by Ivy Barrett
The messenger honestly believed every word he’d said. Mal Ton had sensed desperation and sorrow emanating from all of them. Mutation by its nature was degenerative but losing their leader would be a fatal blow. The Mutant Underground was on the brink of civil war, which left Mal Ton no option but to put more pressure on Andrea.
He unfastened his safety restraints and moved into the aft cabin, the cabin that should have been filled with rescued test subjects. Had Roark made any progress with their stubborn guest? Her body responded readily to aggressive passion, but Mal Ton knew she used emotional disassociation to keep their exchanges superficial. She surrendered her body to his demands yet he sensed a deeper connection each time she looked at Roark.
Activating a private link, Mal Ton paged Roark. Several minutes passed with no response so he sent the page again. He’d left Roark with specific instructions. Had the kindhearted doctor been unable to—
“I’d about given up on you.” Roark’s response was audio only. What was he trying to hide?
“Where are you?” Mal Ton asked.
“In my office. I didn’t want our conversation to wake Andrea.”
“Why did you leave my quarters? Everything you needed was right there.”
Roark chuckled, the sound filled with guilty pleasure. “Everything you need is right there. I suspected Andrea would respond better to a different approach.”
“You fucked her, didn’t you? I can hear it in your voice. She let you fuck her.” Mal Ton clenched his hands into fists. If they’d been in the same room, Roark would be laid out on the floor! “Tempt and tease, keep her off balance and unsure. I know you understood the plan. Why did you disregard my orders?”
“Because, despite the role you chose for me, I don’t answer to you.”
The emphatic reply sent another jolt of fury through Mal Ton. “Her motivation was to avoid my lecherous attention by cooperating with you.”
“How has that changed? If anything, your plan is working better than we anticipated. As soon as I can channel her trust in the right direction, we’ll have our cure.” Roark’s subtle challenge was even more provoking than his blatant insubordination. Mal Ton glared at the com-panel, thankful Roark couldn’t see him. Why should he care if Roark fucked her first? Mal Ton was using lust as a catalyst for something far more important. A long pause followed then Roark asked, “Was your mission successful?”
“A mutant named Max shot down the ship and captured the survivors before Bryson realized what was happening.”
“How do you know all this?”
“We arrived after Max left but there was another group of mutants. They told me Max has the survivors and he’s about to make a move against Fane.”
“That can’t be good. What do you know about this Max?”
“Nothing yet.” He heaved a sigh and focused again on the larger objective, developing a cure. “They didn’t come right out and say it, but Fane is in trouble. I think we better up the pressure a notch.”
“Are you sure this is still motivation?” Roark made no effort to temper the disapproval in his tone.
“How can you ask me that?” Mal Ton snapped. “Your cock is still wet from her cunt and you dare—”
“I’m far more attracted to her than I ever imagined. That’s why I asked. As soon as I saw her, I knew I would enjoy seducing her but I didn’t anticipate… I feel an elemental connection with Andrea that I hadn’t expected to feel.”
“Is there any possibility she’s infected?” Mal Ton was almost afraid to ask. A stimulant had been incorporated into the lentavirus to ensure its spread. The infected person became sexually aggressive and their body emanated a powerful pheromone that made them extremely attractive to others.
“You gave her the vaccine. Didn’t you?”
“Of course,” Mal Ton insisted. “A sex-crazed female isn’t going to do us any good. Regardless of how tempting we find her, Andrea was intercepted for a specific purpose.”
“I’ll scan her, but I can’t imagine how she would have ended up with the virus. There hasn’t been a new outbreak in years.”
“I don’t know if my nano-immunites will work in a human, but they certainly couldn’t hurt.”
Roark chuckled. “And ejaculation just happens to be the only way to transfer them.”
“It’s not the only way, just the fastest and most effective.” Mutant energy gathered in Mal Ton’s eyes and he savored the familiar sting. Roark wasn’t the only one feeling a connection to Andrea. Mal Ton had burned to claim her ever since he walked into her lab. “Com me if there’s something troubling in the scan, otherwise prepare to face my wrath.”
