Nazerel was halfway back to his cabin when the computer rerouted him again.
“General Nox would like to speak with you,” the computer informed him. “Please follow the path indicator.”
Too wound up to appreciate the assistance, he grumbled, “I know the way.”
“Very good. If you change your mind, I’m always available.”
The illuminated indicator blinked out and Nazerel strode on alone, feeling slightly guilty for grumping at the computer. The ship was massive, but the basic layout was similar to other Rodyte ships. Besides, Nazerel was used to navigating the twisting corridors of the Shadow Maze so he always paid close attention to where he was going and where he had been.
Hanging over his head like a storm cloud, the truth about his father simmered and churned. He’d known his father was ruthless, perhaps even cruel. Yet he’d always believed South honored the Sacred Customs that he honestly believed the things he taught so passionately. They were the principles on which Nazerel had built his life. They formed his basic character, so where did this leave him?
But there had been no deception in Varrik’s memories. Like all the other elders, South had been corrupt and self-serving. Which meant the Sacred Customs were pointless lies and Nazerel was a fool, fighting for an ideal that never existed or had been horribly twisted long before he was born.
None of it mattered anymore. The Shadow Maze was an empty shell and his brothers were semi-willing prisoners of the Ontarian Overlord. He released the past with a frustrated sigh. He’d meant what he said to Varrik. The past could not be changed and they both needed to focus on the future. His people deserved better than years of servitude and frustration on a planet with a shortage of females. Life in the Rodyte military wouldn’t be a better option if it weren’t for what he’d learned on Earth. It was only a matter of time before the battle born made their move, and he meant for the Shadow Assassins to be part of the coming battle.
His thoughts were still troubled and chaotic when he reached Garin’s quarters. The proximity sensor activated as he neared the door and he heard the computer announce his arrival to the occupant or occupants of the cabin. The door slid open and Nazerel walked inside. Garin was alone and seated behind the desk in the far corner of the L-shaped room. He motioned Nazerel over as he closed the report he’d been perusing.
“Did you make any progress with Varrik? I heard fists were flying at one point.”
Needing a moment longer to organize his thoughts, Nazerel asked, “How did he end up in your brig?”
“I’m not sure what they intended, but they told my guards Echo was an Ontarian princess named E’Lanna and she wanted a tour of my ship.” He held up his hand and stopped Nazerel’s objecting. “Yes, I know that’s her sister and they really are princesses, but why does that entitle her to a tour of this ship? Our people are not currently at war, but neither are we allies. Her social station is irrelevant.”
“I’m sure it was just a ploy so they could speak with you. Varrik would have pointed out that I was a fleeing fugitive and there was no reason for you to start a war with Ontariese over the rebellious actions of one man.”
“I thought he knew we are related by blood.”
“He does.”
“Then he knows nothing about Rodytes.” He folded his hands behind his head and leaned back in his chair. “I would never turn you over to an enemy and if Varrik came here representing the Ontarian Overlord, he is my enemy.”
Nazerel sat in one of the two chairs arranged in front of Garin’s desk. “If it were just me, I’d suggest you throw him off the ship, banish him from Rodyte space, and be done with it. Unfortunately, there are one thousand men at the City of Tears that—”
“One thousand? I thought there were four thousand Shadow Assassins.”
“I’m only responsible for those descended from South. The other tribes must make their own…” Garin often brought insight and wisdom with just a few words. His ability to see the big picture was what made him such a good commander and an even more valuable friend. “You’re right. We were all part of the world below, all betrayed by the elders. All four thousand should have the same opportunities.”
Garin lowered his arms, but his posture remained relaxed. “I’m glad you feel that way, because I just received permission from the crown to offer any Shadow Assassin political asylum in exchange for military service. It’s the same deal they received from the Ontarians, with one important difference. They will be Rodyte citizens when their service is complete rather than barely tolerated on Ontariese. The rest is up to you. When and how do you want to retake control of your men?”
