Page 46 of Guardian’s Destiny (Space Guardian’s Mate #3)

Vraax tried to keep me chained to his bed for the entire flight to Darlam, and as much as I appreciated that notion, it just wasn't a feasible idea. Tucker needed to be filled in on what was happening and what he was about to get himself into, the Ohrurs needed to be fed, and we needed to up our training.

During the training, Tuck finally earned some of Vraax's respect. He could be an asshole at times, but he was a very good soldier. One of the best I had ever worked with. I hadn't seen him in a few years, but he hadn't lost his edge; he had honed it. He was also a good shot and picked up learning how to handle the alien weapons quickly.

When we got close enough to Darlam to open communication, we learned through Nock that the others were waiting for us at a star system a day's flight away to keep their presence secret from the Ohrurs, who had increased security around Darlam.

We docked with Princess Luph's ship and were welcomed with open arms. The entire gang was there. Thankfully, the cargo hold was big enough for everyone.

"I missed you," Zoe said when she hugged me.

"You better not sneak away like that again," Hannah added with a pretend scowl on her face that melted the moment I embraced her. Even Nova gave me a tentative hug. Luph's arms wrapped around me as if she never wanted to let go again. I laughed, but deep inside, I was touched by their care. We had only known each other for a few days before Vraax and I left, yet they were like a family to me.

The men did their manly hug thing, and despite Vraax's growl, I embraced Nock wholeheartedly. The holostreamer had grown on me, especially while we were gone.

"Let's go talk in the breakroom. Luph made some delicious?—"

"Nova?" I had asked Tucker to stay back on our ship for a moment until we could get the expected greeting frenzy over with, but apparently, he had grown impatient as he emerged from the hatch.

"Tuck—Tucker?" Nova's face turned pale as a sheet, and she swayed for a second on her feet. Zaarek was instantly at her side, but she waved him off, as she walked toward Tucker as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Hey, sis." Tucker greeted her, but his hallmark grin was off-kilter.

The slap Nova delivered to his cheek was loud and resounding. "Asshole!"

"I guess I deserved that," Tucker allowed, rubbing his cheek.

Tears streamed down Nova's face as she shook her head as if in denial. Tucker grabbed hold of her and pulled her against his chest. "I'm here, sis. I'm sorry."

Vraax moved toward Zaarek to hold him back, fully understanding what the other Space Guardian was going through. I heard him mumble something about sister, and Zaarek relaxed some. Not much. He still looked coiled to rip Tucker's head off, but he was allowing Vraax to stay him.

"Let's go into the breakroom and give those two a moment," Hannah suggested cheerfully, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. Gently, Vraax steered Tharaax out of the room. Zaarek kept looking over his shoulder, but he went with Vraax.

As usual, the breakroom was already set with snacks and drinks; Luph and Hannah had really outdone themselves again. Even after the much better food Silla had sent with us, this spread looked delicious, making my mouth water.

We took our seats, and Vraax and I filled the others in on our adventures and discoveries. Vraax squeezed my hand under the table when I told them about Zapharos. Yes, I had been sworn to secrecy by the emperor, but my loyalties were to these people here now, my new family, or old family, if Zapharos was to be believed.

"Wow, so you were Solaana?" Hannah asked.

I nodded. "It appears so. Zapharos said our names are in the Soulweb Glyphs on our legs."

Hannah looked suddenly more than triumphant. "Oh, they are," she nodded enthusiastically and jabbed Nock in the side, who was taking notes on his comm.

"What? Oh," Nock said, fiddling with his comm. He projected an image to the wall that looked like a female leg. He pointed at the lines and swirls. " Solaana, meet Suahaana."

"Me, "Hannah laughed.

"You guys figured it out already?" I was speechless.

"Kind of. Well, Nova and Luph deciphered the Soulweb Glyphs, and from there, we figured that whole reincarnation thing out, and from what you said about this guy Zapharos, it all makes sense." Hannah nodded at Nova as she and Tucker joined us.

