Taming an Angel

by Kathleen Lash

  He groaned as he came. She felt the pulsing of his cock as he gave his seed. She clung to keep him near. The very pleasant sensation shocking her pussy needed to continue.

  At some point, she realized the fluttery, nice, drifting feelings had ceased. It took a while to fully discern their departure. Tiernan remained inside her. His mere presence felt almost as wonderful as the lovely vibrations.

  She wondered if she’d just experienced her first orgasm. A strange lassitude swept over her and at some point, she sensed Tiernan looking at her while gently pushing hair from her face. She couldn’t open her eyes. She’d never been so tired.

  Surrounded by warmth and the scent of a man, she tried falling completely unconscious to rest. Morn always arrived sooner than she wanted.

  Strong, possessive feelings battered her and she turned away from their source. At times, she’d sensed similar emotions from Bragg but didn’t concentrate on them or allow them inside. She’d no defense from what Tiernan projected. She hated feeling and sometimes seeing what those around her experienced. More often than not, she could shield herself from the intrusions. She’d grown too tired that eve to keep mental barriers in place and felt a great deal.

  “No,” she groused, fighting to keep the unwelcomed emotions from seeping into her drowsy mind.

  “Easy, Jess. Rest now.”

  A big, Braugh body settled at her back. His arms pulled her close. She’d never fall asleep in the exceedingly soft bed with him breathing into her hair! She tried to get up to find her own room with her own hard little bed. He wouldn’t let her go. She didn’t sleep naked and Bragg always kept her quarters cold.

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  God, Tiernan pulled a blanket over them! She’d suffocate! Worse yet, if Bragg sent the combat android to see how she’d fare being woken to fight, she’d get pulverized for sure.

  “Hush, wee Jess.” The vibration against her back from him speaking reassured her in some manner.

  A sweet, green smell flooded her senses. She grew still and for the first time ever, concentrated on what another being thought about. She saw what he did. Tall rich grasses, as far as the eye could see, warmed in a noonday light. A slight breeze rustled the tasseled tops so particles floated through the air. A massive black bird spread its wings against the bright blue sky to hover and float.

  Braugh.

  With such a lush and open environment, no wonder Braughmen grew so big.

  She drew up mental barriers to close him out. She focused instead on the cold cabin she’d eventually find herself in. She needed to convince Bragg she and her crew should be released to go home.

  After experiencing Shane’s thoughts she was glad he had such a wondrous place to fill his memory and musings. She, however, didn’t want to see any more of it. She’d never belong or be welcomed on a planet like Braugh. She didn’t particularly want to know everything her future would lack. With a bit of luck and some perseverance, she, Zoe and Angela would find their opportunities on Blue. They all wanted to go home.

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  Chapter Five

  Shane and Finn went to meet Bragg at his request. They’d left the gals in the care of Reilly and brethren. Shane would sit with Bragg, listen, and then kill him for what he did to Jess and her crew. It wouldn’t be pleasant for Bragg. Shane would see to it.

  Within the chamber, seated at a long table, Bragg extended his arm so Shane and Finn would sit. They did and Shane looked him over, deciding where he’d start taking him apart.

  “You needn’t have brought a second, Mister Tiernan. Your safety’s assured aboard Efface.”

  Shane and Finn laughed. As if Shane had need of Finn to be safe! “You want to strike a bargain with Tiernan. Finn’s me brother so you get two, not just one.”

  “I’m surprised, Sir, that your tribe allowed not only their leader but a blood relative to be traded to get your women and children back.”

  “Why?”

  “I understand that Braugh warriors spend a great deal of time training in a military fashion. Tactically, it would’ve been prudent to leave your brother behind to lead in the event you didn’t return.”

  “Any and all Braugh can lead. They chose me for now. I die—they choose again.”

  On the surface Bragg looked like a decent man. Shane knew different. He wondered what twisted him to be so evil inside. “You called me here to bargain. Don’t keep me waiting.”