The emphasis was meant to motivate him and it worked. He was the last true leader of the Shadow Assassins. It was his responsibility to guide them into a better life, to help them claim a future in which they could be proud and free. “There are two separate situations that must be addressed. I will use the one they wish to discuss to segue into the larger issue.”
“Your recent adventures on Earth will allow you to address the liberation of the Shadow Maze?”
“Exactly. This is likely the only opportunity I’ll get to speak with the overlord, so I must make the most of it.”
“We can easily explain your involvement with Sevrin. I have official documents that will exonerate your actions on Earth.”
Nazerel nodded. “And my situation will protect Team South. I’m not sure what, if anything, I can do to protect the other hunters.”
“They knew what they were doing when they followed you to Earth.”
“But they followed me under false pretenses.”
Garin shook his head. “Not really. You weren’t able to tell them your true motivation, but they knew what they were doing and the possible ramifications from their choices.”
Nazerel didn’t argue, but he still felt responsible for the events that followed. He’d convinced the other alpha hunters to accept Sevrin’s offer. If he hadn’t fueled their discontent and frustration, it was likely they would have eventually accepted the situation on Ontariese.
“What else do you need to strengthen your defense?”
“Are you willing to testify on my behalf?”
Garin suddenly scowled at him. “I’m insulted that you even thought to ask. You are my blood. Would I testify for Bandar or Zilor?”
“Of course. But—”
“Do I love you any less?”
“I apologize, and I don’t doubt your loyalty. What I should have said is, are you able to testify on my behalf? I know the demands of your new command are significant.”
“I can’t fly the Undaunted over to Ontariese, if that’s what you mean. But I can sure as the five hells schedule a time to attend a video conference. The tribunal might not even require my testimony once they’ve read the official documents.”
“You’ve never met Lor dar Joon. He’ll have questions for you, lots and lots of questions.”
“I look forward to his interrogation.” Garin’s smile seemed rather predatory. “I always welcome a good challenge.”
“The easiest way to bring this all to a close is to turn myself in to Varrik.”
“I don’t trust the Ontarians. I’d like to hold on to the females until after your appearance before the Tribunal. If there is any hint of manipulation on their part, it will give us some leverage.”
“I understand your caution, but the Ontarians wouldn’t see that as protection, they’d see it as a threat. Lor is as arrogant as they come, but he seems fair and honorable.”
Garin stared at him thoughtfully for a long moment, then released a tense sigh. “I don’t like it, but ultimately it’s your decision.” He entered several commands into his computer. “I just sent copies of the documents to the workstation in your cabin. Look them over before you leave to make sure you have everything you need.”
“Once my men request asylum, will you have any control over their assignments?”
Garin waved away Nazerel’s concern. “I can’t assign them all to the Undaunted, but I can use my influence to make sure they’re assigned to battle born commanders rather than elitist pigs who needlessly risk the lives of their battle born soldiers.”
“Which brings us back to what I learned on Earth. Have you decided what to do about the battle born situation?”
“The ‘battle born situation’?” Garin chuckled and pushed back from his desk. “Now you sound like Bandar. The situation with the battle born has been escalating for decades and it’s not going to be resolved overnight. You brought an intriguing possibility to my attention. However, I’m not prepared to commit high treason so my brothers can claim empowered mates.”
Claiming empowered mates was more of a bonus than the crux of the issue, but Nazerel knew Garin understood the situation even better than he did. Battle born sons had been disregarded and abused ever since it became apparent that they would never develop the ability to manipulate magic. While their female counterparts were treasured and exalted, battle born sons had been…forsaken, to borrow Bandar’s favorite word to describe the situation.”
Before Nazerel could comment, the general went on, “One of my spies in the capital was able to secure a copy of Sevrin’s research data. There is no longer any doubt that Quinton was and is directly involved. I’d like a copy of what Flynn gave you to compare against the information I secured myself.”
