Taming an Angel

by Kathleen Lash

  Bragg stepped forward and Tiernan strode away from his men. A long-legged swagger made him appear arrogant, coordinated and completely comfortable in his overly muscled body. Although in the presence of a very important Governance officer, Tiernan didn’t seem the least put off or impressed.

  Jessica observed Bragg size the Braughman up with an assessing glance. It never took him more than ten seconds to discern what a person had inside. In particular, he possessed an uncanny knack for finding weaknesses.

  “Mister Tiernan, welcome aboard. Let the Governance see to you and make you comfortable.”

  “Aye, Sir, I appreciate the offer and would welcome use of your medical soonest. I fear two of the gals are damaged and a few of me men could use tech to get rid of some cuts and scrapes.” Almost as an afterthought, he added with a controlled smile, “If you’d be so kind.”

  “Immediately, Sir.” Bragg motioned and a medical team came forward.

  An officer said, “The wounded can follow me.”

  Only three of Tiernan’s men fell in line with the medical crew. One of them was Finn who carried Zoe. When Bragg approached them, the procession stopped. Bragg lifted her arm by one of her slack fingers. Thank heavens Zoe had fallen unconscious.

  She would’ve been hysterical with Bragg so close.

  When her blood began dripping, Bragg let her go, wiping his bloodied fingers on a clean portion of her sleeve. “I thought you said two of the women were hurt.”

  “Aye.” Tiernan turned toward Jessica.

  She remained silent and still. She knew better than to move.

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  Bragg sauntered up and grabbed her chin with his fingers. Twisting her face to the side, he pulled the dressing from her hairline, taking the strips Tiernan placed to hold the cut together. “Storm, how careless. This looks terrible.”

  She felt a slow, thick stream of blood ooze from the wound. She did nothing to stop it. “Yes, Sir.” She tried not to sneer. The inclination almost overrode her common sense.

  “You can see she needs tech, Commander. I’ll take her to medical.”

  Bragg’s shoulders drew up an inch. He obviously hadn’t detected Tiernan’s approach. He probably didn’t appreciate the threatening tone of his voice either. “Yes, Mister Tiernan, we’ll have Storm seen to. This looks quite deep and requires treatment.”

  He turned to face Tiernan. “You and your men will be shown to quarters. You can get clean, rest and you’ll be fed. My officers will show you the way to available cabins.

  Unfortunately, they’re hither and yon throughout the ship.”

  “And what of Miss Storm, Sir?”

  “I’ll personally take care of her.”

  At a glance, Tiernan didn’t look as if he cared for that particular notion. “She was hurt on my account and I wish to see to her. I’m sure you understand. As for cabins for me men, we’re obliged for your hospitality but we remain a tribe and need to close ranks. Nothing personal, Sir, but we’re fresh from a rough spot. If you can’t accommodate us remaining close together, we’ll take what you can give, double up and make use of the room you have.”

  She knew Bragg didn’t like Tiernan’s directives but if he wanted the man’s help, he’d impart the highest generosity and grant his requests. Bragg could woo and demonstrate decorum when forced. “Of course, Sir. We’ll clear a bunk area and have all of you situated there. After you’ve settled, eaten and slept, we’ll speak of a bargain in the morn.” The faux smile on his face mirrored the ungracious tone of his voice.

  “We’d be grateful, Commander.” Tiernan held out his hand, the gesture beckoning her closer.

  She hesitantly walked to his side. His hand on her back made her want to squirm.

  She didn’t dare.

  “I’ll have the women taken to their quarters from medical,” Bragg said. Obviously he wanted her for something.

  She could face him after a turn on the healing bed. She’d be stronger and could do it.

  Bragg cleared his throat. “You have my word after they’ve been treated, we’ll see to their comfort, Sir.”

  “Aye,” Tiernan muttered, looking over his shoulder at Bragg. “I’m sure you will.

  But we’re Braugh warriors, Commander, and you sent them to us.”

