Chapter Twenty

“Trust me, I know.”

“How can I be sure it isn’t a case of ‘poor me, I’m always pushed away by my family, so I’ll force love to happen whether it’s right or not’?”

“Perhaps it is. You can’t be certain until you’ve given it time to develop. The fact you’re on watch for such a reaction helps.” Sara looked at her levelly. “The biggest problem is, you’re putting your life on the line to learn if it’s real.”

“It feels as if running is all I do. First from Earth, later from the Holy Asshole, recently from the Galactic Council, Alpha Space Station…when does it end? When do I get to live my life? When do I get to hang on to the people I care for?” Charity heard her voice rising, but she couldn’t stop it from doing so. She was tired of losing those who mattered.

“Yeah. Been there, done that.” Sara’s smile took on a sad note.

Charity regretted her outburst. “I’m sorry. You lost your first husband, then your Dramok—”

“My situation doesn’t minimize yours.” Sara leaned toward Charity from her side of the table. “Are Detodev, Ilid, and Mitag worth fighting for? Worth the chance of being abducted by those who’d hurt you? Though I have no doubt your young men would do everything in their power to keep you safe, there’s no guarantee they can do so.”

Charity had examined the situation up and down, thanks to the long, mostly sleepless night she’d spent struggling. “I think they are.”

“You think ?”

“I’m leaving room for mistakes. I’m no idiot, despite appearances.”

Sara chuckled. “I’m quite aware you aren’t a fool. The question is, do you bet your life on a maybe?”

“Here’s the thing.” Charity spoke as confidently as she could, to demonstrate how rational she was despite the fact she really was taking a tremendous chance. “I could run and hide and buy a few weeks or years. Perhaps a lifetime. I could reach an age when I’m wrinkled and gray. But I’ll always wonder if I lost the most precious gift I could have had. I’ll live in doubt, and worst of all, regret. Are Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag worth hanging around for? I don’t know. What I am certain of is leaving the question unanswered is worth fighting against .”

After a long beat, Sara tucked her blond hair behind her ear and sat up straight. “In the early days of Haven’s existence as a colony, a large faction of Earthers lived here who treated our Kalquorian neighbors with suspicion. Hatred, even. They weren’t called Earthtiques then, but they fit the description. There were Kalquorians who felt as adamant we had no business mixing.”

“Which launched their civil war.” Charity had seen some of the fallout of the conflict.

“When I joined Clan Amgar, it was under the worst possible conditions.” Sara’s gaze was distant, her expression grim. “I was desperate. I had three small children, poor health, and a failing farm. I wondered when I accepted Clan Amgar’s proposal to clan if I did so for the wrong reasons. We earned animosity from those who hated our union. Such hatred ultimately cost Amgar his life. It nearly killed the rest of us too.”

Charity thought of her own irritation over Groteg and Kalquor insisting she leave Haven. It seemed petty given the grief Sara had been dealt.

“Don’t do that,” Sara said gently. “I can see shame in your face, and it isn’t necessary. Don’t belittle your own struggle just because it isn’t as dramatic as the challenges others have been through.”

“I feel like a whining baby,” Charity grouched. “You don’t need to hear it.”

“I don’t mind. If I can help you come to the best decision for yourself, I want to.”

“You’re such a mom.”

“I’ve had more practice on that front than I often think I can handle.”

Charity managed to laugh.

Sara regarded her with warmth. “Listen to me. You’re an adult, as you keep pointing out to Groteg. Your reasons for remaining on Haven strike me as valid, so you should. But you must be fully aware of how dangerous your situation is. You can’t downplay how bad it could get over a maybe .”

Charity heard Sara’s urgency. She respected it, since her friend…another friend she was desperate to stay close to…had seen the worst.

“I’ve lived some horrific shit myself. I’ve been in similar danger before and nearly paid a terrible price.” She spoke slowly, feeling the words to be sure she chose the right ones. “The difference then was I had no choice. I don’t think I’ve ever had a choice until now.” She sat up straight too, mimicking Sara’s stance, looking her in the eye. “I can tell you with complete assurance I’ve weighed the consequences to body, heart, and soul. I’ve made my decision: I choose Haven.”

Sara smiled. “Give me one more stab at playing devil’s advocate. If you can tell me your solution to this detail, I’ll support you to my utmost ability.”

“Okay?”

“If it ends up you’ve found clanmates, or better yet, the loves of your life in Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag, this is where they’re committed to live. On the place you’ve dubbed Planet Farm Hell. What happens to your education and future career as an astronomer in such a scenario?”

Charity grinned, unabashed that at some point Sara had overheard her denigrate Haven. She was too pleased to have discovered a hidden advantage and a worthy reply for her host. Of all the considerations, the answer to both issues had been among the first she’d figured out. “Let me tell you of the message our friend and consummate troublemaker ‘Jennifer’ sent to a certain Kalquorian university and governmental department last night.”

* * * *

Thanks to Charity giving Sara good reasons to support her determination to stay on Haven, the younger woman was given the green light to escape the farm prior to Groteg’s return from work. Avoiding a confrontation with the well-meaning and protective Nobek set the stage for a perfect night.

“I have the feeling you and the boys will be having a heart-to-heart talk, so I won’t wait up.” Sara grinned as she sent Charity off in the farm’s battered but serviceable spare shuttle.

“You’re as bad as Ilid’s mom and Imdiko father when it comes to playing matchmaker,” Charity teased.

“I’m remembering the happy rush of new love, I suppose.” Sara’s look turned wistful.

After comming Ilid, Charity arrived at the house his parents had rented. She and the handsome Dramok had little time to do much talking of even the casual sort. Diju barely let her get in the door before urging her toward a spare bedroom no one was using.

Ilid tried to intervene. “Can I at least say hello before you abduct my date?”

“Of course.” Diju paused, her hand on Charity’s arm, which she’d been tugging. “Say hello to him, Jennifer.”

“Hello Ilid,” Charity giggled. It was impossible not to be amused when his fathers were snickering in the background.

“Hello. How—”

“We agreed on hello. Nothing more.” Diju resumed pulling Charity away.

“Mother!”

“You can have her later. I need another woman to talk to for a change.” Diju ignored his protests and sequestered herself and Charity in the pleasant but nondescript room, shutting the door in Ilid’s face.

She turned to beam at Charity. “There. Oh, what did you bring?” She eyed Charity’s dress bag greedily.

Unable to stop laughing, Charity showed her the cute dress sporting a flouncy skirt she’d decided on for the night. “It’s too much for a night out in Sunrise, but Mitag will be dressed up too if he survived that wedding reception this afternoon.”

“So pretty!” Diju’s delight gave up room for a pout. “I tried to take Ilid to buy something special for tonight, but he said the outfits he’d brought would do. Men.”

“From our conversation yesterday, I believe he’s trying to put Detodev at ease. Our resident farmhand doesn’t do fancy.”

“Ah. That makes sense. He probably can’t afford much on his salary, and you don’t step on a Nobek’s pride.” Pride shone in Diju’s purple eyes. “My son is so considerate.”

“He was brought up right.” Charity winked.

“Don’t think I’m belittling Detodev. He’s a terrific man, and farming is a noble career. He isn’t much for smiles or talking, but few Nobeks are. I so hope…” Diju’s voice faltered as she caught herself.

“They’ve made a decent start.” Charity couldn’t resist raising her hopes. “With Mitag too.”

Diju’s expression took on a pleading quality. “Jennifer, I’m sorry I’ve been pushy. You’re so sweet, so adorable, and I can tell Ilid cares for you. I realize you have plans to return to school later, but I can’t help wanting my son to have the fresh start and happiness he deserves. Forgive me for being unable to stop from convincing you to see him as…as…”

Her hands fluttered. Tears filled Charity’s vision as she wondered what hopes her own mother might have held for her had she lived to see her daughter grown. Faith had often told her and Hope, “No matter the paths my girls take, I’ll be happy as long as you’re happy. It’s my greatest dream for you.”

Charity hugged Diju. “We’ve had a good start too,” she whispered in her ear. “It’s too early to predict how the future will turn out, but I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”

Diju let a sob slip. “I already know I could love you as a daughter. If it means anything, be assured you wouldn’t gain just a clanmate. You’d get an entire parent clan too, a clan who cares for you.”

Tears flowed hot down Charity’s cheeks. She couldn’t speak.

They didn’t separate until a soft knock sounded on the door. As they both hurriedly wiped their cheeks, Diju called, “No, Ilid. You’ll have to wait.”

The door opened anyway. It was Imdiko Jadel who spoke. “I bring wine.”

“You wonderful man,” Diju beamed. “It’s all right, come in.”

“It looks as if I made the correct call.” He took in the evidence of the emotional moment they’d had. “A few snacks too, since Ilid tells me dinner isn’t for a couple hours yet.”

Charity experienced a rush of affection for him as he set a tray on the small table between two chairs by the room’s sole window. She felt it for all of Clan Codab. Perhaps their regard for her had initially been because they’d merely seen her as a potential lifeline for the struggling Ilid, but they were wonderful people. They treated her with respect she thought she had yet to earn. As they’d gotten better acquainted, she’d sensed growing approval and a welcome to their inner circle. She recognized it for the generous gift it was.

I could fall in love with the whole bunch of them.

“Anything else?” Jadel asked them as he readied to leave them.

“Keep Ilid out. This is woman time,” Diju insisted. “Wait. Have Detodev and Mitag meet here before they go to dinner and the show. If Nobek Detodev feels underdressed—”

“Mitag got him to buy a new shirt,” Charity interrupted.

“Good. Still, he might be concerned. Don’t make a big deal of it, Jadel; I don’t want Detodev embarrassed, but see if he’ll wear Gruthep’s nice trousers. I think they’re close to the same size. I’m so glad I packed a few good outfits for everyone.”

“Got it. Enjoy yourselves, Mataras.”

The women enjoyed themselves indeed. The wine helped, but as was the case with Sara, Charity wallowed in the delight of the presence of an older woman who’d become like family. They drank wine, fussed over Charity’s hair, and experimented with a few makeup techniques. Mostly, they talked and talked and talked.

Following some hesitation and no doubt too many glasses of wine, Charity shared her true identity. She decided she owed it to the woman whose son might be endangered by her situation. She included the tales Detodev and Mitag had shared of their pasts as well.

“I’m truly thankful the four of you found each other,” Diju commented softly after listening in amazement. “You need them, and they’ve certainly benefitted from you. Now don’t cry! We’ve just gotten your eye makeup perfect. I’m sure Ilid and Detodev have your safety well in hand, but perhaps Gruthep can stay behind another month to assist when the rest of us return to Kalquor. You shouldn’t have to give up the hopes you’ve won due to those Earthtiques. Groteg can’t fault my Nobek’s skills on that score.”

“It isn’t only up to him,” Charity sighed. “The spy division of the fleet is involved. It’s them pushing the matter of me leaving Haven.”

Diju’s eyes narrowed. A calculating smile pulled at her lips. “We can put a few obstacles in their way. Let’s plan on you returning here to spend the night following the show. Sleeping under the same roof as Ilid’s parents will put a damper on romance, but it’ll also make it harder for your wardens to whisk you off in the morning. I’ll talk to my clan and see what they say while you youngsters are out.”

Charity gazed at her admiringly. “I hope your faith in me for Ilid isn’t misplaced. We’re still deciding whether we’d be a good match.”

“I already know,” Diju said, waving her hand breezily. “The name of the game now is giving you and my son the opportunity to realize it yourselves.”

* * * *

“Wow.” Charity grinned at Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag in appreciation. “You guys are impressive. The residents of Sunrise are hereby served notice they have to up their standards where the rest of their men are concerned.”

Mitag in his new outfit was devastatingly stunning. The teal of his jacket and trousers lent a glowing hue to his dark bronze skin. The cut set his gorgeously toned physique to perfection.

Ilid wasn’t as dressy, but there was no denying he was made to break hearts. Sleek black hair framed his handsome face and spilled on his shoulders. Charity ached to bury her fingers and comb through the thick tresses. His shirt, open halfway down his defined chest, was a brilliant blue and left nothing to the imagination where his muscled arms and torso were concerned. His black pants did the same for his thighs. Charity had a hard time restraining herself in front of his parents. She was tempted to ask him to turn so she could see how well the trousers molded to his ass.

Detodev wore the simple but tasteful white shirt Mitag had coaxed him to buy, which showed his muscled upper body to advantage. Whether he’d owned his own creased chocolate brown trousers or borrowed them from Gruthep, he failed to look underdressed next to Ilid. It was his expression, however, which defined his attractiveness. He didn’t exude delight, but there was definite warmth in place of the reserve he typically wore as a second skin. He’d turn the heads of women who had no interest in the dangerous type.

“Gruthep, I might need to borrow a blaster to fend my rivals off tonight.” Charity glanced at the elder Nobek eyeing his son and friends proudly. Maybe he’d indeed had a hand in prepping the younger men.

“Look who’s talking.” Ilid’s expression was frankly admiring, as were Detodev’s and Mitag’s. “Forget Sunrise. None of the women on Haven can compare to you.”

Charity played overly modest as she twitched the ruffled skirt of her dress, which nearly matched Ilid’s for its deep blue. “Oh, me in this old rag? You’re too kind, Dramok.”

“Kind, nothing,” Mitag asserted. His face shone. She didn’t ask if it was from the success of the wedding reception, which had gone off without a hitch, or admiration for her. “You’re beautiful.”

“You are, Starry Eyes.” Detodev’s voice was quiet, but there was real appreciation in it. His reaction, more than the rest, caused her cheeks to warm.

Dramok Codab tapped the handheld Ilid wore on his belt. “There’s a little extra in your account for dinner, drinks, and whatever else comes your way tonight.”

“Thank you, my father.”

“But no fancy overnight room,” Diju spoke up. When Ilid’s face turned crimson, she added, “You’re bringing Cha—uh, Jennifer here afterward to stay in our guest room. She’ll explain the reason to you, and I’ll explain to your fathers.”

Ilid had caught the near-mistake of her speaking Charity’s real name. He glanced from his mother to his date as realization dawned. “Ah. Okay. Sounds like a plan.”

