Bound: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance, page 16
“I can give you the names of the Torretian operatives scattered through your troops, as well as those embedded in the government of Altor,” Cylex offered.
“Is this a bidding war?” Laidon sneered. “I have ships and skilled fighters, some still hidden within Jevara’s troops.”
“That could be helpful for a surprise attack,” Zevon agreed, fighting back a smile.
Tov watched his friend closely. Zevon was enjoying the conflict a little more than he should have, perhaps. These males clearly hated each other and weren’t afraid to use violence to express their enmity.
“I know the regional leaders that support the rebellion but are too afraid to speak out openly,” Cylex claimed. “With a few comms I could double the size of the resistance. Would that make forming an alliance worthwhile?”
Laidon scoffed and rolled his eyes. “You are not part of my rebellion, and I say you’re full of shit.”
“Well, this is an interesting dynamic,” Zevon mused. “Neither of you can offer enough to benefit me on your own, yet together you might become a valuable ally. So the question becomes, what will it take for you two to work together like civilized beings?”
“Rescue my sister and I will forget about the past,” Cylex offered.
“I agree,” Laidon stressed. “Rescue Shalia and I will gladly move on.”
“Now that is an interesting offer,” Zevon admitted. He stared past them, silently considering the options for a moment. Then he looked at Tov. “Is the Agitarri available?”
“It is, but rescue missions are most effective when they are fast and stealthy. I would suggest one of my smaller ships.”
Zevon nodded. “I leave the details to you. Put together a team that includes these two and rescue both females.”
“Of course, sir.”
“There is a complication I’ve yet to explain,” Cylex warned.
“Let me guess.” Tov moved closer to Zevon’s desk, angling himself so he could see more than the backs of their heads. “Jevara wants one of the conduits in exchange for your sister?”
Furrows formed in Cylex’s brow. “He does, but how did you guess?”
Tov shrugged. “Jevara is amoral and ruthless, but he is also predictable. As soon as word reached him that the Hays bloodline is capable of power exchange, I knew he would not rest until he controlled Cara, Raina, or both.”
“What is power exchange?” Laidon wanted to know. “I’ve never heard the term before.”
“Some conduits can transform one type of mystic energy into another, Altorian Fire into Torretian Water and so forth,” Cylex explained. “It is a rare gift, but many in their bloodline have possessed it.”
“Which one of the cousins has been able to transform energy?” Laidon asked.
“Flora, but it is likely they all can,” Tov told him.
“This isn’t a complication. It’s an opening,” Zevon said. “Jevara has given us a legitimate reason for you to return.”
“If we are willing to use an untrained conduit as bait,” Tov argued, angry that Zevon would even suggest it.
“What about a newly bonded conduit with enough training to quickly become lethal?” Zevon countered. “Nadis told me that Cara’s power has been released and I’m pretty sure you and Merrik are responsible.”
Tension banded Tov’s chest as his emotions twisted into an indistinguishable mess. “We have yet to claim Cara. Is that what you are suggesting? Are you going to allow us to claim her?”
“Is that what she wants?” Zevon’s brows arched in challenge. “If her guardians approve the match, will Cara willingly submit to you?”
“Yes, sir. She will.”
Zevon pushed to his feet. “Laidon and Cylex, report to Tov in the morning. He will brief you on the mission then.”
“Yes, sir,” Laidon agreed and left the office.
Cylex stood also and headed for the door.
Zevon stopped him. “Say nothing to the females. This should come from Tov and Merrik.”
“Understood.”
Once the door closed behind Cylex, Zevon sent a comm inquiry to Draven Aldar, the controller in Flora’s triad. He responded immediately from the control center of a spaceship. “What can I do for you, sir?”
“I need to speak with your mate. In fact, I’d like to speak with your entire triad.”
“Noratu and Flora are in our quarters. Give me a few moments and I will return the comm.”
The holo image blinked off and Tov released a ragged breath. “Are you going to ask or order?”
Zevon smiled. “That depends on them. I will start by asking, but this needs to happen. Stay off camera until we find out how this is going to go.”
Tov nodded. He would rather not make an enemy out of Flora and her mates, but he would gladly take Cara in whatever way he could get her and he knew Merrik felt the same.
Draven reactivated the holo-comm as promised. Flora and Noratu were with him. “Is there a problem, sir?”
“I am not sure yet. Were you aware that Cara’s power has been released?” Zevon began.
“Provost Nadis told us that she suspected that was the case, but Cara’s parents denied it,” Draven explained.
“It is not only true, but I’ve found the team responsible.”
“Tov and Merrik,” Flora guessed, but she smiled as she said it. “I’m pretty sure they’re dream sharing too.”
She didn’t seem angry. Maybe this would be easier than Tov had feared.
“You do not seem upset by this development,” Zevon noted. “Are you going to approve their request to claim her?”
“The final choice is up to Cara, but we have discussed it at length and have no objection.”
“Good. I have need of Cara for an upcoming mission and I am not comfortable sending her unless she is part of a power triad.”
“What sort of mission?” Flora wanted to know.
“Mission parameters are always confidential and you know it. I will inform Tov and Merrik that they have been approved to claim Cara. I am glad we are all in agreement.”
