The smaller ship’s door slid open and a stocky blond man walked out, his empty hands held out from his sides. The guards kept their weapons trained on him and he stared them down. The man moved forward and a guard nervously shot the side of the ship next to the man. Suddenly, the phase pistols were yanked from the guards by invisible hands and rose toward the ceiling out of reach.
“I told you I was unarmed,” he growled. “I understand your need to protect your women, but do not kill me in the process.”
She could have sworn he’d muttered something about trigger-happy grunts, but wasn’t sure. Ducking behind Merrick, she hid her happy grin and watched over his shoulder. The man’s aura shone brightly, a definite indication that he wasn’t evil. She would guess that, like Ryo, he had never been touched by the evil Hienials. He appeared about two to three years older than she. Definitely old enough that he should have been within their grasp during the final battle. Had his mother kept him hidden as well? Surely this wonderful specimen hadn’t been small for his age as Ryo had been?
Her eyes drank him in. He was just as she’d dreamt. Blond hair hung to his shoulders, still wet from a recent shower, if she guessed correctly. Amber eyes gazed restlessly around the room until they finally came to rest on her and they widened. She averted her gaze, not wanting him to realize she was his mate. Instead, she made it seem as though she inspected him as any other woman would have. She took in his very broad shoulders that tapered down to a thick muscular waist. There wasn’t an ounce of wasted fat on him. Powerful thighs carried him down the ramp. She gasped, backing away, when she realized he walked toward her. He knew! Somehow he knew she was his mate!
* * * *
Merrick stiffened as the blond male made his way toward him and his mate. Everything in him wanted to rebel at the newcomer’s presence but he’d known the possibility that Arabella had another mate out there existed—he just didn’t think they’d come upon him so soon.
Knowing it was better to face things head on, Merrick stepped forward to greet the stranger they rescued, hoping the Goddess in all her wisdom chose a triad mate he could come to care for. Otherwise, their future as a contented triad would be in jeopardy.
Do you doubt me, Merrick?
Merrick flinched. How could he not do so the first time the goddess spoke to him? Before he could answer her, his new triad mate stopped in front of him, holding out his arm for a warrior’s greeting.
Clasping the stranger’s arm with his own, wrist to forearm, Merrick began the introductions. “My name is Merrick Raden of the Savari. This is Arabella of Drakon.”
Behind him, he felt Arabella stir then slowly move to his side. She gripped his side before slowly releasing it, to stand bravely next to him. His heart clenched—in pride of Arabella’s bravery and fear of what the newcomer would mean to their relationship—as they awaited their new mate’s first words.
“And I’m Viktor d’Vrai.”
Merrick nodded, though he kept his gaze locked on Viktor’s. “We were surprised to hear your distress call. There are no known planets in this sector of space.”
“That is true. I’ve been traveling for nearly half a year, on a mission for the Goddess. Then just a few days ago, my engine died and I’ve been adrift ever since.”
Beside him, Arabella stirred then stepped forward, placing her hand on Viktor’s wrist. “What mission has the Goddess given you?”
The husky tone of his mate’s voice sent goose bumps pebbling across Merrick’s skin. If Viktor’s gasp was any indication, he, too, wasn’t immune to either her touch or her voice.
“I’m searching for someone of great importance to my people. Only when I find him will we be able to begin our journey in search of a homeland.’
Merrick looked closer at their new triad mate. Could it be? Was he here on the same mission as they? Was he looking for Ryo?
Of course he is. Why else would I place him here where you are sure to cross his path?
Merrick gave his head a slight shake, nothing too obvious to those watching them closely. He should have known that the Goddess had intervened. He’d heard from his brother how instrumental the Lady Goddess had been when it came to his mating twenty-five years earlier. Then I must thank you for blessing Viktor and myself with such a beautiful mate.
The Lady Goddess snorted. That is not the only reason I brought you together.
Of course. I will introduce Viktor to Ryo as soon as possible.
