“I’m interested in the concept, not experiencing it firsthand.” Despite the conviction in her claim, she relaxed against him, inhaling his scent. “Will each participant have more than one male to choose from?”
“More than likely.” One of his hands slipped from her arm and settled at the small of her back, drawing her even closer. He didn’t care that they stood to one side of the bustling concourse. Let the others stare. “She’ll be given a prioritized list of all her potential mates as well as detailed information on the best matches.”
She eased back, lightly shifting away from his hands. “What makes one mate better than another? Shouldn’t that be her decision?”
“It is her decision. The computer simply provides information. She’s free to choose anyone on her list.”
“Or no one at all?”
He sighed. He hadn’t meant to delve this deeply into the specifics. But Raylon hadn’t insisted she be returned to Earth and she’d already seen the outpost. Her exposure couldn’t be undone. Still, they would be wise to control how much she revealed and when she revealed it. “Before any of the females are given access to Lunar Nine, they’ll be required to sign a six-month contract. If the contract expires and she still hasn’t found a male she’s willing to bond with, she’ll be returned to Earth.”
“Six months?” She scoffed. “She’ll have six whole months to decide if she wants to get married to an alien?”
Her sarcasm drew his inner savage closer to the surface. He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her to his cabin on the Intrepid. He’d spend the next three days showing her the persuasive power of a Rodyte male. “It usually happens in a matter of days.”
She looked up at him then quickly averted her gaze. “Why does the purple part of your eyes keep lighting up?”
“If we were alone, my love, I’d show you why.” Desire roughened his voice and sped his pulse. Whether she was willing to admit it or not, their courtship had already begun.
Chapter Four
Heat cascaded through Lexie’s body as the sensual threat in Kaden’s tone registered. “But we’re not alone.” Using the reminder to bring herself back to reality, she motioned to the busy concourse. “Which one is the Intrepid?” Her heart still thudded and her mouth was dry, but she refused to let their attraction control her actions. She didn’t want a mate, even one as arousing as Kaden.
“That one.” He nodded toward the cluster of ships not far from where they stood and she easily identified their destination.
They climbed the gangplank and passed through a full-body scanner. The guards snapped to attention when they spotted their commander. They scanned her backpack, yet unlike when they entered the outpost, no one questioned her.
With the now familiar rounded shape and matte-gray color, all the corridors looked the same. “Can you arrange for someone to take me home?” She knew the answer, but had to ask.
He looked at her, though he kept on walking. “They’d just have to turn around and bring you back when Rex Dravon returns. Or are you ready to step back and let me rescue Libby?”
“Not a chance.” She squared her shoulders. The only way to ensure that something was done right was to do it herself. “I’ll sleep wherever you can find room for me.”
His dark brows arched nearly to his hairline. “Most of the men on this ship would be happy to make room for you. Of course, I’d have to kill anyone who touched you. So I think I’ll keep you close.”
She stopped walking and glared at him. “I’m not sleeping with you.”
“How we spend our time is entirely up to you, but the only cabin available to you is mine.”
“How convenient.” She pivoted back around and strode down the hallway. At the next intersection, he caught her elbow and steered her to the left. They came to an elevator bank and another scan was required before the lift accepted Kaden’s voice command. Apparently, the entire deck was restricted.
As they stepped off the elevator, Libby staggered to a stop. Straight ahead was a double-doored entrance. Off to each side, the corridor was lined with laboratories. The labs were surrounded by transparent walls, allowing the compact areas to feel more spacious. The room straight ahead, however, had traditional walls, constructed of the same gray alloy as the corridors.
“Is this your cabin?” She motioned toward the doors.
“It’s the largest of our three clinics.”
She looked up at him and narrowed her eyes. “But I’m not sick.”
“And I’d like to keep it that way. I should have insisted you have these inoculations before I let you off the ship.”
They stepped into a room that looked more or less like a human ER. Curtained off areas surrounded each treatment station, but floating beds and holographic displays quickly reminded Lexie she was on a spaceship.
A dark-haired man in a gray uniform hurried over to greet them. His smile seemed genuine and the rings in his eyes were a pale shade of green. Like the other Rodytes she’d met, he was handsome and fit, though he was much smaller than the soldiers she’d seen.
Kaden swept his hand toward her and spoke in English. “This is Lexie Ward. Lexie, meet Doctor Darrin Mintell, medical director of the transformation program.” They exchanged smiles, but the doctor made no move to shake her hand. “She needs the standard inoculations for human visitors.”
The doctor nodded then motioned to his right, and responded in English. “Please wait for me in exam room four.” He took a few steps then stopped and turned back around. “Does she want translator nanites?”
Kaden looked at her. “Do you? It will allow you to understand over one hundred popular languages and give you the ability to download from a library of thousands.”
Tension coiled in the pit of her stomach. Being able to understand them was tempting, but this was alien technology, and it would mess with her brain. She didn’t even like human doctors. “Is it safe for humans?”
“Every human up here has Rodyte tech of one sort or another,” the doctor told her. “There have been no adverse reactions.”
