by Averi Hope
He groaned, “Erin!”
Her tongue came out to lick him clean.
“Why?” he asked, torn between amazement and arousal.
She pulled back and gave him the sexiest smile he’d ever seen. “I’ve always wanted to taste you. To feel you as you released into my mouth.”
He took a steadying breath. “Get on the bed.”
She rose slowly. “Won’t you need time—“
“You’re my mate now. Once is never enough.”
And as if to prove it, he climbed on top of her, sliding into her slickness.
She cried out, nails digging into his back. Her womanhood held him in her wet tightness.
“Please,” she begged.
He complied, matching the rhythm of her body with his thrusts. When she came, it was like an explosion. Her entire body tensed, her head thrown back as she screamed his name.
The sight of his female was too much for him. A moment later, he came again, exploding into her heated center. His hot seed filled her, claiming her, as her body held him tightly.
Neither of them moved or spoke for a long while, content to simply hold one another.
Caleb closed his eyes, loving how it felt to still be inside her.
And to think, for years I hoped our connection would fade. But through some power I’ll never understand, it didn’t. I’ve never been so grateful for my years of torture. All of it was worth it to have her now.
Closing his eyes, he smiled.
Chapter Seventeen
Erin hated that she was nervous. In the silver reflection of the elevator door, she could make out a blurred woman in a deep green uniform with dark hair pulled back. The lieutenant commander of The Odyssey. A woman who had to be strong and powerful at all times. Or at least that’s what the world needed to see.
Her father had never visited her on one of her ships. All she could hope was that he didn’t embarrass her. It was bad enough that after leaving the academy she’d been forced to use her real name. The last thing she wanted was to remind people even more that she was the daughter of such a high-ranking officer.
But this is necessary.
And not at all what I’m really nervous about. She took a deep breath and tugged at her ear, still uncomfortable with the tiny device inside it. Let’s hope everything goes according to plan.
A tiny voice whispered in the back of her mind, What could possibly go wrong with putting myself in horrible danger, not to catch anyone, but to create a trap for an even bigger predator?
The doors opened on the busy docking bay. She inhaled the pleasant and familiar scent of fuel and metal. For some reason, just the smell of the place was enough to calm her nerves. Slightly.
Until she stepped out into the chaos.
People were everywhere. Wealthy humans and aliens alike were rushing around her, hurrying to board their various crafts in order to be shuttled down to Sunja. They gathered at silver doors on one side of the room, all connected to little ships whose whole purpose was for ship-to-planet transportation. The rest of the massive space was filled with boxes upon boxes of supplies, some metal and some wooden. And at the far back, human mechs worked on small malfunctioning ships.
A tall muscular man leaned against a box in one corner. She could tell little else about him. He seemed more shadow than man. In fact, if she hadn’t been looking specifically for him, she didn’t think she’d have noticed him at all.
She climbed down the steps and made her way confidently toward him, weaving through the path between boxes. When she reached him, the outline of his body shimmered, and then he vanished.
“Are you prepared for her?” she asked, hating to speak to the Intaqual, even though he was the best man for the job. Her father’s man.
“Her departure time to go planetside is four hours from now,” he whispered, his hot breath in her ear. “My men are already gathering at their locations.”
She shivered, urging herself not to move, even though she could feel his body heat along her back. “Are you sure they can keep her safe? If this plan fails…”
“We will do our part,” he insisted. “The rest is up to you.”
She knew her father’s men probably felt annoyed that she’d been included on this mission. But with all the Dream Jumping I’ve been doing, I’m the only one who can actually lay this trap. Besides, they don’t need to know why I’m here, just that I am.
“Good,” she said. “Remember, tell me the moment you see her in the docking bay. The moment.”
The silence that greeted her words made her wonder if she was only imagining the feel of his breath against the hair of her nape.
“And you remember, this might be your first time working with us, but we are your father’s team. This is hardly our first time with such a mission.”
She held her breath, not releasing it until she was sure he was gone.
These men probably thought she was some rich brat getting her kicks on this little mission. How could they possibly understand that just her experiences in the dreams of these criminals made her more like them? She wasn’t craving excitement and adventure from her dull life. In fact, she wouldn’t have minded a bit less exciting of a life. The fact was simply that she knew she was the best person for this job, and she wasn’t about to trust something so important to someone else.
Ahmed had hurt her. He’d hurt her friend, and countless other innocent women. It was time he paid for it.
And he’s continuing to hurt them, even now, she thought, a shiver racing down her spine. She imagined the hidden area in his ship, hiding all the naked young women he’d captured to be sold as sex slaves. She remembered the way he’d pinned her down in his dream, nearly succeeding in raping her.
Following his two lackeys might finally give them the proof to take down Ahmed once and for all. But if they messed up, it might just cost Princess Jewta her life…or at least send her to an unspeakably awful fate. Along with destroying my chance at taking him down once and for all.
