“Yes.”
He started with a little bit about the history of his people. It made her sad as he recounted the horrors they’d endured while under the tyranny of Earth Government. They’d been treated as if they were robots.
He then told her about how they’d escaped, stealing ships, and how Garden had been discovered. Mick found that story fascinating. Cyborgs were amazingly resilient.
He was just getting into the details of how their planet was ruled by twelve council members when the door chimed. He lifted her off his lap and shoved a pillow at her.
“It will be a male, and he will stare at you. Please cover up.”
She used the pillow to hide her upper body, purposely ignoring whoever was at the door to deliver their food. Sky brought in a loaded tray and took a seat near her, resting it between them before removing the lid.
“Go on,” she encouraged.
He talked as they ate. She had to stop him when he came to breeding pacts.
“Let me get this straight. Any woman can demand your sperm to have a baby?” That didn’t sit well with her at all.
“I’ve contributed to the genetic pool by having children with women who’ve requested my sperm, as all cyborg males must do. My required quota has been met. I am out of my breeding pact, Mick. I promise all my sperm exclusively to you, from now on.”
“I never thought I’d say this, nor be happy to hear those words come from a man, but I’m glad your sperm is only mine. I wouldn’t be okay with you having to get other women pregnant.”
“It won’t happen.”
“This is a done deal, right? They can’t order you to have sex with cyborgs who want your genes?”
“It’s a done deal. I swear.”
She was willing to believe him. “What about the kids that you already have? I don’t have much experience around them. Will they visit us on weekends? How often do you have custody? I’ll assume that’s how it works, since you’re not married to their mothers.”
“I’m not allowed to see them. It was a genetic donation, Mick. I have no rights or claims to those children.”
She nodded slowly. “I see.”
He leaned forward, studying her. “Does that make you think less of me?”
“No. Why would it?”
“Some would consider it cold to have children they aren’t raising. I do care about those children, but they aren’t considered mine by cyborg law.”
“You don’t know much about miners, do you?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“Some of us work in dangerous places where radiation accidents happen. Not usually levels high enough to kill, but it can make some of us sterile. Let’s just say in the community I grew up in, donating eggs and sperm wasn’t uncommon between friends and co-workers who wanted to have kids. It was considered a great kindness to go to the doctors and give to those in need. I donated some eggs when I was twenty years old, working on Mars. They gave me some shots for a few months to help me produce more eggs, and then I went in. They put me to sleep, and I woke up a few hours later with the procedure completed. Those eggs went to women who had trouble getting pregnant.”
Sky reached over the tray and cupped her face. “You have children you didn’t raise, too?”
“I don’t look at it that way. I knew two women I worked with who’d tried hard to get pregnant, but they weren’t producing viable eggs. They’d worked on Mars for too many years. Every month, I’d see them in tears because they’d failed to get pregnant again. They were depressed from wanting babies so badly. It was cruel that their hope was dashed time and time again. Then another woman we worked with finally got pregnant because her sister came to visit and her donated eggs. It gave me the idea to do the same for my friends. I wasn’t married, or in any shape to raise a baby on my own. It made me feel good to help. My eggs went to them, and to a few others in need. I was thrilled when they got pregnant but never looked at those four babies as mine. I just gifted my friends with the ability to become parents.”
“You’re amazing and compassionate. Few would understand genetic donations.”
“Then they’ve never seen the people they care about suffering so deeply that they’d do anything to bring them joy. I’d have donated a kidney, too, if they weren’t readily available with clone technology. It doesn’t mean their body became a part of mine or vice versa.”
He released her and smiled. “It’s the same with the children I’ve helped create. Other couples raise them. Are you sterile now, Mick? It doesn’t matter to me, but I’m curious.”
“I wasn’t involved in any accidents on Mars or on Velion One. I should be healthy.”
He smiled, and she smiled back. The thought of having children with Sky was thrilling.
“I’m having the documents drawn up and they will be delivered soon. I want us married today.”
It was happening way too fast…but the serious look in Sky’s eyes motivated her to agree. “Okay.”
“It’s not romantic to just sign our names into a contract, but I promise we’ll hold a ceremony very soon. I want this to be special for you.”
“I’m not really into weddings,” she admitted. “It’s just about you and me, right?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Then that’s all we need.”
“I’m going to have a ring made for you.” He took her left hand and kissed the back of it. “Something as beautiful as you are.”
Sky always knew the right thing to say. She grinned. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but you make me happy.”
“You make me happy too, Mick.”
Chapter Eight
Shortly after their talk, the door chime buzzed. Sky hadn’t been kidding about making their relationship a legally binding one, though he’d refused to allow the male who’d brought the document that would marry them inside their room. Mick stared at the data pad that had been delivered to the cabin, reading over every line with care.
It was a simple contract of what the cyborgs called forming a family unit. The wording in it seemed cold, emotionless, but it was straightforward. It was a good thing Sky had warned her about the multiple husbands thing, since there was mention of it.
“What’s wrong?”
