Chevon's Mate Read online

  “Wherever they are, the Great Spirits will ensure they know you are looked after, cared for, and loved. It is a fact of life within the Imarian society that one always takes care of what you do in this life so that when you move on to the next your mother does not have any reason to box your ears.”

  “This is very true.” They really were more alike than she’d realized. “I’m happy to have you, just so you know. I also think that I might know why I was attacked and jettisoned. As much as I don’t want to think about it, or acknowledge it, I have a feeling that it had to do with that communique I translated.”

  “If it held content as you mentioned, then it is the most likely reason. They were probably hopeful that you would either die during the journey, be shot out of the sky for the intrusion, or killed by your enemies. Someone will be quite disappointed if they discover that you made it, found your soul-bond mate, and are very much alive and well.”

  “Well, I know for a fact that we weren’t supposed to be that close to the asteroid field. Yes, we were expected to be along the edges of the neutral zone but not that close. Maybe we should make sure they know I’m still alive.”

  “We will once you are fully healed and cleared by the doctor. Until then we keep the fact you survived to ourselves. When you’re better, I’ll have Petr get a message to a contact he has who will make sure it filters through to the Craegin channels appropriately.”

  “Thank you. Too bad there isn’t a way to watch just how much they panic.” She was positive now that her brother had been part of it. She hated to think it, but it was probably the truth. “My brother always hated me,” she admitted.

  “I seriously doubt anyone could hate you, Laura. And if they did it was because you showed them how flawed they are in comparison.”

  She smiled wryly. “Well, since I’m alive I can see to it that my half of our family’s fortunes be divided into the charities that my mother championed when she was alive. Since the monies will do me no good here, do you think that would be possible? I don’t want him to be able to touch a single portion of that money, ever. Is that bad of me?”

  “Not in the least,” he told her. “I’ll find out what’s involved given you are here, instead of there, and we’ll make sure it happens. For now, though, I think we should tuck you back into bed. I also need to get some sleep since I only have a few hours before my next shift begins.”

  “Will you stay?” she asked. “I know these are your rooms, so will you stay? We all know that I’m nowhere near ready for anything physical but I would really like to have you sleeping with me from here out, if you don’t mind?”

  “Of course,” he said. Pressing a kiss to her cheek, he began to unwind the throw blanket from around her legs. Once she was free, he helped her to stand. “Let’s get to bed.”

  She slipped her hand into his. May the stars help him but she couldn’t seem to stop touching him. Poor man. “Will you wake me when you leave? I don’t want to wake up and be alone.”

  He nodded. “We can have breakfast together before I leave. And the communication device is still on the bedside table. All you have to do is turn it on, and I’ll come running.” Squeezing her fingers, he walked her into the bedroom and led her to the bed. “I need to take a sonic shower before we sleep. Try and get comfortable while I clean up.”

  “Well, you shouldn’t need to come running,” she teased with a laugh. “Go and do what you need to. I’m going to crawl back into your sinfully comfy bed and steal your pillows so that you have to share one with me and hug me tightly.”

  “Devious plot,” he said. “Or I could pull the extra pillows from the closet. A single day of rest is not enough for you to fully recover, little one. You have a lot of bumps and bruises.” Touching her cheek, he leaned in to kiss her lightly before walking into the bathroom and shutting the door behind him.

  She shook her head, then stole his pillow anyway.

  A little while later, Chevon came toward the bed and eased down on it next to her. Laura moved so that she could have her back to his front and wiggled closer. He rested his cheek on hers and wrapped her up in his arms. He tucked her in, had the AI system turn off the lights, and settled down with her. “Try and sleep, little one.”

  “I will.” She yawned once more and rubbed her cheek against his arm, then closed her eyes. And with him holding her close, she drifted off into a deep, relaxed sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Laura was feeling a lot better three days later. She’d been sleeping a lot, eating, and generally resting. When Chevon came into their quarters unexpectedly one afternoon, she knew something was up from his expression alone.

