3013: SALVATION (3013: The Series Book 5)

by Laurie Roma

  He smiled. “We don’t need to wait. This is for us, and I’ll wear your mark with pride.”

  He handed her the marking device and after configuring the settings, she held up the device and ran it along his neck and left side of his muscular torso, marking him as her bonded with a thick scrolling design that had her initials displayed prominently in the center of their combined ones. When the tattoo was complete, she set the marking device down and reached out to stroke her fingers over the mark that now showed he belonged to her.

  “Speaking of families, I have another request.”

  She let out a nervous laugh. “I let you claim me, what more do you want?”

  Dom picked up the small box he’d brought over to the bed and opened it. Skylar’s eyes went wide as she looked at the gorgeous ring that was nestled inside. It was a perfect square diamond set in an unusual black metal band. “I know it’s not the norm now, but it’s a Stryker family tradition for the first born male to give this diamond to his woman to wear. Each man has a different setting made, so the previous owner can have a different stone set in the ring after the diamond has been passed to the next.”

  “It’s...I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it. A few weeks after I met you, my mother gave it to me. It’s like she knew you were the one for me. I had it placed in this setting so it wouldn’t catch on anything while you're working. The metal is Tarin ore, one of the strongest materials in the universe and I thought it was fitting for me to give to you.”

  He took her shaking left hand in his and slid the ring on the proper finger. It fit perfectly. “Dom, I don’t know what to say.”

  He curled her fingers with his own so they could both look down at the ring. “I’ve imaged that on your hand a million times, but I never realized just how much I needed to see it on you until now.”

  When she raised her head, he could see her tear drenched eyes shining like twin blue stars.

  “I love you.”

  Gently reaching up, he stroked her hair back from her face. “See? It gets easier, doesn’t it?”

  She smiled. “It does. Maybe in a few years I won’t feel like I’m going to pass out every time I say it.”

  “I hope it doesn’t take that long,” Dom said with a laugh. He glanced at the clock on the nightstand and sighed. “I’m still not happy you are going down to Avox without me tomorrow, but we should get some sleep.”

  “Not yet.” This time, Skylar was the one to lean in and press her lips to his. She wanted to taste his joy, to drink in his laughter and get drunk on it.

  With a strangled groan, he pushed her onto her back and she opened to him, wrapping her legs around his waist to draw him closer. He slid into her welcoming warmth with the ease of coming home. It felt so right, so perfect that she had to blink back tears of happiness, overwhelmed at the absolute contentment that enveloped her.

  This time their lovemaking was filled with tenderness, both of them taking and giving pleasure until they were moving as one. Raw energy gathered in her core as he drove them closer and closer to climax, but this time she welcomed it. Sharing it with him so they both rode the waves of ecstasy it brought them. And when release came, she gasped and clung to him as she felt him empty himself inside her.

  “Love you, baby,” he whispered gruffly, his voice filled with emotion.

  “Love you, too.”

  Skylar knew it was true. She could feel it in every fiber of her being. Closing her eyes, she basked in that love and drifted off to sleep. And for the first time in longer than she could remember, she didn’t fear the future...or the past.

  ****

  Avox was a small planet on the outskirts of Alliance territory.

  It was a world comprised almost all of water, making it an unlikely place for humans to try to colonize once space travel to distant planets had begun. In the last few years, it had been by accident that visitors on Avox realized that the combination of the brilliant blue water and the bright, white sun created an almost curative atmosphere for humans, making this once insignificant planet a destination of interest.

  The creatures that lived within the waters of Avox were asexual beings that resembled mermaids of legend, with no hair and blue-gray-tinted skin. It had been thought that the creatures on Avox didn’t care who visited their world, until more and more people started to arrive.

  The Avox lashed out at the visitors that tried to take over their world, using deadly claws and razor-sharp fins to fight, but the real worry was the lethal venom of their bite that could kill a man within seconds. The strange thing was, the Avox only attacked the men...never women. They seemed to have a fondness for the companionship of women, making Avox the perfect sanctuary for females of all races.

