His By Command (Primarian Mates Book 2)

by Maddie Taylor

  “Yes, and thank the Maker that Eva had a change of heart. As it’s been pointed out, a female knowingly being tested and matched to a mate understands all it entails. Eva did not.”

  “Nor did Maggie.” She could feel Roth’s gaze on her, but she kept hers fixed on the Princep.

  “Let me propose it to my crew and see how many are interested? Understand, though, that we are dedicated to our mission, so you might be disappointed in the initial result. The general population on Earth, which isn’t predominantly military, should yield more interest, especially after the suffering and hardships of the past decade.”

  “A random sampling will give us something to go on. In the meantime, Roth, you can plan your course of action for an extended mission.”

  Before he was finished nodding his agreement, Maggie was already planning aloud. “We will need liaisons, perhaps one of the original eight who could advocate the pros, rather than only the cons of being mated to a Primarian, and she could answer personal questions about the mechanics and effects of the bonding and transformation.”

  “Why not you?”

  “Me?” Surprised Roth would suggest that, she blinked up at him. “But I’d have to come with you.”

  “Where else would you be except at my side?”

  Her jaw dropped in surprise. “I assumed— You never said…”

  “Maggie, we are fated mates, that you would come with me wasn’t in question.”

  “It wasn’t?” He had mentioned something about leaving a mate at home, she was sure of it.

  “Not after I saw your marking.” He shot Kerr a beleaguered look and shook his head. “She doesn’t seem to grasp this one concept.”

  “I became deathly ill when separated from Eva,” the Princep explained.

  “I get that, but…”

  “You and Roth are fated mates.”

  “Yes, I have his marking.” Suddenly it all clicked and she tilted her face up to her mate, grinning broadly. “You can’t go flying around the galaxy and leave me at home.”

  “Finally, she gets it…”

  She pushed at his heavily muscled shoulder. “I have had other worries on my mind. Besides, I’m a warrior like you, mate, not one of the scientists.” She frowned suddenly. “Does that mean you stick to me like glue for all eternity, Commander? I mean, you’re growing on me, but sheesh, how about a little private time?”

  “That will not be necessary, mate, nor allowed,” Roth grumbled, his eyes darkening at the direction the conversation had taken.

  “And it is not quite that extreme,” Kerr corrected her, casting a sympathetic glance his friend’s way. “Eva and I have figured out we can go about our day without a problem, although we both get jumpy come evening, after about 8-10 time cycles of separation. That’s hours in Earth time, Maggie,” he paused to explain. “By the next morning, if not reunited, irritability sets in, profound anxiety, and a rapid heart rate. Beyond that, we haven’t wanted to put it to a test.”

  “That’s understandable. It’s also an amazing symbiosis, like a host and a parasite.” She shot a pointed look Roth’s way. “I’m not saying who is who, however. That might get me in trouble.” She smiled sweetly at Kerr. “I’ll let you decide that, sir.”

  Kerr laughed, truly amused. “I’m glad to see I am not the only one blessed with a brazen mate with sass.” He stood and pushed in his chair. “Talk to your people, Maggie. I’m anxious to hear the numbers.”

  He bent low before he left and murmured something in Roth’s ear that she couldn’t make out. Her mate chuckled, his lavender eyes twinkling as he aimed them her way.

  “What did he say?” she demanded to know.

  “Oh, nothing much. Except to warn me that sass and defiance go hand in hand. He told me I’d be wise to lay in a big supply of our very special lotion.”

  Her face heated to boiling. That Kerr knew meant Eva had received the same. “This world and its males are spanking-obsessed. I cannot believe this is my fate.”

  “Will you be so unhappy with me, Maggie?” All humor had left his face and the wind went out of her snit, that really wasn’t. It was banter; they’d had it since they’d met. Now she felt bad that he thought….

