Page 28

I n the greenhouse, Grulen read the information on his tablet for the thousandth time.

His tail swept in the small patch of grass where he sat cross-legged.

When Makai responded to King Sovex, he sent everything the Wing Raiders knew about his amnesia and injuries.

The next day, under the advice of mind healers, King Sovex relayed a redacted file about Grulen in the hopes it might ease his transition.

The healers warned Grulen might not recognize himself in the file yet, but until they had a chance to examine him in person, they were unwilling to give more details.

Name: Grulen Jevax of House Midnar. Father: Nurin Jevax.

Mother and sisters: deceased. Age: Forty-one.

Born in the village of Nestune. Status: Unmated and under no contracts.

Children: None. Identifying marks: None.

Graduated the Warrior Academy with no specialization.

Current ship assignment: Warrior on the Invictus , flagship of the Svesti military, serving under Commander Vared Durek.

Duration of assignment: Over five years.

Previous ship assignment: Warrior on the Diligence , science vessel.

Included were several commendations as well as ratings from superior officers. Last assignment: Classified.

Images of a younger him accompanied the file. Two from the Warrior Academy—one from when he arrived and the other taken the day of his successful completion. Then others from the Diligence and Invictus .

“Hey,” Morgan said softly as she approached. “Anything ring a bell?”

Frustrated, he tossed the tablet aside and watched as she sat next to him.

“No. Bare facts. Nothing more. I don’t recognize myself in any of it.” His hair stirred from the harsh breath he blew.

“We arrive at Costonia tomorrow. Maybe being back on your world will help.” She clasped his tail as it slid toward her. “At least you know your name and age.”

“They’re just words on a screen, ciebala .” He removed her hand from his tail and held it instead. Her fingers entwined with his.

“What can I do to help?”

“You’ve been doing it for days. Listening to me complain and whine.”

“Knock it off.”

“What?”

“Being so hard on yourself. Not long ago, you told me I was allowed to feel what I feel. That goes for you as well.” She glanced down at their hands.

“Even if I could magically forget all the bad things that happened to me, I’m not sure I would.

Would I still be me if I didn’t remember?

We’re a sum of our experiences. Take them away and would my current strength be less? ”

“I think that’s part of it. The way I’m feeling and behaving now…is it the same as I would have before the accident? Am I the same male?”

She pursed her lips.

“Does that mean you aren’t sure about your feelings about me?”

“You misunderstand me, Morgan. I don’t doubt us at all. I doubt me.” He slapped his chest with his free hand.

“Well, stop it. You’ve behaved honorably. You’re kind, considerate, and patient with everyone but yourself. I imagine the core of who you are is the same, whether you remember or not.”

“Have you changed your mind about us? It’s been days since I received the file, yet we haven’t done more than talk.”

“Grulen, you’ve been dealing with a lot. I didn’t want to push you. I can wait.”

His tail wrapped around her waist, and he tugged her onto his lap.

“I don’t think I want to wait any longer unless you do.” He searched her blue eyes for a hint of her feelings. Her scent deepened.

“Then kiss me.” Her fingers traced his cheek.

He lowered his head and savored the moment.

Long dark lashes framed her blue eyes with hints of green and gold which held affection and anticipation.

Her scent deepened and mixed with the natural odors of the greenhouse.

The warmth and silkiness of her flesh under his fingertips sent tingles down his arm.

Her breath hitched and her eyelids drooped as his mouth neared hers.

I’ve waited so long to hold her like this. I want to sear it into my memory so deeply it can’t ever be dislodged.

His lips delicately met hers. Pressing gently, he explored and licked her plump flesh. When her lips parted in invitation, his tongue danced with hers. His eyes closed as the taste of her exploded inside his mouth. Goddess, the softness of her lips under mine is divine.

Her hands clutched at his shoulders and her chest rubbed against his.

A low rumble emanated from his chest as he gathered her closer.

Delving deeper with his tongue, their passion increased.

Caresses became firmer and needier. His tail snuck under her shirt hem and caressed her back.

Her fingers moved to burrow into his hair and pull him closer.

“Yes, ciebala , take what you need.”

His hands roamed down her spine until her ass cheeks filled his palms. He kneaded and squeezed.

Her small moans peppered the air. His heart pounded and blood rushed to his cock leaving him slightly dizzy.

