Elm: A Phoenix Warrior Romance (Phoenix in Flames Book 8)

by Catty Diva

  “Take charge and come to our ship when you are relieved. Things are getting busy.” Oak informed.

  He wasn’t completely sure how to take that but at the least it meant they would have no downtime anytime soon. Sitting in the command chair, he began to do his work hoping everything would turn out well. The future of his people was tied closely to Mazlans these days. For one group to prosper, the other needed to as well. His people had no desire to be downtrodden or ruled by others either. They also didn’t want to burn squads of soldiers to remain free. Having allies was a good thing. Looking up, he caught Mike’s gaze. She was his future happiness. That also tied his future to those of Earth who she tried to help.

  It wasn’t long, or so it seemed, before a Phoenix came to relieve him. They knew each other, but this one was older than he was so he didn’t know him well. Normally, he’d stay and talk, but these were not normal times. Instead, he nodded and met Mike at the door to hurry to engineering where they’d be flashed to their ship.

  Once they got to engineering, he sent the message on his com to let them know he and Mike were in place. After so many times being flashed, you’d think it would feel familiar. While it was less disconcerting, he suspected it would always feel odd.

  “Hey, Guys. They’re waiting for us in the meeting room.” Carlos said. He turned and led the way with them right behind him.

  He could admit to feeling a bit run ragged at this point. Normally they had a long trip where they trained and rested before a quick dangerous mission. Missions were followed by long trip home with possibly questioning prisoners and time guarding them. They might even go through the things they’d gotten for clues or to find a buyer. This time they had almost not stop work. Not that he couldn’t handle it, but the humans were looking rough.

  They entered the meeting room seeing only a few others. That was probably because they’d divided into opposing shifts. The others had probably already been spoken to. “I’m glad to see you guys. We’re waiting for the others. They rested while you were working. Grab something to eat and drink while we wait.” Teresa suggested.

  Everyone grabbed a plate with food and a drink. “Any ideas about what we’ll do next?” He asked.

  “Razar is considering just taking out this whole group. That will still leave the other half who are hiding outside of scanner range.” Flicker mentioned.

  “How will we do it?” He asked.

  “It was suggested with all the new guys and since we got more knock out canisters, we could just use more of our crew and go on one ship after the others. I’m not sure why they don’t just leave, but they also refuse to surrender. It was suggested they are waiting for backup. If that’s the case, it must be close.” Teresa replied.

  “They remind me of a cult.” Mike mentioned.

  “They are like the military version of one.” Teresa agreed.

  “What is a cult?” Flicker asked.

  Mike looked at Teresa who shrugged. It was no surprise when she answered. “They are a tightly bonded group of extremists. The members are usually obsessive with views that may defy reason.”

  “That seems to apply here. The problem is we’re talking about their whole race.” Teresa admitted.

  “Are we? Or are we really just talking about those in power? Earth has had a history riddled with extreme military groups.” Mike observed.

  “I can’t deny that. The difference is they are trying to take over the universe and seem to have been succeeding so far.” Teresa informed.

  “It seems we’re the ones getting the honor of stopping them.” He noted.

  “If we can.” Flicker added.

  “You read my report. We have something to work with if we can get someone to feed us information on what’s going on in their galaxy.” Mike declared.

  “Yes, you’re right. But we need to find a way to get more information. That won’t be easy. One of ours going into their territory would stand out.” Oak admitted.

  “Why not use spy ships. They can go in camouflaged and pick up information. It’s a commonly used method when the enemy is not well known.” Teresa suggested.

  “We can send the suggestion to Razar, but the decision will be his. There’s enough going on to concern us without adding that.” Flicker observed.

  His boss was right. They we’re hanging out in the middle of a group of enemy ships. Only two right now were under their control. At least ten more needed to be taken of this group alone. The other group was just out of scanner range, but needed to be taken out as well.

  They laid out their plan and began to take out one ship after the other just as they’d taken out the first two. The enemy had to know it was happening yet they just held their position. With more of the crew assisting, and crews taking over once the ships were under their control, in three days this group was taken out.

  Scientists were on each of the ships looking for any self-destruct or return home type devices, but none were found. Either this race was so sure of themselves, there were no failure protocols or they simply didn’t know how or had never thought to make them. The lack of such a backup plan just emphasized the rabid attitude of this race. At least that would be someone else’s problem to deal with.

  “We’ll be patrolling Oison space and working on the project for your meteoroid, Elm.” Flicker informed. “It will be manned by a combination of Phoenix and Mazlans. Our trusted Earthers will be with us and assigned to control in security on planet.”

  “They will probably prefer that to living in space. Not everyone can handle that.” He replied. Everyone knew Mazlans and Phoenix adjusted to space well. At least everyone that knew much about their two races. “What exactly will we be doing on the meteoroid?”

  “Razar has already had miners begin the hollowing out process. He’s using equipment from the mines on Oison. There’s already a huge cavern that’s being closed in as the observation area. Once that’s complete, some of our crew will help set up the equipment and train any new comers that don’t know how to do the job. Several female Phoenix will be working with their mates. Razar plans to assign double the needed crew and rotate them planet side every three months.” Oak explained.