  “As you wish, Mr. Tiernan. A very important General’s being held on Theazia. The bastards besieged his vessel with more than thirty of their war ships.”

  The Gov ship didn’t have a chance with those odds.

  Bragg said, “They took the entire crew. I need the General back.”

  Jess had been right in her rumor. “And with all your vessels and tech, you’ll not fetch him?”

  “We thought General Ryker and his crew to be deceased, Sir. Intel recently revealed information to the contrary.”

  “How long’s he been held?”

  “Two months and a few days.”

  “Your intel isn’t right. No man can live twenty days with them heathens let alone the time you say.”

  “It’s confirmed, Sir.”

  “Then fetch him, Commander. You think Braughmen can do more than Gov?”

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  “You’re quite notorious for your cleverness and unusual skills. Don’t cheapen your value in this mission.”

  Something stunk and Shane began seeing the real man beneath the neat uniform and shiny medals.

  “The shat dripping from your mouth offends me. Get to your point and we’ll think on giving aid.” Shane hoped speaking plainly might loosen Bragg’s tongue. He wanted to get back to Jess after he killed the commander.

  “Perhaps speaking bluntly might be prudent in this instance, Mister Tiernan. I’ll spell it out. There’s a reward for General Ryker’s safe return but not at the loss of more Governance personnel.”

  “I don’t follow. You want your man back but not at a risk to your military? What kind of shat are you handing out? Ryker’s not really of import to you.”

  “He is but it’s feared there isn’t much left of him or the crew. The president won’t risk the loss of more men to save ghosts, Sir.”

  “So you want me and my brethren to see if your intel’s right. What then?”

  “When you breach the laboratory where Ryker and the others are held, if their condition is such they can be made well, we’ll back up a rescue and get all of you safely off planet.”

  “And if they’re too far gone to take from the Theazians?”

  “You and your men make it back to the ship we provide and we’ll welcome you as heroes. You’ll be decorated and Governance patrol will befall your planet.” Bragg smiled slightly. “I see by your expression that particular commodity wouldn’t be refused.”

  “Nay, I wouldn’t refuse a watch over Braugh. To never worry about Doxyn taking more gals and children would be a blessing.”

  “Have we reached an accord, Mister Tiernan?”

  “Not so quick. There’re empty spots in your plan.”

  “Let me clarify then, please.”

  “What of your lost people? If they live, but not in a right way, you’d have me leave them for further torture?”

  For the first time since the meeting began, Bragg looked uneasy. “No we won’t and hence, the high payment for your mission. If they’ve been mutilated beyond repair, I’ll expect you to see to their relief. Put them to rest for us. Do you understand, Sir?”

  “Aye,” Shane replied. They didn’t want to kill their own. He didn’t blame them.

  “And how would we get to yon lab? You spoke of a ship.”

  “We have a small craft in our hull that would accommodate your men. It’s newly designed and with a proper diversion close to where you’ll land, you should slip through without detection.”

  And Jess had been given a relic of a ship t
o rescue them.

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  Bragg sat back in the chair. “Getting off planet after the mission would be the greatest difficulty, but we’ll bring you back safely. If you agree, I’ll gather forces for the event. We’re most hopeful you’ll require our aid to bring our people back.”

  “If you have such a force why don’t you use it to get Ryker? You don’t make sense.”

  “Remember, the president specifically said we should obtain the General without further loss of life. Theazians won’t touch us, not with the majority of their ships on planet. We’ll pick them off, not allowing their vessels to gain airspace. Losses won’t occur.”

  The story still didn’t add up. With a Gov strike force, there’d be little loss of Gov soldiers. Too, if the slimwit General was truly of import, Shane bet Gov would risk many ordinary troops to get him back. He most likely wouldn’t be part of what Bragg planned. He already knew the man wasn’t right.

  “How many?” Shane asked, needing a few further answers before he’d tell Bragg to go fock himself.

  “Pardon, Sir?”

  “Men? How many were taken by Theazians?”

