He wasn’t.
Blood dripped from his neck and shoulder. Tears blurred her vision. The pain from her legs and cuts on her arms finally hit her full force, and her last sight was the still, gray form of the man she loved.
* * * *
Stars, everything hurt. Fallon tried to pry her eyes open, but the light seemed like a laser through her head. Voices were raised, and some argument appeared to be going on over her.
“I don’t give a shit what Earth Central claims. She saved us all.” Michael Tarune’s voice was firm and loud.
“The fact is that she almost killed—” A woman’s voice stated coming from the left side of her bed.
“You don’t know the facts,” Michael insisted. “Wait until my report. Damn it, she’s a hero, and we need her.”
A hero? Now, she really wanted to get her eyes opened. She blinked and gasped when the pain ripped through her head. She turned her head to stare at the woman who insisted she’d been responsible for the bomb.
Dr. Jenia Carstairs. Tears clogged her throat. Matthew’s mother believed she’d tried to betray the colony?
Her throat hurt, but she managed to croak out the most important word. “Matthew?”
Michael’s gaze met hers. “He’s unconscious. You’ve both been badly hurt.”
“How badly?” Her hand jerked toward Michael to clutch his sleeve. Matthew couldn’t die. Life wouldn’t be worth living.
Michael’s hand covered hers. “He got a bad knock on the head, but I think he’ll survive.”
She blinked, tears gathered, and her vision blurred. “Don’t let him die,” she whispered.
“I won’t.” Michael squeezed her hand. “Rest. I’ll send the doctor in.”
He placed her hand on the bed, but she grabbed hold. “Did I stop him?”
“You mean Adam Feckler? Yes, you stopped him,” Michael said gently. “But your friend, Zebediah—”
“I know,” she said and turned her head away. “He knew.”
While she and Michael spoke, Dr. Carstairs said nothing. Now, she spoke. “Is that how this Feckler got you to take the bomb?”
“Threatened Zeb,” she managed to get out. “Had to get close to the well.”
“That was the best place for it to go off,” the woman admitted. She sighed. “Earth Central has claimed you were a spy, sent to destroy Asberek. They’ve stated you were your father’s acolyte, doing his bidding.”
“No,” Fallon croaked. “Will make statement.”
Dr. Carstairs nodded. “In a few months, it won’t matter. The armada is closing in.”
Fallon’s lips trembled, and she closed her eyes. Violence was inevitable. A smooth hand stroked her cheek, and she opened her eyes to find Dr. Carstairs staring at her with compassion. “As Michael said, you should rest.” Abruptly, she yanked her hand away and left the room.
Michael’s gaze followed the doctor and then swerved back to Fallon. “She wasn’t sure if you’d tried to kill Matthew. You can understand that.”
“Perfectly,” she said. “She loves him.”
“He’ll be fine, Fallon. I swear.”
A tear slid down her cheek. “He’d better be. I can’t live without him.”
The man nodded and patted her hand. “Get better and you can see him.”
After Michael left, Fallon stared at the ceiling. Would they ever be safe? Would Earth Central crush this colony as they had the Mars colony?
What would stop them?
These thoughts whirled around in her brain. Diplomacy was her specialty. Even when things looked bleak, Fallon had been able to find some way to bridge the gap. Until Mars, she’d been able to negotiate treaties that made everyone happy.
Earth Central wanted compliance and submission. Asberek wanted freedom. Where was the middle ground there? Still, she kept ruminating on it, running through every scenario she could think of to try and find one that might prevent military violence.
She was deep in these thoughts when Adonis Pasquel strode into her room. “Miss Denny? I would like to speak to you, if I may.”
Her head still hurt, but the nurse had come in and given her something that relieved the constant, slicing pain. “Of course,” she said.
“I want you to do something for me,” he said while he pulled a chair close to the bed. “I need your help.”
“I’ll do anything for Asberek, Mr. Pasquel.” And she would. She had grown to love the rugged colony with its independent spirit and wild ways.
