Page 32

M orning sunlight woke Morgan from the most restful sleep she could remember.

Her face lay smooshed against Grulen’s warm pecs and his heart beat steadily.

Her head rose with his rhythmic slow breaths.

His tail held her securely around her waist and her right leg over his thigh remained as when she first fell asleep.

His left leg bent to trap her right ankle between his legs was the main difference.

His right arm rested on her shoulders with his fingers tangled in her hair, while his left hand held her right one on his chest.

I trust him. When I had the panic attack last night because of his position over me, instinctively, I didn’t move far from him. I trusted him to help me.

Even now in sleep he’s protecting me and keeping me safe.

Her mind stalled at the thought. Is that all of what’s drawing me to him? That sense of safety and protection when I’ve been through so much?

His heart thrummed soothingly against her ear.

No. He’s thoughtful, kind, honorable, and is sexier than any male I’ve ever seen.

He makes me laugh, and he patiently holds me when I cry.

He makes me believe I’m stronger than I am.

I want his words and company. The safety and protection are bonuses not the main reasons.

Relieved that she wasn’t unconsciously using a good male for understandable, but wrong reasons, she blew out a breath. His fingers tightened, then loosened to comb lightly through her hair. She lifted her head and rested her chin on top of their clasped hands.

“Good morning.” She tilted her mouth downwards to kiss his knuckles before returning to look at him.

“Good morn, ciebala . Did you sleep well?” Brown eyes affectionately smiled at her.

“Better than I have in a long time, thanks to you.”

“Having you in my arms during the quiet hours soothed me as well.” He has a beautiful way with words.

“I’m glad.”

“Come closer and let me kiss you properly.” His deep rumble under her breasts sent quivers through her nipples.

“As you command.” She flashed him a cheeky grin before scooting upwards to peck him on the lips.

“Not good enough,” he growled. The arm around her shoulders tugged her closer as his tail tightened to keep her in place. His gaze dropped to her lips. “Now, allow me to express my affection in minute detail.”

Be still my heart.

Her eyelids closed as his lips lovingly smoothed over hers. Low purring sounds tickled against her breasts. She opened her mouth when he licked the seam of her lips. Their tongues lazily danced in perfect counterpoint. A contented sigh gathered in her chest and escaped when they broke for air.

“Much better,” he said.

“I’m glad you approve.” She caressed his face. “Do we have plans for today?”

“Not yet. Is there something you’d like to do?”

“Nothing specific. I’m happy to spend a quiet day here with you.”

“I like that idea. This is the first time we’ve been truly alone.”

“I…” she broke off when his comm chimed. She giggled at his exaggerated frown. He answered in audio only mode.

“Jevax.”

“Jevax, this is Healer Rivezt. There are some more people hoping to meet you and Morgan today.”

“What time and where?”

“Two hours and we’ll come to you.”

Grulen looked at Morgan. She nodded in agreement.

“We’ll see you in two hours.” He disconnected the comm.

“That was rude hanging up so abruptly.”

“Don’t care. He interrupted us during our alone time.”

“We only have two hours to have breakfast and get ready.”

“How about a shower together to save time?” He arched an eyebrow.

“I like that idea. Just give me a couple minutes alone in the sanitary facility first.”

His forehead wrinkled. She laughed.

“I have to pee. After being kidnapped, I consider privacy during the act of relieving myself a priority.”

Dropping a kiss on her forehead, he pretended to shoo her away.

“Go, take care of business. I’ll be anxiously waiting to join you in the shower.”

“You’re the best, Grulen.” She inwardly smiled when his cheeks darkened slightly. How cute.

Morgan grinned and swiveled her hips as she scrambled eggs. Earlier, Grulen took her hard against the shower wall making her scream out three orgasms before he emptied himself into her groaning her name. Deliciously sore, her good mood could power Oklahoma City for at least a month.

Turning and tipping her head back when his hot breath hit her neck, she accepted his kiss. His arms embraced her from behind and his hips matched her swaying. Inhaling his clean, familiar scent, she smiled and pushed her ass into his groin.

“Vixen. Tempting me again. Haven’t you had enough for this morning?” he teased as he ground his cock into her ass.

“Funny, you feel like you haven’t had enough yourself.” She turned off the heating unit and plated the eggs. “Let’s get some food into us before we faint from exhaustion.”

Humor brightened his brown eyes.

“We will need energy for later. I didn’t get a chance to taste that delectable cunt earlier. I plan to make up for that lack.”

She fanned herself before picking up the plates.

“You have to let go so I can feed us.”

“I don’t want to. You belong in my arms.”

She kissed him again.

“A girl could get used to this adoration,” she teased.

“You should expect it. You’re worth it.”

Happy tears caught on her lashes while her breath hitched in her throat at his sincerity.

He took the plates from her and stepped away to place them on the table.

She brought over a pitcher of juice. The breakfast meat and toast already sat waiting for them.

She’d been surprised and happy to find fresh bread in the stores.

There hadn’t been any when she was last on Costonia.

They chatted amicably while they ate. His tail caressed her calf as he jokingly fought her for a piece of breakfast meat. Her cheeks hurt from grinning. The door chimed before they finished.

“Stay and eat. I’ll get it.” Grulen stood and kissed her before leaving to answer the front door. He returned with Healer Rivezt, two human females around Morgan’s age, and another shorter Svesti male with caramel bronze skin, teal eyes, and multiple dark braids.

“Hi,” said the petite Asian female shyly. Shoulder-length dark hair framed a pretty face with brown eyes.

“Grulen, Morgan, this is my fated mate, Lin Chang Rivezt.”

“Hi, Lin.” Morgan gave a little wave. “Please, everyone, sit and join us. I can make more if you haven’t eaten.”

