Love By Command

by Lacey Thorn

  My tears burned away as anger took over. I grabbed my file, mumbled thanks and took off as quickly as I could. I deserved to be an Enforcer. Yet, now that I’d finally reached that rank, I didn’t feel validated. The shirts were mine, the title was mine, but for some damn reason, I couldn’t get past the thought I’d earn both of them on my back or my knees or any other position my Alphas came up with. Suddenly, my happiness dimmed, and I knew why Lt. Certze had looked so wary. He knew how much this meant to me.

  I took a deep breath. They’d all underestimated me, though. I was a damn good fighter. Plus, I’d picked up a thing or two from Emma along the way. I might not be at her level, but I’d still managed to beat her a few times. I was more than capable of the task ahead of me. The powers that be might all feel as if they were doing me a favor. So it was up to me to show them just how fucking prepared I was.

  Chapter Two

  “Two hours!” Mandy exclaimed.

  I glanced at the digital readout on the wall unit. “Closer to an hour now.” My one stop had turned into several and eaten up way too much time.

  “I’m so excited for you, Soph! Enforcer! I just wish Emma was here to see this.”

  “I know.” But I knew Emma had known, from the moment she’d given my name to the Liege Commander, that I’d say yes. Mandy and Emma sometimes knew me better than I knew myself.

  “Are you packed? What do you need? Where are you being sent? How long?”

  “I have no idea when I’ll be back or where exactly I’ll be going. I just heard Enforcer.” Not the truth but good enough for Mandy to buy and let it drop.

  “Oh, Soph.” Her laugh filled the air of our commons and had me a little teary-eyed again.

  I would miss her. I’d thought we’d always be together. Then Emma had left. Now me. It felt scary and exciting all at once.

  I turned and pulled Mandy in for a hug. I squeezed her tightly, and a few of the tears spilled over as emotion choked me.

  “I’m going to miss you,” I whispered.

  “I’m going to miss you, too,” Mandy countered softly.

  When we finally parted, both of us had wet cheeks. At that moment, I wanted to forget the confidentiality papers and spill it all to Mandy. What was expected from me, the quad squad and how the brass hoped this would lead to more such units. I wanted to tell her what I’d found out about Emma. I had little doubt Mandy would have exactly the words of wisdom I needed to hear. But I couldn’t, and I knew it.

  “Promise me you’ll go out. Don’t keep holed up in this room. Go dancing. Take in a show. Do something. Anything.”

  Mandy nodded, but I knew her too well. Left on her own, she’d stay in our rooms with her devices—namely the handheld she used to decipher and work with codes. At least, she would unless I forced her to give me her word.

  “Promise me. Say the words, Mandy.”

  “I promise. I won’t just stay in our quarters.”

  “Good. Now, help me throw some stuff together. I’m down to forty minutes.”

  “First thing is to take off that Jr. Enforcer shirt and put on one of these nice new ones.” Mandy held up one of my new Enforcer shirts.

  I couldn’t get the material up and over my head fast enough. As soon as my old shirt hit the floor, Mandy dropped my new uniform top over my head. It fit like a glove, as if it had been made just for me. It probably had since most Enforcers weren’t my size and definitely didn’t have my bust line.

  “You did it, Soph,” Mandy whispered.

  I bit my lip to hold back all the doubts and fears filling my mind. I hadn’t made it yet. I was expected to bond with three Alpha males and form a unit with them. What if we failed? I was sure they’d keep their Alpha Enforcer status, but what about me? Would I be stripped back down to a Jr. Enforcer? Or would I get the boot from the entire program? I still hadn’t looked at the papers Lt. Certze had given me.

  One glance at the clock and I shoved it all deep inside. There was no time for those emotions now. I had to hurry.

  “Sit down. Talk while I pack for you.” Mandy could always see what I tried to hide.

  “I’m just nervous, you know.” I let what I could tumble out. “What if I screw this up? What if they decide they made a mistake with me?”

