Ensnared (The Spider's Mate, #1)

by Tiffany Roberts

Those eyes, its nose holes, and mouth were arranged similarly to a vrix’s, but it only had two eyes, and there were no fangs or mandibles to be seen. Just two plump, pinkish bits of flesh comprising its mouthparts. Was this what those dead creatures had looked like? They were ugly things.

Sliding his hand down its arm, Ketahn nearly shuddered at the rasp of his rough hide against the creature’s—against hers. Because this thing was a female, he knew it instinctually—the scent was merely further confirmation. There were many creatures in the Tangle that were not like the vrix in that respect, many creatures for which the females were smaller and weaker. And this unique creature was his female. She belonged to him. Many vrix had tamed wild creatures as pets; why should he not have one of his own?

The Tangle’s beasts had their calls that communicated so much, but none of it was as intricate as the language spoken by the vrix…and Eight’s language seemed just as complex. Not vrix, not animal, not spirit…what was she? His. If nothing else, she was his. He would unravel her mysteries one thread at a time if necessary. But he would not take her to Takarahl, would not bring her before the queen. He would not share her with anyone.

I’m caught in a spider’s web.

that reminded Ivy of an air plant she once owned that had died—because apparently you still needed to water air plants—a

Ketahn nodded, only realizing after he’d done so that the gesture held no real meaning to his companions. To humans, it meant yes, or I agree, or you are correct—though sometimes it also seemed to mean I am impressed, or I approve.

“Well excuse me for being human and having natural bodily functions!” Ivy threw her hands in the air. “Maybe something will eat me and then you won’t have to worry about me anymore!” “I will not let anything eat you, human,” he growled, drawing himself closer to loom over her again. “Do not speak of such things. I will be here to anger you for a very large time.” “Fine!” She stepped closer to him, tilting her head farther back. “You better be!” Ketahn chittered softly, the menace he’d exhibited a moment before vanishing as he offered her his version of a smile. “We are bound by a strong thread, Ivy.”

And he wanted her. Regardless of their differences, he wanted Ivy. He wanted his little human.

“She has always been known to have her moods. Do not we all? And with the High Claiming so near and a city to rule…”

she's been making up excuses this whole time

“Ketahn, this is beautiful,” Ivy said. “It is.” She looked up at Ketahn to find him staring down at her, his markings glowing more vibrantly than she’d ever seen.

“I would see you clad in silk.” He dropped the leaf and cupped the underside of her jaw, angling her face toward his as he took her hips between two of his hands. “I will see you clad in my silk.”

She would look beautiful in this dress, especially with her long, golden hair loose around her shoulders. He hoped it would match the flare of her hips properly, that it would not too greatly constrict her breasts, that she would find it comfortable.

What difference did human and vrix make? Ivy was his. She would be his mate—his nyleea. He did not intend to give her any reasonable option but acceptance. If she had not realized it already, Ketahn would show Ivy that he was the only male worthy of her on this world or any other.

it's ok cause that's what she wants, but that's the same forcefulness that the Queen subjects him to

Ketahn’s mandibles twitched upward, but he stopped them before they could rise more than a finger’s span; he’d been about to smile. Smiles were only for Ivy. Other vrix would not understand. “Yes. Most every time we have spoken.”

Wait what?

She was incredibly thankful for the body hair removal that had been provided to all the colonists during training. She’d never have to worry about shaving her armpits, legs, or grooming between her legs again. All that remained was a small patch of hair above her pussy.

how convenient lmao

The uncertainty in her eyes grew, and she crossed her arms over her breasts, catching her bottom lip between her teeth. She had not hidden herself from his gaze like this since their earliest days together. Ketahn would not have that. He would not have her hiding from him.

The desperation in his movements was as much from instinct now as from desire, and instinct demanded this—the Claiming. A female had to be overpowered, restrained, suspended. Conquered. And then he could make her his.

That fluttering quickly grew in speed and urgency as the pulsing of his shaft intensified, turning into a vibration. Ivy’s gaze met Ketahn’s as her panting breaths escalated.

“You are my female. My mate, my nyleea, my heartsthread.” He captured her jaw with one of his hands, tilting her face up and forcing her to hold his gaze. His eyes blazed brighter and hotter than the sun, and all that heat—all that desire—was directed solely at Ivy. “And if I must conquer you again and again to make you understand, I will do so.”

What was this one thing compared to what he’d already done? Compared to what he’d already risked, what he was willing to give up to keep her safe? The High Claiming had been yesterday. He’d been expected in Takarahl, had known the potential consequences of his absence, and he’d spent the day with Ivy instead. Ketahn had made his choice. She was his mate, and he’d taken her several times without so much as a thought of Zurvashi.

doing everything he could to shield her from all those little hazards with his own body. That selfless, caring act made her heart swell, and she pressed a kiss to his back. Ketahn released a soft trill and brushed his thumbs along her calves. “You should have shown me kissing sooner, my heartsthread. I like it.”

I need to know. I can’t leave here without finding out. Curling her hands into fists to steel herself, she strode to the console. Ketahn’s legs thumped softly on the floor just behind her. The instant she touched the controls, the wide holo display flashed to life. At the corner of her eye, she saw Ketahn flinch, and he growled.

🥺

“Show yourself, Claw,” Ketahn said. Long, black fingers curled around the doorframe, grasping it. Durax’s head came into view immediately after—half of it, anyway.

coocoo

Durax switched his barbed spear to a single hand. “By the Eight, all I ever wanted was her. But spirits curse you, you blinded her to me!” He wildly thrust his weapon.

Durax, face down, struggled to push himself up on trembling arms. He was able to raise his head barely a handspan above the water before Ketahn was there.

I feel bad for Durax, it's a useless death because of a tyrannical queen