The Commander's Mate

by Morganna Williams

  Again Grayson stilled all movement and simply held her. He took her up the peak over and over, but never followed her over, giving her respite filled with gentle loving words and caresses between each release. Always maintaining eye contact, which seemed to intensify every movement and brought a sweetness to the moment that brought tears to her eyes.

  Finally Izzy decided it was time to demand more; cupping his backside boldly in her hands, she thrust up and ground against him hard. “I want you hard and fast. Now.”

  Grayson withdrew completely from her and flipped her face down on the bed. Izzy eagerly pressed her chest to the bed and went up on her knees, splaying her legs wide in invitation.

  Grayson sank into her hard and fast, panting as he took up a pounding rhythm guaranteed to please them both. “You feel so good around me, little fire. I love the feel of you coming on my cock.”

  One of his large hands held her securely in place by her hip and the other slid two fingers into her slit to ride her clit as he drove them both toward release.

  “Come with me this time, Grayson. I need you,” she said softly as she felt herself begin to tighten around him once again.

  This time when she came, he followed her quickly over the edge, coming in sharp bursts of heat that coated her inner walls.

  As he collapsed on the bed, he pulled a very satisfied Izzy down with him.

  Izzy rested on top of him, smiling down at him. “Grayson, that was wonderful.”

  He stroked her face lightly. “Isabella, I’ve been thinking. I was too rigid in my statement that you couldn’t go into town once you’ve developed immunity to the toxins in this world. Once you have and if the people seem to be used to our presence and have no anger toward us, I will perhaps allow you to go to town with an escort.”

  “Really? What about my job?” she asked eagerly.

  “No. I cannot allow you to work and be gone from me that many hours a day. Please see I offer a compromise and take it as my attempt to ensure your happiness.”

  Izzy decided she would take it. It would give her a little freedom and if she decided her life would be unbearable in this little bubble, it would give her the opportunity to escape. She didn’t like the thought of leaving; her alien was obviously trying hard to please her even though some of the concession went against the fiber of his being.

  “Thank you, Grayson.”

  It surprised her to realize as she looked down at him that she had already forgiven him for what had happened earlier. He’d only left her for a few minutes and was sincerely sorry for having reacted so strongly to her defiance. Though she also doubted she’d ever try to lock a door on him or deny him access to her body again. Perhaps they’d both learned something from the exercise.

  She realized locking the door against Grayson had truly hurt him; as she looked down at him and took in the loving way he was looking up at her, Izzy felt a sense of wonder. Was it possible her alien was falling in love with her? Was she falling in love with him?

  The thought was very scary but also a little exhilarating.

  Chapter Four

  As the days blended into weeks, Izzy found herself growing more and more attached to Grayson. He was gentle and loving unless she was disrespectful or defiant, and in bed he continued to rock her world.

  But she was growing tired of being trapped in the bubble around their home, though she understood Grayson’s reasoning. Izzy might have hated the weekly shots, but even she could see the marked difference in her skin and her body was toning up in ways it never had before. She wasn’t skinny by any means and would obviously always have the generous curves Grayson so enjoyed, but her body was different.

  Looking and feeling younger wasn’t the biggest difference; Izzy felt stronger and just plain healthier than she would have ever thought possible.

  It was time for her weekly shot and checkup. Though she never wanted another pelvic from the man, Izzy had long since forgiven the incident and actually enjoyed the doctor’s company.

  “How are you feeling, Lia Treenan?” The doctor now addressed her with the title in keeping with her status as Grayson’s mate.

  “Wonderful, can I go outside?” She asked the same question every week.

  Dr. Pimel snorted in response, “Your mate has a one-track mind, commander.”

  Grayson raised a brow at Izzy. “Well, I know this, doctor. I’ve told Isabella repeatedly she cannot venture forth outside the protective dome until she is immune to the toxins of earth. This she knows well.”

  Izzy sighed dramatically. “You can’t blame a girl for trying.”

  “Mmmm,” was Grayson’s only response.

  “As you know, Lia Treenan, the air and water are both toxic and the food on this planet is nourished by the air and the water so it also has very limited healthful benefits…” Dr. Pimel was winding up.

  “Yes… yes, I know, I’m sorry I asked. I will wait like a good girl until you tell me it’s safe to venture forth into the great earth toxic waste dump.” Both men chuckled at her words and Izzy gave a sigh of relief that she’d managed to sidetrack the doctor. Once the man started on the food of earth, you had to be prepared for a three-hour lecture about the atrocious diets of earthlings.

  “As soon as the harvest of mates is complete, we will start some educational programs for the people of earth,” Grayson told the doctor.

  Though the agreement was only to provide protection, he and the doctor both felt it would be criminal to watch the humans die out when it could be prevented with education and other interventions.

  Izzy was impressed by his ethical standards and it only made her like him more. A like she was afraid was quickly turning to love.

  The idea of loving him completely terrified her, partly because she wasn’t sure Grayson was capable of loving her back or would even understand what it meant, but even more because Izzy felt she’d already compromised so much of who she’d always thought she was as a person.

