a favor I need to ask of you,” I say teasingly, and the last of the sadness leaves his face, replaced by curiosity.

  “You know I will do anything you wish,” he tells me, and I reach up, winding my arms around his neck.

  “I know. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I was never abducted by the Grivath.”

  The thought of a life without Jaret… impossible.

  Jaret scowls. “You will never be without me,” he vows.

  I pat his chest. “I know. Anyway, this favor involves dressing up as a slightly overweight, old human man.”

  He frowns. “Is this… something you would prefer between the sheets?”

  I burst out laughing.

  "No!”

  “What is it for then?”

  I explain the concept of Santa, and Jaret’s eyes light in interest… and a little confusion. Especially when I tell him the part about fitting down the narrowest of chimneys.

  Jaret’s eyes widen. “That is impossible.”

  I shake my head. “Nope. It’s magic.”

  “You would like me to play this man?”

  “Yeah. For the kids. I think some of them were technically here last year, and I’m not sure what their parents did for Christmas— probably small family celebrations. But for the new kids, and the young ones especially, moving to a new planet is a big deal. I remember Bree crying one year because we’d moved to a neighborhood a few blocks away and she was convinced that Santa wouldn’t be able to find us.”

  Jaret nods firmly. “I will make sure these younglings enjoy this ‘magic’ you speak of.”

  He looks so determined, so adorable as he frowns over the concept of Santa that I can’t resist. I pull him close, loving the privacy offered by our remote home.

  “I missed you today,” I murmur biting my lip, and his eyes drop straight to my mouth.

  “I missed you too, Little Human. Sometimes I wish I could carry you with me throughout the day.”

  “Aw.” Look at us being so mushy. When I first met this guy, I thought he was a pure psychopath. But he was just covering up his hurt and trying to avenge his parent’s deaths.

  “We could make up for lost time right now,” I suggest, and within a moment he’s pulling off my bright yellow sundress, his eyes heating at what he finds beneath.

  “You are perfect,” he breathes, tumbling me to the soft grass.

  “Same goes,” I mumble, and then I don’t talk for a nice, long time.

  Chapter Three

  Meghan

  I roll over, a smile on my face as Methi mutters next to me, his brow furrowing. He’s the opposite of a morning person, which means I often get to watch him wake him, all grouchy and sexy.

  Of course, I find everything he does sexy.

  I sigh, examining my engagement ring. Methi keeps frowning at it when he thinks I’m not looking, and I know he wants to replace it. But I love my ring, which he made from pouq—the material we used to fix the ship-- right before we were rescued. To me, it represents the trip that brought us together. It represents almost dying but knowing that I could trust Methi to always have my back. It represents handing over my whole heart and knowing that I have his in return.

  Most of all, it reminds me that I have a guy who said he wants me to have every experience—both human and Arcav. Because he knows that I believe life should be a grand adventure.

  Methi lets out a slight growl and I grin as he scowls in his sleep. Maybe I can make his wakeup a little more… pleasant.

  I slide closer, my body heating as I feel him hard and thick against me. I nibble on his chest, licking his skin, and feel myself growing wet as I nibble down, sliding my tongue along his eight-pack.

  Arcav guys are built.

  Methi doesn’t believe in pajamas— for either of us, and every time I come to bed wearing anything other than skin, he comes up with a new and creative way to convince me to lose the thin material.

  I’d watched mated couples like Harlow and Varian, and Amanda and Jaret. I knew being a mate meant being a team, while enjoying the kind of sex you can only truly experience with your other half. But I hadn’t realized it could be so fun.

  I nibble along Methi’s shaft, feeling his thighs tense as he stirs against me. I look up and meet his hot, violet eyes, stunned again at the devotion in them as he looks at me.

  “You are a goddess,” he says.

  “Oh yeah?” I smile, and without any further teasing, I take him in my mouth.

  Methi curses, his hand stroking my hair back from my face and I tilt my head, ensuring he can see what’s going on. I can’t take him all the way— he’s simply too long and thick for that— so I wrap my han
d around him and follow it with my mouth.

  He groans, and I almost grin. Nothing makes me feel more powerful than when I have this man at my mercy beneath me.

  “Wicked female,” he murmurs, groaning again.

  He reaches for me and I frown, but he’s insistent, pulling me up and watching my every move with avid eyes.

  He stares at me like I’m the answer to every question he’s ever had, and the look in his eyes makes me breathless.

  “Ride me,” he murmurs, the corner of his mouth lifting even as his cheeks flush hotter with arousal.

  I take him inside me, and we both gasp as I slide slowly down, taking my time and teasing us both. Methi’s hands clench on my hips and then move to the bed where they dig into the sheets, his knuckles white.

  Poor guy can’t trust himself to touch me right now.

  We’ll see about that.

  I slide my hands down his chest and then back up to his shoulders, grasping them as I angle my hips.

  And then I ride.

  Within moments we’re both shuddering, and Methi’s hands are running over my body as if I’m a sculpture he’s creating out of clay. He cups my breasts, rolling my nipples between his fingers and I moan, my muscles clenching around him.

  I lean down and take his lower lip in mine, biting down as he growls against my mouth. He grows even harder inside me as I rise and fall, twisting so he hits that incredible spot inside me. He pulls me down, using his strong hands to control my movements as my head falls back and I grind on him as those hands turn gentle and he softly strokes my nipple while his violet eyes watch me move.

  Bone-deep pleasure hits me and I gasp as I writhe on top of him. Methi clenches his teeth and then roars beneath me while we both shudder.

  Tiny sparks of pleasure continue to fire inside me as I slump over Methi, catching my breath. He pants against me, gently stroking one hand up and down my back.