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“I like holding you and being this close.”
She snuggled tighter against him. “Me too. I have a feeling cuddling is going to be one of our favorite pastimes as a couple.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Want to do that again?”
He chuckled. “Let’s catch our breath first, and then I plan to explore every inch of you.”
“Only if I can explore you, too.”
His grin widened. “You’re the perfect bond mate, Sara.”
“So are you, York.” She paused. “I liked the bite.”
He had hoped she wouldn’t notice that loss of control. “I apologize. I know humans don’t do that. I read a lot on the subject.”
“Well, if you haven’t noticed, we’re not a human couple—and the bite was hot.” She held his gaze. “You can do that to me anytime.”
He checked her skin. “There’s going to be a small bruise from my fangs. I didn’t cause you to bleed.”
“Your love bites feel amazing. I’m not worried about you nicking my skin.” Her gaze lowered to his mouth. “The fangs are sexy, York. Everything about you is sensual to me.”
He grinned. “You are the same to me, my Sara. And I shall bite you often.”
Chapter Six
Sara was nervous about meeting the crew. They were all assembling for dinner together, and she wondered what a dining hall would look like on a space vessel. She’d never been anywhere so nice, but The Vorge continued to remind her of one of those luxury cruise liners she’d seen tons of ads for in her previous life. It had always been a dream of hers to go on a cruise, but they were out of her price range.
“They will love you,” York assured her, wrapping his arm around her waist to pull her close to his side.
“You keep saying that, but humans are weird. We tend to come from different social circles. I’m not too worried about the ex-slave, but the captain’s wife had enough money to leave Earth and buy her own shuttle. I’ve never met a rich person who tolerated someone beneath their station. They tend to avoid speaking to us, or even looking at us.”
“Nara is nice. There are no social circles here.”
She nodded, trying to relax as they made their way down a wide corridor. “My other concern are the Pods. They can really read my mind?”
“You’ll like them. They don’t normally share other’s thoughts unless the captain is worried about someone being a danger.”
She noticed how his voice deepened a little, and she picked up a hint of anger in it. “Did that happen with you?” She peered up at him.
He met her gaze. “I promise, you’ll like the Pods. Just don’t compare them to Hampy Dampy.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t know, but it upsets them when Nara teases them. Something about an Earth children’s book or passed-down story.”
She must not have read or heard that story. “I’ll remember that.”
The double doors in front of them slid open to reveal a large room with several tables. The sight of people sitting at them silently had Sara pressing her lips together and forcing a smile. Anxiety gripped her again as she got a glimpse of at least five different kinds of aliens.
York’s hold on her tightened even more, as if he was afraid she’d try to flee.
A large alien stood, facing them. He was tall and muscular, with wild blond hair. He had a human-like body, but his eyes were all cat. They looked like the Earth’s version of a lion. She tore her gaze away, seeing another one like him sitting in the far corner at a table by himself. He just peered at her with golden eyes surrounded by his own mane of blond hair. Those two must be the captain and his cousin. York had prepared her for meeting everyone by giving her their descriptions.
The three identical aliens were the Pods. They reminded her of eggs that happened to have arms and legs, with their white skin and rounded bodies.
Humpty Dumpty. Not Hampy Dampy. Now she understood.
One of the Pods snorted and twisted his body a little, staring at a human woman. That had to be Nara.
Nara lifted her hands. “Why are you glaring at me now? What did I do?”
Sorry, Sara thought at the Pods, tearing her attention from them. It was going to take her some time to adjust to knowing those three could always read her mind. It left her a little uncomfortable but York had explained they couldn’t really help it. The Pods’ abilities were like breathing to them.
Midgel looked like a human, if it had bred with a mouse. She was a tiny thing, probably weighing ninety pounds max, with dark hair and a pushed-out nose that had whiskers. It was that feature—and her pointed ears—that gave her the mousey look.
The woman ducked her head, avoiding eye contact. York had warned that the cook was extremely shy, and not one to talk unless necessary.
The female pilot openly studied her.
A bit of jealousy rose in Sara, making her chest feel tight. York had admitted he and Marrow used to have casual sex from time to time. It had ended after Cathian and Nara had gotten together. He’d assured her they were just friends, and there were no romantic feelings between them.
Marrow had a very thin coat of brown fur, and she was tall, muscular, and pretty. It amazed Sara that York had been attracted to such very different types of women. Then again, he was nothing like her ex-boyfriends.
The last couple had to be Dovis and Mari. He wasn’t in fur today. She knew Dovis could change forms. She’d been shocked by the news; shapeshifters were real in space! Currently, she was grateful he didn’t look like a werewolf standing on two legs. York said Nara frequently called Dovis “Wolfman” when he sported a muzzle, but at that moment, he resembled a human, though not completely. He was bigger, his features a bit harsher, and no one would mistake him as someone from Earth.
The human woman seated next to him was thin with long hair…and she was smiling at her. Mari also gave her a tiny wave.
Sara lifted her free hand to wave back. Her gaze returned to Nara, and she found the captain’s wife smiling at her, too. That seemed to be a good sign.