She clenched her hands into fists. First she’d deal with her father, then she’d finally take down the bastard who’d filled her dreams with nightmares for years.
Leaving the storage area of the docking bay, she followed the path, avoiding the ridiculous crowds. I’ll have to talk to Kaden. It’s as if none of these people received their carefully organized schedules with their departure times.
She was so lost in thought that when she came to docking bay twelve, she nearly crashed into the massive figure before it.
“S-Sorry,” she stuttered out, before looking up. “Caleb? What are you doing here?”
To her surprise, he had shaved. Entirely. She’d never seen his face free of some kind of scruff before. The strong lines of his face, finally entirely visible, made him seem less imposing, but somehow even more handsome. He took her breath away.
Images of the dream they’d shared the night before filled her mind, and she blushed, looking away. He’d confessed his feelings to her there. But the truth was, in the waking world she couldn’t be 100 percent sure he meant what he said.
“Lieutenant Commander,” he said, slowly. “Erin,” he greeted even more softly.
She met his dark gaze, something within her chest fluttering.
“I’m traveling down to the planet with you.”
For a second, she was so surprised she couldn’t answer. “Why?”
He avoided her gaze. “I’ve decided to help you accompany the fleet admiral back up to The Odyssey.”
“Why?”
His shoulders stiffened. “I’m your commander. You don’t need an explanation.”
The door in front of them slid open, and a group of ten or so chattering women exited the ship as they stepped aside. Every single woman stared at Caleb as they passed, some letting hungry gazes slide over him as if he was the only single male in the universe. Two women simply giggled.
A pretty redhead stopped, putting a hand on his arm. “Commander Caleb, so good to see you!”
Why does she think she can touch him? Jealousy, hot and red, sizzled through Erin’s blood.
He glanced in the woman’s direction. “Lady Hu, of course.”
The redhead smiled, a sexy smile. “If you’d like to stop by my room later, I have some questions about the remainder of our trip.”
Is she actually—?
His brows rose. “All questions should have been thoroughly answered on your agenda. Did you not receive one?”
A blush darkened her cheeks. “I—“
Her companions burst out laughing.
“I’ll send you another one,” Caleb said, frowning.
She mumbled something, then hurried after her friends.
Erin let out a breath she hadn’t known she was holding. It felt good to see Caleb so easily dismiss her. But it doesn’t mean they haven’t been together. A hand squeezed her heart painfully. Why had it never occurred to her that Caleb might have been ignoring her because he had other women to keep him company?
But in his dream—
You know dreams aren’t always accurate!
A voice came from above the door, telling them that it was now their time to depart.
She strode past Caleb and into the ship. Plush seats lined every wall of the area built for a maximum capacity of ten citizens. The small cockpit was visible at the front of the ship, empty because manual piloting was unnecessary.
Seating herself, she focused on working her straps as Caleb sat down directly across from her.
“Are you well?”
“Yes,” she snapped. “I just don’t understand why you need to come with me.” She didn’t even know why she was so irritated, except that he wouldn’t give her a reason.
He was quiet for a moment. “You don’t need to understand. It’s none of your concern.”
“Like hell!” she shot back, glaring at him. “Don’t you have more important things to do?”
He finished strapping himself in, then met her gaze. “There is nothing more important than this.”
“What about Lady Hu?” she shot back, then clamped her mouth shut.
Nice going. Subtle.
“What about her?” He frowned. “I’ll make certain she gets her agenda.”
“I bet you will.” Shut up!
His eyes narrowed. “Do you think that by not going to her room I’ve somehow failed in my responsibilities as a commander?”
“What? No!”
“Then, why…?”
She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling ridiculous and foolish and not sure how she was going to get out of the awkward conversation. The doors slid shut beside Caleb, and a voice started the countdown to take off.
“Why are you upset, Erin?” he asked, over the countdown.
“I’m not upset,” she ground out.
His complete and utter look of confusion ticked her off.
“I can’t imagine what you’d do if I was going to the suites of male guests and bringing them agendas.”
Rage flared to life within his dark eyes. “You should never be in the quarters of another male…wait.” The rage faded as a slight smile curled his lips. “Is that it? You’re jealous.”
She stiffened, feeling her cheeks heat. “Never!”
His smile was so damn sexy it was hard to be angry with him. “Erin Stowe, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you jealous before…but I’m definitely enjoying it.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she was saved from answering him by the roar of the engines. There was a slight shaking and motion beneath her feet, and then they were soaring away from the ship, a line of windows giving them the view of the flawlessly white starcraft as they left it behind.
“You know you never have a reason to feel jealous.”
She looked away from the window to the man so handsome it hurt to look at him. “And why is that?”
“You know why.”
No, I don’t. She wanted to ask him, but she also knew that she couldn’t handle another heartbreak on such an important day. If she lost her focus, even for a minute, the consequences could be deadly. So she said nothing.
