Zoran Wedding Read online

  Only I can see his true nature, the beast he keeps under control. We served together, we fought together, and we’d die together if need be. There’s no man I trust more in this whole universe, no one I’d rather have besides me in a fight.

  And that’s why I’m going to smash his silver-skinned ass right into the tiled wall.

  “Calm down you two,” Tyr says as he strolls into the bathroom casually, butt naked. “I don’t want to carry either of you saps down to the healers.”

  “Stay out of this, Tyr,” Vinz growls as he circles me, his hands opened wide, daring me to make the first moves. “This is between me and Koryn. Zoran-a-Zoran. I let him win, and now he thinks he’s got stones. I need to settle this before he starts walking besides his boots.”

  “Please,” Tyr scoffs as he fires up the shower. “He beat you fair and square. All that sitting on the throne has made you slow.”

  Vinz lifts his upper lip, growling at his bronzed-colored friend.

  Tyr, however, is not scared in the slightest. “Please,” he says, flexing his muscles. “Try me… if you want to have to attend the wedding with a broken arm. That’ll look good for all our guests, right?”

  I can’t help but laugh. Tyr, the voice of reason? I never pictured that when I first met him years ago, but his time on Earth has tamed his battle fury as well. Perhaps if Zorans had discovered earthly women before, a lot of civil wars could have been prevented…

  Vinz breaks out into laughter as well, his warm, deep voice echoing off the tiled walls.

  “You are right,” he says, slapping his thigh. “Fuck. That fight though, that was the most fun I’ve had in a year. Besides the mating, of course.”

  “Of course.”

  Tyr and I know the joys of mating with human females all too well – our king doesn’t have to explain. There’s nothing better in this world than having your warm, soft mate underneath of you, to hear her whimper from sheer pleasure as you penetrate her, filling her up to the last inch, two bodies becoming one, your souls becoming linked, until you simply lose yourself. Fuck, the mere thought of Kelly makes the blood rush to my cock.

  “Being a king sucks that much, huh?” Tyr asks.

  Vinz shrugs as he steps back under the hot water. “It has its perks,” he smirks, “but I rarely get time to hone my fighting skills. I didn’t think I lost even a sliver of my edge… but our boy here proved me wrong.”

  If Vinz has been training less, his body certainly doesn’t show it. He’s as muscled and fit as he’s ever been. I don’t tell him that though. I can see what he’s packing, and he’s doesn’t need the ego-boost.

  “I’ll take you on any day, any time, old man,” I smirk. “Name a place.”

  “Next year,” Tyr says. “We should do this again next year. No holds barred. Take our mates with us, make it a tradition. I rarely get any training done on Earth either – if I spar with a human I’ll break their frail body in six different places before I even get started.”

  “That’s actually a really good idea,” Vinz says. “An invitational tournament. Then Drax could be there as well.”

  “Shame he isn’t here,” Tyr says. “Where is that blue bastard?”

  “Chasing a lead on a senator.”

  Tyr nods. “Hope he catches the scum.”

  After we’ve washed every single speck of dirt from our bodies, we towel off and slip into our costumes. There’s a big dance tonight, and we all look our parts. Tomorrow is only going to be about one thing: the ceremony. Tonight, however, we have to shake hands, be polite and mingle,

  Fuck being polite. I want to fuck Kelly right up against the wall, feel her pregnant belly press against me as our bodies melt together. Shit. Tomorrow.

  One more night.

  Vinz re-applies the golden paint he so thoroughly ruined, while Tyr pulls out a bottle of cuhla.

  “This is my gift to you,” he says as he hands it to me. “I know the gifting ceremony isn’t until tomorrow, but this moment is too good to pass up.”

  I admire the bottle in my hands. “This is a 200-year old Novi Sad!” I exclaim. “This thing costs a fortune!”

  Tyr nods. “That’s right. I’ve had it for years now, waiting for the right time. You only get one shot at your first taste of 200-year-old cuhla. Today is that day.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask.