  When it was discovered that the Avox communicated telepathically to one another, a complex system had been created to communicate with the creatures using a converted translation unit. The Avox could swim into a special underwater docking station, where they were able to speak telepathically into the translation system that allowed humans to hear them. Through this complicated communication platform, a truce had been reached between the Alliance and the Avox.

  There were now three floating stations that housed those who called Avox home. Two were mainly used as laboratories for scientists to work on classified projects with little interference, while the primary station was set up as luxurious resort run by the women who had sought sanctuary on the planet. The men brave enough to stay on the world remained indoors as much as possible, but for the women, it was like living in the heart of the fountain of youth.

  The few men allowed on the planet had to be presented to the Avox as belonging to one of the women to be granted permission to stay. Because they functioned with a collective mind, all of the creatures knew who was allowed to be there and who wasn’t. The Avox weren’t seen often, but they were fierce in their protection of the females they granted sanctuary to, and would attack any man they saw who didn’t belong there. Despite the fact the Avox lived underwater, there was no mistaking they had complete control of their planet.

  When the shuttle launched from the Stargazer and started its descent to the surface, Skylar forced herself to focus on the mission instead of the male sitting next to her holding her hand. It was such a small gesture, but it was an intimate one she had never done before. She had been worried about how Arik would react to seeing that Dom had claimed her the previous night, but he had simply smiled. He’d stroked a gentle finger over the mark that graced the left side of her face near her eye and she’d heard the emotion in his voice when he’d spoken.

  “My love, I am so proud to see our mark on you, and humbled that Dom included me in this declaration.”

  “We’re a trio,” Skylar had said, pleasing him.

  “Not yet, but we will be. Soon.”

  He had leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, then they’d had to put their personal matters aside and get ready for their trip down to the planet surface.

  After their shuttle set down on the landing pad, the doors opened and Skylar had to shield her eyes against the bright sun. She inhaled the salty air, realizing that the air on Avox was thicker than what she was used to, but after a few deep breaths she was able to acclimate to the change quite easily. The sky was a light blue, but the bright-white sun made it almost impossible to see as it shone down on the brilliant blue water, making it sparkle like a million jewels.

  A female elite officer met their party as they walked down the walkway, and frowned when she realized there were five people embarking instead of the three that had been previously cleared.

  “Stop. There are only three of you cleared to land.”

  Commander Matt Malloy, the head of the Strike Force Team stationed on the Stargazer stepped forward. “And as I informed your commander here on the base an hour ago, there is no way in hell I’m going to let the chosen of High Commander Spartan and Archer, and the chosen of Ambassador V’Dir and Director Stryker
go anywhere without personal guards. Me and Officer Perez go where they go. Deal with it.”

  The female officer backed up from the ferocity in his voice, not knowing how to proceed.

  “People skills...get some,” Skylar whispered. Serra, Arik and the other Strike Force Team member chuckled while Malloy glared at her.

  “I have skills...they just don’t include putting up with bullshit.”

  “Well, I guess we should go inside while we get this sorted out,” the female officer said nervously.

  “Let’s do that,” Commander Malloy said, leading their party off the deck behind the officer.

  Once inside, Skylar was surprised when she looked around. It didn’t look like any other Alliance station she had ever seen. Although the structure had been built for defense, it was still a tropical paradise that was every bit the resort it was praised for being.

  Her perusal was cut short when a woman wearing commander’s bars strode over to them. “Welcome to Avox.”

  “Commander Jessup, they were only cleared to have three in their party—”

  Commander Rachel Jessup’s head snapped to the side to glare at her officer. “If you had bothered to check the updated report, their security detail was cleared by me personally.”

