Marcael: A Terraneu Novel, Book Five

by Stormy McKnight

  “I am a fool for taking that mission to Earth without declaring mate status.” He held her more tightly, “All I could think about while on Earth was that it would have made you happy, and I denied you a small thing for no reason.”

  “Declaring mate status isn’t a small thing, and you wanted to wait. I was okay with the decision.” Brennae insisted.

  “I am just sorry it took going to Earth to open my eyes.” He paused and the fingers stroking her hair tightened, “I was afraid to admit that mate status means a lot to me. I did not have anything of my own besides my Un’ bah all these years and deep down my fear is that I will lose you.”

  Brennae put her hands against his cheeks and forced him to look at her. “I am not going anywhere Marcael. I know it will take time for you to adjust to life here on Terraneu, but you have to trust me that I am here for you.” She kissed him fiercely and then broke the kiss to promise, “I will make a deal with you. I won’t make any major life altering decision without consulting you, if you will do the same for me. That way we each have a say in what will impact our lives together.”

  He sighed against her lips, “That is a deal I will happily make.” His body had grown hard against her while they talked.

  “We’ll have to seal our pact with a kiss.” Brennae teased his lips with hers. “We can declare mate status when you are ready.”

  Marcael was busy now. She would have to remind him later of this discussion.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Two days ago, he had been released from the medical dome. Today he was attending another joint council meeting. Everyone had offered their words of support and apologies again for the horrific outcome on his mission to Earth. Then the councils had voted on and passed the idea of a memorial in the park to honor those lost on off-world missions. His men would be the first names on the wall.

  “My team was doing our duty to Terraneu.” Marcael insisted, “I just ask that we use the information gathered for the good of the community.”

  “Well said Marcael.” Amber smiled at him, “We won’t have the loss of your men be for nothing. The data gathered is already being put to good use.”

  “Speaking of which, I can make the radiation cleansers for the atmosphere that you suggested Gwen, but that isn’t the only problem.” Kneus turned to the other council members, “It won’t do any good unless we shut down the nuclear reactors that are causing the damage. That is going to take more than a probe to accomplish I am afraid.”

  “We can send out probes to find the ones still emitting radiation the next time the portal opens.” Gwen argued back, “Until then the satellites can do some good in cleaning up the existing radiation levels.”

  “That wouldn’t mean sending another team to stay on Earth for six months would it?” Mairi asked apprehensively.

  “A team would have to go to Earth, but they wouldn’t have to stay for six months.” Knollig assured his mate, “The team could launch the probes and satellites and then leave the equipment to gather the data.”

  “What if someone found it?” Catherine asked from her spot at the table.

  “We could cloak it so that no one found it.” Kneus offered his solution to the issue, “We only sent Marcael and his team to gather information for the six months between port pad cycles because the initial readings were promising, and we really needed a “human” take on the status of Earth. We will not make that mistake again. Until the reactors are found and shut down Earth will be off limits for extended missions.”

  “What about survivors?” Jen looked at the other council members, “We are going to need to make policy for away missions that come in contact with survivors.”

  “I say we leave them.” Thian was always the blunt one, “There isn’t any place for them here, and we can’t ask the Antilleans to take on that burden either.”

  The argument turned heated as the council members argued on what to do. Kniam finally stopped the discussion. “We need to focus on what is best for Terraneu.” He looked around calmly, “As hard as it may be to face, the reality is that random Earth survivors are not equipped to fit in on Terraneu. Our best resolution to the problem is to continue to fix the atmosphere of Earth, and then take a wait and see approach to what further can be done. As hard as it will be, I am stressing patience.”

  After further argument, the councils agreed. In six months, they would send more satellites and probes to Earth. The community members with any issues or comments could come before the council to argue them.

  “Now to another matter that needs to be addressed.” Kniam drew in a heavy breath, “With Knuan no longer a threat thanks to Marcael and the STARR units, and the issues with Earth being resolved…Knaleg has brought it to my attention that there are a few places that we might want to explore here on Terraneu.” He looked to his brother and Knaleg stood up.

  “When Cat and I did our survey of the areas around Terraneu we did find locales that some might find interesting. If we don’t use those sites to create settlements then we could use them for possible vacationing destinations.”

  “There was a breathtaking beach I wouldn’t mind seeing again.” Catherine sighed. “It had the perfect sandy beach and clear turquoise water. With a nice cabana or a few living domes it would be perfect.”

  Her mate laughed, “It was hot and smelled funny.” Catherine laughed at his description but before she could argue he hurried to add, “My favorite place was farther north. It was cooler than we get here in Terraneu and the trees were different. We found frozen water that Cat called snow.” He had a comical look of happiness on his face, “She said on Earth people did recreational activities on it. She called one of them skiing.” He turned excitedly to the males around him, “You put two sticks on your feet and race down a hill. That sounds like great fun. I would love for Knayan and Ella to be able to try it.”

  “There were a lot of different places we found in our journeys.” Cat agreed, “It would be nice for everyone to enjoy them, but the time it took to get there and back was too long. It’s not realistic to expect vacationers to spend that long on the road.”

