Chapter 7

Krestar shifted restlessly on the narrow couch in the lunge. It was comfortable enough for sitting but it had not been designed as a bed, especially for someone of his size. Although he should be exhausted, his mind kept running over the repairs that still needed to be made - and the female sleeping in his cabin.

After their meal Lauren had insisted on helping him. Although she wasn't familiar with the ship's technology, she had an excellent grasp of the principals involved and proved a fast learner. Her pregnancy made it difficult for her to maneuver, but her skills made her a useful assistant. They worked well together, despite his growing distraction as her sweet scent permeated the air and her soft curves brushed against his body. He could only pray that his reaction was not too obvious.

And yet… He was quite sure that she was not entirely unaware of him as well. Several times her scent had deepened, richer and sweeter with arousal. He had noticed a physical response as well, the stiff peaks of her nipples thrusting against her gown. His cock surged again at the memory.

He'd changed back into a uniform but the tight pants only pressed painfully against his erection. After so many years without experiencing arousal, his body was determined to make up for lost time. But it wasn't just his physical response that kept him awake. He wanted to know everything about her. Why did she choose to have a child alone? Was there a reason she had not mentioned a mate, or a lover?

With a sigh, he threw off the thin blanket and stood, his cock aching. His tail flicked angrily as he crossed to the lounge to the door. Perhaps a brief stint in the training room would allow him to clear his mind.

But when he entered the corridor he noticed the door to the control room was open, a sliver of light around the edge. Had he forgotten to close the door properly? Or was there another reason?

He padded silently to the door and peeked around the edge. Lauren stood by the view screen, gazing out at the stars, her shoulders tense.

He was about to call out to her when he caught a hint of salt in the air. Tears? Before he could think better of it, he stepped inside.

"What is wrong?"

"I was just… I couldn't sleep and I came out here to look at the stars. I guess I miss my friend, my home. That's silly, isn't it?"

"It is not silly at all." He moved closer, drawn by her sadness and a desire to comfort her.

She turned and gave him a wavering smile. Even in the dim light he could see her eyes were red, the tracks of her tears clear. The need to protect her, to make her feel better, overwhelmed him.

He took her hand and pulled her close, holding her against his chest. Her scent enveloped him, the delicate sweetness filling his lungs. She gave a soft little gasp, but then her soft, curvy body molded against his.

Her hands rested on his chest as she looked up at him. The touch was innocent, comforting, and yet his blood began to pound in his ears. The desire that had never ceased since she'd come aboard intensified. His cock strained against his pants and he gritted his teeth. He had to maintain control. She was vulnerable and his honor would not allow him to take advantage of her.

"It is all right," he whispered. "Everything will be fine."

She gave him a shaky smile.

"I keep telling myself that. We'll find Felicity and the Patrol will get us home. Somehow, I'm having trouble believing it."

"Why? You do not have faith in me?"

"Oddly enough, I do." A hint of amusement crossed her face as she patted his chest. He fought a shudder, struggling to remain still. "But it's a vast universe out there. No matter how much you want to help me find her, the more time that passes, the more I feel as if she's slipping out of reach."

"Once the ship's sensors are repaired, we will be able to trace her," he said, wishing he could do more. Wishing he could give her all the things she deserved, like a mate who was worthy of her.

"I suppose so. You found me, didn't you?"

Thank Granthar.He dreaded to think what might have happened if another Vedeckian ship had picked up the signal. Had they notified any other ships during the battle? It was unlikely since the traders tended to be fiercely competitive, but he couldn't entirely rule out the possibility. In which case the asteroid field might prove a blessing as well as a hazard. The asteroids would help to conceal their presence, especially since the engines were running on impulse power only.

Lauren shifted against him and the soft press of her breasts made his already aching cock twitch. Her eyes widened and he was quite sure she felt it too. The sweet smell of her arousal flooded the room. His breath quickened as his tail pulled her closer and he had to force himself not to grind against her lush body.

"Are you all right?" she whispered.

"Perfect," he rasped, his hands flexing as he tried to resist the temptation.

"I'm not so sure about that."

The tip of her tongue traced her lower lip and he was lost. He lowered his head and brushed his mouth against hers. Her lips were full and soft and tasted of the honey-spiced drink her had given her before bed. The flavor combined with her own natural sweetness and he couldn't stop himself from seeking more. His tongue slipped between her lips.

She made a soft, startled sound, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she rose on her toes and leaned against him, the full mound of her stomach between them only increasing his desire. She tasted like nothing he'd ever experienced, intoxicating, addicting. When his tongue caressed hers, a shudder ran through her and he groaned.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes dark and uncertain.

"What have you done to me?"

"I should be asking the same question." He feathered his thumb across her soft cheek. "We were taught that a Cire male could not find… satisfaction except with a Cire female. Could only mate with a Cire female."

"I don't understand." She bit her lip but didn't look away from him. "I can tell that you're… erect."

"I said to achieve satisfaction, not to achieve an erection. Although I have never felt such desire before."

"Never?" She stared up at him, then smiled, her dark eyes warm. "Not even when you were young?"

"No. I was too focused on my warrior training to pay attention to females. I assumed there would be time for that later. But then the Red Death came and that future disappeared."

"I'm so sorry."

Her arms tightened around his waist and his tail gave her a gentle squeeze in return. His cock still ached and throbbed, desire a fiery hum in his blood, but the conversation had allowed him time to regain control over himself.

"You should try and rest now," he said softly.

"I'm not sure I can. Will you…" She hesitated, then gave him a shy smile. "Would you lie down with me for a while? I know it doesn't make any sense, but you make me feel safe."

He knew he should not, but how could he resist?

"If that is what you wish."

She nodded and he took her hand, leading her back to his cabin. He paused when they reached the bed, but she gave him an encouraging smile.

"Please."

With a nod, he slid beneath the covers. The moment she lay beside him, his body reacted, the soft, warm curves of her body beckoning. His arm curved around her waist, not pulling her closer but unable to stop from caressing the swell of her stomach. His breath caught as a something nudged his hand. The baby was responding to his touch.

"Did you feel that?" she asked.

"Yes. Is this normal?"

"I don't know. I haven't shared a bed with anyone while I was pregnant." She smiled when the baby nudged his hand again. "It's amazing, isn't it?"

"It is the most miraculous thing I have ever felt."

Her fingers entwined with his as she settled against him, and he tried not to imagine what it would have been like to share her bed for another reason. His tail wrapped itself around her as well, settling just under the mound of her stomach. How easy it would be to drop just a little lower, to explore the sweetness between her thighs - but this was about comfort, not desire, and he simply held her close.

"Sleep now," he said softly.

She gave a soft hum of agreement, her breathing soon settling into the easy rhythm of sleep.

"Sleep," he repeated, although this time it was directed at himself.

Her scent surrounded him, his cock still throbbed, but he closed his eyes and concentrated on the precious life beneath his hand and the equally precious female he was holding.