She looked up. “I don’t have to marry anyone else, right? The wording on this isn’t as clear as I’d like it to be.”
He slid closer on the bed next to her, reading the pad with her. “It’s just stating you have the right to take more husbands. Not that you must or need to. I wouldn’t have you sign it otherwise, Mick.” He stared into her eyes. “This contract is just between us but this is the standard one for my planet. Do you trust me?”
“Yes.” She didn’t have to think about it.
“This legally binds us on Garden. There will only be you and me in this family contract. I promise.”
She placed her fingerprints where they were needed and the data pad recorded her agreement.
Sky did it next, and then he got up, going back to the door. It opened, and he handed the pad to the waiting cyborg. “Send it off immediately to Garden and wait until you get confirmation that they’ve received it. Let me know.”
“Of course.” The cyborg smiled at Mick.
Sky backed up and sealed the door. “Another jackass flirting with you. You’re mine, Mick. I’m yours. Now…I believe a kiss is required.”
She patted the bed next to her. “Come here.”
Sky confused her when he instead lowered to his knees in front of her. “I, Sky, take you, Mick, to be my wife. I will love you forever, put your happiness first above my own, and give my life to keep you safe. You’re everything to me. I offer you my heart, my loyalty, and the assurance that you will be the only woman I give my seed to. This is my promise and vow to you. I love you.”
She felt tears prick her eyes and blinked them back. “I promise to do my best to make you happy, to be the best wife I can be, forsake all other cyborgs, and spend the rest of my life being only
yours. I love you, too.”
He leaned in and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, moaning against this tongue when he rose up and pinned her to the bed. She loved the feel of him on top of her but wished they were naked. She broke the kiss and met his gaze.
“Clothes off.”
He grinned. “I do love you, Mick.”
“I love you, too.”
He got up, tearing at his clothing. “Thank you for agreeing to be my wife. You won’t regret it.”
She sat up, removing his oversized shirt and tossing it on the floor. “I just hope you don’t in a couple decades if I get wrinkles while you’re still hot.”
He chuckled, climbing back on the bed with her minus his clothing. “I told you we can slow your aging and probably stop it entirely with the work our medical staff is doing with Cyan. It won’t matter though. You’re it for me, Mick.”
Her gaze ran down his body. He had an incredibly sexy one. “You look unbelievable for your age. I just hope you’re right, so I can say the same about myself to keep up with you.”
He kissed her, running his hand over her waist as he turned her on her side to face him. “Stop worrying and just kiss me.”
“I can do that.”
She kissed him, splaying her hands on his chest. She loved touching him…her husband. That was going to take some time to adjust to but she looked forward to every moment.
He broke the kiss and lowered a little, his mouth trailing wet kisses down her neck to her chest. Sky made it impossible for her to think when he was loving her. She had a good feeling that she’d made the right decision to become his wife. It was easy to fall in love with this man.
“I need you,” she murmured, grabbing hold of his broad shoulders. “Now!”
“I need you too.” He slid even lower. “I want a taste.”
Those four words made her burn with desire. “Now, Sky. I’m wet and ready. I need you inside me. Torment me later. I want our marriage consummated.”
He lifted his head and grinned. “Your wish…”
She laughed as he slid up her body. Mick wrapped her legs around his waist as he adjusted his hips. The feel of his thick cock sliding against her clit had her moaning within seconds. Sky muffled it by kissing her as he entered her slowly, sending pleasure straight to her brain. Nothing had ever felt better. She dug her fingernails into his skin when he began to move in slow, steady thrusts.
He finally broke the kiss, going for her neck to place more kisses there. “You’re so tight and hot.”
“You’re so big, and you feel too good. I’m not going to last.”
“Me either. We’re both pretty good at this.”
She laughed—until he shifted his body enough to press against her clit with ever drive of his hips, taking her deep and faster. Then Mick was lost in the sensations, moaning louder and louder. Sky seemed to know exactly how to play her body.
She came, crying out his name. He buried his face in her neck seconds later and groaned, finding his own release. They both panted heavily as he rolled to the side, adjusting her in his arms until they were snuggled together.
“Perfect.”
She agreed.
“Rest, food, and then more sex.”
She laughed. “Sounds like a great plan.”
“I’m all about making you happy.”
“You’re succeeding.”
He chuckled. “Not too bad for a new husband, huh?”
“I have no complaints.”
* * * * *
Sky had put it off for as long as possible. They’d spent hours making love and bonding after they’d officially became a family unit. He needed to tell Mick what was going on. “I have to leave for an hour. Perhaps more.”
“Why? This is our honeymoon.”
“I know, but it’s important. Something happened that I haven’t told you about. I didn’t want to ruin our day by frightening you.”
“Just tell me, Sky. I don’t want any secrets between us. That’s no way to start a marriage.”
