Second Chance

by Rebecca Airies

  Alek slowly withdrew from her. Laci shivered as he pulled out of her sensitive channel. The pulling sensation caused shivers to ripple through her. She drew in a shaky breath.

  Darion’s hands wrapped around her arms and pulled her up to lie beside him. Alek crawled up and pressed against her side. Laci tried to focus her mind, to remember what had led to this.

  “Why would both of you have trackers?” Laci trailed her finger across Darion’s chest.

  “All Norik have them, Laci.” Alek nipped at her shoulder, drawing her eyes to his.

  “We know the scientists are out there and active in their schemes to recapture their creations. It would be foolish not to be prepared.” Darion’s lips brushed across her cheek.

  “It’s a safety measure.” Alek lifted Laci’s hand and kissed her palm. “We aren’t willing to risk even one Norik becoming a captive again.”

  * * * * *

  Laci stepped out of the lab and couldn’t contain her surprised expression at finding Cheli standing in the hallway. She’d seen the woman around the ship many times since the day of rescue. Cheli had a mate on the Chimau, a young man named Ranok. Laci was simply surprised at finding Cheli here alone. The men seemed determined to spend every spare moment with their women.

  “I asked Ranok and he said it would be all right for us to go to the Rec rooms. He arranged for us to have a training room, a private training room. I’d like for you to teach me how to do what you did to those guards. I don’t ever want to go back in a cage.” Cheli spoke with earnest intent. “I have nightmares of being captured again.”

  Laci nodded. “It was a nightmare of mine for a long time as well.”

  The room Ranok had reserved was a large, light gray padded room. There were practice bots standing against one wall. As soon as the door shut behind them, Laci turned and looked at Cheli, who asked, “So where do we start?”

  “I’ll teach you how to fall in a few moments and then some holds and hold breaks, but I wanted to ask some questions. Did any of you ever try to escape? Form a plan and then use it against your captors?”

  “We tried to escape a few times, but we never left the cellblock. They always stunned us. We stopped trying some time ago.” Cheli’s hands twisted together in agitation. “How did you learn to do what you did to the guards?”

  “You were intended to be a weapon when you were created. I was intended to be a soldier. They trained us to fight. The guards at the base I was held at would never have handled me with the lack of caution and respect that the guards at your facility did.”

  “How would they treat you differently?”

  “Those guards who came into direct contact with me would never have worn a weapon and they would have known to the second when I would wake from a sedative. They took no chances.”

  “Did you escape or were you freed?”

  “We escaped. Most of those who escaped with me are still together.” Laci smiled as she thought about her friends. Although she didn’t really like talking about her time as a prisoner, she knew that she’d been lucky in some ways. She’d been educated and she hadn’t been tortured. They had merely wanted a tool to use.

  “How many times did you try to escape before you succeeded?” Cheli tilted her head.

  “Probably thousands. The first time I tried to escape, I was probably only seven,” Laci revealed with a chuckle. “Over the years, I learned caution and patience. As much as I hate the thought of going back into one of those things, I would have held out for the perfect moment. If those guards hadn’t been so careless, I would have waited for an opportunity. It would have come. It always does. Now, let’s begin.”

  * * * * *

  Alek smiled as he watched Laci with some of the other women in the common room of one of the Rec areas. She sat in a chair at the large metal table, listening and laughing with them. She didn’t seem to realize what she was doing. They all looked up to her and she’d taken them all under her care.

  She saw to calming the fears they had that no amount of soothing by their mates had dented. They came to her with their troubles and worries and she offered what counsel she could. She didn’t seem to realize she had taken up a position of power. She was their advocate. When they came to her with a problem, she immediately began searching for a solution. The problem of physical examinations for the women who’d been mated, for instance, had been taken care of within two days of their arrival. Two of the women were training to become medics.

