| |
AFTER LOADING MOGRAN into the back of Synge’s transport, they’d taken the larger shuttle to the Klorthon campsite. Shortly before they arrived, Dathan received a transmission from the medical unit informing him the older couple had been relocated to the city. Ricka had been relieved to hear Arno’s injuries weren’t serious and with their accelerated healing abilities would be back to normal in no time.
She spent the entire trip on Synge’s lap with her head nestled against his shoulder. After everything they’d been through, she hated to leave the warmth and comfort of his embrace. Touching him reminded her he was alive, and she was determined to do everything possible to keep from losing him.
Once they reached the site, they approached the cargo loader. One of the hunters who’d arrived with Dathan walked over to greet them. “Per your orders, the warrior is being collected from the perimeter building. Three of the crew are dead. Those two had enough sense to surrender.” He tipped his head toward the two men kneeling on the ground next to a stack of crates. One of them was the man who’d argued with Molock earlier. Their hands were tied behind their backs, and they both wore irate expressions.
“And the females?” Dathan asked.
“Torin is retrieving them from the loader now.” He shifted his gaze to Ricka and smiled. Appreciation flashed across his features as he openly gawked at her. “You are very beautiful. It would be my pleasure to escort you back to the city and see to any needs you might have.”
Synge glared at the man and tucked her close to his side. “Kel, please refrain from trying to initiate sex with my mate.”
Kel turned to Dathan for confirmation. “Is this true? Is she really his mate?”
“It is hard to believe, but yes.”
Thanks to Teah, she already knew about Synge’s aversion to relationships and was amused by the man’s shocked reaction to the news.
Kel laughed. “I never thought to see the day you would find someone so lovely to put up with your sorry ass. Congratulations, my friend.”
Synge’s tight hold on her waist relaxed. “Thank you.”
A man she assumed had to be Torin flew out of the cargo bay, slid down the ramp on his back, and stopped when he reached the ground. Shock and anger spread across his face.
The woman she’d seen earlier with the pale blue skin appeared in the entryway. She nailed him with an ice-blue glare. “Do not ever try to touch me again.”
“Problem?” Dathan chuckled and helped the man to his feet.
Torin dusted off his pants and glared at the woman. “Apparently, this one does not take kindly to being offered assistance.”
“I have a name, hunter. It is Krayla. Please refrain from addressing me as ‘this one.’”
Dathan stepped between the two. “Our apologies. I am sure Torin did not mean to offend you.” He elbowed the other man in the ribs. “Did you?”
Torin appeared ready to pummel Dathan. “No,” he said reluctantly. “If you will come with me, I will see you are returned to the city.”
“It would be most appreciated.” She lifted her chin and followed him to the shuttle.
Ricka covered her mouth and tried not to laugh. She didn’t envy Torin’s return trip. Krayla seemed like she was going to be a handful.
Dathan turned to Kel, who grinned devilishly, apparently finding the interaction as humorous as she did. “Please assist the other female without touching her. Lock both prisoners in the cage and put the remainder of the crates in the loader. We will pilot it back to headquarters.”
Kel nodded, then winked at Ricka before he turned to leave.
Dathan spoke to Synge. “The threat to your human...”
“Ricka,” she interrupted and glared at him. She was still irritated with Synge’s friend for stopping her from shooting Molock. It also annoyed her to constantly be referred to as a human. “It is my name. Please use it.”
“She is very spirited. I see why you like her,” Dathan said.
Synge placed his hand at the small of her back. “Life has definitely not been boring since I met her.”
Dathan unclipped a small device from his belt and handed it to Synge. “I assume your virtucom was damaged by the warriors and will take several days to repair.”
He took the object and tucked it in his pocket. “Yes.”
“I believe we have everything under control here, if you would like to take your...” He cringed. “Mate home now.”
“Understood, and thank you.”
#
AFTER MAKING SURE RICKA had no injuries from her encounter with the Klorthons, Synge left her alone to shower while he’d gone to the kitchen to find them some food. He’d also contacted the commander to provide an update and check on his aunt and uncle.
Mogran bounded up the staircase ahead of Synge, his gait still a little sluggish from the extra drugs Molock had used to tranquilize him. He followed his pet into the bedroom and found Ricka sitting on the edge of the bed wearing one of his shirts, and nothing else. Her hair was damp, and her unique scent filled the air.
“I thought you might be hungry.” He took a seat next to her, setting the tray of meats and breads between them.
“Thanks. I’m starving.” She smiled, then picked up a roll and took a bite.
After several minutes of eating in silence, Synge said, “There are some things we need to discuss. I have not been totally truthful with you.”
“Okay.” She hesitated, then set the remainder of the roll on the tray.
The fever had dissipated after they’d shared the words of belonging but it didn’t mean it wouldn’t return. They still needed to visit a sacred pool and finish the final portion of the rite. It meant she could still renounce him as her mate and dissolve their bond.
