Page 40 of Black Star

Chapter Ten

She knew Darian probably needed rest, but she also knew that they both needed this. Before she could say anything else, he’d wrapped his arms around her, pulled her to him, and mashed his lips against hers. She opened her mouth willingly, eagerly, and his tongue slipped inside her mouth, licking and sucking at her tongue.

She sighed happily. She’d never thought this day would come. The sensation of his hair-roughened skin against her made her shiver in anticipation. With one swift movement, he pulled the zipper at her throat all the way past her navel and slipped the fabric of her jumpsuit from her shoulders and down her arms. He bent to one knee as he helped her step out of it and caressed her skin, from her arms, down the length of her back, to the backs of her thighs.

When she stepped out of her jumper, he rested his hands on either cheek of her ass and pulled her pelvis toward his face. His tongue found its way through her curls to her clit where he latched on insistently.

“Ah, yes!” she cried as she pulled his head closer to her core. It was as good as she remembered. Better, in fact. Her body was alive with sensations only he had ever created.

It didn’t take long for him to coax an orgasm from her. Given all she’d been through, given how he always knew how best to distract her with sex, she was more than ready for the eruption when it came. She screamed his name and her legs gave way. The only thing that saved her from a nasty fall was his strong arms. Just like always. He was there to catch her when she fell.

Darian gently laid her on the floor and continued his exploration of her pussy. He bent her knees and pressed her thighs to her chest. Nani reached around her legs to either side of her ass and opened her pussy lips for him. He grunted his approval before plunging his tongue inside her so far his nose brushed her clit.

Again, Nani cried out. The sensations she’d been denied for so long were almost overwhelming, but she loved every second of it. His lips and tongue on her pussy felt so good, and his moans and growls were like the most beautiful music. She always loved the sounds he made during sex. It was the perfect blend of masculine satisfaction.

Finally, he stood, whipped off the pants they’d given him in Medical, and bent to scoop her off the floor. He carried her to the bed with seemingly little effort and placed her in the center. He knelt in front of her, stroking his cock, the lust shining brightly in his eyes.

Slowly, deliberately, he sat back on his heels, still stroking his cock. Nani didn’t need any more of an invitation than that. She immediately moved to her knees and knelt before him on all fours. Licking a trail from his balls to the tip of his dick, Nani grinned when he groaned and his cock twitched under her tongue. She took the head into her mouth then, sucking and dipping until she took almost half of his thick shaft down her throat.

Knowing that was about as much as she could take, she opened her mouth wider and stretched her tongue so that she could lick just that few millimeters more of him. The maneuver also let him slide just a little farther down her throat. She was afraid she might gag a little, but she managed to control it, and when she released him, his cock came back slick with her saliva.

“Enough!” His growl was almost a shout, and he pulled her up by her hair and pushed her back on the bed, pulling her legs high as he descended on her. “The first time I come will not be in your mouth.” He hooked her legs over his shoulders and sank easily into her pussy. “I’m going to come inside this hot, tight pussy.”

“Yes,” she panted. “Please.”

He didn’t start out slow or make any pretense about a tender loving for their first time in twenty years. He slammed into her, each stroke harder and more furious than the last. Sweat coated them and helped them slide easily against one another. Nani gripped his upper arms where they bore his weight on either side of her head. She was sure she’d leave bruises, but she didn’t really care. If it marked him as hers all over again, who really gave a fuck?

“I’ve always been yours, Nani,” he ground out, but she could see the tenderness in his eyes, if not his face. “And I always will be.” He did smile then. “But feel free to mark me any way you like.”

She gave a little strangled laugh then, too, but it was soon replaced with whimpers of pleasure as another orgasm began building inside her where their bodies joined. He growled then and ducked his head to her neck and sucked. The little pain in that sensitive part of her body pushed her over the edge, and she screamed his name. All the while she bucked against him, helpless to control the spasming of her hips and pelvis and pussy. She drove against him erratically, and she knew her cunt pulsed around him, wanting to milk him dry.

With one final, hard thrust, Darian threw his head back and shouted his release. Nani felt the familiar sensation of his hot seed inside her, bathing her with love and the promise of life. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted the chance again, but she did. Not as a replacement for Nadira, but as an addition to her family.

