Into the Stars

by Gwendolyn Field

  He’ll be tortured for information. And once they’ve squeezed every last bit that they can from him, he’ll be released into space, devoured in seconds by the brutal atmosphere. It’s not a fate I wish upon anyone. But why would he betray the Hornets? If he’s working with Belie, what was in it for him, and how much of the mission was compromised?

  I wait and wait, hoping someone will come to me with news, but nobody does. Are they okay? What did they find out? Will we be attacked again?

  Sleep won’t come to me. A sense of outside danger lingers, and I wonder if I’ll ever feel safe again.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  A swish startles me from sleep and I let out a yelp as I open my bleary eyes and skitter to the headboard. Captain Lexon eyes me from the doorway.

  “May I speak with you?”

  His hair is wet from a shower. I nod and he comes to the edge of my bed, not getting too close. His discomfort is obvious, so I disengage from the sheets and pad to the table where we can sit. He looks gigantic in the dainty chair.

  My heart bangs as I wait for news.

  “Tripoli fixed the side of the ship. No major damage.”

  I sigh and nod.

  “Chef Gulikson was questioned, found guilty, and released from the ship.”

  Two of my shaking fingers press to my lips. He was found guilty. A man I’d slept with was a traitor to our intergalactic army, and now he’s dead. My eyes press shut tightly.

  “What does this mean for the mission?” I ask him.

  “He told Belie our destination. We’ve notified our superiors and we’re awaiting orders.”

  My stomach is in a tight knot. This could mean war, or a definite battle at our destination at the very least.

  “Why did he do it?”

  Captain Lexon lets out a dry laugh and rubs his face. “He was promised riches. He wanted to live like an Earthly king.”

  Ugh. The swine. And he had the nerve to lecture me about Mars ways when his own inner greed went against everything we stood for?

  The captain grasps his neck like he always does, and though it pains me to see I know better than to offer help.

  “I hope you can get some rest,” I say honestly.

  He stands to go, not bothering to respond. We both know he’ll die before he rests.

  “Please join us in the dining room tonight so we can discuss what’s to come.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He pauses in his retreat, turning his head to me. “Just Lexon is fine, when the others aren’t around.”

  A warm sensation fills me. “Perhaps I’ll take it one step further and call you Lex.”

  I’m nervous after I say it, but a small smile tugs his lips. “That’s what everyone calls my father.” His voice carries a softness I’ve never heard from him.

  Lexon leaves me wondering what his childhood was like. Happy, from the sounds of it, and that makes me imagine a young captain, husky, with dirt on his face. On Earth there are fields to run through and trees to climb. I bet he did all of that. My mind abruptly shifts to he and I standing at the edge of a field watching a different young boy run through wild grasses. The young boy smiles at us over his shoulder and my heart fills with joy. I reach for Lexon’s hand, and he lets me take it, twining his fingers through mine.

  I jolt at the realization that I’m imagining the two of us with a child.

  My blood heats and my breaths are coming too fast. The vision was so warm and comforting. So natural. I have to blink it away, uneasy at my train of thought. That is clearly not my path or my future. I can barely get the man to look at me, let alone touch me. And I’m a Nevesta, just as my own mother was. It’s my life’s calling. I’ve never desired monotony or motherhood. I stand and shake out my hands, moving to stand under a spritz of lavender to calm my senses. It’s the stress of the day that’s caused my mind to go a little crazy, that’s all.

  The rest of the day crawls by. I hesitantly make my way to the kitchen, in dismay at the disaster Chef left behind. He was a pig in more ways than one. How hard is it to set dishes in the industrial washer and push the button? I know it’s not my job, but he’s gone now and someone has to do it. May as well make myself useful.

  I load the washer with every dish and heavy pot and pan. I push the button and it takes care of everything else. Then I wipe down the counters and turn on the robotic floor cleaner. When all of that is done, I open the refrigerator and take out containers of meats and cheeses.

  “Rees?”

  I jump at Rawko’s sudden nearness.

  “Getting a snack?” He grins.

