“Take her to bed. I will wash and join you.”
He carried her under the drying unit, then followed T’kol’s orders. She curled sleepily into his arms and barely stirred when T’kol followed a short time later. Again, to his surprise, the other warrior didn’t pull her into his arms, but placed himself at her back. For a minute their eyes met. T’kol looked oddly thoughtful but he didn’t say anything. Instead he simply closed his eyes. Hisst followed him, allowing himself to relax into the comfort of a warm bed, a satisfied queen, and a brace mate close at hand.
A sharp buzzing noise woke Hisst from a pleasant dream of warm sand and even warmer female. Lissie had turned in her sleep and was now nestled against T’kol’s chest, but her lush buttocks were cradled snugly against his groin. The memory of the previous night and the overwhelming pleasure of the forbidden position rushed over him and his kradx stirred. Before he could give in to the impulse to see if his queen would consider repeating their joining, the buzz sounded again, and he belatedly realized that it was an alarm of some kind. He sprang out of bed already reaching for a weapon.
“It’s just the door alarm.” T’kol scowled. “I should have realized that it would start early this morning.”
“What’s the matter?” Lissie asked sleepily.
“It seems the stream of visitors has started.” T’kol examined his monitor and swore.
“Who is it?” she asked.
“Senior Commander T’lan.” T’kol pulled on his uniform with astonishing speed. “Perhaps the two of you should wait here.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Lissie was already searching for her clothes. “This involves all of us.”
Hisst pulled on his threadbare thermal suit, regarding its shabby appearance with disgust but determined to accompany his mates.
“I am not sure this is going to help,” T’kol said grimly.
“It really isn’t his concern,” Lissie said firmly. “What you choose to do with your life outside of your command duties is not under his control.”
“I am not sure that we consider the situation the same way.”
“He is correct, my queen. A warrior’s actions always reflect upon his queen and his brace mates.”
“You’re acting like T’lan is some kind of ogre,” she said dismissively. “I know he can be a little intimidating, but he’s really very sweet.”
T’kol choked. “I do not believe that is an accurate description, my L’chka.”
The three of them walked out into the front office, although Hisst and Lissie stayed behind T’kol. A very large Yehrin warrior was waiting. His air of command was unmistakable and Hisst found himself instinctively straightening his posture. The commander’s eyes traveled from one to the other, his face unreadable.
“I understand that your situation has changed, Commander T’kol.”
“Yes, sir.” T’kol hesitated only briefly. “You know L’zabet, of course, and this is my… brace mate, Officer H’sst.”
“I see.” The senior commander’s eyes focused on him, but he did not look disapproving as much as he looked speculative. “I assume that you are the missing warrior who has caused your queen so much distress”
“I suppose so, sir, although I did not realize that she was even aware of my existence until Commander T’kol mentioned it.” He hesitated, then added, “And she is not my queen. Lissie is my queen.”
“The commander’s eyebrow rose. “Will that be an issue for Queen Adorissa?”
“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “I do not believe it has ever occurred before.”
“You understand that we are very interested in the information she has to share. I would not be… pleased if your situation interfered with the communication between our species.”
“Of course not.” The underlying threat was only too clear and both T’kol and Lissie tensed.
“Despite your doubts about her concern for your well-being, she has already used your absence to delay any further meetings.”
Hisst frowned and rubbed his jaw. “I don’t understand her behavior. I was under the impression that she was open to sharing the information. Has your queen raised the matter with her?”
“Our queen?”
The senior commander did not seem to understand his comment and Hisst shot T’kol a confused look. T’kol nodded for him to continue.
“Which of your queens is conducting this discussion? Perhaps it would help if I talked to her.”
“We have no queens. I have been talking to your queen myself—or at least trying to talk to her.”
His shock must have been written on his face.
“You are attempting to negotiate with the queen directly? And she has spoken to you?”
“No, she hasn’t,” T’lan said grimly. “Is that why she will not speak to us?”
“I do not know for sure, but it would be most unusual for a queen to negotiate with anyone other than another queen.”
“Did you send your mate to speak to her?” T’kol asked.
“I did.” T’lan scowled. “It was not a successful visit.”
Hisst frowned. “I do not understand. Queen Adorissa should be happy to speak to another queen. This is why we made the trip.”
“She did not seem impressed by the fact that M’lee only has a single mate. She treated my mate as if she were a child.” He sighed. “As I said, it did not go well.”
“Ah, I see. A queen with a single mate is almost unheard of amongst the Icluthians.”
“Surely, she knew that the Yehrin take only one mate?”
“Perhaps. I did not realize, and I have not heard any of my fellow warriors mention it either. Only after I met T’kol did I understand that a pair bond is your chosen path.”
His queen stepped forward. “Maybe she’ll talk to me? I do have two mates after all.”
They all saw the hesitation on the senior commander’s face, but before he could speak, Lissie held up her hand.
“And before you say something annoying about me being too young, I will remind you that I studied biological anthropology. Not to mention that I have had an up-close and personal experience with Icluthian culture.”
