The Bond That Ties Us

by Christine d'Abo

“Like I’ve been trapped in fluid. I can’t shake the feeling that I just survived a drowning.”

  Ray frowned. “That could be the result of the explosion, but I doubt it.”

  “The dreams?” Kamran gave his head a shake. He’d told Ray what was happening and the doctor had given him a drug to help him sleep. It had the fortunate side effect of keeping the dreams at bay.

  “Do you remember any more of what happened the other day?”

  “The explosion?” Kamran frowned. “Not really.” He’d gone over what had happened a thousand times in his head.

  He’d been walking down the hall. Tia was standing at the opening to the meeting room. He saw something out of the corner of his eye. A person.

  “A human.”

  Ray didn’t respond.

  “There was a human there. Leaving down the side hallway. That’s why I was there. I followed to see who it was.”

  “I suspect Chief Bond will want to know that piece of the puzzle. Dr. Fergus told me her friend has been tearing the station apart looking for answers since we freed her from med bay.”

  Kamran smiled. That sounded like Haylie. He imagined she had half of the miners whipped into shape or scared half to death.

  “You like the chief?”

  He was startled by the doctor’s question. “Yes. The chief is a very interesting human. I enjoyed the time we have spent together.”

  Ray hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “I noticed something strange when I looked at the results of her tests earlier. Human brain activity is quite different from our own. The patterns should have looked quite foreign to me. Strangely enough, they didn’t.”

  Kamran’s stomach sickened. “How strange. What was it you recognized?”

  “Oddly, they were very similar to those of a mated Briel female. That is, of course, impossible, since she is very human.”

  Kamran put on his most practiced, diplomatic mask. “An interesting puzzle for you. Please let me know if there is something I can help you with.”

  “I would love to check all the Briel males to see if any of them are showing similar signs. But that isn’t possible.” Ray chuckled.

  Kamran knew he was serious.

  “I would imagine any mated Briel would be so excited the whole station would know of the match.”

  “Very true, Ambassador. I think you are well enough to be released. I will let Dr. Fergus know.”

  “Thank you, for everything.”

  He had to warn Haylie. They were in trouble.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kamran winced as he tried to manage to get through the door to his quarters. It didn’t help that the orderlies were fumbling around him, getting in his way. Despite taking his meds before leaving med bay, every inch of his body ached. The Briel medical staff flitted around him, trying to ensure his comfort to speed his recovery. It took far longer for them to leave than he wanted. It took them several minutes to calibrate the computer to monitor his condition.

  His body was improving quickly, faster than that damned Dr. Ray had anticipated. He’d been able to convince them to release him to his quarters for bed rest. Not that he had any intention of resting. As the doors shut, Kamran threw off the blankets and shakily got to his feet. He wasn’t as strong as he needed to be. His response to Haylie’s dream in med bay had been instinct, not an indication at how well he was doing.

  But he wasn’t going to let an explosion prevent him from helping Haylie now. He slowly walked over to the computer and called Taber using a secure channel.

  “We have a situation. I need your help again.”

  “Not until you’ve rested. Things can wait until the morning.” His friend’s message was distorted.

  “Where are you? You’re breaking up.”

  “We received a report of some strange activity in the lower section of the station. The humans don’t have enough resources to cover everything, so we are assisting.”

  Kamran’s frustration gnawed at him. “As soon as you’re able, stop by my quarters. I have something I need to discuss with you.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Taber, please.”

  His friend sighed and gave a single nod. “I should be finished in thirty standard minutes.” The screen went black, cutting short their conversation.

  He wanted to pace, but the throbbing in his head prevented any such movement. Instead he sent a message to the Elder Council requesting a meeting and climbed back into bed to try and relax.

  Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply. Haylie had been here only the night before. Her scent still clung thickly to the sheets and pillows. He desperately wanted to contact her but knew he shouldn’t.

  Ray knew something was going on.

  Goddess, life would be so much easier if this was out in the open. As much as he wanted to convince Haylie that Briel was a beautiful place to live, now wasn’t the time. The station and everything he’d worked so hard for was in danger. He’d never let his personal wants get in the way before and he wasn’t about to start now.

  She can take care of herself. And knowing Haylie the way he did, he was sure she’d punch him for thinking otherwise.

  Someone had tried to kill him. Briel documents were being tampered with and people were being murdered. Right now, the only person who was in a position to do anything to help him was Haylie.

  For once in his life, he wasn’t alone. He had someone who was bound to him and he to her. If they were discovered, he would lose everything he’d worked a lifetime to achieve. A part of him, a very selfish but small part, didn’t want to give up his ambassadorship. Not now. Not with things in such a critical state.

  The larger part of him missed her. Terribly.

  He shifted over to his side and closed his eyes. Haylie’s face drifted to the surface of his mind. She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She looked so happy, every trace of worry erased from her face. Arousal nipped at him. He leaned forward to kiss her and her face dissolved before him into nothing.

  Kamran’s eyes flew open, but he kept his body still. The damned dreams were bad enough when they involved things happening to him. But for the past day, they’d revolved around nothing but Haylie. This had to stop.

