The Edge of it All

by Jessica Grayson

  Running my fingers through his hair, I trace the hard, cranial ridges along his skull and feel an answering ripple move through him. He turns his attention to my other breast with more fervor and I wrap my arms tightly around him.

  Soran

  Liana caresses my sensitive cranial ridges and I groan at the sensation. The soft give of her body and her intoxicating scent are more than I can bear. The need to bury my stav deep in her core is all consuming.

  I want her on the edge of her desire with my touch, like I am to hers, so I continue kissing a trail down her abdomen until I reach her soft folds.

  As soon as I press my tongue to the sensitive bundle of nerves at the top, she gasps and arches up against me. Circling the small nub with my tongue, I press one finger into the entrance to her core.

  Each time I touch her like this, I'm fascinated by the differences between her species and mine. The muscles of her core tighten and flex around my finger. She raises her hips off the bed as she cries out my name. Mosauran females do not have any muscle here, and the first time we mated, it was difficult not to spill my seed the moment I entered her channel and she clenched tight around my length.

  I love the small sounds of pleasure she makes as I continue to tease the sensitive flesh with my tongue. She writhes beneath my attentions and I band my other arm across her hips, holding her in place as her breath quickens and she digs her heels into my back.

  The taste of her on my tongue is exquisite, and I cannot get enough as I continue to explore her. The muscles of her core begin to quiver in response as she approaches her release.

  "Soran, I want you," she pants. “I want you inside me.” I look up into her sea green eyes. Her face is flushed, and her gaze heavy is with desire as she pulls at my shoulders.

  Slowly moving back up her body, I lean down and capture her mouth. She moans low in her throat as she opens her hips to receive me. She takes my stav and positions me at her entrance. The breath rushes from my lungs as I enter, and her tight, wet heat envelopes me.

  The tight clasp of her channel is exquisite. Her muscles flex and quiver around my stav as her body adjusts to the invasion of mine. I stroke deep inside her and she arches her hips to meet each thrust, intensifying the friction between us.

  I'm breathless as I stare down at my beautiful mate. I know she is close as she calls out my name. Shifting my hips, I adjust my angle and sink even deeper into her warm, wet heat.

  A breathless moan escapes her as our bodies move as one. I love the way my name spills from her lips as I stroke deep inside her. I reach down and cup my hand to her face.

  Her eyes stare into mine, and her soft lips part as she cries out her pleasure. Unable to hold it back any longer, my climax builds within me. Blinding and consuming it erupts from my body and I cry out as my stav pulses deep inside her core. The small muscles of her channel clench tightly around my length as her body pulls every last drop of my essence deep into her womb.

  Gently rolling our bodies to the side, I wrap my arms tight around her, pulling her to my chest, my stav still buried inside her. I don’t make any move to leave her warm channel. She loves to stay connected in this way as much as I do. I enjoy the tight clasp of her body around mine and can remain this way for hours.

  Her cheeks are flushed as she gives me a beautiful smile. Running her fingers through my hair, she presses her soft lips to mine before resting her head on my bicep. She shifts slightly, and the movement stirs my desire anew, but her eyes remain closed. The even and steady rhythm of her breathing tells me she's starting to drift off to sleep.

  Running my fingers through her silken, auburn locks, I stare down at her beautiful face. She is everything to me and I will do whatever it takes to help her find her people and her world. My hand trails lightly down her back, over the thick and irregular pattern of scars that mar her delicate skin, and my thoughts turn toward Talel.

  After his comments about having allies on Mosaura, Al’aneo ordered that he be left under guard on their ship. We will go there tomorrow, and I will bring one of our Healers. They have ways of making people talk.

  Chapter 41

  Soran

  When I wake in the morning, Liana is still asleep in my arms. Wrapping my wings tightly around her, I gently nuzzle her hair and breathe deeply of our combined scent.

  "Mmmm," she mumbles softly, stretching against me before opening her eyes to give me a sleepy smile.

  "Good morning, Princess."

