Cavas

“No. This has nothing to do with my heat cycle. I’ve never agreed with how life-locks are chosen, or the timing of them. Cathian went into heat early, and his crew found Nara to feed him. Our father also sent Tryleskian breeding candidates he’d personally selected for my brother to meet him before his cycle ended. Cathian didn’t want any of them. Just Nara.

“They didn’t even realize until after his cycle ended that Nara had been implanted with a birth-control device. It’s why she didn’t get pregnant. He life-locked to her despite her not carrying his litter. Because she captured his heart. That device has since been removed. She will carry his litter next time he goes into heat. Our best scientists have determined how to make certain that happens.”

One thing he’d just said really had her curious. “Nara fed Cathian? You can’t lift your own spoon or fork to eat while in heat? Are you paralyzed or something? Or is it like a traditional thing for a woman to feed a man?”

He chuckled and got more comfortable on the couch. “Neither. We need to ingest female hormones to make our seed fertile. Nara and I discussed this, too. We are not something you call a ‘vampire’ on Earth. We go down on females to perform oral sex many times, gaining those needed hormones by arousing a female and getting her to climax.”

That flat-out shocked her.

“For days,” he added, grinning. “Nara enjoyed Cathian’s heat immensely. You will enjoy mine when it happens.”

Jill felt her cheeks heat, pretty sure she was blushing.

“I choose you, Jill. I hope you will consider becoming my life-lock. I plan to stay on The Vorge. This is my future. I’d like you to move into my cabin, or I could share yours. I believe we’d make an excellent match. It’s a simple, painless medical procedure to become life-locked.”

“What about love?” she blurted out. “What kind of medical procedure? What are you talking about?”

“I’m overwhelming you. I understand. How about if we start with our physical attraction? It’s strong on both our parts. Come to bed with me. Let me show you what we could have together. Nara said your women like to test before marrying someone. That means having sex first to make certain he’s a pleasing lover? Do I have that saying right? Let me show you that I’ll pass that test.”

Her mouth hung open again. Cavas was excellent at shocking her.

He chuckled. “Have I been too forthcoming?”

She sealed her mouth and swallowed hard. “Maybe a little.”

He leaned closer. “I’ll show you what a feeding is…”

Her heart pounded inside her chest. “Now?” Her voice came out a bit squeaky. “Here?”

“Yes.”

She didn’t know what to say.

Cavas inched even closer and reached out, cupping her face. “Don’t panic, Jill. We’ll take things slow.”

“Oh…good.”

In the next instant, he kissed her.

So much for slow, she thought, before his tongue delved into her mouth. She could have shoved him away…but she didn’t. Curiosity had her meeting his tongue with her own.

He was good at kissing. Too good.

She quickly lost the ability to think, instead just feeling. There was nothing but Cavas. His warm, strange-but-sexy textured tongue making love to hers.

His big hands were suddenly on her ribs, and he easily lifted her. Then she was reclining on the couch, leaning her elbows on the plush cushions beneath them, Cavas coming down over her.

He nudged her thighs with his leg, and she parted them. Cavas didn’t hesitate to move his hips closer until she felt the hard, thick press of his trapped cock right against the seam of her pants. He slowly began to rock, causing her to moan. It felt incredible as he rubbed against her clit.

A growl came from him. Where before it was scary, now it was sexy. His kisses became even more passionate, like he couldn’t get enough of her.

Jill totally understood. No one had ever made her as hot as he did. Maybe it was the danger factor that he was an alien. Or because he was so handsome. He also looked part animal, and there was a wildness to the way he touched her.

She clawed at his shirt, hating the feel of the material, wanting to touch his skin instead. Cavas kept kissing her, his mouth fused to hers, and increased the pressure and speed of his hips rocking between her thighs. She wrapped her legs around his waist and fell flatter onto her back, but she didn’t even care if they ended up on the floor as long as he kept doing what he was doing.

She ground her pelvis against that hard, thick length, wishing they were naked. The need to come had her aching. He moved against her as if he were just as desperate to make it happen.

Things were happening too fast, they were still dressed, but Jill was lost to how he made her feel. She’d never been so turned on. What he was doing felt too good.

Then she was crying out, her body seizing, as the climax tore through her.

Cavas snarled when she stopped kissing him and tore his mouth from hers. Jill was panting, her body trembling, trying desperately to breathe.

Then her eyes flew open when he lifted off her, quickly scooped her into his arms, and rushed toward the bed. He put her down before tearing at her clothing.