T’lan’s eyes closed briefly. “I would infinitely prefer not to consider that last statement. However… Do you think that Queen Adorissa would speak to L’zabet, Officer H’sst?”
“A queen would never refuse to see another queen. It would cause grave offense,” he said truthfully.
“But will she negotiate with her? Although she does not wish me to mention it, L’zabet is young by our standards.”
“That is of no consequence. A queen is judged more on her standing and on her brace than on her age.”
“My standing?”
“The queens from whom you are descended.” He brushed his hand across the circular tattoo on his chest that recorded his lineage, spiraling outward from the first great queen, Queen Larissima.
Lissie gave a bitter little laugh. “I don’t have anything to brag about there. My mom ran off when I was just a kid.”
Responding instinctively to her distress, he put an arm around her, noting that T’kol had moved to her other side. The senior commander watched but didn’t comment.
“I am not sure that it would matter,” he said slowly. “The history of the queens on this planet is unknown so she would have no reason to judge your heritage. As for your brace…” He looked at T’kol and felt a surge of pride in his brace mate. “We are both worthy warriors.”
“She would not be offended by the presence of a Yehrin warrior?”
“I don’t see why she would be, although, of course, the ways of a queen are always a mystery.”
T’lan smiled suddenly, displaying a somewhat intimidating array of pointed white teeth. “I suspect that females are always a mystery.”
“We’re not mysterious,” Lissie protested. “You males just don’t think logically enough to understand us.”
“I believe M’lee would agree with you,” T’lan said
in a tone that absolutely did not convey his own agreement.
“So, what now?”
“I wish to discuss this with Commander T’gana. Assuming he agrees, I would like him to brief you on the existing circumstances.” T’lan paused and looked around the small office to the bedroom beyond. “These quarters will be a little confined for the three of you. We have the plans for the Icluthian residence, it would be a simple matter to make an additional copy for you.”
“That’s really not necessary—” T’kol began.
“If L’zabet is to meet Queen Adorissa on equal terms, it may be necessary. Review the plans with your mate—your mates—and let me know.” T’lan studied the three of them and shook his head. “These are interesting times in which we live.”
Again, he seemed speculative rather than disapproving, and Hisst decided he liked the big warrior.
T’lan headed for the door, then turned back with a grin. “I suspect my mate will be not long behind me. Be prepared for more visitors.”
Chapter Twenty
As soon as the door closed behind T’lan, Lizabet turned to T’kol and smiled.
“See. Nothing to worry about.”
He did not look convinced. “I do not know if it escaped your notice, my L’chka, but he quite clearly indicated that he would not be happy if this interferes with the discussions with the Icluthians.”
“Don’t be silly. What’s he going to do?” She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes because he looked so serious.
“He could strip me of my rank. He could force us to leave New Haven.” The color drained from her face and his eyes softened as he continued gently. “He could assign me to a campaign on another planet.”
“Another planet?” Her heart stopped. “Could we go with you?”
“You would do that? You would leave Earth?”
“Of course, I would.” She didn’t hesitate. Although she hoped with all her heart that it wouldn’t come to that, she wouldn’t let him leave alone. But neither could she leave Hisst. She gave him a separate look. “That is—”
He immediately nodded and stepped up next to her.
“We go where you go,” he said firmly.
T’kol’s eyes flashed green fire. He put one hand on Hisst’s shoulder and his other arm around her. “Thank you, H’sst. Thank you, my L’chka. I hope I never have to ask you to leave your family but the fact that you are willing to do so means everything to me. If necessary, I could always resign my commission.”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that. I know how much it means to you.”
“You mean more,” he said simply, and her eyes filled with tears. Before they could fall, he drew her closer and kissed her, tenderly at first, then more demandingly, his roughened tongue firing her senses. She felt Hisst start to pull away, but T’kol drew him back. Hisst fitted himself against her other side and began pressing kisses across her neck. Her pussy ached and her nipples tightened into firm little peaks. T’kol’s erection pressed against her stomach and she could feel Hisst bulging against her back. Just as she was about to suggest that they go back to bed, the door alarm sounded.
“Fuck. Now what?” she muttered.
“T’lan did warn us,” T’kol said ruefully. He checked his monitor. “It’s T’gana, and S’rah and the children.”
Sarah was one of her oldest friends and she loved her dearly, but right now, she wished the woman could have waited another thirty minutes. Even fifteen.
“We could pretend we’re not here,” she whispered.
“I am already quite aware that you are inside.” The deep rumbling voice from outside the door could only belong to T’gana.
“Lizzie, are you all right? We were so worried.” Sarah came rushing in as soon as T’kol released the lock, and she immediately regretted her previous wish.
“I’m fine,” she promised, as she returned her friend’s hug.
“Why did you leave as soon as you got back from college? Did something happen?” Sarah glared at T’kol, but then noticed Hisst for the first time. “I didn’t realize you had company.”
Jane and Tabby, her friend’s young adopted daughters, were staring at Hisst as well. Their brother, J’tem, already almost as tall as Tabby, scowled at him. “You’re one of them lizards. What did you do to our L’zzie?”
