Above the Storm: Silverstar Mates (Intergalactic Dating Agency)

by Lea Kirk

  “I think you can figure out what that means.”

  He blinked down at her as though trying to work out what she’d told him, then his brow creased on either side of his widow’s peak. And there was the light of comprehension dawning. “Your friend has enticed Kyzel into her bed, then.”

  “Wow. Isn’t that just like a man, to blame the woman?”

  “You do not want to see the truth of the matter because she is your friend.”

  “I wonder how your friend would feel if he knew how little you think of his ability to make his own choices.”

  Rol opened his mouth, then abruptly shut it again.

  You’ve been schooled, buddy. So why wasn’t the sense of triumph settling well with her?

  Rol folded his arms over his chest—just like a guy—and glared down his nose at her. Another guy thing. “I will do what I must to protect my friend.”

  “And I’ll do the same for Robyn.” She stepped closer, and even the distant freeway noise seemed to quiet in anticipation of her next words. “And I wasn’t kidding. If you ruin this for her, I’ll find a way to make you pay.”

  He didn’t give so much as an inch, dammit. But as long as he stood his ground, so would she. No matter that his warm, masculine scent tickled her nose with a hint of allspice. No matter that the urge to lean into him was battling with her pride. No matter that the insanity of pressing her lips to his suddenly didn’t seem quite so insane anymore.

  But it was insane. All of it. If she didn’t walk away, she’d—

  Rol shook his wings, and they settled into place. “Good evening, Ms. Faulkner.”

  He spun away and strode down the sidewalk. The stride turned into a jog, then a run, then he pumped his massive wings and leaped into the air. He was airborne, a shadow above the streetlights disappearing into the night, leaving behind a small tornado of dead leaves.

  And her.

  “Jesus, Meryl.” She pressed her palm to her chest. If she didn’t, her heart might pound its way out. “What the hell was that all about?”

  A delicious warmth cocooned Robyn as awareness stole over her, pulling her from the deepest, most sound sleep she’d ever had. At least, as an adult. A comfortable weight rested across her waist. With each breath she inhaled the scent of nutmeg, and the softest blanket whispered over her bare skin like downy feathers.

  “Mmm.” Feathers.

  She forced her eyes open. Kyzel was there, lying on his stomach watching her with an expression of utter peace, as if he’d found heaven. And she couldn’t disagree. It was like heaven waking up to find him still here, with his arm draped over her and his wing covering her body, sheltering her from the outside world until she was ready to face it again.

  And she was nowhere near ready for that, not after all the things they’d done together in the dark of night flooded back. The taste of his essence on her tongue, the heat of his mouth sucking her clit. The muscles clenched and her breath hitched. A thousand more times would not be enough.

  Kyzel’s peaceful smile widened, and he scooted his lean body toward her. “Good morning, my song.”

  “Good morning.” She rolled onto her back as he followed, and she wrapped her legs around his hips.

  His hard, full…dick—yes, dick, she could say…or think…that now—slid into her easily this time, and her moan of pleasure mingled with his. She could get used to being constantly turned on for this guy. That whole mates for life thing was sounding better than ever.

  She ran her palms over his shoulders and along the arch of his wings. “Soft.”

  A shiver passed through him. Then his mouth was on hers, their tongues mating as he increased his tempo. Heat built at the source of their intimate friction, and, dear God, everything inside her tightened as each stroke brought her closer to breaking.

  She closed her fingers around the edges of his wings and pushed her hips up, meeting him thrust for thrust until her inner walls clamped down around him, stealing her breath as her release washed over her.

  “Yessss.”

  He groaned and surged deep, his wings extending fully.

  A distant crack barely registered as his body stiffened and he poured himself into her.

  Yep, heaven. She inhaled and exhaled, panting as the magic of making love to this man from another world spun around her, bringing her back down for a landing as smooth and gentle as last night’s flights had been.

  Kyzel braced his weight on his arms and pressed his cheek to hers. “Do you feel it too?”

