Page 55

Dances With Wolves

XANDER

T he sun slipped beneath the Sombra’s lagoon horizon and bathed the lake in molten copper.

Xander stood by the hearth in his cabin’s living room, adjusting the cuffs of his formal Signet uniform.

The dark coat, tailored with impeccable precision, came cinched at the waist with a silver-detailed belt and flared at the hips in a nod to old Terran naval wear.

Epaulets stitched with platinum thread framed his shoulders, and a crimson sash hung from his left, the traditional marker of his CO’s role in the Signet Company.

A gleaming plasma-cut blade rested against his thigh, more ceremonial than practical.

His boots were mirror-polished and black as obsidian, and the collar of his white undershirt was folded back just enough to show the edges of his neck glyphs.

He appeared every bit the rogue commander of a mercenary and security fleet.

He turned, sighted his woman, and slammed a sinewed hand over his heart. ‘ Fokk me.’

Savvine stepped from the primary in a floor-length gown of lustrous gold and deep jade, the fabric clinging to her curves.

The garment shimmered when she moved, a constellation of silk catching the light.

Her earrings, solid emerald drops in a rainfall of gems, swayed as she walked, and a matching necklace rippled on her collarbones.

Her dark hair was swept into a loose chignon and threaded with tiny jade crystals that glinted with every step.

She was barefoot, the hem of her dress whispering over the floor.

Xander’s breath hitched.

‘You trying to kill me, mi leona ?’ he grunted, his need for her ratcheting, his timbre hoarse.

She gave a slow twirl, her smile a weapon all its own. ‘You like?’

‘Like isn’t the word.’

He reached for her face, drawn in like a man starved for days. ‘I must kiss you. Now.’

‘ Nada ,’ she replied, tapping a finger against his chest. ‘I spent fifteen minutes on this lipstick. You’re not ruining it.’

She offered her cheek instead.

He growled, frustration curling in his gut, but pressed his mouth to her cheekbone, lingering longer than necessary. ‘Jezebel,’ he whispered.

‘Says the man not used to being told no,’ she murmured back, lips curled as she slipped into her gold heels. ‘Also, can you stop looking at me, papi , with those bedroom eyes?’

‘Which ones?’

‘The ones that say, can we make a baby, now ?’

The moment her shoes were on, he slid up to her from behind and cupped her breasts, flicked her nipples. ‘Can we?’

She shook her head, but her eyes were dancing, her tits tingling.

‘Indulge me,’ he growled, rubbing his nose into her nape, one hand sliding to her waist, pulling her tight to him, grinding his hips into hers. ‘Won’t take long. I also can’t last the night, not with you looking like sin in that clingy number, cleavage, heels, such freakin’ beauty.’

His spectral energy flashed, and she moaned. ‘Not fair. I’ve no way to counter your aetheric seduction.’

He smirked as he turned her and walked her to the wall, his ravenous touch gliding all over her tits and waist.

In moments, Savvine was up against the cabin’s cool surface, hands braced on it.

‘Love when you throw it back for me,’ he snarled as he lifted her dress and tore her lacy briefs down, and unbuckled his belt.

Seconds later, her hem was bunched at her hips, his cock throbbing, seeping as he eased into her.

His hand slid between her legs at the front, flicking her clit, even as her pelvis canted back to swirl and press into his groin.

‘ Fokk , so tight,’ he growled, lips to the lycan mark on neck that glowed and shifted in cadence with his own.

His head fell forward, amethyst locks falling over his temple as he worked his thick phallus in and out of her.

‘So good,’ Savvine moaned.

She flung her head back so she tucked into his nape and gave in to a passionate kiss, her lipstick forgotten.

She shuddered, and Xander sensed her energy shift as their lip meld brought her closer to ecstasy.

Her pussy clenched and rippled over his powering shaft.

With a cry, she imploded, hips working as bliss bloomed all over her, heated, scorching, in waves.

He bent, gripping her waist as she threatened to slip to the floor, slamming cock into her until he growled his release into the back of her neck.

It took a few more minutes before they recovered, shuddering in each other’s arms.

He breathed in her ear and nipped her lobe as she came down. ‘ Estás bien , mi cielo ?’

She nodded, then moaned as he pulled out.

Xander buckled his pants and tracked to the bathroom for a cloth.

He returned to her, still leaning on the wall, shuddering. Kissing her nape, he cleaned her gently.

Trembling, she pulled together her everlovin’ strength to rearrange herself, neaten her hair, and redo her makeup.

While he washed his hands and straightened his ensemble.

‘Part two later tonight, mi reina ,’ he promised in a husky drawl as he unlocked the door.

‘You’re insatiable, baby,’ she chided as he chuckled.

