She hadn’t meant it as a question, but Daegan nodded emphatically. “You and I, an unbreakable team.”
Flo was drifting off to sleep after the prolonged lovemaking and the energy required to initiate the claiming ritual the Badari needed. “I don’t think I’ve ever actually bitten anyone before in my entire life. I didn’t hurt you too much, did I?”
He laughed, the sound rumbling in his chest. “With those puny human teeth? No, you did enough to make us mates and not inflict damage.”
“The goddess will bless us, won’t she? We’ll wake up with the golden circles, right?” Flo discovered to her surprise she wanted the entire experience of becoming a Badari mate. Those circular marks from the Great Mother were important.
“I didn’t know about the circles,” he said. “But surely the goddess brought us together so she must look with favor on our claiming. I—I feel the mate bond, in my heart.”
Flo held her breath, waiting to see if she detected anything new or different in herself. To her amazement, when she concentrated on the question, she saw a golden strand in her mind’s eye, stretching from her to Daegan, and then she felt the bond anchored in her heart as well. Tears flooded her eyes and she impatiently brushed them away.
Daegan used a corner of the sheet to dry her eyes.
“Tears of happiness,” she said with a sniff. “And I don’t cry dammit.”
He laughed and kissed her on the forehead, tenderly. “Rest now.”
“So we can do all of this again,” she said with enthusiasm, as he drew the sleeping bag over them both. “Or maybe we can squeeze into the tiny shower and—”
“I like all of your ideas very much,” he said, moving his body so she could feel the physical evidence of his burgeoning arousal against her stomach,” But I think we both need some sleep first.”
Flo wasn’t inclined to argue, so she made a murmur of approval and rested her head on his broad shoulder for a pillow. “Don’t wander off without waking me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, never again.”
Pleased by the conviction in his voice, she closed her eyes and let the sleep take over.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
She was awakened by Kierce’s voice in her head. MARL12 estimates we have an hour until the eye is directly over us.
And I care because? Flo was only half awake and very conscious of Daegan keeping her and the bed toasty warm.
We’re all going outside then to check on the flyer and the condition of the building. So consider this your warning if the two of you want to take a shower or anything before you report for duty.
“He doesn’t get to give you orders, does he?” She asked Daegan.
“Or you since you’re in my pack now.” He nuzzled her neck.
Startled, she took a deep breath. “Oh wow, I hadn’t thought about it that way but you’re right.”
“Before you start worrying, we’re allies with the northern pack, or will be once Aydarr and I have a chance to talk.” He swatted her butt gently. “Either way, we’re part of this unit here on the island for now so we’d better be ready for the outdoor sortie. I’d like to grab a bite to eat before we work.”
“No time to waste then.” Flo rolled out of bed and tugged at his hand. “I think we need to explore how well we both fit in the shower. There might be some interesting bodily contortions required to be sure we both emerge clean and ready for the day.”
Laughing, Daegan followed her across the cell to the bathroom area, which became a predator-prey chase and a playful tussle in the shower, which led to other things and they were barely dressed by the time Kierce called them to assemble at the building’s lobby.
When she walked in hand in hand with Daegan unexpected and unwelcome shyness flooded over her. Incredulous at her own reaction, she knew she was dreading any ribald comments about something so precious to her. She had no desire to joke about the near-sacred joy of being a claimed mate. Her status and the love it represented were too new and tender to her.
The Badari and Gabe were lined up waiting for them.
“I get to be the first to congratulate you on being bonded mates,” he said, breaking the tension for her with his usual good natured, brotherly teasing tone, “And to kiss the bride.”
Blushing, Flo gave him her cheek to kiss, telling Daegan, “Old human custom, so relax.”
He glared at the four Badari. “Well it isn’t a Badari custom so no one else need think they can take any liberties.”
Everyone laughed, blessedly no one commented further and Darik triggered the portal to open.
Flo drew a deep breath of relief. Why didn’t I remember what a special thing being mated is for a Badari? My friends wouldn’t embarrass either Daegan or me about our new status. She took a better grip on her pulse gun and made ready to step outside.
Weapons drawn, the Badari soldiers exited the building, although as they went Kierce said, “MARL12 verified there’s been no intrusion onto the island. We’re alone here, which is how I like it.”
The destruction outside was astonishing to Flo. Of course she’d never seen this island in the daylight but she imagined it was similar to the one where the active lab was located. The trees, flexible though their trunks might be, were denuded of leaves and branches and unidentifiable debris, evidently ripped from the few other buildings on this island was piled high.
Sarl and Flo stood perimeter watch while Gabe and Camron checked the flyer, which they reported was fine, safely tied down to the gravity clamps and still camouflaged. Kierce and Daegan inspected the building and found no serious damage.
We should be able to ride out the rest of this hurricane here with no problem. Kierce’s report was succinct and relieved.
Darik and MARL12 worked to make contact with the northern valley and MARL Prime. Flo had an unpleasant itching in the back of her neck and a buzzing in her head while this was going on. Her vision flared pink a few times and she swore.
“You okay?” Sarl asked, eyeing her with concern.