“He didn’t do anything to me,” she said quickly. “He wrecked and we were caught in the storm together.”
The boy studied her for a minute, then nodded, although he still looked suspiciously at Hisst. He was a miniature replica of T’gana except for his pale blue human eyes. T’gana rested a hand on his son’s head, and the boy leaned back against the big warrior.
“So, he’s going back to the Icluthians now?” Sarah asked, still staring at Hisst.
“No, Sarah. He’s my mate.” She held out a hand to him and drew him to her side.
“I am very pleased to meet you,” Hisst said gravely.
“I’m pleased to meet you too,” Sarah said politely but doubtfully. She looked at T’kol, the question in her eyes so obvious that Lizabet took pity on her.
“And T’kol is my other mate.” He, too, took her outstretched hand.
Sarah’s mouth actually dropped open and Lizabet had to suppress a giggle. She had worried that she would feel uncomfortable about introducing her males, but she felt only pride.
“Two mates?” Jane asked, her eyes wide. “That’s so cool.”
“I thought you wanted Benji,” Tabby said, scowling at her sister.
“I do, but two males would be even better,” Jane said eagerly. Sarah looked appalled, but then the girl continued, “One of them could cook and the other could wash the dishes.”
Sarah and Lizabet exchanged an amused look as Tabby shook her head. “Benji wouldn’t like that.”
“He would too.”
“No, he wouldn’t.”
“Girls, stop it,” Sarah said firmly.
“There will be no talk of mating until you are at least thirty,” T’gana added.
“Thirty? But, Daddy…” Jane wailed.
“Perhaps thirty-five.”
Tabby smiled up at him. “Or when we’s ready.”
T’gana shook his head. “Perhaps so, little one.”
“Good,” Jane said happily. “Can we go now? Benji is training this morning and I wanna watch.”
Tabby bit her lip. “They’re doing horn to horn combat. He doesn’t like that.”
“Oh, poo. He’ll be fine. Can we go, Daddy?”
“Yes, but take your brother.”
J’tem’s small shoulders straightened. “I will take care of them.”
“I know you will, my son.”
The three children disappeared, and Sarah shook her head. “I swear, Jane is eleven going on twenty-one.”
“I was the same way.”
“I’m not sure that makes me feel better,” Sarah said, but her voice was affectionate.
“You would be most lucky to have your daughter grow up like Lissie,” Hisst said firmly.
Sarah gave him a surprised glance, then nodded. “You’re quite right. Now, why don’t we leave the males to talk business and you can tell me all about it?”
“My business is with L’zabet.” T’gana limped over to her. He was so big and strong looking that she always forgot about his damaged leg until he moved.
“With L’zabet? But why?” Sarah asked.
“Apparently, I’m going to be a kind of ambassador.” She shrugged. “We’re hoping the queen will talk to me.”
“Really? Emily said she was polite but kind of, well, snooty. You know you don’t respond well to people like that.”
“I’ll just have to mind my tongue.”
Sarah’s brows drew together and even T’kol frowned, but neither T’gana nor Hisst reacted.
“I am sure you will do an excellent job, my queen,” Hisst said firmly.
“Queen?” Sarah’s eyes widened. “Oh, I have so many questions, but of course, he’s right. I’v
e always said you could do anything you wanted to do, Lizzie.”
Warmth filled her and she gave her friend another hug. “I know you have.”
“Should I leave now?”
“No, my S’rah. The first order of business is to arrange for the construction of the new residence, and I suspect that L’zabet would like your advice.”
“A new residence? So quickly?”
Her cheeks heated. “T’lan thinks it would make me more equal with their queen.”
“I suppose appearances do count. Are you going to build the same thing she has?”
Lizabet looked at T’kol and he shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy, my L’chka.”
“You are a young queen,” Hisst added. “You are not expected to make an extravagant display. Choose what you like.”
T’gana had settled himself at the desk and he brought up the plans. “This is the current residence.”
“It seems a little… big.” She studied the layout. “Maybe just the big room and the bedroom and… is that a pool?”
“Every queen must have a bathing pool,” Hisst said firmly. “For an Icluthian, it helps to maintain our scales.” Lizabet caught Sarah giving Hisst a fascinated look, but she ignored it. “In your case, it would simply be… enjoyable.”
His eyes heated and she caught his scent. She avoided looking at Sarah, sure that her cheeks were on fire.
“Then that should be enough.”
“That’s only one bedroom,” Sarah pointed out, then it was her turn to blush. “I mean, if you ever wanted some time alone?”
Lizabet gave Hisst a quick glance, but as she expected, he shook his head. T’kol was more of a question mark. Would he want his own space? She regarded him a little doubtfully, but to her relief, he, too, shook his head.
“I do not wish to be separated from you, my L’chka.”
“Looks like that will work for us,” she told T’gana.
He studied the three of them thoughtfully, then nodded and pressed a few buttons. “Work will begin immediately. Now. Shall we discuss the current situation?”
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