  “I’ve been in contact with Petr. We are going to meet up with his cruiser so we can go aboard for a talk. He needs some information from you before he sends a message over the border to his contact. Our hope is to find the individual responsible for your trip in the pod and shake up those who believe you are dead. It is a risk, but we both agree it’s one that is necessary. Are you up for talking with him?” he asked.

  “I haven’t changed my mind,” Laura told him with an uneasy smile. “I still want whoever it is that came after me to know I’m alive and kicking. I need these bastards to realize that I’m not that easy to kill. Now I’m even wondering if my parents’ death was really an accident,” she stated quietly, then stopped. “I just don’t know how I can prove it.”

  “I have no idea, little one. But if the evidence is there, we’ll find it.” Settling down next to her, Chevon wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in close to his side.

  Laura nodded, shoving away thoughts of her parents. Dwelling on something she couldn’t change—or do anything about, at the moment—wouldn’t do anyone any good.

  Pressing a kiss to her hair, he gave her a gentle squeeze. “We will be meeting with Petr in two days’ time.”

  “Good,” she told him, mustering up a smile. She was a little nervous about meeting the fleet admiral but was excited to meet the woman he had married, the woman from the deep past.

  “He’s looking forward to meeting you, and so is Samantha. While we’re there, you can also meet my cousin Bryerly. She may be overly excited, but don’t let that throw you. She has this theory that I have long needed a woman in my life. I warn you, she’ll probably be more obnoxious than normal when she meets you. Don’t take it personally.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t.” She grinned. “So tell me, is she right? Have you been in long need of one?”

  Chevon smirked. “She claims I’ve needed one to keep me in line for some cycles. Says I’ve become set in my ways and that a woman would help to loosen me up. And she worries that now that she has found her soul-bond mate, I’ll turn into a hermit. Not exactly a possibility given my position in the military, but she believes the two are unrelated. She may give you advice to handle me.” He shrugged. “Don’t listen to her.”

  “Why would I want to handle you?” She didn’t want someone who would do whatever she wanted them to when she wanted them to. She wanted a partner, not a puppet. “I’m thankful that the two of us are a pair. I think you are perfect for me. The best of the best. Period.”

  “You may be mildly biased, little one.”

  “Well, all I know is that whatever she has to tell me I will try to take with a grain of salt, so to speak,” she told him with a smile.

  “Really, I think you’ll like her. I adore Bryerly,” he said. He smiled slightly and shook his head. “She’s the only family I know never judges. She accepts everyone as they are unless they disappoint, and then she will make them miserable,” he teased. He tipped her chin up and kissed her. “Have you eaten lunch yet or should I pull out some food?” he asked, rubbing his thumb over her chin.

  “I’ve eaten.” She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. “Thank you, though. I ate earlier because I knew you would come to spend some time with me this afternoon and I wanted to be able to just do that.” She would be grateful when she was able to walk around the s
hip instead of having to remain hidden.

  “I know this is not ideal, but all we are doing is working toward making sure you are safe no matter where you go in Imarian space. It will take time, but soon we’ll be able to live freely.” Another gentle kiss, then he drew back to lift her into his lap. Hugging her close, he rubbed a hand over her thigh while cuddling her.

  She hugged him back, her face buried into his shoulder as she held on to him. “I guess I’m just going a little crazy staying in here all the time.”

  “I know,” he whispered. He stroked a hand up and down her back. “I only hope it’s worth it all in the end, Laura. You are my everything, but I hate having to hide you away from everyone.” Not exactly everyone. A few high-ranking officers on his ship knew about her. They had even visited a couple times. But it wasn’t the same as being able to go where she wanted when she wanted.