She didn’t protest as material ripped in his rush to get her naked. Part of her expected him to scratch her skin, but nothing hurt. He bared her easily, since she didn’t have underclothing on.

Jill caught her breath…almost…until he yanked his shirt over his head, throwing it to the side.

He had an amazing body. All that golden skin, and so many muscles.

He reached for the front of his pants next. “I’m going to feed from you first before I’m inside you,” he warned as he bent, shoving down his pants.

His voice came out more snarl than not. It should have scared her. Fear didn’t surface. She felt too good after he’d made her come, too lethargic as she recovered.

He dropped to his knees next to the bed before she could get a look at him naked from the waist down.

Cavas gripped her knees and he yanked her closer to the edge of the mattress and his body. Jill gasped at his strength, but before she could say or do anything, he parted her thighs and buried his face against her sex.

His hot mouth latched onto her clit, and she moaned loudly as his tongue lashed at the already oversensitive bud.

“Oh fuck,” she cried out, her hands instantly going to his head. Her fingers speared into his thick mane of hair, the urge to hold on to something strong. She’d never had a guy go down on her before. “Cavas,” she gasped. “I need to…”

He snarled against her clit, creating vibrations. He went at her aggressively, his tongue merciless in its speed and that strange, wonderful texture. Jill was lost to the pleasure. It was near painful, too, but it hurt too good to ask him to stop.

She didn’t even think it was possible to come twice in a row, but it happened.

The world seemed to explode inside her head as pleasure splintered through her body. She barely noticed when he pulled his mouth away, but she felt his weight press down as he moved on top of her. She managed to open her eyes, locking gazes with him.

He was beautiful. His eyes were golden, predatory again, and so sexy. She glanced at his mouth. It looked fuller than normal, a little swollen from what he’d just done, and he licked them with that tongue of his that she now knew could do such amazing things.

“So fucking delicious,” he growled.

One of his hands hooked her leg, pulling it up against his hip. He pinned it there. She felt the thick, broad tip of his cock bump against her slit. He adjusted a tiny bit, and then he pushed forward slowly.

Her body took him in. She felt super wet, and it helped as he eased inside. It was a tight fit. He felt really big and super hard.

She realized she’d been gripping his shoulders, and she clung to him as he pushed inside her a little, withdrew a hair, before driving his hips forward to make her take more of him. Their gazes remained locked. His eyes narrowed to mere slits and a deep purr rumbled from him. His chest touching her bare breasts vibrated from the sound.

“I’m keeping you, Jill.” He worked himself into her deeper, moving slowly.

Jill had to close her eyes. Her body was on sensory overload.

She’d always wondered what sex with someone else would feel like. Never in her wildest fantasies had she imagined it would be this amazing.

Every thrust had her in ecstasy. It only built as he picked up the pace. She felt taken, owned by him. Cavas filled her, had her pinned under him, and she loved it.

Her world exploded again, and she felt and heard him coming with her.

Cavas panted, trying to catch his breath. Jill had stolen it, along with his sanity. Her taste, touching her, and being inside her, it had all been beyond wonderous. He’d never felt so sated after being with a female. Now she was filled with his seed. He’d emptied into her deep, his dick still sheathed by her hot, wet sex.

Nothing had ever felt righter than what they’d just shared.

He stared at her lovely face as she peered up at him. A grin split his lips. “We’re life-locking.”

Her eyes widened.

“You’re my female, Jill. What we just shared is unique. We are much more than compatible—I’d say we’re explosive. Tell me that you are aware of it, too. Tell me that it was the best sexual encounter you have ever had. If it wasn’t, I will do better next time, until I am certain. I’ll prove that I’m the best for you.”

“I…I don’t have anything to compare it to.”

He cocked his head, certain he’d misunderstood. “What?”

A lovely shade of pink spread through her cheeks. “I own sex toys. There was no pain since I, um, took care of that years ago, with a toy. It’s like a fake penis. Manufactured. But that was my first time with a person. You know? As in…I’ve never had sex with someone before.”

As she explained, Cavas felt stunned.

She’d never been with a male.

She’d only pleasured herself.

He was her first.

He grinned. “So that was your best sexual encounter.” Cavas was thrilled to be her only male. “Life-lock to me, Jill.”

She studied him, biting her lip.

He leaned in and kissed her. His dick stiffened and throbbed. He wanted her again.

He began to move slow, taking her. She moaned against his tongue and immediately wrapped around him.

He’d give her more pleasure, until she couldn’t possibly deny him.

By the time he let her out of this bed, Jill would agree to become his.