That had been their agreement. If Quinton had the data already, Nazerel would share it with Garin to help balance the Rodyte power equation. Garin had made the decision even easier by securing a copy of the research himself.
Nazerel nodded. “I’ll send it to you as soon as I return to my cabin.”
Garin nodded then came out from behind the desk. His expression softened and he placed his hand on Nazerel’s shoulder. “You’ve given me a lot to think about and my brothers will guarantee that I continue to think about it, but let’s solve one problem at a time.”
“I didn’t set out to complicate your life when I accepted this mission. Is there anything I can do to help you unravel this mess?”
“You’ve helped quite enough already.” Garin laughed then motioned him toward the door. “Take what’s left of today to study the documents, solidify your defense and figure out what in creation you’re going to do with Morgan. Then tomorrow morning I’ll release Varrik—and his mate. The sooner we solve your problems, the sooner we can begin on the ‘battle born situation’.”
By the time the guards escorted Echo back to the brig, Morgan felt like they knew each other remarkably well. Though Echo was cautious when it came to specifics about Varrik, she was surprisingly candid about her own history. And Echo’s openness encouraged Morgan to be honest about her past. Soon they were chatting away as if they’d known each other for years and time passed quickly.
Echo had only been gone a few minutes when Nazerel returned to the cabin. He looked downright gloomy and his mood was as unapproachable as Echo’s had been welcoming. After acknowledging Morgan with a distracted lift of his chin, he crossed to the perimeter wall and asked for an external view from the top deck of the ship. Staring out into space always seemed to calm him, yet it also drew him inward and made him less willing to share whatever upset him.
“Are you all right?” Morgan pressed herself against his back and wrapped her arms around his waist. “If you don’t talk to me, I’ll have to use our link to read your mind.”
She’d been hoping to lighten his mood with her playful threat. Instead, he sounded depressed and distant. “Varrik is in the brig. That was Garin’s surprise.”
“So I gathered when he brought Echo here and told us you and Varrik were trying to work things out.”
Nazerel scoffed softly, but his body began to relax and he folded his arms over hers. “I’m not sure our conversation qualifies as reconciliation, but we were able to establish some basic facts.”
“Such as?”
He turned around and pulled her into his arms. “Garin has been compiling the documents needed for my defense. Rather than trying to answer all of your questions, why don’t we go over the documents together and I’ll take you through it step-by-step?”
“All right.” If he was building a defense, did that mean he intended to turn himself in? He was safe here, protected by the influence of his family. Why would he turn himself in?
The answer was so obvious, she didn’t bother asking the question. He’d sacrifice himself for his people. And not just the team of hunters he’d led while on Earth. He felt responsible for all of the men in his tribe, perhaps every former Shadow Assassin.
He motioned her toward the small table near the kitchenette and they sat side by side rather than facing each other. Then he used a datapad, an ultra-thin tablet-style computer capable of projecting three-dimensional images, to display the documents. To her surprise, the information detailed events that began long before Nazerel came to Earth, but she quickly realized it was all connected. The speed with which Nazerel moved through the facts made it obvious he wasn’t in the mood to elaborate.
“How much of this is true?”
He paused and looked at her. “All of it, but I’m not surprised that you asked. The tribunal is going to find everything suspiciously convenient and I’m not sure what I can do about it.”
“Can anyone substantiate what’s in these documents?”
He powered down the datapad with a sigh. “Garin can and will, but he’s my cousin. It’s possible the members of the tribunal will dismiss his testimony as biased.”
“Maybe.” She motioned toward the datapad. “But that presentation is pretty hard to ignore. How much of this did you share with Varrik?”
“Not much. I already knew I was going to turn myself in, so I didn’t see the point in going through it all more than once. He’ll take me back to Ontariese and I’ll explain everything to the tribunal. Varrik can hear it then. Besides, we had other issues to discuss.”
