Grady's Awakening

Chapter Fifteen

“Grady, wait up.” Gina’s voice carried in the dark recesses of the giant, manmade cave.

The main area was a massive cavern hollowed out by machines long ago. Pillars of rock had been left every twenty yards or so as support columns, rounded at the top and bottom, arching into the roof and floor, giving the chamber a cathedral-like feel.

Gina followed Grady Prime into the far recesses of the cleared area, past the buildings that fit within the massive cavern, to an area that sloped gently downward toward an underground lake. Water gathered in the massive area, purified by its trip through the rock above into an ice-cold, totally contained and safe water supply.

Grady paused when Gina called after him, but didn’t turn. She caught up with him, walking around his tall body to face him. His features were in shadow, but her eyes had adjusted to the dark. She could tell he was upset. His eyes glittered down at her in the darkness.

“Please tell me what’s wrong. Did Jim say something?” She put a hand on his forearm, seeking answers.

“This is not Jim’s fault.” Grady sighed and looked at her, relaxing a bit. She took it as a good sign. “We agreed that you would decide which of us you wanted in your life.”

Taken aback, she straightened, looking at him in surprise.

“Well, you’ve got that part right at least.”

Grady stepped close, facing her toe to toe as one hand rose to cup her waist and the other her cheek.

“Forgive me for not handling this well. I, of course, understand why one of your own race would be preferable to me but please, say I at least have some chance of winning your heart.”

Right then, her heart melted. She moved into his arms as they closed around her.

“Of course you do, Grady.” She rested her head against his chest, searching for words that would ease his turmoil. “Jim shouldn’t have said anything to you. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do about the future, but I want to find a way to allow all three of us to be happy.”

“A threesome? Is that what you want? With Jim?”

She hadn’t really thought in those terms but after seeing Jaci with her two mates, the idea did seem to have some merit. Still, the obstacles in their way were big. Perhaps insurmountable.

“Honestly, I don’t know.” She pulled back, trying to see through the darkness to meet his eyes. “Jim has responsibilities to the people he leads. I have responsibilities to the Patriarch and the clan. You—” She hated to think what he had to look forward to when he got back to the Alvian scientists who were experimenting on him. “You have a high profile role in regular Alvian society aside from the experiment you’re taking part in. Even if you weren’t a test subject, it would be hard for us to be together, but I have to hope there’s a way.”

“There is always a way. That is one of the many things I’ve learned from observing humans for so long.” Grady smiled in the gloom. “I don’t know how yet, but I want to be with you, Gina. I…love you. You are in my heart, and you always will be. I must be with you.” His voice went from sure to tentative. “If you will allow it.”

“I want that too, Grady.” Her words were whispered against his stubbly cheek as she reached up on tiptoe to place gentle kisses on his jaw. “I love you too.”

“I know we have problems, but I have to believe fate would not be so unkind as to let me find you, only to take you away. You are my perfect mate, my resonance partner. I can be happy with no other but you, Gina.”

Now that she was in his arms, his words flowed more freely, as if a dam had broken inside him. He clutched her waist, pulling her against his hard body. She could feel his hardness through the layers of their clothing, and she wanted nothing more than to feel him claim her in the most elemental way.

“Let’s go to your room,” she suggested. “I need you, Grady. I want you to make love to me. Now.”

She’d barely finished speaking when Grady swept her off her feet. She wasn’t sure where he was taking her, but she didn’t care. All she wanted was to be with him—making love with him—as soon as possible. She nibbled his neck, his ear, his firm jaw as he strode swiftly through the cavern and into one of the buildings. A door opened and closed and then he placed her on a soft bed, following her down onto it.

“I’ve dreamed of this,” he whispered as he leaned over her. He kissed her, claiming her mouth with a thoroughness that left her gasping.

When he let her up for air, she smiled. “I thought about you too, during my travels. I missed you, Grady.”

“Your words are music to my ears.” He rewarded her with a series of nibbling kisses that eventually trailed their way down her neck to her collarbone and lower. He nudged her clothing out of the way, unfastening tabs and baring her as he went along.

Before long, she was naked beneath him and she was tugging on his clothing eagerly. One of them was overdressed.

When she had him bare, she spent time rubbing against his heated skin. Alvian body temperature was a little higher than a human’s. She loved the feel of his warmth against her, teasing her, comforting her, but she wanted more.