It was a good plan, if he said so himself. Cathian and his other male crew members were correct in locking themselves to humans. They might be frail and small, but touching them was the best thing he’d ever experienced. He also admired Jill’s courage, her inner strength, and he just…really liked her.

He was keeping her. It was settled.

Chapter Eleven

Jill cried out Cavas’s name, clawing at the bedding. He had her on her hands and knees, taking her from behind, his hands cupping her breasts.

Sweat soaked her body as she collapsed on the mattress, fighting to catch her breath.

He gently separated them and adjusted her on his messed-up bedding until she lay curled on her side.

Death by dick. It’s a real thing. At least, she felt like it might be. Cavas had made love to her countless times.

“I’ll be right back. I’m getting us food and drinks.”

“I’m never going to walk again,” she muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing.” She was beyond tender. Cavas was seriously hung. He put her sex toys to shame. It took effort to find the strength to sit up, and she winced, definitely a little tender between her legs.

She watched him strut naked to the food replicator in his cabin. He had an amazing ass. Everything about him was amazing. She reached for the covers but then hesitated. He’d just tear it away. He liked to see her naked and had made that very clear.

He returned quickly with bowls piled high with meat and vegetables. Alien forks were stabbed into the mix. She accepted one, inhaling the scent. It smelled good enough to make her stomach respond. Those sounds had him chuckling as he placed his food on the bed and went back for drinks. He placed those onto the table next to them.

Jill dug into the food with gusto. The seasoned meat tasted like beef, like she’d had before. The veggies were purple and red, but they were good. The closest she could compare them to was cabbage and…maybe onion? Whatever it was, she wasn’t going to complain. She was starving.

“Slow down, or you might not keep it down.”

She arched her eyebrows at him but said nothing.

He grinned. “I got us chilled drinks this time to cool our bodies. It’s an energy supplement that humans seem to like.”

“Thank you.” She put the bowl down and lifted a mug, gave it a sniff, and decided to try it. It was some kind of sweet juice, but he was right. It was cold. She took a bigger gulp.

“Are you ready to life-lock to me?”

She met his gaze and saw a gleam of humor in his eyes. “If I say no?”

He grinned. “I’ll keep convincing you until you say yes.”

“I don’t think I could take it.”

His heated golden gaze swept down her body, resting on her breasts for long seconds, before he took another bite of his food. He chewed, swallowed, and then licked his lips. “I’m prepared to persuade you more after we eat.”

She decided he was trying to kill her by dick. It was a hell of a way to go. She might be sore, but it had been worth it. “I need to sleep first. And take a shower.”

“I’ll not allow you to put space between us, Jill.” His golden gaze flashed predatorily. “We’ll shower together before we sleep. When we wake, I’ll continue to convince you to agree.”

She was starting to know that look well. He meant what he was saying and wouldn’t back down. “It’s crazy to get married just because you’re super-hot and have mad sex skills.”

“I will take that as a compliment.”

“I’m almost afraid to find out what you’re like in heat if your sex drive is this strong now.”

That caused him to laugh. “I will avoid entering you until the end of my heat, but expect my mouth to live between your thighs during most of my cycle.”

Jill currently hated her body, since his raspy words caused her clit to throb and her nipples to harden. She was thinking about sex, and it didn’t make her want to crawl away from him. Instead, she wanted to climb onto his lap.

She used to hear her aunt and cousin complain about how sex wasn’t all that great. They’d either lied, or their husbands had been shit in bed. Cavas certainly wasn’t. Even sore and exhausted, she was willing to go another round with him.

“Is this your big plan? Sex me up until I can’t think?”

“Is it working?”

She shoved more food into her mouth, dropping her gaze. He was too handsome when he was being cute and playful. She knew he was teasing, but at the same time, he was deadly serious.

“What are you thinking about, Jill?”

She swallowed, took a sip of the drink, and then sighed, looking at him again. “You’re crazy.”

“Perhaps, when it comes to you. We’re good together.”

He’d convinced her body. By the fifth or sixth time he’d gotten her off, she felt addicted to him. Owned. Possessed. She hadn’t even felt upset about it. That might have been because he’d fucked her brains out. Or at least close to it. Now that he wasn’t kissing her, touching her, or inside her, it was easier to think.

“What are your concerns? I’ll alleviate them.”

A tiny bit of her resented that he seemed to be able to read her so easily. “I don’t know. It’s just so fast. We should date for a while before making a huge decision like that. This life-locking is for life, right?”

“Yes.”

“See? Scary stuff right there.”

“Why?”

