Dominated By Desire

by Barbara Donlon Bradley

  “And what is that?” He started moving faster inside her.

  “Do you have an aversion to beds? As many times as we have made love I can’t remember it ever being on a bed.”

  He laughed.

  Chapter 8

  Heather stood near the main room in her wedding uniform. She clutched her flowers, hoping it would all be over soon. She was amazed though. Somehow they pulled it off. The commander-in-chief stood next to her, waiting for the cue to walk her down the aisle.

  She wondered how Storm was doing. He had rarely seen her since their exercise yesterday morning. Between trying to make sure the gown was properly made and communicating with Earth to get everything coordinated properly, she didn’t have time for him.

  His mother made matters worse when she kicked him out of the room for the night. Somehow she had found out it was bad luck for the groom to see his bride in her gown before the wedding and she took matters into her own hands. Heather’s heart broke at the sad look on his face when his mother closed the door on him.

  She was sure he would be all over her the moment he got a chance, and she wanted him to help her forget everything she had been through the last forty-eight hours, so she hoped it would happen soon.

  The music started and her commander-in-chief offered his arm. “You ready?”

  She nodded.

  The room she stepped into wasn’t really that big, but the images on the screen made it look like a beautiful garden. She noticed they moved about the room to give those who were watching the illusion that they were walking down a path covered with petals.

  Storm stood there waiting for her. It was probably the first time she saw just a touch of fear in his eyes. For some reason this ceremony did it to a lot of men. He wore an elegant black tuxedo with a simple white shirt. Her heart swelled at the sight of him. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen and to know he would go through this for her made her heart beat a little harder.

  When did she fall in love with him? Or was it all the sex talking? She wondered why she hadn’t really fought any of this. Storm was a wonderful lover but how did she end up here so fast? It didn’t make sense.

  That first kiss in the closet set forth a series of events she couldn’t have dreamed up in her best fantasies, but she was living it. Tied to a man she never thought she would be attracted to.

  She had been alone all her life, not quite fitting in. Now she felt whole.

  He filled a gap in her life she had never thought would be filled. Fate had moved her in a direction she never expected.

  She took Storm’s hand and the ceremony began. Since she didn’t belong to any particular religious denomination they brought in a military clergyman to give them a nondenominational ceremony. Something simple.

  Once the vows were said she felt a weight lifted from her shoulders.

  No more obligations to fulfill. She looked at Storm. At least none she was aware of.

  When the clergyman gave Storm permission to kiss her he grabbed her like she was a life line and claimed her lips. It took the clergy clearing his throat for them to break apart.

  “Are we done?” he asked softly.

  “All we have to do is walk down the aisle as husband and wife.” She found herself scooped up in his arms as he ran away with her. She heard someone say we’re clear in the background as the room grid went blank.

  “You can put me down now.”

  “I know. Mother said I couldn’t take off with you the moment it was over. Something about a formal dinner with your commander-in-chief along with some of your co-workers.” He almost pouted as he explained what would happen next.

  “And I was so hoping to get out of this damn outfit.” She touched his face the way he done to her several times now. It made her feel precious and she hoped it had the same effect on him.

  “And I was so hoping to be the one to take you out of it.” He led her to the dining area for the elders. “But I still have plans for us this evening.

  Once everyone is gone we shall lock ourselves in our room and not come out until we land. I’ve got almost two days to make up for.”

  “Sorry about that. I had no idea your mom would interfere the way she did.” She smiled up at him. “But at least it’s over. There isn’t anything else is there?”

  “A few formal dinners, you’ll meet the rest of the council. But no more surprise ceremonies.”

  “Good. I’m over all the surprises.” They stepped into the room and found it crowded with dignitaries from all over the world. “I’m surprised they allowed anyone on this ship.”

  “There is always a reason for what they do.” The moment they entered they found themselves surrounded by people. Most wishing them well.

  Heather had a few who wanted to speak to her about the treaty so she would know what they expected. And all she would do was smile and ask them to submit it in writing. There was no way she would be able to remember anything after all she had been through.

  They took their seats at the head of the table. Toasts were made. Dinner was placed in front of them. People talked around them. Heather took bite of her food but didn’t taste a thing.

  “I know how to clear this room.” Storm leaned toward her, speaking softly so no one would over hear him but her. Heather fought the grin trying to spread across her face when she noticed his mother had pinched the inside of his arm.

  “You will do no such thing, young man, you will show respect to all of our guests.” Her movement was discrete. No one but Heather saw it.

  “Mother, you are walking on thin ice if you plan on embarrassing me in front of all these people.” He turned an angry glare on his mother.

  “Storm.” Heather placed a hand on his. “Relax. I’m the only one who knows your mom can control you that way. Although I’ll have to ask her how she is able to do that so I can get my way every once in a while.”

