Page 39 of Champion (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #6)

“I think that’s my cue.” Adtovar grinned and pressed his lips to Willa’s forehead while my mate wiped her hands over her face, scrubbing away the wetness on her cheeks.

“There is a shuttle waiting to take you and the others to the Historia .” Adtovar would not be the only one leaving the Bardaga . Besides George, a few other Vaktaire had accepted positions aboard Duke Ako’s ship, mostly to provide training and support to the new gladiator crew.

Adtovar jumped to his feet, grabbing the small pack that lay by the foot of the bed and pulled out a navy-blue tunic. The uniform of an Aljani officer. It suited him. I fished in the pocket of my own tunic and handed him an accessory.

“What is this?” Adtovar frowned at the golden communication bracelet in his hand.

“Charick’s mother got them for us.” Willa held up her arm so the gold band on her left wrist showed and pointed at the band I wore on my right wrist. “They’re the same comm system the Alliance Council uses, so we’ll be able to talk to each other no matter where we are in the universe.

We’ve already programmed mine and Charick’s coordinates for you. I call it the family plan .”

“The family plan.” Adtovar smiled, placing the comm on his left wrist. He turned and offered his arm to me. I clasped it near the elbow as he reciprocated.

“Good journey, my brother.” Adtovar’s voice was hoarse, although I’d never call him on it or admit to the same hoarseness in my own voice when I replied.

“Good journey.”

Willa watched us, eyes shimmering, and when I stepped away, took the opportunity for one more hug.

“Be well, my daughter.” Adtovar’s voice grew raspy as he wrapped his arms around my mate’s shoulders.

“You too,” Willa’s voice sounded scratchy as well. “Be happy.”

With one last squeeze, they broke apart. Adtovar’s pale eyes met mine, and his lips twitched upward in a smile. Then, with a curt nod, he turned and strode toward his future.

Willa watched him leave, her back to me, shoulders trembling. When I ran my hands over her arms, she turned, burying her face against my chest while soft sobs shook her body.

“He will be well,” I promised, believing that Adtovar had a bright future in the Duke’s service.

“I know,” she sniffled, scrubbing the back of her hand under her runny nose. “I don’t know what I hate worse, goodbyes or crying, but I don’t seem to be able to help myself.”

“Crying because you are leaving someone you care for is no cause for shame,” I assured her. Willa nodded, but the pink in her cheeks still grew. As her mate, I held the honor of being privy to her every emotion. But I would do anything to protect her from feeling embarrassed in front of others.

Lifting her in my arms, I took the back exit from the Medi-bay, accessing a barely used corridor that took us to the section of the ship that housed the officer’s quarters.

Something shifted as we maneuvered the corridor. Willa’s tears ended, and she nuzzled her face into the curve of her neck, sighing contentedly.

“Feel better?” I asked.

“Much.” She breathed against my skin, arms wrapping tight around my neck as she rubbed her breasts against my chest, moaning softly. “Charick, hurry.”

Willa didn’t need to elaborate further. The scent of her arousal bloomed around me, so intoxicating I staggered.

I knew the concept of using sex to escape overwhelming feelings and emotional pain.

I’d done it a few times myself in the past. From the studies I’d done on human sexuality, distraction sex ranked only slightly lower than make-up sex in my imagined hierarchy of pleasures.

I practically ran to my quarters.

We’d only spent a minute in my rooms upon arriving aboard ship, and our bags—full of mostly gifts from my mother—still lingered by the door.

I sat Willa on her feet, turning to make sure the lock engaged.

When my gaze returned to her, she’d already slipped out of the pale green silk pants.

Her small deft fingers unbuttoned her tunic, moving slowly as though the action itself gave her immeasurable pleasure.

Watching her strip certainly gave me pleasure.

When she stood before me, completely naked, my body surged like an untried youth.

I supposed it always would when it came to Willa, a reaction I’d gladly suffer for the rest of my days.

“Sit down on the bed, Charick.” My mate’s gaze went toward where my cock strained against my britches, and she licked her lips slowly.

I did as she bade, completely unable to deny her and bouncing slightly as my weight hit the mattress. Willa walked toward me, lecherous intent swimming in her deep blue eyes. Her overt arousal made my skin prickle, like tiny needles inscribing my skin with lustful symbols.

