The orders were for him and his crew to put a stop to the Jorval’s dangerous travels through the unstable portal connecting the galaxies. Their reckless pursuit of profit threatened the stability of the entire Hellios galaxy itself.
Loz’s ship would lead an embargo on the Jorval trading planet and, if that failed, would attack and remove all traces of the technology allowing them to tear through space.
Loz nodded at the screen displaying the high Council of the Beta Galafraxian city.
“We’ll put a stop to the Jorval’s trading of human females, but my brothers and I have a personal request.”
“Personal, Commander? What is it you need?”
“One of the human females, Miss Daisy Putter…she has accepted our courtship of her and we request that she—”
“Commander!” barked the High Councillor. “Are you telling me you went against orders and engaged with one of the females when you knew they were off-limits to you and your crew?”
Loz felt Tos tense as his brother stood behind him.
Loz glared at the screen. He wasn’t even going to try to justify himself to the High Councillor.
“Yes, we did and we would do it again when it comes to our Daisy.”
The High Councillor’s jaw tightened in clear anger.
“This incident won’t be forgotten, Commander, but it can be overlooked for now due to your exemplary record. Transfer the females and you’ll get your chance with the female once you return from your mission.”
“Daisy is not to be courted.” Tos stepped closer to Loz.
“I can’t make promises other than to her safety. You know it is they who choose who courts them. If she is committed to you, then you need not worry.”
Fuck the Demos High Councillor. Tos knew as well as Loz did, at every opportunity she would be exposed to single, wealthy quad brothers eager for a submissive beauty like her. They would try everything in their power to win her over.
“Understood, High Councillor. Loz out.” Loz could feel the anger vibrating from his brother. He hit the button before his brother could explode.
“That prick is going to try and steal our Daisy.”
“Yes, he’s what Daisy would call an arsehole. I don’t want to let her go either. But you keep forgetting, Daisy is not one of our kind… She’s smart, and she has a will, and mind of her own, in the good sense. She will not be persuaded by wealth or power, as her attachment to us is deep and strong.”
Tos stilled, bringing his temper under control, taking slow and steady breaths. He met Loz’s gaze.
“I love her. My attachment is now a bond I have no control over.”
Loz saw the fear in Tos’s eyes, mirroring his own emotions.
“I’m calling a family meeting. She’s smart and needs to be informed. She will understand how it is.”
“Bex is fucking smarter than all of us, placing his trust and heart in her hands. I think we should do the same.”
They headed for the door, both intent on one destination.
“You know he’s never going to let us forget it ether.”
Loz grinned and, for once, he didn’t care. They were family, quad brothers united with Daisy as their heart. No matter what happened, it would never change.
* * * *
“How long?”
Daisy’s jaw quivered and Cir saw how she battled to stay strong, blinking rapidly to hold back her tears. He pulled her into his arms. Without question, she laid her hand over his heart and her head against his shoulder.
“The shuttle was already dispatched before I was informed. We have only a half-hour. This is a war ship, you have to understand, no place for a female. You will be safer on Galafrax.” Loz softened his tone, leaning in to stroke her head.
“Once the mission is over, we’ll be back for you. You understand how important it is to stop the Jorval. For every few women who make it safely through the electrical conduit they use, there are those who haven’t.”
“Of course, I understand. I’m no soldier, but those Jorvals have to be stopped. But still… I’m going to miss you, being on a new planet, alone.”
“The authorities will make sure you’re looked after and protected,” Loz stated.
“We’ve already requested that no one is to court you,” Tos said, “but I doubt they will listen. You are a true beauty and will draw the attention of many quads wanting you for their own.”
Her frown was fierce. “I don’t want any other but you. Try as they might, they won’t succeed – you are my one and only set of quads.”
If not for Daisy on his lap, Cir would have fallen over at the warm loving smile on Tos’ face. “We trust you, precious moonbeam.”
The others moved aside as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. Sitting on the bed together, surrounding their sheraz.
As it should be. Cir’s chest hurt at the thought of being parted from her.
“Even if you have to repeat yourself a million times, tell any suitors you have already chosen us and you are our sheraz,” Tos kept stating.
“Hey, big guy.” She moved to grip Tos’ jacket, yanking him closer when he tried to pull away from her. “If I trust you not to run off with another woman, then you need to trust me not to run off with any other quads. I know I’m yours, and it won’t change. Got it? Now I love how you’re all bossy and dominating during sex, but you don’t get to do it all the time. Okay?”
Tos’s grin was infectious. “Yes, my sheraz.”
“That goes for the rest of you. I’m no pushover.” She pointed at each one.
“Oh, really?” Cir couldn’t resist, lifting her onto the bed and pushing her down, loving the little squeaks coming out of her.
“Bully!” There was no conviction behind her protest, only affection, and it made his heart swell with pride at how easily pleased and how happy she made them. “Well, maybe I am a pushover sometimes, but only for you.”
Cir, already in love with her wide blue eyes, fell a little deeper as Daisy smiled at him. He adored the sexy smile on her lips. It made his rod so hard it throbbed painfully, but he ignored it… in this moment, caring for her, seeing her smile rose above his own desires.
