by Ivy Barrett
“If you’d rather kiss her mouth, I’ll let you hold her down while I lick her pussy.”
Dare ignored Rook’s warning, refusing to be rushed. Her tongue touched his, welcoming him, and he could resist no longer. He pushed into her mouth and slid his tongue over hers. She groaned deep in her throat, her fingers combing through his hair.
Knowing Rook wouldn’t wait forever, Dare kissed his way down her neck. He paused to suck on each beaded nipple, then dragged his lips over her quivering abdomen. She shifted restlessly, the scent of her arousal growing stronger with each passing moment.
“Eat her out already!” Rook pushed her thighs apart. “Bend your knees, love. Make room for him between your legs.”
To Dare’s delight, she obeyed, drawing her knees up and opening for him. He moved between her legs and lay on his belly, wanting his face as close to her as possible. He stroked down her inner thighs with both hands, then gently parted her folds with his thumbs. Her musk filled his nose and made his mouth water. His cock bucked against the mattress and his blood raced through his veins. All it would take was a few dry humps and he’d come like an inexperienced schoolboy. Maybe he should have spread one of the cloths beneath his hips. He’d never wanted a female this badly.
He leaned in and dragged his tongue from her wet opening to the sweet little cluster of nerves that drove human females crazy. His lips closed around her clit and he carefully drew upon it. She cried out and bucked, rubbing her folds against his face. The uninhibited move snapped what little remained of his control. He shoved his tongue deep into her core and rubbed her clit with his upper lip.
“She’s close already,” Rook warned. His voice was harsh and breathless as he frantically stroked his cock. “Does she have permission to come?”
He nodded as best he could without lifting his head or withdrawing his tongue. She tasted too good. He couldn’t bear to be without her even long enough to answer verbally.
“Don’t hold back. Let him hear how much you’re enjoying his kiss.”
Rook couldn’t help but direct her, dominate her. It was simply his nature. Dare was dominant too, but he enjoyed seduction, persuading rather than intimidating. He slid his tongue in and out, savoring the softness of her slick flesh. Then he licked his way up to her clit and pushed three of his fingers into her snug core. She was responsive and passionate, but her passage was narrow. Clearly she’d never had a Ventori. They would have to be careful when they took her or she’d feel nothing but pain.
Rook cried out as he aimed his cock at the cloth. His seed released in creamy jets and Dare closed his eyes, needing to concentrate on pleasuring their mate.
Rather than fucking her with his fingers, Dare kept his digits deep inside and gently stretched her. He circled her clit with his tongue, listening until her breaths became harsh pants and a fresh rush of wetness coated his fingers. Then he caught the little nub between his lips and sucked with insistent care.
She cried out. “Dare, oh, God!” Her pussy convulsed around his fingers. He sucked her clit over and over, keeping the spasms going. “Enough, please.” She tugged on his hair. “You’re killing me.”
He left his fingers buried inside her, but slowly raised his head. “I can think of worse ways to die.” He licked her juices off his lips, then slowly pulled out and sucked his fingers clean. He couldn’t get enough of her. She had to be their mate. Nothing else explained this… hunger.
“Your turn to watch.” Rook tossed him one of the cloths with a chuckle. “Not that it helps a whole lot. I’m hard again already.”
They spent the next six hours pleasuring their mate and releasing their seed into the cloths. Each time they tried to sleep, their rest didn’t last long. As soon as they settled in bed with Jessica snuggling between them, desire stirred and the next round of foreplay began.
Rook finally tore himself away shortly after dawn. He showered and dressed in a clean uniform, then kissed Jessica lightly on the forehead. She was sound asleep in Dare’s arms as Rook went off to face the day.
Dare felt guilty for remaining with her, but this was the ultimate plan. Rook would teach her submission and discipline, while Dare taught her the freedom of surrender. She didn’t seem to be intimidated by Rook’s aggression, but a lifetime of social conditioning wasn’t easy to overcome.
After allowing himself a couple of hours’ sleep, Dare carefully crawled out of bed, wanting her to sleep until he had everything ready. He went to his own bedroom to shower and dress. All the cabins on Ventori ships were designed for pods. There were multiple bedrooms adjacent to a common living area. Officers were rewarded with private bedrooms, while the lower ranks had to share.
Dare finished dressing, walked to the officers’ dining hall and prepared a breakfast tray.
Gat Stomptin called out to Dare as he was leaving the crowded room. The officers tried to stagger their breaks so coverage never suffered, but everyone seemed to have gotten hungry at the same time this morning.
Dare sat the tray down on Gat’s table, but remained standing. He didn’t intend to be here long enough to need a chair.
Gat kept his voice low, clearly meaning the words for Dare’s ears alone. “Did the female accept you two as her mates?”
“We’re courting her, but Dr. Baytor has yet to confirm what caused the reaction so we’ve only allowed it to go so far.”
“Then you feel it too?” He propped his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his fist. His eyes were blurry and his lids kept drooping.
“Haven’t you been to bed?”
“Someone had to command the ship while you two were courting.” Gat chuckled. “Rook banished me from the command deck for the next twelve hours. I’m heading off to bed as soon as I finish breakfast.”