A lively debate about reincarnation, fate, and what all this meant ensued until Noodar drummed his fist on the table to make us all stop. "Alright, let's talk about the next steps. We have the required three Ohrurs, so I say we go to Darlam and see what we can find there."

"The Ohrurs have already increased their patrols around the planet. I say we need to get more Space Guardians on our side,” Tharaax countered. "Hannah has already contacted some, and three are on their way here. I say we wait until they reach us."

"There is plenty of us, and once we're on Darlam, they won't find us that easily," Noodar insisted.

"We should take the few Ohrurs patrolling out, that would send a message," Zaarek threw in.

"Now, hold on, who made you the boss?" Noodar's fist hit the table again.

"I'm not taking any orders from any of you," Zaarek asserted.

The men glared at each other, ready to start a physical battle.

"Enough!" I yelled in my most commanding voice.

Silence ensued as all eyes moved to me.

"I understand all of you have always worked independently and are not used to working as a team." I stared each one down. "That needs to change, right fucking now!"

Small mumbled words of agreement reached me.

"Since none of you will listen to the other, I will assume command."

Deathly silence followed. "I won't tell you what to do. We will make decisions together, but when it comes to actual battle or mission, you will follow my orders."

"You're so hot," Vraax whispered in my ear, and I jabbed my elbow into his side. This was not helping.

I glared at the Space Guardians. "Any objections?"

"That is actually a good idea," Raasla supported me, to my surprise. He was a man of few words. The others seemed to respect him too, as they nodded their agreement.

"I will not tolerate any second-guessing, especially not during a mission," I made clear, keeping my voice icy.

"Clear," again, it was Raasla supporting me.

I glared at Vraax, who grinned, "You know I'll always follow your commands, Commander."

I sighed and looked at Noodar, who seemed to think that, as the oldest, he should be in charge. "You've got my support, little human."

"Call me that again, and I'll take you down, old man." I grinned at him to take some of the sting out of my words. He laughed good naturedly, assuring me of his compliance.

"Tharaax?" I asked.

"I'm in."

"Zaarek?"

"You're the boss."

I didn't need his approval, but I wanted to include him because I had plans for him. "Tucker?"

"You've always been my Commander."

Vraax grunted beside me but kept thankfully quiet.

"Good. Now, fill me in on how Hannah convinced more Space Guardians to join us." I retook my seat and settled in for a long day of discussion.

I was right, too. It was hours before Vraax and I were finally on our way to our quarters.

"Does that mean I need to salute you?" Vraax teased.

I hoped we didn't have a problem. I hadn't planned for this to happen, but it did, and it felt like a natural progression of things. None of the Space Guardians would have accepted one of them as their leader, not for long, not when it counted. They needed an outsider for that.

I stopped and turned to Vraax. "Are you okay with this, or are we going to have a problem?"

"Nothing is going to turn me on more than giving you orgasms at night and saluting you in the morning," he said with a smirk.

"Oh, fuck, Vraax," I cursed.

He backed me against the wall. "No, seriously, Sloane, it's frygging sexy."

"You will follow my orders?" I made sure.

"Always," he nibbled on my ear. "As long as you don't order me to stop. I don't think I could do that."

Despite my better judgment, I laughed. "I'll never tell you to stop."

"Good," his hands moved up my ass and he pulled my loins against his rock hard erection.

"But seriously, Vraax, when the time comes and I?—"

"Sloane, I swear, I'll obey your orders," he said, pulling back to make sure I could see how serious he was. "This is a good solution. The best we could have hoped for. I respect your abilities, and you have my absolute support."

"Thank you."

"You're mine, and I am yours, Sloane. Always have and always will be."

God, could it be possible to love this man even more?

"I love you too," I leaned against him. "Now, how about those orgasms you promised?" I whispered in his ear.

"I thought you'd never ask," he replied and lifted me off the ground, carrying me bridal style to our quarters. "How many would you like?"

Oh, that man was playing with fire. Or maybe it was me when I challenged, "Four?"

"You've got it."

The End of book three in the Guardian's Mate series. The series will conclude with book four, Guardian's Legacy .