  “Soph, you’ve worked hard for this almost your entire life. I’ve seen you in the training room. None of the guys here want to spar with you. You’re tough. If anything, your shorter stature leads others to misjudge you. You’ve always been able to use that against them.”

  I nodded, but there was so much more to this. What if there was no sexual chemistry between me and the three Alphas? I’m all about sex, but there has to be a mutual desire in play.

  “Soph, what’s going on?” Mandy closed my bag and set it beside me on the bed. I had no idea what she’d packed in there, but it didn’t matter.

  I shook my head. The truth wanted to tumble out, so I just kept my mouth shut.

  “You had to sign a confidentiality agreement, didn’t you?” Mandy probed, obviously knowing something was up by me being silent.

  I nodded.

  “Is this about the new program the Liege Commander is starting up?”

  I shrugged. I didn’t know what programs Mandy might have information on.

  She leaned in and whispered her next question in my ear. “The Alpha Program?”

  I jerked back. “How do you know about it?”

  “Please.” She shrugged, holding up her hand and blowing on her nails. “I break codes for a living. I know all about this program. I’ve been working on some of the finer points of it for the Liege Commander.”

  Something must have shown on my face.

  “My goddess. Emma’s in the first group, isn’t she?”

  I just nodded.

  “And you’re the female for the next phase?”

  More nodding on my part.

  “It pisses me off they’re taking advantage of your dream to get volunteers for this program, but if Emma was in the first one, she probably gave them your name.”

  Did I mention Mandy was the smart one?

  “Don’t let them rock your confidence, Soph. You can kick ass with the best of them. No matter the requirements, you didn’t earn Enforcer status with sex. If that were the case, any number of women would have been in the running. I know for a fact, there were only two being considered, but I didn’t know names. I should have guessed you were one.” She glanced at the clock. “You have to go. If I’d known, I could have told you so much more. As it is, just understand this. You’re exactly what this program needs. Remember who you are. Don’t take any shit from these guys just because they have an ‘A’ with their tigers.”

  She grinned, grabbed my hand and pulled me up for another quick hug. “I’ll walk with you to the end bay. I think your best choice is to take your time. Make sure the Alphas respect you as an Enforcer before you jump in. If they don’t, make them. You’re one of the toughest women I know. Don’t let your confidence lag now.” She was right, and those were the words of wisdom I’d needed from my friend.

  We reached the last bay far too quickly, and Mandy gave me a tight hug.

  “I believe in you, Soph. You’ve just got to remember to believe in yourself.”

  “Go out, Mandy, or I’ll recommend you for the next phase of this program.”

  Mandy snorted a laugh and shook her head. “Be safe, Soph. I love you. Give Emma my love if you see her.”

  “I will. Love you, too. I’ll be back, Mandy. Promise.”

  She nodded but didn’t reply, and it made me wonder what she knew about this program that I didn’t. She gave me a wave, backed up a couple steps then turned and charged down the corridor as if in pursuit. My heart panged, missing her already.

  I paused for a moment then went the rest of the way down the corridor on my own. I stood alone at the south bay doors, bag in hand. My heart beat as if it were trying to pull free of my chest. My stomach had taken residence in my throat. I let my eyes close and to
ok a deep breath. I could do this. I would do this.

  “Heading in?”

  The deep voice made my eyes flash open and automatically lock onto the male who’d uttered them. He was gorgeous. I spied the Enforcer shirt first—a tiger marking him as an active Enforcer and an “A” following it to proclaim his Alpha status. Please, goddess, let him be one of my guys!

  “Yes.” My voice might have been a little huskier than normal, but at least, it didn’t squeak.

  “I’m Xanthus.” His name suited him. He was all golden from what skin I could see to the shade of blond hair on his head. “Are you Enforcer Burrelis, by any chance?”

  “I am.”