“Another human! Woohoo! We’re taking over the ship,” Nara chuckled.
The captain turned, staring at her. “Really?”
“Okay, so aliens still outnumber us, but we’re getting closer.” Nara turned her head, addressing Marrow. “Tag, you’re it. You have to find a human mate.”
Marrow snorted. “No.”
“We’re totally cool,” Nara responded. “Once you go human, you never want anything else. Your male crewmates will swear to that. Just ask them.”
Marrow shook her head. “Nope. And Raff would probably kill a human. Wouldn’t you, Raff?”
Sara’s gaze instantly went to the silent lion man seated alone.
He shrugged. “Maybe a male, if he annoyed me, but pretty much everyone avoids me. As for the females, I can’t see a human not running for her life if she saw me coming. I wouldn’t kill a female but she might die from a heart attack.”
“And that’s as many words as we’re going to get from him today,” Dovis muttered. “Thanks for wasting them, Marrow.” He stared at Sara. “Raff doesn’t talk much. Don’t take it personal. Welcome to The Vorge.”
“That was my line.” The captain, Cathian, came forward and offered his hand. “Hello, Sara. I congratulated your bond mate already on your union, but I’d like you to hear it from me as well. We’re very glad that you’ve joined our crew.”
She shook his large hand, feeling intimidated as hell. This was York’s boss, as well as his friend. It was his ship. “Thank you. It’s an honor to meet you all.”
Nara got up and came to his side. She stuck out her hand. “So, straight from Earth, huh? Is it still a shitball?”
Sara shook her hand. “You could say that. The government has decided to get rid of women like me by trading us for alien technology.” She’d decided to be honest with her fellow humans from the start.
“Women like you?” Nara asked, her expression sobering. “I
know English is commonly spoken all over Earth now, but you sound American. Are you?”
Sara nodded. “I’m from a poverty-stricken district on the West Coast,” she explained, waiting to see how the woman would react. “They’re rounding up low-income women without families and shipping us off.”
“Those jerks! I can’t say I’m surprised, unfortunately. You’re better off here.” Nara’s smile returned. “You’re going to be happy on The Vorge. Tons of food. Great people. Fun adventures.” Her expression softened as she glanced up at York. “And you married a sweetie.” She held Sara’s gaze. “Good job.”
Sara felt tears prick her eyes and she blinked them back. “Thanks. He’s wonderful. I’m lucky we met.”
York gently squeezed her waist. “I’m the lucky one.”
“The food is getting cold.” Midgel stood. “No complaints if it is. I’ll serve. Stay out of my kitchen.” The tiny alien marched toward a doorway but paused, glancing back at Sara. “We like you. York made sure we knew to tell you.” Then she fled.
York sighed. “That’s Midgel.”
Nara nodded. “She’s as socially awkward as hell, but man, can that woman cook. You’re going to enjoy her food.”
Mari and Dovis came forward next.
The ex-slave hugged Sara, surprising her. She had a sweet smile. “You’re going to love it here. I was super nervous when I came onboard, but I’m happy to report that it’s the best thing to ever happen to me. Everyone is so nice.”
Raff snorted loudly.
“Even him,” Mari added. “Don’t be fooled by his glares and the fact he doesn’t talk much. He helped Dovis and I work out some problems we had.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “He likes to play matchmaker.”
A low growl came from Dovis.
Mari reached down and stroked his hand. “He did send me to the bridge to fix something.”
“But nothing was broken. He fooled us both.” Dovis took a deep breath and blew it out. “It ended very well.” He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it. “Raff can live.”
Everyone peered at Raff. He smiled. It gave Sara chills. He might look a lot like Cathian, but there was a certain coldness in his golden eyes, instead of the warmth she saw in his cousin’s. She silently promised to avoid him when York wasn’t nearby. Not that she thought Raff would hurt her, but he sure was intimidating.
“Let’s eat,” Cathian announced. “Tell us all about you, Sara. We’ll do the same. It’s the best way to get to know each other.”
Her nervousness returned but York took her hand. He was at her side, right with her, and he made her feel safe.
* * * * *
York loved the sound of Sara’s laughter. It had taken a good half hour before his bonded mate had finally warmed to the crew. She no longer clung to his hand or scooted closer to his body. She was at ease.
He glanced around the table that most of them shared, feeling deep appreciation. He knew Nara and Mari would have a lot in common with Sara, despite their different backgrounds. They were the same race and had faced similar trials, living away from others of their kind.
Cathian was going out of his way to appear friendly. Even Dovis was giving it a shot, but York knew that was due to Mari. His mate encouraged him to be nicer and more outgoing with others.
Midgel had fled back to the kitchen as soon as possible, but the Pods and even Raff had hung out after the meal was finished. Of course, Raff sat at another table just watching them and listening to their conversation, but the fact that he’d stayed showed respect for Sara.
Marrow, on the other hand, was beginning to make him nervous with the way she kept frowning at him.
He finally excused himself, stating he was going to refill his drink. He pointedly stared at Marrow. She followed him across the room with her own empty cup.
“What is the matter with you?” He poured himself some juice, making sure to keep his voice soft enough that it didn’t travel to anyone else.