“Yeah it’s this damn implant MARL gave me when I went undercover. I’m having him take it out as soon as this is all over. I can’t recommend the experience.” She stared up at the blue sky, not a cloud in sight. “Hard to believe we’ve got hours more of the blowing wind and rain to get through.”
“Seems unfair to me,” Sarl nodded in agreement. “I prefer the weather on the continent.”
The others rejoined them.
“I hate to go inside until we have to,” Darik said. “But if any Khagrish were to do a flyby, it wouldn’t do for them to see us running around down here.”
There was no argument on either point and the group withdrew into the lab. As a compromise, Kierce let the portal remain open for the fresh air, but posted two guards.
Darik caught Flo by the elbow, earning himself a glare from Daegan. “Sorry.” Raising his hands in the air he backed off a foot. “Megan sent a message, said your direct blood transfusion probably shouldn’t have worked but since it apparently did, she’s going to cautiously say you’re fine. She wants to do a complete physical when you get back to the valley.”
“Of course she does.” Flo laughed without much humor. “Do doctors ever say anything else? But she didn’t have any warnings about side effects or anything?”
Darik shook his head. “Gave you a clean bill of health for participating in the invasion.”
Belatedly Flo realized she could have been sidelined from the most important battle the pack had fought to date. If Dr. Garrison had said she was in any physical danger, the Badari wouldn’t have allowed her into the field.
Darik shifted from foot to foot a little uneasily. “She asked if anyone had explained the side effects of the transfusion to you.”
“Well obviously I’m telepathic now.” Flo tossed her head. “I like it, good enhancement.”
Badari blood undoes the effect of Sectors contraceptives, Darik said in her head. He was apparently speaking to Daegan as well, given the way her mate abr
uptly swiveled his head to stare at her.
Flo broke into laughter, unable to be anything but amused no end at the continuing possibilities for changes in her life. Fine time to tell us.
Sorry. The soldier did sound apologetic and he might even have been blushing a bit. It wasn’t the top subject on my mind until Megan reminded me this morning.
“Apology accepted.” Flo made a shooing motion at Darik and went to stand close to her mate. “Are you upset?” she asked, studying his face.
“To have a child with you, in a state of freedom, by our mutual choice, would be a gift from the goddess,” he said fervently. “As there’s nothing we can do about it right now, if you’re not on duty, we need to have a conversation with my enforcers now, about the coming fight.”
“We?” She was surprised.
“Hey, remember all that discussion we had earlier? Team, you and me?” He pointed from himself to her and back again. “As my mate, you need to be in on all the high level planning. And I need to let my men know we’re mated.”
Realizing he was right, and a bit chagrined not to have understood the necessity of this herself, she said, “Not to mention all the other stuff coming their way in the next couple of days. Okay, where do you want to do this?”
“Kierce is going to sit in as well, since he’s from the island and knows the situation first hand. He can speak for the northern pack now.” Daegan was matter of fact and she was glad he seemed to have accepted the loss of one of his men from his own ranks. Kierce had been given no choice in the matter by Aydarr.
The three of them retreated to a smaller conference room in the building, where a huge table had been abandoned in place, and dragged chairs from the other room. Sitting at the table with mugs of the steaming tea in front of them and handhelds in case notetaking was required, Daegan took a deep breath and sent out the call to his two enforcers, Ivokk and Rokhan.
The answer came back immediately, from the senior of the two men, in tones tinged with disbelief and joy. Daegan? How is this possible? We were told you were dead, along with Wint.
Flo wondered if she’d ever get as comfortable using the mind speech as the Badari were. For them it was as easy as vocal discussion, whereas she had to concentrate, especially if she didn’t want to broadcast to anyone other than her chosen target.
Wint is dead. I ripped his heart out for betraying me to the enemy. Daegan’s announcement was matter of fact. Then my mate rescued me from Nyddfalorr’s torture. Flo and I have claimed each other.
Flo smiled like a kid at the pride and warmth in his voice as he proclaimed the fact. Because she could visualize Ivokk and Rokhan clearly in her mind’s eye, she felt confident enough of her focus to speak to the two men. Hi, guys, Flo here.
Our congratulations! Are you somewhere in a safe location then?
She appreciated how pointedly Ivokk didn’t ask where they were. Operation security was important. Daegan’s men were a disciplined group of soldiers all right. She left it to Daegan to answer.
We are. Has anyone stepped forward or been promoted by the Khagrish to take my place? Or Wint’s?
Probably after the storm ends and we’re released from the cells. Your leaders in each pod are watching the situation. Wint had only a few direct followers and so far they act reluctant to push for elevation. No one you’d need to worry about. And you know there’s no other Alpha. One of us would have tried to fill the need but far better to have you alive.
As far as anyone replacing Wint to help the Khagrish, if a man isn’t loyal to Daegan he’s going to be in trouble. Flo’s response was harsh and rapid.
Daegan glanced at her with approval. I have a fierce mate, as you can tell. Are the two of you unobserved right now?
Yes.
No problem.
The responses came on top of each other.
Flo was an advance scout for an invasion force from the north, a combined pack led by an Alpha named Aydarr. He learned about us when he rescued Kierce from a Khagrish lab.