“Before you agree, I want you to think about it while you recover.” His nostrils flared. “It’s dangerous.”
She blinked. “Okay.”
He studied her, his laser-like blue eyes seemed to see through her. “When the armada comes, they believe they will face a helpless colony with a small military contingent. Instead, they will be facing the full force of the Dormrelian military as well.” He tightened his lips. “I need a diplomat to go with the Dormrela.”
She couldn’t have heard him right. “What?”
“When Earth Central loses, and they will, they will have to negotiate peace.” He tipped one shoulder. “The council wants Michael to go, but—”
“But Michael has an axe to grind,” she finished for him. “What makes you think I don’t?”
He met her gaze. “Because you’ve been hurt by both sides,” he said bluntly. “We received you with hostility. Your father has tried to kill you.” He stared at her. “I’m well aware that your loyalty is to Matthew Lestrano.”
“And his is to Asberek,” she said and heard the bitterness creep into her tone. Did she resent it? Then, suddenly, she didn’t. She realized that, when he saved her from the bomb, he’d risked himself for her. He loved her, and that love went beyond his loyalty to Asberek.
“So will you do it?” Pasquel clenched his hands.
Would she? Matthew would have a fit. “He can’t know,” she said more to herself than to Pasquel.
The man nodded. “We assumed that. Sashina and I were certain that Matthew would protest. We’ll let the council believe Michael will go for now. But, when the time comes, you’ll represent us?”
She nodded. “I can do it.”
“Complete independence, Fallon,” Pasquel said as he rose to his feet. “Prepare a peace agreement that works for both sides, and I’ll look it over.”
“Matthew is going to be furious.”
“I’m sure you can handle that, Ms. Denny,” Pasquel said dryly.
“I hope you’re right,” she said. She wasn’t so certain.
Chapter Twenty
Recovery was slow, and Matthew used every ounce of his famous control to deal with it. Apparently, one of the chunks of debris that slammed into him severed his spine. Tissue repair and regeneration took over a month. Then, he had to learn to walk all over again.
Three months had passed, and he had seen Fallon every day, but it was always so public. He never got to see her alone and that was enough to make him grind his teeth. Add to it that he was well aware that his woman was hiding something, and, well, he wanted to pound something.
Or someone.
Michael was looking like the handy punching bag. Even now, his friend grinned at him like a fool. “You look like a wounded bear,” he said.
Matthew narrowed his gaze. “And you look like you have news. Let’s hear it.”
“Sierra came through. The Dormrelian council sent military assistance.”
Relief flooded Matthew’s system. “How far out is the Earth Central armada?”
The grin dropped from Michael’s face. “Two weeks. Luckily, the Dormrelian are only three days away.”
Matthew pounded a fist on the mattress. “The doctor hasn’t cleared me.”
“Damn, you’re a pain,” Michael said and rolled his eyes. “Your spine was cut in half. You had so many cuts all over you that it took the doctors four hours to solder them all. It might take a while to recover from all that.”
“Fallon seems fine,” he grumbled.
Michael’s gaze held his. “Fallon only had two broken legs, cuts and a concussion. She healed quicker because of the DNA transfusions she’d received. What are you complaining about? She visits every day.”
“I want to go home.”
“You want to get laid,” his friend scoffed.
“That too.”
Michael laughed. “Well, you’ll get your wish in about a month or so.”
“The war is going to happen without me,” he complained.
The smile on Michael’s face fell away. “The war began when they tried to blow the council sky high. You’re already a hero, my friend.”
He shook his head. “That was all Fallon.”
“She’d be dead if it wasn’t for you.” Michael frowned. “No more risky moves like that. You’re too important.”
“Bullshit,” he scoffed.
“No, really, Matthew,” Michael insisted. “We need you.”
Matthew changed the subject. “What steps have the council taken to prepare for the invasion?”
When Michael left, Matthew watched the data streams on the invading Earth Central forces. He was studying the Dormrelian numbers when Fallon appeared in the doorway.