Feeling very much the squeamish chicken, she shook her head. “I don’t plan to stay long. I think I’ll pass.”
Kaden’s disappointment was obvious, but he didn’t immediately object. Instead, he took her hand and led her to the curtained off area. “The offer stands.” He paused to set her backpack down. “If you change your mind, it’s a simple procedure. This search might take longer than either of us hopes and understanding our language makes everything easier.”
“I appreciate it, but for now my answer is no.”
Before Kaden could reply, the doctor returned with a small tray and an instrument that resembled an auto injector pen. “Hop up on the table for me. It’s standard procedure to establish a baseline for every patient.”
“I’m not your patient,” she objected, though she climbed onto the end of the treatment table and sat.
He smiled. “If I give you this injection you are. The scan is noninvasive and only takes a moment.”
“She needs a blood test too.” Kaden’s tone was casual, but his eyes communicated an import Lexie didn’t understand.
Apparently, the doctor wasn’t sure either. He looked at Kaden in confusion.
“The standard blood test for human females?” Kaden coached.
“All right.” Lexie held up her hand. “What does that mean? What sort of blood test are you talking about?”
Kaden heaved a sigh of frustration. “You’ve been identified as my potential mate, which gives you the right to know the identity of your other genetic matches. You’re under no obligation to act on the information, but it’s our policy to provide it to you.”
“Will the men be notified?”
“Only if you agree to participate in the program,” Mintell assured her.
“What happens if I don’t want to know?”
Kaden’s shrug seemed forced. “Then don’t look. We still need to run the test.”
The doctor
approached and quickly administered the inoculation. It was almost over before she realized he’d begun. She waited for a second pin prick, but the doctor showed her the back side of the injector. A separate reservoir was now filled with blood. “It injects and extracts simultaneously to minimize pain.”
“Cool.” Which meant he could have taken her blood without telling her. Again she was impressed with battle born integrity.
“Please lie back.”
Dr. Mintell offered his hand, but she ignored it, feeling a little rebellious. Moments after her back touched the table, a multi-layered holographic image appeared above her. Each system in her body was visible in full color and three-dimensional details. If it had been anyone else, she would have been fascinated. But feeling her heart beat in time with the pulsing of the image made her feel horribly exposed.
“This is creepy,” she whispered.
Mintell made several adjustments to the display then activated a series of scans. “All done.” He offered his hand again and she allowed him to pull her up as the image faded. “It will take just a minute to process this. If you really don’t want to know, you don’t need to wait.”
She thought for half a second then admitted, “I want to know.”
Kaden was scowling openly by the time the doctor left. “I thought you weren’t interested in finding a mate.”
His obvious jealousy pleased her just a little. “I’m curious. Relax.”
He crossed his arms over his chest and fell silent, but his disapproving expression said it all.
Dr. Mintell returned a few minutes later with the Rodyte version of a tablet computer. It was paper thin and flexible enough to roll up. He handed the device to Lexie with a smile. “Take it with you if you like. If you scroll down past the list, there is information about each male.”
She scooted off the exam table and pressed the tablet against her chest. “Let’s go.”
“You’re seriously not even going to look?” Kaden grumbled as he picked up her backpack.
“Not yet.” She shrugged. “Maybe not ever.”
“And maybe not while I’m with you? Is that what this is about?”
She made a face and handed him the electronic sheet. “The names probably mean more to you anyway.” She’d noticed that there were six names as the doctor handed her the tablet, but she had no idea who any of them were.
“Figures.” He handed the tablet back to her and whipped the curtain out of his way.
Confused by his hostile reaction, she hurried after him. “What figures?” She glanced at the names again and noticed that three of the six all had the same last name. “Lux. Are these men related to you?”
“They’re my brothers.”
He didn’t slow his pace and she had to jog to keep up with him as he stalked down the corridor. “Is that common? Are brothers frequently compatible with the same female?”
They stepped into the elevator and he told it where to take them before he answered her question. “It’s not surprising when you think about it. We have the same parents, came from the same gene pool.” The elevator stopped moving and the door opened. He led her out into the corridor and motioned to their right.
“Did you recognize the other three names?” He didn’t even look at her as he made a beeline for his cabin, her backpack bouncing against his side. At least that was where she presumed he was taking her.
He stopped in front of a door at the end of a short corridor and waited for the scanner to confirm his identity. “Renatu, Pfetinor Lux,” the computer greeted as he ushered her inside.
He tossed her backpack onto a nearby chair then spun toward her and charged.
She cried out in surprise as he backed her against the nearest wall. Her arms came up between them, but he grabbed her wrists and drew them above her head. “There are a few things you need to know about Rodyte males. We’re possessive, aggressive, and we’ll do anything to protect those we care about.”
“You can’t possibly care about me. We just met.” Though she sounded perfectly calm, her heart raced and her knees shook. The purple rings in his eyes were glowing again and they only lit up when he was riled—or turned on? She hadn’t figured out exactly what ignited the fire in his eyes, but it was definitely emotional in nature.
