LOGINShare
7
Last Updated:
2025-03-25 00:36:58
Related chapters
Groomed 8
I silently glance around at the colorful walls as Liamee leads me to the room I am supposed to be staying in. The other girls will be in the same hall as me, and I pray they leave me alone for the evening. I have so much to think over. "Here is your room, Xiu," Liamee says as she comes to a halt. The door slides open and my lips tilt up as soon as I see the luxurious space. At least the room I will call home is nice and calming. "I see you like it," Liamee says as she looks over my expression. I smile at her and nod. "Well come in. Let me show you some of the things that might be different than Earth," Liamee says and I follow her inside the big room. She glides around pointing at things, but I only half listen. My eyes are making their own assessments as she talks. The linens are nice, the rug is expensive, the artwork is simple, and the touches of red make me happy. The sitting chairs look comfortable, but the bed looks overly plush and I know it will hurt my back by day t
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 9
I sip my tea silently as the other girls talk amongst themselves and laugh. I don't often partake in their social activities, but I have come to like my fellow Harvestees. They are all sweet and openly fond of each other. They aren't like the cutthroat businessmen my father was grooming me to shut down. We have been here on Kea for a week and I have studied every scrap of material Liamee has brought me. I have learned about each of the planets in the Allied forces and I have narrowed down which planets I could see myself potentially calling home. Now I just have to wait until the actual tournament begins. "Xiu, what do you think," Krystal asks and my eyes snap to her face. I didn't catch what Jia and her were talking about. I was too focused on fantasizing about my future. "I am sorry. I wasn't listening to the topic," I admit and Krystal sighs before pointing her finger at Jia. "Jia thinks we should ask for a larger tour of Kea. I said we shouldn't focus so much on Kea since the
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 10 (Modok)
"You still haven't found a place," Nole asks as he downs another shot of Cok alcohol. I shake my head. The tournament is six days away and I have yet to find a suitable home for my future mate. "Not knowing what species she will be is making me hesitant. I don't know what her preferences will be," I say before taking my first shot. The strong liquid scorches a path down my throat, but I keep my face blank. Cok liquor is strong and requires a strong stomach, but we have been drinking it for years. "Just pick something fancy, but easily defendable. I found a place two days after we were retired," Nole says with a slight slur and I notice his orange skin looks blotchy. He beat me to the bar so who knows how many shots he took before I arrived. But blotchy skin means he has reached his limit. "Slow down. You have had enough," I say to my friend, and he grunts but doesn't reach for another. "Are you more nervous than you are letting on? Drinking that much before I even arrive.
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 11
Liamee glances at me again, but I ignore her. I know she is trying to read past my carefully placed mask, but I won't let her. Ever since Liamee broke my trust I have stopped sharing my personal feelings with her. I am still nice and respectful, but I no longer share how I feel."I hope you like your dress. We tried to mimic each one of your home countries with the first dress. Day one is the only day you can wear separate colors. Tomorrow, you and the others will all be dressed in similar styles and colors. What do you think," Liamee asks as we walk toward the gathering hall that will be used for our introductions?I nod."My dress is lovely. The red color is perfect," I answer and she surprises me by grabbing my hand.When my eyes connect with her's my heart constricts. She looks like she is on the verge of tears and I know I have hurt her feelings yet again."Xiu, please. I am sorry. I wanted you to bond. I know I pushed too far, but aren't you even a little grateful? Zuri and Fiad
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 12
"They were nice," Fiadh says softly as we walk away from the table of Puelos. And my annoyance grows. I liked the blue women just as much as they did, but there is no point in getting invested in their culture. We have no hopes of ever living on Puelo since none of the competing males come from their planet. "They were," Krystal says and my composure snaps. "They don't have a competing male. Meeting with them was practically pointless," I say a little too forcefully, and Zuri's face tells me I went too far. "Nevertheless, they were nice," she says while looking at me with raised eyebrows. I immediately cave. Everything Liamee said before this all started has been playing in my head. I don't want to drive my only friends away. I just want this to go perfectly for all of us. I want each of us to end up with the best so we will be well taken care of. I nod and bow my head. "I apologize, Fiadh. They were pleasant," I say sincerely and Jia giggles before shooting Zuri a wink. "Co
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 13
As I walk into the large room I take in the new tables and atmosphere instantly. The colored tables have been removed, and elegant lights are now hanging from the ceiling giving the room a more romantic feel. Two long tables are now running the length of the ballroom, and the female side of the room is already filling up. I quickly find a spot against the wall and avert my eyes from the door. If, by chance, they seat us randomly, I don't want to risk sitting next to my gorgeous friends. While their words from lunch were wonderful it doesn't change the fact they could hinder my match. No one looks at me as I take my spot, and I realize no one looks as confident as they did during lunch. They actually look as nervous as I feel. Suddenly I spot Krystal heading my way. I try to hide, but it's too late. My bright-colored dress is like a draw. "What," Krystal demands after reaching my side and evaluating my face. I sigh. I know that I am about to hurt her feelings, but I have to
