by Laurie Roma
“They didn’t do anything, so don’t yell at them,” Alexis ordered, wiping at her eyes. “I’m sorry I bothered you guys. I’m having a harder time controlling the bond with my hormones going haywire all the time.”
She gasped as Xavier plucked her out of her seat as if she weighed nothing. He sat down, holding her on his lap as he stroked a gentle hand over her hair. Galan bent down at cupped her face. “Never hide your feelings from us. We just do not like to see you upset, sweetling.”
“What is wrong, my love?” Thorn asked.
“I was just telling my friends I felt bad that we had to leave your home world because I wanted to go back to Earth.” She turned to the screen and explained, “I sort of freaked out when I discovered Arcadians are only pregnant for five months.”
“There is nothing to feel bad about. It was our fault for not telling you sooner,” Brydan said through their bond as he leaned down to press a kiss to Alexis’ lips. “Our home is with you.”
“I’m sorry I reacted so badly. I just want to give birth where I can be near my friends.”
“Then that is where we will go,” Xavier said with conviction.
“I love you...all of you,” Alexis said, then smiled as all four of her mates immediately responded with their own declarations of love. Her brows creased as she looked around. “Hey, who is manning the controls?”
“Katra.”
“No, she is not,” a tall, gorgeous Dragon Warrior female said as she strode into the room. Her long black hair flowed down to her waist and she wore a black leather-like vest with matching black pants, making her look both formidable and sexy. She braced her hands on her hips, and her glowing silver eyes narrowed as she glared at the males in the room. “Alexis has made it clear she wanted girl speak with her friends without your interference.”
“It is girl talk,” Thorn corrected. “Katra, you should be in the control room—”
“No, you should. Actually, it is Galan’s turn.” Galan growled at her, but Katra growled right back, then she turned to the screen and waved, smiling brilliantly as she sat down next to Xavier and Alexis. “Hi, there. You must be Skylar and Serra. I am Katra, sister to Xavier and Galan.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Skylar and Serra said as one.
Katra turned to look at the males in the room. “Now it is time for you males to leave. Galan, you go back to the control room, and the rest of you should go elsewhere while your mate speaks to her friends.”
Galan growled again, then he threw his hands up in the air, giving in. His expression softened as he leaned down, pressing a kiss to Alexis forehead before stomping from the room. As soon as he left, Katra turned to Thorn and Brydan. She and Thorn glared at one another while Brydan disappeared from view. When he returned, he was carrying a large glass of pink liquid.
“Drink this, Lexie,” he said. “This is your favorite.”
Alexis took the glass, then reached up and held onto his hand. “You’re so good to me.”
“You can be good to me later,” he said with a wink before he left the room, pulling Thorn out the door with him.
Skylar watched the show on screen and hated herself for the envy she felt when she saw the love that Alexis had found with her mates. It was clear that all four males loved Alexis completely, and Skylar realized she wanted that. It gave her a moment’s pause to know she did have two males who wanted her...but could it be more?
Could they have the kind of connection she was witnessing if she gave it a chance?
Arik had proved to her that she was more than just a pretty face to him. To be the keeper of his heart meant having a deeper bond with him than she could comprehend, and there was a kind of profound comfort in knowing he would always be there for her, no matter what.
She was a little more apprehensive about being with Dom. It was difficult to imagine having a relationship with him when he was her commanding officer and a naturally dominant force. She wanted a true partner in life, and the worry that he would never see her as an equal was part of the reason she had never pursued anything with him...until now.
Skylar’s attention was drawn back to the screen as Xavier snarled viciously at his sister. “I am not leaving.”
“You are a pain in the ass.”
“We should have left you at home,” Xavier growled as Alexis coughed to cover her laughter.
“You tried. That did not work so well for you, did it?” Katra let out an exaggerated sigh. “How is Alexis supposed to complain about how you upset her if you are in the room?”