Caleb watched her carefully. “What’s your father like?”
Why does he seem so nervous? “Just a classic guy in a leadership position…you know, arrogant, organized, and too smart for his own damned good.”
Caleb frowned. “But there has to be something more to him. Something personal.” He was quiet for a moment. “How did your parents meet?”
For some reason, the question settled uneasily within her. “They were in The Hawks together at the Turongan Starflight Academy.”
His brows rose. “I didn’t know your mother was an officer, too.”
“She’s not,” Erin said, trying to keep the disgust from her voice. “She threw it all away to follow him around as the fleet admiral’s wife.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t think of a less dignified position for such a promising mind.”
He shrugged. “If she went to the academy, she made it through years of extensive training, which means she’s likely intelligent. The position might not be as terrible as you think.”
She felt strangely defensive as she spoke. “That’s right. She gave up a lifetime of preparation to follow around a guy for love.”
His gaze held hers. “I can think of a worse fate.”
“I can’t,” she said, looking away. “A woman shouldn’t have to give up who she is for love.”
Silence stretched between them.
“Love usually requires sacrifice. But it’s rarely one-sided.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “It was with them. It is with most couples.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” he said, his voice strong with certainty.
Don’t look at him! She could feel the significance of their conversation washing over her like a wave. But she had a feeling if she gave into it, she’d risk drowning.
Later. For now, focus on what you must do!
“My mother will be there today. I bet she’s pretty thrilled. She doesn’t get out much.”
“Really?” One of his brows rose. “I’d think following your father around would be pretty exciting.”
“She mainly stays aboard The Allure, or in our mansion back on Earth.” Something flashed in his eyes, and for some reason, she desperately wanted to find out what it meant. “You said you grew up with your mother.”
“Yes.” His voice was sharp, but then he sighed and she saw him relax ever so slightly. “My mother lives in a place called Ireland, on Earth. Her home is a short walk from a small village that looks like something straight out of a history book.”
“What was it like growing up there?” she asked, genuinely curious.
He smiled, a slight sparkle flashing in his dark eyes. “Perfect. She was gentle and kind, but also creative. When it rained, we danced beneath it. On the night of a full moon, we swam in the ocean…at least when it was warm enough. She loved life more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“Leaving her must have been terrible.”
He nodded, a troubled expression replacing his smile. “I knew my father was an alien. How could I not?” Glancing down at himself, he shook his head. “Even as a child, I was larger than most grown men. And my golden skin…even then it marked me as a Keltair offspring. But the day my father came in his spaceship, it seemed more nightmare than reality.”
Caleb sat back and ran his fingers through his hair. “He landed beside our home. My mother raced out, her beautiful blond hair flying around her gentle face. Her eyes were wild. But when she told me to run, I just couldn’t. I stood in front of her, watching as my giant of a father stepped out of his ship.”
“And then he took you?” she asked, spellbound by his memories.
“No. He stayed.” He took a deep breath that seemed to shake his whole chest. “He wanted my mother to come with him…tried to convince her. That was the first time in my life I realized something. In all our days and nights together, I’d thought of my mom as the most
exciting person in existence. I never considered some of her…eccentricities might be because of a different reason.”
“Reason?” She prodded.
A sadness touched his eyes. “My mother was a weak woman. Alone in our tiny house, mostly separate from the world, she kept her weakness hidden. But when he came back, it blossomed to life.” His gaze met mine. “She was afraid to leave Ireland, afraid to leave Earth. But I realized that despite who she was, my father still loved her.”
“Did she love him?” she asked, surprised.
“I think she did…if he been able to give it all up, to stay with us in our little home, I think he could have taught her to love him more than she feared him. But he couldn’t, he had a son to train. To prepare for the bigger world. So, he took me. My mother watched us leave, tears streaming down her pale face. For days all I could think of was her, but eventually, I learned that I was the one that needed to be afraid.”
“Because of your father?”
He gave a humorless laugh. “No, my father would be my protector in all things. It was more that I’d been living in a dream. A world free of any harm or danger. And the world my father brought me to…it was all darkness and cruelty. My ignorance of the Keltair way nearly cost me my life.”
“Your training was rough?”
He took a long time to answer. “My days were spent fighting, pitted against other boys my age, forced to fight to survive. My nights were spent in a dark room where we all slept, waiting for the attacks that would surely come throughout the night. The Keltair boys liked to cut each other with their horns. I had no horns, so I tried to sharpen my nails…but it was not enough. I became like a wild creature, jumping at every sound.
“But, I think, in the end I became more dangerous than all of them. I hadn’t had a lifetime of cruelty to contend with. I was simply suffocated by it one day. I didn’t know how to be one of them, so I became something worse. A wild animal. I survived on instinct alone. Their constant attacks made me stronger, more aware of my surroundings. By the time I moved onto the training for manhood, many of them had grown to fear this half-breed.”