“Then you’re in luck. Ryo is nearby. In fact, he’s on one of the ships we’re guarding.”
Viktor straightened, taking his gaze off Arabella for the first time since their introduction. “He is here?”
“Yes. We’ll go to our chambers and contact him on his private channel.”
Viktor swallowed then nodded. “Where you lead, I shall follow.”
* * * *
Viktor followed the couple to their chamber. She was already mated! His dream woman could not be his. He tried to hide his disappointment. The last thing he needed to do was let them know he lusted after her.
Arabella…it was such a beautiful name. At least now he had a name for the woman in his dreams. If only they believed in triad relationships. The people on his world had just begun to embrace the notion when he left. Sharing a woman between two males was infinitely better than no woman at all. Still, he knew nothing about these people. He refused to insult them when he was so close to finding the man he sought.
His mission from the goddess was to bring peace to his people and become the second in command for the one known as Ryo. Until Ryo beget heirs, unrest would remain with their people unless he had a second. Viktor was that man until Ryo found his bond-mate. Then his bond-mate would become second until Ryo’s son was old enough to carry the burden of leadership.
He licked his lips, watching the gentle sway of Arabella’s hips as they led him to their quarters. He kept his eyes focused downward, trying to come to grips with the fact that his mate would not be his. Tears burned his eyes and he fought them back. He would not cry, he could not cry. He refused to show them the weakness this woman brought out in him.
Gritting his teeth, he followed them through an opened door and took a deep breath. It smelled like her. He smelled her arousal, her cream from when they’d made love earlier and he wanted to scream with anguish. Still, he was strong. He kept the pain from his face—kept his heart from breaking. He could show them no weakness since he knew next to nothing about them.
It wasn’t until they were ensconced securely within the chamber that Arabella spoke and he realized they both knew what he was.
“Welcome to your new home, mate.”
Viktor swallowed thickly. “Mate?”
Arabella crossed the room to stand before him. “Yes.” She looked to Merrick before she continued. “We’ve known you were out there. We have both agreed that I will not forsake one mate for another. We seek to form a triad relationship with you if you are willing.” Her cheeks bloomed red and he realized how difficult such a declaration must have been for her.
“Relationships such as you describe are not unknown to me.” His own brother was in such a triad and happy to be included. Viktor looked to Merrick, trying to see if he had a problem with the situation. “Have you any objections?”
Merrick shrugged. “Hell, I don’t know. I know I’d rather keep her to myself, but I can’t be so selfish as to place a wedge between us. Such an act would only hurt Arabella. She will love us both, regardless. She doesn’t need us fighting each other. I think we can work something out.”
“Work something out,” Viktor repeated and gave Arabella a soft smile. Finally, something had gone right for him. “I think we can work something out as well.” He watched as the other two busied themselves at the communications console. When the screen lit up and he saw another face from his dreams, he fell to his knees in supplication. “Ryo of Kneese!”
The blond man smiled down at Arabella. “Hello, little one. Is this another of your practical
jokes? I know I’m supposed to be the high and mighty Halfling, but I really get uncomfortable when people genuflect like that.” He said with a chuckle. “You on the floor there, stand. I don’t need my ego stroked quite so thoroughly.” Then he turned back to Arabella. “Did you need something?”
She smiled up at him as Viktor stood, still in awe of the man he’d only seen in his visions from the goddess. “I bring you your first subject, Ryo. He is on a mission from the goddess to help you bring your people together. At last, you are not alone.”
Sharp eyes turned on Viktor and he resisted the urge to fidget. “You are half Hienial?”
Viktor nodded slowly. “It is not something I am proud of, sir. Just as you cannot be proud of your heritage, no man wants to learn he is the product of an attack on his beloved mother.”
Ryo sighed and nodded. “It is as you say. My mother is precious to me. If my stepfathers and adopted family had not already killed my biological father, I would do so myself.” He sat back and steepled his hands against his chin. “Why did the goddess tell you to seek me out?”
