TOMLIN

HOW THE ALIENS WERE WON

HONEY PHILLIPS

Copyright © 2024 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Mariah Sinclair

Edited by Lindsay York at LY Publishing Services

Created with Vellum

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

Author’s Note

Other Titles

About the Author

CHAPTER 1

Tomlin scrubbed his hands again, trying to wash away the non-existent traces of blood, then forced himself to turn off the water. As he did he looked up, meeting his eyes in the mirror, and he swore. They had assumed the faint blue shimmer that clearly revealed he was not entirely human.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, concentrating on counting the beats of his heart, performing the same ritual his mother had taught him before he was even old enough to walk. When he opened his eyes, he looked completely human again. He didn’t appear as calm and controlled as he usually did - his face tired and strained - but that, however, was something he could deal with.

Resisting the urge to wash his hands again, he straightened his collar and made sure that he had resumed his usual pristine appearance, then turned and walked out of the room without sparing a glance at the body on the floor. Marshall Thompson had provided the information he needed. His… friends were safe.

There would be no more strangers coming to their farm and threatening them and their mates. He regretted the necessity of his actions, but he owed no loyalty to this man. He had given his loyalty to S’kal when the big green male had jumped into a fight to protect him.

Normally, he could have handled the assailants on his own, but he was tired and sick of fighting his curse. He’d been on the verge of unleashing his other side when S’kal had appeared.

S’kal had not only assisted him, he had given him the opportunity for a new way of life. He’d stepped into the role of assistant, helping to manage the trading caravans that S’kal led to the frontier settlements outside the city.

He had enjoyed the change of scenery and handling the constant demands of the traders and it had satisfied him to provide for S’kal. It had made him feel… needed.

But then everything changed. S’kal had found his mate and decided to give up leading the caravans and settle down with a group of former warriors, warriors he had served with during a war on another planet. Even his trips to Port Cantor were no longer necessary once his brother H’zim was freed.

Somewhat to his surprise, he had also found a place for himself there, assisting with the operation of the farm. And then this threat had arisen. Marshall had tried to infiltrate the farm on at least three occasions and showed no compunction about threatening harm to any of the warriors or their mates.

Even worse, Tomlin had discovered that the Marshall’s goal was to seek the source of the morchev. The purple jewels had little intrinsic value but they posed a very specific threat to anyone who had any type of psychic powers - people like him. The jewels could also be combined with another substance to create a psychic weapon that was capable of asserting control over the minds of others, even those without psychic talents.

He could not permit that to occur.

Fortunately, Marshall was a secretive bastard. His long years leading a double life as both a respected businessman and the leader of a large crime syndicate meant that he trusted no one. He had been trying to acquire both components, the morchev and the plebanium, in different deals and no other parties were aware of their combined use. The unfortunate fool who had first brought the possibility to Marshall’s attention had been eliminated long ago. All of which meant that the farm and its inhabitants should be safe.

He slipped down the back stairway of the Thompson Tower paying no attention to the number of flights involved - his weariness was not physical - then paused just inside the concealed door panel. Now what? He needed to return to the farm and assure S’kal and the others that they were safe, but he felt uneasy about returning.

The contact with the jewels, even at a distance, and the necessity of gaining information from Marshall had weakened his control. Perhaps allowing himself to… care for others, to become involved in their lives, had also had an effect on his usual discipline.

I should take some time alone to reflect. And to rebuild my control.

Nodding to himself, he opened the door and immediately flinched at the assault on his senses. The concealed door opened onto a small back alley but it was only a short distance from the main thoroughfare and the usual cacophony of people and traffic filled the air. Brightly colored hover carts passed by the end of the alley intermixed with everyone from businessmen to shoppers. Even in this expensive business district the slight acrid tang of spaceship fuel mingled with the scent of flowers.

But he was reacting to more than just the normal impact on his enhanced senses. He could feel traces of the emotions of those hurrying about their daily business. He couldn’t pick out anything specific but it was a constant low buzz like a swarm of tiny, stinging insects surrounding him.

Fuck. He hadn’t experienced this level of awareness in many years.

Just ignore it, he told himself. I simply need to return to the flyer and leave the city.

He straightened his shoulders and strode down the alley and out onto the street. Fortunately, the buzz of emotions was no louder once he emerged and he did his best to walk confidently, knowing that he did not appear out of place in this primarily human section of the city.

But then someone brushed against him and he almost staggered as a wave of avarice washed over him. The male who had touched him was on his way to a business deal - a crooked business deal if he had interpreted the emotions correctly - and was full of delight and greed at the prospect of taking advantage of the one he was about to meet.

He swore again. If his control had eroded to the point where a mere touch from another left him exposed to their emotions, he was in deep trouble. Although he normally tried to avoid touch, a casual encounter was, or at least had been, relatively easy to control with any emotional residue from the other person muffled under years of training and discipline.

Training and discipline which were failing him now.

The businessman he’d encountered had already rushed away and he kept moving, doing his best to avoid any further encounters. He was both fast and agile even without resorting to any of his enhanced abilities but the city was crowded and taking extreme measures to avoid people was likely to draw attention that he did not want.

By the time he got to his flyer his hands were shaking and his mind was awash with unwanted emotions, so many of them harsh and painful. He climbed into the flyer and closed the door. Although the physical barrier was not enough to block out the ever louder buzz of the city, it gave him a feeling of protection. Once again he closed his eyes and performed the ritual, hoping to find some measure of peace.

After a frustratingly long time, he succeeded in muffling the press of emotions to the point where he felt in control once more. Despite his urge to leave the city, he had one more task to complete first. He pulled out the data chip he’d retrieved from Marshall’s hidden safe, inserted it into the reader, and applied the encryption key he had… convinced Marshall to give him.

The contents were remarkably well organized and he skipped past the business information for now, searching for any additional information about either the morchev or the plebanium. Everything listed was the information he’d previously retrieved except for one item. Marshall had been tracking a study being done by a researcher at the Port Cantor university - not only tracking but subsidizing a grant under one of his shell companies. The researcher was investigating the properties of the morchev. While there was nothing to indicate that this Dr. E. Morgan had any interest in using the stones as part of a psychic weapon - or even that he was aware of their psychic properties - it would be best to be sure.

The doctor’s lab was located about a half day’s ride from the small town of Wainwright in the foothills of the mountains. He could get there more quickly if he used the flyer but due to issues with supplies and maintenance away from the city, they were not common and he didn’t want to attract attention. He decided to take the flyer as far as the town and then ride the rest of the way.

He only hoped it would not be necessary to… silence the doctor the same way he’d had to silence Marshall.

CHAPTER 2

Dr. Etta Morgan frowned down at the results of her experiment. The work she’d been doing with the morchev kept surprising her.

Once again the seemingly insignificant gems had displayed unusual readings. Her original research project had simply been to catalog the various gems and minerals found on Cresca - an undertaking that had not been accomplished before.

Although it had begun as a routine process, once she discovered the morchev and their more unusual properties she’d been fascinated. With the approval of her department head at the university in Port Cantor, she’d decided to focus solely on the gems until she had uncovered all of their mysteries. Unfortunately it seemed as if everything she discovered only revealed more intriguing possibilities.

A knock on the door startled her out of her abstraction, her frown deepening. She wasn’t expecting visitors. She had set up her lab in the foothills of the mountains specifically to avoid any unwanted interruptions and, other than a once monthly delivery of supplies, she didn’t see or hear from anyone. Why was someone here now?

She started for the door then paused and retrieved a small blaster from its usual location in the drawer of her desk. While she wasn’t an expert, she was a competent shot and she wasn’t foolish enough to assume that anyone who appeared at her door had good intentions.

She’d even been accosted once in Wainwright, the closest town, while taking a shortcut between two buildings. Fortunately a swift knee to the balls had discouraged her attacker, and as she’d been exiting the alley a large alien male had been entering it. She’d heard enough of the following conversation to know that he had also threatened the man who had tried to take advantage of her. Apparently he’d been successful in convincing the man not to be so foolish in future. From what she’d heard he’d left town shortly thereafter.

Pausing to one side of the door, she took a quick glance through the one way glass. A normal-looking human man dressed in black stood outside.

Well, perhaps not entirely normal, she decided as she studied him.

While he was remarkably well built - both tall and muscular - that wasn’t what caught her attention. It was the way he held himself, not stiffly but with a precision which argued some kind of martial training. He had short-cropped dark hair and rather stern, angular features, composed in an expressionless mask.

He was looking directly at the door and she had the uneasy feeling that he could see her despite the one way glass. A shiver ran down her spine and she was suddenly quite sure that this man was dangerous - but that didn’t necessarily mean he was dangerous to her. He had knocked politely enough, and it seemed foolish not to at least find out why he’d made the journey.

“Take two paces back from the door,” she ordered.

A flash of what might have been surprise crossed his face, but then it settled back into the previous cool expression as he obeyed. Once he had moved away she opened the door, keeping her gun concealed at her side.

“What do you want?”

“You are Dr. E. Morgan?”

His deep voice was as calm and controlled as his appearance.

“Yes - although I assume you knew that before you made the trip out here. What do you want?”

After an almost imperceptible pause he focused directly on her face and their eyes met. His eyes were an unusual shade of green with a slight bluish tint. Another shiver ran down her spine but this time it was due not to nerves but rather an unexpected current of attraction.

Nonsense, she thought, immediately dismissing the idea. She had long ago decided that she had no interest in the opposite sex.

“My name is Tomlin. I understand that you are researching morchev,” he said after another tiny pause.

“That is correct. Why?”

Another hesitation.

“I am interested in the results of your research. I believe I may also be able to provide some information which would be useful to you.”

“Are you a scientist?” she asked skeptically.

“No, but I do have some… experience with the gems. Also I have heard stories about them.”

Now that was interesting. None of the research that she had done had indicated anyone else taking any interest in the stones except as attractive if not particularly valuable gems.

“What kind of stories?” she demanded.

The eyebrow went up again.

“Perhaps we could have this conversation inside. It may take a while.”

This time she was the one to hesitate. Even though he wasn’t carrying any obvious weapons, her earlier impression hadn’t changed - she was still convinced that he could be dangerous. However one of the first things a scientist learned was not to make assumptions, and she studied him thoughtfully. He had knocked politely enough, and if he had intended her harm there would have been nothing to prevent him from making an attempt.

It wasn’t as if anyone else were in the area. Since he wasn’t aware that she was armed he would have justifiably thought that he was capable of overwhelming her physically. People were often a mystery to her but somehow she didn’t think he intended her harm.

Besides, her curiosity was aroused. She stepped back, holding the door open wider.

“Very well. You may come in.”

He nodded a brief thanks and walked through the door. The small hallway immediately seemed to grow even smaller. She was a tall woman but her head barely reached his shoulder and although his build was lean rather than bulky, it didn’t diminish the sense of danger she got from him. He moved with the sleek powerful grace of a predator.

He raised an eyebrow again and she realized she’d been standing there silently staring at him, but she refused to be embarrassed. She hesitated a moment longer, trying to decide where to take him. While the majority of the building was devoted to her laboratory, she also had a compact living area to the right of the entry hall. Since she preferred to keep her research private, she opened the door to the living area instead.

Like the rest of the building, the space was utilitarian and designed for efficiency rather than elegance - her one indulgence had been the large bathroom at the end of the hallway. Unfortunately, although she kept her lab in pristine order, she had little time or interest in housekeeping.

His eyes flicked briefly to the dishes piled in the sink, the cluttered array of documents and used tea mugs on the table, and the worn upholstery on the second hand furniture, but he didn’t comment.

“Have a seat,” she said, finally remembering the manners that her guardian’s wife had tried so hard to instill in her.

After pausing briefly in the doorway, he accepted the invitation and took a seat in the rather battered wooden chair by the window. The wood creaked beneath his weight and she bit back a smile as she pushed aside another stack of papers and sat down on the equally aged sofa.

Just as in the hallway, the room seemed much smaller with him in it and an awkward silence fell. Those odd greenish-blue eyes were still studying her face and she had the uncomfortable feeling that her cheeks were heating under his scrutiny. He’s only interested in my research, she reminded herself. Although…

“How did you know that I was working with morchev? I haven’t published anything yet.”

“I have contacts at the university,” he said calmly. “One of them was aware that I had been gathering folklore about the stones and suggested that I contact you.”

It seemed plausible enough, and it wasn’t as if there were anything secret about her work, and yet she still had the feeling that he was concealing something. However, if he had any information which might be useful to her research that was more interesting than any secrets he might be hiding.

“What kind of folklore?”

“One of the tales I heard was that the stones were a gift from the gods, to connect the hearts and minds of those who held them. An ancient king was granted the first one, that he might understand his people better and rule more wisely.”

His deep, calm voice filled the room as he continued, sharing the tale of how the king had discovered a darker side to the gems and created an order of warrior priests to protect them. He was an excellent storyteller and she listened in fascination as he described the exploits of the priests and their efforts to protect the stones. By the time he’d finished, the late afternoon sun was casting a golden light around his head and shoulders.

She was a practical woman, not given to flights of fancy, but for a moment she could envision him as one of those ancient warrior priests, stern and uncompromising in pursuit of his duty. Shaking her head, she dismissed the foolish notion and focused on more immediate matters.

“How did you get here?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I rode, of course. I took the liberty of putting my horse in the corral with yours when I arrived.”

Damn, she thought as she took another look out the window. At this time of year, night fell quickly. Even if he left now, he would be making most of the long ride back to Wainwright in the dark. She tapped her finger against her lip for a moment, considering her options. It seemed… uncivil to send him off into the night and besides, she had a lot of questions about both the tale and its source.

She looked up and found him staring at her mouth. That intense gaze made her feel strangely breathless and for a second his eyes seemed to flash blue, but then he looked away and she realized it must have been a trick of the fading light.

Stop being so foolish, she scolded herself as she rose to her feet.

He stood up as well.

“Thank you for listening, Dr. Morgan.”

“Just call me Etta.”

“Etta.” A tiny, attractive smile curved surprisingly sensuous lips for a brief second before he bowed his head. “It has been a… pleasure to meet you.”

He was clearly planning to take his leave, and she made a quick decision.

“It will be dark soon and it would be foolish to leave now. You should spend the night with me.”

CHAPTER 3

Tomlin paced restlessly back and forth across the small bedroom - across Etta’s bedroom.

What the fuck am I doing?

He should have left the moment she opened the door and he’d discovered that not only was Dr. Morgan a woman, but a tall, graceful woman with a cloud of dark auburn hair that glinted red in the sunlight and big brown eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses. And then their eyes met. He’d only felt that instantaneous attraction - that need - once before. He had been very young at the time and although his reaction then was a pale, distant shadow of what he felt now, it had been enough to destroy his life. For the second time.

But instead of leaving, he’d done something unforgivably stupid - he’d stayed. He told himself it was because he still needed to find out what she had discovered about the morchev, but he knew it was more than that.

And why did I offer to tell her the tales of my people?

It had been an uncharacteristically impulsive decision - one he had also tried to justify by telling himself that it was simply a way to gain her trust. But when he was telling her the tale of King Althorin, the same story that Grethel had told him so many times, he had recognized the urge to share that part of his past with her. A past he hadn’t shared with anyone before.

He could have left - he should have left - after the story was completed. But then she’d offered to let him spend the night with her, a delightful tinge of pink highlighting those high cheekbones as she realized how provocative the question sounded. The fact that he immediately pictured her sprawled across his bed, her cheeks flushed with pleasure rather than embarrassment, should have set off alarm bells. He should have told her - truthfully - that he had no issue riding in the dark. Instead he’d accepted her offer.

He’d immediately tried to rectify the mistake by assuring her that he would camp outside with the horses.

“Nonsense,” she said briskly, even though she was still flushed. “The nights are already growing colder.”

“The temperature won’t bother me.”

“It won’t if you’re in the house,” she agreed, then gave him a quick smile. “If you’re trying to impress me by proving how tough you are, I assure you that it doesn’t make any difference to me. Now, let me see what I can find for our dinner.”

“Why don’t you let me take care of that?” he asked, taking refuge in the familiar comfort of service. “I’m sure I interrupted whatever you were working on earlier…”

He let the question linger, hoping she might reveal some of her work, but she only nodded and cast a longing look towards her lab.

“I do have a few things to finish up. If you’re sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. I enjoy cooking.”

“All right. Just give me an hour, please.”

It had actually been two hours before he decided she needed to eat and knocked on the door to her lab. She gave him a startled look when she opened the door and he ruefully suspected she’d forgotten all about him.

“The meal is ready. Can you take a break?”

“I just…” She laughed. “I suppose I’d better or it will end up being breakfast instead of dinner.”

She preceded him across the hall, then came to a dead stop in the living room.

“What did you do?”

“I tidied up a little. I hope I did not presume too much.”

“A little?” She looked up at him, those big, brown eyes wide with astonishment behind her glasses. “I’ve never seen the place so clean.”

He surveyed the now spotless kitchen, the table neatly laid for dinner, and the carefully arranged documents, all softened by the golden glow of the lamp. It wasn’t any less spartan than when he had first arrived but to his satisfaction, it now seemed warmer and more inviting.

“I am glad you are pleased. Would you care to sit?”

He wanted to put his hand on her back, to escort her to the table, but he didn’t dare. As much as he longed to touch her, he was also afraid of the consequences.

Her eyes darted a little nervously towards the intimate table setting, as if she’d suddenly remembered that he was a stranger in her home, but then she gave him another small smile.

“Yes, thank you.”

Dinner had been… pleasant. He’d managed to deflect most of her questions about him although it had been surprisingly difficult, despite his long years of practice. She had also avoided discussing her work directly, but he’d been more successful in getting her to recount her time as a student and then a young teacher at the university.

“A job for which I was most definitely not suited,” she added dryly.

“Why not?”

She shrugged.

“I have no patience with stupidity or laziness and I was a little too direct about making that clear. Fortunately, I was able to move into a research position almost immediately.”

She tapped her finger against her lips thoughtfully, drawing his attention to that pretty mouth. It looked so soft, so inviting… What would it feel like beneath his mouth? To his horror he felt his body responding to the thought. He’d been convinced that he’d rendered himself incapable of such a response, but this female seemed to have broken through his defenses without even trying.

I should leave, he thought again.

“And you prefer research?” he asked instead.

“Very much. It’s like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. I just have to keep digging until I find all the pieces.”

He believed her - which meant she was likely to keep digging into the mysteries of the morchev. That was… unfortunate, but as long as she remained unaware of its use as a weapon, it shouldn’t be dangerous.

“Have you uncovered all the pieces of the morchev puzzle?”

He did his best to make it sound like a casual question but he didn’t think she was fooled. She hesitated, then shook her head.

“Hardly. Every answer only seems to lead to more questions. As does the story you told me today…”

“It is folklore, nothing more.”

“Perhaps so, but many legends contain some element of truth. You said you knew other tales?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me another one, please.”

A warning bell sounded in his head, but he had opened this door and it was too late to close it now - and the urge to share the stories with her had not subsided. He considered, then quickly discarded the tale of the two lovers and settled on the tale of the twins instead.

“Many years ago there was a woman who longed for a child, but that happiness was denied her. She had almost given up hope when she discovered she was with child. She was overjoyed, even more so when she gave birth to twins - a girl and a boy. But when they were less than a year old, she had a… vision of the future. A great calamity would befall their people and the children would be separated. Filled with sorrow, she separated a morchev stone into two pieces and bestowed one piece upon each child.”

She listened eagerly, her face glowing in the lamplight, as he told her about how the disaster did come to pass and the children were in fact separated for many years. Several times they were close to being reunited but the twists and turns of fate always intervened. Yet the tie between them, strengthened by the stone, remained and they were finally reunited as adults.

“There’s a theme of connection in both stories,” she said thoughtfully when he finished. “Of a bond created, or perhaps simply enhanced by the stones.”

He couldn’t deny it, but neither did he want her traveling too far down that path. Instead he gave a noncommittal nod and rose, carrying their dishes over to the small kitchen.

“Dinner was delicious, by the way. Thank you.” She gave him a rueful smile. “I don’t usually bother to make much in the way of meals.”

“I could tell.”