Wrestling him into a roll, she straightened atop him, straddling him, her hands on his muscled chest. She smiled down into his questioning eyes, petting him and purring like a kitten. She loved the feel of him under her.

“Let me touch you, Grady. We’ve never really had time to explore each other. I want that. I want to learn your body’s secrets. What makes you gasp. What makes you moan. What makes you come.” She interspersed each sentence with a teasing lick of her tongue over his flesh. Bending over him, she teased him, loving the way his temperature rose and his breathing increased. She was having an effect on him. That was good because he was affecting her as well.

Already she could feel dampness gathering at her core. It would ease his way when she was ready to claim him. She liked the feeling of power he gave her. She knew he could easily reverse their roles, but he was giving her this time, this exquisite moment, to learn about him as she wanted. She loved him for that…and for so much else.

What she felt in her heart for Grady was deep and true love. She didn’t know what that would do to their futures, but she had to take the risk. She had to act on the love pouring out of her heart for him. He was so alone. He needed…so much. She wanted to give him everything, be everything he needed, to stay with him forever.

But circumstances were against them. They both knew it and yet were powerless against the love that drove them both toward each other.

She teased his hard body, loving the way he was letting her have control. He was so much bigger than she was, in close quarters like this, he had all the physical advantage. If he’d wanted to fight her for dominance, he would surely have won. But he wasn’t fighting. He was letting her do as she liked and oh, boy, did she like his hard body.

“You are beautiful.” Her words whispered against his sternum as she kissed her way down his chest.

She felt his chuckle. “Men are not beautiful.”

“You are.” She took a moment to meet his gaze. “On the inside. You have a beauty of spirit. A sense of honor and a gallantry about you that women dream of. And on the outside…you’re just plain hot.”

He seemed uncomfortable, squirming a little from side to side. “My body temperature is higher than a human’s—”

She cut him off with a finger over his firm lips. “That’s not what I meant. I love that higher temperature, by the way. You keep me warm.” She smiled and licked her lips. “I meant hot as in, totally buff, handsome and gorgeous. Your body is hot—wickedly attractive to the opposite sex. Women drool over your physique, and men are jealous of the feminine attention you get.”

A perplexed frown creased his forehead. “Really?”

She kissed the frown away. “Really.” She sat up, moving downward, straddling his thighs. “And I get jealous every time a woman looks at you, but I know you’re all mine. And then I gloat inwardly. They’ll never know how truly magnificent you are.”

“Yours, eh? I like the sound of that.” He reached up and stroked her hair away from her face with one hand as she lowered her head again and began kissing her way from his chest to his abdomen.

“All mine. So don’t even think of spreading your love around,” she teased.

“I’m a one woman man, Gina.” The teasing had gone out of his voice. “You’re the only woman I want or need.”

Gina paused, her hands on his hips, his cock hard and needy only inches away from her head.

“I love that, Grady. I don’t know how this will work. How it will end for any of us. But I love that you want me as much as I want you. I love you, Grady. I want you to know that and never doubt.”

If she were a betting woman, she would bet she rocked his world then, sliding her tongue downward, around his hard cock. She took him inside, bathing his sensitive ridges with swirling licks and light suction that increased as his response did. From the way his thigh muscles strained against her hands and the groans he couldn’t hold back, she knew he liked what she was doing.

That was good because she’d never considered herself any kind of expert when it came to giving head. The opportunities in her past had been few and far between. Truth be told, she’d never felt so strongly about any of her past partners that she wanted their pleasure first and foremost above her own. With Grady, that all had changed. Jim too, she had to admit. What was it about these two men—so different, yet so alike in the way they made her feel?

When she cupped his balls in one hand, Grady stiffened and reached down to hold on to her shoulders. He moved fast, shifting his hands under her arms and lifting, drawing her away from his cock and back up his body.

“Now why’d you do that? I was just getting into it.”

Grady laughed aloud at her teasing. “So was I. A little too much if you must know. I want to be inside you when I come, Gina. I want you to come with me.”

“Oh.” Her body revved up at his words. “Okay. I can do that.” She grinned at him, reaching between them with one hand, positioning him. All she had to do was raise her hips and then lower…

“Let me go, Grady. Let me do this. I want to make love to you this time.”

“You always make love to me, Gina.” He drew her head down for a quick kiss that he met halfway, his abdominal muscles rippling in a way that made her mouth water. “Every time.”