  “Four hundred and six men, eighty-nine women and five children.”

  “Shat, Bragg! What type of ship was Ryker commanding? You said it was a Gov vessel.”

  “The women were soldiers, all save one. General Ryker had his wife aboard. The children were gathered from the dead on Veeran, a distant planet. They were what remained of their people and Ryker was taking them to a trade zone for adoption by a thriving world. The attack by those monsters was most untimely.”

  “Damn it!” Shane said. He could turn his back on a slimwit General and maybe even a careless crew but not gals and children. He remembered the odds Ryker’s vessel faced. Thirty to one. No man he knew, not even one with the very finest ship could’ve withstood an attack of that magnitude.

  Shane’s hands balled into fists. They had children aboard, wee ones not over the loss of their entire world. It no longer mattered that Bragg lied in some manner. Shane firmly believed most of the story to be true.

  “Finn,” Shane said.

  “Aye.”

  “You’ll stay back this time.”

  “I won’t. Leave another behind. You won’t leave me.”

  “The gals here need watched over. I’ll be back quick.”

  “Then Reilly is your man, Shane. Theazians are a nasty lot and you’ll need me at your back.”

  He gazed at Finn. Nay, by the expression on his face, Finn wouldn’t stand to be left.

  “Reilly, it is.”

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  “Sirs, the throwbacks are perfectly safe in my care,” Bragg said.

  “Nay, Bragg, they’re not. I’ll make it so. And in the course, if we don’t make it back, Reilly will take the gals to Braugh. You’ll consider them a gift.”

  “I’m amazed at your continued fascination with them,” Bragg said, looking him over.

  Bragg still didn’t realize he wouldn’t be getting Jess or her crew back. Ever.

  Shane stood and placed his palms on the table before leaning forward. “How long do we have, Bragg?”

  “Two days, Sir.”

  “And what of the diversion?”

  “I’ve reasoned it out. Leave the details to me. It’ll guarantee you access to Theazia without detection.”

  “You only tell part of a story, Bragg. I don’t trust you.”

  “That’s obvious, Mister Tiernan. Anything I can provide to sway your opinion will be made available. I’m most sincere in wanting Ryker and his crew back.”

  “Aye, you seem to be. I know what I’ll be getting but what do you get, Bragg? What will you earn for getting one General and a crew for your president?”

  “Decorated, a seat on Governance Council, power and great wealth.”

  “Aye, now that I believe.” Shane took a few more seconds to stare at the man. He wanted nay confusion over what he’d say next. “We’ll speak about the gals and what you did to them. Business is business and we have an accord. What you did to Jess—

  now it’s personal. I’ll see to you after I fetch Ryker. We won’t be interrupted when I come for you. Be ready.”

  Commander Bragg stared at Tiernan, concealing the contempt he held for the obnoxious barbarian. Bragg learned of Ryker’s locality more than a month ago. He didn’t relay the information to the Governance. Bragg met Ryker once years prior.

  Ryker’s arrogance surpassed Tiernan’s by double and Bragg hated arrogance. Bragg made sure Ryker had suffered before rescue. He might’ve suffered so much that Tiernan would have to kill him, or with luck, he’d already be dead.

  However the situation concluded would be suitable to Bragg. No one would ever know he left Ryker and his crew on Theazia for an extended stay. It was most fortunate the Braughmen didn’t understand Governance protocol. How could Tiernan actually believe the Governance wouldn’t use every means possible to retrieve its personnel?

  Bragg planned on calling in forces once they got within a day of Theazia. Bragg could claim he used the Braughmen as infantry to clear a path for regular military. In all likelihood, that’s probably how the situation would play out. Bragg would create a diversion and afford Tiernan a chance. Tiernan would probably become a secondary diversion for Bragg’s men to either rescue or kill Ryker and his crew.

