by Tana Stone
Bridget raised an eyebrow at the woman who’d been assigned first to escort Mandy through the wedding planning process, and had now been assigned to her. “I thought you and Serge were tight.”
Reina craned her long neck, looking around at the tropical setting and the smattering of people at the thatched hut poised on a holographic South Pacific beach. She waved at the bartender. “I’ll have one of what they’re having.”
Bridget and Mandy exchanged a look. This was new. Bridget had never seen the usually nervous woman do anything but fret and take it out on her poor hands.
“Serge may be the station’s top wedding planner, but he knows nothing about women,” Reina said, dropping her voice. “I may not be human, but I know that no female wants to get married right after going through the ordeal you did.”
“Thanks, Reina,” Bridget said, thinking she may not have given the alien enough credit. “I’m fine, but you’re right. I’m not in the mood for a shotgun wedding.”
Reina’s eyes widened. “Oh, we don’t design any weddings with a shotgun theme. Not even for the brides from Texas.”
Mandy snorted into her drink.
“I told them you’d need a week at the very least. I was shocked when I heard Dorn’s brother was going right back out on a mission, but I’m sure rescuing you wasn’t as emotionally taxing for him as it was for you.” Reina patted her hand. “After all, you were the one being held by those awful Kronock.”
“He’s leaving again?” Bridget asked, her voice sounding hollow to her own ears.
Reina eagerly took the cocktail the bartender passed to her, her eyes brightening at the sight of the paper umbrella, blue straw, and floating, blue fruit. “From what I heard he’s being sent on a mission to infiltrate Kronock space and try to get information about the Earth invasion.”
Bridget swallowed hard. As mad as she’d been at Kax for letting her go so easily, her anger dissolved when she thought of him going on a dangerous mission. She stared into her half empty glass and blinked back tears. Would she ever see him again? Would he even come say goodbye before he left?
“Where did you hear all this, Reina?” Mandy asked.
Reina blushed. “Vexlings have extremely acute hearing, and if I happen to pause near vents, well…”
Mandy elbowed her. “Here I thought you were so prim and proper, and you’re covertly listening in on top-secret meetings.”
Reina instantly looked panicked. “You aren’t going to tell, are you?”
Mandy drew two fingers across her lips and mimed throwing away a key. “Your secret is safe with us, right, Bridget?”
Bridget closed her eyes for a moment, composing herself before turning to the others. “Of course. We would never rat you out, girl.”
Reina sank down in the stool, grinning. She lifted her drink with both hands and drained half of the contents with a single gulp from the straw, and then hiccuped. “I feel better already.”
“I’ll bet you do,” Mandy said under her breath.
Bridget pushed her own drink away, her desire for the sweet concoction completely gone. A twisted knot of dread in her stomach had replaced the tingling feeling in her fingers and toes. The thought of Kax in danger made her feel sick. It had been bad enough when he’d been injured on the mining colony, but that was before they’d fallen for each other. Or, at least, before she’d fallen for him. She didn’t know what he felt for her, if he’d been fine with her marrying another man and eager to risk his life again against the Kronock.
Even the thought of Kax’s hard body and hot nodes made her cheeks flush. As much as she hated to admit it, this was more than a physical connection for her. She knew that now, even if she’d been kidding herself before. She folded her hands on top of the bar and rested her head on them. How could she stay on the space station and marry another Drexian, when her heart already felt like it had left with Kax?
Chapter Twenty-Four
The doors swished open, and Kax scanned the inside of the dark officers’ club. He didn’t know why he was there, except it was the one of the few places on the station where he knew he’d find no tribute brides. Maybe he’d find some solace or some answers. If he was lucky, he’d find his brother.
Even though he’d received his orders from the High Command, Kax didn’t seem to be any closer to leaving the station than when he’d left the High Command meeting with his commendation on a successful mission and his instructions for the next one. He’d attempted to pack, but had ended up throwing his bag to the floor. He’d tried to cure himself with a hot shower, but he’d only ended up imagining Bridget’s body with him under the pounding water.