She held his gaze. “What if we decide we don’t like each other in, say, a year? What if you meet someone you want more than me? What if we fight all the time and end up hating each other? What if our cultural differences are too drastic?” She pointed at him. “Tryleskian.” She turned the finger toward her chest. “Human.”

He got off the bed, put his bowl on the table, and then took hers. That went on the table, too. He sat next to her, then surprised her by lifting her onto his lap. She liked it when he wrapped his arms around her, holding her.

“Jill,” he rasped. “It will work. We’re very compatible. Haven’t I proven that?”

“In bed, we’re great. What about out of it?”

He turned her head, cupping her face with his hand. The intense stare he gave her made her heart race. She loved his beautiful eyes, but they were a reminder that he was an alien.

“We’ll make it work because we want it to. I can compromise. You can, too. We’ll find a middle ground if we have a disagreement. You want to discuss culture? In mine, your happiness will become my priority. I’m nothing like Earth males. We’ve already established that’s an excellent quality.”

She laughed. “True.”

He held out his hand. She hesitated, but then put her hand on his, and he clasped them tight.

“We’ll be together. One unit. A team. You and I will face everything together.”

She stared at their combined hands…and longing hit. It had been years since she’d lost her family, since she’d been totally on her own. Once they were gone, she’d had no one to depend on. To love. Friends were nice, but she’d barely had any. The ones she did have weren’t that close to her. They’d been co-workers or neighbors she’d only chatted with in passing.

Cavas was offering to make a life with her.

She looked up at him, the longing deepening.

“I want to give you my heart, Jill. I want you to birth my future litters. To grow old together. We will be happy. I’ll make certain of it. Agree. You will never regret it.”

She wanted to say yes. He was just that damn convincing.

“I’ll let you sleep before you answer. You look tired. But you’re staying with me. I refuse to be parted from you after we’ve bonded.”

She almost laughed. By bonded, he meant they’d had a lot of sex together. “I hope you don’t snore.”

He grinned. “I don’t care if you do. I’m keeping you.”

Then he lifted her off his lap and got out of bed. “Shower. Then sleep.”

Jill got off the bed, wincing at the tenderness between her legs. She could walk easily enough, though. Cavas led her into the bathroom, where he turned on the water and gently steered her in first.

“I’ll go change the bedding quickly. I won’t be long.”

She stood under the pounding water and closed her eyes. It was tempting to give in to the big sexy alien. She forced her eyes open and began to clean her hair and body. A few minutes later, Cavas joined her.

Jill got out first and dried off. He had remade the bed and pulled back the covers. She crawled in, yawning, and made her way to the center of the huge mattress. That way, whatever side he liked, she wouldn’t be in his way.

The lights dimmed and the mattress dipped behind her. Cavas pulled her into his arms, spooning her to his front. His cock was stiff again, the guy seemed to live with constant hard-ons, but he adjusted it against the back of her thigh to avoid poking her.

The kiss he placed on her cheek surprised her in its chasteness.

“Sleep well, my Jill. I know I will. You’re where you belong.”

She yawned again and adjusted her arms, hugging the one he had in front of her chest. It was nice to be held, his warm body curled around her back. He didn’t even seem to mind her damp hair.

“Sleep well, Cavas. I like that you cuddle.”

He chuckled. “I always want to hold you close. That will never change.”

“Probably because you’re afraid I might sneak out once you’re asleep.”

His arm around her tightened. “Try it, and I’ll lick you until you pass out.”

She laughed. “You probably would.”

“It’s a vow.”

“Now I’m almost tempted to try.” Another yawn escaped her, and she closed her eyes. “Maybe after I take a nap.”

Cavas fell asleep fast, but as tired as she was, Jill remained awake. It gave her time to think. It felt right, being with Cavas. She didn’t know him well but she really liked what she’d learned so far. She could even admit she was falling hardcore for the big alien. He’d saved her life twice. Once from that cell, and again at the arena when she’d fallen behind. He’d come back for her.

Everything from her old life was gone. There’d be no returning to Earth. But she found that didn’t even upset her. Life had just been a day-to-day struggle there after she’d lost her family. She’d hated her job, thanks to dodging her jerk of a boss’s sexual crap until he’d touched her, trying to force her to blow him. That had been the final straw.

If she hadn’t been arrested, and remained on her planet, she’d have had to beg for another job. They were scarce where she lived. She might have even been forced to take two or three part-time jobs since those were easier to come by. They also paid less than a full-time job.