He wouldn’t be able to have her just yet, but as soon as they were together again, nothing would stop him from taking her.
She shrieked with laughter as he tickled her sides. They all were smiling at their precious starlight. He pulled away and her gaze ran over them.
“What about you and Bex? You haven’t had your time with me.”
“I love that you are thinking about us, sweet one. Bex and I can wait. You are most definitely worth waiting for.” Cir gently kissed her lips.
Bex took a step back. “Hold that thought. You three, make sure the shuttle doesn’t leave until I return.”
“What are you doing?” Loz pinned him with a glare.
“Making sure our sheraz will be safe on Galafrax.” He hurriedly exited the room.
“He has your and all our best interests at heart. Bex is always the plotter and planner, and his mind works in mysterious ways.”
“Ones that make my head hurt most of the time,” Loz grumbled.
Daisy’s lips quirked up. “I’ve had sisters. I know they can be a pain, but you love them anyway.”
Loz’s eyes crinkled as they softened on Daisy.
“Again you are right, we couldn’t be without each other, as we now can never be without you in our life.”
Daisy scrambled, throwing her small frame into Loz’s arms while reaching for Tos. They surrounded her, placing kisses on her head, each taking a turn with a deep passionate kiss.
Cir wrapped his arms around her. Her blue eyes brimmed with tears as they both turned and left her quarters.
“Hey now, we’ll all be back together before you know it. Come on, and let’s get you ready. I’m thinking you should be wearing more than you are now.”
“Agreed.” Tos nodded.
A short time later Cir could see Daisy tried hard not to
laugh as she looked down at what they had wrapped her in. Cir thought it suitable for her to be completely covered, including her most beautiful white starlight hair.
“You’ve got me wrapped up tighter than a Christmas present.” Her hands in his, she cocked a pale eyebrow at them.
“Christmas?” Cir was puzzled by her human words.
“I don’t want other quads looking at you,” Tos groused.
“I’ll be fine. You worry too much, which is sweet.” How easily she placated Tos, going up on her tip-toes while pulling him down for the kiss.
“It is time.” They all felt the weight of her having to leave only grow heavier the closer they got to the shuttle bay.
Bex stood waiting just before the entrance. He swept her up into his arms with a long kiss. “I’m holding this memory until we can make better ones, beautiful moonbeam. Until then, take this.”
He pressed something into her hand. Cir craned his neck to see what it was as she opened her palm to study it.
“This is voice-activated, set to your voice tone only. If you say ‘emergency activation’ it will activate and send me a signal, so we’ll be able to find you no matter where. If you can’t and need to send us a message, press the blue button, and it will record your message and again send it. This is just in case something goes wrong.”
“In case something goes wrong. Got it… thank you, Bex. I love your mind as much as I do your big sexy body.”
Bex chuckled and, with one last woefully brief kiss, all four of them escorted her onto the waiting shuttle with the other women already on board.
Bex turned to Loz as the shuttle lifted from the bay floor, heading out through the force field into space. “We better get this damn mission over with quickly.”
Cir silently agreed, for the only thing to cure the sudden ache in his chest was having Daisy back in his arms.
Chapter Eight
Enduring a five-hour flight at high speed with a chattering Stacy, Daisy was ready to rip the woman's vocal cords out. Still, she sat there and mimicked what Stacy was best at doing when it came to her: refusing to acknowledge Daisy existed. The other women kept to themselves, huddled together, a fair amount of fear in their eyes. Who knew what these women had gone through since being abducted, sold and then rescued? She hoped at least they would find some peace of mind and security on Galafrax.
She sighed. A few weeks, away from her men. She’d focus on getting used to living on Galafrax. At least it gave her something to do during their absence.
Bex assured her they’d keep in regular contact and wanted updates of what she was doing, and how she was getting along.
Survival was the name of the game and, after surviving an alien abduction and a dangerous portal to get into the Hellios galaxy, then what was a little time away from the men who’d given her mind-blowing pleasure and stolen her heart, all in their own unique ways?
“What are you smiling about?”
Daisy blinked, glancing around to see who had spoken. Peta was glaring at her. Daisy shrugged. She didn’t want to bother even talking to them if they were only going to verbally attack, like they had done while they were locked up in the cages.
“To think I will have the choice of the wealthiest and most handsome men on Galafrax. Of course, as is their custom, I will have to make them prove they are better than the others to have me.”
At Stacy’s boast, Daisy was unable to hold in her snort and she quickly slapped her hand over her mouth. Oh, great…now twit numero uno glared at her.
“Uh, I’m so happy for you, Stacy. You deserve the best,” Daisy managed weakly.
“What do you mean by that? It’s not as if anyone will ever pay you any attention. Pale, fat cow.”
One thing for certain, Stacy was going to really fit in on this planet from what Daisy knew about Demos women. She sighed, holding in her retort and went back to staring out the small window, the stars passing so fast they looked like white streaks.
The fewer complications, the better.