  “What’s that got to do with—”

  Tiernan turned around to fully face Bragg while Jessica remained as she was. “In me land, Sir, it’s most offensive to give a man something and then take it away.”

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  “They were sent as soldiers on a mission that they accomplished, Mister Tiernan.

  They weren’t given to you.”

  “Nay?” Tiernan stepped away from her.

  Jessica turned slightly and found Tiernan glaring down at Bragg. Until then, she realized she’d only seen one side of Tiernan. No wonder Bragg wanted him. The lack of a smile and the deep crease between his eyes, spoke plainly of his intent. The ferocious expression came naturally to him.

  The Braughmen still standing in rows reacted to Tiernan’s change in demeanor.

  Each of them displayed similar warrior-like expressions. Their subtle alteration in stance demonstrated readiness to do battle. The tension emanating from the warriors charged the docking bay and everyone in it.

  “Did you not send the gal into a Doxyn prison to fetch me?” Tiernan didn’t initially seem too upset about the rescue. In fact, he appeared most appreciative. The low, rumbling voice he used on Bragg held malice.

  “I did, but—”

  “And you knew how she’d need to get inside?”

  Again, she couldn’t fathom why it suddenly bothered him. He’d enjoyed what she’d done and they’d all gotten away without loss of life.

  “Yes, I suggested she request entrance as a woman of comfort.”

  “Then you gave her to me.” He’d issued a statement, hadn’t asked a question.

  “She and other throwbacks are used as necessary. They aren’t given. They’re Governance property, Tiernan.”

  “We have nothing to discuss. I’ll gather me crew and we’ll trouble you naught.

  We’ll be taking the gals with us though.”

  When Bragg visibly took umbrage, the Governance soldiers stepped forward.

  Tiernan’s men weren’t so polite about the situation and drew guns. They also didn’t wait for an order to bring them up to power.

  “You’re armed, Sir!” Bragg said in amazement.

  “Aye, courtesy of the Doxyn. Would you care to add to our arsenal? I see Gov weapons are a bit superior to that which we have.”

  “Amazing. You board my ship and have the audacity to threaten me—over throwbacks.”

  “You shouldn’t spout that word as you do. You’re in the presence of right fine gals who done your bidding. They should be treated with respect.”

  Bragg laughed and Jessica’s spine straightened. Tiernan made a fool of himself by defending her and her crew in such a manner. Most men understood her status. Tiernan didn’t. Too, if Tiernan agreed to Bragg’s bargain, he’d find himself wealthy and with the Governance owing him and his home planet a debt. He might even be offered rank aboard a Governance vessel, depending on the magnitude of the mission. His 34

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  reputation, ability in battle and fiercely loyal men, made him a commodity. He shouldn’t destroy his opportunity. Not on her account.

  “Commander Bragg,” Jessica said. “If my crew can room with the Braughmen for the duration of their stay, I’ll take quarters where you say.” She knew what he wanted.

  It didn’t matter anymore. Saving her friends would be worth most any price.

  “Wee Jess,” Tiernan said, “didn’t you hear me? You’re mine now and I’ll keep you.

  I won’t give you away just yet.”

  “Storm,” Bragg said.

  She glanced up, not liking the way he said her name. He found amusement in something and that Generally indi
cated she would somehow become miserable.

  “Mister Tiernan seems quite intent on keeping you for a time. Of course you should stay with him until we see if we can reach an accord. I’ll leave you in his care for now.

  Understood?”

  “Yes,” Jessica said and as an afterthought, “Sir.”

  “You’re to be most gracious to Mister Tiernan.”

  Her gaze dropped to his boots. She completely grasped the implication of his statement.

  “Jess?” Tiernan asked.

  She looked up. His confused expression relayed he didn’t understand exactly what Bragg told her to do.

  “I’m most willing to accompany you, Sir,” she said. It felt wonderful having Tiernan take her. Bragg giving her over didn’t sit too well.