  “Is that to avoid space sickness?” Mike asked.

  “Exactly. It’s true Phoenix and Mazlans rarely get it, but the area of living space will be small. Better safe than sorry.” Flicker informed.

  It was going to be a busy and trying few months. He’d have preferred their usual downtime to get to know his mate better. Instead, they would have to get to know each other on a crazy schedule and possibly even be separated on different missions for weeks at a time. It made him growl.

  “Did you say something?” Mike asked.

  “No, my stomach growled. We should eat when we get done here.” It didn’t make him feel bad to lie. There was no point in her being upset too. Hopefully, she wasn’t only because she’d not realized what was ahead of them.

  “Yeah, I’m getting hungry too.” She agreed.

  “You two can go eat now then take off until tomorrow. You deserve it. All the crew from this mission will be off until then. With the new people, we can cover things.” Teresa said.

  “Thanks.” They both said as they hurried away. Out of sight out of mind and they’d have some time off.

  “It’s nice being back on our ship.” Mike commented as they loaded up their plates in the cafeteria.

  “Can’t deny that. I prefer our usual missions, but this one has been challenging. It’s good to stretch your abilities and challenge your mind once in a while. I think I’ve learned things that may help me later.” He admitted.

  “I have too, but I wasn’t comfortable on their ship. Everything was strange even the smells and the things I touched.”

  “You touched me a lot.” He said with a grin.

  “You know what I mean. I’m not sure I would ever get completely used to their world. Mazlans and Phoenix don’t seem so different.”

  “I can tell you that Phoenix were o
nce part of your world. Our presence probably pushed your development ahead a few centuries.”

  “What happened?” She asked.

  “You’ve heard of the witch hunts?”

  “On Earth?” He nodded. “Of course.”

  “It was similar to that and rather than destroy your people and other aliens living among you, we either fled or died.” He admitted.

  “Primitive people often react badly to what’s new or different, but how could they have harmed your kind?”

  “They were armed by other aliens. While they didn’t have our tech, it was enough. Once we traveled the universe bringing peace and kindness to all. After that, we hid in our own little world hoping not to be noticed. Those who do see us, believe us primitives recruited by the Mazlans.”

  “It’s a good way to hide in the open. You’re saying many of our beliefs and technology were influenced by our contact with you?” Mike asked.

  “My kind and others that we had contact with. In our haste to get away, we lost contact with many of our ships. We have no idea how many escaped and may never know as they scattered far and wide.”

  “That’s a terrible story. After all this time are you sure it’s true?”

  “Our kind are long lived. My grandfather was alive then. We generally die violently. There are few diseases that affect our kind.”

  “You can live thousands of years?” His mate was stunned.

  “Some of our kind do.” He admitted.

  “What happens when your non Phoenix mate dies?” Of course she was concerned about aging faster than him and leaving him when she was gone.

  “Generally, in a full mating, the mate lives as long as the Phoenix.”

  “How is that even possible?”

  When we are accepted by our chosen one, we inject our mating venom into their neck here.” He touched the spot where her neck and shoulder met. “It begins a slight change. Why that change continues even after the venom isn’t detectable by medical means, no one knows. You will pick up some Phoenix traits and your life is extended. The change isn’t enough to make you not human, only a bit tougher, faster, more resistant to disease, and longer lived.”

  “That’s amazing.”

  “Now that you know everything, are you ready all the way?”

  “Yes.”

  Chapter 6

  My Mate

  She was crazy. That simply had to be the reason she had blurted out the yes. It was a commitment to Elm not only for the length of a human lifetime but for a very long lifetime. Her feelings for him were strong even in such a short time and she didn’t seem to be able to control them. Right now, they had time together to explore each other and find common ground. That felt wonderful but a bit scary.

  Never a relationship kind of girl, the learning curve was sharp. Not only was this a relationship, but it was with an alien during a time when they were fighting what might be a losing battle. Maybe that was a good reason to grab life by the balls and give it all she had.

  They entered the cafeteria and saw several of their crewmates there. They filled their plates and sat with Oak, Angel, Ash, Ranger, and a pretty young girl that looked like Phoenix. “I don’t think you’ve met Maple, my baby sister.” Elm said.

  “No, I haven’t. It’s nice to meet you. When did you join the crew?”

  “It’s a test arrangement. I got here a couple hours ago. Phoenix do allow their females in the military, but Mazlans are reluctant to. I’ll be in a support position for now while the decisions are made about how much me and other females will be allowed to do. Ranger will be helping me to learn about several positions and show me around the ship.” Maple explained.

  That might explain Rangers presence, but not the looks he was sending her. The poor guy was smitten. “Females rock. It’s just hard to get around Mazlan protectiveness to show them.” She admitted.

  “The way this situation is escalating, we’ll be able to show them quickly.” Maple admitted.

  “What are you trained in?” She asked.