“Like the death of your father?” She hated to bring it up, but she could think of nothing else painful enough to sour his disposition.
“Primarily.”
When he said nothing more, she prompted, “And were you able to agree on what happened?”
“You just spent the past hour or more with Echo. Didn’t she tell you all about it?”
She reached over and slipped her hand into his. “I don’t care what Echo believes. Do you still feel that they murdered your father?”
“Varrik ended my father’s life. That fact was never in dispute. But South was false just like the other elders. Worse, he was a coward who was running away from the fight. He left his entire tribe behind without a second thought. He was not a worthy leader.”
She knew Nazerel was shielding their connection, but occasional bursts of grief and anger bled through. Despite his calm expression, the emotions were as raw and aching as if the tragedy had just taken place.
Before she could find the words needed to comfort him, he gently squeezed her hand. “Am I a fool to expect fair treatment from the Ontarians? They despise Shadow Assassins.”
Glad for an easier subject, she happily followed his lead. “They resent Shadow Assassins and they’re afraid of Rodytes, but they will listen to what you have to say. This is the first mission I’ve worked with Lor, but I’ve known High Queen Charlotte for years. All of the procedures she’s instituted during her reign have been fair and impartial. Besides, I’ll be there to make sure this is not a witch hunt. If it starts to look like they’re out to get you, I’ll help you escape.”
He offered her a warm smile that burned through the shadows in his eyes. “I’m hoping it won’t come to that, but it’s nice to know I’ll have at least one friend at the City of Tears.”
“You said Garin was going to testify. Doesn’t that mean you’ll have two friends?”
Nazerel pushed back from the table and stood. “Garin can’t leave his ship. He’ll testify by vidcom.”
“Of course. Even on Earth that’s likely how it would happen.”
He pulled her to her feet and into a loose embrace. “How about a nice hot bath? Creation knows I need to relax.”
“Where is this mysterious bathtub and will others be there or just us?” She didn’t have a swimsuit and she wasn’t getting naked in front of any male except Nazerel.
Rather than explain, he led her into the utility room. “This is only an option in certain cabins. We just happen to be in one of the best.”
He issued a verbal command and a good portion of the floor smoothly lowered and reshaped. Soon they stood on the wide rim of a deep, spa-style bathtub. One side created a molded recliner while the other formed a simple bench. “Is this all right? There are several other styles, but I’d have to go look up the commands.”
“This is lovely.” Then with a cheeky grin she added, “As long as I get to use the recliner.”
He laughed as he pulled off his shirt. “We’ll figure it out as we go along. Now get undressed.” Another command activated the water, which streamed from multiple outlets all over the surface of the tub.
The water only reached his calves when he lowered himself into the tub. She took longer to undress, so the water was knee-deep by the time she joined him. They stood facing each other as they waited for the tub to fill. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he caressed her back, his touch light and still distracted.
“Before we leave tomorrow, I’ll need to sever our link.”
“Why?” She’d resisted the connection every step of the way, so why did the thought of losing access to his emotions upset her now?
His hand drifted up to the back of her head as he gazed into her eyes. “If the Mystics sense our bond, they’ll accuse me of controlling you.”
“You don’t need a telepathic link to bend me to your will.” She whispered the words against his lips, hoping to lure him away from thoughts about tomorrow. “All you need is your incredible mouth.”
Her lips pressed against his, warming them, encouraging him, but he wasn’t quite ready to abandon their conversation. “They’ll question you. Likely have Elias do it. You trust him and you’ll tell him things you wouldn’t admit to a stranger.”
It was obvious he wasn’t going to relax until this was settled, so she rested her hands on his shoulders and gave them an affectionate squeeze. “They can interrogate me all they like. I won’t say anything that incriminates you. In fact, if you like, I’ll tell them that I helped you escape.”
“Absolutely not. If Elias senses that you’re lying to him, they’ll have Varrik scan your memories. Tell them the truth.”
“I won’t testify against you,” she said emphatically.