The vast majority of her supplies consisted of either protein substitutes or simple components that could be assembled quickly. He needed to arrange for some fresh food, as well as additional supplies to supplement her limited selection. Perhaps he should return to Wainwright overnight after all and return with -

No. He quickly brought that train of thought to a halt. Her eating habits were not his concern and despite what his other half was trying to tell him, she was not his to care for.

He finished washing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen, aware that she was watching him, before turning back to her.

“Are you sure you would not prefer me to make camp outside?”

“I’m sure. You can take the bedroom and I’ll sleep in the lab.”

“I have absolutely no intention of taking your bed,” he said immediately, but she waved a dismissive hand.

“Don’t be silly. I have a bed in the lab as well and I probably sleep there more often than I do in my bedroom.” She gave an obviously false yawn and rose to her feet. “In fact, I think it’s time for me to retire. Goodnight, Tomlin.”

“Goodnight, Dr. Morgan.”

She shook her head at him.

“I told you to call me Etta.”

He preferred to use titles, not only as a sign of respect, but also as a way of maintaining a distance between himself and others. And yet…

“Goodnight, Etta.”

He could hear the softness in his voice and their eyes met again, hers warm and dark in the soft lamplight. He took a half step towards her before he regained control and bowed stiffly instead.

Now he was in her room, her delectable scent surrounding him. He’d automatically tidied the room but that hadn’t taken long, despite the amount of clutter filling the small space, and he’d ended up pacing.

This is ridiculous. It was just a bedroom - no matter how much her presence filled the room. He forced himself to sit down on the bed, still fully clothed, then cautiously laid back against the pillows. As soon as he did her scent deepened, and the vision of her he’d had earlier, sprawled across the bed and smiling up at him, filled his head and his already half-hard cock immediately became fully erect.

Fuck. This was totally unacceptable. He was a normal male with - mostly - normal bodily responses. He often woke up with an erection but he ignored it and it quickly went away. He had trained himself to ignore all sexual stimuli while he was conscious, but just the thought of her sharing this bed with him overrode his normally rock solid control.

He sprang back to his feet, curling his hands into fists to overcome the desire to go in search of her. He tried to tell himself that it was simply because of his earlier weakness in the city, but he couldn’t quite convince himself. No matter. If he couldn’t overcome his weakness through mental discipline, he would simply have to take a more physical approach. He stripped down to a pair of training shorts, doing his best to ignore his aching cock, then slipped quietly out of the house.

He took a deep breath, trying to take in enough of the cool air sweeping down from the mountains to replace her scent, and then he ran, moving rapidly through the night in what he already suspected was a vain attempt to outrun his attraction to the woman he was leaving behind.

CHAPTER 4

Etta hesitated outside the door to her bedroom. It was still early but while she’d told Tomlin truthfully that she frequently slept in her lab and was quite comfortable there, she’d been unusually restless, her dreams filled with visions of her intriguing visitor. She’d risen with the dawn, intending to return to her work, and was annoyed to find that he still continued to occupy her thoughts.

She’d decided that the sooner he was on his way the better, and yet, here she was, hovering outside his door like some nervous teenager. Nonsense. She squared her shoulders and knocked briskly on the door. No response. She knocked a little louder.

“Tomlin?”

There was still no response and he hadn’t struck her as the type to sleep late. She cautiously opened the door. The room was empty and the bed neatly made - which it had not been the last time she’d left the room. In fact he’d worked the same magic he had in the rest of her living area, restoring everything to the type of pristine order she was always too busy to manage.

A part of her felt as if she should view his actions as intrusive, but instead it felt soothing, as if she no longer needed to worry about the everyday details of her life. She felt… cared for in a way that was new to her.

But where had he gone? Surely he hadn’t decided to leave without even saying goodbye? He must still be around somewhere. But the living area was equally neat and empty and when she opened the door, she didn’t see him outside.

That’s fine, she told herself firmly. He’d already provided her with information which might prove useful. She was especially intrigued by the possibility that if a stone was separated into two parts, the pieces might retain an attraction to each other. But even though she returned to her lab considering ways to test her theory, her usual concentration eluded her. His image popped into her mind far too often, both the actual memories of his visit and the rather more… explicit images in her dreams.

She had never been the type of woman to moon over a man - which was probably just as well considering that most men were equally unimpressed by her. It hadn’t helped that she was always the youngest, and smartest, person in her classes and she hadn’t developed even her present very modest curves until she was well into her teens. So why was she obsessing over him?

It wasn’t just his physique, although she had to admit that he possessed a remarkably fine example of the male body. There had also been a… connection when their eyes met, a sense that they already knew each other. Listening to him telling his tales, sitting across the dinner table from him, even watching him move around her kitchen, had felt familiar, right. A part of her that she hadn’t even recognized as being lonely had felt comforted by his presence.

Nonsense, she told herself again. She had become accustomed to being on her own long ago and she was fine with her own company. Forcing herself to focus, she began setting up her new experiment. Despite that, her heart still skipped a beat when there was a quiet knock on the lab door.

Doing her best to arrange her face into a calm mask, she opened the door. Her pulse certainly did not speed up to find him filling her hallway once more.

“I thought you might be hungry.”

“I thought you were gone.”

Damn. That came out sounding more annoyed than she’d intended, but at least he didn’t seem smug about her reaction. Instead he looked almost… embarrassed? His expressionless mask was much better than hers but she was sure she caught a flash of discomfort.

“I went for a run.”

His voice sounded as composed as ever, even as she gave him an astonished look.

“Why?”

“In order to… exercise. After the long ride yesterday.”

That didn’t ring true either. There were people in the city who ran for exercise, but she’d never seen anyone out here on the frontier who needed to do such a thing - everyday life was much too demanding.

“If you say so,” she said doubtfully.

“I apologize if my absence disturbed you. I didn’t think you would notice.”

She raised her eyebrow at that one.

“And why wouldn’t I notice? This is my house, after all.”

“Then please forgive my lack of manners.” He gave an oddly formal little half-bow, then gestured across the hall. “Would you care to eat?”

She was tempted to refuse but that would be childish, and while she hadn’t noticed before, she suddenly realized that she was hungry. Giving an abrupt nod, she followed him. The table was once again neatly laid, and this time there was a small arrangement of late blooming wildflowers in the center. One of her few indulgences in the city had been a weekly delivery of flowers for her office and she hadn’t realized until that moment how much she’d missed it.

“These are very pretty.” She stroked her finger down a velvety petal, then looked up to find him watching the gesture intently. “I don’t remember seeing them around here.”

He cleared his throat and turned to the stove.

“They grow alongside the stream at the base of the mountains.”

If she remembered correctly from her initial survey of the area, that stream was a good ten miles away. Just how long had he run? Before she could decide whether or not to question him, he returned with a plate of perfectly golden pancakes topped with fresh berries.

“Did those come from the stream as well?”

“No. There is a patch of brambles along the far side of the corral.”

The corral. She hadn’t even thought to check if his horse was still there when she’d looked outside earlier. Would the knowledge that he was returning have made her less distracted? Annoyed that it would make a difference to her, she concentrated on her food instead. The pancakes were as delicious as they looked and they quickly disappeared.

“Would you care for more pancakes?”

She looked up and found him watching her from across the table, a small smile hovering on those well-shaped lips.

“No, thank you. But they were very good.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed them.”

“Where did you learn to cook like that?”

The smile disappeared as he rose to collect the empty plates.

“It was a long time ago.”

He clearly didn’t want to discuss the matter, but she was still curious.

“I never really learned,” she volunteered. “Our chef did not appreciate anyone invading his kitchen.”

Especially not an awkward little girl, even if she were technically his employer.

“My… The person I lived with taught me.”

His back was still to her as he washed the plates but there was something about the way he’d paused that made her think he might have been about to mention a relative - a mother, perhaps. Why would he have hesitated? And why did he suddenly seem vulnerable to her?

An unexpected wave of sympathy washed over her and perhaps that was what made her speak.

“You said you were interested in my research on the morchev. Would you like to see what I’m working on now?” His shoulders definitely tensed this time and she immediately regretted making the offer. “Not that you have to,” she added quickly.

“On the contrary. I would be most interested.”

He turned back around and their eyes met for a fraction of a second before he looked away, but even that brief glance caused a strange rush of warmth.

“All right. Is there anything I can do to help-”

The question died on her lips when she realized he’d already finished cleaning away all traces of the meal. Amazing. She might have gone as far as running water over the pan - she probably wouldn’t even have bothered with a plate - but it would have taken her the rest of the day, or even longer, to actually get around to washing it, let alone putting it away. Shaking her head, she smiled at him and then led him back to the lab.

He followed her into the room, then came to an abrupt halt. Had his face paled?

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I… I’m fine.”

Despite his words, she didn’t believe him. She looked around at the neat worktops, her orderly desk, the rather less orderly daybed, but couldn’t see anything which might have accounted for his reaction. With a mental shrug, she turned to the experiment she’d begun setting up earlier.

“I was wondering if your story about the twins meant that there was some kind of resonance between parts of a stone. I was just about to split this one into two pieces to test it. Like this.”

One of the glittering purple gems had been fastened into a set of clamps and she initiated the laser cutter. It sliced across the stone, separating it neatly into two equal parts. Tomlin made a choked sound, and she whirled around to find him bent over the nearest worktop, clutching the edge as if he were about to fall.

“Tomlin!”

She rushed over to him, throwing one arm around his waist to help him stand. She instinctively placed a hand over his in a comforting gesture but the moment their hands touched it was as if a spark passed between them, one which sizzled straight down her spine. When she gasped and looked up at him, his eyes were glowing with a pure blue light.

“I must leave. I am sorry…”

Before she could respond, he moved with incredible speed, fleeing the room and heading for the door. She immediately rushed after him.

“Wait! Are you all right?”

He stopped with his hand on the door, his back to her.

“I’m perfectly fine.”

She didn’t believe him, but what could she do?

“Then why are you leaving?”

“I have… business to complete.”

“I see. Will you come back? To tell me more stories,” she added hastily.

There was an agonizingly long pause before he nodded abruptly.

“I will.”

And then he was gone.

CHAPTER 5

Mate.

Tomlin forced himself to ride away from Etta’s lab, even though his Krythian side fought it with every hoof beat. The moment she’d touched his hand in the lab, he’d known she was his mate. His first overwhelming happiness had been followed by horror as his cock immediately hardened to the point of pain. The need to claim her, to strip her bare and bend her over the worktop, fucking her until she knew she belonged to him, had been almost impossible to resist.

Even now his cock throbbed urgently, and his hands clenched on the reins as he fought the urge to return. His mind might be appalled at the thought of taking her so forcefully, but his body was far more subject to his Krythian heritage.

Claim her. Make her mine.

No! He concentrated on his breathing, his heartbeat, his mantra, the rigorous discipline he used to suppress his more primal instincts. Although he was able to exert enough control to continue on the journey back to Wainwright, the need for his mate continued to pull at him.

When he reached town he hesitated briefly, then decided he had to return to the farm, to let S’kal and the others know that they were safe, that Marshall would not send any more men to harm them. Under other circumstances he would have been… happy to return, to take up the role he’d made for himself, but he already knew he couldn’t stay. Even without the mating urge tormenting him, his Krythian side was too close to the surface.

Unless he could reassert his control, he wouldn’t be able to disguise his heritage for very long. Perhaps it shouldn’t matter - none of the other males at the farm were human - but the thought of losing his camouflage made him shudder. Very few people even knew about his race - Grethel had told him that they were almost extinct - and the little that was known was not positive. They were vicious, primitive warriors subject to almost uncontrollable lusts for blood - and for their mates.

He had experienced the first, but he’d had no experience with the latter until now. That single touch had created an almost irresistible flood of desire. How much worse would it be if they were to go any further? The thought of seeing fear in those beautiful brown eyes made him shudder again, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her as he stabled his horse and returned to his flyer.

The farm was an easy ride from town, but he was… reluctant to let the others know that he was so near. He suspected that S’kal at least would be likely to come after him, to urge him to return, and as much as that thought pleased him, he couldn’t face it. Better to leave them in doubt as to his location.

The farm actually consisted of a number of individual farms. The former owner - the one who had revealed the presence of the morchev to Marshall - had acquired most of them in less than honorable ways before finally being driven out by one of the few remaining landowners and her Riasi mate. They in turn had arranged for Commander Temel to take over the majority of the land. Temel intended to use the formerly abandoned farms to create homes for members of his squad still troubled by long years of war on another planet.

Temel has been remarkably successful, he thought as he flew close enough to see the farm, peaceful and prosperous in the warm afternoon light. Not all of His warriors had become farmers, but they had all found peace here. Although perhaps that had as much to do with their human mates as their location.

If only Etta could bring him that same peace… But a Krythian’s mating instincts turned him into a feral animal, not a contented husband. It was an impossible dream.

As he came in for a landing in front of the big white farmhouse, he automatically noted that one of the fields had been harvested while he was gone and another herd had been brought in from a more distant pasture. Before he left, he and Temel had been making plans for the winter and the following spring, considering ways to make the farm more prosperous and expand the products they sold.

The loss of that role, of the place he’d found for himself, was an almost physical ache and by the time he climbed out of the flyer, exhaustion swept over him. Temel and S’kal were waiting for him, along with several of the other warriors and their mates. He flinched internally when he saw that one of them was Constance, Marshall’s daughter. The man had not cared for her, using her only as a pawn in his schemes, but he still regretted the necessity of what he had done.

“I see I have a welcoming committee,” he said, attempting to sound like his usual self, but he suspected he was not entirely successful.

S’kal came to meet him, asking quietly if he’d prefer to meet with Temel by himself, but he shook his head. He needed to deliver his news and leave as quickly as possible. Perhaps his exhaustion was showing because Kara, S’kal’s sister-in-law, immediately insisted that they all have a seat.

He obeyed, then began by delivering the news of Marshall’s death. He had to force himself not to react when Constance’s sorrow battered against his weakened defenses. Fuck. He was still far too sensitive to the emotions of others.

“I am sorry, Lady Constance,” he said, taking refuge in his usual formality.

The fact that she understood the necessity - that she had been as much a victim of her father as the others - didn’t make it any easier. Her mate took her away almost immediately, easing the pressure of her sorrow, but now that his barriers had been breached once, he could feel the emotions of the others pressing against them.

Doing his best to hide his discomfort, he revealed the rest of what he had uncovered, reassuring them that there was no further danger.

“He kept the project very secret. Only a few people knew and they were working on separate aspects. And even if they had the knowledge, few people have the same level of resources.”

HE CHOSE NOT to reveal Etta’s research. There had been no plebanium in her lab and her interest was academic rather than military. However, he still needed to discover the extent of her knowledge.

“There are a few… loose ends to tie up,” he admitted. “I’m going to do that now.”

S’KAL FROWNED AT HIM.

“You’re leaving again? Don’t you want to rest first?”

It was a tempting prospect, but there was no rest for him here. The need to return to Etta was already growing more demanding.

“I can’t. I have to leave immediately.”

“But you’ll be back, won’t you?”

As much as he wanted to say yes, it would be impossible unless he could regain his control.

“I… I don’t know.”

“You will be missed, but you will always have a place here,” Commander Temel said quietly, dropping a hand on his shoulder before entering the house.

Even that brief touch exposed him to the other male’s emotions. They weren’t negative, but they were still strong enough to make him shudder.

“What the fuck is going on?” S’kal demanded. “You can’t just walk out on me—on us. You’re going to be the godfather to our child.”

The knowledge that S’kal and his mate had chosen him, had accepted and trusted him to that extent, still made him smile. He desperately wanted to be able to take that role in the child’s life.

“I do not want to miss that honor. I will return if I can.”

“If? You sound like you’re going to die.” S’kal gave him a horrified look. “That isn’t it, is it? You aren’t dying?”

Wasn’t he? He was terribly afraid that if he couldn’t regain control over his Krythian side, his human side would die, disappearing beneath a storm of primitive emotion.

S’kal immediately noticed his hesitation.

“If that’s what’s happening, you should be here with your friends and your family.”

Friends. Family. He had longed for both for such a long time, but this was not something that anyone else could assist him with. Except Etta, a traitorous part of his mind whispered.

After promising to return if he could, he rose to leave.

“Goodbye, my… friends.”

The word sounded odd on his tongue, but he knew it was the right word. S’kal extended his hand but he flinched away from it. As much as he would have liked to have exchanged that gesture, his senses were too raw for another sweep of emotion, especially since he could already feel S’kal’s concern pressing against him.

“I am truly sorry, Lord S’kal, but I cannot.”

He did his best to maintain his composure but by the time he entered the flyer his hands were shaking. Ignoring them, he rose smoothly into the air, resisting the impulse to take another look at the farm before heading back to Wainwright. It was late enough in the day that he would be unable to reach the lab on horseback before dark - and he was returning.

He told himself it was because he still needed to discover the extent of her knowledge, that it was because he’d assured her that he would, but he knew that the urge to seek out his mate was what was truly driving him.

Not that I will ever allow myself to claim her. It was far too dangerous. She was only a human - a fragile, beautiful human - and he couldn’t take the chance of harming her.

In spite of that, he could no more resist returning than a small insect could resist the honeyed lure of the deathtrap plant. If only he weren’t so afraid that he were the predator rather than the prey…

No. He refused to allow himself to become the kind of male his father had been. He would purchase some supplies for Etta and spend the night meditating and strengthening his control. Then he would return, complete his investigation, and somehow find the strength to leave again. Permanently.

CHAPTER 6

The timer signaling the end of the experiment chimed and Etta jumped. Instead of observing as closely as she usually did, she’d been daydreaming about Tomlin. About what had happened when they touched - that spark of electricity between them, the strange blue glow in his eyes. She had more questions than answers, but she also found that she actually missed his presence. Had he meant it when he’d said he would return? And if so, when would he be back?

Stop it, she scolded herself. She’d learned long ago that wishing for someone to return didn’t make it happen. After her parents died she’d spent much of her time alone. Her guardian, one of her father’s business partners, had arranged for her to remain in her home, complete with an army of servants, but their presence hadn’t eased her loneliness.

She’d wanted to live with him, but he hadn’t been married at the time and he didn’t think he was capable of creating a home for her. By the time he did marry - to a kind-hearted if somewhat silly woman - she was focused on her studies and had grown accustomed to her solitude. It still didn’t erase the memory of those first few years when she had longed so much for some type of companionship, for a family.

Shaking off her musings, she recorded her results, then collected the pieces of morchev. The separated pieces did in fact retain an attraction, a resonance between the two pieces. It didn’t manifest itself physically in the same way that a magnet would, but it was undoubtedly there.

Just as she was setting up a second test with a greater distance between the pieces, a knock came on the outer door. She immediately flew to answer it, her heart racing. Tomlin stood outside, his powerful frame silhouetted against the landscape, and she found herself smiling foolishly.

“You came back.”

Instead of returning her smile, he frowned at her.

“Where is your weapon this time? You are out here by yourself. You should always be armed when someone approaches.”

“I recognized you through the -.” She gave him a confused look. “Wait a minute. How did you know I was armed last time?”

“I caught a… glimpse of the weapon.”

She was quite sure she’d kept it concealed, but how else could he have known? Before she could question him further, he reached down and picked up two overstuffed saddlebags.

“Have you eaten?”

Now that she thought about it, she realized that she was hungry. But that didn’t prevent her from wanting answers. He hadn’t met her eyes directly but they seemed much as they had when he first arrived. Deciding to bide her time, she followed into the living area, watching silently as he stowed the contents of his saddlebags in her cupboards with his usual speed and efficiency.

“You didn’t have to bring me more supplies.”

He gave a half-shrug, still not looking at her.

“Since I was in town anyway, it seemed only logical to replenish them. Especially since I have been partaking in them.”

“You didn’t eat that much,” she said dryly as he added yet another stack of cans to the already overflowing cupboard. When he didn’t respond, she sighed and tried another approach. “Did you finish your business?”

There was an almost imperceptible pause before he nodded.

“That was fast.”

“I simply needed to convey some information.”

She waited to see if he would elaborate, but instead he began on their meal. He quickly put together a simple but delicious salad accompanied by a toasted cheese sandwich. They ate silently and even though she enjoyed the food, she was more interested in the enigmatic man sitting across from her. Despite the tension she sensed beneath that calm facade, it seemed just as right to have him there.

“Now,” she said as soon as they finished. “Are you going to tell me what happened yesterday?”