Kax ran a hand through his still-wet hair and felt the dampness of his skin against his shirt. That’s what he got for stomping out of the bathroom and throwing on clothes without drying off, first. He shook his head, trying to shake the thoughts from the shower out of his mind, as his eyes adjusted to the low lighting.
A shiny, black bar stretched the length of one side of the room with an expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows across the other, giving a stunning view of the distant stars and much closer moons. Square tables clustered tightly together, surrounded by straight back chairs. If music played in the background, Kax couldn’t hear it over the murmuring voices. He recognized a few of the officers sitting together—tossing back shots and nursing squat, amber-filled glasses—but he did not see his brother.
Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Kax walked to the bar and ordered a Zimmian whiskey. The bartender, a Vexling in an acid-green vest with a shock of white hair corkscrewing over his head, poured two fingers worth of the vivid, red drink into etched glass and slid it toward him without a word.
Kax slammed back the drink in one gulp, feeling it burn as it slid down his throat, and enjoyed the churning sensation as it hit his stomach. This wasn’t Noovian whiskey—smooth and full-bodied. The Zimmians brewed whiskey that burned like acid going down, the pain of the drink replacing any other pain you might have been feeling.
The bartender cocked his head to one side, but Kax shook him off. He had enough experience with Zimmian whiskey to take it slow.
Turning, he leaned back with his elbows against the bar, letting the fire of the whiskey course through his body and dull his senses. If only the alien whiskey had the power to eliminate his feelings, he thought. He took a shuddering breath as his mind went to Bridget—her beautiful wide eyes, her muscular legs, and the full lips that tasted so sweet. But it was the feeling he got when he looked into her eyes that haunted him the most.
He twisted back to the bartender, who hadn’t moved from his position, tapping the rim of his empty glass and meeting the Vexling’s steady gaze. When the glass held the requisite red whiskey, he raised it in salute and the Vexling nodded. He doubted heartache was anything new for a bartender, especially on a space station designed to facilitate arranged marriages between virtual strangers.
As he lifted the drink to his lips, the doors opened and his eye caught the hulking form of his younger brother.
“There you are,” Dorn said, his long strides making short work of the distance between them. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. The schematics you requested came through.”
He handed a tablet to Kax with a colorful, blinking star chart on the screen.
Kax glanced at it, recognizing the detailed map of Kronock space. He set it down on the bar and leaned his forearms on the reflective black surface, raising the whiskey to his lips.
Dorn watched as he tossed it back in a single gulp, raised an eyebrow, and signaled the bartender with one finger. “Looks like you’re trying to drink something away, brother.”
Kax gave him a half smile. “Does it matter?”
Dorn shrugged. “Depends on what you’re trying to drink away.” He lifted his own glass of whiskey, swirling the crimson liquid before taking a sip. “What actually happened at that mining colony?”
Kax closed his eyes, pressing them together and trying to force the memor
ies of Bridget from his mind. Despite his efforts, images of her body splayed on the sheets beneath him filled his mind. “Nothing that makes any difference.”
Dorn placed a thick hand on his brother’s back. “I’m not so sure.”
Kax gave an abrupt shake of his head as he opened his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Nothing can change the past.” He felt his brother’s gaze boring into him.
“Maybe not,” Dorn said, “but you still have a long future ahead of you, brother. I don’t think you want to fill it with years of regret.”
Kax whipped his head around so he was facing Dorn. “What do you want me to say? I’m in love with her? I can’t stop thinking about some else’s mate?”
Dorn flinched, and Kax saw the anguish in his brother’s eyes. He looked away. “Like I said, it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing to be done about it at this point. I need to forget her and get on with my mission.”
Dorn closed his hand around his glass. “From what I hear, you’re not the only one having trouble acclimating.”
“Why?” Kax asked. “Is she okay?”