  The chime for his door sounded.

  “Who is it?”

  “Taber.”

  Kamran shook his head. “Computer, unlock door.”

  Taber entered the room, looking exhausted. “I apologize for being late. Were you sleeping? I rang several times.”

  “I must have dozed off. Though I swear I only just closed my eyes. What happened to you?”

  Taber walked closer to the bed and assumed his normal military stance. “We ran into some trouble in the lower levels.”

  That didn’t sound good. “Was anyone hurt?”

  “A few humans, miners, were acting strange. Trying to go outside without their EV suits on. We were forced to subdue them for their own safety. I am not even sure what they were doing down there.”

  Kamran shook his head. “There are too many anomalies. Something is happening here and I fear we are running out of time.”

  “Agreed. Now what is it you wished to discuss with me?”

  Kamran hesitated. His friend was exhausted, most likely not having slept in the days since the explosion. Or at least not sleeping well. The dark blue circles under his eyes were pronounced.

  “Have you had trouble sleeping?”

  Taber frowned. “Pardon?”

  “Have you had trouble sleeping? Experienced any strange dreams?” Kamran’s voice trailed off. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but somehow this was all tied together.

  “I haven’t had an opportunity to have a rest cycle in several days. Before that, I had no difficulties. Is this why you asked me here?”

  Kamran sighed, “No, but I was hoping to find another possible explanation.”

  “Is this about Haylie?”

  Kamran motioned to the chair, “Please sit. Your standing is giving me
a headache.”

  “You know I—”

  “Taber, please.”

  The two men stared at each other for several seconds, but Taber didn’t move. Kamran would have to live with a stiff neck.

  Kamran inhaled deeply. “While I was incapacitated, a Briel doctor took a scan of my brain patterns. He compared them to Haylie’s. I think he knows about us.”

  Taber stood quietly, his expression blank.

  “The problems and violence on this station have escalated sharply in the past few days. I want her kept safe from our laws so she can do her job without interruption. The last thing we need distracting us from our investigations is a Briel council tribunal. I think we need to make our relationship known to the elders.”

  Taber met his gaze. “You know what they will do to you.”

  Kamran closed his eyes against a growing headache. “Given the circumstances, I cannot see the council acting too severely. A relationship with a human isn’t exactly covered by our laws.”

  “Of course. But there is more to this.”

  “Considering the state of things, I believe I can convince the elders to postpone action until after the trouble on the station has been resolved. Removing both the ambassador in charge of negotiations and the human chief of security at the same time, even if for only a temporary time frame, is a move I doubt they would take.”

  “This is a risky move, Ambassador.”

  “I know the council. They are reasonable. I believe they will understand, given the circumstances.” At least he hoped so.

  “Very well. When will you approach them?”

  That was something Kamran had been considering all morning. “Tomorrow. I need at least one night’s sleep in my own bed and a chance to collect my thoughts. I have already notified them that I wish to speak before them before I left the med bay.”

  “Have you discussed this with Haylie?”

  Kamran wanted to lie, but knew there was no point. “Not yet.”

  Taber seemed to absorb this information. “Is there anything you’d like me to do?”

  He would love the ability to make the next few days easier, but doubted Taber could help much with that particular request.

  “Other than keeping an eye on Haylie? No, thank you, my friend. Rest. I’ll be in touch with you after the meeting.”

  With nothing else to do or say, Kamran returned to his bed as Taber let himself out. Rest was what he needed and the only way to ensure that was to take the medicine Ray had provided, though he loathed to take them. He popped the pills and swallowed a mouthful of warm water. The drugs hit him quickly and he barely managed to make it back to his bed before they tugged at him to sleep. He was beginning to drift to sleep when the chime to his quarters rang again.

  “Computer, identify.”

  “Human—Chief Bond.”

  What the…

  Weak from the pills he couldn’t make it to the door. Instead he swung his legs over the side of his bed and straightened his clothing. “Computer, unlock.”

  Haylie strode into the room, her muscular legs carrying her swiftly. She was to him before he managed a few steps from the bed.

  “Are you out of your mind? Or is it lack of sleep?”

  Kamran winced. “Good evening. How are you doing, Chief?”

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing, making a decision like that without talking to me first?”

  Her face was flushed, her chest heaving. Kamran knew anger when he saw it and from the look of her, he was in trouble.

  “Answer me, Kamran.”

  “It’s the right thing to do.”

  “Bullshit! I can’t believe…” her words died on her lips.

  She was clearly hurt. In a way, he didn’t blame her.

  “How did you find out?”

  “Taber.” They both spoke his name at the same time.

  “I was on my way to check in with you. I ran into Taber in the hall and could tell he was bothered about something. It didn’t take long for it to come out.”

  He had to offer her some reassurance. “They won’t do anything. Not now.”

  “A few days ago, you claimed they would ship us off planet the second they learned what was going on between us. But hey, it’s all good now. Perfectly fine since someone’s blown up five of the Briel elders on the station and damn near killed their ambassador too.” Her voice rose dangerously close to a yell.