“I should -”

“The dishes can wait,” she said firmly, anticipating his next move. “Talk to me.”

“What do you think happened?”

He was looking down at his hands, clearly playing for time, but then she hadn’t expected him to suddenly start revealing all his secrets.

“You were clearly affected by something in the lab - and I suspect it was the morchev since that was the reason you came here in the first place. Not only that, I felt… something when I touched you.”

That brought his head up and she was sure that the blue tint to his eyes had intensified.

“What did you feel?” he asked urgently.

“I’m not entirely sure. It was like a type of electricity.”

One that had sent a rush of arousal through her body, but he didn’t need to know that. She had the impression that her answer wasn’t what he expected but he didn’t comment.

“And your eyes changed,” she added. “They turned blue.”

“Perhaps it was a trick of the light.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Part of being a scientist is learning to observe. I know what I saw. You aren’t entirely human, are you?”

There was a very long silence before he slowly shook his head.

“No.”

Why did he seem so determined to hide it? There were plenty of other races on Cresca, although admittedly it was more unusual away from the city. Most of the settlements were predominantly human, but even Wainwright - a town founded by a remarkably old-fashioned man - had come to terms with both a nearby ranch and a farming community founded by former alien warriors.

Of course, acceptance didn’t mean liking but he didn’t seem like the type of man - of male - to be overly concerned with that.

“Why does it bother you so much that you revealed yourself to me? For that matter, why did you?”

“It is complicated.”

“I believe I’m capable of understanding complex situations,” she said dryly, and a hint of a smile crossed his lips for the first time.

“I am sure you are. As for why, I am… susceptible to the morchev.”

That certainly didn’t surprise her, but she still had the feeling he was concealing something.

“In what way?”

Another long silence before he sighed.

“The stones enhance certain psychic reactions in some people.”

“That’s fascinating. What kind of reactions? Does the size of the stones make a difference? Or is it simply proximity? Or…” Embarrassed at the barrage of questions when he was clearly uncomfortable, she made herself stop. “I’m sorry. My first reaction is always to ask more questions.”

“I’ve noticed,” he said, lips quirking again.

“I can understand why you might not want everyone to know - although I promise you can trust me - but it seems as if there was more to your reaction.”

“As usual, you are quite correct. My reticence is not based so much on my… abilities, as on the source of them.” She maintained a hopeful silence and he finally met her gaze. “I am half Krythian.”

“I’m not familiar with that race.”

“Fortunately, there are very few of us left.”

She gave him a puzzled frown. “Why is that fortunate?”

“Because male Krythians are little more than savage animals.”

CHAPTER 7

Tomlin immediately regretted blurting out the truth about his heritage, but despite his bitter words, Etta still looked more confused than alarmed.

“Why would you say that? You are the furthest person I can imagine from a savage.”

“I have learned to keep that part of myself under control, but I have been… tested recently.”

“How?” she asked, then gave him an apologetic look. “I can’t help asking but you don’t have to answer.”

Oddly enough he found himself wanting to tell her. Of course he also wanted to reach across the table and haul her into his arms but he firmly suppressed that impulse. His efforts at control had been successful - mostly - and he intended to keep it that way, no matter how tantalizing her presence.

“I’ve been exposed to more of the stones and I’ve had to do some… difficult things. I also had to spend more time than usual in Port Cantor and it is harder to block people out when they surround you. At least it is now.”

He was being truthful, even though he was uncomfortably aware that it wasn’t the entire truth.

“Now?”

“I lived there for some years when I was younger, but I am out of practice.”

“Did you live there with your parents?” she asked softly.

“No. My mother and I lived in one of the remote settlements along the western shore.” As far away as she could get from the city. “She died when I was ten and I went to live with relatives.”

Bitter, abusive relatives who’d told him that his mother was a whore and that he was the child of the devil even though they hadn’t known the entire truth. He’d hated it but he’d learned to accept it - until he turned thirteen and thought he was in love. He cringed internally at the memory and looked up to find her watching him, her finger tapping her lips again.

“What about your father?”

“I never met him,” he said shortly.

The authorities had managed to contain his father long enough for his mother to flee, but he knew she’d spent the rest of her life expecting him to show up. He’d sometimes wondered if she occasionally wanted to be found in spite of what had occurred between them. She rarely spoke about him but when she did, there was an element of… longing mixed in with her fear. And he suspected that if his father had been alive, he would have tracked her down eventually.

“When I… left my relatives, I went to the city.”

It sounded so innocuous, as if he hadn’t been driven away with torches and pitchforks. Which I deserved. Another boy in the village had also been interested in the object of his childish affection and he and a group of his friends had attacked him. That might not have been enough to push him over the edge, but then his rival had stood over his bleeding body and started gloating about his intentions for the girl.

His comments had aroused the primal possessiveness of his Krythian side and, combined with his pain and anger, he’d finally lost the control his mother had tried so hard to teach him. He’d almost killed the other boy before they were able to drag him off of him and force him out of the village. The last thing he remembered seeing was the girl he’d thought he loved crying over his opponent’s broken body.

Alone in the wilderness he’d finally managed to regain control but he knew he couldn’t return. With no other place to go, he’d headed for Port Cantor. He suspected he would have been driven away from there as well if he hadn’t encountered Grethel.

“What happened then?” she asked softly.

“I… met someone who took me in.”

Driven by starvation, he’d been about to try and steal a man’s purse when cold, strong fingers clamped down on his arm. An old woman wrapped in a black cloak, barely taller than him, had regarded him from glowing blue eyes.

“That is not the way, boy. Come with me.”

When she dropped his arm and turned away, he’d followed, grateful to be noticed, even if he expected little other than more abuse. But Grethel hadn’t abused him. Gruff perhaps, and not given to displays of emotion, but she’d made sure he was fed and clothed. She’d sent him to school and provided him with a home. She just hadn’t told him the truth.

“Was she the one who taught you to cook?”

“Yes. And since I had to eat whatever I made, I learned very quickly.” The memory of some of those meals almost made him smile. “She taught me many things, including the tales that I told you.”

“Is she still there in Port Cantor?”

“She died.”

And the pain of her passing, combined with his anger over her secrets, had unleashed his Krythian side once more, driving him back into the wilderness. He’d let it dominate him for several years before he finally returned to his training and managed to regain control.

“I’m so sorry.” She reached for his hand but he forced himself to pull it away. She didn’t attempt to follow it. “I lost my parents when I was eight but I didn’t have any relatives, even bad ones. I had a guardian who made sure that all of my material needs were met.”

He didn’t miss the slight emphasis on material needs.

“But not your emotional needs?”

“No. He wasn’t a bad man,” she added hastily. “He made sure I was looked after and he took excellent care of my inheritance. But he was a very proper, very restrained bachelor who had no idea of what to do with a child. And I was a very awkward child.”

He could hear the echo of his own loneliness in her words and this time he wanted to reach out to her but he clenched his fist instead. She smiled and shook her head.

“Do you know he actually fell in love about the time I started university? With a very pretty, very helpless woman half his age. Fortunately she was also very sweet and she loved him too. She immediately wanted me to live with them, but it was too late. I’d found my path.”

“On your own?”

“It’s easier that way.” She shrugged and changed the subject. “I was thinking about what you said - that the morchev has a negative effect on you.”

It wasn’t exactly what he’d said, but it was close enough.

“Yes. Why?”

“Have you ever been around the stones before?”

“No, although I had heard of them.”

“Then I have an idea.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement behind her glasses. “Why don’t we try an experiment? To see if we can reduce their impact on you?”

His heritage was the root of his problems, not the stones, but admittedly they did test his control.

“What did you have in mind?” he asked cautiously.

“Have you ever heard of exposure therapy? We could expose you to the stones gradually, rather than all at once like yesterday. That way you could gradually become accustomed to them and learn to handle the effects. What do you think?”

He thought it was unlikely to do anything other than further test his control, but it would give him a reason to remain with her. A distant part of his mind warned him that it was a bad idea, but he told himself that he’d been able to control his mating urges reasonably well since his return and he nodded.

“I am willing to try.”

“That’s wonderful.”

A warm smile suddenly illuminated her pretty face and once again he had the urge to reach for her. He could only hope he hadn’t overestimated his ability to remain in control.

CHAPTER 8

Etta smiled as she turned back the covers of the daybed in her lab. Tomlin had tried once again to get her to take the bedroom. She’d refused just as firmly and at some point during the day, he’d made the daybed and organized the small cabinet she used as a nightstand.

They’d started simply enough on her proposal. She’d left the door to the lab open and suggested that he simply come and go as he wanted. The first time he’d tried it, she’d watched from under her lashes as he hovered for a moment at the entrance, then quickly left again. But he’d come back and each time he came further into the room and stayed longer. He must have made the bed during one of those periods, but she’d done her best to ignore his movements and let him decide for himself what felt comfortable.

Although perhaps comfortable wasn’t the right word. Even though he stayed longer each time, his body still remained tense and by the time they sat down to the delicious dinner he’d prepared, he looked tired and strained.

“We don’t have to continue if you don’t want to,” she said quietly.

“What? No, I don’t want to… stop.”

Despite his assurances, he had retired to bed almost immediately after they’d finished eating and he’d cleaned the kitchen. She refused to admit she was disappointed by his abrupt departure and had tried to settle down and read instead but her thoughts kept returning to him. After reading the same page for the fourth time, she finally decided to give up and follow his example.

Unfortunately changing her location didn’t quiet her mind. After tossing restlessly for a while, she decided to take a bath, hoping that would help her sleep. She opened the door of the lab just in time to hear the front door close. Her breath caught as she padded quietly down the hall and looked out through the window. He was standing just in front of the porch, stripped down to a very brief pair of black shorts.

The moonlight highlighted every muscle of his sculpted body and she felt a distinct pulse of excitement low in her body. His skin seemed to shimmer with a slight blue tinge as he stretched briefly then took off. He ran far more rapidly than a human man, those powerful muscles flexing in a breathtaking symphony of power and grace as he quickly disappeared from view. No wonder he’d been able to travel to the stream and back.

After staring at the spot where he’d disappeared for much too long, she returned to her original plan. The bathroom was the one frivolous addition to her home. She’d come as close as possible to her bathroom in the city with a huge tub, an equally large shower, and a selection of especially imported bath salts and gels. The walls and floor were in a dark polished wood to reflect her surroundings and the tile work was a soft, soothing green.

She filled the tub with hot water and her favorite scented gel and tied up her hair before sinking into the water with a happy sigh. Taking off her glasses, she settled back against the wall of the tub and tried to relax. Instead the image of Tomlin’s almost naked body kept floating through her mind and she felt just as restless as she had in her bed.

She found herself wondering what it would be like to touch those muscles, to run her hand over all that smooth, exposed skin. Heat pulsed through her lower body again and she suddenly realized she wasn’t restless - she was aroused. She’d recognized long ago that despite her lack of interest in men, her body had certain physical needs, and she had learned to pleasure herself as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As she went through the familiar movements, she let herself think about Tomlin and this time her imagination went further, her hands sliding beneath those black shorts to cup that perfect ass and cradle what she was sure was an enormous erection. She gave a soft cry as her climax swept over her, but tonight it wasn’t followed by the usual feeling of relaxation. She still felt hot and… needy.

Sighing, she gave up the hope of relaxing and decided she might as well return to work. She washed quickly, then rose to her feet. As she did, the door flew open and Tomlin was there. His eyes immediately glowed that bright, unnatural blue. He made a choked sound and gripped the doorframe. A giddy feeling of excitement swept over her at the hungry look on his face but she did her best not to let it show as she reached for a towel.

“You can leave now.”

“I cannot.”

His voice came out strained and hoarse, rather than his usual smooth, deep voice.

“Why not?” she asked as she finished wrapping the towel around herself and reached for her glasses.

“I do not wish to… alarm you.”

“Do you intend to do something more alarming than walking in on me while I’m naked and then refusing to leave?”

Her voice came out sounding remarkably composed. Why am I not afraid, she wondered. Perhaps it was the lingering aftereffects of her climax but she felt an odd kind of excitement, a pulse of heat low in her stomach that she had never experienced before.

As everything came into focus, that unexpected flare of excitement only intensified.

He was gripping the doorframe so tightly that his knuckles had turned white, and the muscles in his arm were sharply delineated. His skin was covered with a fine sheen of what she assumed was perspiration, but it only emphasized his muscular physique. The blue shimmer she’d noticed earlier was caused by a fine tracery of blue lines that covered his skin, and she watched in fascination as they started to intensify, beginning with his heart, and spreading up and over his shoulders and down his arms.

They also traveled down across the ridges of his abdomen, before disappearing beneath those very tight-fitting black shorts. It took her a moment longer to realize that they were stretched over a massive erection. Oh my.

Although she was aware that penile sizes varied, he seemed to be well outside the norm. Or perhaps it was due to his alien heritage. Based on her one experimental encounter with a member of the opposite sex, his species must be considerably more well-endowed than human men.

“The average human male erection was only six inches. You seem to have exceeded that number by a considerable amount,” she said thoughtfully.

He made an odd choking sound, and it took her a moment to realize it was a laugh.

“You’re standing naked in your bathroom before an extremely aroused male, and all you can think to comment on is the size of my erection.”

“I’m no longer naked, and besides, I’m sure you have seen many other naked females before.”

“No.”

The clipped response made her give him a shocked look.

“You mean you’ve never…”

“No.”

He clearly did not want to discuss it so she returned to the subject of his erection, determined to satisfy her curiosity.

“If your physical reaction is typical for those with your Krythian heritage, the average penile length for your species must exceed that of human males. Is that correct?”

“I don’t know, and I don’t care.” She opened her mouth, but he didn’t give her a chance to speak. “And before you ask, no, you may not measure it.”

He took a deep, shuddering breath, and finally released the door frame, taking a step back.

“Now, if you will allow me, I wish to bathe.”

She was curiously reluctant to leave but of course he wanted to wash after his run and it wasn’t as if she could stay and watch him.

“All right. If you don’t mind, I’ll just fetch some clean clothes from the bedroom. I was also thinking a hot drink might help me sleep. Would you care to join me?” She had the distinct impression that he was going to say no, but after a brief pause, he gave a short nod and she smiled at him. “Then I will see you there.”

Although he had moved back from the doorway, he had not gone far and as she left the bathroom, her arm brushed against his stomach. His skin was hot, hotter than human skin, she noted absently, stretched smoothly over that intriguing ladder of muscles. She was tempted to explore further, but despite her curiosity, it would hardly be polite to start manhandling him.

He made another choked sound as they touched, and this time it was most definitely not a laugh. She looked up, and his eyes were glowing blue again. As their eyes locked, a shiver of excitement ran down her spine, and then he closed his eyes, breaking the connection.

“Go.”

The word was so guttural, it was almost unintelligible, but she obeyed, hurrying past him. As soon as the door closed behind her, she leaned back against the wall and raised a shaky hand to her mouth.

What on earth is wrong with me?

It was disconcerting, but it was also curiously exhilarating. She felt feminine in a way she had never felt before. She had always been too tall and too thin, and very few men had ever expressed any interest in her.

There had been one man who had pursued her when she was transitioning into her doctoral program, and she had agreed to go out to dinner with him a few times. He had always been extremely flattering towards her, but somehow it had never rung true. She hadn’t been surprised when her guardian came to see her and announced that the man was a fortune hunter.

At the time, she’d still been curious about the opposite sex, and she had briefly considered continuing to see him, and allowing him to go further. But in the end, she decided she didn’t trust him enough, and had broken off their relationship with little regret. He’d tried to act as if he were hurt, but he had rapidly turned to anger, flinging a barrage of insults at her before he stormed off.

At the time, she’d simply been relieved to see him go, but every now and then, those insults would come back to her. Scrawny. Sexless. Unattractive. While she knew that physical appearance meant little, and that her mind was far more valuable than her body, the words did occasionally sting.

They had also left behind a lingering conviction that she was not desirable to the opposite sex. The fact that Tomlin was so clearly attracted to her soothed some feminine instinct that she hadn’t even been aware she possessed. Did that mean that sex with him might be more satisfying than her previous attempt? Jim had been a fellow graduate student, also curious but equally awkward and uncomfortable with the prospect of sex.

They had mutually agreed to perform an experimental coupling to satisfy their curiosity and see what all the fuss was about. It had been both uncomfortable and unsatisfying, at least on her part. Jim had ejaculated into his carefully applied condom the moment he entered her, leaving her lying there wishing they’d never agreed to the experiment to begin with.

She was convinced that it would be different with Tomlin. If he’d never had a sexual encounter, perhaps he would be open to repeating her previous experiment…

There was an odd tingling sensation in her chest, and she looked down to find that her nipples had stiffened, thrusting against the towel. She usually didn’t pay much attention to them in her self-pleasure routine, but when she touched one with a curious finger, it sent a little zap of excitement straight to her clitoris. How interesting. Merely the thought of an encounter with Tomlin had her more excited than she remembered being during her entire time with Jim.

The shower had come on while she was standing there, and she suddenly heard a low groan. Tomlin. Was he in pain? Perhaps that erection was troubling him - it seemed probable, given its unnatural size. Perhaps she should offer to relieve him…

But then he groaned again, and this time she heard her name. Oh. Oh.

It appeared he was taking care of the issue himself. An image of the scene popped into her head, water pouring down over that tall muscular body, his big hand clasped around his penis. His cock. Her imagination failed her at that point. She couldn’t imagine that his cock was anything like Jim’s but she had no other basis of comparison.

Perhaps I should have taken more biology courses, she thought, then sighed and went to pick something out of her limited wardrobe. If she wanted to convince Tomlin to experiment with her, then she needed to look her best. Unfortunately, she had very few choices.

While working in the lab, she preferred coveralls or loose-fitting pants with a sleeveless top. She had a few plain dresses that she kept for her visits to Wainwright to assuage their rather extreme views on female attire. She was about to reach for one of those dresses, when she suddenly remembered the robe her guardian’s wife had given her on her twenty-first birthday.

To her relief, it hadn’t been ornamented with the embellished ruffles and lace that Marion preferred, but it was a pretty shade of blue and the fabric was soft and silky. Somehow she never discarded it, even though she rarely wore it.

Pulling it out of the depths of her wardrobe, she wrapped it around her naked body, the cool silk unexpectedly pleasant against her still hardened nipples. For the first time, she wished she’d installed a full-length mirror in her bedroom instead of the small one she used to check and make sure that her hair was neatly arranged.

It wasn’t. Tendrils were escaping from the loose knot and her face was still flushed from the heat of her bath. And perhaps her reaction to Tomlin.

It was a surprisingly attractive look, less formal than her usual appearance, and she decided to leave it as it was. All she could see of the robe was the collar, but she thought the blue looked nice against her pale skin. Filled with an unusual amount of confidence, she tightened her belt and went to prepare some tea.

She had just finished brewing it when Tomlin reappeared. Rather to her disappointment, he was once again fully dressed in his usual neat black clothing. But his eyes had not lost that blue glow and it seemed to intensify as he looked at her, his gaze traveling down over her body to her breasts. They tingled again.

Excellent.

“Please sit down,” she said. “I have something I wish to discuss with you.”

“For some reason, I find that statement rather alarming.”

Despite his words, he spoke as calmly as ever. What would it take to push him into that rather intriguing growling sound instead?

She carried the mugs over to the table and sat down next to him, trying to decide the best way to present her proposition. As she attempted to place her arguments in logical order, she realized that her confidence had disappeared and she felt unexpectedly nervous.

This is purely for scientific purposes, she assured herself. She took a deep breath and looked up to find him watching her.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Do you intend to leave me in suspense?”

“I was thinking about what you said. About how you had never seen a naked woman before.”

His hand clenched around his mug, but his voice remained calm as he responded.

“I have not.”

“And you implied that there were other things you had not done.”

“That is also correct.”

“It occurred to me that perhaps we could remedy that situation. Purely for scientific reasons,” she added hastily. “My own experience has been extremely limited. I did not find the encounter pleasant, but obviously most people enjoy the sexual act. I thought perhaps we could experiment and discover what pleases us both.”

His hand clenched so tightly around his mug that it shattered, sending the remains of his tea streaming across the table along with shards of ceramic.

“Why did you do that?” she exclaimed, jumping up to fetch a clean cloth. “Let me see your hand. Did you cut yourself? Are you alright?”