“Why are you upset?” Xavier asked Alexis, immediately concerned. “I do not like it when you are upset, and it is bad for our youngling. You will stop it at once.”
“You cannot order her to stop being upset.” Katra turned to look at Serra and Skylar on screen. “Are your human males as stupid as ours are?”
“Yes,” Serra confirmed before she could think.
Xavier scowled at them, then turned his focus back on Alexis when she said, “I’m not really upset anymore. I just want to talk to my friends. I miss them.”
“Then you shall speak with them, but I will remain here holding you,” Xavier declared, his large hand splaying protectively over Alexis’ rounded stomach. “Just pretend I am not here.”
“Like that could ever happen.” Katra rolled her eyes, then addressed Skylar and Serra. “I am excited to travel to Earth. I have always wanted to see it with my own eyes, and I have never met any human males, so that should be exciting.”
“Nay, you will not be meeting any human males,” Xavier snarled.
Katra glared at her brother. “I thought you were not here.”
“I am if you are talking crazy like this. You are too young to be thinking about mates, and certainly not human mates.”
Alexis frowned. “What’s wrong with humans?”
“I am thirty-five years old,” Katra said, exasperated, ignoring Alexis’ question. “I have not mated yet because that has been my choice. But when I do find someone that interests me, you will have no say—”
“The hell I will not!”
“Again, you are a pain in the ass!”
Alexis turned to the screen, her violet glowing eyes shining with amusement as she spoke to her friends. “Don’t mind them. They argue like this all the time.”
Serra studied Katra on screen. The Dragon Warrior female was ten years older than her, but she knew for a race that could basically live forever—if not killed by some extrinsic force—Katra was just a baby in her brothers’ eyes. She cleared her throat, hoping to change the subject. “Actually, I did have something to ask Xavier. I believe Jax sent you a message about—”
“Aye, he did,” Xavier confirmed. “And nay, I will not be accepting the role of Chancellor for your Ministry of Nations.”
Alexis gasped. “But I thought you said it was a good idea?”
“It is, but not for me.” His voice softened as he stroked a finger down his mate’s cheek. “Galan, Thorn, Brydan, Katra and I are in agreement. You should be the one to take the position.”
Alexis blinked in surprise and spoke to her mate mind-to-mind through their bond. “Me? But I was just an officer when I was with the Alliance. I can’t—”
“Nay, there is nothing you cannot do. You are a Dragon Warrior, mated to four strong warriors who will stand with you. You will do us proud,” Xavier responded emphatically, then turned to the screen. “Tell your mates it shall be Alexis, or to find another to join your Ministry.”
Serra smiled. “I’m sure Jax will be very pleased, just like I am. Alexis will make the perfect Chancellor for your people. She also has the advantage of knowing how the Alliance works.”
“And what doesn’t.” At Alexis’ questioning look, Skylar explained. “There’s just been a lot that has been going on.”
Serra didn’t feel the need to hold back, and told them everything that had been happening—from the Council of Regents decision regarding Skylar, to the case they were working on
dealing with the xili drug. Sheer outrage flickered over the faces of the Dragon Warriors by the time Serra’s explanation was complete.
“I know you told me about what your mother had done to you the last time we spoke, but I never thought this would become a bigger issue. If this xili drug is being sold on the black market, thousands could be at risk!” Alexis exclaimed.
“Which is why we are on a mission to track the seller and stop them,” Skylar said. “If those two plants were stolen to use as a base to mass produce this drug, then we’re in big trouble.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out in time, but now onto more important business. I have to ask...Sky, what the hell are you waiting for? Why haven’t you bonded with Dom and Arik yet?”
“Wh—what?” Skylar was caught off guard at the blunt way Alexis had honed in on the heart of the matter.
“I know you feel something for them. Those two are all you talk about whenever I call, so I have to wonder why are you holding back? Dom couldn’t make it more obvious that he wants you unless he started pissing circles around you, and Arik has made it clear you are his keeper.”