But he let her have her way, releasing his grip on her arms and allowing her to do as she willed. She enveloped him, bit by bit, dragging out the pleasure of their initial joining, loving the way he filled her. He was long and strong, hard and hot. He filled her so completely she wanted this to last.

Passion rose and she was helpless in the fierce tide that swept over her, dictating her actions. She began to ride him, her thighs working alongside his as she met his upward thrusts with downward pulses of her hips. It started slow, and quickly rose to a fever pitch to the point where she was crying out at every thrust. He fit her perfectly, hitting the secret place inside her that set her off like a skyrocket.

Just when she thought she couldn’t take any more and stay sane, she felt him gathering beneath her. Having all that raw, male power between her thighs was something she could easily become addicted to. The only thing that could make it better was if Jim could share in this moment somehow. Even as she made love to Grady, she missed Jim, illogical as it seemed.

Grady tensed, pulsing up into her as she met his thrust eagerly. She was so close, she knew she’d come the moment he did. And then she didn’t have to wait anymore. Grady came with a roar of her name, and she screamed as she climaxed long and hard.

She felt his heat inside her, and it set off another spasm of pleasure. She collapsed over him after long moments, placing drowsy kisses along his chest.

“I love you, Grady,” she said just before sleep claimed her.

“I love you too, my mate.”

Jim woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Any side was the wrong side when Gina wasn’t in the bed at all. She hadn’t come to their room last night, though her pack was still in one corner. He had her stuff, but not her.

Of course, he knew damned well where she’d spent the night. With that bastard Grady.

Jim tried not to let it get to him, but damn it, it hurt. Without even a word, she’d gone to the alien bastard. She’d forgotten Jim easily, it seemed, but he knew he’d never forget her.

Gina Hanson had haunted his memory for years—and that was when he thought she was lost forever. Now, having had her, knowing she was alive, it would be impossible for Jim. It would drive him nuts if he let it.

Maybe he and Grady had something in common there.

Jim swiped at his itchy jaw as he dragged himself out of bed and headed toward the small bathroom. He showered and shaved by rote, enjoying the slightly updated facilities in this complex. In comparison to his home, this was a much newer facility with more modern—for the old world—conveniences.

Much as he hated to admit it, he thought he understood how Grady might feel if he was forced to live without Gina. Jim felt the same way. Maybe Jim wouldn’t go clinically insane without her, but knowing she was with Grady would definitely make him a little crazy.

The aliens were different. Maybe there was some truth to the idea that they really couldn’t handle emotions. The pain of heartbreak might just turn the guy psycho. Jim wouldn’t be really surprised if it did. Grady was an alien after all. He’d lived most of his life without emotion and now, suddenly, had to deal with things humans spent a lifetime trying to figure out.

No one ever went crazy from happiness, but heartache and depression were hard for even well balanced people to handle.

There was a solution—loath as he was to admit it. He’d seen the way the cousins both enjoyed the company of their shared mate. Jaci seemed happy and well balanced between her two men, but then, Jaci was an alien. She might have emotions now, but she hadn’t been raised with them, with the expectation of one husband to share the rest of her life.

Of course, humans didn’t age anymore. Not like they used to. Jim had heard they could live for a couple hundred years, so maybe they weren’t fully human anymore. Maybe there was an opportunity to reshape the world in which they lived. To make it what they wanted instead of what they were used to. Maybe a three-person relationship might actually work.

It would depend on Gina.

Jim would never force her into something she didn’t want. Hell if he knew how he’d handle being in a three-way relationship with her and that damned Grady, but if the alternative was not having her in his life at all, he’d learn how to deal with it. Somehow.

That is, if she wanted him. Could be she only wanted the alien. Jim didn’t know what he’d do if that were the case.

That dismaying thought in mind, Jim left his quarters and headed for breakfast. Besides the personal turmoil, he still had work to do here. He was here on behalf of his people in Colorado, and he couldn’t forget it. The connections he made here could prove useful in the future, and he had to do his best to scout out the possibilities and make assessments of both the people and the facility while he was here.

Jim shared a companionable breakfast with some of the people who lived and worked in the facility. After breakfast, Mike and Dave signaled him through BURTIN’s paging system. Mick O’Hara had called and wanted to speak to him. The call was already in progress as Jim entered the communications room.

“…and the home crystal will replenish the Earth and reawaken those waiting in the coldest places, wielded by one who is of both worlds.”

“What do you think it means?” Mike asked over the line.