  Tiernan drew the gun from the back of his waist. He turned her and tucked it between her back and pants. “I have men watching me back. Now you’ll have something at yours.”

  “But—”

  “Keep the weapon, Storm,” Bragg said. “You’re versed in its use. I’m sure you won’t inadvertently shoot someone.”

  No, Sir. It might however, happen intentionally.

  She’d purposely left her gun in the control room. If she came off the ship armed, she would’ve been shot.

  Tiernan’s hand slid up her spine to the back of her head. Gently, he turned her toward the group waiting to proceed to medical. She would’ve liked to have seen Bragg’s face. She imagined deep down he was furious about Tiernan arming her.

  Because he permitted the silliness, Jessica guessed Bragg’s need for Tiernan must be extreme.

  Commander Adam Bragg watched as the Braugh barbarians sauntered away with his property. Under the circumstances, he couldn’t afford a confrontation on the matter.

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  If Tiernan agreed to do his bidding, it’d be worth the lives of ten throwbacks. He cared little for what would happen to Drew or Cross. Storm was different. She’d become his favorite.

  Over the years, no matter what he ordered her to do, she not only complied but excelled. At some point, he realized she wanted to please him. When she’d finally grown weary from all he required and her eyes became dull, he’d sent her and the others to fetch Tiernan. It’d been the first time she’d tasted that type of freedom. From the look of her, he’d accomplished his goal. The sparkle was back in her eyes. The barely controlled contempt in her voice also wasn’t unwelcome. He liked a spirited woman.

  Bragg watched as Tiernan rounded the corner, his hand still on Storm’s back. Bragg smiled. He’d allow Tiernan to borrow her. Once business was taken care of though, Bragg had other plans. She cared for him; he could tell. He’d reward her for her obedience and loyalty.

  Bragg’s heart pounded as he thought about what he’d do. Storm’d been trained to repress and deny sexual urges. He wanted to be the man to provide her first true release. The way she already adored him, he imagined she’d likely fall in love with him when he sexually awakened her. The years of careful and deliberate conditioning would soon pay off.

  His mother had been wrong. She’d thought to make him repulsive to women by burning and branding him so no woman would willingly share his bed. Storm wouldn’t turn from him when he disrobed. He’d open his arms and she’d run willingly into his embrace. Whether she knew it or not, she yearned for even a pat on the head from him.

  He’d almost touched her once when she’d been particularly cunning in a training exercise. The longing in her eyes spoke volumes about how badly she wanted his attention. It’d been two months since that incident. Surely time only increased her need to gain his affection.

  Soon, my Jessica. Soon we’ll be together.

  * * * * *

  Jessica paced the expanse of the cabin waiting for Tiernan. He’d stayed with her in medical, watching everything the doctor instructed the healing bed to do while double-checking her condition as she’d been treated. For heaven’s sake, she hadn’t really been wounded. He’d been as vigilant when the others received healing. Either caution motivated Tiernan or he didn’t trust anything surrounding the Serenity Governance.

  As the Governance came into power, they brought order to the chaotic universe.

  Most beings viewed Governance laws and actions as a form of salvation. The sheer number of planets requesting aid provided the military with an unending supply of the very best beings from which to mold soldiers. Most sought recruitment for the honor of serving. She couldn’t understand why Tiernan and the Braugh Tribe hadn’t offered 36

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  service or requested protection for their planet. They were either very arrogant or downright stupid.

  After a time, the door opened and Tiernan sauntered in. The casual manner of his gait oozed confidence. No wonder most beings feared Braughmen on some level.

  Doxyn were of the minority that challenged Braugh warriors in any manner. The Doxyn weren’t noted for their intelligence. Despite his recent release from prison, Tiernan smiled quite often, but when he concentrated on something, his expression could be blatantly intimidating.

  He threw gear down and placed a gun next to hers on a ledge close to the bed. She stood behind a chair at the small table and waited. When he took the seat opposite, she moved to stand beside and somewhat behind him. Her presence should be noted but not intrusive as a man took his meal.

