by Averi Hope
He closed his screen, but didn’t rise from the chair in front of her desk.
“Is there something else?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. “It’s nothing, Lieutenant Commander. At least, it’s on a personal note, and I didn’t want to…”
Curiosity sparked to life inside her. “You have my permission. Please continue.”
But to her surprise, the strong lines of his face shifted into a troubled expression. “Why are you and Caleb not together?”
Her jaw dropped. Of all the things I expected, this is probably the last.
“We… well, that is pretty personal.” She looked away for a moment.
“Forgive me,” he said, his beautiful silver-rimmed eyes running over her face. “I just didn’t understand how two people so clearly in love aren’t together.”
Love? “Caleb doesn’t love me.”
His lips curled into a smile. “And why would you think that?”
“Because.” She was glaring again. “There are a lot of reasons.”
He shrugged. “If you don’t want to discuss them, that’s fine. I just…I know what’s in his heart, even if you don’t.”
His heart? Her pulse sped up. Had this man really spoken to Caleb about her, or was he just guessing?
She took another sip of her coffee, thoughts racing. There might never be another opportunity to discover an answer to the questions in her heart. “I know Caleb doesn’t care about me.” She took a deep breath, taking a calculated risk. “Do you know in all my years of having sex, the first time I’ve woken alone was after being with Caleb?”
To her shock, he didn’t look the least bit surprised by her revelation. “Sometimes a male needs to organize his thoughts after such a thing.”
She snorted. “I thought that was the woman’s line.”
One of his brows rose. “Well, perhaps, when a woman breaks a man’s heart, he might be reluctant to repeat the experience.”
“Breaks his heart?” She was outraged. “Is that what he told you?” For years, she’d held onto the guilt of their final moments together. When she’d told him she wasn’t prepared for anything serious, and he’d walked out the door without a second glance. But I poured my heart out in my message; he didn’t even care enough to respond.
“You rejected him,” Kaden said, his tone neutral.
Springing to her feet, she slammed her coffee down on the desk. “I did, but my message more than made up for it. So, I won’t let you or him make me feel guilty for needing a couple of hours to figure out if I was willing to throw away my entire carefully planned-out future for a man I barely knew!” Her chest heaved. She didn’t even care if he knew how angry she was. “Besides, that doesn’t justify the way he took off after we were together the other night.”
“I apologize. I didn’t mean—“
The panic in his expression only further pissed her off.
“I don’t know what game you assholes think you’re playing. If you think that him fucking me and then you making me feel guilty about what happened four years ago is going to make me bend over and take every one of his orders, you’re wrong. Caleb might be my commander now, but one day he’ll sure as hell be taking orders from me. Get out of my office!”
He leaped to his feet. “Yes, Lieutenant Commander.”
But he moved slowly to the door, pausing before it. “But please, hear me. If you think we’re playing a game, you couldn’t be more wrong. There’s nothing more serious to Keltairs than mating. I believe you and Caleb need to talk.”
She eyed her coffee mug. Throwing it at him is probably some kind of human resources violation. “It’ll be a cold day in hell when I sit down and have anything to say to that…asshat.”
“Or maybe you’re angry because you love him,” The Keltair said quietly.
She was tired of sparring with him. “Dismissed.”
He exited with a gracious nod.
After he left the room, she realized her legs were shaking. She crumpled into her chair and stared at the closed door. Why had she reacted like that? Because he’s right. You do still love Caleb. It would’ve been smarter to simply dismiss the crazy idea that Caleb loved her. But she couldn’t. Because it hurt. Because it was what she wanted more than anything else.
It was also something she knew without a doubt he didn’t feel. He had sex with me only because he was drugged. Then he left so he didn’t have to explain. It was that knowledge that had kept her even from his dreams the past two weeks.
She wrapped her arms around her shoulders, feeling foolishly vulnerable. For some reason, this time losing Caleb felt even worse. Now she’d even lost her dream Caleb, and each day she was reminded that she’d lost the real man, too.
Her room felt cold and far too quiet as she stared at the beige wall, feeling alone. Soon she would need to go down to the planet and pick up her father. Tomorrow she would have to help prevent a princess from being captured by the sex-trafficking slime bags on the ship. But for now, she was just going to drink her coffee and swallow her pain.
She had no other choice.
Chapter Sixteen
“What message? I never received a message.” Caleb frowned at Kaden, confused by his recollection of his time with Erin.
“She said she sent you some kind of message that should’ve more than made up for the way she’d left things with you.” Kaden stretched his legs out in front of him, excitement flashing in his eyes.
Caleb shook his head, thoughts spinning. “Are you sure she was telling the truth?”
Hunter frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’ve been wrong before…”
Kaden suddenly looked uncomfortable. “You know I don’t like to say specifically what I hear in the thoughts of others.” He took a deep breath. “But she was telling the truth.”
A message? What kind of message could she possibly have left for me? And how did I not receive it?
If Kaden wasn’t half Empatica, he wouldn’t have believed him. But Caleb knew from personal experience that his friend was one of the best mind-readers he’d ever encountered. He had to believe him.