  “I’m considered an expert among our people in languages, including ancient ones and decoding, both words and symbols. Someone thought that might come in handy. I’ve also had the type of training in weapons and hand to hand that the regular army gets. It will be great to see some of your more intensive training. I’ve worked in communications, navigation, and even a bit in engineering. There’s a lot still for me to learn.”

  “Those are great places to learn about. They always need help, even novices are welcome. Carlos is talented and can teach even the most capable a little about engineering. Angel is amazing in communications. I’m not sure we have anyone that really specializes in Navigation, but there are many that are good at it.”

  “Teresa says I’ll be rotated on those and some other positions until she finds out what I’m good at.” Maple admitted.

  “This is an exciting place to work. I think you’ll love it.” She assured.

  “It has been great so far. I can’t wait to get to work.” Maple admitted.

  She was a pretty girl and already had one admirer. With all her skills, she would be an asset in the coming war. Some of those skills were shared by others including herself. It made her wonder if Maple might be able to teach some of the ancient languages she was sure she didn’t know that would be needed in the war ahead.

  They had finished eating and Elm squeezed her hand. “We will be turning in now. Good bye everyone.” Elm said. He pulled her out of her seat by the hand he still clutched. No one would have any doubt they were together. Maybe that was the whole point.

  “Where are we going?” She asked.

  “Aren’t you tired?”

  “A little bit.”

  “Your room or mine?”

  “Mine.” She decided.

  They went straight to it. Of course he knew where it was. She was aware he’d made sure he knew everything about her and she couldn’t deny she’d done the same. When they got there, she pressed her thumb against the lock and it granted her access. It wasn’t a complicated lock, but it also had a heat sensor so cold dead fingers wouldn’t grant access.

  Her room was neat and clean generally. She didn’t have a lot of items to clutter things up. Those small things she loved were kept in a footlocker that was tall enough to give extra seating. Clothing didn’t fill up the closet as she had just a few uniforms, tactical gear, and two civilian outfits. The bed was made since she did that as soon as she got up.

  Organized? Not really. She just had developed habits to keep herself in line. On certain Earth ships, quarters were inspected and if they were messy, punishments were handed out. Everyone knew since the punishments were things like cleaning the public bathrooms or working in the cafeteria. Making the punishment public was part of it. Embarrassment helped correct the undesirable behavior. Crewmates would tease the unfortunate one until they themselves were being punished.

  She’d avoided that by putting cleanliness above and beyond everything including sleep if needed. Say whatever you would, but it was much better to tease than to be teased.

  Chapter 7

  Claiming Her

  This was it. She’d agreed and now it was time. His gums itched and excitement coursed through him. There would be no turning back after this, not for either of them. They were in her room. It was neat, uncluttered, and the bed was made, but it wouldn’t stay that way long. He started to strip throwing his clothes on a trunk that was at the foot of the bed.

  Hopefully she wouldn’t think him a slob. Military training had ingrained at least a sense of keeping things in order in him. She was more careful with her clothing which was why he was naked and watching her toss her clothing in hamper and set her boots in her closet. When she looked up to see him watching, her face turned pink.

  “Just a habit to put things where they belong.” She explained.

  “You belong on your bed with me.” He directed. Nothing was on his mind except the woman he was about to mate.

  She came to hi
m until they were close enough to touch. Her scent was alluring, not that he wasn’t already hard as a stone and his heart was beating like crazy. His breathing was rapid as he reached out to touch her. This woman was everything to him and she would be his future. Pulling her to him gently, he dropped his lips to hers to claim his one and only.

  His tongue licked the seam of her lips until she opened up and let him in. It ran along her flat dull teeth exploring them. He wondered if sharper ones would develop after the mating. Next his tongue met hers and dueled with it almost like a game. She would never win in a game of dominance but he moved on to discover every nook, cranny, and even the roof of her mouth. After all, she was his.

  Meanwhile his hands roamed over her body stopping at her soft breasts with the hard pointed nipples. She wasn’t a large woman and her breast were appropriate for her size. Just a handful, but he’d heard that was all that was needed and he agreed. Her skin was a creamy white, pale as he’d never seen before and her breasts were pink tipped. All he wanted was to taste them and suck them into his mouth so he did. First with his tongue, then he sucked them, in gently at first then harder.

  She moaned making a drop of cum form on the tip of his cock. Gods, she made him so horny. Another word he’d learned from the Earth movies Patty played often. All that he’d learned when he and Oak had been around Patty would help him understand his mate, hopefully. Nothing was as important to him as pleasing her. He continued to suck her breasts switching from one to the other. The way she whimpered and moaned let him know they were sensitive. It was time to move lower.

  His tongue licked a path down to her bellybutton rimming it before going further. Once the landing strip was in site his mouth began to water. Her sweet scent hit his nose hard. It reminded him of the last time he had tasted her delicious honey. He moved so he could put his nose right in her center breathing in deeply. Yes! This was just where he wanted to be. Tasting her was all he wanted to do. His tongue whipped out fast catching her juice and savoring it.