by Catty Diva
His parents had always understood the risks of his job since his mother had also been in the Phoenix military before Oak was born. There’d never been anyone outside of his immediate family he’d had to give an explanation or say goodbye to when he was sent on a mission. He had no idea what to say to Nila before he left. Even now, although it was unlikely, she could be carrying his baby.
What he wanted more than anything was to mate her, but he didn’t have everything ready yet. His plan had been to have a special night and ask her to mate him forever. Now he would go, but he planned to return. Hopefully the gods would be with him.
Teresa and Flicker walked away and all of those at his table were finishing their meals. All the mated pairs were ready to spend some time alone and he looked at Maple who seemed to be putting all her attention on her dessert. Maybe they weren’t watching her as closely as he thought. When they returned from this mission, they would check into her and Ranger closer.
For now, all he wanted was to be with Nila in her room. He stood and helped her up and they hurried away after rushed goodbyes. No one seemed interested in staying at the table but Ranger and Maple. He would worry about them later. Right now they were at Nila’s door and he was ready to give her all the pleasure she wanted.
Once inside, he pushed the door closed and began to tear his clothes off. He might not know what to say, but he certainly knew what to do. All he wanted was to hold his Nila in his arms and make slow sweet love to her all night long. It would never be enough, but it would have to do for now.
When morning came, he woke before the alarm. His body buzzed with energy and he reset the alarm for his sweet Nila and slipped out. He went to his own room to prepare then met up with the others in the meeting room. Teresa and Flicker were there, but only Flicker was dressed to go with them. It was no surprise to anyone who knew them and Oak would go so Teresa would stay behind to be in charge of the ship.
It was dangerous enough with the bombs being sent their way. That made him wonder what he and Nila would do if she became pregnant. In her field there were plenty of jobs available anywhere she wanted to stay. He was selfish enough to want her onboard with him. Right now there was no safe place with all their enemies everywhere.
“I’ll be staying onboard and taking charge here.” Teresa explained unnecessarily. “Flicker will be in charge of the mission. You won’t be flashed anywhere, instead you’ll be taking stealth cruiser three per ship. You’ll send any communications you catch to us. One of you will pilot, one will handle weapons in case and communications. The third man is for navigation. This is how you’ll divide up.” She went on to set the five groups.
He was glad to be with Flicker. The new guy would be on weapons in their group. Oak had Ranger which almost made him laugh. He also had a new guy on weapons. Each group seemed to have one new member. It was best so they could keep an eye on them and they would continue to get training.
Elm and Mike were on the same team which probably made them happy. There was one other female and she was the new member on that team. Everyone knew who they were with and what their job would be as well as who was in charge. Each team had a lead which was the highest ranking officer on that team. Normally he would be the one, but Teresa wanted him on Flicker’s team to watch his back. He didn’t mind.
They headed to the bay to find their ships. They were all the same except for Flicker’s because he’d had it for a while. His had his name on it above the flames that were painted on from the nose on back. Inside the ships had plenty of room for three crew even a two beds for long range missions. Food and water was also on board. There were wet wipes for cleaning up and that was all.
They all climbed on board and quickly lined up their cruisers in proper order with Flicker first and Oak bringing up the rear. That way a high ranking officer was in the two most vital positions. One leading the other keeping an eye on the tail end of the group. It was only minutes before Flicker got the go ahead. His ship shot out of the bay with each ship five minutes behind the one in front of it.
All five ships were dark before they left the bay. No one should be able to see them and as small as they were there should be no trackable energy signature. They were headed straight toward the heading the bomb had come from. Rider was piloting the second ship in case his information was needed.
They would be flying an hour at top speed to get where Rider had made contact with the bomb. After that they would slow down to scan everywhere. They would spread out to just within com range and move forward that way to find whatever clues they could.
Nila and Angel had managed to trace the likely path the bomb had taken, but not where it had originated from. It was helpful, but there was still so much they didn’t know. Since no one could estimate the length of this mission, they began immediately to take turns sleeping one at a time in four hour shifts. That was the smart thing to do so they would at least be somewhat rested when the shit hit the fan as it was likely to do.
The new guy, Stuart, got the first turn. He was human, but he was built like wrestler. Ash was glad because he just wasn’t tired now, maybe in four hours. Now it was just him and Flicker. “So you decided to make it final?” Flicker asked.
“She’s the one. I have no doubts.”
“I’m pleased for you. She’s a nice girl. Talented too. I’ll admit I had doubts about offering positions to the victims, but my mate was right.”