She grabbed his hand, planning to turn it over and examine his palm for injuries.

Instead he clasped it around hers and that same electric spark zinged through her body. He wasn’t hurting her, but the unmistakable strength in his grip made it clear that she couldn’t escape his grasp unless he chose to let her go.

That knowledge should have frightened her. Instead it caused another pulse of heat low in her stomach.

“Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

Her voice came out low and breathless, and she watched in fascination as he closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring as if he were scenting the air. Scenting her.

“Do you have enhanced senses?”

The question popped out before she could help herself. He gave a shuddering sigh, and released her hand. His eyes opened and flicked down to where her robe had parted to reveal her non-existent cleavage.

And then he was standing, moving so rapidly that she didn’t even see him move.

“Sit down,” he ordered, “while I clean up.”

She started to protest, then thought better of it. He was clearly more comfortable taking action. She returned to her chair while he swiftly and efficiently mopped up the spilled tea and disposed of the remains of the mug. Instead of returning to his chair he began pulling ingredients out of the cupboard.

“I’ll make you something to eat.”

She really wasn’t hungry but once again she decided not to argue.

“If you had chickens, you could have fresh eggs,” he said, giving the package of powdered eggs a disdainful look.

“If I had chickens. I would have to remember to care for them. When I get caught up in one of my experiments I sometimes forget about things like that.” Fortunately she had an automated food and water system for her horse and he had free rein of the pasture. She shook her head and smiled at him. “I couldn’t even keep a fish alive.”

“You need someone to take care of you.”

“Are you applying for the job?”

The question came out more breathlessly than she had intended, and the words hung between them in the suddenly silent room.

CHAPTER 9

Yes, Tomlin thought, then immediately corrected himself. Even though his little scholar definitely needed someone to look after her, he wasn’t that person. He couldn’t be that person.

I shouldn’t even be here. He knew he was hovering on the edge of control, but he had been able to control himself. Yes, the mating lines were showing, but there was no one else present to witness them, and she was already aware of his mixed heritage. If they didn’t fade when he left her, they could be concealed under his clothing.

The thought of leaving her caused an almost physical ache, but he would have to leave. He couldn’t take the chance of causing her any harm. He couldn’t bring himself to answer her question out loud, afraid that the truth would spring out. Instead, he shook his head, and focused on preparing a meal for her.

Although the ingredients were not of the quality she deserved, he found the results acceptable, and she ate readily enough. When she was finished, she pushed back the plate and smiled at him.

“If you’re trying to fatten me up, I should warn you that I have a very fast metabolism. It’s extremely unlikely that I’ll gain weight.”

“Why would I wish you to gain weight?”

“Most men seem to prefer women with more curves.”

“You are perfect exactly the way you are.”

The words popped out before he could help himself. A faint tinge of pink rose to her cheeks as she shook her head.

“You don’t need to worry about pandering to my ego. I accepted my plainness a long time ago.” She shrugged. “And it doesn’t really matter. My mind is what matters.”

“Of course your intelligence is important, as is your spirit. But there is nothing lacking in your physical appearance. You have an elegant bone structure, and you move gracefully. Your hair is the warm color of leaves in the autumn. And your eyes are like dark molten amber, warm and inviting.”

She looked so startled that he almost laughed, but then the pink in her cheeks intensified, and she dropped her lashes to conceal her eyes.

“You’re very sweet.”

“I’m not sweet.”

The words came out harsher than he’d intended, and she looked up again, her eyes wide.

“That wasn’t an insult.”

“You assume that I am speaking falsehoods to pacify you. That is an insult.”

Once again, their eyes met, and the pull between them was even stronger this time.

Claim her, his Krythian side demanded, but he ignored it.

“I’m willing to believe that you’re speaking the truth as you see it.” There was the faintest tremor in her voice. “But perhaps not everyone sees it the same way.”

“Then they are fools.”

Without waiting for a response, he removed her empty plate and set about restoring the kitchen to its previous pristine order. When he couldn’t find anything else that needed to be done, he reluctantly returned to the table.

She was still sitting there, watching him thoughtfully. Although her perceptive gaze concerned him, there was something soothing about her silence. She didn’t seem to feel the need for unnecessary conversation. A pleasant change from most humans.

“You never responded to my proposition,” she said, as he sat down. “Are you willing to experiment with me?”

“I… cannot.”

“What do you mean? You seem to be physically capable.” Her eyes widened again. “Unless your race is like that all the time?”

She cast a curious glance towards his lap, and he found himself grateful that the table was between them and she couldn’t see his cock respond.

“No, we are not like that all the time, and yes, I am physically capable. It is simply not possible.”

Despite the finality in his tone, he was not surprised when she continued to question him.

“Is it for religious reasons? Have you taken a vow of some kind?”

He shook his head silently.

“Then I must admit I’m a little confused. You say you’re attracted to me. There is no physical barrier, and you have not forsworn women. Are you afraid? I promise I won’t do anything you don’t like.”

“There is nothing you could do that I would not enjoy,” he said truthfully. “But you are the one who should be afraid. Don’t you realize that my Krythian… impulses are very powerful?”

“I know. To my surprise, I find that rather intriguing.”

“You don’t understand. That strength means that I might inadvertently hurt you.”

She tilted her head to one side, considering the matter, then smiled at him again.

“I don’t believe you would.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You were under the grip of your Krythian side when you walked in on me earlier, weren’t you?”

“Yes,” he admitted reluctantly.

“And you wanted me.” The pink was back in her cheeks. “But you didn’t do anything about it.”

“You’re correct, but it was difficult to restrain myself.”

Could he tell her how close he had been to losing control?

“Nonetheless, you did restrain yourself,” she said triumphantly. “I’m sure it would be fine.”

The thoughtful expression crossed her face again as he fought the temptation to accept her offer, and then she smiled at him.

“But if you’re really worried about it, we could try something similar to what we’re doing with the morchev. You simply need to build up your resistance so that you know you can remain in control.”

Keeping her eyes on his face, she slowly reached out, her hand hovering in the air over his.

“May I?” she asked softly.

All of the caution he had learned over the years told him to say no. Instead, he found himself nodding, and a moment later, those long, graceful fingers rested over his. He shuddered as the connection between them opened, her emotions flooding him.

Curiosity. Speculation. Desire. She wanted him. Wanted this.

Mate.

He snatched his hand away as the urge to claim her surged through him again. He fought to regain control, closing his eyes and taking long, slow breaths, but they only served to flood his senses with more of her delectable scent.

He clenched his fists, and the sudden, sharp sting of his nails against his palms helped him regain control. Something nagged at him, but he ignored it, focusing on the beats of his heart, his mantra, before finally opening his eyes. She was in the exact same position she had been in before, her hand still resting on the table in front of him, her eyes thoughtful.

“Is it always like that when you touch someone?”

“I rarely touch anyone. However, I have established practices over the years which usually allow me to retain control when it occurs. That is… difficult where you are concerned.”

“Simply because I’m a woman?”

“That is part of the reason,” he said truthfully, although it was far from the entire truth. “It is also because I have been exposed to a number of threats to my control recently.” He hesitated, then admitted to another portion of the truth. “No one has ever affected me the way you do.”

“I wonder why that is.”

Because you’re my mate.

Fortunately, he managed to prevent those words from escaping.

She bit her lip. “Is it painful when we touch?”

“Painful isn’t exactly the correct term,” he said dryly, and she smiled at him.

“Then we should try again.”

“I think perhaps it would be better to wait.”

“But you’re still willing to try?”

Once again, he knew he should say no. But the possibility of being able to touch her and remain in control was too tempting to resist. He gave a quick nod, then rose.

“Now you should return to your bed, little scholar. That busy brain of yours needs rest.”

“I suppose so. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sleep now.”

As she rose to her feet, he spotted the mark on her robe. A stain created when he’d broken his mug and spilled his tea. The mark was beneath her left hip, and he automatically reached for it, his hand hovering just above the fabric.

“I’m sorry about your robe. I will do my best to remove the stain.”

“Thank you.”

She hesitated, then moved a fraction closer. Close enough that his fingers rested lightly on her silk-covered thigh.

“Does this help? To have something between us?”

It actually did help a little. The rush of emotion was still there but it was muted enough by the fabric to make it easier to retain control.

He found himself stroking the soft silk, warm from the skin beneath. His hand slid up over her hip and she sighed softly and leaned into his touch. Emboldened by his success, he carefully slid his hand higher and cupped a small, perfect breast. She gasped, and the intoxicating fragrance of her arousal flooded his senses.

To his horror, his hand immediately tightened around the soft flesh as a possessive growl escaped.

He immediately forced himself to release her, pulling back so quickly that he almost stumbled - and he never lost his footing.

“I appear to have overestimated the effectiveness of the barrier.”

Despite his attempt to sound normal the words came out as a harsh growl. She looked up at him, her eyes wide, and her pretty lips parted.

“You didn’t hurt me. You’re still in control.”

She spoke softly but with absolute certainty and reached for him again.

“I’m not,” he growled and flung himself out of the kitchen and away from his impossibly tempting mate.

He didn’t even bother to strip down as he headed for the door. Perhaps this time, he would succeed in exhausting himself to a point where he could regain some level of control. He took a deep breath of the cool evening air.

And then he ran.

CHAPTER 10

Etta sank back down in her chair as she heard the outer door close. That certainly hadn’t gone as she’d expected. But while she was disappointed that he hadn’t immediately agreed to her proposal, she was even more intrigued now.

What was causing his reaction to her? For that matter, what was causing her reaction to him? If someone had told her that she would enjoy a man behaving so dominantly, she would have laughed at them. But not only had she enjoyed that rush of excitement when he first touched her, she’d found it even more thrilling when his hand had tightened possessively around her breast. Was it some type of instinctive response? A feminine reaction to a dominant male?

She considered the idea for a moment, then immediately discarded it. She’d encountered a number of dominant men over the years and she’d generally found them both arrogant and annoying. They certainly hadn’t excited her.

But Tomlin was different. He appeared calm and almost retiring, but there was a natural strength underlying that composed exterior, perhaps even a dangerous strength. She remembered what she had thought the first time she’d seen him - that he was a predator - but she didn’t fear him.

Since she suspected it would be some time before he returned, she sighed and decided to return to her lab. She stopped by the bathroom long enough to retrieve her nightgown. As she let the robe slip to her feet, she looked down and saw five slightly reddened patches surrounding her breast - marks from his fingers. There was also something odd about the shape of the marks that she couldn’t quite identify.

Shaking her head, she dressed quickly and was about to leave the bathroom when the doorframe caught her attention. It, too, had been marked by his grip, the frame actually splintered from where he had clutched it.

What kind of strength does it take to do that? But there was something odd about these marks as well and when she looked closer, she finally recognized what she was seeing.

Not fingerprints - claw marks. Claws? She hadn’t seen any sign that he possessed claws

Was that another legacy of his Krythian heritage? Was that why he’d told her he might harm her? She pulled down the top of her nightgown to look at her breast again. He hadn’t hurt her, let alone broken the skin. However she suspected that his claws had started to emerge and that was why they weren’t the smooth oval shape she would have expected. Had he even realized what had happened?

Should I tell him? Given his already extreme concern about her safety, she decided that mentioning his claws would only make him withdraw further - and she didn’t want him to withdraw. She wanted him to continue their experiment.

Creating a fabric barrier had seemed to help, especially at first. Perhaps there was some way to take advantage of that. She was still contemplating the possibilities when she finally drifted off to sleep, but she awoke the next morning feeling surprisingly rested.

She generally didn’t sleep very well or for very long. As soon as her brain kicked in, sleep generally became impossible. But the warm sunlight pouring through the clerestory windows that ringed her lab had the brightness of full day rather than the pale pre-dawn light she usually awoke to. She rose and stretched happily.

After a brief hesitation, she discarded her nightgown and dressed in her usual pants and sleeveless top. If he were truly attracted to her, then her clothing wouldn’t matter. She brushed her hair and tied it back from her face, as she usually did.

She was about to walk into the bathroom when she thought about the previous night. As much as she would like to walk in on a naked Tomlin, she wasn’t entirely sure how he would react. Instead, she knocked politely.

“It is unoccupied.”

The dry voice from behind her made her jump before she turned around and smiled at him. He looked as calm and composed as he had when he arrived, although there was still a distinct blue shimmer in his eyes.

“Did you enjoy your run?”

“It served its purpose.”

“Does that mean you’re back in control?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Of course.”

He looked as confident as he sounded but she could see a slight tension in his posture that hadn’t been there before. Perhaps this was a good time to test his willingness to experiment.

“In that case, how about a good morning kiss?” She took a step closer, giving him a challenging look. “Just an innocent little kiss. Perhaps on the cheek? To strengthen your resistance.”

She could see the conflict in his eyes, although the rest of his face remained as expressionless as ever. He closed them briefly and she expected him to refuse, but instead he leaned towards her, offering her his cheek. She’d actually meant that he could kiss her, thinking he would prefer to be in control, but she had no objection to the alternative.

Moving as slowly as if she were approaching a frightened animal, she gently touched her lips to his cheek. He shuddered, but he didn’t withdraw his permission. She brushed another kiss against the firm line of his jaw. He seemed to be frozen in position, but he still wasn’t objecting. Perhaps she could expand the parameters of the experiment a little further.

This is for science, she told herself, and very gently touched her lips to his mouth. They were warm and firm, and she was suddenly dying to taste him. She very lightly flicked her tongue across his lower lip.

The next thing she knew, she was up against the wall, his mouth devouring hers hungrily, urgently, his big, hard body pinning her in place. His erection was lodged firmly between her legs, resting directly against her clit. She tried to move, seeking more contact between them, and he growled into her mouth, pressing her harder against the wall.

That big hand came up to cover her breast again, and this time he didn’t stop there. His fingers closed around her nipple, tugging firmly on the taut flesh. Her ability to think disappeared in a rush of arousal.

This. This was why people were so beguiled by sex. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she sought more of the delicious sensations cascading over her body. Another growl, and then his other hand closed over her ass, pulling her even tighter against his erection.

Yes. She moaned encouragingly, urging him on.

The harsh sound of cloth tearing filled the hallway. She didn’t realize he’d ripped her shirt open until his bare hand closed over her breast for a brief, wonderful second - and then she was back on her feet. He was pressed against the opposite wall, his eyes blazing blue and his hands flexing. Clawed hands.

While she was gratified that her theory had proven correct, it was undeniably disconcerting to see those sharp white points emerging from his fingertips.

“I told you I was dangerous,” he said hoarsely.

“What are you talking about?” She started to take a step closer and he visibly flinched. “It’s all right,” she said soothingly. “You’ve done nothing wrong.”

“I did not ask your permission.”

“I asked to kiss you, and in case you missed it, I was responding very enthusiastically. I made my choice by kissing you back.”

He shook his head in denial, although she wasn’t sure if it was in response to her words or his. Then his nostrils flared, and he was back in front of her before she could blink.

“You’re bleeding.”

“No, I’m not.”

“I smell blood,” he insisted, bending closer to examine her breast.

She shivered as his hot breath whispered across her exposed skin.

“There.”

She followed his gaze and saw the faintest scratch on the curve of her breast.

“It’s just a scratch. I don’t even think it’s bleeding.”

“I hurt you.”

His tone was full of self-loathing, and she started to reach for him, but he jerked away from her hand.

“You didn’t hurt me. I wouldn’t even have known you’d scratched me if you hadn’t pointed it out.”

He was still staring at her breast, a complicated mixture of regret and desire on his face. She saw the desire begin to win out, the blue glow in his eyes increasing until they were almost luminescent. As the hunger in his gaze intensified, so did the arousal still humming through her body.

“Perhaps you should kiss it and make it better,” she suggested breathlessly.

He growled again, then licked the faint red line. Oh my. She hadn’t expected it to feel so good. She put her hand on his head, silently urging him to do it again. The analytical part of her mind noticed that his hair didn’t feel exactly like human hair, but the thought disappeared in a haze of pleasure as he licked her again. He worked his way up the small curve of her breast until his mouth closed over her nipple, shockingly hot and wet and exciting.

“More,” she demanded, determined to make him understand that she wanted this.

He obeyed, sucking hungrily on her nipple, and then he was gone. This time he didn’t retreat to the opposite wall, but headed for the door instead.

“Run,” he growled, and then he was gone.

She sighed as the door closed behind him. That hadn’t gone the way she wanted. Not only had he run away again, but he’d left her feeling unsatisfied and she didn’t think that her self-pleasure routine would be sufficient to quench that lingering ache. Instead, she stripped off the tattered remains of her shirt and went to replace it. Time to return to the one thing that never failed to satisfy her - her work.

CHAPTER 11

At first, Tomlin was too focused on running to berate himself. Every step was a constant fight against his Krythian side’s desire to return to his female.

She is not my female, he told himself, but the words rang hollow. He might not be able to claim her, but he had absolutely no doubt that she was his mate.

A fragile human mate. He shuddered. He couldn’t bear the thought of harming her the way his father had harmed his mother. Couldn’t bear the thought of her turning away from him.

His control was too precarious. His claws had actually emerged for the first time in years. Not only emerged but damaged her pale skin.

I should leave, he thought once again, and a growl escaped. It had been a struggle to leave her long enough to return to the farm.

The only thing that had calmed his other half was the knowledge that he would return. Grethel had warned him. She told him that the mate bond made a male possessive. And she’d been right, as she so frequently was.

She wasn’t right about everything. She should have told me that she was my grandmother. Should have told him long before she was on her deathbed.

The knowledge that they were bound by blood as well as affection would have soothed that part of him that was so hungry for a connection. The part of him he’d forced himself to bury.

His thoughts continued to circle and he finally decided to leave the rolling land of the foothills and head into the mountains hoping that the more demanding terrain would help quiet his mind.

He was halfway up a steep incline when an unfamiliar scent caught his attention. An unfamiliar male scent. His Krythian side immediately bristled, disliking the idea of a strange male so close to his female, but he forced it under control. He’d traveled a good distance from her lab.

But even if she were in no danger, these mountains were primarily unpopulated. What was someone doing out here?

He slowed his pace, testing the air as he finished climbing. When he reached the summit, he followed his senses to a wooded area at the base of another slope. The stranger was seated on a boulder at the foot of a rocky outcropping. He was sitting quietly and blended in with the background so well that Tomlin suspected he wouldn’t have noticed him if he hadn’t already scented his presence.

He was several years older than Tomlin and he most definitely was not human. A thick mane of hair surrounded a face with a pronounced nose and jaw. His eyes were green with horizontal pupils and when he spoke, Tomlin saw the white flash of fangs.

“Good morning,” the stranger said calmly in a deep, pleasant voice. “I would ask if you were lost, but you do not appear to be the kind of male who gets lost.”

“Indeed,” he agreed, attempting to match the other male’s composure. Although he tried to wrap himself in his usual cool persona, he had a feeling he was not entirely successful. “Is this your territory?”

“To an extent. No one actually owns the land, but we have a claim on it.”

The words triggered a memory, and he suddenly recognized who he was speaking with - a Vultor.

The Vultori were not native to Cresca, but like the humans, they had established colonies here. Most humans disliked and distrusted them.

They had a reputation as vicious predators, but since the same could be said about his people, - with perhaps more justification, he thought bitterly - he was not unduly alarmed. He was, however, concerned that Vultori territory should be so close to Etta’s lab.

“How far does your territory extend?” he asked as politely as possible, but the other male gave him a far too discerning look.

“To the Wainwright Ranch to the west. To the sea in the east. And to the base of the mountains, both north and south. No further,” he added, the emphasis unmistakable.

“I see. Then I apologize for intruding on your territory.”

The other male shrugged.

“As I said, no one owns the land, no matter what some members of my pack would prefer to believe.”

The weariness in his voice was unmistakable, and Tomlin nodded. However, he was also still concerned about any possible threat to his female.

“My name is Tomlin. May I join you?”

“Please.” The male gestured at one of the other boulders. “I am Seren.”

“Do you live near here?”

He tried to keep the question polite and conversational, but Seren shot him another one of those discerning looks.

“Is that important?”

He forced himself to shrug.

“I simply noticed that you weren’t carrying a pack.”