  Feel it? Her whole body was alive with it, whatever it was. “I don’t want it to end.”

  He pulled back and looked down at her. “It does not have to.”

  “But you’ll have to go back to Bezchi at some point.”

  “Not for a few more weeks.”

  “Good.” She smiled up at him. “Then how’d you feel about going away together next weekend? I can rent a cabin in the mountains for us.”

  Not the one she and Kevin had sold as part of the divorce settlement, but one higher up, where there were fewer people.

  “I would love that.” He brushed her hair back with one hand. “Why not sooner?”

  Sooner would be her choice too, if only. “I wish. But I have to work. The good news is that I only work Monday through Thursday, so we can leave Friday morning. Or Thursday night.”

  “I understand. I too have commitments to honor back home, and Rol will probably wish to do some sightseeing. I will be ready to go by Thursday night. Also—” He glanced to his right, and a hint of pink glowed on his cheeks. “—can we get a place with a larger bedroom? I seem to have broken your lamp.”

  She turned her head, and sure enough, the bulky seafoam green glass lamp was hanging off the far edge of the nightstand by its cord, the body cracked open like an egg. “That does look bad, doesn’t it?”

  “I am sorry.” He sounded so contrite. “If there is a way to fix it—”

  “No.” She grinned up at him. “I never liked that lamp. It belonged to my mother-in-law, and I only took it with me because I didn’t want to spend the money on a new one.”

  “Then, you are not upset?”

  “Nope.” She placed her hands on either side of his face. “You mean more to me than an ugly old lamp, anyway. But I will try to find a place with an extra large master suite so we don’t accidently break someone else’s stuff.”

  The look of relief on his face was almost comical. “I will be more careful in the future.”

  “Great. Because we still have the rest of today and tonight.” She raised her head and pressed her lips against his smooth chin in a quick kiss. “Now, have you ever had strawberry waffles before?”

  Chapter14

  Kyzel strode into the suite he shared with Rol. The last two nights—and days—with Robyn still glowed in his heart, a part of every breath he took. Had he ever been happier, more content, about anything in his entire life? Had anyone woven their way into the very fabric of his soul as she had? Granted, the birth of his heirs had brought its own magic and joy, but it was different to what he shared now with her.

  And they would be leaving for a long weekend together in just a few days. He would have to tell her then, reveal who he was. It was no longer prudent to keep that from her.

  “You have finally chosen to return.” Rol’s words penetrated his thoughts. “I will schedule passage on the next—”

  “Stop, Rol.”

  Rol sighed and looked up from the Earth book in his hands. “Can you blame me for being concerned?”

  “As my friend, no. But this is my decision to make. Mine and Robyn’s.”

  “A decision that will affect our clan, and, to a lesser degree, Bezchi.” Rol snapped the book closed and rose.

  “It did not seem to be a problem when we left. What do you wish, Rol? That I abdicate to soothe everyone’s ruffled feathers?” That was not his first choice, but maybe it would be best for the clan to elect a new pair.


  Rol’s eyes widened with shock. “No, I—”

  “Then why do you continue fighting my choice?” He curled his fingers into fists.

  “Because,” a new voice interrupted, “your choice goes against the very traditions you are bound to uphold and protect.”

  Kyzel turned his attention to an unexpected visitor standing in the doorway to the private rooms. The creases of age lined the male’s face and bare arms. Everything else was covered in the Firewing clan’s traditional flowing garb. His red headfeathers and wings were covered with a silvery sheen. Yet, despite his age, he stood tall.

  Rol gestured halfheartedly toward the newcomer. “Kyzel, this is Elder Kai Firewing.”

  “Greetings, Monarch Raptorclaw.” Firewing inclined his head.

  Kyzel crisscrossed his arms, pressing the pulse points of his wrists over his heart, and gave the elder a bow of respect. “Greetings, Elder Kai. To what do I owe the pleasure of your attention?”

  Not that he could not guess.

  “Curiosity,” the elder stated.

  Doubtful that was the only reason, but he would play along.