“Caleb is seeing people trapped in ice. Not just any people. Tall, blond, beautiful people.”

“Alvians.” Dave’s voice was full of accusation. Jim noted they’d set up a speakerphone so they could all talk and be heard over the communication array. It was a nice mix of alien and human tech that seemed to work, though Jim had never seen such technology blended before. He was amazed it worked at all and knew Wally would have a field day with something like this.

“Yeah, he thinks so. He also thinks our son, Harry, is the one who is of both worlds. The big question is, where are these frozen Alvians hiding out?”

“We haven’t seen anything like that around here.” Mike looked to his cousin, who nodded in agreement. “But we’ll let you know if we find any Alvian popsicles.”

“Ask your newcomers. Something like this—if anyone’s stumbled across it already—would be ripe for gossip. We need to find these frozen guys. Caleb says it’s imperative.”

“We could send out some search parties. At the very least,” Dave looked pensive, “we could search the depths of our cave structure. We’ve been here for months, but we still haven’t managed to reconnoiter every tunnel. This place is vast and there’s a network of intricate natural caves and tunnels beyond the boundaries of the installation proper.”

“That’s a good idea. Do that,” Mick directed. “Once you have your own domain mapped out, we’ll consider where to look next. There’s a lot of frozen tundra north of us. I’d hate to send anyone out into that, but there are mountain men who live there already. If we could contact some of them and ask if they’ve seen anything…”

“That’s a good idea,” Dave answered, then straightened. “Mick, Jim is here, if you want to deliver Caleb’s advice.”

Jim and Mick exchanged greetings. “Caleb and I had a lot to talk over last night. If there really are dudes with wings flying around, as my good friends assure me there are, then you need to know they’ll be both real and symbolic help in spreading news among the different enclaves of humans around the continent. They are working for their own agenda, Caleb says, but in this case, their cause runs parallel with ours. They can be trusted to have only our best interests at heart in the coming confrontation.”

“Is it going to be all out war then?” Jim steeled his spine. He didn’t want war, but if there was no other way, he’d lead his people through it as best he could.

“More like an underground movement. A bloodless coup would be the best result, but if things go wrong, they could go terribly wrong. Caleb sees all the possible futures in this case because a lot hinges on decisions made by those who lead. You among them. If you work together, the likelihood of success is greater than if you go it alone.”

“I’ve already decided to recommend ongoing communication with this facility to my people. I think we could help each other a lot. If Mike and Dave agree, we can start slow, but I hope to keep the tunnels open and possibly send small groups back and forth to work with each other.”

Mike and Dave were nodding. Dave spoke for both of them. “We want to visit your place first, but we’re leaning in the same direction. Isolation is no way for humans to live—or succeed.”

“Good,” Mick spoke through the crystal. “That’s the first step. Now for the rest. Jim, you may not like this next part, but there’s an alien in your future. A big guy who loves your girl.” Jim could tell Mick was trying to soften the blow with humor, but it didn’t really help. “I’ve known Grady Prime for a long time. He’s a good guy, but in addition, Caleb foresees that he’ll be helpful in the coming confrontations. He’s one of their most respected Primes. He can argue for our side very effectively with his people, and his words will sway a lot of regular Alvians. We need him on our side—sane and whole. That means you either need to cede the field to him, or learn to share.”

The gym was packed. In fact, the bleachers had been pulled out from the wall on one side and were filled with people watching the central matted area where one small human woman held center stage.

When Jim arrived, Gina was warming up, running through progressively more advanced kata. He joined her, standing a few feet away, running through the same katas he’d learned from her father years ago, in parallel with her, much to the audience’s delight. He could feel their interest, their admiration and their fascination. Good. He wanted them to realize that others could replicate what Gina could do. It might give them the desire to try it themselves.

It felt good to be working side by side with her. Her skills—which had been world class to begin with—had only improved with time. Jim enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with her in routines he had first learned from her father. It brought back old memories in a good way.

When she completed a final, very complex kata, she bowed to him, a tentative smile on her face. He hadn’t said anything to her since her desertion in favor of Grady the night before, and he assumed she had to be wondering where they stood with each other. This wasn’t the time or place to get into it, but he left her with a wink and a grin that seemed to put her at ease. He wasn’t sure where they would go from here, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he wanted—no, needed—her in his life. They’d figure out the details later.

