Part 42 (1/2)

Cupping her chin, he kissed her then and quickened his strokes until she was breathless from it. Then, in one blinding wave, she cried out as she came.

His eyes flared even brighter an instant before he joined her. He buried himself deep inside her and held her close as he nibbled and teased her ear. His whiskers teased her flesh.

It felt so good to have him in her bed. To have him with her. Period.

Galene held him tight in her arms. ”Felicia was right. I just want to wear you like a blanket.” She tugged his muscled arm over her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

He arched a brow at her. ”Should I ask why you were discussing that with our daughter?”

She laughed. ”We weren't talking about this. Rather how aggravating males are in general.”

”Not sure that's a better answer. Either way, I seem to come out a loser.”

”Are you trying to pick a fight?”

He kissed her shoulder. ”I would never pick a fight with you while you're naked. If I say something stupid, you have to remember that you've drained all the blood out of my brain hours ago, and left me with no ability to think clearly.”

”Oh, you clever charmer. You've become far more debonair over the years.” Her gaze fell to the collar on his neck and she felt a wave of sadness again at what he'd been through.

Alone.

And all because she hadn't stayed and fought for him... the one person she should have fought hardest to keep.

But never again. That was one promise she wouldn't break. Not ever. She would never again allow anyone to ever divide them.

Fain's breath caught as he saw the haunted expression on her face. Every time she glanced at the symbol of his slavery, it stole her joy. He couldn't stand it.

She deserved nothing but the best. And all happiness.

Kissing her lightly, he rolled from the bed.

”Where are you going?”

He reached for his pants. ”To get this minsid collar off. I will not be the cause of your sadness anymore. I've given you enough tears. You will never shed another over something I've done. I promise you.”

Galene choked on a sob as he entered the bathroom to wash. Not from sadness, but over the sheer joy she felt. Yet as she listened to the sounds of his dressing, a horrible dread consumed her. She'd meant what she said.

The G.o.ds had conspired against them from the beginning, and stolen too many years that should have been theirs. And though she didn't want to believe it, a part of her couldn't help wondering if they weren't cursed. If they weren't meant to be divided.

Her link buzzed.

Frowning, she pulled it over to see that it was the notification she'd set for Jory Hinto's arrival.

She flinched involuntarily before she returned it to the table and went to join Fain in the small bathroom. He was just leaving the shower as she entered.

”Something wrong?” He lowered the towel with a worried frown.

How she treasured that note of concern in his voice. The knowledge that she finally had someone to lean on. While she was strong and could stand on her own, it was nice to have someone at her back. To know that Fain would catch her should she ever stumble.

”Jory just requested clearance codes.”

Fain cursed. ”Is he coming in this bay?”

”It's what I told them to do. We have a few minutes before they arrive.” She stepped past him.

Fain caught her hand. ”Have I told you how proud I am of the commander you are? 'Course, you were always bossy...”

She laughed at him. ”And you, Fain Hauk, do honor to your forefather and namesake. In your eyes and form, I see that brave soldier who stood so valiantly and fought with his family to hold back an invading army to save our race. He had nothing on you.”

Fain couldn't breathe as she spoke those words. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever said to him. ”I love you, Stormy.”

”And I, you. Forever and a day.”

He heard a knock on his door.

”Fain?”

Reluctantly, he pulled on his pants and left her to open it, and greet his brother who was in the hallway outside Fain's quarters. ”What do you need?”

”The Septurnum are arriving. I thought you'd want to join me in the bay.”

”I'm just waiting on Galene.”

She stepped out of the head, fastening the cuff of her formal suit.

Fain pulled his jacket out of his closet and shrugged it on, then followed Galene, Sumi, and Dancer off his s.h.i.+p and into the bay. Hermione and Ryn were already there, waiting with Nykyrian, Jayne, Syn, Maris, Saf, and Caillen, as well as Venik, Ushara, and a small welcoming party of somber Tavali. Ryn's eyes were red and swollen, but they were the only thing that gave away his broken heart. The rest of his composure was that weird mixture of rigid aristocrat and lethal warrior that was uniquely his.

Except for his left hand, where he finally wore a black wedding band that he idly stroked with his thumb.

Fain paused beside Ven and Ushara. Ven grimaced as he saw the collar on Fain's neck. He pa.s.sed a covert glance to Hermione and Ryn before he quickly put himself between them to block their view and removed it. Had they seen it, Ven would have had some interesting questions to answer from the UTC, since the contract he'd made with Fain for the kids was technically illegal and in total contradiction to Tavali law. He was lucky Fain wasn't the type to rat him out. But having made the pact with full knowledge of what he was in for, he was Andarion enough to abide by the terms, no matter how appalling they were.

”Thanks.” Fain rubbed at his neck where the skin had been chafed and bruised from it.

Without responding, Ven quickly slid the collar into his pocket before the Danes saw it. Yeah, you should have thought about that before you locked it on my throat, huh, genius? That was the bad thing about Ven, he didn't always think things through completely. He had a bad tendency to react first and then live to regret his impulsiveness.

Dancer moved to Ryn. ”How you doing, buddy?”

”Gutted.” His tone was emotionless and hollow. His eyes, however, betrayed an anguish that ran soul deep.

Fain hated to see anyone in that kind of pain.

Dancer placed his hand on Ryn's shoulder. While Fain had known Ryn for years now, it was nothing compared to how long and how well Dancer, Jayne, Syn, and Nykyrian had known him. Since Dancer was one of Darling's closest friends and his wingman, they shared a special bond. And given that the four of them had been protecting and training Ryn's little brother Darling since he was a teen, Ryn felt indebted to them and considered them an extension of his family.

And family stood together. Always. Blood with blood. Especially during times of grief and need.

As Jory's s.h.i.+p pulled in and docked, Ryn closed his eyes. Jayne took his hand and rubbed his arm to comfort him. True to his princely bearing and tough Dane heritage, Ryn didn't show any emotion as he waited in somber silence. The only clue to his pain was his rapid breathing and the tight fists that he kept clenched at his side.

Hating that Ryn had to go through this, Fain took Galene's hand into his as the ramp lowered and a small party started down it. He immediately recognized the tall, blond, muscular Tavali dressed in the red and black colors of the Septurnum Tavali Nation at the rear of the group.

Vice Admiral Jory Woods Hinto, or Jupiter as he was better known. The code name, which literally translated to ”G.o.dfather,” had been given to him because when it came to making the impossible happen, Jory was almost Trisani with abilities. Had his father been anyone other than Gadgehe Hinto, Jory would have most likely been Gorturnum instead of operating under the True Red Flag Nation.