She’d always had to worry about making enough money to keep a roof over her head and food in her belly. The thought of getting sick was a real fear. Meds were expensive. She’d had zero expectations of ever becoming a mother or having a man in her life. Then she’d been sold to aliens. Made into a slave. Had to fight off the nasty bug alien who’d tripped and fallen onto his hideous sculpture.

She shoved that memory aside, never wanting to relive it again. Cavas had come into her life. He might be crazy to want to marry her right away, but he was an alien. That meant they were different. She reminded herself that was a good thing. At least, he was.

Cavas was courageous. He’d become her hero for saving her life. He might be a bit pushy, but he was hot enough to get away with it. That thought made her smile.

The sex had been mind-blowing. Every single time. He made sure to get her off before he came. She added that to the growing list of reasons to say yes.

Suddenly, it hit her—she wanted to stay with him. Even if they’d just met.

The world she lived in now—well, ship—couldn’t be more drastically different from her old life. Maybe it was time to ditch the old way of thinking and live in the now.

That was Cavas. He might be crazy, but it was the best kind.

She bit her lip, opening her eyes and caressing his arm. It felt right, being in his bed, being held by him…and why shouldn’t she keep him? He was offering. Hell, he was willing to sex her to death to get her onboard with his plan.

“Decision made,” she sighed aloud. Then she wiggled against him and turned. “Cavas?”

He woke easily, his golden eyes snapping open. “What’s wrong?” He lifted his head, glancing around the room for any possible threat.

She reached up and caressed his cheek.

He met her gaze, a confused look on his handsome face.

“Yes.”

He still appeared bewildered.

“Yes. I’ll become your life-lock.”

A slow, sleepy grin spread across his lips. “We’ll have the procedure done first thing in the morning and Cathian can perform the ceremony.”

“Procedure? You still haven’t explained that.”

“It’s painless and quick. There’s nothing to worry about. I would never allow anything to hurt you. Trust me.”

She gave a nod. “I do.” And she meant it.

He leaned in and kissed her. He had the best lips. Gentle but aggressive at the same time. Jill opened to him—then she just as quickly broke the kiss. “I so want you right now, but I need sleep. You’ve worn me out.”

He chuckled. “I plan to do that often.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“Thank you, Jill. You won’t regret accepting me.”

“I believe you about that, too.” She turned and allowed him to spoon her tightly in front of his body again.

She closed her eyes and smiled. Cavas could make her happy. She had faith they were both committed to making a relationship work. Another yawn hit her, and she finally drifted off.

Behind her, Cavas grinned. Jill was his.

He mentally focused on the Pods, informing them of what he’d need in the morning. He’d probably woken them, but he felt no regret. There was no way he was going to get out of bed and release his female to send those messages to his brothers or the crew. He’d make it up to the Pods later.

He needed to take Jill to medical first thing once they woke. His second heart would be implanted into her body. It wasn’t an actual one, but it would always make her carry his scent, telling others they belonged together. Cathian and Nara had done it. His brother’s human had been fine and healthy since they’d life-locked. Jill would be, too.

He’d also need a nice dress made for Jill. Humans had marriage ceremonies. He’d watched the one Raff had with Lilly, since they’d recorded it to send to her family on Earth. Cavas had been curious enough to want to see it.

A soft noise came from Jill as she slept, and he chuckled. Her little snores were cute. He kissed the top of her head and snuggled closer.

For a male who never wanted to life-lock, he couldn’t wait to do it. That was all Jill’s doing. She’d changed him inside and made him feel love. He was grateful to be able to give her all of himself.

Chapter Twelve

Jill kept touching her chest where she’d been cut open. There wasn’t even a scar to show the small incision. It was the miracle that was alien technology. The robot medic had painlessly transferred a small gland-like organ from Cavas’s chest and put it inside hers. It had been the size of a grape, with small veins that attached to her own. She hadn’t asked too many questions except to make certain it wasn’t going to make her sick or suddenly grow a beard.

It had kind of freaked her out. Not knowing all the details was better. For her.

Cavas had found it funny when she’d asked about growing hair on her chin. Then he’d patiently explained about scents, how his “second heart” would add something to her bloodstream, and at that point she’d tuned him out. She’d never liked anything to do with blood or what was going on inside the body. It all made her squeamish.

The bottom line: It wouldn’t hurt her and it made him happy.

“Are you nervous?”

She jolted from her thoughts and glanced at Nara. “A little.”

The other woman gave her a sympathetic smile. “I knew Cathian for a matter of days before I fell madly in love with him. I couldn’t imagine life without him. I was ready to sign on for life.” She paused. “I’ve never regretted it once. Did you know that I was married before?”

Jill shook her head.