Everyone took seats. Rivezt tugged Lin onto his lap.

Quietly, he asked, “ Bataavi , are you hungry or thirsty?” The small woman shook her head.

“With us is Lieutenant Devik Tolvex, head security officer on the Invictus , and his fated mate, Emmy Norton Tolvex.”

Emmy’s brown curls bounced, and her fingers waggled a hello.

Once Morgan got over her envy of Emmy’s skin tone reminiscent of butterscotch—so different from her own perpetually pale flesh—she got a good look at her T-shirt.

She laughed out loud when she read “I’m not anti-social. I’m just not user-friendly.”

“Oh my god. I just realized how much I missed graphic T-shirts.” Morgan giggled.

Emmy grinned.

“I brought a bunch of them. Most are about coding.” She sounds Australian.

“So, I’m guessing you’re into computers.”

“Yep.” Emmy snagged a piece of breakfast meat and gestured it at the toast. “I see you found the fresh bread Ava sent over.”

“Ava?”

“Six of us came over on the Invictus . Long story there for another time. Ava’s a Canadian chef and found ways to make a number of Earth foods from ingredients out here.” She tilted her head. “Let’s see, you’ve already met Talia and Rachel. The other one is Natasha, she’s a Russian physician.”

“Morgan is an exceptional cook,” Grulen said.

“I’m sure I don’t have the training that Ava does.”

“That doesn’t negate how well you prepare meals, ciebala .”

Morgan ignored his comment.

“Lin, tell us about yourself.”

“I’m a botanist. I graduated from the University of Chicago.” English isn’t her first language, but she sounds fluent.

“That’s a good school.”

“Do I know you from before?” Grulen looked at Tolvex.

Tolvex grinned. I’d forgotten how attractive most Svesti males are.

“Obviously, you don’t remember me. We’ve met several times. In fact, I was the last person you saw when you left Invictus .” He turned to Rivezt. “Ash’n, does he still have his tracker?”

The healer frowned. Why did Grulen have a tracker?

“I never checked. If I could now?” he asked Grulen.

“Of course.” Grulen sat still when Rivezt pulled out a scanner and ran it over his head.

“Yes, his tracker is still there, inactive. I’ll have to extract it later.”

“Morgan, so you’ve been with the Wing Raiders for several months?” Emmy poured herself some juice.

“I didn’t tell either of you. Morgan was the other female rescued at the same time as Talia.” Rivezt glanced meaningfully. “She’s also the human who volunteered with our healers during their research.”

Tolvex exhaled heavily.

“That was you? I’m so glad you’re okay. We should have found you sooner.”

Morgan ducked her head in embarrassment.

“Thanks,” she mumbled.

“We got drunk with the other women last night,” Emmy said. “It seems to be the fastest way to bond. So, we know some background on Rain, Kara, and Abby, but you weren’t there.”

“Emmy, leave her alone. She doesn’t have to satisfy your curiosity during our first meeting.” Lin frowned at the woman.

“Aw, come on. You know it makes me itch when I don’t know what makes people tick.”

“ Milara , please do not make our guests uncomfortable.” Tolvex tugged on one of her curls.

“It’s okay.” Morgan drew in a breath. “How much did they tell you?” Grulen’s tail moved up to her waist and gave her an encouraging squeeze.

“Only you’d been kidnapped by Durelians, enslaved, rescued, captured by the Zuvgran, and rescued again. Oh, and you’re very talented on the aerial silks and thankfully you cook better than one of the Jalaxians.” Emmy smirked. “But I’m more curious about before all that.”

“Um, okay. How far back should I go?”

“Hit the highlights. I can wait for more detailed stories.”

Rivezt rubbed his mate’s back absently. Lin shook her head in exasperation.

“You don’t have to tell her anything. She’s like a little nosy child sometimes.”

“I’m from Oklahoma City. My mom raised me but became ill with cancer while I was in college.

I quit school and worked as an exotic dancer for a high-end club to pay the bills while I cared for her.

After she died, the job paid for me to get my degree.

In fact, the Durelians kidnapped me when I was on my way to my new job in Portland, Oregon. ”

“That sucks.” Emmy’s nose wrinkled. “What did you study?”

“Education.”

“You’re a teacher?” Lin leaned forward. “What grades?”

“I wanted to teach elementary school, but my training involved teaching older children, too.”

Lin glanced first at Emmy, then the Svesti.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

“ Bataavi , we don’t know what Jevax’s plans may be once he regains his memories.”

“His plans shouldn’t take priority over hers. Not offering her the opportunity does a disservice to both of them.”

“What are you talking about?” Grulen’s tail left Morgan and flicked behind him.

Tolvex stared at each other for a long moment before nodding.

“Are you willing to take a short trip?”

“Where?”

“There’s a new group home on Costonia with Zuvgran hybrids. We’d like to show it to both of you.”

“Zuvgran on Costonia?” Grulen’s tail flicked again.

“Only one pure blood. The rest are hybrids with other species. King Sovex offered them refuge here. They are no threat to Svesti.” Tolvex pinned Grulen with a look.

“Actually, I’m more concerned about Morgan. Zuvgran experimented on her.” Lin bit her lower lip.

Morgan inhaled deeply.

“I think I’ll be fine, but I guess we won’t know until we try.” She looked to Grulen for his opinion.

“If you’re willing, we can go, ciebala . I admit I’m curious as to who the king would invite to stay on our home world.” He glared at Rivezt. “If she becomes upset, we leave immediately.”

“Agreed.”

Morgan finished her juice and began collecting dirty dishes. Lin hopped off the healer’s lap.

“Let me help.”

Morgan nodded.

“I think you’ll find it a happy visit.” Lin smiled encouragingly.

“I hope so.”