Taking hold of his cock, she rubbed the precum over the head before guiding it toward her entrance.
He lifted his head, his eyelids heavy. “What about protection?”
“Not necessary.” An operation back on Earth had severed her fallopian tubes, making pregnancy impossible. She placed her palms on the edge of the desk and thrust to meet him.
He grasped her hips and plunged, the connection sending sparks of wildfire through her veins. With every stroke their bond grew stronger, as if she’d never been away from him. Bryce as her past, present, and future.
She clung to him, her breathing raged. And he pumped harder. Faster. Until, like the dawn of a new star, she burst, crying out in ecstasy. She lay back, her body covered in sweat, inner walls still pulsing.
Bryce picked her up and moved to the bed. Sitting on the mattress, he pulled her onto his lap, over his cock. As Lalia rocked above him, he lifted off her camisole. Cupping her breast, he circled his thumb around the peak. He played her body like an instrument, delicately, to hit just the right note. Leaning down, he sucked the nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around and gently grazing the tip with his teeth. Then he switched to the other, enough to drive her mad. She lost all concentration, could barely keep herself from turning into a puddle of lust.
But, his focus switched. He clasped her waist, moving her to a faster beat, his gaze intent, driven. Her own pleasure built, quicker than before. His head swelled inside her, and he burst, taking her over with him.
After cleaning up, Lalia curled into Bryce on the small bed. She couldn’t hide her lazy grin. In his arms, she felt like she could take on the universe.
When his com unit went off, all her confidence faded, replaced by a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
***
Fornax. Bryce stared at his com unit, willing the words to be a dream, his fears manifested into the imaginings of alpha sleep.
Lalia stirred on his bed, her naked body a welcome distraction. But, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t erase the dread. Everything he’d promised her no longer held any merit. In two Galactic days, a ship would arrive to collect him and his squad for a mission in a distant galaxy. He wouldn’t be with her when she returned to Hemera and would have no chance to apply for retirement until he finished the mission.
He watched her open her eyes then stretch out her gorgeous body, limbs and curves wrapped around him minutes ago, reminding him he was more than a Defender. He had primal needs, ones only Lalia had been able to fulfill. The occasional woman he’d taken to bed over the years never completed him the way she did. And now he had to leave her, leave behind a piece of his soul he’d recently discovered had been missing.
She frowned at him. “What was it? Is Katrina looking for me? I shouldn’t have left her alone so soon after having the trans chip implanted.”
“No, it was General Mulgrave.” He paced beside the bed. He had no words to explain the situation after all he’d promised, “I, um....”
“What is it?” Lalia pulled the covers over her. “What happened?”
“Erebus.” Bryce gulped. “They’ve invaded Tuey, and my squad has been called up to join the campaign against them.”
“Oh.” Her face paled. She’d already processed his meaning. Without another word, she tossed the blanket aside, grabbed her clothes from the floor, and started dressing.
“I’m so sorry.” Guilt chewed at his gut. “If I didn’t have to go, I wouldn’t.”
“It’s fine.” She shook her head without a glance his way. “Simply a reminder I can’t depend on the promises of others.”
A slap to the face would have hurt less. “That’s not fair. I am a Defender. I have no choice.”
“Exactly. Something I should have realized before I fell in...before I got pregnant.” She headed for the door, but he darted in front of her.
When she barreled into his chest, he wrapped his arms around her shaking body. “Please don’t leave like this. If I didn’t have to go, I wouldn’t. And I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
She sniffled, a tear slipping down her cheek. “I need to be by myself right now, the same as I’ll be when the carrier reaches Hemera.”
“You’ll have our daughter with you.” And he would apply for retirement as soon as the mission ended.
“She’s not yours, remember?” Lalia ducked out of his grip and left through the open doorway.
Cosmos! Bryce slammed his fist on the wall. Why did he have to fall in love with such a feisty woman? She hadn’t changed one bit. Though, instead of being mad at her parents, her anger now focused on him. Maybe she did need time. He’d track her down later. In the meantime, he had a squad to prepare for their next mission.
Chapter Four
With her hand raised, Lalia paused. She’d been stupid, immature, running out on Bryce like a spoiled princess. Behavior the Alliance would have expected of her nineteen years ago. Fear had turned her into someone else, the girl she’d sworn she’d never become.
Lalia knocked on the door and waited, hoping Bryce was in, that he’d forgive her. When the door lifted, she breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wanted to see her. But he didn’t get up. Instead, he remained on his bed, studying the com unit on the wall.
“Can I help you with something?” He turned the screen off and sat up. An acknowledgement but not the friendly greeting she’d hoped for.
“I came to apologize.” She spat out the words before she could run again, to stop her fear from taking over.
Bryce raised his brow ridge. “For what?”
Crossing her arms, she shook her head. He wasn’t going to make this easy for her. “Because I ran out on you this morning. Because I didn’t want to accept you’re leaving me. Because I’m scared.”
She’d barely gotten the words out when he rushed off the bed and pulled her into his arms. “Please don’t be afraid.” He kissed her temple, swaying as if to music while he held her. “The Alliance will make sure you get to Hemera safely, verse you in what has changed since you left.”