“Why did you have doubts?” He wondered.
“She didn’t know any of them had training or if they could even fight. It was only after they were part of the crew that we discovered several had the skills we needed like Nila and Angel. A few of the others had to be trained, but they are doing well.”
“I can see your point. I guess I had assumed Teresa knew what they could do before she made that choice.”
“My mate has a talent for putting people where they need to be. I’ve learned not to argue with her.”
“Hey, Flicker. I see another fucking bomb headed our way. What’s with these guys?”
“I see it to now. Alert the others then we’ll take position to destroy it and head away fast as we can. I think I see their position now. Too bad we can’t send it back to them.”
“Yeah, that’s the kind of gift everyone wants to return.”
Ash alerted the others and they shifted their positions. Flicker shot at the bomb and they all headed away fast as possible. The stealth cruisers were faster than the fighter ship Rider had been in before and they got away from all but the edge of the waves that the explosion created.
Now they headed to the location the bomb had been sent from. They were about to rain down some pain on those bastards. “They must have unlimited bombs.” He remarked.
“Sure looks like it.”
“Hey guys. What’s going on?” Stuart asked.
“We just destroyed another bomb.” He replied.
“Are you kidding?” Stuart asked.
“No joking about bombs, Dude.”
“Sorry. It’s just crazy.” Stuart explained.
“True, but now we’re running down their location and we’ll deal with them.” Flicker remarked.
“How will we deal with them?” Stuart asked.
“That depends on what we see when we arrive.” Flicker explained.
Now they were on their way forward to the place the bomb had been sent from. Now they had a location for their assignment and which should help them shorten the mission time frame. It was a small solar system never known to have been populated. Two small suns, two planets each with their own moon and a small asteroid field. That field had probably shielded the location they had set up their base on.
That shielding would no longer be a help to them. As close as they’d been when they destroyed the bomb, he wondered if they weren’t packing up to leave even now. They were getting close and he couldn’t see any signs of anything really. Once they got past the asteroid field that was when they would know what was up for sure.
Now they had just cl
eared it and what he saw was ragtag fleet of sad looking ships circling the smallest planet. They hadn’t seen them. At least that much was clear. “Those ships are sad looking.” Stuart commented.
“Yes, but the bombs they are sending are cutting edge. These may be hires mercenaries. Many of them barely make a living.” Flicker guessed.
“Now what?” he asked.
“I’m glad you asked.” Flickers eyes looked amused. “Someone needs to get on the biggest ship and find out what’s up.”
“I suppose you want me to take the tub?” He asked.
“Indeed I do.” Flicker said.
He went and outfitted himself with everything he might need and got in the small one man ship. Once he shot out of the cruiser he headed toward the ship where he searched for a place to dock. His choice was near the bay where he could make his way in. These ships had a barrier instead of a bay door and he was able to make his way inside.
The bay looked abandoned with no one anywhere near. Making his way along the hall, he saw a room and stepped inside. It was a parts room. A young female was working on a saw cutting a part.
“Stop right there.”
She shrieked, but stopped and looked at him. “Who are you? What do you want?”
“I’m one of those people your people keep shooting bombs at.” He replied.
“We don’t shoot nobody. Our caravan travels around finding work. You’re looking for the folks on the surface.”
Somehow, he believed her. “What kind of work you do?”
“We work on ships, sell goods, we do lots of things.” She replied.
“You might want to get way from this place. It’s about to become dangerous.”
“We’ll be gone as soon as you’re off the ship.” She said. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Give me five minutes.” He replied and took off at a run.
Once he was in the small ship. He broke away and headed back to the cruiser. Flicker was waiting for him. “Are you sure they aren’t involved?” He sked since he’d listened in while he was on the ship.
“I’m pretty sure. I’ve heard of the caravan before. They travel around looking for work.”
“They got out of here fast. I’m going to send a bomb to the spot that’s been sending them to us and then we’ll head home. I only see two life signs down there and that would be the enemy.” Flicker said as he pressed the button.
They could see the place light up, but then the explosions began had they headed out as fast as they could. They rode a wave halfway home before it began to slow.
“What the hell?” Sturt asked.
“They must have had a bomb ready to go and armed.” Flicker guessed.
“I don’t ever want to do that again.” Stuart said and he looked a little green.
Epilogue
No more bombs had come in a few days and he was finally ready to surprise his mate. “Where are we going?” Nila asked.