Now Kierce got a big grin on his face as he inserted himself into the discussion. I’m back and I’m bringing new friends with high powered weapons. Big surprise for the Khagrish when the bastards emerge from their hidey-holes after the storm ends. Their time here is over.
There was stunned silence from the other end of this strange conversation.
This gets better and better, Ivokk said eventually. What do you need us to do?
I’m going to brief you on the battle plan and then you need to get the word out to each pod. Everyone needs to be ready to go into action as soon as I give the signal but on no account can the Khagrish detect your preparations. Daegan gave the warning in deadly serious tones.
Understood. Flo could almost see Ivokk balancing on the balls of his feet, talons deployed, ready for action. But of course the enforcer wouldn’t be so obvious. He’d survived alongside Daegan in this hellhole lab, which required a high degree of cunning and deceptive ability.
Are the cubs in the usual cell block? Kierce asked. Our friends have specific plans for extracting them safely.
All as normal during a storm. It’s reassuring to hear the newcomers prioritize the young. Rokhan weighed in on the issue.
That’s one of the guiding principles of the northern pack, Flo said. The next generations are the top priority.
I like these Badari already. When there’s time I’ll be eager to hear their story and especially how they escaped the Khagrish.
Daegan reached over to squeeze Flo’s hand, giving her a big smile. I’ve been told there’s a fierce Alpha’s mate in the other pack as well, who played a major role. These human women are a gift from the goddess.
Speaking of the other women, Flo said, leaning forward, are they all right? Where are the human prisoners being held?
Ivokk’s report was a bit discouraging. We’re not sure what building they ended up in. I overheard a guard say the first building suffered storm damage and the women might be moved during the respite while the eye of the storm goes overhead.
Can you try to find out? Maybe someone can ask a guard about a specific woman? They’re all noncombatants so we want to get them clear and out of the danger zone as fast as we can. Flo’s assessment was a few of the women like Renate would be fighters, but untrained and unarmed. She didn’t want them at risk a moment longer than necessary. Fortunately Kierce had told her Aydarr agreed.
We’ll do our best. A few of the guards are more willing to talk than others. I’ll report the minute we’ve learned anything new.
All right. We’re going to brief you on the battle plan now. Daegan launched into a summary of the events to come. Flo listened quietly for the most part, as did Kierce, although occasionally one or the other interposed a comment.
We’ll be ready, Ivokk said as the conversation ended. May the goddess look with favor on us.
She already did, when she sent Flo to me. See you soon, old friends. Daegan closed the link between his enforcers and himself and drained the last bit of his tea. “Nothing to do now but wait.”
“I can think of a few things to do while we wait,” Flo said, reaching under the table to slide her hand up his thigh.
Kierce whistled and rose from his chair. “I’m out of here. I remember those early days of being mated. I’ll call if I need either of you before your next regularly scheduled guard shift.” Laughing to himself, he left the room.
Flo swung out of her seat to straddle Daegan’s massive thighs, rocking herself over the rapidly expanding bulge in his pants. “I don’t think I can wait till we get back to the bed.” She kissed him fiercely, enjoying having him caged underneath her. “Any objections?”
Wordlessly Daegan shook his head, eyes glowing. He watched hungrily as she went to close the door completely, locking it and then toed off her boots, slithered out of her clothes and came toward him in just the sexy skimpy green underwear.
Efficiently Flo undid the fastening of his utility pants, allowing his cock to spring free, hard and r
eady for action. Daegan reached for her, pushing aside the gusset of the panties as she lowered herself onto his shaft. With a grunt, he thrust upward, going deep. Flo was more than ready for him. Greatly enjoying herself, she leaned back, hands on the arms of the chair, giving him an excellent view of her body as he worked to bring them both to completion.
She thought it was crazy sexy to do this with all the other Badari so close by and with him fully dressed. She’d never been particularly daring before in her choices of spots for dalliance but Daegan seemed to bring out new aspects of her personality.
“I always wanted to do this in one of these stuffy conference rooms,” she said as they moved in unison. “With the right man of course.” Flo clung tight to him as he finished, his arms holding her as if she was encased in steel and his power pushed her over the edge as well. She made sure to keep her sounds of pleasure muted. No doubt the others guessed they were having some kind of a romantic interlude but no need to make it totally obvious.
He held her tight as the last erotic ripples spread from her core throughout her body. “Well, that was a surprise but fun. Maybe next we should try out the table—have you ever had fantasies about being ravished on a table by your lover?” His leer was intentionally comical.
Flo laughed as she hastily got dressed. “I don’t think so. I like a mattress or a sleeping bag at least under me.”
“I like watching the clothes come off better than watching them go on, although any chance to admire you is welcome,” he said, leaning on the wall and keeping his eyes fixed on her every move. “Can I expect this kind of thing to happen after all my staff meetings? I’ll be scheduling them with amazing regularity if so.”
“Don’t get carried away,” she said, fastening her boots. “I like to keep you guessing. We won’t be falling into any boring old routine. Gotta keep the predator in you intrigued.”
Daegan reached her in two quick steps and lifted her off the floor into his arms. “Consider me permanently intrigued, mate.”
Daegan Page 17