  Alek stepped forward, striding across the room. Laci turned and smiled at him, stepping into him as her arms wrapped around him and her face nestled against the blue shirt of his uniform. He ran his hands over her body and she practically purred. He reveled in her easy acceptance of his touch.

  Alek stepped back, his hands going to the front catch of the bodice of her sexy deep blue dress. It was a sleeved dress, but the front provided an enticing view. With a deep neckline and a front closure, it cupped over her breasts and left her golden tummy bare. He spread the material revealing her full breasts. He lifted one of the mounds in his hand, his thumb brushing over the mauve nipple in slow strokes. Laci closed her eyes, her head falling back as she relished the sensations, unaware of the attention focused on her.

  “Time to eat, love.” Alek’s lips brushed across the black hair at her temple. “Darion will join us in the forward dining hall.”

  “Umm, I am hungry.” Her sultry purr conveyed that food was not what she had in mind.

  Her body fitted to his, her curves pressed against his side. She wanted him. He could smell her arousal. Every time that they took her to the dining room, she tried to control it, to resist becoming lost in the pleasure, but her body was much too responsive for that.

  Alek saw the other women staring at them. He merely smiled as he led the way. He knew that it had taken Laci a little time to grow comfortable with their ways. The women only saw how easily she accepted his touch, how she enjoyed it now. They didn’t know about the times when she had sat between them, stubbornly clutching her bodice closed until she had become too excited to remember her shyness. They only saw her allow him to bare her breasts without a protest. Laci might not see herself as a leader, but the women followed her example. Seeing her this way would help to ease their transition. It might not be immediate, but they’d soon lose their shyness.

  Alek guided Laci from the room. Those women would be getting a peek at just how willingly Laci accepted their touch and her life here. If there had been a woman for Laci to observe, he and Darion wouldn’t have hesitated to use the example. They’d wanted her acceptance and there was very little they wouldn’t have done to gain it.

  * * * * *

  Laci knew something wasn’t quite right, but there was little time to think of it. It was only a short, intense lift ride and a brief walk before Alek led her into the dining room. The large room was scattered with tables and booths along the walls.

  All the tables were elegantly draped with long, white table cloths. The floor was light gray-blue and the booths and chairs were a deep, slate blue. Lights were kept low in the dining rooms. Soft shadows and cream walls gave an ambience of quiet, romantic solitude to all who dined.

  Alek urged her into one of the booths. The cushioned seat curved around the table providing a bit of privacy and maneuvering room. It was one of the men’s favorite locations. The table cloth and the booth hid an abundance of maneuvers that would be obvious at a normal table. They took full advantage of the extra cover.

  Darion arrived a moment later pushing a wheeled cart which held their food. Laci raised a brow even as she enjoyed the sight of the blue shirt stretched across the broad plane of his chest. They were definitely planning something. Usually, the three of them came to the dining hall, requested their food and snuggled in the booth while they waited. When Alek and Darion had everything ready and waiting, she knew they were scheming. They took no chances when they planned something. She wondered what the devious men wanted.

  Darion placed
the food on the table, slashing a quick look toward Alek. Laci caught the glance Darion cast at Alek and Alek’s replying nod. She couldn’t quite interpret the actions, but she grew a little more wary as he placed two plates, utensils and three glasses on the table.

  Laci picked of the silver carafe of wine and poured the blue liquid into each of their glasses. She placed the carafe in the center of the table and sat back. Whatever their scheme, she knew that it had begun.

  “Do you mind telling me why there isn’t a plate for me?” Laci’s green eyes flicked from one man to the other, trying to find some hint in their faces. Excitement curled within her.

  “We’re going to feed you.” Darion watched the wariness flare in her eyes. “You know you crave our touch, the pleasure we give you. You’ll love it.”

  Laci was certain she’d enjoy it. She found only delight in their touch. They could excite her more with a simple look than some men had ever managed when they were touching her. They would drive her crazy with that pleasure, but she couldn’t resist taking the journey.