“I came from a wealthy family. I was so flattered when a man swore he loved me. I believed him, and the idea of someone wanting to spend their life with me and have a family seemed like the ultimate dream. No stupid contracts to have kids. I didn’t want to pay some guy to act like he cared about me. I wanted the real thing.

“Instead, he drained my accounts after the marriage and made an absolute fool out of me. He wanted what I had. Not me.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you.”

“Me too, but it’s not shocking, is it? That’s how a lot of Earth guys are these days. So many women, so little time, and lots of money to be taken if you’re a good liar or a woman is desperately lonely. Like I was.” Nara shrugged. “Cathian is completely different from any man I ever knew on Earth. I can’t even compare them. Whatever your expectations of marriage are, up that by about a million, and expect to be loved like you’ve never dreamed. I know it’s happening fast, that might be worrisome, but it’s a whole other lifestyle out here in space. Jump in with both feet and enjoy it. Cavas is a damn good guy.”

Jill studied her, seeing nothing but honesty in her eyes. She relaxed slightly. “I know. He is a great guy. I think I already love him more than I ever thought I could love anyone. The only downside is that he’s a bit bossy.”

Nara chuckled. “Alpha male alien types are hot though, aren’t they?”

“Totally.”

Nara stepped back and glanced down. “You look beautiful. Take a peek.” She spun around and touched part of the wall. It changed from a solid color to a mirror.

Jill moved closer. The dress was off-white, something she’d have never worn, but it was pretty. Not an exact wedding dress, since she hadn’t wanted something bulky and layered with heavy material. It reminded her of something women might wear at some upscale summer party. It flattered her curves where it hugged her waist and showed just enough cleavage to be sexy.

“I love it.”

“I imprinted your medical scans, ran it through a database of dresses in the replicator, and it showed me what you’d look like in them. I loved this one best. Thank you for trusting me to outfit you for your ceremony.”

Jill studied her image. “Should I put on makeup? Do you have any?”

“No. Here’s another thing to learn about aliens.” Nara winked. “They don’t expect us to wear any of that stuff. Just being you is perfect. You don’t hide freckles and stuff in space. It just makes you more attractive to have spots.”

Jill laughed. “Got it.”

The door chimed, and Nara rushed to it. Mari stood there, wearing a dark dress. “They’re waiting. We don’t want to be late.” Her gaze locked on Jill, and she smirked. “Cavas sent Dovis with me in case you changed your mind. He’s under orders to toss you over his shoulder and carry you to the bridge. Cavas is that nervous.”

Dovis stepped behind her, coming into view. “Don’t make me do it. He’d probably hit me for touching you, even though he ordered me to. Then again, he punches like a child.” A grin softened his words.

Jill laughed. “Is that so?”

“We were only staging a fight at the time.” Dovis flashed some scary teeth. “I’m certain jealousy would motivate your male to punch harder. Do you want me to find out?”

“No.” Jill ran her hands down the dress and took a deep breath. “I’m ready to go on my own steam.”

“Let’s do this.” Nara picked up some replicated flowers that she’d brought with her and handed them to Jill. “You’re a beautiful bride.”

“There’s no, like, bloodletting or anything, right?” Jill still worried about what a wedding to an alien involved.

“You already accepted his second heart. That’s it. Worst part is over.”

“I’m not going to grow a beard, right? Cavas said no, but I think he’d lie about that. I sure would.”

Nara laughed at Jill’s question and lowered her voice as they walked toward the couple waiting at the open door of her cabin. “No, but I’ve noticed an increase in my sex drive. That might be due to the amazing sex, though. It kind of goes hand in hand.”

Jill’s nerves fired up again in the lift and all the way to the bridge as she followed Mari and Dovis. Nara stayed by her side in support. Right before they reached the bridge, Nara bumped her shoulder.

Jill met her gaze.

“We’re going to be sisters. I’ve always wanted one.”

Jill’s heart softened. “Me too.”

“Then let’s get you married to my brother-in-law to make it official.”

The entire crew waited on the bridge. The view out the front of the ship was of some moon they were near. It was lovely.

Cavas was the one who took her breath away, though. He wore a black uniform similar to what she’d seen on the crew, only a more formal version. He’d never looked more handsome.

Tears blinded her but she blinked them back. He was about to become her husband.

Cathian stood next to Cavas, wearing his official ambassador ensemble, sash included. She barely glanced at him as she made her way to Cavas. He grinned, his golden eyes taking in every inch of her.

“Beautiful,” he rasped.

“I didn’t have to carry her in,” Dovis joked.