  “Want some?” I ask. Of course he nods. Then Devlar comes in behind him, rubbing his belly. I take everything to the small table and we stand there together, the three of us making cracker sandwiches and munching dried fruits.

  “It sucks that I missed my night last night because of that fucker,” Rawko says to me as I’ve just shoved a huge bite in my mouth. I cover my lips as I chew, my face warming as both the men watch me eat.

  Dev brushes crumbs from his hands and says, “Well, Reesa—” his hazel eyes find mine, “—if you don’t care, maybe Rawk can visit first on my night? From eight to nine? And I’ll come at nine-thirty?”

  I swallow, wiping my lips. I’m not opposed to being with two men in one day. Things are very regimented on the ship.

  “I’m not sure what Captain Lexon will think about that.”

  Devlar moves the package of crackers, not meeting my eye. “You’d have to make it seem like your idea.”

  These men rarely ask for anything from me. As far as my job goes, I’ve got it cushy, so I don’t mind bending a rule just once when the cause of it was an attack on our lives. The thought of approaching Lexon about something Nevesta-related makes me nervous, but I nod. “Okay. I’ll take care of it after the meeting tonight.”

  Now they both shower me with looks of appreciation and I roll my eyes. They’re such boys.

  We put the food back and go our separate ways, but the conversation leaves me strangely nervous the rest of the afternoon.

  I have to laugh a little when I get to the meeting and find that Rawko, Devlar, Tripoli, and Yahni have brought in every possible snack item from the pantry, apparently starved and desperate. Captain Lexon comes in right behind me and huffs when he sees the display.

  “What the hell is this?”

  Every man sits up straight, shamed. Even Yahni’s head hangs a little. Milaz and Tiko are last to join the group, chuckling at the mess.

  “Y’all gonna suck at sparring tomorrow with all that shit in your bellies,” Tiko says. He pulls an amazing looking sandwich out and sits, proceeding to take a huge bite. It’s got lines on it, a Panini, and looks all melty and healthy.

  “What the fuck, man?” asks Rawko. “You made that?”

  “Hell yeah,” Tiko says around a mouthful. “My mama raised me right. I can cook.”

  We all stare at him.

  “That settles it,” Captain Lexon says. “Tiko will be our dinner chef.”

  Tiko nearly chokes as everyone cheers. I can’t help but laugh.

  “Now we need people to volunteer for breakfasts and lunches.” The captain glances around, but everyone drops their eyes, so his gaze lands on me.

  I shrug. “I’m not a great cook, but I saw a waffle maker in there, and I can heat breakfast meats.”

  Devlar smacks the table and points at me. “You’re hired!”

  We go back and forth until it’s agreed on that I’ll do breakfasts, Tiko will make dinners, and lunch duties will be divided between the other useless guys. One way or another, we’ll eat.

  Now it’s time to get down to business. A serious vibe settles over the room, and all humor is forgotten.

  “Belie knows we’re heading to Clyvorn. We’ve lost the element of surprise, but our Generals, along with those of Keplar and Gliese, want to continue as planned and attack. We still believe we’ll outnumber them, and our weapons are superior.”

  At the thou
ght of what they’re walking in to, I let out a small whimper of fear and cover my mouth. All eyes turn to me.

  “It’s okay, Rees,” Rawko says to me gently. “We won’t let anything happen to you.”

  “I’m not worried about myself,” I tell him. Every set of eyes softens on me.

  The captain clears his throat. “Well, you don’t need to worry about us.” Said with the pure confidence of a soldier who thinks he’s invincible. It makes me want to scream. The thought of anything happening to any of these men brings a sting of tears to my eyes. I want to kill the chef all over again for putting them in extra danger.

  He goes on. “The Milky Way elite is sending another crew as backup. They’re expected to arrive ten to fourteen days after us. Reesa.” His eyes find mine and my heart jumps. “You’ll be sent out in a pod with two weeks of provisions. The elite know to look for you and take you in. You won’t be entering Clyvorn’s atmosphere.”

  My eyes bulge. “You’re leaving me?”

  “Not leaving you.” A muscle ticks in his jaw. “Protecting you. The situation has changed. It’s more dangerous than originally planned. It’s more than an outright attack mission now. We’ll be defending as well, and probably taking fire as we enter their atmosphere.”