Mick was a wonderful woman. He didn’t want that either but he hated to worry her. The choice was easy to make, though; she deserved the truth. “I got a com from Onyx while you were still sleeping earlier. The Markus Models attacked a station, and we’ve been ordered to investigate. We’re shielded, so they won’t be able to see us on scans. Another cyborg ship is going to meet us there but we’ll arrive first to feed them intel. We’re hoping the Markus Models have already fled the area when we arrive. We can warn them if that’s not the case.”
She paled. “What if they’re still there?”
He took her hand. “I don’t know. The Markus Models are dangerous to Garden and all cyborgs. Stag might battle with them if it’s only one shuttle and if he believes we can win. It means we’d likely join the battle to help.”
“Shit.”
“They can’t override our systems. We’re cyborgs, Mick.”
“Override? What does that mean?”
“They use their minds to hack into computer systems.” He lifted his other hand. “We have cybernetic implants under our skin and can hack by touch. Some of us, like Teg, can remotely access systems over a longer range and mind link with programs the way the Markus Models do. We’ll all be monitoring the Bridden, this shuttle, to make certain they’re locked out if they’re within range and become aware of us. I’m sure you’ll worry, but we know what we’re doing.”
She stared deeply into his eyes. “Okay.”
“I hate taking you this close to danger, especially since we’ve just married. It wasn’t up to me.”
“I know that. I believe you.” She frowned. “I have a question.”
“Anything, Mick. Ask.”
“You said this shuttle doesn’t show on sensors, but if these androids can find computers to hack, wouldn’t they pick up some kind of signal or something from this shuttle?”
He smiled. “The shields keep us concealed and signals bounce right off. We’ve already thought of that, and tested it. You’re brilliant though. Most people wouldn’t consider that possibility.” He reached up and stroked her cheek. “I’ll hurry. Don’t worry. Stag and his crew are skilled fighters. I would be surprised if the Markus Models are still at the station when we arrive. They’re known to attack and disappear.”
That seemed to ease her fears somewhat. “Will you let me know what’s going on?”
“I’ll override the panel and speak to you if we have to engage in battle. I’ll let you know if there’s a reason to be alarmed.”
“Thank you.”
“It will be fine. I do need to go, though. Onyx will be waiting, along with Teg and a few others, as well.”
“Can I go with you?”
“It’s not a big space in the cockpit area.”
“Got it. Okay. You have a job to do.” She released his hand. “Go. Work. Kick ass.”
He grinned and let his hand drop away from her face. “I’ll return to you soon.”
“Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I will.” He walked to the door but paused, looking back at her. He lifted his hand, kissed his palm, and blew her a kiss. She laughed and did the same to him. He opened the door and left his quarters, heading toward the lift. His good humor had died by the time he reached Onyx and the rest of the crew who waited for him.
“What do we know so far?”
“The station hasn’t broadcast since the initial reports of attack.” Onyx sat in the pilot seat with Teg to his left.
Teg looked frustrated. “I can’t hack into their systems. Their main computer that runs the station is offline.”
“That’s not the worst of it.” Onyx magnified the front monitor and the station came into view.
Sky walked closer to stand behind Teg. The station didn’t appear to have much outward damage. It had four docking stations. The farthest one had a blown-out docking door and debris floated nearby. Two shuttles were connected to sleeves. Both of those vessels showed heavy dama
ge. “Those aren’t Genesis Four shuttles.”
“No, they are not,” Onyx agreed. “Read the engine signatures on them.” He tapped his screen.
Sky leaned forward and cursed. “Pirates. Why would the station report that they were being attacked by Markus Models?”
“I have no guess.” Onyx scowled. “Radiation levels are lower than normal but still, pirates. Not Markus Models.”
“At least we no longer have to worry about a serious battle.” Sky felt grateful that they wouldn’t be taking on the androids. Pirates were far easier to handle. “Should we board?”
“I’m only reading four life signs,” Volt informed them.
Sky thought about it. “That station is large enough to support dozens of people. I’d guess at least fifty or more. The fact that there are only four left alive implies a battle took place aboard or the hull of the station suffered epic destruction. I’m not seeing floating bodies, though, if that were the case.” He glanced at Teg. “Try hacking into their security vids. All stations seem to have them.”
Teg shook his head. “I can’t. Access to them is tied into their main computer.”
“We wait,” Onyx stated. “Stag’s crew will arrive soon and they’ll board the station.”
It bothered Sky. “What if those four life signs are innocent people? They may have killed all the pirates. Without life support, depending on the damage inside, they could run out of air.”
Onyx turned his head and held his gaze. “We were ordered to monitor and give Stag information. I’m going to do that now. They are better equipped to handle any survivors, while still hiding what we are.”
Sky understood. People would panic if cyborgs entered their station and the only way to silence them would be death. That defeated the purpose of a rescue. Stag kept Authority uniforms on his ship. Authorities were police figures from Earth Government, assigned in regions where quick judgements needed to be made. Their jobs were dangerous, and they needed to protect their true identities to safeguard their families from the possible repercussions of their duties. Cyborgs had used those uniforms in the past to go unnoticed amongst humans. The suits covered every inch of their bodies.
Falling for Sky (Cyborg Seduction Book 11) Page 10