by Averi Hope
Hunter nodded. “Although you’ll need to be prepared for some female hysterics.”
Caleb held back a chuckle. Most Keltairs didn’t see females exactly as equals. Caleb was considered quite progressive in that regards. But, he’d still discovered that females acted quite subservient around him since becoming a commanding officer. Most simply blushed and stared at their shoes whenever he was around. Which might be the perfect situation for my third in command.
“They are the weaker sex, after all,” Hunter continued, bringing Caleb back to the conversation.
He held back a grin. “My friend, I think you’ll have to work on your delivery.”
The other Keltair raised one dark brow before hitting the button on the elevator. “My delivery?”
“You can be a bit direct. Ah… is she human?”
Hunter looked back at his screen. “Yes, a human female.”
“Then, heed my advice, human women can be sensitive creatures. She won’t respond well to your directness. You’ll need to work on softening your words.”
Both Hunter’s brows rose this time. “My delivery?”
Caleb locked eyes with him. “Are you implying something?”
“Not a thing, Commander.”
There was a brief silence as they glared at each other. Then they both laughed.
Okay, so neither of us are good at coddling others. But as Keltairs, they knew how to be gentle with a female. They would see what she was capable of, and lighten their workload, if only by a bit.
The empty elevator opened, and they both stepped on. Hunter hit the button to the floor containing the transportation room.
“We should grab a drink tonight, if you have time,” Hunter said.
Caleb liked the quiet moments they could have, not like commander and crew, but like the close friends they’d become at the academy. “If my new lieutenant is any good, I should have a bit more time for relaxing.”
The elevator doors opened.
They made their way down another hall. A few crew members nodded as they passed, then went right on with their business. With The Odyssey launching in just two days, no one had time to waste.
At the transporter room, Caleb stared into the eye scanner. A second later, the doors opened.
Inside, the room was dark except for the stage where six large squares glowed. Three men sat behind a desk facing it. The men grew silent as they entered.
“Commander.” The head of transportation said his title respectfully, but anger glinted in his eyes.
As if I need another reminder of all those people unhappy with a Keltair as their leader.
“Opter,” he greeted in return, keeping his voice level. “My new lieutenant should be arriving.”
The man nodded, looking down at the control panel in front of him. “We’re preparing for her arrival now.”
As they waited, Hunter leaned in closer and spoke under his breath. “With her here, you should have more help.”
Caleb nodded, knowing instantly his friend’s mind. “I know you have a lot of other responsibilities. The woman will take over any tasks that you’ve been assisting me with that are outside of your typical job description.”
A flicker of relief came and went across Hunter’s face. “As you wish.”
One of the glowing squares on the stage grew brighter. A stream of shimmering particles, like tiny bits of violet glass rose from the ground until they swirled around the space above the square, disappearing into a similar square on the high ceiling above it.
Caleb took a step back, as was his habit when the contraption started up. Teleporting was a new form of transportation. One he would hold off using for as long as possible. As of now, it only worked when two ships were close to each other. But there were risks. He saw no reason not to simply hop on a transporter ship and travel to the docking bay, but perhaps he was old-school.
The Odyssey was the most advanced ship in the fleet. He’d have to get used to using technology for basic things. Unnecessary things.
A shape began to form in the particles. His first impression was that, although she was smaller than him, she was tall for a woman.
Then, an instant later, the woman fully appeared on the platform.
Black hair. Eyes the color of jade in the sun.
He felt as if he’d been thrown to the ground.
Erin? His Erin?
Chapter Three
Erin blinked into the bright lights of The Odyssey’s transporter room. God, she loved such instant travel. She could get used to this.
She smirked, shifting the strap of her duffel bag. “Thanks for getting me here in one piece, fellas.”
Striding forward, her foot went off the edge of the transporter pad. She barely had time to gasp as she went falling forward.
Instantly, strong arms were around her. Holding her gently but firmly. Her head rested against the broad, hard chest of a man. She inhaled sharply. Spicy but earthy. Something inside her warmed.
Then her every sense went on high alert.
What the hell? When was the last time you reacted like that to a man?
She knew instantly who it was. Caleb.
She shoved at his chest, forcing him to release her. Springing back, the back of her knees hit the transporter pad, and she fell on her ass. Smooth, Erin. Smooth.
“Uh…”
“Are you all right?” A second Keltair stepped in front of Caleb, holding out his hand.
She took the proffered hand slowly, allowing him to help her up.
His silver gaze ran over her. “You don’t appear hurt.”
Clearing her throat, she tried to smooth the fabric on her tight, black shirt. “I’m not. In fact, maybe I meant to do that. To make an entrance.”
The Keltair grinned. “Well, you certainly did that.”
Caleb placed a hand on the other male’s shoulder, drawing him away. And then they were face-to-face again. Time stood still as her eyes traveled every inch of him. He looked better than ever. The material of his deep green uniform stretched over shoulders that were even broader than the ones in his dreams. And, if possible, his arms were bigger, bulging with muscle.