“Good. I hate to say it, but you look like shit.”
Gat’s only response was a rude hand gesture.
“Have any of the females tried to leave their cabins?”
Gat shook his head then grinned. “They didn’t have to try. I brought them food a couple of hours ago and they asked if they could eat together. I didn’t see the harm in it, so I locked them all in two B. I also brought them clean clothes and showed them how to use the shower. Haven’t heard a peep out of them since.”
Dare nodded. “I’m sure Jessica will want to check on them. I’ll insist on escorting her, which will give me an opportunity to assess them as well.”
“Chancellor Savator already sent a message asking about them. The silent act didn’t fool anyone.”
Dare nodded again. He needed to strategize with Rook, figure out their next step. “Does Rook know?”
“I told him, but all he did was glare at me.”
“I’ll talk to him.” He picked up his tray before adding, “Get some sleep.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
The smile plastered across Gat’s face faded as he watched Dare leave the officers’ dining hall. As soon as Rook insisted on bringing the females onboard, Gat began plotting ways to manipulate the situation to his own benefit. Gat, like many of his cohorts, believed the chancellor had lost his way. And the commanders’ reaction to Jessica was further proof of how far off course the Protectorate had drifted.
Ventori Defenders existed for two reasons and only two reasons. First, they protected the defenseless against Skarilian savagery. And second, they killed as many of the Skarilians as possible. The second reason was no less important than the first, and yet the chancellor and most of his ministers had all but abandoned the goal.
Unable to organize his thoughts with all the distractions, Gat pushed back from the table and strode from the noisy dining room. The corridor was mercifully quiet so he slowed his pace. His podmates both worked different shifts than Gat. Hopefully, he’d have the cabin to himself.
Three weeks ago the Lestrra had needed extensive repairs so the majority of the crew had been given leave at Protectorate Headquarters. While there, Gat overheard one of the ministers venting his frust
ration with two of his podmates. All three had been drinking heavily and the minister didn’t realize how loud his voice had grown. As the three left the lounge, Gat approached the minister and offered to help in any way possible when and if the minister decided to put action to his words.
Gat had feared that would be the end of it, but two days later the minister contacted him. Gat was told that there were no specific plans yet, but the minister was assembling the network needed to make moving against Savator possible. Gat had also been given an access code that would allow him to contact the minister directly. He’d been instructed to watch and listen, and immediately report anything out of the ordinary to the minister, preferably before anyone else on the high command heard about it. Finally, Gat had reason to use the access code.
As Gat hoped, his cabin was empty when he arrived. He went into the bedroom and activated privacy protocols. It was unlikely the minister would risk a visual transmission, but Gat straightened his uniform and finger-combed his hair just in case. He activated a little used frequency and input the access code.
It took a few minutes for the minister to respond and when he did, his voice was distorted. There was no visual, as Gat had expected.
“Make it quick. I don’t have much time,” the minister told him.
“Fortar pod rescued some human females,” Gat began.
“I’m aware,” he snapped impatiently.
Knowing his opportunity was about to slam shut, Gat said, “They think one of the females is their mate.”
“What? I didn’t think humans were compatible with the Ventori.” The minister sounded good and interested now.
“The chancellor ordered them to bring the females to headquarters but Rook has no intention of doing so. If you’re interested in controlling these females, I might be able to arrange it.”
“I’m listening.”
“I don’t know what Rook and Dare have planned. As soon as I find out, I’ll let you know.”
After a short pause, the minister said, “The sooner, the better.”
Before Gat could say more, the connection terminated.
Chapter Five
“There should be a robe hanging in the utility room. Slip it on and join me in the outer room. I brought some breakfast.”
Jessica gasped and spun around, instinctively covering her breasts with her arms. She’d been trying to trigger one of the inset compartments across from the bed, hoping to find something with which to cover herself.
Dare lounged in the doorway, looking well-rested and at home.
“Okay.” She smiled nervously and was relieved when he said nothing more.
She rushed into the utility room and found the robe Dare had mentioned. All the things they’d done the night before came rushing back and she shivered. She’d lost track of the orgasms they gave her and the number of hand towels they went through. She’d never imagined watching a man jack off could be so damn sexy. Who was she kidding? With anyone else, it wouldn’t have been sexy, but everything Rook and Dare did turned her on.
She slipped on the robe, then splashed cool water on her face. Finger-combing the worst of the tangles from her hair, she looked longingly at the shower. She desperately needed to use it, but Dare was waiting in the outer room. Sleeping in his arms had been wonderful. She’d felt warm and safe and… adored. Having two hunky aliens completely focused on her had done wonders for her self-esteem.
Her stomach growled, prompting her to leave the security of the bathroom. She’d behaved like a regular wanton the night before, and now it was time to face her shame. Only trouble was, she didn’t feel ashamed. She felt relaxed and content for the first time in years.
Dare had laid out their breakfast and stood beside the table, obviously waiting for her. His charcoal gray uniform was fitted and severe, making him look meaner than his actual personality. His hair was longer than Rook’s and darker. The thick strands flowed away from Dare’s face in distinct waves, the blue highlights gleaming. He kept his beard short, accenting rather than concealing his firm jawline.