Though the elder men appeared curious, they shrugged it off to wish the young people an enjoyable night. Diju hugged them in turn. She winked at Detodev when he turned awkward at the affection.

She sent them off wearing a bright smile. “Have fun. That’s an order.”

Chapter Nineteen

“Breathe it deep! Nothing beats fresh air, huh?”

“If your definition of ‘fresh’ comes from when you’re standing in the middle of a ronka pasture, where your horse just dumped you on your ass,” came the answer. The actor on stage lifted a foot to inspect the bottom of his boot.

“Come back to my house, Dramok. I’ll let you take off your boots…and anything else uncomfortable you’re wearing,” a buxom woman drawled as she sauntered across the scenery. Her appraising eyes raked him. “Matter of fact, you can take off the comfortable stuff too.”

Charity joined in the laughter ringing through the theater. The risqué musical Cow Patties in Paradise was a far better show than she’d expected. Both humans and Kalquorians starred in the farce. In the story, no one of a backwater Haven town was terribly intelligent except the beleaguered Nobek head of local security and his human girlfriend, who ran a popular pleasure club. Rich, clueless tourists had descended upon the town’s hapless residents to play at being cowboys at a newly opened holiday ranch. The results were predictably hilarious. The songs were raunchy but sung shockingly well, and the bawdy jokes had been nonstop. Even Detodev occasionally bellowed unrestrained laughter at the outrageous comedy.

It was definitely not fit for children, so Clan Amgar had been smart to keep the kids away. It was, however, right up Charity’s alley. She couldn’t remember the last time her ribs had ached from laughing so hard.

The audience was enjoying the first act so much, they groaned as one before breaking into applause during the intermission preceding the second act. Her hand fanning her warm face, Charity joined her chuckling dates in filing from the auditorium to the lobby for refreshments.

Mitag, who knew the wine vendor, snagged them a premium vintage to enjoy. “This show met the hype, kicked down its door, and surpassed all expectations.”

“Agreed. Hell of a spoof on our poor little Haven.” Charity clicked her glass to his and took a heftier swallow than she should have. Giddy from the fun, she rashly added, “The show is poking fun, but this place isn’t so bad. In fact, it isn’t bad at all.”

Mitag slapped a palm to his chest and staggered as if having a heart attack. “Did you actually compliment our ronka-scented backwater planet?”

“It’s grown on me. If there were a place for an astronomer, I’d be tempted to hang around for a while.”

She watched to evaluate their reactions. They didn’t disappoint her. The earlier trace of hope peeked from Detodev’s rugged features. Outright want appeared on Ilid’s and Mitag’s.

“You said the location and view from here deserves an observatory. You should lobby for it,” Ilid ventured.

Charity thought of telling him of the clandestine com she’d made to Kalquor. She forced herself to calm the wild hope she’d birthed. No need to excite anyone’s expectations, including her own. “As soon as the Galactic Council is Dark-free, re-opens Jedver’s university to Earthers, and I get my degree, I might do just that.”

Detodev surprised them by raising his glass. “To our Starry Eyes learning to dodge the cow and ronka patties. We’ll make you a farm girl yet.”

Charity laughed. “Not likely, big man. I’ll stick to my telescopes and odorless sky. And a clean sidewalk from my front door to the observatory. The verdant fields and acres of manure are all yours to frolic on.”

* * * *

They returned for the second act when a theater usher clanged a metal triangle. Charity appreciated the cute announcement of the intermission’s end. It reminded her of how ranch workers had been summoned to dinner in the Old West movies her father had enjoyed. The eager audience resumed their seats, looking forward to the rest of the show.

A few hilarious minutes into the second act, during a raucous musical number featuring the entire cast in various stages of undress, an alarm blared. The house lights came up, startling the actors to a standstill. The theater manager rushed up to address the packed auditorium.

“It’s the fire alarm, folks. We have a small blaze backstage. If you’ll please make your way calmly to the exits—”

A billow of smoke suddenly swept through the space. The curtains behind the set visibly smoldered. Then the fire suppression system went off, soaking everyone and adding to the confusion. All at once, the house lights went out, leaving them in the dim reddish gloom of emergency illumination.

It sent people into a panic. Cries and shouts resounded, blending with the claxons to create an earsplitting cacophony. The audience and actors stampeded from the front of the house toward the exits at the side and back of the auditorium.

Charity had instinctively grabbed Ilid’s hand at the start of the commotion. He curled his arm around her as Detodev stretched to encompass them and Mitag in his long reach. “Crouch low!” the Nobek shouted over the din. “Fire suppression will kill the fire, but the smoke is still a problem. Ilid, can you lead us safely to the nearest exit?”

Charity barely discerned the Dramok peering in the murk, craning his head above the crouching Mitag’s. “The closest exit is bogged by those trying to escape. I suggest we make for the side exit, where fewer are going. You’ll have to lead us, Mitag.” He gestured, but Charity’s weaker human sight couldn’t discern the escape he indicated.

“I can do it. Come on.”

“Hang on to each other,” Detodev rasped. “Even there, it’s a big crowd.”

Ilid maintained his grasp on Charity. She in turn fisted a handful of Detodev’s new shirt. She assumed Ilid had hold of Mitag, who was in front of him.

They crept among the row of seats, slowly but steadily, staying as low as they could. Charity could see and sense the continued frantic efforts of others eager to escape. The frightened crowd climbed over seats, many coughing in the thickening smoke. Detodev swatted off those who flailed to get past them. She sensed many falling as they fought the crush, of other terrified patrons stepping on them to get out. She had no idea how bad it was, however, until Detodev abruptly stopped an instant after they cleared the row and joined those in the crammed aisle.

“We have to help him,” came Mitag’s voice, fighting to be heard in the bedlam of shouts and cries.

Help who? Charity wondered.

As Detodev moved to one side, she saw an elderly man lying on the floor before their little group. He was bleeding from his nose, lip, and a cut on his brow. He moaned and feebly tried to rise.

“I have you.” Detodev bent lower to pick up the man, who’d apparently been trampled in the hysteria. Charity released the Nobek to give him better freedom to assist.

Something crashed. Charity was certain it came from the direction of the stage. The thunderous sound in the darkness was dreadful, and the shouts of those battling to be let out became screams. Charity was shoved hard by a wave of those who doubled their efforts to escape the theater. Ilid’s grip was torn from her arm. The next instant, she was forced beyond Detodev and Mitag, who were staggering as they tried to protect the fallen elderly man from the fresh onslaught. Charity had no choice but to run along the tide of the crowd. If she hadn’t, she’d have fallen and been stomped by the heedless mob.

She was brought up short when she collided with those jammed near the exit, trying to squeeze out. The pressure increased as everyone around her fought to flee the auditorium. The air was squeezed from Charity as she was flattened between others. She realized she wouldn’t have to fall to be crushed to death.

As she fought for air and dizziness threatened, a massive figure picked her up and began shoving those in front of her to either side. She clung to her rescuer, thankful for even the smoky atmosphere she heaved in her depleted lungs. She had no capacity to feel bad for those Detodev pushed ungently to clear a path to the door. In a matter of seconds, they emerged in the comparative brightness of the night and Sunrise’s streetlamps. She gulped like a landed fish to claim the cool, clear oxygen between coughs.

She was aware of the sidewalk flowing past as she was carried at a run from the theater. A beefy arm swung at those unlucky enough to find themselves in their path. Pained cries sounded in their wake.

“Ease up, Detodev. We’re out, we’re okay,” she wheezed as she looked up at him. She blinked in surprise to find her rescuer wasn’t the Nobek after all. Nor was he Ilid or Mitag.

“I think you inhaled too much smoke, Miss Nath. We’d better get you to the hospital.” Assistant Chief Wilkes’ smile strived but failed to be comforting.

Charity noted he was carrying her toward an unfamiliar shuttle. “No, I’m…” she coughed and tried again. “I need to see how my friends…” Another fit of coughing, then horror dawned. “Wait. What did you call me?”

His grip tightened, though he carried her as if she weighed nothing. He didn’t answer but continued to push past the frightened and confused escapees of the fire who failed to move out of his path quickly enough.

Details clicked together in her head at a lightning pace. He knew her identity. He was big and muscled, the size of a Kalquorian, perhaps the size of her assailant in the barn. He’d have had access to the spy O’Neal, who’d supposedly committed suicide while in custody.

She tried to wrench free, but Wilkes’ grip was implacable. She drew a breath to scream for help from those swirling behind her, but she was seized by a fit of coughing and couldn’t call out. By the time she stopped hacking, Wilkes had shoved her into the shuttle. The force of his toss knocked her to the floor near a passenger seat. He closed the hatch behind them.

Charity took no time to stop to think. She bounded up and flew at him, kicking, punching, scratching, and screaming.

He fell heavily against the hatch, shocked by the unexpected attack. Charity kept up the barrage, knowing her only chance was to somehow get him clear of the craft’s door so she could escape.

The element of surprise was over, however. She’d done no damage to the behemoth. Wilkes grabbed her by the throat, his features bestial in a snarl.

“Bitch! You’ll pay long before I get you to New Bethlehem. When I’m done with you, you’ll beg to tell the universe about your traitor father and where the Kalqs have hidden our Holy Leader.”

He squeezed. Though Charity couldn’t stop from instinctively grabbing the hand cutting off precious air, she continued kicking, trying for his sensitive spot. The much bigger Wilkes’ reach was too long, however, giving her no ability to do so.

Through blooming black spots in her vision, she saw him draw back a fist, carefully measuring. She didn’t see it when he punched. She only felt a crash of thunder in her skull, then she fell in an endless abyss.

Gripping the hacking Mitag’s sleeve, Ilid finally shoved his way through the door through which he’d seen Wilkes carry Charity. The sidewalk and street beyond the exit were a boiling mass of confusion as people poured from the building in various states of injury, many shouting for help. A nearby shuttle lifted off the ground and shot off. It failed to wait to gain a safe altitude before doing so. It narrowly missed hitting several people, who dove screaming and cursing to avoid being smashed.

He couldn’t see Charity or Wilkes anywhere.

“No emergency medics yet,” Detodev observed, carrying the injured elderly man he’d scooped from the floor.

The man’s eyes had thankfully cleared. “I see my daughter, young man. Erica!”

“Dad!” A middle-aged woman rushed up. “Thank you for getting him out. The crowd pushed me away. Oh, you’re hurt, Dad!”

“Only stunned. You can put me down now. I feel steady.” He coughed before smiling gratefully at Detodev, who set him carefully on his feet. “Thank you so much, Nobek…Detodev, right? You work for Clan Amgar.”

“Yes, sir. You should see a medic. You were knocked around pretty hard.”

“I’ll take him to the hospital to get checked,” the daughter assured him. “Our shuttle’s just over there. Thank you again, Nobek. We owe you. Come on, Dad.”

Ilid was only vaguely aware of the conversation. He scanned the growing crowd worriedly, searching the sea of faces. “Jennifer!”

No answer. Mitag, his face etched in worry, called Charity’s alias too, then clambered up Detodev’s back to get a clearer view of the surroundings. The Nobek made no protest at being used as a perch. He twisted this way and that, trying to spot their date.

Ilid’s concern became sheer worry despite having witnessed her in the care of law enforcement. “I saw Wilkes haul her out of the theater. Do you think she was hurt and he took her to the hospital?”

Neither Mitag nor Detodev answered but chorused “Jennifer!” again.

Ilid grabbed a passerby, a human who looked to be in his early twenties. “Hey! Did you see Assistant Chief Wilkes and a young woman this tall come through here?” He measured Charity’s height with his hand.

“Wilkes! That asshole nearly broke my damn arm when he bulldozed me to the ground,” the other man sputtered. “Did you see him try to kill everyone when he took off in the shuttle? Talk about your anger issues. If you ask me, he shouldn’t have any authority, going nuts in an emergency situation.”

So it had been Wilkes Ilid had witnessed taking off so dangerously. “And the woman?”

“He tossed her like a bag of garbage in the shuttle. Maybe she started the fire? He sure was an asshole. Guilty or not, she can probably get him on police brutality. Hey, Chad! Here I am!” The young man rushed off.

“Fuck.” Detodev’s voice was an animal growl as he grabbed the Dramok’s shoulder. “Ilid, the fire started quick. Maybe it wasn’t an accident. And Wilkes is the size—”

“Of a Kalquorian, such as the man who attacked her in the barn. The guy we caught spying on us died in Wilkes’ jail.”

“Shit! We have to catch him!” Apparently recovered from the smoke he’d inhaled, Mitag flew in the direction of the theater’s lot, where he’d parked his shuttle. They’d traveled as a group in it.

Ilid and Detodev passed him and were on the vessel in seconds. Ilid claimed the pilot’s chair in the cockpit. “I’ll fly. I have the fleet experience to travel at high speed.”

Mitag gave way. “Hurry, Ilid. Who knows what he might do to her?”

Grimly, the Dramok got them underway and flew in the direction he’d last seen Wilkes’ shuttle racing.

Charity might have been displeased by Sunrise’s bucolic location, but the settlement’s small size meant little air traffic existed, even at the early hour of the night. Ilid was grateful for it and another advantage they had in their search: Mitag’s sporty little shuttle, barely a year old, was more streamlined than the older, heavier shuttle he’d spotted leave the theater. Ilid flew at top speed to reach his quarry.

“Even if he’s only taking her to the hospital, we’ll want to be there,” he said.

Detodev snarled what Ilid’s gut already told him. “There’s no hospital this direction. He’s rogue. Either an Earthtique or greedy for the bounty on Charity.”

They were operating on guesswork as to the direction Wilkes had ultimately gone. If Mitag hadn’t switched on the shuttle’s 360-degree vid viewer, which made the hull and floor seemingly disappear, they might have missed the rapidly diminishing marker lights of another shuttle heading into the distance on their port side.

“ There .” Detodev pointed. His shout made Ilid’s ears ring. “No other craft in the vicinity.”

“Keep your fingers crossed it’s them,” the Dramok said, banking to catch up. He checked the readouts and silently thanked Mitag’s image-conscious urge to have included all the newest gadgetry on his vehicle. “Speed’s right for the shuttle I saw if he’s pushing it as hard as it can go. It could be them.”