He’d seen her every day, but the hunger still leapt up and clawed at him. The same desire flamed in her gaze, and he struggled to keep his hands beneath the sheets. When she bent down to brush her lips with his, it was almost more than he could bear.
She smiled and presented him with an offering. “Data crystals. I figured you’d be chomping at the bit to see what the council has been planning.”
Oh, he’d been chomping at the bit alright, but it wasn’t for the damn council’s plans. He licked his lips. “I have been … impatient.”
Her nostrils flared. She pretended not to understand. “I brought a handheld.” She loaded it with a data crystal and sat down beside him. “The Asberek military will take the brunt of the opening attack, with the Dormrela in reserve,” she said and then glanced up. “The council thinks Earth Central may have Ryser bombs that target Dormrelian DNA.”
That distracted him for a moment. “The council thinks Earth Central anticipated we would go to Dormrela for help?”
Fallon shook her head. “They think the Ang may have told them.”
The Ang. Why would they interfere like that? “Have we contacted the Ang?”
She nodded. “Donny and Elise have both been in contact with them. They denied any official involvement.”
“Meaning it was unofficial. Those damn slippery jellyfish,” he muttered.
Fallon frowned at him in disapproval. “That’s a bigoted remark.”
He sighed. “I know. Sorry.”
Her face cleared, and she smiled. “I think someone is goading Earth Central into this.” Her smile faded. “Not just my father, but someone else. Someone who wants Earth Central to be our enemy.”
She said our enemy. He gazed at her. She was so beautiful and didn’t even know it. Everything about her was perfect. Wounds or no wounds, he needed her. Now.
He tossed the handheld away, and she blinked in surprise. His hands shot out, and he dragged her on top of him, his mouth desperately seeking hers.
She stiffened and tried to pull away. “You’re still healing, Matthew,” she protested.
Passion swept him away, and he flipped her onto her back, his body covering hers. “I owe you punishment, Fallon,” he murmured and reveled at the way she shivered. “You disobeyed me, breaking a promise you made me.”
Her eyes were wide. It gave her an innocent, anxious look that his dominant self loved and craved. She shifted beneath him. “What promise?”
“You promised you wouldn’t leave the house. You left it with Feckler.”
“But—”
He stopped her voice with his mouth, taking possession, pouring his worry and anger into his kiss. He’d almost lost her. What would his life have been without her? Empty. Hollow. He tore his mouth away. “No excuses, Fallon. You belong to me, and I will punish you.” His fingers wrapped around her throat. “But today? I can’t wait. I need to be inside you. I need to feel your pussy around my cock.”
Her breath came quicker, and her eyes drifted closed. She breathed out his name. “Matthew.”
He yanked at the buttons of her blouse, his fingers frantic, his need heating them both. Her fingers were at the pajama bottoms he wore. He freed her breasts and took one nipple in his mouth to suck strongly. She arched her back, and her legs spread wider. He groaned and stroked her other nipple with his fingers.
When he switched his lips to her other breast, his fingers slid down her belly and jerked her pants apart. He dove down, his hand firm and insistent on her clit. He pushed her higher, his fingers rough and uncontrolled.
She cried out, reaching orgasm fast and hard. It should have been enough. He could have sunk his hard length inside her sweet heat. But it wasn’t enough. He wanted more.
“Reach up and grip the top of the headboard,” he ordered, his voice gruff.
When she stretched her arms up, he finished stripping her until she was satisfyingly naked. And all his. He slid his hands down the sides of her breasts, her belly, her inner thighs until she whimpered.
He kissed her belly and loved the way her muscles jumped at the touch of his lips. His tongue savored the flavor of her, a sheen of sweat covering her skin. He licked and nipped his way down until he reached the sweet nectar he craved more than he needed release.
Stars, she was so perfect. Her pussy was a deep red from her earlier release, and he lifted her hips with his hands to spread her wider. Her scent slammed into him, and he didn’t wait another moment. He plunged his tongue inside her slick channel, and she cried out his name. He rubbed his finger over her clit while he stabbed her again and again with his sensitive tongue.