  Kneus muttered thoughtfully, “There is the possibility that we could use the teleportation technology from the Elyon to travel to these locations faster. Anyone that wanted to go on a day trip or to get away for a few days could get there in seconds.”

  All of the females perked up at his words, but it was Amber who spoke first. “So if we get someone there and set up this transport equipment, we can travel there anytime we want?”

  “We would have to work on infrastructure and making the domes habitable in any climate. I also strongly recommend using solar cleaning instead of water to conserve resources, but I think it is something we want to work on right away. With the swimming pond and park, we created entertainment for the community here. But these destination vacation spots would add much needed variety.” Kniam looked to Marcael, “We would need someone to protect the travelers. Even with Cat and/or Knaleg along the caravan would require additional security. We would have to use the sorrem to pack the initial transporter equipment. With the sorrem going…” He trailed off to see if Marcael would follow his train of thought.

  “You would need someone that knows how to care for them.” Marcael suddenly broke out laughing. This would be an adventure that Brennae could have and he would be there to experience it with her. They could claim mate status and hold off on having children while they explored Terraneu. Brennae loved animals and would probably tame half the planet by the time they got back but it would be worth all the strays she adopted just to be with her. “I know just the person who would be perfect for the job.” Marcael went to stand up but Kniam waved him back to his seat.

  “There is one other thing.” Kniam looked around at the others, “We want to know if you would like to join the male council.”

  Marcael was stunned. “Why would you need me on the council?”

  “We had decided on asking you to the council before the discussion tod
ay about adding vacation spots.” Knollig answered him, “Now that we are thinking about branching out, I think our decision is an even wiser one.”

  “I agree.” Knaleg continued for his brother, “We are going to need more members on the male…” he paused to look at the five females, “and female councils to help run the community. We are growing fast and need to stay connected to what the community needs. We are going to ask Baylech to join also.”

  Cat hadn’t missed her mate’s glancing at them. “We have a couple of candidates in mind for the women’s council. We will get back to you with their decisions in a few days.”

  “Well Marcael.” Kniam brought the attention back to him, “What do you say? Would you like to sit on the male council?”

  “Yes.” Marcael nodded, “I would like to be a part of the male council.” His mind was still reeling.

  “What about the mission guarding the teleport caravan. Would that cause any problems or delay any plans you might have?” Amber’s blue-green-purple eyes danced with amusement.

  “Nice try Amber.” Kniam snorted, “You make me stay out of their business, and then you break your own rule.”

  “What?” She appeared offended. “I just want to make sure the mission doesn’t interfere with any plans he may have.”

  “Okay.” Kneus laughed, “If you say so.”

  “That is a weak defense.” Knaleg was holding back his laughter as well, “Even for you.”

  “Are you taking mate status with Brennae?” Thian blurted out, “There I asked for you Amber.” He smiled at her across the table.

  Everyone broke into laughter at Thian’s bluntness.

  “You can’t just ask that outright Thian!” Amber choked out through her laughter, “You have to try to be discreet.”

  “Why?” Thian seemed genuinely puzzled.

  “I swear Thian.” Jen was laughing with everyone else, “After all these years you would think you would have figured that out.”

  Thian looked around at the women laughing and said with exasperation, “After eight hundred years I still won’t have you women figured out.” His words just caused the women to laugh harder. The men, Marcael noted while smiling at their women, did not disagree with his assessment. Marcael had to agree with Thian also. He would not understand the women of Terraneu after eight hundred years either.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Brennae was so excited. Her mother had told her of the decision to send out a caravan to the north. They would be using sorrem to travel, and would need someone willing to leave Terraneu to care for the animals. She knew Iesti wouldn’t be interested but had waited politely for him to decline before she jumped at the chance to go. It was only after excitedly saying she would do it that Brennae’s heart sank. She hadn’t even asked Marcael what he thought of her leaving. She was the worst partner ever! They had agreed to discuss with each other before making any decision that would affect the other.

  “I’m sorry mother. I have to talk with Marcael before I agree.” She knew Marcael wouldn’t stand in her way of going, if it would make her happy. She just wasn’t sure that months away from him would be bearable. Since he had returned from Earth, she wanted to spend more time with him, not less.

  “That is always a wise decision.” Her mother smiled at her, “Talk with Marcael and then let me or your father know what you decide.”

  She hurried along the path, lost in thought. When she reached Marcael’s dome she knocked but he didn’t answer. Figuring he was at The Watering Hole with friends or at the training dome, she turned along the path to go home.

  Entering her living quarters she said hello to Star and was surprised to see Jasper. Giving each sacath a quick hug, she promised to play with them later. Hurrying into her bedroom, she stripped off her work clothes as she went. She had just entered her bathroom when the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Someone was watching her. She was turning to go back into her bedroom when she felt the press of a hard body against hers. With a shriek, panic set in and instinct took over. She threw her elbow back hard and then stomped down on the nearest limb. The sacath, thinking to join in on the attack were growling and hissing louder than the exclamation of pain she heard from her attacker.