  She grins and nestles against me.

  I love when she does this, as if she cannot get close enough to me. So, I'm reluctant to ask her if she wants to leave the bed, but I know how important bathing is to her. "Shall I carry you to the cleansing room where we may shower together?"

  Her eyes sparkle with amusement. "Is that code for 'let's make love in the shower' this morning?"

  "If we had time, I would make love to you all morning...starting in the shower." I tuck my wings tighter around her. "But we have to get ready. Ceremonial robes are being brought here as we speak so that my mother may formally accept you into our family."

  "What made her change her mind?"

  I press my lips to hers. "You did, my Ashaya, when you stood up to her during your first meeting. Rowan and I told her all about you and how you saved us...how you saved me. You have the heart and strength of a Mosauran warrior, and you chose me to be yours. What better or more worthy mate could I have asked for?"

  A soft knock at the door is one of the staff with her new robes. Although they were hastily made, they are not too large as I'd feared they might be. The long, shimmering green fabric hugs her small form perfectly, accentuating the sensuous curve of her breasts and the taper of her waist before reaching the gentle flare of her hips.

  She is so beautiful and perfect, I want to tear the robes from her body and make love to her all over again. The only thing that stops me is Rowan arriving unannounced to walk with us to Mother's chambers.

  When we reach them, Tr'lani and Al'aneo are already there. At least my mother remembered Liana is now part of their clan, and it is only proper for them to be here when she is accepted into our family. In effect, this will form a blood alliance between Aerilon and Mosaura. Something that has only ever been done among the Great Houses but never outside of our race.

  Rokar, my mother's advisor, rushes to her side, whispering in her ear.

  She clenches her jaw and then turns her gaze to us. "An A'kai cruiser has been detected entering our system."

  Liana squeezes my hand, but her expression betrays nothing as she trains it into a stoic mask. In this, she is much like the V'loyrns—able to hide her emotions well.

  Rokar taps the console nearby, and the image of an A'kai fills the viewscreen. "Why have you entered the sovereign space of Mosaura?" My mother's voice is deep and cold as she glares into the display.

  The A'kai captain makes no effort to hide his anger. "The First Prime of A'kaina is demanding the release of his brother, Talel."

  Al'aneo glares at him, baring his fangs. "Inform the First Prime that, according to our laws, his brother's life was forfeit the moment he took my sisters as his slaves."

  The captain's glowing green eyes narrow. "We are willing to offer an exchange." He presses a button, splitting the viewscreen so that two females are visible. Two Terran females.

  Liana gasps and moves toward the display.

  The females appear similar in age to my Ashaya, but one has long brown hair with golden-brown eyes, and the other has short blonde hair with gray-blue eyes. Both of them have the same haunted look my Ashaya had after her mind was violated by Talel. Anger floods my veins, and I curl my hands into fists at my side as I struggle to contain my rage.

  Caryn gives me a surprised look, but when I whisper the word "R'ugol," she understands exactly what has been done to these females. Her lips curl back in a snarl as she turns to face the screen.

  "Release the females at once!" my mother says in a loud and booming voice, startling Rokar besid
e her.

  Liana reaches up as if to touch them through the display. "Gwen? Aria?"

  Both female's eyes snap up at the sound of their names. The one with dark hair lifts a trembling hand to the screen. "Liana? Is it really you?"

  A single tear slips down my Ashaya's face as she struggles to keep her voice even. "Yes, it's me. Don't worry. We're going to get you back."

  The A'kai captain sneers. "Only if you release Lord Talel."

  My mother lifts a dark gaze to the A'kai captain. "Done," she grits through her teeth. "But then you must leave this system immediately."

  The captain's mouth curves into an evil grin. "I will send a transport to the orbiting station, and I expect Lord Talel to be ready when we arrive."

  With a quick jerk of her head, the Empress waves at the screen and it cuts off.

  Disbelief ripples through me. "He's a monster. You cannot let him go free."