  My eyes sting worse than ever but I blink away the tears. As much as I’m terrified at the idea of idling in space for weeks alone, I have to be strong. The last thing they need is to worry about me while they have a shitstorm on their hands. I force a nod.

  “Estimated time of arrival is ten weeks and three days.” Captain Lexon squeezes the skin between his eyes and winces, probably another headache. “Any questions?”

  The men shake their heads. “Dismissed, then. See you at dinner.”

  “Hooah,” the others say.

  Rawko nudges my foot under the table and gives me a meaningful stare. My stomach wobbles as I nod and stand to face the captain while the other men shuffle and start to talk.

  “Sir,” I say, glancing nervously to make sure nobody else is listening. “Rawko’s turn in the rotation was cancelled last night and I was thinking…perhaps he could share the time slot with Devlar on his night. They could each come for a shortened time, with a break in between?”

  Lexon narrows his eyes. “You don’t have to do that. Rawko can go a week.”

  “I know, sir. But it’s just once. I don’t mind.”

  He lets out a sigh, and his forehead is pinched. “Fine.”

  The captain leaves us and I give a nod to Rawko and Devlar, who both grin.

  When dinner comes around, Captain Lexon doesn’t show. Tiko makes lasagna with garlic bread, and the men are full of praise and teasing. I’m definitely impressed.

  “I ain’t doing your dishes, though,” he says. Everyone agrees to rinse their own dishes and put them in the washer. The group effort is good for us. As we’re leaving, I stop Milaz.

  “Is the captain okay?”

  He gives a worried shrug. “Probably laying down. He won’t take anything for his head because he doesn’t want to be weakened if we’re attacked.”

  I clench my jaw in frustration. “Do you think you can talk to him? Convince him to let me help?”

  Milaz studies me a long moment. “He won’t let you touch him, Reesa.”

  “Why? Because I’m a Nevesta?”

  “It’s nothing personal.”

  I glance away, my emotions still too raw from all that’s happened. The other men leave the kitchen and it’s quiet, just the two of us.

  “Please help me understand.”

  Milaz growls and lets out a deep sigh. We’re silent a long minute before he reluctantly speaks. “I’ve known him since basic training. We were just kids. He—” Milaz stops abruptly and stares, then gives his head a hard shake. “No. I can’t.”

  My stomach drops. “Please.”

  Milaz squeezes my shoulder. “It’s not my story to tell. You’re a good girl. I know you want to help him, but we’re all better off if you keep your distance.”

  “Okay,” I whisper, though I’m shaken. Something deep inside of me feels as if it’s cracked and sadness is seeping out. I can’t understand this feeling, or why it rushes through me so strongly. Something happened to Captain Lexon. I respect Milaz’s loyalty or fear, whatever it is, but I’m deeply disappointed not to know what happened to close the captain off.

  He leaves me with my thoughts until it’s time to get ready for Tiko’s visit.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Rawko is being funny when he arrives two night later. Funny as in strange. He’s been in my room forty-five minutes and we’ve only had foreplay. Not that I mind. He’s kissed me head to toe, every inch of my body, making me giggle and squirm, but he won’t have sex with me. He keeps kissing me and rolling all over the bed with me.

  I pull my lips from his. “Rawk, we only have fifteen minutes left!”

  “I know.” He smiles against my mouth. “Just let me have my fun.”

  I reach for his cock, but he intercepts my hand and pins it over my head, making me laugh again. Fine. He can do what he likes. I’ll just sit back and enjoy the complete attention. Ten minutes later he finally lets me at least take him into my mouth. He’s touching the back of my throat when I hear the unmistakable whoosh of my bedroom door and nearly choke. I jump away from Rawk with a squeak as I throw the covers over my naked body and look at Devlar, closing the door behind himself.

  “You’re early!” I all but shout.

  “Am I?” A devilish grin overtakes Dev’s face, causing a raze of heat to flash across my skin. Two men in my room. My heart skips then sprints.