“Don’t get too close, Ilid,” Detodev urged. “If he panics, he might crash. Charity could be hurt.”

“His shuttle isn’t space worthy,” Mitag noted, trying but failing to fend off the panic in his voice. “He can’t get far, can he? We can keep him sight, can’t we?”

Detodev urged, “Let him get where he’s going, land, then we’ll pick a moment when she’s least likely to suffer injury.”

Ilid grimaced despite recognizing the Nobek’s wisdom. His every instinct shouted to run Wilkes down and save Charity.

Detodev gripped his shoulder. “He has to land somewhere. He won’t get away.”

The Dramok snorted. “For an uncontrollable Nobek who can’t contain his violence, you’re doing pretty damn good. Where’s the rampaging monster who destroys everything in his path?”

Mitag chuffed a strained laugh. Ilid didn’t check over his shoulder, but he sensed Detodev’s scowl to be proven wrong about his abilities and his breed’s natural inclinations yet again.

“Wait until I catch up to Wilkes. Then we’ll see what I become.”

Ilid looked at the shuttle lights now in front of him, still some distance away though Mitag’s speedster was gaining. “Catching up isn’t the issue. We can’t do anything to quiet the engine, but can one of you circumvent the safety lights on this thing so he doesn’t see us coming?”

Detodev promptly climbed in the co-pilot’s chair. “If you learn anything as a troubled youth under the care of watchful guardians on Haven, it’s how to keep a low profile. It’s the only way you can have a good time unchaperoned.” He hesitated briefly before tapping on the dash controls. “Unless you’re Groteg’s ward. I swear it’s impossible to get anything past him. I wish like hell he was here.”

“We should com him,” Mitag suggested.

“I tried. He didn’t answer. He must be dealing with the fire emergency.”

It’s up to us alone then. Detodev will have to be the Nobek Charity needs . Ilid knew he had no need to say it. Detodev’s strained expression stated he was all too aware of the responsibility he faced.

* * * *

Wilkes glanced at the slut sitting in the seat next to his in the cockpit as she blinked awake. Naturally, the first thing she did was try to squirm free of the hovercuffs freezing her wrists to the chair arms. Her ankles were also locked in place, leaving her immobilized.

He expected her to scream to be released. To plead. Maybe cry. Instead, she treated him to a baleful glare. “Let me guess: Earthtique asshole? Holy Leader ass-kisser? Or are you simply threatened by women who refuse to live under your thumb?”

“Easy to see your father raised you to be a traitor, as well as an alien-loving whore,” he snarled, suddenly furious. She was afraid. It was obvious from her fast respiration and tense body. She wasn’t cowed into weeping submission, however. Why not?

“My father, I’m proud to say, sacrificed himself in all respects to stop a psychotic, narcissistic pedophile. Copeland was a whiny little asshole with delusions of godhood. A serial child rapist. A pathetic, boasting bitch who used small men like you to terrorize and kill innocents to keep him in power. I was on his ship, and I promise your would-be deity is dead. Dead, dead, dead, dead .”

No. The cunt had to be lying. Borey Nath and Browning Copeland were still alive. One waited to be justly and painfully executed for his crimes, and the other restored to his rightful place as leader of God’s people. The universe would make sense to Wilkes only by setting the Holy Leader on his earthly throne once more. The period between Armageddon and now was merely a test for the faithful.

“Shut your alien cocksucking mouth or I’ll smash it in,” he warned.

She laughed. The bitch fucking laughed at him. She thrust her face closer. “Go on, tough guy. Slap the pretty off me for this confession you no doubt want me to spill on vid. Do it for all the scared boys in men’s bodies. None of you can wipe your own asses unless Copeland gives you the courage to do so. Do it. I’ll be so convincing as a beaten woman ‘confessing’ the evidence you need.”

His fist clenched, eager to do exactly as she baited him. She already sported a bruise purpling her chin where he’d knocked her senseless. He’d no doubt hear about it from the interrogators who’d have to hide it under makeup or wait for it to fade before putting her on camera. Messing her up as she so desperately deserved wouldn’t please his superiors despite him delivering her.

To a point. He sneered. “We just need your face when you admit to your father’s crimes to set the record straight. The rest is fair game.”

He punched her in the stomach. The blow was almost casual, just enough to get her attention. The heavy stuff would come later if required.

He certainly hoped it would.

Her restraints allowed her to double over, the blood draining from her treacherous face as pain and shock taught their valuable lessons. It was his turn to laugh as she fought to breathe, as her first inhale included a groan.

“Thought you were safe from torture, did you? You’re a long way from being untouchable, precious. A lot of people look forward to hurting you if it’s necessary. Maybe even if it isn’t.”

He adjusted the crotch of his pants, which were suddenly tight as heat filled his manhood. She’d elbowed him there during his first attempt to bring her to justice. In an instant, he decided a little revenge, in the realm of “eye for an eye,” was in order as soon as he had the opportunity. Any evidence of such activity could be written off to her whoring for the aliens.

But it won’t be an eye for an eye. Cock for a pussy, he amended. He laughed again as he shifted to relieve the ache eager to take its vengeance.

-one

Charity was beginning to gain the ability to straighten from the agony of Wilkes’ brutal blow when he landed the shuttle. She’d damned near puked from the punch. She would have given in and done so, but the idea of spewing on Wilkes later, when the opportunity might present itself, held greater appeal.

He’d hurt her eventually. Probably badly. She’d seen his excitement, the telltale bulge of his crotch. His attack would include the act that allowed weak men to feel powerful when it came to harming women. He’d probably do so before help arrived, if it ever did.

Charity didn’t kid herself. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag hadn’t witnessed him abducting her. The mayhem at the theater had seen to it.

“You set the fire,” she grunted.

“Some friends of mine, but it was my idea. Worked like a charm. As soon as I knew you’d be at the show, it was easy to figure out how to capture you.” He gloated as he released the seat restraint on her but not the cuffs. She considered trying to headbutt him. It would be out of pure spite and cost more than it was worth. She’d probably be knocked unconscious against his Cro-Magnon skull.

His grip tight around her throat, diminishing her airflow to a trickle, would have kept her at bay in any case. Proving her suspicions of his plans for her, his free hand groped her breasts. It hurt, and she ground her teeth together. Not against the pain, but to keep from spitting at him. Her fury took no prisoners, but her abused stomach insisted it couldn’t handle another punch.

“I’ll have so much fun with you on our way to New Bethlehem,” he breathed. “Come on, whore, give me a taste of the screams I’ll hear when I make you pay for your sins. Let me hear it.” He brutally squeezed her breast, and she couldn’t stop a moan or tears from springing to her eyes. “I said, let me hear it!”

He twisted her flesh. She screamed at the sharp lance of agony as best her restricted airway allowed. The tears burst their dams and spilled down her cheeks. Wilkes looked euphoric when he relented.

“Better. This is only a preview of the earsplitting shrieks you’ll sing later, but it’ll do for now.” He turned bestial again. “A few of my associates are waiting. They need to see a properly submissive slut ready to pay for her transgressions. Get any ideas about fighting me in front of them, and I won’t keep you for myself. We’ll take turns. Understood?”

The hectic light in his eyes told Charity he wasn’t bluffing. She hating folding to his demands. Hated it. However, behaving as a frightened victim might lower Wilkes’ watchfulness and give her a chance to escape.

Charity wheezed, “Yes.”

He released her throat. Her whole being concentrated on drawing air into her depleted lungs. While she focused on oxygen, Wilkes snatched her from the seat and hauled her to the rear cabin, where he stood her up. When she wobbled, he snarled, “Fall, and I’ll kick you through the hatch.”

Charity swallowed a furious retort. He was the idiot who’d placed her in an unsteady position, which she couldn’t alter thanks to the cuffs freezing her feet. She bit her lips together and remembered her sister Hope once telling her, “I wonder if you’ll ever learn the art of self-preservation. You couldn’t stop your mouth running if it had an off-switch.”

Shows what you know. If I live through this, I’ll demand an apology.

A wave of grief hit her as she wondered if she’d see Hope again. If she did, she’d do the apologizing for being such a brat all these years.

In the seconds it took to remind herself she had to stay alert to the here and now rather than swimming in too-late regret, Wilkes ordered her ankle cuffs released and stowed them on his belt. “Let’s catch our ride off this hellbent planet. Hatch, open.” When it obeyed, he gave Charity a rude shove. “March.”

Her head bowed, both to watch her feet so she wouldn’t fall and to hide the burst of hatred twisting her features, Charity obeyed. She waited until she reached the tall grass-covered ground before lifting her gaze. She peered through strands of hair that had fallen forward.

She almost cried out when she saw the barn. Its shape was so similar to Clan Amgar’s, for an instant she thought she was on their farm. Its decay asserted itself as her eyes adjusted to night’s gloom, alleviated a little by the few lights set around the building. Her heart sank as she noted the sagging and warped boards and rusting farm implements scattered like offerings to a rustic temple.

Three men approached, none of whom she recognized. They wore blasters on their hips. Their expressions were grimly triumphant as they stared at her. “Good. You got her.”

“Where are the rest, Eastman?” Wilkes’ tone was suspicious.

The farm-hardened man who stood in the middle of the trio spoke. “Grabbed by Kalquorian law enforcement in the theater. We three managed to escape in the confusion.”

“Kalq enforcement? I didn’t see any officers there. I know every damned one of their faces.”

The man shrugged. “We set the fires, had them burning proper, then they were suddenly emerging from the smoke. They must have been hiding nearby and watching for trouble.”

Charity felt rather than saw Wilkes start. His grip on her tightened, and she knew what he suspected: Groteg had set guards to watch over her while she attended the show.

The conspirator reporting continued his account. “If it hadn’t gone up so quick, they would have gotten us all. As it is, we probably need to lay low and leave Haven as soon as the heat dies down. I’m pretty sure they got a good look at us. Probably recognized us too.”

The man on his right added, “If you hadn’t snagged her, it woulda been for nothing. You owe us.”

“You’ll be paid your share since I did get her.” Wilkes squeezed her arm until Charity moaned, eliciting smirks from the conspirators. “In a few minutes she’ll be out of their reach.”

“Better be. We made sure we weren’t followed. You?”

“Of course I wasn’t.”

The third man said, “I thought I heard a distant shuttle engine when you shut yours off. No sign of one I can see.” He shuffled and searched the sky uneasily, then the stand of nearby trees. He drew his blaster. “No time to celebrate. Better take her off the planet pronto. We’ll stick around long enough to hold off anyone who might come along, then we’re doing our own disappearing act.”

“I told you, nobody followed me.” Despite his determined tone, Wilkes began dragging Charity toward the barn. She had no choice but to stagger along. She did so as clumsily as possible to slow their progress.

Perhaps the man who’d alleged he’d heard another shuttle had spooked Wilkes. He appeared not to notice Charity deliberately making their trip to the building more difficult. He was intent on looking over his shoulder at a nearby stand of trees. The shadows concealed if anyone watched. The other men were jumpy too. They all held their weapons, no longer bothering to gloat at her capture.

Charity gained some small satisfaction in the news a few co-conspirators had been caught setting fire to the theater, endangering innocent lives in their madness to abduct her. She wondered if Groteg had been among the officers. A lump formed in her throat. Despite her obstinate refusal to leave Haven, the Nobek had gone to great lengths to protect her. His failure to do so didn’t change the fact her safety had been his priority. She hoped she’d get the chance to offer her gratitude and ask his forgiveness for her combative attitude.

I made the right decision when I decided to stay. None of this changes that. The chance she’d had to remain among Ilid, Detodev, Mitag, and Clan Amgar restrained her from descending into sheer despair.

She blinked in surprise when Wilkes yanked her in the barn. Its outward decrepitude was a mask for what waited inside.

Metallic walls heightened the soft lighting so it was daylight bright. Only a single object occupied the vast space, but it was impressive on its own: a small zip flyer for two, its slender torpedo shape pointed upward toward what she recognized to be a retractable roof.

Zips were tiny, barely comfortable, but they were space worthy and phenomenally fast. Too fast for most vessels to catch once the zips reached top speed. They were also hard to track. If Wilkes got her on board, if they lifted off before the protective patrols orbiting Haven knew they should be watching for such a vessel, there was little chance the zip would be caught prior to reaching its destination of New Bethlehem.

She couldn’t let Wilkes put her on the ship.

“Retract the roof hatch,” Wilkes called as he propelled her toward the zip. The voice-activated mechanism obeyed, opening the barn to the star-strewn sky with a low hum.

Continuing to play the part of beaten hostage, Charity allowed Wilkes to push her halfway across the metallic floor, leaving his cohorts at the barn door to watch for trouble. Then she went on the offense. The hovercuffs on her wrists prevented her from swinging, but her feet were free. She took full advantage, waiting for Wilkes’ closest foot to step down. When it did, she stomped her two-inch heel on it.

He was wearing boots. She doubted she did any real damage, but enough of the blow got through to make him yelp and stumble. Charity aimed her next kick at his knee and connected. Her balance wasn’t the greatest, but she managed to put some force behind her attempt. It sent the surprised Earthtique to all fours.

Charity kicked off one pump quickly for a steadier stance. She drove the other in his ribs. The men at the door were yelling at him to control her as she continued to kick with all she had. As she laid into him, she glanced around desperately for a second exit, hoping for an unguarded escape route.

Wilkess’ shouts signaled pain, but it was his cohorts’ demands that shifted to startled, then frightened screams. Charity paused her assault to toss a glance toward them. She gaped to discover they were under attack.

Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag had come for her. They fought Wilkes’ buddies for the blasters the Earthtiques wore. Her lovers had rushed to her rescue, though her stunned senses insisted they couldn’t be there.

Charity unleashed a banshee shriek. The sound was part triumph, part elation to see the men who filled her heart to bursting.

She fought the urge to run to them. Instead, she aimed another kick at Wilkes, who was still on the ground. She’d delayed too long, however, allowing him to catch his breath. He grasped her ankle and shoved her leg upward, knocking her off her feet and on her ass. Her remaining pump flew from her foot, spinning through the air.