Chapter Six
A cold rush of air drew Andrea from a dreamless sleep. Roark had released her from the wrist cuffs and curled up against her back, wrapping his arm around her waist. It had been intimate and wonderful until they were rudely interrupted.
“Lights full,” Mal Ton’s angry order snapped through the darkness.
She reached blindly for the sheet, which had been jerked from her naked body, as light erupted in the bedroom. After a sickening lurch, her heart fell into a frantic rhythm. Mal Ton had ordered Roark to prepare her, not make love to her.
“Get the hell out of my quarters,” Roark shouted, the vehemence in his tone startling her. Was his brain still muddled from sleep? This was not the time to take a stand against Mal Ton. The commander’s pride alone would demand retaliation.
“Why is she here with you?” Mal Ton planted his fists on his hips and glared at the younger man. “I know you understood my instructions.”
Roark swung his legs off the side of the bed and grabbed for his pants. Mal Ton kicked them out of reach. Andrea used Mal Ton’s distraction to snatch the sheet up to her chin. The commander’s flashing gaze was fixed on Roark. Still, his anger was palpable.
“No more.” Roark raised his chin and kept his hands at his sides, refusing to be cowed by his nudity. “I will not allow you to take her unless she invites your touch. She has suffered enough of your bullying.”
Mal Ton scoffed. “She didn’t seem to be suffering before I was called away.” He whipped around to face her, his expression no less hostile. “Have you been forced to do anything—?”
“Other than leave Earth?” Despite the tension coiling in her belly, she couldn’t resist the small rebellion.
Mal Ton glared into her eyes for a long, silent moment. Amber erupted for a moment then disappeared. Like a cat’s eyes penetrating the darkness, the glow had been unmistakable. Fascinated yet terrified, she searched for the illumination but his irises were teal again.
Authority always emanated from him and anger intensified the impression, made it darker and more dangerous. Still, his air of authority was nothing compared to the raw sexuality exuding from every molecule of his being. He’d gathered the thin dreadlocks at the nape of his neck, accenting his sculpted features and the breadth of his shoulders. Her insides quivered and her determination to resist scattered like leaves on the wind.
“You promised me your virgin ass.” His voice was part caress, part growl. “Did you give my gift to Roark instead?”
“I promised you nothing,” she snapped. “Like Roark said, you’re a bully.” Despite her angry words, guilt swelled inside her so suddenly she knew he’d sense it. Before she could say more, Roark insinuated himself between Mal Ton and the bed.
“You left her in my care with a task that frightened her. Reassurance led to passion and passion to—”
He shoved Roark aside as if the doctor hadn’t spoken. “Are you still wearing the butt plug?”
Andrea licked her lips as heat crawled up her neck. “We showered before we came to bed. Neither of us believed you would return tonight.”
“You might be able to claim ignorance but Roark knew I’d return.” He shot a venomous glance at Roark then continued. “Once again you’ve earned punishment. So Roark will watch as you are disciplined, and then I’ll punish him.”
“It�
�s not his fault,” she cried. “I was really upset when you—”
“Silence!” Mal Ton moved to the bed as he added, “You belong to me and so does Roark. Disobedience will not be tolerated.”
“I’ll submit to anything you require,” Roark said in a low, tense voice. “Just leave her alone.”
Mal Ton dragged his angry gaze away from her and glared at Roark. “Clearly you already know how to submit. My feisty Terran kitten is still learning.”
“I’ll do anything you ask.” The words slipped out of Andrea before she realized what she was doing.
Mal Ton’s head whipped back around. “Anything?”
“I won’t give you access to RENA. Anything else.” What the hell was she doing? She couldn’t give in to him. And yet the instinct made sense. Mal Ton’s only weapon was her reluctance to obey. If she willingly submitted to his sexual demands, he had no power over her.
Folding his arms over his chest, Mal Ton narrowed his gaze and studied her.