Dorn grinned and took a drink. “If you consider getting drunk on pleasure tonic and telling Serge and his wedding planning binder to take a hike, then she’s fine.”
Kax felt a twinge of pleasure. So Bridget wasn’t moving on either. “What about Karsh?”
Dorn turned to glance around the room before lowering his voice. “I don’t know much, but I don’t think he’s even laid eyes on her. I know Mandy has turned him away from Bridget’s suite at least once.”
Kax’s heart did another flip. “Once again, I am glad your mate has such a stubborn streak.”
Dorn snorted and clasped a hand on his brother’s forearm. “Speaking to you as someone who only recently learned to appreciate what it’s like to find your perfect mate, if you have feelings for this woman you need to tell her before it’s too late.”
Kax knew his brother was right, but his chest tightened when he thought about telling Bridget everything. “What about…?” he began.
Dorn twitched one shoulder up and stared into his glass. “Who knows? But you’re better off telling her and finding out.”
Kax gave a small laugh. “When did you become so wise, little brother?”
Dorn winked at him and swallowed the rest of his whiskey. “I must have had a good teacher.”
Kax threw his arm around his brother’s shoulders, pulling him into a one-armed hug. “I’m glad you came back, even if it was kicking and screaming.”
Dorn shot him a look. “I still haven’t forgiven you for that you know.”
Kax smiled. “Oh, I know. But you haven’t thanked me for it yet, either.”
Dorn’s cheeks colored. “I guess I should thank you. Mandy is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Kax eyed the fading bite mark on Dorn’s neck. “I can see that.”
His brother elbowed him then looked down into his glass. “I want the same for you. You deserve it.”
Kax did not respond. The words felt stuck in his throat as he thought about Bridget, and the future he may never have.
The bartender held out the skinny bottle of whiskey, the blood-red contents swirling inside. Dorn waved him off. “We’ve probably had enough.”
“Nonsense,” A loud voice startled them from behind, and both men felt the slap of a heavy hand on their backs. Karsh had entered the officers club without them noticing and now stood behind them with one hand on each of their shoulders. “I insist on buying another round.”
Kax stiffened at the man’s touch and let his eyes slide over to his brother’s.
Dorn inclined his head at the bartender. “A whiskey for our friend.”
“You must join me,” Karsh said, lifting his hands from their backs and taking the barstool next to Kax. “You have to help me celebrate.”
Dorn raised an eyebrow at Kax while the bartender slid a drink across the bar. “And what exactly are we celebrating?”
Karsh picked up the glass and lifted it high. “My success with my bride.” He slugged down the red liquid and slammed the glass on the bar, waving at the bartender for another.
Kax’s entire body went rigid, and even Dorn stiffened beside him. “I thought you hadn’t been able to see her yet.”
Karsh waved a hand dismissively, holding out his glass while the bartender filled it. “She’s my mate. She can’t deny me.”
Kax felt his brother’s warning hand on his shoulder.
Karsh swallowed his whiskey in one gulp and turn to them. “Not that she wanted to deny me.” He produced a silk scarf and ran the pink fabric through his hands. “Are all the human females so wild?”
The scent of the scarf—Bridget’s scent—wafted to his nose and instantly pulled him back to her—the smell of her, the taste of her, the feel of her. Kax’s hands shook as he pushed back from the bar and stood.
Karsh grinned at him, clearly enjoying this. “Did you know Earth females like to give tokens of affection to their mates? I guess you wouldn’t know much about Earth females though. I’ll have to compare notes with your brother.”
Before he could say something or do something he would regret, Kax spun on his heel and left the officers’ club, pausing to catch his breath once he reached the hallway.
So he was too late, he thought. Bridget had accepted her new mate. He’d missed his chance. He dropped his hands to his knees to steady his breath, then pulled himself up to his full height and pounded a fist against the wall until the sting of pain sobered him.