  “More than anything. What’ll be the next time all of us are together? I’m ambassador now, Vinz is king, you’re the grand vizier, and we all have mates and children. This, right now, this moment? We have to savor it. And I know no better way than with some Novi Sad.”

  He opens the bottle and the rich smell fills the room, making my mouth water. He pours us three a glass.

  “To Kelly,” he says.

  I knock the drink back, the poison working it’s magic. Besides Kelly, this is the best damn thing if I’ve tasted. Fuck, I can’t wait to feel her warmth against me again.

  “Done,” Vinz says. “Picture perfect.”

  I admire my king’s handiwork in the mirror. Intricate, golden lines adorn my face and neck. “Not bad,” I say. “Not bad at all. You missed your calling, you silver fox. You ought to have been a make-up artist, rather than a warrior.”

  “Shut up or I’ll dunk your entire purple ass in gold,” he growls. “Let’s go, they’re waiting.”

  We head downstairs, and find our mates, Kelly, Jillian and Kaitlyn waiting for us. All three of them are dressed to the nines, though I only have eyes for Kelly. My mate changed out of her red dress, as I ruined it by touching her, and now a dark-blue dress is hugging all of her many curves perfectly. It looks beautifully with the purple paint and matching crown in her hair. The blue of her dress matches her eyes perfectly, making her blonde hair look like pure rays of sunlight.

  She flies into my arms, and my cock answers immediately. Her scent fills my nostrils, and I have to fight the urge to carry her back up the stairs with all my might.

  “What took you so long?” she whispers. “I had to make small talk with our guests! Small talk!”

  “The horror,” I smirk. “You survived, I bet.”

  “Just barely, if you can believe that.”

  “Come, let’s dance.”

  “Can’t we go upstairs?” she coos, her fingers running across the back of my neck. I love it when she touches me like that – which is exactly why she’s doing it.

  “Just one more night,” I remind her. “One more night.”

  3

  Kelly

  I’m so nervous I could puke.

  I’m not going to, of course. I don’t want to ruin the pristine wedding dress that took me half an hour to put on, or the gorgeous make-up that Vesna so diligently applied.

  But I could!

  “Calm down,” Bey says. “Here, have some of my tea.”

  She hands me a cup, and the wonderful scent stops me dead in my tracks. I take a brief respite from worrying about the impending wedding ceremony, and my mind is transported back to the planet Zenus, where I first met Bey. Her teas are a thing of legend. It must be her keen sense of smell, because she knows exactly where to find the most amazing herbs, and how to match them. It’s uncanny.

  I still think we should start Bey and Key’s Tea Emporium together. If there’s one thing the universe need more of, it’s Beran tea.

  I take a sip of the hot drink, and instantly my heartrate slows down and my anxiety goes down a few notches. I take a few heavy breaths, and I feel a lot better. Still nervous as all hell, but better.

  “Thanks,” I say.

  “You’re welcome,” Bey says, her floppy ears wiggling as she smooths her hands down her bridesmaids dress. She and Jillian went out of their way to get matching dresses, which wasn’t easy with the size difference between them. Luckily, Bey is a resourceful woman and skilled with the sewing machines they have on Exon Prime. As a result, both of my bridesmaids look beautiful in sleeveless plum colored dresses, just a few shades lighter than my own deep purple dress.


  My dress is a floor sweeping, one shoulder dress with a satin sash at the waist that shows off my belly, and a high side slit that shows of my leg. It makes me look like a Greek goddess. The color of the dress matches Koryn’s skin, and my own paint almost perfectly.

  “Are you ready?” Jillian asks. “They’re waiting.”

  No. Oh god no. No no no.

  “Yes,” I say, quickly gulping down my tea. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  I grab Jill’s hand for support and she guides me down the winding stairs. I can hear the murmurs coming from the great hall, and my stomach drops once more.

  “Remind me again why I didn’t elope?”

  “Hush, you’re going to love this. You look absolutely beautiful.”

  “Thanks. Okay. Let’s do this.”

  Vinz is waiting for me down by the door. His sharp, black suit matches his silver skin perfectly. A silver, regal sash is draped across his fit chest. “I’m here to walk you down the aisle,” he says, holding his arm out for me.