  “In that case, we’ll be getting to know each other fairly well over the next few weeks.” His smile was breathtaking as he moved even closer. He dwarfed my five-four frame, but I was used to that. I’d purposely worn shoes that wouldn’t add inches to my height.

  I wanted to lean in, to lick any part of him I could reach and see if he tasted as good as he smelled.

  Mandy’s plan stopped me.

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I held my hand up toward his chest, keeping space between us.

  He took it slowly then bent and kissed the backs of my fingers. I could have sworn I felt the quick flick of his tongue there.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too…” He let his words trail off as he met my gaze.

  “Sophia.”

  “Sophia.” He nodded as if he enjoyed my name. “May I take your bag?”

  “I’ve got it. Thanks.”

  He just nodded again, and together, we entered the south bay. He didn’t seem to resent my being there. But he was attracted to me. I could easily tell that by the bulge in his black pants. He wanted me. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I wanted him, too. But I needed to follow Mandy’s advice and make sure we were all on the same page first.

  I walked quietly beside him. He seemed content with the silence and didn’t try to engage me in more conversation. We came to a set of doors. He opened them and waved me in, following so fast I felt the brush of his body against me before he moved once more to my side.

  “We’re in the last shuttle on the left.”

  I followed him in the direction he’d indicated. It was a large shuttle, and I reminded myself to show no fear. Confidence. That was me.

  He opened the door, and I stepped inside. Two men immediately rose and turned toward me. Holy mother! My pussy was wet and ready, just looking at them. What was it Mandy had said?

  “Gentlemen, I’d like you to meet Enforcer Sophia Burrelis. She’ll be working with us from now on.”

  “Radek.” The shortest of the three stepped forward first. He had brown hair and dark-green eyes. “We’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”

  Okay…that wasn’t what I’d expected. Where were the comments about my freshly minted Enforcer status?

  “I’m Kain,” the other male said. His voice was as deep and dark as the rest of him. Hair, skin, even his eyes seemed to be ebony. He stepped into me. His heat and scent surrounded me. It made my mouth water and my pussy clench with desire.

  “Kain,” Xanthus said, and even I heard the warning in his tone. Kain moved back. I met their gazes, holding each a moment while I waited. But they just watched me. No questions. No anger, unless they were far better at hiding it than most. They seemed excited and ready to start getting to know each other.

  “Where should I put my bag?” I broke the silence first.

  They all looked at each other, but once again, it was Xanthus who spoke. It seemed he was the leader of this trio.

  “There’s only one sleeping quarter onboard.”

  Well, wasn’t that interesting? Nice play by Command to encourage bonding.

  “Maybe, one of you could show me around the shuttle?” I’d been on Emma’s shuttle a time or two before she left on her most recent mission, but hers was much smaller than this one.

  “I’ll show you.”

  They all spoke at once, making me smile. The lift of my lips seemed to ease them a bit, and I realized they were looking at me to decide how to proceed.

  “Thank you.”

  Radek led the way, while Xanthus walked beside me and Kain stayed tight on my rear. They surrounded me, and it made me visualize what it could be like when we were all sexually engaged. It made me long for that moment. These three had me more than willing to drop Mandy’s plan and jump to it, but pride kept me on course.

  “How much did they brief you on?” Xanthus asked.

  I looked at him, but before I could answer, Radek spoke.

  “Please tell us they told you about the quad unit and what’s expected of us.”

  They just looked at me. It dawned on me that their biggest concern right now was how much I knew about this quad squad we were pioneering. I wished I’d taken the time to at least scan through the papers I’d been given.

  “I know about the quad squad, and what they’re hoping will occur between the four of us.”

  “But?” Kain asked, shrugging when I glanced at him. “I sense a ‘but’ at the end of that.”

  I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Stick to the plan or go with the flow? The chemistry was there. For all of us, it seemed. So what should I do? Well, I’ve always been more of a go-with-the-flow type.

  “No buts.”