“If only that were true.” He appeared to be talking to himself more than Tomlin and didn’t wait for a response. “But to answer your question, no, I don’t live near here. Our village is further south. Village is such a human term,” he added thoughtfully. “My pack comes and goes as they please, although there is comfort in community. Don’t you agree?”

“I do.” He had spent a good deal of his life searching for that community, for a place where he belonged.

“And where do you live, since you are also not carrying a pack?” When he hesitated, Seren smiled. “You do not need to be concerned about revealing the presence of the human female. We are already aware of her residence.”

“Why?” Even he could hear the growl underlying his words. “She is of no concern to you.”

“I did not imply that she was. I was only confirming that we were aware of her presence - as we are aware of most human activity close to our territory. It is for our protection.”

“I believe the humans would claim the same need for protection,” he said dryly, and Seren sighed.

“I am afraid you are correct, although most of their stories were exaggerated. We do not respond well to threats, but most of our people do not go looking for trouble. However when they do, the results can be… unfortunate.”

Even discounting the human distrust of other species and their tendency for exaggeration, he’d heard enough tales to know that the other male was understating the incidents that had occurred. As usual, the truth probably lay somewhere in between.

He also noticed that Seren kept referring to humans in a way that made him suspect that Seren did not consider him human.

But how could he know? His mating lines were concealed beneath his clothing, and now that he was away from Etta, his eyes should have returned to their normal human appearance. Or was he simply being paranoid? Before he could decide whether or not to ask, Seren smiled at him.

“If you are about to try and assure me that you are fully human, don’t bother.”

“Why would you assume that I am not?”

Seren tapped his nose.

“The Vultori have an excellent sense of smell, as I suspect you do. Very few would have noticed me here otherwise.”

He dipped his head, reluctantly conceding the point, then rose to his feet. He had gained the information he was after. The Vultori village was not close by, and they did not consider his female’s residence to be part of their territory.

“It is time for me to return.”

Seren nodded, rising to his feet as well. They were of a similar height and he instinctively found himself assessing the other male as a potential opponent. Seren was a few years older than him, but he wasn’t foolish enough to believe that made him less dangerous. He suspected they might be well matched.

Although perhaps not if he unleashed his Krythian side.

“There is one thing,” Seren said slowly. “The research your female is doing has aroused interest amongst some of my people. We also have stories.”

And then Seren was gone, fading into the woods with a stealth worthy of his own skills. He could track him, but there seemed little reason to follow the other male and besides - he had already been away from his female for too long.

CHAPTER 12

Aweek later, Etta looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. In many ways it had been a wonderful week. She’d been a little worried that she might grow tired of having another person in her house, but it was the opposite. She was beginning to wonder if she could be content on her own again.

Tomlin fit almost seamlessly into her life, easing it in a hundred subtle ways. There were always fresh flowers on the table and by her bed, and a hot bath waiting for her at the end of the day. She never had to worry about preparing food or washing clothes or keeping up with even her minimal housekeeping standards, leaving her free to concentrate on her work.

Admittedly her dedication to her work had suffered a little. She found herself taking more breaks, seeking him out for no other reason than because she enjoyed his company. He had traveled widely throughout Cresca and told her fascinating stories about the places he’d been, his tales spiked with dry humor. Although he’d continued to be extremely reticent about his own past, he had discovered a lot more about hers.

He knows a lot more about me than I know about him, she thought wryly.

But she didn’t just seek him out for companionship or because of his conversational skills. Her physical attraction to him had intensified to the point where she seemed to exist in a continuous state of frustrated arousal. The results of her exposure therapy suggestion had been… mixed. He could put his arm around her, or even hold her hand, but a kiss almost always escalated rapidly and she couldn’t seem to convince him that she enjoyed those hungry, possessive touches.

There always came a point where he would pull away, despite his obvious arousal - and hers. He spent a lot of time running and she’d spent a lot of time trying - unsuccessfully - to deal with her own frustration. Her breasts still ached from their latest encounter. They’d been in the lab and she’d boldly placed his hands on her breasts, placing her own hands over his to encourage him to touch her.

His hands had tightened delightfully before he pulled back.

“You don’t need to do that. Look.” Despite the heat rising to her cheeks, she unbuttoned her blouse and revealed her breasts. “I’m perfectly fine, see?”

He didn’t seem to hear her, the familiar blue glow heating his eyes as he stared at her naked upper half. Then she was on her back on the worktop, his body forcing her legs apart as he bent down over her, his mouth working hungrily at her breasts, scraping sharp teeth gently against the taut peaks. She’d done her best to encourage him as he pulled her throbbing core tightly against the massive bar of his erection.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and he growled, his mouth growing even more demanding, clamping down on her nipple, and she’d been right on the edge of climax when he pulled away, the equally familiar look of horror on his face.

“What’s wrong this time?” she demanded, her voice sharp with frustration.

“I bit you.”

She followed his gaze to her breast. Her nipple was taut and distended, and she could see the reddened circle from his mouth surrounding it.

“It felt good. Do it again.”

But he was already gone, leaving her frustrated once again as she redressed and went to wash her face. She rubbed absently at her aching nipples, sending another spike of desire down her spine, but she already knew that her own hand wouldn’t be enough.

This has to stop, she decided. If he still couldn’t bring himself to believe that he wouldn’t hurt her after all the times he’d pulled away, there was nothing she could do. Maybe some time apart would make him see things more clearly. The thought made her heart ache, but she couldn’t see any other way of getting through to him. The prospect continued to weigh on her as she returned to the lab, and she couldn’t even concentrate on her work.

She was staring absently at one of the morchev crystals when there was a knock at the door. Her heart skipped a beat before she realized that it couldn’t be Tomlin. He hadn’t knocked since he returned. She started for the door, then remembered his warning and retrieved her weapon first.

A strange man was standing on her porch. Not a man, she realized, a Vultor. The Vultori had also established colonies on Cresca, although they tended to keep to the mountains, and most humans feared and distrusted them. Still, he’d knocked politely enough and he didn’t appear particularly threatening.

“Move away from the door,” she ordered, tightening her grip on her gun.

He flashed an unexpectedly charming grin in her direction as he obeyed - a grin that showed an alarming number of very sharp teeth, bracketed by deadly looking fangs. She cautiously opened the door far enough to see him clearly. His nostrils flared briefly as the door opened, but then he nodded politely.

“I’m sorry for bothering you, ma’am. I was just wondering if you had any work that needed doing.”

“Work?”

“In exchange for a meal, and maybe a place to rest my head? I’ve been travelin’ a long time.”

He was still smiling, his voice friendly and polite, but she caught a brief glimpse of his eyes and a chill suddenly shivered down her spine. They were blue as well, but a cold, icy blue that belied his attempt to seem harmless.

Danger, her instincts whispered.

“I’m afraid I can’t offer you work or accommodation, but if you’ll wait a minute, I’ll give you some provisions to take with you.”

Her voice came out remarkably calm, even though her fingers were so tight on the handle of her weapon that they ached.

He studied her for a moment, then gave another easy nod.

“I sure do hate to take somethin’ for nothing. Isn’t there anything I can do for you?”

Another chill coursed down her spine but she shook her head politely.

“No thank you.”

“Then I’ll just wait right here.”

She closed the door firmly behind her and hurried into the kitchen, rapidly throwing an assortment of food into a box. It was awkward carrying it with one hand but she wasn’t about to let go of her weapon. He was leaning casually against the porch railing when she returned but she wasn’t stupid enough to believe he really was as relaxed as he appeared. She set the box on the ground by her feet and pushed it towards him, careful not to move past the doorway.

He grinned again as he approached her, moving with the same predatory grace as Tomlin. Another chill washed over her and she raised her weapon, aiming directly for his chest. He stopped abruptly, his smile still in place.

“That’s not very neighborly of you.”

“You’re not my neighbor.”

His eyes moved back to her face as he leaned down towards the box.

“Oh, you’d be surprised.”

Despite her caution, he moved with shocking speed, grabbing her wrist and pointing the weapon up at the ceiling.

“You didn’t really think that little thing would stop me, did you?”

Her heart was beating so rapidly she felt sick but she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of an answer.

“Consider this a… friendly warning. Humans don’t belong out here. It’s too dangerous for them.” His nostrils flared again. “Especially small human females with such a delicious scent. You need to leave. Now.”

She stubbornly kept her mouth closed. He chuckled, but his eyes remained as cold and deadly as ever.

“Remember. One warning.” Then he released her arm and stepped back. “And you can keep your human food. I prefer to catch my own prey.”

His features shifted, growing more wolfish, and his fangs lengthened. He laughed again, the sound oddly distorted by the difference in his face, and then he was gone, loping across the plain with the same easy, ground-eating pace that Tomlin used.

She pulled the box back inside and quickly locked the door, her hands shaking. Who was he? And why had he shown up now? She’d been here for six months. Too upset to return to work, she paced anxiously, waiting for Tomin to return. Even though she kept watching for him, he still surprised her. She jumped when she caught sight of his big body outside the door, afraid for a moment that the Vultor had returned, then hurried over to unlock the door.

As soon as she got the door open, she threw herself into his arms, fighting back the tears.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” His arms suddenly tightened, his soothing tone disappearing beneath a growl. “Another male was here.”

“Y-yes. A Vultor.”

“What did he do? Did he hurt you?”

She shook her head, hiding her face in the softness of his shirt, breathing in the reassuring scent of him.

“No. He just threatened me.”

“What did he say?”

His voice was still harsh and guttural but he made her feel safe.

“He… he said humans didn’t belong out here. That it was too dangerous for us, especially s-small human females.”

His arms tightened around her, but then he stiffened, growling again.

“He touched you. I taste his scent on you.”

“He just grabbed my wrist,” she said quickly but he didn’t seem to hear her.

“My female. My mate.”

His eyes blazed blue fire before his mouth descended over hers, hungry and demanding.

CHAPTER 13

Another male had touched his female.

Tomlin’s ability to think disappeared beneath a tidal wave of possessive instinct. The last week had not eased his driving urge to claim her. Instead it had intensified it to the point where he had become uneasily aware that it might already be impossible to leave her. And he certainly couldn’t leave now, not when another male had dared to touch her, not when he could still smell him on her skin.

That’s not the only reason I don’t want to leave, the rational part of his mind whispered, but he ignored it as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the lab. Even her clothes carried the taint and he ripped them away, leaving her bare and pale against the black stone worktop. His mate. His woman. He stripped off his own clothes with the same desperation, the need to replace another male’s scent with his own becoming overpowering.

His cock pulsed and throbbed against his belly, longer and thicker than it had ever been before, and her eyes widened as he bent over her. He kissed the tempting curve of her neck, his teeth scraping against her skin as he made his way down across her collarbone to those small, perfect breasts. She urged him on with soft, wordless cries, her hands moving restlessly over his skin.

Her nipples were already thrusting eagerly into the air, waiting for his mouth. He growled again as he sucked one deep into his mouth, clamping his mouth around the tempting little bud. He was vaguely aware that he wasn’t being as careful as usual but it didn’t seem to matter, not with the scent of her arousal filling the air and her hands urging him on and her flesh sweet and willing beneath his mouth.

She tasted of home and family and acceptance, of everything he had ever wanted, driving his need even higher. He probed desperately between her legs, seeking the sweet, slick entrance to her body. He knew he needed to prepare her but she was already arching against his hand, her passage slippery wet as he thrust two fingers into her body. She cried out, the sound high and startled.

It was not a cry of pain, but it was shocked enough to penetrate his haze. He jerked his hand away and forced himself to lift his head from those enticing breasts, breasts so clearly marked with the evidence of his passion. His pleasure at the sight was immediately followed by guilt. How could he have treated her so roughly?

He flung himself away from her, fighting to quell the still rampant need as he reached blindly for the door. He had his hand on it when she spoke.

“Don’t you dare.”

Her voice was low and furious, harsh enough to make him stop. He deserved whatever she wished to say to him - but he had to regain control first.

“I need -”

“If you leave me now, don’t bother coming back.”

What? As often as he’d told himself that he should leave, he hadn’t anticipated that she would send him away.

No. Mate.

He forced back a possessive growl as he turned back to her.

“You want me to leave?”

“No, dammit!” She was sitting up now, flushed and disheveled and far too tempting for his peace of mind. “I want you to stay! I want you to stop running away.”

“I am too… dangerous.”

“Oh for goodness sake.” She slid down from the counter and stalked towards him like an avenging goddess, still naked, her hair like a fiery cloud around her shoulders. “You’re not going to hurt me.”

She jabbed her finger against his chest, then winced.

“How many times have you left me? Why can’t you get it through your thick skull that if you have the strength to do that, you have the strength to control yourself. To not hurt me.”

He wanted so desperately to believe her, but she had no idea of the savagery of his other half.

“I will not chance it,” he said harshly, trying to grab for the doorknob again.

She darted in front of him, placing her warm, soft body between him and the door. Need threatened to overcome him once again as she glared up at him, her eyes sparkling with anger behind her glasses.

“Apparently you don’t think I get a say in this, but I meant what I said. Either you stay and we work through this together or you leave. Forever.”

No!

With a silent snarl, he released the doorknob and pushed her back against the door, pressing his body against her as he fought for control. Perhaps she understood his torment because her face softened a little, and she reached up to gently touch his cheek.

“Talk to me. Please. Why are you so convinced that you are dangerous?”

He managed to take a step back, then another, then paced across the lab and back.

“I have already… marked you.”

He gestured at her breasts, trying to ignore an internal rush of satisfaction at the sight. She sighed, then picked up the shirt he’d ripped away and slipped it over her shoulders, although she didn’t reach for the rest of her clothing.

“Why can’t you believe that I enjoyed it? That I didn’t want you to stop?”

“I’m afraid to believe it,” he admitted. “Because what if you did? And what if I couldn’t stop?”

“Why are you so afraid that’s going to happen?”

“Because my father hurt my mother. Badly.”

The truth emerged from his lips in an anguished whisper. She went utterly still for a moment, then took his hand, leading him over to the place where she slept and sat down, tugging him down next to her. He didn’t resist, clinging to her hand as the warmth of her compassion flowed over him.

“Tell me,” she said softly.

“I don’t believe he meant to hurt her.” The words came more easily now. “He… loved her, but he was in the grip of mating fever and she was untouched. She tried to get away from him and that only made things worse.”

Her thumb stroked a soothing pattern across the back of his hand.

“A neighbor called law enforcement and they eventually managed to subdue him. As soon as they did, she fled as far and as fast as she could.”

“Did she tell you this?” she asked, and he shook his head.

“She never said anything bad about him to me. She simply said that it had been a brief encounter.”

She’d also told him that his father was a crew member on one of the ships that visited the port, but he knew she’d only done that to protect him and he couldn’t blame her for lying once he knew the truth.

“I learned pieces of it here and there. She rarely spoke about him but as I grew older I sensed both fear and… longing. After she died and I went to stay with my relatives, I found out more.”

Everything they had told him had been full of hate, but there had been shadows of truth beneath the harsh words. He’d also found a letter she’d sent to her sister right after she’d first met his father. She’d told her sister that she was in love. How could she have foreseen that things would go so wrong?

He hesitated for a moment, then added, “I learned the rest from my grandmother.”

“Your grandmother?”

“Grethel was my grandmother, although I didn’t find out until it was too late.”

She’d been dying before she finally admitted the truth to him, and the agony of that betrayal still ached.

“Why?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

She’d known how much he longed for a family.

“Because you would have wanted to know the truth,” she whispered. “And there were things that I couldn’t bring myself to tell you.”

“What things?”

The sorrow on her face made his heart ache despite his own pain.

“That I was the one who killed him.”

He reeled back, too shocked to even speak as she continued her confession.

“By the time he found his way out of the human jail, it was too late. He was insane with mating fever. He would have forged a path of death and destruction across this planet until he found her. And when he did, he would have hurt her again.”

Withered fingers plucked restlessly at the blanket covering her.

“I couldn’t permit it. I gave him a potion, told him it would help him find her. Instead, he went to sleep and he never woke up.”

He couldn’t even begin to comprehend how much that decision must have cost her. Pieces that hadn’t quite fit before began to fall into place.

“You knew, didn’t you, when you found me in the market?”

A spark of her usual spirit had returned.

“Of course I did. A Krythian always knows her own flesh and blood.” The spark faded, replaced by sorrow. “When I helped your mother leave, I didn’t realize she was with child. I wish we had remained in contact, that I had known.”

Telling him the truth seemed to release her. She’d died within the hour.

Etta was still stroking his hand, and he didn’t feel any horror coming from her, only sorrow.

“I understand your fear, but you do know you’re not your father, don’t you?”

“I have his blood,” he said bitterly.

“But you have your mother’s as well. And Grethel’s.”

She released his hand and he expected her to leave. Instead she shocked him by climbing into his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck.

“I trust you, Tomlin. Make love to me.”

CHAPTER 14

Etta waited patiently for Tomlin to respond to her request. Now that she understood his fears, her anger had disappeared. Her heart ached, both for his pain, but also for the pain his parents had endured. It should have been a love story. Instead it had gone horribly wrong.

He had gone completely still, even though she could feel his erection throbbing beneath her.

If only she could convince him that he wasn’t going to hurt her.

“Let me try something,” she whispered, then she leaned forward and kissed him, softly, almost teasingly.

He kissed her back, but she could feel the tension in his body. She could tell how tightly he was controlling himself. She wanted him to release some of that control, and she nipped lightly at his bottom lip.

He growled, and then he was kissing her with the hungry passion she had grown to crave. She grabbed his hand and slid it beneath the torn shirt to cover her breast. His hand immediately tightened, those clever fingers working her nipple.

Her breath caught as her still lingering arousal flared back to life, but as much as she wanted to give in to the delightful sensations coursing through her body, she had a different goal.

She pushed very lightly against his chest. He didn’t seem to notice. So she pushed again, a little harder this time.

It took a few more seconds, but then he pressed a last kiss to the taut peak and reluctantly raised his head. She gave him a triumphant smile.

“You see, you stopped because I wanted you to. I didn’t even have to say anything.”

The astonishment on his face would have amused her if she hadn’t been so anxious for him to acknowledge the truth.

“I did,” he finally admitted.

“Then trust yourself. And trust me,” she urged. “Trust me to let you know if I want you to stop. Stop making the decision for me.”

He still looked shocked, but there was a tiny spark of what might have been hope in those glowing blue eyes. She wanted to repeat the experiment, but she didn’t want to push him too far, too quickly. As long as he wasn’t running away, she could be patient, no matter how much her aching body resisted the idea.

“Again,” he demanded, surprising her, but she eagerly returned his kiss as his mouth descended over hers, hot and hungry.

The usual passion flared between them, and then she was flat on her back as he kissed his way down across her body. He hesitated over her breasts, but she buried her fingers in his hair and urged him on. He obeyed.

He found her nipple again, and the hot, wet suction sent a streak of excitement straight to her already swollen clit. She wanted to give in to the delightful sensations, but she had something to prove first. She tightened her grip on his hair, tugging him away while she also pushed at him with her other hand.

Once again, it took a moment before he responded. But he did respond, and there was that almost painful hope again.

“I stopped.”

“Yes, you did.”

He suddenly smiled, a slow confident smile.

“But you really didn’t want me to stop, did you?”

She smiled back.

“No - which is what I’ve been trying to tell you for the past week.”

His expression changed, those glowing blue eyes intent on her face as he feathered his thumb across her lips.

“Because you want to experiment?” he asked softly, and her breath caught as the realization swept over her.

This was no longer about experiencing sexual pleasure for the first time - she suspected it never had been - it was about the sweet, tortured, dominant male leaning over her and how much he’d become part of her life. How much she wanted him to remain part of her life, even if he deserved much more than a remote lab with a plain scientist who could forget about everything when she was working.

She was still wrestling with an answer when he tensed again.

“Because there is something else you should know.” His voice had gone stiff as well and she realized he was bracing himself for her rejection. “If I claim you fully, I will never be able to let you go. Perhaps you are right that I won’t hurt you, but you will be my mate, for life. That is the nature of Krythian biology and no amount of discipline or logic will overrule it.”

Her heart fluttered wildly as she realized exactly what he was offering her.

“Forever?” she asked softly and saw the flash of despair on his face. He so clearly expected her to reject him. She put her arms around his neck before he could pull away. “Is that what you want?”

“You are the one I have been seeking my whole life without even realizing it. Of course it is what I want.”