  Darion slid into the booth, taking his seat at her side. He scooped up some meat with gravy and held it temptingly in front of her, just close enough that she could smell the tantalizing aroma. Laci leaned forward, opening her mouth to take the food. Darion drew the food back with a laugh.

  “You know how we like you to be when we’re here.” Darion lifted the fork temptingly close.

  Laci’s eyes widened. She felt Alek’s large hand brush over her thigh, just the barest hint of a touch. Demanding, arrogant… Laci knew that she could not change their behavior. In truth, she wouldn’t want to do so in spite of the fact that they often angered and exasperated her greatly. Even at their most arrogant, she found them sexy. She wanted them just the way they were.

  With a sigh, she spread her legs, lifting them and hanging them over the muscular, cloth-clad thighs of the two men flanking her. Her skirt rode up, leaving her open for their touch. Darion smiled and slipped the bit of food between her lips. His right hand palmed her breast, the skilled fingers brushing over the full roundness.

  Laci concentrated on chewing and swallowing the food in her mouth in spite of the tendrils of electric delight sizzling through her. She had to focus. If she was going to walk out of here capable of a coherent thought, she had to maintain control. They were teasing wretches. They would take her to the heights while in the dining room, but they would never let her go over the edge. Always, they made her wait until they got back to their room.

  Alek brushed the edge of a fork over her lips. Laci knew she was losing focus, losing control. Her body heated as the memories of the many meals they had shared leapt into her mind. Just from the feel of Darion’s hand on her breast, she was on fire. Laci opened her mouth and greedily accepted the food. She had no idea what she was chewing. She wanted their touch more than she wanted food.

  Alek’s left hand settled on her thigh, brushed upward with slow thoroughness. The slight calluses on his hands sent tingles straight to her core. She knew that she was already wet. The muscles of her vagina were taut, eager to receive their touch. Darion and Alek fed her and themselves, all while making her insane with need from their light touches and kisses.

  Darion’s lips settled over hers, his teeth nibbling on her lips before his tongue stroked into her mouth. He could smell the sweet scent of her passion. It was as clear as the passion in her eyes. Laci brushed her tongue along his, enticing him. His fingers stroked along her jaw. Darion took one last lingering nip at her lips.

  Laci felt two fingers slip into her heated slit. She just managed to bite back the groan that rumbled at the back of her throat as those fingers twisted within her. Her back arched. She vaguely wondered if she would survive a life with them. Their teasing just might kill her.

  Alek’s lips closed around the peak of her right breast, his lips and teeth nibbling and plucking at the sensitive nipple. Laci’s head fell back to rest against the cushioned seat behind her. Her eyes fluttered closed as Alek began to draw on her nipple. The fingers within her moved slowly, maddeningly.

  Her fingers threaded into Alek’s hair as his lips worked at her nipple. A hungry whimper escaped her lips as Darion’s thumb brushed against her clit with each inward thrust of his fingers. She needed more. If they didn’t get her out of here soon, she just might attack them.

  “I need to be filled,” her whispered plea fell between them. She felt Alek smile against her breast.

  Their com-links went off almost simultaneously. Laci tried to concentrate on what was being said and their terse replies, but her mind was a little slow to clear from the haze of desire they had created. One thing was certain, something wasn’t right.

  “We have duty to see to, lovely one. Much as we would love to linger with you, we’ll have to find our usual after-dinner pleasure later.” Darion stood slowly.

  Her brain may have been fogged by their kisses and maddening touch, but she wasn’t an idiot or deaf. She had heard the words “remind you” in both of their conversations. They never needed reminding or started anything that they couldn’t finish. Then she remembered the plan she had suspected them of following. Her eyes narrowed and she looked around the room.

  Laci’s eyes fell on several of the women dining with the men who had claimed them. She saw the women’s expressions as well as the satisfied glow on the men’s faces and knew that this was no coincidence. It didn’t take many wits to decipher their plan. She had just been used as an object lesson. She turned fiery eyes to the two men.