Oh, hell. You’re in big trouble, Erin.
“What are you doing here, Caleb?”
His gaze clung to hers. “What do you think I’m doing here? I’m the commander of The Odyssey.”
Shock struck her like a face full of cold water. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Well, it looks like I’m your new lieutenant.”
Her words were met with absolute silence. She tried to read his expression, but Caleb’s face was impassive.
What is he thinking? Is he happy to see me? Or angry?
He has no reason to be angry. He’s the one who didn’t call you back, Erin, remember?
“I gather you two know each other?” The other Keltair said, peeking around curiously from behind Caleb.
Pull it together, Erin. Is this the first impression you want to give your new crew?
She strode around Caleb to face the other Keltair. “I’m Erin Stowe.”
His eyes widened. “I’m Hunter Magnus.”
Grinning, she winked. “Erin and Hunter. I like it. And what do you do here, Hunter? ”
The massive Keltair blushed. “I—uh—head of security—ma’am. I mean, Lieutenant.”
She smiled wider. “Security is my favorite department. I know I’ll sleep better knowing you’ll be protecting me.”
Caleb had rounded on them and watched the exchange through narrowed eyes. “Did you say Stowe?”
Trying her best to look innocent, she nodded. “Yes, Commander.”
“As in Fleet Admiral Stowe? The commander of the entire Earth fleet?”
“Yes, Commander.”
The muscles in his jaw twitched. “I think we have some things to discuss.”
A short man with black hair with green tips suddenly stepped around the transport console, coming between them. “I’m Opter, Lieutenant, and if you want so
meone to show you around, I’d be more than happ—“
“I’ll take care of that,” Caleb cut in, his voice laced with malice. “Back to your post.”
Erin opened her mouth to reply, but Caleb silenced her with a look.
“If you do your job right, you won’t have time to waste. Follow me.” He strode out the door, leaving the three of them gaping after him. Hunter recovered first, then Erin. She tried to keep her composure as she followed him, nodding at each crew member as she passed. Every guy seemed to do a double take. Hopefully that means I’m looking good today. Although Caleb’s reaction seems to suggest the opposite.
Caleb didn’t slow until he reached the elevator at the end of the hall. He waited impatiently for it to arrive, and a minute later, the three of them were standing, awkwardly silent, in the elevator.
Hunter cleared his throat.
“So.” She turned to Caleb. “I imagine there’ll be lots to do before our first mission.”
Caleb didn’t reply, pointedly ignoring them.
Hunter glanced at Caleb, then answered. “Uh. Yes. Especially when it comes to handling all of the important guests.”
“Erin will be perfect at that.” His voice was acerbic. “She can charm the best of them.” His dark eyes flashed with anger as he stared at the closed doors.
Ass. “Actually,” Erin said, her voice dripping with sweetness, “as the daughter of the fleet admiral, I likely know most of the people on this ship. I’ll do fine with being a liaison between them and my commanders.”
When neither man responded, she continued, “I was actually the commander of my last vessel, so I can help with a number of other things. Including managing the crew and—“
“That is my responsibility.” The elevator doors opened, and for the first time, Caleb turned those angry eyes back to her. “You will do exactly as you are told and nothing more.”
Every muscle in her body tensed. You think so, big boy? Well, you’re going to find out pretty damned quickly how wrong you are.
“Of course, Commander. But remember, my job is to make your job easier.”
His lips drew into a thin line. “Your job is whatever I say it is, Lieutenant Commander. Hunter, you are dismissed. Lieutenant, you’re with me.”
Hunter gave a cough that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. “Should we at least show her to her quarters and allow her to put her stuff down?”
Caleb rounded on him. “Everything I told you about females—ignore it. This one is in a completely different category.” He plucked her bag off her shoulders and shoved it at the Hunter’s chest. “Drop this off in her room.”
Hunter nodded and looked to Erin. “It’ll be on the second floor, room two.”
She nodded. “Thanks.”
“Come on,” Caleb barked. “We don’t have all day.”
As she followed him down the hall, every complicated emotion she felt for him hit her at once. It was suddenly hard to breathe. This was the man who had broken her heart. The man who she hadn’t been able to let go of the past two years. Not only that, he was in charge. How in the hell was she going to work with him? For him?
Do what you do best. Pretend. Pretend this isn’t the man of your dreams. Lock the hurt inside and use that energy as fuel to do this job. Because, from what it sounds like, you’ll have to fight every step of the way or become the damned Keltair’s secretary.
Her eyes narrowed in anger and hurt, even as the treacherous part of her gazed at his firm ass.
If he sees an ounce of your feelings, of your weakness, you’ve lost. And you’ve worked too hard to let one man get in your way.
She clenched her fists, preparing for the fight of her life.
Chapter Four
Caleb leaned back farther in the chair in his office, stretching out his booted feet on the desk in front of him. To his extreme annoyance, Erin didn’t even flinch under the intensity of his gaze.
