Page 44

I’m glad Mindy got his way.

I stepped off the shuttle, holding Don’s hand, my mouth hanging open.

Mindy, or rather Don, had gotten his way, and we’d traveled to Inogga on a pointless mission that barely justified the trip.

Seth had complained—if his quiet, almost non-existent frustration could be called complaining—about the departure from our route, but Mindy had begged him not to say anything, then I’d mentioned how much Don wanted this.

Seth, being a truly nice person, relented.

That and I was pretty sure Kal had convinced him the hot springs would be fun.

But fuck Kal. It was me and Mindy in the end, or so I was choosing to believe.

Snow was everywhere, and it was bitterly cold outside of the shuttle, but a clear path stretched from the landing pad to what looked like the mouth of a cave.

We’d landed near where there was supposedly a resort on the side of a towering mountain with a jagged peak.

The opening to the cave was decorated with twisted ropes that stretched across it; each rope had a small square of red cloth that fluttered in the light breeze.

Massive braziers sat on either side of the entrance, welcoming us.

Coniferous-looking trees, though a deep orange, were scattered around the snowy peak.

Some of the crew had been sent to gather the samples before taking their shore leave, and the rest would be spread out all over the small planet. Several hot springs adorned the planet’s surface, some near boiling and others at more bearable temperatures.

Don had chosen this resort for the temperature of the springs as well as the seclusion.

Selfishly, I wanted him to have picked the isolation so he wouldn’t be distracted from me, but it wasn’t that simple.

Here, security was easier to arrange for us, the humans who’d decided to come to the surface, as well as easy access to a shuttle port.

A light breeze flared, and the crisp air sent a shudder down my spine while turning my breath into a cloud. A slight sulfur tinge wrinkled my nose; I supposed it was from the hot springs that were somewhere.

“Do you like it?” Don asked, tail twitching and voice apprehensive.

Shouldn’t he know? I’d gotten better at evading his inner fire when I wanted to hide something, but I hadn’t tried to keep this from him. I wiggled in front of him, slinging my arms around him, uncaring about the people beside us. “I love it.”

The corner of his lips tugged up, giving me the crooked smile I adored. If we were alone, it would’ve been a full-blown thing; however, it made my pulse leap. His tail coiled around my calf and drew me even closer. “I pleased you.”

“Yeah. You pleased me.” Something nameless and soft curled in my chest as I stared into his burning green eyes.

Mindy had his arms around Teddy, bouncing a bit. “Do you love it? Isn’t it perfect?” he asked in garbled English. “Didn’t I promise to bring you to a hot spring?”

In true Teddy fashion, he grunted.

Mindy frowned, and I had to fight a smile. Teddy didn’t talk a lot, but I imagined, much like Don, he was more expressive when they were alone.

Caleb and Fyn wasted no time, rushing off toward the trees while Caleb went on and on about how amazing everything was. Seth stepped out shivering while Kal tried to ply him with more layers, even though Seth already resembled an overstuffed ravioli, growling at the cold temperature.

Don cupped my cheek, thumb running over it and creating tingles that shot downward. His voice was deep with need as he asked, “Do you wish to see our quarters?”

I grinned. “Yep.”

He took my hand and headed inside.

My mate was stretched out on the soft white furs beside me.

The room was a rough-rock cave that would’ve been gloomy if not for the fake torches lining the walls.

I’d requested more light, knowing Vince couldn’t handle the dark, and the staff had complied.

The cave was a single open space with a generous fireplace, a massive stone tub along with necessities, and a pile of furs.

I kissed Vince’s back, and he groaned. My hair tickled his skin as I moved down his spine, nibbling and licking as I went.

I was careful not to put any weight on him.

Vince did well enough with me touching and kissing him as long as he didn’t feel trapped or covered.

Nonetheless, I kept careful watch on his thoughts and emotions.

At the slightest discomfort, I would stop.

We’d fucked, barely getting into the room before Vince had launched at me. He’d been on top as he rubbed my cock against his. It had been quick and frantic, filled with desperation, but satisfying.

Moving to his side, I trailed my lips over his skin, relishing the smooth texture.

He rolled, disrupting my worship, and wrapped his arms around me.

I snuggled close, gripping his back. Time was running short.

I couldn’t imagine him not being by my side, which seemed ridiculous—I hadn’t known of his existence only a few months ago.

Yet it was true. Vince had become completely integral to my happiness and my life.

“Sweetheart,” Vince said, running his fingers through my hair.

I rubbed my forehead on his chest. My own scent had started to mingle heavily with Vince’s, but I needed more. I needed to reassure my instincts that Vince was mine, even though logically I knew it wasn’t true.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, fingers massaging my scalp.

I groaned, pressing closer. Vince continued his ministrations, not saying anything, but his question hung in the air. Kissing his chest before I rested my chin on him to meet his gaze. Vince’s fingers skittered over my face, making my eyes close.

“What?” Vince asked again.

Unable to help myself, I kissed him. “We’re going to be home soon.”

“I know,” he said, fingers never stopping as they traced my features. “But it will be a while before the first ship heads to Earth. Months, at least, I imagine.”

“Yes, but I won’t be able to stay planetside with you.”

He stilled. “What?”

“I’ll have to leave after a week, maybe two if I’m lucky.”

“Why?” Vince gripped my hair more tightly than usual—or than was comfortable—but I didn’t mind, because I sensed his panic. I nuzzled him, and he relaxed his hold with an unspoken apology. I kissed his chest, so he knew I wasn’t upset.

“I have already been away from my duties for longer than usual. I have to return to them.”

Fear. Panic. Anger. Possessive need. They all flashed through Vince, followed by his utter unwillingness to let me go. I smiled, pressing my forehead against his sternum. Vince didn’t want me as I did him, but he did care about me.

“No. I don’t want you to.”

I kissed his chest again, not able to get enough of him. “I don’t have a choice, my Vince. If I could pick, I would choose to remain by your side, but I cannot. Nor do I wish to give up my commission.”

“I would never ask you to.”

“I know.”

“I just—” He broke off with a loud breath.

I didn’t press, just observed his emotions swirl and change as his thoughts raced, making it difficult for me to comprehend what was going on within his mind.

Vince closed his eyes. “I want more time.”

Part of me selfishly wanted to insist he stay, but I understood why Vince didn’t want to. Though, at the same time, I wanted him to remain with me. I needed him to choose me.

Not saying anything, I rested my cheek on his chest, listening to his heart pound. The thump was so different from the thrum of a drakcol’s soul, but I loved it. Vince ran his fingers through my hair as we lay next to the crackling fire, simply existing with each other.