Even though she never cried, the raw honesty in his voice brought tears to her eyes. Of course he misinterpreted them and started to retreat but she locked her arms around him and held on. He’d gifted her with the truth - how could she do less? She smiled up at him through her tears.

“Good. Because that’s what I want as well.”

She barely had time to see the wild elation transform his face before he was kissing her again. The restraint that had held him in check for so long was gone and she welcomed the powerful, almost bruising kiss. He surged into her mouth, taking her lips and her tongue with the same savage demand.

She surrendered to it with every fiber of her being, welcoming his body as he covered her with his weight. She tried to pull him even closer, equally desperate. The erotic scrape of his clothing against her bare skin only heightened the desperate need clawing at her.

She gasped as he abandoned her mouth to suck the side of her throat, his hands frantically stroking her breasts and her thighs.

“Need,” he growled, yanking at the remnants of her blouse as she tugged at his shirt.

“You’re wearing too many -”

Her attempt to speak disappeared into a startled cry as he delved between her legs, two thick fingers spearing into her again. He stiffened for a fraction of a second at her cry, but then he continued, setting up a demanding rhythm as his thumb found her clit. He growled against her neck and the vibration shot through her like a shockwave. She cried out again, clutching at his broad shoulders.

“Tomlin, please!”

His head lifted, his eyes blazing with blue fire.

“Mine.”

It was a command, and a promise.

“Yes,” she whispered, and then she was coming, her vision sheeting to white with the intensity of her climax, her body shaking in long, helpless spasms as he kept stroking her, prolonging her orgasm until she could barely move.

Even then she whimpered a protest when he withdrew, standing over her long enough to strip off his clothes with ruthless efficiency. God, he was beautiful, the blue lines illuminating his skin, his face taut with desire, and his cock… Her mouth went dry as she saw it for the first time.

She’d been pressed against his erection often enough to know how large he was, and yet it still hadn’t prepared her for the reality. The blue lines swirled around the massive shaft in a complicated, glowing pattern, pulsing with the strength of his desire. He looked impossibly large, and a shiver of apprehension danced down her spine. A woman’s body is designed to stretch, she reminded herself, and reached for him.

CHAPTER 15

Tomlin bent down eagerly over his mate, struggling to restrain himself as he lodged his cock at that impossibly small entrance. Despite his attempt to prepare her with his fingers, her body resisted for a long moment before yielding enough for the wide head to breach her channel.

Fuck, she was tight. So tight that he knew it had to be uncomfortable for her, but she didn’t try to stop him.

Trust, he reminded himself, concern for her warring with the need to thrust, to fill her with his seed, even though he’d had it rendered infertile as soon as he came of age.

Trust my mate.

He managed to force himself to be gentle as he eased a few inches into her. She moaned, the muscles in her legs quivering as she struggled to relax.

“I’m hurting you,” he growled, but she shook her head.

“N… not pain. F…full.”

Her voice shook but her eyes were still warm. Trusting. A wave of guilt swept over him. He should have given her more time, prepared her more.

He started to pull back but her slender thighs clamped around his waist.

“Don’t stop.”

Despite his doubts, the action triggered the dark primitive part of him. His mate wanted him.

He growled, and then he was gripping her hips and surging forward. A startled moan escaped her and he tried to stop, but he was caught in the fire of his need. The burning, impossibly tight grip of her cunt was too much. With another primal growl, he thrust the rest of the way home, her passage rippling and clenching around the length of his shaft until he could barely breathe.

Hot, tight, perfect. Too tight. He knew he had to have hurt her, but she clung to him as her body started to soften.

“So full,” she breathed.

He fought to find the control to ease out of her, his breath coming in harsh pants. Her cunt clung tightly to him, every inch of his withdrawal adding to his pleasure, his mating lines pulsing urgently. He managed to pause long enough to look at her face. Her beautiful eyes were gleaming with unshed tears, but she smiled up at him.

A possessive growl escaped him, and when he pushed back into her, her channel parted to receive him more readily, letting him slide more easily into her slick heat. She cried out again, but this time he could hear the pleasure in her voice.

He bent and took her mouth in a savage kiss, claiming her, and she rose to meet him.

“Good girl,” he growled as he gripped the slender curve of her ass, helping her to rock against him as he began to thrust.

Pleasure overwhelmed any last hint of his doubt as he fell into the fire, pushing himself deeper and harder into her sweet embrace. She bucked under him, her voice rising in little moans of encouragement as the last remnants of control vanished.

The hunger to claim her as his own burned through him, bright and urgent. The soft little cries emerging from her throat filled the lab, growing louder and more intense as he drove himself into her welcoming flesh. Her cunt contracted around him as she came, and the feeling of her tightening around him proved too much. He exploded, pouring himself into her in endless pulses as the lines on his body brightened with ecstasy.

All of his barriers fell. He could feel every emotion rushing through her as the bond between them flared to life. Pleasure. Satisfaction. Love.

She loves me.

A sense of completion filled him, a happiness he’d never thought to have. He wrapped her in his arms and rolled, so that he could cradle her on top of his chest. Her soft weight felt unbelievably right as she settled against him, and he breathed in deeply, her contentment mirroring his own.

“You love me,” he said quietly, savoring the words, and she raised her head and smiled at him.

“Of course I do. And you love me too.” There was no doubt in her voice, only wonder. “I can… feel it. Is this what it’s like for you all the time?”

“It is not this pleasant.” He tightened his arms around her, relishing the way she nestled so trustingly against him. “Nor this intense. But when I am in control, I can… mute the emotions of others, especially if we do not touch.”

She was silent for a moment, but then her head popped up again.

“That’s why you react so strongly to the morchev, isn’t it? That’s why all those stories talk about connecting through the stones.”

His clever little scholar. He’d known she would make the connection eventually. Unfortunately, she also made the next logical step.

“Then why did you really come here? You already knew what the stones were capable of doing, and you knew they would affect you.”

He sighed and sat up, bringing her with him.

“I told you that I spent some years traveling.”

“Yes, with your friend, S’kal.”

He was sure he’d only mentioned S’kal briefly, and that he’d referred to him as his employer, and yet she’d recognized the truth it had taken him so long to accept.

“That’s right. S’kal no longer leads caravans. He has settled down in a farming community south of Wainwright with several other warriors who all served together during a war on another planet.”

“Did you go there as well?”

“I did. It was the closest I had come to having a home since Grethel died.”

She squeezed his hand sympathetically, but he couldn’t accept her sympathy until he told her the whole truth. She sat up straight, her eyes wide and shocked, when he explained Marshall’s plan to create a psychic weapon to control the minds of others.

“That’s terrible. You… you didn’t think that I was involved, did you?”

“No, but there were references to your research in his files and I had to be sure.”

She bit her lip, her distress loud and clear through their bond.

“Does that mean someone else could use my work to create a weapon?”

“There is nothing in what you have published so far that even hints at the possibility, but what you have discovered here…”

Sadness now, and resignation.

“Then I won’t publish it.”

He relaxed a little at her response. He’d anticipated her answer, but he was glad she’d confirmed it.

“I’m sorry, Etta.”

“Don’t be. As much as I would like to share the knowledge I have gained, the discovery is the most important part for me. Although…” She shot him a speculative glance. “There is still a lot to learn.”

“And no reason to stop working as long as you are content to keep the knowledge private.”

She tapped her lip thoughtfully, then nodded.

“I am, although it means I will have to either withdraw from the university or pursue another avenue of inquiry as well. I am expected to produce papers regarding my research.”

He hated seeing her look so resigned, even if she had accepted the necessity of hiding her work. He kissed her, hoping to distract her, but as soon as their lips touched, his need flared again. It was different this time. The frantic urgency was gone, but the hunger was no less fierce. He felt her response, her desire mirroring his own, and everything else disappeared except the need to claim his mate.

‘Yes,” she gasped as his hand found her breast, and he let himself fall into the fire again.

CHAPTER 16

Etta smiled up at the ceiling over the bathtub as the hot water soothed away her lingering aches. They had made love twice more before she’d recognized that her body had reached its limit. Tomlin had stopped immediately, but even though he’d frowned, clearly concerned, he hadn’t retreated into his usual guilt.

Instead he’d immediately gone to prepare a bath, then carried her to it. Dozens of candles filled the room with a warm flickering light and he’d even found flower petals to float on the gently steaming surface. As he lowered her into the water, she ran a teasing hand down his abdomen.

“Will you join me?”

He hesitated, then shook his head.

“If I do, I do not think I will be able to resist touching you and you need a chance to recover. I will prepare a meal.”

Now that she was alone she’d begun to think about what he’d told her. The thought that someone might have intended to use her research to create a weapon horrified her, but it occurred to her that he’d left out some details. She needed more information, but it could wait.

She swirled the hot water lazily across her breasts, aware of her body in a way she had never been before. Her nipples were still swollen, sensitive even to the movement of the water. There was a definite ache between her thighs, but it was a pleasant ache, heavy and satisfying. She’d never considered herself a sensual person, but she felt like one now.

When Tomlin returned with warm towels, wrapping one around her after he’d lifted her out of the bath, she found herself leaning into him. He’d started rubbing her dry but he stopped suddenly, his eyes beginning to glow.

“You are aroused again.”

“Still aroused,” she corrected, reaching for him.

He gave a fierce kiss, his own hunger unabated, and she squirmed impatiently against him. But then he slid a finger between her thighs and she couldn’t suppress her wince. He immediately stopped.

“It’s too soon.”

She knew he was right, but her swollen clit was throbbing a demanding beat and she felt hot and needy.

“But I need…”

He gave her a wicked smile.

“Don’t worry, little scholar. There are other ways to satisfy your needs.”

He carried her into the bedroom and placed on the bed, then kneeled between her legs, gently parting her thighs.

“Your pretty little cunt is all red and swollen,” he growled, leaning closer, and even his hot breath against her sensitive skin made her quiver. “You are such a good girl to let me take care of you.”

Despite the rough, growling words, his hands were infinitely gentle as he carefully parted her folds. Her cheeks heated as she realized how closely he was examining her but it also added to her excitement.

“Does this sweet little nub hurt?”

He licked lightly across her clit and her whole body jolted from the sensation.

“More,” she demanded, and his mouth closed over her clit, hot and demanding.

It was almost too much, but she rocked against him, seeking more, and he gave it to her. He sucked the pulsing bud of her clit into his mouth, then left it long enough to trace a hot, wet line down between her folds, working his tongue slowly into her swollen entrance before returning to that taut little bundle of nerves.

“So sweet,” he rumbled as he alternated between swirling his tongue around the throbbing knot and sucking at it, each variation sending new waves of sensation through her body. She was crying out now, no longer able to hold back the sounds as her body coiled tighter and tighter. He very gently pressed a finger into her and her body yielded easily to his touch, despite the soreness.

The extra pressure inside her was exactly what she needed, sending her flying as an endless wave of pleasure crashed through her, leaving her gasping and limp. He softened his mouth, easing her down before finally lifting his head and looking up at her, a purely masculine expression of satisfaction on his face.

“Better?”

“Mmm.”

He smiled at her wordless hum of contentment, then left her long enough to fetch a wet washcloth, careful wiping her down, before wrapping her in her blue robe and perching her glasses back on her nose.

“Time to eat.”

She didn’t think she was hungry but as soon as the first delicious smell reached her she realized that she was ravenous. He watched approvingly as she ate every bite, then poured them each a glass of wine before they curled up on the couch together.

Despite the contentment brought out by a full stomach and his talented tongue, she found herself returning to her earlier questions.

“I was thinking…”

“Of course you were,” he said lightly but she could feel a tiny shadow of apprehension through their connection.

“You said that the psychic weapon was no longer a threat, but how can you be sure?”

A chill shivered down her spine as his voice went cold.

“Marshall was the only one who had put the pieces together and who had the resources to fund the operation.”

“Was?”

“He’s dead. He was a threat, not only to people I cared about, but to everyone. I could not permit it.”

This time she felt the pain beneath the icy veneer. He’d done what he had to do, but it had cost him.

“I see,” she said quietly.

She knew he was braced for further questions, even recrimination, but she had no desire to add to his torment. Instead, she changed the subject to her unwelcome visitor.

“Do you think the Vultor meant what he said? Do you think he’ll return?”

She caught the beginning of a growl, but he silenced it, pushing aside his anger.

“I don’t know. Based on what Seren told me, he is not acting with the approval of the pack. I suspect he may even have gone rogue.” He played absently with her fingers as he considered the matter. ““I think I should let Seren know and let him deal with it.”

“Do you think he will?”

‘Yes. It occurs to me that might even be the reason he’s in the area.”

“Then I agree we should let him handle it.” She hummed thoughtfully, then smiled up at him. “I think I’m still hungry.”

He immediately looked concerned, and she hid a smile.

“Then I will feed you. What would you like?”

“This.” She clasped her hand around his erection, or at least as much of it as she could. “I want to taste you.”

His shaft pulsed beneath her hand, and he gave her a slow, wicked smile.

“How can I refuse my mate anything?”

“You’ll have to tell me what to do,” she added quickly, “I don’t really have any… experience.”

His smile widened.

“I would be delighted to instruct you, little scholar.”

He proved to be an excellent teacher. She was still smiling when she fell asleep, his delicious taste lingering on her tongue.

CHAPTER 17

Tomlin’s horse whinnied, tossing his head as he reached for the bridle, and he realized that his Krythian side was too close to the surface. Leaving Etta, even for a short time, was already proving to be difficult. His instincts demanded he return to her side, but they had agreed that it was best for him to go in search of Seren as soon as possible - before the other Vultor returned to carry out his threat.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and going through his ritual until he had regained enough control not to alarm his horse. The gelding nickered softly as he finished saddling him and led him out from under the small lean-to that served as a stable.

The first rays of sunlight were beginning to creep over the horizon as he took a last longing look at the house, then turned towards the mountains before his resolution failed. He’d left her in bed, her auburn hair spread across the pillow, her face warm as she smiled up at him, trying to hide the worry in her eyes. He hated leaving her, even for a short time, but knew it was necessary to protect her.

There will be more mornings, he thought, long lazy mornings in bed enjoying each other. The prospect filled him with satisfaction, along with a hint of apprehension. He’d never believed that he could have this happiness and he still found it difficult to believe that it would last. The urge to return to her grew stronger with each step, but he forced himself to keep going, taking deep breaths of the cold morning air.

By the time he reached the foothills, it was hard to focus on anything other than returning to her, and his horse began to fidget nervously beneath him. Stop it, he ordered himself, closing his eyes and reining in his instincts once again as he concentrated on his surroundings.

The forest was alive with the sounds of morning - birds calling to one another, small animals scurrying through the underbrush. The air that swept down from the mountains was redolent with the scent of pine and a distant hint of snow. The year was turning, and he would need to make sure the house was warm and comfortable for Etta.

Later. Right now he needed to find Seren. He only hoped his suspicions were correct and the pack leader was still in the area. He extended his senses, testing the subtle changes in the wind, the underlying scents, listening. If all else failed, he would return to the place where they had met previously and track him manually, but this would be faster if Seren were anywhere nearby.

The rocky cliffs at the base of a nearby mountain called to him and he headed in that direction. A familiar scent caught his attention and he looked up to find Seren perched on a rocky ledge above him. His face was as calm as ever, but there was a hint of tension in his posture that Tomlin knew all too well. The Vultori leader was not as composed as he appeared.

“We meet again,” Seren said, the faintest hint of a question in his words.

He reined in his horse, looking up at the other male.

“We need to talk. I believe it concerns one of your pack.”

Seren’s expression sharpened. He leapt down from his perch, landing gracefully beside Tomlin’s horse. The horse shied away, and Tomlin quickly swung down, keeping his body between the horse and the Vultor.

“What has happened?” Seren demanded.

“A Vultor male appeared at my mate’s home. He threatened her.” The growl in his voice made the other male tense even more. “He said that humans did not belong here and that she had to leave.”

Seren sighed, closing his eyes in obvious frustration.

“Finnar. I was… concerned that something like this might happen.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

“Yes. I’ve been looking for him but I hadn’t realized he would travel so far from the mountains.”

“I do not want it to come to violence, but I will not permit him to threaten my mate.”

He met the other male’s eyes directly. It was an act of dominance but Seren needed to understand that he wasn’t going to back down.

There was the faintest growl from the other male’s throat and then they both looked away - a truce rather than a surrender.

“I understand. If you will permit me, I will return with you. Now that I know where to begin, I should be able to track him.”

“Do you have a horse?”

“No.” A flash of sharp fangs. “But I can maintain the same pace.”

“Very well. I am returning immediately.”

Seren retrieved a small leather bag from the bushes beneath the rock ledge and slung it over his shoulder.

“I’m ready.”

Tomlin remounted and they set off, Seren in an easy lope that matched the horse’s pace. The horse shied away nervously for the first few miles but eventually settled down.

“What happened with Finnar?” he asked as they reached the foothills, and Seren sighed.

“Finnar never liked humans - most Vultori don’t - but then they attacked his family. He lost them all in a senseless act of violence.”

His chest tightened in unwilling sympathy. The pain of loss was something he knew all too well.

“He’s been carrying this burden for several years,” Seren continued, his voice heavy with regret. “I thought time might heal the wound, but it only seemed to fester.”

Images flashed through his mind - his mother’s gentle smile, fading away as she succumbed to illness; the cold eyes of his relatives as they cast him out; Grethel’s lifeless body, a stark reminder that he was alone once more. Each loss had carved a piece from his soul, leaving him raw and vulnerable. He remembered how his Krythian side had demanded release.

“I understand,” he said softly, surprising himself with the admission. “Grief can twist a person, make them capable of things they never thought possible.”

Seren looked over at him, a wealth of understanding in his eyes.

“You speak from experience.”

It wasn’t a question, but he nodded anyway.

“I’ve lost people too. There were times when I…” He trailed off, unable to voice the darkness that had consumed him in those moments.

“It is not easy having two sides, frequently at odds.”

“Exactly.” His jaw clenched as he thought about those battles with himself. “There were times when I felt like I was being torn apart from the inside.”

“It’s the same for us. We’re constantly balancing different forms, different instincts.”

He’d never thought another would understand his conflict so well.

“And yet, you found a way to move forward,” Seren added softly.

“It’s not easy,” he said. “But it’s possible. I forged a life for myself. A good life, but… incomplete. Until I found my mate.”

“Having a mate helps,” the other male agreed, the longing on his face impossible to miss. “In our case, it is often the only thing that allows us to retain control over our more savage impulses. I sometimes wonder how I have survived so long without one.”

That too he understood. He’d wondered if he would have been able to overcome this last threat to his control without her.

“To have someone who understands both sides of your nature, who accepts you completely… it’s a rare and precious thing.” Seren added.

He nodded, thinking of Etta’s unwavering trust in him.

“It is,” he agreed softly.

Then his heart lurched in his chest as a sudden wave of fear washed over him. It wasn’t his own emotion, but Etta’s, transmitted through the bond between them.

“My mate is in danger,” he growled, spurring his horse into a gallop.

He heard Seren calling after him, but the words were lost in the rush of wind and his own ragged breathing. Nothing mattered except getting to Etta. Her fear pulsed through him, urging him forward with desperate intensity. He’d only just found her, had only just allowed himself to love her. The thought of losing her now was unbearable.

His control began to slip. His claws emerged, digging into the soft leather of the saddle as he urged the horse ever faster. He could feel the animal’s fear as he raced headlong across the plains, but there was nothing he could do. For once he made no attempt to fight his Krythian side. Instead he embraced the surge of power, preparing to defend his mate to his last dying breath.

CHAPTER 18

Etta sat at her workbench, staring blankly at the morchev in front of her. The familiar comfort of her work eluded her today, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling that made concentration impossible. She caught herself smiling for no reason, remembering Tomlin’s powerful arms around her. Remembering that he loved her.

But despite that joy, there was an undercurrent of worry. She knew he was more than capable of defending himself, but she hated the thought that he might encounter trouble in his search for Seren. What if he ran into the other Vultor male?

She shuddered, and pushed away from the bench, deciding it was no use pretending to work. She paced instead, wandering from the lab and back. She found herself outside the bathroom, her fingers tracing the claw marks he’d left on the doorframe as he struggled for control.