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 14 (Modok)
I take another bite of food and discreetly look at the females across from me again. They seem to be less nervous now that most of the champions are busy eating, but the one in the white dress still looks a little too anxious for my liking. It's as if she is waiting to be attacked. The brown-skinned female who looks as if she is from Vaal instead of Earth, keeps glancing at her too. I swallow my bite of Makskin gult and reach for my drink. I have looked over all the females here and I have decided I like the look of the female humans. Each of them is uniquely beautiful. Plus they keep checking on one another just like my comrades and I do when we are in a difficult situation. That kind of behavior is something I can relate to. I also like the thought of mating a female from Kea. They are cordial and beautiful a hundred percent of the time. The Puelos and the Shikaz ladies are very beautiful also, but they might only care about my status. I will have to pick their behavior apart
Last Updated : 2025-03-25Groomed 15
"Wow," Jia says quietly as the Keas efficiently change the large room from dining hall to dancing hall. "Very pretty," Fiadh whispers back and Krystal nods. I let my eyes travel over the line of champions, discreetly trying to see if anyone is looking at me in particular, and I am surprised to see a champion from Cok smiling at me. His gaze is practically fixed on me and I know he will be the first one to ask me to dance. "The rest of the evening is all about enjoying each other's company and getting to know one another on a more intimate level. Have fun," the male Kea says, and I watch the Cok champion as he cuts across the floor toward me. "Would you care to dance with me?" he asks as soon as he stops in front of me, and I nod slightly. I hear someone asking Zuri to dance as well, but I don't glance over. I need to focus on my opportunities at the moment. My friends will be just fine during this part of the tournament. He offers me his sand-colored arm and I drape my hand ov
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
Latest chapter
Groomed 28
"Come on, Nole," Jia whispers lowly as the big Bronkark, who came to kiss her hand after his first battle, walks into the arena. The tension on her face mirrors the emotion battling within me. After our talk in the cafeteria, I was scared my prediction of someone else wanting her wouldn't be true, but Nole seemed genuine when he offered her his hand. "He will make this look easy," I whisper and Jia gives me a smile. "Thank you," she whispers back as the Latroot enters the field already on its stomach. Its shifty green eyes look around the area in all different directions and I feel as if I will be sick again. It bares its moldy-looking teeth, and Nole smiles at the creature. He tosses his knife as if the field is a stage rather than an arena and Jia chuckles. "I guess he is enjoying himself," she says and I relax a little. The orange giant does look comfortable out there. The creature begins to run at Nole, and its freaky arms immediately make my horror return. Nole, however, s
Groomed 27 (Modok)
Burk, Nole, and I haven't fought our beasts yet and the atmosphere in the holding area is tense. All fifty five champions are back today so the place is packed full of angry and determined males. Burk keeps eyeballing Tilk and vice versa. The Cok Commanders keep eyeing Burk, but he hasn't noticed and I keep posturing myself closer to Burk's side just in case someone pops off."He won't catch fire no matter how hard you stare," I mumble, as Burk glares at Tilk again.He snorts and shoulder bumps me to release some tension. "He keeps looking at me," Burk growls as if that clears him of any wrong doing, and Nole chuckles."Modok wiped the ground with him. He is probably embarrassed," Nole says rather loudly and I try not to smirk.Tilk went down even easier than I expected him to, but I don't want to shame the guy. I have no hard feelings toward him. He learned first hand not to disrespect us."Focus on your fight. You are the next one up," I say lowly, and Burk finally peels his off of
Groomed 26
I follow behind Jia and smile at the several audience members who are waving at us. The two-day-long fighting between champions is finally over. Now the fights between the winning champions and the beasts can begin. I sit down and look out at the familiar field. I try not to recall all the blood and blows that have been exchanged in the middle, but some of the more gruesome images come to mind anyway. "We are down to the top twenty-seven champions. Our three-way champion winner Captain Bolis of Vaal, has chosen to fight a Bunte. Will the other 26 champions line up, please," the announcer says, and I hold my breath as the line of winning males come out onto the field. I haven't seen Modok since he beat the Bronkark, and I have missed him. When I spot him my entire body heats up instantly. His bare chest and tight abs are so beautiful. I want to lightly run my fingers over every piece of exposed skin. I want to feel the texture of his hard scales. I want to learn what makes him f
Groomed 25 (Modok)
"Day two of champion-against-champion fights is about to begin. Get your banners in the air and cheer on your favorite champion. First up, we have Lt. Shaan of Cok and Capt. Vipul of Hassin. Please step into the arena," the announcer says and the two of them leave the holding area. I look around at the half-empty space and breathe a sigh of relief. Most of the champions who have already won didn't stay to watch the fights today so the area is more comfortable. Burk and I are here, but only for support. Nole's match is the second one of the day and he is anxious to get it over with. "Vipul," Burk says and Nole folds his arms. "Shaan," he says and I shake my head. "Vipul," I say and Nole shoots me a look before refocusing on the two champions heading for the middle of the arena. "What am I missing," he demands and Burk chuckles. "Vipul is unpredictable and fast. Almost as fast as me. Shaan is all power. He will get outplayed by speed," Burk explains in a low voice, and I nod.
