Page 21 of Warrior (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #2)

Daicon

Blackness surrounded me. Any sunlight filtering through the overhead domes had long since faded.

The only hint of brightness was pale-yellow shimmering veins of choicat running through the rock overhead.

Thankfully, Vaktaire could see in the dark almost as well as light, although night cast everything in a pale purple tint.

It was late, close to the midway of the moon. My feet plodded tiredly and became less silent than normal as I approached the common area. No guards milled about. I had heard none since the two earlier. Even so, I walked the perimeter, if only to keep myself busy a moment longer.

By now, Daisy would have finished the dishes, with Ewok's help since I stayed away.

The younglings would be fast asleep, lulled that way by another of Daisy's stories. Right now, her tales concerned heinous creatures called dinosaurs living once again on Earth due to genetic cloning. It bummed me to think I’d missed tonight's episode.

I truly wanted to discover whether the velociraptors won against the new genetic mutation and if the humans escaped the place Daisy described as a ' theme park’ alive.

Daisy.

I stayed away tonight because of her. Not because I was angry or regretted what happened earlier. I stayed away because I didn’t know how to be near her again without my cock exploding.

Something ached inside me at the thought of her. A physical pain, not an ache of regret but of unrequited desire.

The ends of my hair whipped against my face as I shook my head, trying to gain a modicum of control over my mind and body.

It was hopeless.

Daisy infected me, and I was unsure if I wanted to be cured. How does one cure himself of the constant memory of soft lips and the way her curves felt pressed against me. Her scent… that delicious nectar of flowers and sunshine made my mouth water.

When she didn’t kiss me again or mention the kiss after I returned from gathering the medi-unit, I’d convinced myself the first time was a fluke.

That I’d taken her expression of gratitude for something more.

She turned to me for comfort, clinging to me, letting me share her bed and hold her soft body in those moments when her dreams became too terrifying to face alone.

But today.

Today, I felt her desire… for me, and the feelings I’d managed to cull over the last week reared forth like a rampaging, lusting beast. All I wanted to do was press Daisy close and feel her tongue tangle with mine as my hands explored every curve of her luscious body.

Desire sent warm blood through my body, nearly crippling my steps.

How was I supposed to control myself around her?

This was new territory. Not once had I felt this kind of draw to a female. A need so powerful it felt akin to the slash of a fiery blade when I thought of denying myself.

Could she be my mate?

No.

I would not consider that.

Even though the feelings swirling through my body reminded me of watching my parents or my older sister Dailai, who found her fated mate.

I knew the love and comfort one could find with a true mate.

If I’d stayed on Vaktar, perhaps I would have also discovered my fated mate.

But after my elder brother Daikit fell in battle in the early days of the skirmish, I’d devoted myself to training, determined to be the best warrior possible to avenge my brother and protect the weak.

If any comrade fell to the mating call, I wished them well, knowing their days as warriors were nigh.

Females were for pleasure and comfort—a warrior had no right to want anything more. I’d never wanted anything more.

Until Daisy.

It wasn’t just the physical I wanted, although the taste of her lips and the way her body felt pressed against mine held promises of pleasure untold.

It was the small things that made my heart squeeze so tight I feared it might stop.

Doing the dishes with her and talking about the day.

Laying in the dark discussing Barney Fife until I heard the soft, deep breaths that meant she slept.

Watching how she cared for the younglings. Simply seeing her smile.

I didn’t like the tears. Especially tears she shed in the wake of Ewok's attack. The anger I felt over the actions of the Aljani brewed within me, although thankfully, Daisy seemed to have forgiven herself most of the guilt. I would have liked the pleasure of his death. He’d hurt both Daisy and Ewok—I would not have been merciful or quick.

I would never be merciful or quick when it came to protecting Daisy.

Deep in my soul, where nothing but the truth dared to dwell, came not a revelation but a confirmation.

Daisy was supposed to be mine.

My mate.

The realization birthed as much fear as longing.

Daisy was all softness and sweetness. She might not survive the stopping and restarting of her heart in the valakana. I would not survive if she didn't. No matter how much desire lived in my heart, it was a risk I would not take with her life.