She clung to Darian as he finished, knowing now was the time. They both needed to see Nadira and Mikiel and plan their return.

“Yes, my love,” Darian panted as he rolled them to their sides. “Now. But give me an hour or so.”

“Oh, goodness!” She gripped his head and made him look at her. “Are you OK? We shouldn’t have --”

“We most certainly should have,” he chuckled. “And we’ll do it again before we talk to Nadira and everyone else. But I do need an hour or so. It will be a day or two before I have my full strength back.”

“I’ll hold you, then. Sleep. I’ll watch over you.” Nani smiled at him and, again, pushed an unruly curl from his eyes.

“I love you, Nani. I always have.” He kissed her softly before letting his head fall back to the pillow. “And I always will.”

“I love you, too.” She snuggled into the warmth of his body and pulled the covers with her as she settled in. “Forever.”

“Forever,” Darian said and closed his eyes.

Nani had intended to simply lie there with him and enjoy the feel of holding him again, but his deep, even breathing and soft, steady heartbeat soon lulled her into a comfortable drowsiness. She knew she’d sleep. And she didn’t care. She was with the only man she’d ever loved. Somehow, everything would work out.

* * *

Both Nani and Darian sat straight up in bed when the alarm klaxon blared throughout the corridors of the Black Star . Psycomm chatter filtered through Nani’s mind, and she was amazed at the ease with which she sifted through it.

“I’m not.” Darian smiled at her even as he dressed hurriedly. “There was never anything you couldn’t do given enough time.”

She threw a shirt at him she’d found in the closet. It fit him perfectly. “Did I give you permission to prowl around in my head?”

“No.” He chuckled. She loved that about him. They both knew there was danger, but he never missed an opportunity to laugh, and it always made her feel better. “Get used to it. I’m never leaving you again. You’ll have absolutely no privacy, so don’t go look at that handsome pilot. I’m the only pilot you can have.”

She winked at him, pulling on her jumpsuit. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“If you thought it would torment me, yes, you would.”

Both of them stomped into their uniform boots and ran down the corridor to Command where they entered quietly. Darian went to a console directly behind the command center where he had a good view of everyone and, more importantly, their computer screens. Nani took up the station she’d hacked into before and simply watched and listened. The comm channels were wild with activity on the part of the Vok’nair fleet. She now truly understood the benefits of psycomm linkage.

Who’s in command, Damon? Her quiet, unobtrusive question could easily have been ignored by Damon if he needed his attention elsewhere, but he answered her immediately, as if he’d been waiting for her.

I don’t know. But they don’t appear to be united as a fleet, and Admiral Amos has joined them .

Nani blinked, and the hurt and anger flooded her all over again until Darian’s calming touch kissed her mind. She took several calming breaths before addressing Damon again.

What do you make of that?

It’s hard to make out, but I think he’s trying to mount a mutiny and take command of the fleet from whoever their supreme commander might be. He’s on the flagship, which is cowering in the center of the ships he brought with him. Something’s definitely up. Don’t count the admiral an enemy yet .

Several minutes went by, and the bulk of Admiral Amos’s fleet moved between the Black Star and Sword Breaker , acting as a shield from the new fleet. Enough was enough. Nani would not hide behind anyone. The Vok’nair Empire was hers to take, and she intended to claim her birthright. Now.

Damon -- she began, but he cut her off.

Absolutely you can have command. I might have the better military experience, but no amount of that will help us if all of those ships decide to attack us. We’re two against a hundred .

She moved swiftly into the command chair with Damon standing beside her should she need him. He placed a fatherly, reassuring hand on her shoulder and squeezed.

Comm chatter among a hundred vessels was damned near impossible to filter through, and Nani had no intention of doing such.

Jam all outgoing transmissions from everyone but the Black Star, Sword Breaker , and Admiral Amos , she commed. If that doesn’t get their attention, nothing will .

Immediately, the chatter ceased.

“About damned time, Black Star .” Admiral Amos’s gruff voice cut through to them clearly now. “I assume you have something to address?”