He knew enough about human customs to know marriage didn’t always equate to a permanent commitment. She might love him, but would she agree to remain with him in a lifelong binding? The uncertainty of not knowing her decision had knotted his stomach.
He pushed the tray out of the way and moved next to her, clasping her hand. “I am sorry for leaving you alone today. If I had been here, you would not have been taken or made to suffer.”
“I’m glad you weren’t here. There were five of them. Molock was pretty angry and I don’t believe he would have followed the rules. He would have killed you or had one of his men do it for him. It would have destroyed me if something had happened to you.”
“You have stirred emotions in me since the first time I saw you. I have never experienced anything this strongly before, which is why I want to complete the ritual.”
She appeared confused. “I don’t understand. I thought you said what we did last night, the words of belonging, bound us together as mates.”
“I am afraid it was only part of the process. Vows are also required to be spoken in the sacred pool. In order for a true joining to occur, we must enter the water and willingly commit to each other.”
“What happens if one of us changes our mind or doesn’t want to remain together?” she asked.
“They can renounce the other, and the bond started with the invocation will be severed.”
“So I still have a choice? I could refuse.”
“Yes. The decision is still yours to make.” He shifted uncomfortably, not happy with the direction the conversation was going. “Before you decide, please know I have no intention of letting you go. I will do whatever is necessary to change your mind and convince you to agree.”
#
RICKA WOULD NEVER RENOUNCE him. She loved Synge and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him more than she’d ever wanted anything. Intrigued to discover what he had in mind to sway her decision, she taunted him. “Really? And how exactly had you planned to persuade me?”
He picked up the tray and set it on the dresser, then stalked slowly back to the bed, his stride sleek, like a predatory cat. Moving before she could react, he lifted her and gently placed her on her back. He covered her with his massive body, pressing her into the mattress as he settled his hips between her spread legs. Growling, he nuzzled the side of her neck and grazed the skin with his teeth.
The sensation was pleasurable and tickled at the same time. She giggled. “Your plan is to torture me into submission.”
“If need be.” His hot breath fanned along her throat, and warmth surged to her belly.
“I refuse to be a possession and won’t make this easy for you.”
“I assumed as much.” He took her wrists and pinned her arms above her head, firmly holding them in place with one hand but not enough to cause any pain. Shifting his weight, he reached between them and tugged the shirt up her body enough to expose her breasts. He lowered his head and sucked on her nipple, swirling his tongue around the tip until it hardened. At the same time, he palmed her other breast, massaging the other nipple between his thumb and forefinger.
The feeling was pure heaven, and she moaned. Damn, he’s good. Much more of this and she’d give him whatever he wanted.
Covering her mouth with his, he demanded access, stealing her breath and melting more of her resolve. He rocked his hips slowly, the fabric covering his hard shaft causing a delicious friction against her bared skin. The tension in her core built. She wanted what he offered and spread her legs wider to allow him better access.
He placed soft kisses along her jaw, nibbled her neck, and teased her earlobe with his teeth. He stopped rubbing against her. “Are you ready to submit, or do you need more convincing?”
All comprehension of what he was asking failed to register. She couldn’t think, couldn’t remember why she was supposed to. She was so ready for him. All she wanted to do was feel. Feel him inside her and have him possess her. “Please, I need you.”
Swiping his tongue along the base of her throat, he spoke against her skin. “Tell me what I want to hear.” Starting at her knee, he slid his hand along her inner thigh, and she shuddered.
“I belong to you.”
“And?”
“And I agree to be your mate.”
The desire in his eyes, wild and feral, shimmered to a darkened green. He sat back on his knees and tugged his shirt over his head. Next, he unzipped his pants and shoved the material down his legs. He lowered himself over her again, repositioning his hips between her legs.
Pressing the hard tip of his crown against her sensitive opening, he slid in slowly until he filled her completely. “You are mine and I will never let you forget it.” He withdrew halfway then pushed into her, burying himself deep.
Moaning, she dug her nails into his back and gripped his ass with her legs. She arched her back, meeting each powerful thrust, intensifying her need. The pressure built, and she climaxed, the ecstasy ripping through her.
Synge ground his hips, increasing the pace, the action drawing out her pleasure. He drove into her one last time, crying out her name as he convulsed through his own release.
He sagged on top of her and nestled his head in the crook of her neck. Minutes passed before he braced his arms on either side of her head. He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “You are more than a possession. You are my mate, and I love you.”
“I love you too,” she said and circled her arms around his neck. Other than what he’d explained about the invocation, she had no knowledge of Tarron customs. “So what exactly is involved in the final part of the ritual? We don’t have to draw blood or anything, do we?”
“There will be no pain. I promise.” He grinned and pushed his already hardened shaft deeper inside her. “Are you having second thoughts? Do you need more convincing?”
Amazed by his stamina, she shifted her hips. “What exactly did you have in mind?”