Cavas held out his hands. Jill passed her flowers back to Nara, who gladly took them and moved next to Cathian with a big smile on her face. Jill clasped Cavas’s larger hands and, at that point, made sure to give a smile to each member of the crew. They’d all come, even Lilly and Raff. The Pods beamed at her. Even Midgel hovered in a corner. She didn’t smile, but she did give Jill a little nod.

Crath winked at her.

“We are assembled here today to life-lock Cavas and Jill,” Cathian began.

Jill stared deeply into Cavas’s golden eyes as his brother said the ceremonial words. They weren’t quite like a wedding on Earth, but they’d meshed some of them into it. She agreed to locking her life to Cavas’s. He swore to care for, love, and protect her for all their lives.

Then he was kissing her. Jill wrapped her arms around his neck, Cavas lifting her a little off her feet since he was so tall. Then he grinned. “Forever.”

“Forever,” she repeated.

“No way!” a female voice suddenly gasped loudly.

They all turned. A woman in rumpled pants and a shirt had entered the bridge. Jill took in her tall height, her muscular body, and the fact that she had thin brown fur covering her skin. She was an attractive alien, but one she’d never seen before.

“Marrow!” Some of the crew rushed at the new alien, hugging her.

The alien woman grinned big, hugging them back. She eventually got herself free again and gawked at Jill, before glaring at Cavas. “You too? You, Cavas? Shit! I’m only gone for a few days and you life-lock yourself to some new human? How in the hell did that happen? Did I hit my head and I’m unconscious? Is this some weird injury dream?”

Jill stiffened, a sense of dread filling her stomach. She glanced between the two of them. Had they dated? Slept together?

Marrow, whoever she was, appeared upset over walking into the end of their wedding. Why hadn’t Cavas mentioned if he’d been dating someone on the ship before meeting her?

Jill caught Cavas’s attention. “Were you and her…um…?”

“No!” He appeared horrified. “No! I’ve never touched Marrow. We’re friends only.”

Jill felt a hundred times better.

Cavas grinned. “Meet Jill, Marrow.” He pulled Jill close, hugging her to his side. “While you were flying my shuttle, I was finding an amazing female.”

“Unbelievable!” Marrow threw up her hands.

Crath crossed the bridge, putting his arm around Marrow. “I know. She likes him for some strange reason. I don’t get it, either.”

Marrow turned and hugged him before making a fist and rubbing her knuckles in his mane, almost giving him a noogie. “You’re alive. I’d kiss you but…yuck. I’m not that desperate.”

Crath chuckled. “I’d be afraid to let you put your lips on mine. I have a feeling you’d bite.”

“I totally do.” Marrow grinned at him. “Glad you’re alive, troublemaker. You’re like the bratty brother I never wanted. It’s good to see you.”

“You’re like the scary sister who’d beat me while I slept if given the chance,” he snorted. “I’m glad to be here.”

“Why did you seem so upset when you walked in?” Jill asked.

Marrow met her gaze. “Everyone is finding someone except for me. It sucks! But I’m glad Cavas found you.”

“It does suck to be alone,” Crath agreed. He smiled. “We’ve got to be next, Marrow. It’s just down to the two of us.”

“We’ll help you each find someone to love.” Nara grinned. “Crath wants a human. What about you, Marrow?”

“Anyone male who isn’t a controlling asshole, but he has to be sexually appealing.”

“I resemble that,” Crath teased.

Marrow rolled her eyes. “You’re totally a controlling asshole. You’re just charming about it. I’ll leave you to a human. They seem to like that kind of thing. I’d beat you often and make you cry.”

Cavas suddenly scooped Jill into his arms. “We’re leaving. Welcome back, Marrow. Please don’t interrupt us for a few days while we bond.” He carried her toward the doors.

The crew stepped out of their way, shouting out congratulations. Once they reached the lift, Cavas grinned down at her. “Thank you for agreeing to be mine.”

“I have a feeling the pleasure is going to be all mine.”

He chuckled. “All ours. Many times. You’ll never regret this.”

“I know.” Jill had actually found love in space—with a hot alien.

*

“What in the hell else did I miss? I wasn’t gone that long.” Marrow glanced around at the crew.

Cathian smiled. “My brother fell in lust with a human, and now that his military career is over, her happiness is his new mission in life.”

“He stole her from me,” Crath sighed.

A few of the crew snorted and laughed.

Marrow eyed him. “He stole her?”