He pulled out her chair then sat across from her. “Human food isn’t available on our ships, but I tried to find dishes you can tolerate.”
She wasn’t much of a breakfast eater, unless it was served at three a.m. and she hadn’t been to bed yet. Life on the road had turned her into a night owl and her sleep cycle had never quite recovered. “What’s the Ventori equivalent of coffee? Can I start there?”
He poured her a mug of a steaming beverage, then filled a mug for himself. “It has a milder flavor than coffee, yet it’s stronger than tea.”
Apparently he knew more about human cuisine than she knew about Ventori. She took a sip from her mug and smiled. “It’s nice, spicy, but not overpowering. What’s it called?”
“Tarnok.”
“Tarnok.” She tried out the new word then took another sip. “Thank you.”
He watched her closely and the blue marbling in his dark eyes shimmered. She’d love to know what he was thinking, but wasn’t comfortable enough to ask.
“Aren’t you hungry?” She motioned toward his empty plate with her mug.
“All I can think about is you.” His tone lowered and took on a caressing quality.
Her gaze drifted to his black lips as she thought about all the ways he’d kissed her, all the pleasure she’d found in his arms. She blushed hotly and glanced away. “I would think you had more than enough of me last night.”
“Never.”
He sounded so serious it made her shiver. They kept calling her mate, not companion. What exactly did that mean to a Ventori? Was it like a human marriage or something more instinctual, more permanent? Not yet ready for the answer, she changed the subject. “I’d like to check on the other females. Will you let me?”
“After you eat something. You can’t afford to lose any weight.”
She laughed so suddenly she nearly spewed her tarnok. “Thanks, but I assure you wasting away isn’t a danger. I’m well aware of the junk in my trunk.” He looked at her as if she’d lost her mind and she thought he didn’t understand the reference. “It means—”
“I know what it means, but there is nothing wrong with your ‘trunk’ or any other portion of your anatomy. You are stunning, the most desirable female I have ever seen.”
“Your vision is clearly impaired by whatever is affecting us.”
He rounded the table in an instant and pulled her to her feet. “If you demean yourself again, I will punish you.”
Shocked by his sudden aggression, she just stared at him for a long moment. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You are my mate, the perfect female for me and Rook. I will not hear such slander again.”
“All right. I get it. I already said I’m sorry.” It took another moment before his hands released and he allowed her to return to her seat. “Since you brought it up, can I ask a question?”
He returned to his chair and picked up his mug before he responded. “What would you like to know?”
“You keep insisting I’m your mate. What does that mean to a Ventori male? What do you expect from me?”
His gaze narrowed thoughtfully then he shook his head. “I’ll explain once Dr. Baytor has confirmed that it’s a possibility.”
Which meant she probably wouldn’t like the answer. Tension coiled through her belly and she decided to approach the subject from a different direction. “What happens if it’s not?”
“Even if you’re not our mate, you’re our carnal companion. You’re important to us. Your happiness is our top priority. As long as you belong to us, we will protect and care for you. Do you intend to honor the contract?”
She paused for a drink of tarnok as another hot blush spread across her cheeks. “I would think last night made my decision obvious.” She’d begged for their cocks more than once, helpless against the desire pounding through her body.
“There is still the thirty-day clause.”
His persistence confused her. “Do you want out of the deal?”
“Gods, no,” he insisted. “But I know Rook’s behavior toward Layhee pod angered you, and our need to discipline you is unfamiliar, perhaps even frightening.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” she assured him with a smile. “And, he might be disappointed to hear it, but I’m not afraid of Rook either.”
“He doesn’t want your fear. He wants—no, needs—your obedience.”
“I’ve never had a dominant lover before, but I’m not completely ignorant of the lifestyle.” Rook’s strict expectations and stern penalties had led to hours of unbridled passion. She’d come harder and much more often than ever before.
He studied her for a long, silent moment. “The social dynamic is not a choice for us. We are bred to be aggressive, to dominate any opponent.”
“I’m not your opponent.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.” He refilled their mugs before adding, “You seemed quite oppositional yesterday.”
“I was angry and a little afraid. Rook bullied Layhee pod into releasing my contract and it didn’t seem fair to me. I have no tolerance for bullies.”
Rather than debate it further, he motioned toward the transparent dome covering the serving dishes. “The food is getting cold.”
“I’m not very hungry.”
“You’ll eat something if you want to see the other females,” he reminded, the stubborn lift of his chin making him look more like Rook.
“Fine.” She handed him her plate and he loaded it up with small portions of a variety of food. After taking a tiny bite of each, she focused in on the pile of what looked like orange scrambled eggs. She wouldn’t go out of her way to eat them, but they were palatable.
“Tell me about your life before the Skarilians attacked.” He finally filled his plate as well, munching away as he waited for her answer.
They would have been given her background information by the CCP if they hadn’t stolen her contract. Not in the mood for another spanking, she kept the comment to herself. “I was in a band for six years. But we got fairly popular and my priorities became incompatible with some of my bandmates.”