When Drogo took Hope's palm into his, she noticed a small diamond-shaped pattern covered his tan skin. It was similar to how when you look closely at your own skin you see fine lines and creases. The texture was smooth though, not scaly. The man reminded her in so many ways of a reptile and yet not. He was warm to the touch, and although his face was alien, it was similar enough to a human's. In fact despite his differences he was actually attractive. If it wasn't for his arm spikes, odd dreadlocks, fangs and patterned skin he could've passed for a rather large well built man.
"Then again maybe not."
Hope watched his tan skin coloring shift subtly. She remembered his unique ability to blend into the surrounding environment. Drogo was like a male version of the X-men character Mystiqe. It was really kind of cool. Hope wondered if he was capable of turning blue too?
Drogo lifted her hand and shockingly she watched as he pressed his firm lips to the back of her knuckles. This was not the hand shake she'd expected.
When he let go Hope noticed a small scratch on the back of her hand, which started to tingle.
Hope quickly looked up at him in shock as the sensation spread up her arm. A warm languid feeling overcame her, and she opened her mouth to accuse Drogo of foul play, but couldn't voice her displeasure. Hope's legs suddenly gave way but Drogo caught her around the waist. He cradled her in his arms as he took off into the forest.
"I'm being abducted by aliens. SHIT! SHIT! SHIT! I come in peace my ass! I am not some freaking lab rat!" Hope silently screamed as she sent daggers up at Drogo.
The trees whipped by as the man moved at an incredible speed. Eventually he stopped.
Hope couldn't move her head as it lolled against his bare chest. At least he didn't stink. Actually his musky earthy smell was kind of calming. Too bad he was going to get a piece of her mind once she regained the ability to speak.
"Bastard! I'll teach you to steal me!"
Hope noticed out of the corner of her eye the hull of a ship as it shimmered into view exposing a doorway. This was not good. She couldn't even move, let alone fight to get away.
3 A Nest of Vipers
Viper
The moment Viper touched Lepus and placed his lips upon her hand a curious heat spread through his body. He wanted to linger and explore more of her soft pale pink flesh but he couldn't. They were no longer safe here.
Viper's venom worked fast. He cringed as he saw the accusation and betrayal in her eyes.
"It's all for your safety and survival Lepus." Viper mumbled as he ran through the undergrowth.
He could smell her anger. But more disturbing was how her chemical emotions sunk into his skin, now that he held her close, riling his own emotions. It was ten times more intense than it had before when he just scented her.
Viper wanted to stop and fight the threat that made her angry and afraid, but he was the perceived threat.
Viper repressed a growl. He could smell his brethren nearby, and illogically it made him wary. Viper made it to the ship and stepped through the port hesitantly. The others looked at him strangely as he cradled Lepus against his chest.
"Why didn't you tranq her before bringing her in? Here I have a unit." Canebrake came towards Lepus.
"Stop!" Viper growled a little more aggressively than intended. "I don't plan on putting her with the others." He stated with a rumble. The male had best back up!
"But..."
"She comes with me!" Viper snarled.
"Dammit I growled again." Viper berated himself.
Little Lepus' pheromones were overwhelming his usual calm. What was wrong with him? Did these human females have some sort of innate defense mechanism that they used to overwhelm their attackers when threatened? Maybe he should've put her with the others.
"So you found a friend." Ophidian greeted Viper.
Viper shifted pulling Lepus closer against his chest. He couldn't seem to help himself despite what logic told him he should do.
"Yes. I'll let you know if I need assistance." Viper murmured as he stalked towards his quarters.
Viper didn't have a clue what he was doing, he just needed to get Lepus away from the other males that were staring at her too intently and standing too close for comfort.
Viper stepped into his private suite and laid Lepus on the bed. Although he was glad his meeting with the ambassadors was postponed till tomorrow, he still needed to bathe after running around a foreign forest. That would give him time to wrap his head around what he was doing and how he'd deal with Lepus.
"What in Holy Kadru was I thinking!" Viper mumbled as he looked down at the little human.
Viper noticed Lepus' round wide-eyed stare. She was clearly angry and fearful. Viper felt as if her gaze was trying to burn a hole into his skull. Thankfully this species didn't possess that skill.