It didn’t matter anymore. All he wanted to know was how soon he could leave for his mission.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Bridget paced in front of the crackling fireplace in her suite, her bare feet padding across the thick, faux bearskin rug stretched out in front. Snow fell softly on her balcony and moonlight spilled across the frosty slope outside. She glanced at the steaming mug of cocoa on the wooden coffee table. What good was a romantic setting if the only person she wanted to share it with was leaving?
Maybe she should go give Kax a piece of her mind. She stalked toward the door, then stopped. What would she say? He already knew how she felt. She’d spilled her guts when they were stranded on the mining colony. She’d told him everything. Well, not everything, but enough for him to know she wanted him. He knew, and he’d still chosen not to fight for her and instead, go off on a dangerous mission. If she’d learned one thing from surviving foster care and then the cutthroat world of dance, actions spoke louder than words. Kax’s actions couldn’t have been clearer.
A loud rap startled her and made her pulse race. Maybe he’d wised up and was coming to tell her he’d changed his mind. She threw open the door, preparing to give Kax her most severe look.
It wasn’t Kax.
“We brought the wine,” Mandy said, as she stepped inside holding up two bottles filled with murky, orange liquid. “Well, not wine exactly, but the closest thing to it.”
Reina followed behind Mandy, along with about half a dozen other women she recognized from Mandy’s bachelorette party as other tribute brides. All the women carried bottles, wine glasses, or food.
“Mandy thought you needed some company,” Reina said, pausing to let the other women walk ahead of her. The Vexling eyed the fireplace and steaming mug. “I hope this isn’t a bad time.”
Bridget poked her head into the corridor, but it was empty. “Actually, it’s perfect timing. I was going out of my mind by myself.”
“This isn’t your bachelorette party by a long shot,” Mandy said, winking at her from across the room where she set out the bottles and wine glasses. “I have lots of other ideas for that, but I thought it was time for some of us tribute brides to have a girls’ night.”
“Sounds perfect,” Bridget said. Anything to take her mind off Kax. She spotted Trista, the other tribute bride from the original game show ruse, where Mandy had been selected as Dorn’s mate. Of all the women laughing and smiling, she seemed the most h
esitant. Of course, like her and Mandy, Trista had also only been on the space station a little over a week.
“How are you?” Trista asked, walking up.
Bridget felt tears sting the backs of her eyes at the woman’s concerned tone. “Fine. I mean, it sucked to be kidnapped for the second time.”
“I can imagine.” Trista ran a hand through her wavy, blond hair. “I hear those other aliens make these guys really look like a dream.”
Bridget laughed and felt her urge to cry fade. “You can say that again.”
Mandy appeared with two glasses, and gave Trista a look. “I warned all the girls not to pester you about being kidnapped and rescued and your whole ordeal. They know you were already debriefed and probably don’t want to rehash it.”
Trista blushed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
Bridget grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I’m fine. I promise.” She swallowed hard. It wasn’t the kidnapping she wanted to push out of her mind; it was everything that had happened with Kax. She took a sip of the mango-colored drink, and discovered it tasted like Pinot Grigio, but with a slight spicy kick at the end.
Everyone settled on the oversized love seats and chairs curved around the fireplace with Trista taking a place on the fluffy rug and sitting cross-legged. Bridget motioned to Mandy for them to join her, and they plopped down, one on either side. The fire crackled behind them, and Bridget felt the heat against her back.
“It’s the original three back together again,” Mandy said, nudging Trista.
Trista smiled. “That’s right. Hard to imagine it was only a week ago.”
Mandy took a drink. “It’s crazy how much has happened. Where have you been hiding out, by the way? Aside from my bachelorette party, I don’t think I’ve seen you around the station at all.”
Trista looked down at her hands. “It’s taken me a while to get used to all this. I was convinced it was all trick.”
“That’s what I thought until they showed me the view,” Mandy said. “And when I walked out in the promenade and looked up into space, I realized even LA couldn’t recreate this.”