  “About Earth?” He reached into his omlek pocket and pulled out the folded piece of paper Robyn had given him. “I have a list of sights to see from Robyn, a local resident who I am considering as a mate.”

  Kai narrowed his gaze. “You have caused great consternation amongst the elders, Kyzel of the Raptorclaw clan.”

  Kyzel cast an accusing glare at Rol, but his friend shook his head. So, Kai’s visit was not Rol’s doing.

  The elder continued. “We are not convinced that your actions are in the best interest of Bezchi. I am here to meet the Earth elder who is assisting you with your…match.”

  “You mean, Ms. Vogel?” How would the Silverstar agent respond to that request? Moreover, how would she respond to being referred to as elder?

  Kai blinked as though mildly confused, or surprised. “Is that the elder’s name?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then, you will take me to them.”

  “As you wish, honorable one.” After a quick crash course on the cultural aspects of interacting with Earthlings.

  Rol reached over and plucked Robyn’s list from his hand. “While you do that, I will go see the sights. After all, I have been entertaining the honorable one for two days while you were otherwise occupied.”

  So, this was why Rol seemed more conflicted now; the elder had been feeding into his doubts all weekend.

  “Sounds fair, but our discussion is not over.”

  Rol dipped his head. “As you wish, my monarch.”

  It was a shame to lose valuable time to change Rol’s perspective, but finding a distraction for the elder before the male tried to match him with someone else was a more pressing issue.

  “I swear to God, Robyn, you’ve been smiling all morning.”

  Robyn met her supervisor’s gaze. “No, I haven’t.”

  Jayla’s grin stretched across her broad face like she’d figured out the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. “Must’ve been quite a weekend.”

  Well, I guess Kyzel was right about my face being expressive.

  Or Jayla was just too astute. But dang if all that happiness would stay bottled up. “It was nice.”

  She opened her wallet and pulled out a twenty.

  “Pfft. More than nice, I think, but I can wait. I’ll get it out of you eventually.” Jayla cackled with glee.

  You only think you will. Robyn put the wallet back in her purse and gave the drawer a push. The metal glides screeched in unison as it closed. “I’m going to grab a bite to eat. Be back in thirty.”

  “I’ll be here, waiting.” Jayla’s grin was almost evil. “See ya.”

  It didn’t take long to pop into Magoo’s and pick up a plate of mushu beef, then head along the sidewalk back toward the office.

  “Ms. Donahue?”

  Robyn turned to face the man coming behind her. Not human, a Bezchian. And not as tall as Kyzel, but she still had to tip her head to meet his gaze. “Yes?”

  What interesting eyes he has. One gray, one blue.

  He stopped a few feet away, smiling in a friendly sort of way. “I am Rol, Kyzel’s friend.”

  “Oh…oh, yes.” Why was he here? “How are you?”

  “I am well. Your planet is quite interesting.” He held up a folded piece of paper. “Kyzel gave me your list of sights to visit, thank you.”

  Ah, so that’s how he’d found her. She’d written the list on a piece of work stationery.

  “You’re welcome.” She glanced behind him. “Is Kyzel with you?”

  “An elder arrived from home two days ago. Kyzel is in discussion with him regarding business issues.” He gestured in the direction she had been walking. “I do not mean to delay you from your errand. May I walk with you?”

  “Sure, of course.”

  He fell in beside her, keeping a respectful distance. “I am glad I accompanied Kyzel on his quest to replace Careene.”

  Her feet seemed to trip over themselves. She stopped and stared at Rol, her heart caught in her throat. “What do you mean replace?”

  Rol pursed his lips as though confused. “I…perhaps I used the wrong word? The internal translator is usually excellent, but occasionally there are mistakes.”

  That must be it. Even high-tech devices weren’t completely infallible.

  “I see now why he is so taken by you,” Rol continued. “I must admit, I was skeptical about his venture here to find a new mate. After all, he and Careene had been matched by our traditions, and were very happy together. It is only right that he honor his first mate by choosing another so similar.”

  A small choking sound escaped her. Kyzel really did want to replace his first mate with her?