  “You don’t like the way I monopolize every aspect of your life.” He feigned a pain look as he picked up her hand and kissed her palm.

  “Have you ever thought about what I could come up with if given the chance?” She moved her hand and ran it up the inside of his leg. She smiled when he perked right up.

  “Maybe I should be a gentleman from time to time.” He leaned over and nibbled on her ear for a moment.

  “You might enjoy it.” She gave him a smile that had him hard in seconds.

  “The sooner we’re done here the happier I’ll be.” He touched her face tenderly. “I need you badly.”

  Heather wanted him just as bad, but knew they were stuck for a while.

  She picked at her food. As hectic as the last two days had been you would think she would be starving but food didn’t appeal to her. The headache was back and this time it hurt more than it had in the past. Something wasn’t quite right but she didn’t want to worry anyone.

  The doctor stood nearby and she tried to be discrete in catching his attention.

  “Problem?” Storm caught her movement.

  “Just a little headache.” She smiled at him. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

  “Anything plaguing you is something for me to worry about. I can escort you to the medlab if you need me to.”

  “All I need is a quick shot.”

  The doctor came over and pressed the hypo against the back of her neck.

  Normally she would feel instant relief but this time it just took the edge off.

  She still nodded and smiled, pretending everything was fine. Hoping the dose was just slow acting.

  The meal finally finished and they were able to leave their seats. Heather snuck over to the doctor. “That dose didn’t do a thing for me.”

  “I can give you another one, but you need to come to the lab so we can see why the dose isn’t enough anymore.” The doctor looked concerned.

  She nodded as he gave her another shot. “I’m sure it’s just the stress of the last few days.” That one she felt relief from. She smiled as the headache abated this time. “Thank yo
u.”

  “Are you okay?” asked Storm’s mother.

  “I’m fine.” She gave her a bright smile. “It’s just been a hectic couple of days.”

  Storm came up to her side. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

  “What is going on?”

  “She is complaining of a headache.” His mother looked concern.

  “I know, the doctor gave her a shot at the table.”

  “And she got another one just a few seconds ago.” They looked at Heather.

  Goodness, she had to calm both of them down now. “I promised the doctor I would stop by the lab as soon as I could. It’s no big deal. I have these headaches from time to time. It’s okay, there is nothing wrong with me.”“How about we go to the medlab right now?” He started to steer her toward the door.

  “How about not embarrassing me like that.” She got out of his hold.

  “Isn’t that what upset you with your mother not too long ago? This can wait until our guests leave. It’s only a headache.”

  “Can’t help but worry.” He looked into her eyes. She knew he was trying to see how bad the pain was. “I have plans you know.” She had to laugh at him. “And heaven forbid if I mess those plans up.

  No need to worry. I’m fine. I promise.”

  The evening finally wound down and they were free to head to their rooms.

  “But first you must go by the lab.” Storm escorted her down one corridor then another.

  “Anyway I can change out of this suit first?”

  “Sorry. It would make us backtrack and once we’re in our rooms I’m not letting you out for awhile.” He brought her to the doctor on call. “She’s still having headaches.”

  “Yes, sir. I have been told what tests to run.” He held a small device in his hand. It took him seconds to use it. “The doctor will call you once he has had a chance to go over the information.”

  Storm scooped her up and strode down the hallway to their room. He didn’t let her feet touch the ground until the doors closed.

  “Please help me out of this thing.” She tugged at the collar as she kicked off her shoes.

  He took the small device the fitter had given him earlier and waved it over the seals on the jacket. Then he helped her pull it off. The skirt was easier to release and soon she stood in just her shirt. The seams separated on that quickly and after removing the cufflinks she was able to slip out of it as well.

  “What is that?” His fingers rubbed against the delicate straps of her bra before he noticed the same lace on her panties.

  “Something I thought you’d enjoy taking off me.” The sparkle in his eyes let her know she had made the right choice. They weren’t the most comfortable things and not needed with the way clothing now did all the supporting a woman would need but if he liked her wearing his shirt she knew the undergarments would meet his approval.

  “And how do I do that?” Like a kid with a gift he wanted to tear into his present but didn’t want to tear the wrapper. He liked it too much.

  “There is a snap upfront.” She undid it so he would know how it worked before redoing it.

  A bell sounded but Storm decided to ignore it.

  “Door.” She reminded him.

  “It can wait.” He released the little piece of plastic and palmed her breasts.

  “It’s probably the doctor.” The heat of his hand on her breasts made her close her eyes, but she knew they couldn’t ignore the door. “He said he would get back to us.”

  Storm sighed. He had taken off his jacket but that was as far as he got before she caught his attention.

  Heather snapped it back and pulled a shift out of a drawer. How she was always the one underdressed made her wonder but it didn’t take long for her to slip the shift on. Once she was covered she opened the door. A nurse stood there. She gave Heather a sympatric look before turning on her heels and heading back to the medlab without saying a word.