“I have a surprise for you.” He led her to the new 3D room furnished like a lover’s retreat. It also had a fully set table with several of her favorite foods and wine.
“Oh, my God! This is amazing.”
The look was a tropical scene and the room was a treehouse looking down on a gorgeous jungle. Colorful birds flew all around and the scent of huge jewel colored flowers rode the breeze. This was exactly what he wanted for Nila.
“Sit!” He demanded. Everything had to be perfect. Flicker had given him this room and a day off for him and Nila as a special reward for everything working out so well on his last mission.
Nila sat and he began to undress her. “What if someone comes in?” She protested.
“We’re locked in for the day. This is all for you so just enjoy it.” He suggested.
“Okay.” She stripped her face flushing a lovely pink once she was naked. By then, he was naked too.
Now he fed her delightful treats with kisses in between. He took a few bites too because he would need his energy. Once she was full of food, he was ready to fill her with something else. Dropping to one knee he looked deep into his Nila’s eyes.
“I need to ask you before we go any further, will you be my mate? Will you take me to be yours forever and be mine in return?”
“I do and I will.” A tear rolled down one side of her face and he brushed it away before he kissed her.
The kiss turned into more and he could feel the deep connection between them that would soon grow into so much more. “I need to tell you that my people are like the legends. Phoenix can control fire and we have a fiery bird form we can take. Also I will bite you to make our mating complete. My mating venom may make changes in you. You probably won’t become a Phoenix, but you may get some of my traits. It may make you faster, stronger, and more resistant to illness. This will also make you live as long as I do which will be hundreds of years. Are you still ready for this?” He asked.
“I am.” She said and her eyes were shining with love.
He stretched his body over hers which lay on the bed. His kiss relaxed her or at least it seemed to. His heart was beating like a drum and excitement washed over him. This was the most important day in his life. Once this was done, he would have the other half of his soul with him forever.
Feeling the heat from her body, he could scent the sweet aroma of her need. His hand moved down to place his cock at her entrance. As he slowly sank into her hot wet depths, he felt everything between them coming together. Moving in and out, deeper and harder each time, he felt tingles running down his back s his mate got closer to her release.
Her body grabbed him and his gums itched as his fangs dropped covered in venom so he sank them into her neck where it met her shoulder when she came. Her scream of delight as her orgasm grew in length and strength pushed him over and his seed filled her center. Their joy went on until they were both wrung out. A drop of blood slid down her shoulder and he licked it off and followed it back to lick her neck so it would heal quickly.
They fell asleep in each other’s arms. When they woke, they were one. “I feel different.” Nila whispered.
“That’s because you’re mine now. I’m different too because I’m yours.” He leaned over and kissed his mate. They would make love again over and over until their time here was gone.
He could feel the bonds that tied them together and they were strong and tight. Nothing and no one would ever take his Nila from him. These battles would go on, but so would the love between them. She was his and he was hers. Always for all time.
Book 10
Ranger
He wants her but he has to deal with three brothers who shelter her and her natural shyness when it comes to all things sexual. Ranger can do it if he can just manage to spend some time with her, alone.
Maple is shy and sweet, but Ranger makes her want to be sexy and dangerous. They say you should explore and not settle for the first male you want. But what if he’s the right one?
Two fated mates, but will they manage to stay together when the world is trying to tear them apart?
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bsp; If you want to read books by Crystal Dawn, check out:
Blue Moon Pack Series
Planet Amazon Series
Cousins of the Moon Series (a completed trilogy)
Legends of the White Werewolf Series (A 12 book completed free series)
Keepers of the Land Series (A completed 6 book series.)
Frozen Origin Series (Complete 4 book series)
Frozen Origin Quickies
Loved by a God series
Frozen Origin Demons
The Southwest Illinois Pack Series (A ménage series)
The Wilde Pack series
The Strong Pack
The Red Wolf Series
Winged Beast Series
Witches of Ulyss Series
White Wolf Matriarchs (A complete Trilogy)
Wolf investigations and Securities Inc.
Serena’s Salvation (Part of The Fated & Forbidden Collection)
Sentinels and Spies
Zodiac Shifters (A collection of books by several authors)
Erotic Fantasies (a books completed series)
Big Cats
The Lost White Wolves
A Wolfish Holiday
Kiss of the Slayer
Witch Way
Wild White Wolves
Catty Diva
The Mating Games Series (ten book completed series)
Moon Hunter’s Inc. (ten book completed series)
Phoenix in Flames series
Phoenix Under Fire
The Zodiac Shifters series
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