  Rol sighed, as though the concept was romantic. “Careene was everything to him, and now because of you, he has the chance to recapture that relationship. Do you know that he told me today that he would give up all his responsibilities back home for you?” Rol chuckled. “Which is ridiculous, of course. He is a vital member of our society, and…are you well, Ms. Donahue?”

  No, she wasn’t well. She’d fallen for Kyzel, but apparently he hadn’t seen her as anything other than the replacement wife.

  “Ms. Donahue?”

  “I…I’m fine.” She needed to get away from this guy. She took in her surroundings, and her gaze fell on the familiar black lettering on the door a few steps away. “It was nice meeting you, Rol. I need to get back to work now.”

  “Yes, of course.” He stepped away. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Donahue.”

  “Yeah, you, too.” She ducked into the office without a backward glance.

  What a miserable afternoon. Robyn sat in the driver’s seat of her car, staring at the cinderblock wall of the building where she worked. Even four-plus hours after her run-in with Rol, her head still spun. Probably because she’d spent the entire afternoon trying to pretend everything was fine. That yet another relationship wasn’t over before it’d begun.

  She really, really needed to talk to someone.

  She punched the speed dial on her cell phone and pressed it to her ear.

  One ringy-dingy, two ringy-dingies, three—

  “So, you finally decided to come up for air.” Meryl’s voice was like a balm on an open wound.

  The floodgates opened and a sequence of sobs bubbled out of Robyn.

  “Robbi? Robbi, what’s wrong?”

  “E-e-everyth-th-thing.”

  “What? What happened?”

  “Kyzel is only in-interested in me bec-c-cause he wants to replace his f-first wife…mate.” Whatever.

  “Who told you that?” Bless Meryl for sounding so mercenary, like she was going to kill whoever hurt her.

  “H-his friend, R-Rol.” She sniffled.

  “That dumb shit.”

  “You…you know h-him?”

  “I
’ve met him, and honey, don’t you believe a word he says. He’s just jealous.”

  She wiped the backs of her hands over her eyes. “What do you mean?”

  “Just trust me. When are you seeing Kyzel again?”

  “Thursday night.” She sniffled again. “We were planning to go away for the weekend.”

  Meryl murmured something, then, “I’m at Kit-Kat’s. I’m putting you on speaker phone because she’s being a brat.”

  “Hey!” Kathy protested.

  “Okay,” Meryl continued, her voice taking on the speaker phone echo.

  “Hi, Mom.” Kathy’s voice filled Robyn’s heart with love.

  She swiped the backs of her hands over her cheeks. “H-hi, honey.”

  “So,” Meryl said. “Here’s the plan, Robbi. You’re going to go away with Kyzel on Thursday night, as planned. You can talk things out with him then. And if you see Rol in the meantime, punch him in the fucking nose.”

  “Auntie Meryl.” Kathy chided. “Hey, Mom?”

  Funny how fast these two women could make her feel better. “Yes, honey?”

  “Aunt Meryl seems to like this guy a lot. It sounds like he makes you happy. Does he?”

  “Yes. Yes, he does.”

  “Good. Then I can’t wait to meet him. But after you get back next week will be fine. Okay?”

  Aw, she’d done something right raising this little girl into a woman. “Okay. Thank you, my love. See you later, ’kay?”

  “’Kay.”

  She disconnected from the call and dropped her phone back in her purse. Yes, she was going to go on this romantic weekend with Kyzel, and she would darn well talk to him about his “friend.” But right now, she had things to do, like pick up something for dinner tonight then go home and scan the rental sites for a place.

  She turned the key in the ignition and the engine chugged to life. Everything would be okay.

  I hope.

  Meryl pressed the disconnect button, then caught her bottom lip between her teeth. She had warned that busy-body winged off-worlder to stay out of Robyn’s business, but noooo. He just couldn’t do it, apparently.

  Now she was forced to run interference, and he only had himself to blame. So, what could she do? It had to be something unexpected, without causing any real harm.