  My mother raises a hand in a silent bid to allow her to speak. With a raised brow, she smirks. "The A'kai are in Mosauran space. The possession of slaves is a mandatory death sentence according to our laws." Her gaze sweeps to Al'aneo. "I believe that is the case for your people as well, is it not?"

  He dips his head in a subtle nod. "You are correct."

  "Good," she replies. "Then, the moment we have the females, we will fire on their ship."

  Rokar, my mother's advisor, interjects. "Empress, if we do this, we risk starting a war with the A'kai."

  She turns a hardened gaze to him. "No! It is they who risk starting a war with us. They know the laws, and yet they dare to violate them. Mercy, in this case, would be viewed by the A'kai as weakness. We are Mosaurans. We fear no other race."

  Chapter 42

  Soran

  Despite my mother's insistence that Liana and I remain on the planet, I could not persuade my Ashaya to listen. Her concern for her friends is admirable, but I do not want her anywhere near the A'kai.

  As soon as we reach the station, I turn to her, staring deep into her sea-green eyes. "Please, stay close to me."

  "I will."

  Reaching for the small knife tucked into my belt, I place it in her palm. "Keep this close."

  Instead of questioning me like I'd expected, she nods and tucks it under her sleeve.

  Tensions are high as we wait for the A'kai transport to dock. Two A'kai Centurions disembark, dragging the Terran females behind them with slave collars around their necks. Low rumbling growls fill the silence as every Mosauran, including myself, glare at the A'kai. To treat others this way, especially life-givers, is abhorrent.

  Liana bristles beside me.

  Baring his teeth in a show of displeasure, Talel is dragged from Al'aneo's ship by Aerilon soldiers. His eyes burn with anger as they meet my Ashaya's. "I will have you. You think you are safe, but there is nowhere you can go that I will not find you." His gaze sweeps to mine. "You think she is safe with you here, but you are mistaken. We have allies within your Empire that want to see your mother's reign end as much as we do."

  It takes everything I have to not kill him right now. But knowing he and his people will be dead as soon as they return to their ship is enough to help me maintain my control.

  When the A'kai release the women, the Aerilon reluctantly free Talel. Several guards track his movements carefully, their blasters pointed and ready to fire if he tries to attack as he stalks past them.

  The females look to Liana, tears in their otherwise broken expressions. As soon as they are handed over to the Mosauran soldiers, Liana releases my hand and goes to her friends. Fierce protectiveness rushes through me, but I force myself to stand back, not wanting to crowd them. My mate will signal me when she wishes me to come to her.

  As she embraces them, the females break down. The one with light hair releases a pitiful and agonizing wail as tears flow like rivers down her face.

  One of their Mosauran escorts, Tharin, appears as anguished as they are as he watches their reunion. As my gaze scans over the rest of our warriors and the Aerilon that surround us, it is easy to see that they are as equally affected by the females' agony.

  Despite the trauma they have no doubt endured, the dark-haired female turns to thank the Mosauran warriors that retrieved them. How terrible must the A'kai have treated them that they would not look upon my people with fear?

  We watch as Talel and the two A’kai Centurions board their transport, sealing the door behind them.

  All eyes then turn to Al'aneo. His gaze shifts to his soldiers as he speaks into his communicator. "Now."

  The station tremors beneath our feet as the Aerilon ship's cannons fire.

  A deafening boom splits the air as the fiery impact engulfs the A’kai ship, breaking it apart into a floating mass of destruction.

  Bracing myself for the secondary assault on Talel's transport, I look to Al'aneo in confusion when I don't feel another explosion.

  His eyes go wide as he looks toward the docking ring, crying out to his men as the doors slide open. Like a nightmare, everything shifts into slow motion as Talel and the two A'kai emerge from their vessel. Fire burns in their eyes as they charge our soldiers.

  Able to move with lightning speed, I watch in horror as Talel splits from the others, charging straight for the Terrans.

  Fangs bared, he rushes past two Mosauran warriors. One of them manages to cut his arm with their sword, but it does little to slow his advance.