Groomed 24
As we enter the deserted eating hall, I turn around to face Jia, and what I see breaks my heart. Her eyes are saying so much as she looks at me: hope, disappointment, sadness, anger. I don't know if I can help her, but I know she can't go back to her room now. Krystal and Jia's correspondent will try to console Jia with pretty words, but something is telling me that Jia needs my unbiased opinion and statistics now. She needs something concrete to get her through the night not sweet words meant to soothe her hurt feelings. She needs the "bitchy" Xiu to tell her how it really is. She needs something that she can trust to be true. "I don't know what the Makskin said to you during your dances with him and I don't need to know. What I have surmised is that he most likely had a strategy about who he would choose based on whether he won or lost today... What I believe is he chose two females that he liked. You... and the Puelo female. His second, and first choice females. A losing fem
Groomed 23
"That's Zarn," Jia says suddenly and I look at her. "Which one," Fiadh says and Jia swallows before answering. "The Makskin. We danced twice," Jia says and I grow curious. Zuri and Fiadh have both had champions approach them after their fights, so maybe this is the male for Jia. I look back at the field and study the burgundy-colored alien with a more critical eye. He is tall and his body is covered in thick muscles, but it's his face that is captivating. His jawline is sharp, and the bridge of his nose is straight. His big eyes draw you in and his lips are a delicious shape. All in all, he is probably the most handsome champion in the tournament. He is facing off with an equally strong-looking Vaal, and I wonder if the pretty male will be able to win. He looks more beautiful than strong even though he is just as fit as the champions. When the crowd's growl cuts off, they both run at each other, looking determined. The Vaal goes for the Makskins' stomach while Zarn punches the
Groomed 22 (Modok)
My eyes drill into the back of Tilk's head as Nole claps Burk on the back. It's Burk's turn to go out onto the grass to prove to his female he is worthy and I know he will win. Moor is a good fighter, but he isn't good enough and he knows it. The way he has been eyeballing my Commander proves it. He is melancholy already and he hasn't even fought. Burk leaves and Nole glances down at me before smirking. "He won't surrender because you are staring holes into his back," Nole says quietly and I barely look at him before refocusing on my target. I am analyzing every move he makes. Xiu is depending on me and I will prove I'm worthy of it. Nole's ribbing won't shake me. "I'm moving up so I can see the match. You coming," he asks and I shake my head. "Burk won't break a sweat," I say quietly and Nole chuckles before moving to stand just behind Tilk. He watches the match for only a moment before commenting. "Burk's out for blood," he says and I smirk. I knew it. Burk would never insul
Groomed 21
"Are you ready," Liamee asks as she watches me look over my dress in the mirror. I nod and flash her a quick smile. My dress for today is gorgeous. The flowy material and baby blue color work together wonderfully. The off-the-shoulder straps and the sheer material hanging from them give it a modest touch that I adore. "I feel beautiful. The silhouette is lovely," I say, and Liamee beams before picking up her tablet. "Do you have any questions," she asks sounding eager to provide me with information, but I shake my head. I have researched the fights and I know what I should expect. "It is very brutal to see, but remember, everyone is healed immediately after the fight is over," Liamee says, and I nod. I move away from the mirror and slip on the dainty shoes the recycle machine made. I head for the door and Liamee follows behind me quietly. The silence between us is once again comfortable just like it was when I first arrived at Kea. I will miss seeing her every day when the tour
Groomed 20 (Modok)
I sit down on the bench and close my eyes. Fighting a bronkark won't be easy, but I promised Xiu. I vowed to win for her, so I will do what I do best. I will move quickly and find openings with my sharp eyesight. I will win before he has the opportunity to land a fight-ending blow. He seems like a simple male. He will most likely start swinging instantly. I only have to dodge and peel apart his defense. I will ensure I get to choose the female I want and we will enjoy the rest of our lives together. "Tilk is good. You are better," Nole says and I open my eyes as my big orange friend takes up the rest of the bench beside me. "Do I look worried," I ask and he smirks. "You look like you are strategizing," Nole says and it's my turn to smirk. Nole and Burk are the brothers I never had. We might look different and our styles might be opposite, but they are my family. They are the people who mean the most to me... until Xiu and I mate that is. Not even my mother, father, or sist