Her lungs froze and lust burst inside her body. Who was she kidding? He was sex personified, the most blatantly carnal man she’d ever encountered. She hugged herself, breasts aching, pussy throbbing. She could pretend she was protecting her life’s work by submitting to him, but the truth was she wanted him, had desired him since he walked into her lab.
He stood beside the bed, challenge blazing in his eyes. “Speak the words.” His voice was gruff and low. “Are you willing to obey me?”
Dragging air into her burning lungs, she turned her face away. She wanted him. How could she deny the attraction when she’d invited his attention? Truth be told, she wanted them both, but this need was so foreign, she hardly recognized herself.
“Will you obey, yes or no?” His tone snapped with impatience.
“Yes,” she whispered, and a shiver zinged down her spine.
“Good.” He found her ankle beneath the sheet and pulled her toward the edge of the bed. “Now look at Roark and tell him that you want this, that you want me.”
She looked at Roark, expecting anger and disappointment. Instead, she found a similar fire smoldering in his eyes. “I want Mal Ton.” Her admission increased the heat, so she added, “I want you both.”
“You want us both?” Mal Ton sounded pleased, not jealous. Another unexpected reaction. Tugging the sheet out from under her hands, he tossed it to the foot of the bed. Then he drew her to her knees, bringing her face on a level with his. “Roark disobeyed a direct order so that will have to wait for another night.”
“I didn’t mean…”
“Yes, you did.” He framed her face with his hands, the gesture surprisingly gentle. “Don’t be ashamed of your desires. You are intrigued and our society not only accepts but encourages such exploration. Embrace your sexual nature. I assure you the attraction is mutual.”
He pressed a light kiss to the corners of her mouth then closed his fist in the back of her hair. The possessive motion sent more shivers skittering across her nerve endings. As long as she followed his movement, the grasp caused no pain, yet the slightest resistance stung her scalp. Angling her face to the side, he cupped her breast with his other hand. His fingers squeezed the resilient mound while his thumb circled her nipple. All the while he stared into her eyes, showing her the depths of his desire and the intensity of his need.
“I want your tongue in my mouth,” he whispered.
Rising up just a bit, she traced his lower lip, meaning to ease into the warm interior. His lips closed around her tongue and he sucked greedily. Her startled gasp was lost in the flurry that followed. His lips rubbed, his tongue stroked, and he relaxed his hold so she could respond. She couldn’t identify his taste but it was hot and spicy and addictive.
He dragged his mouth from hers with another growl. “Undress me.”
Her mouth went dry as she tugged his shirt off over his head. She’d never seen him naked before. She’d imagined him repeatedly but never actually seen him. He bent to tug off his boots, presenting her with a glimpse of his corded back. He straightened and waited for her to unfasten his pants. She paused, unable to resist the temptation of his rippling muscles. Stroking from his waist to his shoulders and back, she marveled at the contrast between smooth skin and rock-hard muscle.
With a wicked grin, he guided one hand to the distinct ridge beneath the material and the other to the garment’s fastening. “Don’t stop now.”
Andrea glanced at Roark. The banked hunger in his gaze had flared to burning lust and his cock stood fully erect. Was he excited by watching her touch Mal Ton or did he want the commander as well? Roark had sworn he was only attracted to women yet his gaze moved just as eagerly over Mal Ton as it did over her.
Mal Ton turned her face back toward him. “Focus on me.”
He said nothing more so she unfastened his pants and eased them down. His hips were lean and his legs promised strength and agility. Only after she’d taken in the overall beauty of his male form did she allow her gaze to settle on his sex. Lightly dusted with hair, his balls were full and round. His shaft expanded beneath her curious gaze, growing both longer and thicker. She swallowed hard and unconsciously licked her lips. Were all Stilox males built like Roark and Mal Ton?
After helping her to her knees in front of him, Mal Ton looked at Roark. “Kneel behind her. I want you to watch, but you are not allowed to touch her.”
Moving her legs apart, Roark did as the commander directed. If she leaned forward, he could thrust right into her aching core. Somehow, she didn’t think that’s what Mal Ton had in mind.