  “I know. I feel it each time you have to leave me that you hate it.” The bond between them was growing more and more each day. She was starting to feel his emotions as he was beginning to feel hers. At least, that’s what she was assuming. “I do enjoy your first’s company at times as well. He will stop by occasionally and have dinner with me or lunch. Typically when you are stuck in meetings with your higher-ups.”

  “He has shared that with me,” he told her. “He knows this is hard on us both and is trying to do what he can to alleviate your boredom. We have been talking and may have some ideas about getting you out sooner than later. But it will have to wait until we meet with Petr. I need to know what he’s found out from the military command structure, and if they will do what’s necessary to protect you when the ruling body gets up in arms about this joining between us.”

  “Protect yourself first, Chevon, please?” It would break her if he were harmed or if he lost his position. “Okay, well whatever it is we will do it together, right? We will overcome whatever it is that comes after us.” She just hoped she was strong enough to be all he needed.

  “We will be okay. Together we are stronger than we could ever be apart. We’re a unit, little one. Never forget that. I have your back as I know you have mine. As to protecting myself, I have insurance in place to ensure the ruling body regrets any action they may take against me. It may not seem like much in the grand scheme, but it would definitely put a significant dent in any of their plans. Long enough, at least, for public opinion to be swayed in our favor so they could never dare to take action. I pray to the Great Spirits we won’t need it. I’d prefer to keep it on standby for a later date if this war looks ready to break out. But if it means protecting you, I will use everything at my disposal. You are my only priority.”

  “I would rather have you with me at my side forever. Our skin colors might be different but we were always meant to be together, forever. We will have a life together, a very long and very happy one. I’m sure of it.” His skin was a very dark olive color where hers, well hers was as pale as milk. While his eyes might have been a lighter color than hers, silver to her blue-ringed, black eyes, both of them seemed to simply fit.

  “The color of our skin means nothing. It is what’s inside that matters. Our love and nothing more.” He continued to rub her back gently when he fell silent. His cheek rested against hers as they sat quietly for a time. Eventually, he lifted his head and looked down at her. “I’m sorry, little one. I need to get back to work for a few more hours. But I have a surprise for you tonight that will help make up for at least a little of the time I have had to leave you alone. And tomorrow is my day off, so we’ll have the entire day to spend together.”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay.” She leaned into him again and closed her eyes. “I’m looking forward to your day off, then. Spending time with you is always fun.”

  Chuckling quietly, he cupped her face and leaned in so their foreheads were touching. “We will have a wonderfully lazy day tomorrow.” Using his thumb, Chevon lifted her chin until he could press his lips to hers. It was a slow kiss that deepened until their tongues tangled together in need for more.

  When he pulled back from her, she whimpered. He was potent. There was no doubt about that. “Go. Do what you need to do and hopefully tonight when most of the ship is sleeping we will be able to make use of the exercise room.”

  “I think I can do better than that, but that is a part of the surprise, so you’ll have to wait to see what I have planned. Until then, this will have to tide you over.” He gave her another kiss, then stood up with her in his arms. Setting her on her feet, he hugged her close. “Have a nap this afternoon so you are rested up. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She touched her fingers to his cheek, then nodded. “Go and save the universe.” She winked. “Just no more women floating in pods, if you don’t mind?” Another tease, one that had his lips lifting in a grin.

  “How’s this? I promise I will not bring any home, not now that I have you. The best woman there is, all mine.” Cupping her face between his palms, he gave her another kiss.

  She watched him as he left. As always, he made sure the door was closed before anyone could possibly see into the room, including the cameras. She stood back from the door and sighed. She hated life right now. Only when he was gone did she regret anything at all.

  Chapter Six

  After checking with his command crew to make sure everything was in place, Chevon headed for his quarters. It had taken more than a little planning and some creativity but he had an evening planned for Laura that would—he hoped—help alleviate her sense of abandonment each time he had to leave for a shift. He entered the suite, then locked the door behind him and carried the tray to the table. He could hear her in the other room but didn’t know what she was doing.