He was giving her the perfect opening. He, as a ranking officer in the Vok’nair space fleet, had just ordered everyone to listen to what she had to say. It might not carry weight with their supreme commander, but with their outgoing communication blocked, she’d have sent her message, and her proof, before anyone could order them not to listen.

Nani stabbed the transmit button and asked, “Who is supreme commander here?”

When a crewman raised an eyebrow at her and commed, The ship in the center of their formation is addressing us , Nani nodded her head and a chillingly familiar voice flooded the external communications system.

“I am the Vok’nair king, you idiot! Samair Kone! You will surrender that ship to me and face the consequences of your actions immediately, or I’ll see to it your entire family -- your entire world -- pays for your insolence!”

“I’ve already paid, Samair.” Her voice was calm and sure, but inside her heart pounded. Darian’s familiar touch soothed her, and she clung to him. She also found Damon’s hand gripping her shoulder with her own hand. She needed the physical presence of those she trusted. “Now it’s your turn.”

There was silence. Nani was afraid he wouldn’t respond, but she should have known better.

“I don’t know who you are, but you’ll pay for your insolence.”

“You know very well who I am, and I have the DNA to prove it. You’ve claimed the throne long enough, Samair. It’s over.”

“Nothing’s over!” Nani could almost see the hatred on his face as he screamed at her. “I am the king!”

“Because of your marriage to me. Considering what you did to me and Darian, I doubt the religious council would have a problem granting my petition for a divorce.”

“You’ll have difficulty proving anything.” He sounded so confident, Nani knew she’d enjoy letting him see the video. It was perverse, really, and she was a little ashamed of herself. But she knew she’d get over it.

“Actually --” She crossed her arms and smiled. He couldn’t see her, but the satisfied smirk came anyway. “-- I can. The whole grisly procedure was taped and, as it turns out, I have a copy. Not only that, but you left witnesses alive, of which I have three. Now. Do I need to broadcast this thing to the entire fleet, or are you going to surrender yourself to me and go before the council to accept judgment?”

Again, there was silence. She was afraid he’d cut transmission, and she focused her attention on the fleet. All outgoing communications were still blocked from their end, but if they’d figured out a way around it, she wanted to know before anything happened.

Ma’am, there’s another transmission coming through. One of the lead ships , the young officer handling communications informed her.

“Let it through.”

“ Black Star , we request to see your proof.”

“To whom am I speaking?” Nani wasn’t about to send data blindly, no matter what she said. This was too personal for just anyone to see.

“I am Karn, speaker of the High Council and member of the religious council. If you have information that will depose a king, it is I who needs to hear it.”

Not one to take things on blind faith, Nani contacted Admiral Amos privately for confirmation. “Is he who he says?”

“Absolutely. I contacted high command when I found out Samair was coming to find the Black Star himself. They need the information you have more than anyone else. It’s bad on Homeworld. They can help.”

“I’m sending a copy of the file now, sir. If you have any sway with the religious council at all, I respectfully request you grant my petition for a divorce from Samair and return the throne rights to me and my daughter.”

“If you’re referring to Nadira, is she not the current king’s daughter as well?”

“No. It’s all in the video. Everything.”

Nani’s heart raced. Everything had happened so fast. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to Nadira. She hadn’t been able to plan anything with the captains of either ship. Great goddess above. This was really it!

There will be time, my love. All will be well .

As much as she wanted to take comfort in Darian’s words, what if all wasn’t well? What if this went against them? There was no way they’d escape. Her only hope would be to make sure Nadira lived.

Damon, if this doesn’t work, I want you to set up a screen for the Sword Breaker to protect Nadira .

I’ve already got a plan in the works, my lady .

Minutes ticked by. Thirty minutes. Forty-five. The strain was becoming unbearable. Darian was in constant contact with her, but though it helped, she needed more. She concentrated, focusing all her attention on Nadira.

Mother?

Nani’s breath caught. Nadira. I’m sorry I’ve wasted so much time. I just didn’t know what to say .

It’s OK. I’m not sure I knew, either.

I love you. I just wanted you to know. I’ve always loved you. The greatest day of my life was when you came aboard the Black Star . Even though we couldn’t communicate directly, it was good to feel your presence. I think you pulled me back from the brink of insanity.

I love you too, Mother .