Wilkes stood in an instant, his features twisted in a desperate snarl. Before Charity could react, he grabbed her. He slung her over his shoulder and raced for the zip.

“Ilid! Detodev!” she screamed, trying to rise to look at them. Her thick hair covered her eyes, impeding her vision.

But not her hearing. A blaster went off, and a deep voice shrieked. She couldn’t tell who’d been hit. She frantically shook her head to clear her sightline.

It was too late. Wilkes abruptly flung her off his shoulder. She landed hard and found herself in the cockpit of the zip, on the far seat as Wilkes clambered in behind her.

“No!” She flew at the hatch beyond his bulk.

His palm smacked her cheek and drove the side of her face against the wall of the cabin. He held her there and shoved her legs in the footwell beneath the control panel. The partition between the leg spaces of the two seats kept her from kicking him, her sole defense with her head pinned and her arms held prisoner by the cuffs.

“Hatch, closed! Engine, ignition! Full thrust!”

A disembodied electronic voice spoke disinterestedly. “Full thrust from landing pad is discouraged due to security protocols. Do you accept full legal responsibility for any injuries sustained by passengers and those outside—”

“Yes! Fucking go!” Wilkes’ tone had gone high-pitched from emotion.

“No! Power down engines!” Charity’s own voice was slurred, thanks to her lips being smooshed to the side by the pressure of her abductor’s hand. If he pushed any harder, he’d break her jaw.

Whether because her words were garbled or the zip was keyed to obey Wilkes alone, the vessel ignored her. She was abruptly slammed to the back of her seat as it shot from its pad. Her captor’s hand slid off her face. It was also pinned, wide like a starfish next to her head. No matter. She couldn’t move against the gravitational force as the zip shot off the ground.

In seconds, they were hurtling into space.

-two

“Charity!” Detodev’s cry was a roar of horror and rage as the zip rapidly became a mere twinkle in the night sky.

The man he’d knocked out and disarmed lay between his feet. Likewise, the pair Ilid and Mitag had grappled with were unconscious. Mitag’s opponent had done the Imdiko the favor of grazing his own head when his blaster had gone off as they’d fought for the weapon. Little more than a scrape ran red through his scalp, so he’d apparently fainted from the shock.

Ilid gripped the sides of his head, his horrified gaze following the zip’s path. “We’re too late, damn it!”

“We weren’t.”

Detodev whirled at Chief Groteg’s voice behind him. The enforcement officer, Dramok Dolgra, and several Kalquorian lawmen had appeared out of nowhere.

“Wilkes is an Earthtique plant. He has Charity. Do something!” Ilid commanded, marching toward the group.

The majority group of Nobeks twitched, affected by the tone of a born Dramok. Only Dolgra remained stoic. The spy raised a brow at his fellow leader type.

His com buzzed an alert, and he muttered into it. The answer was too low for Detodev to hear.

Dolgra nodded to Groteg before addressing Ilid. “A marauder has already intercepted the zip and brought it on board after stunning the occupants. Wilkes can’t resist or harm Matara Charity. They’ll confirm in a moment she’s safe.”

“You…you knew…how did you know?” Ilid spluttered.

“I’ll tell you in a moment.” Dolgra’s com buzzed again. He turned up the volume so all could hear a rough voice speak. “Safe acquisition of hostage and suspect confirmed. The Matara is bruised but otherwise unharmed. Medical is attending her now. We’ll bring her and your prisoner to you as soon as our head medic has cleared them.”

“Thank you, Captain. You have our gratitude.” Dolgra grinned at Groteg, who didn’t return the smile. “Excellent job, Chief. I commend you and your men for pulling off a flawless operation despite the surprises the perpetrators pulled. You’ll get full credit for capturing the Mercy-New Bethlehem operatives.”

“Flawless operation?” Detodev couldn’t contain a growl. It trickled through as his suspicions grew. “Charity being abducted and bruised is hardly flawless . You were phased and present at the theater, waiting for the bastards to grab her, weren’t you?”

“Wait. You used her as bait?” Ilid was red-faced as Mitag gasped and snarled a few choice foul words.

To his credit, Groteg winced at the accusations. He took care to speak their names respectfully. “Detodev, Ilid, Mitag, she decided on her own to go to the show. We took advantage of the opportunity she insisted upon. We had every intention of keeping her antagonists from her. We were simply hoping and waiting for them to reveal themselves. The fire and the danger it presented to so many disrupted those plans.”

Dolgra added, “We had no idea who was behind the attempts to abduct Charity. Despite our best efforts to uncover who might have gotten on Haven on behalf of the Earthtique agenda, Wilkes and his friends’ bona fides were impeccable. Only O’Neal, aka Kelly Kirk, failed to adequately cover his tracks.”

“In the end, we could only hope Charity’s presence at the theater could lure her hunters from hiding,” Groteg explained. “We phased and watched her carefully.”

“Our mistake was thinking your group would be attacked leaving the restaurant, theater, or club. We had no idea the Earthtiques would risk so many lives trying to take her.” Dolgra scowled.

“If it hadn’t been for a couple of men I sent to check for activity backstage, we wouldn’t have caught a few of the attackers pouring accelerant and setting the blazes.” Groteg’s frown deepened. “We had to stay behind to capture those we could and save the people in the theater. Once enough of my and Connelly’s men showed up, Dolgra, I, and my squad followed you here. Fortunately, we’d put a tracker on Mitag’s shuttle, so we were able to find you quickly.”

“I’d put a phased marauder on standby the moment we decided on this operation. I realized anyone who grabbed Charity would try to get her off Haven immediately,” Dolgra added. “It was ready to snag any ship leaving the area. The instant I had a firm takeoff location, I reported the escape craft’s identification and likely trajectory to the marauder’s captain.”

“Thanks to your help, the Earthtique agents have been captured.” Groteg snarled at the humans who were beginning to groan and stir. His men had already cuffed them. At a nod from their superior, they ordered the hovercuffs to lift the men and float them out to where the enforcement shuttles no doubt awaited.

“You haven’t gotten those who hired them,” Detodev pointed out. “Those who’d continue to send assholes after Charity.”

“They’ll give us names,” Dolgra vowed. “They’ll be placed in the custody of the fleet’s spy division, not local law enforcement.”

“Which means what, exactly?”

“Matara Charity resides on Haven, which is in Kalquorian Empire space. We can interrogate the prisoners according to our standards, not the Galactic Council’s or Haven’s.”

“GC standards are moot anyway, seeing how we’re at war with the Darks, which have taken control of it,” Ilid muttered. Detodev could see he was a long way from letting Dolgra off the hook for Charity’s near-abduction.

“We’ll get Wilkes and his cohorts to confirm they were acting under the orders of Mercy’s and New Bethlehem’s leadership.”

“Which does what? Dark-controlled GC won’t do anything against them.”

“We can petition our allies to enact embargos until those responsible are booted out of power. It’ll hurt, maybe enough to make a difference.”

“The best news is, we have the perpetrators. Charity doesn’t have to leave Haven now.” Groteg finally managed a hint of a smile.

Detodev’s heart lifted at Groteg’s assertion. He saw Ilid and Mitag brighten as well. Though the immediate threat had ended, as a protective Nobek, he couldn’t resist bringing up a matter of concern. “Though it’s difficult for more Earthtiques to come here, especially thanks to the protocols in place to ward off the Darks and the viruses, there may be others already present elsewhere on Haven. This isn’t over.”

“It’s possible, but we caught Wilkes. There’s a good chance he knows who any additional threats are. If he does, I’ll get them from him.” Dolgra’s fanged grin was brutal enough to send a shiver down even a Nobek’s spine.

“In addition, she has you three along with me to watch over her. You all proved yourselves up to the task,” Groteg added. His expression of pride, aimed specifically at Detodev, filled the younger Nobek despite his anger.

* * * *

The marauder’s shuttle had barely settled in its landing spot at the spaceport near Sunrise when Charity surged toward the hatch. Inwardly, she cursed the shakiness of her legs. Steadying them through pure will, she forced them to hurry.

Recovery from a Kalquorian shockwave was known to be a painful ordeal, but she’d been spared the hours of agony. The marauder’s medical department had kept her sedated and anesthetized until the effects had worn off. She’d had the grim satisfaction of hearing from a flirtatious Nobek security guard that Wilkes hadn’t been afforded such kindness in his containment cell. The bastard had received a small but brutal dose of the justice coming to him.

She was wobbling not from her ordeal, but in her eagerness to return to Haven. Planet Farm Hell had become her unlikely paradise thanks to the amazing people who made it their home. She was impatient to get to them.

She’d have run down the ramp if she could have trusted her legs to not faceplant her to the port’s floor. She needn’t have worried. Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag would have caught her. They raced to claim her the instant she appeared in the shuttle’s opening. The trio shouted joyously as they lifted her in the air, swung her about, and took turns hugging her. Even Detodev’s face was alight as he welcomed her home.

Home . Charity had come to realize the word referred to those who held her heart, rather than the location where she put down roots. Gazing into those handsome, wonderful faces, she dreamed she’d be on Haven long after her enemies gave up on capturing her.

“I’m sorry we let him take you,” Ilid said. “We promised we’d keep you safe.”

“If anyone failed, it was me,” Detodev said. “I know not to trust anyone who hasn’t personally proven themselves to me. I stopped to help the man who’d fallen instead of staying with you—”

“Guys, stop.” Charity touched their strong, dear faces in turn. “I’ve seen bad shit, remember? I’m well aware those who’d give their lives for me can’t always save me. If you knew how it felt when you burst in the barn to stop Wilkes…you’d realize you have nothing to apologize for. If he’d gotten me to New Bethlehem, it wouldn’t have kept me from the gratitude you did all you could.”

“We’ll do better from now on.” Mitag’s eyes were bright from emotion. He glanced at the other two to include them. “I found paradise, and I won’t lose it again.”

Ilid nodded. Detodev did too.

Charity’s feet barely touched the ramp as her lovers bore her to the spaceport’s floor, where Clan Codab, Clan Amgar, and the children waited, beaming happiness to have her among them once more. Even the elder Nobek brutes Groteg and Gruthep hugged her enthusiastically and shouted their delight to see her home safely.

Dramok Dolgra was there. He stood in the background, smiling slightly as she was fussed over. When she looked at him, he bowed. “Welcome home,” he mouthed. He no doubt realized she wouldn’t hear him, thanks to the exclamations of her found family.

Haven was home. Charity wouldn’t fight it, though she could hardly believe it.

Imdiko Utber shouted to be heard above the hubbub. “You’re all invited to the farm for a special meal to celebrate our Charity’s homecoming.”

Her brow lifted to hear him use her real name. Groteg smirked, “We have reason to believe you can come out of hiding. We’ll have to remain watchful, but you can be Charity Nath from now on.”

“Thanks to you and despite me, no doubt.” She grinned. “Don’t feel bad. I give those who mean the most to me the hardest time.”

He chuckled, then sobered. “Much has happened you haven’t learned yet. Some of it, you won’t be too happy about, so we need to talk…but you are free to remain on Haven with Kalquor’s blessing.” He glanced over his shoulder at Dolgra, who nodded.

“Just try to make me leave,” she laughingly dared them.

* * * *

Charity stared at the men sitting across from her in Clan Amgar’s sitting room. She could hear noise and chatter from the kitchen and dining room as everyone else pitched in to ready for the celebratory feast Utber had prepared, but they might as well have been as distant as the stars in the night sky.

“Browning Copeland’s dead.” She’d told Wilkes the truth, though she hadn’t known it at the time. Unreality washed over her as she repeated what the spy and enforcer had told her at the start of their news.

Groteg and Dolgra nodded.

“The announcement’s being held off while Kalquor determines how to reveal it to the public.”

“We need to keep the Dark-controlled Galactic Council from capitalizing on the fact Copeland died under Kalquor’s illegal custody.” Dolgra’s gaze held steady.

“My father is asking to take responsibility for it, to erase any blame being assigned to your empire. He wants to stand trial before a jury on Earth since the GC is too dangerous to involve in the matter.” The words hissed from Charity. She had no voice to speak the awful suggestion.

Black-haired heads dipped once more.

She swallowed a lump in her throat to clear it. “How would it be possible for him to do so? To take full responsibility?”

Dolgra’s tone held its usual command, but he spoke gently, as if afraid she’d fly apart at the slightest provocation…which she felt ready to do. “His story will be that he sent his daughters to live in hiding. Then he and a group of likeminded Earthers abducted Copeland minutes ahead of Admiral Piras and Captain Kila destroying his battlecruiser. Clan Piras discovered General Nath’s daughters’ whereabouts, then took responsibility for your welfare, believing your father and Browning Copeland were dead.”

“And they ended up clanning my sister while I was sent to live on Jedver with my aunt and uncle. What a nice, neat package so far.” Charity’s tone wavered on a sneer.

It failed to demonstrate what she felt. She thought she might scream.

“Your father wants to testify he and his co-conspirators, whom he won’t name for obvious reasons—”

“Because his co-conspirators are the Kalquorian Empire.”

Dolgra continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “—held the Holy Leader prisoner in retaliation for his crimes. They did so because they were determined he wouldn’t escape justice.”

“This is bullshit.” Charity couldn’t help the furious outburst. Borey was abandoning his chance to be in her life in order to save Kalquor’s reputation with its allies. He was putting the good of the galaxy over her again. His selfless saintliness warred with her selfish need for her father. Selfishness she acknowledged but couldn’t defeat. “Someone else has to take the blame for a change. Someone else should be responsible. He’s given up too much already. You can’t let him do this.”

“We’re working on other ideas. I agree your father has sacrificed his fair share.”

“You’d better damn well believe it.” She knuckled hot tears dry. “He feels guilty for allowing so many to be hurt while he tried to find a way to stop Copeland. Maybe he was right to give up years of our lives to do so, but damn it, enough is enough!”

She swiveled so her back was to the men. She couldn’t stop grief from streaming down her cheeks. Copeland’s long-awaited death should be a celebratory moment instead of another reason to cry.

Why couldn’t Borey be less noble…be more like her? Despite those Charity had found who cared for her, she wanted to be worthy to have her father in her life.