“And I won’t allow you to be punished for something you didn’t do.” He buried his hand in her hair and claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss. “You’re my hostage. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’ll make sure they know that.” He kissed her again, preventing her immediate reply.
His mouth was warm, his breath intoxicating and she no longer wanted to argue. She wanted to touch him and be touched by him. She wanted to savor whatever time they had left. The future was too uncertain for them to waste any more time.
He pulled her down into the water and she melted into his embrace. They kissed and touched and kissed some more, neither in a hurry to escalate their passion. He relaxed against the recliner and she straddled his hips, sometimes arching above him, but more often pressing against him skin-to-skin.
“What did you think of Echo?” His lips brushed against her neck as he spoke.
“I’m sprawled on top of you naked and you’re thinking about Echo? Should I be jealous?”
He cupped both her breasts and nipped the side of her throat. “I’m trying to think about anything except how badly I want to be inside you.”
“We’ve got all night.” She reached down between their bodies and guided him to her entrance. “We’ll go slowly next time.” His entire body tensed as she lowered herself onto his cock. She closed her eyes and savored the sweet fullness as it pressed deeper and deeper into her core. “Better?”
“Not yet.” He grabbed her hips and pushed her up then pulled her back down. Creating a rocking motion, he maximized the slide of her body over his. “Now this is better.”
She braced herself against his shoulders and pushed up, giving him access to her aching breasts. They couldn’t kiss in this position, but everything else felt so perfect that it didn’t matter. His lips fastened onto one nipple as he teased the other with his fingers, then he switched sides. All the while she rode him, reveling in the control he seldom allowed her.
His mind opened, filling her with longing and tenderness. Desire was obvious in his gaze, but the affection always surprised her. Outwardly Nazerel was gruff and unyielding, which made his warmth even more precious.
Wanting him to understand how much his caring meant to her, she pushed her emotions into his mind, revealing her love without hesitation or reserve. He moaned and bucked, trusting up into her with possessive urgency. She responded just as aggressively.
“Next time…” His fingers dug into her hips and tension rippled across his torso. “I’ll make it last.” He threw his head back and arched beneath her, filling her completely.
She watched him, feeling him inside her mind and body. His overwhelming need thrilled her even though her arousal had just begun to build. He came in shuddering waves. She felt him jerk deep inside her and a fresh rush of love flooded her mind. He wrapped his arms around her and pressed her against his wildly beating heart.
“That was downright pathetic,” he muttered as she collapsed across his chest.
Knowing he couldn’t see her face, she allowed herself to smile. “I started it and, as I said, we’ve got all night.”
Nazerel brushed the damp hair back from Morgan’s face and she pushed herself up again, not all the way vertical, like she’d been before, but far enough so they could see each other. She was so damn beautiful it almost hurt to look at her. With her cheeks flushed and her breasts bare, she looked like a fertility goddess, ripe and ready for more. He’d be more than happy to oblige her as soon as he caught his breath, but the future still loomed in the distance, threatening to consume them.
“I want you to tell the Tribunal the truth, but perspective is a curious thing. I suppose I should at least hear your version of the events.”
Her inner muscles clamped down on his length, encouraging his recovery. “You want to talk about this now?”
He laughed, sliding his hands from her hips to her breasts and back. “Indulge me and I’ll make it worth your while.”
She sat up, balancing her weight on her legs. “All right. You grabbed me during the raid, not knowing who I was. It had been your intention to release me, but Dekker said my name over the radio so you realized I could likely release you from the collar.”
“I still can’t believe how long you held out. You are one incredibly stubborn female.” His hands drifted up her sides and over her breasts, his gaze leading the way.
“You’re not the first to tell me that and it’s doubtful you’ll be the last.” Suddenly restless, she crawled off his lap and moved to the bench across from him.
He’d obviously upset her and that hadn’t been his intention. Still, he needed to know what she would say before he tried to recapture the romantic mood. “What happened after I figured out who you are?”