Viktor straightened, knowing he had only one chance to convince Ryo he spoke the truth. “The Lady Goddess sent me in search of you to help you bring our people together. She said there are those who would seek your position and seize the power from you. Those who, like our fathers, have been touched by evil. I am to be your second until you find your Triad mates. Then your bond-mate will be your second until your first child is born. Once you have heirs, there will be no unrest.”
Viktor held himself rigid beneath Ryo’s stare. Even with Ryo watching him through a digital transmission, he could feel the man’s power. Awed and humbled that the Goddess had chosen him to second such a charismatic and obviously powerful man, Viktor awaited Ryo’s response.
After what seemed hours but couldn’t have been more than a few moments, Ryo nodded. “As the Goddess wills. I would like to speak with you in person.”
Before he could agree, Ryo held up his hand, halting him. “But I think we’ll leave that until the morning. If the blush staining Bella’s face is any indication, I believe you’ll be quite busy this evening.” He inclined his head. “My congratulations to you all.”
“Ryo!”
Ryo chuckled then the communication screen went blank leaving Viktor, Merrick and Arabella alone for the first time since they acknowledged their mating. Leaving them alone with the rest of the night to seal their Triad bond.
Turning toward his new mates, Viktor eyed them warily, uncomfortable now that they were alone with the raised bed just a few steps away. He’d like nothing more than to tumble Arabella to the bed and take her as he had in his dreams, to see if their lovemaking would be as incredible as he’d imagined. He couldn’t do that though. It wasn’t only his own needs and desires that were important now, but Arabella’s and Merrick’s as well.
Arabella licked her lips then looked toward Merrick who nodded then walked out the room without another word.
“What did I just miss?’
“Merrick is giving us some time alone before he joins us.”
“You have a telepathic bond with him?” Viktor could hear the envy in his voice and felt shame crawl through him. He shouldn’t begrudge the other man his connection with their lovely mate.
“I imagine we share the same connection as I’ve dreamed of you for many months. Can’t you say the same?”
Viktor felt heat blaze across his skin. If she only knew just what kind of dreams he’d had of her she wouldn’t be standing there looking at him with such wide-eyed innocence. “Yes, I, too, have dreamed of you.”
When Arabella smiled at his response then rubbed her palms over her breasts in a deliberately seductive move, he thought he’d come right then and there. No sexual touching needed. He couldn’t stop the low growl that rumbled through his throat at her blatant attempt at seduction. He wanted to pounce, to take her to the floor and mount her, mark her as his mate.
He fisted his hands at his sides, desperate to keep his animal instincts leashed. He took a small step back, needing to put more distance between them before he did something he’d later regret, before he took her without regard for her wants and needs.
Desperate to get his mind off sex he looked around his new quarters, the quarters that tonight he would share with Arabella and Merrick. The main room was large, definitely big enough for the three of them. There were two large comfortable looking sofas, several low tables and even a large eating table he could envision sharing meals with his new mates.
He could see the raised bed through the open door just a few steps to his right. It was covered in a bright red silken coverlet and half-dozen black pillows. His cock pressed harder against his pants at the thought of what would soon happen amongst the vivid-colored bedding.
He glanced away. Staring at the bed was doing nothing to dampen his libido. It didn’t help that he could smell his mate’s growing arousal. He probably should say something but he couldn’t find his voice, instead he chose to continue inspecting his new home.
Several other doors branched off the main room giving the impression that their quarters were more of an apartment dwelling than the crew chambers of an interstellar spaceship. The walls were covered in tapestries depicting dozens of planetary scenes and space battles. All in all, the room felt warm and welcoming. It was a place he’d easily be able to call home.
When his gaze returned to his mate, his cock jerked in his pants. She’d shed her flight suit and now wore naught but an ivory camisole and a pair of tiny matching panties that tied at each hip.