“Wait. I need to make sure Cara is okay with it too,” Flora objected.
“Well, do so quickly. Time is of the essence.”
Cara focused inwardly, allowing her surroundings to blur. Locating her energy and channeling it through her hands had become routine. She could release bursts of fire, even continual streams of energy, easily hitting the targeting sensor at the end of the lane. She had successfully performed the exercise so many times that it left her restless and ready for more.
“Close your eyes,” Nadis suggested. “Use your gift to locate the target rather than depending on physical sight.”
Closing her eyes, Cara sensed the holo-target, feeling its position within the room, then she released a cautious pulse. The familiar chime of the targeting sensor confirmed that she’d been successful. Another image formed within her mind, vivid and tempting. She saw Merrik’s handsome features tense with passion as he thrust deep inside her, and she felt the vast store of energy available to him. She wanted that power flowing through her again, challenging and exhilarating her. She was a conduit. Forming a power triad was the purpose for her existence. Nadis was right. Cara would never be satisfied with any other fate.
“That was very good.” Nadis always kept her praise casual. Encouraging Cara without demoralizing Raina was quite a balancing act. “Continue, but do not tire yourself out. Your body is still adjusting to its new capabilities.” She turned back to Raina, who was utilizing the firing lane to Cara’s left. “Did the new technique work any better?”
The access implant in Cara’s forearm vibrated, indicating an incoming comm. Flora had sent the request, which was curious. Her cousin knew she was training. If this weren’t important, Flora would not have interrupted.
Cara accepted the holo-comm and moved to the room’s perimeter. “Hey, stranger,” she greeted as Flora’s miniature image stabilized. “I thought you’d forgotten about us.” It had only been three days since they’d spoken, but Flora was fun to tease.
“Why didn’t you tell me that Merrik and Tov released your power?” Flora’s features were expressionless, her voice conversational.
Cara glanced at Nadis accusingly, but she was busy instructing Raina. “I knew I could trust you, but there are no secrets from bonded mates. I wasn’t sure what to make of yours.”
Flora accepted the excuse with a nod. “Are you even considering any of the other teams?”
No longer seeing a reason to lie, she admitted, “No. I want Tov and Merrik.”
“I’m glad because Tov is on his way down there right now.”
Cara felt her eyes widen. “They are going to claim me today?”
Flora chuckled. “You just told me that’s what you want.”
“It is, but I was thinking you would approve our courtship, not jump right to claiming.”
Challenge arched Flora’s brows. “Have you been dream sharing with them?”
Okay, so she knew everything. “Yes, but—”
“Zevon needs you bonded for some sort of mission. Tov will have to explain the details. Zevon wouldn’t tell me. You said you want these guys. If you do, now is the time.”
“I do,” Cara said with more conviction. “I’m a little freaked out by the timing, but I know I want them.”
“Good.” Flora smiled encouragingly. “I guess all that’s left to say is congratulations. I hope you’ll be as happy as I am.”
Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Cara stared blankly at the room at large. This was what she wanted, what she’d been dreaming about since she was taken from Tov and Merrik. Still, she had so many questions. First and foremost, what was this mission and how long would they have to prepare? Having access to her mystic energy gave her more control than Raina, but it was nothing compared to the abilities of a power triad.
“What’s going on?” Raina asked, closing the distance between them.
Nadis followed, her expression knowing.
“Tov and Merrik have been given permission to claim me.” Cara looked at Nadis. “Did you tell Flora that they released my power?”
“Flora and her mates are your guardians. It is my responsibility to keep them informed of your progress.” Nadis’ brows drew together, creasing her forehead. “I thought this was what you wanted.”
“It is. This just feels really sudden.”
Tov strode into the training center, ending the conversation. He walked up to Cara and asked, “Did you speak with Flora?”
Cara nodded, her throat suddenly tight, mouth dry.
“It is my intention to take you to my ship so Merrik and I can claim you. Do you have any objections?”
She licked her lips and swallowed past the lump in her throat. “No. I am ready to be your mate.”
Raina cried out happily and gave Cara a hug. “I guess I need to get serious about finding my mates now. I’m the only one left.”
“I’ll see you in a few days.” She looked at Tov and asked, “I will see her in a few days, won’t I?”
“We might be gone a bit longer, but you will return to the Citadel for further training once the mission is complete.”
Cara thanked Nadis for her patience and support, stressing how beneficial she’d found the instruction. After giving Raina another hug, Cara headed off with her soon-to-be-bonded mate.
“Flora mentioned a mission,” Cara said after a silent pause. “What are we going to do?” They were clearly headed to the departure ring, likely a shuttle bay.
He looked at her, possessive passion burning in his pale blue eyes. “Tonight is for you, me, and Merrik. Nothing else matters but creating the strongest bond possible. Once that is accomplished, I’ll explain what the mission entails.”
“It is going to drive me crazy. Can’t you give me a hint?”
He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I don’t want anything to distract you once we reach the ship. Two females are being threatened by Jevara. Our mission will be to rescue them.”
“I like the goal, but how in the world will we accomplish that?”