It means he can defend himself, she reminded herself and moved on into the bedroom. Because she’d still been in bed when he left it remained unmade, and she realized how quickly she’d become used to his fastidious sense of order. She quickly set the bed to rights and was about to return to the lab to try once again to work, when a sharp knock at the door jolted her out of her abstraction.

Her heart skipped a beat, thinking that Tomlin had returned, but the flash of joy was immediately followed by fear. The Vultor couldn’t have returned so soon, could he?

She tightened her hand around the hilt of her weapon, even though it had been of little use last time, and peered cautiously down the hallway. Her heart sank as she recognized the big figure outside. The Vultor.

She pressed herself against the wall, even though he couldn’t see her through the one way glass, praying he would leave.

Another knock, more insistent this time.

Her palms grew clammy as she gripped the weapon and inched towards the door, wishing desperately for Tomlin’s reassuring presence.

The knocking came again, a rapid, urgent tattoo that set her nerves on edge.

“I know you’re in there, little human. You should have left when I warned you.”

The cold voice dripped with menace but perhaps there was a chance she could reach him.

“I’m going to leave,” she lied. “But I need time.”

The fractured edge to his laughter sent chills down her spine.

“You would have had time if you’d left when I told you to.”

Her grip tightened on the gun, her palms slick with sweat, as she tried to come up with a plan. Tomlin, she cried silently.

“Where’s your alien lover?” the Vultor taunted. “Perhaps he’s run into some… trouble on his journey.”

Her heart pounded even harder.

“What have you done to him?”

“Why don’t you come out and see for yourself?” His voice took on a sickeningly sweet tone. “I’m sure he’d appreciate your help right about now.”

Her hand trembled on the doorknob. For a split second, she considered opening the door, her fear for Tomlin almost overriding her good sense, but logic prevailed. It had to be a trap.

“I don’t believe you,” she called out, proud of how steady her voice sounded. “He can take care of himself.”

Silence fell, stretching on for what felt like an eternity. He was no longer visible through the window, even when she crept closer. Had he left? Or was he simply lying in wait outside?

A new scent drifted into the hallway. Acrid. Burning.

Smoke.

Panic clawed at her throat as she realized what was happening. He’d set fire to the lab.

Her heart raced as she tried desperately to think of a way to escape, but he could be anywhere outside. The acrid smoke seeped under the lab door, filling her lungs and making her eyes water. With each passing second, the heat intensified. She had no choice.

She looked through the window again at the empty porch, then unlocked the door. The metal handle seared her palm, but she yanked it open, desperate for fresh air. As she burst outside, gulping in oxygen, a strong hand clamped around her arm.

“Going somewhere?” The Vultor’s voice dripped with malice.

She struggled uselessly as he dragged her away from the burning building, then turned her back towards it, forcing her to watch as flames engulfed her home, her work. Tears of grief and rage streamed down her face.

“Why are you doing this?” she choked out.

She expected to see him looking triumphant, but instead his eyes glinted with a pain that mirrored her own.

“I had to watch too,” he snarled. “When the humans burned my home. My family.”

The heat from the inferno scorched Etta’s skin, but she couldn’t look away. Her precious lab, her sanctuary, reduced to ash and embers. All her research, gone in minutes.

“How does it feel?” Finnar hissed in her ear. “To lose everything?”

The pain of her loss threatened to consume her, but at least there was no one inside. What if someone had been in there? What if Tomlin had been in there?

“Your family,” she whispered, her voice hoarse from the smoke. “What happened to them?”

His jaw clenched, and for a moment, she thought he might lash out. Instead, his voice came out low and raw.

“Humans,” he spat. “They came in the night. We had done nothing to them, but they feared what they didn’t understand.”

She couldn’t help but think of Tomlin, of the loneliness and fear he had endured simply for being different. How many others had suffered similar fates?

“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice shaking. “No one deserves that kind of pain.”

His eyes snapped to hers, the slightest hint of doubt in that fierce gaze.

“Your pity means nothing to me,” he snarled, but the venom in his voice had lessened.

She shook her head.

“It’s not pity. It’s understanding. This-” she gestured to the burning lab with her free hand, “This is devastating. But it’s just things. I can’t imagine losing the people I love.”

For a brief moment, his mask of anger slipped, revealing a glimpse of the grief that lay beneath. She saw a reflection of what Tomlin might have become, had he allowed his pain to twist into vengeance.

“Revenge won’t bring them back,” she said gently. “It won’t heal the hurt.”

Her heart pounded as his grip tightened again and his eyes hardened.

“It’s your turn now,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Your turn to pay for what the humans have done to me.”

She watched in horror as he flexed his hand, long dark claws emerging from his fingertips. Tomlin, she cried silently as the Vultor raised his hand and she closed her eyes, waiting for those vicious claws to reach her.

But nothing happened.

Endless seconds ticked by before she forced herself to open her eyes. He was staring at her, agony and confusion etched across his face.

“I can’t,” he whispered, more to himself than to her. His hand trembled as he released her arm. “I thought… I thought this would make it better. But it won’t. Nothing will ever make it better.”

He took a step back, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

“Go,” he said, his voice barely audible over the crackling flames. “Leave this place. Leave me.”

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, unsure if she was apologizing for his loss or for her own inability to help him.

He didn’t respond. Instead he turned away, his big body silhouetted against the flames consuming her lab, his posture so eloquent of grief and despair that her heart ached. She hesitated a moment longer, then backed slowly away from him.

She’d just reached the edge of the corral when she heard the thunder of hooves approaching. She turned to see Tomlin galloping towards her, his eyes fixed on the burning building, his face a mask of fury and anguish. Before his horse had even come to a full stop, he flung himself from the saddle, knocking the Vultor to the ground.

CHAPTER 19

Tomlin’s vision blurred red as he collided with Finnar, his world shrinking to the Vultor beneath him. The scent of smoke and Etta’s fear filled his nostrils, fueling his rage. This male had dared to threaten his mate. He released Finnar’s throat, but only to rear back and slash at him with his newly extended claws.

Finnar howled in pain and bucked, throwing him off. They circled each other, teeth bared and eyes glowing with fury. The other male began to transform, growing larger as his fangs lengthened and fur covered his skin. His Krythian side growled a response, the increased threat only fueling his rage.

With a snarl, Finnar lunged, and he met him head-on, their bodies colliding in a tangle of limbs and rage. Claws raked across flesh, drawing blood and eliciting grunts of pain. His teeth found purchase on Finnar’s shoulder, and he bit down hard, tasting copper.

Finnar retaliated, his claws digging into Tomlin’s back but the pain was a distant echo as they rolled across the ground, a blur of snapping jaws and slashing claws. His world narrowed to the fight, his only thought to protect his mate. He barely registered the sting of his wounds or the ache in his muscles.

Finnar managed to pin him for a moment, his eyes wild with pain and hatred.

“You don’t understand,” he hissed. “They took everything from me!”

He roared and surged upward, flipping their positions. He slammed Finnar’s head against the ground, stunning him.

“And you tried to take everything from me,” he growled.

The fight continued, neither male willing to yield. Blood stained the earth beneath them, their primal battle reducing them to snarling, feral creatures. His claws raked across Finnar’s chest, leaving deep furrows and Finnar’s teeth snapped shut inches from his throat.

His chest heaved as he pinned Finnar to the ground, his claws digging into the Vultor’s shoulders. His Krythian side reveled in the violence, urging him to finish the threat to his mate. But a small part of him, the part that remembered his own struggles, held back from delivering the killing blow.

Finnar’s struggles weakened, his eyes losing their wild gleam. The fight drained from him, leaving only a hollow shell of the vengeful creature he’d been moments before.

“End it,” Finnar rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’ve won. Finish what you started.”

He dimly heard Etta calling his name, but he couldn’t stop. His fingers curled around the Vultor’s throat, squeezing. The need to eliminate the threat consumed him.

“Tomlin, stop!” Etta’s voice finally cut through the haze of rage. “He let me go. Don’t kill him!”

His grip loosened a fraction. The Krythian part of him still screamed for blood, urging him to eliminate the threat to his mate, but as he stared down at his defeated foe, he saw something familiar in those pain-filled eyes. The same anguish he’d carried for years, the weight of loss and isolation.

Finnar’s chest rose and fell in shallow breaths. “What are you waiting for? Do it!”

The rage that had consumed him began to ebb, replaced by a bone-deep weariness. The part of him that understood loss, that had grappled with his own darkness, held him back. He finally released the other male and sat back on his heels, his body shuddering.

Finnar’s eyes met his, a mix of confusion and resignation in their depths. “Why?” he croaked.

His breath came in ragged gasps as he fought to find his voice. The words, when they came, surprised even him.

“Because I understand,” he growled, his voice rough with emotion. “I know what it’s like to lose everything.”

Etta put her hand on his shoulder, her presence calming his inner turmoil, reminding him of who he was. He was afraid to look at her, afraid he would see horror, or even fear in her eyes, but when he reluctantly met her eyes, he saw only understanding.

“You haven’t lost everything,” she whispered.

Thank the gods. He turned into her arms, pressing his face against her stomach as she gently stroked his back. Her love surrounded him, stripping away the last remnants of the fury which had consumed him.

He sensed someone approaching and sprang to his feet, pushing Etta behind him, ready to defend her again if necessary. Even when he recognized Seren’s scent, he remained alert, not sure how the pack leader would react to the violence.

Seren’s eyes went from him to Finnar, sorrow filling his face before his expression hardened. The Vultor lay motionless on the ground. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. He was damaged but alive.

“I’ll take him from here,” Seren said, his voice low and authoritative.

Finnar’s eyes snapped open at the sound. He struggled to push himself up, wincing in pain.

“No,” he growled. “I won’t go back.”

“Yes you will. This ends now.”

He felt a shift in the air, an invisible pressure emanating from Seren - the power of an alpha asserting dominance over a pack member. Even as an outsider, he could sense its strength.

Finnar trembled, fighting against the compulsion, but the pack leader’s will bore down on him, relentless and unyielding.

“Submit,” Seren commanded, his voice resonating with power, and Finnar’s resistance crumbled.

“Yes, alpha,” he whispered, the fight draining out of him.

Seren nodded, satisfied. He bent down and hauled Finnar to his feet, supporting the injured Vultor’s weight. He turned to Tomlin and Etta, his expression softening slightly.

“I’m sorry that we had to meet under these circumstances. He will not trouble you again.”

He watched as Seren led Finnar away and he knew he should feel relieved, but the undercurrents of pain and anger surrounding the Vultor had struck too close to his own buried grief and memories. His skin felt too tight, too hot.

“Are you okay?” Etta asked softly.

He wrapped his arms around her, drinking in her warmth and scent.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Even when I… lost myself before, I never experienced such rage. And now…”

A shiver skated across his skin and he was suddenly aware that in spite of his injuries he was achingly, painfully erect. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to regain control as the heat continued to build beneath his skin.

“I need… I need a moment,” he managed to choke out, forcing himself to step away from her.

But she followed, closing the distance between them, her hands sliding up over his chest. He couldn’t restrain a groan, even though he knew he needed to get away, to regain control. He tried to step back again, but she refused to let go of him.

“Let me help,” she whispered. “Tell me what you need.”

“Need you.”

He barely recognized his voice, the words emerging in a ragged growl.

“Then take me,” she breathed.

He felt her arousal flaring in response to his, sending another bolt of lust through him. His instinct demanded release and he had no hope of restraining it any longer. His mouth crashed down on hers, swallowing her gasp as his hands tore at her clothing. She returned his kisses with equal fervor, her hands exploring the bare skin of his back and chest. She made a soft, distressed sound when she reached his wounds but he didn’t care about the pain. He needed her now.

Some tiny shred of sanity prevented him from taking her right then and there, on the bare ground. He managed to get them as far as the lean-to, bending her over a stack of bales.

He should be asking if she was all right, if this was what she wanted, but his mouth refused to form the words. He couldn’t think beyond the need to possess her, to claim her as his. He shoved her pants impatiently to the ground, growling his approval when he ran a hand between her thighs and found her wet and eager. She arched back, offering herself to him as he freed his erection.

Restraint was impossible. There was no gentleness in him as he drove himself into her with one hard stroke. She cried out and pushed back against him, her hips meeting his thrusts. He growled again, grabbing her hips and holding her in place as he thrust wildly.

It was perfect. She was perfect. Tight and hot and wet around him, each slide of his cock bringing him closer to the edge. She shuddered, her body tightening impossibly as she found her own pleasure. One more stroke and he shattered, pouring himself into her with a roar, claiming her utterly.

For an endless moment they remained locked together as he emptied himself into her welcoming body. Then slowly, gradually, reality returned. He pulled out of her carefully and turned her towards him, cradling her against his chest as he sank to the ground, still shuddering.

CHAPTER 20

Etta nestled against Tomlin in a contented daze. Their lovemaking had been savage, wild, unlike anything they had shared before. He’d never let go of his control so completely but she’d never been afraid. His wildness had released her own passion, matching his every step of the way.

Then she felt him tense beneath her.

“Don’t,” she said firmly.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t apologize.”

“Was I… Did I hurt you?” he asked instead, his voice tight with concern.

She leaned back against his arm so she could see his face.

“Not at all. It was perfect.”

He searched her face, and she smiled up at him. She wasn’t entirely sure how the bond between them worked, but she did her best to share her love, her contentment, and he finally relaxed.

She settled back down in his arms, but now her curiosity had been roused.

“How far does the bond extend?” she asked thoughtfully. “You knew I was in trouble, didn’t you?”

“I knew you were terrified.” His voice hardened. “I hope I do not regret letting Finnar live.”

“I don’t think you will. He’s so… broken.”

He sighed quietly.

“I know. And I understood.”

She squeezed his hand sympathetically as she returned to her previous train of thought.

“Would you have known if I was happy?”

A laugh vibrated through his chest, and for the first time he truly sounded like himself.

“My little scholar, always searching for answers.”

“I’ll have to search for different answers now,” she said sadly and this time he was the one to offer comfort.

“Perhaps not. You can continue to search; you just cannot share your findings. As for your question, I believe it is the strength of the emotion rather than the distance that determines how far it conveys. But there is a… tie between us now no matter how far apart we are. If we were separated, I would find you.”

The possessive note in his voice didn’t tighten her. It made her feel safe, loved.

“Good.”

The crash of a falling beam made her jump, reminding her that her home had been destroyed. She was surprised to find that the pain of that loss wasn’t as sharp as she’d expected. Instead, a strange sense of lightness settled over her. This isolated lab had been intended as refuge, her fortress against a world she’d never quite felt part of. But now…

“You know,” she said slowly, “maybe this is a sign. I’ve spent so long shutting myself away, convinced that my work was all that mattered. But now…”

She trailed off, looking up at Tomlin. In just a few short days, he’d shown her a world beyond her research, filled with passion and connection she’d never thought possible.

“Now?” he prompted gently.

She took a deep breath.

“Now, I’m thinking that maybe it’s time for a change. Time to stop hiding and start living.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea. Did you have a location in mind?”

“Would you object if we returned to Port Cantor, at least for a while? I still own the house I inherited from my parents, and it would give me an opportunity to decide what to do about my position at the university and consider other research opportunities. But if you think it would be too much, we can go somewhere else,” she added quickly.

He’d stilled at the question, but after a moment, he nodded thoughtfully.

“I think it will be all right. I used to return to the city each time we picked up a new caravan. I believe that with you at my side, I will be able to stay longer.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do - as long as you promise to tell me if it becomes too much for you.”

“I promise,” he said solemnly.

“Then we’ll set out in the morning?” She no longer had anything keeping her here, but she suspected that he needed some time to recover from the fight.

“I think that would be wise,” he admitted. “I will do my best to make you comfortable.”

He somehow managed to work his usual magic despite their limited resources. He arranged the hay bales into a bed, covering them with horse blankets after doing his best to air them out. He disconnected the automatic pump from the well, then drew fresh water so she could wash away the dirt and soot.

She insisted on cleaning his wounds as well, despite his assurance that he healed quickly. She believed him, but she felt better knowing that they had been attended to. He even left her long enough to gather supplies for a quick meal.

After they ate, he gave her a thoughtful look.

“I’ve been thinking about your question - about how far the bond extends - and remembered another tale, one I haven’t told you.”

“What is it?”

“A young healer was exploring the caves of her homeland when she discovered a stone buried deep within the earth. The moment she touched it she had a vision of a warrior, fierce and scarred, but with pain in his eyes. In that moment their hearts connected, and she set out in search of him.”

He paused a moment, looking up at the stars sprinkled across the dark velvet of the sky.

“In the version I heard she traveled throughout the stars looking for him. She found him at last on the front lines of a battle he had long since lost faith in. The minute they touched, the mating lines glowed on his skin. With the strength of her love to guide him, he ended the war and they built a new future together.”

“That’s beautiful,” she said softly, running her fingers along one of the blue lines marking his skin. “I’m glad they found each other, just like we found each other.”

The night was cool, but she slept warm and safe in his arms, and the next morning they set out for Wainwright. The weight of her loss began to lift, replaced by a cautious excitement for what lay ahead. For so long, she’d convinced herself that isolation was necessary for her work, that emotional connections were a distraction. Now, with Tomlin, she realized how wrong she’d been.

The rhythmic sound of hoofbeats seemed to echo her thoughts. New beginnings. Fresh start. Hope.

“Are you all right?”

His voice broke through her reverie, and she smiled at him.

“I’m fine,” she said truthfully.

The lab might be gone, but what she’d found with Tomlin was far more precious than any research or equipment. As they rode on, her heart felt lighter than it had in years. The sorrow of what she’d lost faded, overshadowed by the promise of what was to come. With Tomlin, she wasn’t just starting over - she was starting something better.

CHAPTER 21

Christmas Eve…

TOMLIN BROUGHT the flyer into a landing in front of the big white farmhouse, as welcoming as ever despite the fresh fall of snow. The familiar scent of pine filled the air, mingling with the smoke from the woodstove, and even from here he could smell something baking. It felt like coming home, especially with Etta at his side.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked quietly, and she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses.

“For the hundredth time, yes. There is nothing in Port Cantor to keep me there.”

Except a huge house, all the comforts of the city, and the other scholars she associated with at the university. If only he were entirely sure that she wasn’t doing it for his sake.

He had adjusted well enough to the city. The first few weeks had been… difficult but she had remained close by and, as he’d suspected, her presence helped immensely. He’d also settled back into his regular routine, going through the ritual practices over and over until he was sure he had regained control.

He’d taken over managing her house while she decided how she wanted to proceed with her research, but although he received a great deal of satisfaction from caring for her, it was not a difficult job and he was occasionally restless. He hadn’t realized she’d picked up on it until one night when they were sprawled on the rug in front of the fireplace in her bedroom. She was still flushed and glowing from their lovemaking when she turned to him.

“I’ve been thinking,” she said slowly.

“What were you thinking, sweetheart?”

He was never entirely sure where that busy little brain would wander, but he definitely hadn’t expected her next words.

“I think we should move to the farm.”

Yes, he thought immediately, shocked by how much he wanted to return, but he did his best to conceal it.

“Why?” he asked instead, and she shrugged, her pretty breasts bouncing lightly.

“Several reasons. First of all, neither of us particularly enjoys living in the city, and there is nothing to keep us here.”

“What about your research?”

“As long as I have a lab, I can work anywhere and you know I prefer being somewhere quieter and more remote.” She hesitated. “That is, do you think they would have any objection to me building a lab on the farm?”

“No,” he said immediately. He would make sure of it.

“And this house is always here if I need to return for any reason.”

“If we need to return. I will go wherever you go.”

“Of course.” She reached over and traced one of his mating lines, the blue gleaming in the firelight. “But most importantly, because I think you will be happy there.”

“But-”

“And as long as you are happy, I am happy,” she added before he could finish his objection, then put her hand over his heart. “Can’t you feel that is something I want to do?”

He could feel her certainty through their bond and his own happiness flowed out to match hers.

“Thank you, sweetheart. You cannot understand what this means to me.”

But perhaps she could, since he could sense her love and contentment as well.

He took a deep breath and climbed out of the flyer, then, despite her objections, carried her over the snow to the front porch. Suddenly nervous, he gripped her hand as he raised the other to knock on the door. The door flew open before he touched it and Evie, S’kal’s tiny and very pregnant mate, rushed out and hugged him. He froze, bracing himself for an onslaught of emotion, but although he could feel Evie’s happiness and excitement, his bond with Etta muted it enough that it didn’t overwhelm him.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Evie sniffed, tears filling her eyes, and he raised an eyebrow as S’kal over her head.