Her nipples were hard, pressing against the silky material covering her breasts. Her legs were long, luscious. The way her golden-red hair wrapped around her waist only emphasized the width of her hips and the narrowness of her waist. And when her words finally registered he thought he’d expire on the spot. “Say that again.”
“I want you to lay on the bed so I can pleasure you.”
If it wasn’t for the slight trembling in her fingers and the heated blush staining her cheeks he’d have thought she enjoyed ordering him to her bed, but the tell-tale signs of nervousness showed she was out of her comfort zone.
Not about to argue with her when he’d been praying to the Lady Goddess that his dream woman was out there, Viktor did as ordered, stripping out of his tunic on his way toward the bed. He decided to leave his pants on for a while, because the second his naked cock touched her flesh, he didn’t know if he’d be able to stop himself from taking her and he wanted their lovemaking to last as long as possible.
* * * *
Arabella’s stomach fluttered. Her hands shook. She reached out to Merrick, needing to know he understood why she wanted this time alone with her new mate. She didn’t want Viktor feeling as though he was a second choice in mate, or just another body to warm her bed.
I understand, my love. Though it is hard, I think you’ve made the right decision. I don’t know how long I can stay away, but I want this for you. Get to know your other mate, welcome him into our family. I’ll be in the mess scrounging up a meal for the three of us.
You’re sure?
I’m sure. I’ll be there shortly.
Feeling more at ease, Arabella led Viktor to the bedchamber doing her best to put a little more sway in her hips as she went. When they made it the last few steps to the bedchamber, Viktor lay on his back in the center of the bed, his hands beneath his head.
Shoving her nervousness to the back of her mind, she crawled up atop the bed and knelt by his side, drinking in his masculine beauty. His shaggy blond hair framed his sensual face. Amber eyes glinted with fierce heat and need. His full lips tempted her to lean down and take a nibble.
Her gaze moved down, explored his impressive chest. Viktor looked like he spent many long hours in warrior training. His arms and abdomen rippled with flexing muscles. His shaft pressed against the front of his loose trousers, straining to escape its confines. And his thighs… His thighs stretched the fabric o
f his pants to the point it seemed he might break the seams. This was a man who took care of his body, but she sensed it was more to protect others than an inflated sense of self and the need to look good to women.
“Are you enjoying the view?”
The rumbling voice of her mate made her pussy spasm. Cream began to trickle down her thighs as anticipation built. His cock flexed against his pants, drawing her gaze. She licked her lips, imagining just what his come would taste like. She wanted to pleasure him that way, needed to. “Um, yes, definitely.”
Without a word, he took her hand in his and gently pulled her forward until she lay sprawled across his chest. As soon as her breasts brushed against his torso, a fierce jolt of fiery heat ripped through her body, a conduit of energy lighting a blaze from her nipples straight to her pussy.
Unable to deny the fierce desire to taste him a moment longer, she captured his lips, kissing him with all the passion and need burning its way through her.
He tasted like the sweetest wine and the richest chocolate from her mother’s home-world combined. She could describe it no other way. And she wanted more of him, so much more. She wanted to taste every inch of his skin, drink down his essence, his seed. She wanted to lavish him with pleasure until the shadows she’d seen in his eyes earlier were forever banished. She wanted it all and had no idea where to begin.
Arabella slid her hands to the back of his neck, dug her hands into his hair and tugged him forward, desperate to devour him. Need clawed through her body. Viktor rose with her until he was sitting up, moving to press his back against the carved headboard, his arms wrapped firmly around her waist. She didn’t stop kissing him as he repositioned them, couldn’t stop kissing him. She was addicted to his taste, couldn’t get enough of him as she ravaged his mouth and yet it wasn’t enough, not nearly enough.
His arms tightened a fraction then he groaned into her mouth. She could feel his pleasure in her mind as their mate-bond began to shimmer and gain in strength. Unable to resist, she crawled completely atop Viktor. She could feel the hard press of his cock against her stomach and couldn’t resist rubbing against him like a feline in heat.
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