  She reached for his hand immediately. “Commander,” she said, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze. “Ever since I was a girl, I wanted to travel the universe and explore the stars. My life may have been upended when I met you, but this means I still get to follow that dream, doing what I love, and doing that with the man I love by my side. You’re the extra-special bonus I never imagined in all the years I dreamed that dream.”

  “Little captain, you love me?”

  Startled, she replayed her words. Sure enough, she’d let it slip out, and much too soon.

  “Maggie, beginning as a boy, and later as I trained in the military, I recognized a strong instinct to lead and defend, all warriors do. I was different than most in that I chose to do so not with my feet planted firmly on the ground, but while flying through the heavens at incredible speeds, facing unknown challenges, and discovering new worlds and people. I believe I was born to do exactly that, except to succeed, I would need to make sacrifices. One of which was giving up the chance for a life mate. You have changed that, and I am grateful that the Maker found me so worthy that he brought you into my life, to lead, defend, protect, and yes, to love. Even if you feel it is too soon for that, don’t. We wouldn’t have been brought together if love wasn’t part of our fate.”

  “Roth…” she breathed, overwhelmed with emotion.

  He compounded it, when his hand tipped up her face and his lips began to descend, murmuring, “I love you too, Maggie.”

  It wasn’t until long moments later when they came up for air, when her thoughts became lucid once more, that she tilted her head slightly and asked, “One question, though, is ‘lead’ up for negotiation?”

  Pushing his chair out, he tugged her into his lap, his hand sliding over her hip and curling around one cheek. “No. You will follow my lead, mate, like it or not, although most often, I’ll ensure that you like it.”

  And right there in the meeting room, as he overwhelmed her with kisses, caresses, and stirred the hunger within her, she did indeed like it.

  19

  Maggie didn’t waste any time sharing the idea with her people and began meeting with them in small groups that very afternoon. She was surprised by the responses to the positive and shared the early results with Roth. He passed them on to Kerr, who found them promising enough to call together the full council the very next day.

  Thus, began a series of inquisitions, beginning with the elders. The group of white-bearded, robed men seated upon their high dais reminded her a bit of the U.S. Supreme Court, the power and authority they exuded extremely intimidating. For hours, she weathered their questions without crumbling, and only once or twice did she have to force her hands to relax and ease her nails from where they were digging half-crescent-shaped grooves into her palms. Especially when the discussion turned to the folly of allying themselves with the undisciplined inhabitants of a planet who, through their own reckless, wasteful ways, and without forethought to their own survival, let their world get into such a shape that they had to find another one to call home.

  Without Roth’s supportive presence beside her, she didn’t know if she could have endured. His large hand squeezing her thigh was the only thing preventing her from delivering a scathing set-down of their condemnatory opinions, telling them all to go to hell, and storming out of the chamber.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Maggie, but erupting, as your clenched fists clearly tell me you want to do, will do neither of our worlds any good.”

  “I’d like to punch something,” she uttered between clenched teeth. “Particularly that rather officious man on the end.”

  “That is Yaro: he was close to two of the elders who were recently removed from the council. His voice carries little weight now. As for becoming violent, I have other ways to expend your ener
gy. Get through this calmly, little captain, and we’ll see to that at home.”

  Her eyes widened and she caught her breath, especially upon seeing the salacious grin curving his lips.

  “I think you’re going to enjoy helper position seven above all.”

  Thusly distracted, with her wayward thoughts focused on what decadent shapes the wicked mate’s helper would twist her into, she managed to get through more questions and debate without an outburst.

  By midday, after giving approval of moving forward with the plan, the elders filed out, but were replaced by another group. The room filled to overflowing as Roth pointed out the influential leaders present from the Princep’s inner circle, and she was surprised to see several of her own ship’s officers.

  With skeptics and undecided among both groups, Maggie was relieved to see a strong supporter appear before the hearing was called to order, and she did so on the Primarian leader’s arm as he too entered the council chamber at the last moment.

