Chapter 36

Chapter

Thirty-Six

Allie

I gaped at the two Drexians, unable to speak, unable to say anything that might defuse the situation. What could I say? That I had hooked up with Maxxon on Earth before I'd even heard of Varek, so it didn't count as being unfaithful? That didn't account for the fact that I'd just gotten my brains fucked out by Maxxon in the supply closet of the transport ship.

But was it really cheating when I barely knew my fiancé? From the expression on his face, I was guessing he'd say yes.

Maxxon looked as stunned as I was, and I cringed at the fact that he'd been undressing as he'd walked into the bedroom. So much for being able to have a civilized conversation.

Before Maxxon could open his mouth and offer any explanation, Varek charged at him.

I screamed as Maxxon dodged the attack with surprising agility.

Varek swung around, panting. "How long have you been seducing my mate?"

"It isn't what you think," Maxxon yelled.

Wasn't that what every cheater claimed? It isn't what you think? The words clearly didn't convince Varek, who clenched his fists by his side as he crouched into what I could only assume was a battle stance.

"I never thought you would betray me like this," Varek growled.

Maxxon's voice was firm but pained. "I never would, Varek. You have to believe me."

As I watched the two Drexians circle each other, tension radiating from their bodies, I realized that this could escalate into something far worse. These were trained warriors, capable of inflicting serious harm—and in their current state, they might just kill each other.

This was my fault. My actions, my decisions had led to this moment. I had to do something to stop it before it was too late.

Taking a deep breath, I jumped from the bed, rushing between Maxxon and Varek, my arms outstretched to keep them apart. "Stop!" I cried, my voice stronger than I felt. "Please, both of you, just stop!"

Varek's eyes went straight to my sheer nightgown. "You were waiting for him, weren't you? Not for me."

I swallowed hard, knowing that only the absolute truth would suffice now. "I was waiting for Maxxon," I admitted, my voice soft but steady. "But you need to understand that this isn't what you think. I came to this station looking for him. We met on Earth during the invasion. We got together there, but then Maxxon had to leave. I only became a tribute bride to find him. I know now that it was a stupid plan, but I never meant to drag anyone else into this or to hurt you."

Varek sucked in heavy breaths as he stared at me, then he swung his gaze to Maxxon. "Is this true?"

Maxxon's body relaxed slightly. "It is, but she isn't telling you that I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. I was an idiot for leaving Earth and leaving her. I went back to the planet to find her and tell her, but she'd already come here."

Varek straightened. "All this happened before me?"

I stepped toward him, my hand reaching out but stopping short of touching him. "I promise you, Varek, it did. I had already fallen for Maxxon before I ever met you. If I hadn't…" I paused, choosing my words carefully. "If I hadn't met Maxxon first, I would have been honored to be your mate."

Behind me, Maxxon cleared his throat loudly. I bit back a smile, realizing how that must have sounded to him. Varek, to my surprise, let out a short bark of laughter.

Then he turned to his friend. "Why didn't you tell me? You knew I'd been matched with her."

Maxxon dropped his gaze to the floor. "I should have, but I didn't know that Allie had come to the station looking for me. I convinced myself that I was the only one who had such strong feelings. I believed she'd come to be matched to a Drexian, and that Drexian happened to be you. I didn't think I had any right to stand in her way." He lifted his eyes and held Varek's gaze. "But I couldn't bear to watch her with someone else, even if that someone was my best friend. I 'd decided to leave the station, and I was stealing a ship when Allie found me."

I breathed a small sigh of relief that Maxxon didn't detail that he'd actually found me trying to run away from a match with Varek or what had happened after that.

Varek rolled his head to the ceiling and blew out a breath, finally locking eyes with Maxxon's. "Okay, I won't kill you—this time."

The relief that washed over me was so intense I felt lightheaded, as I watched as the two Drexians relax their battle stances. When Varek thumped Maxxon on the shoulder, he flicked a quick glance at me. "I will not embrace you since your mate would most decidedly not like it, but I wish you nothing but happiness."

I realized that I was practically naked and stepped partially behind Maxxon, my face flaming. "Thanks, Varek. I know you're going to find someone amazing—and available."

He chuckled as he left the suite, the door gliding shut behind him.

Maxxon spun around and pulled me into his arms. "I'm so sorry about that."

The last remnants of tension drained from my body. "It's over. Now we can really be together, right?"

Maxxon nodded. "The administrative details are being handled, and you handled the Varek part admirably."

I leaned back and smacked him on the chest. "Were you really going to fight it out with him?"

Maxxon grinned at me. "No, but we are Blades. A little fight is how we settle things."

I rolled my eyes. Typical, but I guess I needed to get used to a lot of testosterone if I was going to be a Drexian's wife.

Maxxon swiveled his head and was finally taking in the overwater bungalow. "This is quite impressive." A mischievous grin spread across his face. "I don't suppose it's mine now too?"

I laughed, the sound bubbling from deep within me. "It might be. If you ask nicely."

Without a word, Maxxon swept me up and carried me to the bed. He dropped me onto it, and I bounced on the plush surface, then he crawled onto the bed on all fours, hovering over me. "What if I do something else nicely?"

I arched a brow at him and licked my lower lip. "How nicely?"

With a growl, he pounced on me, nipping my throat and kissing his way down my neck.

I was so lost in him that I didn't hear the lapping of the water, or the song of the birds, or the door swishing open.

"Okay, darling, tell me if this is too much…" Serge's voice rang out as he strode into the suite.

Maxxon stopped kissing me and twisted his neck while I sat up to see the Gatazoid standing only a few feet away, his eyes wide with shock. Beside him stood Reina, her expression a mixture of surprise and amusement.

Serge's gaze darted between us, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. I saw the moment realization hit him—the Drexian I was kissing wasn't my official match.

"But... but... the wedding plans!" Serge sputtered, his clipboard clutched to his chest like a shield. "The waterfall! The water! The..." His voice trailed off as his eyes rolled back in his head.

Reina moved quickly, catching Serge as he swooned. She looked at us, one eyebrow raised, and I got the feeling she'd done this before. "I suppose this means we'll need to make some adjustments to the guest list."

"We can explain everything," I told her. "I promise."

Reina cracked a smile as she dragged the still-unconscious Serge to a nearby chair. "Will there still be a wedding?"

I looked up at Maxxon, my heart full to bursting. "Absolutely."

He smiled down at me. "And as quickly as possible."