  “But Commander, Director Whitmer said—”

  “I don’t care what the Director said. Serra Spartan-Archer is a friend to the Avox, and when I spoke to their representative they agreed to allow her security detail to accompany her.” Commander Jessup’s eyes narrowed. “I will deal with you later. Now, go away.”

  The officer scurried off, and Commander Jessup’s attention returned to the group. “I’m sorry about that. Officer Marciano is new at this outpost.”

  “I’d send her back wherever she came from,” Malloy remarked dryly, making the Commander grin.

  “I just might. Again, I’m sorry I wasn’t here to welcome you myself. I just spoke to one of the lab techs and she informed me that Dr. Whitmer-Fields and her two assistants are conducting a time-sensitive experiment right now in one of the labs. They will be available for you to speak to in a few hours. Until then, Serra, the Avox wish for you to enjoy the amenities of the resort. While the ladies take advantage of the spa in the area that is off limits to men, perhaps the rest of you would like to join me in my office. Your message was pretty cryptic as for your reasoning for being here, and I would like to know if something is going on at my station.”

  “Why don’t I join you for that?” Skylar said, feeling slightly panicked at the thought of going to the spa with Serra.

  “Nonsense, it would be rude to pass on such a kind gesture by the Avox,” Serra said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

  Skylar glared at her then turned it on Arik as he added, “I think you should enjoy the spa as well, Skylar. Since you didn’t have the opportunity to on New Vega. We can fill the Commander in on the situation.”

  The traitor!

  Before she could blast Arik with a response, Commander Jessup called a woman forward. “I’ve arranged for Deidre, the resort manager here, to show you around.”

  Dressed in a flowing gown the color of lilacs, Deidre was a beautiful woman with long flowing black hair and golden skin that seemed to glow in the light. Skylar could tell immediately by Deidre’s pure black eyes that she was a Tarin female, but they were warm with welcome as she spoke.

  “Greetings,” Deidre said to Skylar and Serra, ignoring the men completely. “It would be my pleasure to attend to you ladies while you visit. Please follow me and I will show you the way to our spa facilities. I apologize, but it is for females only.”

  With a sigh of resignation, Skylar cast once last glance at Arik and saw the humor shimmering in his iridescent blue eyes. Promising to make him pay for that later, she followed the Tarin woman across the room where she entered a code into the keypad by the secured door. Serra took Skylar’s arm, pulling her through the entrance after the doors slid open.

  “Don’t worry. I won’t try and make a run for it,” Skylar said dryly.

  Serra’s bright laughter echoed in the hallway they were walking through, making it sound like tiny bells. “I didn’t think you would.” She tapped the claiming mark near Skylar’s eye with her fingertip. “I believe congratulations are in order. What better way to celebrate than a day at the spa?”

  “Can’t we just have a drink or something instead?” Skylar complained as they were led into another wide open reception room at the front of the spa area.

  Serra chuckled again. “We can do that, too. I’m so happy for you, Sky. Dom and Arik are good men. I know you will be happy with them.”

  “Really, shouldn’t we just go with the others for the meeting?”

  “No. This part of the resort is for women only and is protected by the Avox. We’re safe here, and we have to wait for the doctors to finish what they’re doing anyway.” Serra rolled her eyes. “Think of it as doing recon if it helps you relax.”

  Strangely enough, it did help.

  “Excuse me for a moment. Please, have a seat and I will be back momentarily.”

  As Deidre left them, Skylar and Serra entered the relaxation lounge to wait for her. The room was filled with several women, some at tables together chatting, while others were sitting quietly reading or just enjoying the breeze coming in through the wide open windows. While most of the females were Tarin, there were a few that were obviously human. Conversations stopped as the all the females eyed Serra and Skylar curiously, but they soon lost interest and went back to what they were doing.