  Undoing his jacket, he shrugged out of it as he entered the bedroom. “I have dinner on the table if you’re ready. A little something special I had the chefs make up especially for you,” he said. Moving to the closet, he hung up the jacket, then pulled out some casual clothing. He would change after they ate, and by then everything would be in place or close to it.

  “Thank you.” She glanced at the table and moved in closer to him. “How was your day, Chevon? Did you miss me?” She always seemed to ask the same questions when he came back home. “Oh, this looks so good. How?” He had the cooks prepare her favorite Craegin meal for her. He could see by the look in her eyes that she didn’t think it was possible for them to know how to cook Craegin food.

  “We are not quite the barbarians your people might like to believe that we are. At least, not all of us are. They thought it a little strange but were willing to test their skills. I can’t promise it will taste exactly like back home, but I hope they managed to get close. Let’s eat, and then I have more planned for us tonight.” Taking her hand in his, he led her to the chair and held it out until she sat down. Then he moved around to take his own seat. Lifting the carafe, he poured her a glass of the Craegin wine. It was one with a low alcohol level, but it would suit the meal well.

  “You have wine, too?” He saw the shock on her face and had to bite back a chuckle. “Well, whatever it is that you did, thank you. I am astounded that you were able to do this for me. Thank you, Chevon. You are too good to me,” she told him with a laugh. “But I’ll take it.”

  He waved a hand at the tray. “Give it a try and let me know if they have done all right or if I need to fire the dining hall staff.” He was teasing but she would know that, he was sure. He handed her a glass of the wine and an empty plate so she could take a little of everything.

  She laughed along with him and took a bite of the food that had been offered. “Oh, this is good. A little spicier than I would typically have it but it’s actually superb.” She took a sip of the wine. “The wine is utterly delicious.”

  “I’m glad you approve, little one.”

  He pointed to a meat dish. “This I got direct from Petr on his last visit. His sister sent it back with him and I’ve had it frozen since I got it since I did
n’t know when I would have a chance to share it with someone who might properly appreciate it. I told the chefs not to add anything to the dish, merely warm it. Hopefully, they listened.”

  He knew when she recognized the dish by the way her face lit up in happiness. “Oh, I have to thank him.” She took a piece of the meat in the dish and cut a slice for herself. He watched her closely when she moaned and her eyes closed in pure bliss. “This is incredible. Perfect.” He smiled at her when she looked at him once more. “His sister? She’s bonded to a Craegin war hero, a general of the highest rankings. How could he have gotten this from her?”

  “Yes, Adira is bonded to Fintan Daykin,” he said with a nod. He weighed his options for a moment but knew he couldn’t keep any secrets from her. She was his other half and deserved nothing but the truth always. “When Adira was used as leverage in Fintan’s escape from Imarian space, she fell in love with him. When they settled in a little, she sent a message to Petr. Because of the stress of Fintan’s escape, and other pressures caused by the ruling body being in disagreement with the military, the ruling body being the ones who had captured Fintan and other Craegins for experiments, Petr had to put on an act and denounce his relationship with Adira. It took some time but between Petr and Fintan they were able to smuggle Petr over the border to see his sister. Petr now makes a couple trips every solar cycle to visit with his sister and his niece and nephew. He must take care so that neither side suspects what is going on. But it is also the time that they do their meetings to figure out what new information has been uncovered about why we are at war and how to stop it from both sides. It has taken a while but we now know why the war started. We are all still trying to figure out how to stop it with minimal loss of life.”

  “And they are the contacts that we’ll be meeting to carry the information back that I’m not dead.” She was quick, he had to give her that. “It’s so sad, a family torn apart by this senseless war. If only it could be over. I don’t even know what started the war so many generations ago, but the hate has spilled over into every generation since. There are so few of us that don’t harbor that hate, that simply want peace. If only we were the majority instead of the minority. I want to help you. Anything at all that I can do, I will do it to help end this war.”