I noticed her tremble as she knelt between my legs, her hands moving toward the fastening of my trousers.

With a quick flick of her fingers, she released my throbbing erection from its confines, and I couldn’t help but moan in anticipation.

A moan that turned into a hiss as her hand wrapped around me, fingers firm yet soft.

The sensation of her touch caused my cock to swell even further, a pulse of desire coursing through my body.

Willa traced her fingertips over my skin, her dark blue eyes flickered teasingly before a low rumble of pleasure escaped her throat. The sound was like a purr, tickling along my skin and sending shivers down my spine.

With her eyes locked onto mine, she lowered her head and traced delicate circles on the tip of my hardened cock with her tongue.

My whole body jolted in response, a surge of desire coursing through me.

With her head lowered, she engulfed me in one smooth movement.

The hot, wet sensation of her mouth was almost overwhelming as I struggled to keep my eyes open and focused on her.

My body quivered with pleasure, and I let out a low moan.

“Fuck, Willa!”

Her lips closed around me, and a surge of pleasure shot through my body.

The feeling of her sucking and pulling was almost too much to handle.

I’d read about this in my Earth studies.

I’d even experienced it a few times at the hands of a Natavian pleasurer, but feeling Willa’s soft lips surround me… never had I felt such bliss.

As I thrust into her mouth, my hands tangled in her hair as she struggled to take more of me, her tongue swirling and flicking along my length.

She pulled back with a wet pop, then dove back down, taking me deeper each time.

Watching her fuck me with her mouth ranked as the single most erotic moment of my life.

But then she did something unexpected, slipping a hand between her own legs and letting out a low moan that vibrated along my length, sending shivers of pleasure through my body.

I watched intently as Willa’s hand caressed her cunt, feeling a mix of desire and envy.

While the pleasure of being in her mouth was indescribable, deep down, I longed to be the one bringing her pleasure.

A desire I did not have the strength to resist.

“Stop my heart.”

Willa pulled her mouth from my length, frowning at me. “You don’t like it?”

“I like it too fucking much,” I grunted, wrapping my arm around her waist and hoisting her onto the mattress, rolling so my body hovered over hers.

Willa issued a saucy little smile, spreading her legs eagerly, inviting me closer. My fingers traced down her thigh as I whispered, “I need to be inside you right now.”

She moaned and arched her back, a clear indication of how much she wanted me too. I leaned in, feeling the softness of her lips against mine as I slid my hand down to find the tight warmth between her thighs. Goddess, she was so wet, so hot, so ready.

As I entered her, a gasp escaped her lips, and her body arched towards mine, thighs wrapping around my hips. Her slick walls pulsed and contracted around me, sending waves of heat and pleasure through my body.

I lowered my head, pressing my lips against her soft skin, gently grazing them over the delicate peaks of her breasts. She let out a series of desperate moans, arching her back and running her fingers through my hair, urging me to continue.

“Charick!” She gasped out, her tone aching with need.

As I lifted my gaze, her flushed cheeks and glassy eyes came into view. The pleasure and need she felt were evident as she gripped me tighter, her body trembling.

“Come for me, my heart.”

I gripped her hips, my fingers digging into the soft flesh as I thrust harder and deeper. Her cries echoed through the room, her body trembling and writhing in response.

My lips crashed against hers. I tasted a hint of mint on her breath and felt her soft sighs brush against my mouth.

Each kiss was a delicate dance between our tongues, leading us deeper into each other’s embrace.

My hands roamed over her skin, memorizing every curve as the pace of my thrusts slowed.

This wasn’t just a physical distraction any longer.

This thing between us was an intimate connection of two people completely consumed by each other.

A pure and beautiful expression of our feelings.

Her whole body shook uncontrollably as she let out a guttural moan, signaling her climax. I followed soon after, collapsing, careful to keep my weight balanced so as not to crush her beneath me.

My lips pressed against her neck, tasting the sweat and salt on her heated skin.

She shuddered, and I felt her muscles contracting around me as I remained buried deep inside her.

Our hearts hammered in sync, and our breathing slowed as we relaxed against each other.