  Skylar and Serra sat down on chairs made of a gel-like material that fit to their bodies as they sat. It made Skylar feel like the damn chair was trying to eat her. To distract herself, she glanced around, then had to fight back a shudder. She thought the room had some sort of strange underwater feel to it. Unlike the main reception area, this time the decor had a purely feminine feel to it. The soft pastel colors that she imagined were supposed to be calming, but left her feeling completely out of place.

  “So, tell me what happened last night.”

  “No.”

  Serra laughed. “Not that part...unless you want to, of course.”

  “I really don’t.” Skylar gave in as Serra’s eyes bore into her. “I let Dom claim me last night, I mean, we claimed each other. But I still haven’t...you know, with Arik yet.”

  Serra blinked in surprise. “That man has amazing control. To know you slept with Dom and yet be able to hold back enough to come here today? Wow. I’d think he would be even more impatient to claim you since he’s never had sex before. Still, I’m glad that you and Dominic have finally taken care of your sexual release—”

  “Seriously? Can we please not talk about my sex life in front of random strangers?” Skylar hissed, looking around to make sure none of the other women were paying attention to their conversation.

  Deidre joined them again, smiling brightly. “I have arranged for both of you to enjoy our sensual package since I understand you have both been claimed recently. Please, follow me.”

  Resigned, Skylar stood and joined Deidre and Serra as they made their way into the changing area. She noticed that Deidre kept sending covert glances her way. She’d finally had enough and asked, “Is something wrong?”

  Deidre blushed. “No. I apologize.”

  “No problem. If you want to ask me something, go ahead.”

  “It’s just...you are an elite, but I sense Tarin energy from you. But that doesn’t make sense because your eyes are such a beautiful blue.”

  Skylar wanted to tell the woman to mind her own damn business, but she couldn’t bring herself to verbally lash out at the woman. It was odd, but simply standing next to the woman Skylar was able to tell that Deidre was sweet and gentle. She’d always had the ability to pick up on strong waves of energy from people before, but this took no effort to sense at all.

  It simply was...and this new change worried her slightly.

  “I’m half Tarin,” Skyl
ar explained. “My eyes, that I have no explanation for.”

  “My son is a hybrid, but he has eyes like mine,” Deidre said. “But his energy feels a little like yours...harder to get a read on. My consort and I worried our son would not be accepted by humans because he is so obviously part Tarin now that he is in the Academy.”

  Skylar knew exactly what she meant. “Is your consort an elite?”

  “Yes, Martin is one of the security team here. I met him after I was granted sanctuary.”

  Before Skylar realized what she was doing she said, “Send me your son’s information. I’ll look him up when I get back to Earth and see how he’s doing.”

  Tears glistened in Deidre’s dark eyes, making them look like shimmering pools of liquid mercury. “You would do that?”

  Skylar fidgeted uncomfortably. “Sure. It’s really not a big deal.”

  “But it is to me and my man. Blessings to you,” Deidre said fervently. She surprised Skylar by taking her hand and holding it up to her forehead as she bowed. The gesture stirred something in Skylar’s memories, but it faded like a wisp of smoke before she could catch it.

  “Well done.” Serra’s pale-green eyes were filled with approval as she looked at Skylar when Deidre stepped away to give them a few minutes of privacy to change.

  “Stop it,” Skylar ordered as she turned away to start undressing. “Let’s get this crap over with so I can get back to stopping interplanetary disasters in the making.”

  “You’ll enjoy yourself. Trust me, this will be fun.”

  Skylar shot her a look that said she didn’t believe her. She hated doing these female rituals that other women seemed to love. Usually, she found a way to get out of participating, but this time she was stuck. Oh well, she thought.

  Really, how bad could it be?

  ***

  Chapter Nine

  It was worse than she’d ever imagined.

  “No, absolutely not. I’m done. Do you hear me? I am drawing the line. No more.”

  Over the last few hours, Skylar had endured things she never wanted to experience ever again. Why people did stuff like this willingly, she would never know. She had to admit the hot stone massage was nice. She had enjoyed that part.