As Jim left the main area, Bill was already setting up to challenge Gina. They stood facing each other across the mats and Jim turned to watch, eager to see how the winged warrior would do against Gina’s skill.

Bill wore loose clothing, his wings out of sight and apparently off limits during this bout. Jim was glad. Those phenomenal wings would most likely give the big alien a huge advantage over any normal human being. Even one as skilled as Gina Hanson.

Gina took over the role of teacher, explaining the rules of the bout to the people in the stands. She did it with style, humor and grace, easily winning them to her side. When they were ready, she faced Bill with an eager light in her eyes.

The match began with a flurry of lightning-fast strikes. Jim held his breath at how rapidly the alien warrior moved in on Gina’s much smaller frame. But she met him, move for move, blocking and parrying, evading and counterstriking with blindingly fast movements. Jim remembered how she had moved in the past. This was unlike anything she had been before.

A gifted student at the top of her rank then, she was now, without a doubt, a grandmaster. Every move was breathtakingly beautiful to watch and deadly accurate.

To say she ran circles around Bill would be overstating it—but not by much. Bill was talented and skilled as well, but Gina outclassed him. After the initial contacts, he was unable to get in even one glancing blow.

The coup de grace came when Gina sidled in beneath Bill’s reach and laid him out flat on the ground. A collective gasp went up from the audience, followed by raucous cheering as she helped Bill to his feet. The alien warrior was gracious in defeat, bowing to his opponent as Gina bowed in return.

“You have only gained in skill since last we sparred, Gina.” Jim heard Bill’s compliment as he and Gina walked off the mats.

“I think you went easy on me, Bill, but thanks.”

Bill winked at her as he left her at Jim’s side.

“Nice work out there,” Jim said, hoping to bridge the gap between them.

“Thanks. Same to you. I’m surprised you remembered all those katas. Seems like I learned them a lifetime ago.” She snagged a glass of water from a nearby table, drinking daintily.

“It was a lifetime ago. But sometimes the discipline your father taught me was all that kept me going.”

“I know what you mean.” A tense moment passed between them. Jim looked around, noting the crowd was beginning to disperse and the large matted area was filling up with people. Bill led a group in one corner. They were learning a kata Jim had never seen before. Jim looked farther and saw Grady Prime standing along one wall, his gaze steady and proprietary on Gina. Jim’s anger flared, but he tamped it down. He had to be cool.

“Look, about last night…” Gina was uncharacteristically hesitant. “I’m sorry I didn’t leave word. I didn’t want you to worry about where I was.”

“Oh, I knew where you were.”

Gina had the grace to blush. She perused her toes for a moment before meeting his gaze. “I didn’t plan for it to work out that way. Things just got…out of hand. Before I knew it, I was with Grady. I’m sorry.”

Jim sighed, striving for calm. “Can we discuss this someplace else?” He looked pointedly at the people filing past on their way out the door and those who remained, all eyeing Gina with interest.

“You’re right.” Gina shook her head. “We’ll talk after we’re done here okay?”

“Sounds about right.”

Gina looked relieved. “Then how about sparring with me? We never got to see who would’ve won that night I showed up on your doorstep.”

Jim smiled, on surer ground as he followed her back onto the mats. They took positions opposite each other and it was game on.

If Jim had any idea of going easy on Gina because she was a girl, it was gone within the first few moments when she scored more than one point off him with quick jabs and a kick to his middle. She pulled her punches, as he did, only hitting with minimal force. Still, they moved like lightning and garnered attention from those around.

Jim had perfected situational awareness in his years with the CIA and it had only improved since. Even as he spun into an attempt at a leg sweep, he caught sight of Grady moving closer, his expression like thunder as he watched them. Others gathered round, varying degrees of interest and respect on their faces as they watched Jim and Gina spar.

Gina jumped clear over his leg sweep, into a dive roll and up to deliver a counterstrike that he just barely evaded. They were both back on their feet, facing each other milliseconds later, and the game continued.

Grady drew closer.

“Your boyfriend looks like he wants to knock my block off,” Jim observed to Gina privately.

Her reaction was not what he expected. She gasped and looked away to find Grady just as Jim launched an attack sequence. Too late, he realized she wasn’t evading as he’d anticipated. She was going to get clobbered, but it was too late to pull back. He was already in motion and unable to redirect, though he tried like hell to alter his own trajectory.

