Page 58 of Klaz
Klaz pulled back. “Why wouldn’t I choose you, Cinta? You’re brilliant, resourceful, and braver than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“I’m also a lying, thieving con artist,” I pointed out.
“And I’m an ex-bounty hunter with more blood on my hands than I care to remember,” he countered. “We’ve both done things we’re not proud of. But that doesn’t define who we are now.”
I swallowed hard, fighting back the sudden sting of tears. “When did you get so wise?”
“I had a good teacher.” He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “A certain auburn-haired human who taught me it’s never too late to change.”
“Sounds like a smart lady.”
“The smartest.” Klaz’s expression grew serious. “Cinta, I want you to know that this claiming... it’s not about ownership. It’s about connection. A bond that goes beyond the physical.”
I nodded, my heart racing. “I understand. And I want that connection with you, Klaz. More than anything.”
He cupped the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair. “Then let it be done.”
Klaz lowered his mouth to the crook of my neck. I felt the sharp points of his canines against my skin, and then?—
Pain. Exquisite, searing pain that coursed through my body like liquid fire. I cried out, clinging to Klaz as wave after wave of sensation washed over me. The pain gave way to pleasure, intense and all-consuming.
“Cinta,” Klaz’s voice sounded far away. “Cinta, my love...”
The world around me faded to black as I surrendered to the overwhelming sensations, Klaz’s arms holding me close as I drifted into unconsciousness.
I blinked,my eyes adjusting to the soft ambient lighting of the Realta bakery. The scents hit me first - a symphony of sweet and savory that made my mouth water. Vanilla, warm and comforting. Cinnamon, spicy and inviting. Rich, dark chocolate. And underneath it all, alien spices I couldn’t quite place - tangy, earthy notes that danced on the edge of my senses.
“You okay?” Klaz’s hand rested on the small of my back, steadying me.
I nodded, still marveling at the sensory overload. “Yeah, just... everything’s so intense now.”
He kissed the top of my head. “You’ll get used to it.”
It had been two weeks since the claiming bite on the Phantom’s Wake. I’d woken up to a new world of sensations, almost a new body.
And with Klaz at my side, a new life.
I focused on the marble countertop, tracing the intricate swirls with my eyes. Each vein and pattern stood out in sharp relief, like I was seeing through the stone itself.
“As far as I know, this is the best bakery in the sector with human treats. What do you want to try?” Klaz asked, gesturing to the display cases filled with an array of goodies.
I turned to Klaz, my eyebrows raised in disbelief. “You brought us all the way to Thodos III just for desserts?”
Klaz chuckled, a low rumble that sent a pleasant trill down my spine. “Let’s start with these.” He pointed to a stack of intricately layered pastries. “Vinduthi folding cakes. And maybe some of those Earth-style cupcakes? Oh, and the Narath star-fruit tarts look good.”
I snuggled into his arms. “Spoiling me already?”
“Always,” he murmured, his fingers brushing against the green markings on my neck - a perfect match to his own.
As we waited in line, I picked up snippets of conversation from across the room. A Thraxxian couple debating the merits of different flour types. A pair of Nazoks gossiping about the latest station drama. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating.
Klaz’s percomm buzzed. He frowned, glancing at the screen. “I need to take this. Wait here?”
I nodded, watching as he stepped outside. The bakery’s owner approached the counter - a human woman with long black hair and a purple streak. As she got closer, I noticed the familiar green markings peeking out from beneath her short-sleeved white uniform.
She smiled warmly. “Welcome to Realta. I’m Sophia. What can I get for you today?”
Before I could answer, her eyes widened slightly, focusing on my own markings. A knowing look passed between us.