Instead, she stared back, a sexy smile curving her lush lips. Her arms were behind her back, one hand gripped the other arm in a casual stance. But the worst part of it all was that the posture only further emphasized the lushness of her breasts beneath her skintight black shirt.
Inappropriate.
“You can’t wear clothes like that on board this ship.”
Her expression gave nothing away. “Well, I imagine I have a new uniform in my quarters. If we’d stopped there first, I could have been dressed according to my position.”
His blood heated for a moment as he contemplated the image of her room and her bed. He pushed it back. “I mean, you shouldn’t be wearing things like that at all.”
She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Since when does a commander care what the crew wears in their downtime? Do you intend to raid my panty drawer after this? Because I’d better confess, you’ll find it empty.”
His manhood rose beneath the desk, and he cursed her under his breath. Her attempts to fight him were bringing out his dominant nature. This would be a lot easier if I wasn’t so damned attracted to her. “Is that the kind of reputation you want on board this vessel? You hope to sleep your way to the top?”
“Of course!” She flashed him a smile. “What else could I possibly do, right? Don’t worry. I’ll make sure I dress appropriately for the task at hand. If I’m sucking some guy’s dick beneath his desk, I’ll make sure to wear something low cut. And if I’m having him fuck me on the top of his desk, I’ll make sure I’m not wearing underwear.”
“Enough!” He rose from his desk, gritting his teeth. “Wear clothes according to your position —on and off duty. And don’t try to tempt the crew. That’s an order.”
The smile fell from her face and she strode forward. Her hands clenched the edge of his desk as she leaned in, so that they were feet from each other. She gazed up at him, the fire in her green eyes begging him to find out whether her underwear assertion was true or not. This is what he’d loved about her. She wasn’t afraid to take him on, even though she barely came to his shoulders.
But she left you. You don’t love anything about her. Not anymore.
“Listen very carefully, Commander,” she said, as he tried to clear his head. “If you want a lieutenant, I’m the best. That’s why I’m here. But don’t confuse commanding me on the job with what I do off duty. You don’t own me. Outside of work, your opinion means nothing to me. And if you wouldn’t tell a male how to dress when they’re off duty, then you sure as hell won’t tell me. Got it?”
He narrowed his eyes. “I understand a lot of things, Erin. And I’m only going to warn you once. I’ll put up with a lot. But don’t mess with me. You might find one day you’ll push me too far.”
They stared at each other in tense silence, and he searched her face for some hint of feeling. But she gave away nothing. He hated that her bravado turned him on. That he still wanted her after all this time. He needed to get his mind off her. But coming face-to-face with her kissable lips, tight little body, and fighting spirit after all this time was almost more than he could handle. He reached down and adjusted the front of his pants. “Forget the clothes. Let’s get back to your position.”
Her gaze followed his hands. “My position?” She started to chew her bottom lip.
He sat down, tugging at his collar. How the hell had it gotten so hot? He’d have to talk to someone about the temperature of his office.
Pulling out two vid screens, he handed one to her, then rattled off her schedule for the day. “Tour the ship, get settled in your room, and spend the remainder of your day escorting people from the transporter room and the cargo bay to their rooms.”
“Anything else?”
He opened his mouth, but then his computer buzzed. Clicking the button on the screen, for one minute there was a frozen image of the captain. His bald head and dark eyes, before the connection was made.
“Commander. Is the new lieutenant there?”
He looked over the top of the screen at Erin. “She is.”
�
��Good,” the older man nodded, “send her to me when you’ve got her settled.”
“Of course.”
The captain clicked the screen, ending the call.
An image flashed in his mind, of the command deck ogling her as she walked past them. Caleb glared at her. “Head to your quarters, and don’t step foot on the bridge until you’re in proper uniform.”
She rose and leaned toward him over the desk. “So, I’m dismissed, Commander?”
Her voice was a seductive invitation.
Damn it.
It took him a second to catch his breath as he stared down her shirt at her ample chest. “I meant what I said, Erin. Don’t push me. We’re not in school anymore. And you might not like what you find beneath the uniform.”
Turning, she strode to the door. But when it opened, she looked back at him. “I already know what’s beneath the uniform. And let me tell you, I like it.”
And then, she headed out into the hall, the doors closing on her swaying ass.
He tugged at the front of his tight uniform pants. I’m going to have to go up a pant size. Tonight.
Closing his eyes, he leaned back in his chair. What am I going to do?
His mind went back to that night at the academy, when he’d poured his heart out to her, and she’d pushed him away. Then, she’d made it clear her career was far more important than him. Does she still feel that way?
It doesn’t matter. He’d learned his lesson. He could not be connected to a fickle human. He needed to make a Keltair woman his mate. Only then would he have a female for life. Only then would he have a chance at not repeating his father’s past mistakes.
But the way he’d reacted to her had him worried.
What if it’s already too late?
Chapter Five
Erin had changed into her dark green uniform, happy to realize it only further emphasized her eyes and the curves of her body. I wonder if Caleb will find this more appropriate?