  I grab it and breathe deeply. All I need to do is walk down the aisle, that’s it. Oh, and say my vows about undying love for the entire world in way that’s memorable and beautiful and unique, too. No biggie.

  The doors open and music starts playing instantly. I see him standing there, down the aisle. A gift from the gods. Pure perfection. Koryn is waiting for me. The immaculate black suit he’s got on seems to be poured onto his frame. My nerves disappear like snow in the sun. Instead, my heart is filled with joy, like a dam breaking.

  This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. From this day on, I’ll be able to call the fierce Zoran warrior my husband.

  Tears instantly fill my eyes. Oh god, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. At least, not until after the ceremony!

  Vinz walks me down the aisle. I’m vaguely aware that there are other people in the room – hundreds, actually – but I don’t see them. I’ve got eyes for one man and one man only.

  “You look stunning,” Koryn says when I reach him. He grabs my hands, his fingers interlocking with mine. The moment he touches me I feel a shock go through me, from my fingers all the way down to the tip of my toes.

  “So do you,” I whisper.

  My eyes drink in his amazingly beautiful body. I realize this is the first time I’ve seen him dressed up like this. A seven feet tall Zoran warrior in a suit? Yes please. My heartbeat rises and blood rushes to my cheeks as I imagine tearing that suit from his chiseled, hard body.

  “Where did you even get that?” I ask.

  “Custom made, by an Italian on Earth,” Koryn says. “Jillian helped me pick it out.”

  I glance at my two maids of honor. Jill and Bey both give me a thumbs up, wide smiles on their faces. I smirk back at them. Good job, girl.

  “Ahem.”

  I’ve been so enamored with my fiancé I haven’t noticed Vesna yet. Koryn’s aunt is standing in front of us. She’s got on a multicolored flowing robe, and sky-blue paint runs in patterns down her face.

  “Are you two ready?”

  I realize, only now, that she’s going to be the officiator. Jillian is our wedding planner, and I gave her free reign to plan as she saw fit. The thought of this big affair only stressed me out, so I’m going in almost blank. I know some people have already planned every tiny detail of their wedding planned years in advance, but I’m not like that. I never really thought weddings were my thing.

  Now look at me. Moments away from saying I do at what feels like the biggest wedding of the decade!

  “Yes, we are,” Koryn says. “Go ahead.”

  Vesna clears her throat and gives her speech. The words go in one ear and out the other – Koryn’s brilliant eyes demand all of my attention. He smiles at me the entire time, his eyes not leaving mine for even a second. The room applauds, and I realize it’s our turn to speak.

  Oh crap.

  “I’ll start,” Koryn says. He grabs my hand, his thumbs pressing down on me. “Kelly, ever since I met you, my mind, my body, and my soul have been yours. I never thought I’d feel anything like this in my life, but you’ve changed every part of me. Before I met you, my life was dedicated to serving the Zoran High Command. Then you and Jillian came, and turned everything around. The both of you changed not only me, or Vinz, but the entire planet. The two of you have changed history, and on behalf of the entire Zoran people, I want to thank you for that. However, I’m not here to speak for the Zoran as a whole. I’m here to speak for one particular Zoran, whose life you’ve made infinitely better. That Zoran, of course, is me. Kelly, I love everything about you. Your humor, your wit, your laugh, your smile. I love the face you make when you taste cuhla on my breath. I even love the way you snore sometimes. I can’t wait to start a family with you.”

  I can’t help it – tears are streaking down my face. Those are some of the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard, and I can’t control my emotions.

  “Koryn,” I say. “How am I supposed to follow that?”

  I wipe my tears away, doing my best not to ruin my make-up, as I hear the audience chuckle. “You’ve got this,” Jill says behind me. She’s right – I do. When I look at Koryn’s beautiful smile, the words come easily. I don’t have to think about them either. They come straight from the heart.