  She was also getting lonely; it was just her and Grayson in the house and he was gone most of the day.

  Izzy was bored and was becoming worried that this was going to be her lot in life. She couldn’t imagine spending days, weeks, months, or even years with her life revolving around what time her husband would get home.

  She had more to offer, darn it! Her job at the library might not have been glamorous, but it had value and gave her a purpose. Izzy loved introducing books and the different worlds you could travel to inside to young readers. It was especially gratifying to find something to capture the attention of even the most reluctant reader.

  The look on a child’s face when they discovered everything Izzy’s dusty books could offer was precious. She also missed story-time, the time set aside two afternoons a week when Izzy read to anyone who wanted to listen. Story-time had hooked a few kids she’d never thought she would be able to get interested in reading.

  “I will be so glad when I can go out. I really miss the library,” Izzy said softly.

  Grayson’s face became a little stony at her words as he continued his conversation with the doctor as if she hadn’t spoken. She turned away and rolled her eyes, not really interested in their discussion about educational programs if Grayson couldn’t be bothered to listen to her about the library.

  Izzy missed the library so very much and was growing increasingly frustrated with Grayson’s inability to understand her need to work with the children there. Actually what made the situation so frustrating wasn’t his inability to understand, but more his refusal to even try.

  She was trying very hard to keep her cool and not display her anger in a disrespectful way, but he just ignored her attempts to discuss things in a rational manner. It felt like he just gave her a pat on the head and sent her on her way without hearing a word she said.

  “Isabella, you should listen to the conversation and contribute. These are your people we are talking about developing educational programs for and you could give valuable input,” Grayson said, a slight rebuke
in his tone.

  “Why should I bother contributing, you wouldn’t listen to anything I said,” Izzy said, not bothering to hide her irritation.

  “Isabella.” The warning in his tone was implicit.

  “On the contrary, Lia Treenan, you have much of value to contribute regarding the best way to provide the education your people need. The best way to provide the programs so they are received positively,” Dr. Pimel said earnestly.

  “Well, don’t threaten to spank anyone and you’ll have a much higher success rate,” she said snarkily.

  The words were barely completely out of her mouth and Grayson had her tossed over his hip, her skirts flipped above her head, baring her completely to him and the good doctor.

  “No, Grayson! I’m sorry!” Izzy was mortified to be in such a position in front of a guest to her home.

  “You were warned, young lady, and still you pushed me,” Grayson said firmly as he began to pepper her bottom with fast, hard swats.

  She rocked her bottom helplessly in an effort to avoid his punishing palm, yelping loudly when he applied it with vigor to her sit spot. “Oooh… owwww… Grayson, please, I’m sorry!”

  Then her world was upright again as he stood her on her feet in front of him. Izzy was thankful her skirt fell back down around her feet hiding her flaming bottom from view.

  The doctor had watched the whole time and now looked at her with barely concealed amusement.

  She wanted desperately to rub her stinging backside, but refused to do it in front of them. With a delicate sniff, Izzy turned to the doctor. “I apologize for my behavior, Dr. Pimel.”

  When she turned to Grayson, he simply raised his brow at her again. “And?”

  Izzy sighed. “I would be happy to discuss an education program with you and the best way to see it is well received.”

  She felt bad when the doctor positively beamed in response to her words; he obviously was very excited about implementing an educational program. Izzy shouldn’t have been snarky because she was irritated about the library. The program would, after all, benefit her people.

  “I will gather the information and come back to meet with you about the best way to present it to your people,” the doctor said with a grin.

  “Now I need to meet with Dr. Pimel about some other matters, little fire. Perhaps it would be best if you retired to our rooms and took a nap,” Grayson said firmly.

  Izzy gaped at him for a moment. Grayson was sending her to her room! She felt her face getting red; he was treating her like a child.

  As she opened her mouth to blast him, Grayson forestalled her by holding up a hand to stop her from speaking. “Think well before you speak, Isabella.”

  She closed her mouth and walked swiftly from the room without speaking. It went against the grain to leave without speaking her mind regarding being treated like a five-year-old, but knew this particular battle was already lost.

  Izzy made it to their room and managed to shut the door with a quiet click rather than slamming it like she wanted.

  She frowned when she spotted a large wrapped box on the bed that seemed to be vibrating. A plaintive little cry came from the box and she’d rushed over to lift the lid.

  The wriggling puppy inside the box melted her heart in an instant. It was a little lemon basset hound with ears that seemed way too big for its tiny head. Izzy scooped the little dog to her breast and was rewarded instantly with ecstatic puppy kisses.

  She shook her head ruefully. Just when she was ready to spit nails, her alien did something so incredibly sweet she wanted to cry.

  * * *

  Grayson smiled from the doorway, pleased with Isabella’s reaction to the puppy.

  “I know you’ve been lonely here at home during the day and I thought a dog might give you a little company,” Grayson said carefully. He didn’t want to do anything to set off the argument they’d rehashed repeatedly over the last several weeks. It was pointless; Isabella would not be leaving their home under any circumstances until Dr. Pimel gave him the all-clear. Afterward, he wouldn’t risk her safety by letting her traipse around outside the protective dome without an escort. He also didn’t want her working.