  “Let’s find out what the doctor has to say.” She walked out of the room and followed the nurse down the hall. Storm came out of the room a few seconds later. He wasn’t happy to be interrupted.

  The doctor, his mom and a few other people were waiting for them.

  Heather didn’t like all the extra people. It probably meant there was a problem.

  “So this isn’t just a simple headache, is it?”

  “What do you know about that device in your back?”

  “Only what I’ve been told. It’s been there all my life.” She took the seat Storm offered her. “The doctors couldn’t figure out what it was for other than some sort of inhibitor and it doesn’t like being too far away from me.”

  “So what would happen if it was removed?”

  “The headaches, mainly.” She looked up at Storm who placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked back at the doctor. “I’m not quite sure what you want to know. Anything the doctors along the way learned should be in my records.”

  “That’s just it,” said the doctor. “There is nothing in your medical records about it.”

  “What?” She stood up. “There should be, I saw the doctor looking at it not too long ago.”

  “What doctor?”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve seen so many over the years. That little device is a bit of an oddity.” She went to the computer. Her file held several folders and she worked her way through them before finding what she was looking for. There on the bottom of her last physical was another file. She pulled it up and entered her password. The file about her device opened up. “Sorry. I figured you people had already figured out where it was and how to open it.”

  “Thank you.” The doctor looked over the file for a moment. “There are two things I have learned about the device. One, it’s beyond our technology because it is ancient in design. The other is that it is disintegrating now.”

  “Is that why the headache didn’t go away?”

  “Is it still bothering you?” The doctor ran the scanner over her once again.“It’s tolerable.”

  “The device is being absorbed by your blood so the metal and all will always be with you. It kept you reading as human, but I’m not sure you are.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Your blood work says human. Anyone who doesn’t know what to look for will believe you’re human. But you have several markers that humans don’t have. I’ve never seen these markers before. I need to do more research before I can really pinpoint your race. But I think you were put on Earth to keep you safe as a child.”

  “So why is it disintegrating now?” asked Storm.

  “I have no real answer.”

  “How long will it take to disappear?” Heather rubbed her back absentmindedly.

  “I’m not sure when it started. Based off of the readings I have I’d say within the month it will be gone.”

  “And whatever it is hiding will show itself then.”

  “I can only assume at this point. I need to read the file you unlocked and run a few more tests of my own before I feel safe answering that question.” He looked at Storm apologetically. “I know you wished for some time to yourselves but the sooner I run the tests the faster I’ll have answers.”

  “How long will these tests take?”

  “A couple of hours.”

  ****

  Heather had fallen asleep during the tests. He knew the day had taken its toll on her and she had dozed off about fifteen minutes ago. She was curled up on her side looking so peaceful.

  “So how long have you suspected this?” He knew his mother stood beside him. She had remained to keep him company.

  “Believe it or not we didn’t have a clue.” His mother watched her sleep as well. “This whole thing was because of your uncle. He’s the one you need to talk to.”

  “And you will keep an eye on her?”

  “I will guard her as my own.”

  He kissed his mother on the cheek. “She is one of your own now.”

  “Just seeing if you were paying attention.”

 
He headed to his uncle’s room. He had conversed with him so rarely he wasn’t sure what to say to the man. He had no real power yet was the most revered man of the race.

  His door opened. “Ah. Wondered when you would show up. Where is your mate?”

  “Sleeping on a gurney in the medical area. Mother recommended I come speak to you.”

  “Come. Sit.” He stepped aside so Storm could enter the room. The door closed behind them. “You wish to know why her? You have already asked me that question.”

  “Well, yes. But what do you know about her no one else seems to?”

  “I don’t.” He sat in a chair opposite Storm. “When I was young, long before you and your sister were born I had a vision of you and this woman.

  I had no idea who either of you were until you grew into a man. I’m not sure how to explain it but I knew she would be important to you.”

  “That’s why you came along on this trip. You knew I would run into her.”“What can I say. Are you upset you met her?”

  “No. I have enjoyed my time with her.” He wasn’t about to go into detail about his sex life with their religious leader. “But I don’t understand how my presence has started a series of events that has made her life hard.

  There have been attempts on her life and now she has a strange device that is disintegrating in her system.”

  “I have heard.” He gave him a grin. “I wish I could give you more but I have learned in the past that when I reveal the future I change the future and it has always ended badly. Keep her safe and everything will work out in your favor. I promise.”

  Chapter 9

  Heather stretched. Opening her eyes, she realized she was in their room and their bed. Storm held her close, his deep breathing like music in her ears. He looked so peaceful sound asleep like that. She brushed a lock of hair out of his face. He probably had stayed up all night listening to the doctors drone on about what they didn’t know.

  She didn’t want to wake him so inched herself over so she could slip her feet onto the floor. A cup of coffee would be great right now.