  “Koryn, you beautiful, purple, towering man, you. To be honest, the first time I saw you, you scared the crap out of me. I was on a strange spaceship, millions of lightyears from home, filled to the brim with dangerous and scary aliens. You were our bodyguard, and your sight never left me. It feels like ancient history at this point, seeing how much has changed since those humble beginnings. You already touched on the chaos that soon followed. Jillian and I didn’t change the world – that honor goes to you, that honor goes to Vinz, to Tyr, and all the other Zorans who so bravely fought for what is right. I’m thankful for all that has happened, because it brought me you, and I can’t imagine a life without you. Koryn, you complete me. You are my life-mate, from now until the end of time.”

  Our guests give us both a rapturous applause, and I can tell from the gleam in Koryn’s radiant eyes that I touched him.

  “Excellent. Your two are clearly meant for each other. Now, please give me your hands,” Vesna says.

  Koryn grabs both of my hands, our fingers interlocking. Vesna holds up a purple, silk cloth, embroiled in gold with runes. She ties it around our hands.

  “You two are bound by fate. Nothing will ever get between the love you share. I wish you two nothing but happiness. I now pronounce you two life-mates.”

  Koryn kisses me, his lips finding mine, and I close my eyes and surrender myself to him. I can hear the applause, the hollering, the celebrations, but we might as well be alone in the universe, for he commands every last bit of my attention.

  “I love you,” he breathes.

  “I love you, too,” I say. “You have no idea how much.”

  4

  Koryn

  One more hour.

  That’s how long I have to wait before we can consummate our marriage. Of course, I’ve thoroughly consummated Kelly already – she’s six months pregnant, and her round, luscious curves are showing it, but now our love is official. I enjoyed the mixing and matching of human and Zoran traditions; the one tradition I’m looking forward to right now is mating her in our suite for the rest of the night.

  First, however, is the gifting ceremony. The other clans of Exon Prime will all present their gifts to us, to show their support of our union. I have to stay and thank them, even though my cock is as hard as a rock and begging for release.

  Kelly makes her way over carrying a glass of champagne for me, looking better than ever in that beautiful, purple dress of hers. I can’t wait to see it on the bedroom floor.

  I accept the sweet and sparkling drink from my wife. My wife. God, she looks so damn good today. I pull her close and kiss her, growling into her mouth.

  “Can we go?” she whispers, her finger trailing across my cheek. “I want to… you
know.”

  My cock becomes a little harder. This suit is beautiful, but it’s certainly not tailored to fit my massive erection.

  “Almost,” I answer. “Look, behind you.”

  Kelly turns around and shrieks, nearly spilling her drink all over her purple dress. A large bear stands behind her, it’s fur thick and dark. The beast sits down, lazily licking its own fur. Standing next to the majestic animal is Tyr.

  “This is our gift to you,” he says, bowing. “May the sun never set on your love.”

  I accept the gift, while Kelly looks absolutely horrified.

  “A b-bear? A bear? Are you serious?”

  “Yes,” I smirk. “A bear.”

  “What’s wrong with some new linens?”

  “It is tradition.”

  “What are you going to do with it?” she asks, eying the beast nervously. The bear is free of any shackles. It yawns, spreading its large maw, and Kelly cowers against me. She’s perfectly safe, however. “You’re not going to kill it, are you?”

  “Of course not,” I say. “What do you take me for? No. It’s a symbol. The clans will gift us wild, ferocious animals, to show that think we are strong and worthy, and to emphasize the bond we have. After the ceremony, they will be freed on our lands.”

  “Aren’t they… dangerous?”

  “No, for they’ve been fed a special flower,” I explain. “This makes them docile, for a short while. In the wild I would avoid them,” I say as I run my hand through the bear’s thick fur. The beast groans approvingly as I pet it. It’s so soft and fluffy – hard to imagine they’re dangerous killers in the wild.

  Kelly’s skeptical, but she soon comes around when receive more gifts. Clans from all over Exon Prime have come to our ceremony, and as such, we’re treated to an exotic wildlife show. I see birds I’ve never even seen before, with bright feathers and strange beaks. In the end, there are more than enough animals in the palace’s garden to fill an entire zoo.