Several hours later, they stood in a huge building called the Qui-Palace, according to their guard/escorts when Daisy had pressed them for information. There were four major cities on Galafrax, they explained, the major city ruled by the High Lords while the other three cities were governed by High Councillors under the watch of the High Lords.
At the grand entrance to the huge pyramid structure, they were greeted by some richly robed quads. From the gold and red embroidery down their black jackets, no doubt they were high up in the Demos food chain.
“Welcome, lovely Earth females. I am High Councillor Pot R’galas.”
Daisy’s lips quirked up. Man, she could have fun with that name. “These are my brothers: But, Myl and Lik R’galas.”
Daisy couldn’t help it any longer and, despite it feeling rather juvenile, she burst out laughing. Pot, Lik, Myl, But.
Oh, dear…
Wiping tears from her eyes and trying to recover from her hysterical laughter, she realised everyone was staring or glaring at her, especially the pompous looking set of quads.
“Sorry, carry on.” She waved her hand. “Don’t mind me.”
“We have given you all quarters and attendants to see to your every need while in our care. We hope you come to know and love Galafrax as much as we do, and consider it truly your home. There will be many parties held in your honour where we can introduce you to some of the most eligible quads on Galafrax.”
Yeah, well, that wasn’t happening. Daisy folded her arms, her humour gone. She watched Stacy and Peta preen.
“Will we get clothes, not just these rags?” Stacy spoke up.
“Of course, miss. The finest clothes makers will be at your disposal. You will have everything you desire.” Pot smiled at Stacy but his gaze slid to Daisy.
Uh-oh. She stepped behind the other five women, keeping out of sight as much as possible. “Your attendants will now show you to your rooms. Ask anything of them and we will do our best to make sure your needs are met.”
Each woman was led away by a set of demure-looking quads. Stacy was already making demands about clothes and food.
“Miss, this way.” Daisy turned to what were clearly her attendants. She smiled warmly at them.
“Lead the way.”
“Is there anything you desire?”
“Honey, as long as I have food, and a few clothes on my back, I’m golden.”
From their sudden freaked-out expressions, Daisy realised they didn’t understand what she’d just said. She sighed, missing how Bex would question her about all her sayings. Damn, how she missed her men. “What I mean is, I am not fussy as long as my basic needs are met.”
Her attendants breathed a sigh of relief. She followed after them through the majestic, lofty hallways. “So what are your names, and how did you get stuck with this job?”
* * * *
“Look, it’s nice I got an invite…but I don’t want to go to any party. I’m happy here for the time being. From what my quads have told me, you know I am not available to be courted.”
High Councillors Pot and But stared down at her, thick arms folded, making their biceps bulge. Daisy was not impressed.
“All the other females are attending. It would be rude for you not to attend. Why waste your time in here, and with this?” Pot pointed to all the plastic paper and data pads she’d asked for to learn about Galafrax. It had been easily translated into English once she’d imported the Roman alphabet into the computer. Her attendants were more than eager to get her anything she wanted.
However, when the first party invitation had come, she’d refused and stayed in her room.
This was the second one, and two of the ruling quads had come to issue it personally.
As if she’d be swayed by the top brass.
Daisy narrowed her eyes on eldest of the brothers, But. “Educating myself about your planet is wasting my time?”
Pot nodded. “Of course, you know your needs will always be met, always looked
after. You can have anything you want.”
Daisy pushed out of the chair and stood up, folding her arms. “Look, buddy, that line may work with the other women––but I prefer to use my brain rather than let someone do my thinking for me. I’m not some stupid twit you have to pamper to.”
“I really like her,” Pot added. “Smart, beautiful, and not like the other human females who have narrow waists and are thin like our females. It is no wonder Commander Loz and his brothers wanted you. Do not worry, brother, for if she does not want to attend any of the functions to be kept from possible courtship, I can be happy with that.”
“Brother?” But stared at Pot, who shook his head in that silent communication thing she was used to her boys doing. It was freaky, but she’d also seen the same kind of things with her attendants.
A chill of unease ran down her spine as she studied the Demos man before her. What is he up to?
“Enjoy your evening. And if there is any more information you want about our planet to help you feel more at home, all requests will come through us now.”
“Why? What’s wrong with my attendants? They're doing a great job.” Daisy didn’t want to lose her new friends. The Arifi brothers were sweet, talkative and kept her company when she was feeling lonely, missing her men.
“From what I hear, you hardly need any attending to, and have almost put them out of a job.” But unfolded his arms.
“We’ll make your apologies.” Pot's smile was kind of creeping her out, or was it the way his gaze swept lustfully over her body, making her suddenly desire to scrub her skin raw and bathe in boiling water?
“Uh, thanks.” She sat back down, watching the brothers give a curt bow before turning and exiting her room.
With a sigh, she stared down at her work but couldn’t concentrate. She wanted to talk to her men, but wasn’t due to see them until the next morning.
A knock sounded at the door. “Daisy?”
Her head perked up at Arr’s friendly smile as he poked his handsome, youthful face around the door. He was the youngest of her attendant quads.
Precious Starlight (Quads of Galafrax Book 3) Page 6