Didn’t she deserve to not come second to the rest of the universe for once?

-three

Detodev caught himself humming a tune as he took soil samples in the east field early in the morning. He glanced at his surroundings to see if anyone heard him doing so.

The Nobek chuckled at his foolishness. So what if he was caught sounding happy? Someday it might feel natural.

It had been a few weeks since Wilkes and his group had been apprehended following the abduction attempt on Charity. Those surrounding the irascible woman continued to maintain a watchful eye on her, but there’d been no further attempts by Earthtiques to collect on the bounty. Thus far, there was no word Mercy and New Bethlehem had other operatives in the area.

He detected the hum of a hovercart and straightened from his crouched position in anticipation. As he’d hoped, Charity soon appeared in the row of young green cornstalks where he worked.

“Nice change on the hair,” he complimented when she’d stopped the cart and sat on its edge. “Your natural color suits your skin tone better.”

“It’s just like my mom’s. It’s a relief to be closer to my real self again.”

She tossed the dark brown mane and fluttered hazel eyes at him. He was still getting used to the change from the blue lenses she’d worn, but he liked their natural green-and-gold tinge.

“How’s it feel to be outed as a Nath?”

“It’s a relief, actually. I hated lying, even if it made me less vulnerable.” Her grin was bright and impossible to resist responding to in kind. She waved him over to sit next to her.

He did. “Did you finish the assignment that had you so worried?”

“Yes. After two hours of fretting whether to send it in to my professor, I did. Keep your fingers crossed I haven’t flunked my first major project since transferring my credits.” She sighed dramatically.

“You probably aced it, Starry Eyes.”

Charity had enrolled at a Kalquorian university to continue pursuing her degree. She’d been approved as a remote studies student who’d been displaced by the war. She complained it was just as tough as the college she’d attended on Jedver, but Detodev could tell she enjoyed the challenge.

“Any word on your proposal?” he asked.

“For the observatory I asked the empire to build here on Haven?” Her grin spread wider, telling him she’d gotten good news before she shared it. “Kalquor contacted Haven and presented my proposal exactly as I’d written it. I was told they couldn’t improve on the pitch.”

“Did you caution them that the last thing they need to expand is your ego?”

Charity blew a raspberry and gave him a shove. “Haven’s governors and their science committees are seriously considering it. Governor Grisweld himself commed me this morning. He said my idea is not just valid, but exciting to the empire’s and Earth’s astronomy communities as well. They agreed Haven is in a prime position for a big-ass, badass observatory, so I’m hopeful.”

“In those exact terms? Governor Grisweld said ‘big-ass’ and ‘badass’?”

She shook her head as she laughed. “I enjoy this Detodev who gives me shit instead of freezes me out.”

“He’s all your doing, Starry Eyes.” Detodev focused on the matter he deemed most important. “It doesn’t sound as if you’ll be going anywhere else anytime soon.” He made no attempt to hide his delight.

“I guess not. You’ll have to put up with me for the foreseeable future.” Her smirk turned mischievous.

Detodev was perfectly fine to do so, and into the un foreseeable future as well.

He hated to dim her chipper mood, but it was important for her to share the bad alongside the good. “Any word from your father?”

He could practically hear the thud of her falling spirits. “I spoke to him this morning. He’s determined to give himself up to Earth to absolve Kalquor of suspicion where Copeland’s captivity’s concerned. He says one man is nothing compared to derailing the Darks’ determination to turn the empire’s allies against it.”

“He has a point. It doesn’t mean you aren’t hurting though.”

“I told him it wasn’t just himself he was taking down. He has daughters who have to live with the loss if he’s sent to prison.”

“How did he respond?”

“He believes he’s setting us free. He says taking all the blame and publicly absolving his children of any responsibility or knowledge of Copeland’s imprisonment might allow Hope and me to live normal lives.” Charity scowled at the cornstalks shivering and rustling in the light breeze. “As if we have the slightest clue how be normal. Hope sure as hell doesn’t, what with her running all over the galaxy fighting evildoers.”

“Any word from her yet?”

Charity shook her head. “As far as I know, she has no clue what’s going on with Dad. Dolgra checked, and no one’s heard a word from her and her clan in weeks. I’m scared for her. And my father. For all of us.”

Her lower lip trembled. Detodev slid his arm around her and pulled her close. He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him, and he kissed her fully, pouring all the love in his heart that had awoken for her.

He offered her the comfort he had to give. He held nothing back.

* * * *

Next day

Charity ignored the curious glances cast her way as she nestled in the curl of Detodev’s arm. She concentrated on the people standing before them a few feet away, lined up behind a satiny blue ribbon strung between a couple of poles. Her Nobek companion cast his ‘don’t-fuck-with-us’ gaze at the large crowd gathered on the sidewalk in the middle of Sunrise. Groteg, standing on her other side, wore the same expression.

Charity was amused at how big a deal the townspeople of Sunrise made of a bakery opening. As promised, Mitag had turned it into an event. He’d seen to it his clients for upcoming celebrations had tried samples at sumptuous private tastings. He’d already secured quite a few catering jobs for Ilid’s Bakery. He’d strung banners everywhere he could get permission to fly them in the week leading to the grand opening. He’d even landed a newscast interview for the owners and their manager son about the new business on a vidcast. Another local vid station had sent a reporter to cover the bakery’s opening.

Charity’s revealed identity and her connection to Ilid had probably played a part in drawing a crowd as well. She was gawked at whenever she was in Sunrise, the woman who’d been a supposed traitor’s daughter and the Holy Leader’s last child bride. Because Haven consisted of humans who happily lived among Kalquorians, there’d been no overt hostility. In fact, quite a few residents had told her to let them know if she ran into any trouble. They were ready to help her however they could. It was a nice counterpoint to the rampant curiosity shining an unwanted spotlight on her when she ventured to be seen in public.

She thought perhaps Ilid’s Bakery would have excited plenty of interest even if Mitag hadn’t promoted it and its connection to her hadn’t been so notorious. This was Sunrise, after all. The occasional hilarious stage show aside, the residents had little to do except get drunk, have sex, dodge ronka and cow patties, and watch the grass grow.

Despite Charity silently poking fun at her surroundings, she did so warmed by affection for Haven. She’d never dreamed when she’d arrived she’d care for the planet itself…but she did.

Matara Diju cut the ribbon, and the bakery was officially open. Clan Codab, Ilid, and Mitag led Charity, Detodev, and the rest of Sunrise’s citizenry into the shop for samples and shopping. It boasted a coffee station in the corner, courtesy of the shop across the street, with which Ilid had successfully negotiated a trade agreement.

For the next three hours, far longer than Mitag had anticipated, patrons crowded the bakery. Samples were wolfed down amid delighted praise. Having tasted Diju’s magnificent recipes and a few of Sara’s and Charity’s, a line formed at purchase station. There, Diju cheerfully rang up sales. The pastry cases, full at the start of the grand opening celebration, were emptied, refilled, emptied, refilled, and emptied again as customers bought boxes full of goods. Ilid, Codab, Gruthep, and Jadel worked nonstop to bring fresh offerings. One by one, they announced what had sold out for the day. Charity couldn’t help beaming to see how fast the pies and cookies she’d contributed were sold. She and Sara were earning a percentage of the proceeds from their Earther recipes, another deal Ilid had negotiated like the freshly minted businessman he was. Charity smiled wider when he caught her eye from wherever he was working. His grin at the initial unqualified success of his family’s newest venture never faltered.

Smiles were all around, Detodev included. Charity didn’t miss how he gazed at Ilid and Mitag. His eyes shone with pride at their profitable grand opening when he wasn’t scrutinizing those who ventured near Charity. He insisted on keeping her at his side.

“I think our friends have found their true calling,” she told him at one point.

“Mitag’s talking up the place as fast as his lips can move, little as he needs to. Ilid’s directing the flow of sales and supply, and he’s answering questions as if he’s done this all his life,” the Nobek agreed. “Mark my words; he’ll own this bakery before five years have passed.”

“You’ll hear no argument from me.”

She beamed at her sweethearts. Mitag hadn’t given up on clan and love, and she was certain he’d soon win both. Ilid and Detodev had been forced to rethink their definitions of leader and protector. They’d managed to reshape their breed designations to fit themselves.

Despite her father’s continued absence, Charity knew she’d be all right too. She’d found no replacements for Borey, her mother Faith, or her sister Hope, but she’d forged an additional family. She gazed at Clan Amgar and their children with the love of a niece and sister. The members of Clan Codab, despite their returning soon to Kalquor, were also precious.

As for Ilid, Detodev, and Mitag…she couldn’t help but dream they’d continue to give her a reason to remain among the cow patties in Haven’s unexpected paradise.

* * * *

One month later

“It’s big.”

Ilid nodded at Mitag’s comment as he conducted the Imdiko, Detodev, and Charity on a tour of the rambling farmhouse he’d decided to buy…or rather, the house he and his parents had decided they would buy for him. He’d pay them back in the future. The near future, he believed. The bakery’s first weeks of business had blown the roof off their expectations.

If he happened to have clanmates who were successful in their own work to help him cover expenses…the situation would be even better. He wasn’t thinking along those lines purely for the financial bottom line. In fact, money had no bearing on his dreams at all.

I’m happy. It was sobering to realize he hadn’t expected to be so in the not-so-distant past.

Many of his problems were behind him. At least, it felt that way. The Darks remained an issue elsewhere, and there were no guarantees they wouldn’t somehow find a way to impact Haven in the end. The nightmares hadn’t bothered him for weeks, however. Having the companions he did gave him the strength to face an uncertain future.

“A lot of room,” Detodev agreed, bringing Ilid back to his surroundings. They’d reached the greeting room. It was bare of furnishings, but it had lovely paneling and a huge fireplace.

“I hope you’ve hired a maid. Keeping a house of this size clean is going to be a career in itself,” Charity teased.

“Are you applying for the job?” Ilid couldn’t resist the playful jab.

She blew a raspberry. “Dream on. I’ve heard your mother complain what a slob you are. I already have my fair share of assignments, thanks to school.” Realization lit her face. “Oh, I get it. You bought an Amgar-size farmhouse so when you’ve turned one room into a pigsty, you can move to another rather than clean it up.”

Ilid laughed. She never failed to make him smile. No doubt it was part of why he loved her. He was unable to imagine the rest of his life without her. Or any of them.

The moment had arrived to proclaim his intentions. “Actually, I chose such a big home so I can have a nice, old-fashioned clan of four. It has space so we can each have a private office, plus a couple rooms left over for any children who come along.”

“ We ? Children?” Mitag’s voice was choked by hope as he gazed at Ilid, his heart in his eyes.

The Dramok looked from one prospective clanmate to the next, nervousness jittering in his belly. He was too anxious to dare to interpret their wide-eyed expressions, save Mitag’s. “I’d like to promise myself if the three of you if you’d have me as your Dramok. You’re welcome to move in right away and make this your home before we formalize our clanship. Detodev, if you wish to farm the acreage that’s part of the property, you’re welcome to do so. It’ll be yours as much as mine.”

“Why wait to formalize it?” Charity demanded. “Why can’t we be a clan now?”

For a moment, the air left Ilid’s body. Of his prospective clanmates, he’d thought she’d be the most reluctant to consider his proposal.

“Yes, Ilid. Why wait?” Detodev’s voice was soft, wondering.

They wanted it. They wanted him as their Dramok. It took a moment to swallow the thickness in his throat before he could reply.

“I’d prefer we meet Charity’s father and sister first. They’re important to her, and I think we should win their approval.” He chuckled. “You three have my parent clan’s endorsement. I see no need to consult Mitag’s former guardians—”

“Thank the ancestors,” the Imdiko mumbled, but his face shone from joy.

“I assume you aren’t concerned about us earning your parent clan’s esteem either, Detodev.”

Detodev had admitted his high-ranking parent clan hadn’t hidden their disappointment in their pacifist son who’d lowered his horizons to remain on Haven as a hired farmhand. Ilid had the feeling they wouldn’t be impressed with a bakery manager or an event planner who’d come from a notorious family either.

“Hell, no. We barely speak once a year, and that’s more than enough for me.” The Nobek laughed at the idea. The surprisingly rich bass sound rolled through the air.

“So it’s down to Charity’s family.” Ilid smiled at her.

She groaned. “The story of my life. Write it on my gravestone: she died waiting for someone’s approval to live as she wished. When will the fact I choose something be good enough?”

“Does that mean you’ll promise yourself to me? Once I talk to your father and sister and earn their consent, will you be my Matara?”

She took his hands in hers. “I’ll be your Matara. Yours and Detodev’s and Mitag’s.”

Mitag damned near squealed his delight.

“Though it means living on Planet Farm Hell?” Detodev teased.

“It’ll soon be Planet Astronomy Heaven,” she informed him loftily. “The scientists who visited were suitably impressed by my presentation and the incredible views an observatory will offer here. While you’re mucking in the manure, I’ll be dancing among the stars.”

“Hence the name Starry Eyes.”

Charity sobered and looked at Ilid. “Seriously, I’ll stay for you guys, observatory or not. Yes, my future Dramok, I promise myself to your clan. With all my heart and all my love.”

His chest felt ready to explode. He glanced at Mitag.

“I promise myself to you and our clan.” The beaming Imdiko blinked hard, as if warding off tears.

Ilid turned to Detodev, who wore a more serious expression. The Nobek nodded. “I promise myself to our future clan. I call you my Dramok, my Imdiko and my Matara now. You’re clanmates in my heart.”

Ilid spread his arms wide. The wondrous beings who’d become his life gathered close. The men wrapped their arms around him and each other, putting Charity in the middle as the rightful center of their existence. She snuggled between them, kissing them in turn.

They stood there for a long while, simply holding the joy they’d found, the promise of clanship and a future. Whatever it held, good or bad, at least they’d be together. Ilid sighed to feel the torment he’d borne dissipate.

“I have a bottle of excellent leshella at my place.” Mitag broke the silence at last.

“You do? You’ve been holding out the high-end stuff?” Charity accused.

He eyed them, blushing. “I put it aside ages ago. You know I’m a romantic. I was saving it for the day I was asked to clan. A promised clan is worth opening it now, isn’t it?”