Whatever was going on, I’m going to find out.
“There’s more,” Kaden said, looking between the two men in the room. “Erin loves you. Of that I have no doubt.”
Caleb felt as if the air had been knocked from his lungs. She loves me? Is it even possible? It took him a second to find his voice. “You’re sure?”
His friend relaxed into the chair across from him. “I said I had no doubt.”
Caleb nodded, still unable to truly accept it. His female loved him…really loved him?
“I knew it,” Hunter said, his eyes narrowed.
“Now, hopefully you and Hunter were able to come up with a plan, because that I have no clue about,” Kaden said, grinning.
Hunter was back to frowning. “I have told him that he must prove to her that he is a male of worth.”
Kaden flashed a row of even teeth. “I don’t envy you, my friend. Sitting in a room with such a powerful female is like waiting for a Keltairian Dragon to snap. When I find my own female, I’ll make sure she’s submissive.”
Caleb’s eyes narrowed. “You should only be so lucky to have a female like Erin.”
“I can’t believe you still have a hope of finding a female,” Hunter said, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “If you hadn’t accepted it before, seeing Caleb should serve as a lesson to you.”
Kaden looked between them. “I think I’m going to shut my mouth now. Discretion being the better part of valor.”
“What about you, Hunter?” Caleb asked.
Hunter’s harsh features grew harsher as his jaw twitched. “No Keltair female will accept a half-breed, and no other species mates for life the way we do. Choosing a mate will bring nothing but heartache.”
“You don’t have to look for a mate, exactly,” Kaden said, winking at Caleb. “More of a shapely female to
warm my bed. Or better yet, a couple of them.”
Hunter made an angry sound at the back of his throat, his golden skin turning a shade darker. “For you this is fun and games. For Caleb, and for me, this is life.”
His words seemed to lie heavily on the room.
For just a minute, Caleb had been too caught up in their bickering to think of his little human female, but now his thoughts were consumed by her once more. If she loved him, then he could find a way to convince her to be with him. But this time around, it had to be a life commitment, not just her desire to share his bed.
And I’ll have to find the message she mentioned.
“I have thought of how to win your mate,” Hunter said, slowly.
“But what about your great plan to show her you’re a male of worth? I thought it was flawless, myself.” Kaden wiggled his brows at Hunter.
His stoic friend frowned. “I meant…I think now that you know her father will be here. You should try to impress him. Females want a male like their fathers, but better. Show her that is who you are.”
Caleb had no doubt that plan would fail. “Her father is the fleet admiral. The last thing he’ll want for his daughter is a half Keltair. What father would?”
“You are an honorable man. Maybe you need to show him that there’s more to you than your blood,” Kaden said, both men looked up at him in surprise. “You are the commander of a Level 8 starship. The newest, most advanced starship in the fleet. You have the trust of the military behind you, and your captain. He’ll respect you for that, if nothing else. ”
Hunter was silent for a moment. “Perhaps he’s right.”
Kaden glanced at the vidscreen in his hands. “Looks like I’m out of time, gentlemen.”
“Of course,” Caleb said, his imagination painting a vivid picture of what meeting the fleet admiral would be like. “Thank you.”
Both men rose.
At the door, Hunter looked back. “No matter how impossible, just remember, she is your one and only female. You must make her yours.”
Caleb nodded. “Will you have your team look into the message she spoke of?”
“Yes,” Hunter answered without hesitation, then left without another word.
His friend was the best at what he did, and his security team was second to none. If anyone could find the missing message, it was him.
If one truly exists. Caleb pushed the thought away.
When the door closed behind them, Caleb threw himself into his work, although his thoughts were far from focused. He would do as his friends suggested. In the morning, he would go with Erin to meet the fleet admiral, and he would find a way to prove to them both that he would be a good match for her.
But even if her father doesn’t agree, I will stop at nothing to possess Erin.
An idea began to form. One that might finally guarantee him the female of his dreams.
Caleb was lying on his bed when Erin entered his room. “You’re here,” he whispered.
Her gaze was hesitant. “Do you want me here?”
He nodded, sitting up. “More than anything.”
She walked slowly toward him, not her usual confident stride, but a hesitant one that somehow had heat rushing over his flesh. His manhood rose beneath his covers, drawn to this unexpectedly shy side of her. She also wore something completely unlike his usual Erin. The tiny gown was white. It barely allowed her ample chest to peek out of the top. In some ways it was conservative. Innocent. But the way it clung to her curves as she moved…
“Come here,” he commanded.
A moment later, she was standing at the foot of the bed. He could practically hear the way her heart raced. Her breasts rose and fell rapidly, their hard tips clearly visible through the sheer fabric.
His need grew. Climbing to the edge of the bed, he reached for her.
She took a step back. “Caleb, I shouldn’t be here.”
“Yes, you should,” he said without hesitation. “Your place is at my side. Or better yet, beneath me.”
Her stunning green eyes widened, and her pale skin seemed to go a shade lighter. “You don’t really mean that.”
He was shocked by the hurt in her voice. “Oh, my little human, what could possibly make you say that?”
