Page 29 of Primal Bond

He looked at Finn, really looked at him. The human was small compared to Zanik, his lean body fitting snugly in Zanik’s lap. Zanik could feel the subtle tremors of Finn’s muscles, the tension beneath the surface bravado. It stirred something deep within him, a Borraq warrior’s instinct to protect and cherish.

Borraq warriors loved fiercely, with a protectiveness that bordered on possessiveness. They cared for their beloveds, cherished them, bred them, protected them from anything the world might throw at them. Zanik’s body responded to those ancient instincts, his blood running hotter with each beat. His heart pounded in his chest, a mix of desire and a need to keep Finn safe.

Finn’s teasing smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. It was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by that familiar spark of defiance. But Zanik had seen it, and it tugged at something deep within him.

His thoughts swirled, a chaotic mix of emotions. He wanted to protect Finn, to keep him safe from the horrors of the world.

But he also wanted to claim him, to feel the human’s body against his own in a way that went beyond mere proximity.

In the reflection of the monitor's glass, Zanik saw Finn's eyes fixed on him, wary and expectant. The human’s body was tense, coiled like a spring, ready to react to whatever Zanik might do.

The kid wanted to know if Zanik would hurt him, use him like the others had. But there was something else in Finn’s gaze, something that Zanik hadn’t noticed before.

Trust.

Finn wouldn’t be acting like such a brat if he thought Zanik was actually going to hurt him.

It was a startling realization, one that sent a surge of protectiveness and arousal shooting through Zanik’s body.

Before Zanik could act on the rush of emotions, though, the computer’s beep broke the tension, signaling their approach to the station. The sound was a cold reminder of their mission, yanking Zanik back to the present.

With a smooth, detached motion, Zanik wrapped his hands around Finn’s slender waist. He felt the human’s muscles tense under his touch, but there was no resistance. Zanik effortlessly lifted Finn off his lap, setting him on his feet. The warmth of Finn’s body lingered on his hands, a ghost of the connection they had just shared.

Zanik stood up, his movements precise and controlled. He couldn’t afford to let his emotions cloud his judgment now. Not when they were so close to their target.

“Get ready,” he said, his voice steady and commanding. “We’re heading in.”

Chapter thirteen

Finn's bare feet touched the cold, grimy metal floor of the space station as he stepped off the shuttle. The sensation jolted him back to the present, away from the memory of Zanik's lap, the heat of his body, and the undeniable tension crackling between them.

But Zanik still touched him. Zanik's hand rested on his shoulder, a show of ownership that fit their roles but made Finn's skin tingle in ways he didn't want to examine too closely.

As they walked, the station's oppressive atmosphere closed in on them. This place wasn't like the other station that Finn had seen through the camera. It was a place of shadows and whispered deals, where only the desperate or the dangerous dared to tread.

Finn couldn't help but think how well Zanik fit in here, with his commanding presence and icy stare. The Borraq looked every bit the ruthless smuggler lord he was supposed to be,while Finn played the part of the compliant pleasure slave, collar glinting under the harsh lights.

"Keep up," Zanik's voice rumbled, low and authoritative.

Finn's mind flashed back to the shuttle, the way he'd felt Zanik's muscles tense under his touch, the way his own heart had raced. He'd been playing a game, teasing Zanik, testing the waters.

But beneath his bravado, there was a part of him that had wanted — needed — to see if Zanik would lose control.

And Zanikhadwanted him. Finn had seen it in his eyes, felt it in the way his body had reacted.

But now wasn't the time for those thoughts. They had a mission, and Rivek was somewhere in this wretched hive. Finn kept his head down, trying to project an air of subservience.

Easier said than done, for a guy like him.

They moved through the crowded corridors, Zanik's grip firm on Finn's shoulder, guiding him through the throng. Finn couldn't help but notice the way other Borraq eyed him, some with curiosity, others with open grins. He suppressed a shudder.

We're just here for a purpose. Get in, kill Rivek, get out. That's all. Eyes on the prize, Finn.

You can do this.

His heart hammered in his chest as they approached a pair of burly Borraq standing silently in front of a door — bouncers. Their eyes swept over Zanik first, taking in his commanding presence, the air of authority that clung to him like a second skin.

Then those eyes flicked to Finn. He felt the gaze slide over him, assessing, judging. Finn suppressed a shiver, standing as still as he could manage under the scrutiny.