  My pulse pounds in my ears as I race toward Liana.

  She pulls the two females behind her to shield them.

  I cry out for her to run, but it's already too late.

  Talel reaches Liana, and she cries out as he slams into her smaller form.

  I howl with rage as he locks his arms around her in a deadly embrace.

  Out of the corner of my vision, I see the other two A'kai have already fallen—taken down by blaster fire.

  "Stop!" Talel yells as every weapon turns on him.

  Everyone stills and falls silent. Positioned behind Liana, his hand is wrapped around her throat in a dangerous hold.

  Rage burns through me like fire as a low growl rumbles deep in my chest. "Let. Her. Go."

  He glares at me. "Never."

  Her eyes find mine, and instead of fear behind them, I see anger tempered with steeled determination.

  Forcing myself to focus beyond my blinding panic, I realize she knows this hold. We've practiced it many times during our sparring sessions.

  Light catches my eye as it reflects off the knife, just barely peeking out from under her sleeve. Her knuckles turn white as she grips it firmly in her palm.

  Talel is already dead, and he does not know it.

  Clenching her jaw, her nostrils flare as she draws in a steadying breath. With perfect form and fluid grace, she twists free of his hold. Grasping his hair, she takes advantage of his shock and jerks his head back, exposing his neck. In one swift movement, she pulls the knife across his throat, cutting deep and true.

  Obsidian blood bursts forth in an explosive spray, gushing down the front of his chest. His eyes are wide in disbelief as he grips his open throat. Liana grits through her teeth as he meets her gaze. "You will never hurt anyone again."

  He drops to his knees before collapsing to the ground in a pool of dark blood. My Ashaya, looking every bit as fierce as a Mosauran warrior, steps over his body to return to me. I pull her into my arms, releasing the breath I hadn't realized I was holding until now. My mate is safe, and I send a silent prayer of thanks and gratitude to the Creator for sparing her this day.

  All eyes are on my Ashaya with looks of awestruck admiration and wonder. Although they'd heard rumors of her strength and her bravery, this is the first time my people have witnessed it with their own eyes.

  This brave, fierce female chose me, and I am full of immense pride as she takes my hand, displaying for all to see that I am hers, as she leads me to the two Terran females.

  The trauma they have faced is unimaginable, and I'm certain it will be a long
time for them to recover. Aerilon and Mosauran Healers greet them, and I listen with pride as Liana explains that my people and the Aerilon are honorable and that they are safe in the care of our Healers.

  When she lifts her gaze to me and explains that I am her "husband,”—the Terran word for "mate”—the females' eyes widen in shock before one of them extends her hand in the greeting that is customary of their people. She gives me a watery smile. "It is nice to meet you, Soran," she says, and I'm astounded once more by the strength of Liana's people. They may appear similar to V'loryns, but their hearts and minds are as resilient and fierce as any I have ever met.

  Chapter 43

  Liana

  Although it has only been a week since I killed Talel and the A'kai cruiser was destroyed, it feels much longer than that.

  Tr'lani wraps her arms around me, and I return the embrace as tears well up in my eyes. She gently runs her fingers through my hair. "I will miss you, my dear sister. You must promise to come visit me."

  "I promise."

  Al'aneo steps forward. "Our people have already begun looking for yours. Hopefully, we will find both your crew and Abby's."

  "Thank you," I hug him. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

  "It is the least we can do until the formal alliance is signed." He levels a frosty gaze in the direction of the Empress before turning his attention back to me. He still has not completely forgiven her for the less than welcome reception we had when we first arrived. "If you are ever made to feel unwelcome in your new home, all you need do is send a message to us on Aerilon, and we will come get you as quickly as possible. You are part of our clan, and you will always have a place among our people." He looks to Soran. "Both you and your mate."

  Tr'lani gives me a sad look. "It is hard to leave you, Liana. I wish you and Soran were coming with us, but I know you are eager to find your world. The star charts here are much more extensive than the ones we have on Aerilon."