“No, not that.” Lalia lifted her head from his chest. “I meant about us, our future, if one is even possible.”
Cupping her cheeks, Bryce held her gaze. “I want a future with you more than anything. And I want to get to know my daughter, too. I wish I could leave this all behind and get started on our life together now, but if I reveal the truth, it will split us apart.”
“What do you mean?” Wouldn’t the Alliance be more lenient with his missions if they knew of their relationship? “If you’re my consort, they’ll have to let you retire, right?”
“No. As a Kalaren, I am expected to serve the Galactic Alliance, become a Defender.” He pursed his lips as if contemplating what to say next. “Retirement is generally not an option. Marriage and family are not as important as serving. We either die in battle, or are replaced by our offspring.”
“But Katrina can’t become a Defender. You said so. She grew up on Earth. She didn’t even know what an Erebus was until two days ago.”
Bryce gripped her shoulders and stared down at her. “I know. That’s why the Alliance cannot find out she’s my daughter.”
Lalia nodded, thankful he had the same concerns. “But, what about you? How are you able to retire without an heir?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve never heard of it happening, but Defenders who are severely injured or have served a minimum number of Galactic years are able to apply for retirement. I’ve just reached the threshold.”
“So, you’re going to apply?” Having his support on Hemera would make life there more bearable, the same as when she’d first met him. No one else had listened to her the way he had, supported her visions for the future, or loved her, body and soul.
“When I return from this mission, I will look into it further.” Clasping her hands, he gently squeezed her fingers. “But, I know you can handle Hemera until I get there. Share the vision you had. If not as their leader, then as an adviso
r.”
“An advisor?” Could she accept such a role and pass on her rights of primogeniture?
“Yes, on the council. They have more influence over the changes made, or denied, than you realize. And with your brother already crowned king, the transition would prove easier for all.”
She gave him a brief smile, wishing she shared his confidence. “Do you think they’d go for that? If so, I’ll try my best to make a difference.”
“All you can do it try.” He pulled her in tight, his lips crashing down on hers. All her worries disappeared, replaced by a rush of desire. She couldn’t get enough of Bryce, had so many years without him to make up for.
Slipping her hands under the hem of his shirt, she ran her finger tips over his hard abs. He’d never stopped taking care of himself, even if he did prefer the occasional cut and bruise.
With a growl, he broke their connection, kissing down her chin and across her neck. “I wish I didn’t have to leave you.” He lifted her shirt, holding her with one arm while palming her breast, rubbing his thumb over her nipple.
Leaning her head back, she thrust toward him, willing Bryce to take more. All of her. Again and again until he had to leave.
Lalia’s wrist com chimed. Katrina. The one person not in the room with her number. Lalia stepped back, the rush of her desire leaving her body shaking. “It’s our daughter.”
Turning away from Bryce, she took the call. “Hi, sweetie. What’s up?”
“I’m in the Defender lounge with....”
During the pause, Lalia heard nothing but mumbled words, but Bryce leaned closer, intent on what Katrina would say next.
“Oflan,” their daughter continued. “He wants to know if I can go back to his room.”
Bryce flew out the door before Lalia had a chance to respond. Had Katrina purposely tried to get a rise out of her father? If not careful, she would be one of the Defenders rather than using them to irk Bryce.
Lalia straightened her clothes then exited Bryce’s quarters. Her lover had both Katrina and a young Kalaren on the ground doing push-ups.
“Anytime you feel like releasing a little energy, this is what I want you to do.” He crouched in front of them while the other Defenders in the room watched in amusement. Surely the rumors had already started.
“Yes, Major.” The young man kept going, but Katrina slumped to the ground.
“I get it. I won’t socialize with the Defenders again.” She stood and brushed off the front of her pants. “Mom, can we go back to our own room now?”
“A good idea, Princess Katrina.” Jaw clenched, Bryce shooed them to the door. “You both need to rest in preparation for your arrival on Hemera.”
He’d dismissed them, excused her and her daughter without an explanation. Though, with the attention of the other Defenders, the action probably proved best. They didn’t need anyone asking questions.
After one last glance at Bryce, Lalia grasped her daughter’s hand and headed toward the lift. She hoped she’d have a chance to see Bryce off before he left for Tuey.
***
Lalia stared out the window, watching the shuttle depart. After leaving Defender quarters the night before, she hadn’t had any more time with Bryce aside from their quick goodbye as he marched his squad past. No kiss, not even a touch. Just a brief smile and nod. All she could expect in public until he retired.
Strings tugged on her heart as the ship carried him farther away. She held onto the promise she would see him again. He only left her temporarily, not like when she’d been sent away forever.
Katrina rubbed her back. “Don’t cry, Mom. He’ll be back.”
“I know.” How soon, she had no idea.
“You know, for a father, he’s pretty cool.” Her daughter turned around and leaned against the window. “I mean, he’s some kind of hero around here, and yet he still wants to get to know me. Plus, he really seems to love you. From what I’ve overheard, a lot of Defenders use their fame to pick up someone new. But they said Bryce was hung up on some woman from his past.”