Her hips went wild, bucking against his mouth until he thought he’d spew cum all over the sheets. Her choked cry was followed by a flow of honey that bathed his mouth in her release. He moaned against her mound, his one thought now to get inside her and stay there.
When he lifted his head, he was riveted by the sight of her. Flushed and sated, she glowed with perspiration and wore a mark on her breast where he’d sucked her. Her head tossed back and forth, her knuckles white where her hands clenched the headboard. “Look at me,” he snapped.
Her eyes flew open, cloudy and intense. He loomed over her and, with one thrust, branded her, owned her. “Don’t you dare close your eyes, Fallon. You’re mine. Say it,” he demanded.
“I’m yours, Matthew,” she cried out, and her muscles squeezed him, rippling around him.
He growled and began to pummel her. He’d lost control and didn’t give a shit. His one desire, his one desperate need was to thrust inside her over and over and over. His balls contracted and boiled. His cock thickened, lengthened, and he thrust deeper inside her.
Fallon screamed, and her pussy convulsed around him, massaging him, sucking the cum right out of him. He shouted her name and poured his seed hot inside her. She shivered, shaking like a leaf underneath him. His heart pounded, and he could barely catch his breath.
He kissed her neck. “I love you, Fallon. I love you,” he murmured. Every kiss was followed by another confession. “I can’t live without you. I am yours forever.”
He reached her jawline and found tears there. He licked them away. Her fingers twined in his hair. Her voice shook. “I love you, Matthew. I’d do anything for you. Anything,” she whispered.
Still buried deep within her, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He’d keep her safe. When he got out of the damn hospital, he’d retire both of them. No more risking their lives for the colony.
Chapter Twenty-One
Nerves made Fallon jumpy. It didn’t help that her companions were seven feet tall, scaled, four-eyed and four-armed. The Dormrela were both intimidating and fascinating. Several of the crew wore interpreters in their ears.
Earth Central had been unbelievably vicious i
n their fighting. Hundreds of Dormrelian warriors died from biological warfare. Fallon had seen the results on Asberek when the wounded poured in.
The weapon Earth Central forces had chosen melted Dormrelian bones to liquid. It was brutal and horrific just as Earth had hoped it would be. But the Dormrela had a stiffer backbone than EC had anticipated.
Thank the Stars Dr. Carstairs had worked day and night in those first weeks to develop an antidote. The two Pasquel daughters also saved hundred with their altered DNA by giving blood to the dying.
In six short weeks, the fighting came to a grinding halt. Earth Central’s government, appalled at the carnage on their side, called an immediate halt. The war was all over but now Fallon’s job began. Donny Pasquel’s signature was on the treaties she held and she held the power to negotiate peace. Beside her was Pasquel’s new relative by mating Terek Mahji.
She shot a glance at the Dormrelian diplomat. He’d fought with his men, his new mate Sierra still on Dormrela. Often, Fallon wondered why he was here. Warriors were not scarce on his planet, so he could have bowed out and allowed the fighters to fight the war. Instead, he was one of the most reckless, most courageous warriors that fought against Earth.
When they met the enemy to begin negotiations, she was extremely glad Terek stood beside her. They opened a vid channel, and Fallon was faced with her father.
“Father,” she said, proud that her voice didn’t waver.
“Fallon,” her father said. “I suppose Pasquel sent you to treaty with us? Of course he would. I won’t give him the satisfaction of destroying us because we won’t deal with a traitor.”
She felt Terek stiffen beside her, and she gave him a warning glance from the corner of her eye. “I am Asberek’s negotiator. I am the Claimed of Matthew Lestrano and a member of the council. I have the signatures and credentials to treat with you. Decide,” she said shortly.
Her gaze held Harbold Denny’s for a full minute before he dropped his. She saw a muscle in his jaw move and almost smiled. Not many people would see the defeat, the lack of color, the desperate anger her father tried to hide. But not many people had been raised by the man.
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