A displacement of air was all the warning he got as another body blocked him. A bigger, more solid, masculine body protected Gina, who stood motionless behind the newcomer. It was Grady. He had put himself between Gina and Jim, taking the blow for her, blocking but still receiving quite a hit even as Jim tried to pull back.

It all happened in less than a second.

Jim’s momentum, arrested by Grady’s intervention, took him off to the side. He landed hard, rolling away, regaining his feet seconds later, breathing hard. His heart was in his throat.

“God, Gina!” Jim moved toward her but Grady stepped between them menacingly.

Jim assessed the competition, looked Grady up and down. “Thanks for intervening, but I had it under control.”

“It didn’t appear that way to me.” Grady folded his arms, implacable.

“She took me off guard. I didn’t expect her to stop dead.” Jim sounded defensive even to his own ears, and he didn’t like it one bit.

“So now it’s her fault? If this is the way you treat women, I’m surprised any follow you.”

Now that was a challenge if he’d ever heard one. The sneer that accompanied the blond giant’s words cinched it.

“First of all—” Jim poked Grady in the shoulder with one pointing finger, “—nobody follows me. I’m not a tyrant. I may lead my people, but it was by their choice and I never make unilateral decisions if there’s time to consult. Second—” he jabbed Grady again. “—I did not blame Gina. I merely stated that I made a mistake. I didn’t expect her to lose concentration like that. The old Gina never would. It was my fault for baiting her telepathically.”

“Of course it’s your fault.”

Grady sounded really angry as he stepped forward, advancing threateningly on Jim. But Jim wasn’t backing down. He’d love to get a piece of Grady Prime. A good ass kicking is just what he needed—whether it was his own or Grady’s ass that would ultimately get kicked, he wasn’t sure, but either way, he was spoiling for a fight.

“I just said that, didn’t I?” Jim shouted.

“Guys.” Gina tried to intercede but she couldn’t get between them. They kept her off to the side while they stared each other down, in each other’s faces. “Please don’t do this.”

Jim was aware of the gym around them going quiet. Only Bill had the guts to come up to them, putting one arm around Gina’s shoulders.

“They need to get this settled.” Bill guided Gina away. “Just don’t kill each other,” Bill threw back at them as Grady backed off and Jim went to stand in opposition across a section of cleared mats.

Spectators vanished, making room by climbing into the bleachers, out of harm’s way. This wasn’t going to be an exhibition bout. No, this was going to be the real deal.

Within certain bounds. Jim bowed, never taking his gaze from Grady’s. This was a formal challenge, and both men knew it. If there was ever going to be peace between them, they had to settle this. They had to know who was stronger, who was faster and who could or should take the lead in their odd, forced partnership.

Grady opened, stepping up to Jim and allowing his first blow to be easily blocked. It allowed him to grab Jim’s arm in a hold, but Jim had the same leverage and realized it was because Grady wanted to test his strength. Jim learned Grady had a punishing grip from the brief hold before they broke apart.

Jim launched a lightning-fast volley that Grady just managed to evade. The Alvian fighting style was different than what he was used to, but Jim had mastered many different forms of martial arts in his years of study and practice. He adapted. And he discovered he was just slightly faster than Grady, though the alien was stronger.

They circled and it was Grady who made the next foray, landing a series of blows to Jim’s midsection. Jim countered, using his legs and speed to advantage, tripping Grady up and throwing him down on the mats with a resounding thud. Jim hoped he’d stunned the big man, but no such luck. Grady popped back up ready for more and the game was on again.

This went on for some time while they tested each other’s weaknesses and strengths. Jim learned a great deal from their fight and earned just as many bruises as he dealt. Little by little strategy overtook anger and fatigue slowed response time. Grady landed a lucky final blow that knocked Jim flat on his ass but Jim managed to drag Grady down with him and neither man got up right away.

Gina ran over, falling to her knees between their prone bodies. She put one hand on each of their chests, as if to push them down, keeping them on the matted floor.

“This stops now.” Jim could hear the tears in her voice and hated that he’d had any part in making her cry. He grabbed her hand in both of his, stroking her fingers tenderly.

“I’m sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to distract you. I would rather die than ever hurt you.”

She turned to him and he saw the emotional pain in her gaze, as well as the understanding. “I know that, Jim. It wasn’t your fault.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek, forgiveness in her every move. His heart began to beat again, sure of her acceptance. “And you,” she turned to Grady, taking Jim’s heart with her. “Thank you for trying to protect me. It wasn’t really necessary, but I do appreciate it.”