“I’m just surprised that you went down to that planet and came back with a woman. You didn’t warn any of us first that you planned to bring a bonded mate back with you. You’d think you’d mention that fact. We’re supposed to be close friends.”
He scowled, facing her. “Warn?”
She sighed. “You were my backup plan if I didn’t find a mate in a year or two. It’s irritating that you’re no longer an option.”
“Backup plan?”
“You know, if I couldn’t find a mate, I’d ask you.”
It was his turn to be surprised. “You don’t have those feelings for me, Marrow.” He didn’t want to hurt her by reminding her they’d shared physical attraction, but nothing beyond that. Then again, she’d pointed that very thing out to him once. “We’d have made terrible bond mates. You find me too nice, and it annoys you. You’ve talked about the kind of male you’re seeking, and it’s nothing like who I am.”
“You’re right, but still, I figured we had decent sex. I knew you’d stick with me if we mated, and not be a controlling shaft-head.”
He attempted to hide his flinch over being called “decent” in bed. Then again, the sex hadn’t been anything near as intense as it was with his Sara. He had deep feelings for his human. He suspected he was falling in love with her, if he wasn’t already.
“That’s no reason to pick a male, Marrow. Besides, while we were occasionally having sex, you kept trying to tempt the other males on our crew into your bed, as well. What we had was never serious.”
“True. I’m not hurt. Just surprised…and a little scared. What if I don’t find a male who’s right for me? We at least get along, and you’re nice to me. That’s always been a fear of mine, ending up with someone cruel. My mother was miserable. You know that, York. I told you that my father treated her like a servant. Then again, at least she had a mate. Perhaps I should have stayed and given the male my father chose for me a chance.”
He sighed, pouring water for her. “Marrow, Sara makes me feel many wonderful things. You deserve that, too, when you find the right male. You shouldn’t settle just because you feel you’re reaching an age where you should already be mated. Leave your past behind you. You escaped your planet for a reason, remember? They’d have married you off the day you reached maturity, to a male who had no regard for your happiness or wishes. He’d have stifled you.”
“It’s just hard to see how happy the couples are. Now, I see you with Sara… You never once looked at me that way. I feel as if I’m missing out on something important. I’ll be the only one left not mated.”
“That’s not true. Midgel never wants to be touched or even talked to. Raff certainly isn’t the type to life-lock to a female.” He glanced toward the table. “The Pods don’t join with others. They self-produce if they wish to have young.”
Marrow sighed. “It’s just tough seeing the three of you happy, when I’m not.”
“I understand. Believe me, I do. It’s why I went to the surface looking for a bond mate. I was blessed to have found Sara. Keep contacting planets and talking to males. One day, you’ll find a male who’s right for you and makes you feel everything you’re missing. Perhaps it will be soon.”
“The dating agencies keep sending me bad matches. I speak to them on comms but they’re all assholes. They’re looking for females to keep their homes nice, and they’re horrified that I wish to remain a pilot instead of popping out a ton of babies for them. Perhaps I need to search everywhere we stop myself to find the right male.”
“You’ll find him. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to be with a female like Sara, but it happened.”
Marrow smiled. “Thanks. I feel better. I do like her, York. She looks at you the same way you do her. You matter to her. I’m glad that you found each other.”
He grinned. “Thank you. You’re a good friend.”
He walked away, realizing that Sara watched him with a worried expression on her face. He understood. He would also feel uneasy if he saw her talking to someone sh
e’d once been intimate with. Jealousy rose just thinking about that situation. He gave her a wink, hoping she wasn’t experiencing the same jealousy. There was no reason for it. Sara had already become his heart.
He retook his seat next to her and leaned over, kissing her forehead.
She whispered, “Is everything okay?”
“I was telling Marrow how lucky and grateful I am that you’re mine. She’s happy for us. I was encouraging her to find the perfect male for her. It’s tough to see couples happy together when one is alone.”
The concern left her eyes and she leaned against him, her hand taking his under the table. They laced their fingers together. “I remember you telling me how you felt, seeing your friends mated. Maybe we can help her find a guy.”
He chuckled. “I think it’s best if Marrow finds her own male. She’s determined.”
Sara glanced over at Marrow and smiled at her. York appreciated that his bond mate cared about the well-being of his friends. She was everything a mate should be and more.
An hour later, he made excuses and they left. At the lift, he surprised her by scooping her into his arms. She laughed, wrapping her own arms around his neck.
“What are you doing?”
“Carrying you to bed. Nara said it’s an Earth tradition. We’re still on our honeymoon.”
Chapter Seven
Sara moaned, her hands fisting the bedding. York had her bent over in front of him, on all fours, and was fucking her from behind, fast and hard. He felt amazing. He’d already gotten her off twice and was going for a third time. Sex with a big blue alien was way better than she’d ever hoped for or dreamed of.
His hands tightened on her hips as he fucked her even harder…
That was it. She cried out his name, seeing stars when her eyes closed. Her arms nearly collapsed under her as she felt him coming, too, snarling her name as he did. He slowed his thrusts until he remained still, buried inside her.