“It absolutely is,” Ilid agreed. “I’ll buy us another bottle for the big day itself.”

They left without finishing the tour of the house. They were too eager to celebrate the more important event of having found love.

* * * *

Ilid examined Mitag’s dining room as the Imdiko poured sapphire blue Plasian leshella in fluted glasses. “You have excellent taste. Can you decorate our new home and swear not to break the bank?”

“I sure as hell won’t let Detodev do it.” Mitag shot a look of mock horror at the Nobek. “If you thought the chicken wire and haybale wedding was bad, it’s nothing compared to what he calls décor.”

“His home looks okay. A bit bare bones is all,” Charity laughed.

“Don’t you put frilly shit in the areas where I’ll spend any length of time, my Imdiko,” Detodev growled, eyeing the lace curtains at the window.

“But you’d be so lovely in a setting of—”

Detodev stepped close to loom over Mitag and growled, cutting off the dramatic protest. Mitag cracked up. A second later, the rest joined him, Detodev loudest of all.

When the chuckles quieted, Ilid raised his glass to them. “To us, possibly the most unlikely future clanmates to come together. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that we did. I’ll never take you for granted.”

“To the men who turned a backwards town and planet into a true haven for this lost girl,” Charity added. “Thank you for everything, especially the part where I had no choice but to love you so much I had to stay.”

Mitag uttered a sound suspiciously like a sniffle. “To all of you, who finally granted me the one dream I’ve always had.” He winked at Detodev. “Though it took a lot of convincing.”

“To you for being so damned pushy,” the Nobek grinned in return. “And Charity too, for the same reason. Most of all, my gratitude for you three letting me be the Nobek I want to be…and showing me I already was a protector when I couldn’t see myself clearly.” His smile softened as he waved his glass at Ilid.

“To us overcoming and helping each other do so,” Ilid said. They murmured affirmative responses. They drank.

Sighs of pleasure followed the first sips of the smooth, sparkling leshella. “No wonder people go on and on about how great this stuff is.” Detodev gazed at his glass in surprise.

“It costs a lot too. How far in debt did you go for this bottle?” Charity quizzed Mitag.

“No debt, but I saved for a couple of years to buy it.”

She rounded on Ilid. “I refuse to wait a couple of years before we clan for you to afford another bottle.”

“We’ll all pitch in as best we can,” Mitag laughed. “Since I bought this, I’ve forged terrific relations with a few suppliers and can get it at a discount.”

“Better be a big discount,” she muttered. She sipped and brightened again. A wicked gleam lit her eyes as she looked the men up and down in turn. “How else can we celebrate our upcoming nuptials? I have a few ideas.”

“Hmm. Better run those ideas by us. Make sure you include specific details,” Ilid invited. He had a few ideas of his own, but he wasn’t sure he’d share ahead of enacting them.

As they drank, Charity described acts that tempted him to gulp his leshella and get rid of it so he could race to fulfill her fantasies. She made it easy to ignore the hefty price tag demanding the drink be savored.

When she finished her recitation, leaving the men wide-eyed and obviously aroused, Ilid offered a breathless chuckle. “From Starry Eyes to Miss Behavior in the blink of an eye.”

Detodev appeared faintly stunned. “Getting rather adventurous for this poor, boring farmhand. Where did you find such…inspiration?”

“I’ve heard women can be wilder than men. Is this what you and Matara Sara talk about over coffee?” Mitag asked.

“No! No, no, no.” Detodev set his empty glass on the polished dining table to clap his hands to his ears. “Sara’s been a mother to me. If she gave you these ideas, I don’t want to know. If you truly love me, don’t tell me.”

Charity laughed at having shocked them. Ilid noted her cheeks were flushed, no doubt thanks to the alcohol. “Easy, big man. I’ve been watching porn to spice up our fun. You guys are already super knowledgeable, so I figured as the least experienced of the bunch, I need to catch up.”

“I haven’t done half of your list.” Mitag shook his head, then grinned. “I’m willing to try.”

“Though it might kill us,” Ilid snickered. But what a way to go.

They finished the leshella. Still laughing at Charity’s outrageous suggestions and demanding she write down the vids she’d viewed for inspiration, they hurried to Mitag’s sleeping room.

* * * *

They entered the bedroom, Charity just behind Mitag, who led. She’d barely set foot beyond the door when Ilid barked, “Stand by the sleeping mat, my Matara, and wait.”

Her heart sped at the commanding tone. Her Dramok lover was taking her at her word that she wanted her fantasies fulfilled. First and foremost was them assuming dominance over her.

It wasn’t a mere fantasy. It was a self-inflicted test. She’d enjoyed the men assuming command during sex, but the part of her who bemoaned an existence of bowing to authority was struggling.

She was afraid she’d go too far as she learned to control her own future, which was finally hers to decide. She had the feeling she might become fixated on constantly holding the reins. Such a mindset wouldn’t work if she were to have a successful, happy relationship with her chosen clan, Ilid in particular. It was to be an equal partnership they’d agreed…but in some matters, the natural leader should do what he did best. What he’d been born to do.

Her concerns about her own urges had merit. Even now, as the order in his no-nonsense tone had her obeying instinctively, a part of her bristled to be expected to do so. Resistance had become a habitual response after so many years of being “guided” by well-meaning and protective guardians. They’d moved her about like a game piece for her own good.

She firmly reminded herself she ultimately did have control when it came to her lovers. If she said sholt at any time, their activities would cease. It was the same for them all. No one was anyone else’s powerless minion.

Swallowing the instant of rebellion, she went to the bed. She turned to face her lovers and waited to see where they’d take her.

“Strip.”

Looking Ilid in the eye, her brow arched, she pulled her top off. She froze again.

His expression had turned stony. “Am I seeing a disrespectful attitude, my Matara?”

It’s part of the game I asked for. Nonetheless, it felt very serious, far from play. She dropped her gaze, her brow, and the smirk trying to tug at her lips. “Apologies, my Dramok.”

“I’ll excuse it this time. Don’t do it twice.”

“Yes, my Dramok.” Anxiety woke to tremble in her gut, but she was wet. Excited.

“Continue taking your clothes off.”

She did so. She was hyperaware of her nakedness and vulnerability when she stood before the still-clothed men. Strong males, who could do as they wished to her, permission or not. She trusted them, but the realization of her powerlessness lit her in ways she couldn’t quite comprehend.

“She needs a chair to sit on, my Nobek.” Ilid spoke after they’d spent several silent seconds inspecting her.

The weeks they’d spent in each other’s company, growing closer as the dream of clanship had increased in potential, had rendered further explanation unnecessary. Charity peeked through the curtain of hair that had fallen over her face to see the leering Detodev approach. He pulled her away from the bed and stood behind her. Gripping her thighs, he lifted her so they rested on his beefy forearms. He spread her legs wide to display her sex. His chest was her backrest. He supported her effortlessly, as if he could do so all day and not strain.

Ilid stood in front of her. Mitag looked at her over his shoulder. Their stares were avid. The Dramok smiled, less severe in the wake of her proper surrender. “You’re beautiful, especially having halted the part of Miss Behavior.”

He turned his head to mutter to Mitag. Charity’s ears strained, but she couldn’t understand what he said. The Imdiko’s grin was suspiciously bright as he hurried to the drawer where he kept intimate toys and tools. He returned carrying a thin length of silky braided rope. He handed it to Ilid.

The Dramok tied one end to Charity’s ankle. He looped the length around Detodev’s thick neck and tied off the other ankle. Her knees were bent nearly to her ears. Had she been exposed before? She was blatantly revealed now.

“Any strain? Are your hips or knees hurting?” Ilid ran his finger between the rope and her legs, verifying the ties weren’t cutting off her circulation.

“No, my Dramok.” Her voice was low, her focus on her splayed pussy. She’d instinctively gripped Detodev’s biceps in order to keep from covering herself. The urge to say something smartass, if only to distract her attention from how brazen her position was, danced on her lips. She pressed them closed, then bit them together. She was far too helpless to test Ilid’s patience, especially when some of the ideas she’d given him included erotic punishments.

I should have opted to take it slower. Note to self: never make sexy suggestions after drinking leshella again.

Ilid watched her expression. He stroked her inner thigh, sending a surge of heat straight to her sex. “I love seeing you this way.” The feeling in his tone and the approval in his gaze settled her nerves. A little.

His touch slid up. His fingertips slid through her wet crevice. A cascade of warmth fell through her, and she gasped.

He took advantage by bending forward to kiss her. It was demanding and deep, claiming her as surely as thrusting his cocks in her pussy and ass would have. Charity forgot her feelings of vulnerability and nervousness as passion filled her.

Ilid broke the kiss. He pinched her nipples. It should have hurt, but all she felt was the shock of yearning from her breasts to her pussy. Her fingers dug in Detodev’s biceps, and he chuckled.

Ilid stepped back to view his prize: his future Matara. His promised Nobek stretched her open for him. She visibly trembled, probably from a mix of carnal hunger and anxiety. Her lush breasts rose and fell as she breathed. She stared at him with hope and apprehension. Had she thought through her requests for erotic play prior to naming them? Perhaps she’d failed to do so, but he preferred her unable to consider her urges too closely if it meant censoring them. She should be able to name her desires freely. How else could he serve her?

She possessed definite delight in surrender. For a Dramok, it was an enthralling quality.

Her arousal scent rose, the delicate aroma he likened to the seaside in the summer. Her gleaming pussy was gorgeously swollen. Her clit peeking from beneath its hood, beckoning him to pay it the respect it deserved. A service he was eager to perform.

Detodev held her high so her head rested on his muscled shoulder. The Nobek was taller than Ilid, so it wasn’t a strain when he bent to taste her sweetness. The tip of his tongue traced her trembling folds, and she sang a vocal sigh. Ilid grinned, thinking how loud Charity became during sex. He recalled their attempts at intimate encounters on the shuttle that had brought them to Haven. It had been necessary to stop carnal play because of her inability to remain quiet and the proximity of his parents. He almost laughed out loud at the memory. In his wildest imaginings, he'd never hoped to have the beguiling woman he’d known as Jennifer Seng as his future clanmate.

He spent a few minutes playing. His tongue circled her clit, dove deep in her entrance to taste her honeyed essence, and darted a quick touch to the tip of her sensitive nub. He mapped her sumptuous sex thoroughly. He spread her folds to tongue fuck her, then teased her clit until she squirmed and wailed in Detodev’s unrelenting grip.

He straightened and stepped back. He delighted in her inarticulate cry of longing, of how her hips jerked to invite him to return.

He reached in his pants, finding himself well lubricated in anticipation. He wet his fingers thoroughly in the slickness. He reached for her to paint her rear entrance. He slid his finger in slightly.

She groaned, the taut opening tightening in reaction. He rewarded her by penetrating further.

Charity had become accustomed to rear penetration, but being kept helpless made it more intense. Her hands were free to do as she wished, whether to encourage Ilid’s invasion or attempt to ward him off.

His determined stare was what brought the usual urge to do as she wanted to a screeching halt He was all Dramok, resolute and displaying no hesitation. The man he’d been born to be. He wielded the authority Charity had grown eager to defy to forge an avenue of freedom from those who’d often smothered her in their devotion to her safety. They’d repressed her for her own good, but she’d chafed under it nonetheless.

She understood Ilid wasn’t after her independence. He was invested in her living as unfettered as she could despite a dangerous universe. This moment was merely an interlude, a venue where he exercised his own instincts. He’d do so to their mutual satisfaction if she’d throw off the shackles of her habit of defiance.

Those binds and her knee-jerk reaction to them evaded his control after an instant, however. She jerked in Detodev’s grip, under the steel regard of Ilid’s unwavering gaze. “No.” It came out in a half-rebellious whine and a gasp of need.

He bent to her clit once more. A surge of purest ecstasy shot through her, and thoughts of resistance disappeared. Charity shouted as his tongue lapped and his finger moved, slowly fucking her back there. Lust stampeded, sending her to incredible heights in an instant.

Ilid pulled his finger free and replaced it with two. He sucked and rubbed his tongue on her clit, stroking the demand she submit. Sensation lifted her high, brought her to the brink, left her hovering for a breathless eternity…

Rapturous bliss exploded. Charity unleashed a scream as she fell into elation. It surged in violent pulses until she knew only pleasure. No sight or sound existed. Just exaltation. She tried to jerk. Her hips instinctively bucked as knots of elation broke loose, but she was held still for Ilid’s avid attention. She shrieked and shook, helpless to move as orgasm rushed through her again and again.

He straightened when the ebbing pulses left her quietly moaning in the aftermath. He licked his lips. “I love tasting you come.”

“Ungh,” was her tongue-tied response.

He chuckled. “You could exercise better discipline. You came quicker than I intended. From now on, you need my permission to climax.”

She stared at him, unable to credit the words her ears had heard him say. “Right. Good luck on that.”

He leaned close, his intense stare skewering her. “You’ll wait for me to tell you to come. Do you understand?”

For once, thoughts of defiance for defiance’s sake didn’t appear. All Charity could think of was how Ilid excited her. How good it felt when he ate her pussy. How crazy she got when he stuffed her full of his cocks and rode her.

How the hell was she supposed to hold off orgasm when he drove her straight into its maelstrom? Just the notion of the delights he’d given her moments prior made her pussy clench in anticipation.

“And if I can’t stop it from happening?” She’d meant to demand an answer, but her voice wheezed in a breathless whisper.

“You’ll have to be ready for the consequences of disobedience.”

He must have decided her gape-mouthed silence was assent, because he delivered wet, sucking kisses to her nipples. They tingled under the assault. When she moaned, he stopped. He left her for Mitag’s open drawer of tormenting delights to rummage. She strained in Detodev’s untiring arms to see his selection. Ilid kept the item he’d claimed cupped out of sight in his hand.

“I’m in the mood to test how well you can behave for your future Dramok.” He squirted something on his hand, then rubbed it on her labia. He took care to coat the folds of her pussy and clit.

An instant later, heat woke where he’d applied the gel. Ilid traced the top of her clit, his touch barely there. Charity kicked as brute desire woke. “Shit!”