  Isabella took a deep breath; he watched as she seemed to be struggling with whether or not to continue their argument.

  “Is she not a risk to my immune system?” she asked with a raised brow.

  “The mother was isolated while still carrying her pups and given shots to enhance her health while being kept in a clean air environment. The puppy will continue with the weekly shots until she is about four months old. Dr. Pimel said it’s probable the puppies will all be larger than expected previously for this breed,” he said with a smile, enjoying the sight of her sitting on the floor with the rambunctious puppy in her arms.

  Isabella grinned down at the puppy snuggled against her chest. “What shall we call you, little girl?” She laughed when the pup gave an exuberant yip and licked her chin. “I think Sassy will suit you. Come, Sassy, let’s go find you some dinner.”

  Grayson was relieved Isabella had decided not to argue further with him. He hoped it was a sign she was growing to love him as deeply as he loved her.

  * * *

  Izzy put Sassy on the floor and then walked to the kitchen with the puppy close on her heels. Grayson followed them into the room and showed Izzy the food the doctor had formulated for the puppy’s needs.

  Sassy scarfed down the bowl of food laid down for her, then dropped to the floor for a nap. Izzy smiled, giving her a little pat before pulling a ladder from the broom closet. She’d been keeping the house clean and preparing meals since it was just her and Grayson in the house.

  “What is the purpose of that?” Grayson asked Izzy.

  She smiled. “The chandeliers need cleaning.”

  Grayson stiffened. “Absolutely not.”

  Izzy frowned questioningly. “Absolutely not what?”

  “You are under no circumstances to climb that ladder,” was his firm reply.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Grayson. The chandeliers are filthy and I’m the only one here,” Izzy told him and continued on her way into the entry hall with the large ladder balanced over her shoulder. She gasped in outrage when the ladder was removed from her grasp and returned to the closet.

  “You will not climb the ladder,” Grayson told her sternly.

  “Bossy jerk,” Izzy muttered as she marched past him, only to be swung around when he grabbed her by the arm.

  Grayson used her forward momentum to propel her across his thigh as he placed his foot on the lower rung of a kitchen stool.

  Izzy shrieked, grasping his ankle reflexively when she found herself dangling upside down over his leg for the second time that day. “Don’t you dare!”

  He ignored her, tossing the skirt of her caftan up over her back to bare her bottom to his paddle-like hand. Grayson clapped his hand off her bottom over and over again until the entire surface of her bottom was hot and throbbing, then lifted her to stand before him.

  “You will not climb that ladder or any others you find around this house. You will not speak disrespectfully to me, with or without an audience. You may not call me names. If you try to defy me over this, little fire, you will not like the results and will likely find sitting impossible in the near future.”

  Izzy glared daggers at him as she rubbed her stinging bottom. “How else are the chandeliers and the upper windows going to get cleaned?”

  “I will find a way but you will not be doing it,” Grayson told her succinctly.

  Izzy needed to get away from the infuriating man before she committed murder. With another glare she scooped Sassy into her arms and stomped from the room, determined to get as much distance between them as possible.

  * * *

  Grayson smiled as his defiant little mate stomped from the room; though he wouldn’t allow her disobedience, he found he really enjoyed her continued defiance. A woman of his world would never have talked back or argued an instruction
from her mate. Punishments usually occurred for foolish or risky behavior, never outright defiance.

  He wondered if he was the only Ramelian thoroughly enjoying the differences in his human mate.

  Chapter Five

  It was the next day that Grayson joined her in their room with a warm smile lighting his features.

  “The good doctor reports you have developed an immunity to the toxins of this planet. You may now spend small amounts of time outside our protective dome. Come, I will take you into town. We will lunch at a restaurant,” Grayson told her.

  Izzy glanced in the mirror to make sure her braids were all still in place. Grayson continued to braid her hair first thing in the morning. It never ceased to amaze her how quickly he managed to arrange her unruly hair in the intricate design.

  She quickly pulled on her boots and made a face; Izzy hadn’t realized how used to being barefoot she’d gotten. The shoes now felt restrictive and uncomfortable on her feet. “I need some sandals,” she announced as she joined her mate in the front hall.

  “Sandals?” he asked with his brow raised questioningly.

  “Flip-flops, special footwear that leaves the majority of your foot bare. They’re much more comfortable,” Izzy told him as she followed him out the door.

  “No sandals then,” Grayson said firmly. “Only I will see your bare little toes. Since shoes are only necessary when we leave the comfort of our home, I see no reason for you to have more than one pair.”

  “You have got to be kidding me!” Izzy exclaimed in disbelief. “You wouldn’t think twice about baring my bottom to spank me in public but no one else can see my hair down or, horror of horrors, look upon my naked toes?” She was incredulous at the logic of this alien race.

  “You would do well to take heed of your own words, little fire,” he said sternly.

  Izzy rolled her eyes. “For goodness’ sake, I wasn’t being disrespectful or defiant. I was expressing an opinion. A very valid one too! There is nothing at all sexual about my bare feet.”