“It became a battle of wills, which I eventually lost. You didn’t want to bring me with you, but by that point I knew too much to leave behind.” She droned on as if she were reciting a shopping list.
“Did you try to escape?”
She shot him an annoyed look before sinking deeper into the water. “Repeatedly, but I knew I was screwed once you disabled the collar.”
Their connection had existed even with his powers suppressed, but reminding her of the fact would only irritate her further. He didn’t want to spend their last few hours together angry with each other. However, this was important. She needed to understand what she’d be facing when they returned. Her friends would expect her to be relieved and joyful that she’d finally been rescued.
“Elias will try to convince you that I’ve brainwashed you.” He caught her gaze before he went on. “He’ll say I used a combination of physical and emotional techniques to make you feel things that aren’t real.”
“What I feel for you is none of their business.”
Nazerel shrugged then finger-combed his hair back from his face. “I doubt Elias will agree. He might even insist that you need to be deprogramed.”
She straightened, her breasts bobbing just below the water’s surface. “Then I’ll tell him I’ve learned that the government I work for is corrupt and duplicitous. Where I go and with whom I choose to spend my time is now irrelevant because I have no interest in continuing to be their puppet.”
He finally smiled and held out his hand. “You don’t have to convince me, love. Just be aware that they aren’t going to smile and wish you well.”
Her expression remained tense, yet she returned to his side of the tub and allowed him to pull her down on top of him. She tried to return to her seated position, but he had something else in mind. He helped her spread out with her back pressed against his front and her head pillowed on his shoulder.
“My questions got you all wound up. Now I’m going to have to help you relax.”
“Good luck with that.” She shifted restlessly against him, her ass undulating against his rapidly hardening cock. “This position isn’t conducive to relaxation.”
“Nonsense.” He drew her arms up. “Grab ahold of my shoulders or lock your fingers behind my neck.” She grabbed his shoulders. He ran his hands down the underside of her arms, slowly, moving over her flesh like the water surrounding them. “Close your eyes and stop thinking about anything but the way my hands feel, the heat of my body.” And how much I love you.
Her sharply indrawn breath assured him she’d heard the declaration. Words of love had gone unspoken between them, yet the emotion was there each time they touched. He cupped one of her breasts and wrapped his other arm around her waist. She remained tense for a moment longer, but gradually relaxed and let her body flow into the contours of his.
“That’s right. I’ve got you.” He gently circled her nipple until it pebbled against his thumb. “You’re safe with me.” She started to lower her arms, but he growled a warning. “Let go and I’ll stop touching you.”
“But I want to touch you too.”
“No.” He splayed his fingers across her belly then slowly pushed his hand downward. “You will accept what I give you.” His middle finger eased between her folds. “Surrender yourself to me.”
“This is torture,” she whispered, trapped between his skillful finger and the demanding hardness of his cock.
“Hardly.” He nipped her neck then slid her up along his body so his fingers could reach farther between her thighs. “You’re going to come around my fingers.” He pushed his two middle fingers into her core and rubbed her mound against the heel of his hand. “Then you’re going to stand up and straddle my face so I can lick your sweet pussy.”
His words had the desired effect. She moaned as her hips rocked, sliding her body along his fingers and grinding her clit against his hand. He shifted his arm to just below her breasts, allowing him greater control over her movements. She rode his fingers with single-minded purpose as her head tossed against his shoulder.
“Now.” He increased the pressure of his hand. “Come for me now.”
Her inner muscles gripped his fingers as release throbbed through her body. He prolonged the spasms with the motion of his hand while he drank in her pleasure.
When the shudders finally stopped, she sat up and reached between his legs.
“No you don’t.” He caught her wrist and moved her hand back to his shoulder. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He slid down along the lounger until his head was just out of the water. Then he urged her up and around. “Put your knees on my shoulders and brace yourself against the edge of the tub.”