Crath rolled his eyes. “I saw her first, tried to rescue her, but we got caught. Cavas got her off the planet, then took her back there to find me, and I wasn’t willing to get my ass handed to me in a fight for her. Mostly because,” he glanced at the Pods, “they said she liked his dick better than mine.”

“That’s not how it happened,” One stated.

Two spoke next. “Jill was sexually attracted to Cavas. Not you.”

“Close enough. She saw his dick instead of mine, or it might have been a different outcome. I’m sticking with that story. It soothes my bruised ego.” Crath winked. “He got her. I’m alone. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on finding a cute human to call my own.”

“The most important information is that Beltsen Vellar has disappeared,” Nara announced, grinning. “And by that, I mean his second litter of sons kidnapped his ass and forced him to step down as the head of their family.”

Marrow’s mouth fell open.

Cathian pulled Nara against him. “Our brothers have confined him in a safe, secure location.”

“Like the prisoner he should be,” Nara muttered.

Cathian nodded. “He won’t be making more problems for us. They are stripping him of his power, taking over family holdings and accounts, and he will remain where he is until death. None of them had the heart to kill him because that would hurt our mother. She’s agreed to live in guarded seclusion with him for the rest of their lives. Once she was informed of all his misdeeds, Mother was very upset. I don’t envy the remaining years of his life.”

“My biological father was taken to the same location,” Raff continued. “Those two males can rot together, thinking about all their shitty deeds.”

Marrow bit her lip, scowling. “What about your title?” she asked Cathian. “I mean, if you aren’t the Tryleskian ambassador, we’re all out of a job.”

“The Vorge belongs to us.” Cathian chuckled. “The first litter. Myself, Cavas, and Crath are owners. The official paperwork was received only an hour ago. No one can take it away from us. I’ll still represent my planet, we’ll get paid, but our home on this ship is secure, always.”

“The love boat is ours!” Nara cried.

“It’s a bad love boat.” Crath jerked his thumb toward Marrow. “Her and I are still without someone to life-lock with.” He glanced at the Pods and Midgel. “And you four don’t want or need someone else to share your life with.”

“Relax,” Raff ordered. “I have a plan.”

Crath arched his eyebrows. “That is somewhat frightening, but I’m brave. Tell me what is brewing in that assassin’s brain of yours.”

“We got a message while Cavas was on Flax Colony, saving your ass.”

“I haven’t agreed.” Cathian shot his cousin a glare.

Raff ignored him. “Remember how we took down that slaver who wanted Sara?”

“As if we could ever forget Prince Azerba,” York growled, pulling her closer to his body.

“The Relon authorities saved half a dozen females from a shuttle that had landed on their planet for emergency repairs. Once the crew was arrested for having slaves onboard, they were eager to give information to earn a lighter sentence for their crime. It seems they were taking the females to a huge auction when their thrusters failed.”

Raff paused. “The Relons know we’re very protective of humans, considering what we did for Sara. There was a second shuttle that didn’t land needing repairs. The crew flipped on them, too, but by that time, they were out of reach of Relon. They verified that there was at least one human female on that other shuttle, heading for that auction. They gave us the location of where it will be held in the hope that we’d rescue those slaves.”

Crath grinned.

“It’s dangerous,” Cathian warned.

“That does nothing to help my situation.” Marrow sighed. “But I do love a good fight.”

“Huge auction of slaves,” Raff reminded her. “Many races. I found all the information I could about the auction. It’s the biggest one they hold annually, bringing in the best stock of slaves. They not only sell females, but males for fighting and hard labor. Perhaps we could find you someone to rescue as well.”

Marrow grinned. “I’m so in.”

“Me too.” Crath looked pleased.

“Did you hear me when I said it would be dangerous?” Cathian scowled.

“We are a sanctuary for humans,” Sara reminded him.

“We’re in,” the crew all stated, one at a time.

Crath chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I’m best at undercover work. I want to lead this team.”

“Cavas would probably argue with you about that.”

Crath winked at Cathian. “He owes me. He got Jill. I get the next human.”

Up next…Crath

About the Author

NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

I'm a full-time wife, mother, and author. I've been lucky enough to have spent over two decades with the love of my life and look forward to many, many more years with Mr. Laurann. I'm addicted to iced coffee, the occasional candy bar (or two), and trying to get at least five hours of sleep at night.

I love to write all kinds of stories. I think the best part about writing is the fact that real life is always uncertain, always tossing things at us that we have no control over, but when writing you can make sure there's always a happy ending. I love that about being an author. My favorite part is when I sit down at my computer desk, put on my headphones to listen to loud music to block out everything around me, so I can create worlds in front of me.

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