Who was this vulnerable creature? The Erin he knew crushed balls beneath her booted feet. The Erin he knew was confident in all things.
She wrapped her arms around her waist, which only further emphasized the swell of her breasts. “You left me alone after our night together. You’ve ignored me since.”
Were those tears in her flawless eyes?
He reached out and pulled her into his lap.
For one moment she seemed to struggle, but a second later, she stopped. Her head rested against his heart, as he stroked her long, silky black hair.
“Do you know how much I wanted to stay with you?” The rush of emotions that came with the memory of her filled him. “You were so beautiful. So perfect. Everything I’ve always wanted.”
She made a sound, some mix of a laugh and a sob. “I find that hard to believe. You’ve barely looked at me since.”
His heart ached. Putting his hand beneath her chin, he drew her face up. Their gazes met, and he was surprised to see her eyes filled with tears. He’d hurt his Erin? He would never forgive himself. “I’ve looked at you a thousand times since then. I’ve memorized every line of your face, every curve of your body, even the sound of your voice.” He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “I’m sorry you didn’t know how I felt. I was simply giving you time to come to me. I was showing you that I was a strong male, a leader. A man worthy of your love.”
She reached out and ran her fingers along the roughness of his beard. His entire body reacted to her touch, as goose bumps erupted on his arms. ”I’ve never doubted that.”
Warmth filled his chest. “I love you, Erin.”
She seemed to process that for a moment, then a breathtaking smile blossomed on her lips. “I love you, too, Caleb.”
He crushed his mouth against hers, and time seemed to stand still. The heat and intensity of their kiss reminded him of the first time they’d kissed, years ago, when they were younger and more innocent. His fingers tangled in her hair, and she opened her mouth, welcoming him. His tongue slid inside and she groaned, clutching his shoulders more tightly.
Pulling back from their kiss, he panted as he spoke, “I’ve missed you, Erin. So much. Missed every part of you.”
His lips went to her neck and she shuddered in his arms as he found a tender spot under her ear.
He could feel his erection as it strained against his pants, pressing against her firm ass, begging for more.
Looking down at the swell of her breasts, he tugged the conservative white gown downward until her breasts leaped free. He groaned at the sight of them. Cupping one breast, he ran his thumb along the perfect pink bud.
She gasped, and her excitement only added to his arousal.
He twisted and set her on the bed. She crawled to the head of the bed and lay down, her breasts still swelling out of the top of her gown. To his surprise, she closed her eyes.
She’s waiting for me. Open to me and only me.
Standing, he took a deep breath. This was it. She had admitted she loved him. His mate was his forever. And when he took her like this, something would change within her, too.
Running his fingertips along her legs, he moved slowly upward, pausing at the hem of her gown. She tensed, waiting. Slowly, he drew the gown up and stared at her womanhood. Bare and open to him, he gloried in the sight of her swollen and ready.
The need to touch her was like lava boiling through his blood. She was his female now. His in every way.
He slid his fingers into her warmth, but didn’t enter her. Instead, he stroked the outsides of her lower lips, his desire building as she grew wetter and wetter for him. Her groan of pleasure made his manhood jerk, straining within his pants. One fingertip flicked the pink nub of her clit, and he gloried in
the strangled sound she made as her body rose off the bed.
His teeth snapped together as she ground against his fingers chanting his name. Using two fingers, he finally entered her. Her body clenched around him. He entered her faster and faster, stopping just as she was about to reach her climax.
Then, he withdrew.
She whimpered in protest.
Don’t worry, my love. Soon you’ll be coming around me as my hot seed fills you.
Shedding his boxers with trembling hands, his painfully hard manhood sprang free. The heat in her gaze as she took him in was almost too much.
“My turn,” she said softly.
His mind clouded with desire as she pushed him into a sitting position on the edge of the bed, then knelt between his legs. She moved so that the tips of her breasts rubbed the insides of his thighs.
Reaching out, he tugged the clothing off and threw it to the floor. The sight of her hard pink nipples drew him to her. His fingers slid along the curves, then stopped to gently twist her nipples.
She cried out.
“Do you like that?” He twisted harder, then rubbed their tips.
“Yes,” she said, her voice shaking.
He grabbed her breasts, forcing her to move even closer. Sliding his cock between the perfect mounds, he groaned at the exquisite feeling. She seemed to sense what he needed, because she used her hands to press her breasts more closely around his erection. His fingers teased her nipples as he slid in and out over and over again.
His head felt light. A thousand sensitive nerves were screaming in pleasure as he touched her, while she touched him. Then, he felt her lips around his tip.
Crying out, he opened his eyes. There was his female. Proud. Confident. Untouchable. Naked before him, her mouth wrapped around the tip of his cock. Her breasts holding him tightly.
Watching her, he thrust in a steady rhythm, feeling his ecstasy growing closer and closer.
“Enough,” he growled, but she only took him deeper into her throat. “I’m going to—I’m going to—“
To his shame, he came. His hot seed filling the mouth of his waiting female as her breasts held him tightly. He expected her to spit, to turn an angry gaze on him. Instead, she held his eyes as she swallowed his seed, then sucked harder.
