Fierce Radiance
Page 31
“You’re smiling, Commander,” he teased. In private he used her name or called her sister. On duty, he respected her authority and usually showed nothing but professionalism. Right now they stood alone, waiting by the hatch.
“So are you, Yeoman,” she taunted back.
He shrugged. “When my Commander’s happy, I’m happy.”
“You’re a pain in the ass and I love you.”
He grinned. “Love you too, kiddo.”
She’d been happily relieved to find out her men hadn’t been spouting lip service about accepting Caz into their family. Behind closed doors, away from the crew, the men were informal with each other, friendly. Brotherly.
The hatch slid open, revealing Jor and Dalmetri. Dock crew would move all their things into the cargo bay. From there, Jarl and Caz would then take them to their new quarters and get them unpacked and settled.
She offered Jor a smile as she invited them inside and they stepped through the hatch. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” She held out a hand, but he opened his arms. She laughed as she hugged him.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again as well, sister.”
She started to greet Dalmetri when she noticed the stunned look on his face. His eyes were fixed on a point behind her.
She turned and noticed confusion on Caz’s face.
“What’s wrong, Caz?” she asked.
Jor schooled his expression, shook his head, and gently grabbed her arm. He stepped away from them, pulling her with him.
Dalmetri walked forward to stand in front of Caz, his eyes never leaving the other man. Then he closed them and took a long, deep breath before letting it out. He had a few inches and several pounds on Caz, but he looked like he wanted to melt into the other’s arms.
Her heart pounded as she watched Caz also close his eyes, a soft moan escaping him as his head bowed.
Jor pulled her back another step as the two men fell into each other’s arms. They stood there several minutes, silent, holding each other. Then Dalmetri kissed Caz, long and deep, as if they were long-parted lovers reunited.
By the time they finally ended their kiss, Aine realized she had a tight grip on Jor’s arm. The two men didn’t open their eyes as they stood there, Caz with his head resting on Dalmetri’s shoulder.
“You’re sure, Dalmetri?” Jor hoarsely asked.
Dalmetri nodded as he reached up to stroke Caz’s hair. “Absolutely.” He nuzzled Caz’s forehead.
“And you?” Jor asked. “Do you understand what this signifies?”
Caz nodded. “Yes. Please. Now.” Without another word he grabbed Dalmetri’s arm and quickly led him down the corridor toward their new cabin.
Aine’s heart slowed. “What just happened?”
Jor hugged her, nearly crushing her. She felt joy washing off him. “Dalmetri says he is our new t’wren.” He kissed her forehead before releasing her and following the other two men.
Stunned, she stood there a moment watching their departing backs as she tried to make sense of it. She started to laugh, eventually leaning against the corridor wall for support as she laughed so hard tears ran down her face. She was still hiccupping a few minutes later when she reached her own cabin.
Not only had returning to the Confederation saved lives despite the personal agony she went through, she never would have met Caz. And Caz never would have returned with her. Now, three more souls could find the joy she had.
Ker had returned from the vid conference and sat at his desk. “Is Caz getting Jor and Dalmetri settled in?”
Aine couldn’t help it. She roared with laughter, helplessly collapsing on the bunk.
Amused, Ker walked over, sat on the bunk, and waited for her to regain her composure. “Dare I ask what that was about?”
She giggled. “Oooooh yeah, you could say Caz is getting them settled in just fine.” She laughed again.
Damn, laughing feels gooooood.
“What, exactly, is so amusing, Ki’ato?”
She snorted. “Let’s just say Jor and Dalmetri didn’t have to rescue a feisty, stubborn, half-dead human to find a t’wren.”
His eyebrows arched in surprise, setting her off on yet another laughing jag that Sammuel caught the tail end of as he entered the cabin.
“Do I even want to know?”
Ker smiled. “It seems we have temporarily lost the services of one of our yeomen to my brother’s bed for at least the next few days.”
Sammuel frowned. “What?”
“No! I want to tell him, let me!” She giggled, snorted, laughed, and finally managed to get the story out.
Laughter rolled out of Sammuel as he joined them on the bed. “Lucky bastards,” he said. “At least they will not have to use energy shackles on him to keep him from attacking them.”
“Hey, you can still use them on me if you want to get a little kinky.”
The men looked at each other and grinned.
THE END
WWW.TYMBERDALTON.COM
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tymber Dalton lives in southwest Florida with her husband (aka “The World’s Best Husband™”), son, and too many dogs. When she’s not dodging hurricanes or writing, she can be found doing line edits or reading or thinking up something else to write. She loves to hear from readers! Please feel free to drop by her website and sign up for her newsletter to keep abreast of the latest news, views, snarkage, and releases. (Don’t forget to look up her writing “alter ego,” Lesli Richardson!)
Website: www.tymberdalton.com
www.bookstrand.com/authors/tymberdalton/
www.bookstrand.com/authors/leslirichardson/
Also by Tymber Dalton
Love Slave for Two: Beginnings
Love Slave for Two
Love Slave for Two: Family Matters
Love at First Bight
Tasty Treats Anthology, Volume 3: Boiling Point
Steam
Trouble Comes in Threes
Storm Warning
Three Dog Night
Safe Harbor
Writing as Lesli Richardson
Cross Country Chaos
Available at
BOOKSTRAND.COM
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com