Her hands tangled in my hair, pulling me closer.

She held me tight, as if fearing I might somehow slip away.

As if I would ever leave her.

We lay together, entangled like vines, our bodies intertwined.

The scent of sweat and lust still lingered in the air, and our skin glowed under the touch of starlight filtering through the port window.

Willa rested her head on my chest. Her delicate fingertips traced lazy circles across my stomach, and the rise and fall of her breath against my skin was a comforting rhythm that lulled me into a state of pure contentment.

“Charick, tell me the truth,” she whispered after a while.

“Of course, my heart.” I let my hands tangle in her hair, tilting her head so I could gaze into her eyes.

Willa’s blunt teeth rested on her lower lip for a minute. “I know your mother wants you to join the Alliance governing council. Diplomacy and politics are what you’re trained for. Why didn’t you say yes?”

I moaned, giving a faint chuckle. My mother was not subtle about voicing her wishes.

“It is not time yet.” I let my fingertips trail over Willa’s cheek, noticing her eyes brighten as I spoke. “One day, I will be Prime, and you will be Lady Prime, but my mother is still young and vital. There is no need for my presence in that world yet.”

“Are you happy on the Bardaga ?”

“The Bardaga is my home, the crew are my brothers,” I told her.

“To be honest, I’m excited to be part of the Alliance Rescue Mission.

” I shifted on the bed, rolling onto my side so our faces were close enough the tips of our noses touched.

“But if you are not happy here, my heart, we will leave and go elsewhere,” I said and meant it.

“I like it here, with my friends… and you know I’ll follow you anywhere,” she reassured me quickly, then added with a faint downturn to her lips, “I’m just wondering... what do I do now?”

I found it a strange question. “What do you mean?”

Willa sighed, grinning wryly. “Everybody on board seems to have a job, even my friends. What will I do?”

Willa was right about her friends not remaining idle.

Emmy took on the role of Chieftain’s mate with relish and handled many of the day-to-day issues that once plagued Khaion.

Daisy, while not a warrior like her husband Daicon, found her place in caring and educating the young ones aboard.

Clara acted as the liaison between the Bardaga and the planet Tau Ceti, where many humans found a new home.

Agnes used her skills as a healer to help the crew, and Pearl whipped up delicious meals in the galley for everyone to enjoy.

I couldn’t help but smile at my mate’s restless nature. I’d already spoken to Khaion about an idea… hoping it would pique Willa’s interest.

“Of course, you will be instrumental in the rescue mission,” I insisted, then teased, “but I had another project in mind if you are interested.”

“What?” Willa’s eyes widened for a moment before she rolled them playfully. “I must warn you—I suck in the kitchen.”

“But not in the training ring,” I told her, watching surprise widen her eyes even further.

“What do you mean?”

“Your fighting skills are quite impressive,” I reluctantly admitted.

While I’d never put my mate in danger, it didn’t negate the fact that she possessed prowess.

Her fighting style with the spins and kicks made her effective against opponents twice her size.

My mother showed me the video—more than once, and quite proudly—of my mate breaking Nansar’s nose.

“I wondered if it was something you could teach the crew of the Bardaga .”

“Seriously?” Willa sat up, a broad smile creasing her face. “You’d let me teach fighting techniques to the other males?”

I found myself sidetracked by the sight of her luscious breasts for a moment. “I won’t say I’ll like it, and I may need to see Hakkar for a nerve tonic. But you are a soldier. I would never take that away from you… just no battles, please.”

Willa squealed happily, flopping down on me, her breasts pressing against my chest as her lips found purchase over my face and along my jaw. I laughed, capturing her face between my palms and kissing her thoroughly.

“I promise to try to stay out of battles,” Willa feigned seriousness, although her eyes danced with delight. “Although I might need to punch somebody every now and then.”

“I think I can live with that.” If I were completely honest, I’d watched the video of my mate breaking Nansar’s nose a few dozen times on my own, enjoying it more with each viewing.

Willa sighed happily and kissed me softly.

“I love you, Charick.”

Love.

The Earth word I’d once thought too puny to encompass what I felt for my mate. I had to admit; it was growing on me.

“And I love you, my mate.”