  “Yes, you are,” I say. And though I’ve covered myself, Rawk is in the exact same position, on his knees, holding his engorged cock in his hands, appearing slightly amused.

  “It’s not funny!” I give him a smack in his abs, but it doesn’t phase him in the least.

  Devlar holds both hands up. “Don’t let me stop you. And don’t worry about Cap. He’s fast asleep for once.”

  Again, my heart jumps. I try to use a scolding tone. “Dev, get out.”

  He walks casually over and leans against a bedpost, crossing his arms. I can’t help but notice the bulge in his pants. I’m definitely overheating at the abundance of testosterone crowding the room.

  “Reesa.” Rawko puts a gentle, strong hand on the back of my neck until I peer up at him. “Would it be okay if Dev watches?”

  “What?” My eyes widen and I’m sweating now. “That’s…not allowed.” I stutter a little. Rawko’s smile is sweet.

  “Actually, from what I know about Nevestas, it’s your call. It’s whatever you’re comfortable with.”

  “Captain Lexon made the rules—”

  “Rules to protect you. But you know we’d never hurt you. If you truly want Dev to leave, he will.”

  Rawko leans down and takes my face, kissing me slowly at first then deeper, and for one second I forget Devlar is watching. Then I remember and catch his blazing hazel eyes taking in the sight of us, and I fight for breath.

  I do trust them, and I know if I said no to this, they would respect it. But then I remember the meeting a few days ago after the attack, how these brave men will be battling for the well-being of the galaxy, risking their lives, and I’m overcome with the urge to spoil them in any way I can.

  My heart is in my throat when I whisper, “Okay.” Every pulse point in my body is thumping hot as I let the blanket fall away and flash a glance at Devlar. The look he gives me shoots a fiery arrow to my core. I move toward Rawko, going onto my hands and knees as he shifts his hips toward me. His hand slips into my hair and I take him in my mouth again. Devlar is quiet as Rawk moans, moving his hips. After a few minutes he pulls out and climbs off the bed, pulling me to the edge and shoving into me. I shout and my breasts bounce up and down as he thrusts his hips.

  “Reesa,” Rawko says. “Look at Dev.”

  I hesitate before shifting my gaze to where Devlar stands in the exact sa
me position, catching and holding my eye as his friend fills me over and over. I grip the edge of the bed tightly, feeling my core tightening.

  “Let him kiss you, Reesa. Let him touch you.”

  We’ll be crossing a major line. I should say no, but if I’m being honest, a line has already been crossed, hasn’t it? I could easily allow my body to take over my mind. Do I want this? Attention from two of my Vestos at once? The way they’re both revering my body melts my senses.

  “Yes.” It comes out more like a plea than a response.

  Devlar climbs onto the bed and kisses me until I moan into his mouth. Then he moves his mouth to my nipple, and brings a hand down to stroke my clit as Rawko grunts and slams against me. I explode in an orgasm that nearly sends me off the bed. Rawk holds my knees and Devlar keeps a hand on my abdomen as my body convulses and I cry out in pleasure, zap after zap until I’m nearly crying. Then Devlar is there, kissing me again as he strokes my breasts, squeezing with just enough pressure to make me gasp.

  Rawk pulls out and I realize he hasn’t come. Devlar is looking down at me with such hunger that my skin cries out for more. I touch him through his pants and he practically snarls a growl, shutting his eyes.

  “Take them off,” I tell him.

  While Devlar is undressing, Rawko climbs atop me and is kissing me again, rubbing his slick cock up and down my folds where I’m still so sensitive. When Dev is naked, Rawk climbs off me and they both stand there, dicks at attention—Devlar’s longer and thinner, Rock’s shorter but thicker. I slide from the bed and fall to my knees before them, taking each of them in a hand and going back and forth to blow them.

  After a moment Devlar grunts and lifts me to my feet, then tosses me onto the bed, yanking me to the edge again. He peers down at me, both of them breathing hard.

  “Tell us what you want us to do,” Dev says.

  “I don’t know.” My cheeks heat. How I can feel bashful at this moment, I have no idea. I bite my bottom lip, and Dev runs his thumb across it.