She pulled away from his lips with a gasp then buried her face in his neck. He groaned when she licked his pulse.

“Jesus. You should come with a warning label.” Affection and humor laced her words. Her fingers restlessly moved over his chest. Her warm, slightly rough, palms flattened against him seeking more contact.

“You, as well.” He nuzzled her ear. Her satiny hair tickled his skin sending electric sparks through his veins.

“Where do we go from here?” She tilted back to brush hair from his eyes.

“I want to give you pleasure. I’ve imagined numerous ways since I met you.”

Her fingers spasmed against his forehead.

“As have I, but are we moving too fast? You just found out your name.”

“I know I’m not mated or under contract.”

“That doesn’t mean there isn’t someone waiting for you.” Her gaze lowered to his collarbone. “I don’t want you to have any regrets. A few kisses is entirely different than getting naked together.”

Using his forefinger, he raised her chin and saw the concern in her eyes.

“If you’re not ready, I’m willing to wait, ciebala .”

“I’m worried you might have been dating someone and you’ll feel guilty if that’s the case.”

“ Crek. ” He dropped her forehead to hers. “I hadn’t considered that.”

A reluctant smile tipped her lips upwards.

“So we wait for more?” The pulse in her neck thrummed against his hand.

He closed his eyes and silently prayed for patience.

“I find out tomorrow. If there’s no one I need to consider, we spend some quality time alone as soon as we can.”

Her hands cupped his face and she kissed him softly. She maneuvered off his lap leaving him chilled.

“Agreed. I’m going to go now and make it easier for us to resist temptation.”

His tail wound about her wrist and she paused.

“I don’t deserve you or your understanding.”

Morgan smiled sadly and rubbed his tail before unwrapping it.

“You’re one of the few beings I’ve met out here who does, Grulen. I’ll see you at mealtimes.”

Her firm ass swayed as she left. His head fell into his hands, and he tugged on his hair.

This is so crekkin’ difficult. Goddess, please let me be free and remember everything.

“Ready?”

Grulen inhaled deeply and squared his shoulders.

Nodding sharply at Makai, he took the first step down the ramp to set foot on his home world.

Morgan joined them at the head of the line, while the remaining Wing Raiders followed, each carrying bags.

The Fortitude received special permission to dock planetside and a flitter waited for them.

Taking in the area, he saw only military vessels. Makes sense due to the size of the Wing Raiders’ ship. The Fortitude would take up too much room at one of the civilian spaceports.

Two royal guards approached.

“Captain Makai, I am Wexan Yanz and this is Jespan Kragen. King Sovex asked that we escort your party.” He dipped his chin. “Lady Morgan, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

“Yanz. Kragen. It is good to see familiar faces.”

Grulen’s tail began flicking at Morgan’s genuine delight at seeing the males. He suppressed the unbidden growl in his chest.

“King Sovex believed sending guards you knew would alleviate any concerns Jevax or the Wing Raiders might have.”

“That was thoughtful.” Morgan introduced everyone as they walked to the large flitter.

“We’ll be taking all of you to a cabin in the King’s Forest.”

Morgan frowned.

“Why is that?”

Yanz looked at Grulen.

“The mind healers suggested we house you in a place where you would have privacy as your memories return. They felt it would be counterproductive to require you to participate in unstructured interactions with Court members where you might not recall their names or any prior history with them.”

Grulen’s anger at not being consulted surprised him. He glanced down at Morgan’s hand patting his forearm. Taking a deep breath, he realized the mind healers had a legitimate point.

“That may be best.”

“If you like, the Wing Raiders may stay with you as additional security for your safety and familiar faces, but you may find the accommodations crowded.”

“Do we need to make the decision now?” Makai frowned.

“No.”

The group stowed their gear and took seats in the flitter while Kragen and Yanz sat in the cockpit to pilot.

Once airborne, one of them activated the outside viewer.

Like everyone else, Grulen took in the greenery below once they left the spaceport.

Pink gravel paths weaved in the more populated areas.

Buildings merged with native flora to keep a natural look to Svesti-made structures.

Occasionally, they saw other flitters in the air.

The quiet chatter of the human females and the Jalaxians registered only as background noise.

This feels familiar, almost like a dream.

He recognized Trezoura, the capital city, and the palace, although he had no memory of being in either. No long afterwards, they landed in a clearing outside a large structure.