  “Jess?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

  He kept calling her by the abbreviated name. It sounded masculine and she couldn’t understand why he’d use it.

  “Yes, Sir?” Her situation changed the instant Bragg ordered her to go with Tiernan.

  When on loan from Bragg, she must demonstrate the very best, most socially acceptable behavior. If Tiernan complained…

  “Have you eaten?”

  “No, Sir,” she said quickly. She knew better.

  “You’re not hungry?”

  Since when did that matter? “Yes, Sir, I am.”

  “Then sit down and fill your belly. Or is it you can’t stand the smell of me?” He raised his arm, sniffed, cocked his head to the side and smiled. “I went through the sanitizer in medical. If I have to though, I’ll try again to see if I can get the stench of the prison off me.”

  He still smelled like soap from the earlier bathing mixed with the herbal sanitizing mist. Whatever was wrong with him? “You smell fine, Sir.”

  He turned in the chair to face her and gazed. “Please, sweet, don’t address me like that. I’ll play the game of titles and such with regular Gov and I get your need to do so also. But it’s just the two of us now. I’m not a sir. Not to you, Jess, so please, sit down.”

  “Where?” She wouldn’t take her meal at his feet. She wouldn’t!

  He stood and she resisted the urge to step back. In her mind everything changed once they were alone.

  He came around and placed a hand on the back of the chair. “Me Ma would skin me if she saw what I just did. It’s been a while since I broke bread with a gal. You’ll forgive me, Jess?”

  She stared, unable to understand what he wanted or why he’d apologize.

  His placed a hand on the small of her back and gently urged her forward. “Please.”

  He pushed the chair as she sat. After placing the napkin in her lap, he stepped to the 37

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  opposite chair and seated himself. He removed the lid from the plate in front of her before uncovering the one by him.

  Her eyes and mouth watered at the perfectly arranged meal that smelled too heavenly. It’d been so long since she’d seen anything so beautiful. Her arms grew heavy as she swallowed, practically tasting the tender looking meat.

  “Eat, gal, or I swear I’ll eat yours too,” he said before taking another bite. He hadn’t wasted time getting started and by how quickly he ate, she believed the food tasted as good as it looked.

  “Here? Right now?” She needed to be sure. The last time she’d been invited to dine with a man,
she’d assumed she could eat while he did. Wrong, wrong, wrong! She’d been dreadfully wrong! She’d never make a mistake of that magnitude again.

  “Nay,” he said, smiling, “later when it’s cold.”

  She placed her hands in her lap and rested against the chair.

  He placed the fork down and looked at her as if she were insane. “What’s wrong with you?”

  Her forehead throbbed even though she’d been treated in medical. She felt ill.

  Having the sight and smell of the appetizing meal in front of her and then having it verbally taken away, made her vision blur and hands go numb. She closed her eyes to shut out the unpleasantness.

  A moment later, fingers stroked her cheek and she found Tiernan sitting close, having pulled his chair almost beside her. Food touched her lips and she opened, accepting the meat from the end of the fork. “Don’t you know how to feed yourself?”

  She took the fork, chewed and separated the edges of the meats, greens and mash on her plate. She hated when different foods touched each other. She liked them divided, organized and eaten one item at a time. After she swallowed, she said, “You said to wait.”

  “You know it was in jest. Aye?” He took the fork from her and stabbed another piece of meat and held it for her.

  She took the bite and grabbed the utensil from his hand a second time. “I can feed myself.”

  He slid his plate over and ate while sitting right beside her. The unusual situation soon didn’t matter because the food not only filled a void, it tasted superb.

  With only half the meal remaining, he asked, “Since when does a gal take a joke from a man to heart?” He kept eating while looking at his plate. The question probably didn’t matter because he didn’t make eye contact.

  After swallowing, she answered, “Why would a man make statements he doesn’t mean?”

  “To make a gal laugh so she’ll feel more at ease. To play.”