Page 57 of Klaz
Before I could argue further, she wiggled out of my arms, reaching for the compression bag she’d hidden under her disguise. She pulled out a small package, holding it out to me.
“What’s this?” I asked, taking it from her.
“Open it,” she urged.
I ran my finger along the exquisite handle of the knife, the smooth wood warm against my skin. The craftsmanship was impeccable, unlike anything I’d seen in my travels across the galaxy. My throat tightened as I recognized the significance of the gift.
Cinta’s voice broke through my thoughts. “I know it’s not the right day for the Festival of Blades. And obviously, I didn’t make it myself. But I wanted to give you something.”
I looked up at her, struggling to find words. The weight of the knife in my hand felt like an anchor, grounding me in this moment. My chest ached with an emotion I couldn’t name, something between gratitude and disbelief.
“Cinta, I...” I paused, swallowing hard. “This is... I don’t know what to say.”
She cast her eyes down, cheeks blazing. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to have it.”
I turned the blade over in my hands, admiring the way the light played off its surface.
“I didn’t get you anything,” I said, the words coming out rougher than I intended.
Cinta’s smile widened, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, there is one thing I want.”
I tilted my head, curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”
She leaned in close, her breath tickling my ear as she whispered, “I want your claiming bite.”
CINTA
Klaz’s eyes widened, shock evident on his usually stoic face.
“Cinta, I can’t?—”
“Can’t what? Accept a gift?” I shrugged one shoulder, channeling the confidence I didn’t quite feel. “Come on, big guy. You haven’t won an argument with me yet. Don’t start now.”
A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “You’re right about that.” His expression sobered. “But this... claiming you. I’ve heard of human women being claimed by Vinduthi, but I don’t know exactly what will happen to you.”
I smirked, masking my nervousness with bravado. “Isn’t it convenient we’re on a ship with a medbay?”
Klaz’s eyes darkened. He pulled me close, his large hand splaying across my lower back. His lips brushed my neck, slow and gentle. I melted into his arms, my knees going weak.
“Are you certain about this, Cinta?” Klaz’s breath tickled my ear. “There’s no going back once it’s done.”
I lifted my head to meet his gaze. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
He cupped my face in his hand, his thumb caressing my cheek. “You continue to surprise me, little human.”
“Someone has to keep you on your toes, big guy.”
Klaz chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest. He lowered his head, nipping gently at my neck. I squirmed as his sharp teeth grazed my skin, sending sparks along my skin. He traced a path along my collarbone and down to my shoulder, each little bite igniting sparks of pleasure.
“You know,” I said, my breath catching as he found a particularly sensitive spot, “when I first saw you on the Empyrean Explorer, I never imagined we’d end up here.”
Klaz paused, his lips brushing against my skin as he spoke. “And where did you imagine us ending up?”
“Oh, you know. Me conning you out of your credits, you tossing me out an airlock. The usual.”
He laughed, the sound rich and warm. “I’m glad we found a more agreeable arrangement.”
I ran my fingers through his long, dark hair. “Me too. Although I have to admit, part of me still wonders why you chose me.”