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  In all scenarios, Bragg would get the throwbacks and the recognition he deserved from the president. He could easily keep Storm at some remote location to serve his needs once he’d been appointed to a seat on the Council. At this point in her existence, he imagined she’d gladly accept her new station in life. Compared to how she’s lived, she would almost certainly feel blessed. By her taking up residence with the brutish Braugh warrior, Bragg’s scheme was practically guaranteed. She’d likely not be able to tolerate another eve of Tiernan’s pawing.

  * * * * *

  Shane and Finn left the Commander to his fine room and strode down corridors on the way to quarters. The ship wasn’t only first-rate in detail but in comfort and function.

  They’d been given Gov uniforms to wear because the clothes given by Jess weren’t suitable aboard the larger ship. Dark blue uniforms matching those worn by officers were provided. It showed to the lower ranking Gov that he and Finn should be given respect.

  “Shane?”

  “Aye.”

  “The wee gal, Zoe, she’s military for your Jess, right?”

  “Aye,” Shane replied, “in a manner.”

  “She doesn’t have the heart for it. She cried most the eve. She’s scared of me and I did naught to her. She didn’t eat, nor sleep. I gave over the bed and found her curled in a corner this morn.”

  “Aye.” He could see it, the gal not trusting a soul. His Jess was different and strong.

  Zoe seemed to be more delicate. “If she’s a burden, I’ll give her into another’s care.”

  “Nay,” he said quickly. Finn seemed to think on something for a moment. “You’re older than me, been with more gals.”

  Shane nodded in agreement. Until the past few years, Finn seemed more interested in training and games than gals. The first gal catching Finn’s eye had him talking about marriage. Sometimes things like that happened in life. His little brother found his life companion first time out.

  “I don’t know how to take it from her,” Finn said.

  “The fear?”

  “Aye.”

  “Now that’s a problem, indeed. What does your heart tell you to do?”

  “To hold and hush her as long as it takes until she’s not afraid. That course ain’t right though. She’d be dead of fright long before she’d take to the holding part.”

  “Maybe you can’t take it from her. Maybe the hurt goes so deep she’ll never come past it.” He spoke the truth, refusing to give him false hope.

  “You think another man would be more to h
er liking?” Finn asked.

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  Any fool could see Zoe attracted Finn. For Finn to make the offer to let another tribesman try for her, and not attempt to woo her himself, showed he cared more for the gal than his own urges. Finn looked to Zoe as Shane looked at Jess. To find one life companion was hard—like finding a cricket in a wheat field. For Finn to find a second gal in so short a time…

  “Nay, I doubt it,” Shane finally said, refusing to think about his younger brother being blessed twice with finding a gal to spend his life with. If Zoe stirred the feelings in him, the blessing might turn out to be a curse. “I think you have your heart and head in the right direction. Words won’t take mistrust from a being. Actions speak louder. Let her see what you’re made of. That’d be the best thing you can do.”

  “And if actions aren’t good enough?”

  “You have two choices. Let it be and do nothing, or try the holding part. It’s up to you. I say though, you’re a right gentle man. Holding may do it. Besides, you haven’t got complaints from any of the gals you’ve held so far, have you?”

  Finn laughed and looked less upset. “Not a one.”

  “And you haven’t scared one to death that I know of.”

  “Dumbass.”

  “Yeah, you’ve told me.” After the laugh, he pulled Finn aside. His didn’t want Gov to hear what he’d say. Shane needed to confirm a suspicion. “Your Zoe—you have a bigger interest in her than just a man who wants to hold a gal for a while?”

  Finn looked down. “Aye and I don’t know why. I shouldn’t have such feelings this soon.”

  As with all his kind, they’d no real control over the choosing of a life companion.

  Some great force within each man rose up when the perfect gal was at hand—urging them to claim, love and protect her.

  Shane needed to warn him. “Then take heed and hear me good. Jess and her crew—

  they’re not like other gals.”

  “It’s plain to see.”

  “You saw Jess, know she’s pierced.”

  “Aye.”

  “Zoe and Drew are done the same way.”