  They probably wouldn’t even deny it.Her body was on fire, pulsing with desire they had ignited. Her anger hadn’t made a dent in it. The slight breeze from the air vents tormented her oversensitive body. She glared at them, growing more furious by the moment. They weren’t even going to give her satisfaction after using her, just so their men could make progress with their women.

  Darion helped her out of the seat. She waited until they were out in the hallway before she vented her anger. They walked nonchalantly beside her as if they had done nothing. She stomped hard on Darion’s foot and drove her elbow into Alek’s unprotected ribs. She leaped forward and spun to face them.

  “Next time, try asking for my help. I’m generally fairly reasonable,” Laci stormed before she stalked off—or tried to.

  Darion stopped her by simply grabbing the trailing black braid of her long hair. Laci took a step back and turned to face him. She grabbed her braid and tugged on it, but he wouldn’t release it.

  “I swear I’m going to cut that,” Laci muttered.

  “Better not, we like it.” Darion’s grin was unrepentant.

  “It’s my hair.” Laci narrowed her eyes. She would take a lot from them, but she wouldn’t let them dictate to her. “Say what you have to say.”

  “It will also be your ass.” Alek smiled. “You have a point about the way we handled this. We could have asked.”

  “Arrogant, presumptuous, self-important and blind,” Laci muttered beneath her breath. “You could try giving them a little time. They just got out of a horrible situation.”

  “Be’rai, relax. We’ll talk about this later. We have to attend to our duties.” Darion’s voice was pitched at a soothing rumble.

  Laci shot them both a glare. She was frustrated and more than ready to vent it on them. “Well, go to your duties. I think you’ve harassed me enough.”

  “Be’rai, your way with words has me wanting to give you a lesson in the proper respect owed to your mates.” Alek’s voice was low, but the laughter in his eyes and the smile on his face belied the words.

  “When my mates deserve respect, they get it. When they are undeserving of it, I certainly don’t give it,” Laci shot back. “Go to your duties. You’ve made me angry enough today.”

  “You could get to be a bossy little woman if we let you. Luckily, we know just how to handle you.” Darion’s voice was confident as he stepped forward. “We’ll deal with your burgeoning arrogance later.” As he passed he
r, his hand landed a stinging smack on her buttock. That contact caused the muscles in her pussy to clench, heightening her arousal.

  Laci found herself alone in the hallway. Her body was on fire, her clothing felt heavy and abrasive against her skin. She desperately needed some kind of release. They had deliberately taken her to the heights and known they wouldn’t be able to finish. By the Gods, they could have shown her a little mercy.

  She headed for the recreation area. She needed to work off some of this frustrated desire. She knew the two men who were her mates very well by now. She wouldn’t get the chance to satisfy the hunger which raged within her. They were fairly predictable. If she went back to their room to finish it herself, someone would come to the door, needing assistance or seeking something before she could find satisfaction.

  In spite of the anger she felt for their actions, Laci knew that she’d be back in their arms before the day was over. She couldn’t hold onto her anger when they touched her. She also knew that the way they acted, how they thought—it was all part of what drew her to them. If they were weak and biddable, if she could get them to do anything she wanted, she wouldn’t be half as interested in them. She accepted and loved them exactly as they were.

  In the practice area, Laci took great satisfaction in pounding on the android opponent. The exercise and focus helped burn away the desire that her mates had so expertly fanned into a burning blaze. The next time Alek made a remark about not leaving her wanting, she was going to be sure to use this. Like them, she’d take any advantage she could get.

  Chapter Twelve

  Laci had the uneasy feeling that two hunters were circling her, closing in for the kill. Alek and Darion were getting impatient. They weren’t going to wait for much longer, before applying a little pressure. She’d seen it in their eyes. The intensity, the hunger burned in their eyes. That was a look that she knew well enough.