Darian’s voice was soft when he added it to the conversation. I owe you an apology, Nadira. When I told you I was your father, I was harsh. I took out my anger and frustration on you, and I had no right. You have always been an innocent pawn in this deadly game of Samair’s. I treated you no better than he did .

Nani felt Nadira’s love for Darian through her connection to him and knew everything was right between them. Considering all the stress you were under, I’m surprised you were as congenial as you were.

I love you, Nadira. No matter what happens, I love you, and I hope you’ll give me a chance to get to know you . Darian sounded more vulnerable than Nani had ever heard him. Give a man a daughter, and he turns to putty every time.

Nadira’s giggles filled her mind, and she knew Darian had heard her as well. He grumbled something she couldn’t understand, but she felt his happiness. All would definitely be well with the three of them. Assuming they all lived, they would finally be a family.

“I understand your meaning, my lady.” The response from Karn was sad and full of emotion. It caught Nani off guard. She was so caught up in the conversation with her soon-to-be-husband and her daughter, she had almost forgotten she awaited Karn’s reaction to her file. “We’ve authenticated the video and conferred with Admiral Amos and Dr. Grimm. Samair Kone will be placed under arrest. This file has been sent to the rest of the High Council and the religious council, along with our interviews of Admiral Amos and Dr. Grimm. By the time we reach Homeworld, they should have reached a decision. I cannot guarantee the outcome, but I have included my belief that your divorce should be granted as well as my belief that your husband should be punished as they see fit for his role in your… ordeal. Will you go with us to offer testimony and DNA testing should it prove necessary?”

Again, she conferred with Darian, Damon, Mikiel, and the admiral. All agreed with her it was a reasonable request. With the backing of the speaker of the High Council, it was doubtful anything he recommended wouldn’t pass. She was going home to claim the throne.

“Also,” Karn added before she could terminate the connection, “I’ve contacted the Asalian Coalition. Darian’s father is anxious to see him and will be meeting us at Homeworld. I think with the evidence you have here, along with returning his son, you’ve single-handedly united both governments. Congratulations.”

“Nothing is ever done single-handedly. I had more help than you know, and I intend to give each and every one of them full credit for their roles. There is not one of us on these two ships whose lives have not been affected by what Samair did. Some more than others, but it’s been a hardship for everyone. My only hope is we all find the peace we so rightfully deserve.” She turned to look behind her. She’d known the moment Dr. Zabin entered the command center. Darian had seen him, and she refused to relinquish her connection to him. “Especially those I’ve wronged for their unwilling part, and I hope they’ll forgive my narrow-mindedness.” She looked directly at Mahat Zabin, who closed his eyes and bowed his head, nodding slightly in acknowledgement.

“That’s it, then. We’d be honored if you took the lead back to Homeworld.”

“The honor is ours. We’ll be wanting the Sword Breaker with us and bestowed equal honor. Nadira and her husband command that ship. She’s a princess of Vok’nair, he a warrior of the Asalian Coalition. It is my hope that the marriage of not only myself and Darian but the union of Nadira and Mikiel will help unite our two governments as well. It will only strengthen our societies.”

“As you wish, my lady. On everything. You will have the full support of the council if I have anything to say about it.”

When communications were cut, everyone in Command cheered. Smiles and claps on the back were passed all around. Nani was happier than she could ever remember being, and Darian beamed at her in pride.

He looked at the young officer standing next to him and pointed to Nani. “That’s my woman.”

“Yeah. We know,” he laughed.

Darian moved around the panels and stations separating him from Nani until he stood beside her. Nani turned to him and smiled. There was no other man in the universe she would have chosen to share this moment with. Darian was everything she’d ever wanted. He understood her, and he knew what all these events meant to her. Every heartbreaking one of them had a significance, and they were all tied together. They bonded all these wonderful people together with a common thread that could not be broken.

But I’m the only one who knows how to do that little thing to your clit you like so well .

Nani laughed in pure joy. She launched herself at Darian and kissed him soundly. That’s true. It’s been a while since you’ve done it, too .

Do you think now would be a good time to refresh your memory as to exactly how good it feels?

I think now would definitely be a good time .

Hand in hand, they left Command. Their future was full of possibilities. United, they could accomplish anything.