He ignored her objections and lowered his head until their lips just touched. “Rodytes mate for life, and we know our mates instinctively.” His mouth moved over hers in a teasing hint of a kiss. “You’re my mate, Lexie. And I’m yours.”
He didn’t give her an opportunity to disagree. He tilted his head and took possession of her senses. His scent wrapped around her and his taste filled her mouth. His tongue teased while his lips caressed. She couldn’t catch her breath, couldn’t push him away. Not that she really wanted to escape him.
By the time he released her mouth and let her take a deep breath, her head was spinning and her nipples tingled. Not to mention the distinct ache now pulsing between her thighs.
He rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. “I have to protect you. Even if you reject me, it’s my duty to keep you safe.”
“I know.” She panted helplessly, her blood racing through her veins. “That’s why I’m sharing your cabin.”
“It’s more complicated than that.” He eased back and looked at her. “The only way to ensure your safety, beyond this cabin, is to mark you with my scent.”
She cringed then shuddered. “That better not mean what I’m imagining.”
“I just need to touch you and kiss you.”
She could sense that there was more, so she simply arched her eyebrow and waited for him to explain.
“We need to be naked for enough of my scent to transfer.”
A nervous laugh burst from her, but she wasn’t sure he was joking. “I’m not getting naked with you or anyone I just met.” She tried to duck under his arm, but he didn’t allow her retreat.
“This is serious. If I don’t mark you, we won’t be able to use any of my crew to rescue your sister. Having an unclaimed female on a mission is a dangerous distraction.”
“If I’m so dangerous, why didn’t Dr. Mintell jump me? I’m pretty sure he’s Rodyte.”
“He has a bonded mate. His response to you would have been very different if he were single.”
The conviction in his expression sent panic surging through her body. She would not have sex with a stranger, regardless of his justifications, or how skillfully he kissed. “You’re full of shit.” Empowered by her anger, she shoved him backward and darted away. “You expect me to believe that single females never mix with single males on Rodymia?”
“On Rodymia, unbound males have outlets for their desires. Most of the soldiers here haven’t even seen a female in years.”
“And they can’t control themselves well enough not to attack me? That’s ridiculous.”
He scowled then relaxed his features. “It’s not a matter of control. I’m not worried that they’ll ‘jump’ you. I’m concerned about their focus. Regardless of their discipline, you are an inescapable distraction. I refuse to take the chance when the mission is so important and the solution so pleasurable.”
“I’m not having sex with you.”
“I’m not suggesting that you do. I’m well aware of your reluctance. All marking requires is skin-to-skin contact. On my honor, I will ask nothing more of you tonight.”
If he kissed her and touched her while she lay naked in his arms, he likely wouldn’t need to ask for more. She’d never reacted to a human the way she reacted to Kaden. The man was too damn tempting. “Zilor has a mate. What about your other friends, the ones who claimed human females? Can’t we ask them for help?”
He approached slowly this time. Though he seemed much calmer now, the rings in his eyes still glowed. “What are you so afraid of? Didn’t you enjoy our kiss?”
“You know I did.” Her voice turned high and squeaky, so she took a deep breath. “That’s not the point.”
He raised his arm
and wrapped his long fingers around the back of her neck. “I’d never hurt you. In fact, I’d lay down my life to protect you.” His thumb stroked along her jaw then slid up onto her cheek. “Those aren’t just hollow words. It’s a sacred vow.”
She leaned toward him, then realized what she was doing and pulled back. “I won’t be ‘claimed’ by any man. My life is my own. I’ve worked hard to make it that way.”
A slow disarming smile parted his lips. “I’m not asking for forever. I just want to kiss you.”
She closed her eyes again as heat spread through her body. “How naked would I need to be?”
“We can both leave our underwear on if it makes you feel more secure.”
“Some sort of weapon would make me feel more secure.”
His thumb brushed over her lips and amusement filled his voice. “My scent will protect you better.”
“Can I have a drink first?” She turned to the side, dislodging his hand and disrupting the building tension. He didn’t reply immediately, so she opened her eyes.
“You can have anything you want, as long as it’s in this cabin.” He added the disclaimer with another grin.
Desperately needing a distraction, she looked around the room. She stood in a living room that adjoined a small eating area. The bedroom must be through one of the two doors. Everything was compact and orderly, yet the flow of rounded furniture and arched doorways created a sleek, minimalistic elegance. Textured decks kept her boots from skidding and she suspected that the matte-gray walls could turn into anything Kaden wanted to see. Rodytes didn’t seem to use dedicated displays. They just projected images onto any semi-flat surface.
He crossed to the eating area and stood in front of an inset device that resembled a microwave oven. His voice command—which she couldn’t understand because she was too paranoid to accept translator nanites—activated the device. Moments later two wineglasses appeared, filled with a deep red liquid.
He picked up the wineglasses and handed one to her. “This is Bilarrian blood wine. You had two glasses earlier, so I presume you like it.”
Spy Page 8