I would complete my mission, liberate Daisy and the younglings from this place, and see them safely settled on Tau Ceti.

She would have a good life with the younglings and, perhaps, find a human male to mate.

My duty and responsibility as war chieftain of the Bardaga was to ensure she was safe and happy … nothing more.

I would somehow find a way to quell the urge to rip the spine from any male who looked at her.

The area Daisy called a kitchen sat at the top of the stone steps, lingering with flavorful smells. Atop the long table in the center of the room sat a plate and cup covered with a piece of cloth.

I frowned. It wasn’t like Daisy to leave dishes unwashed and moved to complete the task. I lifted away the cloth and froze, looking down at the plateful of food that Daisy left for me.

A smile curved my lips as I yanked the rickety stool beside the table and settled to eat.

Daisy reconstituted the dried meat and braised it with spices so that it melted on my tongue.

The vegetables, some kind of tasteless root, in her hands turned out creamy and delicious.

Orzon, the diminutive Framaddi acting as a chef on the Bardaga, would be hard-pressed to retain his self-proclaimed title as the best chef in the universe once Daisy got aboard.

Orzon was notorious for not allowing anyone in his kitchen.

He’d have to learn to share so Daisy could prepare meals every so often.

Small, private dinners in my quarters for just the two of us.

My imagination spun off to a future moment where Daisy and I dined together, lingering over a bottle of valat, a Vaktarian wine made from the zezo berry. Our heads leaned close as we laughed together, coming closer still as she pressed her lips….

No!

I couldn’t allow myself to think like this. Especially since I had to lie down within a few feet of her and try to sleep while hoping my cock doesn’t explode from wanting.

Finishing the meal quickly, I washed the plate and cup, leaving them to dry. The sound of the younglings snoring was a soft hum that hovered in the air. From beyond the warped metal door to my left, Daisy's sleep-lulled breath was musical, a sound that soothed my nerves and warmed my blood.

I really should find somewhere else to sleep.

It was torture lying on my makeshift bed, a few short feet away, and not touching her.

Most nights, I’d lie awake, waiting for the hitch in her breath that signaled an oncoming night terror, giving me an excuse to take her in my arms. I should sleep in the dorm with the younglings.

If anyone asked, I would pretend it necessary for extra protection since the appearance of guards scouting the tunnels.

Why won’t my damn feet move away from her door?

After a minute or two of wrestling with my uncooperative body, I admitted defeat. I could sooner slit my own throat than walk away from her.

As I entered, the metal door issued the usual low creak, but the tenor of Daisy's breathing remained blessedly undisturbed.

I moved stealthily, as though slinking up on an enemy rather than removing my tunic, belt, and boots, not wanting to wake her.

The sacks of grain gave a soft hiss as I settled onto my pallet, lying on my back because my ornery, throbbing cock made any other position impossible.

I must be a glutton for punishment. Like those fools who visit the lower levels of hedonism ships where they use chains and whips, and crave pain as much as pleasure, I must be....

“Daicon?”

The sound of her sleep-heavy voice sent a throb of need through me. My cock twitched like the hands of a compass, and Daisy was true north.

“I’m here.” My words sounded guttural, lust tinging every syllable.

The blankets rustled as she moved. “It’s so late. Is everything okay?”

I pushed the image of her—sexy, mussed hair, sleepy eyes, and full lips—from my mind, trying to concentrate on anything else.

“Everything is fine. I spent extra time patrolling since the guards came so close today.” And because I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep my hands off you , I added silently.

My heart soared at the disappointment in her sigh. “The kids… we missed you at dinner.”

“It was delicious. Thank you for leaving food for me.” I turned on my side to face her.

Mistake.

Daisy copied the posture facing me. Even in the darkness, I noticed every curve outlined by the threadbare blanket and the gleam of the golden flecks in her eyes.

“Of course.” Her lips curved. “You worked hard today. Nobody should ever be sent to bed without supper.”

There was a hint of nostalgia in her voice. “You say that like you know how it feels.”

“I do.” She huffed a short, deep laugh. “It was my parent’s punishment of choice when I was younger.”

A frown crossed my face. "That is cruel. A youngling should never be denied sustenance."