Grady sat up, and Jim followed suit.

“Alvians have no female soldiers. Women are to be protected, never hurt.” Grady sent a glare in Jim’s direction. “While I admire your skills, Gina, it will take some time to get used to the idea that my mate can protect herself. I’ll try, but I will never stand by and watch you get hurt when I can prevent it. Don’t ask me to.”

Gina sobbed and threw herself into Grady’s arms, hugging him close. Jim let her hand go, admitting momentary defeat.

Grady didn’t like the sensations coursing through his veins. He’d experienced anger before, but never this kind of all-consuming rage. Was this the first sign of approaching madness?

His heart stilled.

He wouldn’t put Gina in danger. If he was going mad, he’d leave before he exposed her to his illness.

Grady drew back from her. He needed to think this through. While his heart ached to hold her close and keep her next to him for all time, he had to do what was best for her. But first he had to get to the bottom of what had just happened.

He stood, and she followed. Jim also stood, and Grady met his eyes over Gina’s shoulder. He would use all the skills he’d learned as a commander of soldiers to assess the problem and devise a solution. This could not be allowed to happen again.

“You admitted to distracting Gina. How?”

Jim shook his head, chagrined. “Telepathy.” He met Grady’s gaze solemnly, accepting blame. Grady respected that. “I said something to her, but I didn’t expect it to break her concentration.”

“What exactly did you say?” Grady stepped around Gina, though she tried to remain between them, and stared the other man down. Jim didn’t back off, but then he wouldn’t be worthy of a warrioress like Gina if he had.

“I told her you looked like you wanted to knock my block off.” A challenging smile curved one side of Jim’s mouth.

Grady regarded him for a moment, analyzing the situation.

“I did,” he finally admitted with an answering hint of humor. “I find I am jealous of the past you share with Gina. I’ve only known her a short time. I feel at a disadvantage because of it when compared to your history.” Grady didn’t mention the agony he felt every time Jim and Gina touched. Their Hum went straight through him, making him ache with pain, knowing they belonged together—without the alien interloper, even if he was also a true mate to Gina.

Unpredictably, Jim’s antagonism level decreased. He stepped back, his posture changing from one of challenge to one of understanding.

“I can’t blame you for that. I’m sure I’d feel the same if our roles were reversed.”

“Would you?” Grady watched him carefully for any sign of deception, but could find none. “I do not understand why it makes me want to beat you senseless. I have never felt such urges before and I worry…” He broke off before he could reveal his deepest, darkest fear¾the fear that he would go mad¾but Jim’s eyes cleared with understanding. Somehow, he knew.

Grady turned away, finding Gina there, waiting for him. Her soft smile and gentle touch soothed him as she reached up to stroke his cheek.

“It’s all right, Grady. Jealousy is something all humans struggle with.”

He wanted to stay right there and revel in her compassion but the ugly truth came between them.

“Gina, I’m not human.”

He left before she could say anything, seeking solitude in which to think over these upsetting events. He strode from the gym building and headed for the darkened end of the huge, main cavern, toward the lake.

Small eddies of current lapped at the sandy shoreline, indicating the lake was fed by some underground water source, but he couldn’t see it. Grady sank down onto the cold sand, stretching one leg out in front of him, raising the other knee on which to lean his crossed arms. He had much to think about.

“That could’ve gone better.” Gina muttered as she watched Grady walk away. Something in the set of his shoulders was so forlorn, she wanted to go after him, but knew he wouldn’t welcome her interference right now. He was learning to cope with emotion. She knew he needed some time alone to think things through when they came to a boil.

There was no doubt, the turmoil of the past minutes had been hard for all of them to handle. Gina hated seeing Jim and Grady at odds, knowing she was the reason for their strife. She hated being in the middle, stuck between them, a point of contention.

“I’m sorry I distracted you. I could’ve really hurt you.” Jim’s voice was gentle as she turned to face him.

“Forget it. Accidents happen. I shouldn’t have been so easy to distract. My dad would have my head for such a stupid mistake.” She offered him a small smile, which he returned.

“Nice try, but it was my fault. Things are…unsettled between you and Grady right now. I shouldn’t have mentioned him during our bout. It was petty and potentially dangerous.”

“So why did you?” She looked up at him challengingly.

Jim met her gaze though he seemed uncomfortable. “I don’t know. I guess I’ve got some jealousy issues of my own.”