“Curse if it helps you maintain control.” Ilid spoke in an offhand, conversational tone. “But no coming until I give permission. Sensitizing gel isn’t as much fun when you’ve earned a pussy spanking.”

“I think I liked you better when you weren’t so sure of yourself,” she grouched. The half-hearted complaint made him chuckle before he resumed a sterner aspect.

He went for her breasts again. He rubbed his stubbled cheeks and chin on them, the friction rough enough to add to her excitement, but not too rough. The coarse attention abraded, and her nipples stood at attention. They attracted his kisses. The nips that followed were just enough to offer stings, which translated to exquisite sensation. She yipped more from the zings shooting to her avid cunt than the twinges of hurt. His wet kisses soothed her nipples but sent greater thrills to her clit. He cupped the heavy mounds and played. Her head tossed and her cries filled the room.

She was so enraptured, it took several moments for her to regain her senses when he stopped. Ilid watched and waited for her eyes to clear to slide fingers along her dripping slit. She arched in response against Detodev, her mouth wide in a shout as ecstasy stampeded. A shock of abrupt pain halted the orgasm in its tracks. She gasped and stared at Ilid, who’d swatted her pussy. It tingled in the aftermath, finding unrepentant pleasure as hurt transformed to a soft, erotic bliss.

“Permission to come isn’t given yet,” the Dramok said.

She squalled like an angry cat. In truth, she was too aroused for real fury. She saw no way she wouldn’t climax at his next touch. He’d stacked the deck against her too well.

He wanted her to fail.

The realization came as he flung off his shirt and opened his pants. His cat-slit pupils had bloomed large, making his eyes dark, dangerous, and filled with intent. His cocks were thick battering rams eager to push her over the edge. He was determined to bring her to unstoppable ecstasy so she’d be bound to submit to punishment for disobeying.

Her obstinate nature rose. She was positive she’d lose this battle, but by the prophets, she’d been on the losing side in the past. If there was one thing Charity Nath could do, it was go down fighting.

Nonetheless, she almost gave in as he closed in on her. His primary brushed her eagerly flexing pussy. She stiffened as ardor clamored to be released, as he eased in her. His larger cock parted her folds, breaching. She felt every delectable millimeter of his strength as he entered first her cunt, then teased his way into her ass.

She shook her head, her desperate cries ringing as he pushed in, filling her impossibly full, stretching her flesh and her sanity beyond their limits. Her pussy spasmed, heat and rapture saturating it. She fought the orgasm threatening to burst loose as Ilid unmercifully sank in her as deep as he was capable.

She was swollen from her earlier climax. The gel was doing its evil work to uncouple her fraying control as Ilid thrust and thrust and thrust. His rear cock found places as exciting as those in her womanhood, adding to the frenzy of delight and torment. Detodev groaned, the sound excited, as she dug her fingernails in his arms.

“Don’t do it,” Ilid growled. “Don’t you dare come yet.”

The order only made it harder to resist. The deepening spiral of surrender came closer to swamping her when he reached between them to tease her clit. Charity screamed her defiance, but orgasm clawed closer, determined to break her.

He stroked her clit unmercifully. Every hungry thrust of his hips intensified the sensations filling her clamoring pussy and ass. A pulse of pleasure shot through her, a warning jolt of the coming cataclysm that wouldn’t be denied.

“No,” snarled Ilid even as a triumphant grin pulled the corners of his mouth.

Charity shrieked through gritted teeth, fighting with all she had to barricade against the orgasm breaching her restraint. Ilid moved faster, his cocks battering at the wall she’d attempted to erect, knocking it down brick by brick.

It crashed. Climax barreled through.

She was blinded and deafened by the power rushing through her, removing her from Mitag’s sleeping room, blasting her to a realm of heaving ecstasy which had no conscience. No guilt. Nothing but profound elation, which permeated her every pore until she exploded anew. A nova swamped the sky with lights of all colors. She was destroyed and created anew, the mother of a galaxy of stars.

She slowly settled and found herself gasping at the last surges of pleasure. Ilid panted in her ear, leaning on her and Detodev as his passion throbbed. He soaked her in the warmth of his release.

If this is losing, I can learn to live with it. Charity huffed a snicker and kissed the cheek nestled close.

Ilid turned his head to regard her, a smile stretching his mouth so his teeth showed. “There’s my Miss Behavior.”

“No regrets.” Though as orgasm spent itself, she wondered if she’d feel the same way when she received her promised punishment. She had no idea if it would be the erotic type she’d suggested, or if Ilid would decide on real consequences. They were promised clanmates, but they had much to learn about each other. Still, she couldn’t fathom her acceptance of his proposal might be a mistake.

His humorous, overly dramatic expression of firm displeasure reassured her as he untied the rope holding her ankles. “There will be times I mean it. I enjoy controlling my lovers’ orgasms when the mood hits, but I pushed you unfairly by using the gel.”

“I’m sure you had a reason?”

His eyes twinkled before he took on an attitude of resolve. He turned it on the man supporting them. “Nobeks are the traditional disciplinarians of the clan. As I’m partial to the traditions of clanship, your penalty for disobeying me will be up to Detodev.”

Charity heard Detodev’s sharp intake of breath. Tension sang in his muscled frame. “My Dramok—”

“You have a duty.” Despite the steel of command, Ilid’s tone was soft. He stepped back, his gaze holding the other man’s. “I expect you to carry it out when required. Do so now.”

Detodev looked from him to Charity to Ilid again, as if he watched a tennis match. She focused her regard on the Nobek.

“I’m a naughty girl, and you need to put me in my place. If you don’t, I might decide to get up to greater shenanigans.” She whispered in his ear, “I trust you. Surely you can concoct some form of punishment that doesn’t include lunatic brutality.”

He chuffed a weak laugh. She could practically hear him applying the brakes on his panicked, racing thoughts. “Of course.”

She wasn’t quite certain how he performed his next move. Kalquorians were supernaturally fast, but she was still amazed when she went from facing Ilid to her breasts pressing Detodev’s chest. Darn her bad luck, the man was fully clothed.

He fumbled beneath her, his hand brushing her crotch as he worked his resealable fly. His hot, hard lengths were abruptly free. She squirmed in anticipation. This was definitely her kind of punishment.

He snorted. “Don’t think you’re getting away with disobeying your Dramok, Starry Eyes.”

“What’s the penalty?”

“You’ll see.”

He lifted and shifted her…really, did the man’s arms never get tired? He had lots of muscle, but she was no featherweight. Thoughts of Detodev’s strength fled her mind as he set the tips of his cocks at her entrances. He loosened his grip on her waist to allow her to sink a little onto him. Just an inch perhaps, then he stopped her.

Despite the recent orgasm, pleasure stabbed her deeper than his cocks had ventured. She moaned.

“Like it?” He eased his grip, and she engulfed more of him before he halted her descent yet again.

“Fuck,” she gasped. Her pussy clenched, eager for him.

“Too demanding. I’ll wait for when you stop being so pushy.”

He was true to his word, waiting for the spasm to end. Afterward, he allowed only another inch or two. The growing girth of his tapered lengths, the way his groin rubbed her mound…her pussy seized on him. She whimpered when he kept her from claiming all of him.

“Quick to come, quick to demand. You’d better learn some patience.” His expression had no mercy.

A dozen responses leapt to her lips, none of which would have helped her cause. They probably would have gotten her the opposite of the fucking she ached for.

Glaring at him, she kept her mouth firmly shut. Her burning gaze battled his impassive regard, the only fight she dared.

Their skirmish went on until at long last, he was deep in her. Deeper than was truly comfortable, thanks to her weight pressing her down on him. He rocked his hips slightly, applying minute friction to where pleasure lived. He lifted her breast and dipped to capture it in his mouth, scraping his teeth along her nipple. Not-quite pain seared and enhanced the excitement bubbling in her. Shocked cries flew from Charity as climax reached for her. She arched, her mouth gaping wide.

Detodev stopped.

“Please, please, don’t quit,” she begged. Her body clamored for him to keep going.

His pelvis ground a slow circle in response. She groaned.

“Ask our Dramok for his pardon.”

Her mouth snapped shut. She stared at Detodev. “Huh?”

“Ask him to pardon you for disobeying him.”

“Seriously?” For coming when he’d driven her to it? Of all the obnoxious demands she’d ever heard…

Detodev popped her fanny. A smack for each cheek. Her buttocks blazed fire, which somehow added to her excitement. She kicked and squealed equal parts arousal and fury.

He commandeered her other breast, his teeth closing on the stiffened tip painfully. Hurt translated to elation. Her pussy and ass clenched on their invaders.

“Apologize,” came the unreasonable demand.

“You…you…damn you!” she shouted. “He made me come on purpose!”

Two more smacks. Additional grinding to stand her hair on end. She was taut from passion. Orgasm was so close she could taste it. The Nobek held her prisoner and kept her from claiming what she wanted. What she needed.

Then she was on her back, her wrists clamped over her head in a giant hand. The other held her ankle high, next to Detodev’s ear. His hips swung slowly, leisurely, taking her in increments, his groin performing its grinding circle when their loins met. He fucked her, but his motions were so gradual she had no hope of succumbing to climax.

She yelled. Seconds later, she pleaded, straining to escape his implacable control. Her insides coiled tight. She actually hurt. She couldn’t believe she wasn’t coming. She was right there .

Perhaps a minute went by. It felt like an eternity, and her stubborn streak collapsed. “I’m sorry, Ilid!” she squalled in desperation. “I apologize! I’ll behave, I promise, so tell this oversized gardener to…to…”

Her words and sense broke apart because Detodev plunged fast and hard. He pounded her, sending exquisite shocks through her as he collided with her engorged clit. “You may come,” he grunted.

Rapture walloped her, sending a scream pouring from her throat. He continued thrusting until she seized anew and her vision blanked white.

She was vaguely aware of him pulling out, of the sensation of rotating in midair. Her cheek found the soft bed covering, as did the rest of her. Her hips were hauled upward. A thick length pressed in her from behind.

His primary, slick from their combined excitement, slid in her ass. His secondary rubbed her clit. He thudded against her, the rhythm primal and constant. Feeling her helplessness to deny him fed another burst of exquisite surrender. She shrieked into the bed covers as climax consumed her.

Detodev ground deep. He groaned, his cocks jolting as he filled her ass with copious heat.

“Well done, my Nobek.” Ilid sounded proud.

“My pleasure,” Detodev panted. At least he sounded properly winded, Charity thought. She took the smidgen of success she could claim after being made to apologize.

“I knew you’d do fine. It’s just a matter of becoming comfortable in your own skin.”

“For you too.”

A pause. “I’m looking forward to us accomplishing our goals together.”

Charity’s pique faded. She glowed to hear them taking steps toward a better future…a future as clanmates. A future she’d be able to contribute to as their Matara.

After taking some time to recover, during which Detodev gently stroked her trembling frame, the Nobek slipped free and crashed at the foot of the bed. Charity felt like overcooked spaghetti, her limbs loose and strengthless.

Warmth caressed her sex and ass. She whimpered. She had no power to check to see who was doing what to her. After a couple of seconds, she realized someone used a damp cloth to gently wash her. Fingers parted her folds between the tender strokes. Her butt cheeks as well. As if he inspected her.

She found the strength to raise her head and look over her shoulder. Mitag glanced at her questioning expression and smiled. “You three went at it pretty hard. I want to make sure you weren’t bruised. It all looks good. How do you feel? Any pain?”

“I’m okay.”

He knelt next to her. She had no trouble seeing how his erections strained the crotch of his pants. He was aroused, fiercely so. He could have simply begun the seduction, knowing she’d tell him if it were necessary to stop, but he hadn’t. He’d put her needs first. He’d put her first, above all other considerations.

Charity fought tears, but a tiny sob escaped. Mitag’s eyes widened. He lifted her and pulled her close. The next instant, Ilid and Detodev were there too. The men surrounded her, enclosing her in a wall of bodies.

They’d sworn they wouldn’t leave her. Ever. The realization crashed against her, through her, and she was swept on its tide. Another sob broke free. A storm of loud crying followed, shaking her from head to toe.

“Sweet girl,” Mitag whispered in her hair. He rocked her, and Ilid and Detodev swayed along as they stroked her and murmured gentle words. She wasn’t certain how they knew the issue setting her off, but they reassured her.

“You have us,” Ilid said. “We’re here for you.”

“Always,” Detodev added.

She wept until she had no tears left. She huddled in the middle, feeling their warmth seep into her hollowed self, their love filling her to the brim. “We were having an amazing time, and I ruined it by bawling. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Mitag said. “You were past due.”

“You haven’t ruined a thing,” Ilid insisted.

“Loneliness is painful.” Detodev’s tone reflected he knew the feeling all too well. “Even in the case of family rushing off to save the universe, you have a right to be hurt.”

“It’s pretty selfish.”

“Maybe they’re doing the heroic thing, but you deserve those you love near nonetheless,” Ilid asserted. “We’ll stick close. We’re going nowhere.”

She looked at them, one by one. Darling, caring Mitag whose eagerness for a family guaranteed he wouldn’t leave her behind. His sleek frame was beauty personified, his face’s fine but firm lines and plump lips a feast for her gaze. His purple eyes riveted on her, as if she were his entire world.

Her gorgeous brute Detodev was next. Sheer masculinity, he’d bound his power to his future clan’s care. His steady soul wouldn’t experience conflict when it came to protecting her and the rest. At the moment, his strong and striking features were calm, ready to be cast in any emotion the situation called for…including the once-rare smile he wouldn’t hesitate to light up for her.

And Ilid. She saw no sign of indecision from the Dramok who’d proven himself to them. In him, she saw the stability she could lean on for the entirety of their lives, the assuredness she’d never have to look far to find him. Mitag might be the hearth of their home and Detodev the walls that would keep trouble at bay…but Ilid was their firm foundation.

She was hollowed from her crying jag, but she realized there’d been an old weight still present since her decision to remain on Haven and become part of Clan Ilid. As she fully woke to what she’d won, the weight made itself known by dissolving. It disappeared, leaving her light as air.