“It’s...complicated.”
“What isn’t? I can’t believe the council is making you bond even though they gave you exempt status, but that shouldn’t be the reason you hold back from moving forward with Dom and Arik now. We know you, Sky. You’ve always had a problem letting people get close to you. Even Serra and I when we wanted to be your friend back at the Academy. Am I wrong? Or are you just not interested in Dom and Arik?”
Skylar opened her mouth, prepared to tell her friends that things had changed in the last twenty-four hours, but something made her hold back. What happened between her, Arik and Dom had been special. Too special to share. She felt a driving urge to protect the memories of what she experienced with both of them, even from her best friends.
Sure, he’d been furious when the council had given her their ultimatum because it had made her feel helpless, and that was something she couldn’t abide.
However, the realization that she could be dangerous altered the situation.
Skylar didn’t want to lose control of her abilities, nor did she want to unintentionally hurt anyone. If bonding would help her regulate her abilities, then it wasn’t something she could ignore. But she didn’t want just anyone...she wanted Dominic and Arik. Maybe the situation had forced her to accept her feelings for them, but that didn’t mean it made her decision any easier.
“I am interested in them, but we have a lot of issues to deal with before anything can be settled between us.”
“You’re afraid.”
“I am not!” Skylar snapped as glare at Serra, who simply shrugged.
“You’re afraid of dealing with your past if you join with Arik, and you’re worried about what will happen if you commit to Dom. Bonding is a scary thing. It means your life is no longer your own, but what you aren’t factoring in is all you gain from having two people you can trust to be there for you no matter what. I felt the same apprehension when Jax and Sully claimed me. Now, I can’t imagine what I would do without them.”
“It’s the same for me, Sky. Being with my mates hasn’t always been easy,” Alexis said, ignoring the low growl Xavier let out. “But I’m happier with them then I ever have been, even during the hard times. Don’t let your pride get in the way of love. I can attest that it is the most important thing in the entire world. There’s a part of you that fears depending on someone that much, but I don’t think Arik or Dom will let you down if you give them a chance.”
“This is also an issue of your safety, Skylar. Part of the reason you’re in this predicament is due to the fact you have neglected your own needs.” Serra continued before Skylar could stop her. “Because Skylar is half Tarin, she needs to be able to balance her energy levels in order to stay healthy. Some do that through fighting, but that doesn’t work as well as sexual release—”
“For the love of...damn it, can everyone stay the hell out of my sex life?” Skylar shouted. “First the Regents, now all of you. It’s really starting to piss me off.”
“Your Regents suck,” Xavier muttered, remembering back to his own encounter with a former Regent who had tried to arrest Alexis after they had mated.
Alexis kissed his cheek, amused by his use of human slang. “They aren’t all bad.”
Katra’s glowing silver eyes were filled with conviction when she said, “Males have no place telling any female when they should mate, just as I told my own fathers.”
Xavier frowned. “What is this? When did you tell them that?”
“Our fathers tried to get me to mate with sons of their friends.”
“But they accepted it when you said nay.”
“No, they have not. They keep pressuring me, so...” Katra’s chin tilted up defiantly. “They should be figuring out my final answer right about now.”
“What?” he exploded. “You left Arcadia without telling them? You told me you had their permission!”
“I had mother’s permission, but none of that matters,” Katra snarled back. “I decide my own fate! No one else.”
The siblings glared at one another, and Xavier visibly struggled to rein in his temper. “I will allow you to accompany us on our journey to Earth because I do not believe you are yet ready to mate with anyone, but you should not have left without telling anyone. I insist you call our fathers and mother to tell them where you are...now.”
She grumbled as she stood up, but Xavier grabbed her hand before she could leave. “Katra, we would not allow you to be forced into a mating. All you had to do was tell us and we would have spoken to our fathers for you.”
