Chapter Three

Riddick's POV

"Piss off, baldy?" I repeat. "What, YOU never share the same haircut, Jack?"

You're fuming with the reference to your old name. Tough shit.

"Is that skull of yours so thick Riddick, that you can't even follow a simple conversation?"

"Is this when you tell me how you would like me to touch you." I pause just long enough to grab your attention again. "Maybe you would like a backrub…in the shower. It's fair and all. You gave me one." Another pause. "Not that I didn't enjoy it Kyra, but there are better places for you to rub me."

I'm showing no emotion. That's what is probably pissing you off so much. Too easy Kyra. Your anger is your weakness. You're wrong, you know. I can play mind games with you, and break you anytime I want. You know that now. Not that I ever would break your spirit. Your eyes dart around the room and your shoulders hunch over a little. Sign of defeat? Not many would notice the slight change in your posture, but I did.

"Riddick?" Pause. "I'd like that backrub now." There is no anger in your tone now. Longing? Possibly.

SHIT.SHIT.SHIT. You did say what I thought you did. Of course you said it staring at the floor. Not enough courage to look me in the eye to say that. Hmm. Interesting.

I scoop you up and head upstairs to the bedroom. You're warm pressed against my chest. I don't look down. You know what you've asked for, and I am all to pleased to oblige.

I place you in a sitting position on the bed. I'm staring you in the eyes as my hands make a move to undo your shirt. Your breathing is a bit erratic. Your heartbeat too. I like that. Your shirt is off and you have no bra on. Not a surprise there. I stare openly at your breasts.

"Been a long time, Kyra."

You lean in and kiss me. Gentle, at first. I like that. You taste as good as you smell. Your eyes are closed while mine are open. I close them. That's a first. I realize now that I fully trust you. Trusting you is not a weakness. The kiss deepens while your hands begin to roam over my chest. The animal in me hears something. What is that?

I hear beeping from the front and am rudely brought back to reality.

"Shit. The planet."

"What planet?"

"Stopover. Shirt," I point to it on the floor. "Get your ass up front Kyra."

You're right, you know. I do have to expand my vocabulary when I talk to you. You're smiling as I leave.

Kyra's POV

I'm looking ahead as we descend onto the planet. The planet… 'Old Castle', I read on the monitor. What the fuck?

"What the fuck Riddick, why are we stopping here? Did you suddenly decide to go ritzy?"

"It's a stopover Kyra. We're not staying. You need clothes and I need supplies."

I appreciate irony in all of its forms. But this? Overkill. Old Castle is comprised of very important and rich diplomats, old royal families of no place in particular, and everyday rich goodies that think the rest of the world doesn't exist. It's like one big gigantic snob planet backed by an arsenal that can wipe out a number of galaxies.

"I know someone here," you say as if speaking to no one in particular.

"Oh good, cause I hate being the only bad guys."

You chuckle at that.

We're flying low now. We're probably going to hide the ship somewhere safe. You get up and I follow. Suddenly I have a huge hand pressed against my chest. I look up to see the usual. Do you really only have one facial expression, blank? I narrow my eyes and wait.

"You're staying here. I can't watch you out there."

"I don't need you to watch over me Riddick."

"Yes, Kyra, you do." You're smiling now.

"Fine." I pout, a little.

"Fine? Now who's using one word conversations?"

"Don't push it, bald – Riddick," I say sweetly.

"Fine."

You're gone now, and I can't help but smile. We're gonna be fine. I'll get my way, eventually.

Riddick's POV

So you'll stay inside. Good to now that you can take directions Kyra. That'll make this transition easier. In every pack there is only room enough for one alpha. No one is more alpha than me. You're mine now Kyra. Part of my pack. You can never go back. Never. Wonder when this realization will hit you?

I already contacted my favour. He should be here by now. I can hear the faint sound of boots hitting the ground, that, and something that is being pulled, silently as can be, but loud enough for my ears to catch it. It's soft at first, but getting louder. Only one person comes into view now. Good. My favour can be cashed in.

"Shit Richard. Never thought of you as one who would want to wear women's clothes."

I ignore the remark.

"Did you get it all?"

"Aw, c'mon Riddick. No Hi Hayden, nice to see you again?"

"Hayden…did you get it all?" I repeat with a growl.

"Yeah man, I did. Not exactly a cheap list, but yeah. Threw in a few extras, at no charge to you, of course."

"Hayden, type in 'Carolyn Johns' under the usual section of my cash transfers with you. There will be enough creds there to pay for all of this. If there's extra," I shrug, "keep it."

"Take care Riddick. I hope to wake up one morning to hear that you're dead," Hayden winks.

I nod and head back to the ship dragging a skiff full of equipment for me and clothes for you. I smirk. Wonder what Hayden threw in at no extra charge?