Lalia wiped away her tears. No more crying. Bryce would be back. And she had Katrina’s adjustment to worry about, and a kingdom to return to. Everything she’d learned living on Earth, she’d use to make Hemera the place she would have wanted to live for the rest of her life.
“I should head back to our quarters. I need to speak with the King of Hemera before we arrive.” The Alliance had contacted her brother to inform him they’d found her and traveled to bring her and Katrina home. But she had yet to have a conversation with him. Three Galactic days away from Hemera, she needed to connect with the king. It would make the formality of her arrival easier.
“Okay.” Her daughter folded her arms. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to head to the Defender lounge for a bit.”
“Sure.” While she wanted Katrina to meet her brother, she also had some issues she wanted to discuss with him without an audience. “But stay out of trouble.”
After returning to her quarters, Lalia turned on the com screen and searched for the king’s private line. The last time she’d seen her brother, he’d asked her why she cried. But she’d rushed past the seventeen-Galactic-year-old boy with tears in her eyes, enraged at her parents for sending her away. From what she’d heard, he ruled like her father, maintaining two classes and sticking with old traditions. Did he look like the former king, too, or had he maintained their mother’s softer and darker features? She shook her head. It didn’t matter what he looked like. Would he want to talk to her? Even with her long absence, she still remained the rightful ruler of the Hemera. On her home planet, the crown went to the first-born child rather than the oldest son. Yet, she had no intention of claiming the title. She’d fight for her niece’s and daughter’s rights to marry a person of their own choosing, but nothing more.
A face morphed onto the screen, one she recognized even after so much time had passed. With blazing red hair and radiant green eyes, her brother smiled at her, dimples prominent in his round cheeks.
“King Comosova, it is so good to see you.” She spoke in Hemerick, her native tongue.
“Lalia, they really did find you.” He leaned closer to the screen. “And it’s Luchivus. No need for formalities. We’re family. If not so much distance between us, I’d hug you.”
Hug? An unfamiliar gesture for the Hemera. She’d had to adjust to the various greetings on Earth when she’d arrived. Where had Luchivus learned to hug? And why did he want her to use his first name? No one ever called the king by his given name, not even his wife. Had her home planet drastically changed during her adult years? “How have you been? Tell me about your family.”
“I’ve been well, thank you. I can’t complain.” He relaxed in his chair in an office-like room, nowhere near as formal as the throne room. “You remember Madelle, right?”
“Of course.” How could Lalia forget their nanny? She’d spent more time with the woman and her children than her own parents. The woman was the reason Lalia sneaked out to play with the commoner children, yearned for a better Hemera.
“Well, she took me in after the Erebus attack. And, when I became of age, I took the throne, and married her daughter. We have seven children. Six boys, and one girl who will be old enough to marry off in two Galactic years.”
Yet, her brother clung to the out-of-date ways, prepared to marry off his daughter instead of letting her fall in love on her own. “Well, I look forward to meeting them all.” And to discuss her niece’s rights. “Listen, we need to talk about the crown before I arrive. I need you to know—”
Luchivus waved his hands in front of him. “Don’t say another word. I’ve already agreed to step down. The crown will be passed to you in ceremony once you’ve settled in.”
“But I don’t want it.”
He gripped the arms of his chair, brows furrowed. “What do you mean you don’t want it?”
“I do not want to be Queen of Hemera.” The thought of ruling the planet made her cringe. She’d nev
er wanted to be the leader of her people, but to help bring about change from the sidelines as Bryce has said possible. “But, I would like an advisory position.”
“Done. Your experiences from living on Earth may help in negotiations.” His grip loosened, and color returned to his knuckles. “If this is indeed what you want.”
“It is.” Because when Bryce received his retirement from the Defenders, she wanted the option to leave Hemera again, travel across the universe without a political agenda for each destination.
***
Bryce shivered on the cot set up with others lining the walls of their temporary barracks. Lighting a fire or generating another source of heat would draw the Erebus to their location, if the creatures didn’t already sense their body heat signatures. It wasn’t easy to hide thirty Defenders on a mostly barren planet, whose only city surrounded the sole lake on Hoggins.
Oh how he wished he had Lalia beside him to keep warm. In a matter of a few days, he’d started to crave her inviting curves beside him in bed, yearned for another private moment when his sole duty involved bringing her pleasure.
Someone’s teeth chattered on the other side of the makeshift tent, sending another chill down his spine. The populated area of Hoggins was relatively warm, but due to the Erebus’s affinity for heat, the Defenders hunkered down closer to the dark side of the tidally-locked planet. Until they received their orders, they had to suffer with the unfavorable temperatures.
The inside of the tent lit up like a bright summer day. A boom followed, waking any of the Defenders who’d managed to doze off. An explosion. And it had to be closer than Hoggford to create so much light and noise.
General Mulgrave appeared inside, his face red, Gersonian wattle jiggling. “Echo squad, you’re up.”
Bryce rose to his feet and followed the man out of the tent. His team gathered behind him, no other command needed. Armed with plazers, weapons they couldn’t use while on other planets with civilizations unaware of life beyond their own, they joined the Delta squad to be briefed.
BRYCE (Galactic Defenders Book 1) Page 4