  “Brennae! It is me.” She spun around and saw Marcael hopping and trying to hold his side at the same time. Star was trying to gnaw on one foot, and Jasper was stalking around and about to bite into Marcael’s calf.

  “Jasper, No.” She yelled just in time. Jasper froze and it was comical to see the opened mouth sacath staring longingly at the leg he was intent on sinking his teeth into.

  Marcael looked down at his pet and shook his head, “Jasper.” At his admonishment the sacath dropped to the ground and gave him a ‘who me’ innocent look.

  The fact that he was naked and semi-aroused finally registered. “Marcael, what are you doing? I warned you not to sneak up on me.”

  “I was lying right there on your bed.’ He defended himself, gesturing behind him at the rumpled bedding. “I thought you saw me and the strip tease was to get me excited.” He looked down at his waning erection, “Which had worked by the way.” He looked dejectedly at her, “I was just trying to be spontaneous and join you in the shower.”

  Brennae laughed at the look on his face then stepped into his arms. “I’m sorry Marcael. I was distracted and didn’t see you. I have exciting news.”

  “Well tell me.” Marcael’s expression turned to curious.

  “There is going to be a mission to the north.” She practically danced on the spot, “They are taking sorrem and they want someone to go that is trained in their care. They asked me to go.” She looked up at him, “What do you think?”

  “I support whatever decision you make Brennae. I want you to be happy, and if taking this mission is something you want to try then I say you should do it.”

  “What about the time I would be away?” Brennae watched his face for any sign of unhappiness.

  “I was gone for six months on the Earth mission Brennae. You stood by my decision, I will stand by yours.”

  Brennae beamed happily then her smile faded. She didn’t want to be away from Marcael, but this mission would be exciting. “I think I’ll go.” She said softly.

  “Okay.” Marcael looked at her quizzically, “Why do you not look happy about it?”

  “I am happy.” Brennae hedged and moved out of his arms to step toward the shower. The sacath backed away, they hadn’t gotten used to the water yet. Once they were older, it would be work to keep them out of the shower if Cebat and Tabec were any indication.

  “Brennae.” He joined her in the shower and walled her in with his arms so she had to look at him. “Talk to me.” He pressed closer so she felt his warm and eagerly wakening body against hers.

  Brennae had moved into the spray of water. When Marcael blocked it with his body, she had to look up again. Her eyes must have shown her uncertainty.

  With a heavy sigh Marcael asked, “Would it help you to know that I would be going as security?”

  “Why didn’t you say so?” Her excitement was back, “We would be together on a mission.” She started to run her hands up and down his arms.

  Marcael was returning the favor by rubbing circles on her back, his fingers moving lower as he talked. “It was your news to tell, besides that I wanted you to decide without my interference. Even if I was not going you know I would support your right to do the mission right?”

  “I know you would Marcael.” She hugged him tightly, “Being able to do this together makes all my doubts go away. We will be seeing new parts of Terraneu that only my Aunt Cat and Uncle Knaleg have seen.” She would have gone on in her excitement but with a press of his hips, Marcael stopped her.

  “I think we can talk about your aunt and uncle later.” He smiled roguishly at her, “I have more pressing needs right now.”

  “Pressing needs you say.” Brennae smiled naughtily back. “Well I have a cure for that kind of thing.” She bent her hea
d and slowly kissed her way down his chest to his taunt abs. The water from the shower washed around her bent head as she moved lower. Flicking her tongue into his belly button made him squirm, but it was his reaction when she grabbed his steely arousal that made her laugh softly. He almost kneed her in the face when he jumped in the air. Then she squeezed his balls to get his attention, “No kicking.” She was on her knees with is arousal in just the right position. Moving her lips to lock onto the tip she gently drew him into her mouth. She didn’t need to moisten the length the shower was doing that for her. She just enjoyed the texture and taste of him as she sucked him in, then pulled her mouth back. He had his hands fisted at his sides, and she was glad he didn’t grab her head. He was large enough that she knew he could choke her if he got out of control. It was when her tongue went to run circles around the tip of his arousal that he must have had enough. With a growl, he sat on the bench seat in the shower and pulled her onto his lap in one movement.

  The heat and humidity from the water made the earthy smells from indoor bathroom oasis even stronger and her senses were overwhelmed. When he went to kiss her she rasped, “Foreplay is over-rated,” and sat down hard. The feeling of her body stretching her to take his size, and the hot water of the shower beating down on them from above was intense.

  “I agree.” He pushed up every time she pressed down so that the sounds of their lovemaking echoed around the bathroom.

  Grabbing his hair and fixing her lips on his neck Brennae bit down, not enough to break the skin, but enough to leave a mark. “I like it hard like this.” She gasped when he leaned her back and latched his mouth onto her breast.

  “What about this?” He bit and flicked her nipple in his mouth, and her body responded by squeezing down on him.

  “That feels good too.” She rotated her hips on the next upward thrust. “You feel good.” She groaned and moved again.

  Their movements became frenzied, their breathing heavy and loud until Marcael found release with a muffled shout against her neck. Brennae felt his shaft increase in girth then the pulsing of his release just as her muscles started to spasm.