“You should not have to talk to them in order for them to back off, but I appreciate the gesture.” Katra sighed and leaned down to press a kiss to his temple, then repeated the gesture with Alexis. “He may be annoying at times, but I do love my brother.”
“He has his moments,” Alexis said with a smile then yelped as Xavier playfully nipped her ear with his fangs.
Once Katra left the room, Xavier turned his glowing silver eyes back to the screen. “Skylar, we will grant you sanctuary with us if you are being forced to mate against your will.”
“What?” Skylar, Serra and Alexis gasped as one.
“As my mate’s friend, you are important to her, therefore you are important to us,” he said simply. “But I fear that will not solve the issue of your abilities growing more unstable.”
“Thank you for the offer, but I...” It took Skylar a moment to recover from her shock. Xavier’s offer had been so unexpected that she had no clue what to say. A few weeks ago, hell, even a few days ago she would have been thrilled by Xavier’s offer, but now, the thought of accepting and never seeing Dom and Arik again made her heart clench. “I can’t.”
Xavier curtly nodded, as if he had been expecting her refusal. “The offer stands. Both of you will always have our protection if needed.”
“Thank you.”
Alexis’ head titled to the side as if she were distracted. A second later she said, “Galan just informed us that we are flying near a meteor shower, so we’ll be losing communications for a bit. I’ll try to call again in a few days. Oh, and Skylar? Stop being so damn stubborn and go get your men.”
“Hey—!”
Skylar’s voice was cut off as the call ended. Alexis shifted on Xavier’s lap when he chuckled. “What?”
“You are devious, mate.”
Her glowing eyes sparkled as she asked, “Whatever do you mean?”
“You know exactly what I am talking about. We may be flying near a meteor shower, but it is not affecting our communication systems yet. You dropped the call, but I figure you had already accomplished your goal. You set your friend up.”
Alexis slowly smiled. “No. Serra and I did. We know Skylar. There is nothing she hates more than being called a coward, so we figured we’d give her a little friendly push.”
“Little one, it is dangerous to pla
y with people’s feelings.”
She sobered as she regarded him. “Skylar is in love with Dom and Arik. I truly believe that, or I never would have agreed to do it. She’s been alone for so long, Xavier. I just want her to be as happy as I am. I love you.”
“And I love you, little one. Come now, let me take you to our sleeping chamber so you can rest,” Xavier ordered as he stood with her in his arms. “Our youngling has tired you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, cuddling closer. “What if I don’t want to rest?”
“Then we shall find some other way to occupy our time.”
Alexis laughed as her mate carried her out of the room. What she’d said was true. There was no better feeling than loving and being loved in return. And she wanted that for Skylar. Alexis loved all four of her mates completely, and knew that Serra had found her own happiness with Jax and Archer. Was it devious what she and Serra did? Of course it was, but it was the kick in the ass that Skylar needed.
Now, it was up to Skylar to go after what she wanted.
***
Chapter Seven
Skylar spent the rest of the afternoon pissed off.
It hadn’t taken her long to figure out what her friends had done after the call had ended and Serra had left. That call had been an ambush.
A well meaning one, but it was an ambush all the same.
They knew how much Skylar hated being called a coward. It had been that way since Skylar had first arrived at the Academy. Back then she had been pretty out of control. The instructors had worried about her, since she had basically arrived with no history. She had been the girl with no memory, and because of that she had no one to help her through the difficulties of fitting in with the other children.
Skylar had learned quickly that the best way to protect herself was to keep others at a distance. But then she had met Serra and Alexis. Serra’s genius status had set her apart from everyone else, making it almost impossible for her connect to others her age. Alexis helped bring Serra out of her shell, accepting her for who she was. As an infertile female who had been looked down upon by scrolls and whose family had basically thrown her away, Alexis had forced herself to be stronger and more independent than other female elites. She and Serra had known one another for almost two full years before Skylar had met them. At first Skylar had been suspicious of their offer of friendship, but the three of them had bonded over their misfit status.