“Guide her hands to your cock then reach behind you and grasp your ankles. No matter how good her touch feels, you do not have permission to come.”
Roark took her wrists and pulled her arms behind her back. Her breasts thrust forward and her hips angled provocatively. Her fingers brushed against something hot and hard. He curved her fingers around his erection then his hands left her.
She leaned back slightly and found the base of Roark’s shaft, stroking all the way to the tip without letting go. His sharply indrawn breath assured her he found the caress pleasurable so she did it again. She swept her thumb across his cock head and gathered the silky fluid, using it to lubricate her fingers and make them slide more smoothly.
“If you come, you will know only pain.”
She wasn’t sure if the warning was meant for her or Roark. Mal Ton took her face between his hands and nudged her lips with his cock. Shuttling in and out slowly, he waited for her swirling tongue to ease his way. His thrusts grew faster and deeper, his hands firmly holding her face. This was so different from what she’d done for Roark. Mal Ton claimed her mouth with the same controlled demand he did everything.
Allowing Mal Ton’s long drives to set the pace, she dragged her fingers along Roark’s shaft again and again. Mal Ton shifted one hand to her hair so he could fondle her breasts with the other. Intense and consuming, he took his pleasure without hesitation or shame.
Roark shuddered and groaned, catching her wrists and crossing her arms at the small of her back. “Sorry, kitten, it feels too damn good.”
“Pinch her nipples,” Mal Ton gasped. “I’m almost there.”
She watched Mal Ton’s body flex and tense as each stroke drove him nearer to completion. Roark cupped her breasts and rolled her nipples, but she kept her arms crossed at the small of her back. Surrounded, overwhelmed, taken, she reveled in the power of the moment. Her core pulsed with enough force to drag a muffled groan from her throat. Mal Ton had ordered her to wait. So she waited.
Roark rolled her nipples, tugging on the tender peaks until sensations darted deep into her abdomen. Her lips could barely contain Mal Ton’s shaft; he had grown so hard. His eyelids drooped and he pushed to the back of her mouth, his fingers tightening in her hair.
Sucking firmly, she prolonged his release. She swallowed and swallowed and still he shuddered, his head thrown back in ecstasy. His wide chest heaved and his abdomen quivered as she eagerly licked him
clean.
With sudden ferocity, he dragged her to her feet and kissed her, boldly tasting himself on her tongue. She trembled in his arms, understanding the possessiveness of the action. He wanted his taste and only his taste in her mouth. His lips lingered against hers for a long time before he wrapped her snugly in his arms and tucked her head beneath his chin.
“Were the scans all negative?” Mal Ton asked Roark.
“Yes. She’s not infected.”
“Then why…”
She pushed away from Mal Ton’s chest and pivoted so she could see both men. Roark stood now, his cock still massively erect.
“When did you run scans on me?” she asked. “With what do you think I’m infected?”
“A sexual stimulant was engineered into the lentavirus,” Roark told her. “We’re both having unusually strong reactions to you. We just wanted to make sure the attraction wasn’t the result of the infection’s onset.”
Crossing her arms over her breasts, she tried to ignore her body’s demands. “Have either of you interacted with a human before? Perhaps it’s as simple as extremely compatible pheromones.”
“There are several possibilities. Mal Ton wasn’t on Earth long, but you are the only human who immediately aroused him.” Roark’s gaze swept her naked body as he spoke. “I’ve never been this strongly attracted to anyone before.”
“But you said the scans were negative.” She rubbed her arms as her body burned. If Mal Ton didn’t let her come soon, she would abandon all claims to modesty and masturbate to a screaming orgasm right in the middle of a semi-casual conversation.
Mal Ton swept her up into his arms and strode toward the bed. “The scans were negative for the lentavirus. We don’t know why we’re driving each other crazy.”
“Shouldn’t we… stop until we know what’s going on? We could be making it worse.”
He nipped her chin. “I feel much better, at least for the moment. You will too as soon as you’ve earned your pleasure.”