Chapter 24

Zyair and Layla stayed quiet and cautious as they made their way back to his ship that had trailed them—cloaked—while they were on the Jorvlen ship.

He couldn't believe how lucky they'd gotten with the surprise inspection on the Jorvlen ship. Granted, he had been the one to hail for help from the Galactic Authority, but that was always a crapshoot. The fact that it happened so soon was their saving grace.

Zyair breathed a sigh of relief. They had good information to take back while they charted their course to Jorvlen. That was the main goal, and they had succeeded.

"Where are we off to now?" Layla asked as they walked toward the ship.

"Top Asteroid," he said, grinning.

"Duh. Where are we going in it?"

"Jorvla," Zyair replied reluctantly.

They boarded and Zyair quickly sealed the entry. He knew they weren't followed, but he didn't want to miss any precaution. Not for himself but for Layla and their unborn child. He didn't want to subject her to any more danger than she was constantly already in, especially with him.

"You think we'll be able to find the stone?" Layla asked.

"Between what we already know, I'm also expecting we'll get some intel reports on where it could be, but otherwise, I'm a private investigator for a reason. I'm hoping I can find it because I have to. The future of Lorr depends on it." He didn't intend to sound grandiose, but that's just how high the stakes were. Zyair started to input the course manually.

Layla took a deep breath and appeared to calm down. "We can do that. You're right."

"Nope. I can do that. You'll do your part by staying on the ship," Zyair added.

Before Layla could object, he said, "Astrid, launch ship to coordinates. Maintain constant speed but hover outside of their gravitational fields once we get there. I'll have to find a safe way to land undetected into their range."

"Copy. Setting course to Jorvla."

Zyair wanted Layla to rest before they made their approach. He headed to the sleeping quarters with her hot on his heels.

"Excuse me?" she asked from behind him, catching up.

"Yes?" He kept his eyes forward, not wanting to see the disappointed expression he was sure was on her face.

"I can't just stay on the ship."

"You sure can. It's safest for you. Plus, you haven't been feeling the greatest. I don't want something to happen where you have to fight, and then on top of that getting sick." He punched in the code and entered the room, knowing she would follow.

"I'm fine. Really. I can help."

Zyair took a deep breath before he turned and faced her.

Her brown eyes radiated defiance. She was small, mighty, and fierce. He tried not to smile at how adorable she was. He knew it would make her angrier.

"I know you can. There won't be too much to do. It'll be quick, I suspect. I'd rather not worry about your well-being. I don't want to jeopardize losing you. Or…" He looked down at her belly.

Her fire dimmed a little as her eyes softened. Her lips were still in a firm, angry line, but she looked as if she would at least entertain his plea.

She didn't agree or disagree. She simply sat down on the bed with her arms folded against her chest.

Zyair sat beside her and placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him. "You are my mate. I know we're waiting to have the ceremony, but I already feel more connected to you than I can explain. To lose you would be the end of me. I can't risk that, as selfish as it sounds."

He felt her shoulders slightly relax. She let out an irritated huff and looked at him with her big brown eyes. "I understand that. I just don't like feeling helpless."

"You're not! You're already doing so much. Plus, you're carrying our child. That's a task all on its own."

"Tsh, you're telling me."

"How are you feeling, by the way?" He put a hand on her slowly growing bump.

She couldn't help but smile and placed her hand over his. "I feel fine. Tired here and there, but better now that I know I'm not actually sick."

He felt beyond blessed to have a little one on the way already with the woman he loved. All he had to do was stop an imminent war on his species and planet, and then things would be perfect.

He pushed that thought out of his mind. He had plenty of time to worry about those things. Right now, for the little time they had, he wanted to focus on Layla.

"I hope this makes you as happy as it makes me," he said, taking her hand and stroking the makeshift ring he had given her.

Her true smile returned. "It does. It's just an inconvenient time to be vulnerable right now."

He let out a dry laugh. "That's okay, though. You have me."

"I do. And I love that part." She put her hand to his cheek and pulled him closer to her lips.

She still tasted as good as the first time,he thought. She was intoxicating to him.

He kissed her back, slow and deep. He wanted to put all of his love for her and their unborn child into that kiss so she would never doubt him.

"We have some time to kill," she murmured against his ear.

"Are you sure?" he asked, hesitant because of her pregnancy.

She nodded with a smile and kissed him again. Her hand started to work at his pants.

Zyair undid hers as well. He pulled them down and laid her on her side.

Once he was free of his own restraints, he lay beside her from behind. He wanted her, but he wanted to be gentle and caring. To savor these moments between them.

He kissed her shoulders and neck. He ran his fingers down the side of her body, tracing her curves as bumps arose all over her.

She lifted her upper leg and swung it back over him. He slipped his fingers inside of her. She moaned and closed her eyes. Layla was already warm and wet for him.

"You want it bad. Don't you?" he quietly teased as his fingers stroked her inside.

"Only with you. I can't help it." Her eyes stayed closed, but her smile spread over her entire face.

"Don't ever try to help it." He removed his hand and covered his large cock with her lubrication. He adjusted himself and slid his dick inside her.

"Ahhh, yes. You can just stay in there if you want." She moaned gently.

He would love nothing more than to do just that.

There was no rush, no eagerness. They just craved each other and their need was heavy.

Zyair slid in and out slowly, barely moving. Her pussy was so tight, the friction enough to stimulate him continuously.

Her moans stayed quiet and pleasurable. He kissed her shoulders and neck, running his tongue along her to taste her skin as well.

She ever so slightly circled her hips, pressing her perfect ass against his pelvis as she squeezed her vagina tightly, holding on to his cock.

The slow, rocking rhythm and their intimate purrs lasted until Astrid informed them of their approach.

They reluctantly parted and headed toward the bridge.

They had a job to do, but once it was done, Zyair intended to spend the rest of his life creating moments like the one they had just shared.

Yes, he had a war to prevent. But pleasing Layla was just as high a priority.