“I gave you the hint you requested. Now, do not ask again or I will consider it defiance.”
A shiver dropped down her spine at the sensual threat. It had been two long weeks since she felt the hot sting of Tov’s palm smacking her bottom. Her inner submissive was hungry for his control. She shrugged off his arm and muttered, “Whatever.”
His brows arched at her dismissive tone. “I see your attitude will require adjustment before we begin. Provost Nadis might prefer comradery to respect, but I do not.”
They reached the departure ring and Tov escorted her onto the tiny shuttle. This was a short-range, four-seat model, which meant his ship must be nearby.
“Are you wearing panties?” he asked as soon as the hatch was secure.
“Running around with my pussy exposed during training seemed kind of rude.” She kept up her belligerent tone, knowing full well where it was leading.
He activated the main controls and set the shuttle in motion. “Take off your panties, raise the back of your dress, and bend over my lap.”
The command sent a wave of heat cascading through her body. God, how she’d missed this. The shared dreams had been intensely erotic, but all they had done was fuck. She wiggled out of her panties and lifted her calf-length dress. He helped her down over his lap and stroked her upturned cheeks.
“Did you masturbate while we were separated?”
She tensed. He wouldn’t like her answer, but he could easily sense a lie. “Just on the nights we didn’t dream share.”
His hand fell hard against one side and then the other. “Your pleasure belongs to us. You know this.”
“But you weren’t there,” she objected.
He spanked her again, several hard swats on each side. “We gave you orgasms during our dreams. Correct?”
“Yes, Master.” Whack, whack. The sharp sound of flesh hitting flesh was just as stimulating as the sting. Her core tightened needfully and she pressed her thighs together. “Being without you makes me greedy.”
“You are even greedier when we’re together.” A flurry of hard smacks followed, making her squirm and moan. “Open for me. I want access to your pussy.”
She moved her legs apart and rolled her hips, freely offering her body.
He traced her slit, his fingers sliding easily across her slick flesh. She shifted restlessly. His touch felt good, but that was not where she needed his fingers.
“Ask nicely,” he prompted.
“Please, Master, rub my clit.”
He circled the sensitive bud, drawing sensations into her core. His fingers flicked her lightly then circled some more. She relaxed and let the pleasure take her. Tension gathered, the tingling start of a powerful orgasm. Suddenly he slapped her pussy, the impact centered above her clit.
She cried out, more from surprise than pain. “What did I do?”
“Nothing.” He slapped her pussy again. “I wanted to remind you that your body is mine to enjoy in any way I see fit.” He pushed two fingers into her core and fucked her with long, slow strokes. “So wet and hot.” He worked a third finger inside her and stretched her inner muscles. “So ready for my cock.”
“God, yes. Please, Master.”
“Not yet.” He pulled out and spanked her harder than before, each slap resulting in a bright burst of pain. But that only made her desire burn hotter. “Which do you prefer? My fingers or my hand?” He finger-fucked her fast and hard, then spanked her folds, the wet-sounding slap humiliating as well as painful.
“Fingers,” she cried, squirming in an effort to avoid the stinging impact. The tender abuse was painfully arousing, but her orgasm remained just out of reach.
He pushed back into her pulsing center, fucking her slowly again. “I like using my fingers too.” He withdrew the wet digits and slid them up to her other opening. “But here is where I like to use them.”
Cara moaned as he breached her tightest opening. Her body accepted their cocks without pain, but it still felt naughty whenever they used her anally. He slid in and out, in and out, while her pussy ached for attention.
“Soon this will be my cock,” he promised, his fingers moving faster. “We will fuck all three of your holes, sweet mate. We will finally take you together, Merrik in your pussy and me in this tight little ass. When you drift off to sleep you will be exhausted, sore, and dripping with our seed. Do you want that as much as I do?”
Another moan escaped her as she imagined the hours of carnal pleasure awaiting them. “Yes, Master, so very much.” She tightened her bottom around his surging fingers, but that just accented the emptiness in her core.
“Soon, my love.” Tov slowly drew his fingers out and lowered her dress. He helped her up and she moved to the seat beside his as he went to wash his hands.
CHAPTER 8
Merrik stood in the shuttle bay anxiously waiting for Tov and Cara. Tov had never doubted that this day would come, but Merrik had started to wonder. Being compatible with a female did not ensure that they would be chosen to claim her. Merrik knew that from experience. They were social outcasts, operating on the fringes of society. Most of the power players at the Citadel did not consider them worthy of a conduit.
But the past no longer mattered. Cara would soon be theirs, and not even the rich and powerful could take her away from them.
The shuttle glided into the bay a short time later and his pulse thudded even faster than before. The hatch opened and Cara climbed down from the small ship.
Merrik paused for a moment and just watched her. Her beauty was undeniable. From her wavy golden hair to her blue eyes and nicely curved body, everything about her reflected good health and vitality. But Cara was so much more than her outward appearance. She had adapted to the rapid-fire changes with courage and composure. She was kind and sweet, yet wonderfully spirited.
No longer able to resist his need to touch her, Merrik rushed forward and swept her into his arms. His mouth found hers and lingered, communicating tenderness and passion. “You are finally, officially ours.”