His friend shook his head, gently pulling Evie back against his side as he gave Etta a curious look.

“She’s been a little emotional lately.”

“You would be too if you had a stomach the size of a-” Evie’s indignant protest came to an abrupt halt as she finally noticed Etta. “You brought a woman back?”

“I returned with my wife.” Even he could hear the pride in his usually cool voice. “This is Etta.”

“Your wife? That’s wonderful!”

Before S’kal could restrain her, Evie flew over and hugged Etta as well. His mate gave him a helpless look and once again S’kal gently drew Evie away.

“It’s too cold for you out here, little one. We should go inside.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Etta, I’m just so pleased to meet you. And that Tomlin will be here when our baby is born. You will be here, won’t you?”

“Yes, Lady -” The formality he’d previously used no longer seemed necessary. “Yes, Evie,” he said instead and she beamed happily. “That is, if Commander Temel is in agreement.”

“Of course he will be,” she said at once. “Let’s go ask him.”

“I imagine Tomlin would prefer to do that himself,” S’kal said, firmly guiding his mate back into the house. “But we can discuss it inside.”

Etta still looked a little shocked as he took her hand and followed.

“Are they all like that?” she whispered and he smiled at her.

“No, but you will be welcome.”

“As you are.” She returned his smile. “I knew this was the right decision.”

He could sense her assurance and the last of his doubts slipped away.

Temel and his mate Ida were waiting for them inside, and once again he took great pride in introducing Etta as his wife. Ida was not as exuberant as Evie, but her smile was equally warm as she welcomed his mate, and Temel bowed politely over her hand, a smile softening his usually stern face.

“I am delighted to meet you, Etta.”

“I’m pleased to meet -” Her words died away as she saw the huge tree at the foot of the stairs, adorned with bows and tiny sparkling lights. “A Christmas tree,” she whispered. “I haven’t had one of those since my parents died…”

Tears sparkled in her beautiful eyes and he immediately put his arm around her, offering his comfort. Four pairs of eyes watched them - Ida and Evie smiling happily, Temel looking thoughtful, and S’kal with an almost puzzled look on his face.

Etta sniffed and gave everyone an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry. I’m not usually this emotional.”

“Nonsense. You have nothing to be sorry about,” Ida said at once. “Now, you must be hungry after your journey. I have some hand pies in the kitchen - as long as Naffon hasn’t eaten them all.”

They followed her obediently into the kitchen, to be greeted by more surprise and delight. Here too Etta’s presence helped buffer the wave of emotions and he was able to grasp hands and accept congratulations without losing his composure.

Even when Constance came over to him, Kalpar hovering protectively at her back, her sorrow was muted enough not to overwhelm him. Although perhaps time had also helped ease her pain.

“I’m glad you’re back,” she said quietly, and he knew she was speaking the truth. “It was time you returned.”

“Thank you, Lady Constance.”

A tiny smile crossed her lips, but she accepted the title without protest. He watched gratefully as she also made a point of welcoming Etta. His mate was a little stiff at first, but as the minutes ticked by, he noticed her shoulders relaxing, her smile coming more frequently.

She volunteered to slice apples, cutting them into equal pieces with her usual precision, even as she laughed at something Naffon said. Warmth spread through his chest at how easily she was fitting in, how right she looked amongst his… friends.

He’d withdrawn to the doorway to observe, and he wasn’t surprised when Temel came to stand next to him.

“May we talk?” he asked, and the commander immediately nodded.

“Let’s go to my study.”

He hesitated, looking over at Etta, but she looked up and gave him an encouraging smile. Satisfied that she would be all right for a few minutes, he followed Temel down the hallway as S’kal came to join them as well.

He’d spent many hours in the study and it still felt familiar, even after his time away. He automatically assumed his standard position in front of the bookcase as Temel sat behind the big desk and S’kal leaned against the well.

“I would like to return to the farm, to assist you as I did before,” he said, grateful that his voice sounded as calm as usual, despite a sudden rush of nerves. “I know that I am not a member of your squad, or even a warrior, but we would like to make our home here, if you will permit it.”

S’kal made an abortive gesture, but didn’t speak.

“You would be welcome,” Temel said quietly, then shook his head, a half-smile on his lips. “I didn’t realize how much I’d come to depend on you until I had to manage without you over the last few months.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here, but it was necessary. I don’t plan to leave again, although my mate may have business in Port Cantor from time to time. She is a research associate at the university.”

Temel nodded.

“Of course you will wish to accompany your mate. I don’t foresee that being an issue. Have you decided where you would like to live? Do you want to take over one of the abandoned farms?”

“Not in the least,” he said firmly. “If you have no objections, we will build a house and laboratory on the other side of the road.”

The location would make it easy to walk back and forth, but would allow Etta privacy for her experiments. And allow him some distance as well.

“That seems like a sensible solution - although I would expect nothing less from you.” Temel smiled and rose. “I am glad you are back amongst us. You may not have been a member of my squad, but you are part of our family nonetheless.”

The commander left before he could think of a response. S’kal remained, still watching him from across the room, and he raised an eyebrow.

“Is something wrong?”

“I’m just shocked - pleased, but shocked. You seem the same, except not.”

“I am not the same.” He hesitated for a moment, then pushed up his sleeves to reveal his mating lines. “Nor am I human.”

“If you expect me to be surprised, you’ll be disappointed,” S’kal said dryly. “Do you want to talk about what happened to you while you were gone?”

“Yes,” he admitted, surprising himself. “But not now.”

“Anytime.” His friend smiled at him. “I’m glad that’s possible now. And I’m glad that you will be here when our child is born. Evie has been worrying about it.”

“I’m glad I’ll be here too.”

They stood silently for a moment, both lost in thought. How much had changed since S’kal waded into that fight to assist him. Back then he’d been sure he’d be alone forever. Now, he had a family, a home, and Etta.

“Our lives have changed a lot, haven’t they?” S’kal asked, echoing his thoughts.

“Very much so.”

“Who would have thought we’d end up like this? Married, settled down. You with your scientist, me about to be a father.”

“I certainly did not,” he admitted. “But I am very happy that we did.”

“Indeed. We are lucky males, Tomlin.”

They exchanged a smile, then returned to the kitchen. S’kal took a seat next to Evie, lifting her onto his lap, and Etta came to join him.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes. Temel is happy that I am returning. He also agreed we could build our house across the road.”

“That’s wonderful.”

As much as he enjoyed the warmth and friendship surrounding him, he suddenly felt the need to be alone with his mate. He took her hand and she followed him readily through the house, stopping to pick up their coats before stepping outside into the frosty evening. She immediately shivered.

“We could go to the barn,” he began, then hesitated as he sensed… activity from that direction. “No, the mill instead.”

He picked her up again and carried her through the orchard to the new mill S’kal had built. She smiled at him as he carried her inside and put her down.

“I’m glad everyone is happy you’re back, but it’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it? Even for me and I don’t have your abilities.”

“Yes. It’s nice to be welcomed but even positive emotions can be difficult when they are so strong.”

She nodded and began walking around the room, curiously examining the equipment.

“There seemed to be a number of pregnant women here,” she said, her voice carefully casual, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief. At last.

“Indeed.”

“What would you say if I told you I was going to be one of them?”

“I’d say it was about time you told me.”

Her eyes flew to his, wide and startled. “You knew?”

“Of course I did. But I wanted you to decide when to tell me. Why did you wait, sweetheart?”

“I suppose I was worried that you still had doubts.”

She knew how much he had struggled with the decision to have his fertility restored after they returned to the city, afraid of the legacy he would bestow on the child.

“I’m no longer worried. Our child will be loved and wanted and we will teach him whatever he needs to make his way through life.”

Tears were sparkling in her eyes again as she walked over and put her arms around him. As always, her embrace felt like coming home.

“I love you,” he murmured as he kissed her.

“I love you too.” She sniffed, then smiled up at him. “You said ‘him.’ Do you really know it’s a boy?”

“I believe so, although it is still early. Does it matter?”

“Not in the slightest. What matters is that we are having a child together.”

“A child who will never suffer the same loneliness we felt,” he vowed, and she sniffed again. “A child who will always be loved. That is far more important than any legacy.”

“Yes,” she agreed, then gave him a sultry smile. “You know, we’ve never made love in a cider mill.”

“No, we haven’t,” he said solemnly, even though his body was already responding to the teasing note in her voice.

“I think we should try it. Purely for scientific reasons, of course.”

“Of course,” he echoed, as he lifted her into his arms and carried her across the room to the apple barrel he’d already decided was the perfect height. “Will this suit you, madam scientist?”

“I believe so,” she said breathlessly. “But I think we should experiment to be sure.”

It proved to be a very successful experiment.

EPILOGUE

Three years later…

TOMLIN SAT on the porch of their house watching his son Grethin play with T’kar, S’kal’s son. Like Tomlin, Grethin appeared human enough but he was as fast and strong as the larger T’kar. The two boys were inseparable, but they still had their squabbles, and they were currently wrestling over a ball. T’kar managed to snatch it away from his son, accidentally sending Grethin sprawling in the process, and he saw his son’s eyes begin to glow blue.

Firmly resisting the urge to intervene, he remained on the porch and watched as Grethin closed his eyes for a moment, his lips moving silently. By the time T’kar reached down to help him up, his eyes had returned to their usual brown and he responded with his usual good humor.

Good boy.

Grethin looked over at him for a moment, smiling as he felt Tomlin’s approval, and then the two boys raced for the trees, dispute forgotten.

“His control is impressive for one so young,” S’kal said quietly.

“I wish it were not necessary but it’s the way things must be.”

Grethin’s Krythian side had revealed itself when he was less than a year old. He’d hoped it wouldn’t be as strong in his son but he’d begun teaching him to control it, just as his mother had taught him, and Grethin had adapted easily to the routine. Aside from those occasional flashes, his son had inherited his mate’s even temperament.

And speaking of his mate…

“Will you watch the boys for a while? I need to take Etta something to eat. She is in the middle of a new experiment.”

“Of course.” S’kal gave him a thoughtful look. “Although if it takes you as long as it did last time, I will expect you to return the favor when Evie gets back.”

His friend cast a somewhat disconsolate glance in the direction of Naffon’s house, invisible through the trees. Evie and Naffon’s mate Dora were having a “girl’s day” and he knew S’kal didn’t like having her out of his sight for that long. He was grateful that Etta was content to remain in the lab attached to their house.

“Of course. And yes, T’kar can spend the night. I know you wish to have sufficient time to show Evie why she shouldn’t leave you alone for so long.”

S’kal grinned at him.

“You are right, as always.”

He smiled back, the smile that came so easily these days, and went to find his mate.

ETTA REACHED ABSENTLY for her mug of tea and discovered it was empty. Never mind. She would just have to wait -

Tomlin appeared at her side, replacing the empty mug with a fresh cup, and she smiled up at him. Even after all this time, his anticipation of her needs still surprised and delighted her. In fact…

She gave him a speculative look and he laughed. She loved seeing him so happy and at peace. He still maintained his outward composure, but there was an ease to it now that hadn’t been there when he first arrived at her lab. At least he continued in that role when he was around other people. When they were alone as they were now, he was completely open to her.

“How long?” he asked, his eyes already beginning to glow blue.

“Five minutes.”

Her voice came out low and husky and the blue intensified. The five minutes she needed to complete the experiment felt like an eternity.

“How are the boys getting along?” she asked, trying to distract herself.

“As well as usual.” He hesitated. “Grethin’s other side flared up but he handled it perfectly.”

She knew he still worried about their son, but she gave him a reassuring smile.

“I’m not surprised. He has his father to guide him.”

“And his brilliant mother,” he added but she saw him relax a little.

Just as well, considering what she was about to propose. Oops. He suddenly tensed, his eyes focused on her face, and she realized that her longing had been strong enough for him to read.

“You want another child?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

“Yes, and this feels like the right time. I’ll be finishing up this project in a few months and then I can spend some time writing up my research before starting on the next one.”

Or at least she’d try. She started getting restless whenever she was away from her lab for too long.

“Three more minutes,” he growled, stalking towards her.

They couldn’t pass quickly enough, especially when he wrapped his arms around her from behind, nibbling on her neck as his talented fingers worked her nipples. She started to turn towards him, tempted to forget all about her experiment, but he held her in place.

“Concentrate on your work, little scholar.”

Concentration was almost impossible as his hands continued to travel over her body but she clenched her fists on the countertop and hung on. By the time the alarm finally sounded, she was shuddering with need. She reached out blindly to throw the switches and he finally let her turn to him, his hands reaching down to grab her hips and pull her against his erection.

“Time’s up -”

She hadn’t even finished speaking when he lifted her onto the counter and spread her legs, yanking her skirt out of the way. He’d already freed his erection, the mating lines glowing a deep intense blue, but she only caught a glimpse of them before he drove into her in one long, hard stroke.

She cried out, his size momentarily overwhelming her despite how ready she was, but he kept pushing, filling her so completely she could barely breathe. She was already on the edge, the strength of his desire enhancing her own as he began to move, driving into her again and again, his cock striking her in exactly the right spot each time. His hands tightened on her hips, holding her in place to receive the hard, demanding thrusts, and she felt the faint distant prick of his claws.

“Come for me, sweetheart,” he growled, and pleasure engulfed her, sweeping her away as he followed her over, his hips slamming against hers one last time as he spilled himself deep inside her.

He collapsed down over her, and she wrapped her arms around him, relishing the steady beat of his heart and the love flowing through their connection. Finally he eased back, making sure she was steady before pulling out. They both gasped as he slid free, and he gave her a wicked smile.

“Are you ready for part two?”

Part two?

She barely had time to process what he meant before he buried his head between her thighs, his tongue sliding between the slick folds. He sucked gently on her clit, then pressed his thumb against it. She shuddered as she climaxed again, hard and fast, but he didn’t stop, continuing his ruthless pursuit of her pleasure.

He held her steady through two more orgasms before finally lifting his head, smiling at her dazed expression even as he slid his once again enormously erect cock over her sensitized flesh. He looked down at her and she felt his momentary hesitation when he saw the marks on her hips.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly.

It wasn’t the first time it had happened, and while it still troubled him, she enjoyed the evidence of his passion and he’d gradually let himself believe her assurances. She tugged him down for a kiss, their shared taste lingering on his tongue as he slid slowly into her. The urgency of their earlier lovemaking was replaced by something slower and deeper, each thrust bringing them closer and closer until the moment when they tipped over the edge together.

Their bond shimmered around them, binding them together as tightly as the physical bond between their bodies, and she savored its warmth as she traced her fingers through that not quite human hair.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“And you’re all right with the idea of having another child?”

“I thought I showed that quite clearly,” he said dryly, and she laughed.

“Yes you did, but I still needed to ask.”

He brushed his thumb gently across her lips. “You have brought me so much happiness, my mate. I hope we have a daughter just like you.”

“That sounds nice. How quickly do you think it will happen?”

His eyes glowed with happiness as he began rocking his hips against her.

“We’ll just have to experiment and find out.”

“I can’t think of a better experiment,” she agreed and surrendered to his kisses once again.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading Tomlin! As many of you know, I never intended to tell his story, but the moment he walked onto the page, I had to know what was behind that perfectly composed exterior - a lot as it turns out! While I’m sad to be leaving our alien warriors, at least for a while, but Cresca has many more stories to tell - starting with Alien Wolf Tales - Tales of the Vultori!

Whether you enjoyed the story or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon—reviews are one of the best ways to help other readers find my books!

Thank you all for supporting these books—I couldn’t do it without you!

And, as always, a special thanks to my beta team—Janet S, Nancy V, and Kitty S. Your thoughts and comments are incredibly helpful!

Coming soon! Alien Wolf Tales begins with Finnar’s story in Big, Bad Alien!

Scarlett has never hear anything good about the Vultori but when she encounters one on her way to her grandmother’s house, he is nothing like she expects. He threatens to keep her forever - but what if she doesn’t want him to let her go?

Humans took everything from Finnar, and he is determined to make them pay. When a pretty little human stumbles into his path she seems like the perfect target for his revenge. If only she didn’t awaken feelings he’d thought gone forever…

Click here to order Big, Bad Alien!

If you’d like to read more about how the warriors ended up on the farm to begin with, check out You Got Alien Trouble! - Rosie and Harkan’s story!

You Got Alien Trouble! is available on Amazon!

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OTHER TITLES

HOMESTEAD WORLDS

Seven Brides for Seven Alien Brothers

Artek

Benjar

Callum

Drakkar

Endark

Frantor

Gilmat

You Got Alien Trouble!

How the Aliens Were Won

Borgaz

Temel

Naffon

S’kal

Celenk

Kalpar

H’zim

Tomlin

Cosmic Fairy Tales

Jackie and the Giant

Blind Date with an Alien

Her Alien Farmhand

Alien Wolf Tales

Big, Bad Alien

KAISARIAN EMPIRE

The Alien Abduction Series

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

Cam and the Conqueror

Deb and the Demon

Ella and the Emperor

Faith and the Fighter

Greta and the Gargoyle

Hanna and the Hitman

Izzie and the Icebeast

Joan and the Juggernaut

Kate and the Kraken

Lily and the Lion

Mary and the Minotaur

Nancy and the Naga

Olivia and the Orc

Pandora and the Prisoner

Quinn and the Queller

Rita and the Raider

Sara and the Spymaster

Tammy and the Traitor

Unity and the Usurper

Vera and the Victor

Willow and the Wraith

Folsom Planet Blues

Alien Most Wanted: Caged Beast

Alien Most Wanted: Prison Mate

Alien Most Wanted: Mastermind

Alien Most Wanted: Unchained

Stranded with an Alien

Sinta—A SciFi Holiday Tail

Treasured by the Alien

Mama and the Alien Warrior

A Son for the Alien Warrior

Daughter of the Alien Warrior

A Family for the Alien Warrior

The Nanny and the Alien Warrior

A Home for the Alien Warrior

A Gift for the Alien Warrior

A Treasure for the Alien Warrior

Three Babies and the Alien Warrior

Sanctuary for the Alien Warrior

A Miracle for the Alien Warrior

Hope for the Alien Warrior

Back Away From My Girl

Guarded by an Alien Assassin

Cyborgs on Mars

High Plains Cyborg

The Good, the Bad, and the Cyborg

A Fistful of Cyborg

A Few Cyborgs More

The Magnificent Cyborg

The Outlaw Cyborg

The Cyborg with No Name

Cyborg Rider

Cosmic Cinema

My Fair Alien

The Alien and I

Skruj

Horned Holidays

Krampus and the Crone

A Gift for Nicholas

A Kiss of Frost

The Knotty Clause

Exposed to the Elements

The Naked Alien

The Bare Essentials

A Nude Attitude

The Buff Beast

The Strip Down

The Alien Invasion Series

Alien Selection

Alien Conquest

Alien Prisoner

Alien Breeder

Alien Alliance

Alien Hope

Alien Castaway

Alien Chief

Alien Ruler

COZY MONSTERS

Fairhaven Falls

Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy

Trouble for My Troll

Fireworks for My Dragon Boss

The Single Mom and the Orc

Mistletoe for My Minotaur

Valentine for My Vampire

Protected by the Orc

Gift for My Ghost

Monster Between the Sheets

Extra Virgin Gargoyle

Without a Stitch

Standalones

Hot Wolf in the City

Mated to the Swamp Monster

FANTASY

The Five Kingdoms

The Orc’s Hidden Bride

The Orc’s Stolen Bride

The Orc’s Promised Bride

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Honey Phillips writes steamy science fiction stories about hot alien warriors and the human women they can’t resist. From abductions to invasions, the ride might be rough, but the end always satisfies.

Honey wrote and illustrated her first book at the tender age of five. Her writing has improved since then. Her drawing skills, unfortunately, have not. She loves writing, reading, traveling, cooking, and drinking champagne—not necessarily in that order.

Honey loves to hear from her wonderful readers! You can stalk her at any of the following locations…

www.facebook.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.bookbub.com/authors/honey-phillips

www.instagram.com/HoneyPhillipsAuthor

www.honeyphillips.com