“I’ll break my neck or drown you—or both,” she cried.
“I’ll help you.” He pulled her closer and then closer still, guiding her up along the length of his body. Soon she was more or less kneeling on his chest and only her calves remained in the water. “Almost there.” He caught the backs of her knees and pulled her legs apart.
She gasped then laughed as he stubbornly urged her onward. “Can’t we just…” She was laughing too hard to complete the question.
Maneuvering one knee onto his shoulder and then placing the other, he soon had her straddling his face. She braced herself against the wall rather than the edge of the tub, but he finally had her where he wanted her.
His scent was still distinct on her flesh, but her taste was clean and evocative. He traced her slit until she began to rock against his mouth, then he became more demanding. His lips gently sucked and his tongue explored every crease and crevice.
You’re so sweet. I never tire of your taste.
She responded with a surge of affection, but was unable to form specific words.
Thrilled by her obvious arousal, he focused in on her clit, rolling the sensitive nub between his lips and flicking it with his tongue. She jerked and moaned with each caress and he knew she wouldn’t last much longer.
He’d meant to make her come again before he took her, but his need was simply too great. Moving with nanite-augmented speed, he slid out from under her, spun toward her then surged into her rippling passage from behind.
She cried out as the sudden fullness pushed her over the edge and her knees slid down to rest on the seat of the lounger. He adjusted the angles of their bodies, bending her forward and pulling her hips up. She grasped the rim of the tub and braced for his next thrust.
“There is nothing better than feeling you come around my cock.”
She tightened her inner muscles and matched his next stroke. “Except for when you come too.”
Unable to argue with that, he grasped her hip with one hand and her shoulder with the other, keeping his thrusts deep and strong. His primal nature was fully roused, yet his earlier release gave him more control than he’d thought possible.
He showered her with affection as he passionately claimed her body. Their spirits meshed as their bodies melded, creating a joining more intimate than most humans would ever know.
“You are my morautu,” he whispered into her ear. “My chosen mate. I will protect you with my last breath and dedicate my life to making you happy.”
“I love you too.” He hadn’t expected the words, but they thrilled him to the marrow of his bones. And better yet, she wasn’t finished. “I want to spend each day at your side and each night in your bed. I want to grow old with you. Share my entire life with you.”
He was so consumed with emotion that he had to see her face. Momentarily separating their bodies, he spun her around then lifted her to the rim of the tub above the bench. He knelt on the bench and she wrapped her legs around his hips, drawing her back into her waiting heat.
They moaned in unison, their mouths finding each other as their bodies resumed passion’s dance. He steadied her hips as he thrust between her thighs. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with incendiary hunger.
Her urgency made him more demanding, made him wild. He caught the back of one of her knees and raised her leg up and out, allowing him to reach even deeper into her body. The angle finally aligned his cock with the sweet spot deep inside her body. She tore her mouth from his and cried out sharply, her inner muscles clenching rhythmically.
Even knowing she’d just come, he couldn’t stop. He filled her again and again, hitting her G-spot at the apex of each stroke. She came again, head thrown back and eyes tightly closed. She surrendered completely, nearly limp in his arms as he drove them to one final peak.
With her leg still draped over his arm, he grabbed her ass and thrust his entire length deep into her body. He crushed her to his chest and reclaimed her mouth as their bodies pulsed as one. Pleasure and emotion rolled across their link, completing them as nothing else could.
For a long time they just clung to each other, unable to speak, barely remembering to breathe. Then his lips moved against hers, the kiss slow and tender.
“No matter what happens tomorrow, know that—”
She cut off his words with her mouth and saturated his mind with affection. “Nothing can keep us apart. Nothing. We’ll face this together and then live our lives as we were meant to live, together.”
He wanted it just as much as she did, but he was a realist. The Ontarians would want their pound of flesh, as would the humans. They had one last battle to fight before they could claim their future. At least, as she said, they would fight the battle together.