  “Are you sure?” Kain asked, but I saw the question reflected on the faces of Xanthus and Radek, as well. One word from me and we’d see just how well we all meshed sexually. One word that would change everything. I took a deep breath, nodded and said it.

  “Yes.”

  Needless to say, we headed straight to the sleeping quarters. My bag was dropped just inside the door. Kain moved in toward me, but I held up a hand.

  “Maybe, we should know more than each other’s names?”

  “But we do know about you,” Kain all but purred.

  “We’ve been watching vids of you since we were recruited for this trial,” Radek offered.

  “You’ve got some serious skills, Soph.” Xanthus shortened my name to what my friends called me. Had that been part of their briefing? Wait. They’d been given vids of me?

  “How long have you known about this?”

  They shared another of those looks then Kain answered. “A few weeks, give or take.”

  “Since the triad unit was created,” Xanthus added. “They were already looking for volunteers for the next one.”

  “We were the lucky ones chosen,” Radek said while his gaze ran up and down my body. “Very lucky indeed.”

  “I was just asked to take part a few hours ago. I know virtually nothing about any of you. You’ve seen me fight?” Where had those vids come from? I hadn’t been aware of any being made. What exactly did they show?

  “They only asked you a few hours ago?”

  I nodded at Kain’s question. “So what exactly could they have told you about me when they hadn’t even spoken to me yet?”

  Xanthus laughed. “It seems you were a sure bet as far as they were concerned.”

  “Well, there aren’t that many female Enforcers, and I’ve seen none who are as skilled at fighting as Soph here.” There was pride in Radek’s voice, as if we were already bonded.

  They’d been told I was already an active Enforcer? Why was I always the last to know things?

  “What would you like to know about us?” Kain asked.

  I didn’t know. Xanthus was removing his shirt, and the sight of all that bronzed flesh made me feel a little warm myself. He caught my gaze and lifted his brow. He ran one hand over his chest and down to his rippling abs, stopping just above the waist of his pants. My eyes followed that hand, just as I’m sure he’d planned. There was no missing the bulging cock behind his zipper.

  “Or we could talk after we get to know each other better.”

  Xanthus’ words washed over me like an erotic shower, painting vivid pictures in my mind. I reached for the button on my pants and popped it free before tuggi
ng my shirt loose.

  “Talking’s overrated.”

  My words unleashed them. Kain pressed me into the wall, taking the hem of my shirt and lifting it over my head. I raised my hands to help him then found them captured and held by Radek as soon as the shirt was gone.

  Kain molded his hands to my breasts and squeezed each globe.

  “I knew you were beautiful, but seeing you takes my breath away.”

  Radek’s words made my heart stutter. He lowered his head until his lips met mine. His tongue traced my bottom lip, and on my gasp, he dove inside. His tongue embraced mine, taunting it into an erotic dance that had us rubbing and tasting one another.

  I felt my pants being tugged down my hips and over my thighs to land in a pool at my feet. Another pair of hands made quick work of my bra. Cool air blew across my nipples then hot breath. The firm grip of lips and the first tugging suck sent a jolt of pleasure straight to my pussy.

  My pants caught on my shoes, and I heard Xanthus curse as he went to work removing my black boots with my pants now in the way.

  Radek pulled back from the kiss, allowing me to take a deep breath while he ran his lips and tongue over my neck. He didn’t release my hands, and I was desperate to touch the men in return.

  Kain went back and forth between my nipples. Sucking. Licking. Nipping them ever so gently. Just the way I liked it, craved it. At this rate, I’d have an orgasm before Xanthus managed to remove my pants.

  “Radek,” I moaned. “Release my hands.”

  “No.” His voice was deep and commanding. “I like you bound and at our mercy.”

  Warm air fanned across my belly. My shoes and pants were gone, leaving me in only my panties, which were sheer black, leaving nothing to the imagination.

  “Let us show you how good it can be between us.” Xanthus’ voice sent shivers across my skin. I felt his breath just seconds before he placed a hot kiss on the gusset of my panties. I shook with need.