  As she watched Kerr guide Eva into the room, she noticed when her gaze swept over Maggie and the senior officers present. Her steps faltered. Busy in the same meetings with Maggie all day, Kerr couldn’t have had time to prepare his mate and it showed.

  “What’s going on? Why is my captain here?” Eva asked.

  “I decided it was time we met to discuss a mutually amenable agreement,” the Princep replied.

  Eva took in a quick breath of utter astonishment. “You mean it?” she managed after a moment. “You’re willing to help my people?”

  “Yes, and in exchange they can help us. Your captain polled many of the females already, and learned that a large number are willing to potentially become Primarian mates.”

  “How large a number?” Eva glanced at Maggie for the answer.

  “In total, one hundred forty-seven volunteered.”

  “That’s nearly half. I’m stunned.”

  “Three years on a ship with an all-female crew does things to a woman,” Maggie quipped.

  “Ain’t that the truth,” Eva muttered, shooting Kerr a sidelong glance, who was sharing an amused look with Roth. Then she turned serious as she faced Maggie again. “Do you think our leaders will object?”

  “I’ve already sent word, and they have agreed to meet. Apparently, things at home are worse and they’re ready to consider anything. Although there are challenges, there is much we have to gain from an alliance, especially a new home and access to uladite. Imagine the benefits of a renewable source of clean energy that could sustain us for a millennium without having to strip it from the ground. It’s very exciting.”

  Kerr inclined his head in agreement. “We believe our hunting planet would be the best option to fulfill these requirements, eventually.”

  Eva frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “It has some small, inert uladite stores,” Kerr explained, going on to answer more of Eva’s questions as he led her to a seat beside his up front.

  While he did so, Maggie whispered to Roth, “I’m confused too. I thought we would trade for the resource, because it is unique to Primaria.”

  “This is all news to me, mate. Maybe we should listen.”

  Feeling like she’d been called out by the teacher for speaking in class, she aimed a glare his way, reminded that simply because these men had come to the negotiating table didn’t mean they were ready to sign a proclamation for women’s rights. That would take time and determination, but this was certainly a giant step forward. As she focused on what Kerr was saying, giving Eva and the others further explanation of their proposed alliance, she realized Roth was right in that listening garnered answers, and that perhaps she had some room for growth as well.

  “Our scientists have come across a process to activate the stores on Ventorcopia,” Kerr was saying, “which will allow your people to be self-sufficient in their own right after. It is a good-faith demonstration that we do not wish to conquer or enslave your people. We want to coexist. There will be some rules, however, to protect Ventorcopia from the same fate suffered by your Earth.”

  “It would be a fresh start,” Eva murmured, her gaze meeting Maggie’s.

  “Excuse me, Princep,” Maggie spoke up politely. “If we are independent, what would that mean for Primaria and a mate-exchange program?”

  “I should clarify the time frame. When I say make your people independent, I mean in a hundred years or so. It will take that long, perhaps longer, for the activation process to make enough uladite to sustain an inhabited planet. Until that time, a trade agreement will remain in place.”

  Dependency for a century. It wasn’t so bad, considering the alternative. The question remained; would her government go for it?

  Her gaze slid to Rebecca, who had been unusually quiet, taking it all in. She looked to the others, each one either wide eyed or gape mouthed, such was their shock at what was happening. Maggie wondered if she had appeared equally as stunned when learning that once again, their lives were about to drastically change. She’d give Roth and his brethren credit for one thing, life with them wouldn’t ever be dull.

  “You’re smiling,” Roth observed, whispering for her ears only.

  “I’m happy—check that,” she corrected with a grin. “Let me say I’m cautiously optimistic, because our future is indeed much brighter than it appeared two short weeks ago, or even two weeks before that when we were still desperately searching for a solution.”

  Eva’s voice carried over the murmurs of excitement that were sweeping through the room. Her words echoed her own thoughts when she said very clearly, “Thank you, Kerr.”