#
ONE WEEK LATER.
Ricka stood on the rock porch of her new home and smiled up at Synge. He was now officially her husband or, rather, mate. Even in the traditional shirt and pants worn by the men on his planet, he still reminded her of a handsome badass outlaw. Her outlaw.
Three days earlier, they’d gone to the sacred pool and made their final vows. Before they’d left, he’d dressed her in a pale green gown made of a soft satiny material. Her heart had nearly melted, and she’d had to brush away tears when he’d told her it had belonged to his mother. The final ritual hadn’t been like anything she’d imagined.
For a man who’d spent the majority of his life facing off with galactic criminals, he’d appeared nervous when they’d first arrived. He’d gripped her hand tightly as if he were afraid she might change her mind. The ceremony had been private, only the two of them. A simple matter of entering the water naked and reciting words of acceptance and belonging. Afterward, Synge had spread out a blanket on a patch of soft yellow grass, and they’d made love. He’d taken his time, showing his caring, tender side.
Her thoughts returned from her musings when a hunter transport stopped in front of their dwelling. Synge told her he’d received a communication announcing the arrival.
The sound of the engine must have alerted Mogran. The cat jumped out of bushes at the side of the structure and bounded toward them, stopping to rub possessively against her leg.
“Are you nervous? Your hand is shaking,” Synge said, concern deepening his expression.
“No.” Hell, yes. She had no idea why his boss had made a special trip out to see them, and she was terrified he was personally delivering bad news about Libby.
He squeezed her hand. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
The metal doors opened, and Teah, Arno, Dathan, and a man she assumed must be the commander got out. He wore a similar hunter uniform. The only difference was the red shirt. The man was a couple of inches taller than Synge, with an even broader chest and golden hair draping over his shoulders.
Teah was the first to reach them and didn’t hesitate to pull her into a hug. “We are honored to have you in our family.”
Ricka was so overjoyed by the welcome she didn’t know what to say.
His aunt pulled away, then moved over to embrace Synge. “You have mated well, nephew.”
He smiled at Ricka. “I know.”
Arno waited for Teah to step aside, then approached her. “Thank you for what you did for us. I too am very proud to call you family.”
If they kept this up, she was going to start crying.
Dathan clamped a hand on Synge’s shoulder. “Congratulations to you and your hum...” His cheeks flushed crimson. “Mate.”
Synge took her hand. “This is commander Ryos Davenger.”
Other than the four-inch scar running from his right cheekbone to his jaw, he had a rugged and handsome appearance. Beneath his charming smile, Ricka recognized an intimidating presence and dangerous demeanor. “It is wonderful to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, and I want to personally express our appreciation.”
“For what?” she asked.
“I understand you refused to be intimidated by Molock’s advances. If not for his fascination with you, we never would have been able to capture the Klorthons or prevent more women from being sold to the slavers.”
She gaped at him, the information not something she’d expected to hear.
“The warriors were using our moons to disguise the location of their ship. Before we captured their loader, they sent a distress signal. It took us several days to intercept the vessel.”
Trying not to be overly hopeful, she took a deep breath. “Does this mean you found Libby?”
“The warrior’s ship has been captured, and we prevented the slavers from taking any of the prisoners.”
“What about Erak?” Synge asked.
“He is onboard, and we have spoken. When he was taken, they programmed the autopilot on his ship to lead us away from their location.”
“A clever maneuver,” Dathan said.
“I agree. If all goes well, the warrior’s ship will arrive within a few days. You will be contacted once your friend has been delivered safely to the city.”
“Oh my God. That’s wonderful.” Relief washed over her.
He turned to Synge. “Your request to remain stationed at headquarters as a trainer has been approved. You will no longer be assigned space missions.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Synge must have mistaken her astonishment as displeasure, and frowned. “Are you not pleased I will not have to be away from you?”
She threw herself into his arms. “I’m thrilled. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was unsure if the transfer would go through and was afraid to give you false hope.”
“We need to return to headquarters. You have two more days before you are expected to report for your new position. Enjoy the time with your new mate,” said Ryos.
Synge smiled. “It is my plan.”
“See you in a few days,” Dathan said and followed the commander. Within minutes, their transport disappeared into the jungle.
“Why don’t we go inside and make some lunch,” Teah said, shifting her attention to Arno.
He grinned wickedly and ran his hand along her back. “Or we could ensure we have an appetite first. The bed at medical was lonely without you.” He took her hand and led her into the house.
Wow, who’d have guessed? Ricka laughed and placed her hands on Synge’s shoulders. “Do all Tarron males have an insatiable sex drive?”
“Of course.” He scooped her in his arms and chuckled when she squealed. “It is what makes us such good mates.”
“I would definitely have to agree.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.
Her wish for a new life and a fresh start had finally come true, even if it wasn’t the one she’d envisioned. This one was better. She’d found the person she belonged to and would cherish him forever.
<<<<>>>>