  “No. No, everything isn’t fine and I never said that it was. This station is starting to tear itself apart. People I care about are being blown up, or attacked in their dreams.” He felt his own annoyance creeping up. “The fact that we have a relationship is minor.”

  Seething was the only description that came to his mind as he looked at her. He could feel her anger racing through her mind, along with some images of unpleasant things she wanted to do to him. She began to move silently around the room, clearly trying to gain control over her emotions. When she spoke again, her words were clipped.

  “Did you at least think about telling me what you were about to do?”

  He was finding it hard to keep his own anger under control. Instead of fighting it he used it to push to his feet and cross the distance between them. “Yes, in the morning, once I had rested and before speaking to the elders. I’m not a complete asshole, Haylie. You know me better than that.”

  She turned to look at him, surprised. “What?”

  “That’s the name you keep calling me in your head.”

  Haylie blushed but ignored the comment. “How can you say that when we only met a few days ago.”

  “You know me well enough to trust me.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yes.”

  “Prove it.”

  They were on each other in a heartbeat, their lips locked. His hands pushed her hard against his chest. Her own were against his back, in his hair, around his neck.

  “I was so scared.”

  “I thought you were dead.”

  He didn’t know who spoke what, their thoughts mingled as their bodies did. He needed her. To be in her. He trembled with need and excitement.

  She felt him. “What am I doing? You’re hurt.” As she spoke, she tried to pull away.

  “Don’t you dare. I need you.”

  Haylie didn’t move at first, her eyes probing his. Her rational side threatened to ruin everything. To prevent that from happening, he kissed her neck and ran his tongue along her skin.

  “The bed is behind me.” He spoke against her now wet skin, tugging her back with him.

  He sat and pulled her onto his lap. Neither of them moved. He stared into her eyes, willing the concern he saw there away. She was inspecting the damage to his face and ran a finger over the now healing wounds.

  “You’re healing so quickly,” she whispered.

  “You’re not that easily rid of me.”

  “Did they tell you I was the one who found you?”

  No one had, though he wasn’t surprised by the revelation.

  “I suppose you are looking for a thank you?” he said and hoped his smile looked playful.

  “Only if you are up to giving one.”

  His erection pulsed to life against her thighs. Despite the events of the last few days, nothing had quashed his passion for her. She looked serious and ran the back of her hand against his cheek.

  She leaned forward and brushed a light kiss where her hand had been a moment ago. Her mouth then explored his face, attempting to kiss better the wounds he’d sustained. Kamran held still, enjoying the tender moment. Their relationship was fire. Now he felt it change. A deeper caring now supplemented the heat.

  Her lips finally reached his, gently probing. He felt her tongue slide over his lips in search of its mate. He moved his hands into her long, thick hair to draw her closer. Their pace didn’t increase, but the intensity of the contact did.

  Kamran’s eyes were closed, but the rest of his senses were heightened. Her moans were honey to his ears as she writhed against him.
Her scent fed his hunger. He needed her now.

  It only took a second to roll Haylie onto her back. Her hair spilled over the white of the soft sheets. Her uniform slid off her with some difficulty, causing Haylie to chuckle.

  “I haven’t had this much trouble with my clothing since high school.”

  “I hope you weren’t doing this in high school.” He covered her breast with his hand, squeezing her nipple until it peaked.

  She moaned again and thrashed her head from side to side, once, twice.

  “That’s good.” Relief relaxed him. He knew she was experienced, but he didn’t want her thinking about the others.

  Only him.

  His own clothing was easily discarded. Soon he slid the length of his naked flesh beside hers. The soft contact gave him strength, his body drawing what it needed to heal itself from her. Her leg hooked around his, drawing it up. He shifted his body so he lay on top of her, covering every inch with himself.

  They didn’t speak. Haylie opened her legs wide and wrapped them around his back. Her wet pussy now lay against his throbbing shaft. One thrust forward and he was buried to his hilt. He didn’t move at first, relishing the feeling. Then need pushed him on. She met his every action. Never a misstep.

  He found her lips again and eagerly kissed her. She clung to him, moaning her pleasure into his mouth, rubbing her nipples against his chest. Her body began to shake, a sign he now knew meant she was close to orgasm. Increasing the tempo, he ground his pelvis hard against her clit. One stroke, two and she cried out with pleasure. He moved his hands to clutch the sheets on either side of her head. He furiously began to pump into her, his own release shouted into the dark of the room.

  The sounds of their panting echoed in the otherwise quiet room. He rolled off her, but pulled her back against him, refusing to give up their contact. She said something softly against the pillow.

  “What was that?”

  She rolled to face him and smiled. “Nothing.”

  He couldn’t be sure, but he thought it sounded like she said she loved him. He wanted to ask her about it, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open. His body had used its energy reserves, leaving him spent.

  He could hear her steady, deep breathing. She was already asleep. With his eyes shut, it was only a moment before he joined her in oblivion.