  “No, mate, thank you.” The Princep’s gleaming gold eyes touched briefly on Maggie. “Your captain told us this was your idea, before you knew we were fated.”

  “I think we all contributed,” she returned quietly.

  While Eva brushed off the praise, Roth leaned in and whispered, “When was this?”

  “Before you came after us. She’d had more time with you, and I didn’t listen. Eventually, when I calmed down and thought it all through, which I had plenty of opportunity to do, it made sense.” She angled her head to find Roth gazing warmly down at her.

  “I’m very proud of you, Maggie.”

  “Don’t be. I wasn’t very understanding after the escape attempt, I’m afraid. Perhaps it was my guilt talking.” And regret, Maggie thought as she recalled some of the things she had said to Eva.

  “Which one?”

  “The one that was successful,” she shot back.

  He chuckled softly before challenging that bold-faced lie. “Neither can be called any such thing, mate, or we wouldn’t be sitting here.”

  She caught his hand in hers, ignoring the fact that he was right. “I’m nervous.”

  “An unknown outcome can have that effect, Maggie,” he whispered, serious now. “But consider, we’ll face this challenge together, and while we do, we’ll be racing across the galaxy.”

  “As we both dreamed.”

  “That’s right. What could be better?”

  “One hundred forty-seven,” Nala repeated in disbelief.

  Eryn, who didn’t appear to believe it either, quickly did some additional math. “That’s nearly half our crew,” she stated, while shaking her head.

  Maggie had tallied up the number twice to be sure. Now, as she glanced around the table of trusted women, including many of her officers and all eight women who had been taken first and already mated, their reaction came down to the last factor. The mates didn’t seem surprised by the number of women interested in being tested and potentially becoming Primarian mates, while the others were shocked.

  “You explained, in detail, what would happen if they broke the rules or ticked off their mate?” Nala clarified.

  “I told them in plain terms,” Maggie replied.

  “Are they aware they could be stripped and lashed, like you and Eva were?”

  “Yes, Nala. I explained everything, especially that.”

  That
had been the most difficult part. But she and Eva agreed they needed to know, fully, what they were signing on to. They had described Eva’s appearance before the council, and her witnessed punishment under the lash. That had drawn cries of outrage. She had assured them that Kerr had taken every measure to make it as private as possible, had used a flogger with a controlled hand, and she had endured it without too much discomfort. She’d even told them, her face color a full spectrum of pinks and reds, that her mate made it up to her, thereafter. Maggie had also shared, but her totally private, five-count strapping didn’t compare to the sacrifice Eva, as Prima, had made.

  And fortunately, that’s where the punishments for their escape attempt had ended. Kerr granting amnesty to the others, all still unmated and without male protectors, which meant the decision would have fallen to the council. He made it clear that the sentence for their crimes were taken on by their Prima and captain, who had endured punishment in their stead, which had satisfied the requirement under the law. Eva had shared with Maggie only, his decision was also made because logistically, so many appearing before the council who had never dealt with that vast a number at once, let alone carried out nearly three hundred punishments, was too much for the elders or the Princep to contemplate.

  “And, after all of that, they still agreed?”

  “Many have, yes. And they had questions, believe me, some embarrassingly specific about myself and the commander.”

  “She was very thorough,” Eva put in, having gone with her to all the group discussions. “And she even brought up the mate’s helper.” Her eyes cut to Maggie, openly amused. “They insisted on a demonstration of an actual unit. I think for some that was what tipped the scales in the Primarians’ favor.”

  “Our crew is kinky, who knew?” Rebecca commented dryly, drawing several chuckles, while Eryn remained noticeably silent.

  “It has been three very long years,” Maggie pointed out. “I don’t have to tell you that. The soldiers knew what to expect, but this was many of the scientists’ and researchers’ first space flight, and they had no real concept of what deep space exploration was like.”