‘Don’t blame me. You’re the one who wore that freakin’ dress, belleza .’

SAVVINE

Arm in arm, they strolled down the quiet stone path to the lakeside gala.

Savvine leaned on her man, her thighs still shaky from his ravenous lovemaking.

They headed towards a series of open tents, where strings of fairy lights stretched between pergolas, and soft music notes floated on the breeze.

The event space opened onto a dock with floating lanterns, hovering food stations, and terraces built into the artificial lake shore.

It was elegance and revelry, all set under the faux twilight dome, stars twinkling high above, a digital aurora dancing at the edges.

The space was packed as the Bianchi clan, the Syndicate Commission, and the Signet Company gathered for the first-ever Coalition Gala.

It was a celebration of their alliance, survival, and the official unification of the Syndicate clans and generational vessels under a shared agreement of peace and mutual cooperation.

The Bianchis were visibly surprised and impressed by the Signet event location. Elders of the grand family stood beneath olive-draped tents, sipping dark espresso and amaro , nodding their approval at the subtle glamour of the Signet ship’s lakefront.

Syndicate envoys mingled with tact and politeness, while guests enjoyed the delicious feast prepared by Signet’s chefs.

The spread featured slow-roasted porchetta and saffron-dusted paella, steaming dishes of eggplant parmigiana, and jamón ibérico sliced so thin it melted in the mouth.

Also, garlic prawns fragrant in olive oil, and skewers of charred lamb marinated in chimichurri.

There were long trays of gambas al ajillo , shrimp coated with red chili. Patatas bravas sat golden and crisp in a dish alongside a fiery aioli.

For dessert, slices of cake and tarts were served with succulent fruits and cinnamon sugar sprinkled over them.

Shots of sangria flowed, and Negronis glinted in lowball glasses next to pyramids of roasted almonds and wedges of blood orange.

An orchestra in sleek navy uniforms blended modern symphony and old Earth flamenco.

The music shifted from sultry to jubilant, and soon the floor filled with couples, some graceful, some half-drunk, all laughing.

Savvine stood tall at Xander’s side, her hand resting against his forearm.

They chatted with suited guests from across the flotilla, accompanied by their stern-faced silver-uniformed capos .

They greeted Don Caluccio of the Diaz-Granados family and General Arasteh.

The Carvajals were represented by Don Pedro and his wife, Gianna, who held hands tightly, aware of the underlying unspoken tension in the room.

The Valentes and D’Amatos remained on a balcony platform, guarded but cordial.

Of course, there was talk and whispers that the Lombardis were under house arrest, with Salvadore having vanished from public life altogether.

Savvine spotted a pair of familiar faces and pulled her man toward them.

Xander released her hand only long enough to bow over Gaya’s, lifting it with gallant flair to his lips.

‘Signora Bianchi,’ he said, his timbre smooth as dark honey. ‘An honor to finally meet you in the flesh after a few holo calls.’

Gaya flushed in amusement, a hand to her chest. ‘ Mio dio, Savvine didn’t say you were this handsome in person. You Signets must be bred from marble.’

Savvine rolled her eyes, stifling a smile.

Xander turned to Enrico, clasping his hand with a firm shake. ‘Don Bianchi. Holding the line well?’

Enrico gave a wry grunt, adjusting the lapel of his silver-stitched jacket. ‘Would be easier if the other houses weren’t always poking the wasp’s nest. Nonetheless, your security pact is making a difference. The family appreciates it, Xander.’

‘Your enemies don’t,’ Xander drawled, ‘which suits me just fine.’

Enrico snorted in agreement, but Gaya tugged on her husband’s sleeve before the conversation could tilt into strategy.

‘ Basta , Enrico. It’s our first real date night in months. No more talk of pacts and politics. You promised me a dance, or five.’

She grabbed his hand and whisked him away with surprising speed, her laughter trailing behind them like confetti.

Enrico followed, shaking his head, yet softening under her spell.

Savvine’s gaze tracked them, her chest warming. ‘I hope you and I are that feisty at that age.’

Xander leaned in with a crooked grin. ‘ Fokk yeah. We’ll be embarrassing.’

She laughed and twined her fingers through his, imagining the decades ahead.

Xander tilted his head, brushing his lips to Savvine’s temple as they stepped away from the crowd.

‘Content?’ she asked.

He glanced over the lake, at the lights, the stars, the music, the woman he adored wrapped in gold and jade.

‘With you by my side? I’m in heaven.’

In the domed sky above, the first fireworks lit the night.

The orchestra’s harmony shifted, and a warm breeze danced in off the water as the Signet strong group strode toward the love-struck pair.

Savvine blinked. ‘My my, don’t you all clean up well.’