She shook her head and laughed in wonder. “I had no idea I was looking for a clan. Or a place to call home. We four must be the most unlikely people to fall in love…and Haven the most unlikely location to be paradise. Yet here we are, exactly in the right place at the right time.”

“Here we are,” Mitag echoed, glancing at them all. “Where we should be.”

“Home.” Ilid drew a deep breath and grinned broadly. “Home and clan.”

“And love.” Detodev’s voice was cautious, as if he feared naming it would risk losing it.

“Love,” Charity announced firmly. “Don’t doubt it, especially from me. But tell me trusting this is for keeps will get easier.”

“It’ll all get easier, I think.” Ilid looked at Detodev, who nodded and allowed a slight smile of hope. “We just need practice.”

They moved close. Ilid kissed Detodev’s brow, then Mitag’s, and finally Charity’s. They hugged tight, each finding shelter. Charity believed they fit together as only once-broken people could, having at last discovered compatible broken pieces.

Mitag’s lips found Charity’s during the clan snuggle. Their kiss started sweet and soft, the healing sort of embrace they’d waited for. The Imdiko was still aroused, however. It was no surprise when his kiss deepened, when it grew hungry and demanding. He broke off with effort.

“Sorry,” he chuckled, though shamefaced. “My libido took the sharing a bit further than it should have.”

“It took you exactly where you should go.” Charity slung her arms around his shoulders and gazed in his eyes. “I love you.”

His breath caught. Adoration and dark lust moved in concert in his gentle features. “I love you, my Matara.” He glanced at the rest. “All of you…you’re my world. My fantasy made real.”

Ilid and Detodev murmured their own vows of forever, stroking his long, wavy hair. Mitag’s face glowed as he contemplated them. His regard returned to Charity, who waited.

“Show me,” she breathed.

His fingers tangled in her dark hair to hold her captive for his kiss. The gentle Imdiko was left behind as lust had its say. His strength and demand told Charity better than words how much this moment meant to him. If he’d had three mouths, he’d have kissed all his promised clanmates in a ruthless gesture of homecoming.

He nipped her lower lip, then he licked the sting from it. His tongue dove in to taste, his hunger and love sweeping through her like a firestorm. She clung to him, wishing to meld their bodies into one.

Their mouths broke apart. They gasped and stared at each other. “Always?” Mitag asked, the last plaintive thread of desperate longing loosening its hold.

“Always?” Charity repeated, her heart reaching for the promise it was for keeps.

“Always,” they breathed at once.

Mitag yanked her close and cupped a breast. His thumb rubbed the nipple, bringing it to tingling life. “I have to hear you beg me for orgasm. Again and again.”

Her heart pounded. It was far from an impossible request when his expression shouted pure desire. She didn’t try to stop the moan of eagerness that rose from deep inside.

“Start by wrapping those lovely lips around my cock. Taste how much I crave you,” he growled.

Charity’s pussy clenched. She definitely had a thing for being dominated. Fortunately, she had the perfect men to explore the urge. They’d demonstrated they had no issue putting her in her place. As stubborn and rebellious as she tended to be, it would take all three to do so.

She grinned. “As you wish, my Imdiko.”

My Imdiko. How long had Mitag dreamed of hearing someone speak those words to him? Now he had the full group eager to do so: a Dramok, a Nobek, and his Matara.

Seeing how the situation was developing, Ilid and Detodev had drawn back, giving him his turn with the woman they all loved. Mitag’s vision was filled by Charity’s beautiful features, framed by the brunette waves that suited her coloring so much better than the honeyed blond hair had. Her hazel eyes riveted on him, and he detected the fierce light of love there. Love for him, blazing bright and unrelenting.

He’d won it all.

He cupped her cheeks and held her for his kiss. This embrace had neither wondering sweetness nor lustful demand. He kissed her as his lifemate, the woman he’d sworn his heart and soul to. It was a firm kiss of both possession and surrendering himself to her. Of belonging together no matter what.

He kissed her until she swayed against him. Her mouth softened in yearning submission. He released her lips but continued to cradle her face. She gazed at him, her eyes glazed. Perfect.

He slid to the edge of the sleeping mat and stepped to the floor, carefully tugging her along so she knelt on the edge. He straightened and coaxed her toward his wet, engorged cocks.

Smiling dreamily, she crouched on her elbows to put herself in position to accept his unspoken instruction. Her lips parted for him. He held his larger member to his abdomen. He slid his secondary into warmth.

Elation shot from his cock straight up his spine. It lit fireworks in his skull. Mitag’s head rocked back as her tongue rubbed the underside, where the large vein pulsed a quickening beat. He looked down to revel in the stunning view of his beauty taking him deeper, her concentration on his firm flesh. She sucked and swallowed his lubricating juices, making him a part of herself.

For a few moments, the delight of having someone drawing eagerly on his cock blanked Mitag’s mind of the usual impulse to tend rather than being tended to. He exulted in having a willing lover put him first and foremost.

She wasn’t alone when it came to looking after him. When his Imdiko predisposition awoke and he started to pull away, forgetting the delight Charity had shown in being dominated, Ilid and Detodev were there to remind him.

“Let go,” Ilid whispered in his ear as he grasped Mitag’s primary and pumped it slowly, excitingly. “Let her serve you. She wants strong men who insist she offers all they wish.”

Detodev said nothing. He let his tongue argue for him as it licked Mitag’s nipple. His fingers teased his ass. Ilid’s kiss sealed his undoing. The Dramok’s tongue stroked his, and Mitag’s need to minister to his lovers dissolved in a wash of arousal.

Lips drank from his, swallowing his muffled cries. Charity’s warm, wet mouth pulled on his clamoring secondary. A strong hand tugged his heat-filled eagerness. A raspy tongue applied mind-blowing friction to his nipples in turn. Two thick fingers eased him open for exploration, then rubbed where he was most sensitive. His cocks jerked in response. Mitag lost the ability to sort the separate feelings. They coalesced, making him a being of a single, brutal yearning. The sole rational thought occurring to him was the mantra my clan, my clan, my clan…

Ilid relinquished the kiss. Through blurred vision, Mitag saw him glance where Charity hungrily devoured. “Switch, my Matara.”

She released Mitag’s secondary. She sucked as she went and came off him with an audible pop . Ilid guided the Imdiko’s primary to her glistening lips as she gazed up at them in submission. Her mouth replaced Ilid’s hand, surrounding Mitag’s larger cock in sweetness.

“I’ll take over here,” Ilid muttered and shifted from his side. Only when Detodev’s fingers retreated, leaving Mitag empty, did he understand what was to happen. He groaned a welcome when his Dramok’s thicker invasion filled him.

Ilid wasted no time. His steady thrusts were immediate, rubbing Mitag’s cumspot hard. The Imdiko shuddered and cried out as ecstasy surged.

“Same deal as for her,” Ilid hissed in his ear. “Don’t come until I tell you to.”

Mitag tried to respond, but a guttural stream of syllables escaped before Detodev plastered his mouth on his for a hungry kiss, drowning what might have been agreement or a complaint. He wasn’t sure which it was, but he had to obey his promised clan leader. He didn’t possess Charity’s strong rebellious streak. His entire being centered on succumbing to Ilid’s wishes, though his groin ached for release.

“Give her pussy more gel, my Nobek. I want her ready for him,” Ilid said.

Detodev departed. Mitag was vaguely aware of him moving behind Charity. Her moans vibrated the Imdiko’s cock, bringing climax close. He fended it off with grim concentration, but Ilid’s continued pounding of his hotspot and her mouth gobbling his primary was fraying his control. Profound pleasure was edging into hurt from holding off.

“My Dramok,” he whimpered in desperation.

Ilid didn’t answer, but he did stop fucking. He was embedded deep in Mitag, who shivered violently. He was so close.

“Detodev, help her get in position so her Imdiko can fuck her. Hold her down for him,” Ilid said.

In an instant, Charity’s gorgeous mouth was gone. Detodev arranged her on the mat before Mitag.

The Imdiko’s breath left him. Charity lay like a sacrifice, her legs on either side of his. Detodev pinned her arms wide, leaving her utterly open. She stared up at Mitag, squirming helplessly under his feverish gaze. Her pussy trembled. Her swollen clit had emerged from its hood, blatant and red in its eagerness.

“Fuck your promised Matara’s pussy with both cocks until I allow you two to come,” Ilid growled.

Even if he’d wanted to, Mitag couldn’t have resisted the order. He grasped his twitching cocks and guided them to tender, vulnerable flesh.

Charity jerked at the contact as Mitag’s tapered tips settled on her avid sex. Prophets, he looked huge, impossible. She was tempted to try to bargain with Ilid…she knew arguing was no use…but the set expression he wore told her there was no mercy from that quarter.

Besides, the sensitizing gel was driving her crazy. She’d let Mitag split her in half if it would ease the desire ravening her.

He eased in, though his strained countenance told her he’d have preferred to plunge deep and lay her to waste. He was halfway engulfed in her clenching sex when Ilid decided to take control. The Dramok shoved, driving Mitag in to the hilt. Charity shrieked as ecstasy zoomed at her, frantic to be experienced as a thunderclap of sensation struck. Mitag shouted too, falling forward and barely catching himself as his hands splayed on the bed on either side of her head.

“Don’t do it,” Ilid snarled.

Charity and Mitag shuddered and moaned, tears dripping as they fought the battle between will and carnal yearning. Detodev crept forward to kneel over them, his cocks livid from excitement despite his recent orgasm. Ilid leered at them all, his to control, to reward or punish depending on his whims.

Somehow, the need to satisfy his hunger to lead helped Charity leash the defiant compulsion to climax. She hung on by a thread, but she hung on. She gazed at Mitag, his long hair draping to frame his tense features. She willed him to hold off too.

“Let’s fuck,” Ilid said.

Mitag’s hips shifted, drawing his flesh outward, putting friction where it tormented her most. He pulled almost all the way out. Gasping, he surged deep, driving hard. The small part of Charity’s mind still capable of thinking intuited it was Ilid who moved him. Ilid was fucking Mitag, and in doing so, making the Imdiko fuck her.

The thuds of pelvis to ass and pelvis to pelvis were fast at the start. They quickened as the seconds passed. Charity perceived herself to being animalistically restrained and rutted by primitive men who served only their lusts. The bestial crudeness of Ilid’s and Detodev’s supremacy, which she and Mitag were forced to serve, brought rampant craving surging. She gloried in being held down and rutted hard. From the way Mitag’s cocks jerked inside her and how he ground his teeth as he fought climax, he thrilled to it too.

Both wailed in tandem, unintelligible pleas to their captors as the need to orgasm clawed for escape. Charity was certain she was seconds from disobeying yet again. This time, she didn’t wish to. Ilid was her Dramok in all but name. They were equals elsewhere, but in passion, she ached for his rule.

She was so caught up in holding off climax, she failed to realize Detodev had let go of her wrists until his fist curled in Mitag’s hair and tugged the other man’s face up. The Nobek eagerly stroked his own primary a bare inch from Mitag and over Charity.

“Yes, my Nobek.” Ilid sounded exultant.

Detodev uttered a grunt. Milky passion spurted to cover Mitag’s face, to shoot in his gaping mouth. The Nobek’s hips shifted, and cum sprayed Charity’s face and breasts too. His spicy-salty-sweet juices lit on her tongue, a potent elixir.

A sob broke from her throat as excitement sent a mighty surge through her. She was losing it, she was going to come, she couldn’t stop it…

“Come, my Imdiko and Matara!”

Mitag, cum dripping from his chin, arched as his cocks jolted within Charity. Ilid bellowed, the cry of the victor ringing loud. It was the last thing Charity knew before orgasm tore through her.

The universe was a heaving, euphoric madness. She’d never known such rapture and agony at once. It was too much, overloading her until she became one with the twisting, churning cacophony. She dove deep, succumbing and drowning willingly.

She washed up on the shore of reality on diminishing waves of sensual pleasure. Scattered around her were the men she loved, chorusing soft groans of completion.

Slowly, they recovered. Bodies slid closer together, snuggling in each other’s warmth. As strength returned…at least to Ilid and Detodev…Charity and Mitag were lifted and borne to the shower.

The balmy heat of the water and tender caring of their tormentors brought recovery. Whispers rose amid the steam of the shower. Then soft mutters. Chuckles and giggles began to punctuate the patters of drops on the floor. Moans as gentler love began. As their lives forever together began. It had started reluctantly at first, but was now eagerly welcomed.

Paradise had been realized.

Other books by Tracy St. John available at Amazon:

Unholy Union

The Font

To Protect and Service: Ravenous Virtue

To Protect and Service: Righteous Fury

THE CLANS OF KALQUOR

Alien Embrace

Alien Rule

Alien Conquest

Alien Salvation

Alien Slave

Alien Interludes: Clans of Kalquor Short Stories

Alien Redemption

Alien Refuge

Alien Caged

Alien Indiscretions

Alien Hostage

Alien Revolt

Alien Outcast

DARK EMPIRE

Shadows Approach

Infiltration

Secret War

Revelations

Desperate Measures

CLAN BEGINNINGS

Clan, Honor, and Empire

Clan and Covenant

Clan and Crown

To Clan and Conquer

Clan and Commit

Clan and Conviction

Clan and Crave

Clan and Conscience

Clan and Command

FIRST MATARAS

Michaela

Maryam

Iliana

Irene

CLANS OF EUROPA

Sister Katherine

Tina

Bernadette

CLAN COMPANIONS

Joseph

Gabriel

Matthew

OTHER CLANS OF KALQUOR BOOKS

Shalia’s Diary Omnibus

(Omnibus contains all 12 books of the Shalia’s Diary series, also available separately)

CYBERSERVED

Made to Order

Mine to Keep

Built to Last

WARRIORS OF RISNAR

(from Carina Press)

Not of This World

Worlds Apart

Worlds Collide

Worlds Away

NETHERWORLD

Drop Dead Sexy

Blood Potion No. 9

Once Bitten Twice Dead

Animal Attraction

Please visit Tracy’s website to read first chapters of all her books and sign up for her newsletter at http://www.tracystjohn.com/

Get the latest updates on upcoming books at Tracy’s blog at http://tracystjohn.blogspot.com

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